Remote control system with teach/learn setting of identification code

• US 5,148,159 A
• Filed: 04/26/1989
• Issued: 09/15/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: Stanley Electric Company Limited
• Inventors: Clark, John, Martel, Brian J., Murray, James S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yusko, Donald J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Application Number:
  US07/343,921
• Time in Patent Office: 1,238 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.44, 340/825.22, 340/825.52, 340/825.56, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/311.1, 340/825.71, 341/176, 358/194.1, 358/382.5, 70/271, 358/382.5
• US Class Current: 340/5.25
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00873 by code input from the lock
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00928 for garage doors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00857 where the code of the data carrier can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 using pulse code

Abstract

The present invention is remote control system including one or moree portable units and a base unit which employs identifiction codes for security. The operator preferably can select the identification code for the base unit, preferably via a process yielding a random number, with a provision for selection of a predetermined reset code. The base unit teaches this identification code to a portable unit via mating asynchronous communication ports. The same identification code may be taught to plural portable units. This identification code is stored in a static random access memory in the portable units and in an electrically erasable read only memory in the base unit and this is not susceptible to determination by visual inspection. Each portable unit includes a capacitor for storing energy so that the battery, which ordinarily supplies electrical power to the portable unit, can be replaced without loss of the stored identification code. Each portable unit may have plural buttons and plural memories enabling a portable unit to operate a plurality of base units. This may also enable a single portable unit to control a plurality of operations of a single base unit.

Claims

1. A remote control system comprising:

at least one portable unit, each portable unit including

a control input means for activating a control state from a set of at least one control state,

at least one portable unit identification code memory, each portable unit identification code memory corresponding to one of said set of at least one control state for storing a corresponding identification code therein,

a radio frequency transmitter connected to said control input means and said at least one portable unit identification code memory for transmitting a radio frequency signal encoded with said identification code stored in said portable unit identification code memory corresponding to said activated control state upon activation of one of said set of at least one control state via said control input means,

an asynchronous communications reception port for asynchronously receiving data,

an identification code learning means connected to said at least one portable unit identification code memory and said asynchronous communications reception port for storing an identification code in one of said at least one portable unit identification code memory corresponding to data received via said asynchronous communications reception port, and

a memory reset means connected to said at least one portable unit identification code memory for storing a predetermined reset identification code in a selected one of said at least portable unit identification code memory when activated; and

a base unit including

a base unit identification code memory for storing an identification code therein,

a radio frequency receiver connected to said base unit identification code memory for receiving said encoded radio frequency signal and generating a function signal only if said encoded radio frequency signal is encoded with said identification code stored in said base unit identification code memory,

an asynchronous communications transmission port capable of mating with said asynchronous communications reception port for asynchronously transmitting data,

an identification code teaching means connected to said base unit identification code memory and said asynchronous communications port for transmitting said base unit identification code stored in said base unit identification code memory via said asynchronous communications transmission port, and

an identification code selection means connected to said base unit identification code memory and not activated in conjunction with the activation of said identification code teaching means for selecting an identification code for storage in said base unit identification code memory, said base unit identification code selection means further including a memory reset means for resetting said base unit identification code to said predetermined reset identification code;

whereby said identification code stored in said base unit identification code memory is taught to one of said at least one portable unit by connection of said asynchronous communications transmission port to said asynchronous communications reception port and activation of said identification code learning means and said identification code teaching means.

3. The remote control system claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said base unit identification code selection means includes a random identification code generator for producing a randomly selected identification code.

4. The remote control system claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said at least one portable unit wherein

said set of at least one control state activated by said control input means consists of a predetermined plurality of control states,

said at least one portable unit identification code memory consists of a plurality of portable unit identification code memories, and

said memory reset means is further connected to said control input means, said memory reset means for storing said predetermined reset identification code in said portable identification code memory corresponding to said activated control state.

5. The remote control system claimed in claim 4, wherein:

said at least one portable unit wherein

said memory reset means includes a memory reset push button, and wherein said memory reset means stores said predetermined reset identification code in said portable identification code memory corresponding to said activated control state upon simultaneous activation of one of said control states and depression of said memory reset push button.

6. The remote control system claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

at least one utilization device connected to said radio frequency receiver of said base unit for performing a predetermined function in response to receipt of said function signal from said radio frequency receiver.

7. A remote control system comprising:

at least one portable unit, each portable unit including

a control input means for activating a control state from a set of a plurality of control states,

a plurality of portable unit identification code memories, each portable unit identification code memory corresponding to one of said set of control states for storing a corresponding identification code therein,

a radio frequency transmitter connected to said control input means and said plurality of portable unit identification code memories for transmitting a radio frequency signal encoded with

a predetermined reset identification code and a predetermined channel number code if all of said portable unit identification code memories store said predetermined reset identification code,

said identification code stored in a predetermined one of said portable unit identification code memories and a channel number code corresponding to said activated control states if plural control states are activated,

said identification code stored in said predetermined one of said portable unit identification code memories and a channel number code corresponding to the single control state activated if a single control state is activated and said portable identification memory corresponding to said single control state activated stores said predetermined reset identification code, and

said identification code stored in said portable unit identification code memory corresponding to said single control state activated and a predetermined channel number code if a single control state is activated and said portable identification memory corresponding to said single control state activated does not store said predetermined reset identification code,

an asynchronous communications reception port for asynchronously receiving data, and

an identification code learning means connected to said at plurality of portable unit identification code memories and said asynchronous communications reception port for storing an identification code in one of said plurality of portable unit identification code memories corresponding to data received via said asynchronous communications reception port; and

a base unit including

a base unit identification code memory for storing an identification code therein,

a radio frequency receiver connected to said base unit identification code memory for receiving said encoded radio frequency signal and generating one of a plurality of function signals corresponding to said channel number code only if said encoded radio frequency signal is encoded with said identification code stored in said base unit identification code memory,

an asynchronous communications transmission port capable of mating with said asynchronous communications reception port for asynchronously transmitting data,

an identification code teaching means connected to said base unit identification code memory and said asynchronous communications port for transmitting said base unit identification code stored in said base unit identification code memory via said asynchronous communications transmission port, and

an identification code selection means connected to said base unit identification code memory and not activated in conjunction with the activation of said identification code teaching means for selecting an identification code for storage in said base unit identification code memory;

whereby said identification code stored in said base unit identification code memory is selected by activation of said identification code selection means and is separately and independently taught to one of said at least one portable unit by connection of said asynchronous communications transmission port to said asynchronous communications reception port and activation of said identification code learning means and said identification code teaching means.

2. The remote control system claimed in claim 7, wherein:

said at least one portable unit wherein

said set of at least one control state of said control input means consists of a plurality of control states,

said at least one portable unit identification code memory consists of a plurality of portable unit identification code memories, and

said identification code learning means is further connected to said control input means for detecting activation of one of said control states and for storing said identification code corresponding to data received via said asynchronous communications reception port in said portable unit identification code memory corresponding to said activated control state.

8. The remote control system claimed in claim 7, further comprising:

at least one utilization device connected to said radio frequency receiver of said base unit for performing a predetermined function corresponding to a received function signal in response to receipt of one of said plurality of function signals from said radio frequency receiver.

9. A remote control portable unit comprising:

a control input means for activating a control state from a set of at least one control state;

at least one identification code memory, each identification code memory corresponding to one of said set of at least one control state and for storing an identification code therein;

a radio frequency transmitter connected to said control input means and said at least one identification code memory for transmitting an radio frequency signal encoded with said identification code stored in said identification code memory corresponding to said activated control state upon activation of one of said set of at least one control state via said control input means;

an asynchronous communications reception port for asynchronously receiving data;

an identification code learning means connected to said at least one identification code memory and said asynchronous communications reception port for storing an identification code in one of said at least one identification code memory corresponding to data received via said asynchronous communications reception port; and

a memory reset means connected to said at least one identification code memory for storing a predetermined reset identification code in one of said at least one identification code memory when activated;

whereby an identification code is learned from an external unit via said asynchronous communication reception port upon activation of said identification code learning means.

10. The remote control portable unit claimed in claim 9, further comprising:

an indicator device for producing an operator perceivable indication;

a signaling circuit connected to said radio frequency transmitter, said asynchronous communications reception port and said indicator device for causing said indicator device to produce said operation perceivable indication during operation of said radio frequency transmitter, and during operation of said asynchronous communications reception port.

11. The remote control portable unit claimed in claim 10, wherein:

said indicator device consists of a light emitting diode for producing a light signal.

12. The remote control portable unit claimed in claim 9, wherein:

said memory reset means if further connected to said control input means, said memory reset means for storing said predetermined reset identification code in said portable identification code memory corresponding to said activated control state.

13. The remote control portable unit claimed in claim 9, wherein:

said memory reset means includes a memory reset push button, and wherein said memory reset means stores said predetermined reset identification code in said portable identification code memory corresponding to said activated control state upon simultaneous activation of one of said control states and depression of said memory reset push button.

14. A remote control portable unit comprising:

a control input means for activating a control state from a set of a plurality of control states;

a plurality of identification code memories, each identification code memory corresponding to one of said set of control states and for storing an identification code therein;

a radio frequency transmitter connected to said control input means and said plurality of identification code memories for transmitting an radio frequency signal encoded with

a predetermined reset identification code and a predetermined channel number code if all of said identification code memories store said predetermined reset identification code,

said identification code stored in a predetermined one of said identification code memories and a channel number code corresponding to said activated control states if plurality control states are activated,

said identification code stored in said predetermined one of said identification code memories and a channel number code corresponding to the single control state activated if a single control state is activated and said identification memory corresponding to said single control state activated stores said predetermined reset identification code, and

said identification code stored in said identification code memory corresponding to said single control state activated and a predetermined channel number code if a single control state is activated and said identification memory corresponding to said single control state activated does not store said predetermined reset identification code;

an asynchronous communications reception port for asynchronously receiving data; and

an identification code learning means connected to said plurality of identification code memories and said asynchronous communications reception port for storing an identification code in one of said plurality of identification code memories corresponding to data received via said asynchronous communications reception port;

whereby an identification code is learned from an external unit via said asynchronous communication reception port upon activation of said identification code learning means.

15. A remote control base unit comprising:

a identification code memory for storing an identification code therein;

a radio frequency receiver connected to said identification code memory for receiving a radio frequency signal and generating a function signal only if said radio frequency signal is encoded with said identification code stored in said identification code memory;

an asynchronous communications transmission port for asynchronously transmitting data;

an identification code teaching means connected to said identification code memory and said asynchronous communications port for transmitting said identification code stored in said identification code memory via said asynchronous communications port; and

an identification code selection means including

a manually operable momentary contact push button switch,

a first counting means connected to said push button switch, capable of counting up to a first predetermined number having a first number of bits,

a time base means for providing a repetitive time signal,

a second counting means connected to said push button switch and said time base means capable of counting up a second predetermined number having a second number of bits once each interval of said repetitive time signal, the sum of said first number of bits and said second number of bits being equal to the number of bits in said identification code, and

an identification code selection controller means connected to said push button switch, and said first and said second counting means for activating said first counting means to count upon depression of said push button switch, stopping said first counting means upon release of said push button switch thereby producing a first count, thereafter activating said second counting means to count, stopping said second counting means upon receipt of the next repetitive time signal, thereby producing a second count, and producing said identification code corresponding to said first and second counts;

whereby said identification code stored in said identification code memory is taught to an external device via said asynchronous communications transmission port upon activation of said identification code teaching means.

16. The remote control base unit claimed in claim 15, wherein:

said identification code selection means further includes a light emitting diode connected to said first counting means for indicating when said first counting means counts up to said first predetermined number.

17. The remote control base unit claimed in claim 16, wherein:

said light emitting diode indicates when said first counting means counts up to said first predetermined number by alternately changing from being illuminated to not being illuminated and changing from not being illuminated to being illuminated when said first counting means counts up to said first predetermined number.

18. A remote control base unit comprising:

a identification code memory for storing an identification code therein;

a radio frequency receiver connected to said identification code memory for receiving a radio frequency signal and generating a function signal only if said radio frequency signal is encoded with said identification code stored in said identification code memory;

an asynchronous communications transmission port for asynchronously transmitting data;

an identification code teaching means connected to said identification code memory and said asynchronous communications port for transmitting said identification code stored in said identification code memory via said asynchronous communications port; and

an identification code selection means connected to said identification code memory and not activated in conjunction with the activation of said identification code teaching means for selecting an identification code for storage in said identification code memory, said identification code selection means further including a memory reset means for resetting said identification code to a predetermined reset identification code;

whereby said identification code stored in said identification code memory is taught to an external device via said asynchronous communications transmission port upon activation of said identification code teaching means.

19. The remote control base unit claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said memory reset means includes a memory reset push button, and wherein said memory reset means stores said predetermined reset identification code in said identification code memory upon depression of said memory reset push button.

20. A remote control base unit comprising:

a identification code memory for storing an identification code therein;

a radio frequency receiver connected to said identification code memory for receiving a radio frequency signal and generating a function signal only if said radio frequency signal is encoded with said identification code stored in said identification code memory;

an asynchronous communications transmission port for asynchronously transmitting data;

an identification code teaching means connected to said identification code memory and said asynchronous communications port for transmitting said identification code stored in said identification code memory via said asynchronous communications port; and

an identification code selection means including

a manually operable momentary contact push button switch,

a light emitting diode,

a first counting means connected to said push button switch, capable of counting up to a first predetermined number having a first number of bits,

a time base means for providing a repetitive time signal,

a second counting means connected to said push button switch and said time base means capable of counting up a second predetermined number having a second number of bits once each interval of said repetitive time signal, the sum of said first number of bits and said second number of bits being equal to the number of bits in said identification code, and

an identification code selection controller means connected to said push button switch, said light emitting diode, and said first and said second counting means for

illuminating said light emitting diode and beginning a predetermined reset interval of time upon depression of said push button switch,

if said push button is released during said reset interval, producing said identification code corresponding to a predetermined reset identification code,

if said push button is not released during said reset interval, extinguishing said light emitting diode and activating said first counting means to count, stopping said first counting means upon release of said push button switch thereby producing a first count, thereafter activating said second counting means to count, stopping said second counting means upon receipt of the next repetitive time signal, thereby producing a second count and producing said identification code corresponding to said first and second counts;

whereby said identification code stored in said identification code memory is taught to an external device via said asynchronous communications transmission port upon activation of said identification code teaching means.

21. A remote control base unit comprising:

a identification code memory for storing an identification code therein;

a radio frequency receiver connected to said identification code memory for receiving a radio frequency signal and generating a function signal only if said radio frequency signal is encoded with said identification code stored in said identification code memory;

an asynchronous communications transmission port for asynchronously transmitting data;

an identification code teaching means connected to said identification code memory and said asynchronous communications port for transmitting said identification code stored in said identification code memory via said asynchronous communications port; and

at least one utilization device connected to said radio frequency receiver for performing a predetermined function in response to receipt of said function signal from said radio frequency receiver;

whereby said identification code stored in said identification code memory is taught to an external device via said asynchronous communications transmission port upon activation of said identification code teaching means.

22. A remote control base unit comprising:

a identification code memory for storing an identification code therein;

a radio frequency receiver connected to said identification code memory for receiving a radio frequency signal and generating one of a plurality of function signals corresponding to a channel number code only if said radio frequency signal is encoded with said identification code stored in said identification code memory and said channel number code;

an asynchronous communications transmission port for asynchronously transmitting data;

an identification code teaching means connected to said identification code memory and said asynchronous communications port for transmitting said identification code stored in said identification code memory via said asynchronous communications port; and

at least one utilization device connected to said radio frequency receiver for performing a predetermined function corresponding to said channel number code received by said radio frequency receiver;

whereby said identification code stored in said identification code memory is taught to an external device via said asynchronous communications transmission port upon activation of said identification code teaching means.

23. A remote control base unit comprising:

a identification code memory for storing an identification code therein, said identification code memory consisting of a nonvolatile memory which retains said identification code stored therein upon removal of electric power;

a radio frequency receiver connected to said identification code memory for receiving a radio frequency signal and generating a function signal only if said radio frequency signal is encoded with said identification code stored in said identification code memory;

an asynchronous communications transmission port for asynchronously transmitting data; and

an identification code teaching means connected to said identification code memory and said asynchronous communications port for transmitting said identification code stored in said identification code memory via said asynchronous communications port;

whereby said identification code stored in said identification code memory is taught to an external device via said asynchronous communications transmission port upon activation of said identification code teaching means.

24. The remote control base unit claimed in claim 23, wherein:

said nonvolatile memory consists of electrically erasable programmable read only memory.