Infrared Remote Control Range Extender with Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems using infrared signals face performance decline and range issues, leading to control problems due to limited distance coverage, and existing range extenders lack the ability to detect whether the IR signal has reached the receiver, potentially causing unnecessary control data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote control, a first transceiver unit, and a second transceiver unit that converts IR signals between different carrier frequencies and checks if the original signal has reached the IR receiver before re-transmitting, preventing duplicate data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control system uses infrared signals for moderate distances, then the system works well for normal operation, but the performance declines when the distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
An extender device is introduced as an intermediary between the remote control and the target electronic device. The extender receives IR signals from the remote control and re-transmits them to the target device, enabling reliable control over extended distances without direct line-of-sight requirements between the remote and target.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into multiple components: the remote control, the extender device, and the target electronic device. This segmentation allows the control function to be distributed, with the extender handling signal amplification and re-transmission to overcome distance limitations.
2Area of stationary object
If a second extender device transmits repeated IR signals to extend range, then the control area increases, but the electronics device may receive unnecessary control data twice
Solution Approach 1:
The extender device incorporates a detection mechanism that monitors whether the target electronic device has already received the IR signal directly from the remote control. Based on this feedback, the extender intelligently decides whether to re-transmit the signal, preventing duplicate data reception while maintaining extended control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender's transmission behavior is made dynamic rather than static. Instead of always re-transmitting or never re-transmitting, the system adapts its behavior based on real-time detection of signal reception status, optimizing performance by transmitting only when necessary.
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
This solution effectively extends the range of infrared remote control systems, ensuring that electronic devices receive necessary control data only once, thereby enhancing performance and preventing unnecessary data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The first transceiver unit can be configured for receiving the first IR signal from the remote control and converting the first IR signal to a second IR signal by changing the original carrier frequency to a different carrier frequency
Implementation Method 2
The second transceiver unit can be configured for receiving the second IR signal from the first transceiver unit and converting the second IR signal to a third IR signal by changing the received carrier frequency to the original carrier frequency
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers a system and a method for extending range of a remote control (5). The system comprises of at least an electronic device (1), a remote control (5), a first transceiver unit (4), a second transceiver unit (3) and an infrared (IR) receiver. The IR receiver (2) is provided in the electronic device (1) for receiving the IR signal. The remote control (5) transmits first IR signal (6) to the first transceiver unit (4) for controlling the electronic device (1). From the first transceiver unit (4) a second IR signal (7) is transmitted to the second transceiver unit (3). From the second transceiver unit (3) a third IR signal (8) is transmitted to the IR receiver (2) thereby to extend the range of IR remote control (5). The second transceiver unit (3) also detects whether the IR signal from the remote control (5) reached the IR receiver (2) or not and transmits accordingly the IR signal from the second transceiver unit (3).