Remote control system with key function display provisions

Claim 1

A remote control system for at least one controlled device, comprising: a transmitter unit including user entry means having a plurality of multi-function key elements; output means for transmitting, when a key element is operated, a remote control message identifying the operation of said key elements; and display means for displaying information identifying the functions associated with said key elements; a receiver unit associated with said controlled device and including input means for receiving said remote control message; key function memory means for storing character-representative information for identifying the functions of said key elements of said transmitter unit and corresponding control information for various steps of a control sequence for controlling said controlled device; and output means coupled to said key function memory means for transmitting a key function display message including character-representative information of a next step of said control sequence in response to said remote control message and also information identifying said controlled device; and wherein said transmitter unit further includes input means for receiving said key function display message and for coupling the associated character-representative information to said display means to cause said key function information to be displayed; said transmitter unit still further includes memory means for storing said device identifying information included in said key function display message; and said remote control message transmitted by said transmitter unit includes said device identifying information stored in said memory means.