US6882299B1 — Portable internet-enabled controller and informat…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 124 words

A method of controlling a device that responds to a set of infrared (IR) commands comprising the steps of: providing a remote control capable of sending IR commands, the remote control having a memory, a touch screen, and a graphical display; accessing title-based descriptions stored in the memory of the remote control, sorting the title based descriptions, and displaying the title based descriptions on the display, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description; and identifying an IR command sequence to be sent to the device from the remote control to cause the device to play a program associated with the first title-based description, said identification occurring in response to activation of an area on the touch screen corresponding to the first title-based description.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 124 words

A method of controlling a device that responds to a set of infrared (IR) commands comprising the steps of: providing a remote control capable of sending IR commands, the remote control having a memory, a touch screen, and a graphical display; accessing title-based descriptions stored in the memory of the remote control, sorting the title based descriptions, and displaying the title based descriptions on the display, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description; and identifying an IR command sequence to be sent to the device from the remote control to cause the device to play a program associated with the first title-based description, said identification occurring in response to activation of an area on the touch screen corresponding to the first title-based description.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the title-based descriptions are loaded into the memory of the remote control from the internet.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of loading the title-based descriptions into the memory of the remote control from a memory of a PC.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the title-based descriptions comprise broadcast TV program names and corresponding broadcast times.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the title-based descriptions comprise the title of a music CD album, the title of each song on the CD album, and the corresponding duration of each song title.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the remote control further comprises an IrDA port for wireless access to an outside data source.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the remote control further comprises an RS232 port for wired access to an outside data source.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the remote control further comprises a modem port for wired access to an outside data source.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the remote control further comprises a USB port for wired access to an outside data source.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the remote control further comprises at least two actuating buttons.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 10 wherein at least one of the at least two buttons is a graphical button that appears on the graphical display.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 10 wherein identification of functions associated with the at least two actuating buttons are displayed on the graphical display.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of sending the identified IR command sequence from the device to the remote control in response to a signal from a real time clock within the remote control.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of loading the predetermined set of IR commands into the memory of the remote control.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 101 words

The method of claim 1 , wherein the remote control is programmable, and further comprising the steps of programming the remote control to: determine an identity of a first user based upon first information entered into the memory of the remote control; present second information on the graphical display in response to the first information; activate the remote control for use in controlling the device, in response to selection of the second information, said use being associated with the first user; and present on the graphical display a subset of the title-based descriptions, said subset being dependent upon the first information.

Claim 17

Independent Claim 139 words

A method of using a remote control having a memory, hardware for sending infrared (IR) commands, a touch screen, and an integrated graphical display, to select a program to be played, and to have the program played on a device that responds to IR commands, comprising the steps of: accessing title-based descriptions stored in the memory of the remote control, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description associated with a first program; sorting the title-based descriptions; browsing the title-based descriptions on the graphical display; activating an area on the touch screen corresponding to the first title-based description, said area being associated with a first IR command sequence stored in the memory of the remote control sufficient to effect play of the first program when sent to the device; and sending the first IR command sequence to the device.

Claim 18

Independent Claim 139 words

A method of using a remote control having a memory, hardware for sending infrared (IR) commands, a touch screen, and an integrated graphical display, to select a program to be played, and to have the program played on a device that responds to IR commands, comprising the steps of: accessing title-based descriptions stored in the memory of the remote control, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description associated with a first program; sorting the title-based descriptions; browsing the title-based descriptions on the graphical display; activating an area on the touch screen corresponding to the first title-based description, said area being associated with a first IR command sequence stored in the memory of the remote control sufficient to effect play of the first program when sent to the device; and sending the first IR command sequence to the device.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of programming the remote control to define screen layouts used to present the title-based descriptions on the graphical display.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 16 wherein the first IR command sequence is sent in response to a signal from a real time clock within the remote control.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of programming the remote control to allow selection of tasks required to select the first program.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of displaying help information associated with a first screen in response to activation and deactivation of a help button associated with the remote control, said activation and deactivation occurring while the first screen is being displayed on the graphical display.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 134 words

A method of using a remote control having a memory, hardware for sending infrared (IR) commands, and an integrated graphical display, to select a program to be played, and to have the program played on a device that responds to commands from a base station, comprising the steps of: accessing title-based descriptions stored in the memory of the remote control, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description associated with a first program; sorting the title-based descriptions; displaying the title-based descriptions on the graphical display; identifying an IR command sequence to send to the base station to cause the base station to send a proper command sequence to the device to effect play of the first program, said identification occurring in response to selection of the first title-based description from the displayed title-based descriptions.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 134 words

A method of using a remote control having a memory, hardware for sending infrared (IR) commands, and an integrated graphical display, to select a program to be played, and to have the program played on a device that responds to commands from a base station, comprising the steps of: accessing title-based descriptions stored in the memory of the remote control, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description associated with a first program; sorting the title-based descriptions; displaying the title-based descriptions on the graphical display; identifying an IR command sequence to send to the base station to cause the base station to send a proper command sequence to the device to effect play of the first program, said identification occurring in response to selection of the first title-based description from the displayed title-based descriptions.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 21 wherein the first title-based description is selected by activating an area on a touch screen overlaying the graphical display, said area corresponding to the first program and having associated therewith the identified IR command sequence.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of sending the identified IR command sequence to the base station in response to activating the area.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of sending the proper command sequence from the base station to the device.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 122 words

A system for controlling a plurality of consumer devices that respond to infrared (IR) commands, the system comprising a programmable remote control comprising: hardware inside said remote control capable of sending IR commands; an integrated graphical display on said remote control capable of displaying sorted title-based descriptions; a touch screen overlaying the integrated graphical display; integrated software programmed to present a set of screens on the graphical display for navigating through available program options; at least one port on said remote control for communicating with an external data source; a memory in said remote control; and at least two physical actuating buttons on said remote control one of said actuating buttons capable of selection one or more of said sorted title-based descriptions.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 122 words

A system for controlling a plurality of consumer devices that respond to infrared (IR) commands, the system comprising a programmable remote control comprising: hardware inside said remote control capable of sending IR commands; an integrated graphical display on said remote control capable of displaying sorted title-based descriptions; a touch screen overlaying the integrated graphical display; integrated software programmed to present a set of screens on the graphical display for navigating through available program options; at least one port on said remote control for communicating with an external data source; a memory in said remote control; and at least two physical actuating buttons on said remote control one of said actuating buttons capable of selection one or more of said sorted title-based descriptions.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 25 wherein the at least one port is an IrDA port for wireless access to the external data source.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 25 wherein the at least one port is an RS232 port for wired access to the external data source.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 25 wherein the at least one port is a modem port for wired access to the external data source.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 25 wherein the at least one port is a USB port for wired access to the external data source.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 10 words

The system of claim 25 further comprising a CD drive.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 25 wherein functions associated with the at least two physical actuating buttons are displayed on the graphical display.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 64 words

The remote control of claim 25 further comprising a help button which activates help information associated with a first screen when the help button is activated and then deactivated while the first screen is displayed on the graphical display, and wherein the help button activates help information associated with a second button when the second button is selected while the help button is activated.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 25 , wherein the remote control is battery-powered and wherein the memory stores IR commands for controlling the consumer devices, the system further comprising a docking station having a battery charger for recharging batteries used to supply power to the remote control.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 33 wherein the docking station further comprises a CD drive.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 33 wherein the docking station further comprises a printer.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 34 words

The system of claim 25 wherein the integrated software is further programmed to load title-based descriptions into the memory of the remote control from the external data source, said title-based descriptions corresponding to programs.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 50 words

The system of claim 36 wherein the title-based descriptions comprise a first title associated with a first program, and wherein the integrated software is programmed to associate a first IR command sequence with the first title-based description, said first IR command sequence effecting play of the first program when executed.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 33 wherein the docking station further comprises a port for communicating with an external data source.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 38 wherein the docking station further comprises a CD drive.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 152 words

A method of using a remote control having a memory, hardware for sending infrared (IR) commands, a touch screen, and an integrated graphical display, to select a program to be played, and to have the program played on a device that responds to IR commands, comprising the steps of: accessing title-based descriptions from the memory of the remote control, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description associated with a first program; browsing the title-based descriptions on the graphical display; activating an area on the touch screen corresponding to the first title-based description, said area being associated with a first IR command sequence stored in the memory of the remote control sufficient to effect play of the first program when sent to the device; sending the first IR command sequence to the device; and programming the remote control to define screen layouts used to present the title-based descriptions on the graphical display.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 152 words

A method of using a remote control having a memory, hardware for sending infrared (IR) commands, a touch screen, and an integrated graphical display, to select a program to be played, and to have the program played on a device that responds to IR commands, comprising the steps of: accessing title-based descriptions from the memory of the remote control, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description associated with a first program; browsing the title-based descriptions on the graphical display; activating an area on the touch screen corresponding to the first title-based description, said area being associated with a first IR command sequence stored in the memory of the remote control sufficient to effect play of the first program when sent to the device; sending the first IR command sequence to the device; and programming the remote control to define screen layouts used to present the title-based descriptions on the graphical display.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 101 words

The method of claim 40 , wherein the remote control is programmable, and further comprising the steps of programming the remote control to: determine an identity of a first user based upon first information entered into the memory of the remote control; present second information on the graphical display in response to the first information; activate the remote control for use in controlling the device, in response to selection of the second information, said use being associated with the first user; and present on the graphical display a subset of the title-based descriptions, said subset being dependent upon the first information.

Claim 47

Independent Claim 149 words

A method of using a remote control having a memory, hardware for sending infrared (IR) commands, a touch screen, and an integrated graphical display, to select a program to be played, and to have the program played on a device that responds to IR commands, comprising the steps of: accessing title-based descriptions from the memory of the remote control, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description associated with a first program; browsing the title-based descriptions on the graphical display; activating an area on the touch screen corresponding to the first title-based description, said area being associated with a first IR command sequence stored in the memory of the remote control sufficient to effect play of the first program when sent to the device; sending the first IR command sequence to the device; and programming the remote control to allow selection of tasks required to select the first program.

Claim 48

Independent Claim 149 words

A method of using a remote control having a memory, hardware for sending infrared (IR) commands, a touch screen, and an integrated graphical display, to select a program to be played, and to have the program played on a device that responds to IR commands, comprising the steps of: accessing title-based descriptions from the memory of the remote control, said title-based descriptions comprising a first title-based description associated with a first program; browsing the title-based descriptions on the graphical display; activating an area on the touch screen corresponding to the first title-based description, said area being associated with a first IR command sequence stored in the memory of the remote control sufficient to effect play of the first program when sent to the device; sending the first IR command sequence to the device; and programming the remote control to allow selection of tasks required to select the first program.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 122 words

A system for controlling a plurality of consumer devices that respond to infrared (IR) commands, the system comprising a programmable remote control comprising: hardware capable of sending IR commands; an integrated graphical display; a touch screen overlaying the integrated graphical display; integrated software programmed to present a set of screens on the graphical display for navigating through available program options; at least one port for communicating with an external data source; a memory; a docking station having at least a battery charger for recharging batteries used to supply power to the remote control and a CD drive; and at least two physical actuating buttons, wherein the remote control is battery-powered and wherein the memory stores IR commands for controlling the consumer devices.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 122 words

A system for controlling a plurality of consumer devices that respond to infrared (IR) commands, the system comprising a programmable remote control comprising: hardware capable of sending IR commands; an integrated graphical display; a touch screen overlaying the integrated graphical display; integrated software programmed to present a set of screens on the graphical display for navigating through available program options; at least one port for communicating with an external data source; a memory; a docking station having at least a battery charger for recharging batteries used to supply power to the remote control and a CD drive; and at least two physical actuating buttons, wherein the remote control is battery-powered and wherein the memory stores IR commands for controlling the consumer devices.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for controlling a plurality of consumer devices that respond to infrared (IR) commands, the system comprising a programmable remote control comprising: hardware capable of sending IR commands; an integrated graphical display; a touch screen overlaying the integrated graphical display; integrated software programmed to present a set of screens on the graphical display for navigating through available program options; at least one port for communicating with an external data source; a memory; a docking station having at least a battery charger for recharging batteries used to supply power to the remote control and a printer; and at least two physical actuating buttons, wherein the remote control is battery-powered and wherein the memory stores IR commands for controlling the consumer devices.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for controlling a plurality of consumer devices that respond to infrared (IR) commands, the system comprising a programmable remote control comprising: hardware capable of sending IR commands; an integrated graphical display; a touch screen overlaying the integrated graphical display; integrated software programmed to present a set of screens on the graphical display for navigating through available program options; at least one port for communicating with an external data source; a memory; a docking station having at least a battery charger for recharging batteries used to supply power to the remote control and a printer; and at least two physical actuating buttons, wherein the remote control is battery-powered and wherein the memory stores IR commands for controlling the consumer devices.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for controlling a plurality of consumer devices that respond to infrared (IR) commands, the system comprising a programmable remote control comprising: hardware capable of sending IR commands; an integrated graphical display; a touch screen overlaying the integrated graphical display; integrated software programmed to present a set of screens on the graphical display for navigating through available program options; a memory; a docking station having a battery charger for recharging batteries used to supply power to the remote control and at least one port for communicating with an external data source; an optical disc drive; and at least two physical actuating buttons, wherein the remote control is battery-powered and wherein the memory stores IR commands for controlling the consumer devices.

Claim 54

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for controlling a plurality of consumer devices that respond to infrared (IR) commands, the system comprising a programmable remote control comprising: hardware capable of sending IR commands; an integrated graphical display; a touch screen overlaying the integrated graphical display; integrated software programmed to present a set of screens on the graphical display for navigating through available program options; a memory; a docking station having a battery charger for recharging batteries used to supply power to the remote control and at least one port for communicating with an external data source; an optical disc drive; and at least two physical actuating buttons, wherein the remote control is battery-powered and wherein the memory stores IR commands for controlling the consumer devices.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 45 wherein the docking station further comprises a CD drive.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2008-04-18	2008-10-18	2009-04-19	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2012-04-18	2012-10-18	2013-04-19	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2016-04-18	2016-10-18	2017-04-19	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Portable internet-enabled controller and information browser for consumer devices

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