Codeset communication format and related methods and structures
A codeset is described in a Public Codeset Communication Format (PCCF) as a format block including a plurality of fields having readily decipherable values, such as ASCII character values. One field is a mark/space information field that includes a sequence of mark time indicators and space time indicators for an operational signal of the codeset. A second field is a signal characteristic information field for the operational signal. Signal characteristic information may include carrier on/off information, repeat frame information, toggle control information, and last frame information. The PCCF is a codeset interchange format of general applicability.
1. A method comprising:
describing a codeset in a format block comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a first data field that describes a key of a controlling device and a second data field that describes at least one function that is to be performed by a controllable device in response to an activation of the key, wherein the key of the controlling device and the at least one function that is to be performed by the controllable device are each described via use of one or more characters taken from an alphabet, wherein the one or more characters taken from the alphabet for use in describing the key of the controlling device are visibly reproduced on the controlling device in association with the key of the controlling device, and wherein the second portion comprises information that is to be used by a processing device of the controlling device in response to an activation of the key of the controlling device to cause a transmission device of the controlling device to transmit to the controllable device at least one command communication for controlling the at least one function of the controllable device that is described within the second data field;
providing the format block to the controlling device; and
causing the controlling device to use the format block to configure itself to issue command communications to the controllable device in response to an activation of the key of the controlling device.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first portion further includes a third data field that describes a type for the controllable device via use of one or more characters selected from the alphabet.
3. The method as recited in claim 2 , wherein the first portion further includes a fourth data field that describes a brand for the controllable device via use of one or more characters selected from the alphabet.
4. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the controlling device uses the information in the second portion of the format block to generate a pointer to command generating information stored within a memory of the controlling device.