US20060092041A1 - Systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer - Google Patents

Systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20060092041A1
US20060092041A1 US11/311,715 US31171505A US2006092041A1 US 20060092041 A1 US20060092041 A1 US 20060092041A1 US 31171505 A US31171505 A US 31171505A US 2006092041 A1 US2006092041 A1 US 2006092041A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
computer
remote control
user
power
application
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/311,715
Inventor
Michael Leman
William Creese
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Micron Technology Inc
Mei California Inc
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/311,715 priority Critical patent/US20060092041A1/en
Publication of US20060092041A1 publication Critical patent/US20060092041A1/en
Assigned to MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC. reassignment MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CREESE, WILLIAM M., LEMAN, MICHAEL V.
Assigned to MEI CALIFORNIA, INC. reassignment MEI CALIFORNIA, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
Assigned to MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. reassignment MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MEI CALIFORNIA, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08CTRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C17/00Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
    • G08C17/02Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/023Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
    • G06F3/0231Cordless keyboards

Definitions

  • the invention relates to remote control of computers.
  • the invention includes remotely controllable computer systems, methods of remote computer control, and devices for the remote control of computers.
  • the invention comprises a remote controlled computer system, including a computer comprising a wireless receiver and a hand-held controller comprising a wireless transmitter.
  • the hand-held controller is configured to send a signal to the wireless receiver upon user actuation, and the computer is configured to perform a power on sequence and to launch a user-defined application program in response to receiving the signal.
  • the invention comprises a method of remotely controlling a computer comprising transmitting a signal from a hand-held controller to the computer, and in response thereto, placing the computer in an on state and launching a user specified application program.
  • a remote control device for a personal computer comprises a hand-held housing containing wireless signal transmission circuitry for communicating with wireless signal receiving circuitry in the personal computer.
  • the housing comprises an attachment device for connecting the remote control device to a key ring, purse handle, or other commonly carried personal item.
  • a remote control device for a personal computer comprises a hand-held housing containing wireless signal transmission circuitry for communicating with wireless signal receiving circuitry in the personal computer and at least one user actuated control operative to initiate wireless signal transmission of a command to perform a power up sequence and launch a selected application program.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a hand-held computer controller in wireless communication with a personal computer according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is flow chart illustrating steps performed by a computer in response to received control signals according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer system configured to receive and interpret control signals according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • a computer system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a controller 20 .
  • the controller 20 is advantageously small enough to fit comfortably in a person's hand as well as in a pocket, purse, automobile glove compartment, or the like.
  • the controller 20 comprises an attachment device 22 .
  • the attachment device 22 may be a suitably sized hole, a wire loop or ring, or other facility for attaching the controller 20 to a key ring, purse handle, or other commonly carried personal item.
  • the controller 20 also incorporates internal wireless transmission circuitry and an antenna (not shown) for wireless communication with a computer 24 that incorporates an antenna 26 and a wireless receiver. These aspects of the computer 24 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3 .
  • the controller 20 uses a wireless link 28 to send commands to the computer 24 .
  • the commands issued by the controller 20 are operative to place the computer in the on state and optionally to also launch a user specified application program such as a word processor, spreadsheet, web browser, CAD and CAE programs, etc.
  • one embodiment of the controller 20 has three user actuated push buttons.
  • a first button 30 may initiate only computer 24 power up, but not launch any specific application programs.
  • a second button 32 may initiate both power up and the launch of a first user defined application program.
  • a third button 34 may initiate both power up and the launch of a second user defined application program.
  • This embodiment may be used to eliminate time wasted by computer users while waiting for their computer to boot up and load a desired application program.
  • a computer user may prefer to have their office computer on and running the moment they arrive at the office.
  • an advantageous range for the communication link 28 may be between approximately 200 and 500 feet.
  • wireless transmitter and receiver circuitry suitable for implementing the wireless link 28 is well known and will not be described in detail herein. This technology is used in applications such as garage door openers, keyless entry systems for automobiles, as well as other currently available commercial applications, and a wide variety of specific designs could be used in the controller 20 and computer 24 without altering the character of the system.
  • the 200 to 500 foot range may be advantageous in that it is far enough to generally provide two or more minutes between initiation of power up and arrival of the user at the computer 24 , but it is not so far to become an excessive drain on one or more batteries internal to the controller 20 . Longer ranges of 900 or more feet may also be advantageous, especially in those instances where the resulting reduction of battery life is not a major concern.
  • FIG. 2 One embodiment of a method of response of the computer 24 to the actuation of the buttons 30 , 32 , 34 on the controller 20 is illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • the method begins at step 40 when the computer 24 receives a wireless transmission signal from the controller 20 .
  • the wireless message reception and analysis circuitry in the computer 24 is continually in the on-state, even when the remainder of the computer 24 is in an off-state.
  • the signal received by the computer 24 advantageously includes at least two pieces of information for use by the computer 24 .
  • the first is a controller hardware identification code.
  • the second is an instruction code that designates which application program, if any, should be launched.
  • the computer 24 checks the controller hardware identification code, and compares it to an internally stored identification code. If, at step 44 , these two codes match, the computer 24 accepts the remainder of the transmitted data and, at step 46 , stores the transmitted instruction code. If the codes do not match, at step 48 the computer 24 ignores the remainder of the message. In analogy with garage door openers and automotive keyless entry systems, this step 42 allows simultaneous use of different controllers 20 in proximity to one another in a single office building for example. In this way, the computer 24 only responds to control instructions from the controller 20 in the possession of the operator of the computer 24 .
  • the computer After storing the instruction code, at step 50 the computer initiates a power up sequence. As described below with reference to FIG. 3 , this step advantageously includes activating the computer power supply and loading the operating system software.
  • the computer 24 retrieves and interprets the stored instruction code, and at step 54 , the computer launches the appropriate application program as specified by the retrieved instruction code.
  • the computer 24 advantageously includes a processor and memory circuitry 60 and a storage device 62 that may, for example, comprise a hard disk drive.
  • the computer 24 also includes remote control interface circuitry 64 for receiving signals and/or data from the remote transmitter 20 .
  • the computer 24 further includes a power supply 66 that supplies power to all of the electrical components of the computer 24 .
  • the processor and memory circuits 60 , the storage device 62 , and the remote control interface circuitry 64 are coupled through a bus system 70 .
  • the bus system 70 will typically comprise a set of busses of varying format that communicate through bridge circuitry.
  • the remote control interface circuitry 64 may be incorporated into the computer 24 in a variety of ways.
  • the remote control interface circuitry 64 is continually powered by a battery 72 so that it can receive and process wireless signals transmitted to the computer 24 even when the computer 24 is in an off state.
  • the storage device 62 stores, among other things, several application programs 74 a, 74 b, 74 c. As discussed above, it is one of these programs that the user may wish to remotely launch.
  • the storage device 62 also contains a remote on program 76 .
  • the remote controller 20 sends a signal to the remote control interface circuitry 64 which includes the controller identification code 78 and one of the instruction codes 80 or 82 .
  • the remote control interface circuitry 64 then compares the received identification code with a stored identification code 84 . If the two match, the remote control interface circuitry 64 stores the received instruction code in an instruction code register 86 .
  • the remote control interface circuitry activates the power supply 66 by asserting an output 88 which is connected to the power supply circuitry 66 .
  • This may be accomplished in a wide variety of ways which are well understood by those in the art. Asserting the output line 88 may close a relay in the AC power lines to the power supply, for example.
  • the power supply includes a low voltage secondary on/off signal line that toggles the supply from an off state to an on state when asserted.
  • the output 88 is coupled to this secondary on/off signal line.
  • the computer 24 Upon the application of power, the computer 24 will load its operating system software.
  • operating system software A variety of operating systems are currently utilized in the computer industry, including UnixTM, LinuxTM, DOSTM, and WindowsTM.
  • UnixTM UnixTM
  • LinuxTM LinuxTM
  • DOSTM Dynamic Hossion Initiation Management
  • WindowsTM includes a Startup utility, which allows the user to list one or more application programs that WindowsTM will load and run automatically when the computer 24 is powered up.
  • the remote on program 76 is listed in the Startup utility for automatic launch when the computer is powered up.
  • the remote on program 76 causes the computer to perform an I/O operation to retrieve the instruction code stored in the instruction code register 86 .
  • the remote on program 76 uses a table which is part of the remote on program 76 that cross references instruction codes with application programs 74 a , 74 b , 74 c , the remote on program 76 determines which application program the user wishes to have launched, and initiates the loading of this user selected application program.
  • connection 90 if the power supply is activated locally with the power switch, the power supply output may be sensed, and the remote control interface circuit could be configured load zeros into the instruction code register in response so that no application program is automatically loaded as may be the case with the remote power up procedure.
  • a convenient remote controller is therefore provided which is easy to carry, simple to operate, and which saves computer users time.

Abstract

A computer system is configured to be powered up by a hand-held controller. The hand-held controller is in wireless communication with a computer. One or more buttons on the hand-held controller may be used to automatically launch a particular application program which has been pre-selected by a computer user after completing the power up process.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • The present application is a continuation of and claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/574,736, filed May 18, 2000, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The invention relates to remote control of computers.
  • 2. Description of the Related Art
  • In today's business world, personal computers are almost a necessity, and are commonly found in offices and employee workspaces. Generally, people turn their computer off when they leave the office after work in the evening. This is done to conserve energy, to address safety concerns common to all energized electrical appliances, and also in response to security concerns that someone other than the computer owner may gain access to sensitive business information. Thus, when most people arrive at the office in the morning, they must turn on their computer, wait for the system to boot up, and then launch some particular application program they will be using. This results in wasted time as the user sits and waits for the computer to complete the boot up process.
  • Currently, no computer system is available that addresses this problem. Various types of remote control systems for computers have been described and marketed, but none are particularly suitable for resolving the above described problem. Many conventional remote computer controllers, wireless mice and keyboards, for example, have a very short communication range, and/or require a clear line of sight between the wireless transmitter in the device and the receiver in the computer. This makes them impractical for use by a worker until entering the office. There would therefore be minimal, if any, time savings involved with the use of these devices to control initiation of computer operation.
  • Other remote control devices work over telephone connections. One example of such a system is provided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,628 to Jon Klein. These systems, however, require the initiation of a telephone connection with the computer to be controlled. This is not convenient for solving the above described problem. For these reasons, a convenient and simple to operate computer system with remote computer power control is needed in the art.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention includes remotely controllable computer systems, methods of remote computer control, and devices for the remote control of computers. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a remote controlled computer system, including a computer comprising a wireless receiver and a hand-held controller comprising a wireless transmitter. The hand-held controller is configured to send a signal to the wireless receiver upon user actuation, and the computer is configured to perform a power on sequence and to launch a user-defined application program in response to receiving the signal.
  • In another embodiment the invention comprises a method of remotely controlling a computer comprising transmitting a signal from a hand-held controller to the computer, and in response thereto, placing the computer in an on state and launching a user specified application program.
  • One embodiment of a remote control device for a personal computer comprises a hand-held housing containing wireless signal transmission circuitry for communicating with wireless signal receiving circuitry in the personal computer. The housing comprises an attachment device for connecting the remote control device to a key ring, purse handle, or other commonly carried personal item. In another embodiment, a remote control device for a personal computer comprises a hand-held housing containing wireless signal transmission circuitry for communicating with wireless signal receiving circuitry in the personal computer and at least one user actuated control operative to initiate wireless signal transmission of a command to perform a power up sequence and launch a selected application program.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a hand-held computer controller in wireless communication with a personal computer according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is flow chart illustrating steps performed by a computer in response to received control signals according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer system configured to receive and interpret control signals according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.
  • Referring now to FIG. 1, a computer system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a controller 20. The controller 20 is advantageously small enough to fit comfortably in a person's hand as well as in a pocket, purse, automobile glove compartment, or the like. In one embodiment, the controller 20 comprises an attachment device 22. The attachment device 22 may be a suitably sized hole, a wire loop or ring, or other facility for attaching the controller 20 to a key ring, purse handle, or other commonly carried personal item.
  • The controller 20 also incorporates internal wireless transmission circuitry and an antenna (not shown) for wireless communication with a computer 24 that incorporates an antenna 26 and a wireless receiver. These aspects of the computer 24 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3. Using a wireless link 28, the controller 20 sends commands to the computer 24. In one embodiment, the commands issued by the controller 20 are operative to place the computer in the on state and optionally to also launch a user specified application program such as a word processor, spreadsheet, web browser, CAD and CAE programs, etc.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the controller 20 has three user actuated push buttons. A first button 30 may initiate only computer 24 power up, but not launch any specific application programs. A second button 32 may initiate both power up and the launch of a first user defined application program. A third button 34 may initiate both power up and the launch of a second user defined application program. Thus, the user may have a choice of several different remote control operations. This embodiment may be used to eliminate time wasted by computer users while waiting for their computer to boot up and load a desired application program. In a business or office environment, for example, a computer user may prefer to have their office computer on and running the moment they arrive at the office. In this embodiment, an advantageous range for the communication link 28 may be between approximately 200 and 500 feet. With this range, as the user is heading toward the office, they can press a button 30, 32, 34 on the controller 20, thereby initiating either only power up, or also power up plus the launch of a desired application. When they arrive at the office door a few minutes later, the computer is ready and waiting for them.
  • The construction of wireless transmitter and receiver circuitry suitable for implementing the wireless link 28 is well known and will not be described in detail herein. This technology is used in applications such as garage door openers, keyless entry systems for automobiles, as well as other currently available commercial applications, and a wide variety of specific designs could be used in the controller 20 and computer 24 without altering the character of the system. The 200 to 500 foot range may be advantageous in that it is far enough to generally provide two or more minutes between initiation of power up and arrival of the user at the computer 24, but it is not so far to become an excessive drain on one or more batteries internal to the controller 20. Longer ranges of 900 or more feet may also be advantageous, especially in those instances where the resulting reduction of battery life is not a major concern.
  • One embodiment of a method of response of the computer 24 to the actuation of the buttons 30, 32, 34 on the controller 20 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The method begins at step 40 when the computer 24 receives a wireless transmission signal from the controller 20. As also shown below in FIG. 3, the wireless message reception and analysis circuitry in the computer 24 is continually in the on-state, even when the remainder of the computer 24 is in an off-state. The signal received by the computer 24 advantageously includes at least two pieces of information for use by the computer 24. The first is a controller hardware identification code. The second is an instruction code that designates which application program, if any, should be launched.
  • At the next step 42, the computer 24 checks the controller hardware identification code, and compares it to an internally stored identification code. If, at step 44, these two codes match, the computer 24 accepts the remainder of the transmitted data and, at step 46, stores the transmitted instruction code. If the codes do not match, at step 48 the computer 24 ignores the remainder of the message. In analogy with garage door openers and automotive keyless entry systems, this step 42 allows simultaneous use of different controllers 20 in proximity to one another in a single office building for example. In this way, the computer 24 only responds to control instructions from the controller 20 in the possession of the operator of the computer 24.
  • After storing the instruction code, at step 50 the computer initiates a power up sequence. As described below with reference to FIG. 3, this step advantageously includes activating the computer power supply and loading the operating system software. At step 52, the computer 24 retrieves and interprets the stored instruction code, and at step 54, the computer launches the appropriate application program as specified by the retrieved instruction code.
  • Referring now to FIG. 3, the computer 24 advantageously includes a processor and memory circuitry 60 and a storage device 62 that may, for example, comprise a hard disk drive. The computer 24 also includes remote control interface circuitry 64 for receiving signals and/or data from the remote transmitter 20. The computer 24 further includes a power supply 66 that supplies power to all of the electrical components of the computer 24. The processor and memory circuits 60, the storage device 62, and the remote control interface circuitry 64 are coupled through a bus system 70. Although not illustrated for purposes of clarity, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the bus system 70 will typically comprise a set of busses of varying format that communicate through bridge circuitry. The remote control interface circuitry 64 may be incorporated into the computer 24 in a variety of ways. It may comprise a daughter printed circuit board which plugs into an expansion slot in the computer 24. Alternatively, it may be incorporated directly onto a motherboard in the computer 24 that also mounts the processor and memory circuits 60. The remote control interface circuitry 64 is continually powered by a battery 72 so that it can receive and process wireless signals transmitted to the computer 24 even when the computer 24 is in an off state.
  • The storage device 62 stores, among other things, several application programs 74a, 74b, 74c. As discussed above, it is one of these programs that the user may wish to remotely launch. The storage device 62 also contains a remote on program 76. In this embodiment, the remote controller 20 sends a signal to the remote control interface circuitry 64 which includes the controller identification code 78 and one of the instruction codes 80 or 82. The remote control interface circuitry 64 then compares the received identification code with a stored identification code 84. If the two match, the remote control interface circuitry 64 stores the received instruction code in an instruction code register 86.
  • After storing the instruction code in the register 86, the remote control interface circuitry activates the power supply 66 by asserting an output 88 which is connected to the power supply circuitry 66. This may be accomplished in a wide variety of ways which are well understood by those in the art. Asserting the output line 88 may close a relay in the AC power lines to the power supply, for example. In an advantageous embodiment, the power supply includes a low voltage secondary on/off signal line that toggles the supply from an off state to an on state when asserted. In this embodiment, the output 88 is coupled to this secondary on/off signal line.
  • Upon the application of power, the computer 24 will load its operating system software. A variety of operating systems are currently utilized in the computer industry, including Unix™, Linux™, DOS™, and Windows™. At this time, a large majority of the currently commercially available personal computers automatically load Windows™ upon power up. Furthermore, Windows™ includes a Startup utility, which allows the user to list one or more application programs that Windows™ will load and run automatically when the computer 24 is powered up.
  • In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the remote on program 76 is listed in the Startup utility for automatic launch when the computer is powered up. The remote on program 76 causes the computer to perform an I/O operation to retrieve the instruction code stored in the instruction code register 86. Using a table which is part of the remote on program 76 that cross references instruction codes with application programs 74 a, 74 b, 74 c, the remote on program 76 determines which application program the user wishes to have launched, and initiates the loading of this user selected application program.
  • With the controller 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, depending on the button 30, 32, 34 pushed on the remote controller 20, different instruction codes will be sent and stored in the instruction code register 86, resulting in the launch of different application programs. If the user only wants to power the computer up without launching a program, this may be accomplished by sending, for example, all zeros as an instruction code when the appropriate button 30 is pushed on the controller 20. This may be interpreted by the remote on program 76 as an instruction to load no additional application program. In addition, the remote control interface circuitry could be provided with a connection 90 to the power supply output. In an embodiment with this connection 90, if the power supply is activated locally with the power switch, the power supply output may be sensed, and the remote control interface circuit could be configured load zeros into the instruction code register in response so that no application program is automatically loaded as may be the case with the remote power up procedure. A convenient remote controller is therefore provided which is easy to carry, simple to operate, and which saves computer users time.
  • The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the invention should therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims (20)

1. A remote control system for controlling a computer device, the remote control system comprising:
a wireless receiver configured to couple to a computer device; and
a handheld controller comprising:
a wireless transmitter configured to send a plurality of wireless signals to the wireless receiver; and
at least three buttons for actuating said plurality of signals, wherein a first button generates a first signal for initiating a power on sequence of the computer device and a launching by the computer device of a first user-defined application program, wherein a second button generates a second signal for initiating the power on sequence of the computer device and a launching by the computer device of a second user-defined application program, and wherein a third button generates a third signal for initiating the power on sequence of the computer device without launching an application program.
2. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver comprises a printed circuit board configured to couple with an expansion slot of the computer device.
3. The remote control system of claim 2, wherein the wireless receiver further comprises a battery for powering the wireless receiver.
4. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the handheld controller further comprises an attachment device configured to attach the handheld controller to a portable personal item.
5. The remote control system of claim 1, further comprising the computer device.
6. The remote control system of claim 5, wherein the computer device includes a separate power supply than the wireless receiver.
7. The remote control system of claim 5, wherein the computer device is a personal computer.
8. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the wireless signals are radio frequency signals.
9. The remote control system of claim 8, wherein the wireless receiver and the wireless transmitter have a communication range of approximately 200 to 500 feet.
10. A method of remotely controlling a computer, the method comprising:
transmitting at least one of a plurality of command signals from a handheld controller to a computer, wherein the handheld controller comprises at least three user-actuatable inputs for generating the plurality of command signals, and wherein a first of the user-actuatable inputs initiates a power on sequence of the computer and a launching by the computer of a first user-defined application, wherein a second of the user-actuatable inputs initiates the power on sequence of the computer and a launching of a second user-defined application, and wherein a third of the user-actuatable inputs initiates the power on sequence of the computer without a launching of an application.
11. The method of claim 10, additionally comprising receiving the at least one of the plurality of command signals with a wireless receiver.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said transmitting comprises radio frequency transmission.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said transmitting occurs over a distance between approximately 200 and 500 feet.
14. The method of claim 10, additionally comprising analyzing the command signal to select an application for launch from a plurality of application programs.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second user-defined applications is a word processing application.
16. A remote control device for a computer, the remote control device comprising:
means for wirelessly communicating at least one of a plurality of command signals to a computer;
means for housing said means for wirelessly communicating in a handheld casing; and
means for receiving user input for initiating the wireless communication of the at least one of the plurality of command signals, said means for receiving further comprising:
means for generating a first command signal to initiate a power on sequence of the computer and a launching by the computer of a first application;
means for generating a second command signal to initiate the power on sequence of the computer and a launching by the computer of a second application different than the first application; and
means for generating a third command signal to initiate the power on sequence of the computer without launching an application.
17. The remote control device of claim 16, wherein the first and second applications are user-defined applications.
18. The remote control device of claim 16, wherein the wireless communication is radio frequency communication.
19. The remote control device of claim 18, wherein said means for wirelessly communicating has a communication range of approximately 200 to 500 feet.
20. The remote control device of claim 16, further comprising means for attaching the means for housing to a portable personal item.
US11/311,715 2000-05-18 2005-12-19 Systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer Abandoned US20060092041A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/311,715 US20060092041A1 (en) 2000-05-18 2005-12-19 Systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/574,736 US7005966B1 (en) 2000-05-18 2000-05-18 Remote computer controller and control method
US11/311,715 US20060092041A1 (en) 2000-05-18 2005-12-19 Systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/574,736 Continuation US7005966B1 (en) 2000-05-18 2000-05-18 Remote computer controller and control method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060092041A1 true US20060092041A1 (en) 2006-05-04

Family

ID=35922770

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/574,736 Expired - Lifetime US7005966B1 (en) 2000-05-18 2000-05-18 Remote computer controller and control method
US11/311,715 Abandoned US20060092041A1 (en) 2000-05-18 2005-12-19 Systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/574,736 Expired - Lifetime US7005966B1 (en) 2000-05-18 2000-05-18 Remote computer controller and control method

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US7005966B1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050198253A1 (en) * 2002-05-06 2005-09-08 Geert Prummel Binding procedure
US20060258342A1 (en) * 2005-04-21 2006-11-16 Kenny Fok Methods and apparatus for providing wireless device-centric control of an external computing device
US7526286B1 (en) 2008-05-23 2009-04-28 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for controlling a computer via a mobile device
US10212207B2 (en) 2013-08-21 2019-02-19 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Method and apparatus for accessing devices and services

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7292157B2 (en) * 2003-05-26 2007-11-06 Onkyo Corporation Remote control system for controlling installed program
US8024584B2 (en) * 2003-10-01 2011-09-20 Ati Technologies Ulc Remote connection system capable of generating a wake-up command and method thereof
US20050156568A1 (en) * 2003-12-30 2005-07-21 Yueh Wen H. Power supply with AC and DC back-up power
US8063749B2 (en) * 2006-05-16 2011-11-22 X10 Ltd. Multifunctional two-way remote control device
TW200811682A (en) * 2006-08-28 2008-03-01 Seco Technology Co Ltd Centralized transmission restriction management device and method of a computer via remote cipher handling
BRPI0909034A2 (en) * 2008-03-05 2018-05-29 Masco Corp User interface for wireless lighting control.
US8887052B1 (en) 2009-01-09 2014-11-11 Google Inc. Presentation remote control
AT508138B1 (en) * 2009-06-30 2010-11-15 Blum Gmbh Julius ELECTRONIC CONTROL OR CONTROL DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN OR ON FURNITURE
US8275256B2 (en) * 2009-08-14 2012-09-25 International Business Machines Corporation Power up of device via optical serial interface
US9257040B2 (en) * 2011-06-30 2016-02-09 Flirc, Inc. Method and device for learning and playing back electromagnetic signals
US9569229B1 (en) * 2013-07-29 2017-02-14 Western Digital Technologies, Inc. Automatic start of an application at start up for a media player appliance

Citations (33)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4308615A (en) * 1979-09-17 1981-12-29 Honeywell Information Systems Inc. Microprocessor based maintenance system
US4531740A (en) * 1983-06-22 1985-07-30 Cynex Manufacturing Corporation Remote control system for a video computer game
US4639881A (en) * 1982-06-01 1987-01-27 M.A.N.-Roland Druckmaschinen Ag. Data input unit and method for printing machines
US4647721A (en) * 1985-03-19 1987-03-03 Dynatech Computer Power, Inc. Telephone activated power controller
US4751578A (en) * 1985-05-28 1988-06-14 David P. Gordon System for electronically controllably viewing on a television updateable television programming information
US4998240A (en) * 1989-08-15 1991-03-05 C & P Of Virginia Method of and system for remote testing of integrated services digital networks
US5014218A (en) * 1986-12-24 1991-05-07 Halliburton Company Using a remote control computer connected to a vocal control computer and a monitor computer
US5051720A (en) * 1989-11-13 1991-09-24 Secure Telecom, Inc. Remote control system using power line of remote site
US5107258A (en) * 1986-04-22 1992-04-21 Rene Soum Wireless remote control high security system permitting the opening or theft-proof closing of relays actuating systems such as locks
US5204768A (en) * 1991-02-12 1993-04-20 Mind Path Technologies, Inc. Remote controlled electronic presentation system
US5388211A (en) * 1989-04-28 1995-02-07 Softel, Inc. Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software
US5408582A (en) * 1990-07-30 1995-04-18 Colier; Ronald L. Method and apparatus adapted for an audibly-driven, handheld, keyless and mouseless computer for performing a user-centered natural computer language
US5457742A (en) * 1993-10-18 1995-10-10 Datalogic Corporation Wireless telephone remote control system
US5457478A (en) * 1992-10-26 1995-10-10 Firstperson, Inc. Control device
US5497479A (en) * 1989-04-28 1996-03-05 Softel, Inc. Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software
US5521631A (en) * 1994-05-25 1996-05-28 Spectravision, Inc. Interactive digital video services system with store and forward capabilities
US5553245A (en) * 1994-05-11 1996-09-03 Macronix International Co., Ltd. Automatic configuration of multiple peripheral interface subsystems in a computer system
US5596628A (en) * 1994-02-09 1997-01-21 Klein; Jon Method and apparatus for initiating loading of software in a personal computer in response to an incoming signal
US5613095A (en) * 1994-10-31 1997-03-18 Motorola, Inc. Peripheral card having independent functionally and method used therewith
US5641319A (en) * 1994-08-10 1997-06-24 Lodgenet Entertainment Corporation Entertainment system for providing interactive video game responses to the game interrogations to the video game engines without being processed by the host computer
US5650774A (en) * 1987-09-08 1997-07-22 Clifford Electronics, Inc. Electronically programmable remote control access system
US5692214A (en) * 1981-12-14 1997-11-25 Levine; Michael R. System for unattended recording of video programs by remote control code transmitter module which receives user selections from a personal computer
US5742514A (en) * 1992-10-20 1998-04-21 Compaq Computer Corporation Integrated remote asynchronous power switch
US5801689A (en) * 1996-01-22 1998-09-01 Extended Systems, Inc. Hypertext based remote graphic user interface control system
US5812115A (en) * 1997-01-14 1998-09-22 Aplus, Inc. Composite mouse assembly
US5856789A (en) * 1997-09-23 1999-01-05 Huang; Der-Shyun Power supply switching of a computer system by a remote controller
US5948084A (en) * 1996-08-20 1999-09-07 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. System for remotely controlling a computer having a user interface software communicating with a device driver and driving an application software to perform operation based on a combined key signal
US5977886A (en) * 1997-10-10 1999-11-02 Ericsson Inc. Systems and methods for communicating between a user input device and an application using adaptively selected code sets
US6289464B1 (en) * 1998-01-07 2001-09-11 Microsoft Corporation Receiving wireless information on a mobile device with reduced power consumption
US6311282B1 (en) * 1996-02-27 2001-10-30 Fujitsu Personal Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for computing device with status display
US6392534B1 (en) * 1996-08-22 2002-05-21 Kenneth E. Flick Remote control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods
US6396438B1 (en) * 1999-09-24 2002-05-28 Slc Technologies System and method for locating radio frequency identification tags using three-phase antenna
US6675300B1 (en) * 1999-03-12 2004-01-06 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Remote controlled computer system and management method having an identification number

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH09282065A (en) * 1996-04-17 1997-10-31 Terubumi Honjo Personal computer operation learning reproducing system

Patent Citations (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4308615A (en) * 1979-09-17 1981-12-29 Honeywell Information Systems Inc. Microprocessor based maintenance system
US5692214A (en) * 1981-12-14 1997-11-25 Levine; Michael R. System for unattended recording of video programs by remote control code transmitter module which receives user selections from a personal computer
US4639881A (en) * 1982-06-01 1987-01-27 M.A.N.-Roland Druckmaschinen Ag. Data input unit and method for printing machines
US4531740A (en) * 1983-06-22 1985-07-30 Cynex Manufacturing Corporation Remote control system for a video computer game
US4647721A (en) * 1985-03-19 1987-03-03 Dynatech Computer Power, Inc. Telephone activated power controller
US4751578A (en) * 1985-05-28 1988-06-14 David P. Gordon System for electronically controllably viewing on a television updateable television programming information
US5107258A (en) * 1986-04-22 1992-04-21 Rene Soum Wireless remote control high security system permitting the opening or theft-proof closing of relays actuating systems such as locks
US5014218A (en) * 1986-12-24 1991-05-07 Halliburton Company Using a remote control computer connected to a vocal control computer and a monitor computer
US5650774A (en) * 1987-09-08 1997-07-22 Clifford Electronics, Inc. Electronically programmable remote control access system
US5497479A (en) * 1989-04-28 1996-03-05 Softel, Inc. Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software
US5613089A (en) * 1989-04-28 1997-03-18 Softel, Inc. Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software
US5388211A (en) * 1989-04-28 1995-02-07 Softel, Inc. Method and apparatus for remotely controlling and monitoring the use of computer software
US4998240A (en) * 1989-08-15 1991-03-05 C & P Of Virginia Method of and system for remote testing of integrated services digital networks
US5051720A (en) * 1989-11-13 1991-09-24 Secure Telecom, Inc. Remote control system using power line of remote site
US5408582A (en) * 1990-07-30 1995-04-18 Colier; Ronald L. Method and apparatus adapted for an audibly-driven, handheld, keyless and mouseless computer for performing a user-centered natural computer language
US5204768A (en) * 1991-02-12 1993-04-20 Mind Path Technologies, Inc. Remote controlled electronic presentation system
US5742514A (en) * 1992-10-20 1998-04-21 Compaq Computer Corporation Integrated remote asynchronous power switch
US5457478A (en) * 1992-10-26 1995-10-10 Firstperson, Inc. Control device
US5457742A (en) * 1993-10-18 1995-10-10 Datalogic Corporation Wireless telephone remote control system
US5596628A (en) * 1994-02-09 1997-01-21 Klein; Jon Method and apparatus for initiating loading of software in a personal computer in response to an incoming signal
US5553245A (en) * 1994-05-11 1996-09-03 Macronix International Co., Ltd. Automatic configuration of multiple peripheral interface subsystems in a computer system
US5521631A (en) * 1994-05-25 1996-05-28 Spectravision, Inc. Interactive digital video services system with store and forward capabilities
US5641319A (en) * 1994-08-10 1997-06-24 Lodgenet Entertainment Corporation Entertainment system for providing interactive video game responses to the game interrogations to the video game engines without being processed by the host computer
US5613095A (en) * 1994-10-31 1997-03-18 Motorola, Inc. Peripheral card having independent functionally and method used therewith
US5801689A (en) * 1996-01-22 1998-09-01 Extended Systems, Inc. Hypertext based remote graphic user interface control system
US6311282B1 (en) * 1996-02-27 2001-10-30 Fujitsu Personal Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for computing device with status display
US5948084A (en) * 1996-08-20 1999-09-07 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. System for remotely controlling a computer having a user interface software communicating with a device driver and driving an application software to perform operation based on a combined key signal
US6392534B1 (en) * 1996-08-22 2002-05-21 Kenneth E. Flick Remote control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods
US5812115A (en) * 1997-01-14 1998-09-22 Aplus, Inc. Composite mouse assembly
US5856789A (en) * 1997-09-23 1999-01-05 Huang; Der-Shyun Power supply switching of a computer system by a remote controller
US5977886A (en) * 1997-10-10 1999-11-02 Ericsson Inc. Systems and methods for communicating between a user input device and an application using adaptively selected code sets
US6289464B1 (en) * 1998-01-07 2001-09-11 Microsoft Corporation Receiving wireless information on a mobile device with reduced power consumption
US6675300B1 (en) * 1999-03-12 2004-01-06 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Remote controlled computer system and management method having an identification number
US6396438B1 (en) * 1999-09-24 2002-05-28 Slc Technologies System and method for locating radio frequency identification tags using three-phase antenna

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050198253A1 (en) * 2002-05-06 2005-09-08 Geert Prummel Binding procedure
US8417358B2 (en) * 2002-05-06 2013-04-09 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. System for binding controller to controlled substations
US20060258342A1 (en) * 2005-04-21 2006-11-16 Kenny Fok Methods and apparatus for providing wireless device-centric control of an external computing device
US7526286B1 (en) 2008-05-23 2009-04-28 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for controlling a computer via a mobile device
US10212207B2 (en) 2013-08-21 2019-02-19 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Method and apparatus for accessing devices and services

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7005966B1 (en) 2006-02-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20060092041A1 (en) Systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer
US6618580B2 (en) Apparatus and method for remotely powering-down a wireless transceiver
US7353416B2 (en) Wireless access point seek mode for wireless access clients
EP1209661B1 (en) Universal remote control adapted to receive voice input
KR101038840B1 (en) Initiating computer system power-up from a usb keyboard
JPH1039967A (en) Storage device for individual for application and data transfer
US20060252372A1 (en) Bluetooth transmission system and method
JP2000187715A (en) Interface using electronic tag
GB2409918A (en) Docking station deactivating a computer when a wireless mouse is docked
KR100322467B1 (en) multiuser computer system and remote control method thereof
WO2001027895A1 (en) Combined wireless telephone and remote controller with voice commands
US5856789A (en) Power supply switching of a computer system by a remote controller
KR20010034141A (en) Apparatus and method for prevention of accidental activation of keys in a wireless communication device
US6397089B1 (en) Portable terminal device
US20030087666A1 (en) Portable computer
US6957082B2 (en) Electronic device having power saving function and extension unit
KR100291001B1 (en) Method for managing a phonebook of cordless telephone using personal computer
EP1793358A2 (en) Remote control system and control method thereof
US6684325B1 (en) Method and system for automatically setting an operational mode of a computer device based on received or detected environmental information
CN112071049A (en) Remote control system and remote control method of intelligent machine
US7337015B2 (en) Method and apparatus for controlling digital electronic products
JP2000129978A (en) Door lock opening and closing system
JP2005267645A (en) Wireless mouse
EP1675083A1 (en) Method and apparatus for controlling digital elelctronic products
JPH09233563A (en) Portable information terminal, main body information equipment and communication system for the same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC., IDAHO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LEMAN, MICHAEL V.;CREESE, WILLIAM M.;REEL/FRAME:022347/0514;SIGNING DATES FROM 20000424 TO 20000513

Owner name: MEI CALIFORNIA, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022347/0612

Effective date: 20010322

Owner name: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC., IDAHO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MEI CALIFORNIA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022347/0631

Effective date: 20010322

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION