Abstract: A charging device including a first connector connected to a power source; a second connector connected an electronic device; a magnetic element connected to a magnet of the electronic device; a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic force generated by the magnet of the electronic device; and a switch circuit disposed between the first connector and the second connector and that switches between an open state and a closed state based on an output of the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A remote controller includes: an operation unit including plural operation keys; a radio communication unit that performs bidirectional communication with a controlled apparatus; an infrared communication unit that performs unidirectional communication with the controlled apparatus; and a control unit that is input with an operation signal from the operation unit and controls the radio communication unit and the infrared communication unit, wherein the control unit includes a measuring unit that measures power supply voltage, and the control unit controls the radio communication unit to transmit a control signal to the controlled apparatus when the power supply voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and controls the infrared communication unit to transmit the control signal to the controlled apparatus when the power supply voltage is lower than the predetermined value.

Abstract: Remote control based output selection techniques are described in which an output to a display device is selected based on identification of a remote control device that is manipulated by a user. In an implementation, each of a plurality of remote control devices is associated with a respective client device in an audio visual system. When a user manipulates one of the plurality of remote control devices, the manipulated remote control device is detected and a corresponding client device is determined. Then, an output to a display device is set to present audio visual data from the determined client device. In another implementation, when a manipulated remote control device is identified, a user interface for output on the display device is configured according to the identified remote control device and/or the functional capabilities of the identified remote control device.

Abstract: A remote control and method of programming a remote control for controlling components in an entertainment system are disclosed. The remote control may operate in multiple modes including a limited mode that prevents the remote control from sending predetermined commands to one or more components, even when instructed to do so by the user. In addition, the remote control may issue one or more commands to each component in response to a single user input.

Abstract: An electronic device and a control method thereof includes an infrared module which receives an infrared control signal having a predetermined section-specific waveform from an infrared transmitter; a switching unit which turns on/off the infrared module; and a controller which controls the switching unit to alternately turn on and off the infrared module in a predetermined cycle for recognizing the predetermined section-specific waveform of the infrared control signal. Thus, electric power consumed by an infrared module in a standby mode may be reduced while receiving a signal of an infrared transmitter.

Abstract: A smart switch applied to a remote control system in a smart home is connected to a power and at least one electronic device. The smart switch includes a storage, and a communication unit receiving commands from a remote source which include the unique identification code of a target electronic device. A smart gateway, a remote unit, and a processor unit including a converting module and a control module are also included. The converting module converts the remote command to a control signal that can be recognized by the electronic device, and the control module controls the remote unit to send the control signal to the electronic device. A remote control system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an audio signal to infrared conversion device, comprising: a voltage-multiplying circuit rectifier/filter module, a waveform amplifier module, a microprocessor, an IR signal emitter module, and an IR signal receiver module. The voltage-multiplying circuit rectifier/filter module is coupled to a headset plug; the waveform amplifier module is also coupled to the headset plug, wherein the voltage-multiplying circuit rectifier/filter module is coupled to either one of a left channel connection part and a right channel connection part of the headset plug, and the waveform amplifier module is coupled to the other one of them. The microprocessor is coupled to the voltage-multiplying circuit rectifier/filter module and the waveform amplifier module. The IR signal emitter module is coupled to the microprocessor. The IR signal receiver module is coupled to the microprocessor and the IR signal emitter module.

Abstract: An infrared remote control switching method includes providing a hand-held device, loading a program into the hand-held device, driving the program in the hand-held device to select and set a desired electronic product, driving the hand-held device into a remote control mode, and transmitting an infrared signal through an adapter to the desired electronic product so as to remote control the desired electronic product. Thus, the program is loaded into the hand-held device in a wireless transmission manner and can be updated to search the codes corresponding to and compatible with various electronic products so that the hand-held device can be reset and converted into a universal remote controller which can be used to remote control various electronic products through the adapter.

Abstract: A universal remote controller having a radio frequency (RF) control mode for generating RF signals for controlling an RF based home automation system and having an infrared (IR) control mode for controlling an infrared based electronic device using IR control signals. Control information input via a user interface is used to generate the IR control signals in the IR mode of operation and is used to generate the RF signals in the RF mode of operation. A control unit controls overall operation of the universal remote controller including the generation of IR signals to control electronic devices with the IR signals. A home automation module is connected to the control unit via a communication interface to generate RF signals to control the RF based home automation system. A display displays feedback information to the user regarding operations for controlling the home automation system.

Abstract: An infrared LED of an IrDA transceiver module is usable to transmit IrDA signals as well as RC control signals. When making an IrDA transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with a lower amount of current. When making an RC transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with an increased amount of current such that infrared emissions received by an RC receiver are of adequate power to be received as RC control signals. A current-limiting circuit allows more LED current to flow the longer current is allowed to flow through the IrDA LED. By controlling the durations of infrared bursts in the RC transmission, the average LED current during infrared bursts of RC transmissions is controlled. Using this technique allows the IrDA module to be used to transmit RC signals at different transmission power settings. To reduce power consumption, the minimum transmission power necessary to engage in RC communications is used.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing stream processing are provided. The system includes an application framework and applications containing dataflow graphs managed by the application framework running on a first network. The system also includes at least one circuit switch in the first network having a configuration that is controlled by the application framework, a plurality of processing nodes interconnected by the first network over one of wireline and wireless links, and a second network for providing at least one of control and additional data transfer over the first network. The application framework reconfigures circuit switches in response to monitoring aspects of the applications and the first network.

Abstract: This invention allows measuring the spectral state of an object more accurately even at low luminance, and implementing high-precision focus detection. A photometry apparatus includes a diffusing optical member which is inserted in the optical path of a photographing lens and has a diffusing surface, and a light unit which receives diffused light having passed through the diffusing surface, and has a first light receiving portion, and a second light receiving portion whose receivable light energy is smaller than that of the first light receiving portion. The first and second light receiving portions are so arranged as to make the parallax of the second light receiving portion with respect to the optical axis of the photographing lens smaller than that of the first light receiving portion.

Abstract: A remote control method for remotely controlling a plurality of electronic apparatuses connected to an apparatus control device using a remote control device includes the following steps. The remote control device sends the apparatus control device control data necessary for an infrared control operation, which includes a port number, assigned to a port of the apparatus control device, associated with a selected electronic apparatus and an infrared code for the selected apparatus control device. The apparatus control device then receives the control data sent from the remote control device. The apparatus control device generates an infrared signal based on the infrared code included in the received control data. An infrared-transmitting unit, connected to the port specified by the port number included in the control data, transmits the infrared signal to the electronic apparatus corresponding to the infrared-transmitting unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coupling electrical and communication circuits, included in a packaged semiconductor comprising photo receivers, photo transmitters and photovoltaic cells, through lightguide and optical fiber cables. The packaged semiconductor combinations comprise one, two or plurality of photo elements for a single or plurality one way optical signal, receive or transmit, and a single or plurality of two way optical signal communications via direct optical links and via optical prisms, filters, half mirrors and lenses. The packaged semiconductor includes at least one optical access to a single or plurality of lightguides or optical fiber with single core and for multicore lightguides. A built-in or attachable holders are used for attaching the different lightguide cables to the one or plurality of optical accesses with the attached cable end is terminated by cutting, trimming and shaping.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of devices, the method including the steps of aiming a pointing device having a camera at an object representing a property of the device to be controlled and manipulating a control input on the pointing device to specify a degree of change for the property. The method further includes the steps of generating an image of a target area aimed at by the pointing device, interpreting the target area image to identify the chosen object, deducing the property of the device to be controlled based on the chosen object, and generating a control signal for the device to be controlled according to the degree of change for the deduced property.

Abstract: The synchronization of trunk failover between two FC-AL switches when a primary trunk failure occurs is disclosed. If primary trunk T1 should fail, S1 bypasses the cascade port and sends a MaRK (MRK) ordered set out over duplicate trunk T2 to switch S2. In response, S2 sends an acknowledgement MRK ordered set over T2 back to S1. S1 then reconfigures the switch to establish T2 as the primary trunk, and acts as a masters in the failover process and initiates LIP ordered sets which are communicated to all devices in the system to initialize them. Note that when S2 receives the MRK ordered set and acknowledges it by sending an acknowledgement MRK back to S1, it acts as a slave in the failover process and does not attempt to initiate LIPs, thereby eliminating the possibility of multiple Loop Initialization cycles and reducing the time in which data cannot be transmitted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention pertain to remote optical control of holding beam-type, optical flip-flop devices, as well as to the devices themselves. All-optical SET and RE-SET control signals operate on a cw holding beam in a remote manner to vary the power of the holding beam between threshold switching values to enable flip-flop operation. Cross-gain modulation and cross-polarization modulation processes can be used to change the power of the holding beam.

Abstract: A module for converting light energy into electric energy (MC1) for use in an optical network to convert into electric energy light energy derived from an optical signal transported in an optical fiber (FTa1) from a light energy source (OS1). The module can be used in remote powering and/or remote control devices for optical networks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Fiber Selective Control Switch system for simulating human intervention during a test process for fiber network environments. The Fiber Selective Control Switch system may comprise a MCU, and at least one FSCS module mounted on a SFP device. The MCU is download programmable with basic code, which remotely controls FSCS modules. Each FSCS module coupled to the MCU may include two MOSFETs and a pull down resistor. A positive signal voltage from the MCU to the FSCS module mounted on SFP device will disconnect the fiber connection. A low signal voltage from the MCU to the FSCS module will re-connect the fiber connection. Advantageously, the FSCS system may not affect normal fiber operations due to fast switching characteristics of MOSFET devices and the MCU's low power requirement.

Abstract: An operation terminal includes a communication unit; an operation terminal control unit; a plurality of on-period light-emitting units provided in a one-to-one correspondence to the control switches and controlled by the operation terminal control unit; a plurality of off-period light-emitting units provided in a one-to-one correspondence to the control switches and controlled by the operation terminal control unit to emit light when the load associated with the corresponding one of the control switches by relational data is in an off-state; and a housing. At least one half of the control switches are arranged one above another in a vertical direction and each of the on-period light-emitting units is arranged in such a fashion as to transversely interpose the corresponding one of the control switches between itself and the corresponding one of the off-period light-emitting units when seen from the front side.

Abstract: Optoelectrical conversion of the received optical service signal (OSS), bandpass filtering and subsequent squaring produce a spectral line at the clock frequency (fT). This clock line (TL) is selected by means of narrowband filtering and rectified. The service signal voltage (VTLM) obtained in this manner is used to switch on a Raman pump laser (11).

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

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

Abstract: The present invention teaches a power saving device comprising a power saving circuit, said power saving circuit comprises a microprocessor (U1), an infrared receiving module, a relay, an AC-DC power source, a setup key, wherein said U1 is connected to a buzzer (SP1) via a triode (Q1), and to the setup key, and to the relay via a triode (Q2), and is connected to the infrared emitting module, the infrared receiving module, and the LED (D1) via a triode (Q3). By pushing the setup key, the microprocessor of the power saving device can read and store the infrared code, and controls to switch on or off the relay according to the codes, the relay is connected in series with the line or neutral wire of the power source.

Abstract: A digital control circuit enables/disables the feedback of serial transmissions of an UART receive signal when the G-LINK output port is short circuited in a particular operational mode. In a conventional operational mode, the digital control circuit monitors the state of the UART's Tx output and during an UART transmission, the Rx line normally is used for statistics feedback to set to a high state and eliminate unnecessary or unwarranted UART interrupts generated by the G-LINK circuit. The digital control circuit thus enables the G-LINK signal feedback to the UART when required, thereby maintaining a functionality to identify the unit's operational mode and allows the serial ports of the G-LINK to be configured and utilized during conventional operational modes.

Abstract: A data communication system comprising a terminal unit for generating light signals responsive to status of switches and a control unit for receiving the signals spatially propagated and controlling operation of a predetermined load, wherein switches 11 and 12 are interposed between plus and minus lines 51 and 52 as power lines for supplying electric power from the control unit to the terminal unit, and connected in series with respective resistors R1 and R2 having different values of resistance, and the minus line is grounded in the control unit 30 through resistor R0. Potential of the minus line changes in response to switches 11 and 12, and electronic signals indicative of the status of the switches are transmitted to the control unit separately from the light signals. Thus, even if the spatial propagation of the light signals is interrupted, the control over the operation of the load is secured.

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: Apparatus for redirecting a plurality of optical beams emanating from a respective plurality of optical transmitters arranged in a pattern along a first dimension and a second dimension. The apparatus comprises a plurality of refractive regions. Each refractive region intercepts the optical beams emanating from an associated group of optical transmitters occupying a common position in the first dimension. In addition, each particular refractive region imparts to the intercepted optical beams an angular deflection in the first dimension, the angular deflection in the first dimension being a function of the common position in the first dimension occupied by the optical transmitters from which emanate the optical beams intercepted by the particular refractive region. Use of the refractive regions reduces the amount of available deflection area left unused when a parallel set of port cards is employed for switching optical signals.

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: An optical switching apparatus includes an optical switch having a plurality of input ports and output ports, optical amplifiers, monitor circuits, optical amplifiers monitor circuits, and a controller that controls the optical switch. The optical amplifiers are connected to the input ports of the optical switch. The monitor circuits are connected to the output ports of the optical switch. The controller selects one of the plurality of the monitor circuits based on predetermined rules to obtains the loss at the output ports and/or the differential loss between the channels of the optical switch. The controller further selects one of the optical amplifiers based on the configuration of the optical switch to compensate the loss and the differential loss among the different channels of the optical switch by pre-amplifying the optical signals before they reach the input ports of the optical switch.

Abstract: A method of controlling deflection of an optical beam at a beam steering element. The method comprises receiving switching instructions indicative of a target one of a plurality of potential transmit or receive elements; determining a control signal associated with the target transmit or receive element; and applying the control signal to the beam steering element, thereby to cause deflection of the optical beam. Deflection of optical beams on the basis of the determined control signal allows greater pointing accuracy. Also, a port card, comprising a plurality of optical transmitter elements operative to produce respective optical beams from the input optical signals; and an array of beam steering elements operative to controllably orient the optical beams into respective transmit directions. The port card also comprises a controller for controlling the beam steering elements of the array using, for example, the above method.

Abstract: A universal remote control (10) is provided for wireless remote control of one or more devices (D1 . . . Dn) equipped for remote control by respective original remote controls having visual appearances different from one another. The universal remote control (10) includes: a memory (40) that stores one or more descriptions associated with one or more original remote controls that are selectively emulated by the universal remote control (10), the descriptions including information describing the visual appearances of the original remote controls that the descriptions are associated with; and, a graphical user interface (20) upon which is displayed a representation of one of the original remote controls selected for emulation by the universal remote control (10), the representation having a visual appearance substantially the same as the original remote control being emulated.

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: 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: A large fiber optic switch system with a free-space optical interconnection configuration. The switch system comprises a plurality of individual switch units, each individual switch unit having a plurality of electronic multi-switch switches each multi-switch switch being re-configurable upon command of a computer processor and having a plurality of electronic input ports and electronics output ports. A first portion of these input ports and a first portion of these output ports are connected directly or indirectly to incoming and outgoing communication lines. A second portion of the output ports is connected to an electronic driver unit that drives an optical emitter array. Each emitter in the emitter array produces a light beam for carrying an optical communication signal.

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: An optical switching apparatus includes an optical switch having a plurality of input ports and output ports, optical amplifiers, monitor circuits, optical amplifiers monitor circuits, and a controller that controls the optical switch. The optical amplifiers are connected to the input ports of the optical switch. The monitor circuits are connected to the output ports of the optical switch. The controller selects one of the plurality of the monitor circuits based on predetermined rules to obtains the loss at the output ports and/or the differential loss between the channels of the optical switch. The controller further selects one of the optical amplifiers based on the configuration of the optical switch to compensate the loss and the differential loss among the different channels of the optical switch by pre-amplifying the optical signals before they reach the input ports of the optical switch.

Abstract: An optical switching apparatus includes an optical switch having a plurality of input ports and output ports, optical amplifiers, monitor circuits, optical amplifiers monitor circuits, and a controller that controls the optical switch. The optical amplifiers are connected to the input ports of the optical switch. The monitor circuits are connected to the output ports of the optical switch. The controller selects one of the plurality of the monitor circuits based on predetermined rules to obtains the loss at the output ports and/or the differential loss between the channels of the optical switch. The controller further selects one of the optical amplifiers based on the configuration of the optical switch to compensate the loss and the differential loss among the different channels of the optical switch by pre-amplifying the optical signals before they reach the input ports of the optical switch.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for switching channel connection between multiple optical channels synchronously and automatically. The apparatus employs an optical switch to interface among a plurality of optical channels, and an optical power meter to monitor data transmission over the plurality of optical channels by measuring the optical power level of optical signals over the channel. When signal transmission is detected over a specific optical channel, the optical switch is locked to the specific optical channel allowing data signals over the specific optical channel to be transmitted to a specific device or another optical channel through the optical switch. When no optical signal is detected over the channel, said optical switch will be switched to another optical channel, such that signal monitoring and switching channels among a plurality of optical channels is able to be performed synchronously and automatically.

Abstract: A four fiber ring network optical switching circuit capable of realizing the bridge function at times of the span switching and the ring switching economically by a very compact structure is disclosed. A four fiber ring network optical switching circuit is formed by a 10×8 optical matrix switch having ten input ports and eight output ports, and two branching elements adapted to branch each one of two optical signals among eight optical signals that are inputs of the four fiber ring network optical switching circuit, into two identical optical signals, and to enter the two identical optical signals into two input ports of the 10×8 optical matrix switch such that the eight optical signals are entered into the ten input ports of the 10×8 optical matrix switch as ten optical signals.

Abstract: An optical switching apparatus includes an optical switch having a plurality of input ports and output ports, optical amplifiers, monitor circuits, optical amplifiers monitor circuits, and a controller that controls the optical switch. The optical amplifiers are connected to the input ports of the optical switch. The monitor circuits are connected to the output ports of the optical switch. The controller selects one of the plurality of the monitor circuits based on predetermined rules to obtains the loss at the output ports and/or the differential loss between the channels of the optical switch. The controller further selects one of the optical amplifiers based on the configuration of the optical switch to compensate the loss and the differential loss among the different channels of the optical switch by pre-amplifying the optical signals before they reach the input ports of the optical switch.

Abstract: A protection switch is configured for an input optical signal using an n×n optical switch. Furthermore, a signal to be added and dropped is also configured using an n×n optical switch. Especially, the n×n optical switch uses a complete group switch. Thus, a signal can be output from any input port to any output port. Therefore, a more extensible NPE can be configured at an optical signal level, and a switch is simple and less expensive. As a result, unlike the conventional technology, an NPE itself can be simple and less expensive.

Abstract: A wireless communication system comprises a base station controller and a base station interface connected to the base station controller by a central optical fiber. The base station interface may include a flexible wavelength router. At least one base station is connected to the base station interface, and the central optical fiber carries at least one communication channel associated with an optical signal having one of a plurality of wavelengths. The base station interface selectively provides a communication path between the base station controller and at least one base station using at least one communication channel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an appliance control panel and a controller. The appliance control panel is disposed on an appliance. The appliance control panel has first and second optical communication devices that are in communication with an external surface of the appliance control panel. The controller is secured within the appliance. The controller is operably connected to the first and second communication devices to provide communication signals thereto, the communication signals including diagnostic information.

Abstract: A remote control device when actuated by a user transmits a visually perceptible signal to a sensor associated with a doorbell, or any device compatible with the remote/sensor apparatus (e.g. garage door, spot-light, etc.). Whence the signal is visually verified to be in alignment with the sensor the remote confirms and then executes the device via an activation signal and other information from the remote. Because the nature of the remote/sensor apparatus is intended to be universal (one remote control can operate any compatible device) the sensor and/or the device intended to be activated may have multiple settings consisting of, but not limited to public (any compatible remote may operate the device), private (only a specified remote may operate the device), and off (no remote may operate the device).