Dynamic linking of codesets in universal remote control devices

• US 10,097,784 B2
• Filed: 01/08/2018
• Issued: 10/09/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Universal Electronics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Universal Electronics, Inc.
• Inventors: Vergis, George, Mankame, Sunilkumar
• Primary Examiner(s): Benlagsir, Amine
• Application Number:
  US15/864,249
• Publication Number:
  US 20180131892A1
• Time in Patent Office: 274 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 using pulse code
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/36 using optical means to covert the input signal characterised by optical transfer means G01D5/26; optical analogue digital converters G02F7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/20 Binding and programming of remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42204 User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor constructive details of casings for the remote control device H01H9/0235; user interfaces for controlling a tuning device of a television receiver through a remote control H03J9/00; remote control of peripheral devices connected to a television receiver through the remote control device of the television receiver H04B1/205
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42225 characterized by types of remote control, e.g. universal remote control

Abstract

A codeset having function-code combinations is provisioned on a controlling device to control functions of an intended target device. Input is provided to the controlling device which designates a function to be controlled on the intended target device. From a plurality of codes that are each associated with the designated function in a database stored in a memory of the controlling device a first code that is determined to be valid for use in controlling the designated function on the intended target device is selected. When the codeset is then provisioned on the controlling device, the provisioned codeset includes as a function-code combination thereof the designated function and the first code.

Claims

1. A controlling device adapted to command a functional operation of a controlled device, comprising:

a processing device;

an input element coupled to the processing device;

a transmitter coupled to the processing device; and

a memory coupled to the processing device;

wherein the memory has stored therein a first preset codeset, a second preset codeset, first information that functions to link the first preset codeset with the second preset codeset, second information that functions to specify which one of the first preset codeset and the second preset codeset is to be accessed to retrieve therefrom a key code in response to an activation of the input element, and instructions executable by the processing device which, when executed by the processing device, cause the controlling device to respond to the input element of the controlling device being activated by using the first information and the second information to access one of the first preset codeset and the second preset codeset, retrieving from the accessed one of the first preset codeset and the second preset codeset the key code corresponding to the activated input element, and using the retrieved keycode to generate a command for transmission to the controlled device via use of the transmitter.

2. The controlling device as recited in claim 1, wherein the second information comprises a flagbyte.

3. The controlling device as recited in claim 1, wherein the first preset codeset and the second preset codeset are each intended for use in commanding functional operations of a controlled device of a same type and brand.

4. The controlling device as recited in claim 1, wherein the first preset codeset and the second preset codeset are each intended for use in commanding functional operations of a controlled device of a different type.

5. The controlling device as recited in claim 1, wherein input received while in a setup mode of operation of the controlling device is used to determine the first information and the second information.

6. The controlling device as recited in claim 1, wherein the transmitter comprises an infrared transmitter.

7. The controlling device as recited in claim 1, wherein the transmitter comprises a radio frequency transmitter of the controlling device.

8. The controlling device as recited in claim 1, wherein the second information is automatically determined by the controlling device.

9. The controlling device as recited in claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processing device, further cause the controlling device to implement an auto-scan procedure for use in determining the first information and the second information.