WO1999050807A1

WO1999050807A1 - Upgradeable remote control

Info

Publication number: WO1999050807A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/006796
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher J. Verzulli
Original assignee: U.S. Electronics Components Corp.
Priority date: 1998-03-30
Filing date: 1999-03-30
Publication date: 1999-10-07
Also published as: CA2326555A1; AU3369099A; EP1068603A1; EP1068603B1; PT1068603E

Abstract

A remote control system includes: a remote device having a CPU, a memory coupled to the CPU for storing operating software and code data for controlling external devices, and keys coupled to the CPU for inputting commands to the remote device; a receiver on the remote device being coupled to the CPU for receiving at least one of operating software and code data over a wireless communication link and transmitting the at least one of operating software and code data to the CPU for decoding; and a transmitter on the remote device being coupled to the CPU for transmitting control data to the external devices, and for transmitting data to an updater; wherein the updater has an updater receiver for receiving data from the transmitter of the remote device and an updater transmitter for transmitting the at least one of operating software and code data to the receiver on the control device.

Description

UPGRADEABLE REMOTE CONTROL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

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.

Another conventional remote control 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. 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.

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.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of

the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a remote control system includes a remote device having a CPU, a memory coupled to the CPU for storing

operating software and code data for controlling external devices, and keys coupled

to the CPU for inputting commands to the remote device; a receiver on the remote

device being coupled to the CPU for receiving at least one of operating software and

code data over a wireless communication link and transmitting the at least one of

operating software and code data to the CPU for decoding; and a transmitter on the

remote device being coupled to the CPU for transmitting control data to the external

devices, and for transmitting data to an updater; wherein the updater has an updater

receiver for receiving data from the transmitter of the remote device and an updater

transmitter for transmitting the at least one of operating software and code data to the

receiver on the control device.

In another aspect of the present invention, a remote control system includes a

remote device having a CPU, a memory coupled to the CPU for storing operating

software and code data for controlling external devices, and keys coupled to the CPU

for inputting commands to the remote device; a receiver on the remote device being

coupled to the CPU for receiving at least one of operating software and code data

over a wireless communication link and transmitting the at least one of operating

software and code data to the CPU for decoding; and a transmitter on the remote

device being coupled to the CPU for transmitting control data to the external

devices; wherein the updater has an updater transmitter for transmitting the at least

one of operating software and code data to the receiver on the control device.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of upgrading a

remote control includes the steps of transmitting at least one of operating software and control data from an updater transmitter on an updater device to a receiver on a

remote device over a wireless communication link; receiving the at least one of

operating software and code data through the receiver on the remote device and

sending the received at least one of operating software and code data to a CPU in the

remote device; decoding the received at least one of operating software and code

data in the CPU; and storing the decoded at least one of operating software and code

data in a memory in the remote device.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of commumcating

between a remote device and data unit includes the steps of transmitting

communication signals from an updater transmitter on a data unit to a receiver on a

remote device over a wireless communication link; receiving the communication

signals through the receiver on the remote device and sending the received signals to

a CPU in the remote device; decoding the received signals in the CPU; determining

if the communication signals request that the remote device perform operations;

performing operations requested by the communication signals; creating data

responses resulting from the performed operations; and transmitting the data

responses from a transmitter on the remote device to an updater receiver on the data

unit via the communication link.

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 LR 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 ("LR") 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 LR 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 LR updater 10 is transmitted between the two

devices over an IR link. For example, the LR transmitter 13 of the IR updater 10

transmits operating software or code data, and the IR receiver 3 of the remote control

device 1 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 LR transmitter 2 to the LR 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 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 LR 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 LR 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 LR receiver 12 of the IR updater 10.

The keyboard 40 also is capable of transmitting signals from the LR

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

10 steps by the user. This feature may be particularly useful if the updater is a

component within a television or another appliance controller.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and

variations can be made in the system and method for updating a remote control type

device of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the

invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modification and

variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended

claims and their equivalents.

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Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A remote control system comprising:

a remote device having a CPU, a memory coupled to the CPU for storing

to the CPU for inputting commands to the remote device;

a receiver on the remote device being coupled to the CPU for receiving at

least one of operating software and code data over a wireless communication link

and transmitting the at least one of operating software and code data to the CPU for

decoding; and

a transmitter on the remote device being coupled to the CPU for transmitting

control data to the external devices, and for transmitting data to an updater;

wherein the updater has an updater receiver for receiving data from the

transmitter of the remote device and an updater transmitter for transmitting the at

least one of operating software and code data to the receiver on the control device.

2. The remote control system of claim 1 , wherein the remote device is a

handheld remote control device.

3. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the remote device is a

keyboard.

4. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the wireless

communication link is an IR link.

5. The remote control system of claim 4, wherein the receiver is an LR

receiver, the transmitter is an IR transmitter, the updater receiver is an IR receiver,

and the updater transmitter is an IR transmitter.

12

6. The remote control system of claim 1 , wherein the wireless

communication link is an RF link.

7. The remote control system of claim 6, wherein the receiver is an RF

receiver, the transmitter is an RF transmitter, the updater receiver is an RF receiver,

and the updater transmitter is an RF transmitter.

8. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the updater is a

component on a television.

9. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the updater is a

component on a personal computer.

10. A remote control system comprising:

a remote device having a CPU, a memory coupled to the CPU for storing

to the CPU for inputting commands to the remote device;

a receiver on the remote device being coupled to the CPU for receiving at

decoding; and

a transmitter on the remote device being coupled to the CPU for transmitting

control data to the external devices;

wherein the updater has an updater transmitter for transmitting the at least

one of operating software and code data to the receiver on the control device.

11. The remote control system of claim 10, wherein the remote device is

a handheld remote control device.

13

12. The remote control system of claim 10, wherein the remote device is

a keyboard.

13. The remote control system of claim 10, wherein the wireless

communication link is an IR link.

14. The remote control system of claim 13, wherein the receiver is an LR

receiver, the transmitter is an IR transmitter, the updater receiver is an LR receiver,

and the updater transmitter is an IR transmitter.

15. The remote control system of claim 10, wherein the wireless

communication link is an RF link.

16. The remote control system of claim 15, wherein the receiver is an RF

and the updater transmitter is an RF transmitter.

17. The remote control system of claim 10, wherein the updater is a

component on a television.

18. The remote control system of claim 10, wherein the updater is a

component on a personal computer.

19. A method of upgrading a remote control, comprising the steps of:

transmitting at least one of operating software and control data from an

updater transmitter on an updater device to a receiver on a remote device over a

wireless communication link;

receiving the at least one of operating software and code data through the

receiver on the remote device and sending the received at least one of operating

software and code data to a CPU in the remote device;

14 decoding the received at least one of operating software and code data in the

CPU; and

storing the decoded at least one of operating software and code data in a

memory in the remote device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the remote device is a handheld

remote control device.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the remote device is a keyboard.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the wireless communication link is

an LR link.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the receiver is an IR receiver and

the updater transmitter is an LR transmitter.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein the wireless communication link is

an RF link.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the receiver is an RF receiver and

the updater transmitter is an RF transmitter.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the updater is a component on a

television.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein the updater is a component on a

personal computer.

28. A method of communicating between a remote device and a data unit,

comprising the steps of:

transmitting communication signals from an updater transmitter on a data

unit to a receiver on a remote device over a wireless communication link;

15 receiving the communication signals through the receiver on the remote

device and sending the received signals to a CPU in the remote device;

decoding the received signals in the CPU;

determining if the communication signals request that the remote device

perform operations;

performing operations requested by the communication signals;

creating data responses resulting from the performed operations; and

transmitting the data responses from a transmitter on the remote device to an

updater receiver on the data unit via the communication link.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the remote device is a handheld

remote control device.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the remote device is a keyboard.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the wireless communication link is

an LR link.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the receiver is an IR receiver, the

transmitter is an IR transmitter, the updater receiver is an LR receiver, and the

updater transmitter is an IR transmitter.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the wireless communication link is

an RF link.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the receiver is an RF receiver, the

transmitter is an RF transmitter, the updater receiver is an RF receiver, and the

updater transmitter is an RF transmitter.

16

35. The method of claim 28, wherein the updater is a component on a

television.

36. The method of claim 28, wherein the updater is a component on a

personal computer.

37. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of transmitting

communication signals to the receiver of the remote device is automatic upon power

on of the updater device.

38. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of transmitting

on of the updater device.

17