WO2001075837A2

WO2001075837A2 - Universal remote control device wirelessly linked to personal computer

Info

Publication number: WO2001075837A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/008831
Authority: WO
Inventors: Randolph L. Durrant
Original assignee: Xircom, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-03-30
Filing date: 2001-03-19
Publication date: 2001-10-11
Also published as: AU2001245870A1; WO2001075837A3; WO2001075837B1

Abstract

A universal remote control system (100) for controlling a consumer electronics system (200). The remote control system (100) includes a hand-held remote control device (102) for entering a user command, such as a voice command or a keypad command. The remote control system (100)further includes a personal computer (104), which is wirelessly connected to the hand-held remote control device (102). In this regard, the user command can be wirelessly transmitted to the personal computer (104). The personal computer (104) generates formatting data in response to the user command. The formatting data is wirelessly transmitted from the personal computer (104) to the remote control device (102). The remote control device (102) issues a control signal based on the formatting data. This control signal is wirelessly transmitted to the consumer electronics system (200) for configuration thereof.

Description

S E C I F I C A T I O N

UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE

WIRELESSLY LINKED TO PERSONAL COMPUTER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present inventions pertain to the field of wireless electronics systems, including, more specifically, a remote control device for wirelessly controlling electronics devices, such as consumer electronics devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Remote control devices for controlling consumer electronics devices, such as a television, video cassette recorder, stereo system, etc. have been available to consumers for many years. These remote control devices typically use an infra-red (IR) signal, which is modulated with a pulse code, to control a specific function of the consumer electronics device, such as turning a television on and off, turning the volume of a stereo up and down, playing or recording on a video cassette recorder, etc.

As a result of the differences in brands and types of consumer electronics devices, the format of the pulse code used to modulate the IR signal transmitted from a remote control device differs with the particular consumer electronics device. For example, the bit pattern of the pulse code used to carry out a specific operation, as well as the basic format of the pulse code, such as the bit timing, number of bits per word, width of the pulses, modulating frequency, if any, applied to each pulse, the presence and format of start, lead, or trailer pulses, and the number of correct receptions of a particular command required to effect the specific operation, varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and may also vary between different model numbers of the same manufacturer. Since most homes contain many consumer electronics devices, often manufactured by different companies, the consumer has been faced with juggling a variety of different remote control devices when interacting with consumer electronics devices. Universal remote control devices, which are able to control a variety of consumer electronics devices, have recently become available to consumers in response to the proliferation of remote control devices within a single home. A remote control device is commonly called universal if it can send IR signals modulated by the pulse codes pertaining to a wide variety of consumer electronics devices, usually manufactured by different companies. Typical universal remote control devices can be adapted to a specific consumer electronics device by programming the universal remote control device with the remote control device shipped with the specific consumer electronics device. A disadvantage of this "teaching" process is that the consumer must possess a teaching remote control device in order to program the universal remote control device, and the teaching process is often cumbersome and confusing to the consumer, often involving a time consuming process of scanning all device control signals. Additionally, so many pulse code formats exist that it is difficult to create a hand-held universal remote control device capable of "learning" all of the pulse code formats.

Another difficulty with the typical universal remote control device is the large number of function keys that must be located on the remote control device to control the various types of consumer electronics devices. This not only results in a remote control device that is too complex, but may also limits the functions of the consumer electronics devices that can be controlled by the remote control device. For example, lesser used functions of a television, such as color and tint, or of a video cassette recorder, such as the resetting of the counter, are not controlled by a typical universal remote control, absent the use of a television menu system.

Another difficulty with universal remote control devices is that they are dedicated to controlling a given number of consumer electronics devices at the time of manufacture. Thus, the adaptability of the remote control device to consumer electronics devices manufactured in the future becomes problematic, and the remote control devices become obsolete as changes are made to the consumer's electronics system. More recently, more powerful universal remote control devices, which address the difficulties of typical universal remote control devices, have become available to consumers. These universal remote control devices have a functional capability similar to that of palm top personal computers, and cost several hundred dollars.

Thus, a more efficient, user-friendly, and reasonably priced remote control system for controlling a variety of consumer electronics devices is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions comprise apparatus, systems, and methods for remote controlling an electronics system, e.g., consumer electronics systems. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a remote control device is used to control an electronics device, such as a television, video cassette recorder, digital video disk player, stereo system, etc. This invention, however, should not be limited to consumer electronics devices, and may encompass commercial electronics devices. The remote control device can be dedicated, i.e., its principle function is to control the electronics device, or alternatively, can be non-dedicated, i.e., it has other principle functions, e.g., cellular phones, pagers, etc. The remote control device comprises a user entry interface for receiving a user command from a user. The user entry interface can include an electro-acoustic transducer, such as a microphone, for entering a voice command, and/or a keypad for entering a keypad command. The remote control device further includes a first wireless transmitter, which wirelessly transmits the user command to external processing circuitry, such as a personal computer. The remote control device further includes a wireless receiver, which wirelessly receives formatting data from the external processing circuitry. By way of non-limiting example, the first wireless transmitter and wireless receiver can take the form of an RF transceiver.

The remote control device further includes control circuitry, such as a microcomputer, for generating a code based on the formatting data. By way of non- limiting example, the code can be a pulse code. The remote control device includes a second wireless transmitter, such as an IR transmitter, for transmitting the code to the electronics device. By way of non-limiting example, the code can be a pulse code that is transmitted by modulating a carrier signal, such as an IR signal. The remote control device can optionally include re-writeable memory for storing formatting data and function key data transmitted from the external processing circuitry, for subsequent use in conjunction with the keypad. The remote control device can also optionally include an electro-optical transducer, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and/or an electro-acoustic transducer, such as a speaker, for transmitting user-discernible messaging information to the user.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present inventions, a remote control system is used to control an electronics device. The remote control system comprises a user entry interface for receiving a user command from a user. The user entry interface can include an electro-acoustic transducer, such as a microphone, for entering a voice command, and/or a keypad for entering a keypad command. The remote control system further includes a first wireless transmitter, which wirelessly transmits the user command, and a first wireless receiver, which wirelessly receives the user command signal. The remote control system further includes processing circuitry for generating formatting data in response to the user command. The remote control system includes a second wireless transmitter, which wirelessly transmits the formatting data, and a second wireless receiver, which wirelessly receives the formatting data. The remote control system further includes control circuitry for generating a code based on the formatting data. The remote control system includes a third wireless transmitter for transmitting the code to the consumer electronics device.

By way of non-limiting example, the user entry interface, first wireless transmitter, second wireless receiver, and control circuitry can be associated with a hand-held remote control device, whereas the second wireless transmitter, processing circuitry, and first wireless receiver can be associated with a personal computer.

The processing circuitry can optionally generate function key data in response to the user command signal. The second wireless transmitter can transmit the function key data to the second wireless receiver. The remote control system can include re-writeable memory for storing the formatting data and function key data, for subsequent use in conjunction with the keypad. In accordance with a third aspect of the present inventions, a method is used to configure one or more electronics devices using a hand-held remote control device (either dedicated or non-dedicated) and a computer. The method includes receiving a user command, such as a voice command or a keypad command, within the remote control device. The user command is wirelessly transmitted from the remote control device to the computer. The computer generates formatting data in response to the user command. The computer can generate specific function commands in response to the user command, in which case, the formatting data can be generated in response to the specific function commands. These specific function commands can be preset or customized by the user. By way of non-limiting example, the formatting data can be generated by configuring the computer with one or more sets of formatting data corresponding to the one or more consumer electronics devices, in which case, the formatting data is selected from these data sets. These data sets can be obtained from a central data base or a customized data base. Optionally, a program schedule can be downloaded into the computer, with the formatting data being based, at least in part, on the program schedule.

The formatting data is wirelessly transmitted from the personal computer to the remote control device. A control signal is generated within the remote control device based on the formatting data, and then wirelessly transmitted from the remote control device to one or more of the electronics devices. By way of non-limiting example, the control signal can be generated by generating a code, such as a pulse code, based on the formatting data, thus generating a carrier signal, and then modulating the carrier signal with the code. By way of further non-limiting example, multiple control signals can be generated and wirelessly transmitted to control a plurality of electronics devices.

Optionally, function key data can be generated within the computer in response to the user command, and wirelessly transmitted to and stored within the remote control device, along with the formatting data, for subsequent use in conjunction with the keypad. Also, messaging data can be generated in the computer and wirelessly transmitted to the remote control device, where it can be transformed into user-discernible information. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present inventions, a remote control system is used to control an electronics device. The remote control system includes a voice-activated remote control device (either dedicated or non-dedicated) and a personal computer, which are connected by a wireless voice interface and a wireless data interface. By way of non-limiting example, the wireless voice interface can be simplex, and the wireless data interface can be duplex.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present inventions, a personal computer system can be used to control an electronics device. The personal computer system includes a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving a user command from a remote control device, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting formatting data to the remote control device. The personal computer system further includes a personal computer and an associated computer software package, which generates the formatting data in response to the user command. The computer software package can optionally include a voice recognition module for recognizing voice commands. The computer software package can further optionally include a macro command module for generating a plurality of specific function commands in response to the user command. A formatting data module can generate the formatting data in response to the specific function commands. The computer software package can also optionally include a program scheduling list from which the specific function commands can be based, at least in part. The computer software package can optionally include a messaging data module for generating messaging data, which is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless transmitter to the remote control device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various objects, features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by examining the Detailed Description of the Drawings below, together with the appended figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a universal remote control system constructed in accordance with the present inventions; Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a computer software package implemented in a personal computer of the Fig. 1 universal remote control system; and

Fig. 3, is a flow diagram of the operation of the Fig. 1 universal remote control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Fig. 1 , a universal remote control system 100 constructed in accordance with the present inventions is described. The universal remote control system 100 can be operated by a user to configure a consumer electronics system 200, which includes different types of consumer electronics devices 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the different consumer electronics devices 202 are represented by a television 202(1 ), video cassette recorder (VCR) 202(2), digital video disk (DVD) player 202(3), audio receiver 202(4), and compact disk (CD) player 202(5). Not only do the consumer electronics device 202 differ in type, but may also differ in brand, e.g., Philips, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, etc. It should be noted that the consumer electronics system 200 is not limited to the illustrated entertainment-type devices, but may include other types of consumer electronics devices, such as an air conditioning unit, lighting system, alarm and security system, garage door opener, etc. As will be described in further detail below, a user can employ the universal remote control system 100 to easily and efficiently configure the consumer electronics system 200, i.e., control the functionality of each of the consumer electronics devices 202 that the user desires to operate.

The universal remote control system 100 includes a hand-held remote control device 102, which not only provides a convenient interface through which the consumer can configure the consumer electronics system 200 via one or more user commands, but also provides the platform from which control signals are transmitted to the consumer electronics system 200. The user can also program the remote control device 102 itself. The universal remote control system 100 further includes a personal computer 104, which provides the computing and storage capability necessary to interpret the user commands, and the data necessary to format the control signals corresponding to the user commands, as well as the data necessary to program the remote control device 102, if desired. Use of a personal computer within the universal remote control system 100 is particularly advantageous in that personal computers are fast becoming, if not already, a staple item within households, and thus, a substantial cost of the universal remote control system 100 will be absorbed by a pre-existing component.

To provide flexibility in setup and to minimize the use of cables and wires, the remote control device 102 and personal computer 104 communicate with each other over a two-way wireless interface 106. Preferably, the wireless interface 106 operates within the radio frequency (RF) spectrum, obviating the need to provide a direct line of sight between the personal computer 104 and remote control device 102, which may otherwise be required when operating in the IR spectrum. Thus, the personal computer 104 and remote control device 102 can be located in different rooms of the user's home. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless interface 106 provides full duplex packet-switched data and simplex circuit-switched communications between the remote control device 102 and personal computer 104.

The wireless interface 106 is implemented through the use of first and second radio units 108 and 1 10 connected to, or located within, the remote control device 102 and personal computer 104, respectively. The first radio unit 108 includes a transmitter 1 12 and a receiver 1 14, which may be implemented as a transceiver. Likewise, the second radio unit 1 10 includes a transmitter 1 16 and a receiver 1 18, which may be implemented as a transceiver. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second radio units 1 10 and 1 12 and associated computer software operate in accordance with the Bluetooth™ radio interface protocol, which has recently been developed to address the need for cost-efficient, short-range radio communications among portable devices. The Bluetooth™ radio interface protocol operates in the Industrial-Scientific-Medical (ISM) band (i.e., between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz.). To minimize the adverse effects of interference from other components, the Bluetooth™ radio interface protocol utilizes frequency-hopping and spread spectrum techniques, as well as forward error correction (FEC) techniques. The remote control device 102 can be advantageously employed by a user to configure the consumer electronics system 200 by controlling the functionality (such as volume, channel, record, play, on or off, etc.) of one or more of the consumer electronics device or devices 202. The remote control device 102 includes control circuitry, and in particular, a microcomputer 120, which, as will be described in further detail below, acts as the central control unit of the remote control device 102, facilitating in the generation of, and transmission and reception of, various types of data to and from the remote control device 102. The remote control device 102 further includes a user interface 121, which allows user commands C_USER to be input into the universal remote control system 100. The user commands C_USER can be divided into two types: configuration-type user commands, which, subsequent to processing by the personal computer 104, effect immediate configuration of the consumer electronics system 200; and keypad program ming-type user commands, which, subsequent to processing by the personal computer 104, effect programming of the remote control device 102 itself.

In this regard, the user interface 200 includes a keypad 122 with function keys 124, and an electro-acoustic transducer 126, and in particular, a microphone. The keypad 122 provides the means for a user to input a user command C_USER into the universal remote control system 100 in the form of a keypad command C_KEY. The issuance of a keypad command C_KEY (e.g., "VOLUME DOWN", "CHANNEL UP", "ONE", "TWO", etc.) immediately configures the consumer electronics system 200. In this regard, the keypad command _Eγ is always a configuration-type user command C_USER. As will be described in further detail below, configuration of the consumer electronics system 200 via the keypad 122 is effected after the keypad commands C_KEY are processed by the personal computer 104, or if the keypad 122 has been previously programmed, without further processing of the keypad commands C_KEY by the personal computer 104.

The keypad 122 is similar to that which may be found on a typical remote control device, and includes function keys 124, such as numerical keys, volume-up and -down keys, channel-up and -down keys, menu key, scroll-left, -right, -up, and - down keys, etc. The function keys 124 of the keypad 122 are coupled to the microcomputer 120, which generates a keypad command signal S_KEY in response to a keypad command C_KEY, i.e., depression of one or more keys on the keypad 122 by the user. In addition to indicating the particular function key 124 that was depressed, the keypad command signal S_KEY will also indicate the particular device control mode which the remote control device 102 is in, as designated by a switch 128, which may, e.g., be switchable between a television mode, VCR mode, etc. An output of the microcomputer 120 is coupled to the transmitter 1 12 of the first radio unit 108 to provide the keypad command signal S_KEY thereto.

The microphone 126 provides the means for a user to input an audio voice command C_VO|_CE into the universal remote control system 100. The issuance of an audio voice commands C_V0(CE can either immediately configure the consumer electronics system 200 (e.g., "WATCH DVD", "RECORD FRASIER ON THURSDAY", or "LISTEN TO CD") or program the keypad 122 of the remote control device 102 (e.g., "PROGRAM KEYPAD FOR TELEVISION" or "PROGRAM KEY 'A' FOR COLOR CONTROL"). In this regard, the keypad command C_KEY can be a configuration-type user command C_USER or a keypad programming-type user command C_USER. The former immediately effects configuration of the consumer electronics system 200, whereas the latter effects configuration of the consumer electronics system 200 only after the appropriate function key or keys 124 of the keypad 122 are depressed. The microphone 126 generates an electrical voice command signal S_vo,_CE in response to the audio voice command C_V0,_CE. The output of the microphone 126 is coupled to the transmitter 1 12 of the first radio unit 108 to provide the voice command signal S_VOICE thereto. It should be noted that the voice commands C_VO|_CE and keypad commands C_KEY are not functionally exclusive of each other, and thus, both can effect the same configuration of the consumer electronics system 200. For example, the voice command C_vo,_CE "TURN ON TELEVISION", and the keypad command C_KEY "POWER ON" (while the remote control device 120 is in the television mode), will result in the same functional configuration of the television 202(1). That is, both commands will turn on the television 202(1 ). The transmitter 1 12 of the first radio unit 108 wirelessly transmits the voice and keypad command signals S_VOICE and S_KEY over the wireless interface 106 to the personal computer 104. Generically speaking, the voice and keypad command signals S_VO)CE and S_KEYcan be considered a user command signal S_USER. The personal computer 104 is coupled to the receiver 1 18 of the second radio unit 1 10 to receive the user command signals S_USER. The personal computer 104 utilizes a specialized software package 130 to process the user command signals S_USER and generate a formatting data signal S_FMT in response thereto. As will be described in further detail below, the formatting data D_FMT represents data indicating the characteristics of one or more pulse codes that can be transmitted by the remote control device 102 to configure the consumer electronics system 200. Such characteristics of formatting data can include, e.g., bit pattern, pulse width, frequency, number of bits per word, modulating frequency, if any, applied to each pulse, the present of, length of, and shape of start, lead or trailer pulses and the number of correction receptions of a particular command need to effect the functionality of the selected consumer electronics device or devices. As will be described in further detail below, the formatting data D_FMT can be employed by the remote control device 102 to immediately format and generate pulse codes to configure the consumer electronics system 200, or can be used by the remote control device 102 to program one or more function keys 124 on the keypad 122. Referring further to Fig. 2, the computer software package 130 includes a macro command module 132, which, based on the presence of a configuration-type user command signal S_USER, generates all of the specific function commands C_SPEC necessary to configure the entire consumer electronics system 200. Specific function commands C_SPEC are commands that control a specific function of a specific consumer electronics device. For example, if the user command signal S_ϋSER originates from a voice command C_{vo :E} "LISTEN TO CD", the macro command module 132 may, e.g., determine that the following specific function commands C_Sp_Ec ^are necessary for the user to listen to a CD previously inserted into the CD player 202(5): "turn on audio receiver 202(4)"; "turn on CD player 202(5)"; and "configure the audio input of the audio receiver 202(4) to receive the audio from the CD player 202(5)". The macro command module 132 also, based on the presence of a keypad program ming-type user signal S_USER, generates the specific function commands C_SPEC to be programmed into the keypad 122 of the remote control device 102. For example, if the user command signal S_USER originates from a voice command C_vo,_CE "PROGRAM KEYPAD FOR TELEVISION", the macro command module 132 generates all of the specific function commands C_SPEC that can be programmed into the keypad 122 of the remote control device 102. If the user command signal S_USER originates from a voice command C_VOICE "PROGRAM KEY 'A' TO INCREASE TELEVISION COLOR", the macro command module 132 generates all of the specific function commands C_SPEC that controls the color displayed on the television 202(1 ). The macro command module 132 utilizes a voice recognition module 134 to recognize voice command signals S_vo,_CE. Standard, speech recognition software packages are commercially available. The macro command module 132 also utilizes a command look-up list 136 to generate the proper specific function commands C_SPEC in response to a user command signal S_USER. The command look-up list 136 contains all of the possible user commands C_USER (both voice and keypad) and the specific function commands C_SPEC required to implement the corresponding user command JS_ER- The user commands C_USER and specific function commands C_SPEC within the command look-up list 136 are preset. The computer software package 130, however, includes a command customization module 138, which allows the user to customize the command look-up list 136.

Specifically, the user can alter any of one or more single function commands C_SPEC corresponding to the user commands C_USER. For example, if the voice command C_VOI_CE "WATCH TELEVISION" is preset to correspond to the specific function command C_SPEC to turn on the television 202(1 ), without further customization, such a command will allow the user to watch a television program, with the audio portion of the television program being transmitted directly from the speaker of the television 202(1 ). The user can, however, customize the voice command C_V0ICE "WATCH TELEVISION" to correspond to the specific function commands C_SPEC: "turn on the television 202(1)", "turn on the audio receiver 202(4)", and "change the audio input of the audio receiver 202(4) to receive the audio from the television 202(1 )". In this case, such a command will allow the user to watch a television program, with the audio portion of the television program being transmitted directly from the speakers of the television 202(1 ) and from the speakers connected to the audio receiver 202(4). The user can also alter any user command C_USER to which the one or more specific function commands C_SPEC correspond. For example, the voice command C_VOI_CE "WATCH TELEVISION" can be shortened to "WATCH TV".

Optionally, the user can add user commands C_USER and corresponding specific function commands C_SPEC. For example, if not already preset, the user can add the user command C_USER "RECORD DVD" and the corresponding specific function commands: "turn on DVD player 202(3)", "turn on VCR 202(2)", "change the input of the VCR 202(2) to receive the output of the DVD player 202(3)", "play the DVD player 202(3)", and "begin recording on the VCR 202(2)".

In association with the macro command module 132, the computer software package 130 includes a program scheduling list 140, which provides a periodic (weekly, daily, etc.) schedule of television (cable/satellite/broadcast) programs and/or radio programs. The personal computer 104 is connected to the internet 300 to allow convenient downloading and updating of the program scheduling list 140. The macro command module 132 can, in response to a voice command signal S_volCE/ access the program scheduling list 140 to obtain programming data DPROG (e.g., date, time, channel or station) concerning a television or a radio program to be recorded. For example, if the voice command C_VOI_CE '^S "RECORD FRASIER" the macro command module 132 may, e.g., determine that the following specific function commands C_SPEC are necessary to allow the user to record "FRASIER": "turn on VCR 202(2)"; "access menu"; "access recording programming portion of menu" (or alternatively, VCR-PLUS); "input appropriate channel, time, and day", (or in the case of VCR-PLUS, a single code) as indicated in the program scheduling list 140; and "turn-off VCR 202(2)".

The computer software package 130 further includes a formatting data module 142, which, in the case of a configuration-type user command signal S_USER/ generates formatting data D_FMT necessary for the control signals transmitted from the remote control device 102 to effect the specific function commands C_SPEC determined by the macro command module 132. For example, if the specific function commands C_SPEC determined by the macro command module 132 are "turn on audio receiver 202(4)"; "turn on CD player 202(5)"; and "configure the audio input of the audio receiver 202(4) to receive the audio from the CD player 202(5)", the formatting data module 142 generates formatting data corresponding to each of these specific function commands C_SPEC. In the case of a program ming-type user command signal S_USER, the formatting data module 142 generates formatting data D_FMT corresponding to one or more function keys 124.

The formatting data module 142 generates the proper formatting data D_FMT by selecting from a format look-up list 144, which includes all of the specific function commands C_SPEC necessary to control the consumer electronics devices 202 within the consumer electronics system 200 and the corresponding formatting data D_FMT. The specific function commands C_SPEC and corresponding formatting data D_FMT within the format look-up list 144 are arranged in data sets, with each data set corresponding to a specific consumer electronics device 202 within the consumer electronics system 200, and containing all of the information necessary to configure the specific consumer electronics device 202. Thus, the formatting data module 142 can look up the specific function commands C_SPEC determined by the macro command module 132 within the format look-up list 144 and select the corresponding formatting data D_FMT.

For example, the voice command C_V0|CE "WATCH TELEVISION" (which is a configuration-type user command C_USER) invokes the specific function command C_SPEC "turn on the television 202(1 )", in which case, the formatting data module 142 goes to the data set corresponding to the television 202(1), looks up the specific function command C_SPEC for turning on the television 202(1 ), and selects the formatting data D_FMT corresponding to that specific function command C_SPEC. The voice command CV_OI_CE "PROGRAM KEYPAD FOR TELEVISION" (which is a keypad programming- type user command C_USER) invokes all of the specific function commands C_SPEC for the television 202(1 ), in which case, the formatting data module 142 selects the entire set of formatting data D_FMT corresponding to the television 202(1). The voice command C_VOICE "PROGRAM KEY 'A' TO INCREASE TELEVISION COLOR" (which is a keypad programming-type user command C_USER) invokes the specific function command C_SPEC "increase television color," in which case, the formatting data module 142 looks up the specific function command C_SPEC for increasing the color on the television 202(1), and selects the formatting data D_FMT corresponding to that specific function command C_SPEC.

The computer software package 130 further includes a formatting data compiling module 146, which accesses a central database 148 to compile the format look-up list 144. The central database 148 is supplied with the computer software package 130 and includes an extensive list of the specific function commands and corresponding formatting data necessary to control most, if not all, types and brands of consumer electronics devices. Alternatively, or optionally, the central database 148 can be supplied on a medium (such as a computer CD or a website through the internet 300) separate from the computer software package 130, allowing the formatting data compiling module 146 access to the specific function commands and corresponding formatting data necessary to control consumer electronics devices manufactured in the future.

The formatting data compiling module 146 selects the data sets (i.e., the specific function commands C_SPEC and corresponding formatting data D_FMT) corresponding to the consumer electronics devices 202 within the user's consumer electronics system 200, and stores the selected data sets within the format look-up list 144. To facilitate selection of the pertinent data sets, the user manually inputs the brand and model numbers of the consumer electronics devices 202 into the formatting data compiling module 146. Alternatively, or optionally, a custom database 150 specific to one or more of the consumer electronics devices 202 within the consumer electronics system 200 can be supplied with these consumer electronics devices 202 in the form of a computer CD, or offered on a website owned by the manufacturer of these consumer electronics devices 202. In this manner, the user is provided with a more cost-efficient and easier means of compiling the formatting look-up list 144. Prior to outputting the formatting data D_FMT, the formatting data module 142 flags the formatting data D_FMT to indicate the purpose of the formatting data D_FMT, i.e., whether the formatting data D_FMT is to be used to immediately configure the consumer electronics system 200, or whether the formatting data D_FMT is to be used to program the keypad 122 of the remote control device 102. This can be accomplished by providing appending function key data indicating the function keys 122 to which the formatting data D_FMT corresponds. The absence of key data from the formatting data D_FMT indicates that the formatting data D_FMT is to be used to configure the consumer electronics system 200.

Referring specifically to Fig. 1 , once the proper formatting data D_FMT is generated by the formatting data module 142, the personal computer 104 generates the formatting data signal S_FMT, which is communicated to the remote control device 102. The personal computer 104 is coupled to the transmitter 1 16 of the second radio unit 1 10 to wirelessly transmit the formatting data signal S_FMT over the wireless interface 106 to the remote control device 102. The microcomputer 120 of the remote control device 102 is coupled to the receiver 1 14 of the first radio unit 108 to receive the formatting data signal S_FMT.

The microcomputer 120 determines whether the formatting data contained in the formatting data signal S_FMT is to be used to immediately configure the consumer electronics system 200 (i.e., whether the formatting data signal S_FMT was generated in response to a configuration-type user command C_USER) or to program the keypad 122 of the remote control device 102 (i.e., whether the formatting data signal S_FMT was generated in response to a keypad programming-type user command C_USER). Specifically, if it is determined that the formatting data signal S_FMT does not carry any function key data, the microcomputer 120 uses the formatting data D_FMT to configure the consumer electronics system 200. In contrast, if it is determined that the formatting data signal S_FMT does carry function key data, the microcomputer 120 uses the formatting data D_FMT to program the keypad 122 of the remote control device 102.

In the case where the formatting data D_FMT is to be used to configure the consumer electronics system 200, the microcomputer 120 generates a code, and in particular, one or more pulse codes S_CODE, in accordance with the formatting data D_FMT carried by the formatting data signal S_FMT. The remote control device 102 includes an IR transmitter 156, which modulates an IR carrier signal with the pulse code S_CODE to produce a control signal S_CTRL. In alternative embodiments, an RF transmitter can be used to provide a broader beamwidth to the control signal S_CTRL. The control signal S_CTRL is wirelessly transmitted to the consumer electronics system 200, thereby configuring the specific consumer electronics devices 202 in accordance with the user command C_USER.

In the case where the formatting data D_FMT is to be used to configure the consumer electronics system 200, the microcomputer 120 stores the formatting data D_FMT, along with the corresponding function key data, in a re-writeable memory 158, such as an EEPROM, which is coupled to the microcomputer 120. After the formatting data D_FMT and corresponding function key data have been stored in the EEPROM 158, the microcomputer 120 can generate a pulse code S_CODE in response to a keypad command signal S_KEY, without further processing by the personal computer 104. The universal remote control system 100 provides configuration status information to the user. Referring further to Fig. 2, the computer software package 130 within the personal computer 104 includes a messaging data module 152, which generates messaging data D_MSG in response to a user command signal S_USER transmitted from the remote control device 102, and specifically in response to the specific function commands C_SPEC generated by the macro command module 132. The messaging data D_MSG indicates the status of the particular function of the consumer electronics system 200 that is currently being controlled, such as channel, power on or power off, volume, etc.

The messaging data module 152 generates the proper messaging data D_MSG by selecting from a message look-up list 154, which includes all of the specific function commands C_SPEC necessary to control the consumer electronics devices 202 within the consumer electronics system 200 and the corresponding messaging data D_MSG. The specific function commands C_SPEC and corresponding messaging data D_MSG within the format look-up list 144 are arranged in data sets, with each data set corresponding to a specific consumer electronics device 202 within the consumer electronics system 200, and containing all of the information necessary to provide the status for the specific consumer electronics device 202. Thus, the messaging data module 152 can look up the specific function commands C_SPEC determined by the macro command module 132 within the message look-up list 1 54 and select the corresponding messaging data D_MSG. Referring specifically to Fig. 1 , once the messaging data D_MSG is generated by the messaging data module 152, the personal computer 104 generates a messaging data signal S_MSG, which is communicated to the remote control device 102 and received by the microcomputer 120. The remote control device 102 includes an audio transducer, such as a speaker 160, and an electro-optical transducer, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) 162, which are both coupled to outputs of the microcomputer 120. In response to the messaging data signal S_MSG, the microcomputer 120 generates an audio signal S_AUD and an optical signal S_OPT, which are transmitted to the respective speaker 160 and LCD 162 to provide the consumer with user-discernible auditory information l_AUD and user-discernible visual information l_V|S regarding the particular function of the consumer electronics system 200 that is currently being controlled. For example, the auditory and visual information can be "KEYPAD PROGRAMMED FOR TELEVISION", or "VOLUME ON TELEVISION INCREASING", or "CD PLAYING."

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, configuration and operation of the universal remote control system 100 will be generally described with respect to steps 170-190. Prior to operation, the universal remote control system 100 is configured to operate with the user's consumer electronics system 200. The personal computer 104, and in particular, the computer software package 130, is configured with the sets of formatting data corresponding to each consumer electronics device 202 within the consumer electronics system 200 (step 170). This can be accomplished by running the formatting data compiling module 146 to load the format look-up list 144 with specific function commands C_SPEC and corresponding formatting data D_FMT stored in the central database 148 (either located within the computer software package 130 itself or on a website) in response to user-entered information, i.e., model and brand information of the individual consumer electronics devices 202. Optionally, the formatting data compiling module 146 can automatically load the format look-up list 144 with specific function commands C_SPEC and corresponding formatting data D_FMT stored in the custom database 150 found in software sold with the particular consumer electronics devices 202, or found on the website owned by the manufacturer. Next, if desired, the user commands C_USER recognized by the universal remote control system 100 and/or the specific configuration of the consumer electronics system 200 in response to the user commands C_USER is customized (step 1 71 ). Specifically, the user commands C_USER recognized by the macro command module 132 and the specific function commands C_SPEC generated in response to the user commands C_USER can be customized by running the command customization module 138 to alter or add to the user commands C_USER and corresponding specific function commands C_SPEC stored within the command look-up list 136.

Next, if desired, the personal computer 104 can be configured with current television and radio programming information (step 172). Specifically, the program scheduling list 140 can be updated by downloading programming information over the internet 300.

Once the computer software program 130 is fully installed, the remote control system 100 can be operated. Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, the user enters a user command C_USER into the remote control device 102 (step 173). Specifically, the user enters a user command C_USER into the user entry interface 121 of the remote control device 102. The user can enter a keypad command C_KEY via the keypad 122 of the remote control device 102, or alternatively, enter a voice command C_vo,_CE via the microphone 126 of the remote control device 102. As discussed above, the keypad command C_KEY is a configuration-type user command C_USER, whereas the voice command C_VO)CE can be either a configuration-type or a programming-type user command C_USER.

The remote control device 102, and specifically, the microcomputer 120, determines if the user command C_USER is a keypad command C_KEY (step 1 74). If so, the remote control device 102 determines if the function key 122 that was depressed has been previously programmed (step 1 75). Specifically, the microcomputer 120 determines if the formatting data D_FMT corresponding to the depressed function key 124 is stored in the EEPROM 158, indicating that the depressed function key 124 has been programmed. If the depressed function key 122 has been previously programmed, the remote control device 102 generates a control signal S_CTRL based on the formatting data D_FMT (step 176). Specifically, the microcomputer 120 obtains from the EEPROM 158, the formatting data D_FMT corresponding to the depressed function key 122, and generates a pulse code S_CODE in accordance with the obtained formatting data D_FMT. An IR carrier signal is then modulated with the pulse code S_CODE to generate the control signal S_CTRL. Next, the control signal S_CTRL is wirelessly transmitted to the consumer electronics system 200 to configure the specific consumer electronics device or devices 202 in accordance with the user command C_USER (step 177).

The remote control device 102 generates status information to the user, i.e., provides the user with user-discernible auditory information l_AUD and user-discernible visual information l_V)S regarding the particular function of the consumer electronics system 200 that is currently being controlled (step 1 78). Specifically, the microcomputer 120 generates an audio signal S_AUD and an optical signal S_OPT, which are transmitted to the respective speaker 160 and LCD 162.

If the user command C_USER is not a keypad command C_KEY, or if the user command C_USER is a keypad command C_KEY, but the depressed function key 122 has not been previously programmed (i.e., formatting data D_FMT corresponding to the depressed function key 124 is not stored in the EEPROM 158), the remote control device 102 generates a user command signal S_USER (step 1 79). Specifically, if the user command C_USER is a voice command C_VO|_CE, the microphone 126 generates a voice command signal S_VO|CE. If the user command C_USER is a keypad command C_KEY, the microcomputer 120 generates a keypad command signal S_KEY. The user command signal S_USER is then wirelessly transmitted to the personal computer 104 over the wireless interface 106 for further processing by the personal computer 104 (step 180). That is, the user command signal S_USER is transmitted by the transmitter 1 12 of the first radio unit 108, and received by the receiver 1 18 of the second, radio unit 1 10. The personal computer 104 generates formatting data D_FMT in response to the user command signal S_USER (step 181). Specifically, and with further reference to Fig. 2, the macro command module 132 generates specific function commands C_SPEC based on the user command C_USER by finding the user command C_USER indicated by the user command signal S_USER in the command look-up list 136 and obtaining the specific function commands C_SPEC corresponding to the user command C_USER. If the user command signal S_USER is a voice command signal S_V0|CE, the macro command module 132 employs the voice recognition module 134 to recognize the voice command signal S_VOICE. Additionally, if the voice command signal S_V0|CE requires recording of a television or radio program, the macro command module 132 accesses the program scheduling list 140 to determine the data, time and channel or station of the program, and generates additional specific function commands C_SPEC in response to this scheduling information.

The personal computer 104, and in particular, the macro command module 132, determines if the user command signal S_USER is of a configuration-type or a keypad programming-type (step 182). If the user command signal S_USER is of a keypad programming-type, the personal computer 104, and in particular, the macro command module 132, generates function key data indicating the function keys 122 to which the formatting data D_FMT corresponds (step 183). The personal computer 104 also generates messaging data D_MSG in response to the user command signal S_USER (step 184). Specifically, the messaging data module 152 generates messaging data D_MSG based on the specific user commands C_SPEC generated by the macro command module 132 by finding the specific function commands C_SPEC in the message look-up list 154 and obtaining the messaging data D_MSG corresponding to the specific function commands C_SPEC.

The personal computer 104 generates a formatting data signal S_FMT from the formatting data D_FMT and, if generated, from the function key data (step 185). The personal computer 104 generates a messaging data signal S_MSG from the messaging data D_MSG (step 186). The formatting data signal S_{F T} is then wirelessly transmitted over the wireless interface 106 to the remote control device 102 (step 187).

Specifically, the transmitter 1 16 of the second radio unit 1 10 transmits the formatting data signal S_FMT to the receiver 1 14 of the first radio unit 108. The messaging data signal S_MSG is then wirelessly transmitted over the wireless interface 106 to the remote control device 102 (step 188). Specifically, the transmitter 1 16 of the second radio unit 1 10 transmits the messaging data signal S_MSG to the receiver 1 14 of the first radio unit 108.

The remote control device 102, and in particular, the microcomputer 120, determines if the user command C_USER is of a keypad programming-type by determining if the formatting data signal S_FMT carries function key data (step 189). If so, THE remote control device 102 programs the keypad 122 (step 190). Specifically, the microcomputer 120 obtains the formatting data D_FMT and corresponding function key data from the formatting data signal S_FMT, and stores it in the EEPROM 1 58 for subsequent use (step 190). If the user command C_USER is not of a keypad programming-type, i.e., the formatting data signal S_FMTdoes not carry function key data, the remote control device 102 generates a control signal S_CTRL based on the formatting data D_FMT (step 176). Specifically, the microcomputer 120 generates a pulse code S_CODE in accordance with the formatting data D_FMT. An IR carrier signal is then modulated with the pulse code S_CODE to generate the control signal S_CTRL. Next, the control signal S_CTRL is wirelessly transmitted to the consumer electronics system 200 to configure the specific consumer electronics device or devices 202 in accordance with the user command C_USER (step 177).

The remote control device 102 provides the user with user-discernible auditory information l_AUD and user-discernible visual information l_V|S (step 178). Specifically, the microcomputer 120 obtains the messaging data D_MSG from the messaging data signal S_MSG, and generates an audio signal S_AUD and an optical signal S_OPT based on the messaging data, which are transmitted to the respective speaker 160 and LCD 162. If the user command C_USER is of a configuration-type, the user- discernible information indicates the particular function of the consumer electronics system 200 that is currently being controlled. If the user command C_USER is of a keypad programming-type, the user-discernible information indicates the particular function key 124, or possibly, the entire keypad 122, has been programmed. Thus, an improved apparatus and method for remotely controlling a consumer electronics system is described. While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein.

The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A remote control device for use with an electronics device, comprising: a user entry interface configured for receiving a user command from a user; a first wireless transmitter coupled to said user entry interface for receiving said user command, said first wireless transmitter configured for wirelessly transmitting said user command to external processing circuitry; a wireless receiver configured for receiving formatting data from said external processing circuitry; control circuitry coupled to said wireless receiver for receiving said formatting data, said control circuitry configured for generating a code based on said formatting data; and a second wireless transmitter coupled to said control circuitry for receiving said code, said second wireless transmitter configured for transmitting said code to said electronics device.

2. The remote control device of claim 1, wherein said user entry interface comprises an electro-acoustic transducer, and said user command is a voice command.

3. The remote control device of claim 2, wherein said electro-acoustic transducer is a microphone.

4. The remote control device of claim 1 , wherein said user entry interface comprises a keypad, and said user command is a keypad command.

5. The remote control device of claim 1 , further comprising re-writeable memory coupled to the control circuitry, and wherein said wireless receiver is configured for receiving function key data from said external processing circuitry, and said control circuitry is configured for storing said formatting data and said function key data in said re-writeable memory.

6. The remote control device of claim 1 , wherein said control circuitry comprises a microcomputer.

7. The remote control device of claim 1 , wherein said code is a pulse code, and said second wireless transmitter is configured for modulating a carrier signal with said pulse code, and wirelessly transmitting said pulse-modulated signal to said electronics device.

8. The remote control device of claim 1 , wherein said first wireless transmitter and said wireless receiver are, in combination, an RF transceiver.

9. The remote control device of claim 1 , wherein said second wireless transmitter is an IR transmitter.

10. The remote control device of claim 1, further comprising at least one of an electro-optical transducer and an electro-acoustic transducer coupled to said control circuitry, wherein said wireless receiver is configured for receiving messaging data from said external processing circuitry, said control circuitry is coupled to said wireless receiver for receiving said messaging data, said control circuitry being configured for generating a messaging signal in response to said messaging data, and transmitting said messaging signal to said at least one of an electro-optical transducer and an electro-acoustic transducer.

1 1 . The remote control device of claim 1 , wherein said electronics device comprises a consumer electronics device.

12. A remote control system for use with an electronics device, comprising: a user entry interface configured for receiving a user command from a user; a first wireless transmitter coupled to said user entry interface for receiving said user command, said first wireless transmitter configured for wirelessly transmitting said user command; a first wireless receiver configured for wirelessly receiving said user command; processing circuitry coupled to said first wireless receiver for receiving said user command, said processing circuitry configured for generating formatting data in response to said user command; a second wireless transmitter coupled to said control circuitry for receiving said formatting data, said second wireless transmitter configured for wirelessly transmitting said formatting data; a second wireless receiver configured for wirelessly receiving said formatting data; control circuitry coupled to said second wireless receiver for receiving said formatting data, said control circuitry configured for generating a code based on said formatting data; and a third wireless transmitter coupled to said control circuitry for receiving said code, said third wireless transmitter configured for transmitting said code to said electronics device.

13. The remote control system of claim 12, wherein said user entry interface, said first wireless transmitter, said second wireless receiver, said control circuitry, and said third wireless transmitter are associated with a hand-held remote control device, and wherein said second wireless transmitter, said processing circuitry, and said first wireless receiver are associated with a personal computer.

14. The remote control system of claim 12, wherein said user entry interface comprises an electro-acoustic transducer, and said user command is a voice command.

15. The remote control system of claim 14, wherein said electro-acoustic transducer is a microphone.

16. The remote control system of claim 12, wherein said user entry interface comprises a keypad, and said user command is a keypad command.

17. The remote control system of claim 12, further comprising re-writeable memory coupled to the control circuitry, wherein said processing circuitry is configured for generating function key data in response to said user command, said second wireless transmitter is coupled to said processing circuitry to receive said function key data, and configured for wirelessly transmitting said function key data, said second wireless receiver is configured for receiving said function key data, and said control circuitry is configured for storing said formatting data and said function key data in said re-writeable memory.

18. The remote control system of claim 12, wherein said electronics device comprises a consumer electronics device.

19. A method of configuring one or more electronics devices using a hand- held remote control device and a computer, comprising: receiving a user command within the remote control device; wirelessly transmitting said user command from said remote control device to said computer; generating formatting data within said computer in response to said user command; wirelessly transmitting said formatting data from said computer to said remote control device; generating a control signal within said remote control device based on said formatting data; and wirelessly transmitting said control signal from said remote control device to said one or more electronics devices.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said user command is a voice command.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said user command is a keypad command.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising generating function key data within said computer in response to said user command, wirelessly transmitting said function key data to said remote control device, and storing said formatting data and said function key data within said remote control device.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising generating a plurality of specific function commands within said computer in response to said user command, wherein said formatting data is generated in response to said specific function commands.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said plurality of specific function commands are preset.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the plurality of specific function commands is customized.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein said formatting data is generated by configuring said computer with one or more sets of formatting data corresponding to said one or more electronics devices, respectively, and selecting said formatting data from said one or more sets of formatting data.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said computer is configured with said one or more sets of formatting data from a central database.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein said computer is configured with said one or more sets of formatting data from a custom database.

29. The method of claim 19, further comprising downloading a program schedule into said computer, wherein said formatting data is based, at least in part, on said program schedule.

30. The method of claim 19, wherein said control signal is generated by generating a code based on said formatting data, generating a carrier signal, and modulating said carrier signal with said code.

31 . The method of claim 30, wherein said code is a pulse code.

32. The method of claim 19, further comprising: generating a plurality of control signals within said remote control device based on said formatting data; and wirelessly transmitting said plurality of control signals to a plurality of electronics devices.

33. The method of claim 19, further comprising: generating messaging data within said computer; wirelessly transmitting said messaging data to said remote control device; and transforming said messaging data into user-discernible information.

34. The method of claim 19, wherein said one or more electronics devices comprises one or more consumer electronics devices.

35. A remote control system for use with an electronics device, comprising: a voice-activated remote control device; a personal computer; a wireless voice interface between said remote control device and said personal computer; and a wireless data interface between said remote control device and said personal computer.

36. The universal remote control system of claim 35, wherein said wireless voice interface is simplex and said wireless data interface is duplex.

37. The universal remote control system of claim 35, wherein said electronics device comprises a consumer electronics device.

38. A personal computer system for use with an electronics device, comprising: a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving a user command from a remote control device; a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting formatting data to said remote control device; a personal computer coupled to said wireless receiver and said wireless transmitter for receiving said user command from said wireless receiver and transmitting said formatting data to said wireless transmitter; a computer software package associated with said personal computer, said computer software package configured for generating said formatting data in response to said user command.

39. The personal computer system of claim 38, wherein said user command is a voice command, and said computer software package includes a voice recognition module configured for recognizing said voice command.

40. The personal computer system of claim 38, wherein said computer software package includes: a macro command module configured for generating a plurality of specific function commands in response to said user command; and a formatting data module configured for generating said formatting data in response to said plurality of specific function commands.

41. The personal computer system of claim 40, wherein said computer software package includes a program scheduling list, and said macro command module generates said specific function commands based, at least in part, on said program scheduling list.

42. The personal computer system of claim 38, wherein said computer software package includes a messaging data module configured for generating messaging data in response to said user command, said personal computer is coupled to said wireless transmitter to transmit said messaging data thereto, and said wireless transmitter is configured for wirelessly transmitting said messaging data to said remote control device.

43. The personal computer system of claim 38, wherein said electronics device comprises a consumer electronics device.