Minimal function remote control without digit keys and with a power toggle program and with a channel rotation program

A remote control comprising:

• a microprocessor including a CPU and memory means;
• a keypad including several keys coupled to said microprocessor for operating said remote control, two of said keys being a "Channel Up" key and a "Channel Down" key;
• lamp driver circuitry coupled to said microprocessor;
• means, including said microprocessor, for generating infrared (IR) signals coupled to said IR lamp driver circuitry;
• code data for executing command functions for operating a home entertainment device stored in said memory means;
• a channel rotation program stored in said memory means for determining if said home entertainment device has one of a channel up function and channel down function, and, if yes, effecting the sending of a "Channel Up" IR code upon depression of said "Channel Up" key and the sending of a "Channel Down" IR code upon depression of said "Channel Down" key, and, if no, effecting the sending of digit number signals in an ascending order each time said "Channel Up" key is pressed or descending order each time said "Channel Down" key is pressed;
• and
• said remote control being capable of providing said "Channel Up" function and said "Channel Down" function in home entertainment devices that do and do not independently support said "Channel Up" function and said "Channel Down" function.

In a remote control having a "Channel Up" key, a method of effecting the sending of digit numbers in ascending order, comprising the steps of:

• upon depression of the "Channel Up" key, determining if the device to be controlled has a "Channel Up" function;
• if the answer is yes, sending a "Channel Up" IR code and stopping;
• if the answer is no, obtaining the value of the previous number digit sent;
• determining if the previous digit sent equals 9;
• if the answer is no, setting the digit number equal to the previous digit number plus 1;
• if the answer is yes, setting the digit number equal to 1;
• sending the IR code corresponding to the number digit determined;
• and
• saving the number digit sent as a new "previous digit".

In a remote control having a "Channel Down" key, a method of effecting the sending of digit numbers in descending order, comprising the steps of:

• upon depression of the "Channel Down" key, determining if the device to be controlled has a "Channel Down" function;
• if the answer is yes, sending a "Channel Down" IR code and stopping;
• if the answer is no, obtaining the value of the previous number digit sent;
• determining if the previous digit sent equals 1;
• if the answer is no, setting the number digit equal to the previous digit number minus 1;
• if the answer is yes, setting the digit number equal to 9;
• sending the IR code corresponding to the number digit determined;
• and