United States Patent [19]
`Dar bee
`
`[54] REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor:
`
`Paul V. Darbe~ Santa Ana, Calif.
`
`[73] Assignee:
`
`Universal Electronics Inc.,
`Twinsburg, Ohio
`
`[ *] Notice:
`
`The portion of the term of this patent
`subsequent to Jul. 13, 2010 has been
`disclaimed.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 134,086
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Oct. 8, 1993
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`[63] Continuation of Ser. No. 46,105, Apr. 8, 1993, ,Pat. No.
`5,255,313, which is a continuation ofSer. No. 587,326,
`Sep. 24, 1990, Pat. No. 5,228,077, which is a continua(cid:173)
`tion-in-part of Ser. No. 127,999, Dec. 2, 1987, Pat. No.
`4,959,810, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
`109,336, Oct. 14, 1987, abandoned.
`
`[51]
`Int. CI.6 ....................... H04M 11/00; H04N 5/44
`[52] u.s. Cl ...................................... 379/102; 348/734
`[58] Field of Search ............... 379/102, 104, 105, 443,
`379/444,93, 97-99; 348/734,478
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,956,745 5/1976 Ellis ..................................... 340/337
`'l-,028,493 6/1977 Brennemann et al ..
`4,038,533 7/1977 Dummermuth et al ....... 235/151.11
`4,121,198 10/1978 Tsuboi et al ..
`4,177,453 12/1979 Collins .
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0309878 4/1989 European Pat. Off ..
`0354313 2/1990 European Pat. Off ..
`0446844 9/1991 European Pat. Off ..
`3313493C2 10/1984 Germany .
`1487784 10/1977 United Kingdom .
`2053539A 2/1981 United Kingdom .
`2126000A 3/1984 United Kingdom .
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`US005414761A
`5,414,761
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent: * May 9, 1995
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Ronald G. Gordon, "An Interactive Video Information
`Terminal", IEEE Transactions on Communications,
`Feb. 1983, vol. COM-31, No.2, pp. 245-250.
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`Primary Examiner-Wing F. Chan
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Thomas R. Vigil
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`The remote control system includes a remote control
`and a computer having a memory and at least one of
`instruction codes or code data for creating appropriate
`IR lamp driver instructions for causing an infrared sig(cid:173)
`nal generator to emit infrared signals which will cause
`specific functions to occur in a specific controlled de(cid:173)
`vice, for operating a variety of devices to be controlled,
`stored in the memory .of the computer. The remote
`control comprises: input circuitry including a set of
`keys or pushbuttons for inputting commands into the
`remote control, infrared signal output circuitry includ(cid:173)
`ing IR lamp driver circuitry for supplying an infrared
`signal to a controlled device, a central processing unit
`(CPU) coupled to the input circuitry and to the signal
`output circuitry, a memory coupled to the CPU, and
`data coupling circuitry and structure for periodically
`coupling the computer to the remote control for input(cid:173)
`ting from the computer memory at least one of instruc(cid:173)
`tion codes or appropriate IR lamp driver instructions
`for causing the infrared signal output circuitry to emit
`infrared signals which will cause specific functions to
`occur in a specific controlled device, for operating a
`variety of devices to be controlled into the memory of
`the remote control to enable the remote control to con(cid:173)
`trol various devices to be controlled upon the inputting
`of commands to the keys of the input circuitry.
`
`19 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
`
`0
`
`302
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 1
`
`

`

`5,414,761
`
`·Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,200,862 4/1980 Campbell et al ............... 340/310 A
`4,231,031 10/1980 Crowther et al. .
`4,245,342 1!1981 Entenman ............................... 371/8
`4,246,611 1/1981 Davies .
`4,251,812 2/1981 Okada et al ..
`4,318,130 3/1982 Heuer .
`4,338,632 7/1982 Falater .
`4,356,509 10/1982 Skerlos et al ......................... 358/85
`4,384,436 5/1983 Kocher et al ....................... 455/151
`4,386,412 5/1983 Ito ....................................... 364/710
`4,425,647 1/1984 Collins et al ..
`4,426,662 1/1984 Skerlos et al ..
`4,482,947 11/1984 Zato et al ..
`4,488,179 12/1984 Kruger et al ....................... 358/181
`4,503,288 3/1985 Kessler .
`4,509,211 4/1985 Robbins ............................... 455/603
`4,517,564 5/1985 Morishita et al ............... 340/825.69
`4,535,333 8/1985 Twardowski .................. 340/825.69
`4,540,851 9/1985 Hashimoto .
`4,566,034 1/1986 Harger et al ..................... 358/194.1
`4,580,009 4/1986 Darland .
`4,599,491 7/1986 Serrano .
`4,623,887 11/1986 Welles, II ....................... 340/825.57
`4,625,080 11/1986 Scott ................................... 379/104
`4,626,847 12/1986 Zato .............. , ................ 340/825.56
`4,626,848 12/1986 Ehlers ............................ 340/825.69
`4,656,655 4/1987 Hashimoto .......................... 379/105
`4,703,359 10/1987 Rumbolt et al .................. 358/194.1
`4,712,105 12/1987 Kohler ........................... 340/825.69
`4,718,112 1/1988 Shinoda ............................... 455/151
`4,746,919 5/1988 Reitmeier ....................... 340/825.56
`4,769,643 9/1988 Sogame ...................... 340/825.69 C
`4,771,283 9/1988
`lmoto ............................. 340/825.71
`4,774,511 9/1988 Rumbolt et al ................ 340/825.69
`4,779,079 10/1988 Hauck .
`4,794,371 12/1988 Yamamoto ..................... 340/825.64
`4,802,114 1/1988 Sogame ............................... 364/900
`4,807,052 2/1989 Amano ............................. 358/194.1
`4,825,200 4/1989 Evans et al ........................... 341/23
`4,841,368 6/1989 Rumbolts et al ................. 358/194.1
`
`4,855,746 8/1989 Stacy ................................... 341/176
`4,856,081 8/1989 Smith .................................. 455/151
`4,860,380 8/1989 Mengel ................................ 455/185
`4,866,434 9/1989 Keenan ........................... 340/825.72
`4,875,096 10/1989 Baer et al ............................ 358/143
`4,885,766 12/1989 Yasuoka et al ..................... 379/105
`4,899,370 2/1990 Kameo et al ........................ 379/104
`4,918,439 4/1990 Wozniak et al ................ 340/825.69
`4,935,870 6/1990 Burk, Jr. et al ..
`4,965,557 10/1991 Schepers et al .......................... 711/
`5,005,118 4/1991 Lenoski .
`5,032,983 7/1991 Fu et al ..
`5,088,023 2/1992 Nakamura et al .................. 395/425
`5,123,046 6/1992 Levine .
`5,187,469 2/1993 Evans et al ..
`5,255,313 10/1993 Darbee ................................ 379/102
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2136177A 9/1984 United Kingdom .
`2166322A 4/1986 United Kingdom .
`2215928 9/1989 United Kingdom .
`2229022 9/1990 United Kingdom .
`2229023 9/1990 United Kingdom .
`2229024 9/1990 United Kingdom .
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, vol. SC-11, No.
`6, Dec. 1976, Casier et al., pp. 800-808, "Pulse Position
`Modulation Transmission System for Remote Control
`of a TV Set".
`IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics, vol.
`CE-31, No. 1, Feb. 1985, pp. 59-69, J. Platte et al., "A
`new intelligent remote control for consumer electronic
`devices".
`IEEE Spectrum, Mar. 1983, pp. 48-53, I. Dorros, "Tel(cid:173)
`ephone nets go digital".
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 1 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`28
`
`FIG. 1
`
`LED4
`
`61
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 2 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`,...
`c w
`
`...1
`
`co
`,...
`
`'DU UUUDU UU UU
`'DU UU UUUUU UU
`'DU UU UUUU UU
`'DU UU L7.
`UUU
`
`C\1
`C\1
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 3 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 3
`
`FIG. 4
`
`26
`
`24
`
`12
`
`FIG. 5
`
`14
`
`FIG. 6
`
`24
`
`25
`
`25
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 4 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`LED3
`
`FIG. 7
`
`LED4
`
`43
`
`L1
`BATTERY-~
`52
`
`BATTERY
`COMPARTMENT 45
`
`LED 1
`
`12
`
`LATCH 58
`
`36
`
`SERIAL
`PORTS
`1,2,3
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 5 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 8
`
`INFRARED
`8 - BIT
`LIGHT-
`EMITTING
`MICROPROCESSOR
`CPU
`DIODE (x3)
`SERIAL ~~ ,52
`YO ~~~----~----~
`
`RANDOM
`ACCESS
`MEMORY
`.51
`
`60
`
`4x 14
`KEYBOARD
`
`4x"AAA"
`BATTERY
`
`FIG. 10
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 6 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`WAKEUP
`CIRCUIT70)
`
`U-r106
`
`RESET
`~CIRCUITRY
`
`_k>21
`-r-
`-;-
`Yl-
`f-'vv'-
`
`1o4[!
`~-=:=-
`110
`
`7
`
`LOWERS BIT
`ADDRESS BUS
`
`117
`\
`'-.: WRITE PROTECT
`F- CIRCUIT78~
`(VCC
`1181
`1~6 ~ h_ ~~174
`170
`
`1
`-
`-
`52 L
`
`-:::;::-
`'--,
`
`7
`
`7
`
`S"'ao ~21
`17a {(-
`T
`111 I
`~3-:-
`
`RAM
`~
`
`)
`
`CwRITE
`ENABLE
`LINE 176
`
`FIG
`. 9A
`
`LATCH
`~
`
`J
`~
`
`'(_
`
`MULTIPLEX
`LINES 150 ~
`\
`\
`
`,-ALE 108
`1141
`r-142
`_c143
`r144
`r145
`r146
`r147
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`\ v
`
`148
`
`I
`:::---151
`r-152
`r-153
`r154
`r-155
`c
`
`156
`
`164~
`
`r-160
`
`\..._162
`
`158)
`
`1
`...1..
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 7 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`I I
`
`CPU
`56.
`
`-
`-
`-
`
`(vee
`
`~F-
`R
`
`~
`G
`
`'
`I .-o- ~~:
`
`FIG 98
`•
`
`...v
`~...v
`...v
`
`1'>.
`
`.::;:::
`
`LED 4
`
`~
`
`=
`
`133
`
`132
`
`'t
`
`\
`
`137
`
`)62
`
`v:a
`)
`~-25' ,/"61
`II
`
`....-'
`
`~~
`
`~
`
`~
`
`~~
`
`I
`114
`
`' - -
`
`1211
`1221
`1231
`1241
`125~
`1261
`1271
`1281
`
`1)
`
`2 "'
`
`- t~ ~ 135
`( (,36
`
`134
`
`, .....
`
`>-60
`
`63""
`
`I~
`
`'-
`
`~
`
`_L_ ,I-
`-r II
`j II
`
`182
`
`-
`
`--
`
`-
`-
`
`--
`
`-
`-
`
`-
`
`----
`
`-
`
`- -
`
`112
`
`-=-
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 8 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 11
`
`MODULATION SCHEMES
`
`I
`
`0
`
`0
`
`I
`
`I
`
`0
`
`FIG. 11a ~ ~
`
`FIXED BIT TIME,
`FULL WIDTH BURST
`
`I
`
`0
`
`0
`
`I M I
`FIG. 11b ~ M
`
`
`
`I
`I
`f»'Y Me~
`I
`
`0
`M
`I
`
`FIXED BIT TIME,
`BURST WIDTH MODULATED
`
`I 00 I
`I
`FIG. 11c ~~.~(NA &U.X
`
`I
`
`0
`fl.
`I
`
`I
`
`FIXED OFF TIME,
`BURST WIDTH MODULATED
`
`I
`FIG. 11d ~CI. N.
`I
`I
`
`0
`
`0
`~
`I
`
`I
`I
`u~ 'i{){. u
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`0
`
`FIXED BIT TIME,
`SINGLE I DOUBLE BURST
`
`I
`
`0
`
`FIG. 11e ~y ~
`
`0
`
`~
`
`I
`~ y
`I
`
`I
`
`r\A
`
`0
`~
`I
`
`FIXED OFF TIME,
`SINGLE I DOUBLE BURST
`
`0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`FIG. 11f y y
`
`!:J.
`I
`
`tj
`I
`
`b1
`I
`
`!f.
`I
`
`FIXED BURST
`TIME, OFF TIME
`MODULATED
`
`FIG. 11g ~ w JJtWrml
`
`I
`
`WIJJ
`
`~
`
`RANDOM
`
`FIG.11h
`
`I
`
`o
`o
`o
`I
`I
`FIG.11i po P P I
`o o po o
`
`I
`
`ONE FREQUENCY
`FOR EACH KEY
`
`SINGLE I DOUBLE PULSE,
`FIXED BIT TIME
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 9 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 12A
`CAPTURING IR CODE
`
`(
`
`PASS 1
`
`)
`
`~
`PRESS KEY
`ON TARGET
`REMOTE
`~
`TRANSFORM
`IRSIGNAL TO
`BIT STREAM
`~
`STORE BIT
`STREAM (OR
`RUN-LENGTH CODED
`BITSmEAM)
`
`+
`
`TRANSFORM
`STORED DATA
`TO LIST OF
`EXECUTABLE
`INSTRUCTIONS
`WHICH PRODUCE
`BIT STREAM
`
`+
`
`TOPASS2
`
`)
`
`(
`
`STEP 1
`
`STEP2
`
`STEP3
`
`FIG. 128
`
`eq. J
`
`STEP4
`
`z a. a. u.. a. a. z a. a. u.. a. z
`u.. 0 a
`u.. 0 0 0 0 0
`0 0 0
`z z 0 z z
`z z 0 z
`a:
`w
`a:
`a:
`a:
`Ill
`0
`1-
`a.
`:E
`..,
`::>
`
`z
`(!}
`w
`Ill
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 10 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 13A
`CAPTURING IR CODE
`
`c PASS2 )
`
`+
`PRESS KEY
`ON TARGET
`REMOTE AGAIN
`
`!
`
`FILTER OUT
`CARRIER FROM
`IR BIT STREAM
`
`MEASURE ON
`TIMES AND
`
`+
`OFF TIMES • STORE
`
`ON/OFF DATA
`j_
`ANALYZE DATA
`
`FOR REPETITION •
`
`STORE REPETITION
`SCHEME
`+
`STORE POINTER
`TO KEY
`
`FIG. 138
`
`IR BIT STREAM
`r-1~--~rl~--
`FILTERED
`BIT STREAM
`
`OFF
`TIME
`
`FIG. 13C
`
`FILTERED
`BIT STREAM
`
`REPETITION
`(DISCARD)
`
`STEPS
`
`STEP 6
`~
`ON
`TIME
`
`STEP7
`
`STEPS
`
`STEP9
`
`STEP10
`
`STEP 11
`
`+
`
`( CODE CAPTURED )
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 11 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 14
`GENERATING IR COD!!
`
`PRESS KEY FOR
`DESIRED FUNOI"ION
`
`STEP 1
`
`POINT TO FIRST
`ON/OFF TIME
`
`STEP2
`
`SET TIMER TO
`GENERATE INTERRUPT
`AFTER ON TIME
`
`STEP3
`
`EXECUTE CARRIER
`GENERATOR CODE
`LOOP
`
`STEP4
`
`STEPS
`
`SET TIMER TO
`GENERATE INTERRUPT
`AFTER OFF TIME
`
`STEP6
`
`EXECUTE NOP
`(NO OPERATION)
`
`STEP7
`
`STEPS
`
`STEP9
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`NO
`
`NO
`
`STEP 10
`
`POINT TO
`NEXT ON/OFF
`TIME
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 12 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 15
`
`LED4
`
`18
`
`....-f10
`
`VCR 1
`
`,, 1
`
`1
`
`II Cable 1 Ill TV 1 Ill Power .j
`I· VCR 2 I II· CD
`I II· DO 1 I II· DO 2 I I
`II Rec 1 II p+VC!j II• Stop 1 Ill Pause 1 I
`,, Rew 1 Ill Rev 1 Ill Play 1 Ill Fwd 1 I
`j 1MuTE 1 1
`I Ill 2
`I Ill 3
`I Ill Vol UP I I J1 2
`II 4 1 Ill 5 .j II 6 1 Ill Vol DN 1 I
`, 9.!
`, 7 , 11
`, a ,
`11
`j, o
`•II•Enter 1 11 1CHup,l
`,,Recall, II·CHDn, I
`
`61
`
`,, DO I I
`,, A ·II· B " ' ' c "'' D .j
`I· E ·II· F ·II· G ·II· H"
`
`14
`
`( ____ )
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 14
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 13 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 16
`STEP AND SET METHOD
`
`STEP 1
`
`STEP2
`
`STORE POINTER
`TO CURRENT
`(BEGINNING)
`DRIVER
`
`STEP 3
`
`STEP4
`
`STEP9
`
`POINT TO NEXT
`DRIVER IN
`CIRCULAR LIST
`
`STEP14
`POINT TO
`PREVIOUS
`DRIVER IN
`CIRCULAR LIST
`
`STEP12
`
`BLINK
`LED
`RED
`
`STEP 11
`STEP13
`
`BLINK
`LED
`YELLOW
`
`DONE
`
`STEP15
`
`RESTORE DO 1, DO 2
`MACROS, IF ANY
`
`SEND IR SIGNAL
`FOR FUNCTION
`BLINK LED GREEN STEP S
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 15
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 14 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 17
`DIRECT ENTRY- QUICK SET
`
`LOOKUP
`MAKE AND
`MODEL IN
`BOOKLET
`
`STEP 1
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`LED
`BLINKS
`GREEN, GREEN
`
`LED
`BLINKS
`LONG YELLOW
`
`PRESS MODE
`KEY
`(TV, VCR, ETC}
`
`STEP3
`
`DONE
`
`PROBLEM
`
`STEP4
`
`STEP5
`
`RESET, DO NOT
`ALTER SETTING
`
`STEP7
`
`NO
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 15 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 18A
`SETTING A "DO" COMMAND MACRO
`
`PRACTICE KEY
`SEQUENCE TO
`MAKE SURE
`IT IS VALID
`
`STEP 1
`
`PRESS
`DO, RECALL
`
`STEP2
`
`FIG. 188
`.EXECUTING A
`MACRO "DO" COMMAND
`
`PRESS ANY KEY
`(EXCEPT MODE KEY,
`NUMBER KEYS, OR
`DO, ENTER RECALL)
`
`STEP3
`
`PRESS
`DO KEY
`
`STEP 1
`
`ENTER IN
`SEQUENCE DESIRED KEY.*
`INCLUDE MODE
`AND FUNCTION
`
`STEP4
`
`PRESS
`ASSIGNED
`MACRO
`KEY
`
`STEP2
`
`IRCODES
`TRANSMITTED
`AS MACRO
`EXECUTES
`
`STEP3
`
`STEPS
`
`* eg. TV, POWER, VCR 1, POWER, PLAY, TV, 3, ENTER
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 16 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 19A
`
`TO IDENTIFY WHAT DEVICE REMOTE IS SET FOR- BLINK CODE
`
`PRESS
`MODE KEY
`(TV, VCR, ETC.)
`
`STEP 2
`
`FIG. 198
`
`G G G G G G G G
`R R R R R R R R
`
`LOOKUP
`BLINK CODE
`IN BOOKLET
`
`STEP 5
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 18
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 17 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`206"'-.
`
`228
`
`FIG. 20
`
`251 ~
`25~ J
`2()7250
`256
`257
`
`258
`
`+9V
`
`.. ~ 20
`
`FIG. 21
`18MDTR
`
`-90R 9V
`•
`
`T
`
`18MRXD
`3 ,.
`
`-9V
`
`... cr.;-
`
`4
`
`,)230
`
`100K
`R3
`
`1N5229
`4.3V
`CR1
`,.
`
`224
`
`HTXD
`RED
`
`1
`
`FIG. 22
`
`226
`276
`2308\.
`~-~~~~--L---~~.,~H~R~X~D~-o 3
`GRN
`
`().,--3
`
`2 ~
`~ R1
`272
`GROUND
`o.,.-
`5
`7
`~~-
`FEMALE
`FEMALE
`089
`0825
`
`228
`
`2
`
`GROUND
`8LK
`r CONNEdrOR \
`IN8ATIERY
`COMPARTMENT
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 19
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 1995
`
`Sheet 18 of 18
`
`5,414,761
`
`FIG. 23
`
`304
`
`~300
`
`302
`
`402
`
`FIG. 24
`
`~
`
`400
`
`0
`
`0
`
`318
`
`FIG. 25
`
`0
`
`500~
`
`VBI DECODER
`
`FIG. 26
`
`~600
`
`604
`
`606
`
`608
`
`~··· ·uu 0'
`
`DD DDDD
`DD ID
`DD
`
`D
`~ 602
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 20
`
`

`

`1
`
`REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM
`
`5,414,761
`
`2
`Imoto does not teach means for outputting infrared
`code signals nor does Imoto teach in a remote control,
`terminal means coupled to a CPU for supplying code
`data from outside the remote control through the termi-
`5 nal means and the CPU to a memory of the remote
`control.
`
`This application is a Continuation application of U.S.
`application Ser. No. 08/046,105, filed Apr. 8, 1993, now
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,313, which is a Continuation Appli(cid:173)
`cation of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/587,326, f!led
`Sep. 24, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,077, which is a
`Continuation-In-Part Application of application Ser.
`No. 07/127,999, filed Dec. 2, 1987, now U.S. Pat. No. 10
`4,959,810, which is a Continuation-In-Part of applica(cid:173)
`tion Ser. No. 07/109,336, filed Oct. 14, 1987, now aban(cid:173)
`doned.
`
`25
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a universal remote
`control system including a remote control of the type
`which is hand held and which can be coupled via coded
`infrared signals with a remote control receiver built into
`a television or other remotely controlled electrical ap- 20
`paratus to turn on the apparatus, such as the television,
`at a distance, to adjust the volume, tone and brightness,
`to change channels, and to turn the television off and a
`data transmission system for inputting data to the re-
`mote control.
`2. Description of the Related Art Including Informa(cid:173)
`tion Disclosed under 37 CFR Sections 1.97-1.99
`Heretofore it has been proposed to provide a recon(cid:173)
`figurable remote control device and programmable
`functions for such a remote control device which will 30
`enable one to learn, store and retransmit infrared codes
`that are emitted from the controller for a remotely
`controlled apparatus, such as a television.
`For example, in the Welles II U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,887
`and the Ehlers U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,848, there is dis- 35
`closed a reconfigurable remote control device which
`has the ability to learn, store and repeat remote control
`codes from any other infrared transmitter. Such a
`reconfigurable, remote control transmitter device in(cid:173)
`cludes an infrared receiver, a microprocessor, a non- 40
`volatile random access memory, a scratch pad random
`access memory, and an infrared transmitter.
`According to the teachings of the Ehlers patent, the
`infrared signals received by the remote control device
`are in bursts of pulses and the device counts the number 45
`of pulses in each burst as well as the time duration of
`each pause in a transmission between bursts.
`The Evans et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,200 which issued
`on Apr. 25, 1989 on application Ser. No. 66,833, filed on
`Jun. 25, 1987, teaches a reconfigurable remote control 50
`transmitter that includes a learn mode and a run mode
`and is similar to the remote control system disclosed in
`the Ehlers patent.
`Evans et al. does not teach or suggest the provision in
`a universal remote control of data coupling means in- 55
`eluding terminal means (such as serial ports) coupled to
`a CPU for enabling code data to be supplied from out(cid:173)
`side the remote control through the terminal means and
`CPU to a memory of the remote control.
`The lmoto U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,283 teaches a system 60
`for the collecting of operating codes from various re(cid:173)
`mote control transmitters by inputting the code data
`therefrom via infrared code signals to an infrared re(cid:173)
`ceiving diode at an input of the system, deciphering
`those code signals, storing them in a RAM and then 65
`upon operation of keys, supplying outputs via one of
`several cables extending from outputs of the system to
`devices to be controlled.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`According to the present invention there is provided
`a remote control system with data coupling including: a
`remote control, a computer having a memory, at least
`one of instruction codes or code data for creating ap(cid:173)
`propriate infrared (IR) lamp driver instructions for
`causing an infrared signal generator to emit infrared
`15 signals which will cause specific functions to occur in a
`specific controlled device, for operating a variety of
`devices to be controlled, stored in the memory of the
`computer, the remote control comprising input cir-
`cuitry including a set of keys or pushbuttons for input(cid:173)
`ting commands into the remote control, infrared signal
`output circuitry including IR lamp driver circuitry for
`supplying an infrared signal to a controlled device, a
`central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the input
`circuitry and to the signal output circuitry, a memory
`coupled to the CPU, and data coupling circuitry and
`structure for periodically coupling the computer to the
`remote control for receiving from the computer mem(cid:173)
`ory and inputting into the memory of the remote con(cid:173)
`trol at least one of (a) the instruction codes or (b) the
`code data for creating appropriate IR lamp driver in(cid:173)
`structions, the code date causing the infrared signal
`output circuitry to emit infrared signals which will
`cause specific functions to occur in a specific controlled
`device when the input circuitry are operated, and the
`code data operating a variety of devices to be con(cid:173)
`trolled and enabling the remote control to control vari-
`ous devices to be controlled upon the inputting of com(cid:173)
`mands to the keys of the input circuitry.
`Further according to the invention there is provided
`a remote control system with data coupling including: a
`remote control, a computer having a memory, at least
`one of instruction codes or code data for creating ap-
`propriate infrared (IR) lamp driver instructions for
`causing an infrared signal generator to emit infrared
`signals which will cause specific functions to occur in a
`specific controlled device, for operating a variety of
`devices to be controlled, stored in the memory of the
`computer, a remote control comprising input circuitry
`including a set of keys or pushbuttons for inputting
`commands into the remote control, infrared signal out(cid:173)
`put circuitry including IR lamp driver circuitry for
`supplying an infrared signal to a controlled device, a
`central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the input
`circuitry and to the signal output circuitry, a memory
`coupled to the CPU, and data coupling circuitry and
`structure for periodically coupling the computer to the
`remote control for receiving from the computer mem(cid:173)
`ory and inputting into the memory of the remote con(cid:173)
`trol at least one of (a) the instruction codes or (b) code
`data for creating appropriate IR lamp driver instruc(cid:173)
`tions for causing the infrared signal output circuitry to
`emit infrared signals which will cause specific functions
`to occur in a specific controlled device, for operating a
`variety of devices to be controlled into the memory of
`the remote control to enable the remote control to con(cid:173)
`trol various devices to be controlled upon the inputting
`of commands to the keys of the input circuitry and a
`data transmission system including the data coupling
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 21
`
`

`

`5,414,761
`
`3
`circuitry and structure for coupling the remote control
`to the computer, directly, through decoding circuitry
`and a television set which receives a television signal
`containing at least one off the instruction codes or the
`code data.
`Stili further according to the present invention there
`is provided a remote control system with data coupling
`including a remote control comprising input circuitry
`including a set of keys or pushbuttons for inputting
`commands into the remote control, infrared signal out- 10
`put circuitry including IR lamp driver circuitry for
`supplying an infrared signal to a controlled device, a
`central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the input
`circuitry and to the signal output circuitry, a memory
`coupled to the CPU and data coupling circuitry and 15
`structure including terminal structure comprising a
`receiving port coupled to the CPU for enabling at least
`one of (a) instruction codes or (b) the code data for
`creating appropriate IR lamp driver instructions for
`causing the infrared signal output circuitry to emit in- 20
`frared signals which will cause specific functions to
`occur in a specific controlled device, for operating a
`variety of devices to be controlled, to be supplied from
`outside the remote control through the receiving port
`of the terminal structure directly to the CPU for direct 25
`entry to the memory to enable the remote control to
`control various devices to be controlled upon the input(cid:173)
`ting of commands to the keys of the input circuitry and
`a data transmission system including coupling circuitry
`for coupling the terminal structure to a computer, di- 30
`rectly, through a telephone line, through a modem and
`a telephone line, or through decoding circuitry and a
`television set which receives a television signal contain(cid:173)
`ing at least one of the instruction codes or the code data.
`
`4
`FIGS. lla to lli are graphical representations of
`several modulation schemes which are used in infrared
`remote control transmitters.
`FIG. 12A is a flow chart of a first part of a method for
`5 capturing an IR code and FIG. 12B is a graph of the
`envelope of the code.
`FIG. 13A is a flow chart of a second part of a method
`for capturing an IR code; FIG. 13B is a waveform of
`theIR bit stream and filtered bit stream; and FIG. 13C
`is a graph of the waveform of a filtered repetition of a
`filtered bit stream.
`FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the method used for gener(cid:173)
`ating an infrared code.
`FIG. 15 is a front plan view of the control device
`shown in FIG. 1 and shows the various pushbuttons of
`the device.
`FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the search and set proce(cid:173)
`dure followed in using the control device of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a direct-entry/quick-set
`procedure followed in using the remote control device.
`FIG. 18A is a flow chart of the procedure followed in
`setting a "DO" command and FIG. 18B is a flow chart
`of the method for executing a "DO" command.
`FIG. 19A is a flow chart of the method used to iden(cid:173)
`tify what type of unit the remote control device is set
`for and FIG. 19B is a table of the identifying blink code.
`FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view with por~
`tions broken away of a connector with conversion cir(cid:173)
`cuitry therein and a special battery case cover for the
`control device by which new data can be inputed into
`the RAM of the operating circuitry of the control de(cid:173)
`vice.
`FIG. 21 is a schematic circuit diagram of part of the
`35 conversion circuitry in the connector shown in FIG. 20.
`FIG. 22 is a schematic circuit diagram of another part
`of the conversion circuitry in the connector shown in
`FIG. 20.
`FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of the data
`transmission system of the universal remote control
`system of the present invention and shows the manner
`in which data is input via a telephone line to the remote
`control.
`FIG. 24 is a block schematic diagram of a modified
`data transmission system similar to the data transmission
`system shown in FIG. 23 for inputting data via a tele(cid:173)
`phone line to the remote control using a pickup coil.
`FIG. 25 is a block schematic diagram of another
`embodiment of a data transmission system which uti-
`50 lizes the vertical blanking interval on a raster across a
`television screen for transmitting data to the remote
`control and shows a vertical blanking interval decoder
`and a cable with a three-pin jack pluggable into the
`remote control for transmitting data to the remote con(cid:173)
`trol.
`FIG. 26 is a block schematic diagram of a direct
`connection from a digital telephone line to the remote
`control having a direct access arrangement therein for
`inputting data to the remote control.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the universal
`remote control device constructed according to the
`teachings of the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the control 40
`device show n in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view
`through two of the push buttons of the control device
`shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
`FIG. 4 is a fragmentary comer view of a push button 45
`containing panel and a base panel.
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary comer view similar to FIG.
`4 as the panels are brought together and shows one of
`the push buttons cut away from the push button con(cid:173)
`taining panel.
`FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of the assem(cid:173)
`bly 15 formed by bringing the push button containing
`panel into engagement with the base panel.
`FIG. 7 is a plan view of the circuit board assembly
`mounted inside the control device viewing the control 55
`device from the back side thereof with a back cover
`panel removed.
`FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the operating circuitry in
`the control device.
`FIGS. 9A & 9B are a detailed schematic circuit dia- 60
`gram of the operating circuitry shown in FIG. 8.
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the connection
`of a programming connector over the central process(cid:173)
`ing unit of the operating circuitry in the control device,
`the programming connector being connected to a mi- 65
`croprocessor, being operable to disable the central pro(cid:173)
`cessing unit, and being used to program the random
`access memory (RAM) of the operating ciruitry.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`Referring now to FIG. 1 in greater detail, there is
`illustrated therein a universal remote control device 10
`constructed according to the teachings of the present
`invention.
`As shown, the device 10 includes a housing 11 includ(cid:173)
`ing an upper housing member 12 having a base panel 14,
`
`Universal Remote Control Exhibit: 1001
`
`Page 22
`
`

`

`5,414,761
`
`TV
`DO!
`Stop
`Play
`
`3
`6
`9
`Enter
`Recall
`
`E
`F
`
`Power
`D02
`Pause
`Fast Fwd
`Mute
`Vol Up
`Vol Dn
`
`CHUp
`CHDn
`
`G
`H
`
`VCR!
`VCR2
`Rec
`Rew
`
`Cable
`CD
`TV.VCR
`Reverse
`
`I
`4
`7
`
`DO
`A
`B
`
`2
`5
`8
`0
`
`c
`D
`
`5
`and a lower housing member 16. An overlay face panel
`18 is positioned over the base panel 14.
`The two panels 14 and 18 have openings 22 and 24
`(FIG. 2) therethrough for receiving elastomeric push(cid:173)
`buttons 25, all of which extend from and are fixed to or
`integral with an elastomeric body panel 26 as shown in
`FIG.2.
`The pushbuttons 25 are arranged in rows and col(cid:173)
`umns and are identified as follows on the overlay face
`panel18:
`
`6
`pushbuttons 25 to perform numerous other functions as
`called for.
`This mechanical construction of the upper and lower
`housing members 12 and 16 and the panels 14 and 18
`5 and circuit board 36 enable the control device 10 to be
`modified to include additional circuits in the operating
`circuitry 42 and pushbutton switches 25 for performing
`additional functions, if desired. In this respect, overlay
`face panel 18 is easily replaceable to modify the device
`10 10 to include more or less pushbuttons 25 and associated
`switches 38.
`The simplicity of the construction of the pushbuttons
`25, the base panel 14 and the overlay panel 18 is shown
`in FIGS. 3-6. As shown in FIG. 3, the body panel26
`15 has a plurality of raised pushbuttons 25 formed thereon.
`Each raised rectangular button 25 has a recessed area or
`hollow 48 on the underside 49 of each button 25 in
`which is mounted a conductive plunger or puck 50
`adapted to engage one of the conductive switches 38 on
`20 the circuit board 36. With the pushbuttons 25 and the
`panel26 being formed from a sheet of elastomeric mate(cid:173)
`rial it is an easy matter to remove the buttons 25 that are
`not necessary with a scissors or other cutting element,
`This arrangement is shown in FIG. 15 and the man(cid:173)
`as shown in FIG. 4.
`ner in which these pushbuttons 25 are utilized in operat- 25
`Then, the pushbutton body panel 26 is moved into
`ing the control device 10 will be described in greater
`engagement with the base panel14, as shown in FIG. 5,
`detail in connection with the description of FIGS.
`to form the assembly shown in FIG. 6.
`15-19B.
`After the pushbutton body panel 26 and the base
`panel portion 14 have been assembled as shown in FIG.
`At a top or forward end 28 of the device 10, there is
`provided an opening 30 for three light emitting diodes, 30 6, the overlay face panel 18 is mounted on top of the
`LED 1, LED 2 and LED 3. The opening 30 is covered
`base panel14 and the circuit board 36 is mounted within
`by an infrared-transport lens 31. Also, provided on a top
`the housing member 12.
`surface 32 of the upper housing member 12 of the con-
`Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated therein
`trol device 10 is a light emitting diode, LED 4, by
`the operating circuitry 42 of the control device 10
`which information, in the form of red and green blink 35
`codes, is communicated to the user of the device 10.
`which includes batteries 46 (FIG. 10) mounted in the
`FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components of the
`compartment 45 for providing power for the