Modularized control system to enable networked control and sensing of other devices

摘要

This invention provides a standard method of interfacing an arbitrary non-network connected device to computer networks such as the Internet. The invention modularizes the communications interface by providing a plug-in communications module, which may be compatible with a standard solid-state memory card interface and form factor, thus removing the burden of wireless approvals testing (the module is tested vs. the whole product). The invention also integrates a programmable arbitrary device controller and associated software into this same communications module, thus removing the burden of the majority of the software development for most arbitrary non-network connected devices. The invention further provides a unified internet-based service that can help configure the module's network configuration, and download appropriate control code for whatever arbitrary device the module is currently connected to.

主权项

1. A method of adding a network interface and network control to an arbitrary non-network connected device (arbitrary device), said arbitrary device having electrical circuitry to implement functionality of said arbitrary device, said method comprising:
providing a communications module interface in said arbitrary device to accommodate a communications module; said communications module interface configured to interact with said communications module and carry control signals to at least some of said arbitrary device electrical circuitry; said arbitrary device additionally having a unique ID storage memory device configured to transmit unique identification data that is associated with a type of said arbitrary device from said arbitrary device to said communications module; said communications module having a network interface configured to establishing a communications session with a computer network over a network connection; said communications module having internal solid state memory configured to store code and data, wherein at least some of said code is used to operate said arbitrary device, and at least some of said code is used to operate said communications module; said communications module having at least one internal processor, said at least one internal processor configured to at least execute said code when said internal processor is connected to said communications module interface in said arbitrary device; wherein when said communications module is inserted into said communications module interface, said communications module interface is configured to provide the network connection to said communications module; and if said code to operate said arbitrary device using said communications module has not been previously loaded into the communications module, then using the network connection to load said code to operate said communications module and said code to operate said arbitrary device; wherein commands or data to said arbitrary device are transmitted through said network, to said communications module, and are interpreted by said at least one processor running said code to operate said arbitrary device, and wherein said at least one processor in turn sends control signals to said arbitrary device's electrical circuitry; or wherein commands or data from said electrical circuitry are transmitted to said communications module, are interpreted by said at least one processor running said code, and transmitted using said network interface to said network.