One-Handed Remote Unit That Can Control Multiple Devices

• US 20130188960A1
• Filed: 07/25/2012
• Published: 07/25/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Born, Joseph, Gao, Xiuzhi
• Original Assignee: Born, Joseph, Gao, Xiuzhi
• Inventors: Gao, Xiuzhi, Born, Joseph
• Application Number:
  US13/557,422
• Publication Number:
  US 20130188960A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 398/106
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0354 with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/30 User interface
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/33 Remote control using macros, scripts
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/92 Universal remote control
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42221 Transmission circuitry, e.g. infrared [IR] or radio frequency [RF]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42225 characterized by types of remote control, e.g. universal remote control

Abstract

A universal console using infra-red (IR) technology allows users to consolidate their remote control devices to a single universal device that can control a PC, DVD, games, TV, and other IR coupled devices. It further has the benefit of being highly power efficient and thus allowing the use of batteries without needed to be recharged or replaced for many months. Through the use of different dongles (and different configurations) different models can be offered for use on game consoles, smart TVs, and other connected devices.

Claims

1. A remote control that can control multiple devices comprising:

a hand-held remote unit with a plurality of alphanumeric and numeric keys, command keys and a pointing device, said hand-held remote unit being adapted to transmit data to a computer or game commands to a game console using IR or RF;

a first dongle attachable to said computer, the first dongle being adapted to receive said data and communicate it to the computer;

said hand-held remote unit also being adapted to transmit a command to a TV using IR or RF;

said hand-held remote unit also being adapted to transmit a command to a rotating disk video or audio device.

2. The remote control of claim 1 wherein said first dongle can also send update data back to said hand-held remote unit using IR or RF.

3. The remote control of claim 2 wherein said update data contains codes and/or macros for operation.

4. The remote control of claim 1 wherein at least some of said keys are illuminated during use.

5. The remote control of claim 1 wherein said hand-held remote unit receives notifications and updates using IR or RF.

6. The remote control of claim 1 further comprising at least one button that switches between target devices.

7. The remote control of claim 1 further comprising a dongle that receives IR from the hand-held remote unit and communicates wirelessly with the PC or game console.

8. The remote control of claim 1 further comprising a pointing stick multi-contact press which includes a tilting key with at least one rib pressing a plurality of buttons attached to a substrate, wherein more of said buttons are pressed as said key is tilted.

9. The remote control of claim 8 further comprising an algorithm that creates a vector with magnitude determined by a count of actuated buttons and direction determined by an average of angles of the actuated buttons.

10. The remote control of claim 1 wherein an immediate target device of the remote control is a device hosting a dongle, and wherein a signal is sent to that dongle that designates that an action be delivered to an ultimate target device different from the immediate target device.

11. The remote control of claim 4 wherein said hand-held remote unit receives notifications and updates using IR or RF.

12. The remote control of claim 11 further comprising at least one button that switches between target devices.

13. The remote control of claim 12 further comprising a pointing stick multi-contact press which includes a tilting key with a plurality of fingers, each finger pressing a button attached to a substrate, wherein more of said buttons are pressed as said key is tilted.

14. The remote control of claim 13 further comprising an algorithm that creates a vector with magnitude determined by a count of actuated buttons and direction determined by an average of angles of the actuated buttons.

15. A device that can control multiple other devices comprising:

a hand-held remote unit with a plurality of alphanumeric and numeric keys, command keys and a pointing device, said hand-held remote unit being adapted to transmit data to a computer using IR or RF;

a first dongle attachable to said computer, the first dongle being adapted to receive said data and communicate it to the computer;

said hand-held remote unit also being adapted to transmit a command to a TV using IR or RF.

16. The device of claim 15 further comprising a second dongle attachable to the game console, the second dongle being adapted to receive said game commands and communicate them to a game controller.

17. The device of claim 15 wherein said hand-held remote unit is also adapted to transmit a command to a rotating disk video or audio device.

18. The device of claim 15 further comprising at least one button that switches between target devices.

19. A device that can control other devices comprising:

a hand-held remote unit with a plurality of alphanumeric and numeric keys and a pointing device, said hand-held remote unit being adapted to transmit data to a computer or game commands to a game console using IR or RE,

a dongle attachable to the game console, the dongle being adapted to receive said game commands and communicate them to the game;

said hand-held remote unit also being adapted to transmit a command to a TV using IR or RF.

20. A remote control that can control multiple devices comprising:

a hand-held remote unit with a plurality of alphanumeric and numeric keys, commands keys and a pointing device, said hand-held remote unit being adapted to transmit data to a computer or game commands to a game console using IR or RF;

the hand-held remote unit further comprising a pointing stick multi-contact press that includes a tilting key with at least one rib adapted to press a plurality of buttons attached to a substrate, wherein more of said buttons are pressed as said key is tilted.