Remote control device with directional mode indicator

• US 7,167,122 B2
• Filed: 07/22/2003
• Issued: 01/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• 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:
  US10/624,267
• Publication Number:
  US 20050206549A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,281 Days
• Field of Search: 341/173, 341/176, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 348/734, 359/142, 359/146, 359/145
• 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 in put 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, wherein the motion detector communicates a signal to the processor indicating a direction in which the remote control device is moved; and

a directional mode indicator in communication with the processor, wherein the directional mode indicator is configured to receive a signal from the processor indicative of the direction in which the remote control device is moved, wherein the directional mode indicator is configured to display an indication of the direction in which the remote control device is moved, and wherein the indication of the direction in which the remote control device is moved corresponds to a mode of operation of the remote control device.

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

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion detector is configured to detect a change from a horizontal position in at least two degrees of freedom.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion detector is configured to detect one of a tilting and an absence of tilting of the remote control device.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor includes a microprocessor.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the mode of operation of the remote control device is one of a VCR mode, a DVD mode, a DVR mode, a satellite mode, a cable mode, a home theater component mode, and a stereo component mode.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the directional mode indicator includes a plurality of arrows that indicate a direction of tilt of the remote control device.

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

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

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

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the light source is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the directional mode indicator in response to a signal from the processor.

12. A remote control device, comprising:

a housing;

processor means located in the housing;

motion detector means located in the housing and in communication with the processor means;

at least one input means located in the housing and in communication with the processor means; and

directional mode indicator means in communication with the processor means for indicating a mode of operation of the device based on a signal generated by the motion detector means.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the housing is constructed from the group consisting of metal and plastic.

14. The device of claim 12, further comprising storage means located in the housing and in communication with the processor means.

15. A remote control device, comprising:

a housing;

a processor located in the housing;

a motion detector located in the housing and in communication with the processor; and

a directional mode indicator in communication with the processor;

wherein the processor is configured to receive a signal from the motion detector indicating movement of the remote control device and to transmit a signal to the directional mode indicator that represents a direction of the movement of the remote control device.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the directional mode indicator is configured to visually indicate the direction of movement of the remote control device.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the directional mode indicator is configured to audibly indicate the direction of movement of the remote control device.

18. The device of claim 15, further comprising an input device in communication with the processor.

19. The device of claim 15, further comprising a storage area in communication with the processor.

20. The device of claim 15, further comprising a light source in communication with the processor.