U.S. patent number 3,688,262 [Application Number 05/067,551] was granted by the patent office on 1972-08-29 for modular audio-visual control system.
Invention is credited to Stephen A. Liquori.
United States Patent |
3,688,262 |
Liquori |
August 29, 1972 |
MODULAR AUDIO-VISUAL CONTROL SYSTEM
Abstract
A modular control system which is adaptable to be controlled
either manually or by a tone generator such as a touch-tone
telephone or a prerecorded tape, includes a modular selection means
which selectively provides one of a plurality of particular
audio-visual device control paths from one of a plurality of
operational mode control paths which are common to a plurality of
audio-visual devices, and a momentary device control path which is
particular to one of the devices. The modular selection means
includes means for selectively providing a momentary device control
path from a plurality of such paths, with a different one of such
paths being associated with a different one of the devices. An
audio-visual device control interface module is removably connected
between the modular selection means and each of the devices to be
controlled. The interface module provides a portion of the
plurality of audio-visual device control functions, such as three,
for the device connected thereto, a different one of such functions
being provided for a different one of the audio-visual device
control paths. The interface module includes either a latch relay
and a pair of momentary relays connected in parallel, or three
latch relays connected in parallel depending on the functions
desired. A bidirectional motor is connected to the pair of
momentary relays of such an interface module to provide momentary
rotary control functions, such as focus control for a projector,
with one direction being associated with each relay.
Inventors: |
Liquori; Stephen A.
(Saddlebrook, NJ) |
Family
ID: |
22076758 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/067,551 |
Filed: |
August 27, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/13.36;
307/115; 353/48; 360/80; 345/156; 353/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B
5/06 (20130101); G03B 31/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09B
5/00 (20060101); G09B 5/06 (20060101); G03B
31/02 (20060101); G03B 31/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/147,147P,171,325,339,163 ;307/115 ;318/567,569 ;353/48,103
;35/42.5 ;178/6.8 ;317/137 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Yusko; Donald J.
Claims
1. A modular control system for providing a plurality of
audio-visual device control functions for a plurality of
audio-visual devices from a momentary device control function
comprising
modular selection means for selectively providing a particular
audio-visual device control path, said modular selection means
including means for providing a plurality of common operational
mode control paths, said common operational mode control path
providing means including means for selectively providing one of
said common operational mode control paths from said plurality of
common operational mode control paths, each of said common
operational mode control paths being common to said plurality of
audio-visual devices, said modular selection means further
including a momentary device control function providing means for
selectively providing a plurality of momentary device control
functions, a momentary device control path being associated with
said momentary device control function, said momentary device
control path being particular to one of said plurality of
audio-visual devices, said particular momentary device control path
being associated with a particular momentary device control
function, said modular selection means providing said particular
audio-visual device control path from said selected one of said
common operational mode control paths and said particular momentary
device control path, a different particular audio-visual device
control path being provided in combination with said particular
momentary device control path and a different one of said common
operational mode control paths, a different audio-visual device
control function being selectively provided in accordance with said
different particular audio-visual device control path, and modular
audio-visual device control interface means removably connected
between said modular selection means and said plurality of
audio-visual devices for selectively providing one of said
plurality of audio-visual device control functions to each of said
plurality of audio-visual devices to which an audio-visual device
control path has been provided, a different momentary device
control path being associated with each momentary device control
function, each of said momentary device control paths being
particular to a different associated one of said plurality of
audio-visual devices, said particular audio-visual device control
path being selectively provided for each audio-visual device from
one of said selectively provided associated momentary device
control paths and said selected common operational mode control
path, each of said momentary device control paths providing a
different particular audio-visual device control path with said
selected common operational mode control path, a different
audio-visual device control function being provided in accordance
with said different
2. A modular control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
modular selection means includes frequency responsive means, a
different particular frequency being associated with each momentary
device control function, said frequency responsive control means
selectively providing one of said different momentary device
control paths in response to said
3. A modular control system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said
frequency responsive means includes tone responsive means, a
different particular tone being associated with each of said
different particular
4. A modular control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
modular selection means includes a plurality of monostable means
each having a stable state and an unstable state, a different
momentary device control function being associated with a different
monostable means, said associated momentary device control function
being provided from said
5. A modular control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
means for selectively providing said common operational mode
control path from said plurality of common operational mode control
paths includes means for inhibiting said plurality of common
operational mode control paths except
6. A modular control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
common operational mode control path selective providing means
includes a latch relay means having an associated latch position
for each of said plurality of common operational mode control
paths, said associated common operational mode control path being
established in said associated latch position, each of said
plurality of common operational mode control paths other than said
associated latched common operational mode control path being
inhibited when said associated latched common operational mode
7. A modular control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said modular audio-visual-device control interface means includes a
plurality of relay means connected in parallel, each relay means of
said plurality being associated with a different one of said
different audio-visual device control paths for providing said
different
8. A modular control system in accordance with claim 7 wherein said
audio-visual device control functions include a latch control
function, one of said plurality of relay means providing said latch
control
9. A modular control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
modular audio-visual-device control interface means includes a
plurality of interface modules, each interface module being
removably connected between a particular audio-visual device of
said plurality of audio-visual devices and said modular selection
means for selectively providing a pair of said plurality of
audio-visual device control functions for each of said particular
audio-visual devices in accordance with said audio-visual
10. A modular control system in accordance with claim 4 wherein one
of said interface modules includes a pair of relay means connected
in parallel, each relay means being associated with a different one
of said pair of audio-visual device control paths for providing one
of said different
11. A modular control system in accordance with claim 10 wherein
one of said relay means is a latch relay means and the other of
said relay means is a momentary relay means, an audio-visual device
latch control function being provided from said latch relay means
and an audio-visual device momentary control function being
provided from said momentary relay means.
12. A modular control system in accordance with claim 10 wherein
both of said relay means are latch relay means, an audio-visual
device latch
13. A modular control system in accordance with claim 10 wherein
both of said relay means are momentary relay means, an audio-visual
device momentary control function being provided from each of said
momentary
14. A modular control system in accordance with claim 13 wherein
said one interface module includes a bidirectional rotary means
operatively connected to said pair of relay means and to said
particular audio-visual device for providing a unidirectional
rotary movement to said audio-visual device for each of said pair
of audio-visual device control paths for
15. A modular control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said plurality of momentary device control functions comprises
twelve momentary
16. A modular control system in accordance with claim 3 wherein
said plurality of momentary device control functions comprises
twelve momentary device control functions, said associated tones
being telephone
17. A modular control system in accordance with claim 10 wherein
another of said interface modules includes a pair of relay means
connected in parallel, each relay means being associated with one
of said particular pair of audio-visual device control paths for
providing one of said different audio-visual device control
functions, signal blocking means being associated with each relay
means of said interface modules for isolating the audio-visual
control path associated with one of said pair of relay means in one
interface module from another of said pair of relay
18. A modular control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said modular selection means includes indication means associated
with said momentary device control path for providing an indication
when said
19. An audio-visual device control interface module for selectively
providing a plurality of audio-visual device control functions in
accordance with a plurality of different audio-visual device
control paths, a different one of said plurality of audio-visual
device control functions being provided in accordance with a
different one of said audio-visual device control paths, said
interface module being adapted to be removably connectable between
an audio-visual device to be controlled and a means for providing
said plurality of audio-visual device control paths, said interface
module comprising
a first relay means associated with one of said audio-visual device
control paths for providing one of said audio-visual device control
functions to said audio-visual device,
a second relay means associated with another of said audio-visual
device control paths for providing another one of said audio-visual
device control functions to said audio-visual device, said second
relay means being connected in parallel with said first relay
means, and
a third relay means associated with a different one of said
audio-visual device control paths than said first and second relay
means for providing a different one of said audio-visual device
control functions to said audio-visual device than said first and
second relay means, said third relay means being connected in
parallel with said first and second relay
20. An audio-visual device control interface module in accordance
with claim 19 wherein said first relay means is a latch relay means
and said second and third relay means are each momentary relay
means, an audio-visual device latch control function being provided
from said latch relay means and an audio-visual device momentary
control function being
21. An audio-visual device control interface module in accordance
with claim 19 wherein each of said relay means are latch relay
means, an audio-visual device latch control function being provided
from each of
22. An audio-visual device control interface module in accordance
with claim 30 further comprising a bidirectional rotary means
operatively connected to said second and third relay means and to
said audio-visual device for providing a unidirectional rotary
movement to said audio-visual device for each of said second and
third audio-visual device control paths for providing said second
and third audio-visual device control functions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to modular audio-visual device
control systems in which a plurality of audio-visual device control
functions are provided from a momentary device control
function.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Audio-visual control systems are well known. These systems are
normally utilized to control the operation of either a single
audio-visual device, or a plurality of these devices, such as any
combination thereof, where the term "audio-visual" as used
hereinafter throughout the specification and claims is defined as
encompassing devices which provide either solely an audio output
such as a tape recorder, or solely a visual output such as a slide
projector as well as those devices which provide both an audio and
a visual output such as a movie projector. Such control systems
have found widespread use in the area of what is commonly termed
"teaching machines."
These audio-visual control systems are "hard-wired" systems, that
is systems which are wired to do a specific function in a specific
manner. These "hard-wired" systems normally provide a fixed
specific type of function, such as a momentary function which is
one that is intermittent or unstable, or a latch function which is
one that is continual or stable, to each of the devices to be
controlled so as to provide a fixed specific quantity of functions
to each device to be controlled as well as for the system as a
whole. Therefore, these prior art systems are not versatile or
flexible, and once such a system has been "hard-wired" to provide
these specific parameters for the system, these parameters cannot
easily be changed without considerable loss of time and expense to
the user of the system. Furthermore, these systems normally require
a separate "hard-wired" circuit path and associated relay for each
function to be performed, with a specific control button being
required for each function to be performed. If such a prior art
control system were to be utilized, for example, to control ten
audio-visual devices with three functions desired for each device,
such as turning the device on, having the device operate in a
forward position and in a reverse position, thirty control buttons
providing thirty "hard-wired" paths would be required. This is both
cumbersome and costly as well as having limited flexibility and
versatility. In an attempt to simplify such a system, some prior
art control systems have utilized multi-position relays to provide
a plurality of functions. However, in such instances, "hard-wired"
paths are still utilized for each of the functions, thereby still
providing no or limited flexibility.
Where such a system is utilized, for example, in an auditorium
environment where the programs to be presented as well as their
format may vary from day-to-day or week-to-week, the expense and
inconveniences associated with altering the audio-visual control
system which has been provided for a specific program format is
both inefficient and uneconomical. Therefore, separate control and
"hard-wired" paths must be provided in such a system for all
possible contingencies or utilizations of the system. This too
results in a rather cumbersome and costly system.
Furthermore, these systems are not capable of directly and easily
interfacing with an automatic control mechanism such as a computer
control mechanism, or standard touch-tone telephone control
mechanism. Therefore, if it is desired to control such a prior art
system automatically, as from a prerecorded tape, an elaborate
switching network must be utilized in conjunction with the system.
This too results in considerable increased cost for the system as
well as a more cumbersome system. This lack of versatility and
flexibility in the prior art audio-visual control systems has made
these systems uneconomical, inefficient and impractical when it is
desired to provide a variety of program formats using a single
audio-visual control system.
These disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A modular control system which provides a plurality of audio-visual
device control functions, where a function is defined as a device
controlling operation such as "on-off," "play film" or "rewind
film," for a plurality of audio-visual devices from a momentary,
that is intermittent, device control function is provided. The
modular control system includes modular selection means which
selectively provide a particular audio-visual device control path,
where a control path is defined as a signal path for a control
signal. The modular selection means includes means for providing an
operational mode control path, such as a forward mode, a power mode
or a reverse mode, the operational mode control path being common
to the plurality of audio-visual devices to be controlled by the
system of the present invention. A momentary device control path is
associated with the momentary device control function and is
particular to one of the plurality of audio-visual devices. The
modular selection means provides the particular audio-visual device
control path from the common operational mode control path and the
particular momentary device control path.
The modular selection means may include frequency responsive means
which are responsive to tones, such as provided by a conventional
touch-tone telephone, if automatic operation of the system or
operation via telephone lines from a remote location is desired. In
this instance, a particular frequency or tone is associated with a
particular momentary device control function and the frequency
responsive means selectively provides the particular momentary
device control path in response to the particular frequency
detected. If manual operation is desired, the modular selection
means includes a control module which contains a plurality of
momentary device control function providing means, such as control
buttons connected in parallel, with a particular momentary device
control path being associated with a particular momentary device
control function. Furthermore, the modular selection means includes
means for changing the operational modes of the system, such as a
pair of double-pole-double-throw latch relays which inhibit all
modes but the selected mode, in order to provide a different
particular audio-visual device control path for the momentary
device control function and associated path by changing the common
operational mode control path.
Modular audio-visual-device control interface means are removably
connected between the modular selection means and one of the
plurality of audio-visual devices for selectively providing one of
the plurality of audio-visual device control functions for this
device in accordance with the particular audio-visual device
control path which is established.
The modular audio-visual-device control interface means includes a
plurality of relays connected in parallel, each relay of the
plurality of relays being associated with a different audio-visual
device control path for providing one audio-visual device control
function each. The interface means or modules may provide a latch
function and two momentary functions,wherein the momentary
functions may be unidirectional rotary movements when a
two-directional motor mechanism is utilized in conjunction with the
momentary function providing means, or the interface module may
provide three latch functions. Momentary relays, such as
single-pole-single-throw relays, provide the momentary functions
and latch relays,such as double-pole-single-throw relays, provide
the latch functions. The various modular means which comprise the
modular control system are removably connectable in the system such
as by male and female plugs, and comprise building blocks which may
be utilized to increase the versatility of the system by varying
the types and quantity of control functions provided by the system
in an easy and efficient manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram,partially in block of a portion of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another portion of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2; and
FIGS. 5A and 5B when taken together as shown in FIG. 5C is a
partial schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
General Description
Referring now to the drawings in detail and especially to FIG. 1
thereof, the audio-visual control system of the present invention,
generally referred to by the reference numeral 10, is shown. As
shown and preferred, the audio-visual control system 10 includes a
modular selection means, generally referred to by the reference
numeral 12, which preferably includes a control panel module 14 and
a remote control assembly module 16, to be described in greater
detail hereinafter. Preferably, the control panel module 14
includes a plurality of control buttons. Most preferably there are
12 such buttons 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40
so as to have the same quantity of buttons on control panel module
14 as on a conventional Western Electric touch-tone telephone pad
so as to be interfaceable therewith or replaceable thereby to
enable remote operation, such as via telephone lines, as will be
explained in greater detail hereinafter. In addition, as shown and
preferred, another control button 42, labeled "SYSTEM ON," can be
included on the control panel module 14 for selectively providing a
master power function for the system 10 if desired. Furthermore, an
input jack 44 may be included on the control panel module 14 to
provide an additional control input to the system 10, as will be
described in greater detail hereinafter.
The control panel module 14 preferably has a 31 conductor output
which is preferably connected to a 31 conductor input of the remote
control assembly module 16. This thirty-one conductor
interconnection is illustratively shown by the single conduction
path 46. Preferably, the remote control assembly module 16 is
removably connectable, such as by a plug, to a source of AC power
48 such as a 120 volt AC source supplied through a conventional
wall outlet. The remote control assembly module 16 preferably
provides a plurality of outputs through a plurality of multiple
conductor connectors, illustratively shown as comprising 10 such
connectors 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, and 68. Preferably,
each of the connectors 50 through 68, inclusive, provides seven
output paths only one such output path 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82,
84, 86, and 88 being illustratively shown for each connector 50
through 68, inclusive, respectively. Each connector 50 through 68,
inclusive, via paths 70 through 88 inclusive, respectively, is
preferably connected to an audio-visual-device control interface
module, illustratively shown as comprising 10 such modules 90, 92,
94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, and 108, one interface module being
provided for and connected to each output connector 50 through 68,
inclusive, of the remote control assembly module 16. Preferably,
these audio-visual-device control interface modules 90 through 108,
inclusive, are one of two basic types, each type preferably
providing three audio-visual-device control functions, where an
audio-visual device control function is defined as a device
controlling operation such as ON-OFF, or FORWARD, or REVERSE for an
audio-visual device.
One of the preferred two basic types of interface modules 90
through 108, inclusive, is termed a "LATCH-LATCH-LATCH INTERFACE
MODULE," illustratively represented by interface modules 92, 96 and
106, and will be described in greater detail hereinafter, with such
interface module 92, 96 and 106 preferably providing three
audio-visual latch control functions, which are bistable functions.
The other of the preferred two basic types of interface modules 90
through 108 inclusive, is termed a "LATCH-MOMENTARY-MOMENTARY
INTERFACE MODULE," illustratively represented by interface modules
90, 94, 98, 100, 102, 104 and 108 and will be described in greater
detail hereinafter, with such interface module 90, 94, 98, 100,
102, 104 and 108 providing an audio-visual latch control function
and a pair of audio-visual momentary control functions,which are
unstable functions. As shown and preferred in FIG. 1, the
"LATCH-MOMENTARY-MOMENTARY INTERFACE MODULE" can be modified, as
will be described in greater detail hereinafter, to provide
bidirectional, that is in two directions, rotary control by means
of a two-directional motor rotary mechanism electrically connected
to the momentary function providing portion of the interface module
as illustrated by modules 94, 98, 104, and 108, which motor 110 is
preferably mechanically connected to a rotary shaft of the control
knob of the audio-visual device to be controlled. In this manner
rotary control functions such as volume, focus, or dimming of
lights can be provided.
Furthermore, as shown and preferred in FIG. 1, each of the
interface modules 90 through 108, inclusive, is connected to at
least one audio-visual device to be controlled, with interface
modules 100 and 108 illustratively being shown as both controlling
the same audio-visual device, illustratively shown as being a
conventional slide projector 112, to provide five audio-visual
control functions thereto, four audio-visual momentary control
functions and one audio-visual latch control function, one of the
six possible control functions (latch function of module 108)
illustratively shown as not being utilized. For purposes of
illustration, interface module 90 is connected to a conventional
slide projector 114, interface module 92 is connected to a
conventional movie projector 116, interface module 94 is connected
to a conventional amplifier 118, interface module 96 is connected
to conventional tape recorder 120, interface module 98 is connected
to a conventional television receiver 122, interface module 102 is
connected to a conventional film strip device 124, interface module
104 is connected to room lighting and dimmer switch arrangement
126, and interface module 106 is connected to a conventional movie
projector 128, in addition to the connection of interface modules
100 and 108 to slide projector 112. Preferably, each of the control
panel module 14 control buttons 18 through 36, inclusive, is
operatively associated with one of the interface modules 90 through
108, inclusive, respectively, to provide a momentary device control
function thereto in response to the operation of the respective
control button 18 through 36 inclusive.
"CONTROL PANEL MODULE"
Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 5A and describing the control panel
module 14 in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the
control buttons 18 through 36, inclusive, labeled A, B, C, D, E, F,
G, H, J, and L, respectively, controls a designated interface
module 90 through 108, inclusive, with the interface modules
illustratively being labeled with the associated letter as well as
the audio-visual device controlled thereby. Preferably, each of
these control buttons 18 through 36, inclusive, is a push-button
momentary switch which closes an open circuit associated therewith
only when the respective button 18 through 36, inclusive, is
depressed. Control buttons 38 and 40 are also preferably
push-button momentary switches which close an open circuit only
when depressed to provide a power operational mode or a reverse
operational mode, respectively, in a manner to be described in
greater detail hereinafter. These operational modes are preferably
common to all the remote control assembly module output connectors
50 through 68, inclusive, through the circuit shown in FIGS. 5A, as
will be described in greater detail hereinafter. The power
operational mode control button 38 is illustratively labeled "PWR"
and the reverse operational mode control button 40 is
illustratively labeled "REV" in FIGS. 1 and 5A.
As shown and preferred in FIG. 5A, control buttons 18 through 40,
inclusive, are connected in parallel via an associated circuit,
generally referred to by the reference numeral 130, through one
connector 132 through 154, inclusive, of each pair of connectors
131-132 through 153-154, inclusive, which is associated with each
of the control buttons 18 through 40, inclusive. Preferably, a lamp
or light 156 through 178, inclusive, respectively, is associated
with each of the control buttons 18 through 40,inclusive, providing
a visual indication of either the POWER ON state of the
audio-visual associated devices,or of the common operational mode
of the system 10 with respect to control buttons 38 and 40. Lights
156 through 178, inclusive, are preferably also connected in
parallel in circuit 130 via separate paths 180 through 194,
inclusive, respectively, for each of the control buttons 18 through
40 inclusive, respectively. Conductors 131 through 153, inclusive,
via associated illumination paths 180 through 194, inclusive, and
common connection path 196 provide a particular momentary device
control path, or circuit path, for the particular associated
control button 18 through 40 inclusive to the remote control
assembly module portion 16 of the modular selection means 12. If a
SYSTEM ON control button 42 is provided on the control panel module
14, this control button 42 is preferably a single-pole-single-throw
latch switch which is also operatively associated with a light 198
to provide a visual indication of when the system 10 is in the ON
state. Four parallel conductive paths 200, 202, 204 and 206 provide
the signal path for this information to the remote control assembly
module portion 16 of the modular selection means 12, in a manner to
be described in greater detail hereinafter, light 198, via paths
200, 202, 204 and 206, being operatively connected so as to be ON
when switch 42 is closed.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5A, if an input jack 44 is provided
it is connected in parallel in the circuit as shown in FIG. 5A. As
shown in the preferred embodiment in FIG. 5A a 31 conductor or pin
male connector 207 is utilized for the output connector.
"REMOTE CONTROL ASSEMBLY MODULE"
Now referring to the remote control assembly module portion 16 of
the modular selection means 12. As shown and preferred in FIG. 5A,
the 31 pin male output connector 207 of the control panel module 14
is pluggable into a 31 pin female input connector 209 of remote
control assembly module 16, to provide a plurality of parallel
circuit paths, hereinafter termed audio-visual device control paths
as these paths provide the various routings for the particular
control functions of the audio-visual devices, in a manner to be
described in greater detail hereinafter.
Furthermore, as shown and preferred, the remote control assembly
module 16 includes a DC power supply 208, which is illustratively
shown as being 24 volts when a 120 volt AC power is supplied to the
remote control module 16, the power supply 208 supplying DC power
to operate the various portions of the control panel module 14,
remote control assembly module 16, and audio-visual device
interface modules 90 through 108, inclusive, in a manner to be
described in greater detail hereinafter. Preferably, the DC power
supply 208 is conventional and includes a transformer and rectifier
to provide the DC power for the system 10 from the AC power input
48. A conventional fuse 210 is preferably provided between the AC
power source 48 and the DC power source 208 to protect the system
10 against current overloads.
For purposes of illustration, the output leads of the DC power
supply 208 are labeled B minus (B-) for lead 212 and B plus (B+)
for lead 214. Preferably, the B- circuit path 212 of power supply
208 is connected in parallel to a double-pole-double-throw latch
relay 216, termed the power mode latch relay, which includes a
solenoid portion 218 and an armature portion comprising switches
220 and 222 which are two-position switches having a first contact
position 224 and 226, respectively, and another contact position
227 and 228, respectively, where contact position 228 represents
the common or ground for latch relay 216. Contacts 224 and 226 are
preferably connected to another double-pole-double throw latch
relay 230,termed the reverse mode latch relay, having a solenoid
portion 232 and an armature portion comprising two-position
switches 234 and 236. Contacts 224 and 226 of relay 216 are
preferably connected across the solenoid 232 of relay 230, with
contact position 226 being further connected, in parallel, to
switch 236 of relay 230. Switch 234 of relay 230 is connected to
solenoid 218 of the power latch relay 216, which solenoid 218, is
also connected, in parallel, via path 240 to a common bus 242 of
the remote control assembly module 16. Two-position switch 234 of
relay 230 has an open circuit contact position 244 and a closed
circuit contact position 246, and two-position switch 236 has
contact positions 248 and 250 which are selectively connected to
contact position 226 of the power mode latch relay 216 which
thereby determines the common or ground for the operational mode
for relay 230 as well as relay 216. Power mode latch relay 216 and
reverse mode latch relay 230 comprise a means for selectively
providing a common operational mode in a manner to be described in
greater detail hereinafter.
As shown and preferred in FIG. 5A, the power mode relay 216 and
reverse mode relay 230 are operatively connected so that only one
of these two operational modes is possible at a given time. When
switches 220 and 222 are in the position shown by the solid lines
in FIG. 5A, the system 10 is in what is termed the forward mode,
which is the normal mode of operation. When switches 220 and 222
are in the position shown by dotted lines 220a and 222a, with
switch 222 in contact position 228 and switch 220 in contact
position 227, the system 10 would be in what is termed the power
mode. With switches 220 and 222 in the position shown by the solid
lines but with switches 234 and 236 of the reverse mode latch relay
230 in the other latch position shown by dotted lines 234a and
236a, with switch 234 in contact position 244 and switch 236 in
contact position 248, the system 10 would be in what is termed the
reverse mode. In this manner, as will be described in greater
detail hereinafter, the preferred system of the present invention
shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5A and 5B when taken together as shown in
FIG. 5C, will be operated in the power mode, the reverse mode, or
the normal forward mode.
In order to provide these common operational modes to the balance
of the system 10 including interface modules 90 through 108,
inclusive, contact position 228 of the power mode relay 216 is
connected in parallel via path 250 to the power mode common bus 252
which is common to all the audio-visual device control interface
modules 90 through 108, inclusive, via parallel connector paths
254, 256, and 258, respectively, for the three interface modules
90, 92, and 94, illustratively shown, modules 96 through 108,
inclusive, being omitted from FIG. 5A for purposes of clarity, the
interconnections to this common power mode bus 252 being similar
thereto for the balance of the interface modules 96 through 108,
inclusive. Contact position 250 of the reverse mode latch relay 230
is connected in parallel via path 260 to the forward mode common
bus 262 which is also common to all the interface modules 90
through 108, inclusive, via parallel connector paths 264, 266, and
268, respectively, for the three interface modules 90, 92 and 94
illustratively shown, the interconnections to this common forward
mode bus 262 being similar thereto for the balance of the interface
modules 96 through 108, inclusive. Finally, contact position 248 of
the reverse mode latch relay 230 is connected in parallel via path
270 to the reverse mode common bus 272 which is also common to all
the interface modules 90 through 108, inclusive, via parallel
connector paths 274, 276 and 278, respectively, for the three
interface modules 90, 92 and 94 illustratively shown, the
interconnections to this common reverse mode bus 272 being similar
thereto for the balance of the interface modules 96 through 108,
inclusive.
The B+ circuit path 214 is preferably connected, in parallel,
through the SYSTEM ON switch 42, via path 202, to a B+ common bus
280 which is also common to all the audio-visual device control
interface modules 90 through 108, inclusive, via parallel connector
paths 282, 284, and 286, respectively, for the three interface
modules 90, 92 and 94 illustratively shown, the interconnections to
this common B+ bus 280 being similar thereto for the balance of the
interface modules 96 through 108, inclusive. The B- circuit path
212 is also connected in parallel, via path 240 to a common B- bus
242 which is also common to all the interface modules 90 through
108, inclusive, via parallel connector paths 288, 290 and 292,
respectively, for the interface modules 90, 92 and 94
illustratively shown, the interconnections to this common B- bus
242 being similar thereto for the balance of the interface modules
96 through 108, inclusive.
"AUDIO-VISUAL DEVICE CONTROL INTERFACE MODULES"
Referring now to FIG. 5B, and describing the audio-visual device
control interface modules 90 through 108, inclusive in greater
detail. As was previously mentioned, only three such interface
modules 90, 92 and 94 are shown in detail in FIG. 5B, the other
interface modules 96 through 108, inclusive, being omitted for
purposes of clarity. However, interface module 90 is exemplary of
the "LATCH-MOMENTARY-MOMENTARY" interface module type,with
interface modules 94, 98, 100, and 102, 104 and 108 preferably
being similar thereto in structure and operation, interface modules
94, 98, 104 and 108 differing slightly therefrom by means of the
interconnection of each to a two-directional motor 110; and
interface module 92 is exemplary of the "LATCH-LATCH-LATCH"
interface module type, with interface modules 96 and 106 being
preferably identical thereto in structure and operation.
Describing first the audio-visual device control interface module
"LATCH-MOMENTARY-MOMENTARY" type as exemplified by interface module
90, this type module preferably includes a double-pole-single-throw
latch relay 291, and a pair of single-pole-single-throw momentary
relays 293 and 294, with relays 291, 293 and 294 all being
connected in parallel with each other. Preferably latch relay 291
comprises a solenoid coil 296 and an armature including switches
298 and 300,with the solenoid coil 296 being connected between path
131 and path 252, which is the power mode common bus, via path 254,
so as to latch switches 298 and 300 in the closed position when
control button 18 is initially depressed with the system 10 in the
power mode. This relay 291 is termed the power mode latch relay due
to its interconnection with the power mode common bus 252. Switch
298 opens or closes a circuit between path 180 and 288 which turns
ON light 156 when switch 298 is latched in the closed position.
Interface module 90 has an AC power input terminal 302, such as a
three-conductor male plug, and an AC power output terminal 304,
such as a three-conductor female plug, with the AC power input
terminal 302 being connected to the source of AC power 48 such as
by a plug interconnection. Preferably, the audio-visual device to
be controlled, such as the slide projector 114 has its power input
which is normally a male plug, plugged into the AC power output 304
of the interface module 90. Switch 300 provides an open or closed
circuit between the AC power input 302 and the AC power output 304
of the interface module 90 to supply AC power to the audio-visual
device to be controlled, in this instance the slide projector 114,
to turn the device ON or OFF; the device 114 being turned ON when
the switch 300 is latched in the closed position. Preferably,
interface module 90 is pluggable into the remote control assembly
module 16 by means of a six pin or conductor male connector 306
which plugs into a seven pin or conductor female connector 308 to
complete the audio-visual device control or circuit paths
thereto.
Momentary relay 293 includes a solenoid coil 310 and an armature
312, with the solenoid coil 310 being connected between path 131
and path 262, which is the forward mode common bus, via path 264,
so as to operate relay 293 and close switch 312 whenever control
button 18 is depressed. This momentary relay 293 is termed the
forward mode momentary relay due to its interconnection with the
forward mode common bus 262. Switch 312 is connected in parallel
across a pair of output leads 314 and 316 which provide the forward
momentary function to the slide projector 114. Preferably, these
leads are provided from a three pin or conductor male plug
connector 318 which plugs into a three pin or conductor female
connector (not shown) of the slide projector 114, though other
types of interconnection and connectors could be utilized if
desired.
Momentary relay 294 includes a solenoid coil 320 and an armature
322, with switch 322 being connected in parallel with output lead
314. The other terminal of the switch 322 is connected to the third
output lead 324 of the three conductor output connector 318 to open
or close the circuit between conductors 314 and 324. Solenoid coil
320 is connected between path 272, which is the reverse mode common
bus,via path 274, and path 131 so as to operate relay 294 and close
switch 322 each time the control button 18 is depressed when the
system 10 is in the reverse mode. This relay 294 is termed the
reverse mode momentary relay due to its interconnection with the
reverse mode common bus 272.
Preferably, blocking diodes 326, 328 and 330 are provided on paths
264, 274, and 254, respectively, so as to isolate the operation of
the associated operated relay from the other corresponding relays
of the other interface modules 92 through 108, inclusive, connected
in parallel to the common operational mode buses 252, 262, and 272.
Blocking diodes 326, 328 and 330 are connected in the circuit so as
to be forward biased when the associated momentary control button
18 is depressed to complete the control path, or circuit path,
through the enabled relay 291, 293 or 294 dependent on the mode of
the system 10, and to be back-biased in the opposite direction.
Now describing in detail the "LATCH-LATCH-LATCH" interface module
92 associated with movie projector 116, interface module 92
preferably being identical in structure and operation with
interface modules 96 and 106 as was previously mentioned.
Preferably, interface module 92 is pluggable into the remote
control assembly module 16 by means of a six pin or conductor male
connector 331 which plugs into a seven pin or conductor female
connector 333 to complete the audio-visual device control or
circuit paths thereto. As shown and preferred, interface module 92
includes three latch relays 332, 334 and 336 connected together in
a parallel arrangement with each other, each latch relay 332, 334
and 336 preferably being a double-pole-single-throw latch relay.
Each latch relay 332, 334 and 336 includes a solenoid coil 338, 340
and 342, respectively, and an armature including switches 344 and
346, 348 and 350 and 352 and 354, respectively. Interface module 92
preferably has an AC power input terminal 356 similar to AC power
input 302 of module 90, such as a three-conductor male plug which
is pluggably connected to the source of AC power 48, and an AC
power output terminal 358 similar to AC power output 304 of module
90, such as a three-conductor female plug, into which the power
input (not shown), which is normally a male plug, of the
audio-visual device to be controlled, in this instance movie
projector 116, is plugged to receive AC power.
Latch relay 332 controls the supply of AC power to the AC power
output terminal 358, and hence to the projector 116, in a manner to
be described in greater detail hereinafter. Solenoid coil 338 of
latch relay 332 is connected between paths 133 and 256, path 256
being connected to the power mode common bus 252, so as to latch
switches 344 and 346 in the closed position when control button 20
is initially depressed with the system 10 in the power mode. This
relay 332 is termed the power mode latch relay due to its
interconnection with the power mode common bus 252. Switch 344 of
the armature portion of relay 332 is connected between paths 181
and 290, where path 290 is connected in parallel to common bus 242
to complete the circuit between paths 181 and 290 when switch 344
is latched in the closed position. Switch 346 of power mode latch
relay 332 is connected between the AC power input 356 and the AC
power output 358 to provide a closed circuit therebetween when
switch 346 is latched in the closed position.
Latch relays 334 and 336 provide the audio-visual device latch
control functions for the associated movie projector 116, such as
"play" and "rewind." Solenoid coil 340 of latch relay 334 is
connected between control path 133 which is the momentary device
control path, or circuit path, associated with control button 20
which controls the functioning of the movie projector 116, and
control path 266 which is connected in parallel to the forward
operational mode common bus 260 to complete a circuit between paths
133 and 266 and latch relay 334 when control button 20 is initially
depressed when the system 10 is in the forward mode. This relay is
termed the forward mode latch relay due to its interconnection with
the forward mode common bus 260. Switch 348 of the armature portion
348-350 is preferably connected across a pair of output paths 360
and 362 of a pluggable output connector 364, such as a male plug,
to complete a circuit therebetween when switch 348 is latched in
the closed position so as to provide a latch control function path
to the projector 116 which is preferably pluggable into connector
364, such as by a female plug (not shown). Similarly, switch 350 of
the armature portion 348-350 is connected across another pair of
output paths 366 and 368 of the output connector 364 to provide a
closed circuit therebetween when switch 350 is latched in the
closed position to provide the balance of the latch control path to
complete the circuit and provide the latch control function to the
projector 116 when four pins or conductors are required to provide
a latch control function, such as in a Kodak movie projector.
Solenoid coil 342 of latch relay 336 is connected between momentary
device control path 133 and control path 276, where path 276 is
connected in parallel to the reverse operational mode common bus
272, so as to complete a circuit between paths 133 and 276 and
latch relay 336 when control button 20 is initially depressed when
the system 10 is in the reverse operational mode. This relay is
termed the reverse mode latch relay due to its interconnection with
the reverse mode common bus 272. Switch 352 and switch 354 of the
armature 352-354 are each connected between a pair of latch control
paths 370 and 372, and 374 and 376, respectively, to complete a
circuit through these two respective paths when switches 352 and
354 are latched in the closed position to provide the audio-visual
device latch control function to projector 116 in the reverse mode
of the system 10. As shown and preferred, output connector 364 is
an eight pin or conductor male connector pluggable in an eight pin
female connector of the projector 116, such as a Kodak movie
projector. If a different type of projector connector is required,
output leads 360, 362, 366, 368, 370, 372, 374 and 376 may be
increased or decreased, such as by providing additional switches
for the armature portions of the respective relays 334 and 336, so
as to adapt the connector 364 for such an audio-visual device
requirement.
If desired, either of the interface module basic types as
exemplified by modules 90 and 92 may be modified to provide special
types of audio-visual device control functions such as volume
control, focus control of a projector, or dimming control of room
lights. Such special functions can be provided by a modification to
the basic "LATCH-MOMENTARY-MOMENTARY" interface module exemplified
by interface module 90. As was previously mentioned, interface
modules 94, 98, 104 and 108 are examples of this type of interface
module, and are all preferably similar in structure and operation
to interface module 94 shown in FIG. 5B. Furthermore, as also
previously mentioned, interface module 94 is preferably similar in
structure and operation to previously described interface module
90, the same reference numerals being utilized for identical parts
thereof, with the exception that the output leads 314, 316, and 324
of the momentary latches 293 and 294 via connector 318, which is
preferably a three-conductor male plug, are directly interfaced
such as by a plug interconnection, with a conventional
two-directional motor 110 having a rotary output shaft 382 which is
preferably mechanically linked to the rotary shaft (not shown) of
the device to be controlled, which for module 94 is preferably the
volume control shaft of amplifier 118. Rotary shaft 382 of the
bidirectional motor 110 rotates in one of two directions, clockwise
or counterclockwise, indicated by double-sided arrow 384, at a
time, the direction being 293 on which momentary relay 293 or 294
is enabled. The balance of the circuitry associated with interface
module 94 is identical with that described for interface module 90
and will not be described in greater detail hereinafter.
Suffice it to say that solenoid coil 296 of power relay 291 is
connected between momentary device control path 135 and control
path 258, which is connected in parallel to the power operational
mode common bus 252,so as to latch switches 298 and 300 in the
closed position when control button 22 is initially depressed with
the system 10 in the power mode; switch 298 is connected between
control path 182 and control path 292, which is connected to the
common bus 242, to complete the circuit therebetween when switch
298 is latched in the closed position; and switch 300 is connected
between the AC power input 302 and the AC power output 304 to
complete the circuit therebetween each time switch 300 is latched
in the closed position. Furthermore, solenoid coil 310 of momentary
relay 293 is connected between momentary device control path 135
and path 268, which is connected in parallel to the forward
operational mode common bus 262, to complete the circuit
therebetween thereby permitting current to flow through coil 310
each time button 22 is depressed when the system 10 is in the
forward operational mode. Switch 312 associated with solenoid coil
310 is connected between output paths 314 and 316 to complete the
circuit therebetween to the motor 110 each time the control button
22 is depressed when the system 10 is in the forward operational
mode. In addition, solenoid coil 320 of momentary relay 294 is
connected between the momentary device control path 135 and path
278 to complete a circuit therebetween, current being provided
therethrough each time control button 22 is depressed when the
system 10 is in the reverse operational mode. Switch 322, which is
associated with solenoid coil 320 and is connected between paths
314 and 324 thereby closes each time the control button 22 is
depressed when the system 10 is in the reverse mode so as to
provide an opposite direction momentary control function to the
motor 110. As was previously mentioned, blocking diodes 326, 328
and 330 function to isolate the operation of relays which are
similarly connected to the respective operational mode common buses
262, 272 and 252, respectively. A similar blocking diode, the same
reference numeral being utilized therefor, is preferably associated
with each parallel connecting path to the respective operational
mode common bus for each of the interface modules 90 through 108,
inclusive, which are pluggable into the remote control assembly
module 16, each blocking diode 326, 328 and 330 being operatively
connected so as to be back-biased to other than its particular
associated momentary control function caused by the depressing of
the associated control button 18 through 40, inclusive. Preferably,
the associated six pin male connector 306 of interface module 94 is
pluggable into a seven pin or conductor female connector 379 of
remote control assembly module 16 to complete the audio-visual
device control or circuit paths thereto.
As shown and preferred, for interface module 98, the rotary shaft
382 thereof is mechanically connected to the volume control of the
television 122; for interface module 104, the rotary shaft 382
thereof is preferably mechanically connected to the wiper arm of a
dimmer switch (not shown) associated with the room lights 126; and
for interface module 108, the rotary shaft 382 thereof is
mechanically connected to the focus control of slide projector
112.
"OPERATION"
Now referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B taken together as shown in FIG. 5C
and describing the operation of the system 10. For purposes fo
illustration, we shall describe the operation of the system 10 in
detail with respect to interface modules 90, 92 and 94, the
detailed operation of interface modules 100 and 102 being similar
to that of interface module 90, the detailed operation of interface
modules 96 and 106 being similar to that of interface module 92,
and the detailed operation of interface modules 98, 104 and 108
being similar to that of interface module 94.
In order for the control system 10 of the present invention to be
operable, power must be supplied to the system 10. This is
accomplished by closing switch 42 which completes the circuit from
the AC power source 48 to the DC power supply 208 to supply power
to the control system 10 through the remote control assembly module
16. In order to supply power to any of the audio-visual devices 112
through 128, inclusive, to be controlled by the system 10, the
system 10 must be initially placed into the power mode and the
appropriate associated control buttons 18 through 36, inclusive,
depressed for the devices which it is desired to turn ON. For
example, if it is desired to supply power to slide projector 114,
the power mode control button 38 is depressed which latches the
double-pole-double-throw power mode relay 216 in the position
indicated by the dotted lines 220a and 222a. This supplies power to
the power operational mode common bus 252 via path 250 and
completes the circuit to light 176 thereby turning the light 176 ON
so as to provide an indication that the system 10 is in the power
mode.
In order to supply power to the slide projector 114, which is
associated with interface module 90, control button 18 is then
depressed which completes the circuit path or audio-visual device
control path from momentary device control path 131, through coil
296, via control path 254 to the power-operational mode common bus
or control path 252. This latches power relay 291 in the closed
position, closing switches 298 and 300; switch 300 closing the
power circuit between the AC power input 302 and the AC power
output 304 to supply power to the slide projector 114, and switch
298 completing the circuit to light 156 to provide a visual
indication that projector 114 is ON. Relay 291 will remain latched
in a POWER ON position until control button 18 is depressed again
while the system 10 is in the power mode. This unlatches relay 291
thereby placing switches 298 and 300 in the open position.
Similarly, if it is desired to supply power to movie projector 116
and amplifier 118, which are associated with interface modules 92
and 94, respectively, for movie projector 116, control button 20 is
then depressed to latch power relay 332 in the closed position by
completing the circuit path, or audio-visual device control path
from momentary device control path 133, through coil 338, via
control path 256, to the power operational mode common bus or
control path 252, latching switches 344 and 346 in the closed
position to turn ON light 158 and supply power to the movie
projector 116; and,for amplifier 118, control button 22 is then
depressed to latch power relay 291 in the closed position by
completing the circuit path from momentary device control path 135
through coil 296, via control path 252, to the power operational
mode common bus or control path 252, latching switches 298 and 300
in the closed position to supply power to the amplifier 118 and to
turn ON light 160. Similarly, if it is desired to supply power to
any of the other associated audio-visual devices 120, 122, 112,
124, 126 or 128, to turn it ON, the appropriate control button 24
through 36, is then depressed so as to latch the respective power
relay of the interface module 96 through 108, inclusive, associated
with the audio-visual device 120, 122, 112, 124, 126 or 128 to be
controlled. For purposes of illustration, the power relay 291 of
interface module 108 is not utilized as its function is not desired
in the example shown, although it may be utilized, if desired, to
control the supply of power to an audio-visual device by
interconnection of the device with interface module 108.
As was previously mentioned, the power mode relay 216 can be
latched either in the power mode position indicated by dotted lines
220a and 222a or the forward operational mode position indicated by
the solid lines. In order to operate the particular audio-visual
devices which have been turned ON, the system 10 must be changed
from the power operational mode to either the forward operational
mode or the reverse operational mode. For purposes of explanation,
we shall assume that the system 10 is initially changed to the
forward operational mode. This is accomplished by once again
depressing power mode control button 38, which thereby latches
power mode relay 216 in the forward operational mode position
indicated by the solid lines 220 and 222 and inhibits the reverse
operational mode. The position of relay 216 and relay 230 in this
mode, as shown by the solid lines, completes a circuit from the
power supply 208, via switches 222 and 236, through path 260, to
the forward operational mode common bus 262. If it is desired to
operate the slide projector 114 which is associated with interface
module 90 in this forward mode so as to advance slides, for
example, control button 18 is then depressed. This completes the
circuit or audio-visual device control path, via momentary device
control path 131 through coil 310 of relay 293, via control path
264, to the forward operational mode common bus or control path 262
to momentarily close switch 312 as long as control button 18 is
depressed. The closure of switch 312 completes the circuit between
output leads 314 and 316 and provides the momentary control
function to slide projector 114 in this forward mode.
Similarly, for movie projector 116 which is associated with
interface module 92, if control button 20 is depressed with the
projector 116 ON, the circuit or audio-visual device control path
is completed via momentary device control path 133, through coil
340 of relay 334, via control path 266, to the forward operational
mode common bus or control path 262 to latch switches 348 and 350
in the closed position. When the control button 20 is no longer
depressed, relay 334 still remains latched until the next time
control button 20 is depressed in this mode to unlatch the relay
334. This completes the circuit to the movie projector 116 to
provide a forward mode latch control function such as PLAY.
Furthermore, similarly for amplifier 118 which is associated with
interface module 94, if it is desired to adjust the volume of the
amplifier, if that is the function to be performed, in the upward
direction so as to increase the volume, for purposes of
explanation, control button 22 is depressed with the amplifier 118
ON, and the circuit or audio-visual device control path is
completed via momentary device control path 135, through coil 310
of relay 293, via control path 268, to the forward operational mode
common bus or control path 262 to momentarily close switch 312 as
long as control button 22 is depressed. The closure of switch 312
supplies power to the bidirectional motor 110 to cause shaft 382 to
rotate, for purposes of explanation, clockwise thereby similarly
rotating the volume control shaft of the amplifier 118, so as to
increase the volume of the amplifier 118. Similarly, if control
buttons 24 through 36 are depressed in the forward mode, and the
associated device is ON, the relay associated with the forward mode
in the associated interface module 96 through 108, inclusive, will
be operated so as to provide the associated forward mode control
function for the associated audio-visual device.
In the preferred system 10 of the present invention, if it is
desired to cause a different operation of the particular
audio-visual device, such as illustratively shown as being the
opposite or reverse of the function performed in the forward
operational mode, the system 10 must be placed in the reverse
operational mode. This is accomplished by then depressing reverse
mode control button 40 which completes the circuit or audio-visual
device control path via path 153, through switch 220, coil 232 and
switch 222, to latch relay 230 in the position shown by dotted
lines 234a and 236a. This completes the circuit through path 194 to
light 178 to turn the light 178 ON thereby providing a visual
indication that the system 10 is in the reverse mode. An open
circuit is provided in the reverse mode for the power mode relay
216 between path 151 and coil 218. The latching of relay 230 in the
reverse mode position completes the circuit from the power supply
208 to the reverse operational mode common bus or control path 272
via path 212, switches 222 and 236a, and path 270.
Thereafter, each time the control button 18 through 36, inclusive,
is depressed for an audio-visual device which is ON, the associated
device will be operated in the reverse mode. Assuming slide
projector 114, movie projector 116 and amplifier 118 to still be
ON, and initially discussing the operation of slide projector 114,
when control button 18 is now depressed in the reverse mode the
circuit or audio-visual device control path is completed via
momentary device control path 131, through coil 320 of relay 294,
via control path 274, to the reverse operational mode common bus or
control path 272 to momentarily close switch 322 of momentary relay
294 as long as control button 18 is depressed. This completes the
circuit between output leads 314 and 324 to supply a momentary
control function in the reverse mode to the slide projector 114,
such as to reverse slides,which is an advancing of slides in the
opposite direction. For movie projector 116, when control button 20
is depressed in the reverse mode, the circuit or audio-visual
device control path is completed via momentary device control path
133, through coil 342 of relay 336, via control path 276, to the
reverse operational mode common bus or control path 272 to latch
switches 352 and 354 of relay 336 in the closed position to provide
the latch control function, such as rewind, in the reverse mode.
Relay 336 remains latched in this position until control button 20
is depressed again in this mode. For amplifier 118, when control
button 22 is depressed in the reverse mode of the system 10, the
circuit or audio-visual device control path is completed via
momentary device control path 135, through coil 320 of relay 294,
via control path 278, to the reverse operational mode common bus or
control path 272 to momentarily close switch 322 of relay 294 as
long as control button 22 is depressed. The closure of switch 322
completes the circuit between output leads 314 and 324 to cause the
motor 110 and shaft 382 thereof to rotate in the counterclockwise
direction, thereby similarly rotating the volume control shaft of
amplifier 118 so as to decrease the volume of the amplifier
118.
Similarly, if control buttons 24 through 36,inclusive,are depressed
in the reverse mode, and the associated device is ON, the relay
associated with the reverse mode in the associated interface module
96 through 108, inclusive, will be operated so as to provide the
associated reverse mode control function for the associated
audio-visual device. For example, if, in the reverse mode, control
button 24 is depressed, the tape recorder 120 may rewind instead of
play as in the forward mode. If control button 26 is depressed, the
television 122 volume may decrease instead of increase; if control
button 28 is depressed, slide projector 112 may reverse slides,as
in projector 114,instead of advance slides; if control button 30 is
depressed, film strip 124 may reverse instead of advance; if
control button 32 is depressed, room lights 126 may get brighter
instead of dimmer; if control button 34 is depressed, movie
projector 128 may rewind instead of play; and if control button 36
is depressed, the focus control of slide projector 112 may be
rotated counterclockwise instead of clockwise.
If it is desired to turn OFF the associated audio-visual devices
which are ON, the system 10 must once again be placed in the power
mode, as was previously mentioned. However, the system 10
preferably can be in only one operational mode at a time.
Therefore, the system 10 must first be taken out of the reverse
mode. This is accomplished by once again depressing the reverse
mode control button 40 to unlatch relay 230 and thereby return the
switches 234 and 236 to the position shown by the solid lines 234
and 236. The circuit to light 178 is thereby opened which
extinguishes light 178, and the system 10 is now, once again, in
the forward operational mode. The power mode control button 38 is
then depressed, thereby once again latching power mode relay 216 in
the position shown by dotted lines 220a and 222a, turning ON lamp
176. The control buttons 18 through 36, inclusive, of the
audio-visual devices which it is desired to turn OFF are then
depressed. This unlatches the associated power relay 291 or 332 of
the associated interface modules 90 through 108, inclusive, the
power relay 291 of interface module 108 not being utilized as
previously mentioned. This opens the circuit between the associated
AC power input 302 or 356 and the associated AC power output 304 or
358, respectively, thereby turning OFF the associated audio-visual
device and extinguishing the light 156 through 174, inclusive,
associated with the particular control button 18 through 36,
inclusive. One or all of the audio-visual devices 112 through 128,
inclusive, can be turned OFF at this time. If they are not all
turned OFF, the system 10 can then be placed in the forward
operational mode by, once again, depressing the power mode control
button 38, as was previously described. If all the associated
audio-visual devices have been turned OFF, and it is desired to
turn OFF the control system 10, switch 42 is then placed in the
open position thereby opening the circuit to the power supply
48.
"ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS"
Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment of the system 10
shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5A, 5B and 5C, is
shown, with the same reference numerals, followed by the subscript
b, being used to identify components in FIG. 2 which are identical
with those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 5A, 5B and 5C. The
modular control system shown in FIG. 2, generally referred to by
the reference numeral 10b, provides either manual or automatic or
programmed control of the system 10b in a manner to be described in
greater detail hereinafter. This modular audio-visual control
system 10b preferably includes a control panel module 14b having
control buttons 18b through 42b, inclusive, and a remote control
assembly module 16b. The control panel module 14b output connector
207b is preferably pluggably connected to a system expansion
connector module 400 to be described in greater detail hereinafter,
as is the remote control assembly module 16b input connector 209b,
connector 207b being pluggably connected to the system expansion
connector module 400 via an input connector 401,and connector 209b
being pluggably connected to the system expansion connector module
400 via another input connector 403 such as by male-female plug
interconnections. Preferably, 31 conductor paths 46b and 46c,
respectively, only one such path being shown for purposes of
clarity, are provided by each interconnection 207b-401 and
209b-403.
The pluggable output connectors 50b through 68b, inclusive, of the
remote control assembly module 16b are pluggably connected to
interface modules 90b through 108b, inclusive, respectively,
through associated input connectors 306b and 331b, input connectors
306b being for the "LATCH-MOMENTARY-MOMENTARY" type interface
modules 90b, 94b, 98b, 100b, 102b, 104b, and 108b, and input
connectors 331b being for the "LATCH-LATCH-LATCH" type interface
modules 92b, 96b, and 106b. Connectors 50b through 68b, inclusive,
are connected to interface modules 90b through 108b, inclusive, via
six conductor paths 70b through 88b, inclusive, respectively, one
such path being shown for each six-conductor path array for
purposes of clarity. As shown and preferred, interface modules 90b
through 108b, inclusive, are identical with interface modules 90
through 108 inclusive, respectively, both in structure and manner
of operation and, for purposes of illustration, are connected to
identical audio-visual devices 112b through 128b, inclusive, to
perform the identical audio-visual device control functions
described with reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 5A, 5B
and 5C. Remote control assembly module 16b is preferably pluggably
connected to a source of AC power 48b through a master power system
control module 402, to be described in greater detail hereinafter.
Up to this point in this discussion, the modular audio-visual
control system 10b is identical with the control system 10
previously described with the exception of the addition of the
system expansion connector module 400 and the master power system
control module 402.
The master power system control module 402 is preferably included
in a modular programmer portion 404 which also preferably includes
a conventional telephone-tone decoder 406, such as a Bramco/Leedax
Model MD47C 12 digit touch-tone decoder which decodes the 12 digit
touch-tone information to provide a single momentary digital
control signal in a conventional manner, and will not be described
in greater detail hereinafter. Suffice it to say that the decoder
406 has an AC power input 408 which is pluggably connected to the
master power system control module 402 and, therethrough, to the
source of AC power 48b. In addition, the telephone-tone decoder 406
has a signal output connector 410 which preferably provides 12
possible control signal paths, illustratively shown as one such
path 412 for clarity, which is pluggably connected to the system
expansion connector module 400 via an input connector 414.
The telephone-tone decoder 406 also preferably includes a signal
input connector 416 for receiving the touch-tone input signal which
is decoded to provide the single momentary digital control signal
on one of the 12 control paths 412. A conventional touch-tone
telephone pad 418 such as provided on a standard conventional
touch-tone telephone manufactured by Western Electric for the Bell
System, is connected to the decoder 406 through a conventional
telephone line 420 to provide remote control of the system 10b
thereby. In addition a conventional tape recorder 422 and computer
423, preferably each having a touch-tone output, are preferably
connected to the decoder 406 input 416 via conductors 424 and 425,
respectively, such as telephone lines if transmission thereover is
desired, or conventional cables, to preferably provide the 12
touch-tone input signal to the decoder 406. If a tape recorder 422
is utilized as the source of input signal it is also preferably
pluggably connected to the master power system control module 402
and therethrough to the AC power source 48b. The interconnection of
the touch-tone telephone pad 418, the tape recorder 422, or the
computer 423 to the system 10b via decoder 406 may be omitted if
control thereby is not desired.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the programmer portion 404 of the system
10b is shown in greater detail. As shown and preferred, the master
power system control module 402 includes three pluggable sockets
428, 430, and 432 through which the remote control assembly module
16b, the tape recorder 422, and the decoder 406 are,respectively,
pluggably connected, such as by male-female plug interconnections.
Sockets 428, 430, and 432 are preferably connected in parallel. A
master power key switch 434 is connected between the AC power
source 48b and the sockets 428, 430 and 432 to supply power thereto
in the closed position and an open circuit in the open position.
Preferably, a fuse 436 is provided to protect the system 10b from
current overloads. A single-pole-single-throw momentary relay 438
having a solenoid coil 440 and an armature portion or switch 442 is
preferably connected in parallel to the master power key switch 434
for supplying current to coil 440 so as to close switch 442 when
switch 434 is in the closed position and thereby complete the
circuit to the sockets 428, 430 and 432 supplying AC power thereto.
When such a key master power switch 434 is utilized to control the
supply of AC power to the system 10b the SYSTEM ON control button
42b and associated circuitry on control panel module 14b is not
required for this purpose and may be utilized for another
purpose,such as for signaling cue or trouble if more than one
control panel module 14b is utilized in the system 10b, as will be
described in greater detail hereinafter.
Preferably, the master power system control module 402 also
includes a program play select switch 444 which is operatively
connected to a double-pole-double-throw relay 446 having a solenoid
coil 447 and an armature portion comprising switches 448 and 450.
Switch 448 is a single throw switch which closes a circuit to turn
ON the light 452 when switch 444 is in the closed position. Switch
450 is a double-throw switch which is in the position indicated by
the solid line 450 to complete a circuit to the telephone-tone
decoder 406 input 416 from the telephone pad input 420 and the
computer tone input 425 when the switch 444 is in the open
position, and which is in the position indicated by the dotted line
450a to complete a circuit to the decoder 406 input 416 from the
tape recorder output 424 when the switch 444 is in the closed
position. The decoder 406 31 pin or conductor output connector 410
provides an output signal on one of the momentary device control
paths 196, 131, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 151, 149,
or 153 through the system expansion connector module 400 to both
the control panel module 14b and the remote control assembly module
16b, in a manner to be described in greater detail hereinafter, in
response to the tone input on either path 420, 425 or 424 dependent
on the position of switches 444 and 450. In addition, if it is
desired to record a tone signal format for a program, the tape
recorder 422 has its signal input plugged into jack 451 and is
placed in the record mode, with switch 444 open and switch 450 in
the position shown by the solid line 450.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the detailed schematic of the system
expansion connector module 400 of the present invention is shown.
This connector module 400 preferably includes a parallel matrix
array including the 31 pin male connector 403 and three 31 pin
pluggable female connectors 401, 414, and 454, respectively. A
corresponding control path of the 31 possible control paths
provided from the male connector 403 is connected in parallel to
the corresponding control path of each of the male connectors 454,
414 and 401 to provide 31 parallel paths for each connector 454,
414 and 401 interconnected with the 31 parallel paths of the male
connector 403, these paths corresponding to control paths 131, 133,
135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147, 149, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184,
185, 186, 187, 188, 190, 151, 192, 153, 196, 194, 200, 202, 204,
and 206.
If desired, one or more additional control panel modules 14c
identical to control panel modules 14 and 14b, could be included in
the system 10b, control panel module 14c being shown by dotted
lines for purposes of illustration, such control panel module 14c
being pluggably connected to the system expansion connector module
400 via connector 454 and 207c. When two or more control panel
modules 14b and 14c are utilized, the SYSTEM ON control button 42b
could be utilized as a trouble or cue button for signaling one
control panel, for example 14c, from the other control panel 14b by
depressing button 42b to flash the light associated with button 42c
on the other control panel module 14c, control buttons 42b and 42c
and their associated lights being connected in series to each other
and in parallel to the power supply 208 via system expansion
connector module 400. If desired, the two control panel modules 14b
and 14c may be located at remote locations from each other.
"OPERATION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT"
Now describing the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. The
operation of the control panel module 14b, remote control assembly
module 16b, and associated interface modules 90b through 108b,
inclusive, is identical to that described with reference to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and will not be described in greater
detail hereinafter. In order to turn ON the control system 10b
shown in FIG. 2, the key master power switch 434 is closed which
completes the circuit to the sockets 428, 430 and 432. This
supplies power to the remote control assembly module 16b through
socket 428. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a direct connection
is provided between the AC power input and the DC power supply 208
so that closure of switch 434 supplies AC power to the DC power
supply 208. Power is also supplied to the decoder 406 and the tape
recorder encoder 422 via sockets 432 and 430, respectively.
If it is desired to operate the system 10b manually in the manner
previously described with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG.
1 the program play switch 44 is left in the open position,
telephone pad 418 and computer 423 are not operated, and the
control panel module 14b may, therefore, be operated in the manner
previously described with reference to the control panel module 14
to control the audio-visual devices 112 through 128, inclusive, via
connector module 400, remote control assembly module 16b, and
interface modules 90b through 108b, inclusive, respectively, in the
manner previously described with reference to the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1. If it is desired to operate the control system 10b via
programmed control from tape recorder 422 in an automatic fashion,
the program play switch 444 is closed. This operates relay 446 to
close switch 448 and place switch 450 in the position shown by
dotted line 450a. This turns ON light 452 to provide an indication
that the system 10b is in the programmed control mode and closes
the circuit between the tape recorder 422 tone output 424 and the
tone decoder 406. As the tape recorder 422 plays back the tape upon
which tones have been encoded in the desired program format, such
tones preferably being of the 12-digit touch-tone variety, one such
tone being associated with each of the control buttons 18b through
40b, inclusive, respectively, a decoded output signal is provided
from decoder 406 via path 196 and the appropriate associated
momentary device control path 131, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143,
145, 147, 151, 149, or 153. The operation of the system 10b except
for the decoding of the tone input to provide the associated
momentary device control signal on these paths 131 through 153,
inclusive, and 196, is identical to that previously described with
reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and will not be
described in greater detail hereinafter. Suffice it to say that
when a tone signal is decoded to provide an output on paths 151 and
196 the system 10b is placed into the power operational mode, and
when a tone signal is decoded to provide an output on paths 153 and
196 the system 10b is placed into the reverse operational mode, the
system 10b normally being in the forward operational mode when not
in the power mode or the reverse mode.
If it is desired to operate the control system 10b via the
touch-tone telephone pad 418 or the computer 423, the program play
switch 444 is opened. This opens switch 448, extinguishing light
452, and switch 450 returns to the position shown by the dotted
line 450a. This completes the circuit between the decoder 406 and
the computer and touch-tone telephone pad outputs 425 and 420,
respectively. Thereafter, either the computer 423 or the touch-tone
telephone pad 418 is operated to control the system 10b, the
computer tone output 425 being similar to the tape recorder tone
output 424 and providing automatic operation therefrom. A single
control button on the touch-tone telephone pad 418 preferably
corresponds to one of the control buttons 18b through 40b,
inclusive, and when the corresponding control button on the
telephone pad 418 is depressed, the associated touch-tone signal is
transmitted via line 420 to the decoder 406 where it is decoded and
sent out through the connector module 400 to the appropriate
momentary device control path in the remote control assembly module
16b to control the system 10b in the manner previously described
with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
Furthermore, it is to be noted that when the control panel module
14b is connected in the system 10b during automatic program control
operation, the various lights associated with the respective
control buttons 18b through 40b, inclusive, will be lit and
extinguished in the manner previously described with reference to
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. If such a visual display is not
desired during automatic operation, the control panel module 14b
may be disconnected from the system by unplugging it from the
connector module 400 and the system 10b will still be able to
function automatically.
When an additional control panel module 14c is utilized in the
system 10b, the operation of the system 10b is identical with that
just previously described. However, since the control panel modules
14b and 14c are connected in parallel, the audio-visual devices 112
through 128, inclusive, may be controlled from either panel 14b or
14c. As was previously mentioned, in this instance the SYSTEM ON
buttons 42b and 42c are trouble or cue buttons for signaling
between the two panels 14b and 14c.
By utilizing the system of the present invention considerable
versatility and flexibility are provided for an audio-visual
control system so as to provide a plurality of audio-visual device
control functions of either a latch or momentary nature from a
single momentary device control function for a variable number of
audio-visual devices. Furthermore, this control may be provided
either manually or automatically from one or more locations in an
easy and efficient manner.
It is to be understood that the above described embodiments of the
present invention are merely illustrative of the principles thereof
and that numerous modifications and embodiments of the invention
may be derived within the spirit and scope thereof, such as by
utilizing a tone generator and a multichannel FM receiver to
provide the momentary device control signals to the remote control
assembly module of the system, through the decoder, in order to
control the audio-visual devices, or by providing a different
available quantity of control buttons and/or control paths to
provide a different available quantity of audio-visual device
control functions.
* * * * *