Patent ID: 9019245
Filing Date: 2015-04-28
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a handheld body; a plurality of user-actuated input controls on the handheld body; a CPU in communication with the plurality of user-actuated input controls, the CPU configured to translate user inputs into control signals using an advanced configuration and power interface (ACM) driver, a human interface device (HID) driver and an ACPI-to-HID driver to remotely control at least one of a plurality of programs executing on a portable computing device, wherein the user inputs are generated in response to actuation of one or more of the user-actuated input controls, and the CPU is configured to provide a periodic ping signal to be transmitted to the portable computing device, wherein absence of the periodic ping signal at the portable computing device, when otherwise the portable computing device is receiving the periodic ping signal from the apparatus, activates a function to lockout or shut-down the portable computing device; and a transmitter arranged to communicate the control signals and the periodic ping signal to the portable computing device, wherein, based on one or more of the user inputs, the CPU is configured to remotely invoke an application configured to record user-generated information on the portable computing device, and associate attribute information with the user-generated information based on the one or more processes other than the application executing on the portable computing device.