Bi-directional remote control unit and method of using the same
AssigneesSony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
InventorsPeter Rae Shintani, Hirofumi Usui
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bi-directional communications link between a television set and a remote control unit assists a viewer in controlling the entertainment system. The television set can signal the remote control unit to confirm instruction signal received from the remote control unit. The television can also transmit electronic program guide information to the remote control unit which is displayed on a display device on the remote control unit. The television can send the remote control unit a listing of available sub-channels within a single digital channel. The listing is displayed on the remote's display device, and the viewer can then choose from among the sub-channels.
Claims22
An entertainment system comprising:
- a remote control unit with a first communications unit having both a transmitter and a receiver;
- and
- a television set a second communications unit having both a transmitter and a receiver;
- wherein data signals can be sent and received by both the remote control unit and the television,
- wherein, when a peripheral device is connected to said television set, said television set transmits a set of commands for said peripheral device to said remote control unit so that said remote control unit can transmit command signals to said peripheral device through said television set, and
- wherein said television set sends a delete signal to said remote control unit to delete said set of commands when said peripheral device is disconnected from said television set.
A method of controlling an entertainment system comprising:
- transmitting data signals which are both sent and received by both a remote control unit and a television set,
- when a peripheral device is connected to said television set, transmitting a set of commands for said peripheral device to said remote control unit from said television set so that said remote control unit can transmit command signals to said peripheral device through said television set,
- sending a delete signal to said remote control unit from said television set to delete said set of commands when said peripheral device is disconnected from said television set.
An entertainment system comprising:
- a remote control unit with a first communications unit having both a transmitter and a receiver;
- and
- a television set a second communications unit having both a transmitter and a receiver;
- wherein data signals can be sent and received by both the remote control unit and the television,
- wherein, when a peripheral device is connected to said television set, said television set transmits a set of commands for said peripheral device to said remote control unit so that said remote control unit can transmit command signals to said peripheral device through said television set wherein said television set sends a delete signal to said remote control unit to delete said set of commands when said peripheral device is disconnected from said television set.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.