Universal remote control system

• US 20010009038A1
• Filed: 02/28/2001
• Published: 07/19/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Patrick H. Hayes, Robert A. Campbell
• Original Assignee: Patrick H. Hayes, Robert A. Campbell
• Inventors: Hayes, Patrick H., Campbell, Robert A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,010,805 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/133
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 using pulse code
• 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 21/42206 characterized by hardware details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42213 for facilitating data entry
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42225 characterized by types of remote control, e.g. universal remote control
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42226 Reprogrammable remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/478 Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application

Abstract

A remote control adapted for use with a releasable readable media storage device. A readable media storage device having data and target indicators. Electrical contacts provide releasable connection with the remote control.

Claims

1. A media storage device adapted to releasably engage a control device, the storage device comprising data having a header portion and a data portion, wherein the data portion comprises a plurality of data elements and the header portion comprises a plurality of target indicators respectively associated with the data elements.

2. A media storage device adapted to releasably engage a control device having memory, the storage device comprising:

a data portion comprising a plurality of functions; and

a header comprising a plurality of target indicators, including one target indicator for storing at least one of the functions in a location in the control device memory, whereby the control device may store the one function based upon the one target indicator.

3. The storage device of

claim 2

, wherein the of target locations of the header are respectively associated with the functions of the data portion.

4. A media storage device for use with a control device for controlling at least one of a plurality of electronic devices, the storage device comprising:

at least one device code for programming the control device to operate an electronic device; and

a header having a target indicator for storing the device code in the control device at a memory location in the control device, whereby the memory location may be determined by the control device according to the target indicator.

5. The media storage device of

claim 4

, wherein the target indicator comprises a purpose associated with operating the electronic device.