PROGRAMMABLE REMOTE CONTROL AND METHODS OF USING SAME
First Claim
1. A remote control comprising:
- a microprocessor;
a memory accessible by the microprocessor;
a display screen configured to display an icon, the icon corresponding to a channel of a media device;
a screen interface that allows a selection of the icon, wherein the selection of the icon causes the microprocessor to operate programming instructions stored in the memory; and
a transmitter controlled by the processor to transmit a wireless signal from the remote control in response to the operation of the stored programming instructions, the signal containing information to change the channel of the media device to the channel represented by the selected icon.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a remote control, a system for programming the remote control, and methods of programming or using the remote control. The remote control is configured to be selectively set up or programmed using a display screen and corresponding function buttons on the remote control. The set up process allows a user to only set up the remote control features of interest to for that particular user. In addition, the remote control includes a module that may be accessed directly by the remote control or via a computer where the module guides the user through the set up process. Thus, the user does not need to set up any feature of the remote control that is not applicable to that user.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. A remote control comprising:
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a microprocessor; a memory accessible by the microprocessor; a display screen configured to display an icon, the icon corresponding to a channel of a media device; a screen interface that allows a selection of the icon, wherein the selection of the icon causes the microprocessor to operate programming instructions stored in the memory; and a transmitter controlled by the processor to transmit a wireless signal from the remote control in response to the operation of the stored programming instructions, the signal containing information to change the channel of the media device to the channel represented by the selected icon. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11)
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9. The remote control of claim 9 wherein the setup module is manageable by the user to setup only desired remote control features.
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12. A method of using a remote control having a memory, a display screen, and a user interface, the method comprising:
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displaying a plurality of icons on the display screen of the remote control, the plurality of icons selected from a database of icons stored in the memory; activating the user interface to select one of the icons; communicating with a media device to change the media device from a first state to a second state. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of configuring a remote control having a memory, the method comprising:
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storing in the memory a first database corresponding to a first set of media device channels selected for a first user, wherein the first set of media device channels are displayable on a display screen of the remote control; storing in the memory a second database corresponding to a second set of media device channels selected for a second user, wherein the second set of media device channels are displayable on the display screen; and displaying on the display screen at least some information stored in the memory associated with one of the first or second databases. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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23. A method of configuring a remote control for use with a media device, the method comprising:
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entering information into the remote control, the information including a geographic reference designator; entering a number for a media device channel; and automatically associating the number with an icon that represents a media brand. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of configuring a remote control for use with a media device, the method comprising:
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specifying a region of geographic use of the remote control; and associating a plurality of icons with a plurality of media device channel numbers available within the geographic region. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of determining a condition of a home security system using a remote control for controlling a media device, the method comprising:
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transmitting information from a home security device of the home security system; receiving the information with the remote control; and providing a notification at the remote control to indicate a condition of the home security system. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification