Sequentially operated modules
First Claim
1. A modular game set apparatus comprising:
- a master module comprising in an enclosure;
a battery compartment for housing a battery for providing Direct Current (DC) power;
a single connector at an end of the master enclosure coupled to the battery compartment for passing DC power via the connector and for digital data communication;
a payload coupled to the battery compartment for being powered by the DC power and to the single connector for receiving digital data therefrom and for being controlled or activated; and
software or firmware and a processor for executing the software or firmware, the processor is coupled to be powered from the DC power and to control or activate the payload in response to digital data received from the single connector, anda 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; and
a second connector at a second end of the slave module enclosure,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 the connectors of respective modules when mechanically coupled to one another;
and wherein, when the master module and the slave modules are mechanically serially connected, the slave modules are powered from the DC power and communicate with the master module via the respective first and second connectors and the single connectors.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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.
445 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A modular game set apparatus comprising:
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a master module comprising in an enclosure; a battery compartment for housing a battery for providing Direct Current (DC) power; a single connector at an end of the master enclosure coupled to the battery compartment for passing DC power via the connector and for digital data communication; a payload coupled to the battery compartment for being powered by the DC power and to the single connector for receiving digital data therefrom and for being controlled or activated; and software or firmware and a processor for executing the software or firmware, the processor is coupled to be powered from the DC power and to control or activate the payload in response to digital data received from the single connector, and 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; and a second connector at a second end of the slave module enclosure, 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 the connectors of respective modules when mechanically coupled to one another; and wherein, when the master module and the slave modules are mechanically serially connected, the slave modules are powered from the DC power and communicate with the master module via the respective first and second connectors and the single connectors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification