Abstract: An electronically-active vehicle gear-shift knob (10) consisting of a hand-grasping section (12), an electronics enclosure (44) that is attached to an upper edge (14) of the hand-grasping section (12), and an electronics control circuit (90) consisting of a transmitting circuit (92) and a remotely located receiving circuit (94). The enclosure (44) includes a set of four pushbutton switches (92E) that are connected to the transmitting circuit (92). The closure of any one of the pushbutton switches (92E) allows the transmitting circuit (92) to produce an RF output signal (19) that is radiated via an antenna (92H) to the receiving circuit (94). The receiving circuit (94) subsequently processes the RF output signal (19) and produces an output control signal (29) that energizes an LED light corresponding to the specific pushbutton switch (92E)that has been closed.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed that encodes multiple bits of digital data on a single analog signal cycle. The communication system includes a digital data encoding system that receives the multiple bits of digital data and looks up the digital data in a Digital-to-Analog (D/A) conversion table. The D/A conversion table correlates the multiple bits of digital data to amplitudes of an analog signal and yields amplitudes values. The digital data encoding system then generates the analog signal cycle based on the amplitude values. The digital data encoding system advantageously increases the bandwidth available to customers, which is particularly important to help solve “last mile” bandwidth problems. The communication system also includes a digital data decoding system on the receiver side that decodes the multiple bits of digital data from the analog signal cycle using an Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion table.

Abstract: A system and method for generating random noise for use in testing electronic devices comprises a first random pattern generator circuit for generating first sets of random bit pattern signals; one or more delay devices each receiving a trigger input signal and a random bit pattern signal set for generating in response a respective delay output signal, each delay output signal being delayed in time with respect to a respective trigger signal, a delay time being determined by the bit pattern set received; and, an oscillator circuit device associated with a respective one or more delay devices for receiving a respective delay output signal therefrom and generating a respective oscillating signal, each oscillator signal generated being used to generate artificial random noise for emulating a real noise environment in an electronic device.

Abstract: A method of determining a transfer speed of an encoded data signal including a clock signal and a data signal is provided. First, the encoded data signal is decoded to generate a decoded clock signal. Then, a data transfer speed of the encoded data signal is determined using the decoded clock signal.

Abstract: A coding assisting equipment is provided in which transmission information is fed in such a manner as to be divided into words having a predetermined word length and is coded collectively through a computing unit that is formed as a combinational circuit. A decoding assisting equipment is provided in which a received sequence is fed in such a manner as to be divided into words having a predetermined word length and is decoded collectively through a computing unit that is formed as a combinational circuit. A radio transmitter and a radio receiver are provided that incorporates the above coding assisting equipment and the decoding assisting equipment, respectively. In a transmission system to which the invention is applied, the service quality and the transmission efficiency are increased in an inexpensive manner, resources are utilized effectively, and flexible application of a variety of systems is enabled.

Abstract: There is proposed a method that may be universally used for controlling a man-machine interface unit. A learning sample is used in order at least to derive and/or initialize a target action (t) to be carried out and to lead the user from an optional current status (ec) to an optional desired target status (et) as the final status (ef). This learning sample (l) is formed by a data triple made up by an initial status (ei) before an optional action (a) carried out by the user, a final status (ef) after the action taken place (a).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for remote control of electronic products using a portable terminal. The portable terminal performs a remote control function in the remote control mode. When communication is tried during the remote control mode, the portable terminal terminates the remote control mode and displays the communication state to provide a communication service upon a user's selection. When the communication ends, the portable terminal returns to the remote control mode.

Abstract: A method for generating and processing universal input codes, for which a universal remote control protocol is applied, and an apparatus thereof are provided. The method includes the steps of (a) setting a type code for indicating the type of an input device, and universal input codes which are mapped with local input codes according to the type of the input devices; (b) forming a data format by adding the type code and universal input codes set in step (a) and operation parameters for operating the type code and universal input codes. According to the method and apparatus, by unifying diverse input devices, manufacturing costs and developing time can be reduced, and user convenience can be provided.

Abstract: A rolling code transmitter is useful in a security system for providing secure encrypted RF transmission comprising an interleaved trinary bit fixed code and rolling code. A receiver demodulates the encrypted RF transmission and recovers the fixed code and rolling code. Upon comparison of the fixed and rolling codes with stored codes and determining that the signal has emanated from an authorized transmitter, a signal is generated to actuate an electric motor to open or close a movable barrier.

Abstract: A center (content supply center) (1865) for storing and managing contents, and user terminals (1861 to 1864) used by respective users are connected via networks (861 to 867). The center (1865) sends signals of contents for trial viewing/listening to the user terminals for free or at a low price. The user terminals (1861 to 1864) can receive the signals of the contents for trial viewing/listening and select and purchase only the content that the user likes from the received contents so as to reproduce the content with high quality. This enables trial viewing/listening. It is not necessary to download a large quantity of data with high quality from the content supply center or the like and there will be more opportunities of content purchase.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a remote control device includes a HELP feature which is driven by the activation of the button in question itself. In particular, if a multiple-use button is pressed quickly (i.e., for less than a given duration), or in another embodiment if held for a long time (i.e., for more than another given duration), then the HELP mode is triggered for that key. The help may be spoken and/or displayed from either the remote control device itself, or from the controlled device.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a self-contained switch wherein an energy generating means that is either electromagnetic or piezoelectric, supplies power to the switch and to the circuitry so that the switch can control other appliances on a remote control switch.

Abstract: A remote control device is which key use is monitored. A command key, representative of an appliance function, may be correlated to a target appliance that is determined, as a function of the monitored key use, to be the most likely intended recipient of a command to perform that appliance function. An activity key may also be programmed so as to perform a series of actions that are representative of a sequence of monitored key uses.

Abstract: A method, digital circuit system and program product for reducing delta-I noise in a plurality of activity units connected to a common DC-supply voltage. In order to smooth the fluctuations (delta-I) of a total current demand I, and a respective resulting fluctuation of the supply voltage, a signalling scheme between said activity units and a supervisor unit which holds a system-specific “database” containing at least the current demand of each activity unit device when operating regularly. Dependent of the quantity of calculated, imminent delta-I a subset of said activity units with a respective current I demand is selected and controlled, for either temporarily delaying their beginning of activity in case of an imminent supply voltage drop, or temporarily continuing their activity with a predetermined, activity-specific NO-OP phase in case of an imminent supply voltage rise.

Abstract: The method consists in coding a binary word in accordance with a plurality of coding tables, the coding table for each binary word to be coded being chosen as a function of at least one supplementary information item to be coded. In a first variant, a word of p bits is coded with a symbol made up of q ternary digits, p and q being chosen so that the number of symbols having a weight equal to 0 is at least equal to 2×2p. A first coding table contains 2p symbols having a weight equal to 0. A second coding table contains 2pother symbols having a weight equal to 0. In a second variant, p and q are chosen so that the number of symbols having a weight equal to 0 or a weight equal to ±1 is at least equal to 3×2p; a first coding table contains 2p symbols having a weight equal to 0; a second coding table contains 2p other symbols having a weight equal to −1; and a third coding table contains 2p other symbols having a weight equal to +1.

Abstract: Systems, methods, protocols and apparatus for information exchange and synchronization using DTMF signaling over telephone communication channels are provided. Information is packetized and converted from one format, e.g., ASCII formatted data, to another format, e.g., BCD formatted data. The information is wrapped in one or more packets by a sending apparatus, each packet including one or more headers, such as a Name and Length field that identify the information being exchanged and the amount of data included in the packet payload/value field. The data in the packets are converted from BCD to DTMF signals and are transmitted over a telephone communication line to a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus converts the DTMF signals back to BCD formatted data and processes the packets to obtain the information contained therein.

Abstract: A multifrequency tone generator sends data over a telephone voice channel. An alphanumeric character generator sequentially generates alphanumeric characters. Preferably, the character generator may be a keypad or keyboard. A plurality of tone generators have a summed output for transmitting a tone signal selectably including a combination of standard DTMF frequency tones, but not restricted to always having both frequency tones usually paired together by standard DTMF tones. A translation circuit is responsive to an alphanumeric character from the character generator to activate the plurality of tone generators to produce a predetermined combination of the DTMF frequency tones corresponding to the alphanumeric character wherein each bit of the binary ASCII code is represented by a respective one of the individual DTMF frequencies.

Abstract: A portable remote controller for use with several remotely controlled entertainment devices which enables their concurrent usage in shared proximity without random interference between remotely submitted and individually directed encoded device commands. Discusses a provision for user accessible preselection between more than one alternative encoding and decoding data format when a command sent to one device appears to cause undesirable random interference with another device's functions. A user's preemptive selection of an alternate remote control encoding format assures the proximal, concurrent use of two substantially identical devices, such as two VCR-machines, without command interference. When a user finds objectionable command interference caused by mutual remote controller coupling, the user may select and preset a distinctly different code format for at least one of the remotely controlled devices.

Abstract: A device (10) for receiving date transmitted as impulses through an input transmission body (16) is provided.

Abstract: A utility meter reading device includes a set of stator wheels each including a plurality of conductive segments and a set of indexable digit discs driven sequentially by consumption of a provided utility and having each a conductive segment movable upon rotation of a respective disc into capacitive alignment with one of the conductive segments of a stator wheel; a micro-controller supplies a current signal to the meter discs and stators and through a circuit reads the amount of the utility consumed as reflected in the alignment of certain ones of the conductive segments of the discs and stator wheels.

Abstract: A code learning method for a tire monitoring device installed in a vehicle comprising a front left tire, a front right tire, a rear left tire, and a rear right tire, comprising the following steps of: providing a plurality of sensor modules installed in the tires of the vehicle for sensing condition and acceleration of the tires and each having an identifying code and a radio transmitter for transmitting signals including the condition of the tire, the acceleration of the tire, and the identifying code of the sensor module; inflating the front tires and the rear tires with different pressures, respectively; receiving the signals for identifying the signals transmitted from the sensor modules installed in the front tires or the rear tires by the order of the pressures in the signals; and driving the vehicle and receiving the signals for identifying the signals transmitted from the sensor modules installed in the left tires or the right tires by the acceleration in the signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating a code sequence. A code-generation instruction is received from memory. One or more control signals are determined based on the code-generation instruction. A code sequence is generated based on the control signals, a current state input, and a mask input.

Abstract: A mouse with infrared remote control function comprises: an optical encode control circuit, a microprocessor circuit, a wire driver circuit of the transmitting part, an infrared modulating transmitter circuit, an infrared receiving demodulation circuit, a wire driver circuit of the receiving part, an interface switching circuit, a receiver/transmitter interface circuit and a power circuit (it can be switched off) for supplying the power circuit to the said optical encode control circuit, microprocessor circuit, infrared modulating transmitter circuit. Besides a single-purpose mouse with infrared remote control function is provided by the present invention, by using the interface switch circuit and automatic switch circuit, a dual-purpose mouse with both compatible infrared remote control function and compatible cable control function can be implemented.

Abstract: An automobile remote control circuitry. There are wireless transmission circuitry and wireless receiving circuitry each on the remote control itself and the circuitry inside the automobile. The special feature: the wireless transmission circuitry and wireless receiving circuitry apply the same specification of LO base band frequency circuitry. Based on above structure, it can reduce the number of components used in the bi-direction remote control, lower the total component cost and easier in manufacture processes.

Abstract: A remote control device includes a motion detection circuit operative to generate signals indicative of a direction of movement of the device. A processor receives the signals from the motion detection circuit and generates corresponding control signals suitable for transmission to a receiver. A user is thereby able to indicate entry of particular commands by moving the remote control device in a certain way. For example, movement of the remote control device in a particular direction in a first plane may correspond to an up command for a first controlled parameter, e.g., receiver volume, while movement of the remote control device in an opposite direction in the first plane corresponds to a down command for the first controlled parameter. Similarly, movement of the remote control in a particular direction in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane may correspond to an up command for a second controlled parameter, e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating a code sequence. A code-generation instruction is received from memory. One or more control signals are determined based on the code-generation instruction. A code sequence is generated based on the control signals, a current state input, and a mask input.

Abstract: A universal remote control comprising a keyboard having a plurality of pushbuttons including a macro pushbutton and a library of codes and data for use in transmitting operating commands to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers. Instructions within the remote control are used to match the universal remote control to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers such that selected codes and data from the library are used to transmit operating commands to the matched home appliances in response to activation of selected pushbuttons of the keyboard. The instructions are also used to assign to the macro pushbutton a subset of the selected codes and data from the library whereafter activation of the macro pushbutton causes the universal remote control to use the subset of selected codes and data from the library to transmit operating commands to one or more of the matched home appliances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a universal transmitter that can detect and emulate a transmission signal of a transmitter, the transmission signal having a corresponding transmission frequency and a corresponding modulation pattern. The universal transmitter comprises: a detection circuit that detects a frequency and a modulation pattern of a transmitted signal of a separate transmitter and a memory. A processor coupled to the detection circuit and the memory, stores a frequency value representative of the detected frequency and a plurality of value representative of the detected modulation pattern, in the memory. A transmitting circuit coupled to the processor, is operable to transmit an output signal having the frequency and the modulation pattern of the transmission signal.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system where a plurality of user channels are processed in a time-slotted manner, a transmitter and receiver can perform bit error rate measurements for a plurality of user channels by only using one PN-generator (T-PN) and one state memory (ISM). Whenever the beginning of a new time-slot is detected, a last-stored phase state is read out from the state memory (ISM). When detecting the end of the respective time-slot, the phase state then present in the PN-generator (T-PN) is stored into the state memory (ISM) to be used for re-initialization of the PN-generator (T-PN) for the same time-slot in a succeeding frame. Thus, one PN-generator (T-PN) is enough for generating PN-sequences for a great number of user channels.

Abstract: A code modulation and demodulation method includes removing a DC component of a code stream to be modulated when source data is recorded on an optical information storage medium and controlling a suppression of the DC component contained in the code stream when the source data is converted into a codeword to be recorded on an optical information storage medium. The method includes determining a control timing to suppress the DC component of the code stream to which the source data are converted, performing a code conversion at each control time for the DC component so that the code stream branches into a pair of branch code streams one of which extends in a direction where a running digital sum (RDS) of the code stream increases, and another one of which extends in the direction where the RDS of the code stream decreases, and selecting the path of the code stream that has a most bounded path around RDS ‘0’ from the paths of the branch code streams each control time.

Abstract: Respective error detection codes (CRC) are selectively added to respective source coded signal parts depending on the type of source coded signal part. Further, important source coded signal parts may be provided with respective error detection codes, whereas less important source coded parts are not provided with error detection codes. If the source coded signal comprises source coded packets, the error detection codes (CRC) may relate to a part of given source coded packets (p2), e.g. a header (H).

Abstract: A system and method for processing an overrun in the encoding of an input bitstream are described. In one embodiment, an overrun in the encoding of an input bitstream is determined and the severity of the overrun is determined. Finally, a current frame is encoded using a catch-up mode to process the overrun.

Abstract: A universal remote control comprising a keyboard having a plurality of pushbuttons including a macro pushbutton and a library of codes and data for use in transmitting operating commands to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers. Instructions within the remote control are used to match the universal remote control to a plurality of different home appliances of different manufacturers such that selected codes and data from the library are used to transmit operating commands to the matched home appliances in response to activation of selected pushbuttons of the keyboard. The instructions are also used to assign to the macro pushbutton a subset of the selected codes and data from the library whereafter activation of the macro pushbutton causes the universal remote control to use the subset of selected codes and data from the library to transmit operating commands to one or more of the matched home appliances.

Abstract: A macrocell MC1 including a physical-layer circuit in accordance with USB 2.0 or the like is placed at a corner of an integrated circuit device ICD. Data terminals DP and DM are placed in an I/O region IOR1 along a side SD1; and power terminals PVDD, PVSS, XVDD, and XVSS and clock terminals XI and XO of a clock generation circuit and a sampling clock circuit are placed in an I/O region IOR2 along a side SD2. An interface region and a macrocell MC2 including user-specified logic are provided along a side SD3. A reception circuit is placed on a DR1 side of IOR1, a clock generation circuit is placed on a DR2 side of IOR2, and a sampling clock generation circuit is placed on the DR1 side of the reception circuit and also the DR2 side of the clock generation circuit. A transmission circuit is placed on the DR2 side of the reception circuit and on the DR1 side of the data terminals DP and DM.

Abstract: Remote entry transmitters are formed to have a housing element made by a two-shot molding technique. A plateable and a non-plateable plastic are molded in the two-shot molding technique. Circuit trace material is then plated onto the plateable material. This results in a reduction in the number of separate parts for the transmitter. In addition, the antenna is positioned to be non-parallel to the main circuit board. This results in packaging efficiencies and improvements. Preferably, the antenna may be plated onto an inner side wall of the housing when the two-shot molding technique occurs. Alternatively, the antenna may be provided as a separate board.

Abstract: An integrated remote controller/wireless mouse includes first and second buttons installed on the upper surface of a body for operating first and second apparatuses, respectively, a signal generator for generating optical signals for controlling functions of the apparatuses in accordance with the operation of the buttons, and a track ball, protruding from the bottom surface of the body, to allow free rolling movement for operating the second apparatus.

Abstract: A redio control device suitable for model aircraft is provided that can quickly correct the rudder following the operation of a stick lever even during a delay operation, so that the manipulated body can be stably controlled according to the operator's direction. The trim switch 8 that can vary the servo output of the servo device for each channel to the neutral position of each of the levers 7A and 7B of the stick unit 7 is provided to the transmitter 2. The arithmetic process means 4 stores plural types of characteristic data representing the servo output to the operation amount of each of the levers 7A and 7B changeable by the changeover switch 8. When the lever 7A (or 7B) is not operated over a set value and when the changeover switch 9 selects the characteristic data corresponding to the operational status of the manipulated body 1, the arithmetic process means 4 delays the operation by the offset of the mixing amount due to the trim switch 8.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating and verifying programmable logic controller (PLC) code. The method includes the steps of constructing a neutral control model file, determining whether the neutral control model file is correct, generating PLC code if the neutral control model file is correct, verifying whether the PLC code is correct, and using the PLC code to build a tool.

Abstract: A signaling device that receives coded signals from a transmitter. The signaling device includes a first circuit that receives a from the transmitter. The first code includes a first identification code and a first variable code. The signaling device further includes a memory that stores a second code. The second code includes a second identification code and a second variable code. The signaling device further includes a second circuit coupled to the first circuit and the memory. The second circuit generates an output signal if the first code matches the second code. The signaling device further includes an annunciator circuit coupled to the second circuit. The annunciator circuit provides a perceivable indicator if the second circuit generates the output signal.

Abstract: A ergonomic customizeable user/computer interface system for wireless computer control. A hand-attachable user interface device transmits control information upon activation of switches on the interface device. A base interface device receives the transmissions, decodes the information and provides control signals to the computer. The interface system allows for security authorization control and multiple computer or LAN operations with each user interface device. Greater functionality is provided by the use of personality modules in the user interface device for different modes of operation.

Abstract: Remote entry transmitters are formed to have a housing element made by a two-shot molding technique. A plateable and a non-plateable plastic are molded in the two-shot molding technique. Circuit trace material is then plated onto the plateable material. This results in a reduction in the number of separate parts for the transmitter. In addition, the antenna is positioned to be non-parallel to the main circuit board. This results in packaging efficiencies and improvements. Preferably, the antenna may be plated onto an inner side wall of the housing when the two-shot molding technique occurs. Alternatively, the antenna may be provided as a separate board.

Abstract: A method for generating and processing universal input codes, for which a universal remote control protocol is applied, and an apparatus thereof are provided. The method includes the steps of (a) setting a type code for indicating the type of an input device, and universal input codes which are mapped with local input codes according to the type of the input devices; (b) forming a data format by adding the type code and universal input codes set in step (a) and operation parameters for operating the type code and universal input codes. According to the method and apparatus, by unifying diverse input devices, manufacturing costs and developing time can be reduced, and user convenience can be provided.

Abstract: A programmable, universal remote control for controlling many different of remote controlled devices, such as televisions, videocassette recorders, and cable boxes is provided. The remote control can be programmed with a code corresponding to a particular manufacturer and model of the remote controlled device to be controlled. The remote control can also display this code on the remote controlled device using preexisting circuitry in the remote control. If the user does not know the particular manufacturer/model code corresponding to the remote controlled device to be controlled, he may sequence through the available manufacturer/model codes in the remote control until an appropriate code is found. Methods are also provided for programming, displaying, and searching for the appropriate manufacturer/model code in the remote control.

Abstract: A high-speed and low-power encoder and an encoding method, wherein the encoder includes a switching unit for receiving a thermal code of a predetermined number of bits received in series, and outputting one bit among the received bits as a most significant bit and the other bits in parallel, and an encoder for dividing the bits received from the switching unit in parallel into groups having a predetermined number of bits, encoding the bits in each group into a predetermined number of bits, selecting one group of encoded bits using bits not used by the groups, and outputting least significant bits together with the most significant bit output from the switching unit.

Abstract: Methods of processing wireless communication include providing at least one interrogator configured for transmitting and receiving wireless communication data. A plurality of identification devices are provided and are configured for receiving wireless communication data transmitted by the interrogator. Responsive to receiving such communication data, the devices are capable of generating and transmitting a reply back to the interrogator. Preferably, transmitted replies are delayed for different determinable amounts of time which enables the interrogator to detect multiple replies. In a preferred implementation, the wireless communication is radio frequency communication. In another preferred implementation, each device is capable of calculating its own delay utilizing a random value generator. Related system circuitry is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a universal transmitter that can detect and emulate a transmission signal of a transmitter, the transmission signal having a corresponding transmission frequency and a corresponding modulation pattern. The universal transmitter comprises: a detection circuit that detects a frequency and a modulation pattern of a transmitted signal of a separate transmitter and a memory. A processor coupled to the detection circuit and the memory, stores a frequency value representative of the detected frequency and a plurality of value representative of the detected modulation pattern, in the memory. A transmitting circuit coupled to the processor, is operable to transmit an output signal having the frequency and the modulation pattern of the transmission signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for voluntary and involuntary communication by means of transmitting, receiving, interpreting, and displaying messages detected and generated by relative eyelid movement, particularly by using the differences in reflectivity of the human eye and eyelid to produce the messages.

Abstract: A self-contained module including finger depressible keys, said module being mountable on, and useable with, a wireless keyboard for a computer. The module includes a pre-programmed microcontroller for controlling basic functions of the TV and an associated VCR via an IR LED on the keyboard.

Abstract: A user input having a first mode of operation relating to the entry of a command is indicated on a display device prior to the actual execution of the command, afterwhich a second mode of operation may be entered wherein the command is actually executed using the displayed information for confirmation purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the user input device takes the form of a hand-held remote-control unit, and the display is a television monitor. In this case, the invention is operative to determine the position of a user's finger relative to one or more keys of the keypad on the remote-control unit, and display, on the TV monitor, information relating to the user's relative position.

Abstract: An assembly or system for effecting control of an electronic device having an infrared sensor for receiving an infrared control signal from a manually actuated remote control comprises, in accordance with the present invention, an infrared sensor for receiving and converting the infrared control signal from the remote control to an electrical signal, the sensor being attached to an audio speaker assembly of an audio reproduction system. A signal generator also attached to the speaker assembly is operatively connected to the sensor for generating an RF carrier signal modulated by control information encoded in the infrared control signal and the electrical signal. A transmission link is provided for transmitting the modulated RF carrier signal from the speaker assembly to the electronic device.