Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transmitting both real-time data streams and remote control signals is described. A first transceiver can be used for detecting remote control signals associated with an end device (e.g. a television), transforming these remote control signals into wireless signals, and transmitting the wireless signals. A second transceiver can be used for receiving the wireless signals and transforming the wireless signals into the recreated remote control signals. The recreated remote control signals can then be sent to a source device (e.g. a DVD player). Because wireless signals are used (instead of infrared (IR) signals, for example), the source device can be outside the line of sight of the end device and still respond to the remote control signals.

Abstract: A system and method for tuning a broadcast receiver such as a television set with a subscriber optical interface (SOI) that can be located outside a subscriber's premises and can be adjacent to the subscriber's premises. For example, a subscriber optical interface can be mounted on a side of a home which converts optical data and optical video signals received from an optical waveguide to electrical signals. Because of the hardware contained in the subscriber optical interface, any video processing hardware that is present within the subscriber's premises for tuning video programs can be reduced or substantially eliminated without sacrificing a range of services available to a subscriber from a fiber-to-the-home optical network.

Abstract: A wireless remote control device of the present invention includes not only an infrared-transmitting section that transmits operational information to the outside so as to remotely control a predetermined electronic device but also a radio-wave-transmitting section that transmits information to the outside through the use of radio waves as a medium. Thus, it is easily possible to remotely control an electronic device such as audio-visual equipment and to transmit operational information in the form of radio waves with a higher degree of accuracy.

Abstract: Multiple devices that operate at different wavelengths of light are incorporated into a single composite assembly to reduce the amount of space that is needed to incorporate the assembly into a consumer electronics device. In addition, by implementing the devices in a single composite assembly, costs associated with manufacturing, assembly and shipping the assembly can be reduced. The composite assembly includes filtering mechanisms that prevent undesired wavelengths of light from impinging on the devices.

Abstract: The infrared LED of an IrDA module transmits IR energy with a peak wavelength (for example, 875 nm) appropriate for IrDA communication. This peak wavelength is lower than is the wavelength (for example, 940 nm) used in ordinary IR remote controls (RC). The IrDA LED does, however, transmit some energy at the wavelength of the peak sensitivity of an RC receiver. When making an IrDA transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with a lower amount of current. When making an RC transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with an increased amount of current such that higher wavelength emissions received by the RC receiver are of adequate power to realize RC communication. A passive circuit is disclosed for automatically increasing IrDA LED current during RC transmissions. The circuit involves an inductor that shunts current around a current-limiting resistor used to limit LED drive current.

Abstract: A combined electrical power conditioner and IR controller that provides a single point for communications with a Remote and connects with the various components of a video or audio system which is configured to respond to IR signals. The apparatus receives and routes IR signals either serially or in parallel to the system components through IR capable cables. The apparatus may be equipped with an RF to IR converter for an RF capable remote controller.

Abstract: An optical controlling circuit and an electrical controlled circuit such as a motor control circuit are interconnected by an electro-optic interface. A passive optical switch located in the optical circuit at a position remote from the electrical circuit is physically actuated to generate a change in optical transmission state of the optical circuit. At the electro-optic interface, the change in optical transmission state of the optical circuit is detected and triggers a change in the electrical transmission state of the electric circuit. Embodied as STOP and START pushbuttons, a pair of such passive optical switches at a position remote from the electric circuit reduces the risk that actuating motor control circuits and the like will cause arcing and, in hazardous environments, explosion.

Abstract: A remote controlling system is disclosed. An infrared remote controller generates a first serial signal containing a command corresponding to a user's operation and outputs the first serial signal by infrared communication. A radio remote controller generates a code signal containing a key number corresponding to a user's operation and outputs the code signal by radio communication. An electronic device includes a light receiving section, a radio receiving section, a selecting section, and a controlling section.

Abstract: A multi-function remote controller includes a transmitter to transmit a wireless control signal corresponding to one selected from among a first mode via an infrared diode, in which a user manipulates the remote controller with one hand to manipulate a television, and a second mode, in which the user manipulates a video game unit with two hands. The transmitter turns a rotatable lever equipped with the infrared diode to set the first mode or the second mode according to a characteristic of an appliance to be controlled. The transmitter sets the remote controller in the first mode if a protrusion of the rotatable lever does not make contact with a mode selecting switch, and sets the remote controller in the second mode if the protrusion of the rotatable lever makes contact with the mode selecting switch due to the rotation of the rotatable lever, thereby simplifying components to set each mode using one hand or two hands.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting an audio signal through a bone of a user includes receiving an audio signal from a first, microphone positioned, at an entrance or in a first ear canal; and vibrating a first transducer to audibly transmit the audio signal through the bone. A second microphone can be positioned in a second ear canal and the two microphones preserve and deliver inter-aural sound level and phase differences that naturally occur so that the user can perceive directionality.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for controlled device selection by a portable electronic device (110). The method may include transmitting, from the portable electronic device, a first wireless signal (140) requesting information corresponding to remote controlled devices (132, 134, 136, 138), sending an optical signal (150) over the air to at least one remote controlled device, receiving a second wireless signal including information corresponding to at least one specific remote controlled device in response to sending the optical signal, adjusting settings, in response to receiving the second wireless signal, on the portable electronic device to enable remote control of at least one selected remote controlled device (134) of the at least one specific remote controlled device based on the information corresponding to the at least one specific remote controlled device.

Abstract: An RC receiver device and an ambient light photosensor (ALPS) device are mounted on a single mounting device (e.g., circuit board or lead frame substrate) such that they are part of a single composite assembly. This reduces the amount of space that is consumed in electronic devices in which the assemblies are installed, which allows the electronic devices to be made smaller in size. In addition, implementing both the RC receiver device and the ALPS device in a single composite assembly lowers costs associated with manufacturing, assembling and shipping the composite assembly.

Abstract: A remote control device for wirelessly controlling a second device is disclosed that allows the user to remotely control the second device using spoken commands. The remote control device is preferably dimensioned to be useful as a handheld device. The remote control device includes one or more microphones into which the user can speak a command. The remote control device also includes a transmitter, for example a radio frequency transmitter and/or an optical transmitter, for transmitting a signal to the second device based on the user's spoken command.

Abstract: Light emitting diodes are placed side by side at a front end of the remote control transmitter in a manner that their maximum radiation directions, i.e. radiation directions each giving a maximum radiation intensity, are each inclined at an angle within a range no larger than 5 degrees outwardly of the remote control transmitter 1 and symmetrically with respect to a bisector of a line segment which connects center points of the light emitting diodes. The inclination, within a range no larger than 5 degrees, of each of the light emitting diodes used as light sources for remote control does not cause significant reduction in the radiation intensity. Accordingly, it is possible to widen the transmittable angle within a range no larger than 10 degrees without significantly reducing the radiation intensity at a central portion of the radiation range.

Abstract: A sensor provides an analog sensor output signal that is first converted by a A/D converter, followed by a digital signal processor having a digital signal output that is converted to an analog signal by way of a D/A converter so as to provide an analog information output signal indicative of a parameter quantity intended to be sensed. An analog dither signal and/or a digital dither signal is provided for modulating the A/D converter input signal and/or D/A converter input signal, respectively, separately, or in combination, to enhance dynamic range accuracy of the resultant analog information output signal representative of the quantity of the parameter intended to be sensed.

Abstract: A receiver includes a single infrared (IR) sensor, which is coupled to sense an IR signal carrying data and to produce an electrical signal responsively to the IR signal. The receiver further includes multiple receiver channels arranged to accept the electrical signal from the single IR sensor, each receiver channel configured to process the electrical signal in accordance with a different, respective IR remote control protocol so as to extract the data, and to output the extracted data to a host system.

Abstract: A laser light actuation system for remotely and selectively actuating a function of a known apparatus. The system includes a laser module adapted to produce a known laser light signal, which is preferably sparsely modulated, the signal being suitable for transmission over a long distance. The system also includes a receiver module adapted to receive and detect the known laser light signal. The receiver module is also adapted to selectively produce an actuation signal in response to the known laser light signal to selectively actuate such an apparatus. The receiver module includes a timer operatively associated with the receiver module to selectively limit the time of actuation of such an apparatus in response to the laser light signal. A laser light actuation method for remotely and selectively actuating a function of a known apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques for pairing a remote control to a device are disclosed. After a specific button is pressed or buttons are pressed in a specific order, a remote control is caused to enter a re-programming mode. In the mode, the transmitting power of the remote control is significantly reduced, resulting in a much smaller working range. In addition, an identifier in the remote control is changed so that all subsequent command signals from the remote carry a different identifier. For the device to respond to the change in the remote control, a user has to bring the remote control up close to the device for receiving a command signal carrying the changed identifier from the remote control. Once the remote control is back to a normal mode, the remote control is paired with the device within its own working range.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with an IrDA transmitter LED is used to transmit both IrDA signals and remote control infrared signals. The device transmits remote control infrared signals with reduced power consumption. During a relatively longer remote control signal pulse, an inductor saturates and stores energy when a drive current flows from a power supply, through the inductor and then through the LED. An energy-transferring circuit transfers a portion of the energy stored in the inductor to the power supply. Energy is transferred when the drive current is cut and the voltage across the inductor surges, which causes an overflow current to flow through a diode in the energy-transferring circuit and to the power supply. The inductor is a planar coil of traces on a printed circuit board and therefore costs less to manufacture than does a toroidal coil of wires.

Abstract: An exemplary remote control apparatus includes a light source, a control module, an image sensing module, an image processing module and a communication module. The control module is separated from the light source, moveable by a user, and configured for receiving light beams from the light source in an incident direction and reflecting the light beams in a direction anti-parallel to the incident direction. The image sensing module senses images formed by light beams reflected by the control module. The image processing module processes images sensed by the image sensing module and generates a control signal associated with a movement of the control module imparted by the user. The communication module outputs the control signal to control the information technology system. A remote control system using the remote control apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: It is possible to realize remote control in a reflection wave transmission system, and enhance operability for a mobile apparatus having a reflector. The mobile apparatus comprises a reflector and performs reflection wave transmission by carrying data on a reflection wave for unmodulated carrier. A reflection wave reader comprises an infrared light receiving section, receives and decodes a request signal sent as an infrared remote control command, transmits it to the mobile apparatus by an ASK modulated signal and then transmits the unmodulated carrier. The mobile apparatus transmits requested data by reflection wave. The mobile apparatus can be operated from an infrared remote controller and remote control distance can be extended.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies directed towards IR-to-network conversion. With the described technology, a system may convert an infrared (IR) control signal from an IR remote controller into a network-transmittable message package and transmit that package via a communications network, such as the Internet (or a network compatible therewith). The IR control signal is destined for a to-be-controlled audio/visual (AV) device. The transmitted network message packet is received at the location of the to-be-controlled AV device and converted back into its original IR control signal. The signal is transmitted to the AV device; thereby effecting control of that device.

Abstract: A method for associating a group of lighting units in a wireless-controlled lighting system to respective buttons or other control elements on a remote control. Each of the lighting units transmits, via modulation of its own illumination light, a unique identification code for the respective unit. The remote control is successively positioned to receive the modulated light from each lighting unit and, at each position, the user activates a respective control element of the remote control for association with the lighting unit. The remote control then transmits to a control master for the group the unique codes and codes identifying the respective control elements with which they have been associated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control IC having a circuit for pumping up current of an output port and a remote controller implemented to be capable of operating with one battery of about 1.5V using the IC. In the remote controller, an infrared LED emits light through the remote control IC, so that signals are transmitted to devices to be controlled such as a television set. In order to perform all functions normally even at low voltage and particularly to secure a sufficient transmission distance by driving the infrared LED, the present invention implements a remote controller comprising a remote control IC having a circuit for pumping up output current of an output port, which needs high output current, even at low voltage, and a battery of about 1.

Abstract: A remote controller sets up a pairing via two-way communications. The remote controller contains a light-emitting unit that emits a pairing-set-up request code for requesting a pairing-set-up start using infrared rays. The remote controller also contains a communication unit that receives unique information transmitted using the radio wave in response to the pairing-set-up request code emitted from the light-emitting unit and transmits unique information of the remote controller using the radio wave. The remote controller further contains a control unit that controls the light-emitting unit and the communication unit to register the unique information received by the communication unit and to set a partner of the pairing.

Abstract: A method of controlling a device with a universal remote control includes obtaining and storing an image of an operation panel of a remote control that controls the device, assigning a control command received to control the device to an input key area contained in the image, storing the input key area and the assigned control command, displaying the image of the operation panel of the remote control, and outputting the assigned control command in response to a touch signal is input to the input key area.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to an electronic device configured to receive infra red (IR) signals. The electronic device comprises a first IR decoder configured to decode the IR signals when the electronic device is operating in a first power mode, and a second IR decoder configured to decode the IR signals when the video unit is operating in a second power mode.

Abstract: An Infrared (IR) receiver includes a programmable decoder having a normal mode of operation and a proprietary mode of operation. When the programmable decoder is in the normal mode of operation, the programmable decoder decodes frames of an IR data transmission to produce decoded data. When the programmable decoder is in the proprietary mode of operation, the programmable decoder passes data of the IR data transmission during a time out period to produce raw data. The IR receiver also includes a pulse detection circuit that generates a pulse detection signal in response to detecting the IR data transmission. The IR receiver further includes a timer circuit that generates the timeout period in response to the pulse detection signal.

Abstract: A battery powered transmitter circuit has a LED of a continuously cycling microcomputer transmit a beam of a predetermined number of infrared pulses at predetermined time periods to a sensor of a battery powered receiver circuit. Only a clock circuit of each circuit of the same frequency is continuously powered. The two clock circuits are synchronized each time that the sensor senses the predetermined number of infrared pulses. When an object breaks the beam, the sensor causes a count of the object by a microcomputer of the receiver circuit. The receiver microcomputer is inactivated when the sensor does not sense the predetermined number of infrared pulses during one or more cycles of operation of the receiver microcomputer. There is only one count incremented on a count display after the beam is interrupted until the sensor again senses the predetermined number of infrared pulses.

Abstract: An exemplary portable electronic apparatus having a remote control module is provided. The portable electronic apparatus includes a housing, a mobile communication module disposed in the housing, a remote control module disposed in the housing, and a radio frequency (RF) module electrically connected with the mobile communication module. The remote control module includes an infrared sensing module and a digital signal processing (DSP) module electrically connected with the infrared sensing module and the RF module. The RF module is configured for receiving external RF signals and transmitting information received from said mobile communication module and said DSP module with RF signals. The portable electronic apparatus can be used for infrared remote control and mobile communication.

Abstract: Provided is a system, a tool and a method for communicating with a faulted circuit indicator (FCI), the faulted circuit indicator including a detection circuit for monitoring an electrical conductor of a power system. The system includes a remote display mounted in a wall of an enclosure and visible from outside of the enclosure and a first light emitting diode associated with the remote display. The first light emitting diode generates an optical FCI status signal in response to an occurrence of a fault in the electrical conductor. The system also includes a first microcontroller operatively coupled to the remote display and the detection circuit, and a handheld user command tool adapted to optically couple with the remote display. The handheld user command tool is also adapted to generate an optical serial communication. The optical serial communication provides data and commands for operation of the faulted circuit indicator.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter includes a transparent protective filter that covers a light emitting device in the light emitting direction. The filter is formed as a strip shaped, long and thin plate that is made from a transparent material that has a refractive index that is larger at least than that of air. The transparent protective filter, is attached so that it is oriented frontwards from the front surface of the case so that one end surface in the longitudinal directions opposes the light emitting device. The optical control signal that is emitted from the light emitting device is emitted from another end surface of the transparent protective filter, such that the optical control signal is not blocked by the finger that grasps the case, even if that case is formed with a size such that it can be grasped with one hand.

Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle including a mounting structure for mounting to a vehicle, a rearward viewing device, and housing with a position sensor, is provided. The position sensor includes first and second radiation emitters, a radiation reception element, and sensor processing circuitry coupled to one of the position sensors and the radiation reception element. The position sensor determines the position of an object in the vicinity of the rearward viewing device.

Abstract: A simplistic remote control device for an anatomically challenged individual. A plurality of pushbuttons are disposed on a housing and are used by the anatomically challenged individual. An infrared LED transmitter is visible through the housing and sends infrared signals to a remote controlled device associated with the remote control device. The plurality of pushbuttons are oversized and consist of a flourescent red bold ON/OFF indicia pushbutton, a flourescent orange bold VOLUME indicia pushbutton, and a flourescent green bold CHANNEL indicia pushbutton for convenience of the anatomically challenged individual. The housing has a nose with a tip in which the infrared LED transmitter is disposed and is visible through. The nose of the housing has a through bore therethrough to attach the remote control device to articles convenient for the anatomically challenged individual and which is set back from, so as not to interfere with, the infrared LED transmitter.

Abstract: A encoding/decoding method and device for a remote controller utilizing a baud rate to encrypt data for transmission. The encoding device includes an encoder encoding an identification code into an encrypted code; and an interpreter interpreting the un-encoded portion of the identification code and the encrypted code into a transmission signal. When the encrypted code is in a first base, the plain code corresponding to the encrypted code will be transmitted with a first baud rate; and when the encrypted code is in a second base, the plain code corresponding to the encrypted code will be transmitted with a second baud rate. The decoding device includes a receiver receiving the transmission signal; a interpreter connected to the receiver interpreting the transmission signal into a received signal; an encoder utilizing the same encoding algorithm as in the transmitter to generate a comparison code; and a processor comparing the received signal and the comparison code.

Abstract: A residential signal beacon includes a prominent illuminated or reflective display for a resident's address along with a selectively activatable beacon for drawing attention to the resident's address. Beacon is operable by a remote control apparatus, so as to be selectively activatable and de-activatable. The residential signal beacon is preferably readily movable and secured by a weighted base or stakes driven into the ground.

Abstract: An optical wireless communications system has a first optical wireless communications apparatus for transmitting a pilot beam and a second optical wireless communications apparatus for receiving the pilot beam to have a match for an optical axis of the first optical wireless communications apparatus and another optical axis of the second optical wireless communications apparatus. The first optical wireless communications apparatus has a modulator for modulating the pilot beam with a specific signal. The second optical wireless communications apparatus has a demodulator for demodulating the modulated and transmitted pilot beam to reproduce the specific signal and sending the reproduced specific signal to at least either the second optical wireless communications apparatus or an apparatus connected to the second optical wireless communications apparatus.

Abstract: As described in U.S. Pat. No. D436,747 owned by Earl J Wiley and Paula Wiley of 820 Oakside La., University Park, Ill. (US) 60466, one type of a chair has been proposed with a built-in remote control. The problem with that design is that it indicates one transceiver. Depending on how the user is sitting in the chair or the layout of the room, this could impede the transceiver signal. For example, if the user is sitting with his feet up, he might block the signal for the device which should be controlled. Therefore, transceivers on both front sides are necessary to ensure reliable performance. Another case could be that the user wants to control devices behind him without turning the chair around. In this case the user can, with this invention, control the device with the transceivers which are built in the back of the chair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely operating at least one remote controlled appliance through a monitor station of a video interphone. The appliance itself being capable of operation by a remote control device. The monitor station includes a receiving input, a central processing unit, a memory, select keys and at least one output. The remote control device is used for generating a coded signal to the receiving input which filters the received coded signal for feeding a clean envelope of the coded signal to the central processing unit. The central processing unit processes the envelope and generates counted data pertaining to the envelope and indexes and stores the counted data into the memory. One of the select keys is assigned for retrieving and feeding the counted data to the output on the basis of the indexing. The output regenerates the coded signal for operating the appliance.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for regenerating infrared code signals configured to control an automated device. The method can include the operation of receiving a plurality of infrared control signals from an input source. A format of the infrared control signals from the input source can then be identified. A long hand representation of the infrared control signals can be regenerated based on an identified format of the infrared control signals. A further operation is storing the long hand representation of the infrared control signals in a control code database.

Abstract: A remote controller includes a microphone, a data transmitter which transmits data corresponding to a button, and a voice transmitter which transmits voice input acquired from the microphone. The voice transmitter transmits voice based on the press of a predetermined button, and the data transmitter transmits data. An electronic device includes a voice receiver, data receiver, and processor. The processor acquires data from the data receiver. The processor determines based on data whether the voice receiver has received voice, and acquires the voice.

Abstract: Source of input of an instruction to a remote controller is switched between manipulation on hand and external manipulation. A remote controller includes an instruction input portion accepting input of an instruction for controlling equipment, a supply accepting portion accepting supply of power from a cradle, a charging portion, a power storage portion, a control portion controlling an operation of the remote controller, a storage portion, an infrared light emission portion, and a display portion. The control portion includes a placement detection portion detecting whether or not the remote controller is mounted on the cradle, a selection portion switching between sources of input of the instruction from the instruction input portion based on a result of detection by the placement detection portion, and a control signal generation portion generating a control signal for controlling the equipment.

Abstract: A serial transmission protocol and architecture are provided that can be used to forward remote control data between sink (e.g., DTV) and source (e.g., DVD player) devices, in addition to other data such as video and/or audio or other payload. The target device need not be in the line of sight of the remote control beam. Daisy-chained devices will pass the remote control signal to the appropriate target device, so that the user can point any remote control at the DTV or other conveniently located device in the system, and still control the actual target device. The communication channel that carries payload, processing control, and remote control data can be implemented with wired or wireless of technology (or a combination thereof). In one particular embodiment, the communication channel is implemented with a single fiber. A number of presentation and entertainment system applications that employ remote control technology (e.g.

Abstract: A remote controller that can infer the intention of a user and that can control a plurality of devices based on the inferred intention is provided. A remote controller includes memory, a control circuit, and a transmission portion. The memory stores in advance, in association with a situation sensed by a sensor, information of a first control signal. The control circuit generates, in association with the situation sensed by the sensor and the information stored in the memory, the first control signal. The transmission portion transmits the first control signal generated by the control circuit.

Abstract: A remote control device for communicating between a computer system and a plurality of electronic devices. The remote control device includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, a RF receiver, an optical transmitter, a memory unit, and a processor in data communication with the memory unit, the RF transmitter, the RF receiver, and the optical transmitter. The processor includes a first component that instructs the optical transmitter to emit at least one signal in response to information received by the RF receiver from a computer.

Abstract: A remote control device capable of controlling devices in an expanded range is provided. Processing executed by a remote control includes the steps of transmitting a control signal to an HDD recorder, transmitting a communications request to a remote control connected over the Internet based on a reply received from the HDD recorder, and executing an IP telephone session to/from the remote control. The IP telephone session includes the steps of transmitting control information for controlling an operation of the HDD recorder based on a reply provided from the remote control, receiving a reply of a result of determination about control information from the remote control, and transmitting a request for the control to the remote control based on the reply.

Abstract: In response to continuous operation of an operation key on a remote control transmitter, the transmitter repetitively transmits a corresponding remote control signal with a predetermined cyclic period. The signal is received and analyzed by a remote control receiver and transmitted via a wired transmission path to a remote control re-transmitter. Then, the signal is re-transmitted by the re-transmitter via the wired transmission path. Due to a low transmission speed of the transmission path, the transmission path can not transmit all data of the remote control signal to the re-transmitter. Thus, until the next data are received from the transmission path, the re-transmitter interpolates the remote control signal based on the last data, and repetitively transmits the interpolated signal with the predetermined cyclic period.

Abstract: A remote control signal transfer system for transferring a remote control signal sent by a remote control toward a controlled apparatus via a transmission medium, the system including: one or more remote control signal reception devices each installed at a separate place; and one or more remote control signal reconstruction devices each installed for a separate one of the one or more controlled apparatuses. Each remote control signal reception devices subjects a remote control signal obtained from a remote control receiving section to sampling, and transmits resultant data to the transmission medium. Each more remote control signal reconstruction devices composes the remote control signals received from any one or more of the remote control signal reception devices via the transmission medium into a single composed signal, and outputs the single composed signal to the corresponding controlled apparatus via a single remote control transmitting section.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical pickup device having semiconductor laser light sources for first, second, and third wavelengths different from each other. After optical paths of laser beams outgoing from the first and second semiconductor laser light sources are synthesized by a first prism, an optical path of a laser beam outgoing from the third semiconductor laser light source is synthesized, through a magnification change lens, to raise light efficiency. At this time, each of the laser beams is synthesized by a second prism.

Abstract: In one example first and second remotely communicating devices (RCDs) are physically mated and handshake information is transferred to allow the first RCD to recognize signals from the second RCD. The RCDs are physically separated and signals from the second RCD are recognized by the first RCD. In some examples the physically mating step is carried out using magnetic materials. In some examples the handshake information is transferred wirelessly. In another example an actuator device is physically mated with a first RCD causing the first RCD to enter a first device recognition state for a first period of time. The actuator device is physically separated from the first RCD. A second RCD is mated with an actuator device within the first period of time causing the second RCD to enter a second device recognition state to permit handshake information to be remotely transferred between the RCDs thereby enabling the first RCD to recognize signals from the second RCD.