Optically configured modularized control system to enable wireless network control and sensing of other devices

摘要

System and method of interfacing arbitrary non-network connected devices to wireless computer networks. The invention provides an optically configurable wireless communications module, in either fixed or removable formats, with wireless (e.g. WiFi) network connectivity. The module also has a programmable arbitrary device controller, associated software, and at least the combination of the arbitrary device and the module also provides a unique ID code. A software token assisted method may be used to associate the unique ID code with appropriate control software and this association stored in network server memory. The invention also uses an internet-based service and a local optical programmer to configure the module's wireless network configuration. Once connectivity is established, the module may upload its unique ID code to the server and receive appropriate arbitrary device control code from the server. Portable version modules may be swapped between arbitrary devices at will, and will automatically configure themselves.

主权项

1. A method of automatically configuring the software for a communications module for an arbitrary non-network connected device, said arbitrary device having electrical circuitry to implement its functionality, said method comprising:
providing a communications module to said arbitrary device, said communications module capable of carrying control signals to at least some of said electrical circuitry; either said arbitrary device or said communications module additionally having a unique ID storage memory device capable of transmitting unique identification data; said communications module having a communications interface capable of establishing a wireless network connection with a computer network, and an optical interface capable of reading optically transmitted configuration data; said communications module having internal solid state memory capable of storing code and data; said communications module having at least one internal processor, said at least one internal processor configured to at least execute said code when said communications module is connected to said arbitrary device; using said optical configuration interface to load wireless network configuration data into said device, thereby allowing said communication interface to establish a wireless network connection with a computer network; using said network connection, and either said unique identification data or a software token to load the code to operate said communications module; wherein either said unique identification data or said software token is used by a network connected server to select the type of code to operate said communications module, and wherein said network connected server stores a record of the association between said unique identification data and said type of code; wherein commands or data to said arbitrary device are transmitted through said network, to said communications module, and are interpreted by at least one processor running said code, and wherein said at least one processor in turn sends control signals to said 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 communications interface to said network.