Universal remote control device

A microprocessor system for use in a universal remote control device having command inputs and infrared code outputs, said system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a single non-volatile, read-write random access memory (RAM) coupled to said CPU, no read only memory (ROM), first and second coupling means for coupling said system to the command inputs and to the code outputs, respectively, and data coupling means including terminal means coupled to said CPU for enabling new code data to be supplied from outside the system to, or retrieved from, said RAM through said terminal means and said CPU.

The system of claim 19 wherein said write protect circuit includes write protect electronic switch means for coupling a write enable input to said RAM with a write enable line coupled to said CPU, said write protect electronic switch means being turned on when voltage is supplied to said CPU and such voltage is above a predetermined value so that said write protect circuit also serves as a low battery indicating circuit.

A universal remote control system comprising data processing means, input means including a keyboard and keyboard circuit means coupled to said data processing means, signal output means including means for generating infrared light codes coupled to said data processing means, memory means including a battery backed, non-volatile, read-write RAM coupled to said data processing means for storing (a) a set of instructions and (b) a library of code data for enabling said infrared light generating means to generate specific infrared codes, said RAM being coupled to said data processing means, and data coupling means including terminal means coupled to said CPU for enabling new code data to be supplied from outside the system to, or retrieved from, said RAM through said terminal means and said CPU.

In a universal remote control system having input means for inputting commands, infrared signal output means for supplying an infrared signal to a control device and a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to said input means and to said signal output means, the improvement residing in said system comprising a single, non-volatile, read-write RAM coupled to said central processing unit and data coupling means including terminal means coupled to the CPU for enabling new code data to be supplied from outside the system to, or retrieved from said RAM through said terminal means and said CPU.

A microprocessor system for use in a universal remote control device having command inputs and infrared code outputs and comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a single non-volatile, read-write random access memory (RAM) coupled to said CPU, first and second coupling means for connecting said system to the command inputs and to the code outputs, respectively, and data coupling means including terminal means coupled to said CPU for enabling new code data to be supplied from outside the system to, or retrieved from, said RAM through said terminal means and said CPU.

A universal remote control system comprising data processing means, input means including a keyboard and keyboard circuit means coupled to said data processing means, signal output means including means for generating infrared light codes coupled to said data processing means, and memory means including a battery backed, non-volatile, read-write RAM only and no ROM for storing (a) a set of instructions and (b) a library of code data for enabling said infrared light generating means to generate specific infrared codes, said RAM being coupled to said data processing means, and data coupling means including terminal means coupled to said CPU for enabling new code data to be supplied from outside the system to, or retrieved from, said RAM through said terminal means and said CPU.