SEQUENTIALLY OPERATED MODULES

• US 20110012661A1
• Filed: 02/25/2010
• Published: 01/20/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Yehuda Binder
• Inventors: BINDER, Yehuda
• Granted Patent: US 8,742,814 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 327/276
• 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. An activation signal is propagated in the system from one 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 an external power source such as AC power.

Claims

1. A device for passing a signal from a first device to a second device identical to the first device and for using the signal to control a payload, said device comprising:

a first connector for connecting to the first device;

a first line receiver coupled to said first connector for receiving a first signal from the first device;

a first timer coupled to said line receiver for producing a second signal that is delayed by a first time period from the first signal;

a second connector, capable of mating with said first connector, configured to be connectable to the second device;

a first line driver coupled between said first timer and said second connector and operative to transmit the second signal to a line receiver of the same type as said first line receiver in said second device;

a control circuit coupled to said first line receiver for generating a control signal is response to said first signal, the control circuit having a control port couplable to control the payload by the control signal;

a single enclosure housing said first and second connectors, said first line receiver, said first line driver, said first timer and said control port.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first line receiver is operative to receive said first signal in an unbalanced signal form, and said first line driver is operative to transmit said second signal in an unbalanced signal form.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the unbalanced signal is substantially according to RS-232 or RS-423 standards.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first line receiver is operative to receive the first signal in a balanced signal form, and said first line driver is operative to transmit the second signal in a balanced signal form.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the balanced signal is substantially according to RS-422 or RS-485 standards.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said control circuit comprising a second timer for producing a control signal that is constituted by the first signal delayed by a second time period.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of said first and second timers is an RC based monostable circuit or a delay line.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second time periods is set by a user.

9. The device according to claim 1, in combination with the payload, said payload being housed within said single enclosure and connected to said control port to be controlled by said control signal.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said control port is a connector in said single enclosure that is connectable to control the payload.

11. The device according to claim 1, further comprising, in said single enclosure:

a third connector capable of mating with said first connector, for connecting to a third device identical to the second device, and

a second line driver coupled between said first timer and said third connector and operative to transmit the second signal to a line receiver of the same type as said first line receiver in said third device.

12. The device according to claim 11, further comprising, in said single enclosure, a second timer coupled between said first line receiver and said second line driver for producing a third signal that is delayed by a second time period from said first signal, and wherein said second line driver is connected for transmitting the third signal to the third device.

13. The device according to claim 1, further operative for two way operation, and further comprising, in said single enclosure:

a second line receiver coupled to said second connector for receiving a third signal from said second device; and

a second line driver coupled to said first connector and to said second line receiver for transmitting the third signal to said first device.

14. The device according to claim 13, further comprising, in said single enclosure, a second timer coupled between said second line receiver and said second line driver for producing a fourth signal that is delayed by a second time period from the first signal, and wherein said second line driver is connected for transmitting the third signal to said first device.

15. The device according to claim 13, wherein said control circuit is further coupled to said second line receiver and the control signal is generated in response to the third signal.

16. The device according to claim 13, wherein the second signal is carried over a first wire pair and the third signal is carried over a second wire pair distinct from the first wire pair.

17. The device according to claim 13, wherein the second and third signals are carried over a single wire pair.

18. The device according to claim 17, further comprising a three-port circuit coupled between said first line driver, second line receiver and said second connector, said three-port circuit being operative to substantially pass only the second signal between said first line driver and said second connector and to substantially pass only the third signal between said second connector and said second line receiver.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein said three-port circuit is a hybrid circuit.

20. The device according to claim 1, further comprising, in said single enclosure, a power source for powering said first line receiver, said first line driver, and said first timer.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the power source is a battery.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the battery is a primary type or a rechargeable type.

23. The device according to claim 20, further comprising, in said single enclosure, a battery compartment for housing said battery.

24. The device according to claim 21, further comprising a DC/DC converter coupled to said battery.

25. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

said device is powered from an external power source;

said device further comprises;

a power connector for connecting to said power source; and

said first line receiver, said first line driver, and said first timer are connected to said power connector for being powered from the power source.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the power source is a domestic AC power outlet, and said device further comprises an AC/DC converter connected to be powered from the power source.

27. The device according to claim 25, wherein:

the power source is a domestic AC power outlet;

said device further comprises an AC/DC adapter powered from the AC power outlet; and

said AC/DC adapter comprises a step-down transformer and an AC/DC converter for DC powering said device.

28. The device according to claim 25, in combination with the payload, wherein said payload is housed in said single enclosure, and wherein said payload is coupled to said power connector for being powered from the external power source.

29. The device according to claim 1, adapted for remote powering from the first device, wherein said first line receiver, said first line driver, and said first timer are coupled to said first connector to be powered by a power signal from said first connector.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein the power signal is coupled to said second connector for supplying power to the second device.

31. The device according to claim 29, wherein the power signal is a DC power signal, and said device further comprises a DC/DC converter coupled to the said first connector for being supplied with power from the DC power signal.

32. The device according to claim 29, wherein the first signal is carried over a first wire pair and the power signal is carried over a second wire pair distinct from the first wire pair.

33. The device according to claim 29, wherein the first signal and the power signal are carried concurrently over the same wires, and said device further comprises a power supply powered from the power signal for powering said first line receiver, said first line driver, and said first timer.

34. The device according to claim 33, further comprising a power/data splitter/combiner coupled between said first line receiver, said first connector and said power supply, said power/data splitter/combiner being operative to substantially pass only the first signal between said first line receiver and said first connector and to substantially pass only the power signal between said first connector and said power supply.

35. The device according to claim 34, wherein the power signal and the first signal are carried together using Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), the power signal is carried at a single frequency and the first signal is carried in a frequency band distinct from said single frequency.

36. The device according to claim 34, wherein said power/data splitter/combiner comprises a first filter operative to substantially pass only the single frequency and a second filter operative to substantially pass only the frequency band.

37. The device according to claim 34, wherein said power/data splitter/combiner comprises a center tap transformer and a capacitor connected between the transformer windings.

38. The device according to claim 34 wherein:

the power signal and the first signal are carried using a phantom channel;

the power signal is carried over the phantom channel; and

said power/data splitter/combiner comprises two center-tap transformers.

39. The device according to claim 1 in combination with the payload, wherein:

said device further comprises, in said single enclosure, a power source for powering said first line receiver, said first line driver, and said first timer;

said payload is housed in said single enclosure; and

said payload is powered from said power source.

40. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

in said single enclosure, a power source for powering said first line receiver, said first line driver, and said first timer; and

a payload connector connectable to the payload, said payload connector being coupled to said power source for powering the payload from said power source.

41. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an electrically activated switch connected to be activated by said control port.

42. The device according to claim 41, wherein said electrically activated switch is connected between the payload and a power source, for powering the payload upon activation of the electrically activated switch by said control port.

43. The device according to claim 42, wherein the payload or said power source is housed in said single enclosure.

44. The device according to claim 1, in combination with the payload, and wherein said payload is an annunciator for issuing an announcement using visual or audible signaling.

45. The device according to claim 44, wherein said annunciator comprises a smoke generator.

46. The device according to claim 44, wherein said annunciator comprises a visual signaling device.

47. The device according to claim 46, wherein said visual signaling device is a visible light emitter.

48. The device according to claim 47, wherein said visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp.

49. The device according to claim 47, wherein said visible light emitter is adapted for a steady illumination and for blinking.

50. The device according to claim 47, wherein said visible light emitter is mounted for illuminating a part of or all of an image.

51. The device according to claim 47, wherein illumination by said visible light emitter is associated with a theme or shape of said device.

52. The device according to claim 44, wherein said annunciator comprises an audible signaling device.

53. The device according to claim 52, wherein said audible signaling device comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator.

54. The device according to claim 53, wherein said audible signaling device comprises a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

55. The device according to claim 52, wherein said audible signaling device comprises a loudspeaker and a digital/analog converter coupled to said loudspeaker.

56. The device according to claim 52, wherein said audible signaling device is operative to generate a single tone or multiple tones.

57. The device according to claim 52, wherein sound emitted from said audible signaling device is associated with a theme or shape of said device.

58. The device according to claim 52, wherein sound emitted from said audible signaling device is a characteristic sound of one of:

a household appliance;

a vehicle;

an emergency vehicle;

an animal; and

a musical instrument.

59. The device according to claim 52, wherein sound emitted from said audible signaling device is a song or a melody.

60. The device according to claim 52, wherein sound emitted from said audible signaling device is a human voice talking.

61. The device according to claim 60, wherein the sound is a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story.

62. The device according to claim 61, wherein the sound is based on speech synthesis, or is pre-recorded.

63. The device according to claim 1, further comprising, in said single enclosure, firmware and a processor for executing instruction embedded in said firmware, said processor being coupled to control said control port.

64. The device according to claim 1, further operative for random operation, said device further comprising a random signal generator connected for controlling a parameter in the device.

65. The device according to claim 64, wherein said random signal generator is based entirely on hardware.

66. The device according to claim 65, wherein the signal produced by the random signal generator is based on a physical process.

67. The device according to claim 66, wherein the physical process is one of a thermal noise, a shot noise, decaying nuclear radiation, a photoelectric effect and a quantum phenomenon.

68. The device according to claim 64, wherein said random signal generator includes software and a processor executing said software.

69. The device according to claim 68, wherein said software includes an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers.

70. The device according to claim 64, wherein said random signal generator is coupled to said first timer for controlling the delay introduced by said first timer.

71. The device according to claim 64, wherein said random signal generator is couplable to the payload for controlling the payload.

72. The device according to claim 64, wherein said random signal generator is activated only at power up of said device for generating a single output value.

73. The device according to claim 64, wherein said random signal generator is coupled to said first line receiver to be activated upon receiving the first signal.

74. The device according to claim 64, further comprising a switch coupled to said random signal generator to be activated based on the random signal generator output.

75. The device according to claim 64, further comprising a reference signal source and a comparator, wherein said comparator is connected to provide a digital logic signal based on comparing the random signal generator output and the reference signal source output.

76. The device according to claim 75, wherein the digital logic signal is couplable to activate said payload.

77. The device according to claim 64, wherein said random signal generator provides an analog output, said reference signal source provides an analog signal output and said comparator is an analog comparator.

78. The device according to claim 64, wherein said random signal generator provides a digital number output, said reference signal source provides a digital number output and said comparator is a digital comparator.

79. The device according to claim 64, further comprising a plurality of reference signal sources and a plurality of comparators, and wherein:

said device is couplable to control multiple payloads;

said comparators are connected to provide digital logic signals based on comparing the random signal generator output and the reference signal source outputs; and

the digital logic signals are couplable to each control or activate a respective one of the multiple payloads.

80. A device for randomly delaying an activation signal to a payload, the device comprising:

a first connector for connecting to a wiring;

a line receiver coupled to said first connector for receiving an activation signal from the wiring;

a first timer coupled to said line receiver for producing a delayed activation signal that is delayed by a first time period from the activation signal;

a control port couplable to activate the payload by coupling the delayed activation signal to the payload;

a random signal generator operative to output a random signal, said random signal generator being coupled to control the delay produced by said first timer; and

a single enclosure housing said first connector, said line receiver, said first timer, said random signal generator and said control port.

81. The device according to claim 80, wherein said random signal generator is hardware only based.

82. The device according to claim 81, wherein said random signal generator is based on a physical process.

83. The device according to claim 82, wherein the physical process is one of a thermal noise, a shot noise, decaying nuclear radiation, a photoelectric effect, and a quantum phenomenon.

84. The device according to claim 80, wherein said random signal generator includes software and a processor executing said software.

85. The device according to claim 84, wherein said software includes an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers.

86. A device for randomly activating a payload, the device comprising:

a first connector for connecting to a wiring;

a line receiver coupled to said first connector for receiving an activation signal from the wiring;

at least one payload;

a control port couplable to activate said payload by coupling a control signal to said payload;

a first timer coupled between said line receiver and said control port for producing a control signal in response to the activation signal being delayed by a controlled first time period;

a random signal generator operative to output a random signal, said random signal generator being coupled to control the delay of said first timer;

a reference signal source for producing a reference signal;

a comparator coupled to provide a digital logic signal based on comparing the random signal with the reference signal, the digital logic signal being coupled to said control port; and

a single enclosure housing said first connector, said line receiver, said first timer, said reference signal source, said comparator said control port and said random signal generator, wherein said control port is operative to activate said payload in response to the delayed activation signal received by said line receiver and the digital logic signal.

87. The device according to claim 86, wherein said random signal generator is based entirely on hardware.

88. The device according to claim 87, wherein the signal produced by said random signal generator is based on a physical process.

89. The device according to claim 88, wherein the physical process is one of a thermal noise, a shot noise, nuclear decaying radiation, a photoelectric effect and a quantum phenomenon.

90. The device according to claim 86, wherein said random signal generator includes software and a processor executing said software.

91. The device according to claim 90, wherein said software includes an algorithm for generating pseudo-random numbers.

92. The device according to claim 86, wherein said random signal generator provides an analog output, said reference signal source provides an analog signal output and said comparator is an analog comparator.

93. The device according to claim 86, wherein said random signal generator provides a digital number output, said reference signal source provides a digital number output and said comparator is a digital comparator.

94. The device according to claim 86, further comprising a plurality of reference signal sources and plurality of comparators, and wherein:

said device is couplable to control multiple payloads;

said comparators are connected to provide digital logic signals based on comparing the random signal generator output and the reference signal source outputs; and

the digital logic signals are couplable to each control or activate a respective one of said multiple payloads.

95. A set of at least three modules connectable to form a system for sequentially activating payloads, said set comprising:

first, second and third modules, each said module being associated with a respective payload, and being housed in a respective single enclosure, each module comprising a first type connector and a second type connector, all of said first type connectors being identical to one another, all of said second type connectors being identical to one another, and each of said first type connectors being configured to mate with any one of said second type connectors; and

each of said modules further comprises a control port for controlling an associated payload,

wherein said second connector of said first module is connectable to said first connector of said second module and said second connector of said second module is connectable to said first connector of said third module to form a system; and

further wherein each module in the system is operative to;

receive a first signal at said first type connector;

control the associated payload based on the first signal;

produce a second signal that is a time delayed version of the first signal; and

transmit the second signal to said second type connector.

96. The set according to claim 95, wherein said modules are identical to one another.

97. The set according to claim 95, wherein said first and second modules are mechanically attachable to each other and said third and second modules are mechanically attachable to each other.

98. The set according to claim 95, wherein said modules are mechanically attachable to one another only by said connectors.

99. The set according to claim 95, wherein each of the payloads is housed within said single enclosure of the associated module.

100. The set according to claim 95, wherein the payloads are external to said single enclosure of each associated module, and each module comprises a third connector for connecting to the associated payload.

101. The set according to claim 95, wherein the time delay is randomly selected within a specified range.

102. The set according to claim 95, wherein each module comprises, in said single enclosure, a power source for powering the module.

103. The set according to claim 102, wherein each said power source is a battery.

104. The set according to claim 103, wherein each said battery is a primary type or a rechargeable type.

105. The set according to claim 102, wherein each module further comprises, in said single enclosure, the payload, and wherein the payload is powered from said power source.

106. The set according to claim 95, wherein at least one of the payloads is an annunciator for announcing using visual or audible signaling.

107. The set according to claim 95, wherein each of the payloads consists of an annunciator for announcing using visual or audible signaling.

108. The set according to claim 107, wherein the annunciator comprises a smoke generator.

109. The set according to claim 107, wherein the annunciator comprises a visual signaling device.

110. The set according to claim 109, wherein the visual signaling device is a visible light emitter.

111. The set according to claim 110, wherein the visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or fluorescent lamp.

112. The set according to claim 110, wherein the visible light emitter is adapted to produce a steady illumination and blinking.

113. The set according to claim 107, wherein the annunciator comprises an audible signaling device.

114. The set according to claim 113, wherein the audible signaling device comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator.

115. The set according to claim 113, wherein the audible signaling device comprises a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

116. The set according to claim 113, wherein the audible signaling device comprises a loudspeaker and a digital to analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker.

117. The set according to claim 113, wherein the audible signaling device is operative to generate a single tone, or multiple tones.

118. The set according to claim 113, wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is associated with a theme or shape of the system.

119. The set according to claim 113, wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is a song or a melody.

120. The set according to claim 113, wherein the sound emitted from the audible signaling device is a human voice talking.

121. The set according to claim 120, wherein the sound is a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story.

122. The set according to claim 121, wherein the sound is based on speech synthesis or is pre-recorded.

123. A system comprising the set according to claim 95, wherein:

said second connector of said first module is connected to said first connector of said second module and said second connector of said second module is connected to said first connector of said third module to form said system; and

the first signals and the second signals are carried between said modules in the system as unbalanced signals.

124. A system comprising the set according to claim 95, wherein:

said second connector of said first module is connected to said first connector of said second module and said second connector of said second module is connected to said first connector of said third module to form said system; and

the first signals and the second signals are carried between the modules in the system as balanced signals.

125. A system comprising the set according to claim 95, wherein:

said second connector of said first module is connected to said first connector of said second module and said second connector of said second module is connected to said first connector of said third module to form said system;

said system is operative for two-way operation; and

each module is further operative to;

receive a third signal at said second connector;

control the associated payload based on the third signal;

produce a fourth signal that is a time delayed version of the third signal; and

transmit the fourth signal to said first connector.

126. The system according to claim 125, wherein communication between two connected modules is carried out using four conductors, including two conductors for each direction of communication.

127. The system according to claim 125, wherein communication between two connected modules is carried out using only two conductors.

128. The system according to claim 125, wherein communication between two connected modules is carried out using a hybrid circuit.

129. A system comprising the set according to claim 95, wherein:

said second connector of said first module is connected to said first connector of said second module and said second connector of said second module is connected to said first connector of said third module to form said system; and

said system is powered from a single external power source.

130. The system according to claim 129, wherein said external power source is a domestic AC power outlet.

131. The system according to claim 129, wherein said modules are connected to supply power from one module to another module connected to said one module.

132. The system according to claim 129, wherein each module further comprises, in the respective single enclosure, the respective payload, and each payload is powered from the external power source.