U.S. patent number 3,833,886 [Application Number 05/237,835] was granted by the patent office on 1974-09-03 for remote control with selective evaluation of impulse patterns.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Zellweger Ltd.. Invention is credited to Eduard Baumann.
United States Patent |
3,833,886 |
Baumann |
September 3, 1974 |
REMOTE CONTROL WITH SELECTIVE EVALUATION OF IMPULSE PATTERNS
Abstract
A receiver programmed to respond to either an individual command
impulse pattern or to an individual command and a collective
command impulse pattern. This is accomplished by opening two links
in the command key so that the receiver is responsive both to the
individual command and a collective command. In this state, both
received commands would match the impulse pattern associated with
the receiver. When these two links are closed, the receiver is only
responsive to the individual commands.
Inventors: |
Baumann; Eduard (Uster,
CH) |
Assignee: |
Zellweger Ltd. (Uster,
CH)
|
Family
ID: |
4279270 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/237,835 |
Filed: |
March 24, 1972 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Mar 29, 1971 [CH] |
|
|
4608/71 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/4.3;
340/12.29; 340/4.36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J
13/00009 (20200101); Y02E 60/00 (20130101); Y04S
40/121 (20130101); Y02B 90/20 (20130101); Y02E
60/7815 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H02J
13/00 (20060101); H04q 009/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;340/164,167R,168R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Yusko; Donald J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kenyon & Kenyon Reilly Carr
& Chapin
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for remote control comprising the steps of forming an
individual command impulse pattern of a particular class of
elements including a plurality of stages having a predetermined
number of said stages occupied by binary characters of a first type
and a predetermined number of said stages occupied by binary
characters of a second type;
transmitting said individual command impulse pattern to a receiver
of a group of differently programmed receivers programmed for
responding to a predetermined individual command impulse pattern of
a plurality of stages;
forming a collective command impulse pattern for collectively
activating a number of said differently programmed receivers, said
latter pattern being of the same class of elements and stages as
said individual command impulse pattern, said collective command
impulse pattern having a part of said stages thereof different from
said individual command impulse pattern for representing a
command;
transmitting either of said command impulse patterns to said
receiver;
checking a received command impulse pattern for consistency of the
respective binary characters in only those stages of the command
impulse pattern where said predetermined individual command impulse
pattern has the same type of binary character as a collective
command impulse pattern allotted to said individual command impulse
pattern and non-checking at least two stages of the received
command impulse pattern, whereby said at least two stages are
occupied in the corresponding individual command impulse pattern by
at least one binary character of the first type and at least one
binary character of the second type;
thereby programming said receiver to respond to its predetermined
individual command impulse pattern as well as to an allotted
collective command impulse pattern.
Description
This invention relates to a remote control with selective
evaluation of impulse patterns.
Remote control methods and apparatus for carrying out such methods
have been known in which master commands as well as individual
commands are transmitted and received by suitably equipped
receivers. For example, one such method and apparatus is described
in Swiss Patent 462,929, published Nov. 15, 1968, in British Patent
Application 3769/69 now Patent No. 1,253,733 and in South African
Patent 69/0205. As described in these references, each impulse
pattern representing either an individual command or a master
command consists of an equal number of n elements, each of which
can be, for example, an impulse or an impulse gap. Another property
of the individual and master commands is that one individual
command represents a combination of a freely selected class (m) of
the n elements, whilst a master command represents a combination of
another class (p) of the n elements. This characterizes the
structure of the impulse patterns to be produced at the
transmitting end and also determines an essential property of the
remote control receiving arrangement. According to the cited
references, a receiver which is designed to receive and evaluate an
individual command is also equipped to evaluate a master command by
virtue of the fact that, during reception, at least one of the n
elements of the combination is not tested for consistency between
the impulse pattern received and the individual command impulse
pattern associated with the receiver.
Although the known remote control method and the associated
receiving arrangement referred to above perform the function of
forming and evaluating individual and master commands, the
difference in class required for the individual commands and the
master commands has been a disadvantage so far as susceptibility to
interference is concerned.
In order to provide for a clearer understanding of the invention,
note is made of the fact that in remote control terminology, the
individual commands are formed, for example, by impulse sequences.
Impulse sequences of this kind are also known as impulse patterns
or impulse telegrams. The individual commands are, for example, in
a binary code, and are generally combinations of a certain class of
n elements where n denotes the number of stages in an impulse
sequence of the kind in question.
Each stage of the impulse pattern is associated with a binary
character of a first kind, for example an impulse, or a binary
character of a second kind, for example an impulse gap. Instead of
impulses and impulse gaps, it is also possible in known manner to
use position-modulated impulses or alternating-current impulses of
different frequency, and the like for representing commands. The
present invention is hereinafter described with refrence to one
example with impulses and gaps. However, it is pointed out that the
invention is by no means limited to this type of impulse telegram
or impulse pattern.
It will be assumed by way of example that an impulse pattern has
ten stages, i.e., n = 10, thus ten elements are available for
forming combinations representative of commands. Under the rules of
combinatory analysis, a total of 252 commands is obtained from 10
elements in combinations of the 5th class.
In remote control technology, since each command generally has a
counter command, for example to switch on or off a remote
controlled switch, it is of advantage to form 126 pairs of commands
from the total of 252 possible combinations. As already known, the
evaluation of pairs of commands such as these becomes particularly
simple in terms of apparatus where inverse impulse patterns are
used for the command and the counter command. Accordingly, it is of
advantage to form the 126 pairs referred to above in such a way
that each pair consists of impulse patterns that are inverse to one
another.
In binary notation, the impulse pattern of a certain command reads,
for example, as follows:
a. 1001011001.
The impulse pattern represents a 5th-class combination of 10
elements. It contains the binary value "1" five times and the
binary value "0" five times. According to what has been said above,
the associated counter command thus has the following impulse
pattern:
b. 0110100110.
The commands a and b shall be individual commands. According to
Swiss Patent 462,929 referred to above, collective commands (master
commands) are formed in such a way that their impulse patterns
represent combinations of another class, for example, the 4th
class, of n elements. Accordingly, there is a difference in class
between the individual commands and the collective commands. A
collective command with which a suitably equipped receiver
associated with the individual command a, for example, could be
covered has an impulse pattern of the following kind for
example:
c. 1000011001.
It can be seen that in the collective command (c) the binary value
0 is present in the 4th stage instead of the binary value 1 (in
command a). The counter collective command thus has the impulse
pattern inverse to command c.
d. 0111100110.
According to the above Swiss patent, a receiver with which the
individual command a is associated is made to respond to a
collective command c by virtue of the fact that the monitoring for
consistency between the impulse pattern received and the impulse
pattern associated with the particular receiver, which monitoring
is carried out in stages, stops i.e., is interrupted in a certain
stage of the impulse pattern. In the present example, monitoring
would be interrupted in the 4th stage. In this case, any
non-consistency occurring in this 4th stage, as must intentionally
occur in the transmission of a collective command c, does not have
any effect upon the operative stage of the circuit element which is
in its first set state.
Accordingly, despite the non-consistency which has occurred in the
4th stage, the received impulse pattern c, on completion thereof,
is accepted by the testing means. In other words, the impulse
pattern of the selective command c is also selectively evaluated by
the receiver which is prepared to receive the individual command a,
and the associated command carried out. The same applies
analogously as regards the counter collective command with the
impulse pattern d inverse to c.
The transmission of remote control signals, especially in cases
where they are superimposed upon a power supply system, as is
generally the case for example in ripple control, is accompanied by
a relatively high noise level. As 4th class combinations of 10
elements, collective commands formed by the method described above
represent a preliminary stage of individual commands as 5th class
combinations of 10 elements. This can be recognized for example
from the fact that, in the event of a sufficiently strong and
long-lasting interference impulse during the 4th stage of the
transmitted collective command of impulse pattern c, it could
happen that this command becomes converted by the addition of an
interference impulse in the 4th stage into an individual command of
impulse pattern a. However, such a conversion of a collective
command into an individual command is undesirable because it can
lead to faulty switching even in receivers which are adjusted
solely for the reception of their individual command.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to obviate the
possibility that a collective command of one class can be converted
into an individual command of another class.
It is another object of the invention to avoid the transmission of
a collective command impulse which might represent a preliminary
stage for an individual command impulse.
It is another object of the invention to use combinations of the
same class of n elements both for individual command and also for
collective commands.
It is another object of the invention to enable numerous master
commands and individual commands to be formed with greater immunity
from interference by comparison with known solutions.
Briefly, the present invention provides a method for remote control
by means of impulse patterns associated with individual commands
which consist of n stages of which a predetermined number of stages
is occupied by binary characters of a first kind ("0") whilst a
similarly predetermined number of stages is occupied by binary
characters of a second kind ("1"). The arrangement is such that,
during a transmission sequence, an impulse pattern associated with
the particular command is transmitted which is tested for
consistency with the impulse pattern associated with the particular
receiver and, if accepted, is evaluated. The method of the
invention is distinguished by the fact that combinations of the
same class of the n elements are used at the transmitting end both
for the formation of individual commands and also for the formation
of collective commands although a first portion of the possible
combinations is used to represent collective commands whilst a
second portion of the possible combinations is used for forming
individual commands. Further, the method is distinguished by the
fact that, at the receiving end, monitoring or checking for
consistency between the impulse pattern received and the individual
command impulse pattern associated with the receiver stops in at
least two of the n stages in the receiver which are designed to
respond to collective commands. In addition, at least one binary
character of the first type and one binary character of the second
type are present in the unmonitored or unchecked stages of the
received impulse pattern.
The invention also provides an apparatus comprising at least one
circuit element which can be adjusted to two operative stages and a
testing means. The circuit element is adjustable into a set, first
operative state, and the latest, on commencement of the reception
of an impulse pattern. In addition, the circuit element is
constructed to retain this operative state up to the end of the
impulse pattern if consistency between the impulse pattern received
and the impulse pattern associated with the particular receiver is
detected by the testing means in the monitored stages of the
impulse pattern but which otherwise is displaced into the second
state if the impulse patterns are inconsistent.
If, in the previously taken example, n remains equal to 10, all
commands are formed as 5th class combinations of 10 elements. Under
the rules of combinatory analysis, this gives a total of 252
possible combinations, i.e., commands. Of these 252 combinations,
126 pairs of double commands are initially formed with impulse
patterns that are inverse to one another. A first portion of these
126 pairs of commands, for example, 26, is reserved for collective
commands, whilst the second portion, covering the remainder, is
available for the formation of individual commands.
The ability to respond not only to an individual command but to a
collective command as well, which is required for at least some of
the multiplicity of receivers connected to a remote control system,
is achieved by virtue of the fact that the monitoring for
consistency between the impulse pattern received and the individual
command impulse pattern associated with the receiver always stops
for at least two stages; the stages in question being stages
occupied by inverse binary characters. Accordingly, for example,
one stage of the associated impulse pattern which is occupied by a
binary character of a first type (1) and another stage which is
occupied by a binary character of a second type (0) are not tested
for consistency.
As required, a collective command intended for the particular
receiver differs in impulse pattern from the individual command
impulse pattern associated with the particular receiver, for
example, in two stages. However, the rest of the two impulse
patterns are identical. In the case of different individual
commands which can be covered by a common collective command, the
position of the identical parts of the associated impulse patterns
is different, although in two stages for example, there is never
any consistency. As a result of the absence of any examination for
consistency in these very stages, for example two in number, these
receivers are also made to respond to the aforementioned collective
command.
It can readily be seen that, where collective commands and
individual commands are formed in this way, there is no longer any
danger of a collective command being converted by an interference
impulse into an individual command for a receiver that is
exclusively adjusted to its individual command. In order to convert
one command into another, it would be necessary for an interference
impulse to occur in a stage occupied, for example, by an impulse
gap, and, in another predetermined stage which is occupied by an
impulse from the transmitter, for this impulse to be lost on its
way to the receiver. However, this is a condition which would
appear to be extremely improbable to be satisfied.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become
more apparent from the following detailed description and appended
claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 illustrates one simple example of an impulse pattern;
FIG. 1a illustrates one example of an impulse pattern of a
collective command;
FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram for a first embodiment of a
receiver according to the invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a number of circuit diagrams based on the
chronological sequence of a remote control command;
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a command key;
FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a command set connected to
a receiver according to the invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates an electronic reversing switch according to the
invention; and
FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a number of command sets
connected to a receiver according to the invention.
In the interest of simplicity and understanding, remote control
commands with n = 4 elements are used in the following.
Referring to FIG. 1, a simple impulse pattern with which a remote
control command is transmitted has the time t plotted as the
abscissa and, as ordinate, the amplitude U of the alternating
current signals which are superimposed upon a power supply system
for transmitting the remote control commands. The receivers
connected to a common power supply system are started up in known
manner by a pilot impulse 1. The pilot impulse 1 is followed by an
impulse pattern 2 for the period of time T. The period T is divided
into n = 4 intervals in each of which an impulse or an impulse gap
is marked by a remote control transmitter. As shown, the impulse
pattern 2 begins in the interval T.sub.1 with an impulse gap 11
which is followed in the interval T.sub.2 by an impulse 12. This is
followed in the next interval T.sub.3 by another impulse gap 13
which in turn is followed in the interval T.sub.4 by an impulse 14.
It is of course also possible to use impulse patterns with more
intervals and more complicated sequences of impulse gaps and
impulses (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 3,531,174). However, it is also
possible to transmit master commands or collective commands (cf.
South African Patent 69/0205, Swiss Patent 462,929).
In use, the starting impulse 1 and the impulse pattern 2 are
received by the receivers connected to the common power supply
system for selective evaluation of the different impulse patterns
2.
Referring to FIG. 2, a receiver 20 suitable for evaluating the
impulse pattern of FIG. 1 consists of a basic unit 21, a command
set 22 and a command key 23 such a receiver is similar to that
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,455.
The basic unit 21 contains a frequency-selective receiving element
24 of the kind used in ripple control which, on the arrival of a
starting impulse 1 (FIG. 1), temporarily closes a switch 25 and, in
doing so, connects a synchronous motor 26 to an a.c. voltage
present between the terminals 27 and 28. As a result, the
synchronous motor 26 is started up and closes a switch 29 which
remains self-holding in known manner throughout the entire period
of evaluation of a remote control command. Immediately before
commencement of the impulse pattern 2 (FIG. 1), the synchronous
motor 26 briefly actuates an ignition contact 30, as a result of
which, a positive voltage is applied by a terminal 31 to a terminal
32 of the basic unit 21. Following reception of the impulse pattern
2 (FIG. 1), the synchronous motor 26 also actuates an interrogation
switch 33, as a result of which, a positive voltage present at a
terminal 34 is temporarily applied to a terminal 35 of the basic
unit 21.
During reception of the impulse pattern 2 (FIG. 1) the receiving
element 24 actuates a reversing switch 36 in accordance with the
received impulse pattern 2. As a result, the reversing switch 36
applies a positive voltage present at a terminal 37 to a terminal
38, in the case of a received impulse gap, and to a terminal 39 of
the basic unit 21 in the case of a received impulse.
Advantageously, the reversing switch 36 functions in a
non-interrupting manner.
The basic unit 21 further comprises a stepping swtich 40 whose
contact finger 41 is connected to a terminal 42 at zero potential.
During a period T', the stepping switch 40 covers n switching
positions a, b, c, d in that order. The arrangement is such that
the switching position a is covered during the time interval
T'.sub.1 (cf. FIG. 3), the switching position b is covered during
the time interval T'.sub.2, the switching position c covered during
the time interval T'.sub.3 and the switching position d covered
during the time interval T'.sub.4. In this connection, it is of
advantage for reasons of tolerance, for the time taken to cover the
switching positions to be shorter than the duration of the
intervals T'.sub.1 . . . T'.sub.4.
In its rest position, the contact finger 41 of the stepping switch
40 does not lie in any of the aforementioned switching positions a
. . . d. The terminals 43, 44, 45 and 46 of the basic unit 21 are
each temporarily connected during the time intervals T'.sub.1,
T'.sub.2, T'.sub.3 and T'.sub.4 to the zero-potential terminal 42
by the stepping switch 40.
The switching functions which have to be carried out in the basic
unit 21 can also be performed by electronic means.
The switching program to be carried out by the basic unit 21 is
shown by way of example in FIG. 3 based on the chronological
sequence of a transmitted remote control command, i.e., as a
function of the starting impulse 1 and the impulse pattern 2. In a
time interval T.sub.0 preceding the impulse pattern 2 or its
duration T, the pilot impulse 1 is sent out by the ripple control
transmitter and transmitted through the common power supply system
to the receiver 20. The starting impulse begins at a moment t.sub.o
(cf. FIG. 3 diagram A). Each of the intervals T.sub.0 . . . T.sub.4
and another following interval T.sub.a is divided into 4
subintervals, giving a total of 24 such sub-intervals (cf. FIG. 3,
line H).
The receiving element 24 normally responds with a delay to the
impulses transmitted and received and, at the end of the impulse,
returns to rest advantageously with delay. Accordingly, the switch
25 is still open from the time t.sub.0 to the time t.sub.1 during
the time interval T.sub.0 (cf. FIG. 3, line B). By contrast, the
switch 25 is closed by the received starting impulse 1 for the
period t.sub.1 to t.sub.5 in the time interval T'.sub.0. At the end
of the time interval T'.sub.0, i.e., at the time t.sub.5, the
switch 25 opens again. Since an impulse gap 11 is marked in the
interval T.sub.1 in the present impulse pattern 2, the switch 25
remains open during the interval T'.sub.1. It is only as a result
of the impulse 12 transmitted in the interval T.sub.2 that the
receiving element 24 responds, again with the usual delay, at the
time t.sub.9 and keeps the switch 25 closed up to the time
t.sub.13. An impulse gap 13 is again marked in the interval
T.sub.3, so that the switch 25 remains open throughout the entire
interval T'.sub.3. By contrast, the receiving element 24 responds
to the impulse 14 transmitted in the interval T.sub.4 so that the
switch 25 is again closed for the period from t.sub.17 to t.sub.21.
From the time t.sub.21, the switch 25 is again opened. Opening of
the switch 25 during the intervals T.sub.1 and T.sub.3 is
inconsequential because the self-holding switch 29 keeps the
synchronous motor 26 going.
The switch 36 is also controlled by the receiving element 24. The
switch 36 changes from position x to position y depending on
whether an impulse gap or an impulse is marked in the impulse
pattern received (cf. FIG. 3, line C). As already mentioned, it is
of advantage for this change to be carried out without interruption
so that the switching times actually overlap to a certain extent.
As will later be shown, at least one switching element with two
operative states accommodated in the command set 22, for example in
the form of a controlled silicon rectifier or in the form of a
bistable circuit arrangement, is fed through the switch 36. With
regard both to the necessary overlap in the switching times of the
switch 36 and to any brief interruptions during reversal which are
still just permissible, allowance has to be made in this case for
the clearing behavior of the particular bistable circuit element in
known manner.
Due to the aforementioned closure of the switch 25 on the arrival
of a starting impulse, the synchronous motor 26 is started up and
brings the switch 29 into a self-holding state. For example from
the time t.sub.2 up to the time t.sub.25 (cf. FIG. 3, line D).
The switch 30 which is also actuated by the synchronous motor 26 in
accordance with a program fixed in advance, closes before the
beginning of the period T, for example during the time interval
from t.sub.3 to t.sub.4. The switch 30 remains open for the
remainder of the sequence of a control command (cf. FIG. 3, line
E).
As already mentioned, the stepping switch 40 is also actuated by
the synchronous motor 26. The switching function of this stepping
switch 40 is graphically illustrated in FIG. 3, line F. As can be
seen, the contact finger 41 of the stepping switch 40 covers each
of the n switching positions a,b,c,d in that order over a brief
period during each of the intervals T.sub.1 to T.sub.4. For
example, the terminal 43 is connected through the contact finger 41
to the zero-potential terminal 42 during the period of time from
t.sub.6 to t.sub.7. This applies to the terminal 44 for the period
t.sub.10 to t.sub.11, to the terminal 45 for the period from
t.sub.14 to t.sub.15 and to the terminal 46 for the period t.sub.18
to t.sub.19.
The interrogation switch 33 is permanently open during the starting
impulse interval T.sub.0 and during the interval T and is only
temporarily closed on completion of the impulse pattern, for
example during the period of time from t.sub.22 to t.sub.23 (cf.
FIG. 3, line G).
The structure and mode of operation of the command set 22 with the
command key 23 will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.
The command set 22 is connected to the terminals 32, 35, 38, 39,
42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 of the basic unit 21. Positive voltage is
supplied to a bistable switching element 50, for example in the
form of a controllable silicon rectifier (SCR) either from the
terminal 38 or from the terminal 39, depending on the position of
the switch 36, through a resistor 51 of 52 and a diode 53 or 54. A
positive voltage is briefly supplied as a starting voltage to a
starting terminal 55 of the controllable silicon rectifier in the
period of time t.sub.3 to t.sub.4 (cf. FIG. 3) during which the
switch 30 is closed, through a voltage divider with the resistors
56 and 57. As a result, the controlled silicon rectifier 50 is
brought into a conductive state providing the rectifier 50 was not
previously in this state. Accordingly, the bistable switching
element 50 carries current through one of the two feed current
circuits S.sub.1 and S.sub.2 from the terminal 38 or 39 (depending
upon the position of the switch 36) either through the resistor 51
and the diode 53 or through the resistor 52 and the diode 54.
Accordingly, it has been brought into the first of two states.
Absence of current, i.e., a cleared SCR, corresponds to the second
state. The cathode of the SCR is connected to the terminal 42 at
zero potential.
From the terminal 35 of the basic unit 21, a line 58 leads througn
an impulse switch 59 to the input terminal 60 of the bistable
switching element 50, i.e., to the anode terminal of the SCR.
According to FIG. 3, line G, the interrogation switch 33 is only
temporarily closed for the period of time from t.sub.22 to t.sub.23
on completion of the impulse pattern 2. During this period, the
impulse switch 59 is thus connected on one side to the positive
voltage present at terminal 34 and on the other side to the anode
of the SCR 50. If then, the SCR is still in the conductive first
state, a current impulse flows through the impulse switch 59 so
that the SCR 50 switches into a new position until the next current
impulse arrives. If by contrast the SCR is already in the cleared
state, i.e., currentless second state at the end of the impulse
interval 2, no current impulse will flow through the impulse switch
59 despite the temporarily closed interrogation switch 33.
Accordingly, the impulse switch 59 retains the position it was last
in.
Whether the bistable switching element 50 remains in the first
stage at the end of the received impulse pattern or whether it has
already been brought into the second state, will be determined by
the result of testing of the impulse pattern associated with the
receiver 20.
The two impulse patterns are compared during each of the intervals
T.sub.1 to T.sub.4 by means of the stepping switch 40 in the basic
unit and the lines 61, 62, 63 and 64 connected thereto in
conjunction with the command key 23 and the connection of the
command key 23 to the feed current circuits S.sub.1 and S.sub.2.
The command key 23 through line connections which are formed by the
links 65, 66, 67 and 68 and by the conductors 69 and 70, connects
either the switching point 71 of the feed current circuit S.sub.1
or the switching point 72 of the feed current circuit S.sub.2 to
the terminal 42 at zero potential in dependence upon the position
of the links 65 - 68, and in dependence upon the particular
position of the stepping switch 40. In those intervals which are
not to be monitored, as in the case with collective commands, the
corresponding links (65 . . . 68) in the command key 63 are
arranged in such a way they occupy a central position for example
73 or 74 or 75 or 76.
If, in the present embodiment, the receiver 20 is only intended to
respond to an individual command which is characterized by the
impulse pattern illustrated in FIG. 1, the links 65 and 67 have to
be connected to the conductor 69 because the receiver 20, by virtue
of the impulse pattern associated therewith, is only expecting
impulse gaps in the associated intervals T.sub.1 and Thd 3. On the
other hand, impulses are expected by the receiver 20 in the
intervals T.sub.2 and T.sub.4 so that the links 66 and 68
associated with these intervals have to be connected to the
conductor 70. The conductor 69 is designed to be connected through
a reversing switch 77 either to the switching point 71 of the feed
current circuit S.sub.1 or to the switching point 72 of the feed
current circuit S.sub.2. The conductor 70 is similarly designed to
be connected through a reversing switch 78 either to the switching
point 72 of the feed current circuit S.sub.2 or to the switching
point 71 of the feed current circuit S.sub.1. Further reference
will be made hereinafter to the function of the reversing switches
77 and 78. In the position illustrated, cf. FIG. 2, the conductor
69 is connected to the feed current circuit S.sub.2 and the
conductor 70 to the feed current circuit S.sub.1.
The two diodes 53 and 54 are used to uncouple the two feed current
circuits S.sub.1 and S.sub.2. The feed current circuit S.sub.1 is
under voltage on the arrival of an impulse gap, whilst the feed
current circuit S.sub.2 is under voltage on the arrival of an
impulse.
It can now be seen that, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, a
short-circuiting shunt to the feed current circuits S.sub.1 and
S.sub.2 is never formed on arrival of an impulse pattern which
corresponds to the impulse pattern associated with the receiver 20,
as expressed by the structure of the command key 23, along the
paths, leading to the zero potential at the terminal 42, of the
switching points 71 and 72 through the reversing switches 77 and
78, the conductors 69 and 70 and the associated links 65 . . . 68,
the lines 61 . . . 64 and the stepping switch 40. Accordingly, the
supply of current to the bistable switching element 50 (SCR) is
never shut off during the entire sequence of the impulse pattern,
so that the switching element 50 remains in the first, i.e.,
conductive, state.
By contrast, if a received impulse pattern does not correspond to
the impulse pattern associated with the receiver 20, as expressed
by the structure of the command key 23, a shunt is temporarily
formed from the switching point 71 or 72, depending on whether
non-consistency is detected on the arrival of an expected impulse
gap or on the arrival of an expected impulse, to the zero potential
across terminal 42 through the reversing switches 77 or 78, the
command key 23, one of the lines 61 . . . 64 and the stepping
switch 40. As a result of this, however, the bistable switching
element 50 (SCR) is deprived, at least temporarily, of the holding
current so that the switching element 50 falls back into the second
non-conductive state and remains there until the end of the impulse
pattern.
It is thus clear that, when the state of the bistable switching
element 50 is interrogated at the end of the impulse pattern by
temporary closure of the switch 33, the impulse switch 59 is only
energized and actuated when the impulse pattern received has
corresponded to the impulse pattern associated with the receiver
20.
The receiver 20 can be made to respond to two commands very easily
without any appreciable further outlay. For each impulse pattern,
it is possible to represent an inverse impulse pattern, i.e., one
in which impulses and impulse gaps in the second correspond to the
impulse gaps and impulses in the first. It is of advantage, for
example, to associate a certain impulse pattern with an ON-command
for the switch to be remote controlled and to associate the
OFF-command for this switch with the inverse impulse pattern. The
receiver 20 can then be adjusted to one or other of the two inverse
patterns through a simple reversing operation, the aforementioned
reversing switches 77 and 78 being provided for this purpose in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2. It is of particular advantage to couple
the reversing switches 77 and 78 with the impulse switch 59, as
indicated in FIG. 2 by a chain-dot line 79. Following each
actuation of the impulse switch 59, the receiver 20 is thus
automatically adjusted to the particular inverse impulse
pattern.
Since, in the practical application of receivers of the same kind
as the receivers 20, it is also necessary to readjust to another
remote control command or to another pair of remote control
commands, it is of advantage to design the command key 23 (cf. FIG.
2) in such a way that it can be areadily exchanged. Proposals
relating to the readjustment of a certain ripple control receiver
to another remote control command, have already been put forward,
c.f. for example, British Patent 1,220,011. However, it proved to
be necessary in this case to replace those parts of the ripple
control receiver which are constituents of a moving mechanism. This
involves disadvantages both in regard to the maintenance of
tolerances required for satisfactory operation of the mechanism and
also in regard to the possibility of damage to the mobile mechanism
during replacement of the aforementioned parts.
According to the present invention, however, the receiver 20 can be
readjusted to a new remote control command or to a pair of new
remote control commands without any of the aforementioned
disadvantages. As shown in FIG. 2, the lines determining the
impulse pattern or pair of impulse patterns are accommodated in the
command key 23. In the practical design of the receiver 20,
therefore, the command key 23 is advantageously made in the form of
a replaceable component.
Referring to FIG. 4, a command key 23 of this above kind can be
constructed to fit into a slideblock-like guide 80. The connections
of the lines 61 . . . 64 on the one hand and the connections of the
reversing switches 77 and 78 on the other hand to the command key
23 are established through contact springs 81 . . . 86.
The command key 23 is advantageously produced by the
printed-circuit technique with the associated command number 88
displayed on a grip 87.
The command key 23 can also be in the form of a known reversing
switch designed to be actuated by punched cards.
In order to make the receiver 20 respond to a collective command
(and the corresponding inverse counter command) in addition to its
individual command (and the corresponding inverse counter command),
it is necessary to make the testing means for detecting consistency
between the received impulse pattern and the associated impulse
pattern temporarily inactive. The command key 23 connected to the
branch circuits S.sub.1 and S.sub.2 (cf. FIG. 2) acts as the
testing means in conjunction with the stepping switch 40 connected
through the lines 61 . . . 64.
A collective command for the receiver 20 whose individual command
impulse pattern is shown in FIG. 1 could have an impulse pattern S
in accordance with FIG. 1a. Like the individual command impulse
pattern 2, this collective command impulse pattern S represents a
2nd class combination of four elements, two impulse gaps; 11 and 12
S, two impulses; 13 S and 14.
The effective link between the testing means and the bistable
switching element 50 is broken by bringing the connections 66 and
67 into their associated central position 74, 75 (shown in
chain-lines in FIG. 2) in the command key 23. the connections 66
and 67 are associated with the intervals T.sub.3 and T.sub.4 (cf.
FIG. 1 and FIG. 1a) by means of the reversing switch 40. The
effective link between the testing means and bistable switching
element 50 is broken at point 74 or 75 during this interval. It can
be seen from FIG. 1a that this break occurs during the two
intervals T.sub.2 and T.sub.3 occupied by different binary
characters in the impulse pattern 2.
In cases where impulse patterns with a relatively large number of
elements, for example n = 10 and combinations of a higher class,
for example of the 5th class, are used to form the impulse
patterns, it is also possible for collective commands to be formed
in such a way that the effective link between the testing means and
the bistable circuit element is broken in more than two intervals.
For reasons of immunity for interference, it is of advantage to
select the collective commands in such a way that intervals which
are occupied with different binary characters become the
non-monitored intervals.
Referring to FIG. 5, wherein like reference characters indicate
like parts as above, the command set 22 can alternatively be
constructed without the mechanical reversing switches 77, 78 (cf.
FIG. 2). To this end, the circuit arrangement is modified so as to
include another bistable switching element 50 a which, in the same
way as the circuit element 50 mentioned above, is able to draw
current in a conductive state on the arrival of an impulse gap from
the terminal 38 through a resistor 51a and a diode 53a or on the
arrival of an impulse from the terminal 39 through a resistor 52 a
and a diode 54 a. Accordingly, there are two feed current circuits
S.sub.1a and S.sub.2a for the additional switching element 50a. The
circuit element 50 a is triggered in the same way as the circuit
element 50.
A bistable impulse switch 59 a with two windings 91 and 92 is used
to carry out the remote control command. Accordingly, there is a
circuit from the terminal 35 through the line 58, the winding 91
and a diode 93 to the first bistable switching element 50, and
another circuit from the terminal 35 through the line 58, the
winding 92 and a diode 94 to the other bistable switching element
50 a. The two diodes 93 and 94 are used to uncouple the two
circuits.
The switching point 71 of the feed current circuit S.sub.1 is
connected through a diode 95 to the conductor 70 of the command key
23. The switching point 72 of the feed current circuit S.sub.2 is
connected through a diode 96 to the conductor 69 of the command key
23. A switching point 71a of the other feed current circuit
S.sub.1a is connected through a diode 97 to the conductor 69 of the
command key 23, whilst a switching point 72a of the other feed
current circuit S.sub.2a is connected through a diode 98 to the
conductor 70 of the command key 23. It can be seen that, by means
of the diode 95 to 98, the first feed current circuit (S.sub.1) of
the first bistable switching element 50 and the second feed current
circuit (S.sub.2a) of the second bistable switching element 50 a
are connected to the conductor 70 of the command key, whilst on the
other hand the second feed current circuit (S.sub.2) of the first
bistable switching element (5) and the first feed current circuit
(S.sub.1a) of the second bistable switching element are connected
to the conductor 69 of the command key 23.
On the arrival of an impulse pattern of the kind shown in FIG. 1,
in which case the command key 23 is intended to be the same as in
FIG. 2, the command set operates as follows.
The received impulse pattern and the impulse pattern associated
with the ripple control receiver for the ON-command, will be
assumed to correspond to FIG. 1.
After starting, positive voltage is present at the terminal 32 for
the period of time from t.sub.3 to t.sub.4 (cf. FIG. 3, line E). As
a result, the two bistable switching elements 50 and 50a are
started, i.e., brought into their conductive state. Thereafter, the
supply of current to the switching element 50 is never impaired
during the period of reception of the impulse pattern. Accordingly,
a shunt to the terminal 42 is never formed via the command key 23,
the lines 61-64 and the stepping switch 40. Accordingly, the
switching element 50 remains conductive and, during interrogation,
i.e., during closure of the switch 30, a current impulse flows
through the winding 91 of the impulse switch 59a. As a result, the
impulse switch 59a carries out its ON-command or, if already in the
ON-position, remains in this position.
By contrast, the bistable switching element 50a is actually brought
into its non-conductive stage during the interval T'.sub.1 because,
on the arrival of an impulse gap, the holding-current flowing
through the circuit S.sub.1a to the switching element 50a through
the diode 97, the conductor 69, the command key 23, the line 61 and
the stepping switch 40 is removed from the switching element 50a.
As a result, this switching element 50a is brought into its
non-conductive state and remains there until the end.
If, by contrast, the impulse pattern received is inverse to FIG. 1,
in other words if the associated remote control command is an
OFF-command, a shunt is correspondingly formed through the command
key 23 for the switching element 50 during reception of this
inverse impulse pattern. As a result, the switching element 50 is
brought into its nonconductive state. On the other hand, the
switching element 50a retains its conductive state upon the
completion of the inverse impulse pattern. As a result, a current
impulse is delivered through the winding 92 of the impulse switch
59a during interrogation, i.e., during the period for which the
switch 30 is closed. Under the effect of this current impulse, the
impulse switch is brought into its OFF-position corresponding to
the remote control command expressed by the inverse impulse pattern
received providing the impulse switch is not already in this
position.
As already mentioned, it is also possible for the switching
functions taking place in the basic unit 21 to be carried out in a
purely electronic manner without any mechanically moved switches.
One embodiment of an electronic reversing switch 36a is shown in
FIG. 6. This electronic reversing switch 36a performs the same
function as the reversing switch 36 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 5.
The reversing switch 36a comprises a switching transistor 101 and a
switching transistor 102. If the switching transistor 101 is
conductive, positive voltage is delivered from the terminal 37 to
the terminal 38. If by contrast the switching transistor 102 is
conductive, positive voltage is delivered from the terminal 37 to
the terminal 39. In order to control the switching transistors 101
and 102, an alternating current impulse removed by a filter (not
shown) for the power supply system is delivered to the electronic
switch 36a at an input terminal 103. The alternating current
impulse is rectified by a rectifier 104 and thereafter charges a
capacitor 105. When the charging voltage of the capacitor 105
exceeds the Zener voltage of the diode 106, a current flows to a
resistor 107 and to the base 108 of the switching transistor 102.
As a result, the transistor 102 becomes conductive, i.e., the
positive voltage at the terminal 37 is switched through to the
terminal 39. Accordingly, a current flows through a diode 109 and a
resistor 110 which is connected to a terminal 111 at negative
potential. Through the drop in voltage across the resistor 110, the
base-emitter voltage across the switching transistor 101 is so
greatly reduced that the switching transistor 101 becomes
blocked.
If an impulse gap appears in the impulse pattern received, the a.c.
voltage across the terminal 103 disappears. The switching
transistor 102 is thus blocked. On the other hand, a current flows
to the terminal 37 through the resistors 112, 113 and 110 to the
terminal 111. The effect of this is that the switching transistor
101 is driven and carries the positive voltage from terminal 37 to
terminal 38.
Referring to FIG. 7, wherein like reference characters indicate
like parts as above, several command sets 22 are connected to a
single basic unit 21 of a ripple control receiver 20. In this
embodiment, however, the individual command sets 22 have to be
uncoupled with respect to one another in known manner by diodes
61a, 62a, 63a and 64a in the lines 61, 62, 63 and 64. Each of the
command sets 22 is also provided with its own command key 23 and
accordingly only responds to the remote control commands determined
by the command key.
Even in an embodiment of the kind shown in FIG. 5, it is possible
to connect further command sets 22 to a single basic unt 21, in
which case, diodes 61a . . . 64a again have to be provided for
uncoupling as explained with reference to FIG. 7.
The effectiveness of the shunts formed through the command key 23,
the lines 61 . . . 64 and the stepping switch 40 in the event of
non-consistency between the impulse pattern received and the
impulse pattern associated with the ripple control receiver 20 or
one of its command sets 22, can be improved even further by
connecting at least one diode 120 (FIG. 7) in the forward direction
between the cathode terminal of the bistable switching element 50
or 50a and the terminal 42.
* * * * *