Signal protocol assembly

• US 7,562,177 B2
• Filed: 03/07/2006
• Issued: 07/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
• Original Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
• Inventors: Campbell, Gregory M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rinehart; Mark
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cerullo; Jeremy S
• Application Number:
  US11/369,294
• Publication Number:
  US 20070214304A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,225 Days
• Field of Search: 710/315, 379/93.07, 348/25, 340/7.32
• US Class Current: 710/315
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/385 for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Abstract

A signal protocol assembly is adapted to bridge electronic communications across a plurality of communications platforms allowing a plurality of electronic devices to transfer data therebetween. The signal protocol assembly is electrically connected between the electronic communications device and a communications hub to help facilitate in the translation of communications from the electronic communications device to a third party independent communications protocol, and back when necessary. The signal protocol assembly includes a microprocessor for receiving data from each of the plurality of electronic devices. The signal protocol assembly also includes a plurality of ports electrically connected to the microprocessor for selectively connecting a portion of the plurality of electronic devices in electrical communication with the microprocessor. The signal protocol assembly also includes a processor port electrically connected to the microprocessor for bi-directionally transmitting data and for receiving power from the communications hub.

Claims

1. A signal protocol assembly adapted to bridge electronic communications across a plurality of communications platforms allowing a plurality of electronic devices to transfer data therebetween, said signal protocol assembly comprising:

a microprocessor for receiving data from each of the plurality of electronic devices;

a plurality of device ports electrically connected to said microprocessor for selectively connecting a portion of the plurality of electronic devices in electrical communication with said microprocessor;

a processor port electrically connected to the microprocessor for bi-directionally transmitting data and for receiving power from a computer;

an identification cable directly connecting each of said plurality of device ports to said microprocessor allowing said microprocessor to identify the electronic device and which of the plurality of communications platforms the electronic device employs;

a plurality of analog to digital converters wherein each of said plurality of analog to digital converters is electrically connected between a corresponding one of said plurality of ports and said microprocessor;

a plurality of digital to analog converters wherein each of said plurality of digital to analog converters is electrically connected between a corresponding one of said plurality of ports and said microprocessor;

a plurality of relays wherein each of said plurality of relays is electrically connected to each of said plurality of ports to facilitate push-to-talk features of a portion of the plurality of electronic devices; and

a relay controller for controlling said plurality of relays which are used for the plurality of analog to digital converters, the plurality of digital to analog converters and the push-to-talk inputs for the plurality of electronic devices.

2. A signal protocol assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a plurality of digital controllers wherein each of said plurality of digital controllers is electrically connected between one of said plurality of ports and said microprocessor.

3. A signal protocol assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said processor port is a USB port.

4. A signal protocol assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein the plurality of digital controllers includes a plurality of RS232 controllers.

5. A signal protocol assembly adapted to bridge electronic communications across a plurality of communications platforms allowing a plurality of electronic devices to transfer data therebetween, said signal protocol assembly comprising:

a microprocessor for receiving data from each of the plurality of electronic devices;

a plurality of device ports electrically connected to said microprocessor for selectively connecting a portion of the plurality of electronic devices in electrical communication with said microprocessor;

a processor port electrically connected to the microprocessor for bi-directionally transmitting data and for receiving power from a computer;

an identification cable directly connecting each of said plurality of device ports to said microprocessor allowing said microprocessor to identify the electronic device and which of the plurality of communications platforms the electronic device employs;

a plurality of analog to digital converters wherein each of said plurality of analog to digital converters is electrically connected between a corresponding one of said plurality of ports and said microprocessor;

a plurality of digital to analog converters wherein each of said plurality of digital to analog converters is electrically connected between a corresponding one of said plurality of ports and said microprocessor;

at least one plurality of relays wherein said at least one plurality of relays are electrically connected to a corresponding one of said plurality of ports to facilitate push-to-talk features of a portion of the plurality of electronic devices; and

a relay controller for controlling said at least one plurality of relays which are used for a corresponding one of said plurality of analog to digital converters, a corresponding one of said plurality of digital to analog converters and the push-to-talk inputs for the plurality of electronic devices.

6. A signal protocol assembly as set forth in claim 5 including a plurality of digital controllers wherein each of said plurality of digital controllers is electrically connected between one of said plurality of ports and said microprocessor.

7. A signal protocol assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said processor port is a USB port.

8. A signal protocol assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the plurality of digital controllers includes a plurality of RS232 controllers.