KR100298627B1 - Method and apparatus for allowing a personal computer to control one or more devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The system allows the computer to control one or more devices using remote control codes that are typically used by remote controls associated with these devices. The system has one or more remote controls for sending commands, one or more devices to be controlled, and a computer. The computer is connected to an input, and has a memory, a receiver for receiving codes from the remote controls, and a knowledge base for storing codes received from the remote controls and command identifiers provided from the inputs. The knowledge base associates each command identifier with a particular code. The computer also has a transmitter for transmitting codes to the device to be controlled based on the selected command identifiers. During configuration, the computer executes a program that prompts the user for input of the command identifier and the code to associate with the command identifier. The received code and its associated command identifier are stored in the knowledge base. During operation, the user enters a command identifier, and the program searches the command identifier in the knowledge base to find out the code corresponding to the command identifier. The program then sends the code to the device you want to control.

Description

Method and apparatus for allowing a personal computer to control one or more devices}

The present invention relates generally to wireless systems and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus that allow a personal computer to directly or indirectly control one or more devices.

Existing remote control systems typically include a remote control unit, which is a portable, hand-held unit and a device to be controlled. The manufacturer of the device to be controlled provides a remote control for user convenience. Accordingly, the device to be controlled and the remote control unit are configured to communicate with each other in a predetermined and prespecified manner. This method follows a special modulation or encoding scheme applied to the protocol governing the communication channel and the data communicated between the controlling device and the remote control unit. By proliferation of electronics, in particular electronics with corresponding remote controls, it is very common to find a general consumer with 5 to 10 remote controls, each of which controls other devices around their home. It became a thing. For example, a first remote control unit for controlling a television device by a user, a second remote control unit for controlling a video cassette recorder (VCR), a third remote control unit for controlling a cable set-top box, It is common to have a fourth remote controller for controlling the stereo system, a fifth remote controller for controlling the compact disc (CD) player, and possibly additional remote controls for selectively controlling individual devices of the stereo system. The sixth remote controller will be needed to control the air conditioner of the home, and a separate remote controller will be needed to control the heating system of the home.

In addition, since the devices use different communication channels and encoding schemes, the remote controller associated with the first device has a limitation in communicating with the other devices. In this respect, it is desirable to have a single remote controller for controlling a plurality of electronic devices. In addition, to create a desirable environment for a particular user, it is desirable to have a single command that essentially represents a plurality of commands for different devices. For example, a user enters a room and presses a button on the remote control once, 1) adjusts the room temperature to a specific pre-programmed temperature, 2) turns on the television and tunes to a pre-programmed volume level. And 3) turn on the stereo and wish the CD player to be pre-programmed to play the selected songs in the preset order and volume. Unfortunately, existing devices and remote controls associated with these devices are unable to provide such functionality.

Based on the foregoing, there remains a need for a system and method that allows a personal computer (PC) to control one or more devices.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a wireless interface controller that enables a personal computer to directly control a plurality of different devices operating with different communication codes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless interface controller which enables a personal computer to directly control a plurality of different devices without using remote control units corresponding to these devices.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a wireless interface controller that enables a user to program a personal computer so that when activated it has a single button or command that allows a particular device to perform one or more functions.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a wireless interface controller that enables a user to program a personal computer to have a single button or command to set up the environment by having two or more devices each perform at least one function when they become active. In providing. In other words, the present invention allows a user to preprogram a single command representing a plurality of different commands that can be directed to one or more other devices. In this way, the user can press a single button to create the desired environment or set of states.

1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system in which the present invention is implemented;

2 is a block diagram illustrating the system of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention allowing a personal computer to directly control devices;

3 is a block diagram illustrating the system of FIG. 2 configured in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention allowing a personal computer to control devices via one or more repeaters;

4 is a block diagram illustrating the personal computer of FIG. 1 in more detail;

5 is a block diagram illustrating the repeater of FIG. 3 in more detail;

6A is a waveform diagram showing an example code generated by a remote control unit;

6B is a waveform diagram illustrating a carrier modulated by the example code of FIG. 6A;

6C is a diagram illustrating how the oversampling method used by the present invention is applied to the waveform diagram of FIG. 6B;

7 is a view showing in more detail the remote control program of FIG.

8 is a flow chart showing processing steps involved in constructing a personal computer, and

9 is a flow chart showing processing steps performed by the system of FIGS. 2 and 3.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

12, 16, 20: remote control unit 14, 18, 22: equipment

24: personal computer (PC) 40: user input

42, 44: repeater 46: wireless interface

414 remote control program

The objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a system having one or more remote controls for transmitting commands, one or more devices to be controlled and a computer. The computer is coupled to an input and has a knowledge base for storing memory, a receiver for receiving codes from remote controls and codes received from remote controls and command identifiers provided from the input. The knowledge base associates each command identifier with a specific code. The computer also has a transmitter for transmitting codes to the device to be controlled based on the selected command identifiers. During configuration, the computer executes a program that prompts the user to enter the command identifier and the code associated with the command identifier. The code received and the command identifier associated with it are stored in the knowledge base. In operation, the user enters a command identifier, and the program searches the command identifier in the knowledge base to find out the code corresponding to the command identifier. The program then sends the code it finds to the controlling device. Accordingly, the present invention avoids the need to install a specific remote control unit in order to control a corresponding device, thereby providing a convenient and time-saving feature for the user. In another alternative embodiment, repeaters are provided to receive and re-transmit codes from the computer in order to extend the scope of the computer and accommodate the line of sight constraints of existing IR transmissions.

The invention is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Systems and methods are described that allow a personal computer (PC) to control one or more devices. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing the components of a remote control system 10 in which the present invention will be implemented. The remote control system 10 includes one or more remote controls such as RCU_1 12, RCU_2 16 and RCU_N 20, a PC 24, and one or more devices to be controlled such as Device_1 14, Device_2 (18) and Device_N (22). In addition, the user input 40 is connected to the PC 24 and allows the user to input input signals to the PC 24. The user input unit 40 may include a keyboard having a plurality of keys. The user input device 40 may also include a cursor control device having a plurality of control buttons, a mouse, a joystick, a touch pad, or a trackball device. The PC 24 may be a computer system, a processor, or a base unit with a process. The remote control system 10 can further include one or more repeaters 42 and 44 that can be used to extend the distance and direction of the codes described hereinafter.

FIG. 2 shows the remote control system 10 of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, which allows the PC 24 to directly control certain certain devices 14, 18, 22. It is a block diagram which shows. Before a PC 24 can be used to control a certain device, the codes for that device must first be programmed into the PC 24. Code is simply an instruction or command that can be understood by the device 14, 18, or 22 that it wants to control, causing the device to perform a particular function. Once PC 24 is programmed with codes for a particular device, PC 24 is used by the user to control that device. Remote controls 12, 16, 20 are used to provide codes to PC 24. Each code is stored in a knowledge base 714 and associated with a user-defined command identifier, as described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 8. Once the PC 24 is configured or programmed, the user can control one or more devices 14, 18, 22 via the command identifiers with the PC 24, as described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 9. The command identifiers are used to identify the desired device 14, 18, 22 and one or more device functions performed by the device 14, 18 or 22.

The wireless interface 46 is connected to the PC 24 to receive codes from the remote controls 12, 16, 20, or to forward the codes to the devices 14, 18 and 22 to be controlled. The wireless interface 46 has an infrared (IR) transmitter for transmitting codes and an IR receiver for receiving codes. In this embodiment, the wireless interface 46 is housed in a device outside the PC 24 and connected to the PC 24 by wires or cables. In use, the codes will be sent to the IR receiver of the wireless interface 46 by pointing the IR receiver to the remote control 12, 16 or 20, lifting the wireless interface 46 to raise the IR of the wireless interface 46. The codes will be transmitted from the IR transmitter of the wireless interface 46 by pointing to the device 14, 18 or 22 to control the transmitter.

PC 24 may also be programmed to automatically transmit certain constant codes at predetermined times. For example, the PC 24 may be preprogrammed to automatically transmit the first code at an evening pre-specified time to turn on the heating system and the second code at morning wake-up time to turn on the stereo system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the system of FIG. 2 comprised of one or more repeaters 42, 44 that allow to extend the range and direction of the wireless interface 46 to control the devices 14, 18. Referring to FIG. 3, the remote control system 10a uses the remote control of FIG. 2 except that the wireless interface 46a is disposed within the PC 24a, and as a result, the position and transmission direction of the wireless interface 46a are fixed. It is essentially the same as the control system 10. The wireless interface 46a also has an IR transmitter for transmitting codes and an IR receiver for receiving codes. The remote control system 10a further provides two repeaters 42 and 44, each of which has one IR receiver 50 and one or more transmitters 52 as shown in FIG. 5. Each IR transmitter 52 may be directed to transmit IR signals in different directions. In this system 10a, the first repeater 42 is positioned to receive the codes from the wireless interface 46a and to retransmit in two separate directions, namely the device 18 and the second repeater 44. . The second repeater 44 is positioned to receive the codes from the first repeater 42 and to retransmit the received codes to the other device 14.

In use, the codes will be sent to the IR receiver of interface 46a by pointing the IR receiver to remote control 12, 16 or 20, but these codes will only be emitted from the IR transmitter in a line of sight. This is a restriction enforced by the use of infrared signals, since infrared signals can only go in a straight (ie line of sight) fashion and cannot radiate in other directions. However, the use of repeaters 42 and 44 allows the codes emitted in a straight line from the IR transmitter of interface 46a to be controlled in different directions such that the devices 14 and 18 are located indoors or at other locations around a given space. Allow to be turned back to. In addition, the repeaters 42 and 44 may be used to extend the distance and direction of the codes emitted from the IR transmitter of the wireless interface 46a.

4 shows in greater detail the relevant components of the PC 24. PC 24 has a process 402 connected to a north bridge 404 via process bus 408. The memory 410 is connected to the north bridge 404. The north bridge 404 provides an interface between the process bus 408 and the first bus 424, which may be a PCI bus, and also controls access to the memory 410. The memory 410 has a remote control program (R.C.P.) 414 of the present invention described in greater detail below with reference to FIG.

The reservoir 420 (possibly a hard drive), the display controller 430, and the south bridge 428 are connected to the first bus 424. Display controller 430 supports display 440, which may be used to prompt a user for input as described below. Southbridge 428 provides an interface between first bus 424 and second bus 434, which may be an ISA bus. The user input interface 458 is connected to the second bus 434 and supports the user input device 40. As mentioned above, the user input 40 can be used to supply command identifiers to the PC 24. The I / O controller 450 is connected to the second bus 434 and interfaces with the wireless interface 46 or 46a described in greater detail above. I / O controller 450 may be used to perform over-sampling of codes to generate associated datastrings, as described below. Alternatively, wireless interfaces 46 and 46a can be used to convert codes into datastrings and vice versa.

FIG. 6A is a waveform diagram illustrating an example code generated by a remote control unit. FIG. FIG. 6B is a waveform diagram illustrating a carrier modulated by the example code of FIG. 6A. 6C shows how the oversampling method used by the present invention is applied to the waveform of FIG. 6B. In short, each remote control unit 12, 16, 20 uses a code to modulate the carrier. The modulated carrier is sampled and compressed into a datastring that represents the code. This datastring is then associated with an instruction identifier as described in relation to FIG. 8. Since the remote controllers 12, 16, 20 transmit signals using different frequencies and different encoding schemes, the inventors have found a novel method for effectively processing and storing codes received from the remote controllers 12, 16, 20. One method and apparatus were developed. This novel method and apparatus for processing received instructions is filed on September 17, 1997 and is disclosed in US Patent Application No. 08 / 932,268 entitled 'Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Computer System by a Remote Controller'. Described and incorporated herein by reference as if fully mentioned herein. The oversampling of FIG. 6C can be done in hardware or software. If done in hardware, oversampling is performed by I / O controller 450. If done in software, this oversampling is performed by a program in memory 410.

FIG. 7 shows the remote control program 414 of FIG. 4 in great detail. The remote control program 414 includes a configuration module 700 and an operation module 708, both of which receive input from a user using the graphical user interface (GUI) module 704. The configuration module 700 configures or programs the PC 24 so that the PC 24 can be used to control other devices 14, 18, 22, as will be described in greater detail later with reference to FIG. 8. The actuation module 708 allows the PC 24 to transmit the corresponding code to the devices 14, 18, 22 upon receipt of the command identifier from the user, as will be explained in greater detail later with reference to FIG. 9. Manage the remote control features of (24). The remote control program 414 also has a knowledge base 714 that associates the command identifier with the data string.

GUI module 704 receives user inputs such as command identifiers and provides prompts and instructions to the user. In addition, the GUI module 704 receives the codes from the remote controls 12, 16, 20 and supplies these codes to the knowledge base 714 via the configuration module 700. The GUI module 704 also provides codes from the knowledge base 714 to the I / O controller 450 for transmission to the devices 14, 18, 22 (via the operation module 708).

The user may also define a command identifier that corresponds to one or more datastrings and thereby allows the user to control one or more functions on one or more devices. For example, consider the example of two devices to be controlled: 1) air conditioner, and 2) audio compact disc (CD) drive. Table 1 shows a table associating one command from a particular remote control 12, 16, 20 with one function of one device to be controlled. Table 2 shows a table relating to one or more functions of one or more devices to control one command from a particular remote control 12, 16, 20.

Command identifier Function technology power_1 Turn on the air regulator dn_1_degree Lower the air conditioner temperature by 1 degree power_2 CD player on CD CD function selection play_CD CD Player Play next_song Play next song

Combination identifier Previously defined command identifier My_favorite power_1 dn_1_degree dn_1_degree power_2 CD play_CD next_song next_song

In the following example, the combination command identifier allows the user to adjust the room temperature and play two favorite songs in the CD player. Given that the current environment is set to 27 ° C. and the audio CD player is turned off, when the user selects the combination command identifier 'My_favorite', the PC 24 performs the following:

1. send a 'power_1' signal to turn on the air conditioner;

2. send a 'dn_1_degree' signal to change the air conditioner setting to 26 ° C;

3. send a 'dn_1_degree' signal to change the air conditioner setting to 25 ° C;

4. Send 'power_2' signal to turn on the audio CD player;

5. Audio CD player sends 'CD' signal to select CD function;

6. The audio CD player sends a 'play_CD' signal to play the CD;

7. Send 'next_song' signal to let the CD player play the second song of the CD;

8. Send a 'next_song' signal to let the CD player play the third song on the CD.

The graphical user interface module 704 used to prompt the user for input by the present invention may be implemented as part of a driver program that is part of an operating system (OS) or a separate application program running on top of the OS. Can be.

The operation of the remote control system 10 or 10a will now be described. In order to use the PC 24 to remotely control the devices 14, 18, 22, the PC 24 is first 'trained' to associate some constant user-defined command identifiers with special codes. Or programmed (hereinafter referred to as the 'configuration mode'). The PC 24 can then be used to control the devices 14, 18, 22 based on the command identifiers (hereinafter referred to as the 'operation mode'). In the configuration mode, the PC 24 is programmed with codes for the devices 14, 18, 22 to be controlled. The user points the remote receiver 12, 16, 20 to the IR receiver of the wireless interface 46 and activates a button on the remote controller 12, 16, 20 (or presses a key). The remote controller 12, 16, 20 transmits a code to the PC 24 which can be understood by the device 14, 18 or 22 to be controlled. The PC 24 then samples the received code, converts the code into a datastring, and assigns the datastring to a user-defined command identifier. The command identifiers can then be used by the user to remotely control the devices with the PC 24. For example, a user can select a command identifier from a pull-down menu by using hardware or software buttons or keys. As mentioned above, the configuration module 700 and the graphical user interface module 704 are used in the configuration mode, and the operation module 708 and the graphical user interface module 704 are used in the operation mode.

8 is a flowchart showing the processing steps involved in configuring the PC 24 in either the remote control system 10 or 10a. In step 802, the graphical user interface 704 prompts the user with a command identifier. As previously described, the datastring is a compressed version of the code that conserves storage, and the wireless interface 46 converts the datastring to related code and vice versa. As will be described later, the command identifier may also identify one or more previously defined command identifiers. The command identifier identifying one or more previously defined command identifiers is the combination command identifier described above.

In step 804, it is determined whether the command identifier has been received. If the command identifier has not been received, processing returns to step 802 for prompting the user again. It is important that each command identifier identifies one or more datastrings as unique so that the user can control one or more devices unambiguously. In this regard, the flowchart of FIG. 8 is modified to check whether the received command identifier is unique (ie, the same command identifier was previously defined). For example, if the user enters a unique command identifier, the GUI 704 may inform the user that the command identifier entered is already defined and display a message requesting the user for another identifier. This check can be inserted between steps 804 and 808. If such a check is made, a unique command identifier is ascertained at step 806.

If a command identifier has been received, in step 806, the graphical user interface 704 provides (1) a code (ie, an instruction or command that directs the device to perform a function when received by the device to be controlled), or (2) create a 'combination' command identifier (ie, a command identifier with one or more previously defined command identifiers) by selecting one or more previously defined identifiers, To use the remote control device to prompt the user. If the user provides a code, then at step 808, the transmitted code is received by the wireless interface 46. In step 810, the received code is oversampled and coded by the processor 402 (if done in software) or the I / O controller 450 (if done in hardware) and associated with the received code. Create In step 814, the datastring is assigned to the command identifier and stored in the knowledge base 714, and processing proceeds to step 818 where it is determined whether the user wants to define another command identifier in step 818. If not, then processing is complete and vice versa, processing returns to step 802 to receive another command identifier.

In step 806, if the user selects a previously defined command identifier, in step 807 the current command identifier is a combination command identifier, and the data strings assigned to all previously defined command identifiers selected by the user are combined command identifiers. Is assigned to Processing then proceeds to step 818. Thus, in this way, combination instruction identifiers can be created with one or more previously defined instruction identifiers. These combination command identifiers are particularly useful for setting up the environment by setting a plurality of devices in a room or home to the preferences of individual users.

9 is a flowchart showing processing steps performed by the remote control systems 10 and 10a. In step 902, the user provides a command identifier. In step 904, the command identifier is received via the graphical user interface 704, and in step 906, it is determined (via the operation module 708) whether this command identifier is a combination command identifier. If so, processing proceeds through the right branch defined by steps 922 and 924; otherwise, processing proceeds through the left branch defined by steps 908 and 914. In step 908, the operation module 708 retrieves the datastring corresponding to this command identifier from the knowledge base 714. In step 914, wireless interface 46 (or I / O controller 450) converts this datastring to a corresponding code and transmits this code to the device 14, 18, 22 to control. In the remote control system 10, the code points to the device (s) 14, 18, 22 to the wireless interface 46, with the aid of the user making the line of sight necessary for the transmission of the IR code, the device (s) to be controlled. Is sent straight to (14, 18, 22). In the remote control system 10a, the IR code is sent directly to the device 14, 18 or 22, i.e. directly to the direct line of sight of the IR transmitter of the wireless interface 46a, or to other devices 14, 18 and 22. To a repeater 42 and / or repeaters (eg, repeater 44) for subsequent transmission to the receiver.

In step 916, it is further determined whether command identifiers are provided. If no further command identifier is provided, the process is complete and vice versa, the process returns to step 904 to receive another command identifier. If the determination at decision block 906 is YES (ie, if the command identifier is a combination command identifier), then at step 922 the actuation module 708 in the knowledge base 714 includes all previously included in the combination command identifier. Retrieve the datastrings corresponding to the defined command identifiers. In step 924, wireless interface 46 (or I / O controller 450) converts these datastrings into corresponding codes and sequentially transmits each of these codes to devices that wish to control. Processing then proceeds to step 916.

It should be contemplated that the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware or a combination thereof. For example, the present invention can be implemented in driver applications that intersect the operating system. Alternatively, the present invention can be integrated with the operating system. In another alternative embodiment the invention can be integrated into a removable PC card.

Accordingly, the present invention provides systems in which a PC can be programmed with codes of certain constant remote controls such that the PC stores and retransmits these signals to control the operation of certain constant devices related to the remote controls. The systems of the present invention therefore make use of the PC as a 'universal' remote control that not only addresses the problems associated with cluttering too many remote controls, but also increases the user's comfort. The systems of the present invention may further create a desired environment in which a plurality of different functions are initiated by the PC to operate on one or more devices by pressing a single button or command identifier.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. It is evident, however, that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the broader spirit and scope of this invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (17)

A method of remotely controlling one or more devices, wherein each device can perform at least one function under reception of a corresponding code, Receiving a command identifier; Receiving a code from a remote control unit; Associating the received code with the command identifier; Storing the code and associated command identifiers in a knowledge base; Upon receipt of the command identifier, finding a related code using a knowledge base; And Transmitting the code from the knowledge base to a device to be controlled that is associated with a remote control. The method of claim 1, wherein associating the code with the command identifier comprises: Converting the received code into a corresponding datastring; And Assigning this datastring to a command identifier. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the associated code using the knowledge base further comprises converting the datastring associated with the command identifier into related code. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a transmitted code and retransmitting the transmitted code. The method of claim 1 wherein the command identifier is provided via an input method. The method of claim 1 wherein the code is transmitted by a computer. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the code is transmitted by wireless transmission. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein associating the received code with the command identifier comprises associating a plurality of codes in the knowledge base with the command identifier. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein transmitting the code from the knowledge base to the device to be controlled includes transmitting a plurality of codes from the knowledge base related to the command identifier. At least one remote control unit for transmitting codes; At least one device to be controlled, each device being capable of performing at least one function under reception of a code corresponding to a function from an associated remote control; Input unit; And A knowledge base coupled to the input, storing a memory, a receiver receiving codes from at least one remote control, codes transmitted from the at least one remote control and a command identifier provided from the input and associating each command identifier with a particular code; And a computer having a transmitter for transmitting codes based on the command identifiers selected for the at least one device to be controlled. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the computer further comprises an interface for receiving command identifiers and codes coupled to a receiver, an input and a knowledge base. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the input unit is selected from the group consisting of a keyboard, a cursor control device and a graphical user interface. 12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a display connected to the computer to display command identifiers and functions. The system of claim 10, wherein the knowledge base further associates the command identifier with a plurality of codes. 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a repeater having a receiver for receiving codes transmitted from a transmitter of a computer, and a transmitter for transmitting the received codes to a device to be controlled. The system of claim 10, wherein the transmitter is an infrared transmitter. The system of claim 10, wherein the receiver is an infrared receiver.