Patent ID: 8330584
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A portable remote control device that controls functions in a separate electronic device; the separate electronic device being a TV, DVR, DVD player, stereo, or cable box; by wireless transmission of signals, comprising: an enclosure including a programmed microprocessor, a memory, a plurality of keys that are not programmed by a user wherein pressing one of the keys sends a signal to said microprocessor, a transmitter, and a source of energy, wherein when the signal is received by said microprocessor during pressing one of said keys, said microprocessor determines if the one of the keys is one of (a) an exempt key, the exempt key being one of a Power, Channel, or Volume key that is commonly-used and cannot be locked and (b) a trouble-prone key for settings, the trouble-prone key not being an exempt key and being a key that is rarely-used and can be locked; said memory is read to determine if the trouble-prone key is in a locked or an unlocked mode, and wherein if the trouble-prone key is in the unlocked mode, said microprocessor causes said transmitter to transmit a coded signal unique to the trouble-prone key, and if the trouble-prone key is in the locked mode, said microprocessor does not cause said transmitter to transmit the coded signal unique to the trouble-prone key, and further wherein said memory is changed for the trouble-prone key from the locked mode to the unlocked mode or from the unlocked mode to the locked mode when the trouble-prone key is pressed in a defined procedure wherein the defined procedure is one of (a) solely pressing the trouble-prone key for a predetermined period of time of one to four seconds and (b) pressing a lock key and then solely pressing the trouble-prone key, wherein the lock key is identified with text or an icon whereby a user is informed the lock key is used for locking or unlocking said keys; and an LED indicator lamp, wherein a light output of said LED indicator lamp when the trouble-prone key is pressed when in the locked mode is one of (a) continuous illumination and (b) intermittent illumination and wherein said LED indicator lamp is identified with text or an icon, whereby a user is informed said LED indicator lamp indicates that the trouble-prone key is locked.