Smart TV remote control system or method with non-standard RC command conversion capability

Abstract

A smart TV remote control (RC) system or method utilizing: an operator app installed on a smart TV; a remote control device configured to send a plurality of non-standard RC commands to the smart TV for program navigation; a conversion app installed on the smart TV; and the display interface is used for viewing according to each program command. Each operator app is configured to receive a plurality of program commands, at least one program selection being linked by a program address of the program command. The translation app is configured to receive each of the non-standard RC commands, access a database storing a plurality of mapping relationships, identify program commands associated with the non-standard RC commands received based on the mapping relationships, and send the program commands associated with the non-standard RC commands to the operator app.

Description

[0001] Technical contributions The present invention generally relates to an intelligent TV remote control system, and more specifically to an intelligent TV remote control system that enables the conversion of non-standard remote control (RC) commands into program commands including program addresses for program selection. Background Technology

[0002] Pay-TV operators typically provide users with their own branded customer premises equipment (CPE) for consuming their content. These CPEs include proprietary set-top boxes (STBs) or TVs capable of receiving encoded signals from satellite, cable, or Internet Protocol-based media.

[0003] Over-the-Top (OTT) services, such as those associated with the YouTube and Netflix brands, deliver their content as carrier apps. These carrier apps can run on retail smart TVs. Example carrier apps running on smart TVs include, but are not limited to, the Tezer open-source app running on Samsung-branded smart TVs and the webOS-branded carrier app running on LG-branded smart TVs. Various Android-branded carrier apps are also available for smart TVs. These carrier apps may have an application programming interface (API) that defines a set of predefined rules that enable individual applications to communicate effectively with the carrier app.

[0004] However, on smart TVs, the carrier app is just one of many apps offered by OTT services. In fact, users often have access to the bundled TV remote, where other apps can be elevated to a "partner" status above the carrier app. Therefore, compared to proprietary boxes or TVs, the carrier app offers limited control over the end-user experience.

[0005] To address potential incompatibility issues or other difficulties when using carrier apps, there is a need to improve the design of smart TV control systems to enhance their usability. Other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims, taking into account the accompanying drawings and the background of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A first embodiment of the present invention is a smart TV remote control system, comprising: (a) at least one operator app installed on a smart TV; (b) a remote control device paired with the smart TV, the remote control device being configured to send each of a plurality of non-standard remote control (RC) commands directly or indirectly to a command receiver of the smart TV for program navigation; (c) a conversion app, the conversion app being integrated as a library within the operator app; and (d) a display interface for viewing at least one program selection linked by a program address of the program command, based on each program command. Each operator app is configured to receive a plurality of program commands. Each program command includes at least one program address from a plurality of program addresses. Each program address includes information for linking to at least one program selection from a plurality of program selections via at least one program network. The non-standard RC commands are configured according to a non-standard protocol not processed by a standard TV input path. The conversion app is configured to receive non-standard commands. The conversion app is configured to receive each of the non-standard RC commands from the remote control device via the command receiver of the smart TV. The conversion app is configured to access a database storing multiple mappings, each mapping associating one of the multiple non-standard RC commands with one of the multiple program commands. For each of the received non-standard RC commands, the conversion app is configured to: (1) identify the program command associated with the non-standard RC command received based on the multiple mappings; and (2) send the program command associated with the non-standard RC command to at least one operator app.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first embodiment: (a) each of the program selections addressable by the program command is stored on at least one program server among a plurality of program servers; and (b) the program address of each program command is one of the following: (i) a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI); and (ii) a program identifier associated with at least one of the program selections stored on one of the plurality of program servers.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first embodiment, the database is stored in the memory module of the smart TV for direct access by the conversion app.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first embodiment, the database is stored off-site, and the conversion app is configured to communicate with the database via at least one program network.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first embodiment, the conversion app caches a local copy of at least a portion of the mapping relationship in the memory module of the smart TV.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first embodiment, pairing of the remote control device with the smart TV is performed between the remote control device and a USB accessory that can be plugged into the USB port of the smart TV.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first embodiment, the remote control device is compatible with multiple smart TV models and brands.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first embodiment: (a) the remote control device includes at least one customizable shortcut button that can be assigned to one of a plurality of custom RC commands; (b) for each custom RC command, at least one mapping relationship in the database associates the custom RC command with a custom program command; and (c) each custom program command includes at least one custom program address.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first embodiment, the conversion app is integrated with the at least one operator app and distributed as a single package within the smart TV.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first embodiment, the at least one program network includes at least one of the following: a local area network; an Internet network; an optical fiber network; a coaxial cable network; a terrestrial wireless network; and a satellite wireless network.

[0016] A second embodiment of the present invention is a method using a smart TV remote control system, the method comprising: (a) installing at least one operator app on a smart TV; (b) providing a remote control device paired with the smart TV, the remote control device being configured to send each of a plurality of non-standard remote control (RC) commands directly or indirectly to a command receiver of the smart TV for program navigation; (c) installing a conversion app on the smart TV; and (d) viewing at least one program selection linked by a program address of the program command on a display interface according to each program command. Each operator app is configured to receive a plurality of program commands. Each program command includes at least one program address of a plurality of program addresses. Each program address includes information for linking to at least one program selection of a plurality of program selections via at least one program network. The non-standard RC commands are configured according to a non-standard protocol not processed by a standard TV input path. The conversion app is configured to receive non-standard commands. The conversion app is configured to receive each of the non-standard RC commands from the remote control device via the command receiver of the smart TV. The conversion app is configured to access a database storing a plurality of mappings, each mapping associating one of the plurality of non-standard RC commands with one of the plurality of program commands. For each of the received non-standard RC commands, the conversion app is configured to: (1) identify the program command associated with the non-standard RC command received based on the plurality of mapping relationships; and (2) send the program command associated with the non-standard RC command to at least one operator app.

[0017] In some embodiments of the second embodiment: (a) each of the program selections addressable by the program command is stored on at least one program server among a plurality of program servers; and (b) the program address of each program command is one of the following: (i) a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI); and (ii) a program identifier associated with at least one of the program selections stored on one of the plurality of program servers.

[0018] In some embodiments of the second embodiment, the database is stored in the memory module of the smart TV for direct access by the conversion app.

[0019] In some embodiments of the second embodiment, the database is stored off-site, and the conversion app is configured to communicate with the database via at least one program network.

[0020] In some embodiments of the second embodiment, the conversion app caches a local copy of at least a portion of the mapping relationship in the memory module of the smart TV.

[0021] In some embodiments of the second embodiment, pairing of the remote control device with the smart TV is performed between the remote control device and a USB accessory that can be plugged into the USB port of the smart TV.

[0022] In some embodiments of the second embodiment, the remote control device is compatible with multiple smart TV models and brands.

[0023] In some embodiments of the second embodiment: (a) the remote control device includes at least one customizable shortcut button that can be assigned to one of a plurality of custom RC commands; (b) for each custom RC command, at least one mapping relationship in the database associates the custom RC command with a custom program command; and (c) each custom program command includes at least one custom program address.

[0024] In some embodiments of the second embodiment, the conversion app is integrated with the at least one operator app and distributed as a single package within the smart TV.

[0025] In some embodiments of the second embodiment, the at least one program network includes at least one of the following: a local area network; an Internet network; a fiber optic network; a coaxial cable network; a terrestrial wireless network; and a satellite wireless network.

[0026] The embodiments described herein are not exhaustive and may incorporate additional features and variations of the invention. Various other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Embodiments of this disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an intelligent TV remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for operating a smart TV remote control system according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter set forth herein. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “comprise,” “including,” and “include,” and their syntactic variations, as used herein are intended to denote “openness” or “inclusivity” language, such that they include the listed elements but also allow for the inclusion of additional, unlisted elements.

[0030] This invention relates to a smart TV remote control system or method, which utilizes: an operator app installed on a smart TV; a remote control device configured to send each of a plurality of non-standard remote control (RC) commands to the smart TV for program navigation; a conversion app installed on the smart TV; and a display interface for viewing according to each program command. Each operator app is configured to receive a plurality of program commands, at least one program selection being linked by a program address of the program command. The conversion app is configured to receive each of the non-standard RC commands, access a database storing a plurality of mapping relationships, identify the program command associated with the non-standard RC command received based on the plurality of mapping relationships, and send the program command associated with the non-standard RC command to at least one operator app.

[0031] Pay-TV operators often compete with other content providers, such as video hosting websites branded as YouTube or content providers branded as Netflix. These content providers have their own operator apps. The same program selection (such as a specific movie or TV show) may be viewable or purchaseable on multiple operator apps. Therefore, the ability to keep end users within a given operator app increases the likelihood of consuming content within that operator app, thereby increasing revenue and improving retention rates for content providers.

[0032] Current smart TV control systems overcome this problem by allowing various remote control devices to directly access the functions of the operator's app. Thus, for a given operator app, the user experience on a retail smart TV can be comparable to that on a proprietary set-top box or smart TV.

[0033] Many television platforms allow program commands that include program addresses that link to specific program selections available on the Internet or a proprietary server. These program addresses are sometimes referred to as “user intents” or “deep links.” Program selections can be, for example, specific video content, or settings menus or video content menus (such as subscriber pages). Program addresses can be Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs), program identifiers associated with program selections stored on one of the program servers, or other content addresses. Thus, program addresses link to program selections stored off-site. Therefore, program commands implement links to program selections that can be streamed to a smart TV via a program network for display on its display interface. Program networks can be implemented using local area networks, Internet networks, fiber optic networks, coaxial cable networks, terrestrial wireless networks, or satellite wireless networks.

[0034] For example, a program address can link to a specific selection of programs hosted on a video hosting site branded as YouTube (e.g., a video, settings menu, or subscriber page). Program addresses can also link to program selections hosted within the app by entertainment providers or pay-TV service operators.

[0035] The intelligent TV control system of this invention enables program navigation by converting non-standard RC commands into program commands that include program addresses, allowing users to select programs using a remote control. Cross-referencing between non-standard RC commands and program commands is provided by a database with mapping relationships.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a smart TV remote control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 includes a remote control device 101 and a smart TV 102. Smart TV 102 includes a command receiver 103, a database 104 with multiple mapping relationships 104a, a conversion app 105, at least one operator app 106, and a display interface 107. System 100 communicates with at least one program server 109 via at least one program network 108.

[0037] exist Figure 1 A database 104 with mapping relationship 104a is depicted as being installed on a smart TV 102 for direct access by a conversion app 105. In this design, the database can be stored on a memory module of the smart TV 102. The memory module may include solid-state memory.

[0038] In other embodiments of the invention, database 104 (and its mapping 104a) is stored off-site. A conversion app 105 is configured to communicate with database 104 via at least one program network 108. In this embodiment, the conversion app may cache a local copy of at least a portion of mapping 104a in the memory module of smart TV 102.

[0039] Remote control device 101 allows a user to control smart TV 102 from a distance, eliminating the need for physical contact with the smart TV 102 itself. Remote control device 101 can communicate directly with smart TV 102 or indirectly (e.g., via a USB accessory). Remote control device 101 sends non-standard RC commands to smart TV 102 by the user pressing a button.

[0040] Command receiver 103 wirelessly receives non-standard remote control (RC) commands from remote control device 101. Command receiver 103 can provide wireless communication in various modes or protocols, such as using protocols labeled infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, the Internet, local area network, or cellular network.

[0041] Database 104 stores the mapping relationship 104a between non-standard RC commands and program commands. It can be a structured list of pairs of non-standard RC commands to program commands. This mapping relationship can be organized in a tabular format, with one column for non-standard RC commands and other columns for metadata (including program addresses) of the program commands. The mapping relationship between non-standard RC commands and program addresses can be one-to-one, many-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many.

[0042] For example, a user can press a button on remote control 101 to send a non-standard RC command to smart TV 102 with the goal of watching a specific program selection streamed from program server 109 to smart TV 102 via program network 108. The conversion app 105 uses mapping 104a to bridge the gap between the non-standard RC command and the program selection, allowing the user to view specific content.

[0043] Display interface 107 displays program selections on smart TV 102. Display interface 107 can be a touch screen, e-ink, organic light-emitting diode (OLED), cathode ray tube, or liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0044] The intelligent TV remote control system 100 may also include a processor, memory, and other components. Each component can be interconnected using various buses. The intelligent TV remote control system 100 may include at least one processor for executing instructions that can be stored in memory. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the device may include many types of memory, data storage devices, or computer-readable media, such as a first data storage device for program instructions executed by at least one processor, identical or separate storage devices for images or data, removable memory for sharing information with other devices, and any number of communication methods for sharing with other devices.

[0045] Remote control device 101 pairs with smart TV 102 to establish data communication between the two devices. The pairing process can be performed using the device IDs of remote control device 101 and smart TV 102. Pairing via the unique device IDs of the two devices is a convenient and secure method for establishing a connection. It begins with both remote control device 101 and smart TV 102 activating their pairing modes and generating unique device IDs. These IDs are then shared between remote control device 101 and smart TV 102, allowing them to identify each other during the pairing process. Authentication and verification steps may be included to enhance security. Once verified, remote control device 101 and smart TV 102 establish a secure connection, and a confirmation message is displayed on the smart TV to notify the user of successful pairing. Once paired, remote control device 101 can send commands to smart TV 102, allowing the user to navigate channels, adjust volume, access apps, and interact with the TV. The non-standard RC commands are configured according to non-standard protocols not processed by the standard TV input path. These non-standard RC commands may be proprietary protocols rather than typical HID protocols. The proprietary protocol will bypass the standard TV input path and instead route to the conversion app.

[0046] Indirect pairing between the remote control and the smart TV can be performed between the remote control and a USB accessory that can be plugged into the USB port of the smart TV. Examples of accessories include USB dongles.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for operating the smart TV remote control system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0048] At step 201, the user presses a button on the remote control device 101 to generate a remote control (RC) command.

[0049] At step 202, a non-standard RC command is sent to the smart TV 102. The remote control device 101 communicates wirelessly with the smart TV 102, either directly or indirectly.

[0050] At step 203, the command receiver 103 of the smart TV 101 receives non-standard RC commands directly or indirectly from the remote control device 101. Non-standard RC commands can be received, for example, via a USB dongle.

[0051] At step 204, the conversion app 105 accesses mapping relationship 104a from the database 104. The conversion app 105 is installed on the smart TV 102. The database 104 stores multiple mapping relationships, each mapping relationship associating one of multiple non-standard RC commands with one of multiple program commands.

[0052] At step 205, for each of the received non-standard RC commands, the conversion app 105 is configured to identify the program command associated with the non-standard RC command received based on multiple mapping relationships.

[0053] At step 206, for each of the non-standard RC commands, conversion app 105 is configured to send a program command associated with the non-standard RC command to at least one operator app. The program command includes a program address.

[0054] At step 207, operator app 106 is configured to receive program commands from conversion app 105. App 106 initiates streaming of program selection 109a by accessing program selection 109a from at least one program server 109 via at least one program network 108 based on the program address of the program command. Smart TV 102 may include a media application that assists in streaming or controls the viewing experience of program selection 109a, as initiated by operator app 106, viewed on display interface 107.

[0055] for Figure 2 According to the method described, a database 104 with mapping relationship 104a can be installed on a smart TV 102 for direct access by a conversion app 105. In this design, the database can be stored on a memory module of the smart TV 102. The memory module may include solid-state memory.

[0056] Alternatively, database 104 (and its mapping 104a) can be stored off-site. The conversion app 105 can be configured to communicate with database 104 via at least one program network 108. In this embodiment, the conversion app may also cache a local copy of at least a portion of mapping 104a within the memory module of the smart TV 102.

[0057] A first embodiment of the present invention is a smart TV remote control system, comprising: (a) at least one operator app installed on a smart TV; (b) a remote control device paired with the smart TV, the remote control device being configured to send each of a plurality of non-standard remote control (RC) commands directly or indirectly to a command receiver of the smart TV for program navigation; (c) a conversion app, the conversion app being integrated as a library within the operator app; and (d) a display interface for viewing at least one program selection linked by a program address of the program command, based on each program command. Each operator app is configured to receive a plurality of program commands. Each program command includes at least one program address from a plurality of program addresses. Each program address includes information for linking to at least one program selection from a plurality of program selections via at least one program network. The non-standard RC commands are configured according to a non-standard protocol not processed by a standard TV input path. The conversion app is configured to receive non-standard commands. The conversion app is configured to receive each of the non-standard RC commands from the remote control device via the command receiver of the smart TV. The conversion app is configured to access a database storing multiple mappings, each mapping associating one of the multiple non-standard RC commands with one of the multiple program commands. For each of the received non-standard RC commands, the conversion app is configured to: (1) identify the program command associated with the non-standard RC command received based on the multiple mappings; and (2) send the program command associated with the non-standard RC command to at least one operator app.

[0058] A second embodiment of the present invention is a method using a smart TV remote control system, the method comprising: (a) installing at least one operator app on a smart TV; (b) providing a remote control device paired with the smart TV, the remote control device being configured to send each of a plurality of non-standard remote control (RC) commands directly or indirectly to a command receiver of the smart TV for program navigation; (c) installing a conversion app on the smart TV; and (d) viewing at least one program selection linked by a program address of the program command on a display interface according to each program command. Each operator app is configured to receive a plurality of program commands. Each program command includes at least one program address of a plurality of program addresses. Each program address includes information for linking to at least one program selection of a plurality of program selections via at least one program network. The non-standard RC commands are configured according to a non-standard protocol not processed by a standard TV input path. The conversion app is configured to receive non-standard commands. The conversion app is configured to receive each of the non-standard RC commands from the remote control device via the command receiver of the smart TV. The conversion app is configured to access a database storing a plurality of mappings, each mapping associating one of the plurality of non-standard RC commands with one of the plurality of program commands. For each of the received non-standard RC commands, the conversion app is configured to: (1) identify the program command associated with the non-standard RC command received based on the plurality of mapping relationships; and (2) send the program command associated with the non-standard RC command to at least one operator app.

[0059] In alternative embodiments of the first and second embodiments: (a) each of the program selections addressable by the program command is stored on at least one program server among a plurality of program servers; and (b) the program address of each program command is one of the following: (i) a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI); and (ii) a program identifier associated with at least one of the program selections stored on one of the plurality of program servers.

[0060] In alternative embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the database is stored in the memory module of the smart TV for direct access by the conversion app.

[0061] In alternative embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the database is stored off-site, and the conversion app is configured to communicate with the database via at least one program network.

[0062] In alternative embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the conversion app caches a local copy of at least a portion of the mapping relationship in the memory module of the smart TV.

[0063] In alternative embodiments of the first and second embodiments, pairing of the remote control device with the smart TV is performed between the remote control device and a USB accessory that can be plugged into the USB port of the smart TV.

[0064] In alternative embodiments to the first and second embodiments, the remote control device is compatible with multiple smart TV models and brands.

[0065] In alternative embodiments of the first and second embodiments: (a) the remote control device includes at least one customizable shortcut button that can be assigned to one of a plurality of custom RC commands; (b) for each custom RC command, at least one mapping relationship in the database associates the custom RC command with a custom program command; and (c) each custom program command includes at least one custom program address.

[0066] Examples of this functionality include, but are not limited to: (i) pressing the "Sports" button on the remote device will launch the sports section within the given carrier app; (ii) pressing the "ESPN" button on the remote device will launch the ESPN channel on the given carrier app, even if the same channel is available on separate, different apps. Customize your remote device with customizable shortcuts, or assign your most watched channels, streaming platforms, or apps to specific buttons for quick and easy access to programming.

[0067] In alternative embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the conversion app is integrated with the at least one operator app and distributed as a single package within the smart TV.

[0068] In alternative embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the at least one program network includes at least one of the following: a local area network; an Internet network; an optical fiber network; a coaxial cable network; a terrestrial wireless network; and a satellite wireless network.

[0069] Through database mapping, users can enjoy the convenience of issuing non-standard RC commands, which are automatically translated into desired actions or functions on the smart TV. This simplifies the user experience and simplifies control of the smart TV. Mapping non-standard RC commands to specific program commands allows users to interact with their smart TV more intuitively and efficiently. No more searching endless content; the desired content is accessible simply by command.

[0070] As mentioned above, the smart TV remote control system redefines how users interact with their smart TVs. It provides an integrated solution for seamless communication with the TV, offers a comprehensive program command database, and utilizes the latest mapping relationships for accurate interpretation of non-standard RC commands. This user-friendly design enhances the overall user experience.

[0071] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, upon reading the foregoing disclosure, that various other modifications and adjustments to the invention will be readily apparent without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications and adjustments are within the scope of the appended claims. The aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A smart TV remote control system, comprising: (a) At least one carrier app installed on a smart TV. (i) In this case, each operator app is configured to receive multiple program commands; (ii) wherein each program command includes at least one program address from a plurality of program addresses; and (iii) wherein each program address includes information for linking to at least one of the multiple program selections via at least one program network; (b) A remote control device paired with the smart TV, the remote control device being configured to send each of a plurality of non-standard remote control (RC) commands directly or indirectly to the command receiver of the smart TV for program navigation, wherein the non-standard RC commands are configured according to a non-standard protocol that has not been processed by a standard TV input path; (c) A conversion app that is integrated as a library into the operator's app or packaged as a standalone app. (i) wherein the conversion app is configured to receive the non-standard command; (ii) wherein the conversion app is configured to receive each of the non-standard RC commands from the remote control device via the command receiver of the smart TV; (iii) wherein the conversion app is configured to access a database storing multiple mapping relationships, each mapping relationship associating one of the multiple non-standard RC commands with one of the multiple program commands; (iv) Wherein, for each of the received non-standard RC commands, the conversion app is configured as follows: (1) Identify the program command associated with the non-standard RC command received based on the plurality of mapping relationships; and (2) Sending the program command associated with the non-standard RC command to the at least one operator app; and (d) A display interface for viewing the at least one program selection linked by the program address of each program command, based on each program command.

2. The system as described in claim 1, (a) where, Each of the program selections addressable by the program command is stored on at least one of a plurality of program servers; and (b) The program address for each program command is one of the following: (i) Uniform Resource Identifier (URI); and (ii) A program identifier associated with at least one of the program selections stored on one of the plurality of program servers.

3. The system as described in claim 1, wherein, The database is stored in the memory module of the smart TV so that the conversion app can access it directly.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The database is stored off-site, and the conversion app is configured to communicate with the database via the at least one program network.

5. The system as described in claim 4, wherein, The conversion app caches a local copy of at least a portion of the mapping relationship in the memory module of the smart TV.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, Indirect pairing of the remote control device with the smart TV is performed between the remote control device and a USB accessory that can be plugged into the USB port of the smart TV.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The remote control device is compatible with multiple smart TV models and brands.

8. The system as described in claim 1, in, The remote control device includes at least one customizable shortcut button that can be assigned to one of a plurality of custom RC commands. Specifically, for each customized RC command, at least one mapping relationship in the database associates the customized RC command with a customized program command; and Each custom program command includes at least one custom program address.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The conversion app is integrated with the at least one operator app and distributed as a single package within the smart TV.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one program network includes at least one of the following: a local area network; an Internet network; a fiber optic network; a coaxial cable network; a terrestrial wireless network; and a satellite wireless network.

11. A method using a smart TV remote control system, the method comprising: (a) Install at least one carrier app on the smart TV. (i) In this case, each operator app is configured to receive multiple program commands; (ii) wherein each program command includes at least one program address from a plurality of program addresses; and (iii) wherein each program address includes information for linking to at least one of the multiple program selections via at least one program network; (b) Provide a remote control device paired with the smart TV, the remote control device being configured to send each of a plurality of non-standard remote control (RC) commands directly or indirectly to a command receiver of the smart TV for program navigation, wherein the non-standard RC commands are configured according to a non-standard protocol that has not been processed by a standard TV input path; (c) Install the converted app as a library or package it as a standalone app and install it on the smart TV. (i) wherein the conversion app is configured to receive the non-standard command; (ii) wherein the conversion app is configured to receive each of the non-standard RC commands from the remote control device via the command receiver of the smart TV; (iii) wherein the conversion app is configured to access a database storing multiple mapping relationships, each mapping relationship associating one of the multiple non-standard RC commands with one of the multiple program commands; (iv) Wherein, for each of the received non-standard RC commands, the conversion app is configured as follows: (1) Identify the program command associated with the non-standard RC command received based on the plurality of mapping relationships; and (2) Sending the program command associated with the non-standard RC command to the at least one operator app; and (d) On the display interface, view the at least one program selection linked by the program address of the program command according to each program command.

12. The method of claim 11, (a) where, Each of the program selections addressable by the program command is stored on at least one of a plurality of program servers; and (b) The program address for each program command is one of the following: (i) Uniform Resource Identifier (URI); and (ii) A program identifier associated with at least one of the program selections stored on one of the plurality of program servers.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein, The database is stored in the memory module of the smart TV so that the conversion app can access it directly.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein, The database is stored off-site, and the conversion app is configured to communicate with the database via the at least one program network.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The conversion app caches a local copy of at least a portion of the mapping relationship in the memory module of the smart TV.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein, Indirect pairing of the remote control device with the smart TV is performed between the remote control device and a USB accessory that can be plugged into the USB port of the smart TV.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein, The remote control device is compatible with multiple smart TV models and brands.

18. The method as described in claim 11, in, The remote control device includes at least one customizable shortcut button that can be assigned to one of a plurality of custom RC commands. Specifically, for each customized RC command, at least one mapping relationship in the database associates the customized RC command with a customized program command; and Each custom program command includes at least one custom program address.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein, The conversion app is integrated with the at least one operator app and distributed as a single package within the smart TV.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein, The at least one program network includes at least one of the following: a local area network; an Internet network; a fiber optic network; a coaxial cable network; a terrestrial wireless network; and a satellite wireless network.

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