Programmable consumer device interface
First Claim
1. A programmable consumer device interface, comprising:
- media interface means for receiving first signals according to a media format and providing second signals in response thereto;
an interface control unit, including;
a controller operable in response to said second signals and a stored program,a programmable memory means operable to receive, store and provide selected said second signals according to said stored program and said second signals, anda programmable data transceiver operable to provide third signals to said controller in response to said second signals, stored programmable memory signals and said stored program; and
transfer means providing selected fourth signals to a consumer device according to signals provided by said controller in response to said third signals and said stored program.
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Abstract
A device for incorporation into a variety of consumer appliances for use in a home automation environment. The invention comprises an electronic hardware module having software resident on the module, providing an interface between an appliance and other elements on a communications system employing the "Consumer Electronics Bus" protocol. The present invention interprets data messages sent to the appliance and signals the appliance in a preprogrammed manner. Also, the invention can be programmed to generate a specific data message for transmission to another appliance. The invention accommodates the various communication media, levels of electrical noise, and operating speeds allowed by the "Consumer Electronics Bus" protocol.
102 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A programmable consumer device interface, comprising:
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media interface means for receiving first signals according to a media format and providing second signals in response thereto; an interface control unit, including; a controller operable in response to said second signals and a stored program, a programmable memory means operable to receive, store and provide selected said second signals according to said stored program and said second signals, and a programmable data transceiver operable to provide third signals to said controller in response to said second signals, stored programmable memory signals and said stored program; and transfer means providing selected fourth signals to a consumer device according to signals provided by said controller in response to said third signals and said stored program. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. For use with a consumer device, a remotely configurable consumer device interface system comprising
a medium for conveying data; -
a medium interface connected to said consumer device to provide control thereof in response to selected signals provided on said medium according to a program stored on said medium interface; a means for providing customization signals to said medium interface which determine selected functions of said medium interface according to said stored program; means for monitoring said functions and for providing a connection initiate signal if a function exceeds a specified performance range; and means for dynamically adjusting said interface according to a correction initiate signal, wherein said means for providing customization signals to said medium interface is thereafter removable from said system, and wherein said medium interface retains said customization signals. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. For use with a consumer device, a remotely configurable consumer device interface system comprising
a medium for conveying data; -
a medium interface connected to said consumer device to provide control thereof in response to selected signals provided on said medium according to a program stored on said medium interface; and a means for providing customization signals to said medium interface which determine selected functions of said medium interface according to said stored program, said means for providing customization signals including means for providing at least one of customized interface address, command and command response signals, wherein said interface assumes an address corresponding to said customized interface address, and said interface assumes functions corresponding to said customized command and command response signals, and wherein said means for providing customization signals to said medium interface is thereafter removable from said system, and wherein said medium interface retains said customization signals.
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10. A method of selectively controlling a consumer device, comprising the steps of:
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providing a medium for data transmission; providing a programmable interface between said medium and said consumer device; initially programming said interface to respond to a selected address and to selected commands, and to provide selected signals to said consumer device; configuring said interface to respond to at least one of a selected medium and a corresponding medium signal format; storing said address and command signals provided by said initial programming; sending signals on said medium to provide said selected signals to said consumer device in response to said initial programming.
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Specification