COMMUNICATION APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN A FIRST AND A SECOND OBJECT
First Claim
1. A communication apparatus for providing communication between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and providing an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal in response to the received transmit signal, comprising;
a receiver receiving the transmit signal and providing an output signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the received transmit signal;
an identification encoder connected to the receiver and receiving the receiver output signal, the identification encoder having a predetermined code and providing an output signal indicative of the predetermined code in response to the receiver output signal;
a signal controller receiving the receiver output signal and the identification encoder output signal and encoding the predetermined code in the received receiver output signal providing an encoded emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the transmit signal and encoded with the predetermined code; and
means in the first object receiving the emitted signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved communication apparatus for communicating between a first object and a second object wherein the first object includes apparatus for generating and transmitting a transmit signal and the second object includes apparatus for receiving the transmit signal and providing an emitted signal in response thereto, the emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the received transmit signal. The second object also includes an apparatus for encoding an identifying code having a unique code format wherein the beginning and the end of the code format are identifiable, the first object including apparatus for receiving the encoded emitted signal, identifying the code format encoded therein and determining the received emitted signal represents a valid code format. In one aspect, the first object apparatus receives encoded emitted signals via two receivers, identifies the code format encoded in the first-received and the second-received encoded emitted signals, determines that each received signal has a valid code format encoded therein and compares the code formats encoded in the first-received and the second-received emitted signal to determine the signals were emitted via the same second object. In one operational embodiment, the communication apparatus transmits a transmit signal and receives encoded emitted signals from a moving second object in response to the received transmit signal at a first position and a second position of the second object, the first and the second received encoded emitted signals being determined to represent a valid predetermined code format and it being determined that the received code formats are identical, the speed and direction of the moving object being determined in response to such valid determinations, the code format encoded in the received emitted signals being compared with predetermined identification code formats for locating predetermined second objects. The first object apparatus also generates and transmits a modulation signal, the second object apparatus including apparatus for detecting the modulation signal via a pulse width detector and providing an output indication in response thereto. In one particular operational embodiment, the first object apparatus is utilized to detect and monitor vehicle traffic, each vehicle (second object) having apparatus for receiving the transmit signal and providing the encoded emitted signal in response thereto, and for receiving the modulation signal and providing a driver-perceivable output indication in response thereto.
30 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A communication apparatus for providing communication between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and providing an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal in response to the received transmit signal, comprising;
a receiver receiving the transmit signal and providing an output signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the received transmit signal;
an identification encoder connected to the receiver and receiving the receiver output signal, the identification encoder having a predetermined code and providing an output signal indicative of the predetermined code in response to the receiver output signal;
a signal controller receiving the receiver output signal and the identification encoder output signal and encoding the predetermined code in the received receiver output signal providing an encoded emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the transmit signal and encoded with the predetermined code; and
means in the first object receiving the emitted signal.
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
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2. The communication apparatus of claim 1 wherein the signal controller includes:
- a frequency translator receiving the receiver output signal and providing a frequency translator output signal having a predetermined set of cycles for each predetermined set of cycles of the received receiver output signal; and
wherein the identification encoder is further defined as receiving the frequency translator output signal and providing the identification encoder output signal indicative of the predetermined code in response to the received frequency translator output signal; and
wherein the signal controller is further defined to include a portion receiving the frequency translator output signal and the identification encoder output signal, the signal controller encoding the predetermined code in the received frequency translator output signal providing the emitted signal in response to the received frequency translator output signal and the received identification encoder output signal.
- a frequency translator receiving the receiver output signal and providing a frequency translator output signal having a predetermined set of cycles for each predetermined set of cycles of the received receiver output signal; and
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3. The communication apparatus of claim 1 wherein the signal controller includes:
- a frequency translator receiving the receiver output signal and providing a frequency translator output signal having a single cycle for each predetermined '"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"'N'"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"' cycles of the received receiver output signal; and
a modulator receiving the frequency translator output signal and the identification encoder output signal and encoding the predetermined code in the frequency translator output signal providing the emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the transmit signal encoded with the predetermined code; and
wherein the means in the first object receiving the emitted signal includes a portion decoding the predetermined code encoded in the received emitted signal.
- a frequency translator receiving the receiver output signal and providing a frequency translator output signal having a single cycle for each predetermined '"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"'N'"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"' cycles of the received receiver output signal; and
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4. The communication apparatus of claim 1 defined further to include:
- coupling means coupling the transmit signal to the receiver in the second object and coupling the emitted signal to the means in the first object receiving the emitted signal in a communicating proximity position of the receiver in the vehicle unit and the coupling means.
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5. The communication apparatus of claim 1 wherein the signal controller is defined further to include:
- means receiving the receiver output Signal and providing a frequency translated output signal in response thereto; and
a modulator receiving the frequency translated output signal and the identification encoder output signal indicative of the predetermined code, the signal indicative of the predetermined code modulating the frequency translator output signal encoding the predetermined code therein, the modulator providing a modulator output signal corresponding to the emitted signal encoded with the predetermined code.
- means receiving the receiver output Signal and providing a frequency translated output signal in response thereto; and
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6. A communication apparatus for providing communication between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and providing an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal in response to the received transmit signal, the means providing the emitted signal including;
receiver means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and providing a receiver output signal in response thereto;
frequency translator means receiving the receiver output signal and providing a frequency translator output signal having a single cycle for each predetermined N cycles of the received receiver output signal;
pulse counter means receiving the frequency translator output signal and providing a pulse counter output signal in response thereto having a single cycle for each predetermined M cycles of the frequency translator output signal;
identification encoder means having a predetermined code stored therein and providing an identification encoder output signal indicative of the predetermined code, the identification encoder means receiving the pulse counter output signal and being operated via the received pulse counter output signal at the frequency of the transmit signal translated by a predetermined amount MN and providing the identification encoder output signal in response thereto; and
modulator means receiving the frequency translator output signal and the identification encoder output signal and providing the emitted signal having a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the transmit signal translated by N and modulated via the identification encoder output signal in response to the received frequency translator output signal and the received identification encoder output signal, the emitted signal having encoded therein the predetermined code; and
means in the first object receiving the emitted signal, having a portion decoding the predetermined code encoded in the received emitted signal.
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
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7. The communication apparatus of claim 6 wherein the identification encoder means includes shift register means having P stages and having the predetermined code stored therein, the last stage of the shift register means connected to the first stage of the shift register means for providing a cyclic identification encoder output signal repeated every (1/NMP) cycles of the transmit signal.
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8. The communication apparatus of claim 7 wherein the shift register means includes:
- a first shift register; and
a second shift register, the first and the second shift registers each having P stages and the predetermined code stored therein, the last stage of each being connected to the first stage thereof for providing the cyclic identification encoder output signal; and
wherein the identification encoder means includes;
gate means receiving the identification encoder output signals from the first and the second shift registers and providing an output signal when the received signals indicate a malfunction of any one stage of the first and second shift registers; and
wherein the first and the second shift registers each receive the output signal of the gate means, the first and the second shift registers each being disengaged in response to the received output signal of the gate means.
- a first shift register; and
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9. The communication apparatus of claim 6 wherein the means in the first object receiving the emitted sIgnal includes:
- channel shift register means receiving the encoded emitted signal in one position thereof; and
input clock means receiving the transmit signal and the emitted signal and translating the transmit signal to be synchronized with the emitted signal providing an input clock pulse in response to the received signals, the input clock pulse connected to the digital shift register means for clocking the encoded emitted signal into the digital shift register means when connected thereto.
- channel shift register means receiving the encoded emitted signal in one position thereof; and
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10. The communication apparatus of claim 9 wherein the input data clock in the first object is defined further to include:
- N-digital counter means receiving the transmit signal and providing an output signal having a single cycle for each predetermined N cycles of the received transmit signal, thereby translating the transmit signal by an amount N corresponding to the frequency translation of the frequency translator means;
a pair of M-digital counters receiving the incoming encoded emitted signal and being engaged in response thereto, and receiving the N-digital counter output signal and providing a predetermined number M output signals in response thereto;
M-input gate means connected to each M-digital counter, each M-input gate means receiving the output signals of the M-digital counter connected thereto and providing an input clock pulse connected to the channel shift register means to clock the incoming emitted signal therein (1/M) as wide as the code pulse of the encoded emitted signal connected to the channel shift register means and appearing at the digital shift register means after (M/2) pulses are provided thereto via the incoming encoded emitted signal; and
inverter means interposed between one of the M-digital counters and the incoming encoded emitted signal, one M-digital counter and the M-input gate means connected thereto providing the input clock pulse in response to a data pulse on the incoming encoded emitted signal and the one other M-digital counter and the M-input gate means connected thereto providing the input clock pulse in response to a no-data pulse on the incoming encoded emitted signal.
- N-digital counter means receiving the transmit signal and providing an output signal having a single cycle for each predetermined N cycles of the received transmit signal, thereby translating the transmit signal by an amount N corresponding to the frequency translation of the frequency translator means;
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11. The communication apparatus of claim 10 defined further to include:
- gate means interposed between the input data clock means and channel shift register means receiving the input clock pulse from each M-input gate means and providing the input clock pulse therefrom when receiving the input clock pulse from one of the M-input gate means.
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12. A communication apparatus for providing communication between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and providing an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal in response to the received transmit signal;
means in the first object receiving the emitted signal;
means in the first object generating and transmitting a predetermined length amplitude modulation signal; and
means in the second object receiving the modulation signal and providing an output indication in response thereto.
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
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13. The communication apparatus of claim 12 wherein the means in the second object receiving the modulation signal includes:
- a detector having a minimum and a maximum output signal, receiving the modulation signal and providing a maximum output signal in response to a received modulation signal;
an L-digital counter receiving the modulation signal and providing an output pulse signal in response to a predetermined number of L input pulses thereto, a portion of the L-digital counter receiving the detector output signal and being reset in response to a received minimum detector output signal;
an M-digital counter receiving the modulation signal and providing an output pulse signal in response to a predetermined number of M input pulses thereto, thE predetermined number M being less than the predetermined number L, a portion of the M-digital counter receiving the detector output signal and being reset in response to a received minimum detector output signal;
a Q-digital counter receiving the output pulse signal from the L-digital counter and providing an output signal in response to a predetermined number Q input pulses thereto, the Q-digital counter receiving the output pulse signal from the M-digital counter and being reset thereby, the Q-digital counter corresponding with the L-digital counter, the M-digital counter and the detector to provide an output signal therefrom in response to a modulation signal modulated sufficient to produce L and insufficient to produce M pulses and having a pulse interval of a sufficient length to produce a minimum detector output signal; and
means receiving Q-digital counter output signal and providing the output indication in response thereto.
- a detector having a minimum and a maximum output signal, receiving the modulation signal and providing a maximum output signal in response to a received modulation signal;
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14. A communication apparatus for providing communication between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and providing an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal in response to the received transmit signal, comprising;
a receiver receiving the transmit signal and providing an output signal in response to the received transmit signal;
an identification encoder having a predetermined code and providing a cyclic output signal repetitively indicative of the predetermined code; and
a signal controller receiving the receiver output signal and the identification encoder output signal and repetitively encoding the predetermined code in the received receiver output signal providing the emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the transmit signal and having the predetermined code repetitively encoded therein; and
means in the first object receiving the emitted signal having a portion determining the predetermined code encoded in the received emitted signal to be identically repeatable a predetermined number of times and providing a valid data output signal responsive to such determination.
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
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15. A communication apparatus for providing communication between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- means in the first object generating and transmitting the transmit signal;
means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and providing an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal in response to the received transmit signal, the means providing the emitted signal including;
means having a predetermined code stored therein providing an output signal indicative of the predetermined code, the output signal being cyclic and the emitted signal having a predetermined code repetitively encoded therein;
means receiving the transmit signal providing the frequency translated output signal in response thereto; and
a modulator receiving the frequency translated output signal and the output signal indicative of the predetermined code, the signal indicative of the predetermined code modulating the frequency translated output signal encoding the predetermined code therein providing a modulator output signal corresponding to the emitted signal cyclicly encoded with the predetermined code; and
means in the first object receiving the emitted signal, including;
means receiving the emitted signal and determining the predetermined code of the received encoded emitted signal to be identically repeatable a predetermined number of times and providing a valid data output signal responsive to such determination, including;
channel shift register means receiving the encoded emitted signal and having a predetermined number of digital shift register stages receiving the predetermined code therein between the first and the last digital shIft register stage thereof;
a synchronization control connected to the channel shift register means providing an input clock pulse clocking the encoded emitted signal into the first digital shift register range of the channel shift register means when connected thereto;
gate means receiving the encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage and the data clock from the last digital shift register stage providing an output signal indication responsive to a difference in the received signals; and
means receiving the output indication of the gate means and counting the number of input signal pulses of the encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage identical to the input signal pulses clocked from the last digital shift register stage determining the repeatability of the data encoded in the received incoming signal.
- means in the first object generating and transmitting the transmit signal;
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16. The communication apparatus of claim 15 wherein the means in the first object determining the predetermined code to be repeatable is defined further to include:
- an R-pulse counter receiving the input clock pulse and providing an output signal indicative of a predetermined number R code pulses, comprising the predetermined code, clocked into the channel shift register means and receiving the gate means output signal and being reset thereby; and
means receiving the R-pulse counter output signal and disengaging the channel shift register means from the incoming encoded emitted signal.
- an R-pulse counter receiving the input clock pulse and providing an output signal indicative of a predetermined number R code pulses, comprising the predetermined code, clocked into the channel shift register means and receiving the gate means output signal and being reset thereby; and
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17. The communication apparatus of claim 16 defined further to include:
- means determining the predetermined code clocked into the channel shift register means to be a valid predetermined code and providing an output signal responsive to such determination; and
means receiving the R-pulse counter output signal and the output signal from the means determining the predetermined code clocked into the channel shift register means to be a valid predetermined code and disengaging the channel shift register means from the incoming encoded emitted signal.
- means determining the predetermined code clocked into the channel shift register means to be a valid predetermined code and providing an output signal responsive to such determination; and
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18. A communication apparatus, comprising:
- an identifier unit having a portion generating and transmitting a transmit signal, and a portion receiving predetermined signals;
a vehicle unit receiving the transmit signal when coupled thereto, having a portion emitting an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal, the emitted signal being received by the receiving portion of the identifier means when coupled thereto, the vehicle unit including;
a receiver receiving the transmit signal and providing an output signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the received transmit signal;
an identification encoder connected to the receiver and receiving the receiver output signal, the identification encoder having a predetermined code and providing an output signal indicative of the predetermined code in response to the receiver output signal; and
a signal controller receiving the receiver output signal and the identification encoder output signal and encoding the predetermined code in the received receiver output signal providing an encoded emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the transmit signal and encoded with the predetermined code; and
coupling means coupling the transmit signal to the vehicle unit and coupling the emitted signal to the identifier unit in a communicating proximity position of the vehicle unit and the coupling means.
- an identifier unit having a portion generating and transmitting a transmit signal, and a portion receiving predetermined signals;
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19. A communication apparatus, comprising:
- an identifier unit having a portion generating and transmitting a transmit signal, and a portion receiving predetermined signals;
a vehicle unit receiving the transmit signal when coupled thereto, having a portion emitting an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal, the emitted signal being received by the receiving portion of the identifier means when coupled thereto, the vehicle unit including;
a receiver receiving the transmiT signal and providing an output signal corresponding to the received transmit signal;
an identification encoder connected to the receiver and receiving the receiver output signal, the identification encoder having a predetermined code and providing an output signal indicative of the predetermined code in response to the receiver output signal; and
a signal controller receiving the receiver output signal and the identification encoder output signal and encoding the predetermined code in the received receiver output signal providing an encoded emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the transmit signal and encoded with the predetermined code; and
coupling means having one portion disposed to couple the transmit signal to the vehicle unit and the emitted signal to the identifier unit at a first position and one other portion disposed to couple the transmit signal to the vehicle unit and the emitted signal to the identifier unit at a second position, the identifier unit thereby receiving a first-received emitted signal when the vehicle unit is in communicating proximity with the coupling means in the first position and receiving a second-received emitted signal when the vehicle unit is in communicating proximity with the coupling means in the second position, the first and the second positions being spaced a predetermined known distance apart.
- an identifier unit having a portion generating and transmitting a transmit signal, and a portion receiving predetermined signals;
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20. The communication apparatus of claim 19 wherein the vehicle unit signal controller is defined further to include:
- frequency translator means receiving the receiver output signal and providing a frequency translator output signal having a single cycle for each predetermined '"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"'N'"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"' cycles of the received receiver output signal;
pulse counter means receiving the frequency translator output signal and providing a pulse counter output signal in response thereto, having a single cycle for each predetermined '"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"'M'"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"' cycles of the frequency translator output signal; and
modulator means receiving the frequency translator output signal and the identification encoder output signal and providing the emitted signal in response thereto, the emitted signal having encoded therein the predetermined code.
- frequency translator means receiving the receiver output signal and providing a frequency translator output signal having a single cycle for each predetermined '"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"'N'"'"''"'"''"'"''"'"' cycles of the received receiver output signal;
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21. A communication apparatus, comprising:
- an identifier unit having a portion generating and transmitting a transmit signal, and a portion receiving predetermined signals;
a vehicle unit receiving the transmit signal when coupled thereto having a portion emitting an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal, the emitted signal being received by the receiving portion of the identifier unit when coupled thereto, the vehicle unit including;
a receiver receiving the transmit signal and providing a receiver output signal in response thereto;
a frequency translator receiving a receiver output signal and providing a frequency translator output signal having a single cycle for each predetermined N cycles of the received receiver output signal;
a pulse counter receiving the frequency translator output signal and providing a pulse counter output signal in response thereto having a single cycle for each M cycles of the frequency translator output signal;
an identification encoder receiving the pulse counter output signal, having a predetermined code stored therein and providing a cyclic identification encoder output signal indicative of the predetermined code; and
a modulator receiving the frequency translator output signal and the identification encoder output signal and providing the emitted signal in response thereto, the emitted signal having encoded therein the predetermined code;
coupling means coupling the transmit signal to the vehicle unit and coupling the emitted signal to the identifier unit in a communication proximity position of the vehicle unit and the coupling means, the coupling means including one portion disposed to couple the transmit signal to the vehicle unit and the emitted signal to the identifieR unit at a first position and one other portion disposed to couple the transmit signal to the vehicle unit and the emitted signal to the identifier unit at a second position, the identifier unit thereby receiving a first-received emitted signal when the vehicle unit is in communicating proximity with the coupling means in the first position and receiving a second-received emitted signal when the vehicle unit is in communicating proximity with the coupling means in the second position, the first and the second positions being spaced a predetermined known distance apart;
first channel shift register means in the identifier unit receiving the first-received emitted signal and having a predetermined number of digital shift register stages receiving the predetermined code therein between the first and the last digital shift register stage thereof;
second channel shift register means in the identifier unit receiving the second-received encoded emitted signal and having a predetermined number of digital shift register stages receiving the predetermined code therein between the first and the last digital shift register stage thereof;
a synchronization control connected to the first channel shift register means in one position thereof providing an input clock pulse clocking the first-received encoded emitted signal into the first digital shift register stage thereof when connected to the first channel shift register, and connected to the second channel shift register, in one position thereof, providing an input clock pulse clocking the second-received encoded emitted signal into the first digital shift register stage thereof when connected to the second channel shift register means;
gate means receiving the encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage and the data clocked from the last digital shift register stage of the first channel shift register means and providing an output signal indication responsive to a difference in the received signals;
means in the identifier unit receiving the output signal indication of the first-mentioned gate means and counting the number of input signal pulses of encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage of the first channel shift register means identical to the input signal pulses clocked from the last digital shift register stage of the first channel shift register means determining the repeatability of the data encoded in the first-received encoded signal;
gate means receiving the encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage and the data clocked from the last digital shift register stage of the second channel shift register means and providing an output signal indication responsive to a difference in the received signals; and
means in the identifier unit receiving the output signal indication of the last-mentioned gate means and counting the number of input signal pulses of encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage of the second channel shift register means identical to the input signal pulses of encoded data clocked from the last digital shift register stage of the second channel shift register means determining the repeatability of the data encoded in the second-received encoded signal.
- an identifier unit having a portion generating and transmitting a transmit signal, and a portion receiving predetermined signals;
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22. The communication apparatus of claim 21 wherein the means receiving the output signal indication of the first-mentioned gate means is defined further to include:
- an R-pulse counter means receiving the input clock pulse and providing an output signal indicative of a predetermined number R code pulses clocked into the first channel shift register means, and receiving the output signal indication of the first-mentioned gate means and being reset thereby; and
wherein the means receiving the output signal indication of the second-mentioned gate means is defined further to include;
an R-pulse counter means receiving the input clock pulse and providing an output signal indicative of a predetermined number R code pulses clocked into tHe second channel shift register means and receiving the output signal indication of the second-mentioned gate means and being reset thereby.
- an R-pulse counter means receiving the input clock pulse and providing an output signal indicative of a predetermined number R code pulses clocked into the first channel shift register means, and receiving the output signal indication of the first-mentioned gate means and being reset thereby; and
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23. The communication apparatus of claim 21 wherein the synchronization control is defined further to include:
- input data clock means receiving the first-received and the second-received incoming emitted signals and providing the input clock pulse for clocking the first-received encoded emitted signal into the first channel shift register means and clocking the second-received encoded emitted signal into the second channel shift register means when connected thereto, comprising;
N-digital counter means receiving the transmit signal and providing an output signal having a single cycle for each predetermined N cycles of the received transmit signal, thereby translating the transmit signal by an amount N corresponding to the frequency translation of the frequency translator means;
a pair of M-digital counters receiving the incoming encoded emitted signal and being engaged in response thereto, and receiving the N-digital counter output signal and providing a predetermined number N output signals in response thereto;
a pair of M-input gate means, each M-input gate means connected to one M-digital counter and receiving the output signal of the M-digital counter connected thereto, each M-input gate means providing the input clock pulse (1/M) as wide as the code pulse of the encoded emitted signal connected to one of the first and the second channel shift register means and appearing at one of the first and the second channel shift register means after (M/2) pulses are provided thereto via the incoming encoded emitted signal; and
inverter means interposed between one of the M-digital counters and the incoming encoded emitted signal, one M-digital counter and the M-input gate means connected thereto providing the input clock pulse in response to a data pulse on the incoming encoded emitted signal and the one other M-digital counter and M-input gate means connected thereto providing the input clock pulse in response to a no-data pulse on the incoming encoded emitted signal; and
gate means receiving the input clock pulses from each M-input gate means and providing the input clock pulse therefrom when receiving the input clock pulse from one of the M-input gate means, the input clock pulse provided via this last-mentioned gate means being connected to the first channel shift register means and the second channel shift register means for clocking the first-received encoded emitted signal into the first channel shift register means and clocking the second-received encoded emitted signal into the second channel shift register means.
- input data clock means receiving the first-received and the second-received incoming emitted signals and providing the input clock pulse for clocking the first-received encoded emitted signal into the first channel shift register means and clocking the second-received encoded emitted signal into the second channel shift register means when connected thereto, comprising;
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24. The communication apparatus of claim 23 defined further to include:
- means determining the code clocked into the first channel shift register means to be a valid predetermined code and receiving the R-pulse counter output signal indicative of a predetermined number R code pulses clocked into the first channel shift register means and providing a first channel valid data signal in response to the received signals; and
means determining the predetermined code clocked into the second channel shift register means to be a valid predetermined code and receiving the R-pulse counter output signal indicative of a predetermined number R code pulses clocked into the second channel shift register means and providing a second channel valid data signal in response to the received signals.
- means determining the code clocked into the first channel shift register means to be a valid predetermined code and receiving the R-pulse counter output signal indicative of a predetermined number R code pulses clocked into the first channel shift register means and providing a first channel valid data signal in response to the received signals; and
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25. The communication apparatus of claim 24 wherein the synchronization means is defined further to include:
- data transfer clock means providing a transfer clock pulse for transferring code data from the first and the second channel shift register means, in one position, and a transfer reset pulse, in one other position, comprising;
NAND gate receiving the first and the second channel valid data signal and the transmit signAl, providing an output signal corresponding to the transmit signal in response to one of the received first and second channel valid data signals;
S-pulse counter receiving the output signal of the NAND gate and providing a transfer clock pulse in response to a predetermined number of input pulses thereto, the transfer clock pulse being connected to the first and the second channel shift register means; and
code length counter means receiving the transfer clock pulse and providing a transfer reset pulse in response to a predetermined number of input pulses thereto corresponding to the length of the predetermined code to be transferred from the first and the second channel shift register means, the transfer reset pulse being connected to and resetting the S-pulse counter; and
channel comparator means receiving and comparing the predetermined codes from the first and the second channel shift register means and providing a channel data comparison signal in response to identical code data in the first and the second channel shift register means.
- data transfer clock means providing a transfer clock pulse for transferring code data from the first and the second channel shift register means, in one position, and a transfer reset pulse, in one other position, comprising;
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26. The communication apparatus of claim 25 defined further to include:
- speed-direction control means receiving the first channel valid data signal and the second channel valid data signal and having a portion providing an output signal indicative of the elapsed time therebetween, and a portion receiving the elapsed time output signal and providing an output signal indicative of excess speed between the first position and the second position.
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27. The communication apparatus of cliam 26 wherein the speed-direction control means is defined further to include:
- inverter means receiving the first and the second channel valid data signals and providing inverted output signals therefrom;
OR gate means receiving the inverted signals from the inverter means and providing an output in response to one received signal;
AND gate means receiving the input clock pulse and the OR gate means output signal corresponding to the input clock pulse, and providing an output signal in response to the received signals;
T-stage counter means receiving the AND gate means output signal and being activated thereby, having T-output signal paths and providing output signals via the T-output signal paths in an activated position thereof, the T-stage counter means receiving the OR gate output signal and being reset thereby, the T-stage counter means being thereby activated in response to the first channel valid data signal and being subsequently reset in response to the second channel valid data signal; and
speed decoder means receiving the output signals from the T-stage counter means and providing output signals corresponding excess speed units.
- inverter means receiving the first and the second channel valid data signals and providing inverted output signals therefrom;
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28. The communication apparatus of claim 26 wherein the speed-direction control means is defined further to include:
- inverter means receiving the first and the second channel valid data signals and providing inverted output signals therefrom;
digital latch means receiving the output signals from the inverter means, providing one output signal in response to a first received first channel valid data signal and one other output signal in response to a first received second channel valid data signal, the output signals being indicative of the direction of travel of the vehicle unit coupled via the coupling means in the first and the second position; and
means to reset the digital latch means.
- inverter means receiving the first and the second channel valid data signals and providing inverted output signals therefrom;
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29. The communication apparatus of claim 25 defined further to include:
- permanent storage means having a plurality of predetermined codes permanently stored therein;
storage comparator means receiving and comparing the predetermined code encoded in the emitted signal and the permanently stored codes, the storage comparator means providing a permanent storage comparison signal in response to a comparison of the predetermined code encoded in the emitted signal with one of the permanently stored codes; and
buffer storage means receiving the transfer clock pulse and receiving the predetermined code data from one of the first and the second channel shift register means, in one position, the transfer clock pulse clocking the predetermined code data from one of the first and the second channel shift registers into the buffer storage means, the buffer storage means including a portion receiving the permanent storage comparison signal indicating the predetermined code clocked into the buffer storage means corresponds to one of the permanently stored codes.
- permanent storage means having a plurality of predetermined codes permanently stored therein;
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30. A communication apparatus, comprising:
- an identifier unit having a portion generating and transmitting a transmit signal, and a portion receiving predetermined signals, the identifier unit including;
an oscillator generating an output signal having a predetermined frequency; and
a modulator receiving the oscillator output signal and transmitting a predetermined modulation signal, the modulation signal being length amplitude modulated sufficient to produce a predetermined number L pulses and insufficient to produce a predetermined number M pulses, the predetermined number L being less than the predetermined number M and having a pulse interval of a predetermined length;
a vehicle unit receiving the transmit signal when coupled thereto, having a portion emitting an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal, the emitted signal being received by the receiving portion of the identifier means when coupled thereto, the vehicle unit including;
a receiver receiving the transmit signal and providing an output signal corresponding to the received transmit signal;
an identification encoder connected to the receiver and receiving the receiver output signal, the identification encoder having a predetermined code and providing an output signal indicative of the predetermined code in response to the receiver output signal; and
a signal controller receiving the receiver output signal and the identification encoder output signal and encoding the predetermined code in the received receiver output signal providing an encoded emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the transmit signal and encoded with the predetermined code;
an L-digital counter receiving the modulation signal in response to a predetermined number of input pulses thereto;
an M-digital counter receiving the modulation signal and providing an output pulse signal in response to a predetermined number M input pulses thereto;
means connected to the L-digital counter and the M-digital counter providing an output signal resetting the L-digital counter and the M-digital counter in response to the pulse interval of the modulation signal;
a Q-digital counter receiving the output pulse signal from the L-digital counter and providing an output signal in response to a predetermined number Q input pulses thereto, and receiving the output pulse signal from the M-digital counter and being reset thereby; and
means receiving the Q-digital counter output signal and providing an output indication in response thereto; and
coupling means coupling the transmit signal to the vehicle unit and coupling the emitted signal to the identifier unit in a communicating proximity position of the vehicle unit and the coupling means.
- an identifier unit having a portion generating and transmitting a transmit signal, and a portion receiving predetermined signals, the identifier unit including;
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31. A communication apparatus for providing communication between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- means in the first object to generate and transmit a transmit signal;
receiver means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and providing a receiver output signal in response to a received transmit signal having a signal strength level corresponding to the predetermined receiver means threshold;
means in the second object receiving the receiver output signal and providing a predetermined, identifiable output signal responsive thereto; and
means in the first object receiving signals and determining received signals corresponding to the identifiable output signals of the means in the second object in an activated position, said means being activated in response to received signals of a predetermined signal strength level, the receiver means threshold level being determined to be of a sufficient level for the identifiable output signal to activate the means in the first object receiving signals.
- means in the first object to generate and transmit a transmit signal;
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32. A method for communicating between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- transmitting a transmit signal from the first object;
receiving the transmit signal at the second object;
producing a signal indicative of a predetermined code at a frequency coherently related to the transmit signal frequency in response to the received transmit signal;
modulating the received transmit signal via the signal indicative of the predetermined code producing an emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to transmit signal frequency and encoded with the predetermined code;
transmitting the emitted signal; and
receiving the encoded emitted signal at the first object.
- transmitting a transmit signal from the first object;
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33. A communication apparatus in a second object for receiving a transmit signal from a first object and emitting a signal in response thereto, comprising:
- a receiver receiving the transmit signal and providing a receiver output signal in response thereto, the receiver output signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the transmit signal;
an identification encoder connected to the receiver and receiving the receiver output signal, the identification encoder having a predetermined code and providing an output signal indicative of the predetermined code in response to the receiver output signal; and
a signal controller receiving the receiver output signal and the identification encoder output signal and encoding the predetermined code in the received receiver output signal providing an encoded emitted signal having a frequency coherently related to the transmit signal and encoded with the predetermined code.
- a receiver receiving the transmit signal and providing a receiver output signal in response thereto, the receiver output signal having a frequency coherently related to the frequency of the transmit signal;
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34. A communication apparatus for providing communication between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and providing an emitted signal coherently related to the transmit signal in response to the received transmit signal, the means providing the emitted signal including;
means having a predetermined code storage therein providing a cyclic output signal, the output signal being indicative of the predetermined code;
a frequency translator receiving the transmit signal and providing a frequency translated output signal in response thereto; and
a modulator receiving the frequency translator output signal and the output signal indicative of the predetermined code, the signal indicative of the predetermined code modulating the frequency translator output signal repetitively encoding the predetermined code therein to provide a modulator output signal corresponding to the emitted signal repetitively encoded with the predetermined code;
means in the first object receiving the emitted signal including;
means determining the predetermined code of the received encoded emitted signal to be identically repeatable a predetermined number of times and providing a valid data output signal responsive to such determination;
a permanent storage in the first object having a plurality of predetermined permanent codes stored therein;
a storage comparator receiving the predetermined code encoded in the received emitted signal and receiving the permanent codes, the storage comparator comparing the received permanent predetermined codes with the received code encoded in the emitted signal and providing a permanent storage comparison signal in response to a comparison of the received predetermined code with one of the permanent codes. Pg,173
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
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35. A communication apparatus for communicating between a first object and a second object, comprising:
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
means in the second object receiving the transmit signal and cyclicly encoding the received transmit signal with a predetermined code providing an emitted signal having the predetermined code repetitively encoded therein;
channel shift register means in the first object having a predetermined number of digital shift register stages receiving the emitted signal and receiving the predetermined code encoded in the emitted signal between the first and the last digital shift register stage thereof;
means connected to the channel shift register means providing an input clock pulse clocking the encoded emitted signal into the first digital shift register stage of the channel shift register means when connected thereto;
a gate connected to the channel shift register means receiving the encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage and receiving the data clocked from the last digital shift register stage, the gate providing an output indication signal in response to a difference in the received signals; and
means receiving the output indication signal of the gate and determining the number of input signal pulses of the encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage identical to the input signal pulses clocked from the last digital shift register stage determining the repeatability of the data encoded in the receiving incoming signal.
- means in the first object generating and transmitting a transmit signal;
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36. A method for communicating a predetermined code between a first and a second object, comprising:
- transmitting a transmit signal from the first object;
receiving the transmit signal in the second object;
encoding cyclicly the received transmit signal with a predetermined code;
transmitting the cyclicly encoded signal;
receiving the transmitted cyclicly encoded signal at the first object via a channel shift register having a predetermined number of digital shift register stages, the predetermined code in the encoded signal being received between the first and the last digital shift register stages of the channel shift register;
clocking the encoded signal into the channel shift register;
comparing the encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage with the encoded data clocked from the last digital shift register stage; and
providing an output signal in response to a compared difference between the encoded data clocked into the first digital shift register stage and the encoded data clocked from the last digital shift register stage.
- transmitting a transmit signal from the first object;
Specification