METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CORDLESS INFRARED COMMUNICATION

摘要

A method and apparatus for communicating from a base unit (40) to a pluralit y of portable infrared devices (48.1-48.8) are described using established communication protocols. The signals are sent along cables from the base uni t via stationary infrared receiver/transmitter (RT, 46.1-46.16) modules at infrared carriers in standard transmission and receiving slots to and from t he portable devices. The RT modules are distributed throughout a space in the building. Control circuits are used to assure that different infrared carrie r signals, originating from nearby RT modules, arrive at any one portable devi ce with a phase difference that does not exceed an acceptable amount. The syste m also includes circuitry in the base unit to select the best infrared signal detected by several RT modules from any one particular portable device. A hu b is described to expand the number of RT modules with which a base unit can communicate.