REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal remote control unit for the control of a selection of electronic apparatus. The remote control unit is equipped with two parallel rows of operating knobs (4). Laterally of the row of operating knobs (4), an operating cylinder (3) is positioned, countersunk and parallel to the operating knobs (4). Visible on the surface of the operating cylinder (3) through a cavity of the operator panel are fixed or replaceable descriptions (2a - 2i) of functions for all of the operating knobs (4) placed axially for each apparatus to be operated. The operating cylinder (3) can be turned about its axis, and the user may, thus, select between a plurality of sets of functional descriptions (2a - 2i) for the operating knobs. When a certain set of functional descriptions (2b) is visible and centralized in relation to the operating knobs (4), the operating cylinder is mechanically in a more stable position than when the functional descriptions (2b) are only partly visible, the cylinder (3) being locked in the stable position by means of a spring-loaded, mechanical lock (13).

Description: REMOTE CONTROL UNIT The present invention relates to a remote control unit for the remote control of apparatus reacting to various control codes, wherein the remote control unit contains control codes each assigned or adapted to be assigned a knob, key or other operating means on the remote control unit, so that the control code is transmitted to the remotely controlled apparatus whenever the knob/key is operated; and wherein the control codes are ordered in code sets each adjusted to an apparatus to be controlled remotely, and wherein the remote control unit is provided with a user-operated selector adapted to assign the control codes in one certain set of codes to the knobs/keys of the remote control unit, in order to enable remotely control of many types of apparatus reacting to different control codes, by means of a relatively small number of knobs/keys. Such a remote control unit should make it simple and "user-friendly" to operate many different electronic apparatus by means of one single remote control unit which, to the full extent, is intended to replace the original remote control units made by the apparatus producers . There exist universal programmable remote control units for television apparatus, video machines, etc., but most of these would operate only a few apparatus, and they have many and small operating knobs, the text being in English only, written with small letters in order to get space enough for all the functional descriptions. Possibly, the number of functions is reduced in order to make the remote control unit more "user-friendly" . Programmable remote control units are programmed substantially in two ways, which often are combined in commercial products. 1. Preprogrammed remote control units having complete sets of codes for various apparatus. Selecting one definite identification code for television apparatus, a second code for video machines, a third for amplifiers, etc., the apparatus for which the remote control unit has been preprogrammed can be operated. As more functions than usually are accommodated in the remote control unit, it often becomes difficult to operate, using many small operating knobs, based on short, obscure functional descriptions. Another disadvantage is that the preprogrammed remote control units can not operate apparatus possessing codes other than those with which the remote control unit is equipped. 2. Some remote control units are equipped with an IR receiver and can copy the functional codes from original remote control, acquiring the codes to unoccupied functional knobs, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. patent specification No. 5,670,958. Remote control units capable of copying the codes from the original remote control unit, have the disadvantage that the description of the operating knobs to which the codes become acquired, in many cases do not agree with the function the codes have or merely represent a general indication as e.g. FUNCTION B. In order to have the correct description of the function visible on the operator's panel, some remote control units are equipped with a LCD panel and can be updated with a correct description of the function of the knobs dynamically, confer U.S. patent specifications Nos. 4,280,121 and 5,545,857. This is a solution that functions, but LCD screens are often difficult to read in poor light conditions, and good LCD screens having large resolution are, unfortunately, expensive, and have not be found to accommodate the cost requirements of the market. Briefly spoken, we have these problems: • The consumer must have to his/her disposal too many remote control units in order to control remotely all the functions of a selection of apparatus. • Obvious weaknesses in the programmable solutions. A good solution would be: • One remote control unit for all apparatus. • A simple and self-explaining way of selecting between apparatus to be operated and which, automatically, adapt the descriptions of the knobs and the codes of the knobs to the apparatus selected. • Unambiguous description of the functions of the knobs for each apparatus. Preferably in Norwegian in Norway, Swedish in Sweden, and so forth. • A remote control unit capable of being updated with the remote control codes for apparatus which did not exist when the user procured the remote control unit. • A remote control unit capable of operating remotely all apparatus adapted to be controlled remotely by means of IR signals, irrespective of carrier wave frequency and modulation. The present invention provides these solutions. The remote control electronic is not disclosed, as it is generally known, both from the patent literature and from data magazines on main components such as micro controllers and IR light diodes. The principle of placing functional descriptions on a rotary cylinder is known from the patent literature. This principle is used in Japanese patent specification No. 7231491A. According to this patent, parallel to the row of knobs, below the remote control unit's cover, there is placed a rotary bar having a polygonal cross section, suspended at each end, the center of the suspension positioned in the middle of the polygon. At one end of the polygon, a gear is disposed. The gear is adapted to be rotated by means of a toothed belt. This toothed belt is also in engagement with other, identical polygonal bars, one for each row of knobs intended to have a selectable knob text. The selected knob text is visible through a window in the cover of the remote control unit, in the proximity of the associated knob which, then, is operated to carry out the function readable in the adjacent window. Upon the displacement of a handle fastened to the toothed belt into a positional fixed position, the toothed belt is pulled around the gears and rotates, thus, the bars so that the desired text can be selected. Also, the toothed belt influences simultaneously an electronic selector identifying the positions of the bars and the functions which have been selected and are visible in the windows of the associated knobs, so that the remote control electronic can assign to the knobs the desired IR code which they should have based on the knob text. The disadvantage of this solution is that it requires one bar for each row of knobs, and that the mechanical components make the remote control unit complicated. Simultaneously, the knob text is fixed and can not be changed. Replacing text is, however, necessary in order to develop a remote control unit as universal as possible. The object of the present invention has been to provide a remote control unit of the kind defined introductorily, wherein a large number of functions can be achieved, simultaneously avoiding the use of complex and, often, expensive mechanical solutions. This object is, in a remote control unit as defined in the preamble of claim 1, realized in that the remote control unit is configured, designed and adapted such that it exhibits features as defined in accordance with the characterizing clause of claim 1. The remote control unit comprises a cylinder which is rotatable in steps around its longitudinal axis and provided with external functional symbols, and wherein a portion of the circumference of the cylinder and, thus, some of the functional symbols, is visible in a slot, a window or an aperture in the cover of the remote control unit. Said cylinder is in connection with a selector adapted to react to the rotational position of the cylinder and select an associated set of control codes and assign the control codes in the set to knobs/ keys disposed at either side of the slot/window/ aperture where the cylinder shows an associated set of functional symbols. In relation to the known, Japanese remote control unit, the remote control unit according to the invention exhibits the following differences: • Only one cylinder is used; • To this single cylinder, two rows of knobs are used; • The knob text can easily be made replaceable in order to achieve a universal remote control unit. It has been proposed to place the description of the functions of the operating knobs on a rotary operating cylinder along the row(s) of operating knobs. Along the longitudinal axis, the surface of the operating cylinder has been divided into n fields giving space to n separate descriptions each with its separate function for each operating knob. The operating knobs are placed along the longitudinal axis of the operating cylinder in one or more knob rows. Each of the n fields on the operating cylinder can contain description of all operating knobs. On the remote control unit, only one of the n fields on the operating cylinder is visible at a time. The remote control unit has a mechanism for identifying electronically the functional descriptions which are visible between the knob rows. Thus, the remote control unit can transmit its own code for each operating knob, dependent on the functional descriptions selected. By grouping the functions for each apparatus to be operated ' in the field thereof, the user can easily select the apparatus which should be controlled remotely through rotating the operating cylinder into correct position. By collecting the functional descriptions for each of the n fields on a replaceable gauge, the user can himself/herself select how the functional descriptions on the remote control unit ought to appear for each apparatus to be operated by replacing the gauge. This will normally take place when the user replaces an apparatus having a distinctive function. By changing embodiment, the remote control unit can easily be adapted to define areas of use. For a producer of electronic apparatus it would be desirable to deliver a remote control unit optimally adjusted to the products of the producers and to a price as reasonable as possible. This can be achieved by having preprogrammed the remote control unit with the infrared codes of the producer for all functions for each type of accessory delivered by the producer, such as television apparatus, radio apparatus, video cassette recorders (VCR) , etc. It is important that the remote control unit has functional descriptions for all of the functions present on the consumer's special design. Simultaneously, it should be avoided that the user becomes confused by functions not available. This is achieved through the enclosure of gauges on which functional descriptions are printed for the various models of the producer. Additionally, the producer may enclose gauges in different languages. When the consumer buys a new apparatus from the same producer, it would also be natural that the producer enclosed gauges in the box fitting into the remote control unit, in order to facilitate the integration of the new apparatus. If the producer finds it expedient it would, of course, be possible to enclose gauges in different languages to minimum costs. By preprogramming the infrared codes for all actual apparatus into the remote control unit's fixed memory, the remote control unit may operate all apparatus with the known codes. It is not unusual that universal remote control units contain preprogrammed codes for more than 20,000 different apparatus. By standardizing the functional descriptions of the operating knobs to the smallest possible number of gauges, the remote control unit may be delivered together with gauges for most of the apparatus available. For each apparatus the user desires to control remotely, he/she must select gauge and the set of infrared codes to be used from an enclosed table containing all the apparatus for which the remote control unit is equipped with codes. Thereupon, the user must place the gauge in an unoccupied position on the cylinder and, then, program the remote control unit with the set of infrared codes to be used for the gauge selected. By equipping the gauges with an electronically readable code, information relating to the infrared codes can be read into the remote control unit from the gauge. Possibly, information relating to the infrared codes can be placed on a separate medium, which can be read by means of the remote control unit. The advantage of such a solution is that the universal remote control unit, thus, can operate any apparatus where the control codes are known and controllable by using infrared codes. A number of gauges for different apparatus can be delivered together with the remote control unit. Over time it will be natural that new apparatus are delivered together with gauges within the original box. If information about the remote control codes is stored optically on the gauges, the codes can be printed out on the gauges together with functional descriptions in the desired language on an ordinary ink or laser printer from a computer program. Such a program can e.g. be updated through diskette or compact disk (CD) . Possibly, new gauges may be loaded down from Internet through an interactive database where the user selects correct gauge through menus including selection of language, selection of apparatus producer and type of apparatus. Thus, it will be easy to update the remote control unit with codes for apparatus which did not exist when the remote control unit was produced. In lieu of equipping the gauges with an electronic code, it will be possible to transmit the infrared codes to the remote control unit directly by providing the remote control unit and the computer with a common interface, such as disclosed in U.S. patent specification No. 5,410,326. Equipped with an infrared receiver, the remote control unit would be in a position to copy infrared codes from existing remote control units. Combined with one of the above discussed versions, it will be possible to control remotely apparatus for which no predefined codes exist. The invention is further explained in the following, reference being made to attached drawings showing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows the remote control unit as seen from above; Figure 2 shows a cross section at II - II in figure 1: Figure 3 shows the remote control unit as seen from the right hand side, partly exposed; Figures 4A - 4 C show examples of functional descriptions distributed among three gauges. The shown hand-hold universal remote control unit for electronic apparatus a rotary, transparent operating cylinder 3 containing space for a selection of functional descriptions 5 placed on gauges 2a-2i made of thin material and placed along the cylinder wall. On each gauge 2a-2i is drawn the functional description 5 of each of the knobs 4 of the remote control unit for all knobs thereon. Typically, each gauge 2 will contain all the functions on a certain apparatus which are controllable remotely. The functional description 5 of the gauge 2 can be read from the outside of the operating cylinder 3 through a window in the cover 1 between the rows of knobs 4. On the operating cylinder 3 , recesses 7 are disposed, acting against a resilient mechanical lock 13 which, thus, locks the operating cylinder 3 in a centralized position in relation between visible gauge 2 and window in cover 1. By operating the wheel 6 fastened on the operating cylinder 3 by means of a finger, the user may select between all the gauges 2a-2i in the operating cylinder 3 and, thus, bring forward the functional descriptions 5 associated with the apparatus to be operated, and which have an own title described in the window 8. In the windows 9, 10, 11, the user may read a short description of the selected gauge 2b as well as a short description of the gauges/templates 2a, 2c at either side thereof, in order to facilitate the finding of the correct gauge/template and, thus, simplifying the operation of the remote control unit. When the operating cylinder 3 is centralized, the electronic in the remote control unit can detect visible gauge/template and, thus, actively, by using a set of cam switches or some other form of detector 12 , give information about the position occupied by the operating cylinder 3 and, thus, about the gauge/ template 2b visible. When the user operates one of the knobs 4 on the remote control unit, the position of the operating cylinder 3 will be read by means of the detector 12, and the function of the knob 4 becomes, thus, known. On the basis of the electronic memory of the remote control unit, the code is fetched and, thereupon, modulated and transmitted to the apparatus being controlled remotely. The remote control unit is equipped with an electronic reader 14 reading optically stored information placed on the rear side of the gauge/template. Possibly, on the gauges/ templates, there is only printed on one side thereof, whereupon they are folded along the edge of the functional descriptions 5 so that the optical code appears on the rear side when the template/gauge 2 is pushed into the operating cylinder 3 of the remote control unit. While the template/ gauge 2 is being pushed into the cylinder 3 , the optical code is read electronically and used to update the micro processor of the remote control unit with information about the electronic remote control codes to be assigned to the operating knobs 4 when the new template/gauge is active and the associated functional descriptions 5 are visible and centralized intermediate the operating knobs 4.

Claims: C l a i s 1. A remote control unit for the remote control of apparatus reacting to various control codes, wherein the remote control unit contains control codes each assigned or adapted to be assigned a knob, a key or other operating means on the remote control unit, so that the control code is transmitted to the remotely controlled apparatus whenever the knob/key is operated; and wherein the control codes are ordered in code sets each adjusted to an apparatus to be controlled remotely, and wherein the remote control unit is provided with a user- operated selector adapted to assign the control codes in one certain set of codes to the knobs/keys of the remote control unit, in order to enable remotely control of many types of apparatus reacting to different control codes, by means of a relatively small number of knobs/keys, ch ar a c t er i z e d i n that the remote control unit comprises a cylinder (3) which is rotatable in steps around its longitudinal axis and provided with external functional symbols, and wherein a portion of the circumference of the cylinder (3) and, thus, some of the functional symbols, is visible in a slot, a window or an aperture in the cover (1) of the remote control unit; and wherein the cylinder is in connection with a selector (12) adapted to react to the rotational position of the cylinder and select an associated set of control codes and assign the control codes in the set to knobs/keys (4) disposed at either side of the slot/window/ aperture where the cylinder (3) shows an associated set of functional symbols. 2. A remote control unit as set forth in claim 1, ch a r a c t e r i z e d i n that, to each step, corresponds a set of control codes and a set of functional symbols. 3. A remote control unit as set forth in claim 1 and 2, ch ar a c t e r i z e d i n that the functional symbols are embossed on preferably replaceable templates/gauges or symbol strips (2a-2i) fixed on the circumference of the cylinder (3) . 4. A remote control unit as set forth in one or more of the preceding claims, ch ar a c t e r i z e d i n that each set of functional symbols, in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (3) , covers an acute angle (e.g. 10-30°) , together 360° of the cylinder circumference. 5. A remote control unit as set forth in one or more of the preceding claims, ch a r a ct e r i z e d i n that the cylinder (3) , except from the longitudinal portion passing the window of the remote control unit's cover (1) at any time, is encapsulated within said remote control unit's cover (1) and provided with an externally available operating wheel (6). 6. A remote control unit as set forth in one or more of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that each set of functional symbols has an extent in the lateral direction of the remote control unit's cover (1) approximately corresponding to the width of the window. 7. A remote control unit as set forth in one or more of the preceding claims, ch a r a ct e r i z e d i n that the rotary cylinder (3) is formed with a spring-influenced, mechanical locking device (13) which, upon the engagement with a step, fixes the cylinder (3) positionally, locking it temporarily, in a position set through rotation and corresponding to a condition in which a certain template/gauge has been made visible in the window.

Inventors: SOERENSEN PER HASSEL, SOERENSEN, PER, HASSEL
Applicants: SOERENSEN PER HASSEL, SOERENSEN, PER, HASSEL
Application year: 1998
Main classification: H04Q9
IPC codes: G08C17, G08C19