Abstract:
A remote control locator system that can be retro-fitted to any existing remote control device in a straightforward manner. The remote control locator system comprises a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit includes a transmitter residing in a sending unit housing and an activation mechanism coupled to the transmitter to send a locator signal when the activation mechanism is activated by a user. The receiving unit includes a receiver residing in a receiving unit housing to receive the locator signal and to emit an audible sound when the receiver receives the locator signal.

Description:
This application claims benefit of priority from Provisional Application Serial No. 60/226,935, filed on Aug. 22, 2000, entitled “REMOTE CONTROL LOCATOR SYSTEM, ” incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a locator unit. In particular, the present invention is directed to a locator unit for remote control devices. Lost remote control units for consumer electronic devices are a common occurrence. While some newer remote controls are fitted with a “finder” feature, some older remote control models do not have such a feature. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a remote control locator system to locate a household remote control device comprises a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit includes a transmitter residing in a sending unit housing and an activation mechanism coupled to the transmitter to send a locator signal when the activation mechanism is activated by a user. The receiving unit includes a receiver residing in a receiving unit housing to receive the locator signal and to emit an audible sound when the receiver receives the locator signal. 
     According to another aspect of this embodiment, the receiving unit further comprises a multi-position switch located in the receiver unit housing and coupled to a processor chip located in the receiver unit housing. Thus, when the multi-position switch is placed in a first position, the speaker emits a preprogrammed audible sound when the receiver receives the locator signal. When the multi-position switch is placed in a second position, the speaker emits an audible sound corresponding to a personalized message recorded by a user when the receiver receives locator signal. A third position of the multi-position switch corresponds to a position which allows a user to record the personalized message through a microphone also housed in the receiver unit housing. 
     According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a remote control locator system to locate a household remote control device comprises a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit includes an antenna residing in a sending unit housing and an encoder-type application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to send a locator signal when the ASIC is activated by a user. The receiving unit includes a decoder-type ASIC and an antenna to receive the locator signal. The receiver unit further includes a sound integrated circuit (IC) to emit an audible sound when the antenna receiver receives the locator signal. The decoder-type ASIC, antenna, and sound IC are all housed in a receiving unit housing. 
     According to another aspect of this embodiment, the receiving unit further comprises a multi-position switch located in the receiver unit housing and coupled to a processor chip located in the receiver unit housing. Thus, when the multi-position switch is placed in a first position, the speaker emits a preprogrammed audible sound when the receiver receives the transmitted locator signal. When the multi-position switch is placed in a second position, the speaker emits an audible sound corresponding to a personalized message recorded by a user when the receiver receives the transmitted locator signal. A third position of the multi-position switch corresponds to a position which allows a user to record the personalized message through a microphone also housed in the receiver unit housing. 
    
    
     Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate, but do not limit, the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a remote control locator system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sending unit of a remote control locator system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a receiving unit of a remote control locator system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a receiving unit of a remote control locator system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram of a receiving unit of a remote control locator system according to another embodiment of the present invention attached to a remote control unit. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a receiving unit of a remote control locator system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a sending unit of a remote control locator system according to an alternative aspect of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Using a remote control locator system consistent with the present invention, it is possible to find a remote control device within the immediate location of the device it controls, normally within a house, a room or within about 50-75 feet. The remote control devices include, but are not limited to, a hand-held remote control for a television, VCR, cable TV box, or personal satellite system, an electronic key-chain used to remotely open car doors and activate car alarm systems, or other common household items susceptible to being misplaced (such as cellular phones, eyeglass/sunglass cases, dog collars, moneyclips, and wallets). The frequency of the remote control locator system is capable of penetrating walls, cabinets, drawers or furniture to locate a misplaced remote control unit. 
     A remote control locator system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.  1 . The locator system  10  comprises a sending unit  20  and a receiving unit  30 . The receiving unit  30  (or retrofit beacon) is attachable to a conventional remote control unit (not shown). The sending unit  20  is a corresponding signaling device designed to activate the receiving unit  30 . 
     Sending unit  20  comprises a coded signal transmitter  28  (shown in FIG. 2) that is enclosed in a housing  26  manufactured from a thin plastic material or the like. The housing can be rectangular or circular in shape, and is preferably thin, with a thickness of about ½″ or less. Preferably, the housing  26  has a black matte finish to camouflage itself against most other typical consumer electronic devices, such as VCRs, TVs, cable TV receivers, and personal satellite system receivers. Sending unit  20  further comprises a triggering mechanism, such as a button  25 , mounted through the top of the plastic housing  26  that triggers the transmitter  28  (shown in FIG.  2 ). The button  25  preferably has a shallow range of motion to facilitate ease of use. The button  25  can have rounded edges to maximize proper ergonomic conditions. The button can also be recessed to avoid accidental triggering. Other triggering mechanisms will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description. 
     The sending unit  20  is shown in further detail in FIG.  2 . Sending unit  20  is designed to emit a preprogrammed or randomly chosen coded locator signal. The frequency of the locator signal can be a low, high, ultra high frequency, or radio frequency signal. Preferably, the frequency is selected so as to not interfere with other transmissions and to comply with all applicable FCC regulations on transmitters and interference. For example, transmitter  28  can be a conventional RF transmitter, which can include a commercially available ASIC from many electronic vendors, such as Princeton Technologies, Abacom Technologies, or Gateway Electronics. An exemplary ASIC is the Princeton Technologies PT 2622 transmitter/encoder ASIC. Other types of transmitter/encoders can also be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description. 
     The button  25  is coupled to a switch  27  (either self-contained or a separate unit) that is activated when the button  25  is depressed. Button  25 /switch  27  can be coupled to transmitter  28  or can be coupled to a processor chip  24  containing preprogrammed transmission information. A battery power source  22  is coupled to the transmitter  28  to provide power when activated by switch  27 . The battery  22  is of sufficient strength as to allow several thousand triggering instances without power failure and may be a watch-type battery. For example, one or more batteries of 3-12 volts can be used, depending on the particular features of the ASIC utilized. 
     For example, in one embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, sending unit  20  can include a conventional 12 V watch type battery  22  connected to an encoder ASIC  29  to generate an encoded locator signal. Also in this embodiment, a conventional antenna  21  can be used to transmit the locator signal to the receiving unit. Other electrical components (e.g., a crystal oscillator, capacitors, transistors, and the like) can also be included in sending unit  20 , depending on the requirements of the particular encoder ASIC used. Alternatively, one or more of these components can be combined in existing conventional components. Further, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the components of sending unit  20  can be configured to minimize the space required and minimize the size of sending unit  20 . 
     A high strength sticker tab or similar adhesive can be mounted on a flat side of the sending unit housing  26  facing opposite the button (and thus not shown). The user can then attach or affix the sending unit  20  to a convenient location. For example, this location can be the consumer electronic device for which the remote locator is used. In use, having a convenient, logical and permanent position for the sending unit  20  provides the user the ability to locate a commonly misplaced remote control device. Alternative mounting arrangements may be used, such as a two-part Velcro type fastener, one part of which is adhered to the module and the other part is adhered to the desired mounting location. Such removable mounting arrangements allow the user to move or carry the sending units to other locations, if necessary. 
     Alternative receiving units are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B For example, a corresponding receiving unit  30 , shown in FIG. 3A, comprises a receiver that is housed in a separate housing  38  that can be manufactured from a thin plastic material or the like. The housing  38  can be rectangular or circular in shape, and is preferably thin (e.g., having a thickness of about 8-15 mm). In addition, housing  38  is preferably similar in size and shape with the thin housing  26  of the sending unit  20 . 
     For example, receiving unit  30  can include a battery  32  to provide a power source for a decoder ASIC  46 , to decode the locator signal sent by the sending unit  20 . Receiving unit  30  can also include a conventional sound integrated circuit (IC)  44  to generate an audible beacon, e.g. a beeping sound. A hole or small vented opening (not shown) can be provided in the housing of the receiving unit to permit the audible beep or tone to be heard. Also in this embodiment, a conventional miniature antenna  37  is used to receive the locator signal transmitted from the sending unit  20 . Preferably, the receiver/decoder is selected to match the transmitter/encoder used. For example, a PT2272 decoder-type ASIC from Princeton Technologies can be used in conjunction with the PT2262 encoder-type ASIC. Other encoder/decoder matching arrangements can also be utilized, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description. Alternatively, one or more of these components can be combined in existing conventional components. Further, the configuration of the components within receiving unit  30  can be arranged so as to further reduce size. 
     The sending unit  20  and receiving unit  30  can be pre-programmed when manufactured. In addition, the receiving unit  30  can be activated when the pre-programmed coded frequency is detected from the corresponding sending unit  20 , where the receiver  30  is pre-set to the triggering frequency of the sending unit  20 . 
     As shown in FIG. 3C, the receiver unit  30  also has a mounting element  53 , such as a high strength sticker tab or similar adhesive or Velcro-type mount, coupled to the backside  39  of housing  38  so as to allow mounting to a remote control device  52 . A removable mounting arrangement allows the user to move the receiving unit to another remote control device or other household or personal item, if necessary. Once units  20  and  30  have been attached to their preferred locations, the user has the ability to trigger a beacon (e.g., a beeper sound, tone, or a recorded message), which enables the user to locate a misplaced remote control device or other household or personal item. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the sending unit  20  and receiving unit  30  can be activated by a triggering device, such as a battery retaining strip commonly used in conventional consumer packaging, that is temporarily adhered to both units and is pulled out by a user after purchase to allow the battery terminals to then make contact with their respective leads. At that point, the battery life starts. Thus, a sending unit  20  can be pre-programmed with a randomly generated, pre-programmed frequency. When the receiving unit  30  is first activated by the sending unit, the pre-programmed frequency code of the sending unit  20  is embedded in the receiving unit  30  as its triggering signal, thus avoiding the need to pre-program the receiving unit. 
     An alternative configuration of a receiving unit  130  is shown in FIG.  3 B. In this embodiment receiving unit  130  includes a power source  32  similar to that contained within the sending unit. The power source  32  may be implemented as one or more conventional watch-type batteries (e.g., 3-12 V), which provide sufficient strength for several thousand responses without power failure. In addition, the receiving unit  130  further comprises a programming mechanism that allows a user to record a custom sound for the beacon. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3B, the top of the receiver unit  130  also houses a multi-position switch. In this embodiment, the multi-position switch is a three-position switch  50 . The slide mechanism  37  of the three position switch  50  can be enclosed with a sheathing material (not shown) to minimize dust and other particles from entering the opening that surrounds the switch. An indicator knob  49  for the switch  50  is recessed into the slide mechanism  37  to minimize instances of accidental mode change. For example, the indicator knob  49  can have a horizontal groove that can accommodate a very thin tool for assistance with position and beacon mode change. An adult fingernail will usually be a sufficient tool for this use. 
     Position  35  on the switch is indicated to the user on the outside of the housing and can be denoted by the letter “B.” The “B” represents the beeper function of the system. A conventional processor chip  42  enclosed within the housing is connected to the power source  32  and is activated to record when three position switch  50  is in position  35 . For example, when configured as such, if the receiving unit  130  is triggered by detection of a signal from the sending unit  20 , in the “B” position, a speaker  40  will emit preprogrammed audible beep blast for a predetermined duration of time (e.g., about 10 seconds). The chip  42  is wired through a speaker  40 , which is also contained within the housing. 
     A second position  33  for the three-position switch  50  is indicated to the user and can be denoted by the letter “R” that can be imprinted on the outside of the housing of receiver unit  130 . The “R” represents the record mode for the unit. The chip  42  is configured to record sound for a predetermined time duration (e.g., 5-10 seconds) and is connected to a small microphone  36 . The recorded message is then stored in the processor chip  42 . The microphone  36  is preferably mounted near the speaker  40  so as to allow a single vented access hole to both. Thus, when the sending unit button  25  is depressed and the switch is in the “R” position the user can record a personalized message. 
     A third position  31  for the switch  50  is indicated to the user and denoted by a letter “P” that can be imprinted on the outside of the housing. This “P” represents the playback mode of the system. The chip  42  is configured within the housing to playback a recorded personalized message through speaker  40  when the indicator knob  49  is placed at position  31 . 
     Alternatively, instead of using a mechanical slide and position knob, the indications of the playback, record, and beeper modes can be accomplished using separate light indicators, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, three LEDs  61 ,  63 , and  65 , can be utilized to indicate the mode in which the receiving unit  130  is configured. In addition, a small button  60  or the like can be utilized to change the mode of the receiving unit when button  60  is depressed, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description. 
     Applications of the present invention are numerous. For example, the locator system of the present invention can be used to find remote control devices such as hand-held remote controls for a television, VCR, cable TV box, or personal satellite system, an electronic key-chain used to remotely open car doors and activate car alarm systems, or other common household items susceptible to being misplaced, such as cellular phones, eyeglass/ sunglass cases, dog collars, moneyclips, and wallets. In addition, the locator system can be used as a novelty item, such as a remotely activated whoopee cushion, a talking dog (when the receiving unit is mounted to a dog collar and is in the play-back mode), a fake doorbell, and the like. 
     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.