U.S. patent application number 11/907256 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-10 for remote control system.
Invention is credited to Mark Gretton, Erik Pite, Joost Van de Made.
Application Number | 20080165024 11/907256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38753565 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080165024 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gretton; Mark ; et
al. |
July 10, 2008 |
Remote control system
Abstract
A system for controlling a controllable device, in particular a
navigation device, comprises a controllable device (450) comprising
a user input (460), a controller (452) and a wireless
communications interface (454). A remote control device (400)
comprises a user input (410), a controller (402) and a wireless
communications interface (404). The remote control device (400)
transmits a pairing request to the controllable device. In response
to receiving a confirmation, it pairs with the controllable device.
In response to a user activation of the user input, it transmits a
command to the paired controllable device. The controllable device
(450) receives the pairing request from the remote control device.
It enables a user to allow or reject the pairing request by means
of a user input (460). In response to the user allowing the pairing
request, it transmits the confirmation to the remote control device
and pairs with it. In response to receiving a command from the
paired remote control device (400), it executes the command.
Inventors: |
Gretton; Mark; (London,
GB) ; Pite; Erik; (Amsterdam, NL) ; Van de
Made; Joost; (Amsterdam, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOMTOM INTERNATIONAL B.V.
REMBRANDTPLEIN 35
AMSTERDAM
1017CT
omitted
|
Family ID: |
38753565 |
Appl. No.: |
11/907256 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60879549 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879533 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879577 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879523 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879529 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879599 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879601 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/4.31 ;
455/41.2; 707/E17.121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 21/3655 20130101;
G08G 1/096741 20130101; G08G 1/096791 20130101; G08G 1/096716
20130101; G01C 21/3697 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/825.22 ;
455/41.2 |
International
Class: |
G05B 19/02 20060101
G05B019/02; H04B 7/00 20060101 H04B007/00 |
Claims
1. A system for controlling a controllable device, in particular a
navigation device, the system comprising a controllable device
(450) comprising a user input (460), a controller (452) and a
wireless communications interface (454); a remote control device
(400) for controlling the controllable device and comprising a user
input (410), a controller (402) and a wireless communications
interface (404); the controller (402) of the remote control device
(400) being arranged for: transmitting a pairing request to the
controllable device via the wireless communications interface (404)
of the remote control device (400); in response to receiving a
confirmation from the controllable device via the wireless
communications interface (404) of the remote control device (400),
pairing with the controllable device to obtain a paired
controllable device; and in response to a user activation of the
user input, transmitting an associated command to the paired
controllable device via the wireless communications interface (404)
of the remote control device (400); and the controller (452) of the
controllable device (450) being arranged for: receiving the pairing
request from the remote control device via the wireless
communications interface (454) of the controllable device (450);
enabling a user to allow or reject the pairing request by means of
the user input (460) of the controllable device (450); in response
to the user allowing the pairing request, transmitting the
confirmation to the remote control device via the wireless
communications interface (454) of the controllable device (450) and
pairing with the remote control device to obtain a paired remote
control device; and in response to receiving a command from the
paired remote control device (400) via the wireless communications
interface (454) of the controllable device (450), executing the
command.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the
pairing request is performed in response to the user input being
activated for a first time.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the enabling the user
to allow or reject the pairing request comprises prompting the user
to indicate whether the user allows or rejects the pairing request;
waiting for a user input indicative of whether the user allows or
rejects the pairing request.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control
device is arranged for discovering one or more controllable devices
within an action radius of the remote control device, to obtain a
list of one or more discovered controllable devices; automatically
selecting one of the discovered controllable devices based on a
predetermined selection criterion; transmitting the pairing request
to the selected controllable device.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the remote control
device is arranged for receiving a signal via the wireless
communications interface of the remote control device from
individual ones of the one or more discovered controllable devices;
establishing a strength of the signal received from the individual
ones of the one or more discovered controllable devices; and
selecting the one of the discovered controllable devices that has a
strongest received signal.
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the remote control
device is arranged for in response to not receiving the
confirmation from the selected controllable device, selecting the
one of the discovered controllable devices that has a next
strongest received signal.
7. The system according to claim 4, wherein the remote control
device is arranged for storing a communication identifier of the
paired controllable device; maintaining a connection with the
paired controllable device via the wireless communications
interface of the remote control device, wherein the command is
transmitted via the connection; in response to switching to a power
on mode, if the identifier has been stored, attempting to restore
the connection with the paired controllable device using the
communication identifier, and if the connection with the paired
controllable device is not restored, performing the steps of
discovering, automatically selecting, and transmitting the pairing
request; the paired controllable device being arranged for allowing
the paired remote control device to connect.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the remote control
device is arranged for giving up the connection when switching to a
power off mode, or switching to the power off mode in response to a
loss of the connection or in response to receiving a notification
from the controllable device that it is shutting down.
9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the remote control
device is arranged for switching from the power off mode to the
power on mode in response to activation of the user input.
10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the maintaining the
connection comprises regularly scheduling time windows for
exchanging data packets between the paired controllable device and
the paired remote control device; and wherein the system comprises
first power saving means for reducing a frequency and/or duration
of the time windows after the input means has not been activated
during a first predetermined time duration and until the input
means is activated.
11. The system according to claim 7, further comprising second
power saving means for switching the remote control device to the
power off mode, thereby giving up the connection, after the input
means has not been activated during a second predetermined time
duration.
12. The system according to any of claims 7, wherein the wireless
communications interface of the remote control device and the
wireless communications interface of the controllable device are
Bluetooth communications interfaces, and wherein the remote control
device and the controllable device are arranged for exchanging the
pairing request, the confirmation message, and the command message
via the Bluetooth communications interfaces.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the remote control
device acts as a master device and the controllable device acts as
a slave device.
14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first power
saving means is arranged for putting the connection in a sniff
mode, a hold mode, or a park mode when reducing the frequency of
data packets.
15. A remote control device (400) for use in the system according
to claim 1, comprising a user input (410), a controller (402) and a
wireless communications interface (404); the controller (402) of
the remote control device (400) being arranged for: transmitting a
pairing request to a controllable device via the wireless
communications interface (404) of the remote control device (400);
in response to receiving a confirmation from the controllable
device via the wireless communications interface (404) of the
remote control device (400), pairing with the controllable device
to obtain a paired controllable device; and in response to a user
activation of the user input, transmitting an associated command to
the paired controllable device via the wireless communications
interface (404) of the remote control device (400).
16. A controllable device (450), in particular a navigation device,
for use in the system according to claim 1, comprising a user input
(460), a controller (452) and a wireless communications interface
(454); the controller (452) of the controllable device (450) being
arranged for: receiving a pairing request from a remote control
device (400) via the wireless communications interface (454) of the
controllable device (450); enabling a user to allow or reject the
pairing request by means of the user input (460) of the
controllable device (450); in response to the user allowing the
pairing request, transmitting a confirmation to the remote control
device via the wireless communications interface (454) of the
controllable device (450) and pairing with the remote control
device to obtain a paired remote control device; and in response to
receiving a command from the paired remote control device (400) via
the wireless communications interface (454) of the controllable
device (450), executing the command.
17. A method of controlling a controllable device, in particular a
navigation device, the method comprising wirelessly transmitting a
pairing request to the controllable device; in response to
receiving a confirmation from the controllable device, pairing with
the controllable device to obtain a paired controllable device; and
in response to a user activation of a user input, wirelessly
transmitting an associated command to the paired controllable
device.
18. A computer program product comprising instructions for causing
a processor to perform the method according to claim 17.
19. A method of controlling a controllable device, in particular a
navigation device, the method comprising wirelessly receiving a
pairing request from a remote control device; enabling a user to
allow or reject the pairing request; in response to the user
allowing the pairing request, wirelessly transmitting a
confirmation to the remote control device and pairing with the
remote control device to obtain a paired remote control device; and
in response to receiving a command from the paired remote control
device (400) via the wireless communications interface (454) of the
controllable device (450), executing the command.
20. A computer program product comprising instructions for causing
a processor to perform the method according to claim 19.
Description
CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] The following applications are being filed concurrently with
the present application. The entire contents of each of the
following applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference:
A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EARLY INSTRUCTION OUTPUT
(Attorney docket number 06P207US01) filed on even date herewith; A
NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING AND USING PROFILES
(Attorney docket number 06P207US02) filed on even date herewith; A
NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED MAP DISPLAY (Attorney
docket number 06P207US03) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION
DEVICE AND METHOD RELATING TO AN AUDIBLE RECOGNITION MODE (Attorney
docket number 06P207US04) filed on even date herewith; NAVIGATION
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POINTS OF INTEREST (Attorney docket
number 06P207US05) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE
AND METHOD FOR FUEL PRICING DISPLAY (Attorney docket number
06P057US06) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR INFORMATIONAL SCREEN DISPLAY (Attorney docket number
06P207US06) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR DEALING WITH LIMITED ACCESS ROADS (Attorney docket
number 06P057US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE
AND METHOD FOR TRAVEL WARNINGS (Attorney docket number 06P057US07)
filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
DRIVING BREAK WARNING (Attorney docket number 06P057US07) filed on
even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY OF
POSITION IN TEXT READABLE FORM (Attorney docket number 06P207US08)
filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
EMERGENCY SERVICE ACCESS (Attorney docket number 06P057US08) filed
on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING
REGIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION IN A NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket
number 06P207US09) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE
AND METHOD FOR USING SPECIAL CHARACTERS IN A NAVIGATION DEVICE
(Attorney docket number 06P207US09) filed on even date herewith; A
NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD USING A PERSONAL AREA NETWORK
(Attorney docket number 06P207US10) filed on even date herewith; A
NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD USING A LOCATION MESSAGE (Attorney
docket number 06P207US10) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONSERVING POWER (Attorney docket number
06P207US11) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR USING A TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL (Attorney docket number
06P207US13) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR USING A TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL RESOURCE (Attorney
docket number 06P207US13) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR QUICK OPTION ACCESS (Attorney docket number
06P207US15) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A RICH CONTENT DOCUMENT (Attorney docket
number 06P207US27) filed on even date herewith.
PRIORITY STATEMENT
[0002] The present application hereby claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) on each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Nos. 60/879,523 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879,549 filed Jan. 10,
2007, 60/879,553 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879,577 filed Jan. 10,
2007, 60/879,599 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879,529 filed Jan. 10,
2007, 60/879, 601 filed Jan. 10, 2007, the entire contents of each
of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to a system and method for controlling
a controllable device, in particular a navigation device. The
invention also relates to a remote control device and to a
controllable device. The invention also relates to a method and to
a computer program product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] GPS based devices are well known and are widely employed as
navigation systems, in particular in-car navigation devices. Such
devices often integrate a GPS receiver into a computing device that
is programmed with a map database and that can generate navigation
instructions on a display. The term `navigation device` refers to a
device that enables a user to navigate to a pre-defined
destination. The device may have an internal system for receiving
location data, such as a GPS receiver, or may merely be connectable
to a receiver that can receive location data. The navigation series
of navigation devices from the present assignee, TomTom N.V., are
examples of such navigation devices. These devices enable a user to
input a start and destination address. The device then calculates
the best route between the two end-points and displays instructions
on how to navigate that route. At regular time intervals, the
navigation device can compute its position based on received GPS
signals, and can display the current position of the vehicle on a
map and display (and speak) appropriate navigation instructions
(e.g. `turn left in 100 m`). Graphics depicting the actions to be
accomplished (e.g. a left arrow indicating a left turn ahead) can
be displayed in a status bar and also be superimposed over the
applicable junctions/turnings etc in the roads shown in the map
itself.
[0005] It is known that these navigation devices may also have
additional features, such as display of stored images and playback
of audio tracks. The navigation functionality as well as the
additional features can often be controlled by means of a touch
screen. However it is also known to control the navigation device
by means of a remote control device. Such a remote control device
allows comfortable operation of the navigation device from the car
seats, without having to touch the navigation device. The remote
control device may provide quick access to some of the
functionality of the navigation device. For example, the remote
control may provide quick access to functions supporting playback
of media files such as audio tracks. The remote control may provide
play/pause, next track, and previous track buttons, to provide
these functions by activating only one button. Such quick access
functions may be available to the user at any time regardless of
what is shown on the display. The quick access functions allow
control of a secondary functionality without needing to sacrifice
any space on the display to controls of the secondary
functionality.
[0006] The known remote control device transmits signals to the
navigation device by means of an RF signal whenever the user
presses a key on the remote control device. To receive the commands
from the remote control device, the navigation device needs to have
proper hardware to receive the RF signals. Consequently, to prepare
a navigation device for use of a remote control device, the
navigation device needs to be equipped with an RF receiver. Since
navigation devices and remote control devices may be sold
separately, a lot of RF receivers built into the navigation devices
may remain unused, which results in an inefficient use of
resources. The RF based remote control device broadcasts signals
corresponding to the command buttons activated by the user. These
signals are the same for a large population of remote control
devices. Any navigation device that receives the signals of a
remote control device will execute the commands corresponding to
the received signals. This may give rise to problems if the signal
is received by more than one navigation device or if the signal is
received by another navigation device than intended.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It would be advantageous to have an improved system for
controlling a controllable device, in particular a navigation
device. To better address this concern, in a first aspect of the
invention a system is presented that comprises [0008] a
controllable device (450) comprising a user input (460), a
controller (452) and a wireless communications interface (454);
[0009] a remote control device (400) for controlling the
controllable device and comprising a user input (410), a controller
(402) and a wireless communications interface (404); [0010] the
controller (402) of the remote control device (400) being arranged
for: [0011] transmitting a pairing request to the controllable
device via the wireless communications interface (404) of the
remote control device (400); [0012] in response to receiving a
confirmation from the controllable device via the wireless
communications interface (404) of the remote control device (400),
pairing with the controllable device to obtain a paired
controllable device; and [0013] in response to a user activation of
the user input, transmitting an associated command to the paired
controllable device via the wireless communications interface (404)
of the remote control device (400); and the controller (452) of the
controllable device (450) being arranged for: [0014] receiving the
pairing request from the remote control device via the wireless
communications interface (454) of the controllable device (450);
[0015] enabling a user to allow or reject the pairing request by
means of the user input (460) of the controllable device (450);
[0016] in response to the user allowing the pairing request,
transmitting the confirmation to the remote control device via the
wireless communications interface (454) of the controllable device
(450) and pairing with the remote control device to obtain a paired
remote control device; and in response to receiving a command from
the paired remote control device (400) via the wireless
communications interface (454) of the controllable device (450),
executing the command.
[0017] This system allows a remote control device to pair with and
control a particular device, rather than broadcasting the command
signal blindly to any devices in the neighborhood. In particular in
situations where a plurality of controllable devices is used in a
small area, for example in a testing environment or when
demonstrating the devices in a retail shop, it is advantageous if
only one controllable device responds to the commands issued by the
remote control device. Also during regular use, it may happen that
two or more controllable devices come within the action radius of
the remote control device. In such a case it is inconvenient and
while driving a car it may even be dangerous if the controllable
device responds to the commands issued by another user's remote
control device. This inconvenience is avoided by setting up a
pairing between the controllable device and the remote control
device, and arranging the controllable device to execute the
command received from the paired remote control device.
[0018] In an embodiment, the transmitting of the pairing request is
performed in response to the user input being activated for a first
time.
[0019] The system as described allows for a very easy installation
procedure: The user may just start using the remote control device
by activating the input as if it were a traditional RF based remote
control device. The only installation step that may be performed by
the user is to allow or reject the pairing request. The system is
easy to use and to configure, even though a relatively complex
connection protocol, using device pairing, is used. In an
embodiment, the enabling the user to allow or reject the pairing
request comprises prompting the user to indicate whether the user
allows or rejects the pairing request; waiting for a user input
indicative of whether the user allows or rejects the pairing
request.
[0020] This is a efficient way of user interaction. The prompting
makes it particularly clear to the user that he or she is expected
to provide the input.
[0021] In an embodiment, the remote control device is arranged for
discovering one or more controllable devices within an action
radius of the remote control device, to obtain a list of one or
more discovered controllable devices; [0022] automatically
selecting one of the discovered controllable devices based on a
predetermined selection criterion; [0023] transmitting the pairing
request to the selected controllable device.
[0024] This makes it easier to deal with the situation in which
there is more than one controllable device within the action radius
of the remote control device.
[0025] In an embodiment, the remote control device is arranged
for
[0026] receiving a signal via the wireless communications interface
of the remote control device from individual ones of the one or
more discovered controllable devices;
[0027] establishing a strength of the signal received from the
individual ones of the one or more discovered controllable devices;
and [0028] selecting the one of the discovered controllable devices
that has a strongest received signal.
[0029] Usually, the controllable device that is closest to the
remote control device is the one which has to be controlled. This
controllable device usually has the greatest received strength.
Consequently, this embodiment provides a relatively large
probability that the first selected controllable device is the
controllable device the user intends to control. In an embodiment,
the remote control device is arranged for in response to not
receiving the confirmation from the selected controllable device,
selecting the one of the discovered controllable devices that has a
next strongest received signal.
[0030] This efficiently deals with the situation in which the
controllable device having the strongest received signal is not the
controllable device the user intends to control.
[0031] In an embodiment, the remote control device is arranged for
[0032] storing a communication identifier of the paired
controllable device; [0033] maintaining a connection with the
paired controllable device via the wireless communications
interface of the remote control device, wherein the command is
transmitted via the connection; [0034] in response to switching to
a power on mode, [0035] if the identifier has been stored,
attempting to restore the connection with the paired controllable
device using the communication identifier, and [0036] if the
connection with the paired controllable device is not restored,
performing the steps of discovering, automatically selecting, and
transmitting the pairing request; the paired controllable device
being arranged for allowing the paired remote control device to
connect.
[0037] In many cases, the remote control device is always used with
the same controllable device. Consequently it is advantageous to
store an identifier of the paired controllable device in the remote
control device, enabling to restore the connection directly with
the paired controllable device without having to select among
discovered controllable devices using general selection
criteria.
[0038] In an embodiment, the remote control device is arranged for
giving up the connection when switching to a power off mode, or
switching to the power off mode in response to a loss of the
connection or in response to receiving a notification from the
controllable device that it is shutting down. When in power off
mode, no resources may be used for maintaining the connection. On
the other hand, if there is no connection, there may not be any
reason to remain in power on mode using battery power. When the
navigation device is shut down, it is probable that the remote
control device will not be used for some time, consequently the
remote control switches to the power off mode to save power.
[0039] In an embodiment, the remote control device is arranged for
switching from the power off mode to the power on mode in response
to activation of the user input. It is convenient if the remote
control device automatically switches on in response to activation
of the user input. No special power on/off switch is required. The
user can start using the device without explicitly switching it on,
like most other remote control devices. Preferably activation of
any button on the remote control device causes the remote control
device to switch on.
[0040] In an embodiment, the maintaining the connection comprises
regularly scheduling time windows for exchanging data packets
between the paired controllable device and the paired remote
control device; and wherein the system comprises
[0041] first power saving means for reducing a frequency and/or
duration of the time windows after the input means has not been
activated during a first predetermined time duration and until the
input means is activated.
[0042] The frequency of the time windows influences the latency of
the system as well as the power consumption of the system. After
some time of inactivity, the power consumption is reduced, possibly
at the cost of an increase of the latency.
[0043] An embodiment comprises second power saving means for
switching the remote control device to the power off mode, thereby
giving up the connection, after the input means has not been
activated during a second predetermined time duration. The power
off mode is suitable for saving a lot of power.
[0044] In an embodiment, the wireless communications interface of
the remote control device and the wireless communications interface
of the controllable device are Bluetooth communications interfaces,
wherein the remote control device and the controllable device are
arranged for exchanging the pairing request, the confirmation
message, and the command message via the Bluetooth communications
interfaces. The Bluetooth protocol is suitable for this kind of
system, for example because of its low power consumption, low cost
hardware, and multi-purpose functionality. For example, in the
controllable device, the Bluetooth communications interface may be
used to communicate with a mobile phone, a media player, or car
audio equipment.
[0045] In an embodiment, the remote control device acts as a master
device and the controllable device acts as a slave device. This is
a convenient way of setting up the connection, as the connection
may be initiated by the remote control device rather than by the
controllable device.
[0046] In an embodiment, the first power saving means is arranged
for putting the connection in a sniff mode, a hold mode, or a park
mode when reducing the frequency of data packets. These are
Bluetooth compatible and power saving modes which are relatively
easy to implement.
[0047] An embodiment comprises a remote control device
comprising
a user input, a controller, and a wireless communications
interface; the remote control device being arranged for: [0048]
transmitting a pairing request to the controllable device; [0049]
in response to receiving a confirmation from the controllable
device, pairing with the controllable device to obtain a paired
controllable device; and [0050] in response to a user activation of
the user input, transmitting a command to the paired controllable
device. (copy remaining claims)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] These and other aspects of the invention will be further
elucidated and described with reference to the drawing, in
which
[0052] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart illustrating processing steps of an
embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 2 shows a flowchart illustrating processing steps of an
embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 3A shows a remote control device;
[0055] FIG. 3B shows a diagram of a remote control device; and
[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0057] The detailed description of embodiments focuses on the
concept of a navigation device that is controlled by a remote
control device. However, it will be understood that instead of a
navigation device, any other kind of device may be controlled by
the remote control device. For example, a television set may also
be controlled by the described remote control device. For example
also devices that are used in a car, such as car audio equipment,
mobile phones, and mobile mp3 players, may all act as controllable
devices instead of a navigation device. Whenever a text message is
displayed on a display, the text message may also be reproduced by
means of a spoken message. For example, the spoken message may be
an audio recording or it may be generated by means of
text-to-speech recognition.
[0058] The conventional remote control device of a navigation
device uses RF signals to convey a signal whenever a key is
depressed on the remote control device. As RF signals are only used
for the remote control device, and is not used for other purposes
in the navigation device, the RF receiver in the navigation device
is solely used for receiving the remote control commands. Because
navigation devices and remote control devices are sold separately,
and not all users of a navigation device purchase a remote control
device, many navigation devices will never be controlled by the
remote control device, and the RF receiver will never be used. This
makes the RF protocol rather expensive relative to the number of
remote control devices in actual use.
[0059] Bluetooth is a communications protocol that may be used for
a number of purposes in the navigation device. Bluetooth is used to
connect the navigation device to a mobile phone, where the mobile
phone may be used as a modem device to connect to a service
database to retrieve traffic information and/or map updates.
Reversely, the navigation device may serve as a Bluetooth hands
free set for a mobile phone to enable the user to make telephone
calls safely while driving.
[0060] The Bluetooth hardware, which may be present in the
navigation device, may also be used to receive remote control
commands from a remote control device. To this end, the remote
control device (RC) may also be provided with an appropriate
Bluetooth hardware part. In this case, the RF hardware is not
needed any more, neither in the navigation device nor in the remote
control device. The navigation device may be produced more cost
effectively, because the RF hardware element is omitted and its
functionality is taken over by the Bluetooth hardware element which
was already present on the device.
[0061] One drawback of a remote control device is that it transmits
its commands in a broadcast fashion, i.e., as a general signal not
directed to any particular device. Consequently, all the navigation
devices within an action radius of the remote control would respond
to the commands issued by the remote control device. This may be
inconvenient in situations where a plurality of navigation devices
are in use close to each other, for example when two cars with
navigation equipment are waiting at a traffic light next to each
other, or when cars are close to each other in a traffic jam.
[0062] This drawback may be overcome by setting up a point-to-point
(i.e., addressed) connection between the remote control device and
the navigation device. This way, the commands are only transmitted
to the connected navigation device, without disturbing any other
navigation devices within the action radius of the remote control
device. The use of such a remote control device and ways to select
the navigation device to connect to, are described by the following
exemplary use cases.
[0063] Use case A: The remote control device power is turned on for
the first time while the navigation device power is on. This use
case applies for example when the user has bought a new remote
control device and takes it into use for the first time. The user's
navigation device is on and he activates the remote control device.
In response to the user activation, the remote control device
automatically starts the Bluetooth pairing process and sends a
message to the navigation device. The navigation device displays a
prompt on its display and enables the user to allow or reject the
remote control device to connect. After the user has accepted the
connection, the remote control device can be used to control the
navigation device. To this end, a connection is set up between the
remote control device and the navigation device, and the remote
control device sends control messages in response to buttons on the
remote control device being activated by the user.
[0064] Use case B: The remote control device power is turned on,
while Bluetooth pairing exists already and the navigation device
power is on. The user activates remote control device and Bluetooth
pairing has been done sometimes earlier. In this case, the remote
control device connects automatically to the navigation device and
the navigation device automatically accepts the connection. The
navigation device only displays a flash message and/or produces a
voice message, which may be generated by text-to-speech conversion,
to inform the user that the remote control device is recognized.
The user can control the navigation device with remote control
device because the remote control device sends control messages in
response to buttons on the remote control device being activated by
the user.
[0065] Use case C: The remote control device power is turned on for
the first time while the navigation device power is off. For
example, the user has purchased a new remote control device and
takes it into use. However, the user's navigation device power is
off while he activates the remote control device. In this case, the
remote control device starts the Bluetooth pairing process, but it
cannot find any navigation device. Subsequently, the remote control
device will power off automatically.
[0066] Use case D: The user purchases a new navigation device and
wants to control it with his remote control device. The user has
used the remote control device with the old navigation device
before. He purchases a new navigation device and wants to control
it with the remote control device. He turns on the power of his new
navigation device and after that activates the remote control
device. The remote control device cannot connect to the old
navigation device it was paired to. Therefore, it will start to
search for any other appropriate (controllable) Bluetooth devices.
The remote control device will find the new navigation device,
request to connect with it, and the navigation device will prompt
the user to accept the connection. If the user accepts the new
connection, the old Bluetooth pairing information (which identified
the old navigation device) is replaced with the new Bluetooth
pairing information (which identifies the new navigation device).
Subsequent commands are transmitted only to the new navigation
device and not to the old navigation device.
[0067] Use case E: Several navigation devices available. The user
either takes remote control device into use for the first time or
activates it without having the paired navigation device in the
neighborhood or with the paired navigation device in power off
mode. In such a case, if there are several navigation devices
around, the remote control device will check which navigation
device has the strongest Bluetooth signal, and will attempt to do
Bluetooth pairing with it. The navigation device with which the
remote control device attempts to pair with prompts the user to
confirm or reject the connection. If confirmed, the remote control
device pairs with this navigation device and replaces the existing
pairing information, if available.
[0068] In normal use, the remote control device and the navigation
device are paired by means of Bluetooth pairing, allowing the
remote control device to be used for controlling the navigation
device. When the user activates the remote control device by
pressing any button, the navigation device connects to the paired
navigation device, and the navigation device responds by shortly
displaying the flash message "Remote control connected". The user
cannot turn off the remote control device. It goes into a sleep
mode after for example 20 seconds of inactivity time. The remote
control device power is turned off automatically if the Bluetooth
connection disappears, if the user turns off the power of the
navigation device, or if the remote control device is not used for
more than e.g. one hour.
[0069] When the remote control device is new and unused, it does
not yet have a Bluetooth pairing. When the user activates the
remote control device for the first time, the remote control device
attempts to pair with a navigation device that has the strongest
Bluetooth signal. This is because the navigation device having the
strongest Bluetooth signal is usually the navigation device closest
to the remote control device, and usually the user wishes to
control the navigation device that is closest to the remote control
device (for example the remote control device and the navigation
device are in the same car). Also, the remote control only attempts
to connect with a device it is configured to be able to control.
For example, the remote control device may be configured to only be
able to control navigation devices of a particular brand and/or
type. The devices that the remote control device is configured to
be able to control may be referred to as "compatible devices". Such
devices may be recognized, for example by looking for a specific
device class range. The navigation device may be arranged for
refusing to connect to a new remote control device while driving.
In such a case, if the user is driving and a new remote control
device attempts to pair with the navigation device, the navigation
device shows a flash message with the text "New remote control can
not be connected while driving". However, if the user is
stationary, the navigation device prompts the user to accept
connection by displaying the message "New remote control is trying
to connect to this device. Do you want to accept the connection?".
If the user confirms, the pairing is done and the user can start to
control the navigation device using the remote control device.
[0070] If the remote control device cannot find any compatible
device during the Bluetooth device search, the remote control
device will shut down automatically. If the Bluetooth connection
with the navigation device having the strongest Bluetooth signal
does not succeed, the remote control device will try to connect
with the navigation device having the next strongest Bluetooth
signal. If the user does not accept the prompt in the navigation
device, remote control device will try to connect to the navigation
device with the next strongest Bluetooth signal. If the user does
not select any answer to the prompt "New remote control is trying
to connect to this device. Do you want to accept the connection?"
in the navigation device within, for example, 30 seconds, the
navigation device selects automatically the "No" option and the
remote control device starts to connect with the navigation device
having the next strongest Bluetooth signal. If the remote control
device has pairing to the navigation device but the paired
navigation device is not available, the remote control device will
search for other navigation devices. If the remote control device
finds another navigation device, it will try to do Bluetooth
pairing with that one. If the pairing is successful, the existing
Bluetooth pairing is replaced with the new one. If the new pairing
is not successful, the old Bluetooth pairing remains valid.
[0071] In the following, a number of exemplary embodiments will be
discussed. In relation to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, some embodiments will
be described in detail. Many features described therein are
optional. In relation to FIG. 4, a more general embodiment will be
described. However, the skilled person will appreciate that many
variations are possible without departing from the scope of the
claims.
[0072] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a connecting and pairing
process between a remote control device and a navigation device.
Assuming the remote control is in the power off mode, it will wake
up at 102 in response to the user pressing any key. In step 104 the
remote control device will check whether a pairing with a
navigation device already exists. If yes, in step 106 the remote
control device will attempt to connect with the paired navigation
device. In step 108 it is verified whether the attempt is
successful. If yes, in step 138 a flash message is displayed on the
navigation device indicating "Remote control connected", and in
step 110 the remote control device remains in power on mode waiting
for new user commands. If the result in step 104 or step 108 is no,
in step 112 the remote control device will search for any available
and controllable devices, i.e., any compatible devices, in
particular navigation devices. In step 114 it is verified whether
any compatible devices were found. If no, in step 136 the remote
control device keeps the old pairing if there was one, and in step
150 the remote control device shuts down itself, i.e., switches the
power of the remote control device off.
[0073] If any compatible devices were found in step 114, in step
116 it is verified whether more than one compatible device was
found. If yes, in step 118 the compatible device having the
strongest communication signal is selected. Otherwise the one found
device is selected. Subsequently in step 120, an attempt is made to
connect to the selected device. In step 124 it is verified whether
the connection attempt was successful. If not, in step 126 it is
verified whether one or more compatible devices for which a
connection attempt has not yet been made are available in the list
of compatible devices. If not, the flow continues at step 136. If
yes, in step 122 the compatible device with the next strongest
signal is selected and the flow continues at step 120. If in step
124 the connection was successful, it is verified in step 128
whether the user is driving. This is detected by determining
whether the navigation device is moving or whether it is
stationary. For example, a threshold on the velocity of the
navigation device is used. If the compatible device is not a
navigation device and/or does not have positioning capability, the
step 128 is skipped. If in step 128 it is detected that the user is
driving, in step 130 the navigation device displays a flash message
"New remote control cannot be connected while driving", and the
navigation device sends a message to the remote control device
indicating it refuses the connection, and the flow continues at
step 126. If in step 128 it is detected that the user is not
driving, in step 132 a prompt "New remote control is trying to
connect to this device. Do you want to accept the connection?" is
displayed on the navigation device, and the navigation device
allows the user to input either yes or no. Instead of or in
addition to the display of the prompt, the navigation device may
generate a similar spoken prompt. This spoken prompt may be
generated by means of text-to-speech conversion. The spoken prompt
(and/or the displayed prompt) may indicate to the user that he or
she should touch a certain area of the display (labeled "yes") to
accept the connection, or another area (labeled "no") to refuse the
connection. It is also possible to only provide a "yes" touch
button, in which case a user who does not wish to allow the
connection should only refrain from touching the "yes" button,
until the time-out occurs. In step 134, it is verified whether the
user has selected yes or no and whether a time-out has occurred
without a response from the user. If the user has selected no or if
a time-out has occurred without a response from the user, the flow
continues at step 126. If the user has selected yes in step 134,
the flow continues at step 138.
[0074] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a power management
control flow. In step 202, the remote control device has just
connected to the navigation device (compare to step 110 of FIG. 1),
and in step 204 a flash message "Remote control connected" is
displayed on the navigation device. In step 206, the remote control
device is in active mode and the connection is kept alive using
regular data packets and/or a high frequency of listen windows
during which the navigation device listens to any messages
transmitted by the remote control device. The remote control device
responds to any input from the user by transmitting a corresponding
control command to the navigation device. The latency is short
because of the high frequency of listen windows (e.g. 150
milliseconds between two consecutive listen windows during which
the remote control device may transmit a command). In step 208 it
is checked whether the remote control device has not been used for
a predetermined time duration. For example, it is checked whether
the remote control device has not been used for 20 seconds or more.
If this is the case, in step 214 the remote control device switches
to a sleep mode, in which fewer data packets are used to keep the
connection alive and/or a lower frequency of listen windows is
employed. For example, a Bluetooth sniff mode is used. While in
sleep mode, the frequency of the sniffs may decrease in several
phases. In step 220 it is detected that a key has been activated on
the remote control device, causing the remote control device to
return to the active mode, and the flow continues at step 206. In
step 216, it is detected that the remote control device has not
been used for a second predetermined time duration. For example, it
is detected that the remote control device has not been used for at
least one hour. In this case in step 218 the navigation device
displays a flash message "Remote control disconnected", and in step
150 the remote control device switches the power off. When the user
activates any button on the remote control device, the flow
continues at step 102.
[0075] In step 210, it is detected that the Bluetooth connection
has disappeared. For example, the navigation device is moved out of
the action radius of the remote control device. In this case, the
flow continues at step 218. In step 212, it is detected that the
navigation device is being turned off. In this case, the flow
continues at step 150.
[0076] The above scenario has been described mainly in the context
of a remote control device controlling a navigation device.
However, the concepts described in this text could also be applied
to other kinds of devices instead of navigation devices, for
example media players, car stereo equipment, mobile phones, all
could be controlled by the remote control device. In case of a
multi-purpose or universal remote control device, separate pairings
could be made in each category of controllable devices. For
example, the remote control device could be paired with one
navigation device, one car stereo device, and one mobile phone at
the same time. The buttons activated on the remote control device
would determine to which of the paired devices each commands is
transmitted. FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a Bluetooth remote
control device for use with a navigation device. The same Bluetooth
remote control device is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3B. The
figure shows an indicator led 302; a 4-way navigation button 304
for navigating up, down, left, and right; a selection button 306; a
bottom left button 314 for performing the menu action displayed on
the bottom left on the display of the navigation device; a bottom
right button 308 for performing the menu action displayed on the
bottom right on the display of the navigation device; a bottom
center button 310 for performing various functions including
start/stop of playback of audio files stored on the navigation
device; and a volume up/down control button pair 312. When any of
the buttons is depressed, the remote control awakens from the sleep
mode or the remote control switches on the power if the power was
off. If the remote control is in the active mode or has awakened
from the sleep mode, a command message corresponding to the
activated button is transmitted to the connected navigation device.
If the remote control was in power off mode, the activation of the
button is just used to trigger power on and to set up the
connection with the navigation device. The actual command message
is not transmitted to the navigation device, because of an initial
delay which may be occur before the connection has been
established. It would be inconvenient if the navigation device
would perform the action after such a delay, hence it is preferred
to refrain from sending the command that caused the power on. In an
alternative embodiment the command message is transferred as soon
as the connection has been established. The indicator led 302 is
used to indicate whether the remote control device is in active
mode, whether it is waking up from sleep mode, and whether it is
waking up from power off mode. Preferably, in active mode the led
302 lights up continuously. When waking up from sleep mode, the led
302 blinks until it has transmitted the command message. After a
switch from power off to power on, the led 302 blinks more slowly
than when waking up from sleep mode and until the remote control
device has connected with a navigation device. During sleep mode
and during power off mode, the led is off. The use of the led 302
is useful for communicating to the user the fact that there may be
a delay between activation of the button and actual performance of
the command by the navigation device, in particular after a power
on switch and to a lesser extend when waking up from the sleep
mode.
[0077] It is preferred that the remote control device is the master
device in a Bluetooth connection with a navigation device, because
the remote control device initiates the communication and has full
control over the power saving facilities. In sleep mode, instead of
sniff mode, another type of low-power consuming connection mode may
be selected, such as hold mode or park mode. These modes are known
from the Bluetooth Specification. In alternative embodiments, other
wireless communications protocols may be used including Wifi and
IrDA.
[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a system comprising a remote
control device 400 and a navigation device 450. Navigation device
450 may comprise a controller (e.g. a CPU) 452, a wireless
communications interface 454 with antenna 458, a touch screen 460,
a GPS receiver 462, and a storage means 456. Remote control device
400 may comprise a controller 402, a wireless communications
interface 404 connected to an antenna 408, a user input 410
comprising one or more buttons 304-314, and a storage means 406.
The wireless communications interfaces 404 and 454 may be capable
of communicating with each other via the antennas 408 and 456 and
through a wireless communications medium 412.
[0079] The controller 402 of the remote control device 400 may be
programmed by means of firmware. The controller, controlled by the
program in the firmware, may be arranged to control the wireless
interface 404.
[0080] In operation, the remote control device may be arranged for
transmitting a pairing request to the navigation device. This
pairing request may take any form. A connect request coming from
the remote control device may function as a pairing request.
Alternatively, first a connection may be set up between the remote
control device and the navigation device, and subsequently the
pairing request may be transmitted via the connection.
[0081] In an embodiment, the navigation device 450 receives the
pairing request from the remote control device. It may enable a
user to allow or reject the pairing request, for example by
displaying a prompt message and two touch buttons, one touch button
representing an allowance and one touch button representing a
rejection. If the user does not make a choice within a
predetermined time duration, the connection may be rejected and the
prompt message and touch buttons may be removed from the display.
In response to the user allowing the pairing request, e.g. by
pressing the `allowance` touch button, the navigation device
transmits a confirmation to the remote control device and pairs
with the remote control device to obtain a paired remote control
device. Preferably an identifier of the paired remote control
device is stored in non-volatile memory (e.g. flash memory) 456 for
future reference.
[0082] In response to receiving a confirmation from the navigation
device, the remote control device 400 may pair with the navigation
device 450 to obtain a paired navigation device. Preferably an
identifier of the paired navigation device is stored in a
non-volatile memory (e.g. a flash memory) 406 for future
reference.
[0083] When the user activates the input 410, e.g. a button on the
remote control device, the remote control device may transmit a
command corresponding to that button to the paired navigation
device 450. In response to receiving such a command from the paired
remote control device, the navigation device may execute the
command.
[0084] In an embodiment, the remote control device uses a discovery
mechanism, for example the device discovery protocol provided by
Bluetooth, to discover one or more navigation devices within an
action radius of the remote control device, to obtain a list of one
or more discovered navigation devices. The action radius here means
close enough to the remote control to enable communication between
the remote control device and the navigation device. The remote
control device may automatically select at least one of the
discovered navigation devices based on predetermined selection
criteria. For example the navigation device having the strongest
signal is selected, or a navigation device of a particular brand
and/or type is preferred over other brands or types, or a
navigation device that is not yet paired to a remote control device
is preferred over a navigation device that is already paired to
another remote control device. The remote control device transmits
the pairing request to the selected navigation device.
[0085] In an embodiment, in response to receiving a rejection or
after a time-out during which no response is received, the next
navigation device is selected according to the selection criteria,
for example the one of the discovered navigation devices that has
the next strongest received signal is selected.
[0086] In an embodiment, the remote control device stores an
identifier of the paired navigation device in storage means 406. It
maintains an active connection with the paired navigation device,
and this active connection is used to transmit the commands. The
active connection may be given up when switching to a power off
mode. Also, the power may be switched off in response to a loss of
the connection or if the navigation device notifies the remote
control device that it is shutting down.
[0087] In an embodiment, the remote control switches to power on
mode in response to activation of the user input, for example if
any command key 304-314 is activated by depressing the key. In
response to switching to a power on mode, the remote control device
may attempt to connect to a navigation device to convey the command
corresponding to the key. If an identifier of a paired navigation
device is stored in the storage means 406, an attempt may be made
to restore the connection with the paired navigation device. The
presence of the paired navigation device may be checked by
comparing an identifier received from a navigation device to the
stored identifier. The paired navigation device may have the
identifier of the paired remote control device stored in its
storage means 456, and if the paired remote control device attempts
to connect, the paired navigation device allows the connection,
without requiring any user interaction.
[0088] In an embodiment, if the connection with the paired
navigation device is not restored, for example because the paired
navigation device is not within the action radius of the remote
control device, the latter selects another navigation device in the
list of discovered navigation devices and attempts to pair with the
selected navigation device as described above.
[0089] When using the Bluetooth protocol, like many other wireless
communications protocols, maintaining the connection may comprise
regularly scheduling time windows for exchanging data packets
between the paired navigation device and the paired remote control
device. This helps to keep the devices synchronized. For example,
the system comprises first power saving means for reducing a
frequency and/or duration of the time windows after the input means
has not been activated during a first predetermined time duration
and until the input means is activated. This saves power. Normally
after around 20 seconds the first power saving means is activated.
The master device usually determines when the sleep mode is
activated, so the first power saving means may be comprised in the
master device. In an embodiment, the first power saving means is
arranged for putting the connection in a sniff mode, a hold mode,
or a park mode when reducing the frequency of data packets.
[0090] In an embodiment, the system further comprises second power
saving means for switching the remote control device to the power
off mode, thereby giving up the connection, after the input means
has not been activated during a second predetermined time duration
and for. For example, after around one hour of inactivity, the
remote control switches its power off.
[0091] In response to activation of the user input while the remote
control is in power off mode, the remote control device may be
switched back to the power on mode.
[0092] The connection may be a Bluetooth connection. Preferably,
the remote control device and the navigation device are arranged
for exchanging the pairing request, the confirmation message, and
the command message via the Bluetooth connection. Preferably, the
remote control device acts as a master device and the navigation
device acts as a slave device.
[0093] A method of controlling a navigation device may comprise, in
a remote control device, transmitting a pairing request to the
navigation device, in response to receiving a confirmation from the
navigation device, pairing with the navigation device to obtain a
paired navigation device, and in response to a user activation of
the user input, transmitting a command to the paired navigation
device. The method may further comprise, in the navigation device,
receiving the pairing request from the remote control device,
enabling a user to allow or reject the pairing request, in response
to the user allowing the pairing request, transmitting the
confirmation to the remote control device and pairing with the
remote control device to obtain a paired remote control device, and
in response to receiving the command from the paired remote control
device, executing the command.
[0094] It will be appreciated that the invention also extends to
computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a
carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The
program may be in the form of source code, object code, a code
intermediate source and object code such as partially compiled
form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation
of the method according to the invention. It will also be
appreciated that such a program may have many different
architectural designs. For example, a program code implementing the
functionality of the method or system according to the invention
may be subdivided into one or more subroutines. Many different ways
to distribute the functionality among these subroutines will be
apparent to the skilled person. The subroutines may be stored
together in one executable file to form a self-contained program.
Such an executable file may comprise computer executable
instructions, for example processor instructions and/or interpreter
instructions (e.g. Java interpreter instructions). Alternatively,
one or more or all of the subroutines may be stored in at least one
external library file and linked with a main program either
statically or dynamically, e.g. at run-time. The main program
contains at least one call to at least one of the subroutines.
Also, the subroutines may comprise function calls to each other. An
embodiment relating to a computer program product comprises
computer executable instructions corresponding to each of the
processing steps of at least one of the methods set forth. These
instructions may be subdivided into subroutines and/or be stored in
one or more files that may be linked statically or dynamically.
Another embodiment relating to a computer program product comprises
computer executable instructions corresponding to each of the means
of at least one of the systems and/or products set forth. These
instructions may be subdivided into subroutines and/or be stored in
one or more files that may be linked statically or dynamically.
[0095] The carrier of a computer program may be any entity or
device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier
may include a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM
or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example
a floppy disc or hard disk. Further the carrier may be a
transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal,
which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio
or other means. When the program is embodied in such a signal, the
carrier may be constituted by such cable or other device or means.
Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which
the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for
performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant
method.
[0096] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments
illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled
in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments
without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the
claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be
construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its
conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps
other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an"
preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality
of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of
hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a
suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating
several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and
the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are
recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate
that a combination of these measures cannot be used to
advantage.
* * * * *