Remote control system with key function display provisions
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A remote control system for at least one controlled device, comprising:
- a transmitter unit including user entry means having a plurality of multi-function key elements;
output means for transmitting, when a key element is operated, a remote control message identifying the operation of said key elements; and
display means for displaying information identifying the functions associated with said key elements;
a receiver unit associated with said controlled device and including input means for receiving said remote control message;
key function memory means for storing character-representative information for identifying the functions of said key elements of said transmitter unit and corresponding control information for various steps of a control sequence for controlling said controlled device; and
output means coupled to said key function memory means for transmitting a key function display message including character-representative information of a next step of said control sequence in response to said remote control message and also information identifying said controlled device; and
whereinsaid transmitter unit further includes input means for receiving said key function display message and for coupling the associated character-representative information to said display means to cause said key function information to be displayed;
said transmitter unit still further includes memory means for storing said device identifying information included in said key function display message; and
said remote control message transmitted by said transmitter unit includes said device identifying information stored in said memory means.
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Abstract
A transmitter unit of a remote control system includes a key function display unit for identifying the function of key elements of the transmitter unit at various steps of a control sequence for one or more controlled devices. The memory for storing character-representative information for identifying the functions of the key elements of the transmitter and corresponding function control instructions is contained in the controlled devices rather than in the transmitter unit. This allows for the addition of new controlled device without modification of the transmitter units.
186 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A remote control system for at least one controlled device, comprising:
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a transmitter unit including user entry means having a plurality of multi-function key elements;
output means for transmitting, when a key element is operated, a remote control message identifying the operation of said key elements; and
display means for displaying information identifying the functions associated with said key elements;a receiver unit associated with said controlled device and including input means for receiving said remote control message;
key function memory means for storing character-representative information for identifying the functions of said key elements of said transmitter unit and corresponding control information for various steps of a control sequence for controlling said controlled device; and
output means coupled to said key function memory means for transmitting a key function display message including character-representative information of a next step of said control sequence in response to said remote control message and also information identifying said controlled device; and
whereinsaid transmitter unit further includes input means for receiving said key function display message and for coupling the associated character-representative information to said display means to cause said key function information to be displayed; said transmitter unit still further includes memory means for storing said device identifying information included in said key function display message; and said remote control message transmitted by said transmitter unit includes said device identifying information stored in said memory means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification