Methods and apparatus for controlling multiple infrared devices
First Claim
1. A system for transmitting signals from a remote controller to a plurality of optically controlled devices, wherein each of the optically controlled devices respond in a similar fashion to a given optical input signal, comprising:
- a repeater device adapted to receive the given optical input signal from the remote controller and to generate an electrical output signal;
a switching device that selectively connects the repeater device to a connector; and
a plurality of light emitting devices, connected to the connector in a respective fashion, for generating and transmitting an optical output signal to the optically controlled device in response to the electrical output signal received from the repeater device, such that a only a subset of the plurality of optically controlled devices receive the optical output signal based on a position of the switching device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of infrared devices (ICDs) is provided herein. A remote controller is used to generate an optical signal for controlling a plurality of ICDs. The optical signal generated by the remote controller is converted into an electrical signal by an infrared repeater device. An implementation of such a system includes a rotary mechanical switch to direct the electrical signal generated by the infrared repeater device to a light emitting diode (LED) located near one of the plurality of ICDs. The LED converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and re-transmits the optical signal to the one of the plurality of ICDs. The system allows controlling the plurality of ICDs located in a remote location without having the user commute closer to such ICDs.
17 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for transmitting signals from a remote controller to a plurality of optically controlled devices, wherein each of the optically controlled devices respond in a similar fashion to a given optical input signal, comprising:
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a repeater device adapted to receive the given optical input signal from the remote controller and to generate an electrical output signal; a switching device that selectively connects the repeater device to a connector; and a plurality of light emitting devices, connected to the connector in a respective fashion, for generating and transmitting an optical output signal to the optically controlled device in response to the electrical output signal received from the repeater device, such that a only a subset of the plurality of optically controlled devices receive the optical output signal based on a position of the switching device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for controlling multiple optically controlled devices comprising:
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a repeater device configured to receive an optical input signal and convert the optical input signal into an electrical output signal; a switching device adapted to output the electrical output signal to one of a plurality of conductors; a plurality of infrared emitting devices connected to the plurality of conductors in a respective fashion and configured to generate an optical output signal in response to the electrical output signal; and a plurality of infrared responsive devices in optical communication with the plurality of infrared emitting devices, wherein each of the plurality of infrared responsive devices responds similarly to the optical output signal, and only a subset of the plurality of infrared responsive devices receives the optical output signal based on a position of the switching device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of selectively transmitting an optical input signal from a remote controller to a plurality of light emitting devices comprising:
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transmitting the optical input signal from the remote controller; receiving the optical input signal at a repeater; converting the optical input signal into an electrical output signal; selecting one of a plurality of conductors; and transmitting the electrical output signal by the selected conductor to one of the plurality of light emitting devices, wherein the light emitting device is selected by the selection of one of the plurality of conductors. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification