Microchips and remote control devices comprising same

An encoder microchip comprising:

• means for storing an identification number;
• means for storing a counter value;
• means for changing the value of said counter value only when the encoder microchip is operated;
• and
• encoding means for performing an encoding function on at least said counter value using said identification number, so as to generate a transmission value.

A decoder microchip comprising:

• first means for storing an identification number;
• second means for storing at least a first counter value;
• output means;
• input means for data;
• means for performing a decoding function on the received data using said identification number so as to generate a second counter value;
• third means for comparing the second counter value with the first counter value;
• activating means for activating, if a comparison carried out by said third means shows that the second counter value is within a defined range of the first counter value the output means;
• and
• storage means for storing information relating to said second counter value in the second means if said output is activated.

A remote control system which comprises a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter comprising:

• first means for storing a first identification number;
• second means for storing a counter value which is related to a number of times the transmitter is activated;
• means for performing an encoding function on the first identification number and on the counter value so as to generate a transmission value;
• and
• means for transmitting the transmission value to the receiver and indicating an activation of the transmitter to a user;
• the receiver comprising:
• third means for storing a second identification number which is the same as the first identification number;
• means for receiving said transmission value;
• and
• means for performing a decoding function, using the second identification number, on the received transmission value, so as to generate a decoded counter value.

A remote control system which comprises a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter comprising:

• first means for storing a first identification number;
• second means for storing an encoder counter value;
• means for performing an encoding function on at least the first identification number and the encoder counter value so as to generate a transmission value, the encoder counter value being dependent on a number of times the encoding function is performed;
• and
• means for transmitting the transmission value to the receiver and indicating an activation of the transmitter to a user;
• the receiver including:
• third means for storing a second identification number which is the same as the first identification number;
• means for receiving said transmission value;
• means for performing a decoding function, using the second identification number, on the received transmission value, so as to generate at least a decoded counter value that is the same as the encoder counter value;
• fourth means for storing the decoded counter value;
• means for comparing the decoded counter value to the decoder counter value which is stored in the fourth means and which was generated from a preceding received transmission value;
• means for determining whether the decoded counter value falls within a particular range with regard to the decoded counter value;
• and
• means for causing a value related to the decoded counter value to be stored in the fourth means if the comparison shows that the decoder counter value is within a said particular range.

An encoder microchip, comprising:

• means for storing an identification number,
• means for storing a counter value,
• means for forming a unit number selected from the group consisting of information representing a command, information representing an input value, information representing a transmitter number and a constant value,
• means for changing the Value of said counter value each time the encoder microchip is operated, and
• encoding means for performing an encoding function on said counter value and on said unit number using said identification number, so as to generate a transmission value;
• wherein said unit number is modified related to a length of time that the encoder is operated.

A decoder microchip comprising:

• a memory having a stored counter value from a previous transmission;
• a input data port;
• a decoder, connected to said memory and said input data port, for performing a decoding function on data received by said input data port using an identification number stored in said memory and for generating a decoded counter value;
• a comparator connected to said decoder and said memory;
• an output circuit;
• and
• an output activation circuit, connected to said comparator and said output circuit, for activating said output circuit, for comparing said decoded counter value to the stored counter value, and for storing said decoded counter value in said memory, if said decoded counter value is within a defined range of said stored counter value.