SYSTEM FOR PROGRAMMING GENERAL USE DEVICES COMMANDED REMOTELY AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING GENERAL USE DEVICES COMMANDED REMOTELY

• US 20100185302A1
• Filed: 01/21/2010
• Published: 07/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool SA (Whirlpool Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool SA (Whirlpool Corporation)
• Inventors: Schwarz, Marcos
• Application Number:
  US12/691,013
• Publication Number:
  US 20100185302A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/11
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

The present invention refers to a system for programming general use devices commanded remotely, said system being able to store one or more function codes sent by any master device, and execute, in sequence, the function corresponding to the function code stored.

Said system comprises at least a command device (3), at least a sensor element (2) and a remote control device (5), the sensor element (2) being electrically associated to the command device (3), the command device (3) being able to process a control signal (4) sent by the remote control device (5) by way of the sensor element (2), the command device (3) being able to store a first function code (100) sent by the remote control device (5) in a programming time (t_p) less than a cut time (t₁) and able to store a second function code (200) sent by the remote control device (5) after an off-on cycle of the command device (3) in a programming time (t_p) less than a cut time (t₁).

Claims

1. System for programming general use devices commanded remotely (1), comprising:

at least a command device (3);

at least a sensor element (2); and

a remote control device (5),

the sensor element (2) being electrically associated to the command device (3), the command device (3) being able to process a control signal (4) sent by the remote control device (5) by way of the sensor element (2), the system for programming general use devices commanded remotely (1), wherein the command device (3) is able to store a first function code (100) sent by the remote control device (5) in a programming time (t_p) less than a cut time (t₁) and able to store a second function code (200) sent by the remote control device (5) after an off/on cycle of the command device (3) in a programming time (t_p) less than a cut time (t₁).

2. System for programming general use devices commanded remotely (1), according to claim 1, wherein the off/on cycle of the command device (3) comprises a period of time greater than a minimum time (t₂) and less than a maximum time (t₃).

3. System for programming general use devices commanded remotely (1), according to claim 1, wherein the command device (3) is able to recognize the first function code (100) sent by the remote control device (5) in a command time (t_c) subsequent to the programming time (t_p).

4. System for programming general use devices commanded remotely (1), according to claim 1, wherein the command device (3) is able to recognize the second function code (200) sent by the remote control device (5) in a command time (t_c) subsequent to the programming time (t_p).

5. System for programming general use devices commanded remotely (1), according to claim 1, wherein the storage of the first and second function codes (100,200) is provided by an infra-red control signal sent by the remote control device (5).

6. System for programming general use devices commanded remotely (1), according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device (5) is a universal remote control.

7. System for programming general use devices commanded remotely (1), according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element (2) is a photodiode or a phototransistor.

8. Method for programming general use devices commanded remotely, comprising:

at least a command device (3);

at least a sensor element (2); and

a remote control device (5),

the command device (3) being electrically associated to the sensor element (2), the method for programming general use devices being characterized by comprising the following steps;

provide electric power to the command device (3);

provide a control signal (4) to the command device (3) emitted by the remote control device (5);

memorize a first function code (100) in the command device (3) if the emission of the control signal (4) is interrupted in a programming time (t_p) less than the cut time (t₁),

turn off the electric power of the command device (3) for a period of time greater than a minimum time (t₂) and less than a maximum time (t₃);

provide electric power to the command device (3);

memorize a second function code (200) in the command device (3) if the emission of the control signal (4) is interrupted in a programming time (t_p) less than the cut time (t₁).

9. Method for programming general use devices commanded remotely, according to claim 8, wherein the sensor element (2) is operated by an infra-red signal or a visible light.

10. Method for programming general use devices commanded remotely, according to claim 8, wherein the remote control device (5) is a universal remote control.