Programmable universal remote control unit

• US 20040075602A1
• Filed: 10/18/2002
• Published: 04/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Contec LLC (Contec LLC /Management/)
• Original Assignee: Contec Corporation (Contec LLC /Management/)
• Inventors: Griesau, Eugene W., Carlotti, Rebecca J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,109,908 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 341/176
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 using pulse code
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/33 Remote control using macros, scripts

Abstract

A programmable universal remote control unit, settable in one of either a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation, and a programmable universal remote control unit which is programmable such that at least one of a plurality of buttons on the universal remote control unit, when operated, performs a plurality of specific operations such as turning specific devices on/off and setting specific devices in particular modes.

Claims

1. A programmable universal remote control unit for controlling a plurality of devices, the remote control unit being set in one of either a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting an electronic signal to at least one of the plurality of devices to provide operating instructions to the at least one of the plurality of devices;

a memory for storing a plurality of operating modes;

a processor being operable in said single device and multi-device operating modes to control transmission from said transmitter in response to actuation of said remote control unit;

a first input key for receiving a first key stroke;

a second input key for receiving a second key stroke;

a third input key for receiving a third keystroke;

wherein by actuation of said first, second and third input keys with respective first, second and third key strokes, the universal remote control unit is programmable in the single device mode such that only a cable set-up box is controlled, or all of the plurality of devices are controlled, by the universal remote control unit.

2. The universal remote control unit according to claim 1, wherein the first input key corresponds to actuation of a button for one of the plurality of devices, the second input key corresponds to actuation of a mute button, and the third input key corresponds to at least one of the numerical keypad buttons.

3. The universal remote control unit according to claim 2, wherein the universal remote control device is set in the single device mode by actuating a cable button, actuating the mute button, and actuating at least one of the numerical keypad buttons.

4. A programmable universal remote control unit for controlling a plurality of devices, the programmable universal remote control unit being programmable such that at least one of a plurality of buttons, when operated, performs a plurality of specific operations, comprising:

a transmitter for transmitting an electronic signal to at least one of the plurality of devices to provide operating instructions to the at least one of the plurality of devices;

a memory for storing a plurality of predetermined operating sequences for the at least one of the plurality of buttons;

a processor being operable to execute a corresponding one of the plurality of operating sequences when a corresponding one of the plurality of buttons is linked to a specific one of the plurality of operating sequences in response to actuation of the corresponding one of the plurality of buttons;

a first input key for receiving a first keystroke;

a second input key for receiving a second key stroke;

a third input key for receiving a third keystroke;

wherein the universal remote control unit is programmable such that actuation of the corresponding one of the plurality of buttons causes the transmitter to send an electronic signal to at least one of the plurality of devices corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of predetermined operating sequences.

5. A method of programming a universal remote control unit having a plurality of keys, the universal remote control unit being programmable to be in one of either a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation, for remotely controlling a plurality of devices, the method comprising the steps of:

1) actuating a first key of the plurality of keys;

2) actuating a second key of the plurality of keys;

3) actuating a third key of the plurality of keys, the third key corresponding to one of a single device mode of operation or a multi-device mode of operation.

6. The method of programming according to claim 5 further comprising the step of:

maintaining actuation of the first key when the second key is actuated.

7. The method of programming according to claim 5 further comprising the step of:

wherein the first key is the cable button and the second key is the mute button.

8. The method of programming according to claim 5 further comprising the step of:

illuminating the first key after a time delay subsequent to actuation of the second key.

9. The method of programming according to claim 5 further comprising the step of:

subsequent to actuation of the second key, determining whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed prior to actuation of the third key.

10. The method of programming according to claim 5 further comprising the step of:

wherein actuation of the third key corresponds to pressing at least one of a number of buttons of the universal remote control unit.

11. A method of programming a universal remote control unit having a plurality of keys, the universal remote control unit being programmable such that at least one of the plurality of keys, when operated, performs a plurality of specific operations, comprising the steps of:

1) actuating a first of the plurality of keys;

2) actuating a second key of the plurality of keys;

3) actuating a third key of the plurality of keys, the third key corresponding to one of a plurality of preprogrammed modes of operation for the first key.

12. The method of programming according to claim 11 maintaining actuation of the first key when the second key is actuated.

13. The method of programming according to claim 11, wherein the first key is one of the cable, television and bypass buttons, and the second key is one of the setting or select button.

14. The method of programming according to claim 11, illuminating the first key after a time delay subsequent to actuation of the second key.

15. The method of programming according to claim 11 subsequent to actuation of the second key, determining whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed prior to actuation of the third key.

16. The method of programming according to claim 11, wherein actuation of the third key corresponds to pressing at least one of a numbered button of the universal remote control unit.

17. A method of using a universal remote control unit having a plurality of keys, comprising the step of:

actuating one of the plurality of keys of the universal remote control unit to substantially simultaneously operate a plurality of devices.