EP1068603B1

EP1068603B1 - Upgradeable remote control

Info

Publication number: EP1068603B1
Application number: EP99915089A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christopher J. Verzulli
Original assignee: U S Electronics Components Corp
Current assignee: Icx Global Inc
Priority date: 1998-03-30
Filing date: 1999-03-30
Publication date: 2004-04-28
Anticipated expiration: 2019-03-30
Also published as: WO1999050807A1; CA2326555A1; AU3369099A; PT1068603E; EP1068603A1

Description

The present invention relates to a remote control and more particularly to a remote control that can be upgraded through a data transmission system that inputs operating software and data into the remote control.

Discussion of the Related Art

Conventional remote controls have been made reconfigurable such that they have the ability to learn, store, and repeat remote control codes from other such remote controls. These conventional remote control devices generally include an infrared receiver, a microprocessor, a non-volatile RAM, a scratch pad RAM, and an infrared transmitter. Accordingly, these types of remote controls only capture a "free format" infrared signal of an existing remote control and then play back that signal at a later time.
During the learning process, the infrared receiver decodes transmissions from another host remote control, associates each transmission with a particular button or key or the reconfigurable remote control, and stores the data encoded within the transmitted signal in memory. Thus, the user trains the conventional reconfigurable remote control by first processing a "learn" button. The button to be reconfigured in the remote control is then processed, followed by depression of the associated button on the host remote control. The user must accurately gauge successful transmission, reception, and data storage between units. The process is conducted separately to train each individual button on the remote control, and in some systems, must be operated at least twice for each button to ensure proper reception and decoding. For a conventional, reconfigurable remote control, the learning process to effectuate commands from another remote control can be repetitive and tiring.
For the conventional remote control, the operating system software in the unit remains unchanged, and only the particular data relating to commands associated with particular, individual buttons are reconfigured. In other words, the data received by the remote control during the learning process does not represent instructions, but is instead the actual transmitted signal from the host remote control. Therefore, the conventional remote control stores the transmitted signal associated with a particular key or button in order to mimic or repeat that signal later during operation. Examples of such upgradeable remote controls are provided by US patents 4,626,848 (R.G. Ehlers) and 4,623,887 (K.B. Welles, II).
Another conventional remote control, described for example by US patent 5,689,353 (P.V. Darbee et al.) has been made upgradeable by transmitting control data for operating other devices to a remote control via a cable directly to a computer, or via a telephone modem. However, data transmission is one-way only, from the computer to the remote control. Further, this conventional, upgradeable remote control system requires a physical attachment through interlocking pieces during the upgrading process. These connecting pieces may become damaged, and the necessary separate cable may become damaged or lost. The remote control unit also must have a dedicated portion that allows for interconnection and engagement with the separate, interlocking components. This utilizes spaces on the portable unit, and requires careful designing so as not to cause an unattractive appearance for the unit.
In yet another existing method for programming an upgradeable remote control (see US patent 5,629,868), the control codes for a number of appliances are cyclically broadcasted from a service provider. Said control codes for selected appliances are converted, on demand, in the flashing of a light-emitting device, such as a region of a TV screen. The upgradeable remote control detects the flashing and stores the corresponding control codes. This method overcomes some of the disadvantages of the previously mentioned systems, but its performances are still limited. In particular, only control codes and memory locations for storing said control codes can be transmitted, with the exclusion of operating software and self-diagnostics instructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a remote control that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a system for updating the operating software and data contained in a remote control type device via an infrared link.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for updating the operating software or data contained in a remote control type device via a radio frequency link.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for two-way communication between a receiving remote control type device and a device in which operating software and code data are stored and sent.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for automatically updating the operating software in a remote control type device through a wireless communication link.
The invention is defined in the appended claims.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the system and method pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a first preferred embodiment of the system for updating the operating software and data contained in a remote control type device via an IR communications link.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a second preferred embodiment of the system for updating the operating software and data contained in a remote control type device via an RF communications link.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a third preferred embodiment of the system for updating the operating software and data contained in a keyboard type device via an IR communications link.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a fourth preferred embodiment of the system for updating the operating software and data contained in a keyboard type device via an RF communications link.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
In Fig. 1, the system for updating the operating software and data contained in a remote control type device includes a handheld remote control device 1. This device includes an infrared ("IR") transmitter 2 and an IR receiver 3. The remote control device also includes a set of pushbuttons or keys 4, a central processing unit ("CPU") (not shown), and a memory (not shown). The system also includes an IR updater 10 in which operating software for the remote control device and code data for operating a variety of devices are stored. The IR updater 10 has IR transmitter 13. The IR updater may also have an IR receiver 12 for two way communication during updating, although this is not required. The IR updater may be used as a stand alone unit or may be attached to an external computer ("PC") 200. The updater also can be an integrated component of the television, and can itself be updated via television signals received through satellite or cable transmissions.
In the first preferred embodiment, a formatted data stream that is known both to the remote control device 1 and the IR updater 10 is transmitted between the two devices over an IR link. For example, the IR transmitter 13 of the IR updater 10 transmits operating software or code data, and the IR receiver 3 of the remote control device I receives that information coming in over the IR link. This received operating software or code data is appropriately processed and decoded in the CPU to update the operating software or code data, respectively, and is stored in the memory of the remote control device 1.
The data transmitted from the IR updater 10 also may contain commands that request action from the remote control device 1. For example, the data transmitted to the remote control device 1 may require the remote control device to perform diagnostics and report the results. Thus, after receiving a command through the IR receiver 2, the remote control device 1 processes the command, runs the diagnostics, and transmits the results through the IR transmitter 2 to the IR receiver 12 of the IR updater 10.
The signal transmitted from the updater, to the remote control, representing software or code data, is detected through at least one photodiode in the remote control. The photodiode, or plurality of photodiodes, can be placed within the vicinity of the diodes that transmit the signals from the remote control to the television or other appliances to be controlled by the remote control. The photodiode(s) is connected to a differentiating capacitor and a threshold amplifier.
The process for updating the remote control by updating the software is greatly simplified as compared to reconfiguration of a conventional reconfigurable remote control unit. The user first activates the "learning mode" for the remote control. This can be done by pressing a single key on the remote control unit.
The user then activates the updater. The remote control is positioned to facilitate IR communication between the updater and the remote control. Ideally, the remote control is placed on a stationary surface with the photodiode facing the transmitter in the updater, and approximately 1.524 m (five feet) from the updater. The updating process can also be performed while the user holds on to the remote control. Depending on the complexity of software to be updated, the communication time may require only seconds. During this time, commands for every operation of the remote control can be modified or altered. Alternatively, the updating process may only modify a select portion of features, or add new commands or features. The remote control device also will transmit signals from the IR transmitter 2 to control external appliances, the signals being based upon commands input through the keys 4 of the remote control device.
The remote control according to the present invention can be designed for one way communication or two way communication with full handshaking. For one way communication the signal is transmitted from the updater to the remote control during the updating process and the remote control only receives the updated software or code data. With two-way communication, the remote control sends signals back to the updater during the updating process. These signals can include indicators indicating "ready to receive," "confirmation of receipt," or "request for updating." With either one way communication or bidirectional communication, the updating process may conclude with an audible signal or visible signal on the updater to indicate completion of transmission, or a comparable signal on the remote control itself.
Fig. 2 is a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in some respects; however, radio frequency is used as the link between the remote control device and the updater. Therefore, the remote control 20 has a radio frequency ("RF") receiver 23 and an RF transmitter 22. The second embodiment also has an RF updater 30, which includes an RF transmitter 33 and an RF receiver 32. The transmission of operating software and code data in the second embodiment is updated via a radio link, and may be performed in a similar manner and in the similar variations as discussed for the first embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a third embodiment of the present invention. Instead of a handheld remote control device, the third embodiment includes a keyboard 40 that has a CPU and memory (not shown), an IR transmitter 42, and an IR receiver 43. The keyboard preferably functions in a similar way as that explained for the remote control device of the first embodiment, wherein operating software and code data is transmitted from an IR updater 10 to the keyboard 40 via an IR link.
Specifically, the IR receiver 43 of the keyboard 40 receives the information coming in over the IR link. This received operating software or code data is appropriately processed and decoded in the CPU to update the operating software or code data, respectively, and is stored in the memory of the keyboard 40.
The data transmitted from the IR updater 10 also may contain commands that request action from the keyboard 40. For example, the data transmitted to the keyboard 40 may require the keyboard 40 to perform diagnostics and report the results. Thus, after receiving a command through the IR receiver 43, the keyboard 40 processes the command, runs the diagnostics, and transmits the results through the IR transmitter 42 to the IR receiver 12 of the IR updater 10.
The keyboard 40 also is capable of transmitting signals from the IR transmitter 42 to control external appliances, the signals being based upon commands input through the keys 44 of the keyboard.
Fig. 4 is a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows a system for updating data contained in a keyboard 50 using an RF updater 30. The keyboard 50, therefore, has an RF receiver 53 and an RF transmitter 52. The RF updater 30 may be similar to that discussed above with respect to the second embodiment. The transmission of operating software and code data in the fourth embodiment is updated via a radio link, and is preferably performed in a similar manner and in the similar variations as discussed for the third embodiment
As an additional embodiment, the remote device may be automatically updated as soon as the updater device is powered on, without requiring additional steps by the user. This feature may be particularly useful if the updater is a component within a television or another appliance controller.

Claims

A remote control system comprising:
- a remote device (1) having a CPU, a memory coupled to the CPU and adapted for storing operating software and code data for controlling external devices, and keys (4) coupled to the CPU for inputting commands to the remote device (1); further comprising a remote receiver (3), the remote receiver (3) being coupled to the CPU and being adapted for receiving a data stream transmitted by an updater (10) and for transferring said data stream to the CPU; and a remote transmitter (2), adapted for transmitting control data to external devices (200) and being coupled to the CPU for transmitting remote device data;

- an updater (10) comprising an updater receiver (12), the updater receiver (12) being adapted for receiving remote device data transmitted by the remote device (1); and an updater transmitter (13), the updater transmitter (13) being adapted for transmitting said data stream to the remote device (1), wherein,

- when the data stream decoded by the CPU is operating software data, the CPU updates the operating software on the remote device (1), and

- when the data stream decoded by the CPU is code data, the CPU updates the code data of the remote device (1),
characterized in that:
- the data stream is one or more of operating software data, code data and diagnostics instructions,

- the CPU is provided with a decoding procedure for decoding the data stream received by the remote receiver (3) and a decision procedure for deciding whether the decoded data stream is operating software data, or code data or diagnostics instructions; and in that,

- when the data stream decoded by the CPU is diagnostics instructions, the CPU performs diagnostics and reports the results of the diagnostics to the updater (10) through the remote transmitter (2).
The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the remote device (1) is a handheld remote control device.
The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the remote device (1) is a keyboard.
The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the remote receiver (3) is a wireless receiver, the remote transmitter (2) is a wireless transmitter, the updater receiver (12) is a wireless receiver, and the updater transmitter (13) is a wireless transmitter.
The remote control system of claim 4, wherein the remote receiver (3) is an IR receiver, the remote transmitter (2) is an IR transmitter, the updater receiver (12) is an IR receiver, and the updater transmitter (13) is an IR transmitter.
The remote control system of claim 4, wherein the remote receiver (3) is an RF receiver, the remote transmitter (2) is an RF transmitter, the updater receiver (12) is an RF receiver, and the updater transmitter (13) is an RF transmitter.
The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the updater (10) is a component of a television.
The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the updater (10) is a component of a personal computer (200).
A method of communicating between a remote device (1) and a data unit, comprising the steps of:
- transmitting communication signals from an updater transmitter (13) of a data unit to a receiver (3) of a remote device (1) over a wireless communication link;

- receiving the communication signals through the receiver (3) of the remote device (1) and sending the received signals to a CPU in the remote device (1);

- decoding the received signals in the CPU to generate decoded data;

- deciding whether the decoded data is operating software, or code data or diagnostics instructions;

- if the decoded data is operating software data, then updating the operating software of the remote device (1),

- if the decoded data is code data, then updating the code data of the remote device (1); and

- if the decoded data is diagnostics instructions, then performing diagnostics on the remote device (1) and reporting the results of the diagnostics to an updater receiver (12) of the data unit via the communication link.
The method of claim 9, wherein the remote device (1) is a handheld remote control device.
The method of claim 9, wherein the remote device (1) is a keyboard.
The method of claim 9, wherein the remote receiver (3) is a wireless receiver, the remote transmitter (2) is a wireless transmitter, the updater receiver (12) is a wireless receiver, and the updater transmitter (13) is a wireless transmitter.
The method of claim 12, wherein the remote receiver (3) is an IR receiver, the remote transmitter (2) is an IR transmitter, the updater receiver (12) is an IR receiver, and the updater transmitter (13) is an IR transmitter.
The method of claim 12, wherein the remote receiver (3) is an RF receiver, the remote transmitter (2) is an RF transmitter, the updater receiver (12) is an RF receiver, and the updater transmitter (13) is an RF transmitter.
The method of claim 9, wherein the data unit (10) is a component of a television.
The method of claim 9, wherein the data unit (10) is a component of a personal computer (200).
The method of claim 9, wherein the step of transmitting communication signals to the receiver (3) of the remote device (1) is automatic upon power on of the data unit (10).