Wireless communication module

• US 20040101295A1
• Filed: 11/26/2002
• Published: 05/27/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LAB Partners Associates Incorporated
• Original Assignee: LAB Partners Associates Incorporated
• Inventors: Clark, James E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,016,603 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 396/56
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/0473 Remote controlled ignition mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/00 Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor lens hoods or caps G03B11/04
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/48 adapted for combination with other photographic or optical apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 29/00 Combinations of cameras, projectors or photographic printing apparatus with non-photographic non-optical apparatus, e.g. clocks or weapons; Cameras having the shape of other objects combinations with flash apparatus G03B15/03
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 9/70 with flash-synchronising contacts
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link

Abstract

A microcontroller radio card (2) for insertion into a first device, e.g., a camera (10) to allow for remote operation of a second device, e.g., a flashpack (22), utilizing the existing controls of the first device. The card includes a base (34) populated with various microelectronic devices for transmitting and or receiving RF or other signals used in the control and operation of the second device. A central processing unit (CPU) (41) translates signals received from the first device and controls the generation of corresponding signals to be transmitted to the second device in response to the signals received from the first device. Signals are transmitted to the second device via a transceiver chip (43).

Claims

1. A wireless communication module for insertion into a first device to allow for remote operation of a second device utilizing the existing controls of the first device, said module comprising:

a base;

a connection between said base and the existing controls of the first device to allow said base to communicate with the first device; and

a transmitter or transceiver joined with said base for transmitting signals to the second device in response to signals generated by the first device.

2. A module as in claim 1, wherein said base is operably joined with an antenna, said antenna adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the first device.

3. A module as in claim 1, wherein said signals transmitted by said transmitter or transceiver are RF signals.

4. A module as in claim 1, wherein said module is remotely programmable.

5. A microcontroller radio card for insertion into a first device to allow for remote operation of a second device utilizing the existing controls of the first device, said card comprising:

a base;

means for connecting said base with the existing controls of the first device to allow said base to communicate with the first device; and

a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting signals to the second device in response to signals generated by the first device.

6. A device for modifying a camera capable of generating a first signal so that the camera is capable of remotely operating an external flash device, said device comprising:

a microcontroller radio card having a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting signals from the camera to the external flash device for controlling said external flash device in response to a first signal from the camera, said card capable of being inserted into the camera without substantially modifying the camera; and

means for communicatively joining said card with the camera controls so that the first signal is provided to said microcontroller radio card.

7. A device for modifying a camera as in claim 6, further comprising:

a detachable antenna adapted to electrically connect with said microcontroller card; and

sensing means for sensing connection of said antenna and switching said card to or from an active state upon sensing said antenna.

8. A method of adapting a first device to remotely operate a second device, comprising:

providing a microcontroller radio card including means for communicating with the first device and a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting signals to the second device in response to signals generated by the first device; and

inserting said microcontroller radio card into the first device.

9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising:

operably connecting an antenna with said microcontroller radio card.

10. A microcontroller radio card for insertion into a first device to allow for remote operation of a second device utilizing the existing controls of the first device, said card comprising:

a base;

a central processing unit (CPU) connected to said base;

a phase lock loop (PLL) circuit that is controlled by said CPU, said PLL providing at least one reference signal;

a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) connected to said PLL for providing at least one signal carrier derived from said at least one reference signal;

a transmitter or transceiver connected to said CPU for transmitting said at least one signal carrier under control of said CPU; and

at least a first connector for making an electrical connection between said circuit board and the first device to allow communication between the existing controls of the first device and said CPU.

11. A microcontroller radio card as in claim 10, wherein said at least one signal carrier transmitted by said transmitter or transceiver includes RF signals.

12. A microcontroller radio card as in claim 10, wherein said CPU is remotely programmable.

13. A microcontroller radio card as in claim 10, wherein the first device includes an antenna adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the first device, said card including a second connector for connecting the antenna to said card.

14. A microcontroller radio card as in claim 13, wherein when said card is operably joined with said antenna, said CPU enables the transmission of said at least one signal carrier by said transmitter or transceiver.

15. A microcontroller radio card as in claim 10, wherein said transceiver is adapted to receive signals from the second device.

16. A microcontroller radio card as in claim 10, wherein said transmitter or transceiver uses at least one of on/off keying (OOK), phase shift keying (PSK), and frequency shift keying (FSK) to transmit said at least one signal carrier.

17. A microcontroller radio card as in claim 10, wherein every signal carrier that is transmitted is transmitted at least twice.

18. A microcontroller radio card as in claim 10, wherein said CPU is adapted to translate signals received from said first device so that said card generates corresponding signals for transmission to said second device in response to said signals received from said first device.

20. A microcontroller radio card according to claim 10, wherein said base includes a top surface and a bottom surface, said at least a first connector includes a first electrical contact joined with said top surface and a second electrical contact joined with said bottom surface.

21. A microcontroller radio card according to claim 20, wherein said first electrical contact is electrically connected to said second electrical contact.

19. A method of modifying a first device to allow for remote operation of a second device utilizing the existing controls of the first device, comprising:

accessing the existing controls of the first device;

operably connecting a microcontroller radio card having wireless communication capabilities with the existing controls of the first device; and

inserting said microcontroller radio card in the first device.