Abstract: A remote operating apparatus is provided. A receiving unit receives an arbitrary infrared signal generated as an arbitrary key of a remote control unit is input, and converts the received infrared signal into an electric signal. A control unit reads the electric signal converted by the receiving unit. The driving is operated under control in response to a control signal of the control unit. The control unit controls an operation of the drive unit whenever reading the electric signal.

Abstract: A repeater unit is provided that includes a receiver module and a controller unit. The receiver module is responsive to an infrared signal. The controller unit is adapted to determine whether a signal based on the infrared signal corresponds to a remote control signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of infrared devices (ICDs) is provided herein. A remote controller is used to generate an optical signal for controlling a plurality of ICDs. The optical signal generated by the remote controller is converted into an electrical signal by an infrared repeater device. An implementation of such a system includes a rotary mechanical switch to direct the electrical signal generated by the infrared repeater device to a light emitting diode (LED) located near one of the plurality of ICDs. The LED converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and re-transmits the optical signal to the one of the plurality of ICDs. The system allows controlling the plurality of ICDs located in a remote location without having the user commute closer to such ICDs.

Abstract: A technical device and an associated remote control is provided. The remote control includes a support and a contact. The technical device includes a support rail and a contact rail. The support, the contact, the support rail and the contact rail are adapted to one another and fashioned such that an optical and/or electrical effective connection is automatically produced between the contact and the contact rail via attachment of the remote control to the support rail.

Abstract: Described is a triggering arrangement including a power supply, a lighting arrangement and a switch. The lighting arrangement is coupled to the power supply. The switch is coupled to the lighting arrangement and the power supply. When the switch is in a first position, the lighting arrangement generates light to a photo-sensing portable device. The device is situated a predetermined distance from the arrangement. The device initiates a predetermined action in response to the light.

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: An IR emitter for use in an IR repeater system includes an IR light source and a manually adjustable brightness control for adjusting the brightness to a level appropriate for an IR detector of electronic equipment to be controlled. In a preferred aspect, the emitter includes a plug-type connector having a variable resistor mounted therein. Also provided is an IR repeater system and method employing an IR emitter having a manually adjustable brightness control.

Abstract: System and method for automatically programming a universal remote. In the system, the remote acquires identification data from a particular device at which it is pointed. The data is processed to determine command protocols associated with the particular device. Control commands for the particular device input to the remote by a user are formatted according to the command protocols associated with the particular device.

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 intelligent sensor platform is provided with an architecture that takes advantage of a low cost microcontroller for overall sensor control. Outputs are all controlled directly by the microcontroller as are gains of signal processing amplifiers and thresholds for threshold detectors. The sensor can be remotely programmed using a remote control device or simple push button programming can be implemented. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A domestic appliance is provided having a control panel in which a remote control signal passing part is formed on a manipulating member, and the manipulating member is integrated with a display window. The control panel includes a switch to be selectively turned on and off by relative movement of a moving part and a fixed part. The manipulating member is configured to be operated in conjunction with the moving part to selectively turn on and off the switch and is provided with the remote control signal passing part to allow a signal from a remote controller to pass. A signal-receiving unit is placed behind the manipulating member to receive the remote control signal through the manipulating member. The domestic appliance of the present invention is effective in reducing costs and time required for separately forming of a signal-receiving window, and miniaturizing products.

Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for remotely controlling infrared controlled devices by using addressed radio frequency control signals. Radio frequency signals propagate through most obstructions to infrared control signals. Augmenting each control signal with an address allows for great selectivity in an environment with several transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: System and method for identifying various types of room facilities to find out and take into account space information. A tag of a space (S2) is included in the fluctuation of the intensity of the light emitted by a lamp (LF1) provided in the space in question. The receivers included in the system are arranged e.g. in commercial mobile stations (R1). These are provided with a light detector and with a DSP algorithm that analyses the signal given by said light detector. As a result of the analysis, for instance the mobile station is automatically switched off when entering the space in question. There is neither needed a separate transmitter nor separate energy supply arrangements to send the space tag, and the space tag signal can be detected throughout said space. As regards the mobile station, the space-specific operations can be performed automatically, so that the mobile station user does not need to bother, and his possible negligence does not prevent the precautions from being executed.

Abstract: A remote control is operative to transmit a remote control signal composed of a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are typically a pulse and a space. The pulse has a pulse width of a given duration within a pulse width range, while the space has a space width of a given duration within a space width range. An interrupt signal provided to indicate the end of transmission of the remote control signal is disabled when a space portion requires a space width greater than the space width range. The interrupt signal signaling the end of the remote control transmission is then disabled for a predetermined period of time essentially equivalent to a length of time that the additional space exceeds the space width. During the predetermined period of time, the remote control thus transmits a space. The interrupt signal is then re-enabled after expiration of the predetermined period of time in order to allow for another remote control transmission.

Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for transmitting data from a rotary part to a stationary part of a system, a light-transmitting channel is formed by an optically reflecting half channel in the stationary part and an optically reflecting half channel in the rotary part, facing each other, with each half channel having a parabolic cross-section and with the half channels being oriented so that the respective focal points and the respective vertices of the two half channels are co-linear. A light emitter is supplied with data to be transmitted and is disposed in the wall of the half channel in the rotary part, and emits modulated light representing the data into the light channel in two opposite directions. At least one of these light beams is detected by a light detector disposed in the wall of the half channel in the stationary part, and the data in the detected beam is then made available for transmission from the stationary part.

Abstract: An addressable system for light fixtures is described wherein a plurality of light fixture modules is individually or collectively addressable for programming by remote control. The remote control may individually select each of the track control modules through visible and narrowly defined selected light followed by transmission of programming commands for programming of pre-defined scenes, functions or other user defined and desired effects. Each of the track fixture modules may be selected or de-selected through the use of laser light and a plurality of track control modules may be collectively programmed through the use of a track repeater module, all of the modules communicatively connected to each other and selectable by a visible narrow light source such that the user may readily activate or de-activate programming sequences.

Abstract: An addressable light fixture is described wherein a light fixture module is individually addressable for programming by remote control. The remote control may individually select each light fixture module through visible and narrowly defined selected light followed by transmission of programming commands for programming of pre-defined scenes, functions or other user defined and desired effects. Each of the fixture modules may be selected or de-selected through the use of laser light and a plurality of track control modules may be collectively programmed through the use of a repeater module, all of the modules communicatively connected to each other and selectable by a visible narrow light source such that the user may readily activate or de-activate programming sequences.

Abstract: A game control unit includes a computer processor for executing game logic stored on a removable memory device. Rich, audiovisual content for the interactive gaming experience is provided on a digital video disk (DVD) in small clips which are selectively played back in a standard DVD player under control of the game control unit. Specifically, the game control unit mimics standard remote control signals to control playback of the audiovisual content by the DVD player.

Abstract: The present invention provides a position control system for a remote-controlled vehicle, a vehicle operated by the control system, and a method for operating a remote-controlled vehicle. An electromagnetic energy receiver is configured to receive an electromagnetic beam. The electromagnetic energy receiver is further configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle relative to a position of the electromagnetic beam. The vehicle is directed to maneuver to track the position of the electromagnetic beam.

Abstract: Network for transmitting and using electromagnetic radiation for two or more functionally different useful purposes. Such a network may be comprised of a signal source apparatus to provide information, an electromagnetic radiation generator capable of being modulated for providing electromagnetic radiation, electronic circuitry for modulating the electromagnetic radiation generator, medium through which the electromagnetic radiation passes and is transmitted, a receiver apparatus for receiving and demodulating the modulated electromagnetic radiation, a first user means for processing and making use of the information to achieve a useful functional purpose, and second user means for achieving a useful functional purpose from said radiation said useful functional purpose being different from the purpose of said first user means.

Abstract: A remote commander in which a switching element connected in series to an infrared light-emitting diode is turned on and off in response to carrier pulses to energize the infrared light-emitting diode to generate an infrared remote control signal includes varying means for varying duty ratios of carrier pulses.

Abstract: A remote control and flashlight has a housing with top and bottom portions. A periphery between the portions has at least one aperture there through. The top portion also has an upper face with a plurality of holes. The bottom portion has a bottom face with a window and a latchable covering. An infrared light emitting diode transmits a narrow beam of modulated infrared light having a central axis of dissemination. A lightbulb for emits visible light with a central axis of dissemination. A power source is electrically coupled to the infrared light emitting diode and lightbulb. A plurality of function buttons pass through holes in the housing with control circuitry being adapted to activate and modulate the infrared light source. An on/off button passes through a hole in the housing to activate and inactivate the lightbulb.

Abstract: A system and method for staggering the starting of embedded system modules of an optical node is disclosed. The embedded system modules of an optical node may be communicatively coupled to a shared data resource required by the embedded system modules during a start/restart. The message traffic associated with the embedded system modules accessing the shared data resource is beneficially distributed by staggering the start process of each of a plurality of embedded system modules over a pre-selected time range.

Abstract: First through third light reception elements 111-113 receive infrared data D from an operation input transmission section 2, and output the received data to an operation input permission determination section 12a. The operation input permission determination section 12a distinguishes among the first through third infrared light reception elements 111-113, thereby determining in which space an operation input has been performed, and analyzes the description of the operation input, thereby determining whether to accept the operation input. A calculation processing section 13a performs various processes based on the description of the operation input from the operation input permission determination section 12a, a processing result of a position detection section 17, and map data stored in a map data storage section 16. A drawing processing section 14a performs a process of outputting a processing result of the calculation processing section 13a to first and second displays 3 and 4.

Abstract: An intelligent sensor platform is provided with an architecture that takes advantage of a low cost microcontroller for overall sensor control. Outputs are all controlled directly by the microcontroller as are gains of signal processing amplifiers and thresholds for threshold detectors. The sensor can be remotely programmed using a remote control device or simple. push button programming can be implemented.

Abstract: An architecture for use in controlling and managing optical functions and optical devices. A common microprocessor based control layer coordinates commands between optical devices and a user station. The control layer executes an operating system which handles data flow in the control layer. Generic commands from the user station causes the operating system to call specific subroutines the produce digital commands. These digital commands are then passed to a digital layer that interfaces with an analog layer. The analog layer is specifically developed to interface and work with a specific optical device. The analog layer thus directly controls the optical device including changing its settings based on input from the digital layer.

Abstract: A receiver includes a light-receiving portion which receives an infrared remote control signal from a transmitter, an A/D converter which converts a signal received by the light-receiving portion into a digital signal at a frequency much higher than a carrier wave, and a digital filter having the band-pass function of a pass band containing the carrier band of the infrared remote control signal for the digital signal output from the A/D converter. The digital filter reduces the influence of variations in argon spectrum intensity over time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for modifying the operating conditions of an electronic component comprising an infrared detection system (3-4) which consists in emitting, besides the usual detection signal, a second low-power signal which can only be reflected via a passive reflector (5) located closer to the detection assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for the remote controlling of appliances includes an adaptive remote controller that adapts itself automatically to its environment so as to remotely control a plurality of appliances. The adaptive remote controller is RF based and has the capability of two way communication with appliances. The adaptive remote controller provides information, alerts and help to a user.

Abstract: A control unit is set up to operate a target device by receiving a first input for selecting from a plurality of protocols stored in the control unit a protocol that is appropriate for communicating with the target device. The control unit is then caused to transmit to the target device, using the selected protocol, a request for configuration information. In response to the receipt of the request, the target device returns to the control unit a function indicator and the control unit selects from a plurality of commands appropriate for the target device stored in the control unit a command corresponding to the function indicator. The selected command is mapped to a function key of the control unit such that activation of the function key results in communication of the selected command using the selected protocol to the target device to thereby control a function supported by the target device that is represented by the function indicator.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (10) includes a radio frequency transceiver (22) adapted for burst transmission responsive to a control signal in accordance with at least one communication protocol and an infrared transceiver (24) adapted for asynchronous data communication in coordination. The infrared transceiver (24) is responsive to the control signal to suspend an ongoing data communication for the duration of the burst transmission and to resume the data communication following the burst transmission. A controller (20) is coupled to each of the radio frequency communication module (22) and the infrared communication module (24), and the controller (20) is operable to generate the control signal in accordance with the at least one communication protocol.

Abstract: TV Mute Finger Ring with a hollow C shaped finger ring housing. The housing contains the standard electronics and IR transmitting LED associated with activating the mute function of a standard TV. The housing also contains a battery type electrical power source. The C shaped ring housing has a loop type fastener strip attached to one end of the C shape and a hook type fastening panel affixed to the opposite end of the C shape so that said loop type fastener can removably attach to said hook fastener thereby forming a full ring that can be worn on the user's forefinger. The C shaped housing contains a momentary on-off switch and attached outwardly accessible switch cover located in a position where the user's thumb can easily reach said switch cover. The IR transmitter is covered by a transparent plastic lens that is flush with the outer surface of said C shaped housing.

Abstract: An operation member is provided with a planar input device, and a detachable display sheet is overlaid on the surface of the planar input device. There are two types of display sheets, in which input items are different. Cutouts are formed at the respective peripheral edge portions thereof, and a determination device for detecting these cutouts is provided. Wireless communication is performed between the operation member and a host, and the display sheet is replaced according to the function performed by the host.

Abstract: A voice-activated remote control unit which is adapted for use with one or more electrical apparatuses, such as a TV set, a DVD player, a stereo system, an air conditioner, for the purpose of allowing the user to remotely turn on/off and control the operations of these electrical apparatuses through voice-activation. The voice-activated remote control unit comprises voice input means which can pick up the user/s natural voice command and converting it into an digital voice signal. A command code database is used for storing a predefined set of remote-control command codes and corresponding voice commands; and a voice recognition unit is used to perform a voice recognition algorithm on the digital voice signal to thereby recognize the user's voice command, and which is further capable of retrieving the corresponding remote-control command code from the command code database.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for sending message data from a digital sender device based on addressing information provided by a portable device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to converting a non-hospital-ready electronic device into a hospital-ready electronic device. The invention requires (1) a non-hospital-ready electronic device having an infrared remote control system that receives an infrared signal through a window; (2) a pillow speaker that generates in response to a user's input a first data signal to alter the operation of the non-hospital-ready electronic device; and (3) a data to infrared isolated interface device. The interface device receives the first data signal, and isolates the non-hospital-ready electronic device from the pillow speaker through a phototdiode and a photosensitive transistor. The photosensitive transistor generates a second data signal that corresponds to the first data signal and is generated in response to the first data signal contacting the photodiode.

Abstract: In a battery operated IR transmitter having at least one IR LED energized by a source of voltage for passing current during transmission of pulses of data, the IR transmitter includes an energy regulator for maintaining transmission energy through the at least one IR LED substantially constant regardless of fluctuations in the voltage. The current is passed for a time duration that increases as the voltage decreases, the time duration being a function of the voltage so as to maintain the transmission energy substantially constant.

Abstract: A wireless communication device supporting at least non-connection communication and a control method therefore are disclosed. It is determined whether a request for non-connection communication occurs and, when the communication request occurs during an online mode, the online mode is changed to an offline mode in response to occurrence of the communication request, and then the non-connection communication is started. When the communication request occurs, the Auto-Find-IAS function is disabled to prevent undesired connection to another device.

Abstract: A wireless data processing system and method, adapted to a computer system having an infrared device, enables a user to wirelessly operate the computer system by a remote control. For example, during a multimedia presentation a current slide shown on a display will be changed to the next slide when a user presses the “Page Down” key on the remote control. That is, the computer system performs the corresponding process according to the signal emitted from the remote control and received by the infrared device. The invention comprises a mode switching module for switching an infrared controller of the infrared device between the FIR mode and the ASK mode.

Abstract: A wake-up circuit for an electronic device comprises an input circuit (1) for receiving infrared signals and an amplifier (2) connected to the input circuit (1), the output of the amplifier being connected to a switching circuit (6) for switching on the device. To improve the signal/noise ratio it is provided that the input circuit (1) includes a parallel arrangement of at least two series arrangements of infrared detectors (7 to 10) as well as a parallel resonant circuit (11), and that the amplifier is a bandpass amplifier (2) the output of which is connected to a signal detector to which the switching circuit (6) is connected.

Abstract: An identification friend or foe system for use by a weapon to determine whether a target that has been selected is a friendly target comprises a signal source attached to the target and arranged to radiate encrypted signals. A detection system attached to the weapon includes a receiver arranged to receive the encrypted signals when the weapon is within a predetermined range from the target. Signal processing apparatus is connected to the receiver and arranged to determine whether the encrypted signals identify the target as being friendly. The central processing unit is arranged to decrypt the encrypted signal and produce a disarm signal if the target is identified as being friendly. The central processing unit preferably is also arranged to produce a signal that causes the weapon to perform a collision avoidance maneuver to avoid colliding with the target if the target is identified as being friendly.

Abstract: The invention provides a remote control device of an acousto-optic tunable filter, which comprises an acousto-optic tunable filter interpolated in an optical transmission line, capable of controlling an output state of an input light signal by being supplied with a surface acoustic wave control signal through a control port; a surface acoustic wave control signal source to generate the surface acoustic wave control signal, which is provided at a remote place from the acousto-optic tunable filter; and a control unit that receives an information of the surface acoustic wave control signal from the surface acoustic wave control signal source through remote transmission means, and supplies the surface acoustic wave control signal to the control port of the acousto-optic tunable filter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a computer system (1), preferably of the personal microcomputer type, controlled by a group of users by means of several mouse-type pointing devices (3) without wired connection with the system (1). Each pointing device communicates by infrared with a console (38) connected to the system (1) through a communication port (50). A multifrequency transmission technique and a frequency hopping coding are used. The graphic interface of the system is projected (47, 48) on a large screen (49) for collective visual display. The console (38) comprises a detachable receiver horn (41) which enhances the range, and a set of switches (40) for selecting the mouse or mice controlling one or several cursors (54) of different shape and/or colour. The inventive device is particularly designed for collective initiation to microcomputing and collective training in using software.

Abstract: A remote control system invention converts an infrared ray signal transmitted from an exclusive remote control transmitter of an electronic apparatus into a transmissive data by a signal analyzing/writing device, and writes the transmissive data in a nonvolatile memory, which is subsequently mounted on other remote control transmitter. A microcomputer in the remote control transmitter reads the transmissive data in the nonvolatile memory, and remote controls the electronic apparatus. Adoption of the present system enables a single unit of the remote control transmitter to remote control a plurality of electronic apparatuses by storing in the remote control transmitter transmissive data of different formats for the plurality of electronic apparatuses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for conveying digital signals inside a space vehicle between a transmitter and a receiver. In the invention, the link between the transmitter and the receiver comprises a first portion made of optical fiber and a second portion in which infrared radiation propagates without guidance. A particular application lies in conveying remote control and telemetry signals within a satellite between a control module and a piece of equipment.