Abstract: A remote control for communicating commands to a target device having first data that specifies a function supported by the target device. The remote control includes a set of command key indicias, stored within the universal remote control prior to any communications with the target device, each command key indicia being assigned a function identifier. The remote control is adapted to receive the first data from the target device and select a command key indicia from the set of command key indicias that has a function identifier that corresponds to the function specified by the first data. The selected command key indicia is displayable on a display of the universal remote control in association with a command key actuatable to communicate one or more commands to the target device to control the function supported by the target device that is represented by the first data.

Abstract: A remote control transmission monitoring system. The system monitors remote control transmissions for the purpose of updating state tables for one or more remotely controllable appliances. The state tables may then be queried for the purpose of determining the present state of an appliance whereby the transmission of a command that would place an appliance in an unintended state may be avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitation and encouragement of user interaction and functionality with a multimedia program via an entertainment system and remote control device. The entertainment system and remote control device are in two-way communication to accomplish the various interactivity functions and features of the invention. The remote control includes one or more selectively illuminated buttons under the control of the entertainment system, such that when the entertainment system displays a prompt to the user requiring a response, the entertainment system may send a signal to the remote control selectively illuminating the button(s) to indicate to the user that the button(s) may be operated to make a response to the prompt.

Abstract: A remote control transmission monitoring system. A remote control has programming for transmitting a sequence of command codes and a command receiver has programming for determining if the transmission from the remote control included all of the command codes in the sequence of command codes. The programming further functions to generate a signal to cause corrective action to be taken and/or to notify a user that an unsuccessful transmission of the sequence of command codes occurred when the transmission from the remote control is determined to include less than all of the command codes in the sequence of command codes.

Abstract: A system which can be configured to communicate command codes to one or more home appliances which includes a keypad and a relay unit. At least one key on the keypad is associated with at least one command code from a plurality of command codes stored in a memory. The system determines if the at least one key on the keypad has been activated or if a command signal transmission that identifies the at least one key on the keypad has been received from the relay unit. When it is determined that either the at least one key has been activated or the command signal transmission that identifies the at least one key has been received, the system communicates to the one or more of home appliances the one or more command codes that have been associated to the at least one key on the keypad.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.

Abstract: Circuitry using infra-red (IR) diodes in remote control units. In one embodiment an IR LED is used both as a transmitter diode and also as a receiver diode responsive to light to thereby develop photocurrents and/or voltages for use by external circuitry. In a second embodiment an improved amplifier circuit is provided for an IR LED and IR photo detector diode which is mounted behind, and receives light through, the transmitter IR LED.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device having a remote control application user interface that functions to displays programming related information to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for using an universal remote control to access extended operational functions of a device. A consumer causes the universal remote control to transmit a code data value selected from the library to a target device while observing the effect of the transmitted code data value on the target device.

Abstract: When a command key of a controlling platform is activated, the platform performs an operation associated with the command key and also initiates the retrieval of information from an information source. The information retrieved is related to the operation being performed.

Abstract: A remote control device is which key use is monitored. A command key, representative of an appliance function, may be correlated to a target appliance that is determined, as a function of the monitored key use, to be the most likely intended recipient of a command to perform that appliance function. An activity key may also be programmed so as to perform a series of actions that are representative of a sequence of monitored key uses.

Abstract: A remote control device is which key use is monitored. A command key, representative of an appliance function, may be correlated to a target appliance that is determined, as a function of the monitored key use, to be the most likely intended recipient of a command to perform that appliance function. An activity key may also be programmed so as to perform a series of actions that are representative of a sequence of monitored key uses.

Abstract: A system and method for setting up a control device to command the operations of an appliance. The system includes a power monitor that is associated with the appliance that includes circuitry for determining a current power state of the appliance. The control device has a library of command code sets and includes programming for transmitting to the appliance a command code from one of the command code sets and for receiving from the power monitor a signal which indicates that the transmitted command code caused a change in the current power state of the appliance. If such a signal is received, the programming functions to select the command code set which includes the command code to which the appliance responded by changing power states as the command code set for use in commanding the operations of the appliance.

Abstract: A control unit is set up to operate a target device by receiving a first input for selecting from a plurality of protocols stored in the control unit a protocol that is appropriate for communicating with the target device. The control unit is then caused to transmit to the target device, using the selected protocol, a request for configuration information. In response to the receipt of the request, the target device returns to the control unit a function indicator and the control unit selects from a plurality of commands appropriate for the target device stored in the control unit a command corresponding to the function indicator. The selected command is mapped to a function key of the control unit such that activation of the function key results in communication of the selected command using the selected protocol to the target device to thereby control a function supported by the target device that is represented by the function indicator.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for setting up a universal remote control for operation with a system having devices to be controlled such as a TV, VCR, electronics appliances, wherein the devices are preferably interconnected. One method includes the steps of having the devices to be controlled provide a listing of the capabilities of each device, recognizing a single set of standard abstract feature indicators; processing said indicators; and, mapping said indicators into specific IR codes and keys according to said list of capabilities of said controlled device. One embodiment is optimized for use with a virtual remote control, wherein only icons corresponding to related capabilities is displayed on a touch screen of the virtual remote control. Such an embodiment is particularly well suited for controlling different families of function capability associated with correspondingly different entertainment devices to achieve an integrated entertainment, or task, grouping.

Abstract: A system and method for using a remote control device to simulate a skip search operation on a consumer appliance playing a recorded media. In response to a sensed activation of a skip search button, the remote control transmits at least one recorded media shuttle command to the consumer appliance and, after waiting a period of time, transmits an additional command to the consumer appliance to cause the recorded media to resume playback at a standard speed. When the media shuttle command is a fast forward command, the simulated skip search is effective for forwarding past timed portions of the recorded media. When the media shuttle command is a rewind command, the simulated skip search is effective for replaying timed portions of the recorded media.

Abstract: Circuitry using infra-red (IR) diodes in remote control units. In one embodiment an IR LED is used both as a transmitter diode and also as a receiver diode responsive to light to thereby develop photocurrents and/or voltages for use by external circuitry. In a second embodiment an improved amplifier circuit is provided for an IR LED and IR photo detector diode which is mounted behind, and receives light through, the transmitter IR LED.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting access to data including a secured appliance. The secured appliance has limited responsiveness to received remote control data frames unless such remote control data frames include parameters matching those stored within the secured appliance.

Abstract: A system and method for retrieving information. A command key of a platform has an operation and an address of an information source mapped thereto. When the command key is activated, the platform performs the operation and also initiates the retrieval of information from the information source using the address.