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: A hand-held remote control which can be configured to communicate command codes to one or more home appliances of different makes, models, and manufacturers and a relay unit that can communicate with the remote control. The relay unit has a button that corresponds to a key on the remote control. When the button on the relay unit is activated, the relay unit signals the remote control. In response to the receipt of the signal indicating activation of the button or in response to activation of the key on the remote control, the remote control communicates to one or more of the home appliances those command codes that have been mapped to the key. Command codes are communicated to the home appliances using native communication protocols.

Abstract: A hand-held controller having a plurality of console command buttons that, in response to activation, cause the transmission of commands for the purpose of controlling the operation of a video game console. Parental control is provided by preventing the transmission of commands to the video game console in response to activation of a console command button as a function of a parental control parameter that is provided to the hand-held controller.

Abstract: A system and method for using an RFID tag to automatically setup and configure a universal remote control to command appliances of various types and various manufacturers.

Abstract: A universal remote control comprising a keyboard having a plurality of pushbuttons including a macro pushbutton and a library of codes and data for use in transmitting operating commands to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers. Instructions within the remote control are used to match the universal remote control to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers such that selected codes and data from the library are used to transmit operating commands to the matched home appliances in response to activation of selected pushbuttons of the keyboard. The instructions are also used to assign to the macro pushbutton a subset of the selected codes and data from the library whereafter activation of the macro pushbutton causes the universal remote control to use the subset of selected codes and data from the library to transmit operating commands to one or more of the matched home appliances.

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.

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 controlling device having programming which ensures an appliance will be placed into a desired power state. The controlling device transmits a query message to a power monitor associated with the appliance to obtain the current power state of the appliance. If the current power state corresponds to the desired power state, the controlling device inhibits the transmission of a command to the appliance to effect a change in the current power state of the appliance.

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 remote control for use with a configurable target device. The remote control includes a keypad having a plurality of keys including a function key and a transmission circuit for transmitting a signal to the target device in response to activation of one or more of the plurality of keys. Activation of the function key causes the transmitted signal to be comprised of a command to effect a change in the configuration of the target device where the command is selected from a table comprised of a plurality of commands in the event that a single command has not been assigned to the function key.

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: A system for programming a remote control. The system utilizes a readable media having electrical contacts for allowing the readable media to be releasably connected to the remote control. The readable media has stored thereon code data where the remote control is adapted to read the code data from the readable media and thereafter use the code data in connection with commanding a first home appliance to perform an operation. The remote control is also adapted to erase the readable media after the code data has been read from the readable media.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a target controlling appliance to communicate with a target controlled appliance. Setup information is supplied to a remote control to configure the remote control to communicate command codes to the target controlled appliance. A representation of configuration data is transmitted in a configuration message to the target controlling appliance. The target controlling appliance uses the representation of the configuration data to automatically configure itself to communicate command codes to the target controlled appliance. In particular, the target controlling appliance uses the representation of the configuration data to select those command codes in a command code library that are recognizable by the target controlled appliance. The command code library could be local or remote to the target controlling appliance.

Abstract: A controlling device having programming which ensures an appliance will be placed into a desired power state. The controlling device transmits a query message to a power monitor associated with the appliance to obtain the current power state of the appliance. If the current power state does not correspond to the desired power state, the controlling device transmits a command to the appliance to effect a change in the current power state of the appliance.

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: A system and method for displaying an electronic program guide and for remotely controlling the recording functionality of an appliance. A user registers with a Web site to enable the downloading of an electronic program guide (“EPG”) to a portable device. The downloaded and displayable EPG includes a listing of programs from which the user may select a program of interest. In response to receiving input from the user requesting that the program be recorded, data indicative of the recording request is stored in the portable device. Then, when it is determined that the portable device is able to establish communication with the appliance (either directly or via an intermediate PC), the data indicative to the recording request is provided to the appliance to effect the recording of the program.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a remote control to command the operation of appliances, to capture demographic data, and to provide services, such as automated warranty registration, instructions, viewing guides, etc., relevant to the appliances is provided. The system includes a database and associated server that are located remotely from the remote control and accessible via a network connection. Command codes, graphical user interface elements, and services are accessed and downloaded to the remote control, as appropriate, using data supplied to the server that identifies the appliances and/or functional capabilities of the appliances. This data can be supplied by the appliances directly or can be obtained from other sources such as barcode labels, network devices, etc.

Abstract: A universal remote control adapted to receive a voice input. The voice input is received by the remote control and compared to a plurality of voice command templates that are stored in the memory of the remote control. If the voice input matches one or more of the plurality of voice command templates, a valid voice input has been received by the remote control. Valid voice input may be a remote control command or keystroke data, input as an entire word or as individual characters. In response to a valid voice input, the remote control may transmit an operational command code and/or alphanumeric symbol code corresponding to keystroke data to a consumer electronic device.

Abstract: A controlling device having programming which ensures an appliance will be placed into a desired power state. The controlling device transmits a query message to a power monitor associated with the appliance to obtain the current power state of the appliance. If the current power state does not correspond to the desired power state, the controlling device transmits a command to the appliance to effect a change in the current power state of the appliance.