Universal remote control unit with automatic appliance identification and programming
First Claim
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1. A remote control unit for controlling a number of devices, the remote control unit comprising:
- a receiver for acquiring identification data from a particular device at which the remote control unit is pointed;
a processor for processing the acquired identification data to determine command protocols associated with the particular device; and
a formatter for formatting control commands for the particular device according to the command protocols associated with the particular device,wherein the receiver acquires identification data from the particular device at which the remote control unit is pointed by capturing at least one image in the direction in which the remote control unit is pointed, the at least one captured image including the particular device.
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Abstract
System and method for automatically programming a universal remote. In the system, the remote acquires identification data from a particular device at which it is pointed. The data is processed to determine command protocols associated with the particular device. Control commands for the particular device input to the remote by a user are formatted according to the command protocols associated with the particular device.
102 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A remote control unit for controlling a number of devices, the remote control unit comprising:
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a receiver for acquiring identification data from a particular device at which the remote control unit is pointed; a processor for processing the acquired identification data to determine command protocols associated with the particular device; and a formatter for formatting control commands for the particular device according to the command protocols associated with the particular device, wherein the receiver acquires identification data from the particular device at which the remote control unit is pointed by capturing at least one image in the direction in which the remote control unit is pointed, the at least one captured image including the particular device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for controlling one particular device selected from among a number of devices based upon a selection direction, the method comprising the steps of:
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acquiring identification data from the particular device; determining command protocols associated with the particular device using the identification data; and formatting control commands for the particular device according to the determined command protocols for the particular device, wherein the step of acquiring identification data from the particular device comprises capturing one or more images of the particular device. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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Specification