Remote Control Of Receiver Patents (Class 455/352)
  • Patent number: 5859873
    Abstract: A measuring unit which is not easily accessible often has a power source which supplies power to the elements for the measuring operation, more particularly, the conversion of an analog measured signal into digital measured data, and for storage thereof, as required. These measured data of a measuring unit are transmitted to a base station without any contact being made the moment this base station is brought into the neighborhood of the measuring unit and transmits a signal. For a minimum load on the power source power from the power source is not supplied to the transmitter for the transmission of measured data from the measuring unit to the base station. Instead, a signal transmitted by the base station provides transmission power. In the measuring unit this signal provides a voltage for feeding the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Siegfried Ritter
  • Patent number: 5854594
    Abstract: A remote controller for independently controlling a plurality of electric appliances includes a selector device for outputting a selected signal for controlling an electric appliance and a memory electrically connected to the selector device for storing a plurality of codes, such codes consisting of device codes, address codes, and function codes, wherein the device codes designate electric appliances of a particular type (such as TV's, VCR's audio sets, etc.), the address codes designate a specific appliance of the particular type (such as TV no.1, TV no. 2, ect.), and the function codes designate control of a function of the appliance (such as volume, picture contrast, color, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Y. Lin, Wu Jui Kuang, Denny Hwang
  • Patent number: 5850189
    Abstract: A transmission mode selector, for changing a transmission mode selector, and a reception mode selector, for changing a reception mode, are added to an infrared communication circuit that conventionally supports an IrDA; and a UART that controls serial communication, is so set in a given condition where communication can be performed with a home electronic appliance remote controller, that a protocol for the home electronic appliances can be emulated by using the infrared communication apparatus of the personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jiro Sakanaka, Astushi Watanabe, Yoichi Mizukoshi
  • Patent number: 5832377
    Abstract: An integrated circuit configurable as a transmitter/receiver includes learn capabilities that allows a receiver IC to memorize the identification pattern of a specific transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments, Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric G. Soenen, Gregory B. Davis, Thomas Adkins, Russell K. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5815077
    Abstract: A device for locating and training an animal includes a hand held transmitter and a multi-function electronic collar assembly to be worn by the animal. The electronic collar assembly includes a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter. A microprocessor connected to the receiver processes the signals and is connected to a sounder, a sound sensor, a electroshock stimulator, and a motion sensor mounted on the collar. The transmitter can program the collar assembly and command it in one of several modes or functions for locating and training the animal. In the locating or sounder mode, the sounder emits humanly audible sounds to indicate the location of the animal. In one training mode, the sound sensor detects when the animal is making undesirable noises, such as barking, and the microprocessor has the stimulator deliver a shock to the animal for barking control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: B.E.R.T.S. Inc.
    Inventor: Erik P. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 5812293
    Abstract: An A/V signal transmission remote control system including an A/V sender having an EEPROM adapted for storing the content and format of an infrared control signal for controlling an A/V output equipment for example a VCR and a CPU controlled by a UHF (418 Mhz) signal from a system remote controller to fetch data from the EEPROM and to convert the fetched data into an infrared signal for controlling the A/V output equipment, permitting the remote control signal and the A/V signal to be transmitted to an A/V receiver so that the user can enjoy the program sent from the A/V output equipment and simultaneously monitor the control of the system remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Kerl Yen
  • Patent number: 5794127
    Abstract: A new Headphone Remote Control for Operating an Entertainment Center for offering a headphone with a fully equipped remote control for privately operating and controlling an entertainment center. The inventive device includes an antenna receiver, a channel selector control, a locator speaker, a locator over-ride circuit, a pressure switch, and a head phone transmitter. In use, the Headphone Remote Control for Operating an Entertainment Center 10 is located by clapping one's hands together. When the device is found and placed upon one's head, the pressure switch 28 de-energizes the locator speaker 24 and can selectively energize the vibrator signal 25 which will signal the user when someone wants their attention. While wearing the device, for example, the user is able to watch and listen to the TV while others around him do not hear the TV, but rather, others can concurrently listen to the STEREO instead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Wilfredo Lansang
  • Patent number: 5790948
    Abstract: A universal remote control transmitter for use with garage door openers including a number of switches whereby a user can program a transmitted modulation format and carrier frequency, and a controller for scanning the switches to determine the user programmed selections. The controller, in response to the programmed selections, outputs the required modulation to a selected transmitter, as well as direction to fine tune the transmitter to the particular carrier frequency. Also included is a power sensor circuit that responds to a change in power supply voltage by adjusting the modulation to maintain a constant peak transmitter output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Universal Devices
    Inventors: Eric Eisfeld, James Long, Gordon Force
  • Patent number: 5774283
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for a motor vehicle has a mirror support and a mirror housing connected with a first end to the mirror support. The mirror housing has a holder for a mirror pane. A turn signal light is positioned in the mirror housing. At least one first receiver for receiving remote control signals is also positioned within the mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Nagel, Bernd Waldmann
  • Patent number: 5764702
    Abstract: The device for the recovery of a timing signal comprises a oscillator (3) which includes an amplifier (4); a first impedance (Z1) connected between a first input and the output of the amplifier and a second impedance (Z2) also connected between the first input of the amplifier and ground. A third resistive impedance (R1) is connected between a second amplifier input and the amplifier output. A fourth resistive impedance (R2) is connected between the second amplifier input and an injection point of a voltage that corresponds the signal from which the timing signal is to be recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventor: Carlo Caiaffa
  • Patent number: 5760706
    Abstract: An RF control system characterized by the use of remotely located low profile radio frequency antennas which are concealed in conventionally appearing valve boxes or similar housings. The system includes a central control station, including a central RF transmitter, and a plurality of remote station, each including an RF receiver and antenna. A preferred remote station includes a valve box or similar housing of the type intended to be at least partially buried in the earth. The housing has a peripheral wall defining an access opening and a removable cover for bridging the opening. A directional discontinuity ring radiator (DDRR) antenna is physically mounted in the valve box housing on the interior side of the cover and is connected to a receiver, preferably also physically mounted on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Z. Kiss
  • Patent number: 5752184
    Abstract: A plurality of remote control decoders are provided for decoding an encoded signal from a remote control receiving module, to generate remote control data, the remote control decoders each decoding a signal encoded in a different remote control data format. A key scanning circuit is provided for scanning a key matrix, to fetch key input data. A selection circuit is provided for selecting either the remote control data from the plurality of remote control decoders or key input data from the key scanning circuit. A transmission register is provided to store the selected data. The stored data are serially transmitted in synchronism with a synchronous signal. With this arrangement, a plurality of kinds of remote control transmitter can be used, in addition to the fact that any of the data from the remote control transmitters and the data from the key matrix can be transmitted via a common communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shizuka Ishimura
  • Patent number: 5726639
    Abstract: A selective call receiver (10) utilizes a method for performing over-the-air software programming when the selective call receiver (10) is on or switched off by a user. A first selective call signal is received and programming related information including an anticipated time of transmission of a second selective call signal is received. The selective call receiver (10) is prepared to receive the second selective call signal in response to the programming related information received, whereby the receiver circuitry (30) is energized at the anticipated time of transmission to receive the second selective call signal. The selective call receiver (10) is further switched on at the anticipated time of transmission of the second selective call signal, and the receiver circuitry (30) is energized to receive the second selective call signal when the user has switched off the selective call receiver (10) prior to the anticipated time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Osvaldo Romero, Frank Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5722058
    Abstract: An on-vehicle receiving system for optimizing the receiving performance of a radio receiver and a remote controlled receiver, whereby a remote-controlled receiver and a radio receiver share an on-vehicle antenna. A key detector for detecting whether an ignition key is fitted into a key cylinder of the vehicle is employed and a selector switch for connecting the on-vehicle antenna selectively to the remote-controlled receiver or the radio receiver are incorporated. When the key detector detects that the ignition key is fitted into the key cylinder, the selector switch selects the radio receiver. When it is detected that the ignition key is not fitted into the key cylinder, the remote-controlled receiver is selected. In one embodiment, a remote-controlled receiver and a radio receiver share not only an on-vehicle antenna but also part of receiving equipment. The remote-controlled receiver and radio receiver can also share the frequency and modulation form employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Umemoto, Takayuki Tamura
  • Patent number: 5708970
    Abstract: In a wireless sound monitoring system, ambient sounds are monitored by a microphone and transmitted over a phase or frequency modulated transmitter to a receiver. A sound actuated switch responsive to ambient sounds louder than a predetermined level turns the transmitter on and causes a hidden tone to be generated. A delay circuit caused the hidden tone to be terminated before the transmitter is turned off when the sound level decreases. In the receiver, a mute circuit responds to the hidden tone to control the output of a loudspeaker, and thus, the hidden tone prevents a squelch tail from being heard. The monitoring unit also includes a pulse generator to cause the hidden tones to be generated at regular intervals, but with short pulse widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Gerry Baby Products
    Inventors: Perran V. L. Newman, Theodore B. Freese, Gary C. Lindenberger
  • Patent number: 5564101
    Abstract: A universal remote control transmitter for use with garage door openers including a number of switches whereby a user can program a transmitted modulation format and carrier frequency, and a controller for scanning the switches to determine the user programmed selections. The controller, in response to the programmed selections, outputs the required modulation to a selected transmitter, as well as direction to fine tune the transmitter to the particular carrier frequency. Also included is a power sensor circuit that responds to a change in power supply voltage by adjusting the modulation to maintain a constant peak transmitter output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Universal Devices
    Inventors: Eric Eisfeld, James Long, Gordon Force
  • Patent number: 5499388
    Abstract: A remote control system for use with model aircraft provides a user with the capability of placing the remote control system into a scanning mode wherein a receiver scans through a plurality of channels having a predetermined frequency bandwidth and frequency interference detection circuitry is activated upon detection of interference picked up by the receiver on a channel within the selected bandwidth. Warning circuitry is provided to communicate with the frequency interference detection circuitry for providing a warning signal to a user that interference has been detected. A clear channel is then selected and tuning circuitry permits locking of the receiver and the transmitter on the clear channel so that a user can control the flight of a model aircraft by sending rf signals from the transmitter to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Polk's Model Craft Hobbies, Inc.
    Inventor: Byung M. Song
  • Patent number: 5497185
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of collecting data from a television audience comprising storing in a first memory demographic descriptions of expected viewers of a television receiver, receiving signals from a viewer control operated by a viewer, displaying one or more indicia on a television screen for viewing by the viewer, designated by the character of the signals received from the control, in confirmation of the particular signal received from the control, and storing a signal in a second memory for later access corresponding to at least one form of the designated signal character, which is related to the designation of at least one selected expected viewer as an active viewer. The television viewer may use his remote control at any time, when the flashing prompt is flashing, or when it is not flashing, to change channels. There is no channel lock nor is there an annoying on-screen prompt enquiring as to the identity of persons in the viewing audience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Le Groupe Videotron Ltee.
    Inventors: Michel Dufresne, Pierre Garneau, Maurice Milot, Jean-Paul Brassard
  • Patent number: 5475659
    Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus that is capable of recording an inputted audio signal onto a recording medium is provided. A controlling device is provided which is capable of remote-controlling at least a recording operation of the recording/reproducing apparatus. A microphone is provided on the controlling device for picking up sound waves and converting them into audio signals to be inputted into the recording/reproducing device, and at least one audio source is provided for generating an audio signal to be input into the recording/reproducing apparatus. A selection switch is further provided for selecting either the microphone or the audio source. The selection switch is provided on the controlling device, and a control circuit is utilized for controlling the apparatus to receive the audio signal from either one of the microphone and the audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Harumi Aoki
  • Patent number: 5471668
    Abstract: An integrated circuit configurable as a transmitter/receiver includes learn capabilities that allows a receiver IC to memorize the identification pattern of a specific transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric G. Soenen, Gregory B. Davis, Thomas Adkins, Russell K. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5386251
    Abstract: A learning TV is disclosed which enables the TV to learn and be remotely controlled by remote control signals generated from any remote control device produced by any manufacturer. The user is able to assign to each received remote control signal a particular function such as POWER ON/OFF, performed by the learning TV. To facilitate the user in programming the television during the learning mode, directions are provided to the user on the television screen instructing the user of the various steps required to properly program the television to learn the remote control codes and how to assign these codes to a particular executable routine of the learning TV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Zilog, Inc.
    Inventor: Aleksandr Movshovich
  • Patent number: 5379453
    Abstract: A remote control system having a universal transmitter capable of being programmed to match the frequency and modulation pattern of any pulse modulated remote control transmitter. The system combines the universal transmitter and a separate apparatus for programming the universal transmitter. The programming unit detects the frequency and modulation pattern transmitted by a selected transmitter. The programming unit transfers the detected modulation pattern to the universal transmitter. The universal transmitter is operative to transmit the frequency detected by the programming unit. The universal transmitter thus duplicates the transmission of the selected transmitter. The system, apparatus and methods of this invention are particularly well adapted for application to low cost remote control transmitters permanently installed in vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Colorado Meadowlark Corporation
    Inventor: David C. Tigwell
  • Patent number: 5337294
    Abstract: Each control unit of a plurality of control units comprises an operation device for operating thereof, the operation device providing an operation signal correspondingly, and a control device for providing a control signal in response to the provision of the operation signal, the control signal causing an execution device to execute a predetermined operation. The control signals provided by the each control unit are different from each other, and the predetermined operations belong to a common operation category and are different from each other. A determination device determines which of the predetermined operations the executed device should execute, without regard to which of the plurality of control units is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Ito
  • Patent number: 5263181
    Abstract: A remotely triggered radio is provided with a remote transmitter (10, 10') for transmitting an information signal. There is a triggering switch (18, 18') in the remote transmitter for triggering the remote transmitter to activate an operation (78) of a radio based on the information signal. A receiver (80) of the radio receives the information signal from the remote transmitter. A controller (45) in the radio determines when a termination of the operation of the radio is desired and deactivates the operation of the radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Reed
  • Patent number: 5255180
    Abstract: An audiovisual system includes audio, video, and/or audiovisual components and microcomputers for controlling the components, respectively. When one of the components is operated on, data is sent from the corresponding microcomputer to a main microcomputer. The main microcomputer transmits a control signal to those microcomputers for one or some of the other components to put those components in operation in relation to the operation of the component that has been operated on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hatsuhiko Shinoda, Yosuke Yukihira, Kazutoshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5220685
    Abstract: The mute and automatic restore device is an apparatus for communication receivers and the like, whereby voice or code conversations or messages emanating from the monitoring speaker can be muted by the push of a button and the apparatus will determine the end of the conversation or message by sensing a preset time delay, and will then automatically restore audio output, or provide for the output to be manually restored by the pushing of a second button. The apparatus can be built into a receiver, provided as a kit to be spliced into the receiver speaker wires, or built as an accessory with a speaker and case that can simply be plugged into the speaker jack of a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventors: Gordon E. Bradt, Kenneth R. Bates
  • Patent number: 5182552
    Abstract: A audio system may be monitored and controlled from one of many remote locations. The audio sources are located at a central location, however, the signals monitored at a remote location may originate from the same or a different source as the signal being monitored at the central location or any other location. The sources are selected and routed to speakers by at least two independent selectors, and the volume is controlled by associated volume controllers, either in the speakers or at the central location. Control of the system is simplified through the use of one or more radio frequency remote controls. Commands issued to the system from a remote control are verified by a verification signal added to the output signal on the appropriate output channels. To alleviate confusion, remote controls retain exclusive control over the source and output they most recently controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Paynting
  • Patent number: 5142397
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for extending the effective operational range of an infrared remote control system. The infrared remote control system is of the type having a remote control unit with a housing defining an interior component compartment. An infrared transmitter is at least partially contained within the component compartment while the controlled device includes an infrared receiver. The extender system includes a first repeater which is contained within the component compartment closely adjacent the infrared transmitter. An infrared receiver is contained within the first repeater and generates an output signal representative of the infrared signal received from the remote control unit. A radio transmitter at the first repeater then transmits a radio signal to a radio receiver at a second repeater which is physically adjacent the controlled device or devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Devan T. Dockery
  • Patent number: 5109222
    Abstract: A remote control system capable of controlling electrically operable equipment in a person occupiable structure and which has an essentially unlimited command format. The system comprises a signal receiving sensor such as an infrared sensor, and which can receive a signal from a remote control unit, typically a hand-held remote control unit. The infrared signal is processed to be compatible with electrically operable equipment as for example, sound entertainment system, electrical appliances or the like. A central computer or microprocessor is associated with the dwelling structure and receives a signal from the remote control unit, via the signal receiving sensor, and which computer generates a control signal for control and operation of the electrically operable equipment. The remote control system has an input means to receive the code format of each type of electrically operable equipment to thereby generate a format of encoded signals for each type of electrically operable equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: John Welty
  • Patent number: 5109420
    Abstract: A car audio device of the present invention is divided into at least two parts comprising a body part and an operational part which is detachable from the body part. The body part has a system controller, and the operational part has a key input controller for outputting an operation signal to the system controller. The body part and the operational part are detachably connected to each other by a mechanical mechanism, and the signal lines for these parts are electrically connected to each other through detachable contact terminals. The operational part has a gate part which selects the signal from either the key input controller or the remote control receiver. The signal selected is transmitted to the system controller through a common transmission line used by the key input controller and the remote control receiver in common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiya Nonaka
  • Patent number: 5065235
    Abstract: A CATV terminal, which has a timer function capable of supplying power to the CATV terminal at a user-programmed time, tuning-in to a user-programmed channel, and stopping the supply of power at a user-programmed time, is used to control an external apparatus such as a VCR or a TV receiver. Remote-control codes, corresponding to functions of the external apparatus, are stored in the CATV terminal ROM. These codes are read out of the ROM, decoded, and sent to the remote-control signal receiving element of the external apparatus. Therefore, the external apparatus is controlled by the CATV terminal using the remote-control codes of the external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventor: Tokuji Iijima
  • Patent number: 5063611
    Abstract: To prevent theft of a car radio (R), the radio unit itself is located in the vehicle (V) in a suitable secure location. The radio is controlled by a two-part control unit, in which one part of the control unit forms a connection part (1), secured to the vehicle, for example, by a goose-neck (5) or the like, and the other part forming a control part (21) which is separable from the connection part. Interengaging dovetail track-and-groove connections permit ready removal of the control part (21) from the connection part, so that a user may remove the control part, and thus not leave any indication in the vehicle that it contains a car radio. The control part contains the necessary control buttons and display functions to operate and control the car radio, the connection part merely including a plurality of contact terminals which, with the control part removed, are depressed below a top surface of a housing (2, 3) of the connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Blaupunkt Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Shinichi Kitabayashi
  • Patent number: 5038401
    Abstract: In the transmitter for remote control, a frequency at which an individual key switch is operated is counted, and a display formation of operation contents corresponding to the individual key switches is changed in accordance with the frequency. The changed operation contents are displayed by a display panel. The display formation includes the size, density, color, and sequence of operation menu displayed in the display panel. By using a transparent touch panel type display panel, an arrangement formation of the individual key switches can also be changed in accordance with the frequency at which they are used. The arrangement formation of the individual key switches includes the size and sequence of the individual key switches. In this way, an operator can easily find the operation menu on the display panel and easily operate key switches corresponding to frequently used key switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventor: Fusako Inotsume
  • Patent number: 5001774
    Abstract: A remote control circuit for remotely controlling a power source and a volume of a main set from a stereo-headphone composed of a remote control transmitting circuit arranged in a headphone, and a remote control receiving circuit arranged in a mainset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyu-An Lee
  • Patent number: 4969208
    Abstract: A channel selecting panel holder rotatably stores an operating section comprising a remote control transmitter inside the cabinet of a television set, video recorder and the like. The transmitter serves as an operating apparatus for the television set. The operating apparatus is stored in a storage section provided in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanoir Okazaki
  • Patent number: 4959810
    Abstract: The universal remote control system comprises data processor, input device including a keyboard and a keyboard circuit connected to the data processor, signal output device including circuitry for generating infrared light codes connected to the data processor means, a memory including a battery backed, non-volatile RAM only and no ROM for storing (a) a set of instructions and (b) a library of code data for enabling the infrared light generating circuitry to generate specific infrared codes, the RAM being coupled to the data processor, and a data coupling device including terminals coupled to the CPU for enabling new code data to be supplied from outside the system to, or retrieved from, the RAM through the terminals and the CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Universal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul V. Darbee, Richard E. Ellis, Louis S. Jansky, Avram S. Grossman
  • Patent number: 4905279
    Abstract: A remote control receiver which can be "taught" to recognize a remote control signal from any of a plurality of remote control receivers as its control signal. For this purpose, the transmitting code and the carrier of a remote control signal are analyzed and the transmitting code is stored in connection with the instruction content during a learning mode. Then, during normal operation, a received remote control signal is filtered by a band pass filter in which the filter band is set in accordance with the carrier of the remote control signal stored during the learning mode. The filtered signal is then decrypted with reference to the stored transmitting code, thereby permitting receipt of the remote control signal transmitted from a heterogeneous remote control transmitter. In this manner, the remote control receiver may be "taught" to respond to commands from a remote control transmitter the user is accustomed to using.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: NEC Home Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Nishio
  • Patent number: 4897727
    Abstract: The operation of a tuner of a television receiver for tuning nonstandard, as well as standard, frequency RF television signals, requiring a relatively long time for completion, is partitioned into a number of shorter duration sections or "slices" which are individually time-multiplexed with other control operations under the control of a microprocessor. This allows the microprocessor to more frequently respond to new user initiated commands than otherwise possible. An interrupt subroutine of the stored program under which the microprocessor operates establishes time delays, required for the tuning system to settle before new operations are performed, outside the main control loop including the user command processing and tuner control subroutines so as not to slow the response of the microprocessor to user commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger L. Richards
  • Patent number: 4864550
    Abstract: A remote control handset for use with an audio system in which the audio system includes a tuner, a compact disk player an amplifier, speakers, etc. The handset also includes a display for displaying the information contents of the control signals. A cassette recorder also incorporated in the handset produces an output signal which is modulated on a special carrier and transmitted over a signal path to an antenna coupled to the tuner of the audio system in order to reproduce the recorded signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Kawanaka
  • Patent number: 4845751
    Abstract: A wireless stereo headphone is provided that permits a user to listen to a stereo program being received by a conventional receiver/amplifier without the use of interconnecting wires. A transmitter contained within the headphones allows the user to remotely activate the SCAN and SEEK features of the receiver so that not only can he monitor a program and vary its volume, he can also select the program material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Brian H. Schwab
  • Patent number: 4843635
    Abstract: A channel selecting panel holder rotatably stores an operating section comprising a remote control transmitter inside the cabinet of a television set, video recorder and the like. The transmitter serves as an operating apparatus for the teleivison set. The operating apparatus is stored in a storage section provided in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanori Okazaki
  • Patent number: 4841368
    Abstract: A remote control transmitter, preferably a universal or reconfigurable remote control transmitter, is incorporated into a television receiver. Mounting a light emitting source such as a light emitting diode in a line of sight or a wired connection with an external tuning system such as that of a VCR or cable converter, and modification of the television tuning system to cause the transmission of activating signals to the remote control transmitter, allows functions which are channel associated and which are therefore generally suppressed when a remote tuning system is used to remain in force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Robin B. Rumbolt, William F. Guerinot, Daniel J. Dargis
  • Patent number: 4807052
    Abstract: In an audio and/or video electronic apparatus, such as, a television receiver or a video tape recorder, which, in a remote control mode, is capable of having operations thereof controllable by respective first remote control codes in response to the reception of corresponding signals from a first remote or separate control transmitter intended for use with such apparatus; there is provided, as an integral component of the electronic appartus, a nonvolatile memory in which, in a programming or learning mode, the first remote control codes are written in association with respective second remote control codes for controlling the same operations and which are generated in response to the reception of corresponding signals from a second remote control transmitter intended for use with a different electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Amano
  • Patent number: 4797949
    Abstract: A telecommunications system including a mobile unit is protected from operator-induced disruption by disabling the operator-adjustable controls of the mobile unit and fixing the operating parameters of the mobile unit. A supervisory apparatus incorporating supervisory circuit elements replacing the adjustable circuit elements associated with the operator-adjustable controls may be plug-connected between the main chassis and the control head of the mobile unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: G.M. Holding Corp.
    Inventor: George M. Stites, III
  • Patent number: 4790019
    Abstract: A hearing aid comprises a microphone, a battery-operated earphone, and amplifying circuit connected to the microphone output, the amplifying circuit including a frequency-selective circuit component and a sound level adjustment circuit component connected to the frequency-selective circuit component, and a remote sound wave control signal emitter circuit separate from the microphone, earphone and amplifying circuit and emitting sound wave control signals within the range of the microphone input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Viennatone Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Fritz Hueber
  • Patent number: 4771283
    Abstract: A common remote control device has an operating section for specifying an equipment to be remote-controlled and an operation of the equipment; a memory; a receiving unit for receiving various remote control signals generated from each of the private remote control transmitters provided corresponding to the equipment; a control unit for storing the remote control signals corresponding to each operation of the equipment as digital data in the memory, and retrieving the data from the memory to generate same; and a regeneration unit for regenerating the remote control data generated from the control unit and supplying a regenerative remote control signal to the equipment specified by the operating section. All of the equipment may be remote-controlled by a single remote control transmitter used to access the remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Shin'ichi Imoto
  • Patent number: 4727599
    Abstract: The present invention provides an elastomeric headband containing an amplifier device such as stereophonic radio or a recording amplifier. The headband includes earphones which overlie the user's ears. The elastomeric band is suitably sized to be readily mounted and dismounted from the user's head. The headband may be floatable in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Inventors: Richard M. Rappaport, Scott Bean
  • Patent number: 4709412
    Abstract: A remote control unit integrator console includes a console tray to hold a plurality of infrared remote control transmitter units of various sizes and shapes. The tray includes a front hood which houses a mechanism for transferring infrared signals from the control units toward the appliances to be controlled. In one embodiment the infrared transfer mechanism includes a set of reflectors capable of efficiently reflecting infrared energy. In another embodiment, the infrared transfer mechanism includes infrared photo detectors connected to amplifiers which drive either a set of infrared emitters positioned in a diverging array or a single infrared emitter mounted in such a manner as to be pivotable. In still another embodiment, the coded infrared signals from the infrared remote control units are converted to radio signals which are received and reconverted to coded infrared signals by receiver units close to the controlled appliances for control of the respective appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Xantech Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert E. Seymour, Michael S. Robbins
  • Patent number: 4709405
    Abstract: A channel selecting panel holder rotatably stores an operating section comprising a remote control transmitter inside the cabinet of a television set, video recorder and the like. The transmitter serves as an operating apparatus for the television set. The operating apparatus is stored in a storage section provided in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanori Okazaki
  • Patent number: 4633514
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled television receiver includes a decoder input for receiving coded data streams for controlling functions of the television receiver from a remote and a local keyboard. Microprocessor based arbitration means scan the keys of the local keyboard and control operation of a gate for selectively coupling the data streams from the remote keyboard and the local keyboard to the decoder of the television microprocessor. The arbitration means assures noninterference between the respective data streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Fimoff, Thomas J. Zato