EP0738402A1 - Systeme unique de commande informatique s'appliquant a une large gamme de dispositifs electroniques - Google Patents

Systeme unique de commande informatique s'appliquant a une large gamme de dispositifs electroniques

Info

Publication number
EP0738402A1
EP0738402A1 EP94931645A EP94931645A EP0738402A1 EP 0738402 A1 EP0738402 A1 EP 0738402A1 EP 94931645 A EP94931645 A EP 94931645A EP 94931645 A EP94931645 A EP 94931645A EP 0738402 A1 EP0738402 A1 EP 0738402A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
unit
control
interface unit
control unit
units
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP94931645A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Hany Neoman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NeoSys Ltd
Original Assignee
NeoSys Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by NeoSys Ltd filed Critical NeoSys Ltd
Publication of EP0738402A1 publication Critical patent/EP0738402A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/0021—Side-by-side or stacked arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
    • G06F1/183—Internal mounting support structures, e.g. for printed circuit boards, internal connecting means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles

Definitions

  • This invention relates to computer control systems, and is more particularly concerned with computer control systems for controlling a plurality of business and entertainment devices by means of a common control unit.
  • Personal computers are widely used in a home environment, and such computers commonly comprise a mother board, a processor, a display and one or more peripheral devices, such as a printer, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive or a CD ROM player.
  • peripheral devices such as a printer, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive or a CD ROM player.
  • Many other electronic devices are also used in the home, such as telephones, telefax machines, answering machines, televisions, video recorders, hi-fi systems, home security systems, etc. Whilst it is known to connect at least some of these devices to a personal computer to enable control of the devices by the computer, there are considerable difficulties in doing this with most devices commonly used in the home due to the lack of compatibility between such devices and personal computers.
  • a new computer control system in accordance with the invention will be designed to control at least some of the following device units: personal computer peripherals, such as a hard disk drive, a, floppy disk drive, a CD ROM drive, a tape drive, and various I/O adapter cards; communication devices, such as a telephone, a telefax machine, a modem, a telephone answering machine, and a conferencing device; entertainment devices, such as a television/cable receiver, a radio receiver, a video recorder, a video on demand device and a hi-fi system; and house automation subsystems, such as a light control, heating control, and security subsystem. All such device units may be controlled by a single control unit and supplied with power by a single power supply unit.
  • the device units, the control unit and the power supply unit are all individually cased, and are designed to be plugged into the interface unit, so that the user can assemble the units as required, and can interchange and upgrade units, including the control unit and the power supply as required, without any need for specialist technical knowledge.
  • HSS Home System Standard
  • the construction packaging from of the individual modules will need to be standardised to enable the user to assemble and upgrade the modules to from the overall system.
  • the device units and the control unit are cased so as to be of the same overall size and shape to save on production costs.
  • FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams illustrating the construction of
  • Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of the interface unit of the system
  • Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of the power
  • Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection of the control unit, the power supply unit and the device units to the interface unit;
  • Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection of the system units to an optional mounting frame.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of the software interface that drives the system.
  • the overall assembly illustrated in the drawings comprises a computer control system, consisting of an interface unit and separately cased control and power supply units, and a series of individually cased device units of similar size and shape, which are detachably connectable to the interface unit.
  • control unit 1 comprises a control unit board
  • the control unit 1 is provided with an electrical connector 5 for data and power connections to be made to the board 2, light indicators 8 and an on/off switch 9.
  • the system includes a display (not shown) and an actuator (not shown), such as a keyboard and a mouse, permitting the user to interact with the system.
  • the control unit 1 is provided for controlling the various device units connected to the system, and, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 2, incorporates a number of modules for this purpose. More particularly the control unit board 2 includes a microprocessor 10, memory modules 11 , control modules 12 to 22, and control interfaces 23 and 25 for controlling transfer of data between the microprocessor 10, the memory modules 11 and the control modules 12 to 22, and between the control modules 12 to 22 and the electrical connector 5.
  • the control modules comprise an analogue telephone line module 12, an ISDN line module 13, a radio communication module 14, a digital video module 15, a digital audio module 16, a television/cable receiver module 17, a home automation module 18, a disk controller module 19, a games interface module 20, a graphics card module 21, and configurable spare modules 22.
  • a remote control sensor 24 is provided for receiving control signals from a user actuated remote control unit (not shown).
  • Figure 3 shows an alternative design to the control unit board 2 whereby the control modules 12 to 22 in Figure 2 are replaced by PCMCIA flash module sockets 26 which permits the user to insert PCMCIA flash cards 28 and PCMCIA memory cards 27 in the control unit 1 through a flap 29 in the casing of the control unit.
  • the interface unit 30 includes a series of electrical connectors 31, each of which incorporates data input/output connections 32 and power connections 33.
  • the interface unit 30 incorporates an interface board providing a connection bus by means of which power connections are made from the power supply unit to the control unit and the various device units, and control signals are transferred between the control unit and the power supply unit and between the control unit and the various device units.
  • the rear portion 34 of the interface unit 30 incorporates a series of slots for receiving one or more I/O adapter cards which are individually cased and incorporate connectors which connect with complementary connectors within the slots 35 to establish electrical connections to the connection bus to permit transfer of data between the cards and the control unit. If necessary, interface unit extensions
  • the power supply unit 40 comprises a power supply cube 41 and ventilation fans 42 packaged within a casing having a front panel 43 provided with an on/off switch 47 and a rear panel 44 provided with an electrical connector 45 for the input and output of control data and the supply of power to the entire system and a power socket 46 for connection of the power supply unit 40 to a mains power supply.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the connection of the control unit 1 and the power supply unit 40 to the interface unit 30 by way of the electrical connectors so as to provide a control system which is adapted to supply control signals and power to up to six device units connected to the interface unit 30 by way of the remaining electrical connectors of the interface unit 30. If one or more interface unit extensions 36 are connected to the interface unit 30, provision is made for the connection of additional device units to the control system.
  • the electrical connectors at the rear of all the units are aligned one above the other and in such a manner as to be at the required levels in relation to the electrical connectors of the interface unit 30. Since all the device units 70 are of the same size and shape they can easily be interchanged and upgraded, and there is no limitation on where each unit fits within the assembly provided that it can be connected to one of the electrical connectors of the interface unit 30 or the extensions 36.
  • Figure 7 shows an optional arrangement by means of which the system units are supported by a mounting frame 71.
  • the power supply unit 40, the control unit 1 and the device units 70 may be inserted into the front of the frame 71 , and one or more I/O adapter cards 72 may be inserted into the rear of the frame 71.
  • the interface unit 30 will be inserted from the top of the frame 71.
  • Figure 8 shows a schematic layout of the software interface which drives the system. It consists of four families of devices, each with the appropriate buttons and icons to represent these devices, namely personal computer devices, which covers hard disk, floppy, printer, tape drive, CD ROM and scanner; communication devices, which covers telephone, telefax, modem, answering machine, ISDN and conferencing; entertainment devices, which covers television, cable, radio, hi-fi, video and games; and house automation devices, which covers light, heating, security, kitchen, air conditioning and other devices.
  • Each of these buttons represent a device unit in the system and has an animated icon of the device. By clicking on a button, using a mouse or a keyboard, a menu of options will appear on the display permitting the user to interact with the device.
  • the control unit 1 serves to implement control of the individual device units 70, the power supply unit 40 and the interface unit 30 by means of appropriate instructions transmitted from the individual control modules 12 to
  • the control module of each device unit is adapted to decode control instructions received from the control unit 1 so as to operate the device unit, for example to place the device unit in a receiving and/or transmitting mode or to increase or decrease the gain of the device unit where appropriate, as well as to control the input of data to the control unit from the device unit.
  • the control module of each device unit ensures the input and output of data in the correct form to enable communication to take place between all the device units and the control unit.
  • the control unit 1 has three main functions, namely (i) the controlling of the various device units, (ii) the management of communications to and from each device unit, and (iii) the determination of the overall system performance and speed.
  • the control modules 12 to 22 of the control unit 1 comprise programmable flash chips which store the logic required to operate and communicate with the various device units, and manage the flow of such instructions between the control unit, the device units and the power supply unit. Each control module provides a different protocol interface.
  • the analogue telephone line module 12 is responsible for controlling any device unit which uses a telephone line, such as a telephone, a fax machine, a telephone answering machine, a modem, a call management device or a data conferencing device, and ensures that all such device units are capable of -9- communicating with each other and with other device units, such as a digital audio device so as to enable such a device to record, retrieve or edit audio signals received from the telecommunication device units.
  • a telephone line such as a telephone, a fax machine, a telephone answering machine, a modem, a call management device or a data conferencing device.
  • the flash chips can take one of two forms, that is they can either be internal chips which plug into flash sockets within the control unit as in Figure 2, so that the control unit is supplied with a number of control modules already installed for the user, or alternatively they can be packaged in the form of PCMCIA flash cards which slot into the control unit externally to permit the user to add as many such cards as are required to control the particular system as in Figure 3.
  • This second option provides the user with the flexibility of adding and removing control modules as required, thus keeping the overall cost of the system to a minimum and providing the user with the ability to upgrade the system. Since the flash chips or the flash PCMCIA cards are programmable, each control module can be programmed to perform the required device interface function, and can subsequently be reprogrammed if required to perform another device interface function. This permits the user to install a limited number of such control modules and to acquire an unlimited number of device interfaces to manage existing device units, as well as device units which may be added to the system in the future.
  • the communication firmware including the Home System Standard (HSS), which is resident in the control modules and the control chipset 23 and which is responsible for communicating instructions to and from each device unit.
  • HSS Home System Standard
  • the HSS code creates a homogenous environment permitting intercommunication between the various device units.
  • firmware resident in the control interface 25 is responsible for translating instructions passing between the various control modules and the microprocessor 10.
  • the control interface 25 may translate instructions received from the digital audio device by way of its associated control module 16 and the telephone by way of its associated control module 12 to pass an instruction to the microprocessor to compress and process a telephone message for recording by the digital audio device as a sound file on the hard disk.
  • control unit 1 receives signals from each device unit 70 indicating the mode of the device unit, that is whether it is switched on, whether it is receiving an incoming call or whether an engaged or ringing tone is received on an outgoing call (in the case of the telephone), whether it is in record or playback mode, etc.
  • each device, unit will be represented by a distinctive icon/button in the control software on the display, and this icon may be animated to indicate a particular mode of the device unit.
  • each device unit is preferably controlled by the control unit so that it is in a stand-by mode when not in use.
  • each device unit may be provided with an on/off switch by means of which it may be manually turned on when required for use, or alternatively may be automatically turned on when plugged into the interface unit.
  • control unit 1 When data is received by the control unit 1 from one of the device units 70 such data may be processed within the microprocessor, either according to a predetermined processing program selected by the user or under user control.
  • Programs for effecting such processing may be provided on secondary chips.
  • the user may upgrade the control unit to provide further processing functions as required by the addition of the appropriate secondary chips for carrying out these functions. It is possible for two or more incoming signals received from separate device units to be processed in synchronism, for example so as to combine video and audio inputs.
  • Each device unit preferably includes one or more indicators for indicating the mode of the device unit, and the control unit may also be adapted to provide an audible indication of certain device modes, such as receipt of a telephone or fax call.
  • control unit 1 which incorporates a standard computer microprocessor, contains all the logic and software necessary to drive the entire system, and the power supply unit 40 serves to supply power to all the other units.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

Un système de commande informatique à usage domestique comprend une interface (30) et des unités séparées, placées dans des coffrets, (1, 40) de commande et d'alimentation électrique, prévues pour se connecter à l'interface (30) ou s'en déconnecter. Un série de dispositifs individuels en coffrets (70), tels que des périphériques d'ordinateur personnel, des dispositifs de communication, des dispositifs de loisirs et des sous-systèmes automatisés domestiques, peuvent être connectés à l'interface (30) ou déconnectés de celle-ci de façon à être commandés par l'unité de commande (1) et alimentés en courant par l'alimentation électrique (40). Ceci permet de commander divers dispositifs de telle façon que les unités puissent communiquer entre elles afin de valider, par exemple, un signal reçu sur un poste téléphonique et de commander un système de sécurité domestique. Puisqu'une seule unité de commande et qu'une seule unité d'alimentation électrique sont nécessaires, les frais sont réduits, contrairement au cas où chaque dispositif possède sa propre section de commande et sa propre section d'alimentation électrique et, de plus, il est beaucoup plus simple pour l'utilisateur domestique moyen ne possédant pas de qualifications techniques d'assembler les dispositifs et d'augmenter leur puissance si nécessaire.
EP94931645A 1994-11-03 1994-11-03 Systeme unique de commande informatique s'appliquant a une large gamme de dispositifs electroniques Withdrawn EP0738402A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB1994/002409 WO1996014614A1 (fr) 1994-11-03 1994-11-03 Systeme unique de commande informatique s'appliquant a une large gamme de dispositifs electroniques

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0738402A1 true EP0738402A1 (fr) 1996-10-23

Family

ID=10750059

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94931645A Withdrawn EP0738402A1 (fr) 1994-11-03 1994-11-03 Systeme unique de commande informatique s'appliquant a une large gamme de dispositifs electroniques

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0738402A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH09512938A (fr)
GB (1) GB2300056A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996014614A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1093275C (zh) * 1996-08-06 2002-10-23 致伸实业股份有限公司 控制电脑外围装置的介面装置
CN1093278C (zh) * 1996-08-23 2002-10-23 致伸实业股份有限公司 电脑外围处理装置
GB2322972A (en) * 1997-03-05 1998-09-09 Alan Bai Leng Universal computer power supply unit
GB2329746B (en) * 1997-09-25 1999-10-27 Paul Roberts Plc Modular electronic system
US6866581B2 (en) * 1999-09-24 2005-03-15 Igt Video gaming apparatus for wagering with universal computerized controller and I/O interface for unique architecture
US6935946B2 (en) 1999-09-24 2005-08-30 Igt Video gaming apparatus for wagering with universal computerized controller and I/O interface for unique architecture
JP4076325B2 (ja) 2001-05-22 2008-04-16 富士通株式会社 通信装置
CN101971334B (zh) 2008-02-25 2012-12-26 Tivo有限公司 可堆叠通信系统
GB2468529A (en) * 2009-03-12 2010-09-15 Andrew Bagshaw Interconnecting modular powered devices

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR850002124A (ko) * 1983-07-18 1985-05-06 원본미기재 모듈러 컴퓨터 시스템
US4899217A (en) * 1987-12-01 1990-02-06 Smart House Limited Partnership Communication and energy control system for houses
US5010450A (en) * 1988-06-10 1991-04-23 Adc Telecommunications, Inc. Front-rear modular unit
JPH0257029A (ja) * 1988-08-23 1990-02-26 Fujitsu General Ltd ホームバスシステム
DE4030368C1 (fr) * 1990-09-26 1991-11-14 B. Braun Melsungen Ag, 3508 Melsungen, De
AU6408294A (en) * 1993-03-16 1994-10-11 Ht Research, Inc. A chassis for a multiple computer system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9614614A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH09512938A (ja) 1997-12-22
GB2300056A (en) 1996-10-23
WO1996014614A1 (fr) 1996-05-17
GB9613819D0 (en) 1996-09-04

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Owner name: NEOSYS LIMITED

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