Remote control device with directional mode indicator

• US 8,441,389 B2
• Filed: 07/28/2011
• Issued: 05/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Stefanik, John R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Tai T
• Assistant Examiner(s): Benlagsir, Amine
• Application Number:
  US13/192,508
• Publication Number:
  US 20110285500A1
• Time in Patent Office: 656 Days
• Field of Search: 341/173, 341/176, 348/734, 359/145, 359/148, 345/156, 715/865
• 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

Methods, systems, and products disclose a remote control device that controls multiple consumer electronics devices based on orientation.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a processor;

memory; and

instructions stored in the memory, the instructions causing the processor at least to;

receive a tilting detected by an electronic sensor;

change to a mode of operation in response to the tilting; and

indicate a consumer electronic device associated with the mode of operation.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising illuminating an arrow that indicates a direction of the tilting.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a directional mode indicator that indicates the mode of operation.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to control different consumer electronics devices based on different tiltings.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for indicating which of the different consumer electronics devices is controlled by the processor.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a directional mode indicator that indicates which of the different consumer electronics devices is controlled by the processor.

7. A method, comprising:

executing instructions stored in memory that cause a device to operate as a remote control;

receiving an orientation detected by an electronic sensor; and

selecting a consumer electronic device that corresponds to the orientation, such that different orientations correspond to different consumer electronic devices.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising indicating the consumer electronic device.

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

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising selecting a mode of operation that corresponds to the consumer electronic device.

11. The method according to claim 7, further comprising indicating the consumer electronic device being remotely controlled.

12. The method according to claim 7, further comprising receiving an input.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising illuminating an input device that receives the input.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising ceasing illumination of the input device.

15. The method according to claim 7, further comprising remotely controlling the consumer electronics device.

16. The method according to claim 7, further comprising activating a light source.

17. A data storage device storing instructions for performing a method, the method comprising:

causing a device to operate as a remote control;

receiving an orientation detected by an electronic sensor; and

selecting a consumer electronic device that corresponds to the orientation, such that different orientations correspond to different consumer electronic devices.

18. The data storage device according to claim 17, further comprising instructions for indicating the consumer electronic device.

19. The data storage device according to claim 17, further comprising instructions for selecting a mode of operation that corresponds to the consumer electronic device.

20. The data storage device according to claim 19, further comprising instructions for indicating which of the different consumer electronics devices is being remotely controlled.