Pulse-Counting Driver Circuit for Pairing-Free Remote Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote control systems for electrical devices, such as dimming light bulbs, require complex circuit designs and pairing of transmitters and receivers, along with decoding schemes, which are not suitable for simple operations like adjusting light bulb brightness.

Innovation Solution

A driver circuit with a simple architecture using a receiver module, counter unit, and voltage regulation unit that outputs a control voltage following a counting sequence, allowing electrical devices to shift operation states without the need for pairing or decoding, utilizing diodes or transistors connected to the counter unit's output terminals and resistors for voltage regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional remote control techniques (infrared, radio, Bluetooth) are used, then reliable device control is achieved, but transmitter and receiver must be paired and decoding schemes are required, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex decoding scheme and pairing mechanism from conventional remote control systems. By using a counter unit that sequentially activates output terminals based on the number of initiation signals, the system removes the need for programmed control units and decoding algorithms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from coded signals requiring decoding to pulse count-based control. The counter unit counts initiation signals and converts the count into specific control voltages through the diode/transistor switching network, eliminating the need for complex signal decoding while preserving reliable device control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If decoding schemes and programmed control units are implemented, then accurate signal interpretation is achieved, but the overall circuit design becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interpretation accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter unit performs self-counting of initiation signals and automatically converts the count into corresponding control voltages through the diode or transistor switching network. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external decoding schemes and programmed control units, achieving accurate signal interpretation through simple counting logic rather than complex decoding circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a counter unit as an intermediary between the initiation signal receiver and the control voltage output. This intermediary component translates the number of initiation signals into specific control voltages through sequential activation of diodes or transistors, providing accurate signal interpretation without requiring complex decoding schemes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated remote controllers are designed for different electrical devices, then device-specific control requirements are met, but the number of remote controllers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice-specific control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of remote controllers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal control system where a single remote controller can control multiple different electrical devices. The counter unit generates different control voltages based on the number of initiation signals received, allowing one remote controller to adapt to various devices by simply varying the signal count, thereby eliminating the need for multiple dedicated remote controllers

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

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 control of electrical devices like lighting modules or motors to change operation states (e.g., ON/OFF, brightness, color temperature) using any remote control unit without pairing or decoding, allowing for versatile and straightforward operation.

Implementation Method 1

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

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

Data Source

PatentEP3565382B1Driver circuit
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 LEE IN OK
  • EP3565382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3565382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3565382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The driver circuit according to the invention includes a receiver module, a counter unit, isolation units and a voltage regulation unit. The receiver module receives an initiation signal and performs filtering using a low-pass filter to convert the initiation signal into a driving signal which is transmitted to the counter unit. Upon receiving the driving signal, the output terminals of the counter unit are sequentially activated to output a control signal. The isolation units may be diodes or transistors adapted to output an isolated control signal. The voltage regulation unit includes a plurality of resistors and is adapted to output a control voltage corresponding to one of the resistors according to the isolated control signal. The control voltage is useful in shifting the operation of an electrical device from one operation state to another.