Integrated remote control unit for operating a television and a video game unit

Abstract

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for a control unit. A keypad has a plurality of keys on a housing arranged for receiving an input. A CPU generates control signals to control multiple applications based upon the input received from the keypad. A memory communicates with the CPU and stores control signal data associated with the input. A removable face plate corresponds to each application, wherein the face plate covers keys that are not activated for the corresponding application.

1 . A control unit, comprising:
 a processor generating control signals to control multiple applications based upon an orientation of the control unit, wherein a first hand-held position controls operation of a first application and a second hand-held position controls operation of a second application; and   memory communicating with the processor and storing control data associated with the control signals.   
   
   
       2 . The control unit according to  claim 1 , further comprising means for receiving an input to the control unit. 
   
   
       3 . The control unit according to  claim 1 , further comprising a keypad having a plurality of keys for receiving an input to the control unit. 
   
   
       4 . The control unit according to  claim 1 , further comprising a removable face plate attaching to the control unit that corresponds to each application, wherein the face plate covers keys on the control unit that are not activated for the corresponding application. 
   
   
       5 . The control unit according to  claim 1 , further comprising a removable face plate attaching to the control unit that corresponds to each application, wherein the face plate exposes keys that are activated for the corresponding application. 
   
   
       6 . The control unit according to  claim 5 , wherein the face plate comprises text or graphics that indicate a purpose or function of an exposed key. 
   
   
       7 . The control unit according to  claim 5 , wherein the face plate comprises a hole that exposes a button. 
   
   
       8 . The control unit according to  claim 5 , further comprising a connector that connects the face plate to the control unit. 
   
   
       9 . The control unit according to  claim 5 , wherein the face plate comprises a protrusion that depresses a key. 
   
   
       10 . The control unit according to  claim 5 , wherein the face plate comprises a protrusion that depresses a key that sends a code to the processor. 
   
   
       11 . The control unit according to  claim 1 , further comprising pushbuttons that are activated in the second hand-held position. 
   
   
       12 . The control unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the first handheld position controls operation of a television, and the second handheld position controls operation of a video game system. 
   
   
       13 . A control unit, comprising:
 a processor generating control signals to control multiple applications based upon an orientation of the control unit, wherein a first hand-held position controls operation of   a first application and an orthogonal, second hand-held position controls operation of a second application; and
 memory communicating with the processor and storing control data associated with the control signals 
   
   
   
       14 . The control unit according to  claim 13 , further comprising means for receiving an input to the control unit. 
   
   
       15 . The control unit according to  claim 13 , further comprising a removable face plate for the first application that exposes keys on a keypad that are activated for the first application and covers keys that are unnecessary for the first application. 
   
   
       16 . The control unit according to  claim 13 , further comprising means for transmitting signals from the control unit. 
   
   
       17 . The control unit according to  claim 13 , further comprising a keypad having a plurality of keys for receiving an input to the control unit. 
   
   
       18 . The control unit according to  claim 13 , further comprising a removable face plate attaching to the control unit that corresponds to each application, wherein the face plate exposes keys that are activated for the corresponding application. 
   
   
       19 . The control unit according to  claim 18 , wherein the face plate comprises text or graphics that indicate a purpose or function of an exposed key. 
   
   
       20 . The control unit according to  claim 18 , further comprising a connector that connects the face plate to the control unit.