Patent ID: 8116889
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A cradle for a remote control device, comprising: a receptacle configured to hold the remote control device; a first communications interface configured to communicate with said remote control device via a network that communicates information in accordance with a packet-based wireless communication protocols; a control server comprising a processing system configured to convert a remote control command formatted in accordance with the packet-based wireless communication protocol received from the remote control device into a format suitable for communication with a plurality of network components located throughout a controlled environment that are not adapted for communication in accordance with the packet-based wireless communication protocol; a power supply port having an electrical connection to the receptacle, wherein the power supply port is configured to supply power to the remote control device when the remote control device is being held within the receptacle; and a second communications interface comprising an infrared beacon or serial interface and configured to communicate with the control server and a legacy device of the network components, the second communications interface using an infrared or a serial communications protocol, and the second communications interface being configured: