Data communications system and method for communication between infrared devices

• US 20050117912A1
• Filed: 10/23/2001
• Published: 06/02/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Geberit International Ag (Geberit AG)
• Original Assignee: Synapse Retail Ventures
• Inventors: Watson, Thomas J., Patterson, Wade C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,376,351 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 398/135
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/327 Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/025 wherein the volume is determined during delivery
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/001 Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/02 Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus alarms or warning devices indicating the interruption of flow to be metered G07F15/10
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/42 Transmitting or receiving remote control signals via a network
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/51 Remote controlling of devices based on replies, status thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/114 Indoor or close-range type systems

Abstract

A data communication system for facilitating communication between infrared devices having an initiating optical interface port that includes an IR emitter and an optical sensor. A receiving optical interface port includes an active IR emitter that emits a pulse at a predetermined interval and an optical sensor. A software application causes an Attention Signal to be emitted from the initiating IR emitter where the initiating IR emitter is positioned in detection range of the receiving optical sensor. The receiving optical interface port is controlled by a firmware application. The firmware is designed to discontinue the pulse of the active IR emitter upon detection of the Attention Signal. Once the normal pulse cycle is discontinued, the active IR emitter is then employed for transmitting data signals to the initiating optical interface port, thereby establishing an optical link between the initiating optical interface port and the receiving optical interface port. The normal operations of the IR emitter of the receiving optical interface port remain discontinued until communication between the ports is terminated, allowing data signals to be sent to the initiating optical sensor from the active IR emitter.

Claims

1. A system for facilitating communication between infrared devices, said system comprising:

a) an initiating transmitter and an initiating detector;

b) a receiving transmitter and a receiving detector, said receiving transmitter configured to transmit pulses;

c) initiating control logic configured to cause an Attention Signal to be emitted from said initiating transmitter, said initiating transmitter in detection range of said receiving detector; and

d) receiving control logic configured to discontinue transmission of pulses of the receiving transmitter upon detection of said Attention Signal, allowing an optical link between the initiating transmitter and initiating detector and the receiving transmitter and receiving detector.

2. A system for facilitating communication between infrared devices as claimed in claim 1 wherein said the receiving transmitter and receiving detector is a plurality of receiving transmitters and receiving detectors, and the receiving control logic includes a receiving control logic corresponding to each of said plurality of receiving transmitters and receiving detectors.

3. A system for facilitating communication between infrared devices, said system comprising:

a) a receiving transmitter and a receiving detector;

b) a broadcast transmitter and a broadcast detector, said broadcast transmitter transmitting pulses;

c) broadcast control logic configured to emit from said broadcast transmitter a broadcast signal indicating errors detected; and

d) receiving control logic configured to detect by said receiving detector the Broadcast Signal.

4. A method for communicating between infrared devices, said method comprising:

a) emitting an Attention Signal from an initiating transmitter within the detection range of a receiving detector that is coupled to an active receiving transmitter that is emitting pulses;

b) receiving the Attention Signal with said receiving detector;

c) discontinuing the pulse emissions from the active receiving transmitter; and

d) establishing a data link between the receiving transmitter and receiving detector and the initiating transmitter and initiating detector.