Patent ID: 8629754
Filing Date: 2014-01-14
Classification: G08C

Abstract:
1. A method of informing a user of an identity of an input of a remote control device, the method comprising: detecting user activation of one of a plurality of inputs of the remote control device for a period of time; comparing the detected period of time with a time threshold; in response to the detected period of time being longer than the time threshold, the method further comprising; in response to the detected period of time being shorter than the time threshold, the method further comprising: determining a functionality associated with the activated one of the plurality of inputs based upon a current operating mode of the activated one of the plurality of inputs, wherein the current operating mode specifies one of a first controlled device and a second controlled device that is currently controlled by the remote control device; determining a first audible signal associated with the activated one of the plurality of inputs when the current operating mode controls the first controlled device; emitting the first audible signal; determining a second audible signal associated with the activated one of the plurality of inputs when the current operating mode controls the second controlled device, wherein the second audible signal is different from the first audible signal; and emitting the second audible signal.