U.S. patent application number 11/311715 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer.
Invention is credited to William M. Creese, Michael V. Leman.
Application Number | 20060092041 11/311715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35922770 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060092041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leman; Michael V. ; et
al. |
May 4, 2006 |
Systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer
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.
Inventors: |
Leman; Michael V.; (Eagle,
ID) ; Creese; William M.; (Meridian, ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
35922770 |
Appl. No.: |
11/311715 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09574736 |
May 18, 2000 |
7005966 |
|
|
11311715 |
Dec 19, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/13.24 ;
340/10.4; 340/5.64; 713/185; 713/310 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08C 17/02 20130101;
G06F 3/0231 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/825.72 ;
340/825.69; 340/010.4; 340/005.64; 713/310; 713/185 |
International
Class: |
G08C 19/00 20060101
G08C019/00 |
Claims
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.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of and claims
priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 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
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to remote control of computers.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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
[0011] 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.
[0012] FIG. 2 is flow chart illustrating steps performed by a
computer in response to received control signals according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0013] 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
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.TM.,
Linux.TM., DOS.TM., and Windows.TM.. At this time, a large majority
of the currently commercially available personal computers
automatically load Windows.TM. upon power up. Furthermore,
Windows.TM. includes a Startup utility, which allows the user to
list one or more application programs that Windows.TM. will load
and run automatically when the computer 24 is powered up.
[0026] 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 74a, 74b, 74c, 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
* * * * *