CA2690680A1 - Television remote control device with built-in locator function - Google Patents
Television remote control device with built-in locator function Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2690680A1 CA2690680A1 CA 2690680 CA2690680A CA2690680A1 CA 2690680 A1 CA2690680 A1 CA 2690680A1 CA 2690680 CA2690680 CA 2690680 CA 2690680 A CA2690680 A CA 2690680A CA 2690680 A1 CA2690680 A1 CA 2690680A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- remote control
- television
- combination defined
- control device
- transmitter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 abstract 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010063659 Aversion Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C17/00—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
- G08C17/02—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/18—Status alarms
- G08B21/24—Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C23/00—Non-electrical signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems
- G08C23/04—Non-electrical signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems using light waves, e.g. infrared
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
The invention describes an improvement to the television and associated remote control device that facilitates finding the remote, if misplaced. The television unit includes a circuit that, when activated, transmits a signal to the remote control device. In addition to the normal television controls, the remote control device has a sensor to detect the television's transmission. Upon detecting this transmission, the remote control device has the ability to emit localizable audio and/or visual cues.
Description
Television Remote Control Locator The invention describes an improvement to the television and associated remote control device that facilitates finding the remote, if the remote is misplaced.
Background of the Invention Eugene Polley, a Zenith engineer, created the first wireless TV remote in 1955. For decades since, cordless television remote controls have been widely known and almost universally used.
During that time, a common issue with television owners, particularly those with small children, has been the misplacement of the remote control. There have previously been other, ad hoc methods of finding the misplaced controller; however there has always been the need for substantial improvement.
Sound-based and radio wave-based "key finders" have been available for purchase for several years; however their popularity has been limited due to the population's general aversion to add-on battery-powered devices.
By incorporating the locating system into the television and remote controller themselves, these limitations can be overcome.
Summary of the Invention The Television Remote Control Locator functions by transmitting a signal (radio, infrared, or other) from the television to a receiver in the remote control unit.
When a person is unable to locate the remote control via normal means, they are able to activate the transmitter circuit inside the television unit. This activation may via a physically accessible button or via a semi-automated internal system. The transmitted signal is then detected by a receiver in the remote control. This receiver then triggers audible and/or visual cues originating from the remote control that allows it to be more easily located.
The receiver is simply a battery-powered circuit board containing a chip that is housed in the same small plastic chassis as the remainder of the remote control's contents.
In the drawings, which form a part of this specification, Fig. 1 is a view of the inside of a portion of the remote control device. It shows the receiver circuit-board and tone generator.
Fig. 2 is a view of the opposite side of the circuit board shown in figure 1.
Fig. 3 is a view of the outside of a portion of the remote control device.
Fig.4 is a view of the inside of a portion of the television unit. It shows the switch, circuit-board and power-supply.
Fig. 5 is a view of the opposite side of the circuit board shown in figure 4.
It shows the transmitter, LED, and circuit-board.
Fig. 6 is a view of the outside of the television showing the external switch and LED.
Detailed Description of the Invention The circuit-board inside the television is powered by an independent 12 volt battery(Fig.4) rather than the television's power source. There is an external switch (Fig.6) that, when pressed, closes the circuit and activates the transmitter unit. A 433.92 MHz signal is then generated by the resonator (Fig.5 - Labeled HR433A) for detection by the receiver unit.
The circuit-board inside the remote control device is powered by the same batteries that provide power to the rest of the remote control's functions. The receiver (Fig.2 -Labeled C7) is tuned to detect a 433.92 MHz signal. When that specific frequency is detected, it activates the electric tone-generator (Fig. I - Labeled TG) that is attached to the inside of the outer body of the remote control device. There is a hole in the outside body in this area (Fig.3) that allows the sound to be emitted powerfully to facilitate discovery.
It will be apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, the method of communication between the transmitter and receiver can be altered to suit advancements and changes in the marketplace.
Background of the Invention Eugene Polley, a Zenith engineer, created the first wireless TV remote in 1955. For decades since, cordless television remote controls have been widely known and almost universally used.
During that time, a common issue with television owners, particularly those with small children, has been the misplacement of the remote control. There have previously been other, ad hoc methods of finding the misplaced controller; however there has always been the need for substantial improvement.
Sound-based and radio wave-based "key finders" have been available for purchase for several years; however their popularity has been limited due to the population's general aversion to add-on battery-powered devices.
By incorporating the locating system into the television and remote controller themselves, these limitations can be overcome.
Summary of the Invention The Television Remote Control Locator functions by transmitting a signal (radio, infrared, or other) from the television to a receiver in the remote control unit.
When a person is unable to locate the remote control via normal means, they are able to activate the transmitter circuit inside the television unit. This activation may via a physically accessible button or via a semi-automated internal system. The transmitted signal is then detected by a receiver in the remote control. This receiver then triggers audible and/or visual cues originating from the remote control that allows it to be more easily located.
The receiver is simply a battery-powered circuit board containing a chip that is housed in the same small plastic chassis as the remainder of the remote control's contents.
In the drawings, which form a part of this specification, Fig. 1 is a view of the inside of a portion of the remote control device. It shows the receiver circuit-board and tone generator.
Fig. 2 is a view of the opposite side of the circuit board shown in figure 1.
Fig. 3 is a view of the outside of a portion of the remote control device.
Fig.4 is a view of the inside of a portion of the television unit. It shows the switch, circuit-board and power-supply.
Fig. 5 is a view of the opposite side of the circuit board shown in figure 4.
It shows the transmitter, LED, and circuit-board.
Fig. 6 is a view of the outside of the television showing the external switch and LED.
Detailed Description of the Invention The circuit-board inside the television is powered by an independent 12 volt battery(Fig.4) rather than the television's power source. There is an external switch (Fig.6) that, when pressed, closes the circuit and activates the transmitter unit. A 433.92 MHz signal is then generated by the resonator (Fig.5 - Labeled HR433A) for detection by the receiver unit.
The circuit-board inside the remote control device is powered by the same batteries that provide power to the rest of the remote control's functions. The receiver (Fig.2 -Labeled C7) is tuned to detect a 433.92 MHz signal. When that specific frequency is detected, it activates the electric tone-generator (Fig. I - Labeled TG) that is attached to the inside of the outer body of the remote control device. There is a hole in the outside body in this area (Fig.3) that allows the sound to be emitted powerfully to facilitate discovery.
It will be apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, the method of communication between the transmitter and receiver can be altered to suit advancements and changes in the marketplace.
Claims (12)
1. In a television and associated remote control:
~ A transmitter contained within the television unit that can be activated on demand; and A remote control device that contains a receiver and locating device Wherein the transmitter within the television can communicate with the receiver in the remote control device, when activated.
~ A transmitter contained within the television unit that can be activated on demand; and A remote control device that contains a receiver and locating device Wherein the transmitter within the television can communicate with the receiver in the remote control device, when activated.
2. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the communication between the television and the remote control is based on infrared signals.
3. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the communication between the television and the remote control is based on radio signals (including involving the Bluetooth protocol, or others).
4. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the locating property is based on vibrations of the remote control device itself or a part thereof.
5. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the locating property is based on a tone generator or other sound-producing device.
6. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the locating property is based on a flashing light, or other visual cues.
7. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the user-activation of the transmitter is performed via a physical button or switch.
8. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the user-activation of the transmitter is performed via a menu or semi-automated system.
9. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the transmitter circuit has an independent power source, such as a battery.
10. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the transmitter circuit has a shared power source with the television unit.
11. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the receiver circuit has an independent power source, such as a battery.
12. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein the receiver circuit has a shared power source with the other functions of the remote control.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2690680 CA2690680A1 (en) | 2009-12-10 | 2009-12-10 | Television remote control device with built-in locator function |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2690680 CA2690680A1 (en) | 2009-12-10 | 2009-12-10 | Television remote control device with built-in locator function |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2690680A1 true CA2690680A1 (en) | 2011-06-10 |
Family
ID=44144947
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2690680 Abandoned CA2690680A1 (en) | 2009-12-10 | 2009-12-10 | Television remote control device with built-in locator function |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2690680A1 (en) |
-
2009
- 2009-12-10 CA CA 2690680 patent/CA2690680A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US20090040053A1 (en) | Remote Locator System | |
| US20040095251A1 (en) | Sensor light device | |
| US20060205350A1 (en) | Master signal transmitter with allied servant receiver to receive a directed signal from the transmitter | |
| US20100214095A1 (en) | Locator system with audible location indicator | |
| JPWO2012090335A1 (en) | Baggage alarm system | |
| US20040246129A1 (en) | Master signal generator with allied servant units to detect range between the master signal transmitter and the allied servant units | |
| US20070049972A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for locating a pacifier | |
| US20090295570A1 (en) | Consumer Device Locator using Receiver embedded in Battery | |
| US20090058640A1 (en) | Tracking device | |
| US6353383B1 (en) | Alarm apparatus for monitoring activity in a vehicle | |
| JP3133034U (en) | Automatic alarm device | |
| US7554443B1 (en) | Universal remote control finder | |
| CA2690680A1 (en) | Television remote control device with built-in locator function | |
| EP0883096A3 (en) | Distress call emitting device | |
| US20120235816A1 (en) | Item location and theft prevention system | |
| US8073402B2 (en) | Wireless intercommunicative alarm doorbell | |
| US20090309752A1 (en) | Object locating system having remote control locator | |
| US20030206128A1 (en) | Remote locator | |
| JP2002290766A5 (en) | ||
| US20040036600A1 (en) | Item tracking system | |
| US20240121463A1 (en) | Television remote control system with locator device | |
| US6864781B1 (en) | Portable paging system | |
| US20240169812A1 (en) | Remote control finder | |
| KR20130006367U (en) | portable tracking device | |
| US12042747B1 (en) | Competition starting system |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20121210 |