BACKGROUND

Various devices can be configured to control user devices, such as, televisions, communication terminals, receivers, and the like. Such “control” devices often have a pre-defined number of inputs or buttons, and can be programmed to enable control of various user devices. Encoded data such as command codes or an index of codes for controlling a user device is typically programmed directly on the control device. However, current solutions for managing device controls are cumbersome, confusing, and do not provide sufficient means for controlling multiple user devices using the same control device. These and other shortcomings are addressed by the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed. Provided are methods and systems for managing device controls and control relationships between one or more devices (e.g., content device, user device, computing device) and a controller.

In an aspect, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can utilize an orientation element such as a compass, a location element such as a global positioning system, and/or a device or logic that can support orientation and/or location discovery. As an example, the orientation element can provide orientation information. The orientation information can be compared to known (e.g., registered) orientations or other comparators to automatically identify and/or select a particular user device to control.

In an aspect, when multiple user devices comprise similar registered orientation information, a coordinate such as latitude, longitude, altitude, and the like, can be used to determine particular location. Accordingly, orientation information and the coordinate can be used to automatically identify and/or select a particular user device to control.

In an aspect, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can infer from contextual information which device is to be controlled and can therefore provide a convenient and automated user experience. As a further example, such inference can be based upon one or more of orientation of a controller and/or user device, location of a controller and/or user device, content being rendered by a user device and detected by a controller, proximity of a controller to a particular user device, and a comparison of a state of the controller and a state of the user device. Other inferences can be made based upon other information and contextual data.

In an aspect, provided are methods that can comprise determining a first orientation of a controller and identifying a first user device of the plurality of user devices associated with the first orientation of the controller. Accordingly, a control relationship can be activated between the controller and the first user device. As an example, the controller can have a control relationship established with more than one device. As such, methods can comprise determining a second orientation of the controller and identifying a second user device of the plurality of user devices associated with the second orientation of the controller. Accordingly, a control relationship between the controller and the second user device can be activated.

In an aspect, methods can comprise establishing a control relationship between a controller and the user device, wherein the control relationship comprises an activation orientation. An orientation of the controller can be determined and the orientation of the controller can be compared to the activation orientation. If the orientation of the controller substantially matches the activation orientation, the control relationship between the controller and the user device can be automatically activated. If the orientation of the controller does not substantially match the activation orientation, control options can be presented to a user of the controller.

In an aspect, methods can comprise determining a state of the user device and determining a state of the controller. As an example, the state of the controller and the state of the user device can be compared. Accordingly, a control relationship between the controller and the user device can be activated based upon the comparison of the state of the controller and the state of the user device.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.

