Abstract:
A spa system including a remote control for controlling operation thereof. The system includes a remote control module having a microprocessor and memory therefor, which is receptive to push-button inputs. The remote control has a display and an antenna for transmitting signals to the spa and for receiving signals back from the spa. A master control module resides within the spa for controlling and sensing a multiplicity of functions of the spa. A slave control module is coupled to the master control module and also has an antenna responsive to command signals received from the remote control, and for transmitting status signals back to the remote control. The slave control module is used for converting the command signals received from the remote control for the master control, and for converting status signals received from the master control for transmission back to the remote control.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SPA AUDIO SYSTEM OPERABLE WITH A REMOTE CONTROL, filed on the same date hereof.  
         [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0004]    The present invention relates to an apparatus for remotely controlling other systems or apparatus and further being adapted for receiving feedback signals indicative of the state of the controlled apparatus.  
           [0005]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0006]    Most remote controls, such as those we use today for our home entertainment devices use an infrared beam for communication. Some use sounds above our audible range. In any event, these prior art remote devices are one way only. That is, they will transmit a command signal to a device but are not adapted to receive a response, such as a device status signal.  
           [0007]    Therefore, a need exists for a remote control that can not only transmit commands to a controlled slave unit, but can also receive feedback status signals from the slave unit. Moreover, there is a need for a radio frequency (“RF”) remote control device that can communicate between walls or windows.  
           [0008]    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
           [0009]    These and other objects, which will become apparent as the invention is described in detail below, wherein a spa system includes a remote control for controlling operation thereof. The system includes a remote control module having a microprocessor and memory therefor, which is receptive to push-button inputs. The remote control has a display and an antenna for transmitting signals to the spa and for receiving signals back from the spa. A master control module resides within the spa for controlling and sensing a multiplicity of functions of the spa. A slave control module is coupled to the master control module and also has an antenna responsive to command signals received from the remote control, and for transmitting status signals back to the remote control. The slave control module is used for converting the command signals received from the remote control for the master control, and for converting status signals received from the master control for transmission back to the remote control.  
           [0010]    An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control for a spa that can receive a return signal indicative of the status of a given function of the spa.  
           [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide feedback from the spa that indicates such things as water temperature, power-on, status of jets and whether or not a water-jet pump is on.  
           [0012]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a remote control that can sense the present temperature and set a desired temperature.  
           [0013]    Yet another object of this invention is to provide a remote control that is simple to use by employing only 3-button controls—1 button for mode and 2 buttons for ON or OFF/increase or decrease of the selected mode.  
           [0014]    Still other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein is shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and what is intended to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims. The present invention will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the following description and attached drawings, wherein like characters indicate like parts, and which drawings form a part of this application. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    The general purpose of this invention, as well as a preferred mode of use, its objects and advantages will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof, and wherein:  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 illustrates the remote control in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is a more detailed diagram of the display of the remote control of the present invention;  
         [0018]    FIGS.  3 A- 3 E illustrate a variety of data displays for the remote control shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the electronic structure of the remote control;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 5A and 5B combined form a block diagram of the system including the master control; and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 6A and 6B combined form a flow chart illustrating the process for operation of the remote control of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]    The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide an improved RF remote control apparatus for controlling other systems or apparatus.  
         [0023]    Referring now to the drawings and FIG. 1 in particular, a remote control  10  is illustrated. RF signals from the remote control  10  are low power, but adequate to reach an antenna within a spa (not shown in FIG. 1). The power is preferably low to avoid interference with a neighbor&#39;s radio or television reception. The remote also receives status signals back from the spa regarding the status of such things as water temperature, and the like. The remote control  10  includes a display  11  having icons displayed thereon, which represent various functions to be amplified hereinafter. The remote control  10  also includes a mode button  12  for changing the function of the remote from one mode to another; and, a +/− (“ON/OFF” or “increase/decrease”) button  13  for use in conjunction with the mode button  12  for changing or setting a function. The remote control  10  is powered by three AAA batteries, is waterproof and is capable of floating in water.  
         [0024]    According to a specific embodiment of the present invention the remote control  10  operates upon a master or main control  15  located within a spa  16 . The master control  15  receives signals from the remote control  10  via an antenna  17 , which also transmits status information back to the remote control by the same antenna  17 .  
         [0025]    Referring now to FIG. 2, the display  11  of the remote control  10  is shown in greater detail. The display  11  includes numerous icons, which indicate the status of various functions of the spa  16 . A Ready Light icon  20  will illuminate when the temperature of the water in the spa  16  is within 2 degrees of the selected temperature. A Power Light icon  21  will illuminate when the spa system is turned on and power is connected. An Alpha/Numeric display array  22  is disposed for indicating numerous functions selected by the mode switch  12 , or for displaying information received back from the master control  15 . For example, when the temperature is selected, a Temp Light icon  23  illuminates and the temperature of the water is indicated by the display array  22 . When a temperature setting is to be selected, a Set Light icon  24  will illuminate and as the +/− switch  13  is moved (up or down) the temperature to be selected will be shown by the display array  22 . As the remote control  10  communicates with the master control  15  a Comm icon  25  will flash, which indicates communication is taking place between the two units.  
         [0026]    Additional functions indicated by the display  11  include a Water Care icon  26 , which when illuminated indicates that the sanitary system of the spa  16  is operating normally. Another Light icon  27  will illuminate when the mode switch  12  is stepped to the spa light switch. Depressing the + side of the switch  13  will turn the spa light on and depressing the − side of the same switch  13  will turn the spa light off. In a similar fashion, the jets of the spa can be turned on and off, and when the mode switch is in the jets mode a Jets icon  28  illuminates. A SpAudio icon  29  illuminates when the mode switch is stepped to this function, and when the + side of the switch  13  is depressed, the SpAudio turns on. In a similar manner, when the − side of the switch  13  is depressed the SpAudio turns off. The SpAudio feature is explained in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SPA AUDIO SYSTEM OPERABLE WITH A REMOTE CONTROL, filed ______, 2001, and assigned to the assignee hereof.  
         [0027]    A Summer Timer light icon  30  illuminates when the mode switch  13  is stepped to this function, and when the + side of this switch is depressed, this function is turned on; in a similar manner, when the − side of this switch is depressed this function is turned off. The Summer Timer function is useful in a warm climate. For example, in a place like Arizona in the summer time the ambient temperature may be quite high. Also, a feature of the spa  16  is to continuously circulate the water by a heater to maintain a set temperature. In a warm climate, when using the water circulate feature, the water temperature may rise above a desired setting. Accordingly, by turning on the Summer Timer function, the water is not circulated continuously in order to help maintain the pre-set desired temperature.  
         [0028]    Another function indicated by the display  11  is a Lock Light icon  31 . The Lock function can do two things. First, the entire spa system can be locked so that no one can make changes to the settings—unless they have the remote control. Secondly, the temperature setting can be locked to a pre-selected setting while the other functions are accessible.  
         [0029]    Referring now to FIGS. 3A through 3E, a variety of displays that may be shown by the display  11  of the remote control  10  are shown. FIG. 3A shows a set temperature display. Note that the Ready and Power icons  20  and  21 , respectively, are illuminated, as well as the Set and Temp icons,  24  and  23 , respectively; and, the temperature setting of 103° is shown. FIG. 3B shows the display when the remote control  10  is set in the Light mode. Note that the word LIGHT appears across the display array  22 , while the Light icon  27  is illuminated. FIG. 3C shows the spa  16  is clean when in the Water Care mode, wherein icon  26  is illuminated and the word CLEAN appears across the display array  22 . FIG. 3D shows the display when the status of the spa has a low PH, or high acidity. Note that the Water Care icon  26  is illuminated and the term LO PH appears across the display array  22 . FIG. 3E shows the display array  22  when the remote is in the Jet setting mode. Note that the Jets icon  28  is lit and the term JETS2 appears across the display array  22 . The term JETS2 refers to the water-jet pump number  2 .  
         [0030]    Referring now to FIG. 4, the electronics of the remote control  10  are illustrated. The center of the remote control  10  is a Microprocessor Unit (“MPU”)  35 . The MPU  35  has coupled thereto a RAM  36  and a ROM  37 , which are conventional peripherals to a microprocessor and will not be described further herein. Also, the MPU  35  is powered by a battery  38 , which in a specific embodiment includes three AAA batteries. A battery recharge circuit  39  and a battery monitor  40  are coupled between the battery  38  and the MPU  35 , which are also well known in the art and will not be amplified further herein. A watchdog circuit  41  is also coupled to the MPU  35  to make sure the commands are being executed properly and to reset internal program functions.  
         [0031]    Pushbutton inputs  42  are coupled to input terminals of the MPU  35  to receive signals from the mode button  12  or the +/− switch  13 . Display Driver  43  is coupled to outputs of the MPU  35  in a conventional manner, which in turn drive the display  11  described hereinabove. The display  11  also includes a back light  44  made up of Light Emitting Diodes (“LED”). An Internal Monitor  45  is coupled to the MPU for the purpose of determining any MPU non-conforming operation. RF signals are transmitted from the remote control  10  or received from the master controller  15  by means of a transceiver  46  and an antenna  47 . The operation of the remote control  10  will be more fully appreciated hereinafter with the description accompanying FIGS. 6A and 6B.  
         [0032]    At this juncture reference is made to FIGS. 5A and 5B for a block diagram of the system including the master control  15 . A number of sensing devices are coupled to the master control  15 , such as a Temp Sensor  50 , which senses the spa water temperature. Spa Lights  51  are controlled by the master controller  15  as are Jets  52  and Heater  53 . A Current Sense  54  senses the current in the water heater and jet pumps and provides appropriate inputs indicative thereof to the master controller  15 . A water circulating pump  55  and a color wheel  56  are likewise controlled by the master controller  15 . The term color wheel refers to an apparatus for changing the color of the light in the spa, but not necessarily by an actual color wheel. A remote control panel  57  for the spa  16  also provides inputs to the master control  15 .  
         [0033]    An ozone sensor  58  provides inputs to the master control  15  through an IIC (Inter Integrated Circuit) bus  59 , which is adapted for the IIC protocol. The IIC protocol is well known in the art and will not be amplified further herein.  
         [0034]    Referring now to FIG. 5B, the IIC bus  59  is coupled to an RF interface module  60 , which performs an RF to IIC slave control. The RF interface module  60  includes a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter), which is an integrated circuit used for serial communications, containing a transmitter (parallel-to-serial converter) and a receiver (serial-to-parallel converter), each clocked separately. UART&#39;s are well known in the industry and will not be discussed further herein. The remote control  10 , described hereinabove, is adapted to communicate with the master controller  15  by means of the UART.  
         [0035]    Also coupled to the IIC bus  59  are such devices as a Water Treatment  61  and a SpAudio  62 , which is disclosed in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled SPA AUDIO SYSTEM OPERABLE WITH A REMOTE CONTROL, filed ______, 2001, and assigned to the assignee hereof. An IR module  58  is also coupled to the IIC bus  59 , which module is used for servicing the spa. An infrared (“IR”) link couples a remote control  64  to the module  63 . The remote  64 , may for example, comprise a PalmPilot device used by service technicians. PalmPilot is a product available from Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif. 95052. A separate control panel  65  for the spa  16  may likewise be coupled to the IIC bus  59 .  
         [0036]    Referring now to FIG. 6A, a flow chart of the operation of the remote control  10  is illustrated. The process begins with an initialization of the MPU  35  (bubble  100 ) followed by the turning on of the LED back-light  44  (block  101 ). After this, a  15 -second timer is reset (block  102 ) and a query is made (block  103 ) for a default LCD from the RF interface module  60 . Next, the remote control  10  is placed in normal receive mode (block  104 ) which is illustrated in FIG. 6B and amplified hereinafter. After this, an inquiry is made as to whether or not a key was pressed on the remote control  10  (diamond  105 ). If the answer to this inquiry is yes, then the 15-second timer is reset (block  106 ) and this key value is sent to the RF interface module  60  (block  107 ). Next, the LCD from the RF interface module is queried (block  108 ) and the remote control  10  is again placed in the normal receive mode (block  104 ).  
         [0037]    If a key was not pressed, then another inquiry is made as to whether or not the 15-second timer has expired (diamond  109 ). If the answer to this inquiry is no, then the remote control is placed in the normal receive mode (block  104 ). On the other hand, if the answer to this inquiry is yes, then the back-light is turned off (block  110 ) and the 2-minute timer is reset (block  111 ). Next, the default LCD from the RF interface module  60  is queried (block  112 ) and the remote control  10  enters into a sleep mode with a wake up every 18 milliseconds (block  113 ). After this, an inquiry is made as to whether or not the 2-minute timer has expired, and if yes it is reset (connector B returns back to the block  111 ).  
         [0038]    If the 2-minute timer has not expired, then yet another inquiry is made as to whether or not the 30-minute timer has expired (diamond  115 ). If the answer to this inquiry is no, then still another inquiry is made as to whether or not a key was pressed (diamond  116 ). If the answer to this inquiry is no, then the remote control enters the sleep mode with a wake up every 18 milliseconds (block  113 ). On the other hand, if the answer to this inquiry is yes, then a return is made back to the block  102  to reset the 15-second timer (via the connector A). If the 30-minute timer has expired (diamond  115 ) then the remote control goes off line (bubble  117 ).  
         [0039]    Referring now to FIG. 6B, a flow chart of the NRM process (Normal Receive Mode) is shown. The process begins with a start bubble  120  followed by an inquiry as to whether or not data was received (diamond  121 ). If the answer to this inquiry is yes, then Entry is set equal to zero (ENTRY=0, bubble  122 ). ENTRY counts the number of communication attempts between the remote and the RF module. Next, the request is sent to the RF interface module  60  (block  123 ) and the 100 millisecond timer is started (block  124 ). After this, the RF remote listens to the RF interface module  60  (block  125 ) for data to determine what should be displayed. An inquiry is then made as to whether or not valid data was received (diamond  126 ). If the answer to this inquiry is yes, then the data is displayed (block  127 ) and the process ends (bubble  128 ). Note that if no data was requested (diamond  121 ) then the NRM process ends.  
         [0040]    If the data received was not valid, then another inquiry is made as to whether or not the 100 millisecond timer has expired (diamond  129 ). If the answer to this inquiry is no, then a return is made back to the block  125 . On the other hand, if the 100 millisecond timer has expired then yet another inquiry is made as to whether or not  Entry  is greater than 2 (diamond  130 ). This is done for the purpose of making sure that the remote and the RF interface module  60  have communicated correctly. If ENTRY is not greater than 2, then ENTRY is incremented and a return is made back to the block  123  for sending the request back to the RF interface module  60 . On the other hand, if  Entry  is greater than 2, then the display is cleared (block  132 ) and the NRM process ends (bubble  128 ).  
         [0041]    The methods and apparatus of the present invention, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMS, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may also be embodied in the form of program code that is transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via any other form of transmission, wherein, when the program code is received and loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code combines with the processor to provide a unique apparatus that operates analogously to specific logic circuits.  
         [0042]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0043]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.