REMOTE CONTROL

• US 20100127912A1
• Filed: 11/26/2008
• Published: 05/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: X-10 LTD.
• Original Assignee: X-10 LTD.
• Inventors: Phillips, James R., Rye, David J.
• Application Number:
  US12/324,464
• Publication Number:
  US 20100127912A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 341/176
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

A remote control device having an emitter pointing in a direction generally non-parallel to a plane defined by the buttons. In some versions three emitters are provided, with the emitters pointing in different directions and having different radiation patterns. In additional versions, at least some of the buttons include Braille markings.

Claims

1. A remote controller for controlling an electronic device, comprising:

a case having a front side, a back side, and an end defining an internal cavity;

a plurality of buttons configured on the front side of the case, the plurality of buttons defining a plane;

a first emitter extending externally to the case, the first emitter pointing in a direction non-parallel to the plane; and

transmitter circuitry within the internal cavity, the transmitter circuitry being configured to cause the first emitter to illuminate in response to commands entered via at least one of the plurality of buttons.

2. The remote controller of claim 1, wherein the first emitter is pointing substantially orthogonal to the plane.

3. The remote controller of claim 1, further comprising a second emitter, the second emitter pointing in a direction substantially parallel with the plane.

4. The remote controller of claim 3, further comprising a third emitter, the third emitter pointing in a direction substantially parallel to the second emitter.

5. The remote controller of claim 4, wherein the second emitter comprises a radiation pattern that is relatively wider than a radiation pattern of the third emitter.

6. The remote controller of claim 5, wherein the first emitter is pointing substantially orthogonal to the plane.

7. The remote controller of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of buttons includes Braille indicators.

8. The remote controller of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of buttons includes Braille indicators.

9. The remote controller of claim 7, the remote controller further comprising a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than about 20 cm and the width is greater than about 20 cm.

10. The remote controller of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of buttons includes Braille indicators.

11. The remote controller of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of buttons includes Braille indicators.

12. A remote controller for controlling an electronic device, comprising:

a case having a front side and an opposing back side defining an external surface and an internal cavity;

a plurality of buttons configured on the external surface of the case;

a first emitter being configured to transmit infrared light external to the case, the first emitter pointing in a first direction; and

a second emitter being configured to transmit infrared light external to the case, the second emitter pointing in a second direction, the second direction being non-parallel to the first direction.

13. The remote controller of claim 12, wherein the first direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

14. The remote controller of claim 13, further comprising a third emitter, the third emitter being configured to transmit infrared light external to the case, the third emitter pointing in a third direction, the third direction being substantially parallel to the second direction.

15. The remote controller of claim 14, wherein the first direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

16. The remote controller of claim 15, wherein the second emitter comprises a radiation pattern that is relatively wider than a radiation pattern of the third emitter.

17. The remote controller of claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of buttons includes Braille indicators.

18. The remote controller of claim 16, wherein each of the first, second, and third emitters comprise light emitting diodes.