Patent Application
20150213710
The field of the present invention generally relates to wireless computer connectivity. More particularly, the field of the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for connecting IR-enabled legacy devices wirelessly to existing computer networks and translating the IR codes associated with the devices to enable network communication therewith.
A legacy system, or device, is generally defined as any method, technology, computer system, or application program which is outdated by current standards. Although the term “legacy” frequently is used in reference to outdated computer systems, the term often is used to describe any corporate computer system that is not Internet-dependent. There is a wide variety of reasons why organizations might continue using legacy devices. For example, the cost of replacing a particular legacy device with an updated device may be prohibitive. In other instances, the legacy device may be required to be continually available for service, thereby reducing an organization's motivation to take the device offline. Moreover, the cost of designing and installing updated devices which provide a similar degree of availability may be a deterrent. Thus, many organizations have compelling reasons to keep legacy devices in service.
With the advent of the Internet and network computing, there is a growing demand to enable legacy devices to send and receive information by way of the Internet. Although many legacy devices may be equipped with serial ports and Ethernet ports for connecting to the Internet, there is also a wide variety of devices that lack such connectivity. One alternative to physically networking legacy devices is to use wireless network connections. Many legacy devices, however, lack wireless network connectivity and are thus limited to Infrared (IR) communications by way of a handheld remote control. Older audio/video recorders and televisions are typical examples of IR-enabled legacy devices. While IR-enabled devices are operable from a distance (i.e., remotely without wires), they are limited to line-of-sight operations. Moreover, many legacy devices utilize IR codes that are incompatible with network communications protocols, and thus are not amenable to being wirelessly connected to the Internet. What is needed, therefore, is a method and an apparatus for connecting IR-enabled legacy devices wirelessly to existing computer networks and translating the IR codes associated with the devices to enable network communication with the devices.
An apparatus and a method are provided for a wireless Infrared (IR) converter to operate a legacy device by translating received wireless commands into IR codes for transmission to an IR receiver of the legacy device. Within the wireless IR converter is a wireless control chip which is configured to establish a wireless connection with an external wireless-enabled device. An IR output is configured to convey IR codes to the IR receiver of the legacy device. A macro command library and an IR command library are stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium. The macro command library stores a set of pre-loaded command sequences, and the IR command library stores a set of IR codes that are associated with the legacy device. Upon receiving a command from the wireless control chip, a microcontroller within the apparatus accesses the macro command library and the IR command library to select a corresponding IR code or a series of IR codes (macros). Once the proper IR codes are selected, the IR output transmits the IR codes to the legacy device.
In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for operating a legacy device by translating received wireless commands into Infrared (IR) codes for transmission to an IR receiver of the legacy device comprises a wireless control chip configured to establish a wireless connection with an external wireless-enabled device; an IR output configured to convey IR codes to the IR receiver of the legacy device; a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium which stores at least a macro command library and an IR command library, wherein the macro command library stores a set of pre-loaded command sequences, and wherein the IR command library stores a set of IR codes that are associated with the legacy device; and a microcontroller, wherein upon receiving a command from the control chip, the microcontroller accesses the macro command library and the IR command library to select a corresponding IR code and then transmits the IR code to the legacy device by way of the IR output.
In another exemplary embodiment, the control chip is a wireless network interface controller (WiFi) which is compliant with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 a/b/g/n standard, as well as any future modifications to the 802.11 wireless standard. In another exemplary embodiment, the control chip supports Bluetooth protocols. In another exemplary embodiment, the control chip supports Bluetooth SMART.
In another exemplary embodiment, the IR output is an Infrared Light Emitting Diode (IR LED). In another exemplary embodiment, each command sequence comprises at least one individual command. In another exemplary embodiment, the IR codes are installed into the IR command library by way of a training software application or by way of a temporary learning mode whereby an IR remote control associated with the legacy device transmits the IR codes to the apparatus.
In another exemplary embodiment, the control chip is further configured to transmit wireless commands to the external wireless-enabled device. In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is uniquely addressable on a local area network (LAN), thereby enabling interaction with the legacy device on the network. In another exemplary embodiment, two or more of said apparatus are grouped such that two or more legacy devices are controllable on a network.
In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is controlled by a user application configured to establish a suitable wireless connection. In another exemplary embodiment, the user application is a home automation system. In another exemplary embodiment, the user application is a dedicated tablet application. In another exemplary embodiment, the user application is a mobile browser application. In an exemplary embodiment, the user application is a desktop browser. In an exemplary embodiment, the user application is a Smart TV enabled browser.
In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is adhered to the exterior of the legacy device by way of an adhesive chemical layer, wherein the IR output is positioned directly over the IR receiver of the legacy device so as to transmit the IR codes directly to the IR receiver, and wherein wireless signals transmitted to and from the control chip are directed away from the legacy device. In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is adhered to the legacy device by way of Velcro. In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is adhered to the legacy device by way of mechanical fasteners. In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an IR receiver configured to receive IR signals from an IR remote control associated with the legacy device, wherein the received IR signals are electronically passed to the IR output and then transmitted to the IR receiver within the legacy device. In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a mechanical envelope having an unobstructed tunnel extending through the apparatus such that the IR receiver is accessible from outside the apparatus, thereby preserving functionality of an IR remote control associated with the legacy device. In another exemplary embodiment, the tunnel is made of a transparent material which allows IR codes transmitted by the remote control to pass through the apparatus and be received by the IR receiver. In another exemplary embodiment, the tunnel is an open passageway through the wireless IR converter. In another exemplary embodiment, the IR output is positioned adjacent to the tunnel such that IR codes transmitted by the IR output are directed toward the IR receiver.
In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises one or more hardware ports so as to communicate with external devices by way of wires or cables. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more hardware ports are serial communications channels. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more hardware ports are RS-232 ports. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more hardware ports comprise at least one relay input configured to detect a closing or an opening of an external relay. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more hardware ports comprise at least one relay output configured to operate an external device requiring a switched input. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more hardware ports comprise at least one 12V input configured to detect a 12V DC signal produced by an external device. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more hardware ports comprise at least one 12V output configured to generate a 12V DC signal so as to operate an external device.
In an exemplary embodiment, a method of translating wireless commands into Infrared (IR) codes for transmission to an IR receiver of a legacy device comprises establishing a wireless connection between an external wireless-enabled device and a wireless control chip, whereby the wireless control chip receives wireless commands from the external wireless-enabled device; conveying a received command electronically from the control chip to a microcontroller; accessing a macro command library and an IR command library stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, wherein the macro command library comprises a set of pre-loaded command sequences, and wherein the IR command library comprises a set of IR codes that are associated with the legacy device selecting an IR code which corresponds to the command received from the control chip; and transmitting the IR code to the IR receiver of the legacy device by way of an IR output.
In an exemplary embodiment, a method of translating wireless commands into Infrared (IR) codes for transmission to an IR receiver of a legacy device comprises establishing a wireless connection between an external wireless-enabled device and a wireless control chip, whereby the wireless control chip receives wireless commands from the external wireless-enabled device and then conveys the commands electronically to a microcontroller; receiving a command from the control chip to the microcontroller; accessing a macro command library and an IR command library stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, wherein the macro command library stores a set of pre-loaded command sequences, and wherein the IR command library stores a set of IR codes that are associated with the legacy device selecting an IR code which corresponds to the command received from the control chip; and transmitting the IR code to the IR receiver of the legacy device by way of an IR output.
In an exemplary embodiment, a method of translating wireless commands into Infrared (IR) codes for transmission to an IR receiver of a legacy device comprises providing a wireless IR converter comprising a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), wherein a first side of the PCB includes at least a battery retained within a battery holder and a wireless transmitter-receiver control chip, and a second side of the PCB includes at least a microcontroller, a non-transitory machine-readable medium, and an IR output, and wherein the PCB is housed within a mechanical envelope; adhering the wireless IR converter to the exterior of the legacy device by way of an adhesive chemical layer, such that the IR output is positioned directly over the IR receiver; transmitting at least one command to the wireless transmitter-receiver control chip by way of an external wireless-enabled device; passing the at least one command electronically from the wireless transmitter-receiver control chip to the microcontroller; causing the microcontroller to access a macro command library and a IR command library stored on the non-transitory machine readable medium so as to select one or more IR codes corresponding to the at least one command; and transmitting the one or more IR codes to the IR receiver by way of the IR output.
In an exemplary embodiment, providing the wireless IR converter further comprises further configuring an IR receiver within the wireless IR converter to receive IR signals from the IR remote control, wherein the received IR signals are electronically passed to the IR output and then transmitted to the IR receiver within the legacy device. In an exemplary embodiment, providing the wireless IR converter further comprises extending an unobstructed tunnel through the mechanical envelope such that the IR receiver is accessible from outside the wireless IR converter, thereby preserving functionality of an IR remote control associated with the legacy device. In an exemplary embodiment, extending the unobstructed tunnel through the mechanical envelope further comprises forming the tunnel of a transparent material which allows the IR codes transmitted by the remote control to pass through the apparatus and be received by the IR receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, providing the wireless IR converter further comprises positioning the IR output adjacent to the tunnel such that the IR codes transmitted by the IR output are directed toward the IR receiver.
The drawings refer to embodiments of the present invention in which:
While the present invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The invention should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known components or methods have not been described in detail but rather in a block diagram, or a schematic, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Further specific numeric references such as “first driver,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first driver” is different than a “second driver.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component.
In general, the present invention describes an apparatus and a method for a wireless Infrared (IR) converter to operate a legacy device by translating received wireless commands into IR codes for transmission to an IR receiver within the legacy device. The wireless IR converter preferably is affixed to the exterior of the legacy device such that an IR output is positioned directly over the IR receiver. The IR output transmits the IR codes directly to the IR receiver while wireless signals are directed away from the legacy device. The IR output preferably is an Infrared Light Emitting Diode (IR LED), although other suitable sources of Infrared radiation will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the wireless IR converter may include a mechanical envelope having an unobstructed tunnel extending there through such that the IR receiver remains accessible to an IR remote control associated with the legacy device. Within the wireless IR converter is a wireless control chip configured to establish a wireless connection with external wireless devices. The control chip may be a wireless network interface controller (WiFi), or may be configured to support Bluetooth protocols, such as Bluetooth SMART. In some embodiments, the wireless IR converter may be uniquely addressable on a local area network (LAN), thereby enabling interaction with the legacy device on the network. In other embodiments, two or more wireless IR converters may be grouped such that two or more legacy devices may be controlled on the network. In some embodiments, the control chip may be configured to transmit wireless commands to external wireless devices, in addition to receiving commands. A macro command library and an IR command library are stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium. The macro command library stores a set of pre-loaded command sequences, and the IR command library stores a set of IR codes that are associated with the legacy device. Upon receiving a command from the wireless control chip, a microcontroller within the wireless IR converter accesses the macro command library and the IR command library to select a corresponding IR code. Once the proper IR code is selected, the IR output then transmits the IR code to the IR receiver within the legacy device.
It will be appreciated that each model and type of the legacy device 104 will have specific IR codes that are not necessarily the same those certain IR codes applicable to other models and types of the legacy device 104. Thus, in order for the wireless IR converter 112 to effectively operate a particular legacy device, the wireless IR converter 112 must have those certain IR codes specific to the particular legacy device stored in memory. In one embodiment, the IR codes associated with the legacy device 104 may be loaded into a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, or a memory, of the wireless IR converter 112 by way a manufacturer supplied “training” software application. It is envisioned that upon first using the wireless IR converter 112, the user may run the software application on a personal computer (PC), whereby the user may specify a particular make and model of the legacy device 104. Those certain IR codes associated with the selected make and model of the legacy device 104 may then be copied from the PC to the memory of the wireless IR converter 112 by way of a data connection such as, by way of example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. In another embodiment, the IR codes may be “learned” by way of the legacy device's IR remote control. It is envisioned that the wireless IR converter 112 may be placed into a temporary “learning mode” whereby the IR codes are received from the legacy device's IR remote control and then stored in the memory of the wireless IR converter 112.
The wireless IR converter 400 further comprises a non-transitory machine-readable. storage medium (i.e., “a memory”) 416, which stores a macro command library 420 and an IR command library 424. The macro command library 420 stores a set of pre-loaded command sequences, each of which comprising one or more individual commands. The IR command library 424 stores a set of IR codes that are associated with the particular legacy device 104 (308) to be wirelessly controlled. As discussed with reference to
The macro command library 420 and the IR command library 424 provide the microcontroller 404 with a mapping, or a translation, between wireless commands received by way of the control chip 408 and the IR codes that must be transmitted by way of the IR output 412 so as to control the legacy device 104 (308). During operation of the wireless IR converter 400, upon receiving a command by way of the control chip 408, the microcontroller 404 accesses the macro command library 420 and the IR command library 424 in an attempt to find a particular IR code which corresponds with the received wireless command. Once the appropriate IR code is selected in the IR command library 424, the microcontroller 404 transmits the IR code to the legacy device 104 (308) by way of the IR output 412.
It will be appreciated that the memory 416 need not be limited to storing the macro command library 420 and the IR command library 424, but rather a wide variety of functions and resources may be stored on the memory 416. In the embodiments discussed in connection with
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in addition to transmitting and receiving commands wirelessly, the wireless IR converter may also have hardware inputs and outputs so as to communicate by way of various wires and cables.
It will be further appreciated that the wireless IR converter 500 need not be limited to the serial communications channels 504, but rather other types of inputs and outputs may be utilized without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
While some specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown the invention is not to be limited to these embodiments. For example, most functions performed by electronic hardware components may be duplicated by software emulation. Thus, a software program written to accomplish those same functions may emulate the functionality of the hardware components in input-output circuitry. The present invention is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.
