Multi-directional remote control system and method with IR control and tracking
AssigneeI-Interactive LLC
InventorsDavid L. Henty, Christopher Cooper
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller includes an IR LED which is operated as a modulated transmitter to control conventional remote functions and in a substantially continuous mode for tracking operation. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect the LED in tracking mode for control of a cursor or other GUI interface with mouse type functionality.
Claims13
A remote control method, comprising:
- operating a remote control in a first mode employing an infrared LED in the remote to transmit coded control signals to a receiver to control a system including a display;
- in response to a button activation on the remote control transmitting a tracking control signal in said first mode of LED operation to said receiver to initiate a tracking operation algorithm;
- operating the remote control in a second mode employing the LED to transmit an uncoded signal after transmitting said tracking control signal;
- tracking the remote control position using a camera imaging an area including the remote control and tracking the LED operating in the second mode;
- and
- controlling the position of a cursor or other object displayed on the display using the detected remote control position.
A remote control, comprising:
- a housing including one or more buttons including at least a button for initiating a tracking operation;
- a first IR LED transmitter for wirelessly transmitting coded control signals to a separate device in response to activation of said buttons;
- a second IR LED for transmitting an uncoded IR signal in response to activation of said button for initiating a tracking operation;
- and
- a microcontroller controlling timing of activation of said first and second IR LEDs to deactivate said first IR LED in response to initiation of said tracking operation.
A remote control method for controlling a system including a display, comprising:
- operating the remote control in response to activation of a button on the remote to cause an LED to transmit a signal;
- tracking the remote control position using a camera imaging an area including the remote control and tracking the LED;
- controlling the position of a cursor or other object displayed on the display using the detected remote control position;
- detecting release of the button and initiating a first timer window;
- detecting reactivation of the button within the first timer window and initiating a second timer window;
- detecting release of the button within the second timer window and initiating a third timer window;
- and
- selecting a function corresponding to position of the cursor or other object on the display if the tracking LED is not reactivated within said third timer window.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.