Regulator arrangement useful in an infrared remote control transmitter
First Claim
1. In a remote control transmitter for controlling at least one function of a remotely located system, apparatus comprising:
- transducer means for emitting infrared radiation in response to a drive signal;
input means for generating an input signal including a series of pulses having a time-related characteristic controlled to represent said function;
driver means for generating said drive signal in response to said input signal; and
regulator means responsive to the amplitude and width of said pulses for maintaining the magnitude of said drive signal below a magnitude corresponding to a safe level in infrared radiation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In an infrared (IR) remote control transmitter, a main amplitude regulator is provided to regulate the amplitude of pulses applied to the transmitter'"'"'s driver so as to maintain infrared radiation at a level consistent with proper operation but well below a safe limit for IR radiation under normal operating conditions. An auxiliary amplitude regulator is also provided to regulate the amplitude of pulses applied to the driver so as to maintain infrared radiation below the safe limit if the amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold level due to a component failure of the main amplitude regulator. An average detector is also coupled to the auxiliary amplitude regulator so that the amplitude of the pulses applied to the driver is reduced should their width exceed beyond a desired value due to a component failure or misoperation of the transmitter.
19 Citations
8 Claims
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1. In a remote control transmitter for controlling at least one function of a remotely located system, apparatus comprising:
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transducer means for emitting infrared radiation in response to a drive signal; input means for generating an input signal including a series of pulses having a time-related characteristic controlled to represent said function; driver means for generating said drive signal in response to said input signal; and regulator means responsive to the amplitude and width of said pulses for maintaining the magnitude of said drive signal below a magnitude corresponding to a safe level in infrared radiation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. In a remote control transmitter for controlling at least one function of a remotely located system, apparatus comprising:
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transducer means for emitting infrared radiation in response to a drive signal; input means for generating an input signal including a series of pulses having a time-related characteristic controlled to represent said function; driver means for generating said drive signal in response to said input signal; main amplitude regulator means for normally regulating the amplitude of said pulses applied to said driver means to maintain the infrared radiation below a safe limit; auxiliary amplitude regulator means for regulating the amplitude of said pulses applied to said driver means when the amplitude of said pulses exceeds a first predetermined threshold level; and average detector means coupled to said auxiliary amplitude regulator for causing said auxiliary amplitude regulator to reduce the amplitude of said pulse applied to said driver means when the average value of said input signal exceeds a second predetermined level.
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Specification