Coded data generation or conversion – Code generator or transmitter – Transmitter for remote control signal
Reexamination Certificate
1997-03-31
2001-10-23
Edward, Jr., Timothy (Department: 2635)
Coded data generation or conversion
Code generator or transmitter
Transmitter for remote control signal
C341S022000, C345S158000, C359S199200, C400S472000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06307499
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of wireless communication devices and to methods of improving the efficiency of transmission from such devices. More particularly, this invention is directed to devices which employ infare trnsmssion. An example of this type of device is a wireless keyboard for use with a personal computer.
2. Descripton of the Related Art
Various wireless keyboards and other remote control devices have been proposed by others. However, the degree of acceptance by the public of these devices has been limited in that the reliability of the “connection” between the remote, such as the keyboard, and the host (e.g., a computer) can at times be intermittent due to obstacles or incomplete communication from the remote to the host.
Wireless systems that employ an RF transmitter, such as is shown in Kendall et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,928, suffer from various problems such as limited frequency bandwidth availability, interference, dead zones and the like.
Optical systems using a single LED as an infra-red driver, such as is shown in Lin et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,543, suffer from other problems such as a possible intermittent light path to the receiver.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention solves the problem of intermittent connections between the remote and the host by a unique, novel and un-obvious use and placement of multiple IR (infra-red) transmitting elements on the remote unit.
This unique placement of the IR transmitters allow for a greater range of movement of the remote. This is very important when the remote device is a computer keyboard.
An additional advantage of this invention is that the remote may be operated at a greater angle from the host, due to wider dispersion and increased power density, thereby allowing a greater degree of flexibility for the user.
A further advantage is that the remote, especially when in the form of a keyboard, can be held in the lap of the user and still provide a high likelihood of a positive connection.
Yet another advantage is that the possible blocking of the signal, for example when the keyboard is in the user's lap, from the remote to the host is significantly reduced, in that the blocking of a single transmitter will still allow the transmission of the signals.
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Crisler Curtis L.
Williamson Ralph K.
Compaq Computer Corporation
Edward, Jr. Timothy
Sharp Comfort & Merrett P.C.
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