Multiple Transmitter Remote Control System

Abstract

A remote control system includes multiple transmitters located at differing positions around a housing. The transmitters are spaced apart so that a transmission from one of the transmitters is likely to be received even if a transmission from another transmitters is obstructed or oriented away from a receiver. One embodiment comprises a simplified remote control with infrared transmitters located on multiple surfaces. A controlled device may require at least one transmitter to be approximately aligned with a receiver and/or may require an unobstructed signal path. If a user, such as a child, covers some of the transmitters and/or holds the remote control in an unusual orientation, a signal can still be transmitted to a DVD player, DVR, computer or other controlled device. The signal may comprise a key code identifying an activated remote control key, and instructing the controlled device to perform a navigation, a direct select, or other operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.