Remote control apparatus for power line communications system

• US 5,777,545 A
• Filed: 03/26/1997
• Issued: 07/07/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Elcom Technologies Corporation
• Original Assignee: Elcom Technologies Corporation
• Inventors: Artman, John, Patel, Chandrakant Bhailalbhai, Klein, Henry Charles, Ader, Joseph Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Mullen, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US08/825,147
• Time in Patent Office: 468 Days
• Field of Search: 340/310.01, 340/310.02, 340/310.03, 340/310.04, 340/310.05, 340/310.06, 340/310.07, 340/310.08, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 455/352, 455/353, 455/151.2, 375/219, 375/257
• US Class Current: 340/12.37
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/06 using power transmission lines
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/40 Remote control systems using repeaters, converters, gateways
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5416 by adding signals to the wave form of the power source
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/282 based on user interaction within the home receiver circuitry for displaying additional information being controlled by a remote control apparatus H04N21/42204
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2838 Distribution of signals within a home automation network, e.g. involving splitting/multiplexing signals to/from different paths adaptations of television systems for transmission by electric cable for domestic distribution H04N7/106; hybrid transport H04L12/6418; home network arrangements specially adapted for distribution of digital video signals H04N7/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2843 Mains power line

Abstract

Remote control apparatus for a power line communications system in which control signals are transmitted, via the power line to, from the location of utilization equipment to a control unit located at a remote point and by which the utilization equipment is controlled.

Claims

1. A remote control apparatus for a power line communication system comprising:

a power line;

a first signal transmitter for transmitting a first pulse code modulated control signal having one of a plurality of carrier frequencies;

a first transmitter/receiver including;

(1) sensing means for sensing said first pulse code modulated control signal and other pulse code modulated control signals having other carrier frequencies within the plurality of carrier frequencies,

(2) means for demodulating said first pulse code modulated control signal to develop a first pulse code control signal,

(3) means for pulse code modulating a first carrier signal with said first pulse code control signal to develop a second pulse code modulated control signal, and

(4) means for coupling said second pulse code modulated control signal from said first transmitter/receiver to said power line for transmission of said second pulse code modulated control signal along said power line;

a second transmitter/receiver including;

(1) means for coupling said second pulse code modulated control signal from said power line to said second transmitter/receiver,

(2) means for pulse code demodulating said second pulse code modulated control signal to develop a second pulse code control signal substantially identical to said first pulse code control signal,

(3) means for modulating a second carrier signal with said second pulse code control signal to develop a third pulse code modulated control signal, and

(4) a second signal transmitter for transmitting said third pulse code modulated control signal; and

a sensor for sensing said third pulse code modulated control signal.

2. A remote control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

(a) said first signal transmitter is an infrared signal transmitter which transmits a first pulse code modulated infrared control signal as said first pulse code modulated control signal,

(b) said first transmitter/receiver sensing means includes an infrared sensor,

(c) said second transmitter/receiver transmitting means includes an infrared signal transmitter which transmits a second pulse code modulated infrared control signal as said third pulse code modulated control signal, and

(d) said means for sensing said third pulse code modulated control signal includes an infrared sensor.

3. A remote control apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said first pulse code modulated control signal and said second pulse code modulated control signal each includes a carrier frequency in the 32 KHz to 56 KHz range modulated by a pulse code.

4. A remote control apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said carrier frequency of said first pulse code modulated control signal and said second pulse code modulated control signal is 38 KHz.

5. A remote control apparatus according to claim 2 wherein:

(a) said first transmitter/receiver further includes;

(1) means for bandpass filtering and amplifying said first pulse code modulated control signal, and

(2) means for amplifying and bandpass filtering said second pulse code modulated control signal, and

(b) said second transmitter/receiver further includes;

(1) means for bandpass filtering and amplifying said second pulse code modulated control signal, and

(2) means for sharpening the pulses in said second pulse code control signal.