US6401059B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for using a personal digital assistant as a remote control
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1999-05-25
•
Granted: 2002-06-04
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Expires: 2019-05-25
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a method and system for controlling a device. The system includes a personal digital assistant with a computer program for receiving a program information from a source and selecting a program based upon the program information; and an emulator for sending a signal to a device based upon the selected program. The personal digital assistant receives the program information from a source and selects a program based upon the program information. In the preferred embodiment, the device includes a television and a video cassette recorder. With the method and system of the present invention, a user can place into use the program schedule information in the personal digital assistant without the need for a separate remote control. This simplifies the use of the program schedule information in the personal digital assistant.
Inventors
- 👤 HongHai Shen
- 👤 Josephine Miu Cheng
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 20:28
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04N7/162; H04N7/163; H04N21/00; H04N21/40; H04N21/41; H04N21/4104; H04N21/4126; H04N21/41265; H04N21/422; H04N21/42204; H04N21/42206; H04N21/42208; H04N21/42209; H04N21/45; H04N21/4508; H04N21/4532; H04N21/458; H04N21/4586; H04N21/47; H04N21/472; H04N21/482; H04N21/4828; H04N21/80; H04N21/81; H04N21/8166; H04N21/8186; H04N21/83; H04N21/84; H04N21/42226
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A personal digital assistant, comprising: a computer readable medium with a computer program for receiving a television program information from a source; a data storage medium coupled to the computer readable medium for storing the television program information, wherein the computer program comprises program instructions for: receiving a query from a user, performing the query by searching the television program information in the data storage medium, displaying a result of the query, and selecting a television program from the result of the query; and an emulator for sending a signal to a device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A personal digital assistant, comprising: a computer readable medium with a computer program for receiving a television program information from a source; a data storage medium coupled to the computer readable medium for storing the television program information, wherein the computer program comprises program instructions for: receiving a query from a user, performing the query by searching the television program information in the data storage medium, displaying a result of the query, and selecting a television program from the result of the query; and an emulator for sending a signal to a device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The personal digital assistant of claim 1 , wherein the source comprises a web page on the Internet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The personal digital assistant of claim 1 , wherein the query comprises a search based on category, actor, title, or any combination thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The personal digital assistant of claim 1 , wherein the selecting comprises: setting an alarm to signify an imminent beginning of a television program.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The personal digital assistant of claim 1 , wherein the emulator comprises: a mechanism for creating the signal; and an infrared port for outputting the signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The personal digital assistant of claim 1 , wherein the signal comprises: instructions for displaying the selected television program on the device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The personal digital assistant of claim 1 , wherein the signal comprises: instructions for programming the device for a later recording of the selected television program.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The personal digital assistant of claim 1 , wherein the computer program receives information about the device from a web page on the Internet.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
123 words
A system for controlling a device, comprising: a source for television program information; a personal digital assistant, wherein the personal digital assistant comprises: a computer readable medium with a computer program for receiving the television program information from the source, and a data storage medium coupled to the computer readable medium for storing the television program information, wherein the computer program comprises instructions for: receiving a query from a user, performing the query by searching the television program information in the data storage medium, displaying a result of the query, and selecting a television program from the result of the query; and an emulator coupled to the personal digital assistant for sending a signal to the device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
123 words
A system for controlling a device, comprising: a source for television program information; a personal digital assistant, wherein the personal digital assistant comprises: a computer readable medium with a computer program for receiving the television program information from the source, and a data storage medium coupled to the computer readable medium for storing the television program information, wherein the computer program comprises instructions for: receiving a query from a user, performing the query by searching the television program information in the data storage medium, displaying a result of the query, and selecting a television program from the result of the query; and an emulator coupled to the personal digital assistant for sending a signal to the device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the source comprises a web page on the Internet.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the personal digital assistant receives information about the device from a web page on the Internet.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the query comprises a search based on category, actor, title, or any combination thereof.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the selecting comprises: setting an alarm to signify an imminent beginning of a television program.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the emulator comprises: a mechanism for creating the signal; and an infrared port for outputting the signal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the signal comprises: instructions for displaying the selected television program on the device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the signal comprises: instructions for programming the device for a later recording of the selected television program.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
74 words
The system of claim 9 , further comprising: a computer coupled between the source and the personal digital assistant for receiving the television program information in a first format from the source, converting the television program information to a second format, and filtering the converted television program information based upon user preferences; and a transfer device coupled to the computer for transferring the converted and filtered television program information to the personal digital assistant.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein the computer further includes: a computer readable medium; and a data storage medium coupled to the computer readable medium for storing the television program information.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein the first format is a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) format.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein the second format is a Extended Markup Language (XML) format.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein the filtering comprises: extracting television program information based upon the times, days, channels, or any combination thereof of each television program in the television program information.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein the transfer device comprises a cradle.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein the transfer device comprises a serial connection.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein the transfer device comprises a modem.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 17 , wherein the transfer device comprises a wireless connection.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the device comprises a television.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 9 , wherein the device comprises a video cassette recorder.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for controlling a device, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving television program information by a personal digital assistant; (b) storing the television program information in the personal digital assistant; (c) receiving a query from a user; (d) performing the query by searching the television program information in the personal digital assistant; (e) displaying a result of the query; (f) selecting a television program based upon the displayed result of the query; and (g) sending a signal to the device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for controlling a device, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving television program information by a personal digital assistant; (b) storing the television program information in the personal digital assistant; (c) receiving a query from a user; (d) performing the query by searching the television program information in the personal digital assistant; (e) displaying a result of the query; (f) selecting a television program based upon the displayed result of the query; and (g) sending a signal to the device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the query comprises a search based on category, actor, title, or any combination thereof.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the selecting step (f) comprises: (f1) setting an alarm to signify an imminent beginning of a television program.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the signal comprises: (a) displaying the selected television program on the device.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the signal comprises: (a) programming the device for a later recording of the selected television program.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the receiving step (a) comprises: (a1) receiving television program information in a first format by a computer; (a2) converting the television program information to a second format; (a3) filtering the converted television program information based upon user preferences; and (a4) transferring the converted and filtered television program information to the personal digital assistant.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
156 words
A system for controlling a device, comprising: a source for television program information; a computer for receiving the television program information in a first format from the source, converting the television program information to a second format, and filtering the converted television program information based upon user preferences; a transfer device coupled between the computer and a personal digital assistant for transferring the converted and filtered television program information from the computer to the personal digital assistant; the personal digital assistant for receiving the converted and filtered television program information from the computer, storing the converted and filtered television program information, receiving a query from a user, performing the query by searching the stored television program information, displaying a result of the query, and selecting a television program from the result of the query; and an emulator coupled to the personal digital assistant for sending a signal to the device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
156 words
A system for controlling a device, comprising: a source for television program information; a computer for receiving the television program information in a first format from the source, converting the television program information to a second format, and filtering the converted television program information based upon user preferences; a transfer device coupled between the computer and a personal digital assistant for transferring the converted and filtered television program information from the computer to the personal digital assistant; the personal digital assistant for receiving the converted and filtered television program information from the computer, storing the converted and filtered television program information, receiving a query from a user, performing the query by searching the stored television program information, displaying a result of the query, and selecting a television program from the result of the query; and an emulator coupled to the personal digital assistant for sending a signal to the device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the computer further comprises: a computer readable medium; and a data storage medium coupled to the computer readable medium for storing the television program information.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the first format is a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) format.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the second format is a Extended Markup Language (XML) format.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the filtering of the computer comprises: extracting television program information based upon the times, days, channels, or any combination thereof of each television program in the television program information.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the transfer device is a cradle.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the transfer device is a serial connection.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the transfer device is a modem.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the transfer device is a wireless connection.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the query comprises a search based on category, actor, title, or any combination thereof.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the selecting of the personal digital assistant comprises: setting an alarm to signify an imminent beginning of a television program.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the emulator comprises: a mechanism for creating the signal; and an infrared port for outputting the signal.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the signal comprises: displaying the selected television program on the device.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the signal comprises: programming the device for a later recording of the selected television program.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the personal digital assistant further comprises: a computer readable medium; and a data storage medium coupled to the computer readable medium for storing the television program information.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the device comprises a television.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the device comprises a video cassette recorder.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for remote control of a device, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving television program information in a first format by a computer; (b) converting the television program information to a second format; (c) filtering the converted television program information based upon user preferences; (d) transferring the converted and filtered television program information to a personal digital assistant, wherein the personal digital assistant: (d1) receives a query from a user, (d2) performs the query by searching the converted and filtered television program, and (d3) displaying a result of the query; (e) selecting a television program based upon the result of the query; and (f) sending a signal to the device from the personal digital assistant based upon the selected television program.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for remote control of a device, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving television program information in a first format by a computer; (b) converting the television program information to a second format; (c) filtering the converted television program information based upon user preferences; (d) transferring the converted and filtered television program information to a personal digital assistant, wherein the personal digital assistant: (d1) receives a query from a user, (d2) performs the query by searching the converted and filtered television program, and (d3) displaying a result of the query; (e) selecting a television program based upon the result of the query; and (f) sending a signal to the device from the personal digital assistant based upon the selected television program.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 51 , wherein the query comprises a search based on category, actor, title, or any combination thereof.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 51 , wherein the selecting step (e) comprises: (e1) setting an alarm to signify an imminent beginning of a television program.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 51 , wherein the signal comprises: displaying the selected television program on the device.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 51 , wherein the signal comprises: programming the device for a later recording of the selected television program.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
75 words
A computer readable medium in a personal digital assistant with program instructions for controlling a device, comprising the instructions for: (a) receiving television program information; (b) receiving a query from a user; (c) performing the query by searching the television program information; (d) displaying a result of the query; (e) selecting a television program based upon the result of the query; and (f) sending a signal to the device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
75 words
A computer readable medium in a personal digital assistant with program instructions for controlling a device, comprising the instructions for: (a) receiving television program information; (b) receiving a query from a user; (c) performing the query by searching the television program information; (d) displaying a result of the query; (e) selecting a television program based upon the result of the query; and (f) sending a signal to the device based upon the selected television program.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
62 words
The computer readable medium of claim 56 , wherein the receiving instruction (a) comprises: (a1) receiving television program information in a first format by a computer; (a2) converting the television program information to a second format; (a3) filtering the converted television program information based upon user preferences; and (a4) transferring the converted and filtered television program information to the personal digital assistant.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer readable medium of claim 56 , wherein the selecting instruction (e) comprises: (e1) setting an alarm to signify an imminent beginning of a television program.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The computer readable medium of claim 56 , wherein the sending instruction (f) comprises: (f1) sending a signal for displaying the selected television program on the device.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer readable medium of claim 56 , wherein the sending instruction (f) comprises: (f1) sending a signal for programming the device for a later recording of the selected television program.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-06-03 | 2009-12-03 | 2010-06-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-06-03 | 2013-12-03 | 2014-06-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |