Patent ID: 7821505
Filing Date: 2010-10-26
Classification: G08C,H04N

Abstract:
1. A universal controlling device, comprising: a display having a touch-sensitive surface in which is displayed a plurality of graphical user interface icons; a transmitter for transmitting data for commanding functional operations of one or more appliances located remotely from the controlling device; and a processing device for causing the transmitter to transmit data in response to input provided to the touch-sensitive surface; wherein, in response to the touch-sensitive surface of the universal controlling device being provided a first input type indicative of a selection of a one of the plurality of displayed graphical user interface icons, the processing device causes the transmitter to transmit first data for commanding at least a first functional operation of the one or more appliances with the first data being representative of the one of the plurality of graphical user interface icon selected by the first input type and, in response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided a second input type indicative of a motion made across the touch-sensitive surface, the processing device causes the transmitter to transmit second data for commanding at least a second functional operation of the one or more appliances with the second data being representative of the motion made across the touch-sensitive surface provided by the second input type, and wherein the processing device is programmed to distinguish the first input type provided to the touch-sensitive surface from the second input type provided to the touch-sensitive surface.