Remote control systems that can distinguish stray light sources

Abstract

Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can be configured to exhibit signature characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths. The predetermined light sources also can emit light polarized in one or more predetermined polarization axes. Remote control systems of the present invention also can include methods for adjusting an allocation of predetermined light sources and/or the technique used to distinguish the predetermined light sources from the stray light sources.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system comprising:
 one or more predetermined light sources configured to emit light polarized in one or more predetermined polarization axes;   a photodetector for detecting light from light sources, wherein the photodetector is configured to generate photodetector data;   one or more polarizing filters disposed to accept light from the light sources before the light is detected by the photodetector, wherein the one or more polarizing filters are configured in one or more predetermined polarization axes; and   a controller configured to distinguish the one or more predetermined light sources from other light sources based on the photodetector data.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the one or more predetermined light sources comprise multiple predetermined light sources disposed in a pattern that is asymmetric about at least a first axis. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the controller is configured to identify multiple light sources from the photodetector data that form a derivative pattern indicative of the asymmetric pattern. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein:
 the one or more predetermined light sources comprise multiple predetermined light sources; and   the controller is configured to identify multiple light sources from the photodetector data that exhibit expected relative intensities.   
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the photodetector, one or more polarizing filters, and controller are disposed in a remote control. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the one or more predetermined light sources are disposed in a remote control. 
     
     
         27 . A method for distinguishing multiple predetermined light sources from stray light sources, the method comprising:
 emitting polarized light from the multiple predetermined light sources at one or more predetermined intensities, wherein the polarized light is polarized in one or more predetermined polarization axes;   filtering light from light sources using one or more polarizing filters;   detecting light from the light sources using a photodetector after the light is filtered by the polarizing filter;   generating photodetector data representative of the detected light; and   identifying multiple light sources from the photodetector data that exhibit expected relative intensities.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the multiple predetermined light sources is disposed in a pattern that is asymmetric about at least a first axis, the method further comprising identifying multiple light sources from the photodetector data that form a derivative pattern indicative of the asymmetric pattern. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the photodetector and polarizing filter are disposed in a remote control, the method further comprising generating signals responsive to user actuation of a user input component of the remote control. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the one or more predetermined light sources are disposed in a remote control, the method further comprising generating signals responsive to user actuation of a user input component of the remote control. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein emitting polarized light from the multiple predetermined light sources comprises emitting polarized light from multiple coherent light sources. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein emitting polarized light from the multiple predetermined light sources comprises emitting polarized light through one or more polarizing filters. 
     
     
         33 . A method for identifying a technique for distinguishing one or more predetermined light sources from other light sources, the method comprising:
 accepting data indicative of one or more conditions under which a photodetector is detecting light emitted from the one or more predetermined light sources; and   identifying a first technique for distinguishing the one or more predetermined light sources from the other light sources based on the data.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising initiating the first technique by generating signals for controlling hardware associated with the first technique. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising:
 identifying a second technique for distinguishing the one or more predetermined light sources from the other light sources, wherein the second technique comprises a default technique; and   changing from the second technique to the first technique to distinguish the one or more predetermined light sources from the other light sources.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the data comprises ambient light data, data indicative of the proximity of the one or more predetermined light sources to the photodetector, data indicative of an image being shown by a display associated with the one or more predetermined light sources, data indicative of a signal-to-noise ratio, data from a user indicative of a user-preferred technique, or any combination thereof.