Remote control device

• US 8,069,351 B2
• Filed: 12/11/2009
• Issued: 11/29/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Stefanik, John R.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHEN, SHIN HON
• Application Number:
  US12/635,808
• Publication Number:
  US 20100090861A1
• Time in Patent Office: 718 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 713/169
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 End-user applications

Abstract

Methods, systems, devices, and memory are disclosed for remote controlling consumer electronics devices. Different orientations of a remote control device are detected. A signal is provided to a processor, and the signal indicates an orientation. The processor changes a mode of operation of the remote control device that corresponds to the orientation such that different orientations of the remote control device control different electronic devices.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

storing different modes of operation of a remote control device with each mode of operation corresponding to an electronic device;

detecting different orientations of the remote control device;

providing a signal to a processor indicating an orientation;

assuming a mode of operation that corresponds to the orientation; and

controlling the electronic device that corresponds to the mode of operation such that the different orientations of the remote control device control different electronic devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising illuminating a light source.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising illuminating a button.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising illuminating an input device.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising ceasing illumination.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving feedback at the processor.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising illuminating a directional mode indicator.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving a message from an electronic device.

9. A system, comprising:

a processor communicating with memory and executing instructions that cause the processor to;

store different modes of operation of a remote control device with each mode of operation corresponding to an electronic device;

receive an orientation of different orientations of the remote control device;

assume a mode of operation of the different modes of operation that corresponds to the orientation; and

control the electronic device that corresponds to the mode of operation such that the different orientations of the remote control device control different electronic devices.

10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising instructions that cause the processor to illuminate a light source.

11. The system according to claim 9, further comprising instructions that cause the processor to illuminate a button.

12. The system according to claim 9, further comprising instructions that cause the processor to illuminate an input device.

13. The system according to claim 9, further comprising instructions that cause the processor to cease illumination.

14. The system according to claim 9, further comprising instructions that cause the processor to receive feedback.

15. The system according to claim 9, further comprising instructions that cause the processor to illuminate a directional mode indicator.

16. The system according to claim 9, further comprising instructions that cause the processor to receive a message from an electronic device.

17. Non-transitory memory storing instructions that cause a processor to perform a method, the method comprising:

storing different modes of operation of a remote control device with each mode of operation corresponding to an electronic device;

detecting different orientations of the remote control device;

receiving a signal at a processor indicating an orientation;

assuming a mode of operation of the different modes of operation that corresponds to the orientation; and

controlling the electronic device that corresponds to the mode of operation such that the different orientations of the remote control device control different electronic devices.

18. The memory according to claim 17, further comprising instructions for illuminating a light source.

19. The memory according to claim 17, further comprising instructions for illuminating a button.

20. The memory according to claim 17, further comprising instructions for illuminating an input device.