Remote control device with directional mode indicator

• US 6,750,801 B2
• Filed: 12/29/2000
• Issued: 06/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Stefanik, John R.
• Primary Examiner(s): EDWARDS JR, TIMOTHY
• Application Number:
  US09/751,279
• Publication Number:
  US 20020084929A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,264 Days
• Field of Search: 341/173, 341/176, 348/734, 359/142, 359/145, 359/146, 340/825.69, 340/825.72
• US Class Current: 341/176
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/36 using visible light sources
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/00 Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/32 Remote control based on movements, attitude of remote control device
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/94 Smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

A remote control device including a processor and a motion detector in communication with the processor. The device also includes at least one input device in communication with the processor and a directional mode indicator in communication with the processor, the directional mode indicator for indicating the mode of operation of the device based on a signal generated by the motion detector.

Claims

1. A remote control device, comprising:

a processor;

a motion detector in communication with the processor;

at least one input device in communication with the processor; and

a directional mode indicator in communication with the processor, the directional mode indicator for indicating one of multiple modes of operation of the remote control device based on a signal generated by the motion detector, wherein each mode of operation corresponds to a different consumer electronic device and is determined by the orientation of the remote control device.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a light source in communication with the processor.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the light source is for illuminating the directional mode indicator.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the directional mode indicator includes a speaker.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the directional mode indicator includes an arrangement of arrows.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion detector includes one of a gravity switch and a gyroscope-type device.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion detector senses at least two degrees of freedom.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a storage area in communication with the processor.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the consumer electronic device comprises at least one of a television, a video cassette recorder, a digital video disk player, a digital video recorder, a satellite device, a cable device, a high-definition television device, a home theater system, and a stereo system.

10. A device, comprising:

a processor;

a motion detector in communication with the processor; and

a directional mode indicator in communication with the processor, the directional mode indicator for indicating one of multipe modes of operation of the remote control device based on a signal generated by the motion detector, wherein each mode of operation corresponds to a different consumer electronic device and is determined by the orientation of the remote control device.

11. The device of claim 10, further comprising a light source communicating with the processor.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the light source illuminates the directional mode indicator.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the consumer electronic device comprises at least one of a television, a video cassette recorder, a digital video disk player, a digital video recorder, a satellite device, a cable device, a high-definition television device, a home theater system, and a stereo system.

14. The device of claim 11, further comprising an input device communicating with the processor.

15. The device of claim 11, further comprising a receiver for receiving electromagnetic signals.