Modular remote control and user interfaces
AssigneeMicrosoft Corporation
InventorCharles J. Migos
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Techniques are described to customize the functional capabilities of a remote control device with one or more modular hardware components. In an implementation, a modular hardware component coupled to a remote control device is identified. A user interface is configured according to the identified modular hardware component and/or the functional capabilities of the identified modular hardware component. The configured user interface corresponds to the modular hardware component and is operable via inputs or data provided through user manipulation of the modular hardware component.
Claims20
A method comprising:
- identifying one or more modular hardware components of a remote control device that are configured to provide inputs to control operation of a client to output television content;
- and
- configuring a user interface to interact with the television content at the client according to the identified one or more modular hardware components.
A remote control device comprising:
- a housing configured to receive a modular hardware component;
- and
- a module to communicate an identifier corresponding to the modular hardware component to a client, the identifier being used by the client to:
- identify the modular hardware component;
- and
- configure an electronic programming guide (EPG) to include functionality operable through manual manipulation of the modular hardware component by a user.
One or more computer-readable media comprising executable instructions to direct a client to:
- determine that one or more modular hardware components configured to provide inputs to the client are coupled to a remote control device interacting with the client;
- and
- configure a user interface for output by the client according to the determined one or more modular hardware components.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.