Michael K Perdue

US Patent:

6424285, Jul 23, 2002

Filed:

Nov 12, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/341028

Inventors:

Michael Kelly Perdue - Indianapolis IN
James Allen Strothmann - Indianapolis IN
Michael Anthony Pugel - Noblesville IN

Assignee:

Thomson Licensing S.A. - Boulogne

International Classification:

G08C 1912

US Classification:

341176, 359142

Abstract:

A communications system for transmitting and receiving remote control messages in an electronic remote control system. The present communications system uses a remote control message protocol which is particularly suitable for transmitting RF remote control messages with IR remote control messages in a time multiplexed fashion, wherein the RF remote control messages are transmitted during the pause intervals between IR remote control message transmission intervals. The present remote control message protocol includes a start sequence, comprising a MARK pulse and a SPACE of about equal duration, followed by a plurality of data fields. Each data field ends with an End of Field marker and the remote control message ends with an End of Message marker. The plurality of data fields comprises an addressing data field for specifying the destination device, a security code data field for allowing a specific remote control transmitter to control a specific destination device, a status field for specifying various status codes associated with the remote control message, a keycode field for carrying the remote control message payload, and a checksum field for verifying the transmission integrity of the remote control message. A remote control message based on the present message protocol may be expanded to include additional data fields and to expand pre-existing data fields.

US Patent:

6529556, Mar 4, 2003

Filed:

Nov 12, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/331996

Inventors:

Michael Kelly Perdue - Indianapolis IN
Lori Rene Bolduc - Westfield IN
James Alan Strothmann - Indianapolis IN

Assignee:

Thomson Licensing S.A. - Boulogne

International Classification:

H04N 544

US Classification:

375260, 341176, 348734

Abstract:

An apparatus and a method for providing remote control capability involves transmitting IR and RF signals in a time multiplexed manner. The present apparatus comprises an input device, an IR signal transmitter, a RF signal transmitter and a controller operatively coupled to the input device, the IR signal transmitter and the RF signal transmitter. The controller generates and applies the IR and RF signals to the respective signal transmitters in time multiplexed manner. The IR and RF signals may be transmitted using different protocols without significantly increasing the computing capacity of the controller as compared to a controller of a remote control device which transmits only one type of remote control signal.