Methods and apparatus for rendering user interfaces and display information on remote client devices
View Patent ↗A user interface is implemented on a client device remote from a host device. The host device operates an application program that implements a user interface, such as an electronic programming guide or a guide for a personal video recorder, that permits a user to control at least one target device. The host device transfers to the client device an identification of at least one scene. In general, a scene defines an abstract layout for at least one screen display of the user interface. The client device generates at least one screen display for the scene based on its interpretation of the scene. The client device then displays the screen as an implementation of the user interface. Thereafter, a user initiates, using the client device, an operation to control the target device. In response, the target device performs the operation. The host device may also display information at a client device. For example, the host device may transmit information about a media currently playing at the client device.
1. A method for implementing a user interface on a remote control device for remotely controlling a target device, said method comprising the steps of:
coupling a host computer device, said remote control device, and at least one target device through a wireless network, said remote control device comprising a portable wireless device having a display, the remote control device for remotely controlling said at least one target device through a user interface displayed on said display;
operating an application program on said host computer device, said application program comprising said user interface;
transmitting, using said wireless network, from said host computer device to said remote control device, an identification of at least one scene, said scene defines an abstract layout for at least one screen display of said user interface;
generating at least one screen display for said scene based on an interpretation of said scene at said remote control device;
displaying, on said display of said remote control device, said screen display of said user interface;
receiving input, at said remote control device, from a user to initiate at least one operation at said target device;
communicating, using said wireless network, said at least one operation to said target device; and
performing said operation at said target device in response to control from said remote control device, wherein said at least one target device and said remote control device are separate devices, whereby said at least one operation performed at said target device is remotely initiated at said remote control device.
2. The method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said display of said remote control device comprises a graphical display.
3. The method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said user interface comprises an electronic programming guide to control a target device comprising a television, a guide for a target device comprising a personal video recorder, or an interface to control a target device comprising a media playback device.
4. The method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said target device comprises a computer system, a personal video recorder (“PVR”) server, a media server, or a television.
5. The method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said target device comprises a device for playing or viewing media.
6. The method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said wireless network comprises a home network.
7. A method for implementing a user interface on a remote control device for remotely controlling a target device, said method comprising the steps of:
operating an application program on a host computer device, said application program comprising said user interface;
transmitting, using a wireless network, from said host device to said remote control device, an identification of at least one scene, said scene defines an abstract layout for at least one screen display of said user interface, said remote control device comprising a portable wireless device having a display, the remote control device for remotely controlling said at least one target device through a user interface displayed on said display;
generating at least one screen display for said scene based on an interpretation of said scene at said remote control device;
displaying, on said display of said remote control device, said screen display of said user interface;
receiving a first user input, at said remote control device, to initiate a first operation at a first target device, said first target device comprising a video media player;
communicating, using said wireless network, said first operation to said first target device;
performing said first operation at said first target device;
receiving a second user input, at said remote control device, to initiate a second operation at a second target device, said second target device comprising an audio media player; and
performing said second operation at said second target device, wherein said remote control device, first target device, and second target device are three separate devices, whereby said first operation performed at said first target device is remotely initiated at said remote control device and said second operation performed at said second target device is remotely initiated at said remote control device.
8. The method as set forth in claim 7 , further comprising:
coupling said host computer device, said remote control device, and said first and second target devices through said wireless network.
9. The method as set forth in claim 8 , wherein said wireless network comprises a home network.
10. The method as set forth in claim 7 , further comprising:
receiving a third user input, at said remote control device, to initiate a third operation at a third target device, said third target device comprising a photo media player;
communicating, using said wireless network, said third operation to said third target device; and
performing said third operation at said third target device.
11. A method for implementing a user interface on a remote control device for remotely controlling a target device, said method comprising the steps of:
connecting a host computer device, said remote control device, and at least one target device using a wireless local home network, said remote control device comprising a portable wireless device having a display, the remote control device for remotely controlling said at least one target device through a user interface displayed on said display;
operating an application program on said host computer device, said application program comprising said user interface;
transmitting, using said wireless network, from said host computer device to said remote control device, at least one screen display of said user interface;
displaying, on said display of said remote control device, said at least one screen display of said user interface;
receiving input, at said remote control device, from a user to initiate at least one operation at said target device;
communicating, using said wireless network, said at least one operation to said target device; and
performing said operation at said target device in response to control from said remote control device, wherein said target device and said remote control device are separate devices, whereby said at least one operation performed at said target device is remotely initiated at said remote control device.
12. The method as set forth in claim 11 , wherein said remote control device and said target device are connected to the local home network at different points on the local home network.
13. The method as set forth in claim 11 , wherein said target device comprises a device for playing or viewing media.
14. The method as set forth in claim 11 , wherein said target device comprises a video, audio, or photo media player.