Infrared Driver Circuit Using a Johnson Counter for Simple Remote Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote control systems require complex circuit designs and pairing of transmitters and receivers, along with decoding schemes, making them unsuitable for simple operations like dimming light bulbs, which demand a more straightforward solution.

Innovation Solution

A driver system utilizing a simple circuit architecture with an infrared receiver module and a Johnson counter that outputs control signals following a predetermined counting sequence, allowing electrical devices to be remotely controlled without pairing or decoding, using a voltage regulation unit to convert signals into control voltages for various operation states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional remote control systems with decoding schemes and pairing mechanisms are used, then reliable device control is achieved, but circuit complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the complex decoding scheme and pairing mechanisms from the remote control system, retaining only the essential infrared transmission and basic signal reception functions. This simplification eliminates the need for complex control circuit lines while maintaining the core remote control capability through a streamlined circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The simplified remote control system is designed to be universally compatible with electrical devices without requiring device-specific pairing or decoding. The same simple circuit architecture can control different devices (lights, fans, etc.) through basic on/off and dimming functions, making the system multi-functional without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If pairing mechanisms are implemented between transmitter and receiver, then controlled device recognition is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional pairing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice recognition accuracyVSAvoidremote control operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the pairing mechanism entirely from the system. The simplified receiver can directly recognize and respond to infrared signals from any standard remote control without requiring prior pairing, registration, or binding steps, thereby maintaining device recognition through basic signal detection while dramatically improving operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If decoding schemes are used to interpret remote control signals, then precise control commands are achieved, but device complexity increases due to programmed control units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal accuracyVSAvoidcontrol unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the decoding scheme and programmed control unit from the system. Instead of interpreting complex coded signals, the simplified receiver directly processes basic infrared signals to achieve precise on/off and dimming control, maintaining control accuracy while removing the computational complexity associated with decoding and programmed response execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables remote control of electrical devices, such as lighting systems, with a variety of remote control units without the need for pairing or decoding, allowing for seamless transitions between operation states like ON/OFF, brightness, and color temperature, using a straightforward and efficient circuit design.

Implementation Method 1

a low-pass filter adapted for filtering the infrared signal to generate a driving signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLow-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

The Johnson counter has an input terminal and a plurality of output terminals, and is adapted to receive the driving signal via the input terminal and sequentially activate the output terminals, one at a time, following a predetermined counting sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJohnson counter sequence generation:

Implementation Method 3

the control signal from the activated output terminal is converted into a control voltage for driving the electrical device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage regulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3407322B1Driver system
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 LEE IN OK
  • EP3407322B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3407322B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3407322B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The driver system according to the invention includes an infrared receiver module and a Johnson counter. The infrared receiver module receives an infrared signal and performs filtering using a low-pass filter to convert the infrared signal into a driving signal which is transmitted to the Johnson counter. Upon receiving the driving signal, the output terminals of the Johnson counter are sequentially activated to output a control signal for shifting the operation of an electrical device from one operation state to another.