Patent ID: 8421602

Claim:
A system for controlling devices coupled to a programmable multimedia controller: a plurality of devices coupled to the programmable multimedia controller that are controlled by the programmable multimedia controller; a remote control unit having an annular touch sensor in communication with the programmable multimedia controller, the remote control unit separate from the plurality of devices, the annular touch sensor responsive to gestures there upon by a user; a display device coupled to the programmable multimedia controller, the display device separate from the remote control unit; and an annular menuing system configured to be overlaid upon a portion of a video being shown on the display device, the portion to be less than an entire screen of the video such that some of the video is still visible, the annular menuing system having a number of selectable options arranged in an annular configuration that coincides in shape with the annular touch sensor, the annular menuing system configured to, in response to a clockwise or counter-clockwise gesture by the user on the annular touch sensor of the remote control unit, rotate the selectable options in a corresponding direction to bring a particular selectable option to a designated position in the annular menuing system, to permit selection of the particular selectable option; wherein the programmable multimedia controller is configured to execute an action in response to selection of the particular selectable option to control at least one of the plurality of devices coupled to the programmable multimedia controller.