APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR SIGNAL LOCALIZATION AND DIFFERENTIATION

Abstract

Apparatus, systems, and methods for providing transmission and localized reception of data, aural, visual, and tactile signaling are taught for a myriad of useful purposes, including embodiments that permit differentiation between selected groups of intended recipients to permit simultaneous use of multiple instances of this technology in close proximity, if desired.

Claims

1. A system for configurable data communication, the system comprising: A. at least one signaling device comprising a first stored communication configuration comprising: (i) one or more first configuration elements selected by a user, and (ii) one or more second configuration elements comprising data selected or provided by a user; B. at least one receiving device comprising: (i) one or more external stimuli generator(s); and (ii) a second stored communication configuration comprising one or more third configuration elements selected by a user; wherein the at least one signaling device is capable of: a. generating at least one signal comprising said first stored communication configuration; and b. transmitting said at least one signal; and wherein the at least one receiving device is capable of: c. receiving said at least one signal; d. activating at least one of said one or more external stimuli generator(s) when said at least one signal comprises at least one of said one or more first configuration elements identical to at least one of said one or more third configuration elements; and e. receiving the data in said one or more second configuration elements.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one signal is transmitted and received via electromagnetic wave communication, optical communication, or electromagnetic wave communication and optical communication.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the data in said one or more second configuration elements is stored, presented to a user, or stored and presented to a user.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the data in said one or more second configuration elements is presented to the user via at least one of any of a visual display, an aural presentation, or a tactile presentation.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said first stored communication configuration further comprises one or more fourth configuration elements comprising data or instructions for processing the data in said second configuration elements.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the data in said one or more second configuration elements is encrypted.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said first stored communication configuration further comprises one or more fourth configuration elements comprising data or instructions necessary for decryption of the data in said second configuration elements.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one receiving device is further capable of retransmitting said at least one signal comprising: A. the same communication configuration used by said at least one signaling device; or B. a different communication configuration than the one used by said at least one signaling device.

9. A method for sending and receiving data using a signaling device comprising a first communication configuration and a receiving device comprising one or more external stimuli generator(s) and a second communication configuration, the method comprising: A. storing, by a user, (i) one or more first configuration element(s) and (ii) one or more second configuration element(s) comprising data, in said first communication configuration; B. storing, by a user, one or more third configuration element(s) in said second communication configuration; C. generating, by the signaling device, a signal comprising said one or more first configuration element(s) and said one or more second configuration element(s); D. transmitting, by the signaling device, said signal; E. receiving, by the receiving device, said signal; F. activating, by the receiving device, at least one of the one or more external stimuli generator(s) if said received signal comprises any of said one or more first configuration element(s) identical to any of said one or more third configuration element(s); and G. storing, presenting, or storing and presenting, by the receiving device, the data in said one or more second configuration element(s).

10. The method of claim 9 wherein step D of transmitting and step E of receiving are performed using electromagnetic wave communication, optical communication, or electromagnetic wave communication and optical communication.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the data in said one or more second configuration elements is presented to the user via at least one of any of a visual display, an aural presentation, or a tactile presentation.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said first stored communication configuration further comprises one or more third configuration elements comprising data or instructions for processing of the data in said one or more second configuration elements.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the data in said one or more second configuration elements is encrypted.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said first stored communication configuration further comprises one or more third configuration elements comprising data or instructions necessary for decryption of the data in said one or more second configuration elements.

15. The method of claim 9 further comprising a step wherein said receiving device retransmits the signal received from said signaling device comprising: A. the identical configuration elements as in the received signal with no additions or deletions; or B. configuration elements with at least one first or second configuration element added or at least one first or second configuration element deleted from the first and second configuration elements present in the received signal.

16. A system for sending and receiving data communications, the system comprising: A. one or more signaling device(s); B. one or more receiving device(s), each comprising one or more external stimuli generator(s); C. one or more first communication configuration(s) selectable by a user at each of the one or more signaling device(s), each of said first communication configuration(s) comprising more than one first configuration elements where one or more of said more than one first configuration elements comprises one or more first configuration data element(s); D. one or more second communication configuration(s) selectable by a user at each of the one or more receiving device(s), each of said second communication configuration(s) comprising one or more second configuration element(s); wherein the system is capable of: a. generating and transmitting one or more signal(s) at any of the one or more signaling device(s), said signal comprising all of said more than one configuration element(s) of a selected first communication configuration; b. receiving said signal(s) by said one or more receiving device(s); c. activating at least one of the one or more external stimuli generator(s) associated with any of the one or more signal receiving device(s) whenever at least one of said one or more second configuration element(s) of a selected second communication configuration is identical to at least one configuration element present in said one or more signal(s); and d. storing, presenting to the user, or storing and presenting to the user the data in said one or more first configuration data element(s).

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the data in said one or more first configuration data element(s) is presented to the user via at least one of any of a visual display, an aural presentation, or a tactile presentation.

18. The system of claim 16 wherein said first stored communication configuration further comprises one or more third configuration elements comprising data or instructions for processing of the data in said one or more second configuration elements.

19. The system of claim 16 wherein the data in said one or more second configuration elements is encrypted.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein said first stored communication configuration further comprises one or more third configuration elements comprising data or instructions necessary for decryption of the data in said one or more second configuration elements.

21. The system of claim 1 comprising more than one signaling device wherein each of said more than one receiving devices are capable of: A. activating at least one of said more than one external stimuli generator(s) when said at least one signal comprising at least one of said one or more first configuration elements is received from a first of said one or more signaling devices; and B. without reconfiguration of any of said more than one signaling devices or reconfiguration of said each of more than one receiving devices, activating at least one of said more than one external stimuli generator(s) when said at least one signal comprising at least one of said one or more first configuration elements is received from a second of said more than one signaling devices

22. The method of claim 9 wherein the steps of storing said first, second, and third configuration elements are all performed prior to any steps comprising generating, transmitting, or receiving any signals by said signaling device or said receiving device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] Without limiting the invention to the features and embodiments depicted, certain aspects this disclosure, including the preferred embodiment, are described in association with the appended figures in which:

[0081] FIG. 1 is a depiction of the present practice of grouping multiple sporting events, particularly those involving younger participants, in close proximity where the use of prior art signaling devices may result in confusion among participants in adjacent but different activities;

[0082] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of one embodiment of a signaling device of the present invention;

[0083] FIG. 2B is a non-exploded view of the embodiment of the signaling device presented in FIG. 2A;

[0084] FIG. 2C is a view of the bottom surface of the embodiment of the signaling device presented in FIG. 2A;

[0085] FIG. 2D is a non-exploded view of the of the embodiment of the signaling device presented in FIG. 2A comprising a transparent enclosure;

[0086] FIG. 3A is a frontal view of one embodiment of a receiving device of the present invention;

[0087] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the embodiment of a receiving device depicted in FIG. 3A;

[0088] FIG. 3C is a rear view of the embodiment of a receiving device depicted in FIG. 3A;

[0089] FIG. 3D is a view of the embodiment of a receiving device depicted in FIG. 3A with the front surface of the enclosure removed to reveal its internal components;

[0090] FIG. 3E is a front view of the embodiment of a receiving device depicted in FIG. 3A mounted on a strap suitable for attachment to a user's arm, leg, or waist;

[0091] FIG. 3F is a front view of the embodiment of a receiving device depicted in FIG. 3A mounted on a collar suitable for attachment to the neck of an animal such as a dog; and

[0092] FIG. 4 is a depiction of one embodiment of a charging and configuration station suitable for wired and wireless use with the embodiments of the signaling device depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D and the receiving device depicted in FIGS. 3A-3F.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0093] One embodiment of a signaling device 201 is depicted in FIGS. 2A through 2D. Each element which comprises signaling device 201 is identified with the same reference character throughout FIGS. 2A through 2D. In this embodiment, the signaling device is configured to resemble a traditional breath-activated whistle for ease of use and familiarity to the user. FIG. 2A provides an exploded view of signaling device 201 that comprises a circuit board 202 further comprising numerous components and subsystems, including but not limited to one or more batteries represented by exemplary battery 203. Preferably, said battery is a high capacity rechargeable battery, such as but not limited to one of any of lithium-ion (Li-on), nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMh), lithium ion polymer (Li-on polymer), or nickel lithium (NiLi).

[0094] Signaling device 201 may also comprise one or more connectors, jacks, or hardware connection points represented by exemplary jack 204 and one or more wired or wireless communication module(s) represented by exemplary communication module 205. Said communication module 205 may comprise one or more wired or wireless ports and be configured to provide wired, wireless, or wired and wireless communication. More than one communication module 205 may be provided by signaling device 201 to permit communication via any known or later-developed wired or wireless communication technologies or protocols, including but not limited to serial (USB), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi (generally comprising the family of IEEE 802.11 protocols), Near Field Communication (NFC), and the like. Multiple connections may be established using the same communication technology or protocol, or more than one communication technology or protocol may be used simultaneously for similar or different purposes. When communication module 205 is configured to communicate via a wireless technology or protocol, signaling device 201 will further comprise one or more suitable antenna(s) (not shown) in the form of a planar antenna affixed or structurally integrated into the structure of signaling device 201 or a planar or non-planar outboard device or apparatus, such as a radiating element configured as a lanyard. Any known technology suitable for this purpose is envisioned by this disclosure.

[0095] The wireless communication module(s) 205 of signaling device 201 are preferably, but not necessarily, configured for two-way communication. The ability to transmit a signal is the primary function of said signaling device, but the ability to receive wireless communications will provide enhanced operational and configuration control of the signaling device. For example, the communication configuration of signaling device 201 may be established and adjust as necessary via a wired connection applied to one or more of the jack(s) 204. However, in one embodiment where the signaling device comprises two-way wireless communication means, communication configuration of the signaling device may also be performed via said wireless communication means.

[0096] Signaling device 201 further comprises one or more piezoelectric device(s) 206, one or more haptic devices 207, at least one processor 208, one or more memories represented by exemplary storage element 209, at least one control button 210, one or more lights of any desired type, represented by LED 211, and a stationary component of a power generating subsystem represented by inductor coil 212. Signaling device 201 may further comprise additional internal components including but not limited to an impeller 213, a shaft 214 upon which impeller 213 may rotate, and one or more magnet(s) represented by magnet 215, typically affixed to impeller 213 such that said magnet(s) and impeller rotate together with respect to stationary inductor coil 212 or its functional counterpart. The internal components of signaling device 201 are enclosed within a shell or other enclosure, depicted here in two halves 216A and 216B joined along the center seam of the assembled signaling device and preferably comprised of a durable plastic, other synthetic material, or metal for durability and protection of the internal components. In this embodiment, said shell comprises an air inlet 217 and an air outlet 218, an attachment point 219 for a lanyard, and one or more windows represented by window 220 to permit a user to inspect the internal components without opening the shell. In one embodiment (not shown in FIG. 2A), signaling device 201 may further comprise one or more electronic displays comprising one of any of LED, LCD, OLED, incandescent, or any other indicators or electronic display elements preferred in a specific application. Said display may be disposed at the location shown for window 220 or at any other preferred location on the signaling device.

[0097] A perspective view revealing one side and the upper surface of the assembled signaling device 201 of FIG. 2A is shown as FIG. 2B. In FIG. 2C, the bottom of signaling device 201 is shown with exemplary connector 204 (in this embodiment, a female Type Mini-A USB connector).

[0098] FIG. 2D comprises a perspective drawing of the assembled signaling device 201 with a transparent enclosure, revealing a portion of the internal components described above. Said signaling device may be fabricated with a transparent enclosure as shown here or may be fabricated with an opaque enclosure as may be preferred. Not all elements described with respect to the previous figures are visible in FIG. 2D, but the combination of all figures accurately and thoroughly depicts this particular embodiment of signaling device 201.

[0099] In operation, the one or more processor(s) 208 and storage/memories 209 comprise a computing device in communicative control with all of the other peripheral elements of assembled signaling device 201 described elsewhere herein. Storage/memories 209 may comprise any combination of RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or other devices preferred for temporary or persistent storage of data. Communication module 205 is preferably in data exchange communication with processor(s) 208 and configured to send and receive data via wired connections through jack 204. Communication module 205 preferably also comprises wireless communication capability and one or more wireless communication ports through which outbound wireless signals may be transmitted via the one or more antenna(s) to one or more receiving devices. In some embodiments, the antenna input power provided to said one or more antennas by communication module 205 may be adjusted to any desired level for the purpose of preserving battery life, reducing RF congestion, overcoming ambient RF noise or interference from other devices, minimizing interference caused to other devices, or for any other useful purposes. Signaling devices may be configured to respond to gestures associated various actions to adjust the antenna input power, including but not limited to at least one of any of pushing, pressing, tapping, squeezing, pinching, shaking, twisting, or performing some other action to signaling device 201.

[0100] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D, power is provided to the active components via one or more rechargeable batteries 203. In one embodiment, said batteries 203 may be charged via connection to one of the one or more jack(s) 204 which may preferably be a USB jack. In another embodiment, signaling device 201 may comprise an on-board charging subsystem comprising the impeller 213, magnet 215, and stationary component such as inductor coil 212 depicted in FIG. 2A. When the user blows into air inlet 217 in a manner identical to the use of a conventional whistle, impeller 213 and magnet 215 rotate about shaft 214, imposing a time-varying magnetic field proximate to inductor coil 212, thereby generating current at a low voltage that may be applied to charge one or more batteries 203. Additionally, signaling device 201 may further comprise one or more capacitors (not shown) of any known type or configuration to which the voltage from any charging device connected via the one or more jack(s) 204, or the voltage generated by the on-board charging subsystem, may be applied to store charge as an additional reservoir of electric power for operation of the signaling device.

[0101] In one embodiment, inductor coil 212 is configured for use with a contactless inductive charging system described in greater detail below. In this embodiment, the presence of a time-varying electromagnetic field (particularly the magnetic field component) generated by said charging system induces a current in inductor coil 212 that is conveyed to the one or more charge storage elements disclosed above, including but not limited to one or more batteries 203 or one or more capacitors. Inductor coil 212 may be configured for use with impeller 213 and magnet 215 alone, configured for use with a contactless inductive charging system alone, or configured for use with both impeller 213 and magnet 215 and with a contactless inductive charging system.

[0102] In one embodiment, the current generated by rotational motion of impeller 213 and magnet 215 when a users blows into air inlet 217 is communicated to processor(s) 208 as the command to generate and transmit a signal according to the communication configuration of signaling device 201. When such command is received, processor(s) 208 may retrieve the necessary communication configuration information from storage/memory 209, generate the appropriate instruction, and communicate said instruction to at least one of the communication module(s) 205 for transmission. In one embodiment, separate means may be provided by which to sense rotational motion impeller 213, including but not limited to a separate switch, in lieu of using the voltage generated by the on-board charging subsystem to command a signal transmission.

[0103] In one embodiment, the one or more control button(s) 210 may also be used to generate a command to processor(s) 208 to generate and transmit a signal according to the communication configuration of signaling device 201. In one embodiment, the one or more control button(s) may also be used to generate a command to processor(s) 208 to modify a command provided to processor(s) 208 via the voltage generated by rotational motion of impeller 213 and magnet 215, thereby generating and transmitting a different signal than would be transmitted upon receipt of a command from either the impeller/magnet voltage or from the control button 210.

[0104] In one embodiment, the one or more control button(s) 210 may be configured to turn signaling device 201 on and off, provide a means to switch the signaling device from an operating mode to a configuration or set-up mode in which the signaling device's communication configuration may be entered or modified, or perform any other function useful to the operation of said signaling device. Control button(s) 210 may also serve as a means to activate a self-test function for the signaling device to verify that the battery is charged and the display and all of the stimuli-causing components are functioning properly, and may also be configured to activate any number of functions in response to specific patterns, such as one short press, some number of short presses within a certain time, one or more longer duration presses, combinations of short and longer presses, and the like.

[0105] Any of the haptic device(s) 207, LED(s) 211, and piezoelectric element(s) 206 may be configured to provide vibration, visual, or audible output, respectively, to the operator of signaling device 201 for any useful purpose.

[0106] One embodiment of a receiving device 301 is depicted in FIGS. 3A through 3D. Each element which comprises receiving device 301 is identified with the same reference character throughout FIGS. 3A through 3F. FIG. 3A depicts the front planar view of receiving device 301, which comprises an enclosure, preferably fabricated from a high impact plastic or other suitable material, and various components necessary or desirable to implement the functions of said receiving device. To provide stimuli to the user when the receiving device is activated upon receipt of a compatibly configured signal, the receiving device comprises one or more externally mounted visual indicators 302 which may be LEDS or other lighting devices sufficient to visually alert the user. When more than one visual indicator 302 is utilized, they may be configured to flash in unison or in any other desired sequence (progressive left to right, progressive right to left, alternating flashes between sets of indicators, randomly, or the like). In addition, the enclosure comprises an opening or other means 303 to permit sound from an internally-mounted aural alerting component, such as a piezo electric buzzer, a speaker, or any other device capable of generating an audio signal of sufficient volume, to pass through the enclosure and audibly alert the user. In some embodiments, the receiving device may be powered wholly or partially by a small photosensor collector 304 to convert light energy into current at low voltage suitable for storage and later use by the receiving device. For obvious reasons, any such photosensor collector 304 must be mounted externally as depicted or in a similar manner for exposure to light. The receiving device 301 may also comprise a display 305 to provide various useful information to the user, including but not limited to the receipt of a compatibly configured signal from a receiving device, the on or off state of the receiving device, the state of charge of the internal battery and any other power components, or any other useful information pertaining to the operational state of the receiving device.

[0107] A bottom view of receiving device 301 is provided as FIG. 3B. Connector 307 provides a wired point of connection for the purpose of exchanging data with the receiving device, including but not limited to establishing or modifying the communication configuration of the receiving device, sending other data to or retrieving data from the receiving device, loading or updating firmware to the receiving device, and the like. The wired connector 307 may also be utilized to charge the internal batteries 313 of the receiving device. In one embodiment, the connector is a female connector suitable for use with the universal serial bus (USB) protocol, permitting both the transfer of charging power to the receiving device and the simultaneous exchange of data therewith. In another embodiment, the connector may be any connector suitable for the desired purpose(s).

[0108] FIG. 3C depicts the rear planar view of this embodiment of a receiving device 301. Clip 306 is provided to permit attachment of the receiving device 301 to the outer garment(s) of a users, such as a pocket, waistband, or any other convenient point of attachment. Alternate means of attachment are also envisioned by this disclosure, including but not limited to traditional hook-and-loop fasteners, magnetic attachment to the user's garments via a strong magnet (not shown) embedded in the rear surface of the enclosure which attaches to a separate removable magnetically attractive plate placed beneath at least one layer of the user's garment(s), thereby trapping the garment(s) between the magnet and the plate and securely affixing the receiving device to the user's person, attachment to the users via a strap, or via the use of any conventional methods by which said receiving device may be secured in a convenient and effective manner. Receiving device 301 also comprises a power on/off switch 312, which may also serve as a means to activate a self-test function for the receiving device to verify that the battery is charged and the display and all of the stimuli-causing components are functioning properly. Switch 312 may also be used to switch the receiving device between operational and configuration modes and may also be configured to activate any number of functions in response to specific patterns, such as one short press, some number of short presses within a certain time, one or more longer duration presses, combinations of short and longer presses, and the like.

[0109] The internal components of an embodiment of a receiving device 301 are shown in FIG. 3D. This figure depicts the placement of such components in direct positional correspondence to the front planar view of the receiving device in FIG. 3A with the front portion of the enclosure removed. Processor 308, memory/storage 314 (comprising any combination of RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or other temporary or persistent storage of data), display 305, and one or more batteries 313 together comprise a small computing platform that executes the functions of the receiving device performed with the remaining peripheral components. Stimuli-inducing components, including one or more illumination devices 302, haptic device 309 capable of generating vibration or other minor displacement stimuli capable of being sensed buy the user, and piezo element 310 are all activated simultaneously, or in some combinations less than all, when the receiving device determines that a signal has been received from a signaling device that is compatibly configured. Such determination is made when an incoming signal is received via antenna 311 and communicatively coupled to a wireless communication module 315 comprising one or more wireless communication ports, which then demodulates the signal and conveys the recovered information therefrom to processor 308. Processor 308 then compares the demodulated information with the communication configuration of receiving device 301, said configuration having been previously stored in memory 314. When processor 308 determines that a received signal is communicatively compatible with its own communication configuration, it activates at least one of the illumination device(s) 302, the haptic device 309, and the piezo element 310 in some combination to alert the user to the presence of an incoming compatible signal. In one embodiment, the duration of the activation is predetermined, preferably within the range of one to three seconds. Other durations may be preferred for certain applications and such duration may be established in the memory of the receiving device 301.

[0110] Display(s) 305 may present any information about the receiving device or its operation that may be useful to the user. For example, and without limitation, the display may present information regarding the current communication configuration of the receiving device, the state of charge of the one or more batteries 313, information regarding the data and time of the last compatible signal received, status and updating information while the receiving device is being configured, or the like.

[0111] Voltaic device 316 may be configured to perform one or more functions related to power management. In one embodiment, said voltaic device may be configured to process and regulate the current received from photosensor device 304 to be applied to batteries 313 or any other internal charge storage devices (not shown), including but not limited to one or more capacitors. In one embodiment, voltaic device 316 may be configured to function as an inductive device suitable for use with an inductive charging device as described in greater detail below.

[0112] In some embodiments, signaling device 201 and receiving device 301 may be combined into a single signaling/receiving device (not shown). This combined signaling/receiving device may comprise any or all of the components described above with respect to each of the two separate devices and provide any or all of the functionality of both devices. In some embodiments, the combined signaling/receiving device may be configured such that every user thereof is capable of sending and receiving communications according to the various embodiments taught in this disclosure. Additionally, said combined signaling/receiving device may be configured to retransmit, via the components of signaling device 201, any or all of the signals received via the components of receiving device 301. Such retransmission may be performed on command of a user or automatically whenever a signal is received. The combined signaling/receiving device may share one or more components necessary for the functioning of each of the separate devices to provide both signaling and receiving functionality without the need for redundant components, where applicable. Henceforth, whenever the terms signaling device or receiving device are used in either singular or plural form, each of those terms are intended to include a reference to signaling device(s) 201 and receiving device(s) 301, respectively, as well as to combined signaling/receiving device(s) capable of performing both signaling and receiving functions. In other words, signaling device(s) are any devices configured to transmit signals and receiving device(s) are any device configured to receive signals, both consistent with the apparatus, devices, systems, and methods as taught herein.

[0113] In some embodiments, a combined signaling/receiving device may comprise one or more stored communication configurations selectable by the user of said device, selectable by any remote configuration device or system configured to communicate with said device, or selectable by any other signaling device or receiving device configured to communicate therewith. Communication configurations may be stored in any signaling or receiving devices by any means taught herein. The signaling functions and the receiving functions of the combined signaling/receiving device may utilize the same communication configuration or they may utilize separate communication configurations. When separate communication configurations are utilized, the communication configuration used for signaling purposes may be referred to as the signaling communication configuration and the communication configuration used for receiving purposes may be referred to as the receiving communication configuration. The signaling communication configuration and the receiving communication configuration may comprise any number of common configuration elements ranging from none to all of the configuration elements present in either of the respective communication configurations. The signaling communication configuration and receiving communication configuration are considered to be identical only when each and every configuration element of each configuration is identical to exactly one configuration element of the other configuration with no unique elements in either configuration. The presence of a unique configuration element in either configuration, which is equivalent to the absence of a corresponding configuration element in the other, renders the signaling communication configuration and the receiving communication configuration different. Selection of all communication configurations may be performed by the user of said device or by any remote device or system configured to communicate with said device for such purpose as described below.

[0114] When different communication configurations are utilized for signaling and receiving purposes in some embodiments, a high degree of configurability may be achieved. For example, a first communication signal transmitted by a signaling device to a group of combined signaling/receiving devices may be operative to cause additional second response signals to be transmitted by each of those combined signaling/receiving devices. When said second response signals are transmitted with different communication configurations than that used for the first communication signal, only certain receiving devices with compatible communication configurations will be capable of receiving the second response signals. Reception by the entire group of combined signaling/receiving devices that received the first communication signal may therefore be prevented by proper selection of the individual configuration elements comprising each of the respective communication configurations. In a useful application of this embodiment, a first communication signal may be used to poll any number of combined signaling/receiving devices with compatible receiving communication configurations for the purpose of obtaining data therefrom. Responses transmitted by each of the multiple combined signaling/receiving devices using a separate signaling communication configuration will then be received only by a receiving device configured with a receiving communication configuration compatible with that separate signaling communication. If the same communication configuration were to be used for both signaling and receiving, every combined signaling/receiving device that received the first communication signal would also be configured to unnecessarily receive all of the second response signals transmitted by every combined signaling/receiving device.

[0115] Signaling device(s) 201, receiving device(s) 301, and the combined signaling/receiving device(s), referred to collectively herein as the devices, may comprise additional sensor components (not shown) to provide more advanced functionality. By way of non-limiting examples, the devices may comprise one or more temperature sensor(s), humidity sensor(s), motion detector sensor(s), heart rate sensor(s), respiration sensor(s), signal quality monitors configured to measure received signal levels, signal to noise ratios, and ambient RF noise among other characteristics, and the like. Data may be obtained from these and other components and stored by the devices for archival purposes or for communication to other devices via any communication means with which they are configured. Said data may then be used for any useful purpose related to the operation of the devices or for the activity during which the devices are being utilized.

[0116] In some embodiments where repeated burst transmission methods described elsewhere herein are combined with any combination of signaling device(s) 201, receiving device(s) 301, or combined signaling/receiving device(s) that comprise additional sensor components described above, the configuration of said repeated burst transmissions may be determined at least in part based on data provided by said additional sensor components. As a non-limiting example, when a signal quality monitor detects a hostile RF environment causing unacceptably low received signal levels or the presence of a high RF noise floor, the signaling device may be configured to increase the number of repeated bursts in each signal transmission to increase the likelihood that its transmitted signals will be received by receiving device(s) despite the adverse conditions. Alternatively, or in addition, the antenna input power of the signaling device may be increased to provide a stronger signal at the receiving location.

[0117] The elements described above are depicted in this and the other drawings to represent their inclusion and not any specific manner in which they may be included. The shapes, positions, mounting configuration, and other details of their inclusion in signaling device 201 or receiving device 301 may be, but are not necessarily, representative in the manner in which they may be preferably installed. The placement of components is not intended to represent any preferred positional relationship but merely to depict their inclusion in the respective devices. Any number of other physical or operational configurations and embodiments are possible depending on the specific application envisioned for said configurations or embodiments. Not every embodiment of signaling device 201 or receiving device 301 may require or comprise all of the elements depicted in this embodiment. Only those elements required for any particular application of the invention need be included in a specific embodiment. Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art will immediately recognize any number of other embodiments envisioned by this disclosure, all of which are envisioned to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0118] In one embodiment, signaling device(s) 201 and receiving device(s) 301 may be configured via direct wired connection or wireless connection to a suitable computing device, including but not limited to a laptop computer, desktop computer, computer-based electronic tablet, smartphone, or the like. In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, any number of signaling devices 201 and any number of receiving devices 301 may be utilized with charging and configuration station 401. In one embodiment, said charging and configuration station 401 is preferably configured to simultaneously recharge the batteries 203 of signaling devices 201 and receiving devices 301 via direct wired connection while also providing a wired platform to perform device configuration. In one embodiment, charging and configuration station 401 provides only charging capability, while in another embodiment, charging and configuration station 401 provides only device configuration capability.

[0119] In the embodiment depicted, configuration station 401 comprises a processor-based computing device 402 comprising one or more processor(s) 403, one or more memory device(s) 406, and one or more display(s) 410. Said station further comprises at least one keyboard, switch panel, or other input device 411 to provide user input, one or more connectors, jacks, or hardware connection points 412 to permit wired data exchange, and at least one wireless communication module 409 comprising one or more wireless communication ports to permit wireless data exchange, both for any useful configuration or operational purpose. Configuration station 401 may also comprise one or more illumination devices 404, one or more aural output devices 407 such as buzzers or other audio alarms, power generation circuits 405 including, but not limited to one or more photocells, and charging circuitry 408 such as, but not limited to, voltage regulation, current regulation, or the like.

[0120] Using input device 411, one or more of display(s) 410, either the hardware connection points 412 or wireless communication module 409, and, in some embodiments, an external computing device, a user is able to configure the communication protocol of any of signaling device(s) 201 or receiving device(s) 301. Further, users may be able to store, update, or retrieve any software, firmware, or other data in storage or memories 209 and 314. As depicted in FIG. 4, devices may be associated into groups (wired Group A, wired Group B, and wireless Group C) to permit bulk configuration if desired. In this manner, more than one of either device may be identically and simultaneously configured to save time and ensure that consistent set-ups are achieved.

[0121] In the embodiment depicted, configuration station 401 is operative to configure and charge wired Group A and wired Group B devices via wired connector jack 204 of signaling device 201 and connector 307 of receiving device 301. In addition, said station is also configured to charge signaling devices 201 and receiving devices 301 of wireless Group C via the inductive charging process described above while performing any necessary or desired configuration functions via a wireless communication connection between wireless module 409 in station 401 and wireless communication modules 205 in signaling devices 201 and wireless communication modules 205 in receiving devices 301.

[0122] Embodiments described elsewhere herein pertaining to intermediate station devices are particularly advantageous when coverage is desired over a larger area than may be reliably achieved via direct communication between the signaling device and the signal receiving devices. These embodiments may also be particularly advantageous when it is desired to direct the communication toward a particular area or region or away from a particular area or region. The use of an intentionally directed transmission, such as but not limited to the use of a directional transmitting antenna or other focusing device, would increase the directivity of the communication signal and thereby further enhance the system's ability to function in close proximity to other instances of the system without adverse interaction.

[0123] In some embodiments, and depending on the nature of the signal, any transmitting apparatus disclosed herein may comprise an electromagnetic antenna in at least one of any configurations including one or more monopoles, dipoles, loops, wires, printed circuit boards, and the like, including arrays thereof, or one or more acoustic or electromagnetic directors such as a horn-shaped apertures, reflectors, baffles, and the like. Further, any of these and other devices may be utilized in any desired orientation based on operational requirements or preferences. These examples are provided only to illustrate the wide variety of possibilities and are not limiting upon the scope of this disclosure, as those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate that myriad possibilities exist for this element of the system taught herein.

[0124] In some embodiments, and for a variety of reasons, it may be desirable to limit the range at which effective signaling may be provided. Although a principal advantage of this invention is its high degree of configurability and compatibility with other instances of the system in relative close proximity, transmitting signals with a potential reception range far in excess of that required will lead to excessive drain of the batteries powering the devices, particularly those of signaling devices. In applications where only a very limited reception range would be useful, the devices may be configured to transmit with reduced power, fewer repeated signal bursts, or any combination of these or other power-conserving techniques.

[0125] As described above, communication configurations may comprise individual elements that permit receiving devices to distinguish one signal from another. Such individual elements include, but are not limited to, characterizations as to frequency, amplitude, modulated information, continuous wave transmission pattern, multiple carriers, and the like. Further, more than one means of signal characterization may be simultaneously applied. By way of illustration and not limitation, representative examples are provided herein of how such communication configurations may be deployed in several embodiments of this invention. These examples are not limiting upon the scope of this invention as any number of similar embodiments are also envisioned herein.

[0126] In these representative embodiments, the signaling devices and receiving devices communicate via radio frequency within any frequency band deemed suitable for the intended purpose and comprise any suitable digital modulation and demodulation scheme. The system may operate either as an unlicensed radiating system with appropriate limitations or as a licensed radiating system subject to all applicable laws and regulations governing such operations. The particular electromagnetic specifications of such system, including the frequency of operation, effective radiated power, modulation scheme(s), and the like are irrelevant to the instant description because the embodiment as described may be easily conformed to all applicable requirements by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0127] The system in the following example is designed to provide 10 (ten) separate communication configuration elements, identified in this example as elements A through J. Other systems may be designed to offer fewer or more elements. The signaling device may therefore be configured to include, within its communication configuration, any or all of configuration elements A through J. This configuration may be established in the signaling device by any desired means, including but not limited to one or more mechanical switches, electronic switches, data stored in an EEPROM, via the configuration station 401 disclosed above, or the like. The communication configuration of each receiving device may be similarly configured to comprise any or all of the communication configuration elements A through J, also established in each device by any practicable means that may be identical to or different from that utilized for the signaling device.

[0128] In these exemplary embodiments employing digital modulation, each of the elements A through J is associated with a unique data packet generated by the signaling device when a signal is to be transmitted. In other words, certain data unique to each element A through J is digitally modulated onto the carrier for each signal transmission whenever a signaling device is configured to transmit said element. Once received by a receiving device and demodulated, each of the individual data packets comprising one of the elements A through J are compared to the elements comprising the communication configuration of that receiving device. If at least one data packet is received by the receiving device where such packet is an element corresponding to an element present within its own communication configuration, the communication configurations are deemed by the receiving device to be compatible and the receiving device activates its response stimuli.

[0129] In a first exemplary embodiment, one signaling device (S1) and five receiving devices (R1-R5), all reasonably proximate, are configured as follows:

TABLE-US-00001 Elements present in device Device communication configuration S1 A B E G R1 A C R2 B E F R3 D R4 D G R5 D F
The data above reveals that signaling device S1 comprises four distinct elements in its communication configuration (elements A, B, E, and G). Receiving device R1 comprises only two elements (A and C), receiving device R2 comprises three elements (B, E, and F), and so on.

[0130] With these configurations, a signal transmitted from signaling device S1 will be incident upon all five receiving devices as they are all reasonably proximate to S1. However, upon demodulation and analysis of the received signal, only devices R1, R2, and R4 will respond by activating their stimuli. Each shares at least one common configuration element with S1, and therefore their communication configurations are compatible; S1 and R1 have element A in common, S1 and R2 have element B in common, and S1 and R4 have element G in common. Receiving devices R3 and R5 will not respond to the signal from S1 because their configurations are not compatible; neither have any configuration elements present in the communication configuration of signaling device S1, so neither will be activated.

[0131] In a second exemplary embodiment, devices S1 and R1-R5 are maintained as in the first exemplary embodiment but are now joined by a second signaling device S2, configured as follows:

TABLE-US-00002 Elements present in device Device communication configuration S1 A B E G S2 C G R1 A C R2 B E F R3 D R4 D G R5 D F
Here, S1 and R1-R5 behave identically as in the previous embodiment. However, the addition of S2 now provides the ability to independently activate a response from a different set of receiving devices. A signal transmitted by S2 will activate only receiving devices R1 and R4, while R2, R3, and R5 will recognize that the communication configuration of S2 is not compatible with their own. Note that receiving device R1, comprising configuration elements in common with signaling device S1 (element A) and S2 (element C), will respond to a signal transmitted by either S1 or S2 as their communication configurations are compatible. However, receiving device R4 will respond only to signals transmitted by S2 due to the lack of compatibility between the communication configurations of R4 and S1 as they have no configuration elements in common.

[0132] The use of digitally modulated packets as communication elements in this example is illustrative only and not limiting. Any desired signal characteristic may be used as an element of the communication configurations of signaling and receiving devices. For example, in an analog system, each element may comprise an audio tone at a unique frequency simultaneously modulated onto the carrier of a signaling device via any preferred modulation scheme. Upon demodulation at the receiving device, the presence of any audio tone element at a frequency corresponding to one such element in the receiving device's communication configuration would be deemed to be compatible and would therefore activate its response stimuli. Further, when each element of a signaling device's communication configuration comprises a burst transmission at a specific carrier frequency unique to that element, detection by a receiving device of a burst at a specific frequency corresponding to an element within its own communication configuration would cause activation of its response stimuli. There is no limit on the manner of differentiation between elements of a communication configuration other than the simple requirement that receiving devices be capable of configuration to reliably differentiate each element from all of the others.

[0133] In some embodiments, one or more first configuration elements present in a communication configuration may comprise certain signal characteristics or data, including but not limited to analog or digital information, that is used solely to determine which receiving device(s) are intended recipients of message(s) originating from certain signaling device(s). In some embodiments described elsewhere herein, said receiving devices 301 are configured to activate one or more external stimuli generator(s) in receiving devices, such as illumination device(s) 302, the haptic device(s) 309, and the piezo element(s) 310, that comprise a communication configuration which includes at least one configuration element in common with the communication configuration of the signaling device. In some embodiments, one or more second configuration elements may comprise certain signal characteristics, including but not limited to analog or digital information, that may direct or enable, in any combination, the receiving device(s) to perform one or more functions in addition to, or in lieu of, activating one or more external stimuli generator(s) to complete a communication as previously described.

[0134] As one non-limiting example, the communication configurations of a particular signaling device 201 and a particular receiving device 301 may comprise at least one first configuration element in common with each other that causes the receiving device to activate external stimuli generator(s) in said receiving device when a signal is received. However, any number of second configuration element(s) may be present in the communication configuration of the signaling device comprising data, such as message data, to be presented on display 305 of the receiving device 301 or in any other form, including as an aural signal via an internally-mounted aural alerting component, such as a piezo electric buzzer, a speaker, or any other device capable of generating an audio signal of sufficient volume, or by any tactile method such as presenting a recognizable pattern of vibrations, for the benefit of the user or for any other useful purpose. The data comprising said second configuration element may be stored in any memory of signaling device or supplied to said signaling device by any means, including but not limited to manual keying, electromagnetic or optical transmission from an external source, or by any known or later developed means. In this embodiment, second configuration element(s) comprising message data are not used by the receiving device to determine if the message is intended for reception by that receiving device, as that function is performed by said first configuration element(s) present in the communication configurations of the signaling device and the receiving device. However, the receiving device may be configured to display the message data in any of said second configuration element(s) in addition to activating external stimuli generator(s) whenever there is a first configuration element in common. In other embodiments, the receiving device(s) may be configured to display message data present in said second configuration element(s) regardless of whether said receiving device and the signaling device have a first configuration element in common. In this embodiment, the receiving device would not activate any external stimuli generator(s) due to the absence of said common configuration element, but would merely display the message data without otherwise alerting the user of the receiving device.

[0135] Data comprising one or more second configuration elements may be used for any other useful purposes in addition to, or in lieu of, providing messages to be displayed by a receiving device. For example, said one or more second configuration elements may comprise data regarding environmental conditions, the criticality of any message data conveyed in the same or in separate second configuration element(s), or the like.

[0136] In some embodiments, a third configuration element present in the communication configuration of the signaling device, and therefore present in a signal transmitted thereby, may be operative to direct the receiving device to perform one or more functions to or with data present in any number of second configuration elements. Relative to the previous non-limiting example regarding message displaying, said third configuration element may be operative to alert receiving device(s) to the presence of message data contained in one or more second configuration element(s). In some embodiments, said third configuration element may be operative to direct signaling device(s) to display said message data. In some embodiments, every receiving device may be configured to respond to said third configuration element, while in other embodiments, only those receiving devices whose communication configurations comprise an identical third configuration element would respond by performing the requested function. In this manner, receiving devices may be configured to ignore said message data or other data in the absence of said third configuration element alerting them to its presence and to only display said data when said third configuration element is present. In some embodiments, said third configuration element may be operative to direct signaling device(s) to retransmit said message data to other receiving device(s) as described elsewhere herein or to perform any other useful function to, with, or otherwise involving said data.

[0137] In some embodiments, second configuration elements may comprise data and also be operative to direct signaling device(s) to display said data, to retransmit said data to other receiving device(s) as described elsewhere herein or to perform any other useful function to, with, or otherwise involving said data.

[0138] As described above, receiving device(s) may be configured to respond to said third configuration element either when there is at least one common first configuration element in the communication configurations of the signaling device and the receiving device or when there is no common first configuration element. The particular embodiment deployed may be determined by the operational requirements or preferences.

[0139] Other functions that may be performed by a receiving device in response to a third configuration element as described above include, but are not limited to, processing data present in any second configuration elements in any manner, including by storing and compiling, storing and replacing, modifying, or retransmitting said data.

[0140] In some embodiments, a signal from a signaling device may comprise one or more second configuration element(s) and said third configuration element may comprise data or instructions directing said receiving device to modify its present communication configuration relative to said one or more second communication element(s). For example, a third configuration element may direct the receiving device to remove any or all of said second configuration element(s) then present in its communication configuration, add to its present communication configuration any or all of said second configuration element(s) not already present therein, or to replace its present communication configuration with some or all of said second configuration element(s). In this manner, the communication configuration of a receiving device may be wholly or partially reconfigured by a signal received from a signaling device. Such reconfiguration may pertain to any of the functions of the receiving device, such as but not limited to which received signals will cause activation of external stimuli generator(s), which external stimuli generator(s) are to be activated along with the intensity and duration of their activation, configuration of any aspect of retransmission of received signals to other receiving devices, and the like.

[0141] In some embodiments, second configuration elements may also be operative to direct signaling device(s) to modify its present communication configuration relative to said one or more second communication element(s) in the manner described above.

[0142] In some embodiments, a sequence of signals may be communicated from a signaling device to one or more receiving device(s) when the volume of data to be communicated via second configuration elements is too large to be accommodated in a single signal. In some of these embodiments, data may be apportioned among any number of signals and transmitted sequentially. One or more third configuration elements may also be transmitted with each signal comprising identification or other information, such as instructions, to enable the receiving device to store the data received in each of the sequence of signals so that the data from said multiple signals may be reassembled at the receiving device in their intended order. In embodiments where sequential signals are transmitted and data is reassembled from said signals, instructions may be provided for proper reassembly of the sequential data components regardless of the order in which the signals were sent or received. As will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art, any number of alternate embodiments pertaining to data communications are enabled by this disclosure.

[0143] In some embodiments, a second combined signaling/receiving device may respond to a signal received from a first combined signaling/receiving device by transmitting a signal comprising any number of second configuration elements and any number of third configuration elements. With respect to configuration elements comprised within a communication configuration, the phrase any number is used throughout this disclosure to refer to the range from zero configuration elements to the maximum number of configuration elements that may be accommodated within a single signal.

[0144] When any device configured for signaling comprises additional sensor or monitoring components operative to acquire data as described above, said device(s) may be configured to communicate said data to other said devices via any communication means with which they are enabled. In some embodiments, a second configuration element in a transmitted signal may comprise any such data desired to be communicated to a receiving device. In some embodiments, said signal may also comprise a third configuration element providing instructions pertinent to the processing of said data. Similarly, any device configured for receiving may be configured to receive any such second and third configuration elements and to process said data as directed.

[0145] In some embodiments, and in lieu of utilizing any third configuration elements, said second configuration elements may also be operative to provide instructions pertinent to the processing of said data.

[0146] As one non-limiting example, a device configured for signaling and collecting sensor or monitoring data may periodically transmit said data to any device configured for receiving. Such transmission may occur at pre-determined, random, or any other desired intervals. In some embodiments, such transmission may be triggered by any other means, including but not limited to a user command, accumulating a certain amount of data, the value(s) of such data exceeding or falling below a pre-determined level, or in response to a request for data transmission received from another device.

[0147] As described elsewhere, burst transmission configuration may be modified based on data collected by one or more sensors present in any of the devices of this system. In embodiments where data is communicated from one device to another via second configuration elements, said data received from a second device may be used to configure the burst transmission characteristics of a first device. It is not unusual for localized effects, such as extreme RF congestion, to adversely affect signal reception more than signal transmission. Absent some form of monitoring and communication, such conditions would be unknown to the signaling device. By communicating data such as signal quality at the point of reception (the location(s) of receiving device(s)) to the signaling device, such signaling device transmissions may preferably be configured to improve the quality of those signals. In other instances where certain communications are deemed to be of a critical nature, the burst transmission configuration of a signaling device may be modified to increase communication reliability as much as practicable, including but not limited to increasing the output power of the signaling device, repeating the burst transmission until it can be assured that all compatibly-configured receiving devices have successfully received the critical communication, or some combination of both.

[0148] In some embodiments, configuration elements comprising message data may be encrypted for security purposes. Any known or later-developed encryption technology may be employed for this purpose, including but not limited to pre-shared keys, dynamic key exchange, symmetrical or asymmetrical key schemes, PKI, SSL/TLS, progressive key systems, challenge/response methods including but not limited to S/Key, and the like. In some embodiments, any data exchange necessary to establish or maintain encrypted data exchange between a signaling device and a receiving device may be provided using configuration elements comprising message data, keys, or any other administrative functions using one or more communication technologies as described elsewhere herein. Encryption-related communications may utilize the same communication means and communication channel as used for data transmission or may utilize separate communications mean(s) or channel(s). For example, the devices may communicate data via direct RF transmission and reception at VHF frequencies but encryption-related communications, such as key exchange, may utilize a Bluetooth communication channel.

[0149] In some embodiments, the communications configurations are arranged in a hierarchal structure that permits compatibility between certain configurations for the purpose of organizing responses from the desired receiving devices. This arrangement is identical to that of a traditional lock and key system with a master key and several sub-master keys. Just as each lock will have its own key that operates on that lock alone and does not open any other lock in the family, each receiving device may have a communication configuration unique within the entire group of receiving devices as described above. A signaling device whose communication configuration is compatible with the communication configuration of only a single receiving device would activate a response in only that one receiving device. As a sub-master key will open a selected set of locks, but not all locks in the family, a selected group of receiving devices may be provided with a communication configuration element that activates a response from every device in that group whenever a signal is received from a signaling device also comprising the same element in its communication configuration. In some embodiments, the particular communication configuration of each signaling device may be compatible with one or more individual receiving devices, one or more groups of receiving devices, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the communication configuration of a particular signaling device may be compatible with every reasonably proximate receiving device (a master configuration) just as a master key will open every lock in its hierarchy. This is particularly useful when all users in possession of receiving devices need to be notified simultaneously, such as in the case of an emergency involving health or safety. This embodiment is also useful when the system is deployed in an area removed from other instances of the system. The receiving devices would not need to be individually reconfigured where no possibility of unintended reception exists but the other advantages of the system, such as audible and tactile stimuli, would still be beneficial.

[0150] An important characteristic of the system of this invention is that the receiving device(s) may be configured to be incapable of successfully receiving and responding to any signal with which their respective communication configurations are not compatible. In systems of the present art, communications broadcast to a group of user-configurable devices for reception by one or more device are capable of being monitored by other receiving devices in the group regardless whether said device has received an activation signal or not. Here, receiving devices must be configured by the user to receive signals according to one or more configuration elements common to a preferred signaling device. Absent the presence of a common element in the respective communication configurations, the receiving device will ignore all signals from said signaling device and the user will never know they had ever been sent. Further, the user of the signaling device may select a communication configuration to specifically exclude certain receiving devices from receiving communications from said signaling device. Lacking information from the user of a signaling device regarding configuration of said device, a user of a receiving device will be unable to configure said receiving device to comprise an element in common with the signaling device to enable successful communication. This feature provides a measure of security not found in present systems where open channel communications are employed. Configuration of both the signaling (transmitting) device(s) and the receiving device(s) are within the purview of the user(s). Accordingly, the system disclosed herein provides a unique combination of broadcast transmission convenience and highly configurable selectable communication paths that provide all the advantages of the former with the numerous benefits of the latter. The combination of these features in a user-configurable system is both novel and highly useful in a myriad of applications immediately appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0151] The description of this invention is intended to be enabling and not limiting. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous combinations of the embodiments described above may be implemented together as well as separately, and all such combinations constitute embodiments effectively described herein.