Two-way RF remote control
First Claim
1. A spa system including a remote control for controlling operation of a spa, said system comprising:
- a remote control comprising;
a microprocessor;
memory connected to the microprocessor;
a mode button connected for communication with the microprocessor;
a plurality of control buttons connected for communication with the microprocessor;
a display connected to the microprocessor; and
a first antenna connecting for communication with the microprocessor and for transmitting signals and receiving signals; and
a main control at the spa for controlling and sensing a multiplicity of functions of the spa comprising a second antenna responsive to signals from the first antenna and sending signals to the first antenna, the main control sending signals to the remote control for displaying information on the display of the remote control and determining the function of the plurality of control buttons on the remote control, as determined by the information sent to the display of the remote control;
whereby the functionality of the control buttons of the remote control is changed with different display signals being sent by the main control.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A spa system including a remote control for controlling operation thereof. The system includes a remote control module having a microprocessor and memory therefor, which is receptive to push-button inputs. The remote control has a display and an antenna for transmitting signals to the spa and for receiving signals back from the spa. A master control module resides within the spa for controlling and sensing a multiplicity of functions of the spa. A slave control module is coupled to the master control module and also has an antenna responsive to command signals received from the remote control, and for transmitting status signals back to the remote control. The slave control module is used for converting the command signals received from the remote control for the master control, and for converting status signals received from the master control for transmission back to the remote control.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A spa system including a remote control for controlling operation of a spa, said system comprising:
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a remote control comprising;
a microprocessor;
memory connected to the microprocessor;
a mode button connected for communication with the microprocessor;
a plurality of control buttons connected for communication with the microprocessor;
a display connected to the microprocessor; and
a first antenna connecting for communication with the microprocessor and for transmitting signals and receiving signals; anda main control at the spa for controlling and sensing a multiplicity of functions of the spa comprising a second antenna responsive to signals from the first antenna and sending signals to the first antenna, the main control sending signals to the remote control for displaying information on the display of the remote control and determining the function of the plurality of control buttons on the remote control, as determined by the information sent to the display of the remote control;
whereby the functionality of the control buttons of the remote control is changed with different display signals being sent by the main control. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A remote control for communicating with a main control disposed for sensing the status of and controlling a multiplicity of functions of an apparatus, the main control having a first antenna for sending signals to the remote control and receiving signals from the remote control, the remote control comprising:
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a processor; a second antenna adapted for sending signals from the processor to the main control and receiving signals from the main control; a memory coupled to the processor; a plurality of control buttons coupled to the processor; a display connected to the processor; a mode button coupled to the processor adapted for sending signals to the main control that cause the main control to send signals back to the remote control for displaying certain information on the display, the main control determining the function of the control buttons of the remote control in relation to the information being displayed on the remote control;
whereby the functionality of the control buttons of the remote control is changed with different display signals being sent by the main control. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. In a remote control, having an alpha-numeric display and a plurality of push-buttons, for communicating with a main control disposed for sensing and controlling a multiplicity of functions of an apparatus, a method for communicating with the main control comprising:
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a. determining if a push-button on the remote control has been depressed, and if so; b. resetting a timer and placing said remote control in transmit mode; c. transmitting a data signal to the main control indicative of the depressed push-button; d. resetting a timer and placing the remote control in receiving mode; and
,e. receiving signals from the main control for displaying information, the displayed information determining the function of the push-buttons on the remote control, the functionality of the push buttons on the remote control being changed with different display signals being sent by the main control. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A storage medium encoded with machine-readable computer program code for use in a remote control for communicating with a master control disposed for sensing and controlling a multiplicity of functions of a spa, wherein, when the computer program code is executed by the remote control, the remote control performs a method for transmitting signals to the main control and for receiving signals back from the main control, the method comprising:
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a. determining if a push-button on the remote control has been depressed, and if so; b. resetting a timer and placing the remote control in transmit mode; c. transmitting a data signal to the main control at the spa indicative of the depressed push-button; d. resetting a timer and placing the remote control in receive mode; and e. receiving signals from the main control for displaying information, the displayed information determining the function of push-buttons on the remote control, the functionality of the push buttons on the remote control being changed with different display signals being sent by the main control. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification