GB2219164A

GB2219164A - Infra red consolidator and repeater

Info

Publication number: GB2219164A
Application number: GB8812203A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Peacock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-05-24
Filing date: 1988-05-24
Publication date: 1989-11-29
Also published as: GB8812203D0

Abstract

IRRS comprise at least two basic modules, the receiver and the transmitter. Infra red PPM signals emitted from existing domestic hand held remote control units are picked up by the receiver (1) and then consolidated and relayed to unit (2) in an other room. The infra red signal is then re-transmittted to the target equipment. <IMAGE>

Description

INFRA RED CONSOLIDATOR AND REPEATER SYSTEM 2. BACKGROUND The latest video recorders, TV's and Hi-Fi systems are supplied, almost as standard now, with some form of remote control.

Remote control means that, for example, the channel on the TV can be changed with least inconvenience to the user. Similary, for the volume and most other controls previously provided only on a front panel. Similar remote control facilities are also now available for a wide range of other domestic appliances, including video recorders, Hi-Fi systems and even light switches.

As far as the actual remote control system is concerned, there is a general migration towards infra red as a transmission medium.

Previous remote control systems have used ultrasonics and direct cable connection. There are limitations with each of these. The direct cable method being the most restrictive.

Increasingly, people are buying a second TV for use in a bedroom or kitchen. Similarly, it is becoming popular to have remote speakers for the Hi-Fi located in a bedroom or kitchen.

The immediate draw back in doing this, is that if the video recorder signal is piped from the living room into the bedroom, control of the video can still only be achieved +rom the living room. Likewise, with remote speakers in the kitchen, and the Hi Fi in the living room, the volume can only be varied by going back into the living room.

However, a simple inexpensive solution would be to relay the infra red signal from the remote control handset back to the room where the TV or Hi-Fi is located. Furthermore by consolidating the infra red signals, it would be possible to locate several detectors around the house, one in each room where ever remote control is required from.

This document speci+ies the technical requirements cf such a system.

3. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION 3.1 Infra Red Consolidator and Repeater System (IRRS) The IRRS will relay Pulse Position Modulated infra red signals generated by hand held remote control units +or use with a range of domestic equipment, such as TV, video recorders, Hi-Fi or light switches.

IRRS will also consolidate infra red signals from a number of sources into one signal which can then be re-transmitted from a central point.

IRRS will comprise two distinct mDdules.

1. The Receiver 2. The Transmitter unit 5. APPLICATION NOTES IRRS can be used with a wide range of electrical equipment which can be controlled currently using a hand held infra red unit.

IRRS allows the TV, video and Hi-Fi to be located in the same room and for control of either or both to be gained from different rooms.

The following section details some examples of how IRRS can be used.

5.1 Video on an alternative TV It is quite common and simple to redirect the output of a video recorder into the main aerial drop cable so that the video can be watched from any TV set connected to the same feed, and located in a different room..

With IRRS it is also possible to control the video from that room without interrupting others watching a different channel on a TV situated in tha same room as the video.

5.2 Remote Hi-Fi Speakers Many Hi-Fi manufacturers also provide outputs for an alternative set of speakers to be located in a different room.

With the TV and Hi-Fi located in the living room, one person could listen to the Hi-Fi in the bedroom. Another person could watch the TV in the living room, yet both could maintain control of the equipment each is using without interrupting the other.

5.3 Security and Space Saving Aspects Hi-Fi systems are an obvious attraction to prospective burglars.

Quite often placing a Hi-Fi system in a living room means the system is easily visible through windows.

IRRS allows the Hi-Fi to be located in a different room (possibly upstairs) and yet still be controlled from the living room, where the speakers are located.

This can also be an advantage if room space is a premium.

Alternatively5 many Hi-Fi cabinets now have optional solid front doors to make them less visible. IRRS could be mounted inside the cabinet (assuming adequate ventilation) and still allow the system to be controlled.

Of course this applies equally well to video recorders.

7. FINAL As the use of infra red increases as a medium for remote control systems, so the number of applications to which IRRS can be put to increases.

IRRS allows the flexibilty to locate TV's, video recorders and Hi-Fi in different rooms or the same room and still maintain control. It can also enhance security of the equipment being controlled as well as save space.

Claims

4. CLAIMS

4.1 Range The range of the receiver/transmitter will be at least 10m in a normal internal domestic environment.

The unit will not work in direct sunlight or very bright lighting (in particular fluorescent lighting).

4.
2 Expansion IRRS will allow expansion of the detectors to be increased to a minimum of 4.

4.
3 Size All units will be miniature and inconspicuous in appearance.

The cabling will be suitable for mounting to a skirting board using cable clips. The cable will be narrow gauge and inconspicuous when in place.

4.4 Colour The receiver and transmitter will be available in a range of coloursi the infra red window will be dark translucent to infra red material.

4.5 Installation All units will be suitable for DIY installation.

4.6 Connection No modifications or direct connections are required to the equipment IRRS is to control.

4.7 Power Supply IRRS will operate from a battery supply. An option will be provided to allow a mains power supply unit to be connected.
4.10 Space Saving Video and Hi-Fi units can all take up a large amount of space. By relocating the equipment in another rooms space can be made available in the living area

4.8 Operating Environment All units will be suitable for use in a normal domestic environment and between the following limits: Temperature: 5 C to 40 C Humidity: 40 to 90 % non-condensing 4.9 Security IRRS will allow video and Hi-Fi equipment to be relocated in to another room, out of sight of prospective burglars.