CA2083471A1 - Universal remote controller - Google Patents
Universal remote controllerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2083471A1 CA2083471A1 CA 2083471 CA2083471A CA2083471A1 CA 2083471 A1 CA2083471 A1 CA 2083471A1 CA 2083471 CA2083471 CA 2083471 CA 2083471 A CA2083471 A CA 2083471A CA 2083471 A1 CA2083471 A1 CA 2083471A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- control
- user
- information
- display
- data
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C19/00—Electric signal transmission systems
- G08C19/16—Electric signal transmission systems in which transmission is by pulses
- G08C19/28—Electric signal transmission systems in which transmission is by pulses using pulse code
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
- G08C2201/90—Additional features
- G08C2201/92—Universal remote control
Abstract
ABSTRACT
UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROLLER
A universal remote controller which can be set to control one of a plurality of home appliances, including:
A plurality of keys for user selection of home appliance to be controlled, each key corresponds to a respective home appliance. A electronic dis-play system for displaying user-selectable commands of the home appliance being controlled. Another set of keys for user selection of those user-selectable commands. Input/output terminal for interfacing with other computer-based storage device such as another remote controller, and a card insertion port for engaging with a removable memory card, so as to allow new data for remote control of new appliances to be supplied from outside to, or retrieved from, the universal remote controller.
UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROLLER
A universal remote controller which can be set to control one of a plurality of home appliances, including:
A plurality of keys for user selection of home appliance to be controlled, each key corresponds to a respective home appliance. A electronic dis-play system for displaying user-selectable commands of the home appliance being controlled. Another set of keys for user selection of those user-selectable commands. Input/output terminal for interfacing with other computer-based storage device such as another remote controller, and a card insertion port for engaging with a removable memory card, so as to allow new data for remote control of new appliances to be supplied from outside to, or retrieved from, the universal remote controller.
Description
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UNIVER~AL RE;~.O'i'E vO~TROLLER
Technical field of the invention:
The present invention relates to remote controllers, and, more particularly, to remote controllers for controlling a plurality of home electric appliances remotely.
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Background of -the invention:
A trend in im ra-red(IR) remote controls for home appliances is the universal remote controller which controls any one of a plurality of home appliances manufactured by different manufacturers~
and utilizing respective different remote control signals ` possessing different charac-teristic parameters.
The prior art universal remote controllers can be classified into 2 types:
1) The learning remote controller. It can receives infra-red(IR) signals from i~n original remote con troller to be emulated, after having the received signals being recorded, analysed and compressed9 the final data is stored in a volatile memory (R~M) of the learning remote controller. ~en it is needed to transmit a IR signal, the stored,compressed data are recal.led from memory, decompressed and -the resulting signal is transmitted.
UNIVER~AL RE;~.O'i'E vO~TROLLER
Technical field of the invention:
The present invention relates to remote controllers, and, more particularly, to remote controllers for controlling a plurality of home electric appliances remotely.
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Background of -the invention:
A trend in im ra-red(IR) remote controls for home appliances is the universal remote controller which controls any one of a plurality of home appliances manufactured by different manufacturers~
and utilizing respective different remote control signals ` possessing different charac-teristic parameters.
The prior art universal remote controllers can be classified into 2 types:
1) The learning remote controller. It can receives infra-red(IR) signals from i~n original remote con troller to be emulated, after having the received signals being recorded, analysed and compressed9 the final data is stored in a volatile memory (R~M) of the learning remote controller. ~en it is needed to transmit a IR signal, the stored,compressed data are recal.led from memory, decompressed and -the resulting signal is transmitted.
2) For controllers of this -type, all of the different characteristic parameter information for all of the functions of each type of electric appliances or -the llke to be controlled must be programmed and stored in a read only memory(ROM) disposed therein. And the data concerned are usually compressed in some manner to occupy as little memory space as possible.
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Despite the fact that various improvements has been made ~or the prior art universal remote controllers~
each of the 2 types has their defiencies inherent in the nature of their design~
Some remote controllers of, for example~ video cass-ette recorders, has man-machine interface capability.
Specifically, when it is to preset the timing inform-ation such as week/day/hour/minute/channel number/time dura-tion for a program to be recorded, one can first key in the data on a keyboard of the controller, then, the data entered will be displayed in a screen thereof, so as to allow some alternations, deletions or the like to be carried out, if it is necessary, and typically, guidance for user in the form of user advises, pages of menu of options available or the like is also pro-vided in the screen, so that one can manipulate the remote controller by merely responding to said gruid-ance. After seeing that everything is correct, one can instruct the remote controller to send out the whole series of commands in one single package of rem-ote control signals by pushing a specific key. Obvious-ly, a learning remote controller can support no man-machine inter~ace in a manner like -this, and it is the first problem hereto left unresolved.
A second problem of the learning remote con-troller is that it requires a time consuming process to have all appliances remote control signal to be learned.
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A third problem is encountered in the controllers of type 2, the use of internal ROM makes it rest-ricted to a ~ixed set of most widely used applic-ances only, such as televisions, video cassette recorders and cable converters, t~Jpically applic-ances from small manufacturers would be excluded.
For controllers of type 1 ~ 2, a fourth problem results from the practice in whi.ch typically same key will be responsible for the input of different command when different ap~liance is to be controlled remotely, and generally no or insufficient provision i5 being made to allow users to be well informed of these, becau3e of difficulties such as requiremen-t for user entr~
of display legends or extra hardware dedicated for the download of the same ~ro~l external, .n~lllcl be involved when incorpor~tirg suitable means for this purpose.
Finally, a fifth problem originates from the fac-t that -the setup procedure and oper~.tion of the 2 t-~rpes of controllers are too complicated, especi-ally for the lea.rning remote controllers, and con~usion can easily occur to an ordinary user without prior tralning.
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Summary of the invention:
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to preclude t~.e disadvantages of prior art as described above and to provide a generally improved universal remote controller.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an universal remote controller hav-ing a receiving and coupling means for engaging with a removable memory card, and an internal random access memory(R~M) for storing character-istic parameter inforrtlation of remote control signals for the con-trol of appliances manufact-ured by different manufacturers is also included.
Further 9 a full selection of removeble memory cards each containing characteristic parameter information for cont;rolling one or a plurality of appliances are furnished to users, thus, by selecting a correct collection of said memor~J
c~rds and having data therein being copied into said in~ernal ~A~; selectively, a user carl control a whole houseful of appliances in any combina-tion remotely with the present controller.
As will be described in Kreater detail herein, the provision of said full selection of removable memory cards and said receiving and coupling means for engaging with anyone of them preciudes the second and third problems mentioned above.
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For the four-th problem, it is precluded by the provision of ~ ~lurality of dis31ay elements, ~each capzble of displaying, in ~ccordance with the appliance to be controlled, a abbreviation or symbol of user command associated with a corresponding key.
A further object of the present invention is to provided a universal remote controller part-icul?rly adapted for the purpose of hotel room or conference room facilities remote control.
The above object of the present invention is achieved by having said display elements as well as a main display also included in the present controller, are of the type dot matrix and may be used for dis31?ying lnformation in different languages and in ?ny -orm.
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Brief description of the drawings:
The present invention, as well as the advantages thereof 7 can best be u~derstood in light of the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify like elements.
FIG.1 is a block diagram showing the structure of an universal remote controller constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.2 is a plan view of the present universal remote controller.
FIG.3 is a side view of the present universal remote controller.
FI.4 is a detailed schematic diagram of the power supply circuitry of the presen-t ~iversal remote controller, 2~3~
Description of the preferred embodiments:
Re~erring to FIG.1, there is shown in block form an universal remote controller 1 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown~ the structure shown in FIG.1 includes a central processing unit 2 or CPU for short, a read only memory 4 or R0~1 for shor-t, a random access memory 8 or RA~I ~or short(with batt~
ery back up), a display unit 12, a command input unit 14, an infra-red(IR) emitter 16, a receiving and coupling means for engagmg with 2 removable memor~y card 10 and coupling said removable memory card 10 to CPU2 electrically, and further, an input/output(I/O) terminal for interfacing with an external computer-based stora~e device 6 and coupling said external computer-based storage dev-ice to CPU 2 electrically. In most cases, rnemory card 10 is a semiconductor memory o.~ ~he type RO~I, programmable read only memory(PROM), however, electrically eraseable pro~rammable re~d only mem-ory(EEPROM) rllay also be used.
It is to be noted that the main features o~ the present controller re.side in the provision of the display uni-t 12, the receiving and cou~ling means and the I/O terminal. The receiving and coupling means and the I/O terminal provide CPU 2 the cap-ability cf accessing information fronl an unlimited ... .
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_9_ number of memory cards 10 or computer--based stora~e devices 6.
CPU 2 is in charge of the overall control of the present controller 1. RO~i 4 is a storage of a sys-tem software, comprising one opera-ting program and a plurality of utility routines. A wor'~ing memo~y is provided to CPU 2 for storin~ various data und-er its control, which can be a certain part of R~l 8 or an internal RAM of CPU 2 R~il 8 is a storage for a selected plurality of information sets. An infor-mation set includes all necessary data required by CPU 2 for carrying out remote control of a corres-ponding appliance, and data of which is classified into 2 types: display information and control inf-ormation, display information contains representa-tions of characters/words to be displayed in the display unit 12, while control information tells CPU 2 how ko carry out a user command indicated by a pressed key, and details of which will be describ-ed hereinafter, In addition, said storage of inform-ation sets in RAM 8 is established by copying infor-mation sets from memory cards 10 or com~uter-based storage device 6, each of which may cont~in one or a plurality of information sets. And, each such com-puter-based stor~ge device 6 may be another remote controller or a computer having a s-torage of inform-ation s~ts.
FIG.2 is a plen vlew of the present controller 1.
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As shown, the command input ~nit 14 consists of a "ON/OFF" key 42, 2 power keys 54, a plurality of numeric keys "O" through "g" designated by refer-ence numeral 38, a plurality of selection keys 20, a user-operable command selector and furthery 4 keys for system control, namely as, a "PROG" mode -toggle key 24, a "HELP" mode toggle key 26, a pair of screen keys "A","y" desi~nated by reference numerals 44,46 respectively. The "ON/OFF't key 42 is used for the switching on or off of the control-lable applicances. Typically, the numeric keys are for the direct input of number of television channel selected or the like. The user-operable command sel-ector is for the generation of one of a plurality of command si~nals in accordance with user activa-tion, so as to indic~te an associated command for CPU 2 to carry out and, the command being associa~ed ~ith a respective co~mand signal is programmable and is dependent on the appliance being controlled by the present controller 1. In -the present controller 1, the user-operable command selector is a set of multi-f~mction keys 30,34,36, and user commands asso-ciated with them and to be execu-ted upon a depress-ion of them changes when the appliance being control-led is changed. The selection keys are used for select-ing a particular applicance to be controlled by the present controller, and each of them designates a corresponding appliance.
It is to be noted that all the above-mentioned keys ... . . . . .
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_ 1 1 -are included in i? keyboard.
Unlike the multi-function keys, the "ON/OFF" ~ey 42 and the numeric keys each designates a respective user command, and as used herein, they are all referred to 2S the r'conventional keys", 2nd further, other keys that are typici~lly used in the convent-ional or prior ~rt remote controllers may 21so be included, if desired.
As for the 2 toggle keys mentioned above, the term "toggle" means that a pressing of the key will cause a corresponding mode to be active, and a second press-ing of the key return the present controller 1 to normal operation, end 2 respective bits indicative of the active or inective of program mode, hel~
mode are provided in a specific location of Rl~ 8.
rhe help mode is used to provided user det?~ escrip--tions of commands associaled r~spectively with the multi-~mction l~eys, as will be described in greater det~il herein. '~hile the progriqm mode is for the set-up of a storage of information sets in RAM 8 and for user selection of the selection keys for designating respectivel~ the different appliances which may be choosen to be controlled. Specifici~lly, when in the program mode, CPU 2, under the con-trol of the operat-ing program, fetches respective identity messages from every one of the information sets provided in RAM 8, memory card 10 and computer-based storage device 6, if a memory card 10 or a computer based storage 3~
-12_ device 6 is coupled to CPU 2 in the manner mention-ed above. And, as will be described in greater det-ails herein, an identity message is provided in each of the information sets for telling the identity of the appliance to be controlled. Then, the identities of the controllable appliances are displayed in a list in the main display 22 by usin~ the identity messages fetched. At this point, an user may select from the list any appliance for -the present controller to control remotely, ~ld also, select the selection keys for desi~nating the appliances selected, Then, according to user command, the information set of a selected appliance provided in memory card 10 may be copied or not copied into RAM 8, and for lnformation sets of selected appliances provided in computer-based storage device 6, -they are copied into R~I 8 auto~atically. Finally, the starting address of information set of a selected appliance will be stored, in accordance with the selection key for it, into a specific location in RI~M 8 automatically for future reference, when the program mode is terminated by a depression of "PROG" mode tog~le key 24.
It is to be noted that any information set in RAM 8 or memory card 10 can be used by CPU 2 in exactly the same manner when performing remote control act-ivities, and if information set of a selected appl-iance in memory card 10 is not copied into RAM 8, then CPU 2 will assume the same memory card 10 is still mounted in the present controller 1 and access data -therei.n with starting address of the informa-.. . . .
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tion set previously stored whenever i~ is required, with this novel feature, the present controller 1 is capable of displiyin~ display information in different languages while maintaining its control over a fixed set of appliances, by having a plura-lity of memory cards each comprising same informa-tion sets located at same starting addresses, but with display information thereof being provided in a different langui~ge , In this w~y, to change the language of displi~y involves a change of memory card used only. This feature makes the present conlroller particularly adi~pted for the purpose of hotel room or conference room facilities remote control. Since resoective locations are required for respective selection ~eys for storing the starting addresses of the information sets, said locations may well be includea in a table in RAM 8.
Alterna-tively, said table may be supplied to kAI
8 from memory card 10 or computer-bi~sed stori~e device 6, or said table may well be m~intained in memory card 10 so that CPU 2 c~n access to memory card 10 to ~etch the startin~ addresses of the inform~tion sets whenever reauired.
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-14_ ln the case of remote control in household environment, ~ppliances therein varies from one environment to another environment and may be changed frequently, it is more economi-cal -to have information sets from a selected collection of memory c~rds 10 being copied into the storage of RA~I 8.
41so shown in FIG.29 display unit 12 consis-ts of display elements 28,~2 and a main display 22, all are of dot matrix type and can disPlay char-acters of any form. As will be described in greater det~il herein, the main display 22 is used for displaying detail descriptions of com-mands associated respectively with the multi-function keys, and also provides comnlunication sup~ort required for man-machine interface.
While for the display elemen-ts, a plurality of res~ectively corresponding multi-f~lction key~
is nrovided and disPosed ~djacent -to them, and they are used solely for displ~ying the abbrev-iations or symbols of comm~nds ~ssociated res~-ectively wi~h the corresponding n~ulti-func-tion keys, for example,"R~C" st~nds for record comm~nd of video cassette recorder,the dimension of the displ~y elements thus requ.ired is mucn smaller than that of ~ ~1$ 3 ll ~ ,~
_15-the main display 22, typically a display of 2 to 3 words is su~ficient. It is to be noted that dis-play element 32 has 2 multi-function keys "~""'V"
designated by reference numerals 34,36 correspond-ing to it~ the keys are used in a pair and are specialised for -the remote control commands 9 such as volume control, channel selec~ etc.
Infra-red emitter 16 converts digital signal from CPU 2 to corresponding IR si~nal for the remote control of appliances~ Additionally, emitters of other kind of energy that may be used for remote control purpose, for example, ultrasonic emitter may also be included, if required.
FIG.4 is a detailed schematic diagram of the power supply circuitry of the present controller. 60 is a plurality of standard AAA batteries, which provides power for the present controller, and lithlum batt-ery 62 provides back up power for RQi1 8. When voltage from batteries 60 go low or during the time for exch-anging batterles 60 with new ones, lithium battery 6Z
will back up RAM 8 through diode 64. While CPU 2 receives power directly from batteries 60, other components o~ the present controller including ROM 4, memory card 10, display unit 12 receive their power from Vbb power line, which may be powered up or down under control of CPU 2. Specifically, during ,.; : ~ .,, .:
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power up, microprocessor port 70 is set high, and causes transistor 66 be turned on, which in turn turns on transistor 68, thus enabling power from batteries 60 supply to Vbb power line. During power down 9 CPU 2 set its output port 70 low, then transistor 66 and 68 will be turned off, and power to Vbb line is remo~ed.
CPU 2 will power down Vbb line if no key is pressed for a prolonged period of time, and power to Vbb line will be ressumed if a key is pressed. Re~erred to FIG.2 and FIG.3, 2 power keys 54 used specif-ically for the purpose of powering up the Vbb line are disposed on the 2 sides of the present control-ler. With a slight grip of the hand holding the present controller, an user C&n easily cause press-ure to both sides of the present controller and subsequently depresses the power keys 54, thus further causes CP~ 2 -to power u~ Vbb line and setup the display of abbreviations of commands in display elements. This novel feature allow battery energy to be saved without causing any inconvenience to user as a sacrifice.
As it is a fact more than an assumption that char-17- 2~83~7 ~
acteristics in common exist among IR remote control signals used in the remote control of a szme appl-iance, or the corresponding respective digital rem-ote control signals used for the generation of the IR remote control signals, so data compression tech-niques of prior art controllers typically include respective libraries for storirg characteristic parameters such as carrier frequency, pulse width, pulse modulation, point-in-time of -the edges of pul-se and overall timing format of remote control signals,or of common signal structures of the remote control signals, of respective ap~liances~ In addition, com-mand words are also provided so that by using library data in accordance with the command words, the original remote control signals can be re-constructed respect-ively. It should be noted that other characteris-tic parameters can be added to library if reauired ? and non-relevant parameters can be omitted therein, dep-ending upon the particular appliance -to be controlled remotely.
For each informa-tion set o~ the presen-t inven-tion, there includes a library as well as a one byte library identity code for it, so as to preven-t CPU 2 from cop-ying two identical libraries from clifferent memory c~rds 10 or computer-based storage devices 6 into RA~ 8. This is because in ~ost cases, remote cont-rol of appliances from same manufacturer and, even in some cases, from different manufacturers, may share the use of a same library. In addition ? another IR
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generator identity code is also included, which use will be described in details herein.
Also included are 3 types of table of pointers,for the access of 1) control information of all conven-tional keys, 2) control infornation of all multi-function keys, 3) display information of all display elements and the main display 22, respectively. And, for each conventional key, multi-function key, dis-play element 9 a respective pointer is provided in one of the tables for the access of corresponding information included in the information set. Further, 2 respective pointers are provided in table 2 for multi-function keys 34,~67 eventhough they work in a pair. In addition, by changing the control information for the conventional keys, they can be used to control different appliances, just like the multi-function keys, Finally, -the control of an appliance may demand a plurality of screen states, that is , A
plural sets of user commands is required for -the same set of multi-function keys, and, only one of the plural sets of user comnlands is allowed -to be active at any time. And also, respective table 2,3 are pro~
vided for each screen state for t~e access of addit-ional control and display information thus required.
For control information designated by pointers of table 1, each is a command word. For control infor-mation designated by pointers o~ -table 21 each of 2 Q $ ~
which may either be a command word or an external routine, and 1 control attribu~e bit is required by each for the indica-tion of this. Thus, -table 2 requires one additional control attribute byte for pro~ision of the 8 control ettribute bits for the 8 multi-function keys, 6 for keys 30, 1 for key 34, and 1 for key 36.
When CPU 2 is about to execute a user command ind-icated by a depression of a key, it will first check the identity of the key.
If the key is conventional, then CPU 2 will fetch the corresponding co~.mand word and cause to gener-ate a IR remote control si~nal in accordance there-with.
If it is a multi-function Xey, then a control attr-ibute bit of i-t is inspected. If ~ com~and ~ord is indicated , -then C?U 2 will fetch the co~and word and cause -to generate a IR remote control sig-nal in accordance therewith. If an external rou-tine i5 indicated, then CPU 2 will e~ecute an 'indirect call' to the external routine by use of a corres~
ponding pointer of -the key, or in other words, CPU 2 will jump to the external rou-tine designa-ted by the pointer, execute it and return from it.
In addition, with the provision of utility routines .
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which, not only the o~erating program, but also the external routines may call and execute, makes the programming of the external routines extremely simple and easy 9 as all complicated operations are handled by the utility routines.
The utility routines are, namely as 9 the key-board routine, the display routine, the IR
genera-tor routine, and other routines may be added, if deslred.
As to the table 3, pointers of the following display in~ormation are provided therein:
1) pointers provided in a subtable 1 therein, corresponding respectively to the multi-function keys, for access of the abbrev-iations or symbols of user co~mands asso-ciated respectively wi-th the multi-function keys. Such abbreviations or symbols are -to be displ~yed in the corresr~onding respect-~ iveiy display elements disposed edjacent I to the multi-function keys, whenever Vbb line is powered up.
2) pointers provided in a subtable 2 therein, corresponding respectively to the multi-~mction keys, for access of the detailed descriptions of user cornmands associated respectively wi.th the multi-func-tion keys.
As described above, the help rnode is for the display of said detailed descriptions.
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When in the help mode ~nd upon a depression of a multi-function key, CPU ~ wlll cause the de-tailed description of user comm2nd which associated with the multi-function key pressed to be displayed in the main display 22 and, no user command of any multi-function Icey pressed will be carried out by CPU 2 in this mode.
3) Further, an extra pointer is provided in each information set for the access of an identity messa~e specifying the type, model number and manufacturer of the ap~liance to be controlled.
In addition, display information of the above may be represented in 2 ways: 1) pPttern data of char-acters to be displayed7 2) character codes of characters to be displayed. And, one respective at-tribute bit is reauired by each abbreviation or symbol, detailed description and the identit~
messa~e for the indication of the way of represent-ation 1 out of the 2, and display attribute bytes are provided in the table 3 for provision of said bits required. And further, for the latter case, a character ~enerator is included in ROM 4 for the conversion of the character codes into corr-espondin~ pattern d~ta by CPU 2. Typically, the character ~enerator includes pattern data of num-eric number "O" throu~h "9", plus a collection of characters and/or words and/or symbols that are frequently used in remote control of appliances.
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If the country for the present controller 1 to be used is, for example9 united ~in~dom or U.S.A., then the collection could be alphabets A to Z, and symbols "~",">>" for the fast forward and rewind of video cassette recorder , for example.
While said character code used may be ASCII.
For poLnters of control information or display information, their values will be set to zero if the associated information is not availableO
For the utility routines, the keyboard routine is for scannin~ the keyboard and detection OI
any key pressed.
The display routine uses pointer of respective display information and associated display at-tr-ibute bit as input parameter and, if required, a con-version of character codes into correspondin~ pattern data will be carried out and further, causes the pattern data to be displayed in the main display 22 or one of the display elements, whichever is selected.
The IR generator routine is comprised of a plural-ity of IR generator subroutine, this is because IR signals possessing different characteristic parameters are required for the remote control o~
appliances from different manufacturers, so resp-ectively generator subroutines are provided for the generation of these. The IR generator routine use pointer of a command word as input paramet-er and causes a corresponding IR signal to be generated by a IR generator subroutine selected according to a IR generator identlty code provided in the information set.
When it is clesired to send a command to a particu-lar appliance, -the corresponding one o~ a plurality of selection keys provided in key input unit 14 is depressed selecti~ely. Then, operating under control of the operating program, CPU 2 ~rill power up Vbb line and associated components, if they are powered down previously. ~t this stage, the pres-ent controller will undergo an initietion process.
F'irst, a starting address of the information set to be used is read out from a speci~ic memory loca-tion in RAM 8 corresponding to the selection key . . . ... . .. .
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pressedO lf a plurality of screen sta~es is provid-ed in the infQrmation set, then a first screen will be used in this initiation process. Next~ a pointer of library, a IR generator identity code and 3 tables of pointers 1,2,3 of the first screen state are relo-cated to a workin~ memory of RAM 8, the term "reloca-tion" means that values of pointers co~ied into said workin~ memory is added with a value equal the start-ing address of the information set in the memory space of either R~ 8 or memory card 10, this is because the original values of those pointers which are act-ually addresses of correspondlng information to be accessed are calculated by taking starting address of the information set equal zero. Then, using pointers of subtable 1 of table 3 and associated attribute bits as input parameters, the displey routine is executed repeatedly with everytime the pointer and associated attribute bit used being chan~ed, until all display elements are dis~layin~ the abbreviations or symbols of user com~ands of the multi-func~ion keys. The initiation process then ends. The keyboard routine is executed and the keyboard entry tnus obtained is handled as described above, except for screen keys "~"~"V' If more than 1 screen state is provided in the info~
rmatlon set, then u~on a depressi.on of screen key "~" or "V"' another initiation process just as the one described above will occur to the present con-~:1. :: , , ,~
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troller 1, but this time only new tables 2,3 of the second or last screen are relocated into said working memory of RAM 8, respectively. While the library and table 1 used remain unchanged.
The change of tables 2,3 will subsequently change the abbreviations or symbols of commands display-ed in the display elements, and the control info-r~ation used by CPU 2 in carrying out user com- -mands associated with the multi-function keys~
From the foregoing it shouid be readily apparent that many advantages can be found from a remote controller constructed according to the present invention. For example, by adopting a new appr-~ oach to have the same job being done, the 5 afor-,i ementioned problems inherent to the conventional or prior art universal remote controllers virt-uall-~ do not exist in the presen-t controller. And also, with the capability of handling external routines in information sets, the present control-ler virtually capable of carrying out user commands in any manner, while the availability of utility routines for the use of' external routines also enable the external routines to handle en-tries of keyboard and the display of information in a sim-ple manner, thus enabling an interactive man-machine interface can be achieved and be used in i remote control activi-ties if it is necessary.
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~, ~ j3 ~ 3, Although the present invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, obviously many variations and changes are possible therein. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention may be practiced other wise than specifically described herein without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.
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Despite the fact that various improvements has been made ~or the prior art universal remote controllers~
each of the 2 types has their defiencies inherent in the nature of their design~
Some remote controllers of, for example~ video cass-ette recorders, has man-machine interface capability.
Specifically, when it is to preset the timing inform-ation such as week/day/hour/minute/channel number/time dura-tion for a program to be recorded, one can first key in the data on a keyboard of the controller, then, the data entered will be displayed in a screen thereof, so as to allow some alternations, deletions or the like to be carried out, if it is necessary, and typically, guidance for user in the form of user advises, pages of menu of options available or the like is also pro-vided in the screen, so that one can manipulate the remote controller by merely responding to said gruid-ance. After seeing that everything is correct, one can instruct the remote controller to send out the whole series of commands in one single package of rem-ote control signals by pushing a specific key. Obvious-ly, a learning remote controller can support no man-machine inter~ace in a manner like -this, and it is the first problem hereto left unresolved.
A second problem of the learning remote con-troller is that it requires a time consuming process to have all appliances remote control signal to be learned.
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A third problem is encountered in the controllers of type 2, the use of internal ROM makes it rest-ricted to a ~ixed set of most widely used applic-ances only, such as televisions, video cassette recorders and cable converters, t~Jpically applic-ances from small manufacturers would be excluded.
For controllers of type 1 ~ 2, a fourth problem results from the practice in whi.ch typically same key will be responsible for the input of different command when different ap~liance is to be controlled remotely, and generally no or insufficient provision i5 being made to allow users to be well informed of these, becau3e of difficulties such as requiremen-t for user entr~
of display legends or extra hardware dedicated for the download of the same ~ro~l external, .n~lllcl be involved when incorpor~tirg suitable means for this purpose.
Finally, a fifth problem originates from the fac-t that -the setup procedure and oper~.tion of the 2 t-~rpes of controllers are too complicated, especi-ally for the lea.rning remote controllers, and con~usion can easily occur to an ordinary user without prior tralning.
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Summary of the invention:
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to preclude t~.e disadvantages of prior art as described above and to provide a generally improved universal remote controller.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an universal remote controller hav-ing a receiving and coupling means for engaging with a removable memory card, and an internal random access memory(R~M) for storing character-istic parameter inforrtlation of remote control signals for the con-trol of appliances manufact-ured by different manufacturers is also included.
Further 9 a full selection of removeble memory cards each containing characteristic parameter information for cont;rolling one or a plurality of appliances are furnished to users, thus, by selecting a correct collection of said memor~J
c~rds and having data therein being copied into said in~ernal ~A~; selectively, a user carl control a whole houseful of appliances in any combina-tion remotely with the present controller.
As will be described in Kreater detail herein, the provision of said full selection of removable memory cards and said receiving and coupling means for engaging with anyone of them preciudes the second and third problems mentioned above.
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For the four-th problem, it is precluded by the provision of ~ ~lurality of dis31ay elements, ~each capzble of displaying, in ~ccordance with the appliance to be controlled, a abbreviation or symbol of user command associated with a corresponding key.
A further object of the present invention is to provided a universal remote controller part-icul?rly adapted for the purpose of hotel room or conference room facilities remote control.
The above object of the present invention is achieved by having said display elements as well as a main display also included in the present controller, are of the type dot matrix and may be used for dis31?ying lnformation in different languages and in ?ny -orm.
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Brief description of the drawings:
The present invention, as well as the advantages thereof 7 can best be u~derstood in light of the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify like elements.
FIG.1 is a block diagram showing the structure of an universal remote controller constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.2 is a plan view of the present universal remote controller.
FIG.3 is a side view of the present universal remote controller.
FI.4 is a detailed schematic diagram of the power supply circuitry of the presen-t ~iversal remote controller, 2~3~
Description of the preferred embodiments:
Re~erring to FIG.1, there is shown in block form an universal remote controller 1 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown~ the structure shown in FIG.1 includes a central processing unit 2 or CPU for short, a read only memory 4 or R0~1 for shor-t, a random access memory 8 or RA~I ~or short(with batt~
ery back up), a display unit 12, a command input unit 14, an infra-red(IR) emitter 16, a receiving and coupling means for engagmg with 2 removable memor~y card 10 and coupling said removable memory card 10 to CPU2 electrically, and further, an input/output(I/O) terminal for interfacing with an external computer-based stora~e device 6 and coupling said external computer-based storage dev-ice to CPU 2 electrically. In most cases, rnemory card 10 is a semiconductor memory o.~ ~he type RO~I, programmable read only memory(PROM), however, electrically eraseable pro~rammable re~d only mem-ory(EEPROM) rllay also be used.
It is to be noted that the main features o~ the present controller re.side in the provision of the display uni-t 12, the receiving and cou~ling means and the I/O terminal. The receiving and coupling means and the I/O terminal provide CPU 2 the cap-ability cf accessing information fronl an unlimited ... .
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_9_ number of memory cards 10 or computer--based stora~e devices 6.
CPU 2 is in charge of the overall control of the present controller 1. RO~i 4 is a storage of a sys-tem software, comprising one opera-ting program and a plurality of utility routines. A wor'~ing memo~y is provided to CPU 2 for storin~ various data und-er its control, which can be a certain part of R~l 8 or an internal RAM of CPU 2 R~il 8 is a storage for a selected plurality of information sets. An infor-mation set includes all necessary data required by CPU 2 for carrying out remote control of a corres-ponding appliance, and data of which is classified into 2 types: display information and control inf-ormation, display information contains representa-tions of characters/words to be displayed in the display unit 12, while control information tells CPU 2 how ko carry out a user command indicated by a pressed key, and details of which will be describ-ed hereinafter, In addition, said storage of inform-ation sets in RAM 8 is established by copying infor-mation sets from memory cards 10 or com~uter-based storage device 6, each of which may cont~in one or a plurality of information sets. And, each such com-puter-based stor~ge device 6 may be another remote controller or a computer having a s-torage of inform-ation s~ts.
FIG.2 is a plen vlew of the present controller 1.
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As shown, the command input ~nit 14 consists of a "ON/OFF" key 42, 2 power keys 54, a plurality of numeric keys "O" through "g" designated by refer-ence numeral 38, a plurality of selection keys 20, a user-operable command selector and furthery 4 keys for system control, namely as, a "PROG" mode -toggle key 24, a "HELP" mode toggle key 26, a pair of screen keys "A","y" desi~nated by reference numerals 44,46 respectively. The "ON/OFF't key 42 is used for the switching on or off of the control-lable applicances. Typically, the numeric keys are for the direct input of number of television channel selected or the like. The user-operable command sel-ector is for the generation of one of a plurality of command si~nals in accordance with user activa-tion, so as to indic~te an associated command for CPU 2 to carry out and, the command being associa~ed ~ith a respective co~mand signal is programmable and is dependent on the appliance being controlled by the present controller 1. In -the present controller 1, the user-operable command selector is a set of multi-f~mction keys 30,34,36, and user commands asso-ciated with them and to be execu-ted upon a depress-ion of them changes when the appliance being control-led is changed. The selection keys are used for select-ing a particular applicance to be controlled by the present controller, and each of them designates a corresponding appliance.
It is to be noted that all the above-mentioned keys ... . . . . .
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_ 1 1 -are included in i? keyboard.
Unlike the multi-function keys, the "ON/OFF" ~ey 42 and the numeric keys each designates a respective user command, and as used herein, they are all referred to 2S the r'conventional keys", 2nd further, other keys that are typici~lly used in the convent-ional or prior ~rt remote controllers may 21so be included, if desired.
As for the 2 toggle keys mentioned above, the term "toggle" means that a pressing of the key will cause a corresponding mode to be active, and a second press-ing of the key return the present controller 1 to normal operation, end 2 respective bits indicative of the active or inective of program mode, hel~
mode are provided in a specific location of Rl~ 8.
rhe help mode is used to provided user det?~ escrip--tions of commands associaled r~spectively with the multi-~mction l~eys, as will be described in greater det~il herein. '~hile the progriqm mode is for the set-up of a storage of information sets in RAM 8 and for user selection of the selection keys for designating respectivel~ the different appliances which may be choosen to be controlled. Specifici~lly, when in the program mode, CPU 2, under the con-trol of the operat-ing program, fetches respective identity messages from every one of the information sets provided in RAM 8, memory card 10 and computer-based storage device 6, if a memory card 10 or a computer based storage 3~
-12_ device 6 is coupled to CPU 2 in the manner mention-ed above. And, as will be described in greater det-ails herein, an identity message is provided in each of the information sets for telling the identity of the appliance to be controlled. Then, the identities of the controllable appliances are displayed in a list in the main display 22 by usin~ the identity messages fetched. At this point, an user may select from the list any appliance for -the present controller to control remotely, ~ld also, select the selection keys for desi~nating the appliances selected, Then, according to user command, the information set of a selected appliance provided in memory card 10 may be copied or not copied into RAM 8, and for lnformation sets of selected appliances provided in computer-based storage device 6, -they are copied into R~I 8 auto~atically. Finally, the starting address of information set of a selected appliance will be stored, in accordance with the selection key for it, into a specific location in RI~M 8 automatically for future reference, when the program mode is terminated by a depression of "PROG" mode tog~le key 24.
It is to be noted that any information set in RAM 8 or memory card 10 can be used by CPU 2 in exactly the same manner when performing remote control act-ivities, and if information set of a selected appl-iance in memory card 10 is not copied into RAM 8, then CPU 2 will assume the same memory card 10 is still mounted in the present controller 1 and access data -therei.n with starting address of the informa-.. . . .
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tion set previously stored whenever i~ is required, with this novel feature, the present controller 1 is capable of displiyin~ display information in different languages while maintaining its control over a fixed set of appliances, by having a plura-lity of memory cards each comprising same informa-tion sets located at same starting addresses, but with display information thereof being provided in a different langui~ge , In this w~y, to change the language of displi~y involves a change of memory card used only. This feature makes the present conlroller particularly adi~pted for the purpose of hotel room or conference room facilities remote control. Since resoective locations are required for respective selection ~eys for storing the starting addresses of the information sets, said locations may well be includea in a table in RAM 8.
Alterna-tively, said table may be supplied to kAI
8 from memory card 10 or computer-bi~sed stori~e device 6, or said table may well be m~intained in memory card 10 so that CPU 2 c~n access to memory card 10 to ~etch the startin~ addresses of the inform~tion sets whenever reauired.
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-14_ ln the case of remote control in household environment, ~ppliances therein varies from one environment to another environment and may be changed frequently, it is more economi-cal -to have information sets from a selected collection of memory c~rds 10 being copied into the storage of RA~I 8.
41so shown in FIG.29 display unit 12 consis-ts of display elements 28,~2 and a main display 22, all are of dot matrix type and can disPlay char-acters of any form. As will be described in greater det~il herein, the main display 22 is used for displaying detail descriptions of com-mands associated respectively with the multi-function keys, and also provides comnlunication sup~ort required for man-machine interface.
While for the display elemen-ts, a plurality of res~ectively corresponding multi-f~lction key~
is nrovided and disPosed ~djacent -to them, and they are used solely for displ~ying the abbrev-iations or symbols of comm~nds ~ssociated res~-ectively wi~h the corresponding n~ulti-func-tion keys, for example,"R~C" st~nds for record comm~nd of video cassette recorder,the dimension of the displ~y elements thus requ.ired is mucn smaller than that of ~ ~1$ 3 ll ~ ,~
_15-the main display 22, typically a display of 2 to 3 words is su~ficient. It is to be noted that dis-play element 32 has 2 multi-function keys "~""'V"
designated by reference numerals 34,36 correspond-ing to it~ the keys are used in a pair and are specialised for -the remote control commands 9 such as volume control, channel selec~ etc.
Infra-red emitter 16 converts digital signal from CPU 2 to corresponding IR si~nal for the remote control of appliances~ Additionally, emitters of other kind of energy that may be used for remote control purpose, for example, ultrasonic emitter may also be included, if required.
FIG.4 is a detailed schematic diagram of the power supply circuitry of the present controller. 60 is a plurality of standard AAA batteries, which provides power for the present controller, and lithlum batt-ery 62 provides back up power for RQi1 8. When voltage from batteries 60 go low or during the time for exch-anging batterles 60 with new ones, lithium battery 6Z
will back up RAM 8 through diode 64. While CPU 2 receives power directly from batteries 60, other components o~ the present controller including ROM 4, memory card 10, display unit 12 receive their power from Vbb power line, which may be powered up or down under control of CPU 2. Specifically, during ,.; : ~ .,, .:
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power up, microprocessor port 70 is set high, and causes transistor 66 be turned on, which in turn turns on transistor 68, thus enabling power from batteries 60 supply to Vbb power line. During power down 9 CPU 2 set its output port 70 low, then transistor 66 and 68 will be turned off, and power to Vbb line is remo~ed.
CPU 2 will power down Vbb line if no key is pressed for a prolonged period of time, and power to Vbb line will be ressumed if a key is pressed. Re~erred to FIG.2 and FIG.3, 2 power keys 54 used specif-ically for the purpose of powering up the Vbb line are disposed on the 2 sides of the present control-ler. With a slight grip of the hand holding the present controller, an user C&n easily cause press-ure to both sides of the present controller and subsequently depresses the power keys 54, thus further causes CP~ 2 -to power u~ Vbb line and setup the display of abbreviations of commands in display elements. This novel feature allow battery energy to be saved without causing any inconvenience to user as a sacrifice.
As it is a fact more than an assumption that char-17- 2~83~7 ~
acteristics in common exist among IR remote control signals used in the remote control of a szme appl-iance, or the corresponding respective digital rem-ote control signals used for the generation of the IR remote control signals, so data compression tech-niques of prior art controllers typically include respective libraries for storirg characteristic parameters such as carrier frequency, pulse width, pulse modulation, point-in-time of -the edges of pul-se and overall timing format of remote control signals,or of common signal structures of the remote control signals, of respective ap~liances~ In addition, com-mand words are also provided so that by using library data in accordance with the command words, the original remote control signals can be re-constructed respect-ively. It should be noted that other characteris-tic parameters can be added to library if reauired ? and non-relevant parameters can be omitted therein, dep-ending upon the particular appliance -to be controlled remotely.
For each informa-tion set o~ the presen-t inven-tion, there includes a library as well as a one byte library identity code for it, so as to preven-t CPU 2 from cop-ying two identical libraries from clifferent memory c~rds 10 or computer-based storage devices 6 into RA~ 8. This is because in ~ost cases, remote cont-rol of appliances from same manufacturer and, even in some cases, from different manufacturers, may share the use of a same library. In addition ? another IR
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generator identity code is also included, which use will be described in details herein.
Also included are 3 types of table of pointers,for the access of 1) control information of all conven-tional keys, 2) control infornation of all multi-function keys, 3) display information of all display elements and the main display 22, respectively. And, for each conventional key, multi-function key, dis-play element 9 a respective pointer is provided in one of the tables for the access of corresponding information included in the information set. Further, 2 respective pointers are provided in table 2 for multi-function keys 34,~67 eventhough they work in a pair. In addition, by changing the control information for the conventional keys, they can be used to control different appliances, just like the multi-function keys, Finally, -the control of an appliance may demand a plurality of screen states, that is , A
plural sets of user commands is required for -the same set of multi-function keys, and, only one of the plural sets of user comnlands is allowed -to be active at any time. And also, respective table 2,3 are pro~
vided for each screen state for t~e access of addit-ional control and display information thus required.
For control information designated by pointers of table 1, each is a command word. For control infor-mation designated by pointers o~ -table 21 each of 2 Q $ ~
which may either be a command word or an external routine, and 1 control attribu~e bit is required by each for the indica-tion of this. Thus, -table 2 requires one additional control attribute byte for pro~ision of the 8 control ettribute bits for the 8 multi-function keys, 6 for keys 30, 1 for key 34, and 1 for key 36.
When CPU 2 is about to execute a user command ind-icated by a depression of a key, it will first check the identity of the key.
If the key is conventional, then CPU 2 will fetch the corresponding co~.mand word and cause to gener-ate a IR remote control si~nal in accordance there-with.
If it is a multi-function Xey, then a control attr-ibute bit of i-t is inspected. If ~ com~and ~ord is indicated , -then C?U 2 will fetch the co~and word and cause -to generate a IR remote control sig-nal in accordance therewith. If an external rou-tine i5 indicated, then CPU 2 will e~ecute an 'indirect call' to the external routine by use of a corres~
ponding pointer of -the key, or in other words, CPU 2 will jump to the external rou-tine designa-ted by the pointer, execute it and return from it.
In addition, with the provision of utility routines .
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which, not only the o~erating program, but also the external routines may call and execute, makes the programming of the external routines extremely simple and easy 9 as all complicated operations are handled by the utility routines.
The utility routines are, namely as 9 the key-board routine, the display routine, the IR
genera-tor routine, and other routines may be added, if deslred.
As to the table 3, pointers of the following display in~ormation are provided therein:
1) pointers provided in a subtable 1 therein, corresponding respectively to the multi-function keys, for access of the abbrev-iations or symbols of user co~mands asso-ciated respectively wi-th the multi-function keys. Such abbreviations or symbols are -to be displ~yed in the corresr~onding respect-~ iveiy display elements disposed edjacent I to the multi-function keys, whenever Vbb line is powered up.
2) pointers provided in a subtable 2 therein, corresponding respectively to the multi-~mction keys, for access of the detailed descriptions of user cornmands associated respectively wi.th the multi-func-tion keys.
As described above, the help rnode is for the display of said detailed descriptions.
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When in the help mode ~nd upon a depression of a multi-function key, CPU ~ wlll cause the de-tailed description of user comm2nd which associated with the multi-function key pressed to be displayed in the main display 22 and, no user command of any multi-function Icey pressed will be carried out by CPU 2 in this mode.
3) Further, an extra pointer is provided in each information set for the access of an identity messa~e specifying the type, model number and manufacturer of the ap~liance to be controlled.
In addition, display information of the above may be represented in 2 ways: 1) pPttern data of char-acters to be displayed7 2) character codes of characters to be displayed. And, one respective at-tribute bit is reauired by each abbreviation or symbol, detailed description and the identit~
messa~e for the indication of the way of represent-ation 1 out of the 2, and display attribute bytes are provided in the table 3 for provision of said bits required. And further, for the latter case, a character ~enerator is included in ROM 4 for the conversion of the character codes into corr-espondin~ pattern d~ta by CPU 2. Typically, the character ~enerator includes pattern data of num-eric number "O" throu~h "9", plus a collection of characters and/or words and/or symbols that are frequently used in remote control of appliances.
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If the country for the present controller 1 to be used is, for example9 united ~in~dom or U.S.A., then the collection could be alphabets A to Z, and symbols "~",">>" for the fast forward and rewind of video cassette recorder , for example.
While said character code used may be ASCII.
For poLnters of control information or display information, their values will be set to zero if the associated information is not availableO
For the utility routines, the keyboard routine is for scannin~ the keyboard and detection OI
any key pressed.
The display routine uses pointer of respective display information and associated display at-tr-ibute bit as input parameter and, if required, a con-version of character codes into correspondin~ pattern data will be carried out and further, causes the pattern data to be displayed in the main display 22 or one of the display elements, whichever is selected.
The IR generator routine is comprised of a plural-ity of IR generator subroutine, this is because IR signals possessing different characteristic parameters are required for the remote control o~
appliances from different manufacturers, so resp-ectively generator subroutines are provided for the generation of these. The IR generator routine use pointer of a command word as input paramet-er and causes a corresponding IR signal to be generated by a IR generator subroutine selected according to a IR generator identlty code provided in the information set.
When it is clesired to send a command to a particu-lar appliance, -the corresponding one o~ a plurality of selection keys provided in key input unit 14 is depressed selecti~ely. Then, operating under control of the operating program, CPU 2 ~rill power up Vbb line and associated components, if they are powered down previously. ~t this stage, the pres-ent controller will undergo an initietion process.
F'irst, a starting address of the information set to be used is read out from a speci~ic memory loca-tion in RAM 8 corresponding to the selection key . . . ... . .. .
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pressedO lf a plurality of screen sta~es is provid-ed in the infQrmation set, then a first screen will be used in this initiation process. Next~ a pointer of library, a IR generator identity code and 3 tables of pointers 1,2,3 of the first screen state are relo-cated to a workin~ memory of RAM 8, the term "reloca-tion" means that values of pointers co~ied into said workin~ memory is added with a value equal the start-ing address of the information set in the memory space of either R~ 8 or memory card 10, this is because the original values of those pointers which are act-ually addresses of correspondlng information to be accessed are calculated by taking starting address of the information set equal zero. Then, using pointers of subtable 1 of table 3 and associated attribute bits as input parameters, the displey routine is executed repeatedly with everytime the pointer and associated attribute bit used being chan~ed, until all display elements are dis~layin~ the abbreviations or symbols of user com~ands of the multi-func~ion keys. The initiation process then ends. The keyboard routine is executed and the keyboard entry tnus obtained is handled as described above, except for screen keys "~"~"V' If more than 1 screen state is provided in the info~
rmatlon set, then u~on a depressi.on of screen key "~" or "V"' another initiation process just as the one described above will occur to the present con-~:1. :: , , ,~
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troller 1, but this time only new tables 2,3 of the second or last screen are relocated into said working memory of RAM 8, respectively. While the library and table 1 used remain unchanged.
The change of tables 2,3 will subsequently change the abbreviations or symbols of commands display-ed in the display elements, and the control info-r~ation used by CPU 2 in carrying out user com- -mands associated with the multi-function keys~
From the foregoing it shouid be readily apparent that many advantages can be found from a remote controller constructed according to the present invention. For example, by adopting a new appr-~ oach to have the same job being done, the 5 afor-,i ementioned problems inherent to the conventional or prior art universal remote controllers virt-uall-~ do not exist in the presen-t controller. And also, with the capability of handling external routines in information sets, the present control-ler virtually capable of carrying out user commands in any manner, while the availability of utility routines for the use of' external routines also enable the external routines to handle en-tries of keyboard and the display of information in a sim-ple manner, thus enabling an interactive man-machine interface can be achieved and be used in i remote control activi-ties if it is necessary.
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~, ~ j3 ~ 3, Although the present invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, obviously many variations and changes are possible therein. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention may be practiced other wise than specifically described herein without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.
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Claims (30)
1. A universal remote controller for remotely con-trolling any selected one of a plurality of appli-ances, each responsive to a respective type of a plurality of different types of remote control signals, and each adapted to carry out a predet-ermined operation upon receipt of a predetermined remote control signal, comprising:
first command signal generating means for recei-ving user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a plurality of first command signals, for signifying a user-selected appliance;
electronic display means for displaying first information related and corresponding to a set of user-selectable commands of the user-selected appliance;
second command signal generating means for rece-iving user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a set of second command signals, for signifying a user selected command;
wherein said first information and said user-selectable commands are dependent on the appl-iance selected;
wherein the remote control of respective appliances requires respective information sets each con-taining control information and display infor-mation, said control information includes res-pective control data for use by a control means to carry out respective user-selectable commands and said display information includes display data which are data representative of corresp-onding first information;
further comprising memory means capable of storing a plurality of information sets;
interfacing means for interfacing with an external data storage means, and for coupling said exter-nal data storage means to a control means and enabling data to be supplied from said external data means to said memory means through the control means;
transmitting means for transmitting remote control signals;
the control means being associated with each of the above-mentioned means for controlling the overall operation of said controller.
first command signal generating means for recei-ving user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a plurality of first command signals, for signifying a user-selected appliance;
electronic display means for displaying first information related and corresponding to a set of user-selectable commands of the user-selected appliance;
second command signal generating means for rece-iving user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a set of second command signals, for signifying a user selected command;
wherein said first information and said user-selectable commands are dependent on the appl-iance selected;
wherein the remote control of respective appliances requires respective information sets each con-taining control information and display infor-mation, said control information includes res-pective control data for use by a control means to carry out respective user-selectable commands and said display information includes display data which are data representative of corresp-onding first information;
further comprising memory means capable of storing a plurality of information sets;
interfacing means for interfacing with an external data storage means, and for coupling said exter-nal data storage means to a control means and enabling data to be supplied from said external data means to said memory means through the control means;
transmitting means for transmitting remote control signals;
the control means being associated with each of the above-mentioned means for controlling the overall operation of said controller.
2. A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic display means is of dot matrix type and is capable of display-ing symbols and characters or words in at least one language.
3.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein further comprising a means for generating an address signal which includes a storage of respective information set addresses stored at respective locations therein and said locations corresponding respectively to said first command signals, so that when a first command signal is received by said control means, it can fetch the information set address from the corresponding location,
4.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 3, wherein further comprising a first user selecting means for selecting information sets accessible by said control means to be designated by said first command signals resp-ectively, and for storing respective informat-ion set addresses into the corresponding locat-ions in said storage accordingly.
5.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 3, wherein said storage is supplied to said memory means from said said external data storage means.
6.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 3, wherein said storage is provided at specific address of said external data stor-age means with locations therein being select-ively addressable by said control means
7.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein further comprising a second user selecting means operative under control of said control means for enabling information sets available in said external data storage means to be supplied selectively to said memory means.
8.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control data is 1) a signal structure-defining data, or 2) an ext-ernal routine, and is indicated by a correspond-ing attribute data;
wherein said control information includes resp-ective attribute data for respective control data;
wherein said control means is responsive to said attribute data for 1) generating a corr-esponding digital remote control signal in accordance with said signal structure-defin-ing data, applying said digital remote control signal to said transmitting means, whereby said transmitting means transmits the corres-ponding remote control signal, or 2) executing an instruction "CALL" to said external routine.
wherein said control information includes resp-ective attribute data for respective control data;
wherein said control means is responsive to said attribute data for 1) generating a corr-esponding digital remote control signal in accordance with said signal structure-defin-ing data, applying said digital remote control signal to said transmitting means, whereby said transmitting means transmits the corres-ponding remote control signal, or 2) executing an instruction "CALL" to said external routine.
9.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 8, wherein said control means includes a plurality of utility routines each for handling a specified function, and said external routine can cause to execute any one of said plurality of utility routine by an instruction "CALL".
10. A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 8, wherein said plurality of utility rout-ines include a keyboard routine for handling all keyboard activities, a display routine for handling all display activities, and a IR generator routine comprising a plurality of IR generator subroutines each for generating a respective type of digital remote control signals.
11. A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein each information set requires a library for storing characteristic parameters and common structure-defining data for a corres-ponding plurality of remote control signals;
wherein each said library has a corresponding library code and identical libraries have identical library codes, thereby preventing said control means from maintaining more than one identical library in said memory means.
wherein each said library has a corresponding library code and identical libraries have identical library codes, thereby preventing said control means from maintaining more than one identical library in said memory means.
12. A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein further comprising a second memory means for the storage of a plurality of IR generator subroutines, each for the generat-ion of a respective type of digital remote control signals; and wherein each said informa-tion set includes a generator code for desig-nating one of said plurality of IR generator subroutines for the generation of digital remote control signals in accordance with signal structure-defining data therein.
13.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first plurality of sets of user selectable commands is provided for the remote con-trol of a user-selected appliance, and each of said first plurality of sets containing user selectable commands corresponding respectively to said second command signals;
wherein the information set of said user-selected appliance includes a second plurality of sets of display data and control data, each of said second plurality of sets corresponds to a resp-ective one of said first plurality of sets and containing display data and control data corres-ponding respectively to user-selectable commands of said respective one of said first plurality of sets;
wherein further comprising third user selecting means operative under control of said control means for enabling user to select one set of said first plurality of sets of user-selectable commands for the remote control of said user-selected appliance;
whereby, said control means uses one set of said second plurality of sets of display and control data for carrying out activities related thereto, and said one set of said second plurality of sets used being dependent on the one set of said first plurality of sets selected by said means.
wherein the information set of said user-selected appliance includes a second plurality of sets of display data and control data, each of said second plurality of sets corresponds to a resp-ective one of said first plurality of sets and containing display data and control data corres-ponding respectively to user-selectable commands of said respective one of said first plurality of sets;
wherein further comprising third user selecting means operative under control of said control means for enabling user to select one set of said first plurality of sets of user-selectable commands for the remote control of said user-selected appliance;
whereby, said control means uses one set of said second plurality of sets of display and control data for carrying out activities related thereto, and said one set of said second plurality of sets used being dependent on the one set of said first plurality of sets selected by said means.
14.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display data is 1) pattern data of said first information, or 2) character codes of said first information, and is indicated by corresponding attribute data;
wherein said display information includes respective attribute data for respective display data;
wherein further comprising character generator means operative under control of said control means for converting said character codes into corresponding pattern data for said electronic display means to display.
wherein said display information includes respective attribute data for respective display data;
wherein further comprising character generator means operative under control of said control means for converting said character codes into corresponding pattern data for said electronic display means to display.
15.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic display means includes a main display having display area of compar-atively large size and with a comparatively large display capacity;
wherein said first information includes detailed descriptions of said user-selectable commands;
wherein further comprising a help mode means for generating corresponding signals in response to user activation, said signals cause said control means into or out of a help mode;
whereby, said control means is responsive to any one of said second command signals for causing said detailed description of the corresponding user-selected command to be displayed in said main display when said control means is in said help mode.
wherein said first information includes detailed descriptions of said user-selectable commands;
wherein further comprising a help mode means for generating corresponding signals in response to user activation, said signals cause said control means into or out of a help mode;
whereby, said control means is responsive to any one of said second command signals for causing said detailed description of the corresponding user-selected command to be displayed in said main display when said control means is in said help mode.
16.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first command signal generating means is a plurality of "selection keys";
wherein said second command signal generating means is a set of "multi function keys";
wherein said plurality of selection keys and said set of multi-function keys are included in a keyboard coupled to said control means;
wherein said first information includes abbrev-iations or symbols of said user-selectable commands which associated respectively with said plurality of multi-function keys.
wherein said second command signal generating means is a set of "multi function keys";
wherein said plurality of selection keys and said set of multi-function keys are included in a keyboard coupled to said control means;
wherein said first information includes abbrev-iations or symbols of said user-selectable commands which associated respectively with said plurality of multi-function keys.
17.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein said control means is respons-ive to said first command signal for automatic-ally controlling said electronic display means to display said abbreviations or symbols of said user-selectable commands being provided for the control of the corresponding user-selected appl-iance.
18. A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein said electronic display means includes a plurality of display elements each having display area of comparatively small size and with comparatively small display capacity, each positioned in proximity of at least one of the multi-function keys and is for the display of said abbreviation or symbol of the user selectable command being associated with said at least one of multi-function keys.
19.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interfacing means includes a card insertion port; and wherein said external data storage means includes removable memory card receivable by said card insertion port.
20.A universal remove controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein said interfacing means includes an input/output terminal; and wherein said ext-ernal data storage means includes a computer-based device having a storage of information sets and can be coupled to said input/output terminal by a suitable cable means.
21.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 20, wherein said computer-based device is a remote controller.
22.A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first command signal gener-ating means and said second command signal gener-ating means are 2 respective sets of keys included in a keyboard coupled to said control means;
wherein said control means automatically powers down at least a part of said controller if no keys is pressed for a predetermined period of time; and wherein said keyboard further includes 1 or 2 power keys, said power keys being substantially elongated rectangular in shape are each disposed on a respective longitudinal side of said con-troller, and are depressable for signalling said control means for powering up said part of said controller.
wherein said control means automatically powers down at least a part of said controller if no keys is pressed for a predetermined period of time; and wherein said keyboard further includes 1 or 2 power keys, said power keys being substantially elongated rectangular in shape are each disposed on a respective longitudinal side of said con-troller, and are depressable for signalling said control means for powering up said part of said controller.
23. A universal remote controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein said memory means is non-volatile.
24. Apparatus for remotely controlling any selected one of a plurality of appliances, each responsive to a respective type of a plurality of different types of remote control signals, and each adapted to carry out a predetermined remote control signal, comprising:
first command signal generating means for receiv-ing user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a plurality of first command signals, for signifying a user-selected appliance;
electronic display means for displaying first information related and corresponding to a set of user-selectable commands of the user-selected appliance;
second command signal generating means for rece-iving user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a set of second command signals, for signifying a user-selected command;
wherein said first information and said user-selectable commands are dependent on the appliance selected;
wherein the remote control of respective appliances requires respective information sets each con-taining control information and display inform-ation, said control information includes resp-ective control data for use by a control means to carry out respective user-selectable commands and said display information includes display data which are data representative of corres-ponding first information;
further comprising interfacing means for inter-facing with an external data storage means having one or a plurality of information sets stored therein, and for coupling said external data storage means to a control means;
transmitting means for transmitting remote control signals;
the control means being associated with each of the above-mentioned means for controlling the overall operation of said apparatus;
wherein:
said control means being capable of accessing the information set of the selected appliance by use of said first command signal;
said control means being responsive to said second command signals for reading out resp-ective control data and executing commands;
said control means also functioning to set up the display of said first information in said electronic display means by use of said dis-play data.
first command signal generating means for receiv-ing user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a plurality of first command signals, for signifying a user-selected appliance;
electronic display means for displaying first information related and corresponding to a set of user-selectable commands of the user-selected appliance;
second command signal generating means for rece-iving user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a set of second command signals, for signifying a user-selected command;
wherein said first information and said user-selectable commands are dependent on the appliance selected;
wherein the remote control of respective appliances requires respective information sets each con-taining control information and display inform-ation, said control information includes resp-ective control data for use by a control means to carry out respective user-selectable commands and said display information includes display data which are data representative of corres-ponding first information;
further comprising interfacing means for inter-facing with an external data storage means having one or a plurality of information sets stored therein, and for coupling said external data storage means to a control means;
transmitting means for transmitting remote control signals;
the control means being associated with each of the above-mentioned means for controlling the overall operation of said apparatus;
wherein:
said control means being capable of accessing the information set of the selected appliance by use of said first command signal;
said control means being responsive to said second command signals for reading out resp-ective control data and executing commands;
said control means also functioning to set up the display of said first information in said electronic display means by use of said dis-play data.
25.A remote control apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein said first information is abbreviations or symbols of the corresponding user-selectable commands.
26.A remote control apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein said interfacing means is a memory card port; and wherein said external data storage means is a plurality of removable memory cards each being receivable by said memory card port, and each containing a same plurality of information sets for the remote control of a same plurality of appliances respectively, the display information of said same plurality of information sets are provided in different languages in different said removable memory cards, so that by changing the removable memory card being used, the language of display can be changed while the appliances can be selected to be controlled remain the same.
27.A remote control apparatus for remotely control-ling any one of a plurality of appliances, each responsive to a respective type of a plurality of different types of remote control signals, and each adapted to carry out a predetermined operation upon receipt of a predetermined remote control sig-nal, comprising:
command signal generating means for receiving user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a plurality of command signals each signifying a operation for one of said plurality of appliances;
wherein the remote control of respective appliance requires corresponding control information, said control information contains signal structure-defining data corresponding respectively to a plurality of remote control signals required for the remote control of a respective appliance;
further comprising interfacing means for interfac-ing with an external data storage means storing control information corresponding to at least one of said plurality of appliances, and for coupling said external data storage means to a control means;
transmitting means for transmitting remote control signals;
the control means associated with each of the above-mentioned means for controlling the overall operation of said apparatus.
command signal generating means for receiving user activation, and in response thereto generating the selected one of a plurality of command signals each signifying a operation for one of said plurality of appliances;
wherein the remote control of respective appliance requires corresponding control information, said control information contains signal structure-defining data corresponding respectively to a plurality of remote control signals required for the remote control of a respective appliance;
further comprising interfacing means for interfac-ing with an external data storage means storing control information corresponding to at least one of said plurality of appliances, and for coupling said external data storage means to a control means;
transmitting means for transmitting remote control signals;
the control means associated with each of the above-mentioned means for controlling the overall operation of said apparatus.
28.A remote control apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein said interfacing means is a memory card port; and wherein said external data storage means is a plurality of removable memory cards each being receivable by said memory card port.
29.A remote control apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein further comprising e memory means coupled to said control means for storage of control information corresponding to said plurality of appliances, supplied from said external data storage means.
30. A apparatus for remote controlling a plurality of appliances, each responsive to a respective type of a plurality of different types of remote control signals, and each adapted to carry out a predetermined operation upon receipt of a predetermined remote control signal, comprising:
display means for displaying display information related to user-selectable commands;
wherein the remote control of respective appliances requires respective information sets, each contains control information including data for use to carry out the user-selectable commands and display information including descriptive information of the user-selectable commands;
further comprising memory means for storing inform-ation sets;
interfacing means for interfacing with an extern-al data storage means, and for coupling said external data storage means to a control means and data can be supplied from said external data means to said memory means through the control means;
transmitting means for transmitting remote con-trol signals;
the control means being associated with each of the above-mentioned means for controlling the overall operation of said controller.
display means for displaying display information related to user-selectable commands;
wherein the remote control of respective appliances requires respective information sets, each contains control information including data for use to carry out the user-selectable commands and display information including descriptive information of the user-selectable commands;
further comprising memory means for storing inform-ation sets;
interfacing means for interfacing with an extern-al data storage means, and for coupling said external data storage means to a control means and data can be supplied from said external data means to said memory means through the control means;
transmitting means for transmitting remote con-trol signals;
the control means being associated with each of the above-mentioned means for controlling the overall operation of said controller.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2083471 CA2083471A1 (en) | 1993-03-16 | 1993-03-16 | Universal remote controller |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2083471 CA2083471A1 (en) | 1993-03-16 | 1993-03-16 | Universal remote controller |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2083471A1 true CA2083471A1 (en) | 1994-09-17 |
Family
ID=4150720
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2083471 Abandoned CA2083471A1 (en) | 1993-03-16 | 1993-03-16 | Universal remote controller |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2083471A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0907156A2 (en) * | 1997-09-03 | 1999-04-07 | Universal Electronics, Inc. | Universal remote control system |
| EP1052608A1 (en) * | 1998-11-10 | 2000-11-15 | Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. | Expandable multiple frequency programmable transmitter |
| US6424947B1 (en) | 1997-09-29 | 2002-07-23 | Nds Limited | Distributed IRD system |
| US6820801B2 (en) * | 2001-02-06 | 2004-11-23 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. | Remote control system |
| CN102890460A (en) * | 2012-10-01 | 2013-01-23 | 上海研庆电子有限公司 | Microcomputer touch bedside controller |
| CN102968077A (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2013-03-13 | 上海研庆电子有限公司 | Smart bed control board for guest room of hotel |
-
1993
- 1993-03-16 CA CA 2083471 patent/CA2083471A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0907156A2 (en) * | 1997-09-03 | 1999-04-07 | Universal Electronics, Inc. | Universal remote control system |
| EP0907156A3 (en) * | 1997-09-03 | 1999-06-02 | Universal Electronics, Inc. | Universal remote control system |
| US6223348B1 (en) | 1997-09-03 | 2001-04-24 | Universal Electronics Inc. | Universal remote control system |
| US7268694B2 (en) | 1997-09-03 | 2007-09-11 | Universal Electronics, Inc. | Universal remote control system |
| US6424947B1 (en) | 1997-09-29 | 2002-07-23 | Nds Limited | Distributed IRD system |
| EP1052608A1 (en) * | 1998-11-10 | 2000-11-15 | Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. | Expandable multiple frequency programmable transmitter |
| US6333698B1 (en) | 1998-11-10 | 2001-12-25 | Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. | Expandable multiple frequency programmable transmitter |
| US6820801B2 (en) * | 2001-02-06 | 2004-11-23 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. | Remote control system |
| CN102968077A (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2013-03-13 | 上海研庆电子有限公司 | Smart bed control board for guest room of hotel |
| CN102890460A (en) * | 2012-10-01 | 2013-01-23 | 上海研庆电子有限公司 | Microcomputer touch bedside controller |
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