Universal remote control system

• US 20010008431A1
• 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 6,968,570 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/734
• 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 remote control adapted for use with a releasable readable media storage device, the remote control comprising:

a unit having a microprocessor and non-volatile memory connected to the microprocessor; and

means for selecting one of the non-volatile memory or the releasable readable media storage device to be active, the means for selecting comprising means for disabling the non-volatile memory via an enable/disable pin.

2. The remote control of

claim 1

, wherein the means for selecting comprises means for enabling an output clock signal to the releasable readable media storage device.

3. A remote control adapted for use with a releasable readable media storage device, the remote control comprising non-volatile memory and means for accessing one of the non-volatile memory or the releasable readable media storage device, wherein the means for accessing comprises means for enabling an output clock signal to the releasable readable media storage device.

4. A remote control for controlling an electronic device, the remote control operable with a releasable readable media device and comprising:

a hand-held unit comprising means for communicating with an electronic device; and

means for accessing the releasable readable media storage device, wherein the means for accessing the releasable readable media storage device comprises means for enabling an output clock signal.