Activation of remote control transmitter functions by external inputs

• US 20070018878A1
• Filed: 07/25/2005
• Published: 01/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ron Tolmei
• Original Assignee: Ron Tolmei
• Inventors: Tolmei, Ron
• Granted Patent: US 7,535,401 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 341/176
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

The ability to operate remote control transmitter functions from external sensors, in conjunction with internal or external controls, to provide condition dependant automatic control of devices such as digital video recorders and the like are presented. The system enables any remote control transmitter to be modified to perform this function without the need to redesign any existing control functions either in the transmitter or receiver and is compatible with all remote control transmitters and receiver functions. The system is applicable to any form of control, is not dependant on existing designs, and easily implemented in any remote control transmitter. The system is a cost-effective solution to any problem, or requirement, associated with external control of remote control functions.

Claims

1. :

A plurality of internal and external optical, acoustical, electromagnetic, infrared, visual, mechanical, electromechanical, electronic components, software, and equipment using remote control technology as a communication means comprising in combination sensors, interface conditioners, processing logic, switching devices and wiring whose primary function in combination is control of remote control transmitter functions via external inputs.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein sensors of various means and control may be connected to interface conditioners via wire, optics, or other communication means for the purpose of controlling remote control transmitter functions to be received by remote control receivers.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the interface conditioner is capable of conforming sensor signals into signals suitable for insertion into processor logic , or other system equipment, for reception by remote control transmitter equipment used for controlling of remote control receiver functions.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein logic processes the signals from the interface conditioner, makes decisions based upon parameter values, and communicates the appropriate commands to a switching device or other system equipment for reception by remote control transmitters to communicate with remote control receivers.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a switching device is capable of performing the functions of the remote control transmitter keypad from externally supplied sensor signals for the purpose of controlling remote control transmitter functions that in turn control remote control receiver functions.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the device to be controlled is a recorder such as, but not limited to, Tivo or Replay digital video recorders that are controlled by remote control transmitters functions to be received by remote control receivers.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 to be housed either internally or externally within the remote control transmitter and powered either internally or externally by an appropriate power supply.