Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 1 of 18 Page ID #:114
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 1 of 18 Page ID #:114
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT E
`EXHIBIT E
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 2 of 18 Page ID #:115
`Case 8:20-CV-OO704-JVS-DFM Document lmllllflflmrllflmmmnfll I'mmmmtfllllm llmmfimmrt115
`
`US010600317B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`US 10,600,317 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*Mar. 24, 2020
`Haughawout et al.
`
`(54)
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMPLIFIED
`SETUP OF A UNIVERSAL REMOTE
`CONTROL
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC ......... H04N 5/4403; H04N 2005/4435; G08C
`2201/92
`
`(71)
`
`Applicant:
`
`Universal Electronics Inc., Santa Ana,
`CA (US)
`
`(56)
`
`Inventors:
`
`(72)
`
`Joseph Lee Haughawout, Aliso Viejo,
`CA (US); Patrick H. Hayes, Mission
`Viejo, CA (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee:
`
`Universal Electronics Inc., Santa Ana,
`CA (US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`EP
`EP
`
`(Continued)
`
`References Cited
`U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,703,359 A
`4,959,810 A
`
`10/1987 Rumbolt et al.
`9/1990 Darbee et al.
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1489575 A2
`2490195 A2
`
`12/2004
`8/2012
`
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`16/393,348
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 24, 2019
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2019/0318615 A1
`
`Oct. 17, 2019
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`Continuation of application No. 15/843,407, filed on
`Dec. 15, 2017, now Pat. No. 10,311,716, which is a
`(Continued)
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`(51)
`
`H04N 5/44
`G08C 1 7/02
`
`US. Cl.
`
`(52)
`
`(2011.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`CPC ............. G08C 17/02 (2013.01); G08C 19/00
`(2013.01); G08C 19/28 (2013.01); H04N
`5/4403 (2013.01);
`
`(Continued)
`
`European Patent Oflice, Ofiice Action issued on EP patent applica-
`tion No. 131624272, 6 pgs.
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Jefferey F Harold
`Assistant Examiner 7 Jean W Desir
`
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Greenberg Traurig, LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system and method for enabling set up of a controlling
`device capable of controlling a plurality of appliances, via an
`interactive instruction set and associated programming. The
`programming is accessible by a STB or other controllable
`appliance and is configured to appropriately display inter-
`active instructions and prompts to a user during a user
`initiated set up procedure for configuration of another con-
`trollable device (e.g., DVD, VCR, DVR, etc) available to the
`user. Appropriate set up data, generally in the form of
`command library codes,
`is displayed to the user by the
`interactive instruction set and associated programming for
`entry and trial by the user in set up of the desired
`appliance(s).
`
`11 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`.4
`104
`
`
`Dc
`a: VCR
`Select brand:
`
`
`Per
`0111::
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 3 of 18 Page ID #:116
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1—5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 3 of 18 Page ID #:116
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`Page 2
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`continuation of application \0. 15/226,742, filed on
`Aug. 2, 2016, now Pat. No. 9,978,263, which is a
`continuation of application \0. 14/699,625, filed on
`Apr. 29, 2015, now Pat. No. 9,489,835, which is a
`continuation of application \0. 14/036,435, filed on
`Sep. 25, 2013, now Pat. No. 9,047,761, which is a
`continuation of application \0. 13/443,435, filed on
`Apr. 10, 2012, now Pat. No. 8,854,556, which is a
`continuation of application \0. 13/026,768, filed on
`Feb. 14, 2011, now Pat. No. 8,525,938, which is a
`continuation of application \0. 12/768,325, filed on
`Apr. 27, 2010, now Pat. No. 7,969,514, which is a
`continuation of application \0. 11/515,962, filed on
`Sep. 5, 2006, now Pat. No. 7,907,222.
`
`
`
`
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Provisional application No. 60/715,229, filed on Sep.
`8, 2005.
`
`Int. Cl.
`G08C 19/00
`H04N 21/422
`H04N 21/433
`H04N 5/445
`H04N 21/654 7
`G08C 19/28
`H04N 21/436
`H04N 21/262
`H04N 21/485
`U.S. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2011.01)
`(2011.01)
`(2011.01)
`(2011.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2011.01)
`(2011.01)
`(2011.01)
`
`CPC ......... H04N 5/445 (2013.01); H04N 21/4221
`(2013.01); H04N 21/42221 (2013.01); H04N
`21/42225 (2013.01); H04N 21/42226
`(2013.01); H04N 21/433 (2013.01); H04N
`21/6547 (2013.01); G08C 2201/20 (2013.01);
`G08C 2201/30 (2013.01); G08C 2201/92
`(2013.01); H04N 21/26291 (2013.01); H04N
`21/42227 (2013.01); H04N 21/43615
`(2013.01); H04N 21/485 (2013.01); H04N
`2005/4435 (2013.01)
`
`Field of Classification Search
`USPC .................. 348/734, 552, 14.05, 14.04, 114;
`340/8156, 12.22, 426.13, 426.14, 12.28;
`725/80, 81
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,255,313
`5,341,166
`5,481,256
`5,552,917
`5,614,906
`5,889,506
`5,959,751
`6,008,735
`6,014,092
`
`>>>>>>>>>
`
`10/1993
`8/1994
`1/1996
`9/1996
`3/1997
`3/1999
`9/1999
`12/1999
`1/2000
`
`Darbee
`Garr et a1.
`Darbee et a1.
`Darbee et a1.
`Hayes et a1.
`Lopresti et a1.
`Darbee et a1.
`Chiloyan et a1.
`Darbee et a1.
`
`6,127,961 A
`6,208,341 B1
`6,211,870 B1
`6,344,817 B1
`6,597,374 B1
`6,633,281 B2
`6,650,248 B1
`6,690,392 B1
`6,795,130 B2
`6,909,378 B1
`6,940,562 B2
`6,947,101 B2
`7,013,434 B2
`7,046,161 B2
`7,154,566 B2
`7,254,777 B2
`7,907,222 B2
`7,969,514 B2
`8,525,938 B2
`8,854,556 B2
`9,047,761 B2
`9,123,236 B2
`9,489,835 B2 *
`9,978,263 B2
`2002/0158771 A1
`2003/0141987 A1*
`
`10/2000 Stacy et a1.
`3/2001 van Ee et a1.
`4/2001 Foster
`2/2002 Verzulli
`7/2003 Baker et a1.
`10/2003 Lin et a1.
`11/2003 O’Donnell et a1.
`2/2004 Wugoski
`9/2004 Shibamiya
`6/2005 Lambrechts et a1.
`9/2005 Sato
`9/2005 Arling
`3/2006 Masters et a1.
`5/2006 Hayes
`12/2006 Gustafson et a1.
`8/2007 Hayes
`3/2011 Haughawout et a1.
`6/2011 Haughawout et a1.
`9/2013 Haughawout et a1.
`10/2014 Haughawout et a1.
`6/2015 Haughawout et a1.
`9/2015 Haughawout et a1.
`11/2016 Haughawout .......... G08C 19/00
`5/2018 Haughawout et a1.
`10/2002 Mears
`7/2003 Hayes .................... G08C 19/28
`340/1225
`
`2003/0189509 A1
`2004/0056789 A1
`2004/0113892 A1
`2004/0207535 A1
`2004/0235463 A1
`2006/0044175 A1
`
`10/2003 Hayes et a1.
`3/2004 Arling et a1.
`6/2004 Mears et a1.
`10/2004 Stevenson et a1.
`11/2004 Patel
`3/2006 Choi
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`97/32290 A
`00/17738
`00/39772
`01/47130 A1
`03/044684 A1
`03/83801 A2
`04/51592 A
`05/036325 A2
`
`9/1997
`3/2000
`7/2000
`6/2001
`5/2003
`10/2003
`6/2004
`4/2005
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`European Patent Oflice, Ofiice Action issued on EP patent applica-
`tion No. 131624314, 5 pgs.
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Oflice, Non-Final Office Action issued
`on U.S. Appl. No. 15/891,100, dated Aug. 28, 2018, 15 pgs.
`Sony Corporation, Digital Network Recorder SVR-2000, Setup
`Guide, 2000, pp. 1-68.
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Oflice, Notice of Allowance issued on
`U.S. Appl. No. 13/026,768, dated Apr. 17, 2013.
`European Patent Oflice, Partial European Search Report issued on
`EP patent application No. 131624272, 6 pgs.
`European Patent Oflice, extended European Search Report issued on
`EP patent application No. 131624314, 7 pgs.
`European Patent Oflice, extended European Search Report issued on
`EP patent application No. 131624272, dated May 15, 2014, 14 pgs.
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Oflice, Non-Final Office Action issued
`on U.S. Appl. No. 15/843,376, dated Jul. 12, 2018, 14 pgs.
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Oflice, Non-Final Office Action issued
`on U.S. Appl. No. 16/380,712, dated Jul. 30, 2019, 7 pgs.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 4 of 18 Page ID #:117
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 4 of 18 Page ID #:117
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 2020
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`102
`
`106 —
`
`
`
`104
`
`FEGURE 1
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 5 of 18 Page ID #:118
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS—DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 5 of 18 Page ID #:118
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 2020
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`208
`
`202
`
`
`
`214
`
`FEGURE 2
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 6 of 18 Page ID #:119
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS—DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 6 of 18 Page ID #:119
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 2020
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`307
`
`\T Batteries
`
`, A»
`
`302
`
`Key
`matrix
`
`.....................
`
`304
`
`g
`o":
`8
`8
`30
`8
`.9
`
`
`
`E ,.
`
`,. 308
`
`31 C}
`
`:
`CWSW .............................
`
`RAPA
`Céock and
`........ .........
`
`
`iimer §ogic
`........ ......... memory
`
`
`301
`
`300
`
`FSGURE 3
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 7 of 18 Page ID #:120
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS—DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 7 of 18 Page ID #:120
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 2020
`
`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`Panasonic
`
`{Em/ice: VCR
`Seizes? brand:
`
`“$06
`
`R.”
`\‘<.
`
`\{
`
`\
`\‘
`
`41:0
`
`
`
`FKSURE 4
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 8 of 18 Page ID #:121
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 8 of 18 Page ID #:121
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 2020
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`Dev§ce: VCR
`
`
`
`
`
`Brand: Samsung
`
`
`
`Suggested code:
`20080
`
`._\\,
`
`502
`
`{£30
`
`FEGURE 5
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 9 of 18 Page ID #:122
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS—DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 9 of 18 Page ID #:122
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 2020
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`802
`
`102
` Device: VCR
`
`
`
`
`
`Brand: Samsung
`Code: 20050
`
`
`
`
`try another
`
`
`Test: vow, vet;
`
`press "setup”
`OK?
`N0, press “seiect” to
`
`
`
`
`FEGURE 6
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 10 of 18 Page ID #:123
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS—DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 10 of 18 Page ID #:123
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Ddar.24,2020
`
`Sheet7 0f10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`i8iiEEE
`
`'~.
`*:;~ -— ~ -~- 4» - m
`... ... ... ...‘:..
`
`Remote enters
`
`semp mode
`
`
`REMOTE
`
`CONTROL
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Remote transmits
`
`"setup" command
`
`
`M w .. ._. ...
`
`Remote configures
`keyboard for setup
`acaévity
`
`User sefieots
`device iype using
`navigation and
`SELECT keys
`
`
`
`
`
`
`User 505005 fist
`
`
`and seiects brand
`
`name
`
`Use emers device
`code number
`using numeric pad
`{signaie 8TB an
`
`East digit}
`
`User testis
`functions
`
`8
`
`ET TOP
`
`BOX
`
`8TB loads seixjp\\
`appéication
`/’
`
`
`
`8TB dispiays
`“Seiect device
`type
`
`
`
`STB disptays
`scrotiabte Sist of
`brand names for
`seéecteo' device
`type
`
`
`
`8T8 dispiays most
`iikeiy setup cede
`number for that
`device a: brand.
`
`
`
`
`3TB dispiays
`suggested
`functions to test
`and “OK?“
`question
`
`STE dispiays next
`meet Efikeiy setup
`code number for
`that device &
`
`8e:ect
`
`
`
`\S‘
`" m 1'
`
`: :
`
`
`
`//Functions
`Yes
`work?
`
`
`User presses
`
`
`“86168:", remote
`transmits that code
`
`
`to STE
`
`
`
`
`£8” grasses
`'oetup . remote
`transmits
`“compiefie” to STE:
`
`ER fransmissiom
`‘
`
`(
`
`.
`Yes
`
`/
`
`=Comp§ete or Exit
`5
`X/
`i
`// Key\
`g
`// Key \\ Yes
`configuration >
`g
`< configuration /—;
`\{nabEedZy/
`z
`\Qnabtedfi/
`\ /
`i
`\V/
`3
`-"
`Ne
`/_g % /,L (Fig. 9)
`i
`’
`Done
`,
`i
`g
`Done \
`K
`i
`\
`//
` RGURE7_
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 11 of 18 Page ID #:124
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 11 of 18 Page ID #:124
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 2020
`
`Sheet 8 of 10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`
`
`Fig. 8A
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 8B
`
`Fig. 8C
`
`
`
`\k\
`
`«CN::::::““TT:.H
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 12 of 18 Page ID #:125
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS—DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 12 of 18 Page ID #:125
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 2020
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`REMOTE
`
`CONTROL,
`
`W
`
`SET TOP
`
`BOX
`
`User seéecis
`voéume comm!
`device
`
`‘~~ \
`
`/
`
`x‘,‘
`
`I
`
`1..
`l//
`
`I 1’
`
`Se: volume keys i0.
`indicated device g
`
`N N
`
`User seéects
`piggyback comm!
`device
`
`:
`g \
`
`
`Se: piayback keys
`
`to indicafed device
`
`
`
`Chanda! tuning
`device : STE
`
`
`
`
`
`User eefiec’ss
`
`Chanda! fussing
`
`device
`
`.7.............{...........,d..................
`
`l/
`
`/
`
`/
`I
`.7..,,I
`
`I l
`
`1/ //
`
`/ 1’
`
`Set charmei tuning
`keys to indicaied g
`device
`1
`
`seiected
`
`Adjust macm
`sequences to
`match devices
`
`
`
`....v.....................We..........We............d...v..7:
`
`(R transmission}
`
`m M 3:31“ "9'
`
`FEGURE 9
`
`Prompt user to
`specify voiume
`centre: dev§ce
`
`" aiid ER cod '-
`received?
`
`‘
`
`Prompt user to
`specify p¥ayback
`device
`
`
`
`Vaiid ER code "
`
`--
`
`_ received?
`
`' ppiication ..
`reeiden’cén
`3T8?
`
`.
`
`Prompt user to
`specify channefi
`tuning device
`
`' ’aiid ER code '-
`‘
`received?
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 13 of 18 Page ID #:126
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS—DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 13 of 18 Page ID #:126
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 24, 2020
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`mag
`1004
`
`’\
`\
`A
`
`\ ---
`
`
`
`W
`
`05
`
`o7
`
`08
`
`Etc,
`
`v
`
`-
`
`TV
`
`Receiver
`
`FiGURE ‘30
`
`

`

`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 14 of 18 Page ID #:127
`Case 8:20-cv-00704-JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 04/09/20 Page 14 of 18 Page ID #:127
`
`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMPLIFIED
`SETUP OF A UNIVERSAL REMOTE
`CONTROL
`
`RELATED APPLICATION DATA
`
`This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation
`of US. application Ser. No. 15/843,407, filed on Dec. 15,
`2017, which application claims the benefit of and is a
`continuation of US. application Ser. No. 15/226,742, filed
`on Aug. 2, 2016, which application claims the benefit of and
`is a continuation of US. application Ser. No. 14/699,625,
`filed on Apr. 29, 2015, which application claims the benefit
`of and is a continuation of US. application Ser. No. 14/036,
`435, filed on Sep. 25, 2013, which application claims the
`benefit of and is a continuation of US. application Ser. No.
`13/443,435, filed onApr. 10, 2012, which application claims
`the benefit of and is a continuation of US. application Ser.
`No. 13/026,768, filed on Feb. 14, 2011, which application
`claims the benefit of and is a continuation of US. application
`Ser. No. 12/768,325 (now US. Pat. No. 7,969,514), filed on
`Apr. 27, 2010, which application claims the benefit of and is
`a continuation of US. application Ser. No. 11/515,962 (now
`US. Pat. No. 7,907,222), filed on Sep. 5, 2006, which
`application claims the benefit of US. Provisional Applica-
`tion Ser. No. 60/715,229 filed on Sep. 8, 2005, which
`applications are incorporated herein by reference in their
`entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates generally to remote control systems
`and, more particularly, to a system and method for setting up
`and configuring a universal remote control to command
`functions of one or more types of remotely controllable
`appliances of one or more manufacturers. Exemplary types
`of appliances include, but are not limited to televisions,
`Video cassette recorders (VCRs), cable boxes, disk players,
`digital Video recorders (DVRs), thermostats, game consoles,
`etc.
`
`Manufacturers typically provide a remote control with an
`appliance and, as such, different appliance types of different
`manufacturers are often commanded with different remote
`controls. To minimize the number of individual remote
`
`controls a user requires, universal remote controls have been
`developed. Accordingly, universal remote controls for com-
`manding various functions of various types of appliances of
`various manufacturers have become quite widespread. By
`way of example, universal remote controls are described in
`commonly assigned US. Pat. Nos. 4,959,810, 5,255,313 and
`5,552,917.
`In a common method of setting up a universal remote
`control, codes for commanding functions of an appliance are
`learned from a remote control supplied by the manufacturer
`with that appliance. The learned codes, which are stored
`within the universal remote control, are then available for
`subsequent
`transmission to the appliance. Alternatively,
`codes for commanding functions of appliances of various
`types and various manufacturers can be preprogrammed into
`the universal remote control. The user then interacts with the
`
`universal remote control to identify to the universal remote
`control which appliance(s) the user desires to command, i.e.,
`the user manually enters an appliance or brand code, usually
`obtained from a tabulation in a printed user manual or the
`like,
`into the universal remote control and the universal
`remote control uses that user provided identity information
`to access those preprogrammed codes that are appropriate
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`for commanding the identified appliance(s). In this regard,
`examples of known methods for performing an initial setup
`of an universal remote control may be found in, for example,
`the above mentioned US. Pat. No. 4,959,810 as well as US.
`Pat. No. 5,614,906, entitled “Method for Selecting a Remote
`Control Command Set,” or US. Pat. No. 4,703,359 entitled
`“Universal Remote Control Unit with Model Identification
`Capability,” each of which is incorporated herein by refer-
`ence in its entirety.
`An additional system and method for setting up a univer-
`sal remote control is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 6,650,248.
`While known setup methods do work for their intended
`purpose, it has been seen that the process of setting up and
`configuring a universal remote control can be demanding,
`exacting, and generally frustrating for many users. For
`example, user manuals or other documents containing setup
`codes and entry instructions may be lost or misplaced, or
`may be superseded as brand and/or model names evolve, etc.
`Accordingly, a need exists for a simplified and more user
`friendly system and method for manually setting up and
`configuring a universal remote control.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with this need, the following describes a
`system and method for allowing a universal remote control
`to be easily setup and configured to command appliances of
`various types and various manufacturers.
`A better appreciation of the objects, advantages, features,
`properties, and relationships of the system and method for
`setting up and configuring a universal remote control will be
`obtained from the following detailed description and accom-
`panying drawings which set forth illustrative embodiments
`which are indicative of the various ways in which the
`principles of the system and method may be employed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`For use in better understanding the exemplary systems
`and methods for setting up a universal remote control which
`are described hereinafter, reference may be had to preferred
`embodiments shown in the following drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in which the
`universal remote control may be used;
`FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary universal
`remote control for use in the system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram view of various com-
`ponents of the exemplary universal remote control of FIG.
`2;
`
`FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate the system of FIG. 1 at various
`stages during initial setup of the exemplary universal remote
`control;
`FIG. 7 illustrates, in flow chart form, the steps performed
`during initial setup of the exemplary universal remote con-
`trol;
`FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate the system of FIG. 1 at
`various stages during an exemplary key mapping setup of
`the exemplary remote control;
`FIG. 9 illustrates, in flow chart form, the steps performed
`during key mapping setup of the exemplary remote control;
`and
`
`FIG. 10 illustrates an instruction sheet for an exemplary
`alternate method for key mapping setup of a remote control.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`The following describes a system and methods for setting
`up and configuring a universal remote control to command
`
`

`

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`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`3
`one or more functions of one or more types of appliances of
`one or more manufacturers. By way of example, FIG. 1
`illustrates an exemplary system 110 wherein a universal
`remote control 100 supplied together with a cable set top box
`102 may be used to command functions of various appli-
`ances, illustrated as a TV set 104 and a VCR 106.
`For use in remotely commanding a device to perform a
`common and/or extended operational function (i.e., a func-
`tion that may not be widely supported by devices of a
`common device type), the universal remote control 100, an
`example of which is illustrated in FIG. 2, includes a set of
`command keys within a key matrix which are assigned to
`operational functions. In this regard, common operational
`functions include functions that are usually widely sup-
`ported by devices of a common device type (e.g., power 202,
`digit tuning 204, volume control 208, channel up/down
`control 206, media transport 210, etc.) The universal remote
`control 100 also includes device keys 212, e.g., “AUX,”
`“CBL,” “VCR,” and “TV,” the activation of which places
`the universal remote control 100 into a mode to transmit 20
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`commands to a particular type of device, and a setup key
`208. It will be appreciated that, while illustrated as hard
`keys, the keys of the universal remote control 100 may
`implemented as soft keys, for example, by being displayed
`on an LCD touch screen or the like.
`
`the
`By way of further example, referring to FIG. 3,
`universal remote control 100 may include, as needed for a
`particular application, a processor 300 coupled to one or
`more memory devices (such as a ROM memory 308, a RAM
`memory 310, and/or non-volatile read/write memory 306), a
`key matrix 302 (e.g., physical buttons, a touch screen
`display, or a combination thereof), an internal clock and
`timer 301, transmission circuit(s) 304 (e.g., IR and/or RF),
`receiver circuit(s) and/or transceiver circuit(s) (e.g., IR and/
`or RFinot illustrated), a means 303 to provide visual
`feedback to the consumer (e.g, LED, display, and/or the
`like), means to provide audio feedback to the user (e.g., a
`speakerinot illustrated), a power supply 307, and/or a
`serial I/O port (e.g., a jack or contactsinot illustrated). As
`will be understood by those of skill in the art, the memory
`device(s) includes executable instructions that are intended
`to be executed by the processor 300 to control the operation
`of the universal remote control 100. In this manner, the
`processor 100 may be programmed to control the various
`electronic components within the universal remote control
`100, e.g., to monitor the power supply 307, to cause the
`transmission of signals, display icons and/or HTML pages,
`etc. The non-volatile read/write memory 306, for example,
`an EEPROM or the like, may be provided to store setup data
`and parameters as necessary such that data is not required to
`be reloaded after battery changes. It is to be understood that
`the memory devices may take the form of any type of
`readable media, such as, for example, a Smart Card, memory
`stick, a chip, a hard disk, a magnetic disk, and/or an optical
`disk. Still further, it will be appreciated that some or all of
`the illustrated memory devices may be physically incorpo-
`rated within the same IC chip as the microprocessor 300 (a
`so called “microcontroller”) and, as such, they are shown
`separately in FIG. 3 only for the sake of clarity.
`To cause the universal remote control 100 to perform an
`action, the universal remote control 100 is adapted to be
`responsive to events, such as a sensed consumer interaction
`with the key matrix 302, receipt of a transmission, etc. In
`response to an event appropriate instructions and/or data
`within the memory devices are executed and/or accessed.
`For example, when a command key is activated on the
`universal remote control 100, the universal remote control
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`100 may retrieve a code data value corresponding to the
`activated command key from a memory device and access
`instructions to transmit the retrieved code data value to a
`
`device in a format recognizable by the device. It will be
`appreciated that the instructions within the memory devices
`can be used not only to cause the transmission of command
`codes and/or data to the devices but also to perform local
`operations. While not limiting, local operations that may be
`performed by the universal remote control 100 include
`displaying information/data, favorite channel setup, macro
`button setup, command function key relocation, etc. Since
`examples of local operations can be found in US. Pat. Nos.
`5,481,256, 5,959,751, and 6,014,092 they will not be dis-
`cussed in greater detail herein.
`To initially program the universal remote control 100 to
`access the operational functions of a device, the consumer
`may use an improved system and method for obtaining,
`entering, and testing device code information, one exem-
`plary embodiment of which is described hereafter.
`Turning now to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment a
`remote control 100 may be supplied together with a cable or
`satellite set top box (“STE”) 102. Remote control 100 may
`include a universal
`library of infrared codes for use in
`controlling other types of appliances which are commonly
`utilized in conjunction with a set top box, such as for
`example a TV 104 and/or a VCR 106. To facilitate setting up
`remote control 100 to command operation of appliances
`104, 106, STE 102 may be equipped with data 404 and
`application program 406, preferably stored locally within
`STE 102 on mass storage 402 or on a device otherwise
`accessible to STE 102. It will be appreciated that mass
`storage 402 may take the form of flash memory, ROM
`memory, RAM memory, memory card or stick, hard disk
`drive, CD ROM, etc., or any combination of the above as
`appropriate. It will be further appreciated that data 404 and
`application 402 may be periodically updated over the cable
`network and/or may in certain embodiments even be par-
`tially or fully resident at the cable headend or other remote
`source accessible by STE 102. The data 404 and application
`402 may also be updated using a device other than the STE
`102. For example, if the data 404 and application 402 are
`maintained on removable memory, the removable memory
`may be updated via a personal computer or other device with
`an Internet connection and then replaced into the STE 102.
`It should also be appreciated that while the exemplary
`embodiment below is presented in terms of interactions
`between a remote control 100 and an application 402
`resident in an STB, in alternative embodiments application
`402 may be hosted on, and the interactions may occur with,
`any suitable appliance such as a TV, DVR, AV receiver, etc.
`without limitation.
`
`Application 406 is responsive to IR signals issued by
`remote control 100 during the user setup process as illus-
`trated in the flowchart of FIG. 7 and described below:
`
`The user enters a Setup Mode by, for example, pressing
`and holding setup key 208. The entering of the Setup Mode
`may be signaled to a user by the LED 303 blinking twice
`(e.g., upon pressing and holding the setup key for approxi-
`mately 3 seconds). Upon entering Setup Mode the remote
`control transmits a specific “setup” IR code to STE 102
`which is interpreted as a command to initiate the “Remote
`Setup/Help” application 406. Alternatively or as a backup, in
`certain embodiments application 406 may also be invoked
`from STB 102’s built-in menu system, upon activation of a
`dedicated key on the STE 102, etc.
`In connection with entering the setup mode, the remote
`control 100 may configure its keyboard as follows:
`
`

`

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`US 10,600,317 B2
`
`5
`Navigation (Left, Right, Up, Down and Select/OK keys)
`214, Exit key 216, and device keys 212 are adapted to
`cause transmission of infrared command data in the
`
`6
`message to, for example, press “setup” if the suggested code
`works, or to press “select” to try a different code, all as
`illustrated in FIG. 6.
`
`format recognized by STE 102;
`Digit entry keys 204 do not transmit commands but serve
`only for input of appliance setup codes as described
`hereafter; and
`Function keys such as volume 208, channel up/down 206,
`transport keys 210, etc. are adapted to cause transmis-
`sion of infrared command data in the format of the
`
`appliance under test as described hereafter.
`In connection with the following paragraphs, the reader
`may wish to refer to FIG. 7 which presents, in flowchart
`form, a summary of the steps described below and illustrated
`in FIGS. 4 through 6. Upon initiation, STB application 406
`may display on TV 104 a user prompt such as for example:
`“What device do you want to setup for control?” together
`with a list of valid device types, e.g. “TV”, “VCR”,
`“Receiver”, etc. The application 406 may also prompt the
`user to select an appropriate language for the prompts.
`Application 406 may additionally display messages for
`general user guidance such as for example “Press Exit at any
`time to exit remote setup and return to watching TV.”
`In the exemplary embodiment the user may then select,
`using navigation keys 214, a desired device type from the
`displayed list, for example “VCR.” In an alternative embodi-
`ment,
`the user may directly select
`the device type by
`actuating one of the device keys 212 of the remote control,
`which may in that instance be adapted to transmit a signal to
`the STB indicative of the device type selected. Application
`406 may respond by displaying a confirmation of the
`selected device type together with scrollable list 410 of valid
`brand names for that device type, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
`The brand names that comprise this list are obtained by
`reference to data file 404. In this way it will be understood
`that certain keys or groups of keys on remote control 100
`may be temporarily reconfigured (generally during the setup
`procedure) to transmit command data to STB for purposes of
`user interaction with application 406 during the setup pro-
`cess.
`
`The user may then select (once again via use of keys 214)
`a desired brand name, for example “Samsung.” Application
`406 may respond by displaying the remote control setup
`code number most likely to result in selection of an infrared
`code set which will operate appliances of the type and
`manufacture indicated (once again, obtained by reference to
`data 404). In the exemplary embodiment presented,
`this
`number may include a leading digit to indicate to the remote
`control programming which device type is to be setup, e.g.
`“2” for “VCR”. In alternative embodiments where the user
`
`may already have explicitly entered the device type being set
`up via one of the keys 212, this may not be necessary.
`The user may then enter this number, for example “2” “0”
`“0” “6” “0” (502 in FIG. 5), into remote control 100 using
`digit entry keys 204. Upon entry of the final digit of the
`sequence, remote control 100:
`Configures itself to transmit commands in the indicated
`infrared command format in response to actuation of
`function keys 206, 208, 210, etc., and
`Transmits an infrared command in STB format to notify
`the STB application 406 that device code entry is
`complete.
`Upon receipt of the completion signal from remote con-
`trol 100, STB application 406 may display a listing of
`suggested function(s) 602 to test operation of the target
`appliance using the code just entered, together with a user
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`If the user activates the “setup” key, indicative that the
`current code being tested has been found suitable to com-
`mand operation of the appliance, remote control 100 again
`transmits a completion signal in STB infrared format, which
`is interpreted by application 406 in STE 102 as a successful
`conclusion of the setup process and causes application 406
`to terminate execution, returning STE 100 to normal opera-
`tion. Likewise, remote control 100 also returns to normal
`operation, configured now to issue commands in the chosen
`format that device type (VCR in the example presented) is
`selected by activation of one of keys 212.
`If on the other hand, the user activates the “select” key,
`indicative that the current code being tested is unable to
`command operation of the appliance, remote control 100
`transmits the “select” command signal
`in STB infrared
`format, which causes application 406 to retrieve and display
`the next most likely setup code number contained in data
`404, so that the user may repeat the test steps using this new
`code. This setup process may continue until the user finally
`exits by activating the “setup” or “exit” key, or alternatively,
`data 404 may include an indicator that no further possibili-
`ties exist, upon eventual retrieval of which application 406
`may cause a display of instructions to the user to abort the
`setup process by pressing the “exit” key and, for example,
`call a customer service number. In an alternate embodiment,
`