U.S. patent application number 11/748380 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for remote control multimedia content listing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Logitech Europe S.A.. Invention is credited to Glen McLean Harris, Justin M. Henry.
Application Number | 20080036642 11/748380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26885205 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080036642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris; Glen McLean ; et
al. |
February 14, 2008 |
Remote Control Multimedia Content Listing System
Abstract
A remote control multimedia content listing system for providing
an updated content listing of various media within a remote
control. The remote control multimedia content listing system
includes a remote control having a housing, a display, a keypad,
and an electronic system for receiving configuration data from a
control station via a global computer network (e.g. Internet). The
user may enter media information into the electronic system
thereafter uploading the media information to the control station.
The control station analyzes the uploaded media information and
transmits the appropriate configuration data to properly configure
the electronic system to provide a usable "guide" for the media.
The user may also access a web site of the control station and
manually enter the media information after which the control
station sends the appropriate configuration data to the electronic
system. The electronic system also preferably receives automatic
updates of the configuration data when connected to the control
station via the Internet for maintaining an updated multimedia
listing.
Inventors: |
Harris; Glen McLean;
(Mississauga, CA) ; Henry; Justin M.;
(Mississauga, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Logitech Europe S.A.
Romanel-sur-Morges
CH
|
Family ID: |
26885205 |
Appl. No.: |
11/748380 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09804624 |
Mar 12, 2001 |
7283059 |
|
|
11748380 |
May 14, 2007 |
|
|
|
60189487 |
Mar 15, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
341/176 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08C 2201/21 20130101;
G08C 19/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
341/176 |
International
Class: |
G08C 19/12 20060101
G08C019/12 |
Claims
1. A remote control multimedia content listing system, comprising:
a control station for providing configuration data; a housing; a
display within said housing; an electronic system in communication
with said display, wherein said electronic system is capable of
storing a media guide; a means for communicating with said control
station for receiving said media guide; and an input means
connected to said electronic system.
2. The remote control multimedia content listing system of claim 1,
wherein said input means comprises a keypad.
3. The remote control multimedia content listing system of claim 1,
wherein said media guide is comprised of music information and
video information.
4. The remote control multimedia content listing system of claim 1,
wherein said means for communicating with said control station is
comprised of a global computer network.
5. The remote control multimedia content listing system of claim 4,
wherein said control station includes a web page for receiving
media information.
6. The remote control multimedia content listing system of claim 1,
wherein said control station includes a web page for receiving
media information.
7. A method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system having an electronic system with a communication device, an
input device, a display, and a means for communicating with a
control station, said method comprising the steps of: (a) entering
a media record into said electronic system; (b) storing said media
record within said electronic system into a media storage; (c)
repeating steps (a) and (b) for additional media records; (d)
uploading said media storage to said control station; (e)
determining an identity of media that corresponds with each said
media record of said media storage; and (f) generating a
configuration data for said electronic system that allows said
electronic system to display a media guide.
8. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 7, including the step of: (g) transferring said
configuration data to said electronic system.
9. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 8, including the step of: (h) storing said
configuration data within said electronic system.
10. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 9, including the step of: (i) displaying said media
guide upon said display.
11. A method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system having an electronic system with a communication device, an
input device, a display and a means for communicating with a
control station, said method comprising the steps of: (a) accessing
a web page of said control station; (b) inputting media data into
said web page; and (c) generating a configuration data for said
electronic system that allows said electronic system to display a
media guide.
12. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 11, including the step of: (d) transferring said
configuration data to said electronic system.
13. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 12, including the step of: (e) storing said
configuration data within said electronic system.
14. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 13, including the step of: (f) displaying said
media guide upon said display.
15. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 11, wherein said media guide includes a television
guide.
16. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 11, wherein said media guide includes a music
guide.
17. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 16, wherein said music guide is comprised of
information relating to music media contained within a user's home
stereo system.
18. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 16, wherein said music guide is comprised of
information relating to compact discs contained within a user's
home stereo system.
19. The method of using a remote control multimedia content listing
system of claim 18, including the steps of: (d) selecting a media
event to be displayed or listened to by said user; (e) transmitting
a control signal to an electronic device to play said media event.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code,
Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/189,487 filed Mar. 15, 2000. This application is a continuation
of the 60/189,487 application. The 60/189,487 application is
currently pending. The 60/189,487 application is hereby
incorporated by reference into this patent application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to media guide
systems and more specifically it relates to a remote control
multimedia content listing system for providing an updated content
listing of various media within a remote control.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Remote control devices have been in use for years. Remote
control devices are utilized to operate various external electronic
devices including but not limited to televisions, stereos,
receivers, VCRs, DVD players, CD players storing multiple CDs,
amplifiers, equalizers, tape players, cable units, lighting, window
shades and other electronic devices. A conventional remote control
is typically comprised of a housing structure, a keypad within the
housing structure for entering commands by the user, electronic
circuitry within the housing structure connected to the keypad, and
a transmitter electrically connected to the electronic circuitry
for transmitting a control signal to an electronic device to be
operated.
[0006] The user depresses one or more buttons upon the keypad when
a desired operation of a specific electronic device is desired. For
example, if the user desires to turn the power off to a VCR, the
user will depress the power button upon the remote control which
transmits a "power off" control signal that is detected by the VCR
resulting in the VCR turning off.
[0007] Because of the multiple electronic devices currently
available within many homes and businesses today, a relatively new
type of remote control is utilized to allow for the control of a
plurality of electronic devices commonly referred to as a
"universal remote control." Most universal remote controls have
"selector buttons" that are associated with the specific electronic
device to be controlled by the remote control (i.e. television,
VCR, DVD player, etc.). Universal remote control devices allow for
the control of a plurality of external electronic devices with a
single remote control thereby eliminating the need to have a
plurality of remote controls physically present within a room.
[0008] Because of the numerous electronic devices within a home
today it is often times difficult for a user to remember the
various programming and media materials available to them. Modern
cable television networks now provide a television "guide"
regarding the upcoming television programs. Digital television
networks provide advanced search features for locating desirable
programming. However, the user must typically switch the television
channel to guide thereby interrupting the viewing of their current
television program.
[0009] Many individuals also have CD changers and/or MP3 units that
are capable of storing a plurality of music media. The main problem
with conventional CD changers is that they are difficult to program
an album and/or song information into requiring a plurality of
tedious keystrokes entered into the keypad of the remote control.
Hence there is a need for a convenient remote control system that
is able to receive updated information regarding various media for
use as a guide system.
[0010] While these devices and systems may be suitable for the
particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable
for providing an updated content listing of various media within a
remote control. Conventional guide systems are not user friendly
and often times are tedious to program and utilize.
[0011] In these respects, the remote control multimedia content
listing system according to the present invention substantially
departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior
art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for
the purpose of providing an updated content listing of various
media within a remote control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of media guides now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides a new remote control multimedia content listing
system construction wherein the same can be utilized for providing
an updated content listing of various media within a remote
control.
[0013] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new
remote control multimedia content listing system that has many of
the advantages of the remote controls and multimedia guides
mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new
remote control multimedia content listing system which is not
anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of
the prior art multimedia guide systems, either alone or in any
combination thereof.
[0014] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a
remote control having a housing, a display, a keypad, and an
electronic system for receiving configuration data from a control
station via a global computer network (e.g. Internet). The user may
enter media information into the electronic system thereafter
uploading the media information to the control station. The control
station analyzes the uploaded media information and transmits the
appropriate configuration data to properly configure the electronic
system to provide a usable "guide" for the media. The user may also
access a web site of the control station and manually enter the
media information after which the control station sends the
appropriate configuration data to the electronic system. The
electronic system also preferably receives automatic updates of the
configuration data when connected to the control station via the
Internet for maintaining an updated multimedia listing.
[0015] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
[0016] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0017] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
remote control multimedia content listing system that will overcome
the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
[0018] A second object is to provide a remote control multimedia
content listing system for providing an updated content listing of
various media within a remote control.
[0019] Another object is to provide a remote control multimedia
content listing system that allows a user to easily program media
listings contained within their home.
[0020] An additional object is to provide a remote control
multimedia content listing system that is easy to utilize.
[0021] A further object is to provide a remote control multimedia
content listing system that allows an individual to quickly
configure a universal remote control for various types of media
including but not limited to movies, music and television
programming.
[0022] Another object is to provide a remote control multimedia
content listing system that is simple to utilize.
[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
[0024] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention illustrating
electronic circuitry within.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the communications
between the present invention and a plurality of external
electronic devices.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the electronic system
of the present invention electrically connected to the power source
and in communication with the external electronic devices.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the electronic system
along with a plurality of accessory devices connected to
thereof.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the present invention in
communication with the control station via a global computer
network wherein the electronic system is directly connected to an
intermediary computer system.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the present invention in
communication with the control station directly via a global
computer network without utilizing an intermediary computer
system.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of
the present invention for downloading the configuration data from
the control station.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the connecting to the
control station for uploading music data and downloading
configuration data.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the process of receiving
the uploaded music data, determining the identity of each music CD
and transferring the configuration data to the electronic
system.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the usage of a web page
for entering media information into.
[0038] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a web page for entering media
information into.
[0039] FIG. 14 is a top view of the remote control showing the
music guide being displayed on the display.
[0040] FIG. 15 is a top view of the remote control showing the
television guide being displayed on the display.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0041] The following description is presented to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided
in the context of a particular application and its requirements.
Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles
defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be
limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest
scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed
herein.
[0042] The data structures and code described in this detailed
description are typically stored on a computer readable storage
medium, which may be any device or medium that can store code
and/or data for use by a computer system. This includes, but is not
limited to, magnetic and optical storage devices such as disk
drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact discs) and DVDs (digital video
discs), and computer instruction signals embodied in a transmission
medium (with or without a carrier wave upon which the signals are
modulated). For example, the transmission medium may include a
communications network, such as but not limited to the Internet or
wireless communications.
[0043] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 15 illustrate remote control multimedia
content listing system 10, which comprises a remote control having
a housing, a display, a keypad, and an electronic system for
receiving configuration data from a control station via a global
computer network (e.g. Internet). The user may enter media
information into the electronic system thereafter uploading the
media information to the control station. The control station
analyzes the uploaded media information and transmits the
appropriate configuration data to properly configure the electronic
system to provide a usable "guide" for the media. The user may also
access a web site of the control station and manually enter the
media information after which the control station sends the
appropriate configuration data to the electronic system. The
electronic system also preferably receives automatic updates of the
configuration data when connected to the control station via the
Internet for maintaining an updated multimedia listing.
A. Remote Control Structure
[0044] The present invention generally is comprised of a housing 20
having a structure and shape similar to conventional remote control
devices. The housing 20 may be constructed of various types of
materials and shapes as can be appreciated by one skilled in the
art. The housing is preferably structured to be ergonomic for a
majority of users.
[0045] The present invention may be utilized to control and operate
various external electronic devices including but not limited to
televisions, stereos, receivers, VCRs, DVD players, CD players, CD
changers, amplifiers, equalizers, tape players, cable units,
satellite dish receivers, lighting, window shades and other
electronic devices. Almost any number of external electronic
devices may be controlled by the present invention as can be
accomplished with conventional remote control devices.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic system
100 for practicing the various aspects of the present invention.
The electronic system 100 is preferably enclosed within the
housing. A portable power source 140 is electrically connected to
the electronic system 100 for providing electrical power to the
electronic system 100. The power source 140 may be comprised of any
power source such as a battery structure (disposable or
rechargeable), solar cells, or direct power.
[0047] The electronic system 100 preferably includes a display
screen 104, a network interface 112, a keypad 114, a microprocessor
116, a memory bus 118, random access memory (RAM) 120, a speaker
102, read only memory (ROM) 122, a peripheral bus 124, a keypad
controller 126, and a communications device 108. As can be
appreciated, the electronic system 100 of the present invention may
be comprised of any combination of well-known computer devices,
personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, remote
control devices and other electronic systems.
[0048] The microprocessor 116 is a general-purpose digital
processor that controls the operation of the electronic system 100.
Microprocessor 116 can be a single-chip processor or implemented
with multiple components. Using instructions retrieved from memory,
microprocessor 116 controls the reception and manipulations of
input data and the output and display of data on output
devices.
[0049] The memory bus 118 is utilized by microprocessor 116 to
access RAM 120 and ROM 122. RAM 120 is used by microprocessor 116
as a general storage area and as scratch-pad memory, and can also
be used to store input data and processed data. ROM 122 can be used
to store instructions or program code followed by microprocessor
116 as well as other data.
[0050] Peripheral bus 124 is used to access the input, output and
storage devices used by the electronic system 100. In the described
embodiment(s), these devices include a display screen 104, an
accessory device 106, a speaker 102, a communications device 108,
and a network interface 112. A keypad controller 126 is used to
receive input from the keypad 114 and send decoded symbols for each
pressed key to microprocessor 116 over bus 128.
[0051] The display screen 104 is an output device that displays
images of data provided by the microprocessor 116 via the
peripheral bus 124 or provided by other components in the
electronic system 100. The display screen 104 displays the media
guide for the user to view and interact with using the keypad 114.
The display screen may be comprised of any well-known display means
such as LED, LCD or the like. Other output devices such as a
printer, plotter, typesetter, etc. can be utilized as an accessory
device 106 with the electronic system 100.
[0052] The microprocessor 116 together with an operating system
operate to execute computer code and produce and use data. The
computer code and data may reside on RAM 120, ROM 122, or other
storage mediums. The computer code and data could also reside on a
removable program medium and loaded or installed onto the
electronic system 100 when needed. Removable program mediums
include, for example, PC-CARD, flash memory, and floppy disk.
[0053] The network interface 112 is utilized to send and receive
data over a network connected to other electronic systems. The
network interface may also be comprised of a Universal Serial Bus
(USB), an external bus standard that supports data transfer rates
of 12 Mbps (12 million bits per second). A single USB port can be
used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices, such as mice, modems,
and keyboards. An interface card or similar device and appropriate
software implemented by microprocessor 116 can be utilized to
connect the electronic system 100 to an existing network and
transfer data according to standard protocols including data over a
global computer network such as the Internet. The electronic system
100 may connect to the Internet 130 via a computer system 60 or
directly as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively.
[0054] The keypad 114 is used by a user to input commands and other
instructions to the electronic system 100. Other types of user
input devices can also be used in conjunction with the present
invention. For example, pointing devices such as a computer mouse,
a jog switch 22, a track ball, a stylus, or a tablet to manipulate
a pointer on a screen of the electronic system 100. The user
utilizes the keypad 114 to control the viewing and operation of the
media guide of the display 104.
[0055] The present invention can also be embodied as computer
readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable
medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be
thereafter be read by a electronic system. Examples of the computer
readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory,
magnetic data storage devices such as diskettes, and optical data
storage devices such as CD-ROMs. The computer readable medium can
also be distributed over a network coupled electronic systems so
that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a
distributed fashion.
[0056] The communications device 108 may be comprised of any
well-known communication system that allows communications with
external electronic devices. The communications device 108 may
provide for various types of communication such as but not limited
to via infrared (IR), wireless (e.g. BLUETOOTH), unidirectional,
bi-directional, radio frequency (RF), visible light, ultrasonic and
various other means for communicating with external electronic
devices. The communications device 108 may be capable of receiving
a "signal sample" from another remote control wherein the signal
sample is stored within the electronic system as is common with
universal remote controls.
[0057] Input into the electronic system is accomplished mainly
through the usage of the keypad 114. The keypad 114 includes a
plurality of buttons that allow the user to execute one or more
commands. The keypad 114 allows for the control of basic functions
such as volume, channel manipulation, mute, and last channel.
Various other input devices may be utilized to input data into the
electronic system 100 such as a jog switch 22 (i.e. dial), motion
and orientation detectors, touch sensitive screens and voice
recognition. The display 104 provides information to the user such
as possible tasks to complete or the current state of the external
electronic devices.
B. Communication System
[0058] The present invention is best operated upon a global
computer network such as the Internet 130. A plurality of computer
systems around the world are in communication with one another via
this global computer network.
[0059] The present invention preferably utilizes the Internet 130
for communications, however it can be appreciated that as future
technologies are created that various aspects of the invention may
be practiced with these improved technologies. In addition,
wireless technologies provide a suitable communications medium for
operating the present invention.
C. Web Page
[0060] The present invention is preferably utilized in conjunction
with information presented upon a web page or other displayable
medium representing the control station 40. A web page is typically
comprised of a web page code that is stored upon a computer server.
A typical web page includes textual, graphical and audio data
within for display upon a computer system 60 and may be comprised
of various formats.
[0061] The web page code may be formatted such as but not limited
to HTML (Hyper-Text Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup
Language), HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language), and WML
(Wireless Markup Language) that is displayable upon a computer
system. Scripts such as JavaScript may be included within the web
page code to request the server computer to request a specific
audio file to be played with respect to an advertisement. As can be
appreciated, additional formats for the web page code may be
utilized as developed.
[0062] The web page code is retrieved by a computer system 60 or
electronic system 100 via the Internet, wireless network or other
communications channel utilizing a conventional web browser such as
but not limited to NETSCAPE or MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER. An
individual using the computer system 60 enters the URL (Uniform
Resource Locator) identifying the web page to retrieve the web page
code associated with the desired web page.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 13 of the drawings, at least one of the web
pages associated with the control station 40 allows for the direct
entry of information such as media information. More particularly,
information relating to the type of media (e.g. video tape, compact
disc, DVD, tape, etc.) and title information (e.g. artist name,
album name, etc.) entered into the web page that are thereafter
forwarded to the control station 40 for determination of the
configuration data. Various other designs of web pages may be
utilized to receive various types of information as can be
appreciated by one skilled in the art.
D. Control Station
[0064] The control station 40 is in communication with the Internet
130 via various well-known means. The control station 40 is
preferably accessed by users via a web page which allows the users
to identify themselves and modify user settings. The user may input
various conditions and requirements regarding the external
electronic devices 12 that the remote control is to control along
with the media. The user settings and data input may be modified at
anytime via the web page or other means.
[0065] The control station 40 is in communication with one or more
programming stations 50 that provide updated media information to
the control station 40. The media information is basically
comprised of media type, title, and other relevant information. It
can be appreciated that additional types of media information may
be received and stored by the control station 40.
[0066] The control station 40 maintains a database that allows for
the determination of a media contained within a user's home
entertainment system. The database allows for the determination of
what media is on the electronic devices 12. The control station 40
is preferably updated at periodic intervals regarding updated
information regarding new media on the market along with updated
television programming listings.
E. Media Guide
[0067] The "media guide" is controlled by the electronic system 100
and displayed by the display 104 for the user to view. The media
guide provides a listing of the media (e.g. compact discs, DVDs,
video tapes) for the user to view. An example of for the media
guide is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings.
[0068] The user may utilize the keypad 114 to "scroll" and "select"
the media they are interested in watching and/or listening too. For
example, a listing of television programming may be displayed for a
specific period of time wherein the user may select a displayed
programming event to watch. When the user selects the desired
programming, the electronic system 100 transmits a signal to the
appropriate external electronic devices 12 to achieve the desired
setting for the electronic devices 12. The media guide may also
include additional information relating to the media to be watched
such as a description of a movie listed on the media guide and
related information.
[0069] For example, when the user activates the television listing,
it is displayed correctly for the current time. The user can scroll
to a show of interest shown on the screen. When the user "selects"
that show, the electronic device determines what channel change
signal needs to be sent to the television to display that show.
When the user activates the television listing, the user can scroll
forward in time and select a show that they are interested in
recording. When the user "selects" that show, the electronic system
determines what date and time that show is on and sends the
appropriate control signals to the VCR to program the VCR to record
that show. When the user activates the listing of their CDs and CD
track names, the user can scroll to a song of interest shown on the
screen. When the user selects that song, the electronic device 12
determines what CD and track change signals need to be sent to the
CD player.
F. Media Information
[0070] Media information is displayed in further detail upon the
display 104. Media information for music may include but is not
limited to title, artist and track information. Media information
for DVDs may include but is not limited to title, actors and type
of movie (e.g. comedy, drama, horror, etc.). As can be appreciated,
various types of media information may be utilized within the
present invention for the user to utilize within their remote
control.
G. Program Warning
[0071] The electronic system 100 is capable of being programmed to
"warn" the user of an upcoming media event such as the showing of
the television show FRIENDS on NBC. The user utilizes the keypad
114 to select the desired show and then enters the required
information for the electronic system to determine when to sound an
alarm. Various other features may be programmed into the electronic
system 100 to assist the user in enjoying all forms of media.
H. Operation
[0072] To configure the electronic system 100, the user may enter
the media information directly into the electronic system 100. The
user may enter all or a portion of the media information. If only a
portion of the media information is entered, such as the album
title, the electronic system 100 may then be connected to the
control station 40 for downloading the remaining media information
such as artist name and track information. The user may also
directly enter the media information into the web page of the
control station 40 as shown in FIG. 13. After the control station
40 has received the necessary information to determine the media
desired to be listed within the media guide, the control station 40
searches for information relating to the media information input by
the user. The control station 40 thereafter generates configuration
data which is thereafter transferred to the electronic system 100
via the Internet 130. The electronic system 100 stores the
configuration data within for generating the media guide upon the
display 104 when desired by the user. The media guide is displayed
listing information relating to music, television, DVD and other
media. The media guide preferably lists the items in a structured
format for the user to view and select as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15
of the drawings. It can be appreciated that the structure and
function of the media guide may be comprised of various guide
structures that are commonly utilized within the media industry and
are hereby incorporated by reference into this patent
application.
[0073] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and
operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent
from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion
relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0074] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and
all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0075] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
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