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Infrared-receiver-and-system-for-controlling-a-module

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Infrared receiver and system for controlling a module

Details

Inventors: Whitworth, Thomas W.;
Assignee:
Primary Examiner: Chin; Wellington
Assistant Examiner: Negash; Kinfe-Michael
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Knuth; Randall J.

The invention is directed to a low power infrared receiver system capable of battery operation for controling and operating a module, such as a gas fireplace valve. The system includes in one form a universal remote type infrared transmitter for transmitting an infrared signal and an infrared receiver. The receiver includes an infrared detector for receiving an infrared signal from the remote infrared transmitter, a microprocessor connected to the infrared receiver to receive and process a signal to determine if the received signal corresponds to a predetermined signal, and a power switch connected to the microprocessor and the module so that when the microprocessor determines that the processed received signal corresponds to a predetermined signal the power switch is activated thereby operating or controlling functions of a gas fireplace or other appliance via the associated module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides an infrared (IR) remote adaptable to gas fireplaces that is controllable with a standard IR universal remote normally utilized on televisions, VCRs and other appliances.
A programmed microprocessor is connected to an infrared receiver to receive and process signals and determine if the received signals correspond to a predetermined signal.
A low resistance power switch is connected to the microprocessor and the gas fireplace module so that when the received signals correspond to the predetermined signal, the power switch operates the gas fireplace module.
An advantage of the present invention is that the infrared remote system operates with a standard television, video player, or cable TV universal remote, thereby creating a cost savings if the user already has such a device.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the infrared receiver achieves a low-average power consumption by turning on the infrared detector for only a small fraction of the total operating time, thereby permitting very long battery life.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is readily adaptable to gas fireplace modules for turning on or off the gas fireplace, varying the flame height or actuating other types of action.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that it utilizes short repeating IR codes, normally found in IR universal remotes, therefore requiring the IR detector to be powered only for a minimum time and further lengthening battery life.
Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that it has an adaptive function to operate in high ambient IR environments.
The system corrects for the environment by automatically lengthening the time the IR detector is powered, thereby permitting the detector's own corrective circuitry and functions, namely an automatic gain control, to correctly operate the detector in the high IR environment.
This function solves the problem of IR interference from incandescent light bulbs

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