WO/2020/006414 | OPTICAL FIBER SENSING FOR HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE |
JP2014128982 | TIRE POSITION DETERMINATION SYSTEM |
WO/2023/106873 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING OPERATION CHARACTERISTICS OF POWER SWITCH |
US20150174765A1 | 2015-06-25 | |||
US20020084694A1 | 2002-07-04 |
CLAIMS 1. A controlling device for activating a remote control device, comprising: a) at least one motion element adapted for generating a mechanical motion upon receiving activation signal(s); b) at least one mechanical lever for carrying the mechanical motion in order to interface with at least one push button of said remote control, wherein the mechanical lever being coupled to the motion element; c) a controlling unit for providing the activation signal(s) to the motion element; and d) a communication module for enabling to wirelessly communicate with said controlling unit, thereby enabling to wirelessly operate said controlling unit to provide said activation signal. 2. A device according to claim 1, in which the interfacing with at least one push button of the remote control is carried-out via an adapter. 3. A device according to claim 2, in which the adapter includes a coupling means for attaching said adapter to the remote control. 4. A device according to claim 2, in which the adapter is coupled to the lever or to the motion element and the lever. 5. A device according to claim 2, in which the adapter includes a pressable element for enabling to transfer the mechanical motion of the motion elements to the at least one push button of the remote control push. 6. A device according to claim 5, in which the pressable element is integrated with a coupling means that is adapted for attaching the adapter to the remote control. 7. A device according to claim 1, in which the controlling unit is programmed or automated to perform specific patterns and cycles of certain pressing combination on the at least one push button of the remote control. 8. A device according to claim 1, in which instructions to apply the activation signals are received from a user terminal device via the communication module. 9. A device according to claim 8, in which the user terminal device is a smartphone. 10. A device according to claim 7, in which the controlling unit include a control module for enabling to configure attributes of the device in order to perform specific patterns and cycles of certain pressing combination. 11. A device according to claim 10, in which the attributes of the device are configured by data received from at least one input button in communication with the control module. 12. A device according to claim 10, in which the attributes of the device are configured by data received from a user terminal device via the communication module. 13. A device according to claim 1, further comprising an adapter having a bottom end configured to apply a pressing action on at least one push button of the remote control and a top end having at least one pressable element that is configured to be pressed when the mechanical motion is being carried out, so that when at least one pressable element is being pressed said adapter applies the pressing action to a corresponding push button. 14. A device according to claim 13, further comprising one or more pressing pads coupled to the mechanical lever, wherein each pressing pad is adapted for pressing at least one pressable element, wherein the mechanical lever moves said one or more pressing pads between a retracted position and an extended position with the changes in the state (switched on or switched off and/or rotates in one direction or the other) of the motion element. 15. A device according to claim 14, in which each pressing pad is perforated by at least one opening and wherein each pressable element has different form or diameter, thereby enabling to press only on selected pressable elements that their form or diameter or length do not pass through the opening. 16. A device according to claim 1, in which at least some of the elements of the controlling device are accommodated within an inner housing, such that the mechanical lever moves said inner housing between a retracted position and an extended position with the changes in the state (switched on or switched off and/or rotates in one direction or the other) of the motion element, so that the inner housing moves along with mechanical lever between the retracted position and the extended position to press the pushable bouton, either directly or via an adapter. 17. A device according to claim 1, in which the communication between the user terminal device and the communication module performed via wireless protocol(s) that include Bluetooth, ZigBee, or Wi-Fi. 18. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a Wi-Fi and/or a cellular connected device provided with a bridge element for enabling a Wi-Fi and/or cellular module and a Bluetooth module to work together and to communicate with one another. 19. A device according to claim 1, in which the elements of the controlling device and the remote control device are encapsulated together within a supporting case. 20. A device according to claim 1, in which the controlling unit includes a data management module for collecting, storing, retrieving and disbursing the data generated by the element of the controlling device and/or sensor(s) associated with the controlling device. 21. A device according to claim 20, in which the data management module configured to manage a database that include users' management and permissions, thereby enabling to control and limit the interaction with each specific target device that is operated by the remote control device for each specific user. 22. A device according to claim 21, in which data management module is managed via an external server. 23. A device according to claim 1, in which the controlling unit includes one or more sensors for providing indications and/or feedbacks about the working mechanism of the controlling device and/or a target device operated by the remote control device. 24. A device according to claim 23, in which at least one sensor is used to the detect RF or IR transmissions signals in order to verify an actual signal transmission from the remote control. |
The present invention relates to the field of remote control devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for enabling the activation of another device, in particular a remote controlled device.
Background of the invention
Remote controls for consumer products and other devices and systems are well known. For example, many common products are equipped with radio-based remote controls and include garage door opener systems, vehicle key fobs that used to lock/unlock their respective vehicles, etc.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which is capable of remotely activating an actual remote control without the use of a direct contact by user's hands, and which can be programmed or automated to perform specific patterns and cycles of certain pressing combination.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to a controlling device for activating a remote control device, comprising: a) at least one motion element adapted for generating a mechanical motion upon receiving activation signal(s); b) at least one mechanical lever for carrying the mechanical motion in order to interface with at least one push button of said remote control, wherein the mechanical lever being coupled to the motion element; c) a controlling unit for providing the activation signal(s) to the motion element; and d) a communication module for enabling to wirelessly communicate with said controlling unit, thereby enabling to wirelessly operate said controlling unit (from a remote location) to provide said activation signal.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the interfacing with at least one push button of the remote control is carried-out via an adapter.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adapter includes a coupling means (e.g., elastic rubber band) for attaching said adapter to the remote control.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adapter is coupled to the lever or to the motion element and the lever.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the adapter includes a pressable element for enabling to transfer the mechanical motion of the motion elements to the at least one push button of the remote control push.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the pressable element is integrated within a coupling means that is adapted for attaching the adapter to the remote control.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the controlling unit is programmed or automated to perform specific patterns and cycles of certain pressing combination on the at least one push button of the remote control.
According to an embodiment of the invention, instructions to apply the activation signals are received from a user terminal device via the communication module. According to an embodiment of the invention, the user terminal device is a smartphone.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the controlling unit includes a control module for enabling to configure attributes of the device in order to perform specific patterns and cycles of certain pressing combination.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the attributes of the device are configured by data received from at least one input button in communication with the control module.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the attributes of the device are configured by data received from a user terminal device via the communication module.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the controlling device further comprises an adapter having a bottom end configured to apply a pressing action on at least one push button of the remote control and a top end having at least one pressable element each configured to be pressed when the mechanical motion is being carried out, so that when at least one pressable element is being pressed said adapter applies the pressing action to a corresponding push button.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the controlling device further comprises one or more pressing pads coupled to the mechanical lever, wherein each pressing pad is adapted for pressing at least one pressable element, wherein the mechanical lever moves said one or more pressing pads between a retracted position and an extended position with the changes in the state (e.g., switched on or switched off and/or spin right or spin left i.e., rotates in one direction or the other) of the motion element. According to an embodiment of the invention, each pressing pad is perforated by at least one opening and wherein each pressable element has different form or diameter, thereby enabling to press only on selected pressable elements that their form or diameter or length do not pass through the opening.
According to an embodiment of the invention, at least some of the elements of the controlling device are accommodated within an inner housing, such that the mechanical lever moves said inner housing between a retracted position and an extended position with the changes in the state (e.g., switched on or switched off, spin right or spin left) of the motion element, so that the inner housing moves along with mechanical lever between the retracted position and the extended position to press the pushable bouton, either directly or via an adapter.
According to an embodiment of the invention, communication between a user terminal device and the communication module can be performed via wireless protocol(s) such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, or Wi-Fi, as well as by other wireless communication means such as Infra-Red (IR). The user terminal device can be a smartphone, a tablet, a dedicated remote control device designed to wirelessly communicate with the controlling device, etc.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the controlling device is configured to communicate with a Wi-Fi and/or a cellular connected device provided with a bridge element for enabling a Wi-Fi and/or cellular module of said connected device and a Bluetooth module of said controlling device to work together and to communicate with one another.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the elements of the controlling device and the remote control device are encapsulated together within a supporting case. According to an embodiment of the invention, the controlling unit includes a data management module for collecting, storing, retrieving and disbursing the data generated by the element of the controlling device and/or sensor(s) associated with the controlling device.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the data management module configured to manage a database that include users' management and permissions, thereby enabling to control and limit the interaction with each specific target device that is operated by the remote control device for each specific user.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the controlling unit includes one or more sensors for providing indications and/or feedbacks about the working mechanism of the controlling device and/or a target device operated by the remote control device.
According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor is used to the detect RF or IR transmissions signals in order to verify an actual signal transmission from the remote control.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a device for activating a remote control, according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate how the mechanism of the device of Fig. 1 works, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 3A schematically illustrates a perspective view of an adapter that is configured to be attached to a remote control in order to press at least one push button of the remote control, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the adapter of Fig. 3A;
- Fig. 3C schematically illustrates the adapter of Fig. 3A coupled to a remote control, according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an implementation of the device of Fig. 1 for controlling a garage door, according to an embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 5A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a pressing element suitable to work with the device of Fig. 1; and
Fig. 5B schematically illustrates a bottom view of the pressing element of Fig. 4A.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Throughout this description the term "second device" is used to indicate a device or appliance having at least one push button adapted to activate the device itself or a remote target device. In particular, this invention is applicable to all suitable remote control devices. Examples of target devices controlled by the system and method of the present invention include, without limitation, electric garage door openers, lighting systems, thermostats, alarm systems, vehicle's key fob, etc.
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. It will be appreciated that the various embodiments discussed herein may/may not be the same embodiment, and may be grouped into various other embodiments not explicitly disclosed herein.
Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.
The present invention relates to a controlling device adapted to apply pressure on a second device (at least on a specific part/region of the second device, either directly or via an adapter). For example, to activate, on demand, one or more push buttons of the second device (either directly or via an adapter), such as a standard remote control device that controls a target device (e.g., a garage door), without involving a direct use of hands. The controlling device may also be termed as an "artificial finger". The controlling device is configured as a "connected device", i.e., a device that can be controlled via Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth or via a data network (e.g., Wi-Fi or cabled Ethernet).
In case the second device includes more than one part/region to which pressure can be applied (e.g., several push button, wherein each may have a different role) and/or in case it is required to perform specific patterns and/or cycles of certain pressing combination, then one or more attributes of the controlling device, such as which push button to activate at the second device or other possible operating modes of the device, can be set and controlled by a controlling unit. In other words, the controlling unit can be programmed in order to enable the controlling device to perform specific patterns and/or cycles of certain pressing combination. The controlling device can be configured/programmed (e.g., in order to set the attributes and define the operating modes) from data input means in a wired or wireless manner. For example, a user terminal device (e.g., a mobile device remotely paired with the controlling device, a wearable computer device, or other computer based device that may communicate via data network such as LAN or WAN)can be used to communicate with the controlling device. Alternatively, a user may interact with the controlling device directly via input means located on the controlling device itself such as via at least one data input button.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the controlling device includes one or more motion elements and one or more mechanical levers. The motion elements generate mechanical motion (at least in one plane). Examples of the motion elements include, but not limited to, electric motors, servomotor (rotary or linear actuator), step motor or any other suitable motor or motion element. Example of an element that can be used to provide the mechanical motion include, but not limited to, a DC Gear Motor such as GM12-N20VA by TT Motor (HK) Industrial Co., LTD. The motion elements are connected to the controlling unit through one or more first connecting elements. Examples of the first connecting elements include, but not limited to, a coaxial cable or other wires or wireless.
In an embodiment of the invention, the mechanical lever is coupled to the motion element. The mechanical lever carries the mechanical motion generated by the motion element. The mechanical lever moves with the mechanical motion of the motion element. In some embodiments, the mechanical lever may move at least one pressing element. According to an embodiment of the invention, the mechanical lever may include one or more lever ends (e.g., two lever ends), or it can be coupled to at least one pressing element (e.g., in case it required to press more than one push button simultaneously, in case it required to perform specific pressing combination, or pressing only a specific push button at a time - directly or indirectly via an adapter, etc.). The lever end or the pressing element are adapted to interface with parts of the second device (e.g., with a push button of a remote control device) either directly or via an adapter (as will be described in further details hereinafter). For example, the lever end can be used to apply pressure on the push button of the remote control device, in order to activate the remote control device.
The controlling unit may include a control module, a data management module, one or more sensors and a power module. The control module may include one or more input buttons, and one or more output elements, such as LEDs (or optionally a display unit such as LCD panel). The input buttons may be used to input the required value of the attributes of the device. The output elements may display the output of the input. The control module, the data management module, and a power module are internally connected through one or more second connecting elements. Examples of the second connecting elements include, but not limited to, a coaxial cable or other wires or wireless. The power module may include at least one power source, such as a battery (or charger or solar or a combination of at least two of them). The power source may supply power to each components of the device through one or more third connecting elements, such as an electrical wire.
A sensor can be positioned locally at the controlling device (e.g., situated in a casing of the controlling device), or in a remote location (e.g., on a garage door). The sensors can be used to provide indications and/or feedbacks about the working mechanism of the controlling device as well as about the target device, including the intensity of the applied pressure, the period of the applied pressure, etc. For example, a sensor can be used to detect the state of the motion element by measuring the voltage/current consumption or electric resistance of an electric motor, thereby enabling to estimate if the required pressure has been applied to the remote control device in order to actually activate the push button. In another example, a sensor (e.g., a tilt sensor) can be mounted on a garage door, such that upon sensing movement of the garage door or specific angle, generating feedback signal(s) that the garage door starts to open/close or that the door is in open/close position.
According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor is used to the detect RF or IR transmissions signals (e.g., by frequency or intensity) in order to verify an actual signal transmission from the remote control. Data management module may collect, store, retrieve and disburse the data generated by the element of the controlling device and/or the sensors associated with the controlling device (e.g., logs). The control device may generate alerts according to the data generated by the element of the controlling device and/or the sensors.
In some embodiments, the data management module may manage a database that may include users' management and permissions. This enables to control and limit the interaction with each specific target device that is operated by a remote control that is controlled by the controlling device of the present invention (e.g., opening a garage door) for each specific user. For example, a specific user which is usually not the owner of the remote controlled asset (e.g., a house cleaner, a person that may grant limited access to use the garage) will be able to activate the controlling device only in a specific day of the week and during specific times. Such specific user may use his/her personal phone (or a dedicated web interface, e.g., via a browser) to open the garage door at a specific day of the week and on specific time during that day, as determined at data management module by the owner of the asset or by other authorized person/entity. According to some embodiments of the invention, data management module can be managed via an external server, and thereby allowing users to manage the permissions via a network by using browsers (e.g., specific URL adders or dedicated website), dedicated application (e.g., smartphone apps), etc. The use of such external server allows providing variety of services for plurality of users, such as granting access to specific car parking space (e.g., a specific user may use his personal phone to activate (i.e., open/close) a local barrier/gate in order to enter a parking spot.
The controlling device and the second device (e.g., a remote control device) can be encapsulated together within a supporting case in way that enables the mechanical lever to active a corresponding push button of the remote control device. The controlling device can be mounted on a wall or other surface, placed on a specific surface, or attached to a movable element (e.g., a garage door). In an example of the working mechanism, when the motion element is switched off or is in a non-active mode, the mechanical lever of the device is at retracted position and thus the push button of the second device remains in an idle position (i.e., an un-pressed position). When the motion element is switched on, the mechanical lever moves forward (i.e., to an extended position) and presses the push button of the second device by the lever's end, thereby activating the function of the remote control.
Thereafter the motion element is switched off for a required duration (if more than one press is required) or until instruct otherwise. In some embodiments, the mechanical lever may be remained (or locked) in the extended position for few seconds (e.g., 2-10 seconds) or sometimes longer (depending on the nature of the second device), for applying a continuous press on the push button of the second device (if required). Thereafter the motion element can be switched on with reverse phase and the mechanical lever moves back in retracted position, releasing the push button. These steps can be repeated up to a desired number of cycles that may be required activating some types of second devices. In case where the controlling device include several motion elements (each of which adapted to press a different push button in the second device), they can be controlled separately, and one may program the controlling unit to selectively press one push button only, as may be required by each specific remote control device.
The device can be manufactured in various methods in various embodiments. Details of these applications have been provided in conjunction with drawings below.
Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a device that can be used in conjunction with the invention. The device illustrated in this figure is particularly convenient because it can be applied as an add-on device to existing remote control devices without the need to carry out any alterations in their structure. The device generally indicated by numeral 1 in the figure comprises a motion element 10 and a mechanical lever 11. Mechanical lever 11 is coupled to motion element 10. Device 1 further includes a controlling unit 12 for controlling motion element 10. A power source is indicated by numeral 13. Mechanical lever 11 in the extended position presses a push button 3 of a remote control 2, either directly or via an adapter 7. Motion element 10 can be connected to the controlling unit through a first connecting element in wired or wireless manner. In this embodiment, the remote control 2 and the elements that form the controlling device (i.e., motion element 10, mechanical lever 11 and controlling unit 12) are all encapsulated within a corresponding case 4. Case 4 can be sealed by a matching cover 5 and with an optional gasket 6.
In this embodiment, the elements that form the controlling device are assembled within an inner housing 14, which optionally can be covered by a corresponding inner cover 15. Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate how the mechanism of device 1 of Fig. 1 works, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Mechanical lever 11 moves between the retracted position (Fig. 2 A) and the extended position (Fig. 2B) with the changes in the state (switched on or switched off) of motion element 10. In this embodiment, the inner housing 14 moves along with mechanical lever 11 between the retracted position and the extended position, such that the bottom surface 16 of the inner housing 14 will press the push button 3 (in this embodiment via the adapter 7 that can be coupled to remote control 2 via any suitable attaching means such as an elastic band 70 that wraps, at least partially, the body of remote control 2) at the extended position. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, when motion element 10 is switched off, mechanical lever 11 is at rest and inner housing 14 is at the retracted position. In FIG. 2B, when motion element 10 is switched on, mechanical lever 11 causes inner housing 14 to move forward in the extended position (toward adapter 7 in order to press the push button 3).
Referring now to Figs. 3A-3C, according to an embodiment of the invention, an adapter 7 is used to apply the pressure on at least one push button 3 of remote control 2. In this embodiment, adapter 7 comprises a pressable element 72 thatis configured to apply a pressing action on at least one of the push button 3 of remote control 2 via its bottom end 71 (see Fig. 3B). Pressable element 72 is configured to be pressed when the mechanical motion is being carried out (e.g., by inner housing 14 as described hereinabove), so that when the pressable element 72 is being pressed, adapter 7 (via its bottom end 71) applies the pressing action on push button 3. Adapter 7 includes a coupling means such as an elastic band 70 for enabling to attach adapter 7 to remote control 2. In this embodiment, pressable element 72 is integrated / embedded in elastic band 70, thereby providing a wrist-like form that can easily wrap the body of remote control 2 (see Fig. 3C). Elastic band 70 may also enable to set the position of bottom end 71 on top of the desired push button(s) 3 in order to allow its activation when pressing the pressable element 72 (e.g., by the bottom 16 of inner housing 14, as described hereinabove with respect to Figs. 2A and 2B).
Referring now to Figs. 5A-5B, according to an embodiment of the invention the controlling device further comprises one or more pressing elements 41 (e.g., pressing pads) coupled to the mechanical lever 11. Pressing element 41 is adapted for pressing the pressable element 73 of adapter 7. In this embodiment, the mechanical lever 11 moves pressing pad 41 between a retracted position and an extended position with the changes in the state (switched on or switched off) of the motion element 10.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the pressing element 41 is perforated by at least one opening 42 at its bottom surface 43. In such embodiments, plurality of pressable elements 73 can be provided with a single adapter 7 (or with several adapters). Each pressable elements 73 may have a different form or diameter, as to enable pressing element 41 to press only on selected pressable elements (by its bottom surface 43) that their form or diameter do not pass through the opening 42.
According to an embodiment of the invention, controlling unit 12 includes a communication module (not shown) for enabling a user terminal device (e.g., a smartphone) to wirelessly communicate with the controlling device of the present invention. The user terminal device can be a smartphone equipped with an application dedicated to remotely communicate with the controlling device of the present invention. This enables a user (e.g., user inputs via the user interface displayed on a touchscreen of the smartphone) to remotely activate the motion element 10 and to press the push button 3 of the remote control 2 from a remote location. The wireless communication can be performed via any suitable wireless protocol that can be supported by the user terminal device and the controlling device of the present invention, such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and the like.
In some embodiments, a bridge element can be used for enabling a Wi-Fi module and a Bluetooth module to work together and to communicate with one another. In such embodiments, a Wi-Fi connected device (located in the vicinity of the controlling device) is configured to provide control signals to the controlling device via a Bluetooth module. This enables to control the controlling device via the web without actually needing to use a Wi-Fi module at the controlling device (which is a much more power consumption module than a Bluetooth module). For example, in one implementation, the Wi-Fi connected device can be powered via the powerline as any common domestic appliance, while the controlling device can be powered by a battery and mounted on the garage door. (In other embodiments, the bridge element may use other communication modules such a Cellular communication module coupled with a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi and a cellular communications modules coupled with a Bluetooth communication module)
In an embodiment of the invention, the controlling device can be controlled via other communication forms such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Infra-red (IR), Radio Frequency (RF), etc.
Unless otherwise indicated, the functions of the controlling unit 12 as described herein may be performed by executable code and instructions stored in computer readable medium and running on one or more processor-based systems that are part of the controlling unit 12. However, state machines, and/or hardwired electronic circuits can also be utilized. While certain examples may refer to a smartphone, other computer or electronic systems can be used as well, such as, without limitation, a Personal Computer (PC), a tablet, a network-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA), and so on. In addition, while certain user inputs or gestures are described as being provided via a touchscreen, user inputs can be provided using other techniques, such as by phone key presses, data entry via a keyboard, by clicking a computer mouse or button, by voice or otherwise.
All the above will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative example.
Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an implementation of device 1 of Fig. 1 for controlling a garage door 21 of a housing 20, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a smartphone 22 is used to wirelessly instruct device 1 to apply an activation signal to the motion element 10. As a result, mechanical lever 11 presses the push button 3 on the remote control 2, which remotely controls the opening/closing of the garage door 21.
The example appearance and terminology as depicted and described herein, are intended to be illustrative and exemplary, and in no way limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Moreover, the terms, "for example", "e.g.", "optionally", as used herein, are intended to be used to introduce non-limiting examples. While certain references are made to certain example system components (such as the motion element and the mechanical lever), other components can be used as well and/or the example components can be combined into fewer components and/or divided into further components. As will be appreciated by the skilled person the arrangement described in the figures results in a controlling device for enabling to remotely activate an actual remote control that control a specific system or device. The present invention provides a novel remote control system and method which includes a user control and a controlling device. The system employs a cellular telephone as the user control, which can be used to activate different remote controls devices (while using just a single cellular telephone). As a result, the user no longer needs to carry multiple remote controls for different systems, but to place each remote control in conjunction with the device of the present invention (e.g., as shown in Fig. 1).
All the above description and examples have been given for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Many different mechanisms, methods of operation, electronic and logical elements can be employed, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.
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