Remote control system for a portable device

• US 7,991,935 B2
• Filed: 07/06/2007
• Issued: 08/02/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Acme Research Limited
• Original Assignee: Acme Research Limited
• Inventors: Ho, Chi Kin Sammy
• Primary Examiner(s): Mehmood; Jennifer
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mortell; John F
• Application Number:
  US11/774,125
• Publication Number:
  US 20080049147A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,488 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.72, 710/303
• US Class Current: 710/303
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

A remote control system for portable devices comprises a separate programmable remote controller, a base station communicatively interconnected with a portable device, and a detachable video capture unit communicatively interconnected with the base station. In operation, a user can instantly review, browse and manage an originally optimized user interface of the portable device with the video capture unit, thereby dispensing with the need of learning and accommodating a new user interface.

Claims

1. A remote control system for electronically controlling a remote portable device comprising:

a programmable remote controller that is separate from the portable device,

a base station communicatively interconnected with the portable device, and

a video capture unit communicatively interconnected with the base station;

wherein the video capture unit comprises;

a camera configured to capture an image of a display of the portable device, and a connecting member having one end connected with the camera and the other end connected with the base station;

the base station comprises;

a housing;

at least one operation button arranged on the housing;

an input unit provided on the base station for connecting to the portable device;

an output unit comprising one or more video outputs, audio outputs and data outputs so that video, audio and data of the portable device can be transmitted to other associated devices for further processing, so that an originally optimized user interface of the portable device can be instantly reviewed, browsed and managed; and

a programmable processing unit respectively connected with the input unit and the output unit;

the processing unit comprises a microprocessor and a wireless signal transceiver, the microprocessor of the processing unit being communicatively connected with the input unit of the base station, and configured to control and drive the portable device communicatively connected with the input unit in response to a command signal from the remote controller through the wireless signal transceiver; and

in response to a wireless request or a wireless signal from the remote controller, the microprocessor transmits data received from the portable device and the video capture unit to said other associated devices connected with the output unit and/or to the remote controller through the wireless signal transceiver.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base station further comprises an adjustable positioning member movably provided on the housing.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the positioning member comprises a bolt fixed to the base station and a body having a curved outer surface and an interior cavity with screw threads to allow the body for rotating on the bolt.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the camera comprises a casing, a lens fitted within the casing, a movable bracket, at least one alignment member for driving the bracket, a photosensitive circuit board secured on the bracket, and an output interface coupled to the photosensitive circuit board.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the casing is provided with at least one positioning rib and/or at least one positioning slot.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member is a profile piece comprising a first interface connected with the base station, a second interface connected with the camera, and a supportive surface for supporting the camera.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the supportive surface is arranged obliquely at an angle so that the supportive surface is at right angle to a plane where a display of the portable device is.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member is provided with at least one positioning rib and/or at least one positioning slot.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote controller further comprises a video player and/or an audio player to enable output of the received video data and/or audio data associated with the portable device.