Importance

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Abstract

An electronic timepiece having a universal, wireless controller for transmitting wireless signals that control features of a plurality of systems. In a first aspect of the present invention, the electronic timepiece includes a data store which contains a library of control signals. In one embodiment, the library of control signals may be detached from the electronic timepiece so that new control signals may be added to the library. Each of the control signals can be retrieved and transmitted by the universal, wireless controller to emulate a conventional wireless transmitter which controls functions of a corresponding one of the plurality of systems. The electronic timepiece includes the capability for selectively retrieving a control signal for a target system from the library. In one embodiment of the present invention, the selective retrieving is performed in response to input entered through a programmable interface. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic timepiece is a multiple operating mode device where, in a first operating mode, the timepiece displays a time of day and other timepiece-related information and, in a second, emulation operating mode, the timepiece transmits the control signals to control at least one function of a selected one of the plurality of systems. In a second aspect of the present invention, the electronic timepiece includes a learning operating mode. The learning mode electronic timepiece includes a receiver for receiving coded messages, a decoder for decoding the received coded messages and for extracting control signals received therein. The extracted control signals then being added to the library of control signals. In this way, transmissions of a conventional, wireless transmitter can be learned.

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First Claim