Sequentially operated modules

• US 10,569,181 B2
• Filed: 01/26/2017
• Issued: 02/25/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
• Original Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
• Inventors: Binder, Yehuda
• Primary Examiner(s): Barnie, Rexford N
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ortiz, Elim
• Application Number:
  US15/415,926
• Publication Number:
  US 20170133803A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,125 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/35 Details of game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/54 involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/247 audible, e.g. using a loudspeaker
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2250/50 Construction set or kit
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/28 Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/042 Mechanical, electrical, optical, pneumatic or hydraulic arrangements; Motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/08 provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/26 Magnetic or electric toys electric drives A63H29/22 ; indoor games played with small balls using magnetic power A63F7/0088, A63F7/068
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 5/00 Musical or noise- producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical musical tops A63H1/28; sound-producing dolls A63H3/28; musical toy vehicles A63H17/268; acoustical vehicle-signalling devices A63H17/32; whistling toy locomotive arrangements A63H19/14; music, sound or noise production in general G10
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1656 characterised by programming, planning systems for manipulators
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1694 characterised by use of sensors other than normal servo-feedback from position, speed or acceleration sensors, perception control, multi-sensor controlled systems, sensor fusion
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 17/003 electrically operated apparatus or devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/00 Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0023 Colour matching, recognition, analysis, mixture or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/025 : with electrically operated apparatus or devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/06 : with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6691 : with built-in signalling means H01R13/717 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7175 : Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7177 : filament or neon bulb
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2107/00 : Four or more poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/64 : for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/16 : Fastening of connecting parts to base or case; Insulating connecting parts from base or case
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/00 : Circuit arrangements for dc mains or dc distribution networks
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/001 : Hot plugging or unplugging of load or power modules to or from power distribution networks
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00 : Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/00 : Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 : Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/14 : Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/028 : associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 17/00 : Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers piezoelectric or electrostrictive elements in general H10N30/00; details of piezoelectric or electrostrictive motors, generators or positioners H10N30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 3/00 : Circuits for transducers , loudspeakers or microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 : Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/042 : Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/09 : Closed loop, sensor feedback controls arm movement

Abstract

Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

Claims

1. A modular apparatus comprising:

a master module comprising in an enclosure;

a battery compartment for housing a battery for providing Direct Current (DC) power;

a connector at an end of the master enclosure and coupled to the battery compartment for passing DC power via the connector;

software or firmware and a processor for executing the respective software or firmware, the processor is coupled to be powered from the DC power; and

a payload coupled to the battery compartment for being powered by the DC power and to the processor for being controlled or activated thereby,

a plurality of interchangeable slave modules detachably connectable in series with the master module and with each other, each of the slave modules comprising, in an enclosure;

a first connector at a first end of the slave module enclosure;

a second connector at a second end of the slave module enclosure;

an antenna for coupling to a wireless signal;

a wireless transceiver coupled to the antenna for receiving or transmitting the wireless signal; and

an annunciator adapted to perform a module-specific task coupled to the first or second connector to be powered therefrom,

wherein the connectors are physically structured (i) to allow the slave modules to be detachably mechanically coupled to each other in any order and to allow any of the slave modules to be detachably mechanically coupled to the master module, and (ii) to electrically connect connectors of respective modules when mechanically attached to one another;

wherein the apparatus is further operative for an over-the-air wireless communication with a device,

and wherein, when the master module and the slave modules are mechanically connected in series, the slave modules are powered from the DC power, and wherein the payload is controlled or activated in response to a signal received by the master module from one of the slave modules.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the payload sequentially operates in response to the order in which the modules are connected.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the master module and the slave modules are mechanically connected in series, the annunciators sequentially operate in response to the order in which the modules are connected.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the payload comprises a motor.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the master module further comprises a driving motor and a wheel driven by the driving motor and supporting the master module, and wherein each slave module further comprises a set of wheels supporting the slave module.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the annunciators of different ones of the slave modules are adapted to perform respectively different module-specific tasks.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is coupled to control or activate the annunciators when the slave modules are mechanically connected in a series to each other and to the master module.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the module-specific task of the annunciator of at least one of the slave modules is to emit visible light and the annunciator of at least one of the slave modules comprises a visible light emitter.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the visible light emitter comprises a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the module-specific task of at least one of the annunciators comprises blinking by the visible light emitter.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the module-specific task that at least one of the annunciators is adapted to perform is to emit audible sound and the annunciator of at least one of the slave modules comprises an audible sound generator.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the sound generator is configured to produce music.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the sound generator is configured to produce spoken words.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the audible sound generator comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the appearance of each of the slave modules or the module-specific task that each of the annunciators are adapted to perform, or relate to, a common theme.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the appearance of each of the slave modules and the module-specific task that each of the annunciators are adapted to perform, relate to a common theme.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the slave modules color, type, or shape, is associated with the theme.

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the theme is a specific type of animal.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the payload is adapted to emit visible light and the annunciator of that module comprises a visible light emitter.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the payload is adapted to emit audible sound and the annunciator comprises an audible sound generator.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in each of the slave modules the second end is opposite to the first end, and wherein in each of the slave modules the first connector is opposite to the second connector.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the second connectors of each of the slave modules comprises a first common type of connector chosen from a group consisting of a male connector and a female connector, and wherein each of the first connectors of each of the slave modules comprises a second common type of connector that is the other member of the group.

23. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all of the connectors are rectangular, square, or circular shaped.

24. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slave modules are detachably connectable to each other and to the master module using interlocking, friction fit, or shaped lugs and mating cut-outs.

25. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slave modules are detachably connectable to each other and to the master module using protrusions in one of the modules and cavities in another of the modules adapted to receive the protrusions in a frictional engagement.

26. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connectors are physically structured to electrically connect the connectors of any pair of adjacently mechanically attached modules via two contacts capable of carrying both the DC power and digital data between the respective modules.

27. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connectors are physically structured to electrically connect the connectors of any pair of adjacently mechanically attached modules via at least two contacts for carrying the DC power and at least two contacts for carrying bi-directional digital data.

28. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the slave modules comprises a sensor producing an output signal responsive to a physical phenomenon coupled to the first or second connector of the one of the slave modules.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the sensor comprises a light sensor, a photocell, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, an electrical current sensor, or an electrical voltage sensor.

30. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the payload is controlled or activated in response to sensor output signal.

31. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the annunciator of the one of the slave modules is controlled or activated in response to sensor output signal.

32. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein each one of the slave modules comprises a sensor producing an output signal responsive to a physical phenomenon coupled to the first or second connector of the respective one of the slave modules.

33. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the master module further comprising a first line receiver coupled to the connector for receiving digital data signal therefrom, and for controlling or activating the payload in response to the received digital data.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the digital data signal in an unbalanced signal.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the unbalanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-232 or RS-423 standards.

36. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the digital data signal in a balanced signal.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the balanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-422 or RS-485 standards.

38. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the slave modules further comprising a first line receiver coupled to the first connector for receiving first digital data signal therefrom, and for controlling or activating the annunciator in response to the first digital data received from the first connector.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the first digital data signal in an unbalanced signal.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the unbalanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-232 or RS-423 standards.

41. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the first digital data signal in a balanced signal.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the balanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-422 or RS-485 standards.

43. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein each of the slave modules further comprising a second line receiver coupled to the second connector for receiving second digital data signal therefrom, and for controlling or activating the annunciator in response to the second digital data received from the second connector.

44. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the second digital data signal in a balanced or unbalanced signal.

45. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the master module further comprising a first line driver coupled between the processor and the connector for transmitting digital data signal to the connector, and for controlling or activating at least one of the annunciators.

46. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the digital data signal in an unbalanced signal.

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the unbalanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-232 or RS-423 standards.

48. The apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the digital data signal in a balanced signal.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the balanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-422 or RS-485 standards.

50. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the slave modules further comprising a first line driver coupled between the first connector and the second connector, for transmitting a first digital data signal to the first connector.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the first digital data signal in an unbalanced signal.

52. The apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the unbalanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-232 or RS-423 standards.

53. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the first digital data signal in a balanced signal.

54. The apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the balanced signal is based on, or is according to, RS-422 or RS-485 standards.

55. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein each of the slave modules further comprising a second line receiver coupled to the second connector for transmitting second digital data signal thereto.

56. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the second digital data signal in a balanced or unbalanced signal.

57. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the master module further comprising the antenna and the wireless transceiver.

58. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the payload or at least one of the annunciators is controlled or activated in response to data received from the device.

59. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver is connectable to be powered from the DC power.

60. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, are compatible with, or are based on, WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), the antenna is a WPAN antenna, and the wireless transceiver is a WPAN transceiver.

61. The apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, ZigBee protocol according to IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard, Bluetooth protocol according to IEEE 802.15.1 standard, or UWB (Ultra-WideBand) according to IEEE 802.15.3 standard.

62. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication uses an unlicensed frequency band.

63. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, are compatible with, or are based on, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), the antenna is a WLAN antenna, and the wireless transceiver is a WLAN transceiver.

64. The apparatus according to claim 63, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, IEEE 802.11 standard, and use an Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency spectrum band.

65. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal are according to, are compatible with, or are based on, cellular communication, the antenna is a cellular antenna and the wireless transceiver is a cellular transceiver, and the wireless communication uses a licensed frequency band.

66. The apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, 2.5G or 3G.

67. The apparatus according to claim 66, wherein the wireless communication and the wireless signal substantially conform to, are compatible with, or are based on, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS, DCS, or PCS.

68. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a random signal generator for outputting a random signal or number couplable for activating or controlling the payload or at least one of the annunciators in response to the random signal or number.

69. The apparatus according to claim 68, wherein the random signal generator is based on a physical process that is one of a thermal noise, a shot noise, decaying nuclear radiation, a photoelectric effect, and a quantum phenomenon.

70. The apparatus according to claim 68, wherein the random signal generator includes software or firmware executed by the processor, and wherein the software or firmware includes an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers.

71. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises a plug, and wherein the second connector comprises a receptacle.

72. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the annunciator or the payload comprises an audible sound generator for audible signaling of a sound.

73. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the audible sound generator comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator.

74. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the audible sound generator comprises a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

75. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the audible sound generator comprises a loudspeaker and a digital/analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker.

76. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the audible sound generator is operative to generate a single tone or multiple tones.

77. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the sound emitted from the audible sound generator is a characteristic sound of a household appliance, a vehicle, an emergency vehicle, an animal, or a musical instrument.

78. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the sound emitted from the audible sound generator comprises a song or a melody.

79. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the sound emitted from the annunciator comprises a human talking voice.

80. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the emitted human voice includes a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story.

81. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the emitted sound is based on, or uses, a speech synthesis or a pre-recorded sound.

82. The apparatus according to claim 72, wherein the emitted sound is associated with a theme or a shape of the apparatus.

83. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the connectors comprises a USB connector.

84. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the master module further comprising a push-button switch coupled to the processor, and wherein the payload is controlled or activated in response to the switch state.

85. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the master module further comprising a rotary dial coupled to the processor, and wherein the payload is controlled or activated in response to the rotary dial state.

86. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the slave modules further comprising a push-button switch, and wherein the respective annunciator is controlled or activated in response to the switch state.

87. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the slave modules further comprising a rotary dial, and wherein the respective annunciator is controlled or activated in response to the rotary dial state.

88. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the slave modules further comprising a first timer coupled to the first connector for receiving a first signal therefrom, and for producing a first delayed signal that is delayed by a first time period from the first signal.

89. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the first timer of the one of the slave modules is coupled for transmitting the first delayed signal to the second connector.

90. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the first timer comprises a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit, a monostable circuit, or a delay line.

91. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the annunciator of the one of the slave modules is controlled or activated in response to the first delayed signal.