U.S. patent application number 12/417045 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-23 for controller having reduced control key set and method for operating same in a learning, macro, or cloning mode.
This patent application is currently assigned to SP Controls, Inc.. Invention is credited to Paul Anson Brown, Aaron Daniel Thieme.
Application Number | 20090184839 12/417045 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35446490 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090184839 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Paul Anson ; et
al. |
July 23, 2009 |
Controller Having Reduced Control Key Set and Method for Operating
Same in a Learning, Macro, or Cloning Mode
Abstract
In some embodiments, a wall-mountable, configurable controller
having control keys (e.g., less than eight keys or another small
number of keys), a subassembly including circuitry, and a control
key insert removably mountable to the subassembly and including at
least one of the control keys. The circuitry can include a limit
switch that is biased in a default state but moveable into a
learning state in response to user-exerted force. In some
embodiments, the controller includes an IR emitter and an IR
receiver and is operable to clone another device by sending
configuring radiation from the emitter to the other device's IR
receiver. Preferably, the emitter and receiver are positioned so
that a controller's IR emitter aligns with the IR receiver of an
identical controller when the controllers are positioned face to
face. In some embodiments, the controller provides audible and
visual feedback to users when operating in a learning mode.
Inventors: |
Brown; Paul Anson;
(Sunnyvale, CA) ; Thieme; Aaron Daniel; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIRARD & EQUITZ LLP
1539 Taraval St., SUITE 202
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94116
US
|
Assignee: |
SP Controls, Inc.
South San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
35446490 |
Appl. No.: |
12/417045 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11146393 |
Jun 6, 2005 |
7515062 |
|
|
12417045 |
|
|
|
|
10859851 |
Jun 3, 2004 |
7334067 |
|
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11146393 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/4.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 2217/026 20130101;
H01H 2239/048 20130101; H01H 13/70 20130101; H01H 2207/048
20130101; H01H 2223/058 20130101; H01H 2239/066 20130101; H01H
2229/022 20130101; H01H 2229/042 20130101; H01H 2221/012 20130101;
H01H 2300/042 20130101; H01H 2221/018 20130101; H01H 2300/04
20130101; H01H 2219/039 20130101; H01H 2223/034 20130101; H01H
2229/034 20130101; H01H 2233/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/825.22 |
International
Class: |
G05B 19/02 20060101
G05B019/02 |
Claims
1. A configurable, wall-mountable controller, including: a
wall-mountable subassembly including circuitry operable in a
learning mode and a control mode; and control keys coupled to the
subassembly, wherein the circuitry in the learning mode is
configurable to perform control operations in response to
actuations of the control keys in the control mode, the circuitry
includes a limit switch that is biased in a default state but
configured to be pushed from the default state into a learning
state, and the circuitry is configured to operate in the learning
mode when the limit switch is in the learning state.
2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured
to enter the control mode in response to movement of the limit
switch from the learning state to the default state.
3. The controller of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is also
operable in a cloning mode, and the circuitry is configured to
enter the cloning mode in response to movement of the limit switch
from the learning state to the default state while at least one of
the control keys is being actuated.
4. The controller of claim 1, wherein the limit switch includes an
actuator that is spring-biased in a default position, and wherein
the actuator is configured to be pushed into a learning position
when the subassembly is installed to place the limit switch in its
learning state.
5. The controller of claim 1, wherein the circuitry includes a
circuit board, the limit switch is mounted on the circuit board,
and the subassembly includes a plate that partially covers the
circuit board without preventing the limit switch from being
accessed when the controller is installed.
6. The controller of claim 5, wherein the plate defines a switch
access hole, the limit switch includes an actuator that is
spring-biased in a default position, the actuator is positioned and
configured to be pushed from the default position into a learning
position by insertion of a pin through the switch access hole into
engagement with said actuator to place the limit switch in the
learning state.
7. The controller of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configurable
in the learning mode to perform at least one power control
operation and at least one source selection operation.
8. The controller of claim 1, also including an infrared emitter
output coupled to the circuitry, and wherein the circuitry in the
learning mode is configurable to cause the controller to assert
control bits to the infrared emitter output in response to
actuation of each of the control keys in the control mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/146,393, entitled CONTROLLER HAVING REDUCED CONTROL KEY
SET AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME IN A LEARNING, MACRO, OR CLONING
MODE, filed Jun. 6, 2005 (to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 7,515,062), and
a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/859,851, entitled PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLER HAVING REDUCED CONTROL
KEY SET, filed on Jun. 3, 2004 (issued as U.S. Pat. No.
7,334,067).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention pertains to a configurable apparatus for
controlling a projector or other device (e.g., an audio, video, or
audiovisual device) and to methods for operating such an apparatus
in a learning and/or cloning mode. In some embodiments, the
invention is a wall-mountable projector controller having a first
key set, a second key set, a third key set and configurable
switches actuatable by pressing control keys in the key sets. Each
key set includes at least one control key (or zero or at least one
control key) but no more than a small number of control keys, and
the key sets are in distinct regions of the controller's surface.
Each configurable switch actuatable by pressing a key of the first
key set is configured only to perform control operations of a first
type (e.g., power control operations), each switch actuatable by
pressing a key of the second key set is configured only to perform
control operations of another type (e.g., source selection control
operations), and each switch actuatable by pressing a key of the
third key set is configured only to perform control operations of
another type (e.g., volume control operations).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The expression "controller" is used herein to denote a
device configured to generate control signals for controlling a
remotely located device (a "target"). Typically, the controller and
target are connected by a wire pair or electrically conductive
cable which terminates at an infrared (IR) emitter positioned near
the target (or, in some cases, by a cable including an optical
fiber or bundle of optical fibers), and the control signals
propagate from the controller to the target (or to an IR emitter
positioned near the target) over the wire pair or cable. For
example, electrical control signals propagate over a wire pair from
the controller to an IR emitter positioned near the target and IR
control signals generated in the IR emitter in response to the
electrical control signals propagate to the target. Alternatively,
the controller and target are not connected by any wire pair or
cable, and the control signals are transmitted (typically as
electromagnetic radiation) from controller to target.
The expression "wall-mounted" device herein denotes a device that
is mounted to a wall (e.g., mounted in an electrical box affixed to
a wall) or other object that is fixed during use of the device
(e.g., a podium) and is designed to remain so mounted when in use.
The expression "wall-mountable" device herein denotes a device that
can be mounted to a wall or other object (e.g., a podium) that is
to remain fixed during use of the device, and is designed to remain
so mounted when in use.
[0004] The expressions "configurable device" and "learning device"
are used herein as synonyms to denote a device capable of being
configured to emulate a second device (e.g., to be capable of
controlling a target in the same manner that the second device
controls the target), solely or principally in response to data
asserted to the device from the second device. Many embodiments of
the inventive controller are learning devices because they are
capable of learning to replicate control signals asserted thereto
by a remote control, in response to an IR control stream received
from the remote control.
[0005] The expression that a device is a "programmable" device is
used herein to denote that the device is capable of emulating a
second device only after it has been given a set of instructions,
written or sometimes via a graphical representation, by an operator
or installer. The expression that a device is a "programmable"
device is used in the parent application to denote either that the
device is a "learning" device (in the sense defined in the previous
paragraph) or a that the device is a "programmable" device (in the
sense defined in this paragraph).
[0006] The ability of a device to "learn" is marketable and has
implications for the process of specifying, configuring, installing
the device. "Learning" differentiates a product as requiring much
less domain expertise than an otherwise equivalent "programmable"
device. An end-user with no programming experience can "configure"
or "teach" a learning device, but a highly-skilled programmer is
typically required to program a programmable device.
[0007] The expression to "configure a control key" of a controller
(and variations on this expression) are used herein to denote
configuring the controller to perform at least one control
operation in response to actuation of the control key.
[0008] Many types of handheld and wall-mounted controllers have
been employed to control projectors, audio and video devices, and
other devices. Typically, controllers have a large number of
control keys (which are often quite small) and thus require that
the user devote significant effort and attention to operating them.
Some conventional controllers can be programmed, configured, or
taught (e.g., are operable in a learning mode in which they can be
configured or taught) to execute specific operations in response to
user actuation of specific ones of their keys. However, a user must
devote significant effort and attention to operating a conventional
configurable controller of the type having a large number of keys
from which the user must select.
[0009] Controllers having a small number of keys (e.g., less than
eight keys) can be operated with less effort and attention from a
user than controllers having more keys, since the user can more
easily identify (and remember the location of) a desired key that
belongs to a small set of keys than a desired key that belongs to a
large set of keys. It is also desirable to reduce the number of
control keys of a controller to reduce manufacturing cost.
[0010] However, a user must also devote significant effort and
attention to operating conventional, wall-mounted, configurable
controllers that have a small number of control keys. This is true
for the following reasons. On such a controller, the key for
executing any specific operation can be located anywhere. Since the
controller's face is not partitioned into regions allocated to
control functions of specific, predetermined types, the user must
learn (e.g., by inspecting a label) the control operation that each
key has been configured to execute. Typically, the keys of a
conventional, wall-mounted, configurable controller are labeled
after the controller is configured to indicate to the user the
control operation associated with each configured key. Even with
the keys so labeled, a user typically must study all or a large
part of the controller's face to locate a desired key because the
key could be located anywhere on the face.
[0011] There is a need for a configurable, wall-mounted controller
having a small number of keys (i.e., less than eight keys), and
which can be operated by a user with less effort and attention than
required for operation of conventional, configurable,
controllers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In some embodiments, the invention is a wall-mountable,
configurable controller having a small number of control keys
(e.g., less than eight control keys), including a first key set and
a second key set (and optionally also at least one other key set).
Each key set includes at least one of the control keys, and the key
sets are in distinct regions of the controller's surface. The
controller also has configurable circuitry including switches that
are actuatable in response to actuation (e.g., pressing) of the
keys. The circuitry can be configured (i.e., taught) to perform at
least one control operation of a first type (e.g., a power control
operation) in response to actuation of a key of the first key set,
and at least one control operation of a second type (e.g., a source
selection or volume control operation) in response to actuation of
a key of the second key set, and optionally at least one control
operation of a third type (e.g., a volume control operation) in
response to actuation of a key of a third key set. The first key
set is marked (e.g., each key thereof is marked by a label on or
near the key) to indicate that it is dedicated to performing
control operations of the first type. The second key set is marked
(e.g., each key thereof is marked by a label on or near the key) to
indicate that it is dedicated to performing control operations of
the second type. The marking prompts a user to configure keys of
the first key set to perform operations of the first type and to
configure keys of the second key set to perform operations of the
second type. When the controller is so configured, it can be
operated by the user with less effort and attention (than required
for operation of conventional configurable controllers) since not
only does the controller have few keys (marked as to function), but
the keys are grouped in distinct predetermined regions on the
controller's face according to their function. Users can easily
locate desired keys by focusing their attention on no more than a
small number of keys in a specific region of the controller's
face.
[0013] Preferably, the controller is modular in the sense that it
can be used with interchangeable, removably mountable control key
inserts. Each insert having a key for triggering execution of a
control operation of the first type is configured (i.e., sized and
shaped) to be removably mounted to a first region of the
controller's surface but preferably is configured not to be
mountable to a second region (distinct from the first region) of
the surface, and each insert having a key for triggering execution
of a control operation of the second type is configured to be
removably mounted to the second region of the surface but
preferably is configured not to be mountable to the first region of
the surface. Thus, each insert having at least one key for
triggering execution of a "control operation of the first type" can
be swapped for an insert having a different key (or keys) for
triggering execution of a control operation of the first type. For
example, if the control operation of the first type is a power
control operation, an insert including a single power control key
(which, when mounted can be depressed once to change the target's
power state, either from "power on" to "power off" or from "power
off" to "power on") can be swapped for another insert including two
separate power control keys (one which, when mounted can be
depressed to change the target's power state from "on" to "off;"
and another which, when mounted can be depressed to change the
target's power state from "off" to "on"), to allow the controller
to be configured to emulate either a remote control having a single
power switch which turns power on and off or a remote control with
two power keys (poweron and poweroff) without including any
extraneous key that is not used. The controller will typically need
to be reconfigured each time one control key insert is swapped for
another. Preferably, the controller has switches under the first
region of the controller surface and the controller can be
configured to perform any of a variety of control operations of the
first type in response to actuation of these switches (e.g., to
perform a first control operation of the first type in response to
actuation of a first one of the switches when a first key insert is
mounted to the first region of the controller's surface, to perform
a second control operation of the first type in response to
actuation of a second one of the switches when the first key insert
is mounted to the first region of the controller's surface, to
perform a third control operation of the first type in response to
a first actuation of a third one of the switches when a second key
insert is mounted to the first region of the controller's surface,
and to perform a fourth control operation of the first type in
response to a second actuation of the third one of the switches
when the second key insert is mounted to the first region of the
controller's surface). Preferably, each key insert is marked to
indicate a specific type of control operation (e.g., the insert
includes a backlit window marked with a label indicating the
specific type of control operation) and each key thereof is marked
to indicate a control operation of such type.
[0014] A modular key insert for use with the inventive controller
can have no control keys (e.g., In FIG. 7, the key insert that
comprises body 59 has no control key).
[0015] A modular embodiment of the inventive controller (designed
for use with interchangeable, removably mountable control key
inserts) can be configured with an appropriate set of control key
inserts and then configured to emulate any of a variety of
different remote control devices (having different control key
sets) without including any extraneous control key. The control key
insert set can be chosen so as to include only keys that will be
configured and used, and not to include any key that will not be
configured and used.
[0016] In some embodiments, the controller's circuitry includes a
limit switch that is biased in a default state but moveable into a
learning state in response to user-exerted force. Typically, the
limit switch includes a spring-biased actuator that can be pushed
into a learning position to put the switch in its learning state
and is configured to relax into a default position in the absence
of pushing force thereon. When its limit switch is in the learning
state, a controller operates in a learning mode in which it can be
configured (e.g., re-configured). Typically, when the limit switch
of a configured controller is in the default state, the controller
operates in a normal operating mode (sometimes referred to herein
as a control mode) to generate control signals for controlling a
target in response to control key actuations. In typical
embodiments, the controller includes a printed circuit board (PCB),
a plate that partially covers the PCB when the controller is
assembled and wall-mounted, and a limit switch mounted on the PCB
so as to be user-accessible (e.g., via a hole through the plate)
when the plate partially covers the PCB. Preferably, the limit
switch has a spring-biased actuator that is moveable (e.g.,
pivotable) from a default position into a learning position (to
place the limit switch in its learning state) in response to user
insertion of a pin (e.g., a straightened paper clip) through a hole
(that extends through the plate) into engagement with the actuator,
the actuator remains in the learning position while the pin remains
in engagement therewith, and the actuator relaxes back into its
default position (to allow the limit switch to return to its
default state) when the user pulls the pin away from the actuator.
In some embodiments, the inventive controller in its learning state
enters a third operating state (e.g., a cloning state) rather than
its first state, when the user pulls the pin away from the actuator
while pressing at least one control key of the controller.
[0017] In some embodiments, the inventive controller includes an
infrared (IR) emitter and an IR receiver, and is operable in a
cloning mode (as a "clone") to learn the configuration of another
device (a "donor") in the sense that any configuration data stored
in the donor are duplicated (in the cloning mode) in the clone so
that the clone thereafter behaves as does the donor in all
respects. In the cloning mode, cloning radiation propagates from an
IR emitter of the donor to the clone's IR receiver. Preferably, the
IR emitter (e.g., transmitter 42 of FIGS. 1 and 2) and IR receiver
(e.g., receiver 40 of FIGS. 1 and 2) are positioned so that a
controller's IR emitter aligns with the receiver of an identical
controller when the two controllers are positioned face to face
(e.g., when a first controller is wall-mounted and capable of
operating as a donor, and the other controller is placed face to
face with the first controller and operated in a cloning mode as a
clone).
[0018] In a class of preferred embodiments, the inventive
controller has a printed circuit board (PCB) including illumination
elements (e.g., LEDs for backlighting control keys) positioned so
that each control key of each modular control key insert that can
be mounted to the controller overlies at least one of the
illumination elements. Each control key insert configured to be
removably mounted to a first region of the controller's surface
(over a first region of the PCB) can include any of a number of
different sets of control keys. Preferably, different subsets of
the illumination elements are positioned to underlie the control
keys of each such set of control keys, and the controller's
circuitry is configured to respond to actuation of a control key
(to be configured) during the learning mode by illuminating only
one or more of the illumination elements that are positioned under
the control key; not any of the illumination elements that is not
positioned under the control key. Such configuration of the
controller circuitry allows the operation of configuring a control
key during the learning mode to include at least one step of
illuminating a subset of the illumination elements that underlies
the control key to provide visual feedback to the user, without
distracting the user by illuminating elements underlying other
control keys.
[0019] In some embodiments, the inventive controller is operable in
a learning mode having at least one of the following features: the
controller provides audible feedback as well as visual feedback to
a user (e.g., the controller produces a chirp or other sound and
illuminates a sequence of its control keys upon entering the
learning mode), the controller provides feedback (e.g., visual
feedback) to indicate whether excessive IR radiation is incident on
an IR receiver of the controller (e.g., the controller has an
illumination element that emits light continuously to indicate the
presence of too much ambient IR radiation or to indicate that an IR
signal from a nearby device is being asserted to an IR receiver of
the controller) and otherwise emits a sequence of light pulses),
the controller provides visual feedback indicative of strength of
the configuring signal from the device to be emulated (e.g., the
controller has an illumination element that emits light with
intensity indicative of the strength of an IR signal from the
device to be emulated), the controller provides visual and audible
feedback in response to selection of a specific control key to be
configured (e.g., the controller responds to selection of a
specific key to be configured by emitting a flash of light from an
illumination element behind the key and producing a chirp or other
sound), the controller provides audible feedback at other times
(e.g., upon successful learning of a code the controller produces a
distinctive sound, and upon an unsuccessful attempt to learn a code
the controller produces a different distinctive sound), and during
a "round robin" phase of the learning mode (sometimes referred to
herein as a "round robin" procedure or "round robin" mode) the
controller can learn multiple codes per control key (e.g., the
controller can be configured via the round robin procedure to emit
a first control signal when a key is actuated once during normal
operation and to emit a different control signal the next time the
key is actuated during normal operation) so that the configured
controller can emulate a device that sends a sequence of different
signals in response to repeated actuations of a single control key.
In some such embodiments, the round robin procedure has at least
one of the following features: a controller in the learning mode
enters a round robin mode (in which N codes for one key are to be
learned) in response to a sequence of N actuations of the key; upon
successful learning of the last of N codes (for one key) the
controller produces a distinctive audible signal (e.g., a
distinctive sequence of beeps) and/or a distinctive visual signal;
and upon a failed attempt to learn N codes (for one key) the
controller produces a different audible signal (or no audible
signal) and/or a different visual signal (or no visual signal).
[0020] In some embodiments, the inventive controller is operable in
a learning mode having a test phase in which a user can test a
control key that has just been configured by pressing the key
(without leaving the learning mode). Preferably, a visual signal is
automatically emitted (after a key is configured) to prompt the
user to test the key, the user then actuates the key to test it
(i.e., to observe whether it performs its intended control
function), and the user can then perform any desired learning mode
operation (e.g., can reconfigure the just-tested key, or configure
another key) or terminate learning mode operation.
[0021] In some embodiments, the inventive controller is operable in
a macro phase of the learning mode (sometimes referred to herein,
including in the claims, as a "macro mode") in which the controller
is configured to assert (in the control mode, after exit from both
the macro mode and the learning mode) a sequence of different
control signals in response to a single actuation of a single
control key. In some implementations, when two or more codes have
been learned by one key (e.g., during a "round robin" mode as
mentioned above), the user initiates operation in the macro mode by
actuating (e.g., pressing) the key for more than a minimum time
period (e.g., for at least M seconds), thereby configuring the
controller to send all the learned codes in a sequence each time
the user actuates the key once during the control mode (i.e., after
exit from the learning mode). In preferred ones of the latter
implementations, in response to the next entry into the macro phase
of the learning mode (i.e., in response to the next actuation of
the relevant key for more than the minimum time period as
described), the controller is reconfigured to send the learned
codes sequentially in response to a sequence of user actuations of
the key during the control mode (i.e., to send one code per key
actuation), so that the controller can effectively be toggled
between two states by successive entries into the macro phase of
the learning mode: a first state in which the controller sends all
the learned codes in a sequence each time the user actuates the key
once during the control mode; and a second state in which the
controller sends one code per key actuation in the control mode (a
sequence of individual ones of the learned codes in response to a
sequence of key actuations during the control mode).
[0022] In some embodiments, control keys of the inventive
controller are transparent or translucent, switches are mounted
under the control keys, and illumination elements (e.g., LEDs) are
positioned near the switches are controlled to illuminate (i.e.,
backlight) each of the control keys that overlies a configured
switch. The illumination elements are controlled so that they do
not illuminate any control key that does not overlie a configured
switch. This allows the user to determine at a glance which keys
have not been configured (e.g., which keys overlie only
unconfigured switches) and are thus not available for use.
Preferably, when a key has been configured, an illumination element
illuminates the key with relatively low brightness (e.g., 50% of
maximum brightness). Also preferably, when a configured key is
actuated, the illumination element illuminates the key with
relatively high brightness (e.g., maximum brightness) and
optionally also the controller provides audible feedback to the
user (e.g., produces a beep) to indicate that a configured key has
been actuated. Other aspects of the invention are methods for
configuring and operating any embodiment of the inventive
controller, and controller systems each including modular
controller key inserts and a wall-mountable subassembly to which
subsets of the inserts can be removably mounted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front side of an
embodiment of the inventive controller (with pin 393 for actuating
its learning mode entry switch 93).
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front side of an
embodiment of printed circuit board 12 of the FIG. 1
controller.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back side of the FIG. 1
controller.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of metal back plate 2 of the
FIG. 1 controller.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of bezel 4 of the FIG. 1
controller.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plastic cast (which can be
formed by injection molding) which defines modular insert bodies 6,
8, and 10 and modular insert bodies 56, 58, and 59. Various
combinations of the insert bodies can be positioned within bezel 4,
and the assembly comprising bezel 4 and the insert bodies then
snapped onto back plate 2 of the FIG. 1 controller.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of modular inserts, including
the insert bodies shown in FIG. 6, and windows and control keys
inserted in slots defined by the insert bodies.
[0030] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a modular control key
insert, including insert body 126 and a window and control key
element onto which the insert body is pressed.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of insulation plate 14, which
can be positioned between printed circuit board 12 and back plate 2
in the controller of FIGS. 1 and 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] A wall-mountable embodiment of the inventive controller will
be described with reference to FIGS. 1-8. As shown in FIGS. 1 and
3, this controller includes metal back plate 2 which is configured
to be mounted by screws (not shown) in an electrical box in a wall.
Printed circuit board ("PCB") 12 is mounted to the back side of
plate 2 with insulation plate 14 (shown in FIG. 8 but not visible
in FIGS. 1 and 3) positioned between PCB 12 and back plate 2 to
electrically insulate PCB 12 from plate 2. Circuit elements (to be
described below) of the controller are surface mounted to PCB 12.
These circuit elements include configurable microprocessor 80,
crystal oscillator 81 (or another clock signal generation element)
for use in generating a clock signal for use by microprocessor 80,
EEPROM 82 (or another memory) for use by microprocessor 80 for
storage of data which can configured, learned, cloned, and/or
preloaded, illumination elements 83-91 (controlled by
microprocessor 80), pressure-sensitive switches 60-77, and infrared
receiver 40 (for asserting control bits to microprocessor 80 in
response to received infrared radiation), infrared transmitter 42
(for transmitting modulated infrared radiation in response to
control bits asserted by microprocessor 80, for purposes to be
explained below), and connector unit 92. Preferably, each of
illumination elements 83-91 is a light-emitting diode (LED) and
thus for convenience elements 83-91 will be referred to herein as
LEDs (although in some embodiments they can be illuminating
elements other than LEDs). In a typical implementation, each of
switches 60-77 is pressure-sensitive in the sense that a portion
thereof is configured to move in response to pressure exerted
thereon (by a control key that has moved into engagement with the
switch in response to user actuation) to a switch-closed position
(in which a conductive element of the switch closes an open circuit
on PCB 12) from a switch-open position (in which the conductive
element does not close the open circuit).
[0033] Connector unit 92 includes IR emitter output 92A for
asserting (in response to control bits asserted by microprocessor
80) target control signals (e.g., for use in generating modulated
target control infrared radiation) to the target (the projector or
other device to be controlled). The target control signals are used
to control the target. Typically the target control signals
propagate from IR emitter output 92 to an IR emitter (not shown,
but positioned near the target) via a wire pair, modulated target
control IR radiation is generated in the IR emitter in response to
the target control signals, and the modulated target control IR
radiation is transmitted from the IR emitter to the target.
Connector unit 92 also includes power terminal 92B and ground
terminal 92C, across which a power supply (not shown) applies a
suitable DC voltage (e.g., 6 Volts) to power the controller.
[0034] In typical embodiments, the target is a projector or other
audiovisual device (e.g., another type of audiovisual display
device).
[0035] The controller of FIGS. 1 and 3 also includes bezel 4,
insert bodies 6, 8, and 10, control keys 22, 26, 28, 32, and 34,
and windows 20, 24, and 30.
[0036] The assembly comprising bezel 4, insert bodies 6 (or 56), 8
(or 58), and 10 (or 59), control keys 22, 26, 28, and optionally
control keys 32 and 34, and windows 20, 24, and optionally window
30, is removably mounted to back plate 2 with the control keys
positioned over switches 60-77 of PCB 12. When the controller is
assembled, pressure-sensitive switches 60, 61, and 62 are
accessible (by control keys) through the upper row of holes 160
through plate 2, pressure-sensitive switches 63, 64, and 65 are
accessible through the lower row of holes 160 through plate 2,
pressure-sensitive switches 66-77 are accessible through
corresponding holes through plate 2, light can propagate from LEDs
83 through holes 183 through plate 2, light can propagate from LEDs
104 through holes 184 through plate 2, light can propagate from
LEDs 85 through holes 185 through plate 2, light can propagate from
LEDs 106 and 107 through holes 167 through plate 2, light can
propagate from LEDs 88 through corresponding holes through plate 2,
and light can propagate from LEDs 109 and 110 through holes 189
through plate 2.
[0037] This assembly can be dimensioned so as to have the
conventional format known as Decora.RTM. format, so that a
conventional Decora.RTM. style faceplate can be mounted over it. If
the inventive assembly is so dimensioned, it can be mounted in an
electrical box in which a conventional Decora.RTM. style control
unit (e.g., a conventional Decora.RTM. style light control unit)
can be mounted, and the inventive assembly can then covered by a
conventional Decora.RTM. style faceplate.
[0038] Insert body 6 has holes 6A and 6B (sometimes referred to as
"slots") for retaining window 20 and control key 22, respectively.
Insert body 8 has holes 8A, 8B, and 8C (sometimes referred to as
"slots") for retaining window 24, control key 26, and control key
28, respectively. Insert body 10 has holes 10A, 10B, and 10C
(sometimes referred to as "slots") for retaining window 30, control
key 34, and control key 32, respectively. Inserts comprising bodies
6, 8, and 10, and optionally also keys and/or windows in slots
thereof, are modular in the sense that each insert can be used
interchangeably with other inserts having similarly sized and
shaped insert bodies. For example, insert body 56 (shown in FIGS. 6
and 7) with window 20 and control key 84 retained in slots 56A and
56B extending therethrough can be used in place of insert body 6
(with window 20 and control key 22 retained in slots 6A and 6B).
For another example, insert body 58 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) with
window 24 and control key 86 (retained in slots 58A and 58B
extending therethrough) can be used in place of insert body 8 (with
window 24 and control keys 26 and 28 retained in slots 8A, 8B, and
8C). For another example, opaque insert body 59 (having no control
keys) can be used in place of insert body 10 (with window 30 and
control keys 34 and 32 retained in slots 10A, 10B, and 10C).
[0039] Control keys 22, 26-28, 32-34, 84, and 86 are movable
relative to plate 2 (and PCB 12) so that the user can depress the
keys against pressure-sensitive switches (mounted on PCB 12) to
actuate the switches. The control keys can be rubberized keys or
keys of another type. Windows 20, 24, and 30 are fixed relative to
plate 2 and PCB 12.
[0040] Control key 22 has a first portion (labeled "ON") and a
second portion (labeled "OFF"), and can be toggled relative to PCB
12 such that either the first portion can be pressed against
switches 60 and 63 (to actuate switches 60 and 63) or the second
portion can be pressed against switches 62 and 65 (to actuate
switches 62 and 65). Thus, although key 22 is a single element, it
functions as two independent keys (one overlying switches 60 and 63
and operable to actuate one or both of switches 60 and 63; the
other overlying switches 62 and 65 and operable to actuate one or
both of switches 62 and 65). A pair of switches (e.g., 60 and 63,
or 62 and 65) can be provided under each end portion of key 22 to
ensure that the controller will respond to off-angle key presses by
the user (e.g., a key press which actuates only one switch in such
pair). It is contemplated that the first portion (labeled "ON") of
key 22 will be configured separately from the second portion
(labeled "OFF") of key 22. In a variation on the FIG. 1 embodiment,
key 22 is replaced by two separate keys: a POWER ON key overlying
switches 60 and 63 and operable to actuate one or both of switches
60 and 63; and a POWER OFF overlying switches 62 and 65 and
operable to actuate one or both of switches 62 and 65.
[0041] Each of windows 20, 24, and 30 is an element that is at
least partially translucent (or transparent) and is marked with a
label identifying the function of the key(s) in the insert body in
which the window is positioned. Appropriate ones of the windows are
backlit by light emitting elements, in a manner to be explained
below. For example, window 20 can be marked with the opaque label
"Power" to indicate that control key 22 of insert body 6 (or
control key 84 of insert body 56) controls assertion of power to
the projector (or other device) being controlled, window 24 can be
marked with the opaque label "Source" to indicate that control keys
26 and 28 of insert body 8 (or control key 86 of insert body 58)
controls the source of data (e.g., display data) to be asserted to
the projector (or other device) being controlled, and window 30 can
be marked with the opaque label "Volume" to indicate that control
keys 32 and 34 of insert body 10 controls the volume of the audio
output of the projector (or other device) being controlled.
[0042] To assemble the inventive controller, PCB 12 (whose front
face is shown in FIG. 2 and whose back face is shown in FIG. 3) and
insulation plate 14 (shown in FIG. 8) are aligned with plate 2,
with plate 14 between the front face of PCB 12 and the back surface
of plate 2, and holes 94 (extending through PCB 12) aligned with
holes 304 (extending through plate 2) and holes 204 (extending
through plate 14). Window 20 and control key 22 are placed in holes
6A and 6B, respectively, of insert body 6. Window 24, control key
26, and control key 28 are placed in holes 8A, 8B, and 8C,
respectively, of insert body 8. Window 30, control key 34, and
control key 32 are placed in holes 10A, 10B, and 10C, respectively,
of insert body 10. Insert bodies 6, 8, and 10 (with the control
keys positioned in the holes thereof) are then aligned with bezel 4
in positions to be described below, and prongs 4A of bezel 4 are
inserted through the aligned holes 94, 304, and 204 of elements 2,
12, and 14, to assemble all elements of the controller together as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. As prongs 4A of bezel 4 are inserted
through the aligned holes 94, 304, and 204, alignment posts 50 of
insert body 10 are received by holes 150 (which extend into plate
2) to align insert body 10 with plate 2, alignment posts 51 of
insert body 8 are received by holes 151 (which extend into plate 2)
to align insert body 8 with plate 2, and alignment posts 52 of
insert body 6 are received by holes 152 (which extend into plate 2)
to align insert body 6 with plate 2.
[0043] When the controller of FIGS. 1-8 has been configured for use
with insert bodies 6, 8, and 10 (and control keys 22, 26, 28, 32,
and 34), the controller causes IR emitter 92A to assert a power
"on" signal in response to user actuation of switch 60 and/or
switch 63 (i.e., when the user toggles key 22 to press the left end
of the key, labeled "ON," against switch 60 and/or switch 63, to
assert a power "off" signal in response to user actuation of switch
62 and/or switch 65 (i.e., when the user toggles key 22 to press
the right end of the key, labeled "OFF," against switch 62 and/or
switch 65, to assert a source selection signal that selects a
computer as a source in response to user actuation of one or more
of switches 66, 67, 70, and 71 (i.e., when the user presses key 26
against one or more of switches 66, 67, 70, and 71), to assert a
source selection signal that selects a video source (e.g., DVD
player) as a source in response to user actuation of one or both of
switches 70 and 71 (i.e., when the user presses key 28 against one
or both of switches 70 and 71), to assert a volume decrease signal
in response to user actuation of one or more of switches 72, 73,
and 75 (i.e., when the user presses key 34 against one or more of
switches 72, 73, and 75), and to assert a volume increase signal in
response to user actuation of one or more of switches 74, 76, and
77 (i.e., when the user presses key 34 against one or more of
switches 74, 76, and 77).
[0044] In order to reduce the complexity and manufacturing cost of
the controller, all power control keys are positioned in the upper
portion of the controller (in front of switches 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,
and 65 of PCB 12). Microprocessor 80 (and EEPROM 82) are
implemented so that switches 60-65 can be configured to implement
only power control functions (but to implement any of a variety of
power control functions) in response to user-actuation of a small
number of power control keys (e.g., one power control key such as
key 22 that can be toggled between two states to depress either of
two distinct subsets of switches 60-65, or one power control key
such as key 84 that can be pressed against a single subset of
switches 60-65, or two power control keys either of which can be
depressed against a different subset of switches 60-65). For
example, microprocessor 80 (and EEPROM 82) can be configured so
that the controller causes IR emitter 92A to assert a power "on"
signal in response to a first user actuation of a single large key
(e.g., key 84 shown in FIG. 7) to depress any of switches 60-65,
and to assert a power "off" signal in response to the next user
actuation of the same key (key 84) to depress any of switches
60-65, and so on. Thus, the controller can be configured to
implement a number of different power control functions in response
to assertion of different ones (or different combinations and/or
sequences) of a small number of switches positioned in a power
control region (e.g., switches 60-65 positioned in the upper center
of PCB 12). Thus, the upper portion of the controller (in front of
switches 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65) can be a dedicated power
control region, and any of a variety of power control inserts
(e.g., an insert including body 6 or 56) all having alignment posts
(e.g., posts 52) shaped and positioned to mate with corresponding
holes extending through plate 2 (to align the power control insert
with plate 2) can be used with the controller. Each such power
control insert has a small number of power control keys that are
positioned over an appropriate subset of switches 60, 61, 62, 63,
64, and 65 when the power control insert is properly aligned with
plate 2 (and retained by bezel 4 in this alignment).
[0045] Also to reduce user interface complexity and manufacturing
cost of the controller, all source selection keys are positioned in
the middle portion of the controller (in front of switches 66, 67,
68, 69, 70, and 71 of PCB 12). Microprocessor 80 (and EEPROM 82)
are implemented so that switches 66-71 can be configured to
implement only source selection functions (but to implement any of
a variety of source selection functions) in response to
user-actuation of a small number of source selection keys (e.g.,
two keys such as key 26 and 28 that can be pressed against either
of two distinct subsets of switches 66-71, or single key such as
key 86 that can be pressed against a single subset of switches
66-71). For example, microprocessor 80 (and EEPROM 82) can be
configured so that the controller causes IR emitter 92A to assert a
first source selection signal in response to a first user actuation
of a single large key (e.g., key 86 shown in FIG. 7) to depress
either or both of switches 68 and 69, and to assert a second source
selection signal in response to the next user actuation of the same
key (key 86) to depress either or both of switches 68 and 69, and
so on. Thus, the controller can be configured to implement a number
of different source selection functions in response to assertion of
different ones (or different combinations and/or sequences) of a
small number of switches positioned in a source selection region
distinct from the above-mentioned power control region (e.g.,
switches 66-71 positioned in the middle center of PCB 12). Thus,
the middle portion of the controller (in front of switches 66, 67,
68, 69, 70, and 71) can be a dedicated source selection region, and
any of a variety of source selection inserts (e.g., an insert
having body 8 and 58) all having alignment posts (e.g., posts 51)
shaped and positioned to mate with corresponding holes extending
through plate 2 (to align the source selection insert with plate 2)
can be used with the controller. Each such source selection insert
has a small number of source selection keys that are positioned
over an appropriate subset of switches 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, and 71
when the source selection insert is properly aligned with plate 2
(and retained by bezel 4 in this alignment).
[0046] Also to reduce the complexity and manufacturing cost of the
controller, all volume control keys are positioned in the lower
portion of the controller (in front of switches 72, 73, 74, 75, 76,
and 77 of PCB 12). Microprocessor 80 (and EEPROM 82) are
implemented so that switches 72-77 can be configured to implement
only volume control functions (but to implement any of a variety of
volume control functions) in response to user-actuation of a small
number of volume control keys (e.g., two keys such as key 32 and 34
that can be pressed against either of two distinct subsets of
switches 72-77, or a single key that can be pressed against a
single subset of switches 72-77). Thus, the controller can be
configured to implement a number of different volume control
functions in response to assertion of different ones (or different
combinations and/or sequences) of a small number of switches
positioned in a volume control region distinct from the
above-mentioned source selection region and power control region
(e.g., switches 72-77 positioned in the lower center of PCB 12).
Thus, the lower portion of the controller (in front of switches 72,
73, 74, 75, 76, and 77) can be a dedicated volume control region,
and any of a variety of volume control inserts (e.g., an insert
having body 10 and 59) all having alignment posts (e.g., posts 50)
shaped and positioned to mate with corresponding holes extending
through plate 2 (to align the volume control insert with plate 2)
can be used with the controller. Each such volume control insert
has a small number of volume control keys that are positioned over
an appropriate subset of switches 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77 when
the volume control insert is properly aligned with plate 2 (and
retained by bezel 4 in this alignment).
[0047] Preferably, posts 50 have different shape and/or relative
spacing than do posts 51, so that the controller cannot be
assembled with a volume control insert having posts 50 positioned
where a source selection insert having posts 51 should be
positioned. Similarly, posts 50 preferably have different shape
and/or relative spacing than do posts 52, so that the controller
cannot be assembled with a volume control insert having posts 50
positioned where a power control insert having posts 52 should be
positioned, and posts 51 preferably have different shape and/or
relative spacing than do posts 52, so that the controller cannot be
assembled with a source selection insert having posts 51 positioned
where a power control insert having posts 52 should be
positioned.
[0048] Many variations on the above-described embodiment are
possible. For example, it is contemplated that some embodiments of
the inventive controller have distinct, dedicated volume control,
power control, and source selection regions arranged differently
relative to each other than in the controller of FIGS. 1-8 (e.g.,
with a dedicated volume control region between dedicated source
selection and power control regions). For another example, other
embodiments of the inventive controller have a small number of
distinct, dedicated control regions (other than a set of three
dedicated volume control, power control, and source selection
regions) arranged in predetermined positions relative to each
other, each control region having a small number of configurable
switches that can be configured to implement control functions of a
different type.
[0049] The controller of FIGS. 1-8 is modular (and each of a class
of other embodiments of the inventive controller is modular) in the
sense that the assembled, configured controller can be
disassembled, one or more of its control inserts exchanged for a
control insert of the same type (e.g., a first power control insert
exchanged for a different power control insert), and the
controller's microprocessor and EEPROM then reconfigured for use
with the replacement control insert(s). The controller of FIGS. 1-8
has 2.sup.3=8 different configurations, assuming that two different
control inserts are available for use with each of its three
distinct, dedicated control regions.
[0050] Bezel 4 of the FIG. 1 controller is preferably shaped as
shown in FIG. 5 for use with the other elements shown in FIGS. 1-4
and 6-8.
[0051] The bodies of the modular inserts employed in the controller
of FIGS. 1-8 can be made of rigid plastic that has been formed in
the desired shape by injection molding. FIG. 6 is a perspective
view of a plastic cast (which can be formed by injection molding)
which defines three modular insert bodies 6, 8, and 10 and modular
insert bodies 56, 58, and 60. Various combinations of the insert
bodies can be positioned within bezel 4, and the assembly
comprising bezel 4 and the insert bodies then snapped onto back
plate 2 of the controller.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of modular inserts, including
the insert bodies shown in FIG. 6 and windows and control keys
inserted in slots defined by the insert bodies: a first set
(labeled "A") consisting of power control insert body 6 (with
window 20 and key 22 positioned in slots thereof), source selection
insert body 8 (with window 24 and keys 26 and 28 positioned in
slots thereof), and volume control insert body 10 (with window 30
and keys 32 and 34 positioned in slots thereof); and a second set
(labeled "B") consisting of power control insert body 56 (with
window 20 and key 84 positioned in slots thereof), source selection
insert body 58 (with window 24 and key 86 positioned in slots
thereof), and volume control insert body 59 (having no slots).
Insert set A can be used interchangeably with insert set B,
provided that microprocessor 80 is configured for use with the
relevant insert set.
[0053] Or, any of various combinations of inserts from set A and
set B can be used. For example, in the FIG. 1 system, insert body
59 can be substituted for insert body 10 (and window 30 and keys 32
and 34). Or, in the FIG. 1 system, insert body 58 (with window 24
and key 86 positioned in slots thereof) can be substituted for
insert body 8 (and window 24 and keys 26 and 28). Despite use of
the term "set" of modular inserts to denote key inserts removably
installed as elements of a typical embodiment of the inventive
controller, it is specifically intended that one or more other
modular inserts can be substituted for any of the removably
installed inserts.
[0054] Various embodiments of the inventive controller are
configured in a variety of different ways. For example, some
embodiments are configured using conventional techniques for
implementing learning modes of conventional remote controllers.
[0055] Some implementations of the assembled controller of FIGS. 1
and 3 are configured in accordance with the invention as follows.
The user selects the learning mode by actuating a learning mode
entry switch on PCB 12 (e.g., by actuating the switch for a short
time using a pin 393 or other sharp object, or moving the switch
from a first to a second position). Preferably, the learning mode
entry switch is a limit switch 93 having a spring-biased actuator
arm (partially shown in FIG. 1). Hole 193 (extending through plate
2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4), hole 293 (extending through
insulation plate 14 as shown in FIG. 8), and switch 93 of the
assembled controller are aligned with each other so that switch 93
is accessible through aligned holes 193 and 293, even when the
controller has been wall mounted.
[0056] Limit switch 93 is biased in a default state with its
actuator arm biased (toward the front of the controller) in a
default position, but is moveable into a learning state in response
to user-exerted force that displaces (pivots) the arm toward the
back of the controller into a learning position. Limit switch 93
returns into the default state when the actuator arm relaxes into
its default position (when a user ceases to exert displacing force
on the actuator arm). More specifically, limit switch 93's actuator
arm is spring-biased in its default position and pivots from the
default position into the learning position in response to user
insertion of pin 393 (which can be a straightened paper clip)
through aligned holes 193 and 293 into engagement with the actuator
arm. Preferably, the diameter of pin 393 is slightly smaller than
the diameter of hole 193 so that friction between plate 2 and pin
393 retains pin 393 in engagement with the actuator arm when the
user releases pin 393, causing the actuator arm to remain in the
learning position. When the user removes pin 393 (from holes 193
and 293), the actuator arm relaxes back into its default position,
allowing limit switch 93 to return to its default state (thereby
exiting the learning mode).
[0057] Use of a special switch (e.g., switch 93 or a variation
thereon) to control entry into the learning mode (rather than one
or more of the control keys) simplifies the controller's design for
the following reason. Due to the controller's modularity, there is
no guarantee that any specific control key (or combination of
control keys) will be present in a user-customized version of the
controller. It would be impractical to define a set of permissible
control key actuations such that at least one of them would always
be possible (to cause entry into or exit from the learning mode)
and to implement the controller's circuitry to respond in the
desired way to all possible control key actuations in the set. The
described preferred embodiment of limit switch 93 has the
advantages of being implementable with very small size, and being
accessible from the front of the controller even when the
controller has been wall mounted.
[0058] When the controller has been configured and limit switch 93
is in the default state, the controller operates in a normal
operating mode (sometimes referred to herein as a control mode) to
generate control signals for controlling a target in response to
control key actuations, or in a cloning mode (to be described
below). When limit switch 93 is in the learning state, the
controller operates in a learning mode in which it can be
configured (e.g., re-configured). In preferred implementations, the
controller in its learning mode enters the cloning mode when a user
pulls pin 393 away from the actuator arm while depressing at least
one of the controller's control keys, and the controller in its
learning mode enters the control mode when a user pulls pin 393
away from the actuator arm without depressing any of the control
keys.
[0059] Optionally, microprocessor 80 is configured to illuminate
LED 91 (preferably in a manner to be described below) while it
operates in the learning mode. Once microprocessor 80 has entered
the learning mode, a handheld remote controller capable of
controlling the target (e.g., a handheld remote controller
manufactured for use with the target) is employed to configure the
inventive controller. The user presses the first control key of the
inventive controller to be configured (e.g., one of keys 22, 26,
28, 32, 34, 84, and 86), points the IR transmitter of the handheld
remote controller at IR receiver 40, and operates the handheld
remote controller to execute the control operation to be emulated
by actuating the first control key. Typically then, control bits
indicated by infrared radiation are received at IR receiver 40 and
processed by microprocessor 80 which subsequently sets bits in
EEPROM 82 such that microprocessor 80 and EEPROM 82 are thereby
configured, such that microprocessor 80 responds (during normal
operation after the inventive controller has been completely
configured) to actuation of the first control key by accessing
these bits in EEPROM 82 and causing IR emitter output 92A to assert
a control signal indicative of "first key emulating" control bits
(control bits that emulate the control bits received from the
handheld remote controller). The user then presses the next control
key to be configured (e.g., another one of keys 22, 26, 28, 32, 34,
84 and 86), again points the IR transmitter of the handheld remote
controller at IR receiver 40, and operates the handheld remote
controller to execute the control operation to be emulated by
actuating the next control key. Typically then, control bits
indicated by infrared radiation are received at IR receiver 40 and
processed by microprocessor 80 which subsequently sets bits in
EEPROM 82 such that microprocessor 80 and EEPROM 82 are thereby
configured, such that microprocessor 80 responds (during normal
operation after the inventive controller has been completely
configured) to actuation of the next control key by accessing these
bits in EEPROM 82 and causing IR emitter output 92A to assert a
control signal indicative of "next key emulating" control bits
(control bits that emulate the control bits received from the
handheld remote controller during the current configuring step).
This process is repeated until all keys of the inventive controller
have been configured. The user then actuates learning mode entry
switch 93 again to cause the inventive controller to exit the
learning mode and resume operation in the control mode.
[0060] During configuring of each key of the inventive controller,
the key is depressed to actuate a corresponding one (or set) of
switches 60-77. Infrared radiation indicative of (e.g., modulated
with) control bits is then transmitted to receiver 40, and the
control bits are in turn asserted from receiver 40 to
microprocessor 80. In response, microprocessor 80 and EEPROM 82 are
configured to respond (during normal operation after the inventive
controller has been completely configured) to subsequent actuation
of the appropriate one (or set) of switches 60-77 by causing IR
emitter output 92A to assert a control signal indicative of the
control bits received at receiver 40.
[0061] In a class of implementations, the controller of FIGS. 1-8
is configured to operate in a learning mode having all or some of
the following features:
[0062] The controller provides audible feedback as well as visual
feedback to user during learning mode operation. In a typical
implementation, a small speaker mounted on PCB 12 (e.g., speaker
105 of FIG. 3) produces chirps or other sounds in response to
control signals asserted from microprocessor 80 at appropriate
times, and microprocessor 80 also causes appropriate ones of LEDs
83-90 to illuminate corresponding ones of the control keys at
appropriate times. For example, microprocessor 80 may indicate
entry into the learning mode by causing appropriate ones of LEDs
83-90 to illuminate a sequence of the control keys and causing the
speaker to emit a chirp;
[0063] The controller provides visual (and optionally also audible)
feedback to indicate excessive ambient radiation during learning
mode operation. In a typical implementation, LED 91 emits no light
in the controller's control mode, and LED 91 emits a distinctive
sequence of flashes (e.g., it blinks regularly and slowly) upon
entry into the learning mode (if there is not an excessive amount
of ambient IR radiation present). Typically, microprocessor 80 is
coupled and configured to receive a signal indicative of ambient IR
radiation level from IR receiver 40, and (after entering the
learning mode) to cause LED 91 either to emit light continuously to
indicate the presence of excessive ambient radiation or otherwise
to cause LED 91 to emit the above-mentioned sequence of light
pulses. During the learning mode, when the ambient radiation level
is adequate for learning, LED 91 will cease emitting the
distinctive sequence of light pulses and will instead begin to emit
light continuously when the IR transmitter of a remote control
device positioned very close to (e.g., not more than one foot away
from) the controller's IR receiver transmits IR radiation to the
controller's IR receiver. In response to the presence of excessive
ambient radiation for learning mode operation, microprocessor 80
may be configured to refuse to arm a control key for learning;
[0064] The controller provides visual feedback indicative of
strength of a configuring signal from the device (e.g., remote
controller) to be emulated. In a typical implementation,
microprocessor 80 is coupled and configured to receive IR receiver
40's output (produced in response to an IR configuring signal from
a device to be emulated) and cause LED 91 to emit light with
intensity (or duty cycle) indicative of the strength of the IR
configuring signal. For example, before configuring any control
key, the user can point an IR transmitter (of a device to be
emulated) at receiver 40 and assert an IR signal from the
transmitter. In response, microprocessor 80 may cause status LED 91
to emit light that is bright (and continuous) if the IR signal is
strong and less bright (and/or intermittent) if the IR signal is
weak. The user can rely on this feature of the controller to
identify a location for the transmitter at which the transmitter
will provide a sufficiently strong signal to successfully configure
the controller;
[0065] The controller provides visual and audible feedback in
response to selection of a specific control key to be configured.
In a typical implementation, microprocessor 80 responds (during the
learning mode) to selection of a specific control key to be
configured by causing emission of a flash of light from an LED
behind the key and causing a speaker (mounted on PCB 12) to produce
a chirp or other sound;
[0066] The controller preferably also provides audible feedback at
other times. For example, in a typical implementation of the
learning mode, microprocessor 80 responds to successful learning of
a code (by one control key) by causing a speaker (mounted on PCB
12) to produce a distinctive sound, and microprocessor 80 responds
to unsuccessful learning of a code (by the control key) by causing
the speaker to produce a different distinctive sound; and
[0067] The controller is configured to learn multiple codes per
control key during a phase of the learning mode (sometimes referred
to as a "round robin" mode, "round robin" learning phase, or "round
robin" procedure). In typical implementations, microprocessor 80 is
configured via the round robin mode to emit a first control signal
when a control key is actuated once during normal operation and to
emit a different control signal the next time the key is actuated
during normal operation, so that the configured controller can
emulate a device that sends a sequence of different signals in
response to repeated actuations of a single control key. Typically,
the round robin mode is implemented as follows: the controller in
the learning mode enters the round robin mode (in which N codes for
one key are to be configured) in response to a sequence of N
actuations of the key (with less than a predetermined minimum time
interval between successive actuations). For keys in power and
volume control sections of some embodiments (e.g., keys 22, 32, 34,
and 84 of FIG. 7), N cannot exceed two. For keys in the source
selection section of some embodiments (e.g., keys 26,28, and 86 of
FIG. 7), N cannot exceed 4. Typically then, microprocessor 80
causes a speaker (mounted on PCB 12) to produce a sequence of N
beeps (or chirps) to confirm that the controller is ready for
round-robin learning of N codes.
[0068] Then, for any value of N, microprocessor 80 causes an LED
behind the selected key to emit a sequence of single flashes, and
the user actuates the device (whose codes are to be learned) to
assert the first code (to be learned) to the controller's IR
receiver. The controller then emits three beeps (or chirps) in
rapid succession to indicate successful learning of the code. Then,
microprocessor 80 causes an LED behind the selected key to emit a
sequence of double flashes and the user actuates the device (whose
codes are to be learned) to assert the second code (to be learned)
to the controller's IR receiver. The controller then emits three
beeps (or chirps) in rapid succession to indicate successful
learning of the code. If N=2, the controller then emits three beeps
of a different type (e.g., louder or more emphatic beeps) to
confirm that all codes have been learned successfully. The
controller then automatically enters a test phase, and the key just
configured blinks rapidly. In the test phase, each successive press
of the key causes the controller to send the next code to the
target (wrapping around to the first code in response to the next
key actuation after the last code has been sent to the target).
There typically is no ability to enter the macro mode for the key
immediately (to configure the key immediately to send the sequence
of codes in response to a single actuation of the key in the
control mode). Rather, the macro mode for the key must typically be
entered after the key has been configured in a round robin phase of
the learning mode to send the sequence of codes in response to the
sequence of key actuations. Macro mode testing procedures can be
performed after the key has been configured in the macro mode. If N
is greater than 2, after the second code has been learned,
microprocessor 80 causes an LED behind the selected key to emit a
sequence of triple flashes and the user actuates the device (whose
codes are to be learned) to assert the third code (to be learned)
to the controller's IR receiver. The controller then emits three
beeps (or chirps) in rapid succession to indicate successful
learning of the code. If N=3, the controller then emits three beeps
of a different type (e.g., louder or more emphatic beeps) to
confirm that all codes have been learned successfully, and the
controller then automatically enters the described test phase.
[0069] If N=4, after the third code has been learned,
microprocessor 80 causes an LED behind the selected key to emit a
sequence of quadruple flashes and the user actuates the device
(whose codes are to be learned) to assert the fourth code (to be
learned) to the controller's IR receiver. The controller then emits
three beeps (or chirps) in rapid succession to indicate successful
learning of the code. The controller then emits three beeps of a
different type (e.g., louder or more emphatic beeps) to confirm
that all codes have been learned successfully, and the controller
then automatically enters the described test phase.
[0070] During typical implementations of round-robin mode learning,
if an error occurs during learning of any code in the sequence, the
controller emits a characteristic sound (e.g., a single long error
beep), and the round-robin mode learning process resets to the
beginning. Any codes successfully learned before the failure are
discarded if the controller resets in this fashion (as a result of
a single failure), and the entire code sequence must be relearned
from the beginning.
[0071] In a class of preferred embodiments, illumination elements
104, 106, 107, 109, and 110 of PCB 12 are positioned so that each
control key of each modular control key insert that can be mounted
to the controller overlies at least one of the illumination
elements. Each control key insert that can be removably mounted to
a first region of the controller's surface (over a first region of
PCB 12) can include any of a number of different sets of control
keys. Preferably, different subsets of illumination elements 104,
106, 107, 109, and 110 are positioned to underlie the control keys
of each such set of control keys, and the controller's circuitry is
configured to respond to actuation of a control key (to be
configured) during the learning mode by brightly (e.g., distinctly)
illuminating only one or more of the illumination elements that are
positioned under the control key; not any of the illumination
elements that is not positioned under the control key. Such
configuration of the circuitry allows the operation of configuring
a control key during the learning mode to include at least one step
of brightly illuminating a subset of the illumination elements that
underlies the control key to provide visual feedback to the user,
without distracting the user by brightly illuminating elements
underlying other control keys. For example, if key 22 of FIG. 7A is
mounted so that its left and right portions 22A and 22B overlie the
leftmost and rightmost elements 104, the controller's circuitry can
be configured in accordance with the invention to respond to
actuation of portion 22A (to be configured) during the learning
mode by brightly illuminating only the leftmost element 104 during
configuring of portion 22A. Similarly, if key 84 of FIG. 7 is
mounted over the middle one of elements 104, the controller's
circuitry can be configured in accordance with the invention to
respond to actuation of key 84 (to be configured) during the
learning mode by brightly illuminating only the middle one of
elements 104 during configuring of key 84.
[0072] In some embodiments, the controller of FIGS. 1-8 is
configured to operate in a learning mode having a test phase in
which a user can test a control key that has just been configured
by pressing the key (without leaving the learning mode).
Preferably, after a key is configured, microprocessor 80
automatically causes an LED behind the key to emit a visual signal
(e.g., to blink rapidly) to prompt the user to test the key, the
user then actuates the key to test it (i.e., to observe whether it
performs its intended control function), and the user can then
perform any desired learning mode operation (e.g., reconfigure the
just-tested key, or configure another key) or terminate learning
mode operation. While a key is being tested, the controller's IR
emitter emits an IR control signal (e.g., a sequence of pulses)
indicative of the just-learned code and preferably also a status
indicator (e.g., status LED 91) emits visible light indicative of
the IR control signal.
[0073] In some embodiments, a controller of FIGS. 1-8 is configured
to operate in a macro mode in which the controller is configured to
assert (in the control mode) a sequence of different control
signals in response to a single actuation of a single control key.
In some implementations, when two or more codes have been learned
by one key (e.g., via a round robin learning mode), the user
initiates operation in the macro mode after actuating (e.g.,
pressing) the key for more than a minimum time period (e.g., for at
least M seconds). In response, microprocessor 80 is configured to
cause the controller to send all the learned codes (from IR emitter
92A) in a sequence each time the user actuates the key once during
the control mode (i.e., after exit from the macro mode and the
learning mode).
[0074] In a typical implementation, the controller operates as
follows in the macro mode. The controller enters the macro mode
after
[0075] a round robin learning mode in which the user configured
microprocessor 80 to assert (in the control mode, after exit from
the round robin learning mode) a sequence of N different control
signals in response to a sequence of N actuations of a single
control key (a "first" key), and after the user has tested the
first key (during a test phase of the round robin learning mode) to
verify that it has been configured properly, and after
[0076] the user has actuated another control key to exit the test
phase. To initiate the macro mode, the user presses the first key
for at least five seconds. In response, the controller enters the
macro mode in which microprocessor 80 is configured to sequentially
assert (in the control mode) the N different control signals (e.g.,
with a 300 millisecond delay between assertion of each two
successive control signals) in response to a single actuation of
the first key, and microprocessor 80 causes a speaker (mounted on
PCB 12) to produce distinctive audible feedback (e.g., a sequence
of N beeps) to indicate that it has successfully performed this
configuring operation. After microprocessor 80 has been so
configured (in the macro mode), the user can continue to configure
the controller (in the learning mode) or can cause the controller
to exit the learning mode (e.g., if all keys have been
configured).
[0077] Preferably, after microprocessor 80 has been configured (as
a result of macro mode operation) to assert (in the control mode) a
sequence of control signals in response to a single actuation of a
specific key, the controller can be reconfigured by again entering
the macro phase of the learning mode. For example, after the
controller has been configured (as a result of macro mode operation
as described in the previous paragraph) to assert (in the control
mode) a sequence of control signals in response to a single
actuation of a specific key, in response to the next entry into the
macro phase of the learning mode (in response to the next actuation
of the same key for more than the minimum time period as
described), the controller is reconfigured to send the learned
codes sequentially in response to a sequence of user actuations of
the key during the control mode (i.e., to send one code per key
actuation), so that the controller can effectively be toggled
between two states by successive entries into the macro phase of
the learning mode: a first state in which the controller sends all
the learned codes in a sequence each time the user actuates the key
once during the control mode; and a second state in which the
controller sends one code per key actuation in the control mode (a
sequence of individual ones of the learned codes in response to a
sequence of key actuations during the control mode).
[0078] In a typical implementation of the controller of FIGS. 1-8,
if any of the control keys are depressed while the user inserts a
pin 393 (e.g., straightened paperclip) through aligned holes 193
and 293 to displace the actuator arm of limit switch 93,
microprocessor 80 enables or disables emission of audio signals
from the controller during operation in the control mode. For
example, if control mode audible feedback has previously been
enabled (so that the controller provides audible feedback during
the control mode as well as during the learning mode), insertion of
a pin 393 to displace the actuator arm of limit switch 93 causes
microprocessor 80 to disable assertion of such audible feedback
during the control mode (but not during the learning mode), and if
control mode audible feedback has previously been disabled (so that
the controller does not provide audible feedback during the control
mode), insertion of a pin to displace the actuator arm of limit
switch 93 causes microprocessor 80 to enable the audible feedback
during the learning mode.
[0079] In a typical implementation, the controller of FIGS. 1-8
operates as follows in the learning mode. Each control key can be
configured with either a single command (so that microprocessor 80
responds to each actuation of the key, in the control mode, by
causing the controller to assert the command to a target device) or
round robin commands (via a round robin learning mode). For
example, a "POWER ON" key is typically configured with a single
command so that its only function (in the control mode) is to turn
on the controlled device (target). A key is configured with round
robin commands if the key on the inventive controller must send
multiple codes. For example, if a remote control device (to be
emulated by the inventive controller) has N input selection keys, a
single key of the inventive controller can be configured with N
round robin commands so that the latter key (when configured) can
be actuated N successive times to emulate in turn all of the input
selection keys one at a time.
[0080] In the typical implementation, a control key of the
controller of FIGS. 1-8 can be configured with a single code as
follows. The controller is placed in the learning mode and the key
is then pressed once to arm it. In response to this attempt to arm
the key, if ambient radiation conditions are adequate for learning,
the controller beeps once and an LED under the key slowly blinks to
indicate that the key is armed for learning. However, in the
presence of too much ambient radiation for learning, the controller
emits light continuously from status LED 91, and responds to an
attempt to arm a key by beeping once in a strident fashion. In this
case, the key is not armed for learning (and therefore the LED does
not blink or otherwise indicate that key is armed). In the presence
of too much ambient radiation, the key cannot be successfully armed
for learning. When the key is armed, the user points the IR
transmitter (of the device to be emulated) at IR receiver 40 (shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2) and presses and holds the relevant key (of the
device to be emulated) for at least one second. While the IR signal
is being received at receiver 40, status LED 40 flickers to
indicate that the code is being received. The inventive controller
then beeps three times quickly to indicate successful learning of
the code, and an LED under the key begins flashing intermittently
(and quickly) to indicate that the controller has entered a test
phase (sometimes referred to as a "verification" phase) of the
learning mode. In the test phase, the key can be tested (e.g., as
in the example described above). If no IR code is received at
receiver 40 within a predetermined time after a key has been armed,
the key reverts to an unarmed state. A different control key can be
selected for configuration at any time, including a key that has
already been configured. If the user presses a key that has been
armed for learning, the key reverts to an unarmed state.
[0081] In the typical implementation, a control key of the
controller of FIGS. 1-8 can be configured as follows with multiple
codes in a round robin mode. To arm a control key (of the
controller in the learning mode) for round robin learning in which
N codes for the key are to be learned, the key is pressed N times
within a predetermined time. In response, if ambient radiation
conditions are adequate for learning, the controller beeps N times
(once for each code it expects to learn). However, in the presence
of too much ambient radiation for learning, the controller emits
light continuously from status LED 91, and responds to an attempt
to arm a key for round robin learning by beeping once in a strident
fashion. In the presence of too much ambient radiation, the key
cannot be successfully armed for round robin learning. When the key
has been successfully armed, an LED under the key will flash once
regularly to indicate that the key is ready to learn the first code
by flashing once. The first code is then taught in the
above-described way that the key is taught a single code. If the
key is successfully taught an Mth code (where M<N),
microprocessor 80 causes a speaker (mounted on PCB 12) to produce a
sequence of three beeps, with a specific short time period between
successive beeps) and the LED under the key then begins regularly
flashing M+1 times, then (after a brief pause) flashes M+1 times
again, and so on, to indicate that the key is ready to learn the
(M+1)th code. The (M+1)th code is then taught in the
above-described way that the key is taught a single code. Upon
successful learning of the last of N codes for the key,
microprocessor 80 again causes the speaker to produce a sequence of
three beeps (with the same time period between successive beeps) to
indicate that the Nth code has been learned, and then subsequently
to produce a second sequence of three (more emphatic) beeps (with a
longer time period between successive beeps) to indicate that the
key has been fully configured, and an LED under the key begins
flashing intermittently (and quickly) to indicate that the
controller has entered a test phase of the learning mode. In the
test phase, the key can be tested (e.g., as in the example
described above). If no IR code is received at receiver 40 within a
predetermined time after a key has been armed (or since it was
taught the Mth of N codes, where M<N), the key reverts to an
unarmed state. If the user presses a key that has been armed for
round robin learning, the key reverts to an unarmed state.
[0082] The controller of FIGS. 1-8 can be cloned using IR emitter
42 and IR receiver 40 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). IR emitter 42 and
IR receiver 40 are used to implement a cloning mode in which the
controller operates as a "clone" (so as to become configured to
emulate another device, sometimes referred to as a "donor," in a
rapid fashion). With IR emitter 42 and IR receiver 40 positioned as
shown in FIG. 1 (and FIG. 2), the IR emitter (42) of a first
controller aligns with the IR receiver (40) of an identical
controller when the two controllers are positioned face to face
(e.g., when the first controller is wall-mounted and operating as a
donor, and the other controller (to operate in a cloning mode, or
already operating, as a clone) is placed face to face with the
first controller. In typical implementations, while a controller is
in its learning mode, a user causes the controller to enter the
cloning mode by holding down any control key while removing pin 393
from aligned holes 193 and 293 to allow limit switch 93 to relax
into its default state. So, a user may also cause an unconfigured
controller to enter the cloning mode (without first entering the
learning mode), the controller is preferably configured so that the
act of pressing any control key of the controller while power is
applied to the controller causes the controller to enter the
cloning mode. Upon entering the cloning mode (regardless of the
manner in which this has occurred), a controller emits IR radiation
from its emitter 42. A microprocessor 80 of another controller
(e.g., a previously configured controller) which can operate as the
donor monitors the signal output by its receiver 40 to determine
whether another controller (operating as a clone during the cloning
mode) is transmitting IR radiation to receiver 40. When the donor
determines that an IR transmitter of a clone is aligned with the
donor's receiver 40, the donor emits a signal from its IR
transmitter to indicate to the clone that it (the donor) is
available for cloning. In response, the clone executes a complete
cloning operation (in which the clone retrieves and duplicates in
itself the configuration of the donor) with visual feedback to the
user to indicate the cloning operation is ongoing.
[0083] In alternative embodiments, the controller has two IR
receivers (one for use in a learning mode; the other for use in a
cloning mode). Preferably, however, the same IR receiver (e.g.,
receiver 40 of the controller of FIGS. 1-8) is used in both the
learning mode and cloning mode. Also preferably, the inventive
controller is configured so that no master device (a third device
other than the donor and clone) is needed to implement either
learning or cloning.
[0084] We next provide additional details of a cloning operation
performed by typical implementations of two identical aligned
controllers of the type shown in (and described with reference to)
FIGS. 1-8. Both controllers can but need not have identical control
key inserts installed. Both the clone and donor must be powered
during the cloning operation. The donor will typically be installed
(wall-mounted) during the cloning operation and thus can be powered
normally, but the clone will typically not be installed (and may
need to be powered by temporarily wiring it to the donor's power
supply or to a battery). Preferably, each controller emits a
sequence of chirping sounds (or other audible feedback) during a
cloning operation. In the cloning mode, the clone emits IR
radiation from its emitter 42. Microprocessor 80 of the donor
monitors the signal output by its receiver 40 to determine whether
another controller (operating as a clone) is transmitting IR
radiation to its receiver 40. When the donor determines that an IR
transmitter of a clone is transmitting IR radiation to the donor's
receiver 40, the donor emits a signal from its IR transmitter to
indicate to the clone that it (the donor) is available for cloning.
In response, the clone executes a complete cloning operation in
which the clone retrieves and duplicates in itself the
configuration of the donor, and in which the donor operates
passively (in the sense that it responds to requests for data from
the clone but does not initiate transfer of data itself) except in
that the donor temporarily enters a special state (in response to
each request from the clone for data) in which the donor dedicates
its attention to communicating with the clone and signals operation
in this state by illuminating its status LED 91 in a characteristic
manner and emitting chirps (or other sounds) from its loudspeaker
when providing data to the clone. If the alignment of the donor and
clone is disrupted while the donor is in this state, the donor
ceases to chirp. If this occurs and the two controllers are
realigned within a predetermined time (e.g., 15 seconds), they will
resume cloning operation at the stage at which alignment was
disrupted. If alignment is disrupted (and thus communication is
broken) for more than the predetermined time, the clone will "time
out" and cease the cloning operation and will need to restart the
cloning operation in order to perform a completed cloning
operation. The donor returns to its control mode after waiting for
a predetermined time (e.g., 15 seconds) after transmitting
requested data to the clone during the cloning operation,
regardless of whether the clone has performed a completed cloning
operation.
[0085] Typically, when the clone has completed copying all
configuration data received from the donor, the clone preferably
emits a sequence of sounds (e.g., three beeps) and resets itself
into its control mode (preferably, the LEDs underlying the clone's
control keys flicker in quick succession during the resetting).
After the clone has reset itself, it will be fully operational and
function in all respects identically to the donor unit, including
but not limited to behaving as if had itself through a normal
learning mode learned all of the codes previously configured into
the donor. The donor returns to its control mode after waiting for
a predetermined time (e.g., 15 seconds) after transmitting
requested data to the clone during the cloning operation.
[0086] In typical implementations of cloning in accordance with the
invention, a controller does not need to have been previously
configured in order to be operable as donor. A controller that has
never been configured typically may operate as donor to another. If
it does, the cloning operation will result in erasure of any
configuration bits that the clone may previously have had stored in
its memory.
[0087] In typical embodiments, a controller on which no key inserts
have been installed may operate as a donor or a clone. Typically,
one controller may donate to or clone from another that is
configured with a different set of keys inserts. However the newly
cloned unit will not emulate the donor until key inserts that match
those of the donor are mounted thereon (or, until the newly cloned
unit is at least partially reconfigured for use with the key
inserts mounted thereon, where the latter key inserts do not match
those of the donor).
[0088] In a typical cloning operation, a first controller ("Unit
A") that will operate as a donor is assumed to preconfigured and
powered (commonly it will be installed already in a wall). The
front plate of Unit A must be removed so that its IR eye and local
IR output are exposed. A second controller ("Unit B") that will
operate as a clone is powered. At least one key insert must be
attached to Unit B because a key will be pressed as described
below. Typically, a paperclip is employed to move Unit B's limit
switch so as to place Unit B in its learning mode. While any key of
Unit B is held down on, the paperclip is then removed. When the
clip is removed, Unit B enters cloning mode. Alternatively, a Unit
B that contains no configuration on its EEPROM (e.g. a newly
manufactured unit or one that has been erased or which cloned an
unconfigured unit) may also be placed in receptive cloning mode by
simply holding down any key while applying power to the unit. When
Unit B enters the cloning mode it begins simultaneously
transmitting and listening for IR communication. Until Unit B finds
another controller that is available as a donor, Unit B "pings"
(i.e., sends out a characteristic query, and makes a characteristic
user display (and chirps loudly). When Unit B is placed
face-to-face with Unit A, Unit A receives the control "ping" and
replies. Unit B then initiates and controls a cloning operation in
which data are transferred to Unit B (via modulated IR radiation)
from Unit A. Through the entire transfer, Unit A is passive in the
sense that it only receives requests (for data) and fulfills them.
Unit A never initiates any communications on its own. However, Unit
A does enter temporarily a special state in which it dedicates its
attention to communicating with Unit B (and Unit A signals this by
a characteristic user display and by emitting chirps when providing
data to Unit B). When Unit B has retrieved all configuration data
from Unit A, it resets itself and is said to be a "clone" of unit
A. When Unit B ceases transmitting, Unit A waits a moment and
returns to normal operation.
[0089] Optionally, the inventive controller is configured to
illuminate each of its control keys that has been configured and is
thus available for use. Such illumination allows the user to
determine at a glance which control keys have not been configured
and are thus not available for use. For example, when
microprocessor 80 (of the controller of FIGS. 1-8) has been
configured to respond to actuation of one or more of switches 60,
61, 62, 63, 64, and 65, microprocessor 80 illuminates at least one
(but typically not all) of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 104. When a
transparent or translucent control key (e.g., key 22 or 84) is
positioned over the illuminated LEDs 104, a user perceives the key
to be illuminated. Similarly, microprocessor 80 illuminates at
least one (but typically not all) of LEDs 106 when microprocessor
80 has been configured to respond to actuation of corresponding
ones of switches 66, 67, 68, and 69 (typically microprocessor 80 is
configured to respond to switches 68 and 69 when insert body 58 is
used, or to respond to switches 66, 67, 70, and 71 when insert body
8 is used), microprocessor 80 illuminates LED 107 when
microprocessor 80 has been configured to respond to actuation of
corresponding switches 70 and 71, microprocessor 80 illuminates LED
109 when microprocessor 80 has been configured to respond to
actuation of corresponding switches 72, 73, and 75, and
microprocessor 80 illuminates LED 110 when microprocessor 80 has
been configured to respond to actuation of corresponding switches
74, 76, and 77. Control keys 22, 26, 28, 84, and 86 (which fit over
LEDs 104, 106, and 107) and control keys 32 and 34 (which fit over
LEDs 109 and 110) should thus be transparent or translucent (except
for function indications marked thereon) so that light from the
LEDs can propagate through them to the user.
[0090] In a class of embodiments, the inventive controller can
easily be disassembled and reassembled in a different configuration
(i.e., with a different set of control key inserts). For example,
the controller of FIGS. 1-8 is assembled by reversibly snapping
together elements 2, 4, 12, and 14 (and control key inserts
properly positioned between elements 2 and 4), without the need for
screws. The controller of FIGS. 1-8 can be disassembled by
squeezing together pairs of prongs 4A (of bezel 4) and then
removing prongs 4A from aligned holes 94, 304, and 204 of elements
2, 12, and 14, to decouple elements 2, 4, 12, and 14. After
disassembly, a different set of control key inserts can be swapped
for the previous control key inserts, and the controller then
reassembled with the new set of control key inserts. After the
controller is reassembled with a new set of control key inserts,
microprocessor 80 and EEPROM 82 typically need to be
reconfigured.
[0091] Preferably, the modular control key inserts of the inventive
controller are available in a variety of colors so that a user can
mount inserts that not only accommodate a desired set of control
keys but also have desired colors. Also preferably, interchangeable
PCBs for use in the inventive controller are available with
differently colored LEDs (e.g., to match or complement colors of
control key inserts).
[0092] In a class of embodiments, each control key insert and each
window and control key thereof has structure of a type to be
described with reference to FIG. 7A. FIG. 7A is a perspective view
of a modular control key insert that can be removably mounted to
the controller of FIGS. 1-8 in place of the insert having body 6 or
the insert having body 56 (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). The FIG. 7A
insert has insert body 126 (identical to insert body 6 of FIGS. 6
and 7) made of hard plastic, and window and control key element 200
which is made of flexible material and snapped onto the back side
of insert body 126. Element 200 is molded from flexible plastic (or
other flexible material). Element 200 has a window portion 20 that
protrudes into and fills a slot extending through body 126, such
that its forward face (i.e. that facing the user) is flush (or
nearly flush) with the surface of body 126, and a key portion 22
that protrudes through another slot extending through body 126. The
four alignment posts 52 of insert body 126 (two of which have ends
that are visible in FIG. 7A) are identical to posts 52 of insert
body 6 (or 56) of FIG. 6, and extend through four corresponding
holes (not visible in FIG. 7A) through element 200. Two small, hard
switch contacts are attached to the back face of key portion 22
behind left end 22A (labeled "ON") in positions for contacting
switches 60 and 63 (shown in FIG. 2) when the FIG. 7A insert is
mounted to a fully assembled version of the controller. Similarly,
two small, hard switch contacts are attached to the back face of
key portion 22 behind right end 22B (labeled "OFF") in positions
for contacting switches 62 and 65 (shown in FIG. 2) when the FIG.
7A insert is mounted to a fully assembled version of the
controller. Although key portion 22 of FIG. 7A is a single element,
it functions as two independent keys (one overlying switches 60 and
63 and operable to actuate one or both of switches 60 and 63; the
other overlying switches 62 and 65 and operable to actuate one or
both of switches 62 and 65).
[0093] Body 126 is preferably made of hard material comprising a
front layer that is either transparent (to all visible wavelengths)
or tinted (transmissive to some but not all visible wavelengths and
having a desired color), and a back layer of paint (or other
occludant material) giving body 126 a desired aesthetic appearance.
Element 200 is a translucent, one-piece element (typically formed
by molding) through which light can propagate from one or more of
LEDs 83 and 104 to backlight labeled portions 20 and 22 thereof.
Window portion 20 is labeled to indicate the type of control
operation (e.g., "power" control operations) that the switches
underlying key portions 22A and 22B can be configured to perform,
and each of key portions 22A and 2B is labeled to indicate the
specific control operation (e.g., "power on" or "power off") that
the underlying switch can be configured to perform.
[0094] In variations on the specific structure shown in FIG. 7A,
body 126 has differently shaped holes for receiving differently
shaped window and control key portions of element 200, and/or
element 200 has less (or more) than two control key portions.
[0095] In some embodiments, the invention is a wall-mountable,
configurable controller having N control keys (where N is an
integer in the range 2.ltoreq.N.ltoreq.6) and a surface, wherein
the surface has a first region including a first key set (including
at least one control key), a second region (distinct from the first
region) including a second key set (including at least one control
key), and a third region (distinct from each of the first region
and the second region) including a third key set (including no
control key, or at least one control key). A first configurable
switch set (including at least one configurable switch) is
positioned relative to the first key set and configured such that
at least one switch in the first configurable switch set is
actuated by pressing each control key in the first key set (e.g.,
the first configurable switch set underlies the first control key
set), a second configurable switch set (including at least one
configurable switch) is positioned relative to the second key set
and configured such that at least one switch in the second
configurable switch set is actuated by pressing each control key in
the second key set (e.g., the second configurable switch set
underlies the second control key set), and a third configurable
switch set (including at least one configurable switch) is
positioned relative to the third key set and configured such that
at least one switch in the third configurable switch set is
actuated by pressing each control key in the third key set (e.g.,
the third configurable switch set underlies the third key set).
Each switch in the first configurable switch set is dedicated to
control operations of a first type (e.g., power control operations)
in the sense that the controller is configured to perform
operations (e.g., to trigger execution of operations) of the first
type in response to actuation of any number of switches of the
first configurable switch set (and preferably the switches of the
first configurable switch set can be configured to perform any of
at least two different operations of the first type), each switch
in the second configurable switch set is dedicated to control
operations of a second type (e.g., source selection operations) in
the sense that the controller is configured to perform operations
(e.g., to trigger execution of operations) of the second type in
response to actuation of any number of switches of the second
configurable switch set (and preferably the switches of the second
configurable switch set can be configured to perform any of at
least two different operations of the second type), and each switch
in the third configurable switch set is dedicated to control
operations of a third type (e.g., volume control operations) in the
sense that the controller is configured to perform operations
(e.g., to trigger execution of operations) of the third type in
response to actuation of any number of switches of the third
configurable switch set (and preferably the switches of the third
configurable switch set can be configured to perform any of at
least two different operations of the third type). In some
preferred embodiments, the second region is between the first and
third regions. Preferably, each key of the first key set is labeled
to indicate that said key can be actuated to trigger execution of a
control operation of the first type, each key of the second key set
is labeled to indicate that said key can be actuated to trigger
execution of a control operation of the second type, and each key
of the third key set is labeled to indicate that said key can be
actuated to trigger execution of a control operation of the third
type. Preferably, the controller is modular (in the sense that it
can be used with interchangeable, removably mountable control key
inserts), each insert having a key for triggering execution of a
control operation of the first type is configured to be removably
mounted to the first region of the controller's surface but
preferably is configured not to be mountable to the second region
or the third region, each insert having a key for triggering
execution of a control operation of the second type is configured
to be removably mounted to the second region of the surface but
preferably is configured not to be mountable to the first region or
the third region, and each insert having a key for triggering
execution of a control operation of the third type is configured to
be removably mounted to the third region of the surface but
preferably is configured not to be mountable to the first region or
the second region.
[0096] In some embodiments, the inventive controller has
configurable circuitry (including switches and typically also a
microprocessor), an infrared ("IR") receiver coupled to the
circuitry and configured to assert configuring bits to the
circuitry in response to IR radiation (e.g., modulated IR
radiation). In response to the configuring bits, the circuitry is
configured to respond in a desired way to actuation of specific
ones of the switches. Preferably, the controller also includes an
IR emitter output from which target control signals (e.g., for use
in generating modulated IR target control radiation) can be
asserted to the target (the projector or other device to be
controlled) in response to control bits asserted to the IR emitter
output by the circuitry. Typically, the target operates in response
to target control radiation. Typically the target control signals
propagate from the IR emitter output to an IR emitter (positioned
near the target) via a wire pair (or a cable including an optical
fiber or bundle of optical fibers), and modulated target control IR
radiation generated in the IR emitter in response to the target
control signal is transmitted from the IR emitter to the target. In
some embodiments including such an IR receiver and IR emitter
output, the controller also includes an IR transmitter coupled to
the circuitry and configured to transmit IR configuring radiation
(e.g., IR radiation modulated with configuring bits for configuring
another controller) in response to configuring bits received from
the circuitry. A controller (a "first" controller) including such
an IR transmitter is preferably operable as a donor to clone
another controller operating as a clone in a cloning mode. In the
cloning mode, the first controller can transmit data bits to the
clone (a second controller, which can be identical to the first
controller) to configure the second controller to emulate the first
controller.
[0097] In typical embodiments, the inventive controller is
configured to control a projector (or another audiovisual display
device), and can be configured to do so in any of a number of
different ways.
[0098] Another aspect of the invention is a control key insert that
is removably mountable as an element of a modular controller. For
example, the insert can include a body having a first set of
alignment posts that are distinctively shaped and positioned for
insertion in corresponding set of holes in a first region of a
plate of the controller. Such an insert can be swapped for another
whose body has an identical set of alignment posts. Preferably, a
second region of the plate (distinct from the first region) has a
second set of holes for receiving a second set of alignment posts
(differently shaped and/or positioned relative to each other than
the first set of alignment posts), so that an insert of a different
type (having posts identical to the second set of alignment posts)
can be removably mounted to the second region of the plate with its
alignment posts in the second set of holes. Preferably, a third
region of the plate (distinct from each of the first and second
regions) has a third set of holes for receiving a third set of
alignment posts (differently shaped and/or positioned relative to
each other than each of the first and second sets of alignment
posts), so that an insert of a different type (having posts
identical to the third set of alignment posts) can be removably
mounted to the third region of the plate with its alignment posts
in the third set of holes. Preferably, three (or two or four) of
the inventive inserts (each preferably having a different,
distinctive set of alignment posts) are sized and shaped to be
aligned by a bezel, and the bezel is configured to be removably
mounted to an embodiment of the inventive controller to retain the
inserts in proper positions relative to the controller's switches
(with the alignment posts received in holes of a plate of the
controller).
[0099] In another class of embodiments, the inventive controller is
a modular, wall-mountable, configurable controller to which at
least one of the inventive control key inserts is removably
mounted. Such a controller is modular in the sense that it can be
used with any of a set of interchangeable, removably mountable
control key inserts. For example, one insert including a single
power control key (which can be depressed once to change the
target's power state, either from "power on" to "power off" or from
"power off" to "power on") can be swapped for another insert
including two separate power control keys (one which can be
depressed to change the target's power state from "on" to "off;"
and another which can be depressed to change the target's power
state from "off" to "on"). The controller will typically need to be
reconfigured each time one control key insert is swapped for
another.
[0100] In some embodiments, the invention is a wall-mountable,
configurable projector controller having N control keys, where
2<N<6. The controller has a first key set, a second key set,
and optionally a third key set. The key sets are in distinct
regions of the controller's surface. The first key set includes one
or two keys, each labeled to indicate that is can be actuated to
perform (e.g., to trigger execution of) a projector power control
operation. The second key set includes one or two keys, each
labeled to indicate that it can be actuated to perform (e.g., to
trigger execution of) a source selection operation. When present,
the third key set includes one or two keys, each labeled to
indicate that it can be actuated to perform a projector volume
control operation. The controller also has configurable circuitry,
including switches that are actuatable in response to actuation of
keys of each key set. The circuitry is configured to perform a
projector power control operation in response to each actuation of
a key of the first key set, to perform a source selection operation
in response each actuation of a key of the second key set, and (if
the third key set is present) to perform a projector volume control
operation in response to each actuation of a key of the third key
set. The circuitry is not (and is not configured to be) configured
to perform a source selection or projector volume control operation
in response to actuation of any key of the first key set, is not
(and is not configured to be) configured to perform a projector
power or projector volume control operation in response to
actuation of any key of the second key set, and is not (and is not
configured to be) configured to perform a projector power or source
selection operation in response to actuation of any key of the
third key set. Preferably, the controller is modular in the sense
that it can be used with interchangeable, removably mountable
control key inserts. Each insert having a key for triggering
execution of a projector power control operation is configured
(i.e., sized and shaped) to be removably mounted to a first region
of the controller's surface but not to be mountable to a second
region (distinct from the first region) of the surface, and each
insert having a key for triggering execution of a source selection
operation is configured to be removably mounted to the second
region of the surface but not to be mountable to the first region
of the surface, and each insert having no keys or a key for
triggering execution of a projector volume operation is configured
to be removably mounted to the third region of the surface but not
to be mountable to each of the first and second regions of the
surface. Each insert having a key for triggering execution of a
control operation of one type can be swapped for an insert having a
different key (or keys) for triggering execution of a control
operation of the same type. For example, an insert including a
single power control key (which, when mounted can be depressed once
to change a projector's power state, either from "power on" to
"power off" or from "power off" to "power on") can be swapped for
another insert including two separate power control keys (one
which, when mounted can be depressed to change the projector's
power state from "on" to "off;" and another which, when mounted can
be depressed to change the projector's power state from "off" to
"on"). The controller will typically need to be reconfigured each
time one control key insert is swapped for another.
[0101] In alternative embodiments, the inventive controller is
configured to operate in a macro mode and/or a round-robin mode
that is (are) more sophisticated than those specifically described
above. For example, the interface for learning round-robin and
macro code sequences may be extended to allow user configurable
grouping of commands in a way that combines current round-robin and
macro features, e.g. so that when a control key has been configured
to execute a sequence of commands A, B, C, and D in response to
four successive actuations (during the control mode) of the key,
the controller can be conveniently taught to execute commands "A
then B" in response to one actuation (during the control mode) of
the key and then commands "C then D" in response to the next
actuation (during the control mode) of the key. In some such
embodiments, delay time between command executions may also be
configurable.
[0102] It should be understood that while some embodiments of the
present invention are illustrated and described herein, the
invention is defined by the claims and is not to be limited to the
specific embodiments described and shown.
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