Activation of remote control transmitter functions by external inputs

• US 7,535,401 B2
• Filed: 07/25/2005
• Issued: 05/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ron Tolmei
• Original Assignee: Ron Tolmei
• Inventors: Tolmei, Ron
• Primary Examiner(s): Edwards, Jr.; Timothy
• Application Number:
  US11/189,470
• Publication Number:
  US 20070018878A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,394 Days
• Field of Search: 341/176, 340/825.69, 340/825.19, 348/734
• US Class Current: 341/176
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

The ability to operate remote control transmitter functions from external sensors, in conjunction with internal or external controls, to provide condition dependant automatic control of devices such as digital video recorders and the like are presented. The system enables any remote control transmitter to be modified to perform this function without the need to redesign any existing control functions either in the transmitter or receiver and is compatible with all remote control transmitters and receiver functions. The system is applicable to any form of control, is not dependant on existing designs, and easily implemented in any remote control transmitter. The system is a cost-effective solution to any problem, or requirement, associated with external control of remote control functions.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

a remote control transmitter,

a remote control receiver,

a remote controlled device operably linked to said remote control receiver in a room; and

a switch; and

one or more of a proximity detector, thermometer or a photocell operably linked to said switch;

said transmitter having one or more contacts, said one or more contacts operably linked to said receiver;

said switch operably linked to said transmitter.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a processor operably linked to said switch.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising an interface conditioner operably linked to said processor.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said proximity detector senses, or a position of a person in said room.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said thermometer detects temperature in said room.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said photocell detects ambient light in said room.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said controlled device is a digital video recorder.

8. The device of claim 6, where activation of said sensor initiates a command to be sent from said remote transmitter to said remote receiver to initiate a change in said controlled device.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said change in said controlled device is “

Pause”

or “

Play.”

10. The device of claim 8, where said sensor is activated by a person standing up in said room, and where said change in said controlled device is “

Pause.”

11. The device of claim 8, where said sensor is activated by a person sitting down in said room, and where said change in said controlled device is “

Play.”