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SamsungGranted patentPhones & computersInterest 3/10

Samsung patents phone that acts as a bridge for remote controls

This patent describes a method where a smartphone detects a remote control and connects to it. The phone then links the remote to an external device, like a TV, and translates button presses into commands for that device.

Why it mattersIt offers a way to use a single remote for multiple devices by having the phone handle the connection and command translation.

In the filing’s own words

An electronic device, according to an embodiment, may comprise; a communication module comprising communication circuitry; and at least one processor comprising processing circuitry. At least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to detect a first remote control device; establish a communication connection with the first remote control device through the communication module; determine a first external electronic device to be controlled using the first remote control device; establish a communication connection between the electronic device and the first external electronic device; map at least one key of the first remote control device and at least one function of the first external electronic device; and control the first external electronic device to perform the at least one function using the at least one key of the first remote control device and the first remote control device.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An electronic device comprising: communication circuitry; at least one processor including processing circuitry; and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to: detect a remote control device; establish a communication connection with the remote control device through the communication circuitry; based on the communication connection with the remote control device being established, determine a first external electronic device to be controlled using the remote control device; control the communication circuitry to establish a communication connection between the electronic device and the first external electronic device; based on establishing the communication connection between the electronic device and the first external electronic device, map at least one key of the remote control device and at least one function of the first external electronic device; after mapping the at least one key of the remote control device and the at least one function of the first external electronic device, receive, through the communication circuitry from the remote control device, information on a first key on which a first user input is received among the at least one key of the remote control device; and transmit, through the communication circuitry to the first external electronic device, a signal causing the first external electronic device to perform a function mapped to the first key among the at least one function.

Facts

Company
Samsung (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Official title
Method for controlling external electronic device using remote control device, and electronic device supporting same
Patent number
US12730502B2
Application number
19047010
Filed
Feb 6, 2025
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Inventors
6
Claims
18

Classified under

G06F 3/012 Physics & computingH04L 67/561 Electricity & electronicsH04W 72/51 Electricity & electronicsH04W 76/10 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.