text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Feb 13, 1996
|Filing date
|Dec 28, 1993
|Priority date
|Dec 28, 1993
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Fred R. Kurtz
|Original Assignee
|Kurtz; Fred R.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (22), Non-Patent Citations (20), Referenced by (12), Classifications (21), Legal Events (6)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The television industry has evolved and continues to develop a wide variety of components functioning to receive and display, or record, television signals. Videotape or cassette recorders (VTR, VCR) have become common companions to television receivers. The VCR is sold with a continually expanding variety of advanced features permitting the VCR conversant user to achieve a variety of convenient results. For example, the user may program the VCR for the unattended recordation of various selectable channels at various times. Video recorders universally incorporate a signal splitting function such that all signals from a given source advantageously can be supplied to a companion television receiver as well as the VCR. This permits the recording of any selected source channel while at the same time conveying all source channels to the companion television receiver for immediate viewing of the same channel or of any other. Television receivers similarly have been provided with convenient embellishments such as "picture in picture", on screen channel identification, and the like.
Of substantial convenience to the user, hand-held remote controls for both VCRs and TV receivers have been developed and are essentially universally used for their-control. By simply momentarily depressing a button actuated channel number or function switch on the remote controller, a coded infrared (IR) signal is broadcast to a photosensitive receiving circuit at the recording or receiving device to carry out the mandated control input.
The broadcasting performance of television programs also has undergone and continues to undergo change. Classically, the channel designated NTSC video signal has been broadcast for antenna reception at TV receivers. Cable systems, initially intended to bring television broadcasts to remote areas of the country, then expanded to the urban environment with the development of satellite "superstations" and "premium" channels for the use of which subscribers are billed. To provide a complete service by cable, the cable TV operators typically supply a "bundled" package of local channels and superstations as standard, or non-premium channels; while the premium channels are sold individually for an extra charge. A cable subscriber will typically receive all the standard channels and perhaps one premium channel such as HBO, TMC, MAX, or the like. Pay per view services are also offered. To protect the premium and pay per view presentations, cable companies typically will "scramble" the transmission of those broadcasts and, in turn, install a "descrambler" with each subscriber, which may then in one way or another be activated by the cable operator to permit viewing by a subscriber who has purchased the premium signal. Interestingly, the typical descrambler is only capable of operating on one particular frequency, necessitating that any premium channel selected for viewing or recording must first be converted to that one frequency before it can be descrambled. Thus, the descrambler must be connected to the output of a frequency "converter box" or integrated into one. All channel tuning functions then, for both standard and premium channels, must by necessity be accomplished within the converter box. The converter, in effect, functions as a television receiver having an output which is directed to one channel, for example channel 03 of the subscriber's receiver. It becomes the channel tuning facility for the subscriber, for which he must normally pay a monthly rental fee. A remote control for the converter is typically offered to the subscriber, for yet another monthly fee.
The use of the described converters/descramblers causes many problems. Often, the descrambler is of such a design that it is activated continuously, even during the use of non-scrambled channels. This causes serious degradation of picture quality. Thus, even though the subscriber may have a high quality television system, that system is limited by the quality and type of the "cable box". Of particular interest, once the channel selection is required to be carded out by the converter box, the subscriber's TV and VCR controls can no longer be used for channel selection, nor can the remotes of those devices. Thus, for any television signal source representing the output of the converter box, the advanced features of the VCR cannot be employed. For example, the device cannot be programmed to record a selected channel at a future time and, for example; a different channel at another time, inasmuch as the channel tuning capability of the VCR has been lost. In similar fashion, the enhancement of the television receiver itself; for example displaying channel names or numbers or providing for picture in picture operations are lost. Even worse, it is no longer possible to record one channel while watching another, as the converter box is the only functioning tuning device. To ameliorate this, some cable operators will rent the subscriber two converter boxes, a less than desirable solution. It is clear that many desirable aspects of the subscriber's purchased equipment necessarily have been lost. The dilemmas posed to subscribers as above described in the United States has reached governmental consideration, for example, in the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of1992.
In an attempt to remedy these problems, many subscribers have resorted to the use of a splitter in conjunction with a simple RF, AB switch to select between standard channels received by cable or the output of the converter box. Here, the splitter is connected between the incoming cable and the converter box input. The split-off cable signal (Source A), or the output of the cable converter box (Source B) may then be mechanically switched into the "cable-ready" input of the subscriber's receiver. At times when the descrambler is not required, the cable operator's equipment is "bypassed" by selecting Source A, thus restoring all features and capabilities of the TV and VCR. However, many subscribers find this switching arrangement difficult to install, and the lack of remote-control switching is very inconvenient given that all other functions of the subscriber's equipment are generally remote-control. Although AB switches have become available which are actuated from a dedicated remote-control unit, it is generally considered that subscribers would loathe to acquire still another control device dedicated to this function. Further, if it is desired to employ this switching function independently for both the TV and VCR, this bypass procedure becomes much more complicated. While relatively complex "integrated" switching systems are available for this purpose through retail electronic outlets, they suffer from the same drawbacks as described for the AB switch. What's more, they typically incorporate additional signal splitting functions to achieve the logic of providing independent selection of either source for presentation to a VCR or TV receiver. With each such splitting procedure, of course, a degradation of signal strength is induced which represents approximately a 35% signal loss. While some of these devices will incorporate an amplification function to compensate for this, this may introduce other forms of degradation, and necessarily increases the cost of the device.
The difficulties encountered by televisions component users having different signal input sources also occur outside of the field of cable, for instance, in satellite reception, antenna--based reception in combination with others, and the like. Accordingly, a userfriendly source control technique which returns many of the advantageous features of the receiving units including remote actuation, should be well received by the television viewing public.
The present invention is addressed to apparatus and method for switching between two or more RF signal sources while employing the hand-held remote control supplied, for example, for the dedicated remote actuation of a television receiver (TV) or a video recording device (VCR). Thus, no additional remote controller which would be dedicated to this video source switching is required. To achieve such source switching while not disrupting the ongoing operational status of the television receiver or video recorder, a control button or switch on the television receiver or video recorder dedicated remote device is selected which does not change or which reinforces that then present status. By holding the selected control button down at least a predetermined interval of time which is longer than that interval normally required, for example, to switch channels or increase volume, source switching activity will ensue. To switch a source into a television receiver, the interval may be selected, for example, as two seconds. Correspondingly, to change the source input to an interconnected video recorder, the viewer presses the control button for a longer time interval, for example three seconds. By providing for an initial source selection at the television receiver, no disruption will be made to any ongoing recording being carried out by the video recorder while the user is in the process of changing a source input to a television receiver.
To achieve such complex source switching at practical costs with a minimum of components and maximum efficiency, advantage is taken of the signal splitting function of the video recorder itself. In particular, that universal feature is employed with a logic-based control which does not permit the same source to be directly applied simultaneously to both a television receiver and associated video recorder. In this regard, where the same source is selected for both the TV and VCR devices, the logic of the control mandates that the TV access its signal from the already split VCR source. Where the apparatus is employed with an entertainment installation having a cable signal passing through a cable converter box and which provides both premium and non-premium programming, an integral two-way splitter supplies the signal to that converter box to establish one source as a non-premium channel input and a second source as the output of the converter box. Typically that output will be one which represents a "descrambled" version of an incoming scrambled channel signal. Where the signal source selected is a non-premium channel input, the viewer is provided the use of all the various built-in programming and viewing features of the video recorder and/or television receiver. Should that signal source representing premium channel signals be utilized, then such features may be lost, but only at the election of the viewer. It should be noted that if only one premium channel is subscribed to, then, the converter box remote control transmitter is no longer needed. The converter box is simply left tuned to that channel. To aid the user in being cognizant of the source status then present for either or both the television receiver or the video recorder, visual indicators of that status are provided with the apparatus. In this regard, a green light emitting diode (LED) is energized during remote actuation procedures to indicate that a non-premium source is switched into the unit being controlled. The green indicator provides a universal information to the user representing a freedom to utilize the inherent features which may be provided with the recorder or receiver, such as the ability to record one channel while watching another, the recording of later broadcasts, or showing a picture in a picture form of display.
The invention, accordingly, comprises the apparatus and method possessing the construction, combination of elements, steps, and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure.
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of switching apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagrammatic representation of components of the switching apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a universal IR code receiver employable with the apparatus of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an electronic schematic diagram of the circuit of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a block type electronic schematic diagram of a switching apparatus which may be employed with a detector configured according to FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an electronic schematic diagram showing the circuit of FIG. 5 at an enhanced level of detail;
FIG. 7 is a block schematic diagram of the switching and related control features of the apparatus of FIG. 2; and
FIG. 8 is an electronic schematic diagram of the circuit of FIG. 7 showing the components thereof at an enhanced level of detail.
Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a principal embodiment of the switching apparatus of the invention is represented generally at 10. Switching apparatus 10 is intended for use in a home environment wherein two implements such as a television receiver and a VCR are operated in conjunction with two sources, for example, the output of a cable converter box and non-premium cable programming suited for a cable ready TV tuning system. Apparatus 10 achieves an RF switching function between these two sources with a desirably diminished use of signal splitter components and with an actuation procedure permitting the user to employ the hand-held remote control supplied, for example, with the television receiver or the VCR unit. By affording the opportunity to switch between the video sources, the user recovers all of the desirable features of the television receiver or VCR when premium programming is not in use. Of conveniently small size, the apparatus 10 may be dimensioned., for example, having a lengthwise extent of about5 1/2 in. (14 cm.), a widthwise extent of about 2 1/2 in. (6.35 cm.), and a thickness of about 3/4 in. (1.9 cm.). The bottom surface (not shown) of apparatus 10 typically carries a Velcro strip such that it may be mounted upon the top of a converter box or at some convenient location. The forward face of the device 12 is seen to provide four visual indicators which are implemented as green light emitting dimes (LEDs) 14 and 15 which are positioned adjacent red LEDs 16 and 17. LEDs 14 and 16 are associated with a VCR function, while LEDs 15 and 17 are associated with a television receiver function. The green LEDs, providing a universal implication of "free" or "unrestricted", represent that the switching system as associated with either a VCR function or a television receiver function is supplying a non-premium or non-scrambled source which permits full use of the remote controls and all other inherent features of an associated television receiver or VCR. Correspondingly, the red LEDs 16 and 17 are associated with a condition wherein a scrambled signal is at hand as associated with a premium channel and thus remote control utilizing TV or VCR remote control devices will be restricted as well as other features. Intermediate the LEDs 14, 16, and 15, 17 is a window 20 providing for reception of conventional IR coded inputs from a hand-held controller.
At the rear of the switching apparatus 10 are a sequence of six F-type connectors 22-27 which are identified by corresponding indicia (not shown) placed upon a label 30. The connector types and associated labeling provide for a quite simple installation of the switching apparatus 10 by the user. In this regard, an indicia at label 30 for connector 22 recites "TO BOX INPUT" which represents the cable input to a converter box. Note that connector 22 is of the male variety and incorporates a coaxial cable for ease of installation. The next connector 23 is labeled "TO CABLE" which is the female connection for the input signal of the cable otherwise extending to a cable converter box input. Female connector 24 is labeled "TO VCR INPUT" and male connector 25 is labeled "TO BOX OUTPUT" and also incorporates a coaxial cable as with connector 22. This is the connection with a potentially scrambled output of the converter box. The configuration of connectors 22 and 25 allows the apparatus 10 to be conveniently connected to an adjacent converter box without the need for additional coaxial cables. Thus configured, connectors 22 and 25 in the upcoming discourse will be referred to additionally as cable 22 and cable 25. The labeling thus far reveals that the apparatus 10 includes a splitter function splitting the incoming cable signal to derive two sources, i.e., that introduced to the converter box, and that at the output of the converter box. Connector 26 is labeled "TO TV", while connector 27 is labeled "TO VCR OUTPUT". The latter connector provides for making advantageous use of the splitter function within a VCR itself. This feature is one which permits the minimization of the number of splitters employed in the switching arrangement.
Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagrammatic representation showing the switching paths and splitter requirements of the switching apparatus 10 is revealed. In the figure, the apparatus is again represented with the numeration 10 leading to a dashed boundary. Not shown is an initial splitter function extending from the source to the cable converter box which provides a non-premium cable output identified as a source "A input" and a premium signal emanating from the converter box which is identified as a source "B input". These inputs are shown in the drawing respectively at 60 and 61. The output from lead 60 extends, as represented by arrow 62, to an AB switch represented at block 64. Additionally, an arrow carrying the same source from lead 60 at 66 is seen to extend to one of the three inputs of an ABC switch represented at block 68.
Lead 61, extending for example from the output of the converter box, is seen directing a signal via arrow 70 to the second input of AB switch 64, and through arrow 72 to the second input to switch 68. The third input to switch 68 is derived as the output of a VCR as represented at arrow 74. With the arrangement shown, the output of AB switch 64 is directed to the input of a VCR as represented at arrow 76 and the output from ABC switch 68 is directed to the input of a television receiver as represented at arrow 78. A control network as represented at block 80 provides a logic control over switches 64 and 68 as represented by respective lines 82 and 84. Under the logic asserted from control 80, the VCR and television receiver components utilized with switch 10 will not receive signals directly from the same source. For example, should the VCR be fed with a non-premium cable signal, the television receiver, when receiving the same signal source, will receive that source from the splitting function of the VCR.
Now considering the universal remote actuation feature of the switching apparatus 10, reference is made to the block diagrammatic representation of FIG. 3. In general, the receiving IR circuit is one which is not designed to respond to infra-red pulsed coding from a remote TV or VCR control. The IR response of the circuit is one which is concerned with the duration of the incoming broadcast radiation pulses. In this regard, the device will carry out the generation of switching conditions in the event that the broadcast IR pulses are sustained for a period lengthier than that normally employed by users to carry out a remote command. This interval preferably is two seconds, but should be at least about one-half second. Any subsequent activation of the broadcasting controller for that predetermined interval of time following a release of the activating button will cause the actuating feature to assume its initial condition. In general, the first or two second interval to which the device responds provides output conditions for carrying out a solid-state source switching at the television receiver. Where the user actuates a given code broadcasting switch or button of the remote control for a longer period, preferably three seconds, but not less than about one second,without interruption, then the circuit additionally will respond to provide alteration from the stated first or second output condition to a third or fourth output condition. Conversely, a next actuation of the remote controller for such a three second interval will cause the receiving circuit to revert to the initially present first or second condition. This second period actuation will be seen to be employed in conjunction with control over a VCR. When switching the VCR source, the TV source will end up where it started, i.e. it reverts. By so providing for a longer uninterrupted interval of depression of the remote controller, the switching technique provided will not adversely interfere with any ongoing VCR recording while the television receiver source input is being altered. To accommodate for the broadcasting of a coded IR signal toward a receiver such as a television set or a VCR having a detector circuit functioning to decode impinging coded signals, the user simply presses a button or switch on the remote unit which has no undesired actuation effect. For example, assuming power is on, a non-actuating function or numeric button may be pressed, for example, a button which would reinforce the current operating condition of the unit such as the VCR or TV. For example, the digits (or zero) of the television channel then in use may be pressed, with the final digit sustained, to switch sources with no actuation effect on the video device. Where the VCR is recording, and its control unit is utilized, then pressing the recording button for the requisite interval of time will carry out the instant switching function with only a reinforcing effect at the VCR itself. Thus, the user may employ either the VCR remote control or the television receiver remote control or any other such remote control to provide source switching utilizing apparatus 10. FIG. 3 shows that the universal IR responsive circuit includes, as represented at block 90, an infrared photoreceiver, the output of which is directed to three stages of amplification and filtering. The amplification is called for in conventional fashion to amplify the relatively low photo currents developed by IR responsive diodes. The thus-filtered and amplified coded pulse signals then are directed, as represented at arrow 92, to a pulse detection and stretching network represented at block 94. This circuitry functions to first detect the pulsed signal generated from circuitry 90 and then to, in effect, stretch the interval of such pulses at least to the extent of the interval by which successive pulses are separated. This then presents, in effect, a continuous signal at arrow 96 which remains uninterrupted as long as the user is depressing a button of the remote control unit. The resultant continuous signal then is inverted and buffered as represented at block 98, and the resulting signal is directed as represented by line 100 and block 102 to a network which functions to generate switch actuating clock pulses or conditions following the noted predetermined intervals. Any release by the operator of the button before causing actuation will result in an automatic reset of the network 102. As represented at arrow 104, the depression of the remote control unit actuating button to broadcast a coded IR signal for about two seconds will result in the generation of a "CLOCK 1" pulse. By depressing the actuating button at the remote controller for a longer interval, for example three seconds, the network 102 will generate a next condition at arrow 106 herein labeled "CLOCK 2". The CLOCK 1 condition at arrow 104 is used for the actuation of switching apparatus 10 with respect to a TV receiver source, while the condition at arrow 106 carries out switching of sources with respect to the VCR. LEDs 14-17 (FIG. 1) are selectively enabled only during the switching procedure to conserve battery power and the ennoblement of this illumination network is represented at arrow 108 labeled "LED ENABLE".
Turning to FIG. 4, the code immune pulsed radiation responsive circuit of FIG. 3 is depicted at an enhanced level of detail. In the figure, the component groupings represented by the block diagram of FIG. 3 are represented by the same numeration in general form. The universally responsive circuit as represented at 110 is seen to be powered from a split battery supply including batteries 112 and 114, the center tap of which at line 116 is coupled to chassis ground as represented at line 118. The positive terminal of battery 112 is coupled to power lead 120 while the negative terminal of battery 114 is coupled to power lead 122. Batteries 112 and 114 also will be seen to represent the power supply for the logic control circuitry and RE switches as discussed in connection with FIG. 2. Leads 120 and 122 are seen to extend to the photoreceiver and amplification/filter stages 90. In this regard, an IR responsive photodiode D1 is shown connected within line 121 such that its cathode is coupled through resistor R13 with positive power lead 120 and its anode is coupled through companion resistor R1 to power lead 122. For further discourse concerning the utilization of such photodiodes, reference is made to: "Optoelectronics Applications Manual", McGraw-Hill Book Co., Chapter4, 1977. With the arrangement shown, the low level photo current developed at diode D1 in response to impinging infrared radiation is read across resistor R1 and presented to a first amplification stage 124 of a cascaded grouping thereof 124-126. Additionally carrying out a filter function removing such ambient illumination-based signals as may be witnessed, for example, at 60 Hz, stages 124-126 are essentially identically structured. In this regard, stage 124 is seen to be comprised of NPN transistor Q1 performing in conjunction with capacitor C1 and resistors R2 and R3. In similar fashion, the initially amplified and filtered signal at stage 124 is again amplified at stage 125 which includes NPN transistor Q2 performing in conjunction with capacitor C2 and resistors R4 and R5. Stage 126 similarly is comprised of NPN transistor Q3 performing in conjunction with capacitor C3 and resistors R6 and R7. The resultant, amplified and filtered or treated signal then is presented via coupling capacitor C4 to the detecting components of IR pulse detection and stretching function 94. The detection component of the circuit includes NPN transistor Q4, the base of which is coupled to the center tap of a voltage divider including resistors R8 and R9 within line 128. Resistors R8 and R9 provide an initial bias at the base of transistor Q4 enhancing the sensitivity thereof to respond and conduct in the presence of a valid amplified IR pulse signal.
The collector of transistor Q4 is coupled via line 130 and resistor R 10 to lead 120. A capacitor C5 within line 132 extending, in turn, from line 130 to lead 122 functions to define an RC network represented generally at 134. Network 134 is seen tapped at line 136 which extends to the input of a Schmitt inverter 138 having an output line 140. With the arrangement shown, capacitor C5 of network 134 is normally charged providing for a logic high input at line 136 to gate 138. The resulting output of gate 138 at line 140 is then a logic low. However, with the receipt of a pulse signal at the base of transistor Q4, that device conducts, its emitter being coupled via line 142, to lead 122. As a consequence, capacitor C5 will immediately discharge, causing the signal or logic level at line 136 leading to gate 138 to transition to a logic low value to, in turn, cause the output of gate 138 at line 140 to assume a high logic value. Capacitor C5, having discharged through transistor Q4, begins to recharge through resistor R10 pending the receipt of a signal representing a next pulse in sequence. Thus, the RC network, performing in conjunction with transistor Q4, serves a pulse stretching function. In general, this stretching activity is at least as large or larger than the time elapsing until the arrival of a next pulse in sequence. Accordingly, by holding down a given actuating button of a remote TV or VCR control, the user will cause a continuous high logic level at line 140. This logic high signal is introduced to the inputs of two, parallel connected Schmitt inverters 144 and 146 having respective outputs at lines 148 and 150. The outputs of these devices 144 and 146 also are commonly coupled to the LED enable line 108 as described in connection with FIG. 3. Thus combined, the devices support the current requirements for the LEDs utilized with the system, for example those described in connection with FIG. 1 at 14-17. These Schmitt inverters represent components of the inverter buffer function 98 described in connection with FIG. 3. Thus configured, LED enable line 108 is logic low true and, provides for the energization of select ones of the LEDs only for the interval wherein the user is depressing a given button switch of a remote controller. This serves to conserve battery power supply. A capacitor C10 is coupled between line 108 and line 122 to prevent any feedback which might be caused by the sudden transitions occurring at line 108.
Output line 150 extending from inverter 146 incorporates a diode D2 and extends, in turn, to line 152 which is coupled to an RC timing network represented generally at 154 and including resistor R11 and capacitor C6. Line 152 extends upwardly from network 154 to the input of a Schmitt inverter 156. When detector transistor Q4 is not conducting in response to an applied pulse signal, line 150 is retained at a logic high level. Thus, diode D2 is forward biased and capacitor C6 of the network 154 is charged, a high logic level being applied at the input to inverter 156 and a low logic level being witnessed at its output at line 104. Line 104 has been described as a "CLOCK 1" output condition in conjunction with FIG. 3. The arrangement of the diode D2, network 154, and inverter 156 provides the earlier-described delay clock function with auto reset identified at block 102 and identified by the same numeration herein. As the system receives a remote control pulse and transistor Q4 is biased into conduction, the logic level at line 150 reverts to a logic low level. This permits a gradual discharge of capacitor C6 through resistor R11 over a first predetermined interval, for example two seconds, whereupon line 152 assumes a low logic level and gate 156 transitions to provide a logic high output as the "CLOCK 1" condition at line 104. However, should the user release the button switch of a remote controller prior to the expiration of that predetermined two second interval, then diode D2 is forward biased and capacitor C6 immediately is charged to maintain the logic high level at line 152 and a logic low condition at line 104. As noted earlier, the logic condition at line 104 functions to provide a TV source selecting action at control 80 (FIG. 2).
Where two devices such as a television receiver and a VCR are employed with the source selection feature as described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 3, then a second time interval requirement for remote control button switch actuation is provided in conjunction with function 102. This second timing feature is implemented with the output of inverter 144 at line 148. Line 148 is seen to extend through diode D3 to the input of a Schmitt inverter 158 via line 160 and to an RC timing network represented generally at 162 and comprised of resistor R12 performing in conjunction with capacitor C7. Operating in the same manner as RC timing network 154, capacitor C7 of network 162 is normally charged in conjunction with the normal forward biasing of switching diode D3. Upon the occurrence of a valid pulse signal sequence and the conduction of transistor Q4, line 148 assumes a logic low condition to remove the forward bias at diode D3 and permit commencement of the discharge of capacitor C7 through resistor R12. The time constant for network 162 is selected as greater than that at network 154, for example about three seconds. With the arrangement shown, should the user interrupt the transmission of coded IR signals, diode D3 immediately will be forward biased with the assumption of a logic high at line 148 and capacitor C7 of network 162 will be charged. However, should the user retain a switched on condition at a remote controller, for the requisite interval, for example three seconds, then at the terminus of that three seconds, line 160 will have reached a logic low value and the resultant output condition at "CLOCK 2" at line 106 will be a logic high. Preferably, this switching condition is employed for the-selection of source inputs to a VCR and occurs following any switching or source alteration in conjunction with the "CLOCK 1" status at line 104. To prevent disruptive feedback between amplification stages, a decoupling arrangement is provided comprised of resistor R13 and capacitor C8, the former being mounted within line 120. Such arrangements are well known in the art. In similar fashion, by-pass capacitor C9 is provided between the negative line 122 and chassis ground to prevent unwanted amplification of ambient electromagnetic fields such as the 60 Hz power field and RF signals experienced in proximity to TV receivers and the like.
Circuit 110 not only may be employed with the dual implement, i.e. the television receiver and VCR configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2, but also may be utilized with a more simple AB switch function to permit a user to elect, for example, whether to apply the output of a converter box or non-premium channel signals to a single component, for example, a television receiver or, perhaps, a VCR. By combining the circuit 110 with that switching function, the user may conveniently switch between sources utilizing a remote control device having a coded output dedicated to the component receiving a broadcast. Referring to FIG. 5, such an arrangement is revealed in generalized diagrammatic form. As is apparent, only one delay stage, for example providing a two second requirement for activation as described in connection with line 104, is employed. Accordingly, in FIG. 5, line 104, carrying the "CLOCK 1" condition is again represented with the same numeration. The arrangement of FIG. 5 initially provides for the selection of source A as at line 170, for example representing a non-premium cable input. This source, as described above, may be split by a two-way RF power splitter as represented generally at 171, to provide an input to a cable converter box via line 172. The output of that cable converter box then may become a second source or source B, the input of which is represented at line 174. In the discourse to follow, switch configurations will be seen to be described and illustrated as "diode switches". To identify switching operation, all switching functions are described with classic terms "electrically open" representing signal blocking, and "electrically closed", representing a condition conveying a signal. Source A at line 170 is seen directed through coupling capacitor C12 to an "A" RF switching function represented at block 176. The output of function 176 at line 178 is seen directed through coupling capacitor C13 and line 180 to a device such as a television receiver or a VCR. In similar fashion, the source B signal, for example, from a converter box, is directed through a coupling capacitor C14 to an RF, "B" switching function represented at block 182 also having an output at line 178. Switching functions 176 and 182 are, in turn, controlled as represented by respective lines 184 and 186 by a control network incorporating a flip-flop based source select function represented at block 188 which is toggled between alternate complimentary output conditions at lines 184 and 186 in response to a rising CLOCK 1 logic high condition at line 104. LED enable line 108 reappears in the figure in conjunction with resistor R16 which, in turn, is coupled to one electrode of each of two LEDs 190 and 191. The opposite electrode of LED 190 is coupled via line 192 to switch control line 184, while the corresponding opposite electrode of LED 191 is coupled via line 193 to control lead 186. In accordance with the invention, the positive going commencement of a logic high true condition at line 104 alternately results in a corresponding logic high condition at line 184 causing the actuation to an electrically closed condition of switching function A at block 176, and in combination with a low true condition at line 108 provides for the illumination of LED 190. This provides for the delivery of source A non-premium cable to line 180. Accordingly, LED 190 would be selected for emission in the green region of the visible spectrum. Conversely, a next successive logic high going signal at line 104 reverses the logic levels at lines 184 and 186, for example, providing a logic high level at line 186 to actuate switching function 182 to an electrically closed condition and together with a low true condition at line 108, illuminates LED 191. This provides for the delivery of a converter box output to lines 178 and 180. For both switching conditions described, one of the switch control lines 184 or 186 will be at logic low, causing an electrically open condition of function 176 or 182, respectively.
Looking to FIG. 6, the universally remotely controllable AB switch of FIG. 5 is illustrated at an enhanced level of detail. Here the source select flip-flop function 188 is seen to be provided as a D flip-flop, the clock terminal of which is coupled with CLOCK 1 condition carrying line 104, the output of which is coupled to line 184 and the Q output of which is coupled to line 186 as well as through feedback line 194 to the data, "D" terminal. Thus, a positive going pulse at line 104 will alternately toggle high and low logic levels at lines 184 and 186. LEDs 190 and 191 reappear with the same numeration and and 193.
In the invention, "F-Type" connectors preferably are utilized such as connectors 22-27 shown in Fig. 1, which are suitable for mating to television receiving equipment and associated F-type coaxial installation cables. Looking back to FIG. 6, F-type connector 195 has a metallic body which is grounded via line 196 and a center conductor attached to source A line 170. Line 170 may be input to a splitter 171 as described earlier, one side of which provides source "A" to the converter box via line 172 as an F-type coaxial cable 197 with a shield grounded via line 200. Line 180 reappears attached to F-type connector 201 which is grounded as represented at line 202 and further including an inductor form of filter 204 connected between line 180 and ground. Switching function 176 is shown to be provided as an RF dime switch which is actuated from line 184. The diode switching function 176 is formed of dimes D5 and D6 within line 206 and dime D7 which is coupled between line 206 and ground. Resistors R17 and R18 are coupled from ground to the cathodes of diodes D6 and D5, respectively, to provide cathode biasing for same. In similar fashion, the anode of dime D7 receives biasing by virtue of its direct connection to ground. Note that ground represents a valid biasing electrode due to the center tap arrangement of batteries 112 and 114 as shown in FIG. 4. To actuate the dime switching network 176, a high true signal is applied from flip-flop 188 along line 184 and resistor R19 which functions to forward bias dimes D5 and D6 and back-bias diode D7. This causes an electrically closed condition of switch function 176, permitting the signal from cable source 195 to flow to output 201, with coupling capacitors C12 and C13 serving to isolate the dime network from external equipment. Conversely, with a low true condition at line 184, diodes D5 and D6 are back-biased while diode D7 is forward biased, creating an electrically open condition of switch function 176. For additional discourse concerning diode switching, reference is made to the Radio Amateur's Handbook, American Radio Relay League, Newington, Ct. 06111, Chapter4, pp. 4-6, 57th Edition, 1980.
Under the instant D flip-flop logic, where the Q terminal of device 188 is at a logic low, the Q terminal thereof and line 186 is at a logic high. This switching logic high value is presented through resistor R20 to line 212 of the "B" switching function represented generally at 182 and implemented, as before, as a diode switch. Line 174 reappears attached to F-type coaxial cable 213, the shield of which is grounded through line 214, and which is isolated from dime network 182 by capacitor C 14. Note that line 212 incorporates dimes D8 and D9, while dime D10 is coupled between line 212 and ground. Resistors R17 and R21, being coupled to ground, serve to provide cathode biasing for diodes D9 and D8, respectively. Note that the cathode bias provided by resistor R 17 is shared by both diode D9 of switch function 182 and diode D6 of switch function 176. Thus configured, the diode network at 182 performs in the same manner as that at 176 but in conjunction with the logic level presented at line 186 through resistor R20 from flip-flop 188. Note that the described center tap to ground arrangement of batteries 112 and 114 need not be physically provided, as the logic levels of control lines 184 and 186 are always complimentary. Therefore, switch functions 176 and 182 will act as the two elements of a voltage divider, with the chassis ground acting as a center top thereof, by virtue of the instant dime networks' unique configuration. Switching diodes D5-D10 may be provided, for example, as type MA73 (Panasonic).
Referring to FIG. 7, an enhanced block diagrammatic representation of the switching and related control features of apparatus 10 as earlier discussed in connection with FIG. 2 is revealed. Where appropriate, numeration identifying components in FIGS. 1 and 2 is retained for such identification in general in conjunction with FIG. 7. In this regard, the AB switch represented at block 64 in FIG. 2 is identified in general by that numeration in FIG. 7, and the ABC switch function represented at block 68 in FIG. 2 is shown generally with that numeration in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, the "CLOCK 1" logic high true signal, as discussed earlier is presented from along line 104 to a TV source select flip-flop function represented at block 220. Actuation of the flip-flop function 220 provides for alternating logic high and logic low values at its output as represented at line 222. The control condition at line 222 is conveyed for the purpose of carrying out a switching function to the "C" component 226 of ABC switch function 68. Switching function 226 is seen to be coupled through capacitor C15 to a source C which may be the output of a VCR as labeled and represented by earlier numeration 74. Switching function 226 also is coupled to line 227 which extends through capacitor C16 to line 78 which reappears from FIG. 2 and is connected to the television receiver input.
Returning to line 222, the TV source flip-flop function 220 also is seen to be directed via lines 228 and 229 to a TV source automatic routing selection function represented at block 230, corresponding in general to control block 80 as shown in FIG. 2, which serves to insure that the two receivers will not be directly connected to the same source at any time. The logic circuitry of function 230 provides one output as represented at line 232 which functions to actuate the "B" component of ABC switch 68 as represented at block 234. Switching function 234 serves to selectively convey the output, for example, from a converter box as shown at line 61 through capacitor C17 and lines 72 and 236 to the television receiver input as earlier-described at line 78, via capacitor C16. That same logic as represented at line 232 also is conveyed as represented at line 238 to a TV source indication decoder logic circuit as represented at block 240. This circuit serves to select, as may be appropriate, either the green light emitting diode 15 or the red light emitting diode 17 (see FIG. 1 ) in the presence of a low logic level true enabling signal from earlier-described line 108 (FIG. 3) as applied through resistor R22.
The TV source routing logic at block 230 also provides, as represented at line 242, a control input to component "A" of ABC switch function 68 as represented at block 244. Switching function 244 is seen functioning to communicate signals representing nonpremium cable derived from line 60 through capacitor C18 and line 66 to the television receiver via line 227, capacitor C16, and line 78. Note that a two-way RF power splitting function is represented at 246 providing for the submission of non-premium cable signals through lines 66 and 62, and, as represented at line 248, providing cable signals to the input of a converter box. Line 248 corresponds, for example, with cable 22 as described in conjunction with FIG. 1. The signal condition at line 242 also is conveyed via line 250 to the television source indication decoder logic circuitry at block 240, and also aids function 40 in carrying out its task as mentioned above.
Where the user of a remote control device retains an appropriate button in a closed switch orientation for at least about three seconds, then the logic condition at "CLOCK 2" at line 106 causes an alternating selection at a VCR source select flip-flop function represented at block 252. The flip-flop function at block 252 provides alternating outputs as represented at lines 254 and 256. Note that line 254 extends to block 258 representing the "A" switching component of the AB switch function 64. Switching component 258 is coupled via line 62, capacitor C18, and line 60 to non-premium cable signals and provides a switching path via lines 260, 76, and capacitor C19, to the input, for example, of a VCR. As noted above, with the apparatus 10, use is made of the two-way splitting function of the VCR device. As a consequence, the logic associated with the television controls as represented at blocks 230 and 240 is responsive to the condition at line 254. In this regard, a television receiver and VCR will not be directly connected to the same source simultaneously, the television receiver, for certain conditions, taking its source or feed from the output of the VCR. Accordingly, as represented at line 262, extending to block 230, and lines 262 and 264 extending to block 240, the condition of line 254 is part of the switching logic and LED selection decoding carried out at the latter two blocks.
Line 256 extending from the flip-flop function 252 leads to block 265 representing the "B" switching function of AB switch function 64. Switching component 265 is seen to convey source B, i.e. the output of a cable converter box via lines 61, capacitor C17, and line 70 to the VCR input via capacitor C19 and lines 76 and 266.
LEDs 14 and 16 are identified in the figure having one electrode coupled through resistor R23 to the LED enable line 108. Green region emitting LED 14 is seen coupled via line 267 to line 254 so as to be activated in the presence of non-premium cable signals to a coupled VCR device. Correspondingly, red region emitting LED 16 is coupled via line 268 to line 256. Thus, with the presentation of the low true signal at line 108, the source status for both TV and VCR are represented by the selective illumination of two of the LEDs 14-17.
Referring to FIG. 8, an electrical schematic representation of the circuit described in connection with the block diagram shown at FIG. 7 is revealed. To promote an understanding of the correspondence between these figures, where appropriate, the same numeration is used in FIG. 8 as shown in FIG. 7. In the figure, switch control lines 222, 232, 242, 254, and 256 reappear which serve to actuate the also reappearing switching functions 226, 234, 244, 258, and 265, respectively. Switch functions 226, 234, and 244 once again correspond in general to the ABC switch 68 of FIG. 2, just as switch functions 258 and 265 relate to AB switch 64 of that figure. Also note the reappearance of cables (22,25) and connectors (23,24,26,27) from FIG. 1. Control line 222 is directed through resistor R25 to line 276 incorporating switch function 226. Function 226 as well as the other switch functions shown in FIG. 8 are configured in the same manner as the diode switches described in conjunction with FIG. 6. In this regard, it may be observed that the anodes of diodes D13 and D14 are coupled with the cathode of diode D15. The anode of diode D15 is biased by its direct connection to ground, while grounded resistors R26 and R27 provide cathode bias to diodes D13 and D14, respectively. Thus configured, when diodes D13 and D14 are forward biased, diode D15 is reverse biased and vice versa. With the imposition of a logic high condition at line 222, switch function 226 (TV C) assumes an electrically closed condition. This creams a "C" signal path from connector 27 grounded at line 278 to connector 26 (TV) grounded at line 280, via capacitors C15,C16 and lines 74 and 78. Note that line 78 is coupled to an inductor form of filter 282, one end of which is grounded. Inductor 282 serves to shunt stray low frequency voltages emanating from the TV tuner at connector 26, and is operational at all times regardless of the present switching status of the invention. When line 232 is at logic high, this is asserted through resistor R28 to line 284 which actuates switch function 234 (TV B) to an electrically closed condition. Switch function 234 is formed of diodes D16-D18 and resistors R27 and R29, and serves to create a "B" signal path from cable 25, grounded at line 286, to connector 26 (TV), via capacitors C17, C16 and lines 61 and 78. In the same way, when line 242 is at logic high, this is conveyed by resistor R30 to line 288 which actuates switch function 244 (TV A) to an electrically closed condition. Function 244 includes diodes D19-D21 and resistors R27 and R31, and forms an "A"0 signal path from connector 23 grounded at line 290 to connector 26 (TV), via capacitors C18, C16 and lines 60 and 78, as well as splitter function 246. The other output of splitter 246 may provide "A", or non-premium cable signals via line 248 to a converter box via cable 22, which is grounded at 292. These "A" signals presented to connector 23, which pass through line 60, splitter 246 and capacitor C18 may also be directed to connector 24 (VCR) which is grounded at line 294, via switch function 258 (VCR A) as well as capacitor C19 and line 76. Switch function 258 consists of diodes D22-D24 and resistors R31 and R32, and may be actuated to an electrically closed condition by imposing a logic high level at line 296, asserted through resistor R33 by control line 254. In the same way, the "B" signals present at cable 25 and passing through line 61 and capacitor C17 may also be supplied to connector 24 (VCR) via capacitor C19 and line 76, by utilizing switch function 265 (VCR B). Function 265 is formed of dimes D25-D27 and resistors R29 and. R32, and is actuated to an electrically closed condition by applying a logic high level upon line 256, which is asserted through resistor R34 to line 298. Note that line 76 is connected to an inductor 300, one end of which is grounded. Inductor 300 serves the same purpose with respect to a VCR tuner, for example, as previously described inductor 282 serves with respect to the TV tuner. It has been described how each of the five RF switching functions assume an electrically closed status in response to a logic high condition at the corresponding control line. Conversely, each of these five switching functions will assume an electrically open status in response to a logic low condition at the same control line, due to the operation of the dime networks as described earlier.
Focusing now on the associated control logic for these five "port to port" switches, the VCR source select flip-flop function 252 of FIG. 7 is seen here to be provided as a D flip-flop with the same numeration, the clock terminal of which is coupled with the CLOCK 2 condition carrying line again identified at 106. The Q output of flip-flop function 252 is seen coupled to line 254 while the Qoutput is coupled to line 256 as well as through feedback line 302 to the data, "D" terminal, such that a positive going pulse at line 106 will alternately toggle high and low logic levels at lines 254 and 256. Green LED 14 and red LED 16 also reappear from FIG. 7, and are once again coupled to lines 254 and 56 via lines 267 and 268, respectively. Note that flip-flop 252 in combination with switch functions 258 and 265 and LEDs 14 and 16 operates in precisely the same manner as the AB switch described in FIGS. 5 and 6. This also corresponds in general to the AB switch function 64 of FIG. 2, which is represented by that same numeration here. When the Q output of flip-flop 252 is at logic high, this is transmitted via control line 254 to actuate switch function 258 (VCR A) to an electrically closed condition, as previously described. This allows the passage of source "A", for example non-premium cable, signals from connector 23 and via splitter 246 to connector 24, which may be coupled to the input of a VCR. With the Q output of flip-flop 252 being a logic high, the Qoutput is, of course, at logic low. This logic level as conveyed by line 256 causes switch function 265 (VCR B) to assume an electrically open condition, thus preventing the source "B", for example premium cable, signals presented to cable 25 from passing through to the VCR input at connector 24. When the user wishes to remotely switch to a status wherein the VCR is to receive source "B" signals from cable 25, any appropriate button on the remote transmitter at hand is depressed for the longer of the two prescribed intervals, for example 3 seconds. During this interval, the logic low true condition present at LED enabling line 108 is conveyed to LEDs 14 and 16 via resistor R23, thus illuminating green LED 14 by virtue of its coupling to line 254 via line 267. At the culmination of this interval, the positive going transition at line 106 will, of course, cause a reversal of the logic levels at the Q and Q outputs of flip-flop 252. At this time, the user will witness the extinguishment of green LED 14 and the illumination of red LED 16, the latter being coupled to line 256 via line 68. With line 256 now at logic high, this value is conveyed to switch function 265 (VCR B) to cause an electrically closed state. The source "B" signals introduced at cable 25 may then pass freely to the VCR input at connector 24. As line 254 is now at logic low, this causes an electrically open status at switch function 258 (VCR A), thus blocking any flow of source "A signals from connector 23 to connector 24. Thusly, the user may conveniently choose by remote control which signal source will be supplied to a VCR's input.
We turn now to the operation of the ABC switch and associated control logic, represented here in general at 68 and 80, respectively, corresponding to blocks 68 and 80 of FIG. 2. The TV source select flip-flop function 220 of FIG. 7 reappears here as a D flip-flop with the same numeration, the clock terminal of which is coupled with the CLOCK 1 condition carrying line identified again at 104. The Q output of flip-flop 220 is not used, while the Q output is seen coupled to line 222, as well as through feedback line 304 to the data, "D" terminal such that successive positive going pulses at line 104 will alternately result in a logic high or logic low level at line 222. When the Q output of flip-flop 220 is at logic high, this is imposed along line 222 to cause an electrically closed condition of switch function 226 (TV C). Thus, source "C" signals presented from the VCR output at connector 27 are directed to the input of the TV at connector 26. This may, in certain cases, represent a signal generated by the VCR itself as with a videotape. Generally speaking, however, this will be either source "A" or source "B", whichever has been last selected by the user for presentation to the VCR input. This illustrates the advantageous use made of the VCR's internal splitter function by the present invention, which dictates that this routing must be used whenever it is desired to provide the same signal source to both a TV and VCR. Returning to line 222, it can be seen that the logic high level present there is also directed by line 229 to one input of NOR gate 306. The resulting output of this gate as at line 232 is, of course, unconditionally logic low, and is presented to switch function 234 (TV B ) thus causing it to assume an electrically open state. This effectively prevents source "B" signals at cable 25 from reaching the TV at connector 26. In the same way, the logic high at line 222 is also conveyed to NOR gate 308 via line 228, causing a logic low output at that gate also. This is directed by line 242 to cause an electrically open state at switch function 244 (TV A) as well, thus blocking the passage of source "A" signals from connector 23 to connector 26, the TV. Note that NOR gates 306 and 308 correspond to block 230 of FIG. 7 as well as block 80 of FIG. 2, both represented by the same numeration here.
Now consider that the user wishes to provide to the TV input that source (A or B) which is not currently selected as the VCR input source. Any appropriate button on a remote transmitter will be depressed for the shorter of the two prescribed intervals, for example 2 seconds, thus not altering the present VCR input source. This creates a positive going transition at line 104 which causes the logic high Q output of flip-flop 220 to toggle to a logic low condition. This level is imposed upon line 222 causing switch function 226 (TV C) to be electrically open, thus blocking the source "C" or VCR output signals at connector 27 from reaching the TV input at connector 26. The logic low level present at line 222 is also directed to one input of each NOR gate 306 and 308 at lines 229 and 228, respectively. This causes gates 306 and 308 to act, in effect, as inverters with respect to the remaining input terminal of each, as at lines 262 and 310. The remaining input of gate 306 is coupled, inter alia, via line 310 to the output of gate 308; while the remaining input of gate 308 is coupled via line 262 to the Q output of flip-flop function 252 at line 254. Thus configured, the logic level present at line 254 will be inverted by gate 308 at its line 242 output, and this output logic level will be once again inverted at the line 232 output of gate 306. Gate 308 insures, therefore, that the electrically open or closed status of switch function 244 (TV A) as controlled by the logic level at line 242 will be opposite the status of switch function 258 (VCR A) as controlled by line 254. In the same way, gate 306 insures that the status of switch function 234 (TV B) as controlled by line 232 will be opposite the status of switch function 244 (TV A). In this way, when switch function 258 (VCR A) is electrically closed and conveying source "A" signals from connector 23 to the VCR at connector 24, switch function 244 (TV A) is electrically open to prevent those same source "A" signals from reaching the TV at connector 26, while switch function 234 (TV B) is electrically closed and directing source "B" signals from cable 25 to the TV. Similarly, when switch function 258 (VCR A) is electrically open and blocking source "A" signals at connector 23 from the VCR input at connector 24, switch function 244 (TV A) is electrically closed and conveys these same source "A" signals to the TV at connector 26, while switch function 234 (TV B) is electrically open to prevent the source "B" signals at cable 25 from also reaching the TV. Thus, as is apparent from this description, the user may employ any remote transmitter at hand not only to select the VCR input source, but may also conveniently choose whether the signal source applied to the TV will be the same as that supplied to the VCR, or the opposite. This TV source selection will be visually indicated to the user by LEDs 15 and 17, the operation of which is described in the following discourse.
LEDs 15 and 17 are under the logic control of NOR gates 312 and 314 as well as inverter 322, all of which correspond to block 240 of FIG. 7, as represented by that same general numeration here. Gates 312 and 314 act to determine whether the signals input to the TV at connector 26 originate at source "A" or source "B", even though they may be presented to the TV input via source "C", which is the output of the VCR. Under the instant logic provided by gates 312 and 314, it will be shown that this is accomplished by monitoring the electrically open or closed status of three of the five switch functions, namely 234 (TV B), 244 (TV A), and 258 (VCR A), as reflected by the logic levels present at lines 232, 242, and 254, respectively. In this regard, there are two conditions under which the signals presented to the TV will originate at source "A". The first and more obvious of the two is when switch function 244 (TV A) is electrically closed. The corresponding logic high at line 242 is directed to one input of gate 312 by line 250. This unconditionally results in a logic low at the output of gate 312, which is directed via line 316 to one input of gate 314. As switch function 234 (TV B ) must be electrically open at this time, this is reflected by a logic low at line 232 which is directed by line 238 to the other input of gate 314. As both inputs of gate 314 are now logic low, its output is logic high and thus allows for the illumination of green LED 15 via line 318, in the presence of a low true enabling signal at line 108 and resistor R22. This indicates the presence of source "A" signals at the TV's input, which may represent non-premium cable signals. The other condition under which this source "A" is directed to the TV is with an electrically closed status of both switch function 226 (TV C) and 258 (VCR A). The closed status of the latter is reflected as a logic high at line 254, and is conveyed by lines 262 and 264 to one input of gate 312. Thus, the output of this gate is unconditionally at logic low and is directed to one input of gate 314 via line 316. Again, switch function 234 (TV B) is of course electrically open with the accompanying logic low at line 232 being directed by line 238 to the other input of gate 314. As both inputs of gate 314 are logic low, its output is once again at logic high allowing for the illumination of LED 15 as described above. There are also two conditions under which the signals presented to the TV will originate at source "B", the more obvious one being when switch function 234 (TV B) is electrically closed. The corresponding logic high at line 232 then is directed by line 238 to one input of gate 314, thus dictating a logic low at its output. This level is directed by line 320 to the input of inverter 322, causing a logic high at the output thereof. This causes the illumination of red LED 17 via line 324, in the presence of a low true enabling signal at line 108 and resistor R22. This indicates the presence of source "B" signals at the TV input, which may represent the premium output of a converter box. The other condition where this source "B" is directed to the TV is when both switch functions 226 (TV C) and 265 (VCR B) are electrically closed. All other switch functions being electrically open at this time, that open status of functions 244 and 258 is reflected as a logic low at both lines 242 and 254, respectively. This low level at line 242 is conveyed by line 250 to one input of gate 312, while the low level at line 254 is directed via lines 262 and 264 to the other input of gate 312. Both inputs being low, the output of this gate is of course logic high, which is conveyed via line 316 to one input of gate 314, thus mandating a logic low output at that gate. This level is seen directed via line 320 to the input of inverter 322, once again resulting in a logic high output thereof and allowing for the illumination of red LED 17 as described above. Note that inverter 322 assures that LEDs 15 and 17 cannot be illuminated simultaneously. As thus described, in the presence of any remote control command, the user is provided a visual indication of the origin of the signals present at the TV input, even if presented indirectly via a VCR splitting function.
A tabulation showing the above logic in source selection and the performance of the TV source indication decoder function 240 is represented in the following Table 1.
TABLE I______________________________________Logic LevelFF220 FF 252 VCR TV VCR TVQ Q Q Source Source LED LED______________________________________1 1 0 Cable VCR G G0 1 0 Cable Box G R1 0 1 Box VCR R R0 0 1 Box Cable R G______________________________________
It should be noted that the described RF diode switching networks are designed to provide adequate isolation between signal sources only up to about 100 MHz. Since a cable converter box only provides signals at 72 MHz and below, this isolation characteristic is quite sufficient for the application cited. For other applications, however, it may be required to provide adequate isolation up to as much as 1000 MHz. This may be accomplished by adding additional stages to the described diode networks, for example cascading two such networks within each switching function. Also note that various other RF semiconductors may be employed in place of the described diodes. Further, the switching functions need not even be formed of semiconductors at all, as electromechanical devices are available for this purpose as well, for example RF relay type RK1-L-3V by Matsushita Electric.
Since certain other changes also may be made in the above-described apparatus and method without departing from the scope of the invention herein, it is intended that all matter contained in the description thereof or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
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|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
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Effective date: 20040213


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As the Raiders pursue their slim chances for an AFC West title and first playoff berth since the 2002 season, the organization will be pushing the story of a winning tradition. True enough, but should the Raiders succeed, it would be hard to overlook the fact that some of the players most responsible for getting the club back in the spotlight weren't even old enough to drive the last time Oakland was in the postseason.
As much as Oakland has been vilified for some of its recent draft picks, most notably quarterback JaMarcus Russell in 2007 and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey in 2009, it's impossible to overlook the fact that if not for what appears to be a stunningly effective draft in 2010, the Raiders would be where they usually are at this time of the year. Entering Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts at the Coliseum, the Raiders at 7-7 can do no worse than nine losses after having lost 11 or more in each of the last seven years.
A recent CNN-Sports Illustrated story by Don Banks did a speculative re-draft of the 2010 player selection, and ended up giving the Raiders high marks. With the No. 8 pick, the piece had Oakland taking Oklahoma wide receiver Dez Bryant (who went to Dallas) instead of middle linebacker Rolando McClain, which CNN-SI had going No. 20 to Houston. However, three other Raiders drafted after the first round, based on their performances in Oakland, had moved up considerably.
Lamarr Houston, Oakland's starting left defensive end out of Texas, jumped from a second-round pick (No. 44) to No. 22 and the Denver Broncos. Jacoby Ford, a wide receiver picked in the fourth round out of Clemson, went from a fourth-round pick and No. 108 to No. 25, also to Denver. Jared Veldheer, the starting left tackle out of Division II Hillsdale, jumped from the third round and No. 69 overall to No. 30 in the first round for Detroit.
Given that McClain was still a first-round pick and would have been under any circumstances, by at least one count that gives the Raiders four first-round caliber draft picks. It's also given that it's hard to dispute all four players have performed to that standard.
?"There's a bunch of rookies playing across the league, but if you look at our class, all the way from Rolando, to Houston and then to Veldheer and Jacoby ... I think the whole group has really put a lot together," Cable said.
McClain, Houston, Veldheer and Ford are only the four biggest contributors. All of Oakland's draft picks are on the roster, and the only one who hasn't had meaningful playing time is Bruce Campbell, a fourth-round pick out of Maryland taken two picks before Ford.
Walter McFadden, taken in the fifth round (No. 138 overall) out of Auburn, battled a hamstring issue early, struggled when given a chance and has been inactive of late. Linebacker Travis Goethel, according to Cable, won the starting job at weak-side linebacker only to undergo back surgery in September. He's now splitting time with veteran Quentin Groves. Jeremy Ware, taken in the seventh round (No. 215) out of Michigan State, has been inactive for the last two games but saw time as a nickel back and on special teams. Even Stevie Brown, a supplemental pick in the seventh round (No. 251) has contributed, of late being on the field in some nickel and dime packages as a single deep safety as well as contributing on special teams.
"They all came in wanting to learn, and I think for the most part it hasn't been too big for any of them," Cable said. "Coming to a new team, living in a new place, playing football full time, is a big adjustment. None of them seemed really fazed by it."
McClain had the biggest spotlight coming in, given his status as a Butkus Award winner and as a premium draft pick. He's been everything the Raiders hoped for in terms of preparation, perhaps a little less in terms of making plays. McClain missed a 38-31 loss to Jacksonville with a foot injury after playing well against San Diego in a 28-13 win, and returning to start against Denver. He has 71 tackles unofficially, behind only Indianapolis outside linebacker Pat Angerer (78) among rookies.
"My goal is 100 tackles each year so I'm not there yet," McClain said. "I've still got a long way to go but I've still got two games and I can make up some room. My main goal was to try and improve this defense any way possible. If we can continue to grow, continue to build, that's what they need from me at this point."
Ford came in with an open mind and incredible speed. "I came in with the mind-set that I didn't know how the season was going to go, I didn't know what my role was going to be," Ford said. "I was prepared to take on any role, whether it was just going to play special teams, play just a little bit or not at all. "I'm just happy I'm getting the opportunity to go out and make plays. The more I do, the more the staff and my teammates have confidence in me."
SERIES HISTORY: 12th regular-season meeting. Raiders lead series, 7-4. Colts won the last game in Oakland on Dec. 16, 2007, 21-14 to clinch fifth consecutive AFC South title and become the first team to have five straight 12-win seasons.
The last Raiders win over Indianapolis was Oct. 14, 2001, as Rich Gannon completed 18 of 32 passes for 243 yards and Tim Brown had seven receptions for 145 yards. Oakland intercepted Peyton Manning twice, once by Anthony Dorsett for a 39-yard touchdown return, and again by Tory James.
--Being in the playoff race is a relatively new phenomenon to many of the Raiders, but elimination could come before they begin their game against Indianapolis if Kansas City beats Tennessee. Quarterback Jason Campbell is thinking about pre-game ear plugs.
"I wouldn't want to know," Campbell said. "It's not going to make us play any harder or with any less intensity. This is the game, what we get paid to do. You give 100 percent regardless and play hard. If we don't go out and win our game, it doesn't matter what Kansas City did."
Cornerback Stanford Routt was ambivalent. "If somebody walked up to me before the game and said, 'Hey, Stan, Kansas City did this or did that,' I wouldn't necessarily shun the information away, but I know it's not going to have any effect on how we play on Sunday," Routt said.
--Linebacker Quentin Groves looks at Colts quarterback Peyton Manning as something not altogether from this world. "I call him the human robot. He's the human robot," Groves said. "You try anything and everything to get him off his game, and it doesn't work. So you just have to try and do what you do best."
What the Raiders do best is get after quarterbacks, as their 40 sacks rank tied for third in the NFL with Pittsburgh and Chicago. "The Cowboys and everybody who has had some success against Manning has rattled him a little bit," Groves said. "He doesn't like to get hit because he's 6-6 and it's kind of hard to pick up that 6-6 frame off the ground so many times a day."
--Jared Veldheer, who became the starting left tackle after playing at Division II Hillsdale, had a goal in mind from the start. "It was obviously a goal of mine, to be a starting tackle, and to achieve that goal I knew I needed to work hard and put in the time and really pick apart my game and try to work on it, and keep improving it, constantly keep improving it to not only stay in that spot but to make the team better," Veldheer said.
Veldheer thought dealing with the leap in competition was simply a state of mind. "Most of it's just a mindset," Veldheer said. "It's you versus another person. No one is super man with a cape out there. Everyone is wearing a helmet and shoulder pads and you've got to go out there and execute and do your job better than the guy across from you."
It just so happens that this week, the man in front of him is Dwight Freeney, who may be the most formidable pass rusher in the NFL. Freeney in a conference call with Bay Area media, expects that Veldheer won't be doing a lot of one-on-one blocking.
"What normally happens when I go against a rookie is there's two other guys with him," Freeney said. "I'm sure they're going to scheme and not leave him by himself. That wouldn't be very smart."
Freeney's review of Veldheer's work: "He's done a decent job. He hasn't done an overly great job. He's hung in there."
--Kicker Sebastian Janikowski has just four touchbacks in his last 36 kickoffs, a 12.9 percent rate, after getting 24 touchbacks in his first 49 kickoffs, just under 50 percent.
Cable said Janikowski's leg is fine, and that it has more to do with weather conditions and the decision to kick directionally if a touchback seems unlikely. "He's fine," Cable said.
During those six games, Janikowski's field-goal kicking is fine. He's hit 10 of 11 attempts.
BY THE NUMBERS: 17-- Rushing touchdown by the Raiders, tied for the NFL lead through 14 games. The last time Oakland finished in the top 10 in rushing touchdowns was 2002, when they had 21 and tied for fifth in the NFL.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We understand we're facing a great quarterback, a guy that's been in the league for a long time and has been a great quarterback for many years. But we can't get so much into that where we keep ourselves from doing what we do best." -- Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell stressing the need to attack on offense and not get caught up in being conservative to keep the ball away from Peyton Manning.
Khalif Barnes, originally signed before the 2008 season to challenge at left tackle, played behind Mario Henderson last year and was leapfrogged by Jared Veldheer this year. The Raiders have found him a role as an extra tight end however, and Barnes figures to get his most extensive work Sunday combating the outside pass rush skills of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
--P Shane Lechler did not practice with a right hamstring strain and said he expects to play against Indianapolis.
--RT Langston Walker did not practice, is recovering from a concussion and has not passed the league mandated tests.
--DT Richard Seymour did not practice with a hamstring strain and is questionable to face Indianapolis.
--CB Nnamdi Asomugha was limited with an ankle injury but is expected to face Indianapolis.
--WR Johnnie Lee Higgins is limited with an ankle injury, didn't face Denver and is questionable to face Indianapolis.
GAME PLAN: One of the more straightforward missions the Raiders have had this season. Run the ball early and often against the NFL's No. 28-ranked defense, hoping to control the ball, the clock and keep QB Peyton Manning and the Colts off rhythm.
Defensively, the Raiders have historically had some success against Manning because they don't blitz heavily and simply hope to disrupt his timing by jamming wide receivers and playing aggressively in the secondary. Special teams, especially if P Shane Lechler is unavailable, will include more directional kicking than usual.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Raiders OTs Jared Veldheer and Mario Henderson or Langston Walker vs. Colts DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis: There's a bull's eye on both sides for the Raiders, with a rookie third-round pick out of Division II Hillsdale going against Freeney and Mathis operating against either Henderson or Walker. Walker's status is up in the air after a concussion against Denver, with Henderson playing his first half of football on the right side.
The Raiders will no doubt offer every max protection scheme in their book as well as help from tight ends and running backs. Their best bet is to put both ends on their heels with a running game ranked second in the NFL.
Colts WR Reggie Wayne vs. Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha: The Raiders haven't been shy about adjusting their defense for Asomugha to shadow the opponent's best receiver, and since the Colts have been decimated on the outside, he could get the call against Wayne, who has 99 catches for 1,247 yards and five touchdowns. The problem is Asomugha has been hobbled by a sprained ankle and hasn't been 100 percent for a month.
When the two last met in 2007, Wayne made an acrobatic one-handed catch on Asomugha for a 19-yard gain on third-and-3 during the Colts' game-winning drive in a 21-14 win.
INJURY IMPACT: The ability of punter Shane Lechler and defensive tackle Richard Seymour to play and be at peak performance will be crucial to Oakland's chance to take down the Colts. If Lechler doesn't play or is subpar, it gives Peyton Manning fewer yards to navigate for touchdowns. Seymour is crucial to working with Tommy Kelly to collapse the pocket on Manning from the interior.

subset: commoncrawl


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By Paul Kennedy
One's first thought upon reading the report that Lionel Messi became the first soccer
player to rank in the top 10 in the ESPN Sports Poll of Americans' favorite athletes is, what took so long? It would have said something if, after all these years of blanket coverage of soccer on the
major networks, a soccer player did not rank so high. And in Messi's case, he is an iconic soccer figure like Pele and Diego Maradona, ranking as the dominant soccer player of his time.
The most impressive numbers in the ESPN Sports Poll conducted
by Luker on Sports tracking sports fan interests on a monthly basis are Messi at No. 4 and a second soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo, at No. 7 among sports fans
ages 12-24.
This aligns with the results of the ESPN Sports Poll released last year in which pro
soccer ranked second behind only the NFL as the favorite sport of Americans 12-24.
At the time, Messi and Ronaldo ranked 16-24 among all U.S. sports fans, so their climb to 7-21 shows the
continued increase in their popularity even as a case could be made their play on the field has plateaued. Messi has been bothered with injuries, while Ronaldo's Real Madrid and Portugal have both
struggled in the last year.
Two factors fuel this interest in popularity of pro soccer in general and these soccer stars in general: international soccer's heavy coverage on ESPN, Fox and
beIN Sport and the Spanish-language networks and the popularity of the FIFA soccer video game.
(Lest you discount the impact of the FIFA series, check out the popularity of FIFA gaming on
KickTV, the YouTube channel MLS launched with Google and YouTube in 2012 and now with almost 700,000 subscribers, many of the FIFA gamers.)
BOTTOM FEEDER. The week-in and week-out struggles of MLS to draw on television belies the increasing popularity of soccer. The recent Portland-Seattle match ESPN
broadcast in prime time averaged only 189,000 viewers, making it the least watched program for the week
of Oct. 7-13 on the network. Only two other programs averaged less than 300,000 viewers on ESPN: a college football repeat Thursday at 3 a.m. and ESPN Radio's Sunday NFL coverage -- six hours of
two guys talking on the radio. The USA-Jamaica World Cup qualifier the same week averaged 913,000 viewers to rank 20th out of 141 ESPN programs.
Soccer America on Twitter:
Follow Soccer America | Paul Kennedy | Ridge Mahoney | Mike Woitalla
Google+: Soccer America
Soccer America
Soccer Business Insider RSS feed


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Jet-Setting Zac Efron Belts Out the Beach Boys
Posted Tuesday March 6, 2012 9:38 PM GMT
Thought to be on his way to London, Zac Efron was spotted at LAX airport in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon (March 6).
The "Lorax" star wore a denim jacket with fitted jeans as he made his way through the metro terminal, passing by the security checkpoint with a grin on his face.
Stopping by "Conan" the night before to talk about his teenage past, the 24-year-old admitted he tried impressing girls through singing - and, with help from host Conan O'Brien, we get to hear those velvet vocal cords again.
Check out the three part harmony of a classic Beach Boys hit by Efron, Conan and his band leader La Bamba.
Enjoy the photos of Zac Efron leaving the LAX airport (March 6).
Photo Credit: SplashNewsOnline.com


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Senior executives are increasingly targeted for FCPA prosecution. November 22, 2011
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This morning, I pulled up next to a minivan with four children. As we waited for the light, I noticed the driver carelessly smoking a cigarette in the midst of her children. Sadly, this is a common act.
I have no problem with people choosing to smoke a cigarette. Yet the minute you decide to smoke in front of your adolescent is the minute you are fully contributing to various health tribulations that will take a negative toll on your child.
These four young children didn't have a choice but to inhale secondhand smoke. The next time you decide a cigarette is what you want, save it for somewhere else, and preserve your child's well-being.
And if the governor signs HB13, it'll also be against the law.
Pricilla Fehoko
Salt Lake City


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Orientation passport : using gamification to engage university students
Fitz-Walter, Zachary, Tjondronegoro, Dian W., & Wyeth, Peta (2011) Orientation passport : using gamification to engage university students. In Proceedings of the 23rd Australian Computer-Human Interaction Conference, ACM, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT.
Accepted Version
(PDF 473kB)
Adding game elements to an application to motivate use and enhance the user experience is a growing trend known as gamification. This study explores the use of game achievements when applied to a mobile application designed to help new students at university. This paper describes the foundations of a design framework used to integrate game elements to Orientation Passport, a personalised orientation event application for smart phones. Orientation Passport utilises game achievements to present orientation information in an engaging way and to encourage use of the application. The system is explained in terms of the design framework, and the findings of a pilot study involving 26 new students are presented. This study contributes the foundations of a design framework for general gamified achievement design. It also suggests that added game elements can be enjoyable but can potentially encourage undesirable use by some, and aren't as enjoyable if not enforced properly by the technology. Consideration is also needed when enforcing stricter game rules as usability can be affected.
Impact and interest:
Citation counts are sourced monthly from Scopus and Web of Science® citation databases.
These databases contain citations from different subsets of available publications and different time periods and thus the citation count from each is usually different. Some works are not in either database and no count is displayed. Scopus includes citations from articles published in 1996 onwards, and Web of Science® generally from 1980 onwards.
Citations counts from the Google Scholar™ indexing service can be viewed at the linked Google Scholar™ search.
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|ID Code:
|Item Type:
|Conference Paper
|Engagement, Pervasive Games, User Experience, HERN, Gamification, Serious games
|Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification > INFORMATION AND COMPUTING SCIENCES (080000) > INFORMATION SYSTEMS (080600) > Computer-Human Interaction (080602)
|Past > QUT Faculties & Divisions > Faculty of Science and Technology
Past > Research Centres > Smart Services CRC
|Copyright Owner:
|Copyright ACM, [2011]. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here by permission of ACM for your personal use. Not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in [Proceedings of the 23rd Australian Computer-Human Interaction Conference],[10.1145/2071536.2071554]
|Deposited On:
|05 Jan 2012 22:29
|Last Modified:
|21 Jun 2017 14:50
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We focus our philanthropic efforts on three areas: hunger relief, education and supporting the local communities where we operate. These areas closely align with our business initiatives, and over the years we've learned they are also the areas our employees are most passionate about.
Throughout our 125-year history, we have donated our food products to help fight hunger. We produce high-quality, differentiated products for our consumers, and we use our expertise in food manufacturing, distribution and protein as a resource to help hunger relief efforts in the United States and around the world.
Our formal hunger relief strategy – On Our Way to Ending Hunger – is based on three key pillars: Nourish, Collaborate and Motivate.
Nourish addresses the goal of ending hunger by nourishing communities with donations, from our local communities to communities all around the world.
A key way in which we nourish communities internationally is through SPAMMY®, a shelf-stable poultry product that is fortified with vitamins and minerals. We developed this product to help fight malnutrition in children in Guatemala. In July 2014, Hormel Foods announced promising results of a nutrition study demonstrating the benefits of supplementing traditional diets with high-quality protein and micronutrients. As a part of the 20-week trial, fortified or unfortified versions of SPAMMY® were fed to more than 160 schoolchildren in Guatemala. The results revealed:
Read more about SPAMMY® and how we nourish communities in our 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report.
Collaborate is about all parties, internal and external, working together to help end hunger. We know that ending hunger is a task that requires partnership, so we work to research partners and solutions, raise awareness and support hunger relief programs.
Read more about how we collaborate in our 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report.
Motivate is how we understand the hunger problem and mobilize our employees and communities to get involved in this important cause. One way we accomplish this is through our Plant Community Donations Program, which began in 2011 and provides grants to our plant locations in various U.S. communities to support hunger relief organizations in their local communities. We have also funded and conducted research to understand and raise awareness of the hunger problem at the local community level.
Read more about how we motivate in our 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report.
Our employees are involved in their communities and committed to making a difference in the places where they live and work. Below, you can read more about the variety of ways in which Hormel Foods and our employees are contributing to communities:
Read more about our community involvement efforts in our 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report.
The Hormel Foundation
The Hormel Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was established as a separate entity from Hormel Foods in 1941 by the company's founder, George A. Hormel, and his son, Jay C. Hormel. The Hormel Foundation was reorganized in 1980 as a supporting organization under IRS Section 509(a)(3). As a supporting organization, it is organized and operated for the benefit of those charitable organizations represented on its board, such as The Hormel Institute (a world leader in cancer research).
In 2015, The Hormel Foundation reached a record high of giving $21.4 million. Since 1941, The Hormel Foundation has given more than $130 million.
For more information, visit The Hormel Foundation website.
The Hormel Institute
Neighboring the Hormel Foods Corporate Office in Austin, Minn., is The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, a globally recognized cancer research center. Started by Jay C. Hormel in 1942, The Hormel Institute is one of the oldest research centers in the United States.
Throughout the years, we have donated money and resources to support the efforts of the scientists and their focus on The Hormel Institute's mission: discoveries that can prevent and control cancer through natural and nontoxic means.
In May 2014, The Hormel Institute finished the design of a second major expansion (after tripling size in 2008) and held a groundbreaking ceremony with the state's governor, U.S. senators and other state and national leaders. The 20-laboratory expansion was funded with $13.5 million in state of Minnesota bonding funds included in a bill written by Senator Dan Sparks and Representative Jeanne Poppe, supported by former Senate Majority Leader David Senjem and Minnesota legislators, and signed by Governor Mark Dayton. The Hormel Foundation matched the state's $13.5 million commitment to construct the new lab building that provides space for another 130 faculty and staff jobs.
Hormel Foods made a major contribution to the west part of the expansion, a $4.5 million Live Learning Center that features a multi-purpose room and 250-seat lecture hall with theater-style seating and state-of-the-art global communications technology. The entire expansion was completed in 2016.
Discoveries at The Hormel Institute reach the world. Researchers led a group of scientists in discovering a "missing link" in the major cell pathway involved in chronic inflammation and findings were published in the world's leading scientific journal, Nature. Scientists at The Hormel Institute have gained international recognition for cutting-edge research, such as:
For more information, visit The Hormel Institute website.
Hormel Foods Charitable Trust
Each calendar year, the Hormel Foods Charitable Trust Matching Gifts Program matches individual employee and retiree donations to approved colleges and universities and to elementary and high schools. Since its inception, the program has matched millions of dollars in gifts to educational institutions.
Read more about our education efforts in our 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report.