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US 8,013,942 B2Granted
Remote control device programming and indication of programming mode status
AssigneeEchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
InventorWilliam M. Beals
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for assisting a user in programming a universal remote control. More specifically, a method and apparatus for helping the user reestablish system configurations, providing feedback, instructing the user, and supplying system information.
Claims20
A method for programming a remote control to control a device identified by a device control code, comprising:
- receiving at the remote control a first user input to enter a programming mode in which the device control code for the device is to be determined;
- in response to the first user input, entering the programming mode;
- exiting the programming mode;
- and
- upon exiting the programming mode, providing a visual indication of a status of the programming mode when exiting, wherein the visual indication comprises a first indication if the device control code for the device was successfully determined, and a second indication if the device control code for the device was not successfully determined.
2 more elements
A method for programming a remote control to control a first device associated with a device control code, the first device being part of a home entertainment system including a display device, the method comprising:
- receiving a first user input to enter a programming mode in which the device control code for the device is to be determined;
- in response to the first user input, entering the programming mode;
- exiting the programming mode;
- and
- upon exiting the programming mode, displaying the device control code on the display device if the device control code was successfully determined.
2 more elements
A remote control, comprising:
- a transmitter configured to transmit commands wirelessly;
- a user interface configured to receive user input;
- and
- data storage configured to store device control codes, wherein each of the device control codes identifies at least one device that the remote control is programmable to control;
- wherein the remote control is configured to:
- receive a first user input to enter a programming mode to determine the device control code of the device control codes stored in the data storage that allows the remote control to control a first device;
- in response to receiving the first user input, enter the programming mode;
- exit the programming mode;
- and
- upon exiting the programming mode, provide an indication to the user of a status of the programming mode after exiting, wherein the indication comprises:
- a timeout indication if the remote control exits the programming mode when no user inputs were received within a predetermined period of time;
- and
- a failure indication if the remote control exits the programming mode when the user interface receives a second user input indicating that the device control code allowing the remote control to control the first device has not been determined.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.