CN105359198B - System and method for fast configuration of universal control devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A universal control device is provided with one or more buttons for initiating a quick configuration of the universal control device when activated in a set-up mode, such that the universal control device is adapted to communicate with a predetermined target appliance.

Description

system and method for fast configuration of universal control devices

Information of related applications

this application claims the benefit of U.S. application No. 13/895,992 filed on 5/16/2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background

a universal control device, such as a remote control, is adapted to issue commands to a plurality of appliances of different make and/or type, and the features and functions provided by such control devices are well known in the art. In this regard, early universal control devices such as described in U.S. patent No. 4,623,887 were generally "learners," i.e., they were adapted to capture, store, and then play back command signals corresponding to the original appliance remote control of the appliance being controlled. However, the required initial teaching process for configuring such early universal control devices proved to be cumbersome and error-prone.

To address this drawback, further general control devices including a pre-programmed library of command data have been introduced, such as those described in U.S. Pat. nos. 4,774,511 or 4,959,810. In order to configure such a universal control device, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,810 in particular, the user needs to refer to a reference manual or the like to acquire a setting code corresponding to a specified target appliance. The set code is then entered into the universal controlling device, where it is used to select a command data set from a library of command data sets stored in the universal controlling device, whereupon the selected command data set is used when instructing the universal controlling device to issue a command to a specified target appliance. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,451,953 and 5,614,906 further illustrate and describe methods of configuring a control device using a library of command data sets stored in a memory of the control device.

For the purpose of configuring the universal controlling device, a user looks up a setting code and manually enters the setting code into the universal controlling device, instead, U.S. patent application No. 10/665,642 and U.S. patent nos. 7,218,243, 6,225,398 and 6,157,319 illustrate and describe the use of information from, for example, an RFID tag, a bar code, an appliance-generated signal, a user's interaction with a local display or remote (e.g., computer or internet) access menu, etc., to determine the appliance intended to be controlled, which information is correspondingly used to select a command data set from a command data set library to be used when sending a command to the appliance. As further described in these references, the library of command data sets may be stored locally on the universal controlling device or in a database accessible to the universal controlling device, or a combination thereof, wherein selected command data sets are then downloaded into the universal controlling device.

Still further, universal control devices are known that allow a user to enter information into the universal control device information that is used to configure the universal control device to command additional operations for a specified target appliance. Such a universal control device is described and shown in U.S. patent No. 5,515,052. Yet another system and method for configuring a universal controlling device to command the operation of a designated appliance is described and illustrated in co-pending U.S. application No. 11/389,627 entitled "system and method for defining a controlled device command set".

it is also known in the art to configure the universal control device so as to provide the universal control device with a user interface having the same appearance as the original appliance remote control corresponding to the appliance to be controlled. For example, U.S. patent No. 6,938,101 shows and describes a universal control device that provides a user interface in the form of a virtual remote control with the layout and appearance of the keys of the original appliance remote control. Similarly, PCT application publication No. WO2005/043484 shows and describes a universal control device having a camera for capturing images of a remote control of a primal device, which captured images are then used in a user interface of the universal control device.

While these known various systems and methods for configuring universal control devices are generally useful for their intended purposes, there remains a need for a system and method for configuring universal control devices that provides a more convenient and user friendly manner of operation.

Disclosure of Invention

in accordance with this and other needs, a system and method for quickly configuring a universal control device is generally described below. To this end, in addition to one or more of the previously described configuration methods, the universal control device may be provided with one or more buttons which, when activated in the set-up mode, may be used to initiate a rapid configuration of the control device to utilize one of a set of pre-selected command data sets. Such pre-selected command data sets may comprise a subset of a complete library of command data sets available in the control device and may for example represent those most likely to be required for a particular application of the control device. The exact subset to be provided may be preset at the time of shipment, deployment or manufacture, for example, based on the procurement entity or geographic area to which the control device is to be shipped, the brand or type of equipment it determines to be packaged, the environment it is destined to apply, and so forth.

In this way, a single generic control device with a comprehensive library of command data sets may still be adapted for quick configuration by using a short keystroke sequence, which fits a large percentage of the targeted group of controlled appliances in the given application domain.

A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, characteristics and relationships of the invention will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth illustrative embodiments and which are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

drawings

For a better understanding of the various aspects of the invention, reference may be made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in which an exemplary control device according to the present disclosure may be used;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of exemplary components of the exemplary control device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 further illustrates the exemplary control device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary instruction card for use with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates, in symbolic form, an exemplary memory configuration that can be used with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates, in flow chart form, an exemplary method for rapidly setting a universal control device;

FIG. 7 illustrates, in flow diagram form, a further exemplary method for rapidly setting a universal control device;

FIG. 8 illustrates, in flow diagram form, yet another exemplary method for quickly setting a universal control device; and

FIG. 9 illustrates, in flow chart form, a further exemplary method for rapidly setting a universal control device.

Detailed Description

Turning now to fig. 1, an exemplary system is shown in which a control device 100 is configured to control various controllable appliances, such as a television 102 and a set-top box ("STB") 104. As is known in the art, the control device 100 can send commands to the appliance using any convenient IR, RF, point-to-point, or network protocol to cause the appliance to perform the operational functions. While shown in the context of a television 102 and a STB104, it is to be understood that the controllable appliances may include, but are not necessarily limited to, televisions, VCRs, DVRs, DVD players, cable or satellite converter set-top boxes ("STBs"), amplifiers, CD players, game consoles, home lighting, curtains, fans, HVAC systems, thermostats, personal computers, and the like.

Referring to fig. 2, for use in directing the functional operation of one or more appliances, the control device 100 may include a processor 200 connected to a ROM memory 204, a RAM memory 205, a key matrix 216 (e.g., hard keys, soft keys such as a touch-sensitive surface overlaid on a Liquid Crystal (LCD), and/or an Electroluminescent (EL) display), transmit circuit(s) and/or transceiver circuit(s) 210 (e.g., IR and/or RF), a non-volatile read/write memory 206, a means for providing feedback to a user 202 (e.g., one or more LEDs, a display, a speaker, etc.), a power supply 208, an input/output port 218 such as a serial interface, a USB port, a modem, Zigbee, WiFi, or bluetooth transceiver, etc., and clock and timing logic 212 with an associated crystal or resonator 214, as desired for a particular application.

As understood by those skilled in the art, some or all of the memories 204, 205, 206 may include executable instructions (collectively program memories) intended for execution by the processor 200 to control the operation of the remote control 100, as well as data for defining the necessary control protocols and command values for the operational software to send command signals (collectively command data) to the controllable appliances. In this manner, the processor 200 may be programmed to control various electronic components in the remote control 100, for example, to monitor the power supply 208, to enable signal transmission, and the like. A non-volatile read/write memory 206, such as EEPROM, battery backed-up RAM, FLASH, smart card, memory stick, etc., may additionally be provided to store setup data and parameters as necessary. While memory 204 is shown and described as a ROM memory, memory 204 may also be comprised of any type of readable media, such as ROM, FLASH, EEPROM, and the like. Preferably, memories 204 and 205 are non-volatile or battery backed so that data does not need to be reloaded after a battery replacement. Further, memories 204, 205, and 206 may take the form of chips, hard disks, magnetic disks, optical disks, and/or the like. Still further, it should be understood that some or all of the illustrated memory devices may be physically combined (e.g., a single FLASH memory may be logically divided into different portions to support the functionality of memories 204 and 206, respectively), and/or may be physically integrated in the same integrated circuit chip as microprocessor 200 (a so-called "microcontroller"), and, thus, are shown separately in fig. 2 for clarity only.

in order for the control device 100 to perform an action, the control device 100 is adapted to respond to an event, such as a sensed interaction of a user with the key matrix 216 or the like. In response to the event, appropriate instructions within the program memory (hereinafter referred to as "operating program") may be executed. For example, when a function key is actuated on the control device 100, the control device 100 may retrieve from the command data stored in the memory 204, 205, 206 the command value and control protocol corresponding to the actuated function key and, if necessary, the current device mode, and send the command to the appliance, e.g., STB104, in a format recognizable by the designated target appliance, thereby controlling one or more functional operations of the appliance. It should be understood that the above-described operating program may be used not only to cause commands and/or data to be sent to the appliance, but also to perform local operations. Without limitation, the local operations that may be performed by the control device 100 may include displaying information/data, favorite channel settings, macro key settings, function key repositioning, and the like. Examples of local operations can be found in U.S. patent nos. 5,481,256, 5,959,751, and 6,014,092.

In order to select a command data set (hereinafter referred to as a setup procedure) associated with the appliance to be controlled, data may be input into the control device 100 for determining each specified target appliance by its configuration and/or model and/or type. This data is typically entered by activating these keys, which are also used to cause commands to be sent to the appliance, preferably these keys are labeled with a reference numeral. Such data allows the control device 100 to determine the appropriate command data set in a pre-programmed library of command data for sending recognizable commands in a format suitable for such recognized appliances. The command database may represent a plurality of controllable appliances of different types and make, a plurality of controllable appliances of the same type but made differently, a plurality of appliances of the same make but different types or models, etc., or any combination thereof as appropriate for a given implementation. In conventional practice as is known in the art, such data used to determine the appropriate command data set may take the form of a numeric setup code (e.g., obtained from a printed listing of manufacturer names and/or models with corresponding codes, from a support Web site, etc.).

alternative setup procedures previously proposed in the art include scanning bar codes, sequentially transmitting predetermined commands in different formats until a target appliance response is detected, interacting with a Web site until command data and/or setup codes are downloaded to a control device, etc. Since such methods for setting up a control device to command the operation of a specific household appliance are well known, these will not be described in more detail here. However, for additional information regarding the setup process, the reader may turn to, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,959,810, 5,614,906, or 6,225,938, all of which are assigned to the same assignee, and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In order to facilitate a quick setup of a selected subset of available target appliances, the control device 100 may be adapted to support a short keystroke sequence which will immediately configure the control device for one of a set of pre-selection device command data sets, in accordance with the present invention and in addition to one or more of the previously known setup procedures described above, as will now be described in further detail.

in an exemplary embodiment, the universal controlling device 100 is adapted for deployment by a cable system operator in conjunction with a cable STB (e.g., 104).

Because certain cable system operators in this field typically utilize only a small portion of different STB models, only a small portion of the command data set may be applicable to a given cable system, although the control device 100 may include a large library of STB command data sets. Thus, the operating software of the control device 100 of FIG. 3 may be adapted to implement a method in which, for example, when activated along with the set key 310, any of the four keys 302, 304, 306, and 308 may serve as a quick link with a predetermined numerical value set code value. These predetermined digital setup code values may reside in a programmable area of memory (e.g., NV memory 206) and may be configured, for example, at a factory or distribution center prior to shipment to a cable system operator, i.e., mapped onto a quick setup key, to match known STB devices deployed by the cable system operator for which the control apparatus 100 is designated, or alternatively, at a central warehouse or distribution center of a multiple cable system operator to match known STB devices deployed within a particular area prior to shipment of the control apparatus 100 to that area (individually and collectively referred to hereinafter as "pre-provisioning"). Such configuration may be performed, for example, by loading data via input/output port 218, by receiving data via transceiver 210, by entering a sequence of keystrokes on key matrix 216, and so forth. A combination of these approaches may also be used, for example the memory content of the master unit may be initially configured using a sequence of keystrokes, after which its memory content may be read out via the input/output port 218 and subsequently copied to other control devices by downloading through their input/output ports. In this regard, methods of configuring programmable storage of control devices are well known in the art, such as described in U.S. patent 5,953,144 or 6,223,348, all of which are assigned to the same assignee and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and accordingly will not be described further.

by way of a more detailed example, fig. 4 illustrates a quick setup instruction card 400, such as may be provided to an installer of a cable system operator. This card suggests that the installer of the cable system STB holds the "a" key 302 and the "set" key 310 together for three seconds in order to configure the control device 100 to command operation of the Motorola STB (numeric set code 01376). While using the "B" key would result in configuring the Scientific Atlanta/Cisco STB (number set code 01877), using the "C" key would result in configuring the STB using the XMP IR protocol (number set code 01982), and so on. Referring now to FIG. 5, it is shown in symbolic form that the contents of these portions of the exemplary control device memory can be used to support this functionality. As is known in the art, a portion 502 (e.g., a portion of memory 204 of fig. 2) of non-configurable memory, such as ROM, OTP, FLASH, etc., may be programmed at the time of manufacture with a library of multiple appliance command data sets 504. It is also well known that each command data set can be identified via a unique numerical setting code, and that the control device 100 can be configured to operate any of these appliances by directly entering the appropriate numerical setting code, for example document M1056 Rev 3.0 by Universal Electronics, Incis described in the ATLAS OCAP 5-Device Remote Control User Guide, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, a portion 506 of a configurable memory, such as an EEPROM, FLASH, or the like (e.g., a portion of the memory 206 of FIG. 2) may contain a table 508 of numeric setup codes 510, 512, including available quick setup links assigned to the four buttons 302-308. The contents of the table 508 may include, for example, numeric setup code 510 corresponding to the command data set 504 stored in non-configurable memory, and/or numeric setup code 512 corresponding to the custom or upgraded command data set 514, which is itself stored in configurable memory.

It will be appreciated that in the above embodiments, the particular selection and ordering of STB devices to be assigned to the available fast setup keys may be unique to a particular cable system operator, and thus different configurable memory contents and different instruction cards may be provided to each cable system operator, or even different areas of the same cable system operator.

turning now to FIG. 6, the steps performed by an exemplary embodiment of the features of the present invention are shown in flow chart form. Reviewing this and other flow charts of the present invention, it should be understood that certain common elements known in the art, such as card key pauses, low battery detection, etc., have been omitted for clarity, and also that the term "step" is used herein not to imply a necessary command to perform the described action, and that the numbers designated are for ease of reference only. When the set key 310 of the exemplary control device 100 is activated, the operating program of the control device 100 first checks whether one of the quick set keys 302, 304, 306 or 308 is also activated in step 602. If so, at steps 604 and 606, the operating program waits to ensure that the two keys remain continuously activated for a specified time, such as three seconds as indicated by indicator card 400. If not, at step 608, the operating program issues an error status signal (e.g., via the user feedback device 202) and exits without changing the current configuration settings of the control device 100. Once both keys have been continuously activated for the desired period of time, the operating program retrieves the numeric set code value from the entry in the table 508 corresponding to the activated fast set key and uses that value to configure the controlling device 100 to use the command data set corresponding to the indicated numeric set code value, in this embodiment, in order to control the functional operation of the STB, at step 610. Thereafter, the operating program signals the user of successful setup completion (e.g., via the user feedback device 202) at step 612, waits for all keys to be released at step 614, and terminates the setup program. In this embodiment, it will be appreciated that the STB device mode need not be assigned to a remote control, as the remote control will recognize that activation of the fast set key is only used to configure the STB device mode. For alternative embodiments this would also be the case where the command data set library of the control device supports only one type of appliance, e.g. a remote control for cable STB use only, a remote control provided by the manufacturer of a particular TV mode that supports only that TV but includes a library of cable STB devices, etc. However, if a quick setup key is provided for quickly setting up a plurality of device types, for example, a common command code data set for most commonly purchased televisions is also mapped on the quick setup key, the remote controller will be informed of the device mode set by activating the quick setup key. To this end, the device mode key of the exemplary remote controller of fig. 3 may be activated before or after the setting key and the quick setting key are simultaneously activated.

Returning to step 602, if it is determined that the quick set key is not valid, the operating program checks whether three seconds have elapsed since the set key 310 was activated at step 620. If so (i.e., key 310 has been held down for 3 seconds), the operator signals (e.g., via user feedback device 202) that it is ready to receive conventional setup inputs (e.g., input a multi-digit code) at step 622. Once the set key is released, conventional numeric code setting input, such as described in the ATLASOCAP 5-Device Remote Control User Guide referenced previously, may be performed at step 626. After the value entry is complete, if a valid code has been entered, the operating program configures the pointing device mode of the control device 100 at step 630, signals a successful setup (e.g., via the user feedback device 202) at step 632, and terminates the setup program. In case the control device is adapted to provide a plurality of device modes supporting different appliance types, such as the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, the indicated device mode, in this embodiment, may be the current device mode of the remote control or a device mode assigned to the remote control by activating a device mode key before or after completing the number input. Alternatively, one of the entered numbers may display the device mode to be configured; the numeric codes may be assigned to a range of numbers representing different appliance types, and so on.

Returning to step 620, if 3 seconds have not elapsed, the operating software of the control device 100 determines whether the set key 310 is still activated at step 640. If so, the operating program repeats the series of tests beginning at step 602. If not (i.e., the set button 310 has been released before the 3 seconds have elapsed and none of the quick set buttons have been simultaneously activated), at step 642 the operating software performs any other action that may have been defined as being initiated by short activation of the set button 310, by way of example, as a function composition input as described in the previously referenced U.S. patent 5,515,052.

It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent consumers from accidentally activating the quick setup method during their normal use of the control device 100. For this purpose, for example, the quick-setting function may be activated only for a specified period of time after the battery has been inserted into the control device 100. Alternatively, means such as jumpers, special keystroke sequences, etc. may be provided to allow the cable system STB installer to lock all or part of the control device configuration once a quick setup has been successfully made.

Turning now to fig. 7, an alternative method of implementing entry into a fast setup mode is presented. A method in which the set key and one quick set key are simultaneously activated is different from that of fig. 6. In the method of FIG. 7, the set key is activated for 3 seconds alone, such as the conventional set method described in the ATLAS OCAP 5-Device Remote Control User Guide referenced previously. However, once the 3 second time has been verified and the operating program begins the setup process, the next activated key may determine the setup method to use. If the next activated key is one of the numeric keys 312 or possibly a device mode key in those embodiments that support multiple device modes, then normal settings are initiated; but if the next activated key is one of the quick setting keys 302 to 308, the quick setting is performed. Referring to fig. 7, steps 702 to 708 time the initial activation of the set key 310 and initiate the set process (it should be noted that a set key activation of less than 3 seconds has the same effect as previously described in connection with step 642 of fig. 6). Once the setup mode has been initiated, steps 710 and 712 test for activation of the numeric/device mode key or the quick setup key, respectively. Activation of any other key (step 714) or no further activity within 30 seconds (step 716) constitutes an error condition and will cause the operating program to terminate the setup process after sending a failure signal to the user at step 718. However, if the numeric key is detected to be activated at step 710, the conventional multi-digit setting will be initiated, as previously described in connection with FIG. 6, while if the quick set key is detected to be activated at step 712, the quick setting is performed, as also previously described in connection with FIG. 6.

Turning now to fig. 8, a third alternative method is presented that may be used in embodiments where one or more selected quick setup command data sets correspond to a two-way STB protocol, i.e., a two-way protocol that the admission control device 100 both transmits to and receives from an STB. In such a case, it is possible for the control device 100 to issue a command or query that elicits a reaction using the specified protocol(s) to automatically detect the presence of a compatible STB and configure itself accordingly. Again, using the universal controlling device 100 as being for deployment by a cable system operator in conjunction with a cable STB, as an exemplary embodiment, when the set key 310 is activated, the operating program of the controlling device 100 first checks whether the controlling device is currently set to the "cable" mode of operation (e.g., by previous activation of the "cable" mode button 314) at step 802. If not, the operating software proceeds as previously described, e.g., continuing at step 650 of FIG. 6. If, however, the "wired" mode is currently active, the operating software next determines whether any of the predetermined quick set digital codes (such as those contained in table 508) correspond to a two-way STB communication protocol at step 804. If not, the setup process continues as before at step 650. However, if any bi-directional protocol(s) are specified, the operating software sets a pointer to the first such code at step 806, and then transmits a query that elicits a response using the specified command data set at step 808. The operating software may then wait a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second, as in step 814) in response to the transmission. If the set key is released within the time period as determined at step 812, this constitutes a fault condition and the operating software signals a setting failure at step 822 and the setting process terminates without changing the configuration of the control device. If a valid response is received from the STB as determined in step 810, the mode of the wired device of the universal controlling device 100 is configured to use the indicated command data set in step 824, and the setup process is completed by signaling a successful setup in step 826 and terminated after the setup key is released in step 828. If no STB response is received within the allotted time period, the operating software determines if any further bi-directional protocols are specified at step 816. If so, at step 818, the pointer is set to the next such code and the query/response sequence is repeated. If not, the operating software next determines whether some of the digital codes corresponding to the non-two-way protocol are designated for quick setup at step 820. If so, the setup process continues as before, e.g., at step 650 of FIG. 6. If no such code exists, the setup process terminates without changing the configuration of the control device 100.

In some embodiments, the expected response from the bi-directionally equipped STB may be a simple acknowledgement of the control device transmission. In other embodiments, the response may be configured as additional configuration data for use by the control device 100. By way of example, and not limitation, control device 100 may include buttons to provide direct access to video on demand "barker" channel 316 or user favorite channel(s) 318, such as ESPN, CNN, etc. Since these content streams may map to different channel numbers in different regions of the cable service provider range, the partial STB response of the initial query may include data (e.g., extracted from the in-vehicle program guide) used by the operating software of the control device 100 to configure the channel tuning macrosequences for those keys. Alternatively, such configuration data may be provided by the STB as part of a separate transaction, other than the initial setup of the associated acknowledgement.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the quick set key of the present invention, rather than being directly mapped to a particular command data set, may be mapped to an entry in a brand table, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,906, assigned to the same assignee, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which in turn may identify a plurality of command data sets that are attributed to a particular brand of device. According to the teachings of U.S. patent 5,614,906, after identifying the particular brand to be set by activating the quick set key, the operating program of the control device 100 may cause an effect observable command from each of a plurality of command data sets mapped to the selected quick set key assigned to each of a set of user actuated keys, such as, but not limited to, the numeric keys 312, thereby enabling the user to test each command data set and determine one to operate their device. Alternatively, repeated actuation of a single key may be used for successive steps through multiple command data sets, such as described in previously-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,810 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,359, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The quick set keys of the control device of the present embodiment may thus be mapped, for example, at deployment to command data sets of those brands that enjoy the greatest popularity in the destination market, e.g., based on geography, purpose of use, equipment in which the control device is to be packaged, etc.

Similarly, the quick set key may be mapped to an entry in a device type table, such as a TV, DVD player, etc., which in turn may identify a plurality of command data sets attributed to a particular brand of device. Again, following the teachings of U.S. patent 5,614,906, after identifying the particular device type to be set by activating the quick set key, the operating program of the control device 100 may cause an effect observable command from each of a plurality of command data sets mapped to the selected quick set key assigned to each of a set of user actuated keys, such as but not limited to numeric keys 312, to enable the user to test each command data set and determine one to operate its device. Repeated actuation of a single key may be used for successive steps through multiple command data sets, such as described in previously-referenced U.S. patent 4,959,810 or U.S. patent 4,703,359, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The quick set keys of the control device of the present embodiment may thus be mapped, for example, at deployment to these command data sets for a particular device type that enjoys the greatest popularity in the destination market, e.g., based on geography, purpose of use, equipment in which the control device is to be packaged, etc.

In those cases where the control device 100 and the appliance to be controlled, e.g., STB104, are intended to communicate bi-directionally by using one of a plurality of possible RF communication protocols, each of which is capable of being supported by the control device 100, i.e., the control device 100 has stored in memory in processor-executable instructions for supporting a plurality of RF communication protocols, a further configuration method may be used as shown in fig. 9. In illustration, the exemplary method shown in fig. 9, the fast setup input elements, such as keys 302, 304, 306, and 308, are each connected to one of the plurality of RF communication protocols that the control device 100 may utilize to exchange communications with a designated target appliance. Thus, to designate a control device 100 that uses one of a plurality of RF communication protocols when communicating with a designated target appliance, a user may consult 902 a quick setup instruction card or similar type of reference as previously described, wherein the reference/instruction will indicate which predetermined input element of the control device 100 has been linked to which appliance (e.g., which brand and/or model of appliance is linked to each input element) and, thus, which of the plurality of RF communication protocols supported by the control device 100 will support communication with that appliance. In this manner, when the user places the control device 100 in the setup mode 904 and activates a desired one of the quick setup elements (using any suitable setup start-up procedure/key entry sequence as described above), the control device 100 will use one of a plurality of RF communication protocols that are linked to the activated one of the quick setup elements to transmit the query communication 906 to the designated target appliance in an attempt to pair 908 the control device 100 with the designated target appliance. If the response resulting from the query communication is successfully transmitted from the designated target appliance to the control device 100, the control device 100 will pair 914 with the designated target appliance and the control device 100 will then use the corresponding RF protocol 916 when communicating with the designated target appliance, for example when transmitting an activation in response to a command input element of the control device 100. If the query communication does not result in a response being successfully sent from the designated target appliance to the control device 100, the control device 100 will not pair 912 with the designated target appliance and an alternative method of attempting to pair the control device 100 with the designated target appliance may be utilized, e.g., the user may attempt another quick setup input unit, be taught to step through and attempt one of a different plurality of RF communication protocols supported by the control device 100, etc. As before, the quick setup input element used in connection with the setup method shown in fig. 9 may be used exclusively for configuring the control device 100 such that one of a plurality of RF communication protocols is used for only one designated target device (e.g., STB), or the quick setup input unit may be used for configuring the control device 100 such that one of a plurality of RF communication protocols is used for a plurality of types of designated target devices. In the latter case, the user may request to first indicate the type of device (e.g., by activating a device mode key), which is configured by using the quick setup input unit as previously described. The linking of the quick setup elements to the respective plurality of RF protocols supported by the universal controlling device may also be accomplished in any of the previously described manners, such as at the time of manufacture, prior to equipping the universal controlling device 100, and the like.

While various concepts have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those concepts could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. For example, while one disclosed exemplary embodiment contemplates configuring a control device for a cable STB, it should be understood that the described method of the present invention may be equally useful in other situations, e.g., a general control device supplied with a particular manufacturer's appliance, such as an AV receiver, may be adapted to support rapid setup configurations for other device types (e.g., DVD players, TVs, etc.) of the same manufacturer. It will also be appreciated that the methods described herein may be used to configure the control device such that RF communication will be used when communicating with one or more different types of devices, and IR communication will be used when communicating with one or more other types of devices. Additionally, while various aspects of the invention have been described in the context of functional modules and illustrative usage blocks or flow diagrams, it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, one or more of the described functions and/or features may be integrated within a single physical device and/or software module or one or more of the functions and/or features may be implemented within a separate physical device or software module. It should also be understood that a detailed discussion of the specific implementation of each module is not necessary to an advantageous understanding of the present invention. More precisely, in view of the nature of the present invention, the specific implementation of such modules will be good in terms of the routine skill of the engineer, the functionality and interrelation of the various functional modules in the system. Accordingly, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will be able to practice the invention as set forth in the claims without undue experimentation. It is to be additionally understood that the specific concepts disclosed are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

All patents cited in this document are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (20)

1. A method for configuring a universal controlling device to exchange communications with a designated target device over an RF communications channel, comprising:

Receiving a selection of one of a plurality of quick setup input elements of the universal controlling device into the universal controlling device in a setup mode, wherein each of the plurality of quick setup input elements is linked within a memory of the universal controlling device to one of a plurality of RF communication protocols available by the universal controlling device to exchange communications with a device type of a specified target device;

In response to selection of one of the plurality of quick setup input elements, causing the universal controlling device to issue a query message to the designated target device, wherein the query message is transmitted using one of a plurality of RF communication protocols linked to the selection of one of the plurality of quick setup input elements within a memory of the universal controlling device; and

In response to a message successfully received by the universal controlling device from the designated target device, the universal controlling device will then use the selected one of the plurality of RF communication protocols when subsequently placed into the operational mode in response to the query message causing the universal controlling device to pair with the designated target device with which it is intended to exchange communications, upon transmission.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the device type of the specified target device comprises a set-top box type.

3. the method of claim 1, causing the universal controlling device to use an IR protocol when placed into an operational mode, wherein the purpose of the universal controlling device is to send communications to a device of a device type other than the device type of the specified target device.

4. The method of claim 1, comprising receiving a data indication of the device type of the specified target device to the general purpose control device when setting the mode.

5. the method of claim 4, comprising linking the plurality of fast setup input elements to one of a plurality of RF communication protocols usable for exchanging communications with a device type of a specified target device using the data indicative of the device type.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of quick setup input elements is linked to one of a plurality of RF communication protocols that are available for exchanging communications with a device type of a specified target device at the time of manufacture of the universal controlling device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fast setup input elements is linked to one of a plurality of RF communication protocols at a time prior to deployment of the universal controlling device, the RF communication protocols being usable to exchange communications with a device type of a specified target device.

8. The method of claim 1, comprising causing the universal controlling device to enter a setup mode in response to activation of a setup input element of the universal controlling device.

9. The method of claim 1, comprising causing the universal controlling device to enter a setup mode in response to activation of a setup input element of the universal controlling device for a predetermined period of time.

10. The method of claim 1, comprising causing the universal controlling device to enter a setup mode in response to a simultaneous activation of one of a setup input element and a quick setup input element of the universal controlling device.

11. The method of claim 1, comprising causing the universal controlling device to enter a setup mode in response to simultaneous activation of one of a setup input element and a quick setup input element of the universal controlling device for a predetermined period of time.

12. A universal control device comprising:

An RF communication circuit;

A processing unit in communication with the RF communication circuitry to cause the RF communication circuitry to exchange RF communications with a designated target device using a selected one of a plurality of RF communication protocols; and

A key matrix having a plurality of quick set input elements; and

A memory having stored therein a link between each of a plurality of quick setup input elements and a different one of a plurality of RF communication protocols used by a processing device in communication with the RF communication circuitry to exchange communications with a device type of a specified target device;

Wherein, when the universal controlling device is in the operational setting mode, in response to selection of one of the plurality of quick setting input elements, causing the processing device of the universal controlling device to transmit an inquiry message to the designated target device using one of a plurality of RF communication protocols linked to the selection of one of the plurality of quick setting input elements stored within the memory of the universal controlling device, wherein in response to a response successfully received from the designated target device in response to the inquiry message, causing the universal controlling device to be paired with the designated target device when the universal controlling device is subsequently placed in the operational mode, such that the processing device in communication with the RF communication circuitry will use one of the plurality of RF communication protocols linked to the one of the plurality of quick setting input elements within the memory of the universal controlling device, in the operational mode, the generic control device is intended to exchange communications with a specified target device.

13. the universal controlling device as recited in claim 12, wherein the device type of the designated target device comprises a set-top box type.

14. The universal controlling device as recited in claim 12, wherein the universal controlling device comprises a plurality of device mode input elements, and wherein activation of a device mode input element indicates to the universal controlling device the device type of the specified target device.

15. The universal controlling device as recited in claim 12, wherein the link between each of the plurality of quick setup input elements and one of a plurality of RF communication protocols used for exchanging communications with the device type of the designated target device is stored in the memory of the universal controlling device at the time of manufacture of the universal controlling device.

16. The universal controlling device as recited in claim 12, wherein the link between each of the plurality of quick setup input elements and one of a plurality of RF communication protocols used for exchanging communications with the device type of the designated target device is stored in the memory of the universal controlling device at a time prior to deployment of the universal controlling device.

17. The universal controlling device as recited in claim 12, wherein the universal controlling device comprises a setup input element, and the universal controlling device is caused to enter a setup mode in response to activation of the setup input element.

18. The universal controlling device as recited in claim 12, wherein the universal controlling device comprises a setting input element, and the universal controlling device is caused to enter a setting mode in response to activation of the setting input element for a predetermined period of time.

19. The universal controlling device as recited in claim 12, wherein the universal controlling device comprises a setup input element, and the universal controlling device is caused to enter the setup mode in response to a simultaneous activation of one of the setup input element and the quick setup input element.

20. The universal controlling device as recited in claim 12, wherein the universal controlling device comprises a setup input element and the universal controlling device is caused to enter the setup mode in response to simultaneous activation of one of the setup input element and the quick setup input element for a predetermined period of time.