GB2400476A - infra-red remote control - Google Patents

Abstract

A system has infra red receiving and emitting devices. The emitting device can recognise a command intended for a set top box and prevent it being emitted as an infra red signal, either partially or fully.

Description

2400476 Imorovements to Irffra-red remote control receiver. emitter and

distribution systems History There exist a few systems intended to allow operation or Infra-red controlled equlpmen1 from remote locations, however they en have serious 1'mitatons; use with BslyB or similar Set- top-boxes (STsJ There Pro hero issues associated with BskyB set-oboxes 1 Recently BskyB in the UK has caused to be produced a set-tobox tSTB' with the ability to respond directly to remote control Informatlon sent via cable from a remote Infra-red (JR) receiver at a remote location. This works very nicely, hovever it this system Is used with a separate IR emitter, such that the STB receives an IR command simultaneously through Its rear panel Connector and its own inbuilt IR receiver, the STB is unable to resolve the command correctly and does not respond.

2 The BskyS STB Is designed to receive Envelope only' information rem the remote, rather then with modulation included, so if a remote IR rsceiversupplys modulated Intorrnatlon the STO cannot correctly resolve the command, and If it doesn't then any erntter used cannot control any ather devices.

Powering issues In existing 1R repeater systems the remote receivers get their pawer';uppy via the coaxial cable that caries Ih. TV signals. This is fine as long as, 1 There is only one remote TV connected to the system, and this has an IR receiver, 2 There is a dstnbuLion system, but any components such as splitters are able to pass power between their inputs and outputs, arm are not shortmrcui' to ground.

In the event of a distribution system being used, each remote TV must be equipped with either an IR receiver, or a DC-blocking device to prevent damage to the TV.

4 The distribution cannot contain any safety DC isolation devices.

Efficiency of IR emitters When used at high powers the actual emitting device inside the package of an IR emitter heats up very rapidly, Jn the order of a few micro-seconds' and as it does so its efficiency reduces greatly and much power is wasted as heat rasher then fumed into IR. This means that if a device is emitting a 50f50 nnarkrspace sequence of pulses something like half of the electrical power supplied to the emitter is wasted. Furthermore the increase in temperature could damage the emitter, so output powers are severely limited to avoid this Mullidirectlonal control An enfetter Can not be co-located with an IR receiver an the same distribution system, so control signals cannot be passed in both directions between locations.

Improvements to Infrared remote,control,receiver, emitter and distribution systems

Description of the invention

To improve flexibility with BskyB Sel-top-boxes I propose a system consisting of an IR receiver that can be located remote from the STB, sad an emitter that can be lacared adjacent to the STY and any other equipment.

In one embodiment the receiver would convey only the data envelope Information to the emitter, and the emitter would reinsert the modualtion prior to ennission as IR In another embodiment the receiver would convey all the IR hfonnalion including the modulation to the emitter, with the modulation information enwded on the envelope either as short 'notches' in the carr[F'ror frequency or amplitude rnaulateo on the carrier, which the enfetter can re-emit as lid In another embodiment the system can function as above, but the emitter contains a nicropr.oceEsor that can recognlGe a commend intended for the STB and prevent it being emitted.ns IR to prevent problems with the STB.

In another embodiment the system On function os above, but the emitter contains a circuit that ensures that signals are emitted as IR only some of Ihs time, such that maybe half of the commands received by the ST13 are 'confused' and half arc r.^ccl''od cleanly via the foal-panel connector only.

In another embodiment the system can.un.Ation as above, but the emitl*, conlai'' ci'cuit that ensures that signals arra passed to the STB rear connector only some of the time, such that maybe hall of the commands received by the STB are 'confused' and half are received cleanly via the nbuiN IR pickup only.

propose that the. remote IR re.A'etver should send complete IR information, including modulation information, to the STO and Emitter, encoded in such as way as to be compatible troth With the fife and the emitter The maculation could be encoded onto the envelope as ampfitu.oo or I frequency modulated signals, ensun'ng tle STE] still sees a continuous envelope; or RS narrow notches' in the envelope, narrow enough not to confuse the STO, and relating to the position but not necessarily the duration of an IR modulation pulse, or as a different signal altogether at a different frequency.

Alternatively an emitter could be lised that, when used with an 'cnvolope only' remote remover can artificially regenerate the whole IR information using an Rotary modulation frequency which can world with most equipment; or using a swept, frequency moduiatedT or d',ty'arbitary I modulation slnal to spread its apparent output frequency; or that can emit several tope1itions or the signal using different modulation frequencies. : Altemstively a remote IR receiver could be used that could provide a signal in adlilion [u and possibly before or following the 'envelope only' signal, that contains infarmatlon on the modulation frequency required. This could be used by an emitter to regenerate the incoming IR signal faithfully To resolve the Powenn, issues I propose a system In which any or all devices, such as embers, OC injectors, amplifiers rrodulators, eto., contain a circuit that can betel a shorS circuit or excessive current load connected to any input or output connector that can be used to supply power to another device or devices in the system, and con limit or remove entirely the power supply from that corr'lor as a result. This prevents power wastage or d 1aye to TVs or other components in the system, allowing a system to be used whore not all remote 7Vs are either equipped with IR receivers or with DC-bloching devices, andiorwhere distribution components such 5 splittem are used that provide a shun circle to ground.

I propose a remote IR receiver that has a separate DC input connector so that it can accept power from A local power supply when power is not available from its TV connectors, to allow it to be used on distribution systems that either contain components such as splitters that provide a short Gin;:Ujt to ground, or that contain safety DC isolation devices.

Improvements to Infra-red remote control receiver. emitter and distribution systems To improve the Emclency of IR emitters I propose a system in which any IR information can be emitted in the forth of very short pulses, of the order nicro-seconds or less, regardless of its intended markrspace ratio. This slows very large currents to be passed through the IR emitted for these very short periods. which produce IR output very efficiently as the emitter has no time to heat up much, in nonnal circumstances each pulse will be followed by a relatively long period during which heat can dissipate. Consequently almost all the electrical energy is converted iDtG IR and -very littir, into heat; with commensurate Improverr,ents both in the efficiency of the equipment producing the IR output, and in tempts of the level of IR output that can be achieved from a given emitter device without failure.

TO effect Mulffdirectional control.

I propose an integrated emitter/receiver that can accept a signal via IR from a remote control located nearby and communicate it to an emitter, STe or other device located remotely, and that can accept a signal from a remote IR receiver and re-emit it as an IR signal to control equipment nearby, without the emitted signal causing interference with the receiver or vice-versa.

Imorovemonts to Infra-red remote con rol receiver, emitter and distribution systems Claims of important features The devices) could have any or all of the following features; 1 An emitter that contains a microprocessor that can recognize a command intended for the STB and prevent it being emitted as 1R, enher panany or in full An emitter as in 1 that can subsequently prevent further repetitions of said code from being emitted as 1R, either by blocking any code received at the expected repetition time or by blocking all codes for a period of time.

3 An emitter as in t that can subsequently prevent further repetitions of said code from teeing passed to the STH, either by blocking any code received at the expected repetition time, or by blocking all codes for a period of time.

4 An emitter that contains a circuit that ensures that signals are emitted as IR only part of the time, such that Maytag half of the commands received by the STO are oonfused, and half are received cleanly via the rear-panel connector only.

An emitter that contains a circuit that ensures that signals are passed to the STB rear connector only some o! the time, such that maybe half of the commands received thy the S7B are 'confused' and half are received cleanly via the inbuilt IR pickup only.

6 An emitter that can accept power from a STR via one of its connectors, and that can awept and use remote control signals from a remote IR receiver modulated onto a RF camiar as with raskyB STBs, that will not pass saga RF carrier through lo the STO but will only Ernst the signal as IR.

7 An emitter that can accept 'envelope only' information from a remote receiver connected lo it by cable, and can art'caly generate and emit the full IR command including modulation 8 A reunite IR receiver that can receive IR by rreans of some device that outputs 'envelope only' infonation, and that can artificially pcnorate Ike full IR command including modulation.

9 A remote iR receiverthat outputs IF information compatible with a 13skyS SIB or srntlar, but including modulation information encoded onto the envelope as amplitude or frequency modulated signals' ensuhng the STB still sees a continuous envelope.

A remote IR recelverthat outputs IR information compatible with a BskyB STB or similar, but Including modulation inforrnaRon encoded as narrow notches' In the envelope, narTov, enough not to confuse the STY, and relating to the position but not necessarily the duration of an IR modulation pulse.

11 An emitter that can accept llR infonnation compatible with a eskyB STE3 or similar, but Including modulation ntorrnation encoded onto the envelope as amplitude or frequency modulated slnals, And from which it can regenerate and Ernst complete IR signals.

12 An emitter that can accept fR information compatible with a BskyS STB or similar, but Including modulation information encoded onto the envelope as narrow inotches' in the envelope, and from which it can regenerate and emit Gomptete IR signals.

13 An emiNer that can accept IR InformGtlon compatible with OskyO STB or similar, but Inducing modulstlon infortnation ens 'led onto a different freq fencer to the envelope, and hem which It can regenerate and emit complete IR signals.

14 An emitter that can accept If infornaiion compatible with a OskyE3 STS or similar, but Including modulation information encoded before or after IN envelope only' Informatlon, and from which it can regenerate and emit complete IR signals.

An emitter that can accept IR infonnation B5 'envelop only' information, that can emit via 1R several repetitions of the signal using different modulation frequencies 4" An =...;tr that eon.ins an internal reservoir, earner a capacitor or rechargeable battery, which can charge slowly from a power source, andlor from a signal not intended as a power Improvements to Infra-red remote control receiver. emitter and distribution systems source, and discharge rapidly to supply sufficient current for high power IR emillurs and diner internal circuitry.

17 An emitter that Contains a voltage regulator circuit such that. though the voltage available from the intema! reservoir changes as it Chorded and discharges. the voltage aveiJable to the IR cm tter Circuit remains constant.

18 An emitter that contains a regulator circuit intended to allow it to be used with a wide range of power supply voltages.

19 A receiver that contains a regulator circuit intended to allow it to be used with a wide range of power supply voltages A receiver intended to be used as part of a distribution system that can accept a power supply either via its input or output connector, or from an external power supply, and in the lager Case can use this power to supply its own internal ctrwltry 21 An emitter or other device that can accept power supply either via one or more of its input or output eonnertors, or from an external power supply, and in the latter case con use this power to supply its awn internal circuitry andior lo feed other devices in the system.

22 An ennitter or other device that contains a circuit that can detect a short urwt or excessive current load connected to any Connector that is intended to supply power to another device or definers in the system, and can limit or remove the power supply from that eonnedor as a result.

23 A distribution amplifier, preamplifier, or otheraevice that canlains a circuit that can detect a short circuit or excessive current load connected to any input or output connector that can be used to supply power to another device or devices In the system, and can limit or remove the power supply from that connector as 3 result.

24 An emitter from which any IR codes can be emitted in the form of very short pulses, of the order of 7 micro-seconds or less, regardless of its intended or nominal markfspace ratio.

An IR emitter or remote control of any son from Which IR infonuation is emitted in the TOm, of very short pulses, of the order of 7 micro-seconds or less, regaruiess of its intended or nominal narkspar;e ratio, with the intention of naxJmising efficiency and/or output power 23 An integrated ornitterJreceiver that can acoopl signal via IR from a remote control located nearby and communicate it to an emitter' ST8 or other device located remotely' and that can swept a signal from a remote IR receiver and re-emit it as an IR signal to control en utpment nearby, without the emitted signal causing interference with the receiver or vice versa.

27 An integrated femitter/receivef as In 2B above that can identity a locally originating IR signal by some means' and block its IR emitter from outputting IR for the duration of said signal.

28 An integrated emitterJreceiver as in 26 above that can identify a remotely originating signal by some means, and block its IR receiver Unfitter from accepting a locally originating IR signal fur the duration of said signal.

29 An integrated emitter/recever as in 26 above the can identify a romolely originating signal by some means, and block its IR receiver from accepting a locally originating IR signal for the duration of said air:'nal An teglatefl mitterre≤iv, r as In 26 above that regularly switches between two stat in one of which it Can accept signal vie IR from s mmote control located nearby Bind communicate it to an ember STB, or other device located remotely; In the other of which it can accept a signal from a remote IR receiver and re-emit it as an IR signal to control equipment nearby.

Claims (1)

1. Amended claims have been filed as follows Claims 1 A system comprising

   mcsiver and optional' an emitter for the reception and re emission of intta red remote control signals such as but not 11mitcd to those used used for controlling home entertainment equipment suds as video recorders or digital television rocoivors, that is able to control equipment such as video recorders or denial television receivers which contain intemel electrons circuitry designed to interface with such a system and also to control a separate emitting device which is awe to reproduce the inha red remote control codes as received by the receiver.

   2 A system as h claim 1 that cDntalns a microeessor that can reeogolse command intended for the the equipment which contain Internal electronic circuitry destined to interface with such s system directly, and prevent it from being emoted as infra red either partially or in full.

   3 A system as in claim 2 wherin the emitter can subsequently prevent father repetitions of said code from Beirut emitted as infra red, either by blocking any code received at the expected repetition time or by blocking all codes for a period of time.

   A system as h claim whenn the emitter can subsequently prevent further repetitions of said code from being pawed to the device which contains infernal oleronie circuitry designed lo interface with such a system directly, either by blocking any code received at the expected repetition time, or by blockers all codes Or a period of tinge.

   A system as h claim 2 whorin the emitter contains a circuit that ensures that signals are emitted as infra red only part of the time, such that a proportion of the commands received hy the device which contains internal electronic circuitry designed to interface with slick a system directly are also emitted as infra red.

   6 A system as in dsim 2 wherin the emitter contains a Circuit that ensures that Signals are passed to the device which cordains internal electronic Circuitry designed to Intertaco With such a sytern directly some of the time, such the a proportion of the commands emitted as Inca red are ado received by said device directly.

   7 A system as in claim 1 wherin the emmsr can accept power fron' another device to which it is atisahod via one of its connoetors, and Unit Can reproduce the intrs red remote control codes as received by the receiver but vail not pass the remote control infwrnalion to another device B A system as in claim 1 wherin the remote infra red receiver can receive infrs red commands by meters of some device that outputs envelope only information, and that can by some means artificial generate the full command including modutetion.

   g A sylvan as in claim 1 wherin the remote infra red receiver outputs a signal compatible with a deY Be which contains Inter al electronic circuitry designed to interface with such a system directly, but including modulation information anonded onto the envelope as amplitude or frequency modulated signals.

   A system as in claim 1 wherin the remote infra red receiver outputs a signal GonpiNe with a device which contains interned electronic circuitry designed to interface with such a system directly, but including modulation inforrnolfon encoded as per oeis of absence of signal in the erralope of dungeon one fifth or less of the periods where signal is present.

   A system as in claim 1 whedn the remote Infra red receiver outputs a signal compatible with a device which contains internal electronic circuitry designed to interface vAth ch a system directly, but including modulation information encoders onto a different frequency to that carrying the envelope information.

   z A system as in claim 1 wherin the emitterthat can accept envelope only inforrnaUon, YlilhOUt modulation, from a remote receiver connected lo It by cable, and can by some means aificily generate and emit the full infra red command including modulation.

   13 A system es in Saint 1 Whelan the receiver envelope only. without modulation, information from Q remote receiver connected to it by cable' and can erfificially generate and emit the full Afro red commar including modulation including modulation infonnation encoded before or aner We 'envelope only' information, and frown which K can regenerate and emit complete infra red signals.

   t4 A system as in claim 1 where the emitter can accept infra red information as envdope only information, that can emit vb infra red several repetitions of the signal using different intemally generated modulation frequencies.

   A system as In claim 1 whenn the emitter contains an internal reservoir, either a capacitor i or recharsostle battery, which can drake sbvrly from a power source, anchor from a signet not intended as a power source, and discharge rapidly when required to supply sufficient current for Intra red emitters and other internal circuitry.

   to A system as in Bairn 1 wherin the emitter contain, a voltage regulator circuit such that, I though the voltage available from the internal reservoir changes as H charges and discharges, the vaHage avRilahle to the infre red emitter circuit remains constant.

   1 J A system as h Balm 1 whenn the emoter contains voyage regulator intended to allow it I to be used with a wide range of power supply voltages.

   18 A system as in claim 1 wherin the receiver contains a voltage regulator intended to allow it to be user With a Wide range of pacer supply voltages. I 19 A system as in claim 1 wheNn the receiver can accept electrical power either via one or, more of its ink or output connectors, or from an external power supply, and in the latter I Case can use this power to supply Us own internal Circuitry and/or 20 supply inner to another device or devices in the system.

   A system as in claim 1 wherin the ember or any other device such as but not limited to a! distribution amplifier or preemplifler, contains a circuit that can detect a shod circuit or excessive Current load applied to any connector that is intended to supply power to I another devim or devices in the system, and con limit or remove the power supply from that connector as a result.

   91 A system as in Maim 1 wherin We emitter Can emit the infra red in the form of very Short pulses, of the order of 7 Seconds or less, regardless of its intended or nominal marktspace ratio. 1 22 A system as in claim 1 whertn an emitter and receiver one integrated irto the same device such that it can accept s Tonal via from a remote control handset heated nearby and cornmlJnicato It to an ommer e sewhere, and can accept a signal from an infra red receiver Moated elsewhere and re-emit it as an infra red signal to control equipment nearby, without the emitted signal causing interference With the receiver or vicversa.

   23 An Lntegrated emffler/rsoeiver as in claim 23 above that Gen identify locally originsUng infra red steal by sonne mesas, sod prevent its own Infra red emoter from outputting infra red for the duration of said signal.

   24 An integrated emiderreceiver as in claim 23 above that can identify a remotely originating signal by some means, and prevent its own infra led receiver frond accepting a locally i originating infra red signal for the duration of said remote signal.

   An integrated emitter/recewer ss in claim 23 above that regularly switches between To! Estates, remaining in each for a period of Ume; in one olwhich it Can accept a signal Via nfra red from a remote Gordrol located nearby and communicate it to an emoter, or other decree located remotely; in the other of which it can accept a signal Rom a remote infra I red receiver and re-emit it as an infra red signal to control equipment nearby.

   29 A system substantially as herein described and illustrated in the acoompanying drawings.