Repeated Commands Based on Device-State Information

Abstract

A portable electronic device with a touch-sensitive display (such as a cellular telephone) provides a wireless remote control for an entertainment device (such as a consumer-electronic device). After receiving, from the portable electronic device, user-interface activity information that specifies a change in a state of the entertainment device, an audio / video (A / V) hub provides the user-interface activity information to the entertainment device and determines device-state information about the entertainment device, which specifies a current state of the entertainment device. Until the device-state information indicates that the change in the state has occurred, the A / V hub: provides: the user-interface activity information to entertainment device; and determines additional device-state information indicating about the entertainment device that indicates whether the change in the state has occurred. In addition, the A / V hub may provide feedback (such as a visual indicator or sensory-feedback instructions) to a user about the status of the change in the state.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 211,827, “User Interface Based on Device-State Information,” filed on Aug. 30, 2015, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]Field[0003]The described embodiments relate to feedback techniques, including dynamically repeating commands until a change in a state of an entertainment device is detected.[0004]Related Art[0005]The versatility and capabilities of portable electronic devices is increasing their popularity. For example, many portable electronic devices include touch-sensitive displays that allow users to dynamically interact with the portable electronic devices. In addition, many portable electronic devices can wirelessly communicate with other electronic devices, which allow the portable electronic devices to rapidly and conveniently communicate information. In particular, the portable electronic d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The described patent describes a portable electronic device with a touch-sensitive display and an antenna that can communicate with an A / V hub. The device receives user-interface activity information and sends it to the A / V hub, which then activates the virtual command icon. The control circuit of the device provides feedback to the user interface indicating that the virtual command icon has been activated. The feedback can include a visual indicator displayed on the touch-sensitive display or a vibration actuator. The control circuit can also receive additional device-state information and provide sensory feedback indicating that the change in the state of the entertainment device has occurred. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a convenient and user-friendly way to control the state of an A / V device using a portable electronic device.

Problems solved by technology

However, it can be difficult to use user interfaces.

For example, many electronic devices, which can be wirelessly controlled using portable electronic devices, have complicated functionality.

Because it is often difficult to adapt the user interfaces, a user can be forced to navigate through a complicated set of options, which may confuse the user.

Consequently, the user may make errors, such as activating the wrong functionality or getting lost in a large set of options.

These errors frustrate users, and can degrade the user experience.

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