Abstract: A multi brand remote control transmitter includes a programmable memory for configuring the transmitter to transmit the IR control codes for a plurality of controllable devices of different manufacturers, each of which is identified by series of digits. Provision is made for recovering the series of digits from the programmed transmitter by a series of keyboard operations. The digits are read out by flashing an LED that corresponds to the controllable device.

Abstract: A remote control device for a television receiver or the like includes a housing that defines a cavity. IR emitter-detector pairs are arranged about the cavity to establish an x-y pattern of IR beams within the cavity. Interruption of the IR beams by an opaque object, such as a human finger, activates signal generating means for generating control signals.

Abstract: A learning type IR function code transmitter includes a memory storing the IR function codes of a large variety of different brands of transmitters. The learning transmitter includes an IR receiver and a microprocessor for detecting IR function codes transmitted from a teaching transmitter. The memory is searched when an on/off IR function code is required from the teaching transmitter. If a match is found between the received IR function code and one of the stored IR function codes, and if a unique set of IR function codes corresponding to the identified brand of teaching transmitter IR function codes exists, the transmitter keyboard is configured to operate with the function codes that correspond to the teaching transmitter. Provision is made for teaching one or more certain IR function codes to selected keys of the learning transmitter where such certain IR function codes are not found in the memory.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter has a kill mode in which less power is drawn than in the full power operating mode. The transmitter has a stop mode in which minimal power is consumed. The stop mode is entered whenever no keys are being depressed. The device stays in the kill mode whenever a key closure is maintained for longer than a predetermined time.

Abstract: A simplified trackball arrangement utilizes a single IR emitter-detector combination for determining the distance and direction of movement of a chopper wheel. The chopper wheel has a plurality of slots for interrupting the infrared path between the emitter-detector combination. The distance travelled by the trackball is a function of the number of slots interrupting the emitter-detector combination IR path. The slots are arranged in a distinctive 1-2-3 pattern such that the direction of rotation may be determined by a pattern detector sensing a 1-2-3 or a 3-2-1 pattern to the IR beam interruptions.

Abstract: A track ball mechanism is mounted on a cantilevered portion of a printed circuit board that is supported in a housing. A switch, mounted on the opposite side of the cantilevered portion of the printed circuit board, is operated when it engages a boss on the housing. The ball of the track ball mechanism is operated by a human digit in the usual manner and the switch is operated when pressure on the ball deflects the cantilevered portion of the printed circuit board which causes the switch to engage the boss. The boss is supported on a cantilevered portion of the housing which deflects under excessive loading to protect the switch and track ball mechanism.

Abstract: A stereo television receiver includes a microprocessor for developing logic level control signals for controlling tuning, video processing and a LED stereo indicator. A sync separator circuit supplies a horizontal signal to a peak detector which supplies a logic level output signal to the microprocessor. An audio mute circuit includes a pair of transistor switches, one each coupled to the left and right audio channels. The switch base electrodes are coupled together and supplied through LEDs from two delay circuits. One delay circuit is activated by the LED stereo indicator logic level control signal and the other by a logic level output signal developed when a television signal is tuned. The period of the delay circuit activated by the tuning of a television signal is sufficiently long to permit a determination of whether a stereo or a monaural audio signal is present.

Abstract: A housing having a generally rectangular cross section includes apertured front and lower portions which are respectively adapted to receive a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and which are oriented so as to face generally transversely relative to one another. Disposed within the housing between its front and lower portions are facing convex and concave inner walls which form a light channel between the LEDs and LCDs. With the LCDs and LEDs respectively positioned within the apertured front and lower portions of the housing and mounted thereto, the facing inner walls of the housing direct light from the LEDs onto the aft, inner surface of the LCDs in a diffuse, uniform manner which provides backlighting for the LCDs and prevents direct viewing of the LEDs from in front of the LCDs thus eliminating LED hot spots.

Abstract: A multi-device remote control transmitter has a first plurality of keys for controlling functions of a TV, a VCR and a Text service. A pair of slidable covers is provided in the housing for movement to two overlapping positions in which different second and third pluralities of keys dedicated to VCR and Text are exposed. Movement of the covers also operates switches which change the coded signals associated with a group of keys in the first plurality of keys for controlling different devices.

Abstract: A low voltage sense circuit for a microprocessor controlled television receiver includes a 5 volt regulator having a large electrolytic capacitor coupled across its output, which is the power input terminal of a microprocessor. The microprocessor includes a sleep terminal for initiating operation in a minimum power consumption mode. The 12 volt input to the 5 volt regulator is coupled to the bias circuit of a PNP transistor that includes a Zener diode and which is in saturation as long as the input voltage to the 5 volt regulator is greater than the breakdown voltage of the Zener diode. The collector output of the transistor is connected to the sleep terminal of the microprocessor. When the transistor is driven out of saturation, an appropriate voltage change is developed at the sleep terminal for causing the microprocessor to switch to its low power sleep mode.

Abstract: A television receiver includes a video display for producing a video display image in accordance with a received television signal and a power supply responsive to an irregular current drain for perturbating the video display image. A telephone interface circuit coupled to the power supply is responsive to a viewer initiated dialing signal for completing a telephone connection with the corresponding telephone number in a manner so as to cause an irregular current drain from the power supply. The resulting perturbations otherwise present in the video display image are eliminated by a circuit cooperating with the telephone interface circuit for effecting a substantially uniform current drain from the power supply in response to the dialing signal.