Virtual Control Device
AssigneeEchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
InventorsJohn T. Kennedy, David A. Kummer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for controlling multiple devices using a virtual device that may be displayed on a screen. The method may include providing the information for the virtual device from a set-top box to the screen. The method may also include using a control device to scroll around the virtual device and make a selection fro the options provided by the virtual device. Additionally, the buttons on the control device may not correspond to the functionality associated with the virtual buttons on the virtual device.
Claims20
A method for controlling a plurality of components, comprising:
- displaying a virtual device on a display, the virtual device comprising at least one selectable option associated with control information for at least one of the plurality of components;
- monitoring the virtual device for a remote indication that an option has been selected from the at least one selectable option;
- and
- upon receiving an indication that the option is selected, determining the control information for a target component associated with the selected option, wherein the control information is included in a control command for the target component;
- and
- transmitting the control command to the target component.
A method for controlling a plurality of components, comprising:
- storing, on a first device, control information corresponding to the plurality of components;
- providing selectable options on a display, wherein the control information for displaying the options is provided by the first device;
- receiving an indication of a selected option from a second device;
- and
- displaying the selectable options on the display, wherein the information for displaying the virtual device is provided by the first device.
A method for controlling a plurality of components, comprising:
- receiving an input command;
- determining the component associated with the input command;
- switching to a first control mode for the component associated with the input command;
- transmitting a first control command to turn the component on;
- transmitting a second control command to the component so that the component is configured to receive a satellite signal;
- and
- switching to a second control mode for communicating with a satellite receiver.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.