公开(公告)号：US5568272A

公开(公告)日：1996-10-22

申请号：US546335

申请日：1995-10-20

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: H04N5/761 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/782 ,  H04N5/76

CPC classification number: H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/782

Abstract: A system for programming the automatic operation of a video recorder over an extended time period uses an associated television receiver as a display device for alphanumeric messages to the operator to provide a self-explanatory, interactive programming routine. The video recorder system includes a digital memory, a real time digital clock, and an alphanumeric character generator, all connected to a central digital controller. A keypad allows the operator to initiate a programming routine in which previously stored programming messages are called up from memory and generated on the TV receiver's display tube using the character generator. The operator's responses entered via the keypad are stored in the memory and are called up at future times to generate control signals for the video recorder. The video recorder system further includes a memory storing digital data representing a schedule of programming available for a future period. The video system permits this schedule to be recalled and displayed on the TV receiver for review by the user.

公开(公告)号：US5420647A

公开(公告)日：1995-05-30

申请号：US5704

申请日：1993-01-19

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: H04B1/20 ,  H04N5/44 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N7/167 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/422 ,  H04N21/436 ,  H04N21/438 ,  H04N5/782

CPC classification number: H04N5/782 ,  H04B1/202 ,  H04N21/4147 ,  H04N21/42204 ,  H04N21/43615 ,  H04N21/43622 ,  H04N21/4383 ,  H04N5/765 ,  H04N5/775 ,  H04N7/167 ,  H04N2005/4423

Abstract: In a television viewing system, a VCR adapted for use with a source of cable TV, a remotely controllable cable box and a remotely controllable TV receiver provides means to determine all channels tunable by the various tuners, including pay channels. A memory disposed within the VCR stores operative control codes for the cable box and TV. The VCR incorporates switches adapted to interconnect the various components in a variety of configurations. The VCR also incorporates an infrared transmitter operative to transmit control signals to the cable box and TV receiver. Upon receipt of user inputs specifying the desired mode of operation, a controller within the VCR adjusts the switching positions to achieve an optimum configuration for the system components to perform user selections options and transmits remote control codes to the cable box and the TV receiver to place them in condition to enable the user command.

Abstract translation: 在电视观看系统中，适用于有线电视源的录像机，可遥控的有线电视盒和可遥控的电视接收机提供了确定由各种调谐器（包括付费频道）可调谐的所有频道的手段。 设置在VCR内的存储器存储有线盒和电视机的操作控制码。 VCR包括适于以各种配置互连各种组件的开关。 录像机还包括一个红外线发射器，用于将控制信号传输到电缆盒和电视接收器。 在接收到指定所需操作模式的用户输入之后，VCR内的控制器调整切换位置，以实现用于系统组件执行用户选择选项的最佳配置，并将遥控代码发送到有线电视盒和电视接收机放置 他们在条件下启用用户命令。

公开(公告)号：US5373330A

公开(公告)日：1994-12-13

申请号：US5726

申请日：1993-01-19

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/782

CPC classification number: H04N5/775 ,  H04N5/7755

Abstract: In a video cassette recorder (VCR) adapted for use in conjunction with a television (TV) receiver, a audio signal generator is used to produce an audio signal in response to key closures made on the VCR's remote unit with the TV speaker being used as an audio output device. In an alternative embodiment, the audio generator is in the form of a speech synthesizer which generates a human-voice message in response to commands entered via the keypad. The main VCR housing may alternatively come equipped with its own speaker, obviating the need to feed the audio signals to the TV.

Abstract translation: 在适于与电视（TV）接收机一起使用的录像机（VCR）中，音频信号发生器用于响应于在VCR的远程单元上进行的关键闭合而产生音频信号，电视扬声器被用作 音频输出设备。 在替代实施例中，音频发生器是语音合成器的形式，其响应于经由键盘输入的命令而产生人声语音消息。 主VCR外壳也可以配备有自己的扬声器，避免了将音频信号馈送到电视机的需要。

公开(公告)号：US5123046A

公开(公告)日：1992-06-16

申请号：US609291

申请日：1990-11-05

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: H04N5/765 ,  H04N7/167

CPC classification number: H04N5/765 ,  H04N7/167

Abstract: A video recorder, adapted to receive descrambled signals from a remotely controllable tuner/descrambler for multi-channel cable or satellite signals for recording or provision to a T.V. receiver, includes a future program memory which may be programmed by an operator to cause the system to record a predetermined channel at a predetermined future time. To ensure that the descrambler is tuned to the proper channel when a signal requiring descrambling is to be recorded, the video recorder is connected to a remote control transmitter which is energized at the time occurrence of a program to be recorded to send a signal to the remote control receiver of the tuner/descrambler causing it to select the appropriate channel for descrambling.

Abstract translation: 一种视频记录器，适用于从用于记录或提供给TV接收机的多声道电缆或卫星信号的可遥控调谐器/解扰器接收解扰信号，包括将来的程序存储器，其可由操作者编程以使系统 在预定的未来时间记录预定频道。 为了确保当要记录需要解扰的信号时，解扰器被调谐到适当的信道，视频记录器被连接到遥控发射机，该遥控发射机在要记录的节目发生时被激励以向 调谐器/解扰器的遥控接收器使其选择适当的解扰频道。

公开(公告)号：US4864513A

公开(公告)日：1989-09-05

申请号：US70440

申请日：1987-07-07

Applicant: Michael R. Levine ,  Victor Rigotti ,  James Russo ,  Nicholas Skogler

Inventor： Michael R. Levine ,  Victor Rigotti ,  James Russo ,  Nicholas Skogler

IPC: G01D5/165 ,  G01R17/20 ,  G01R27/02

CPC classification number: G01D5/165 ,  G01R17/20 ,  G01R27/02

Abstract: The present invention is a technique for forming a signal representing the operator adjustment of a potentiometer. This technique consists of measuring the reference time constant of the resistance between the fixed terminals of the potentiometer and a capacitor, measuring the variable time constant of the resistance of potentiometer between a fixed terminal and the terminal variable by an operator setting and this same capacitor, and again measuring the reference time constant of the resistance between the fixed terminals of the potentiometer and the capacitor. These time constant measurements are made by discharging the capacitor, charging the capacitor through the appropriate terminal of the potentiometer and measuring the time required for the voltage across the capacitor to reach a predetermined threshold level. This measurement sequence is repeated if the two measures of the reference time constant differ by more than a predetermined amount. The digital ratio of the variable time constant and the reference time constant is then calculated. This digital ratio is the representation of the operator adjustment of said potentiometer.

Abstract translation: 本发明是一种用于形成表示电位器的操作者调整的信号的技术。 该技术包括测量电位器固定端子与电容器之间的电阻的参考时间常数，通过操作者设置测量固定端子与端子变量之间的电位器电阻的可变时间常数以及相同的电容器， 并再次测量电位计的固定端子与电容器之间的电阻的参考时间常数。 这些时间常数测量是通过放电电容器，通过电位器的适当端子对电容器充电，并测量电容器两端的电压达到预定阈值电平所需的时间。 如果参考时间常数的两个测量值相差大于预定量，则重复该测量序列。 然后计算可变时间常数和参考时间常数的数字比。 该数字比率是所述电位器的操作者调整的表示。

公开(公告)号：US4730941A

公开(公告)日：1988-03-15

申请号：US894297

申请日：1986-08-07

Applicant: Michael R. Levine ,  James T. Russo ,  Anthony C. Cairo ,  Victor H. Rigotti

Inventor： Michael R. Levine ,  James T. Russo ,  Anthony C. Cairo ,  Victor H. Rigotti

IPC: G05B19/10 ,  G01K7/00 ,  G05D23/19

CPC classification number: G05B19/10 ,  G05B2219/23199

Abstract: The present invention is a control range display for an electronic thermostat. A plurality of individually actuable display segments are disposed in a line. Each of these display segments represents a particular temperature. The control range of the electronic thermostat is displayed by actuating the display segments representing the upper and lower preselected temperatures and all display segments therebetween. In the preferred embodiment each of these display segments is a liquid crystal display device. The preferred embodiment enables indication of the present temperature by actuation of a single display segment representing that temperature upon selection of a normal mode and an indication of the control temperature range by actuating display segments in the manner noted above upon selection of a program mode. The preferred embodiment further includes a removable mask containing a temperature scale indicia marked in a preselected geared measurement which can be disposed beside the line of display segments of the display means, thereby indicating the particular temperature represented by each display segment in the preselected unit of measurement.

Abstract translation: 本发明是电子恒温器的控制范围显示。 多个可单独致动的显示段被布置成一行。 这些显示段中的每一个表示特定的温度。 通过启动代表上部和下部预选温度的显示段以及它们之间的所有显示区段来显示电子恒温器的控制范围。 在优选实施例中，这些显示段中的每一个都是液晶显示装置。 优选实施例通过在选择正常模式时通过致动表示该温度的单个显示部分来指示当前温度，并且通过在选择节目模式时以上述方式通过致动显示部分来指示控制温度范围。 优选实施例还包括可拆卸掩模，其包含标记在预选齿轮测量中的温度标尺，其可以设置在显示装置的显示部分的线旁边，从而指示由预选的测量单位中的每个显示段表示的特定温度 。

公开(公告)号：US4685614A

公开(公告)日：1987-08-11

申请号：US732436

申请日：1985-05-09

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: F23N5/20 ,  G05D23/24 ,  H03K13/02 ,  G06F15/20 ,  H05B1/02

CPC classification number: F23N5/203 ,  G05D23/1904 ,  G05D23/24 ,  F23N2037/06

Abstract: The present invention performs analog to digital conversion using the system clock of a microprocessor, the system clock being the clock which controls the rate of operation of the microprocessor. A varying analog signal is applied to the clock frequency control input of the microprocessor, thereby causing the clock frequency and the rate of operation of the microprocessor to vary in accordance with the varying analog signal. The clock is counted for a predetermined period of time. In the preferred embodiment this predetermined period of time is set by the 60 Hz AC power line. The counted contents at the end of this predetermined period of time is a digital representation of the varying analog signal. The microprocessor includes circuits for performing other operations at the rate set by the clock frequency. The other operations performed by the microprocessor must not be deleteriously affected by the varying rate of operation caused by the varying analog signal. In the preferred embodiment the varying analog signal is the output of a thermistor corresponding to the ambient temperature and the microprocessor includes additional control functions for using the digital representation of the analog signal for thermostatic control of a temperature modifying apparatus.

Abstract translation: 本发明使用微处理器的系统时钟进行模数转换，系统时钟是控制微处理器的操作速率的时钟。 将变化的模拟信号施加到微处理器的时钟频率控制输入端，由此使微处理器的时钟频率和操作速率根据变化的模拟信号而变化。 时钟被计数预定的时间段。 在优选实施例中，该预定时间段由60Hz AC电力线设定。 在该预定时间段结束时的计数内容是变化的模拟信号的数字表示。 微处理器包括以由时钟频率设定的速率执行其他操作的电路。 由微处理器执行的其他操作不能受到由变化的模拟信号引起的变化的操作速率的有害影响。 在优选实施例中，变化的模拟信号是对应于环境温度的热敏电阻的输出，并且微处理器包括用于使用模拟信号的数字表示用于温度调节装置的恒温控制的附加控制功能。

公开(公告)号：US4683939A

公开(公告)日：1987-08-04

申请号：US909774

申请日：1986-09-19

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: G05D23/19 ,  F25B29/00

CPC classification number: G05D23/1904

Abstract: A programmable electronic thermostat having selectable modes to control heating only, cooling only or both heating and cooling. This electronic thermostat enables an operator to program a series of desired temperatures over a repetitive heating or cooling cycle. The thermostat includes a clock that interrogates the stored program to generate a signal representative of the desired temperature for the present time which is compared with the measured temperature to generate control signals for a furnace or an air conditioner. The electronic thermostat may be placed in an automatic mode which controls both the furnace and the air conditioner. This automatic mode may be entered when a program of desired heating temperatures has been stored, whereupon the air conditioner is controlled based upon a cooling temperature having a predetermined relationship to the desired heating temperature. Similarly, this automatic mode may be invoked when only a program of desired cooling temperatures is stored. In such an event, the furnace is actuated based upon a heating temperature which has a predetermined relationship to the stored desired cooling temperature. In a further embodiment, both a program of desired heating temperatures and a program of desired cooling temperatures for the same time cycle may be stored, whereupon the electronic thermostat controls both the furnace and the air conditioner in accordance with the respective stored programs when in the automatic mode.

Abstract translation: 一种可编程电子恒温器，具有可选择的模式，仅控制加热，仅在冷却或加热和冷却两者。 该电子恒温器使操作员可以在重复的加热或冷却循环中编程一系列所需的温度。 恒温器包括询问存储的程序以产生代表当前时间的期望温度的信号的时钟，该信号与测量的温度进行比较以产生用于炉或空调的控制信号。 电子恒温器可以放置在控制炉和空调的自动模式中。 当存储了所需加热温度的程序时，可以输入该自动模式，由此基于与期望的加热温度具有预定关系的冷却温度来控制空调。 类似地，当仅存储期望的冷却温度的程序时，可以调用该自动模式。 在这种情况下，基于与存储的所需冷却温度具有预定关系的加热温度来致动炉。 在另一个实施例中，可以存储所需加热温度的程序和用于相同时间周期的期望冷却温度的程序，于是电子恒温器根据相应的存储程序控制炉和空调，当在 自动模式。

公开(公告)号：US4669654A

公开(公告)日：1987-06-02

申请号：US830229

申请日：1986-02-18

Applicant: Michael R. Levine ,  James T. Russo ,  Victor H. Rigotti

Inventor： Michael R. Levine ,  James T. Russo ,  Victor H. Rigotti

IPC: G05D23/24 ,  F23N5/20

CPC classification number: G05D23/24 ,  G05D23/1904

Abstract: An electronic programmable thermostat for the control of a furnace or air conditioner is useful as a replacement for a conventional non-programmable thermostat and mounts on the non-programmable thermostat's wall plate to achieve support, electrical connection with the load and power supply, and the use of certain manual controls supported on the wall plate. The programmable thermostat employs a circular printed circuit board supporting its electronic components, which include a potentiometer for operator adjustment of desired temperature. A flat circular knob supported on the potentiometer shaft and an annular bezel cover the thermostat and allow access to the manual controls supported on the wall plate. The potentiometer and a temperature sensing thermistor control the frequency of a pulse generator which provides input to a counter. The resulting digital signal is compared with a digital signal generated under control of a clock and manually actuable programming switches, to generate an output control signal for the load.

Abstract translation: 用于控制炉或空调的电子可编程恒温器可用作常规非可编程恒温器的替代物，并且安装在非可编程恒温器的壁板上以实现支撑，与负载和电源的电连接，以及 使用支持在墙板上的某些手动控制。 可编程恒温器采用支持其电子部件的圆形印刷电路板，其包括用于操作者调节所需温度的电位器。 支撑在电位计轴上的平面圆形旋钮和环形挡板盖住恒温器，并允许访问支撑在墙板上的手动控制器。 电位器和温度感测热敏电阻控制向计数器提供输入的脉冲发生器的频率。 将所得数字信号与在时钟和手动可编程开关控制下产生的数字信号进行比较，以产生用于负载的输出控制信号。

公开(公告)号：US4314665A

公开(公告)日：1982-02-09

申请号：US116064

申请日：1980-01-28

Applicant: Michael R. Levine

Inventor： Michael R. Levine

IPC: G05D23/24 ,  F23N5/20

CPC classification number: G05D23/24 ,  G05D23/1917

Abstract: A thermostat for generating control signals for a furnace, air conditioner, or the like, employs a constant frequency periodically alternating electrical source and an oscillator incorporating an element having a thermal-sensitive electrical characteristic so the oscillator frequency varies as a function of the ambient temperature. A comparator receives the two outputs and generates a signal representative of the ambient temperature. The stable output is also provided to dividing circuits to generate a signal representative of the time that is used to interrogate a digital memory storing a desired temperature-time program for the thermostat for a repetitive period, such as a week or month. The ambient temperature signal is compared with the desired temperature signal to generate an output conrol signal. A display provides a read-out of time and temperature and is used along with keyboard or the like in programming the memory.

Abstract translation: 用于产生用于炉，空调等的控制信号的恒温器采用恒定频率周期性交变电源和包含具有热敏电特性的元件的振荡器，使得振荡器频率随环境温度变化 。 比较器接收两个输出并产生代表环境温度的信号。 稳定输出也被提供给分频电路以产生代表用于询问存储用于恒温器的期望温度 - 时间程序的数字存储器用于重复周期（例如周或月）的时间的信号。 将环境温度信号与期望的温度信号进行比较以产生输出控制信号。 显示器提供读出时间和温度，并与键盘等一起使用来编程存储器。