Device control system, method, and apparatus

Details Device control system, method, and apparatus Device control system, method, and apparatus

2006-10-31

2006-10-31

Zimmerman, Brian (Department: 2612)

Communications: electrical

Continuously variable indicating

With meter reading

C340S870030, C340S870030, C340S005610, C340S005640, C340S005740, C340S005200, C340S005100, C340S005220, C340S005270

Reexamination Certificate

active

07129855

ABSTRACT:
A system, method and apparatus for controlling consumer electronic (CE) devices. A control unit obtains CE device command codes and “metadata” from an interactive, wirelessly accessible database. The control unit uses the metadata, which is data relating to the unique control behaviors of a CE device, to translate between a universal control command and one or more of the command codes associated with the CE device. A wireless access method is used to download the CE device metadata and command codes to a central server or to the control unit itself. The control unit provides an interface by which end users can provide feedback concerning downloaded metadata and command codes, such that erroneous data may be corrected or so that other users may determine whether the data is worth accessing.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5410326 (1995-04-01), Goldstein
patent: 5537463 (1996-07-01), Escobosa et al.
patent: 5552917 (1996-09-01), Darbee et al.
patent: 5953144 (1999-09-01), Darbee et al.
patent: 6267678 (2001-07-01), Kubo et al.
patent: 6563430 (2003-05-01), Kemink et al.
patent: 6665020 (2003-12-01), Stahl et al.
patent: 6885643 (2005-04-01), Teramoto et al.
“Harmony Remote—Overview”, URL http://www.harmonyremote.com/product—overview.htm, downloaded from the World Wide Web on Feb. 9, 2004, 2 pages.
“Harmony Remote—Features”, URL http://www.harmonyremote.com/product—features.htm, downloaded from the World Wide Web on Feb. 9, 2004, 2 pages.
“Specifications for Harmony Remote”, URL http://www.harmonyremote.com/product—specifications.htm, downloaded from the World Wide Web on Feb. 9, 2004, 2 pages.
“Harmony Remote—Frequently Asked Questions”, URL http://www.harmonyremote.com/faq.htm, downloaded from the World Wide Web on Feb. 9, 2004, 2 pages.
“Harmony Remote SST-659”, published at http://www.harmonyremote.com, downloaded from the World Wide Web on Feb. 9, 2004, 1 page.
“Harmony Remote SST-748”, published at http://www.harmonyremote.com, downloaded from the World Wide Web on Feb. 9, 2004, 1 page.
“Harmony Remote SST-768t”, published at http://www.harmonyremote.com, downloaded from the World Wide Web on Feb. 9, 2004, 1 page.
“Harmony Remote SST-659 User Manual”, dated Oct. 16, 2003, published at http://www.harmonyremote.com, downloaded from the World Wide Web on Feb. 9, 2004, 20 pages.
“Harmony Remote SST-768 User Manual”, dated Mar. 25, 2003, published at http://www.harmonyremote.com, downloaded from the World Wide Web on Feb. 9, 2004, 37 pages.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Device control system, method, and apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Device control system, method, and apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device control system, method, and apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3704881