Universal remote control unit
First Claim
1. A universal remote control unit for remotely controlling a plurality of devices, said universal remote control unit comprising:
- function means for enabling a user to select a plurality of functions in connection with the operation of the plurality of devices;
a transmitter;
a processor having a plurality of operating modes each of which corresponding to a different one of the plurality of devices, and said processor being operable in each of said plurality of operating modes to control transmission from said transmitter in response to activation of said function means by the user;
a first mode means and a plurality of second mode means for enabling the user to select one of the plurality of operating modes, each of said second mode means corresponding to one of the plurality of devices; and
said processor being operable in a selected one of the plurality of operating modes, upon activation of one of said second mode means within a predetermined amount of time of activation of said first mode means.
16 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A universal remote control unit for controlling the operation of a plurality of devices such as a cable box, a television, a video device, and an audio device, includes a processor having a plurality of operating modes, a first mode push button for initiating a mode change, and a plurality of second mode push buttons corresponding respectively to a plurality of devices for enabling a user to select one of the plurality of operating modes. The processor is operable in a selected one of the plurality of operating modes, upon activation of one of the second mode push buttons within a predetermined amount of time of activation of the first mode push buttons. The universal remote control unit is effective to reduce the likelihood of unintentionally changing the operating mode. In addition, the universal remote control unit may also be effective to readily allow a user to readily determine the current operating mode of the universal remote control unit by pressing the first mode push button, and selectively turn on/of the devices using the second mode push buttons.
133 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A universal remote control unit for remotely controlling a plurality of devices, said universal remote control unit comprising:
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function means for enabling a user to select a plurality of functions in connection with the operation of the plurality of devices;
a transmitter;
a processor having a plurality of operating modes each of which corresponding to a different one of the plurality of devices, and said processor being operable in each of said plurality of operating modes to control transmission from said transmitter in response to activation of said function means by the user;
a first mode means and a plurality of second mode means for enabling the user to select one of the plurality of operating modes, each of said second mode means corresponding to one of the plurality of devices; and
said processor being operable in a selected one of the plurality of operating modes, upon activation of one of said second mode means within a predetermined amount of time of activation of said first mode means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
a television set; and
a universal remote control unit of claim 1 for remote control of said television set.
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12. A system for receiving cable television, the system comprising:
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a cable box; and
a universal remote control unit of claim 1 for remote control of said cable box.
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13. A method for operating a universal remote control unit having a plurality of operating modes for remotely controlling a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of operating modes corresponding to a different one of the plurality of devices, the method comprising:
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providing a first mode means and a plurality of second mode means for enabling a user to select the plurality of operating modes; and
operating the universal remote control unit in one of the plurality of operating modes upon activation of one of the second mode means within a predetermined amount of time of activation of the first mode means. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A universal remote control unit for remotely controlling a plurality of devices, said universal remote control unit comprising:
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an input unit for enabling a user to select a plurality of functions in connection with the operation of the plurality of devices;
a transmitter;
a processor having a plurality of operating modes each of which corresponding to a different one of the plurality of devices, and said processor being operable in each of said plurality of operating modes to control transmission from said transmitter in response to activation of said input unit by the user;
a device key and a plurality of mode keys for enabling the user to select one of the plurality of operating modes, each of said mode keys corresponding to one of the plurality of devices; and
said processor being operable in a selected one of the plurality of operating modes, upon activation of one of said mode keys within a predetermined amount of time of activation of said device key. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
a television set; and
a universal remote control unit of claim 23 for remote control of said television set.
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28. A system for receiving cable television, the system comprising:
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a cable box; and
a universal remote control unit of claim 23 for remote control of said cable box.
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29. A method for operating a universal remote control unit having a plurality of operating modes for remotely controlling a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of operating modes corresponding to a different one of the plurality of devices, the method comprising:
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providing a device key and a plurality of mode keys for enabling a user to select the plurality of operating modes; and
operating the universal remote control unit in one of the plurality of operating modes upon activation of one of the mode keys within a predetermined amount of time of activation of the device key. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A method for selecting an operating mode of a universal remote control for controlling a plurality of devices, the method comprising:
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activating a device key;
activating one of a plurality of mode keys to select the operating mode of the universal remote control; and
wherein the activating one of the plurality of mode keys comprises activating one of the plurality of mode keys within a predetermined time of activating of the device key.
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Specification