Data communications system and method for communication between infrared devices

US7376351B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Geberit Technik AG · CH

Inventors

• Wade C. Patterson · Huntsville, US
• Thomas J. Watson · South Windsor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 23, 2001
• Grant date: May 20, 2008
• Expiry date: Dec 29, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G08C2201/51
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A data communication system for facilitating communication between infrared devices having an initiating optical interface port that includes an IR emitter and an optical sensor. A receiving optical interface port includes an active IR emitter that emits a pulse at a predetermined interval and an optical sensor. A software application causes an Attention Signal to be emitted from the initiating IR emitter where the initiating IR emitter is positioned in detection range of the receiving optical sensor. The receiving optical interface port is controlled by a firmware application. The firmware is designed to discontinue the pulse of the active IR emitter upon detection of the Attention Signal. Once the normal pulse cycle is discontinued, the active IR emitter is then employed for transmitting data signals to the initiating optical interface port, thereby establishing an optical link between the initiating optical interface port and the receiving optical interface port. The normal operations of the IR emitter of the receiving optical interface port remain discontinued until communication between the ports is terminated, allowing data signals to be sent to the initiating optical sensor …