Method and apparatus for realizing a keyboard key function on a remote control
US5923866A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/023
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A flexible, cost-effective apparatus and method for using a key on a remote control to simulate a keyboard key, i.e. to cause an application, upon pressing the key on the remote control, to perform the same function that the application performs upon pressing the key of the keyboard. In brief, the method comprises (a) storing, in a first memory, data corresponding to the key of the keyboard, at an address corresponding to the key of the remote control, prior to execution of the application; (b) pressing the key of the remote control during execution of the application; (c) converting a signal, produced as a result of step (b), into the address corresponding to the key of the remote control; (d) transmitting the data stored in the first memory at the address to the host processor; and (e) in response to step (d), performing the function.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.