Abstract:
Devices and systems control energy usage in accordance with instructions from a head end system. A device may be instructed to cease energy consumption. Another device may allow users to override some instructions. Messages may be provided to users to request the cessation of energy consumption; the users may, but need not comply.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for remotely operating at least one remote controlled appliance through a monitor station of a video interphone. The appliance itself being capable of operation by a remote control device. The monitor station includes a receiving input, a central processing unit, a memory, select keys and at least one output. The remote control device is used for generating a coded signal to the receiving input which filters the received coded signal for feeding a clean envelope of the coded signal to the central processing unit. The central processing unit processes the envelope and generates counted data pertaining to the envelope and indexes and stores the counted data into the memory. One of the select keys is assigned for retrieving and feeding the counted data to the output on the basis of the indexing. The output regenerates the coded signal for operating the appliance.
Abstract:
Ein Verfahren und ein System werden vorgeschlagen, bei dem alle Endgeräte einer baulichen Einheit und ein Bediengerät über ein Basisanschlussgerät an eine räumlich getrennte Steuerzentrale angeschlossen werden. Mit dieser Steuerzentrale sind die Basisanschlussgeräte weiterer baulicher Einheiten verbunden. Mit der Steuerzentrale sind außerdem Produzenten verbunden, die die Endgeräte herstellen oder Dienstleistungen für die Endgeräte oder Typen von Endgeräten liefern. Zum Ansteuern der Endgeräte ist vorgesehen, dass Auswahlvorgänge, die an dem Bediengerät eingegeben werden, über die Steuerzentrale zu den Produzenten der Geräte vermittelt werden, von wo aus die dort erzeugten Steuersignale über die Steuerzentrale zu den betroffenen Endgeräten geliefert werden. Es findet also keine direkte Verbindung zwischen einer Art Fernbedienung und dem von ihr bedienten Gerät statt.
Abstract:
A controller is connected to one or more media devices. Each media device includes an associated native remote control. The controller includes a data store comprising one or more descriptions of remote control protocols. The user presses a button on the native remote control. The controller receives a resulting signal and compares the signal against the stored remote control protocols. After at least one and preferably less than three key presses, the controller identifies a single remote control protocol associated with the received signals, and thus identifies the media device whose remote control is being used. The user may subsequently use a controller remote control to issue commands to the media device through the controller. The controller may identify a plurality of media devices, and allow the user to issue complex commands. The controller may receive updates to its data store from a server through a network connection.
Abstract:
Lighting units (22) in a room (20) are controlled automatically and remotely in response to motion sensor modules (26) located to cover the area of the room (20). A sensor module (26) detecting movement transmits a radio signal to a controller module (28), which then transmits a corresponding control signal to the responder modules (24), causing them to switch their associated lighting units on and then increase their brightness to a preset level. The system includes an emergency lighting responder module (32) to switch on emergency lighting (34) if mains power fails and is also responsive to ambient light level. Each of the controller module (28), the sensor modules (26) and the responder modules (24) include a radio transceiver and all control and management signals are transmitted from location to location by radio. Other sensor modules (responsive to different variables) and responder modules may be added to build up a wireless building management system.
Abstract:
An apparatus for and method of distributing and reproducing infrared signals within a digital network is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a control unit for digitizing a received infrared signal command from a wireless remote and transmitting the digitized signal over the digital network. The apparatus also comprises at least one transceiver device coupled to the network and identified by the control unit to receive the digitized signal and reproduce the infrared signal as originally received. The transceiver device can provide the reproduced infrared signal to at least one electronic device located within a vicinity of the transceiver device.
Abstract:
A home automation system using an infrared (IR)/radio frequency (RF) integration remote control module based on a network. At least one IR/RF integration remote control module (100) is disposed at a predetermined location of a home automation region. The IR/RF integration remote control module (100) with a wireless interface function integrates an RF modulation/reception/transmission function and an IR modulation/reception/transmission. A set-top box (200) is appropriately disposed so that it can carry out an interface function for controlling the IR/RF integration remote control module (100) and a wired/wireless Internet access function. The set-top box (200) receives various control commands over an Internet network using transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) and controls the IR/RF integration remote control module (100). Even though various pieces of equipment using the conventional IR reception/transmission scheme or a new electronic product equipped with an RF module is added to the home automation system using an RF modulation scheme, an automation operation and a bidirectional control operation based. on the integrated IR and RF transmission scheme can be appropriately carried out. Thus, the home automation system and method can be cost-effectively and conveniently implemented.
Abstract:
The present invention overcomes problems in the prior art of updating/upgrading remote controls to include functions and/or abilities not originally planned when the remote control was being designed/manufactured. A set-top device itself can be an updated device which can be bundled with an outdated remote control. The set-top box can provide a remote teacher display or such a display can be made available from a distance via the internet or satellite. In such a case, a remote control can be used to select a specific on-screen display button from the remote teacher. The corresponding remote control code is then taught to a learning remote control by a blaster which serves as a substitute for a teaching remote control in order to teach and/or update/upgrade the learning remote control.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein System zur Bedienung einer Schalteinheit (3) in einer Grossanlage mit zahlreichen Verbrauchern (4). Das System weist einen beweglichen ersten Daten-Senderempfänger (1) und einen am Verbraucher (4) angebrachten zweiten Daten-Senderempfänger (2) auf. Der Daten-Senderempfänger (1) kann von einem Servicetechniker mitgeführt werden, der mit ihm über die zwischen dem ersten Daten-Senderempfänger (1) und dem zweiten Daten-Senderempfänger (2) gebildete Daten-Übertragungsstrecke (7) die Schalteinheit (3) zum Betreiben des Verbrauchers (4) betätigen kann. Das System kann durch ein Identifikationssystem abgesichert sein.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are disclosed for setting up a universal remote control for operation with a system having devices to be controlled such as a TV, VCR, electronics appliances, wherein the devices are preferably interconnected. One method includes the steps of having the devices to be controlled provide a listing of the capabilities of each device, recognizing a single set of standard abstract feature indicators; processing said indicators; and, mapping said indicators into specific IR codes and keys according to said list of capabilities of said controlled device. One embodiment is optimized for use with a virtual remote control, wherein only icons corresponding to related capabilities is displayed on a touch screen of the virtual remote control. Such an embodiment is particularly well suited for controlling different families of function capability associated with correspondingly different entertainment devices to achieve an integrated entertainment, or task, grouping. Reduction of the icons displayed to the user perforce reduces the apparent complexity of the remote with which the devices are controlled.