Programmable multimedia control system having a tactile remote control
First Claim
1. A remote control device and a communication and control device (PCD) for use in a multimedia control system, comprising:
- the remote control device includinga first section having surface enhanced buttons,a second section configured to receive and secure the PCD, wherein the PCD is mechanically and electrically coupled to the remote control device, anda transmitter and/or receiver configured to communicate with the programmable multimedia controller by way of a wireless communication path between the remote control device and a dedicated wireless device; and
the PCD includingan application configured to allow a user of the PCD to select and request setting changes for components coupled to a programmable multimedia controller, the components including one or more of audio, video, telephony, data, security, motor-driven or relay driven components, anda transmitter and/or receiver configured to communicate with the programmable multimedia controller, by way of a wireless communication path between the PCD and the programmable multimedia controller,wherein the remote control device is configured to, in response to a user selection received on one of the surface enhanced buttons, send a message to the programmable multimedia controller by passing the message to the PCD and requesting the PCD send the message over the wireless communication path between the PCD and the programmable multimedia controller when the PCD is available, and the remote control device is configured to send the message over the wireless communication path between the remote control device and the dedicated wireless device when the PCD is not available.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In one embodiment, a remote control device is configured to receive a portable control device into a recess, such that the portable control device is mechanically and electrically coupled to the remote control device. The portable control device communicates with a programmable multimedia controller, by way of a bi-directional wireless communication path, and with a dedicated wireless receiver, providing a redundant communication path. The remote control device includes surface enhanced buttons that allow a user to make selections by the sense of touch for changing settings of components associated with the programmable multimedia controller.
22 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A remote control device and a communication and control device (PCD) for use in a multimedia control system, comprising:
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the remote control device including a first section having surface enhanced buttons, a second section configured to receive and secure the PCD, wherein the PCD is mechanically and electrically coupled to the remote control device, and a transmitter and/or receiver configured to communicate with the programmable multimedia controller by way of a wireless communication path between the remote control device and a dedicated wireless device; and the PCD including an application configured to allow a user of the PCD to select and request setting changes for components coupled to a programmable multimedia controller, the components including one or more of audio, video, telephony, data, security, motor-driven or relay driven components, and a transmitter and/or receiver configured to communicate with the programmable multimedia controller, by way of a wireless communication path between the PCD and the programmable multimedia controller, wherein the remote control device is configured to, in response to a user selection received on one of the surface enhanced buttons, send a message to the programmable multimedia controller by passing the message to the PCD and requesting the PCD send the message over the wireless communication path between the PCD and the programmable multimedia controller when the PCD is available, and the remote control device is configured to send the message over the wireless communication path between the remote control device and the dedicated wireless device when the PCD is not available. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of providing remote control in a multimedia control system, comprising:
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receiving a user selection on a remote control device that is configured to receive and secure a portable communication and control device (PCD), the PCD when so received and secured to the remote control device, to be mechanically and electrically coupled to the remote control device; when the PCD is available to the remote control device, sending a message reflecting the user'"'"'s selection from the remote control device to a programmable multimedia controller by passing the message from the remote control device to the PCD and requesting the PCD send the message over a wireless communication path accessible to the PCD; when the PCD is available to the remote control device, receiving a state update at the remote control device from the programmable multimedia controller via the wireless communication path accessible to the PCD; when the PCD is not available to the remote control device, sending the message reflecting the user'"'"'s selection over the wireless communication path accessible to the remote control device; and when the PCD is not available to the remote control device, receiving the state update via the wireless communication path accessible to the remote control device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification