초록 ▼

An extended functionality remote control (EFRC) provides a hardware/software implementation of an integrated interface for remote control emulation. A PDA or other portable computing device is used as a platform for the EFRC application software and peripheral hardware. The EFRC also merges informat

An extended functionality remote control (EFRC) provides a hardware/software implementation of an integrated interface for remote control emulation. A PDA or other portable computing device is used as a platform for the EFRC application software and peripheral hardware. The EFRC also merges information services into remote controls. Implementation of these information services takes the form of, e.g., electronic program guides (EPGs) merged with the functioning of remote controls. In addition to the portable computing device, the hardware portion of the invention according to a preferred embodiment includes a keypad and an infrared transmitter subsystem which are managed by a microcontroller. The microcontroller also exchanges data with application software of the computing device via a serial communications link. The EFRC according to a preferred embodiment provides a universal remote control which can remain current by shifting the remote control code functions of a universal remote control from to software. New codes may be made available through the internet and downloaded into an application which can utilize these codes for the targeted consumer electronics device. The preferred embodiment provides the user the ability to select the components of their specific consumer electronic device on the World Wide Web, leading to the download of a data file by the user with all remote control code information preprogrammed into this data file. The preferred embodiment can dynamically construct the user's remote control buttons on a graphical touch screen, from information contained within the downloaded data file.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A handheld system for remote program guide viewing and program selection, comprising:means for receiving and storing program guide data, wherein said program guide data includes a program guide containing a plurality of scheduled programs; a software application means for implementing each of sai

1. A handheld system for remote program guide viewing and program selection, comprising:means for receiving and storing program guide data, wherein said program guide data includes a program guide containing a plurality of scheduled programs; a software application means for implementing each of said plurality of scheduled programs into encoded data; a touch screen display means for displaying said program guide containing said plurality of scheduled programs; means for receiving user input indicating a selection of at least one of said scheduled programs through at least said touch screen display means; a wireless transmitter subsystem for receiving said encoded data corresponding to said selected scheduled program from said software application means, for generating a signal derived from said encoded data for said selected scheduled program, and for transmitting said signal to a remote receiver device, whereby said remote receiver device is caused to tune to said selected scheduled program; and said means for receiving and storing, means for displaying, means for receiving user input, software application means, and wireless transmitter subsystem each being incorporated into a handheld device.