State-Based Remote Control System

Abstract

A state-based remote control system for providing efficient and simple operation of a plurality of electronic devices as a coordinated system based upon an overall task. The state-based remote control system includes a housing, a keypad in communication with an electronic system contained within the housing, and a communication device in communication with the electronic system for communicating with external electronic devices. The electronic system monitors the buttons selected by a user to determine the state of all external electronic devices that are to be controlled. When the user selects a task (e.g. watch television), the electronic system automatically determines the actions required to achieve the desired task based upon the current state of the external electronic devices. After the task has been fulfilled, the electronic system updates the data to reflect the modified state of the external electronic devices.

1 . A state-based remote control system, comprising: 
 a housing;    an electronic system capable of storing and updating current state data relating to at least one external electronic device;    a communication device connected to said electronic system for emitting a control signal to said at least one external electronic device; and    an input means connected to said electronic system for controlling said electronic system.    
     
     
         2 . The state-based remote control system of  claim 1 , wherein said input means includes a keypad having a plurality of buttons.  
     
     
         3 . The state-based remote control system of  claim 2 , wherein said input means includes a display.  
     
     
         4 . The state-based remote control system of  claim 1 , wherein said electronic system is capable of performing tasks based upon desired state data as compared to said current state data.  
     
     
         5 . The state-based remote control system of  claim 4 , wherein said electronic system only modifies a state of an electronic device that has a current state that does not match a desired state.  
     
     
         6 . The state-based remote control system of  claim 1 , wherein said communication device is able to transmit and receive data.  
     
     
         7 . The state-based remote control system of  claim 1 , wherein said electronic system is programmable to allow for the control of a plurality of external electronic devices.  
     
     
         8 . A method of operating a state-based remote control system having an electronic system with a communication device and an input device for controlling a plurality of external electronic devices, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) determining a current state data of said external electronic devices;    (b) receiving an action request from said input device;    (c) performing said action request; and    (d) modifying said current state data to reflect new state of said external electronic devices.    
     
     
         9 . The method of operating a state-based remote control system of  claim 8 , wherein said step (a) comprises asking a series of questions of a user regarding the state of each of said external electronic devices.  
     
     
         10 . The method of operating a state-based remote control system of  claim 8 , wherein said step (a) comprises assuming all of said external electronic devices are in a predetermined state.  
     
     
         11 . A method of operating a state-based remote control system having an electronic system with a communication device and an input device for controlling a plurality of external electronic devices, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) determining a current state data of said external electronic devices;    (b) receiving a task request from said input device, wherein said task request has a desired state data stored within said electronic system;    (c) determining which of said external electronic devices require a modification to their respective state forming a change group; and    (d) modifying each external electronic device within said change group to conform to said desired state data.    
     
     
         12 . The method of operating a state-based remote control system of  claim 11 , including the following step: 
 (e) updating said current state data to reflect new state of said external electronic devices modified within said change group.    
     
     
         13 . The method of operating a state-based remote control system of  Claim 11 , wherein said step (a) comprises asking a series of questions of a user regarding the state of each of said external electronic devices.  
     
     
         14 . The method of operating a state-based remote control system of  Claim 11 , wherein said step (a) comprises assuming all of said external electronic devices are in a predetermined state.  
     
     
         15 . The method of operating a state-based remote control system of  Claim 11 . wherein said step (c) comprises comparing said current state data with said desired state data.  
     
     
         16 . The method of operating a state-based remote control system of  claim 11 , including the step of: 
 (e) displaying a menu containing at least one task that are dependent upon a state of said external electronic devices.