111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US 20120249890Al
`
`(19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Chardon et al.
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0249890 A1
`Oct. 4, 2012
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
`CONFIGURATION AND OPERATION OF A
`REMOTE-CONTROL SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Jean-Michel Chardon, Toronto
`(CA); Eric Raeber, Redwood City,
`CA (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`Logitech Europe S.A., Morges
`(CH)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`13/077,750
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar. 31, 2011
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2011.01)
`H04N 5144
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................. 348/734; 348/E05.096
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A method for configuring a remote-control system includes
`querying via a bus a High Definition Multi-Media Interface
`(HDMI) display for an Extended Display Identification Data
`(EDID) for the HDMI display; receiving via the bus from the
`HDMI display the EDID for the HDMI display; and storing
`via a processor in a memory the EDID and a link between the
`EDID of the HDMI display a set of command codes config(cid:173)
`ured for controlling the HDMI display.
`
`105a
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`105b
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`145
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`140
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`·lle:S Ill}
`
`Roku EX1005
`U.S. Patent No. 9,716,853
`
`

`

`105a
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Oct. 4, 2012 Sheet 2 of 7
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`US 2012/0249890 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 4, 2012 Sheet 3 of 7
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`US 2012/0249890 A1
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`At least one of the remote-control engines (e.g., the remote-control engine operating on the multi-media gateway) is configured
`to monitor the CEC bus and determine a set of CEC command codes that is transmitted over the CEC bus.
`
`The remote-control engine monitoring the CEC command codes is configured to compare the CEC command codes on the bus with sets
`of known CEC command codes for the HOM I appliances that received the command codes transmitted over the CEC bus.
`
`•
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`\.. 400
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`'- 450
`
`The remote-control engine is configured to identify CEC command codes, which are transmitted over
`the bus and that are not in the sets of known CEC command codes.
`
`The CEC command codes that are unrecognized (i.e., not in the sets of known CEC command
`codes) are stored in the local memory and are identified therein as being unrecognized
`
`The unrecognized CEC command codes may be transferred from the remote-control engine to the remote server.
`
`The remote server may query the remote database to determine whether the unrecognized CEC command codes
`are included in sets of known CEC command codes, which are stored in the remote database.
`
`•
`•
`•
`•
`•
`•
`
`If the unrecognized CEC command codes are included in sets of known CEC command codes stored in the remote database, the remote
`server may be configured to transfer function information for the unrecognized CEC command code to the remote-control engine so that
`the remote-control engine will thereafter recognize the previously unrecognized CEC command codes.
`
`'- 460
`
`The remote-control engine may be configured to store the function information and the CEC command code associated with the function
`information in the local memory
`
`If the remote server determines that the unrecognized CEC command codes are not stored in the remote database, the remote server
`may store the unrecognized CEC command codes in the remote database with information indicating that
`these CEC command codes are unrecognized.
`
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`The remote-control engine of the remote-control system is configured to transmit a CEC command code to
`an HOM I appliance via an HOM I cable
`
`'- 500
`
`The HOM I appliance is configured to send a response back to the remote-control engine of the remote-control system over the HOM I
`cable where the response indicates whether the CEC command code was received and executed by the HOM I appliance. If the
`remote-control engine does not receive the response from the HOM I appliance, the remote-control engine is configured
`to assume that the HOM I appliance did not receive the CEC command code or did not properly execute the CEC command code.
`
`•
`•
`+
`
`The remote-control engine is configured to identify CEC command codes, which are transmitted over
`the bus and that are not in the sets of known CEC command codes.
`
`The remote-control engine will then determine an IR command code to send to the HOM I appliance that directs
`the HOM I appliance to perform the same set of functions as the CEC command code.
`
`The multi-media gateway operating the remote-control engine transmits theIR command code to the HOM I appliance.
`
`+
`
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`

`

`A remote control device that is configured to transmit a set of IR command codes to a first HOM I appliance, such as the HOM I display.
`
`'-
`
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`
`'-
`
`610
`
`'-
`
`620
`
`•
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`+
`
`The first HOM I appliance receiving the set of IR command codes may transmit a set of CEC command code to
`a second HOM I appliance (e.g., an HOM I DVD player) in response to receiving the set of IR command codes.
`
`The remote control engine is configured to monitor the CEC bus for a response from the second HOM I appliance to determine whether
`the second HOM I appliance received the set of CEC command codes from the first HOM I appliance.
`
`If the remote control engine does not detect a response indicating that the second HOM I appliance received and executed the set of CEC
`command codes issued by the first HOM I appliance, the remote control engine controls the multi-media gateway to issue a set of IR
`command codes to the second HOM I after a delay so that the set of IR command codes issued by the multi-media gateway, for example,
`are received by the second HOM I appliance sufficiently after the set of IR command codes issued by the remote control device so that
`the second HOM I appliance is configured to receive and execute the set of IR command codes issued by multi-media gateway.
`
`FIG. 6
`
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`

`

`Based on a received input for raising the volume, the remote-control engine is configured to direct a "source" of a media stream to
`increase the embedded-digital -volume in the media stream.
`
`t
`
`The source of the media stream is configured to decode the media stream, raise the embedded-digital volume,
`and then encode the media stream with the raised embedded-digital volume.
`
`t
`
`The source is then configured to transmit the media stream to another appliance.
`
`If the multi-media gateway receives the media stream from the source, the multi-media gateway may transfer the media stream
`to the HOM I display or the like for play thereon.
`
`+
`
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`

`

`US 2012/0249890 AI
`
`Oct. 4, 2012
`
`1
`
`APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR
`CONFIGURATION AND OPERATION OF A
`REMOTE-CONTROL SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention generally relates to remote(cid:173)
`control systems. More particularly, embodiments of the
`present invention relate to a remote-control system config(cid:173)
`ured to operate on a variety of remote control platforms, such
`as High Definition Multi-Media Interface appliances.
`[0002] Traditional remote-control devices for controlling
`appliances have typically been hand-held electronic devices,
`and have typically been configured to control a variety of
`appliances including televisions, DVD players, stereo equip(cid:173)
`ment (e.g., CD players, tuners, amplifiers, etc.), personal
`video recorders (PVRs), set-top-boxes (cable television tun(cid:173)
`ers, satellite dish tuners, etc.), surround sound devices, other
`remote-control devices (e.g., IR blasters, RF blasters, etc.),
`media applications on a computer, or other types of processor
`controlled devices, etc. Some remote-control devices are also
`configured to control heating systems, cooling systems, light(cid:173)
`ing, window coverings, and the like.
`[0003] Modem remote-control devices have progressed
`from traditional hand-held electronic devices to remote-con(cid:173)
`trol systems that may be embedded in appliances, blasters,
`set-top-boxes, bridges, etc. One or more components of such
`embedded systems may continue to be hand-held, either in a
`form factor similar to a traditional remote-control device, or
`as a software-based controller embedded in hand-held
`devices, such as smartphones. As is well known by those of
`skill in the art, the High Definition Multi-Media Interface
`(HDMI) standard specifies the Consumer Electronic Control
`(CEC) standard, which provides for connected HDMI appli(cid:173)
`ances (e.g., connected via HDMI cables) to remotely control
`one another. That is, the CEC standard provides that con(cid:173)
`nected HDMI appliance may each include a remote-control
`system, which is embedded in an HDMI appliance, where
`each remote-control system in each connected HDMI appli(cid:173)
`ance may control the other connected HDMI appliances. The
`CEC standard is an option standard and is not required to be
`implemented in HDMI appliances. The goal of the CEC stan(cid:173)
`dard is to simplifY the remote control ofHDMI appliances by
`providing that a single command entered in one HDMI appli(cid:173)
`ance may be proliferated throughout a set of HDMI appli(cid:173)
`ances to place the set of HDMI appliances in a desired state.
`For example, one of the more commonly expected remote
`control functions under the CEC standard is "one touch play."
`For one touch play, an HDMI DVD player, for example,
`receiving a play command to play a DVD may issue CEC
`command codes to an HD MI TV to power on, switch the input
`to the HDMI DVD player, and format the screen dimensions
`(e.g., widescreen) for the DVD. The HDMI DVD player may
`also issue CEC command codes to an HDMI surround sound
`system to power on and adjust to a given volume level and
`sound equalization setting. The foregoing described remote(cid:173)
`control operation has traditionally required a series of button
`presses on one or more traditional remote-control devices.
`The CEC standard provides that these multiple commands
`may be accomplished with a single button press (e.g., press of
`the play button on the HDMI DVD player, the press of the
`play button on a traditional remote-control device configured
`to control the HDMI DVD player, etc.).
`[0004] While the CEC standard was designed to simplify
`remote control operations, the CEC standard introduces a
`
`into remote-control systems
`number of complications
`embedded in HDMI devices. One complication that the CEC
`standard introduces is the allowance of custom CEC com(cid:173)
`mand codes for HDMI appliances. More specifically, custom
`CEC command codes may be created for some HDMI appli(cid:173)
`ances where these custom CEC command codes are unrec(cid:173)
`ognized and not understood by other HDMI appliances.
`Therefore, not all HDMI appliances that are interconnected
`will be configured to understand the custom CEC command
`codes of other HDMI appliances. Further, the CEC standard
`provides limited solutions for correcting and compensating
`for failed CEC command codes.
`[0005] Therefore, new remote-control systems, such as
`new embedded remote-control systems, are needed to pro(cid:173)
`vide solutions for known short comings in the CEC standard
`as well as to provide enhanced functions not specified by the
`CEC standard.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] The present invention generally relates to remote(cid:173)
`control systems. More particularly, embodiments of the
`present invention relate to a remote-control system config(cid:173)
`ured to operate on a variety of remote control platforms, such
`as HDMI appliances.
`[0007] According to one embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion, a method for configuring a remote-control system
`includes querying via a bus a High Definition Multi-Media
`Interface (HDMI) display for an Extended Display Identifi(cid:173)
`cation Data (EDID) for the HDMI display; receiving via the
`bus from the HDMI display the EDID for the HDMI display;
`and storing via a processor in a memory the EDID and a link
`between the EDID of the HDMI display a set of command
`codes configured for controlling the HDMI display.
`[0008] According to a specific embodiment, the set of com(cid:173)
`mand codes is a set of IR command codes or a set of CEC
`command codes. According to another specific embodiment,
`the method further includes storing via a processor in the
`memory another link between the EDID of the HDMI display
`and a model number for the HDMI display. According to
`another specific embodiment, the method further includes
`determining the model number from an inference from opera(cid:173)
`tion of a remote-control device, from querying a user of the
`remote-control device, or from downloading to the remote(cid:173)
`control system the model number from a remote database.
`[0009] According to another specific embodiment, the
`method further includes storing via a processor in the
`memory another link between the EDID of the HDMI display
`and a make of the HDMI display. The memory may be a local
`memory of the remote-control system or a remote memory
`accessible by a plurality of remote-control systems.
`[0010] According to one embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion, a method for configuring a remote-control system
`includes querying via a bus a set of High Definition Multi(cid:173)
`Media Interface (HDMI) appliances for a set of Consumer
`Electronic Control (CEC) identifiers, where the HDMI appli(cid:173)
`ances of the set ofHDMI appliances are respectively associ(cid:173)
`ated with the CEC vendor identifiers of the set ofCEC vendor
`identifiers. The method further includes receiving via the bus
`from the set of HDMI appliances the set of CEC vendor
`identifiers. The method further includes storing via a proces(cid:173)
`sor in a memory the set ofCEC vendor identifiers, and a set of
`links that respectively link in the memory the CEC vendor
`identifiers in the set of CEC vendor identifiers with sets of
`command codes for the set of HDMI appliances.
`
`

`

`US 2012/0249890 AI
`
`Oct. 4, 2012
`
`2
`
`[0011] According to a specific embodiment, the method
`further includes storing via a processor in the memory
`another set of links respectively linking the CEC vendor
`identifiers of the set of CEC vendor identifiers and make
`identifiers of a set of make identifiers, which identify the
`HDMI appliances in set of HDMI appliances. According to
`another specific embodiment, the method further includes
`storing via a processor in the memory another set of links
`between the CEC vendor identifiers of the set of CEC vendor
`identifiers and model numbers of a set of model number for
`the HDMI appliances in the set ofHDMI appliances.
`[0012] According to one embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion, a method for operating a remote-control system includes
`monitoring a Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) bus for a
`CEC command code transmitted over the CEC bus from a first
`HDMI appliance to a second HDMI appliance, which is con(cid:173)
`nected to the first HDMI appliances via an HDMI link. The
`method further includes monitoring the CEC bus for a
`response issued from the second HDMI appliance in response
`to receipt and execution of the CEC command code. The
`method further includes, if a response is not issued from the
`second HDMI appliance: i) determining an IR command code
`that corresponds to the CEC command code for the second
`HDMI appliance, and ii) transmitting the IR command code
`to the second HDMI appliance to perform a function associ(cid:173)
`ated with the CEC command code. The method further
`includes, if a response is issued from the second HDMI appli(cid:173)
`ance, not transmitting an IR command code to the second
`HDMI appliance.
`[0013] According to a specific embodiment, the method
`further includes not transmitting an IR command code to the
`second HDMI appliance if a response is not issued from the
`second HDMI appliance and if the second HDMI appliance is
`not configured to issue a response for receipt and execution of
`the CEC command code. According to another specific
`embodiment,
`the method further includes determining
`whether the second HDMI appliance is configured to transmit
`a response for receipt and execution of the CEC command
`code. The determining step may includes receiving from a
`remote database information for whether the second HDMI
`appliance is configured to transmit a response for receipt and
`execution of the CEC command code.
`[0014] According to another specific embodiment, the
`method further includes if a response is not issued from the
`second HDMI appliance, then storing failure information in a
`memory for the CEC command code; and if a response is
`issued from the second HDMI appliance, then storing in
`memory pass information for the CEC command code. A
`function of theIR command code matches a function of the
`CEC command code.
`[0015] According to one embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion, a method for building a database of command codes
`includes monitoring a CEC bus for a set of CEC command
`codes transmitted over the CEC bus; and comparing the set of
`CEC command codes transmitted over the CEC bus with sets
`of known CEC command codes for an HDMI appliances that
`received the set ofCEC command codes. The method further
`includes identifYing a subset ofCEC command codes, which
`are included in the set of CEC command codes and which are
`not in the sets ofknown CEC command codes; and storing the
`subset of CEC command codes in memory as unrecognized.
`[0016] According to a specific embodiment, the method
`further includes transferring the subset of CEC command
`codes to a remote database to query the remote database
`
`whether the CEC command codes in the subset ofCEC com(cid:173)
`mand codes are stored in the remote database as recognized.
`According to another specific embodiment, the method fur(cid:173)
`ther includes transferring function information for the subset
`of CEC command codes to the remote-control engine for use
`thereby, if the subset of CEC command codes are included in
`a set of known CEC command codes stored in the remote
`database. According to another specific embodiment, the
`method further includes analyzing the subset of CEC com(cid:173)
`mand codes to determine the functions of the subset ofCEC
`command codes, if the subset ofCEC command codes are not
`included in a set of known CEC command codes stored in the
`remote database.
`[0017] According to one embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion, a volume control method for controlling a volume of
`sound output from an appliance configured to receive a media
`stream, the method includes receiving an input at a multi(cid:173)
`media gateway for raising the volume of sound output by an
`appliance for a media stream; and raising in the multi-media
`gateway an embedded-digital volume embedded in the media
`stream. The method further includes thereafter, transmitting
`the media-stream to the appliance for play on the appliance.
`[0018] According to a specific embodiment, the method
`further includes if the received input causes the embedded(cid:173)
`digital volume to be raised by the multi-media appliance to an
`embedded-digital volume maximum, directing the appliance
`to raise an analog volume control for the media stream.
`According to another specific embodiment, the method fur(cid:173)
`ther includes if the received input causes the embedded-digi(cid:173)
`tal volume to be raised to a level below the embedded-digital
`volume maximum, thereafter maintaining the analog volume
`at a constant level.
`[0019] According to another specific embodiment, the
`method further includes receiving a second input at the multi(cid:173)
`media gateway or lowering the volume of sound output by the
`appliance; and directing the appliance to lower an analog
`volume control for the appliance.
`[0020] While the foregoing paragraphs of the summary
`section describe several embodiments related to i) linking sets
`ofCEC command codes to EDIDs and CEC vendor IDs, ii)
`building CEC command code databases, iii) determining
`CEC command code failures and action taken in view thereof
`(e.g., determining substitute command codes therefore,
`building a CEC command code database, etc.), the embodi(cid:173)
`ments described herein are not so limited. Specifically,
`embodiments that are described with respect to sets of CEC
`command codes may be equally applied to other sets of com(cid:173)
`mand codes, such as set of IR command code, set of RF
`command codes, etc. For example, the embodiment described
`herein may be applied to linking EDIDs to IR command
`codes, linking CEC vendor IDs to IR command codes, deter(cid:173)
`mining whether IR command codes fail and determining
`alternative command codes therefore. Various embodiment of
`the present invention may be operable with bi-directional and
`two-way wired and wireless protocols (e.g., IP, RF, such as
`BT, etc.) over a standard medium or an open medium.
`[0021] These and other benefits of the embodiments of the
`present invention will be apparent from review the following
`specification and attached figures.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0022] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of an entertainment
`system according to one embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion;
`
`

`

`US 2012/0249890 AI
`
`Oct. 4, 2012
`
`3
`
`[0023] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of a remote-control
`system that may be included in a set of the HDMI appliances,
`a multi-media gateway, and/or a remote-control device;
`[0024] FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic of an entertainment
`system according to another embodiment of the present
`invention;
`[0025] FIG. 4 is a high-level flow diagram of a method for
`building a database of command codes according to one
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[0026] FIG. 5 is a high-level flow diagram of a method for
`operating a remote-control engine on a remote-control sys(cid:173)
`tem of the multi-media gateway according to one embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention
`[0027] FIG. 6 is a high-level flow diagram of a method for
`operating a remote-control engine on a remote-control sys(cid:173)
`tem of the multi-media gateway according to one embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention; and
`[0028] FIG. 7 is a high-level flow diagram of a method for
`raising the volume of sound generated by an appliance so as
`to reduce the signal to noise ration of the sound.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0029] The present invention generally provides a remote(cid:173)
`control system. More particularly, embodiments of the
`present invention provide a remote-control system configured
`to operate on a variety of remote control platforms, such as
`High Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) appliances.
`
`Entertainment System Overview
`
`[0030] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of an entertainment
`system 100 according to one embodiment of the present
`invention. Entertainment system 100 includes a set ofHDMI
`appliances 105 and a multi-media gateway 110. A set as
`defined herein includes one or more elements. The set of
`HDMI appliances may include an HDMI display 105a and a
`set ofHDMI sources 105b. The set ofHDMI sources may be
`configured to source media (e.g., audio, video, still images,
`applications, etc.). The set of HDMI sources may include a
`set-top-box (e.g., cable set-top-box, satellite set-top-box,
`etc.), a personal video recorder (PVR), a DVD player (e.g., a
`Blu-ray ™ disk player), a computer (desktop, laptop, netbook,
`tablet, PDA, etc.), a smartphone, a portable media player
`(iPod™, iPad™, etc.), a digital camera, a digital video cam(cid:173)
`era, a digital media adapter, etc. According to some embodi(cid:173)
`ments, two or more of these HDMI sources may be combined
`into a single electronic device. For example, the set-top-box
`may be combined with the PVR, DVD player, etc. The HDMI
`sources may be configured to source media to multi-media
`gateway 110 and HDMI display 105a. One or more of the
`HDMI sources may be configured to source media to another
`HDMI source. For example, a set-top-box may be an HDMI
`source for a PVR. Multi-media gateway 110 may be config(cid:173)
`ured to operate the Google TvrM platform and may be a TV
`host. Multi-media gateway 110 may be the Logitech Revue™
`multi-media gateway.
`[0031] According to a further embodiment of the present
`invention, entertainment system 100 includes a remote-con(cid:173)
`trol device 115. Remote-control device 115 may be a hand(cid:173)
`held remote-control device, such as a universal remote-con(cid:173)
`trol device. The remote-control device may be the remote(cid:173)
`control keyboard of the Logitech Revue™ multi-media
`gateway, a Logitech Harmony™ Remote Control, a smart(cid:173)
`phone device with a remote-control software application, etc.
`
`[0032] According to another embodiment, entertainment
`system 100 includes a computer 122 or may be configured to
`communicate with computer 122. Computer 122 may include
`a computer memory (hard disk drive, flash memory, optical
`drive, etc.) configured to store computer code. Computer 122
`may also include a display, and a set of input devices, which
`may include a computer keyboard, a mouse, etc. The remote(cid:173)
`control system (e.g., operating on one of the HDMI appli(cid:173)
`ances, the multi-media gateway, or the remote-control
`device) may be configured to communicate with computer
`122 via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the
`remote-control system operating on the multi-media gateway
`may be configured to communicate with computer 122 via an
`Ethernet connection, a coaxial cable connection, a WiFi link
`provided by a local wireless router, Home RF, etc. Remote(cid:173)
`control device 115 may similarly be configured to communi(cid:173)
`cate with computer 122 via a docked connection, a WiFi link
`provided by a wireless router, Home RF, etc.
`[0033] Computer 122 may be configured to communicate
`with a remote server 125 via a network 130 (e.g., the Internet).
`A server (e.g., remote server 125) as referred to herein
`includes one or both of a server computer and server software
`(e.g., a server operating system) operating on the server com(cid:173)
`puter. Remote server 125 may include a computer memory
`(hard disk drive, flash memory, optical drive, etc.) configured
`to store computer code. Remote server 125 may also include
`a display, and a set of input devices, which may include a
`computer keyboard, a mouse, etc. Remote server 125 may be
`coupled to a remote database 135. Remote database 135 is
`configured to store sets of command codes, such as sets ofiR
`command codes and sets ofCEC command codes, which may
`include custom CEC command codes. The remote database is
`also configured to store a "link" that associates a set of com(cid:173)
`mand codes with an appliance (e.g., an HDMI appliance) that
`is configured to understand the set of command codes. The
`remote database may store the sets of command codes and the
`links under control of the remote server. For example, the
`remote server may be configured to direct the remote database
`to store a link that associates a given Sony Internet TV with
`the set of command codes (e.g., IR command codes and/or
`CEC command codes) configured to control the Sony Internet
`TV.
`[0034] While the foregoing description describes a remote
`database being configured to store sets of command codes,
`links that associate sets of command codes with appliances,
`etc., the sets of command codes, links between set of com(cid:173)
`mand codes, etc., may be alternatively store, or additionally
`stored, in other storage devices, such as the storage devices of
`computer 122, the storage devices of the multi-media gate(cid:173)
`way, any of the HDMI appliances, etc.
`[0035] According to some embodiments, the multi-media
`gateway and the circuits therein may be configured to perform
`the methods of operation of computer 122 described above.
`According to an embodiment where the multi -media gateway
`is configured to perform the methods of operation of com(cid:173)
`puter 122, the multi-media gateway may communicate
`directly with the remote server 125 and/or the remote data(cid:173)
`base 135 via the network. According to an embodiment where
`the HDMI display includes computer 122 or is configured to
`perform the methods of computer 122, the HDMI display
`may communicate directly with the remote server 125 and/or
`the remote database 135 via the network.
`[0036] According to one embodiment, one or more of the
`HDMI appliances and/or the multi-media gateway may be
`
`

`

`US 2012/0249890 AI
`
`Oct. 4, 2012
`
`4
`
`configured to operate as remote-control devices for the other
`HDMI appliances. Each HDMI appliance and the multi-me(cid:173)
`dia gateway may include a remote-control system 140, which
`is configured to run a remote-control engine 145.
`[0037] According to a further embodiment, entertainment
`system 100 may includes other HDMI appliances configured
`to play media, such as sound. These other HDMI appliance
`may include speakers, headsets, headphones, in-ear monitors
`etc.
`[0038] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of a remote-control
`system 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention that may be included in any or each of the HDMI
`appliances and the multi-media gateway. Remote-control
`system 140 includes a processor 205 (e.g., a microprocessor,
`a controller, such as a microcontroller, control logic, etc.), a
`memory 210, a set of transceivers 210, and a bus 215.
`[0039] Memory 210 may be configured to store a local file
`or a local database 220, which includes sets of command
`codes. The sets of command codes in the local file or the local
`database may include at least one set of IR command codes
`(configured to be transmitted in IR or RF). The sets of com(cid:173)
`mand codes in the local file or the local database may also
`include at least one set of Consumer Electronic Control
`(CEC) command codes. The set ofCEC command codes may
`be the standard CEC command codes specified by the HDMI
`standard or may be custom CEC command codes, which are
`permitted by the CEC standard. Memory 210 may be also
`configured to store computer code (e.g., compiled computer
`code) for one or more applications executable by the proces(cid:173)
`sor. According to one specific embodiment, memory 210 is
`configured to store an application for remote-control engine
`145, which may include Logitech's Harmony Link™ engine.
`[0040] The set of transceivers 210 may include an IR trans(cid:173)
`ceiver 21 Oa and/ or an RF transceiver 21 Ob. An IR transceiver
`in at least one of the HDMI appliances may