Method and apparatus for remote control of electronic equipment

• US 20050179558A1
• Filed: 02/05/2005
• Published: 08/18/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Don P. Williams, Mark T. Bowers
• Original Assignee: Don P. Williams, Mark T. Bowers
• Inventors: Williams, Don P., Bowers, Mark T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,463,164 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/825.690
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 19/28 using pulse code
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/20 Binding and programming of remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/33 Remote control using macros, scripts
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

A remote control unit that learns commands from associated remote control units associated with specific pieces of electronic equipment is described. The remote control unit stores commands that are learned and in addition stores time delays that are needed to provide the desired sequential operation of electronic equipment. The remote control unit, upon pressing a single button, sends a replica of signals and delays that a user would use when interacting with the pieces of electronic equipment. The remote control unit further has a prohibited operation window wherein a signal cannot be sent from the remote control unit.

Claims

1. A remote control unit for controlling one or more electronic devices, the remote control unit comprising:

a push button for a user to press that emits a replica of commands and delays for controlling the one or more electronic devices; and

a programmable clock having a time-on value and a time-off value that provide a time window when the remote control unit is prohibited from emitting the replica of commands.

2. The remote control unit of claim 1 further having a turret that contains one or more IR LEDS.

3. The remote control unit of claim 1 further having an auto-off function that turns the video equipment off after a selected period of time.

4. The remote control unit of claim 1 wherein the remote control unit of claim 1 has a learning mode for storing commands from associated remote control units and for recording delays between commands.

5. The remote control unit of claim 4 wherein a compression algorithm compresses information that is stored in memory.

6. The remote control unit of claim 1 further having a lock out function that prevents repeated transmission of command sequences.

7. A method for remotely controlling electronic equipment, the method comprising the steps of:

recording command signals and delays between said command signals from associated remote control units of said electronic equipment; and

pushing a button for transmitting a replica of commands and delays for sequentially commanding the electronic equipment to provide a desired function.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein an additional step of prohibiting transmission of a replica during a selected time interval.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the replica of commands and delays is broadcast at an angle greater than 180 degrees.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein transmitting a replica is prohibited when light levels are below a selected value.

11. The method of claim 7 wherein the replica information is stored in memory using a compression algorithm.

12. A remote control unit for controlling electronic equipment the unit comprising:

a push button for initiating the transmission of command sequences with the associated time delays between commands destined for the electronic equipment;

a program button that transfers the remote control unit from a run mode to a learning mode and to the run mode when in the learning mode;

a receiver for receiving signals from associated remote control units, the receiver having an IR detector for detecting IR signals; and

logic for directing signals and information to and from memory within the remote control unit

13. The remote control unit of claim 12 wherein the transmission of the command sequence is emitted from an LED turret on top of the remote control unit.

14. The remote control unit of claim 12 wherein a display unit provides status information about the remote control unit.

15. The remote control unit of claim 14 wherein time values are displayed on the display unit.

16. The remote control unit of claim 12 wherein the transmission of the command sequence is prohibited for a selected value of time.

17. The remote control unit of claim 12 wherein the transmission of the command sequence is prohibited when the light level is below a selected value.

18. The remote control unit of claim 15 wherein time values are set using a mode button and a set button.

19. The remote control unit of claim 12 wherein programming buttons are concealed from the user.

20. The remote control unit of claim 12 wherein an LED signals a programmer when a command is stored.