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 customizable and an upgradable remote control is provided which may be customized or upgraded via a Web site or through other remote, and preferably interactive, processes. A database is provided which includes a plurality of functions of a consumer electronic device, such as a TV and/or a DVD player. A user selects among the plurality of functions at least one of the desired functions. In response to the user selection a virtual configuration is created to virtually configure the customizable remote control. The virtual configuration may be downloaded to the customizable remote control.

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: An electronic program guide system. A program schedule is presentable in a display as a grid of two-dimensionally arranged cells with a program identifier being displayed in each of the cells, the grid having a plurality of channels listed in a first dimension and time listed in a second dimension of which a portion of the entirety of the grid is displayable in the display. A user may interact with the electronic program guide to change the program schedule information that is displayed and/or to transmit one or more command codes to a target appliance.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device having a remote control application user interface that functions to displays operational mode information to a user. The graphical user interface may be used, for example, to setup the remote control application to control appliances for one or more users in one or more rooms, to perform activities, and to access favorites. The remote control application is also adapted to be upgradeable. Furthermore, the remote control application provides for the sharing of operational mode information.

Abstract: A user interface for displaying graphical operational mode information to a user of a universal remote control. The user interface displays to the user in a circular queue arrangement iconic representations of every home appliance which the universal remote control is setup to control. The user may then interact with the user interface to select an iconic representation of the one of the home appliances which the user desires to control. In response to this selection, the user interface will display the iconic representation of the home appliances such that the iconic representation of the home appliance indicated by the user is moved to a predetermined position in the circular queue arrangement relative to the remaining iconic representations and/or is given an appearance distinct from the appearance of the remaining iconic representations within the circular queue arrangement. In this manner, the user interface indicates to the user the current operational mode of the universal remote control.

Abstract: A media system capable of sending a plurality of input signals to a receiving device of the system is provided. A remote control for selecting among the input devices is also provided. An audio remote without numeric keys for an audio system is provided. The present apparatus also provides the user with the ability to control the output of an input selection key. This allows the user to select input source, perhaps from a table, or execute a function assigned to the key. When in a “locked” state, the input key will rotate through a table that contains individual input functions from target devices, or the target sources/devices. The table may consist of as many input functions are as available for each device. In an “unlocked” state the remote will attempt to send a function assigned to the input key prior to selecting a device selection from an input select table. Other features of a remote control for a media system are provided.

Abstract: A Web server by which a user can request that reminder data, movie guide data, and/or TV guide data be downloaded to a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a remote control to automatically and dynamically set-up a V-chip in a consumer appliance. The remote control is configured with an ID code which ID code is transmittable to the consumer appliance. Within the consumer appliance is stored a plurality of V-chip parameter tables. The consumer appliance is responsive to the ID code transmittable by the remote control to select one of the plurality of V-chip parameter tables to be used by the V-chip to determine accessibility to programming.

Abstract: A readable medium and systems for utilizing receiver signal reconstruction characteristics, in combination with a knowledge of code formats being used, to enable a control device to learn the coding format of carrier frequencies, and in particular high frequency carrier frequencies, of devices to be controlled.

Abstract: Portable device to interface with a printer and with a computing device. The portable device may interface with a local printer through a base mated with the portable device or with a remote printer through a wireless communication link. The portable device preferably has standard remote control capability and web browsing capability.

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: 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 wireless control and pointer system for controlling electronic equipment. The system generally includes a hand held remote control comprising a first infrared signal emitter for use in transmitting a first infrared signal comprising a plurality of signal components each of which is transmitted at a first frequency but out of phase with respect to the other of the plurality of signal components and a receiver comprising an infrared signal sensor adapted to receive the infrared signal, a circuit connected to the infrared signal sensor for generating an orientation signal indicative of the orientation of the remote control as a function of the amplitude of each of the plurality of signal components of the infrared signal, and an interface circuit for transmitting a command signal indicative of the orientation signal to the electronic equipment.

Abstract: A self-contained module including finger depressible keys, said module being mountable on, and useable with, a wireless keyboard for a computer. The module includes a pre-programmed microcontroller for controlling basic functions of the TV and an associated VCR via an IR LED on the keyboard.

Abstract: A universal remote control system with bar code activated set up wherein the device to be controlled such as a TV, VCR or other consumer electronic product, and the associated remote control unit are pre-programmed and adapted to automatically reconfigure the remote control unit to communicate with a device to be controlled.

Abstract: A system whereby a user-configurable universal remote control has its device library, that is the code data needed to operate various electronics devices, supplied separately from a releasable readable media storage device, such as a Smart Card. The universal remote control is built with a reader slot into which the customer can insert separately purchased Smart Cards to configure the remote control for exactly those electronic devices he/she wishes to control. A signal transmitting system, such as for example a cable television operator, which provides services to a number of individual receiver sets, and wherein the sets each include an associated remote control unit, the method of controlling the functions and operation of each set with relation to said system by utilizing a Smart Card which cooperates with the remote control unit to selectively control, enable and disable the functions, options and/or equipment of the individual subscriber.

Abstract: The invention teaches remote control device for reassigning functions associated with one key to another key, wherein the functions are stored in memory. In one embodiment the remote control comprises a memory and a plurality of function instructions stored in the memory, including a first function instruction and a second function instruction. A plurality of keys, including a first key, is operably connected to execute the first function instruction. Reassignment programming is stored in memory and provides for connecting the first key such that it will execute the second function instruction instead of the first function.

Abstract: A universal remote control system with device activated set up wherein the device to be controlled such as a TV, VCR or other consumer electronic product, and the associated remote control unit are pre-programmed and adapted to automatically reconfigure the remote control unit to communicate with a device to be controlled as soon as said device is connected to its power source.

Abstract: A device for providing input information such as the position and movement of a cursor or pointer to a control for a visual display screen having a gravity responsive member mounted in a housing having a plurality of force sensitive resistive elements mounted in spaced relation to one another said gravity responsive member being mounted in position to selectively apply pressure on said resistive elements in response to the orientation of said housing.