United States Patent 19
`Darbee
`
`[11]
`
`Patent Number:
`
`Date of Patent:
`[45]
`
`5,778,256
`Jul. 7, 1998
`
`US005778256A
`
`[54]
`
`[75]
`
`[73]
`
`PDA HAVING A SEPARATE INFRARED
`GENERATING DEVICE CONNECTED TO
`ITS PRINTER PORT FOR CONTROLLING
`HOME APPLIANCES
`
`Inventor: Paul Vernon Darbee. Santa Ana, Calif.
`
`Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc., Cypress.
`Calif.
`
`[21]
`
`Appl. No.: 707,819
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 4, 1996
`
`[63]
`
`[51]
`[52]
`
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of Ser. No. 37,619, Mar. 24, 1993, abandoned.
`
`Tint, C1.o oescsccccsssssssssescssessessesssersseerssenseensese GO6F 13/00
`WLS. Ce.
`ceesessessssserssesenses 395/892; 395/882; 395/825;
`395/833; 395/280; 341/176; 455/151.2
`Field of Search ..........:cccssssssesscesseees 395/280, 281,
`395/200.01, 887, 893. 892, 882, 825. 833;
`364/709.12; 341/176; 455/151.2
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Electronics Now, “Equipment Reports”, Sep. 1988 vol. 59
`Issue 9, pages all.
`Schilit et al.. “The Parctab Mobile Computing System”,
`Workstation Operating Systems, 1993. IEEE/IEE Pubs On
`Disc.
`Proquest Periodical Abstracts, 1992, Access Nos.:00975658,
`01211830. 01211826, 01146935.
`Computer Select 1989-1990, Doc. #5015, The Computer
`Conference Analysis Newsletter, Nov. 1990. N. 266, pp.
`11-13, “The State of the Art 1995”.
`“Computer to Wear: PC-Compatible Palm Pad... ”, San
`Jose Mercury News (CA). Mar. 19, 1992 p1E, 10E.
`“Dress Code: The Ultimate PCs Will Be Worn”, OMNI
`(GOMN)v15, N3. p. 20. A.J.S. Rayl.
`“Future Is Now” Broadcast By PBS. Jan. 1992. XEROX’s
`Palo Alto Research Center. Videotape.
`Meintz, Sharon; Shaha. Steven; “Our Hand Held Computer
`Beats Them All”, RN vol. 55, Iss. 1, Jan. 1992. pp. 52-57.
`Scheier, Robert, “Users Are Already Buying PDAs.. . "Nov.
`16, 1992, PC Week, vol. 9, Iss. 46, p. 13.
`Scheier, Robert, “PDAs Spell Sea Change for the PC Indus-
`try”. Nov. 16. 1992, PC Week, vol. 9. Iss. 46. p. 12.
`Louderback. Jim. “No Public Displays of Affection Likely
`for PDA’s”. Aug. 10. 1992, PC Week. vol. 9. Iss. 32, p. 62.
`
`Primary Examiner—Thomas C. Lee
`Assistant Examiner—Ki 5S. Kim
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Mark R. Galis; Gary R. Jarosik
`
`4,200,862
`4/1980 Campbell et al. oe 340/310 A
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`
`4,252,299
`2/1981 Eisenburg ......
`we 340/825.69
`
`4,313,227—1/1982 Eder ........esessccsceessccessenesancnsers 359/142
`According to the present invention there is provided an
`...ccccencsneees 395/892
`4,703,450 10/1987 Sueyoshi et al.
`infrared code generating and transmitting device adapted to
`4,718,112
`1/1988 Shinoda .
`be coupled to or incorporated in a microcomputer system,
`4,856,081
`8/1989 Smith .
`commonly referred to as a personal digital assistant (PDA).
`4,918,439
`4/1990 Wozniak et al. ..........ccee 340/825.69
`The IR code generating and transmitting device comprises a
`4,959,810
`9/1990 Darbee et al. oes 395/100
`CPU separate or incorporated into the microcomputer sys-
`5,109,222
`4/1992 Welty .............
`a» 340/825.07
`5,204,768
`4/1993 Tsakiris et al.
`..........cccceesesnees 359/148
`tem of the PDA; a memory separate or incorporated into the
`5,220,522
`6/1993 Wilson etal.
`..
`a 340/825.69
`microcomputer system; an LED output; LED drivercircuitry
`5,227,780
`7/1993 Tigwell
`..........
`wee 340/825 .72
`coupled between the CPU and the LED output; an interface
`5,307,173
`4/1994 Yven et al.
`.....csccscsennecceereseees 358/335
`connector; an interface buffer circuit coupled between the
`5.388216
`2/1995 Oh.
`interface connector and the CPU; and an interface data
`5,490,283
`2/1996) Chit. oo...essccseconecesssceeeseneeee 395/893
`buffer circuit coupled by data lines between the interface
`5,579,487
`11/1996 Meyerson etal
`.. 395/280
`connector and the CPU.
`5,579,489
`11/1996 Domieretal. .....
`395/281
`5,600,800
`2/1997 Kikinis et al.
`..
`ween 395/281
`5,615,393
`3/1997 Kikinis et al.
`......c...sccsssesssenseee 395/887
`
`3 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 1
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 7, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`5,778,256
`
`
`
`
`
`FIGL—& 3
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 2
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 2
`
`

`

`Jul. 7, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`5,778,256
`
`294
`
`
`
`
`
`300815-
`
`—
`
`LOIS7G
`
`U.S. Patent
`3+—
`!,P!==in=f|IMUIN“=F=——=—t—
`
`-gn3WV=,2(ASAE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 3
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 3
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 7, 1998
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`5,778,256
`
`KIG.4
`
`RESET / INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE
`
`RESET SIGNAL
`ACTIVATED
`
`
`
`
`RAM
`CHECKSUM
`GOOD
`
` SET
`(PC1)HIGH CLEAR ALL
`
`DEVICE Pes)
`
`TO. DEFAUL
`VALUES
`
`INITIALIZE /
`BUSY
`INTERFACE:
`(PCOJLOW, ACK
`
`INTERNAL
`SOFTWARE
`FLAGS
`
`ENABLE
`INTERRUPT
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 4
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 7, 1998
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`5,778,256
`
`FIG.5
`
`RECEIVE DATA ROUTINE
`
`INTERRUPT
`STROBE SIGNAL
`ON INTERFACE)
`
`(PCO) TRUE
`
`SET BUSY
`
`
`
`
`READ DATA BYTE
`FROM INPUT PORT
`
`
`(PAO-PA7)
`
`
` START
`
`
` SET CONTROL
`
`STATUS ON
`
`
`
`
` SET BUSY
`(PCO) FALSE
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 5
`
`OF CONTROL
`
`
`
`SEND IR
`COMMAND
`
`(Fic.6)
`
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 7, 1998
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`5,778,256
`
`FIG. 6
`
`seno ir comwano
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND IR
`
`LOAD CURRENT
`DEVICE. TYPE
`
`
`USING DEVICE TYPE
`AND RECEIVE DATA
`‘BYTE,
`INDEX INTO IR
`| COMMAND LIBRARY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`POINT TO FIRST
`ON/OFF TIME
`
`
`
`
`SET TIMER FOR
`CARRIER “ON”TIME
`
`
`
`EXECUTE CARRIER
`GENERATOR CODE
`
`LOOP
`
`
`SET TIMER FOR
`CARRIER “OFF”TIME
`
`
`EXECUTE NOP
`
`(NO OPERATION}
`
`——
`
`
`
`OBTAIN TRANSMISSION
`PARAMETERS FROM
`COMMAND LIBRARY
`
`CARRIER FREQUENCY,
`
`
`ENCODING, DATA
`FORMAT, ETC.)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`POINT TO NEXT
`ON/OFF TIME
`
`YES
`
`DONE WITH
`PATTERN?
`
`
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`RETURN
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 6
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 7, 1998
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`5,778,256
`
`FIG. 7—controL & SET-UP FUNCTIONS
`
`CONTROL &
`SET-UP
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MODE~~
`GET 3rd DIGIT
`
`
`
`COMBINE 3 DIGITS
`ACCUMULATE
`
`CHANGE
`
`RECEIVED 10 FORM
`DIGIT
`
`COMMAND?
`
`
`
`DEVICE NUMBER
`
`
` ALID DEVIC
`NUMBER?
` SET NEW
`
`DEVICE TYPE
`FOR CURRENT
`
`MODE
`
` CLEAR ALL
`FLAGS
`
` SET CONTROL
`
`
`
`INTERNAL
`
`STATUS
`OFF
`
`RETURN
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 7
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 7, 1998
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`5,778,256
`
`HG.6
`
`TYPICAL INTERFACE TIMING DIAGRAM
`
`ACK
`
`DATA 1-8
`
`STROBE
`
`BUSY
`
`TYPICAL TIMINGS: Tt: 0.5 pS min
`12:
`1
`aS min
`T3: DEPENDS ON FUNCTION PERFORMED
`14. 5S min
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 8
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 8
`
`

`

`5,778,256
`
`1
`PDA HAVING A SEPARATE INFRARED
`GENERATING DEVICE CONNECTED TO
`IFS PRINTER PORT FOR CONTROLLING
`HOME APPLIANCES
`
`This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/037.619
`filed Mar. 24. 1993. now abandoned.
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to an infrared (IR) code
`generating and transmitting device attached to or incorpo-
`rated into a personal digital assistant (PDA) which is a
`microcomputer system in a hand-held case which typically
`will have an LCDscreen, touch keys on a screen keyboard.
`and external ports for direct communication to a printer or
`desktop computer. One of the applications envisioned for a
`PDAis personal time management. calendar and schedule
`keeping. The IR code generating and transmitting device of
`the present invention coupled to or incorporated into a PDA
`expands the usefulness of the PDA by enabling same to be
`used for direct remote control of IR activated devices such
`as video (TV and VCR) and audio (CD andcassette player)
`equipment as well as IR activated home automation equip-
`ment.
`
`2. Description of the Related Art Including Information
`Disclosed Under 37 CFR §§ 1.97-1.99.
`Heretofore, personal digital assistants (PDA’s) have been
`proposed which can have a numberof features incorporated
`into a microcomputer system mounted in the PDA with the
`casing of the PDA mounting an LCD screen including a
`digitizer for the capture of pen input. It is contemplated that
`eventually PDA’s will have software and hardware for
`converting handwriting to ASCII text.
`One or more PCMCIA slots can be provided for receiving
`a PCMCIA card containing customized data such as a local
`street map. Wireless communication can be provided for
`communicating via an infrared transmitter, cellular phone or
`data packet radio whereby E-mail, faxes and voice messages
`can be downloaded.
`
`An antenna link can be provided in the PDA for commu-
`nication with a global positioning system. This can help
`packagedelivery services track vehicles. A microphone can
`be built in for voice communication or document annotation.
`Additional external ports for direct communication to a
`printer or desktop computer can be provided.
`As will be described in greater detail hereinafter. the IR
`code generating and transmitting device of the present
`invention adds another capability to the PDA. namely the
`activation and control of home video and audio equipment
`and home automation equipment.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to the present invention there is provided an
`infrared code generating and transmitting device adapted to
`be coupled to or incorporated in a microcomputer system,
`commonly referred to as a personal digital assistant (PDA).
`The IR code generating and transmitting device comprises a
`CPU separate or incorporated into the microcomputer sys-
`tem of the PDA; a memory separate or incorporatedinto the
`microcomputer system; an LED output; LED drivercircuitry
`coupled between the CPU and the LED output; an interface
`connector; an interface buffer circuit coupled between the
`interface connector and the CPU; and an interface data
`buffer circuit coupled by data lines between the interface
`connector and the CPU.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`30
`
`55
`
`65
`
`2
`Also according to the present invention there is provided
`a method for generating and transmitting an IR command
`code from a microcomputer of the personal digital assistant
`(PDA)utilizing the infrared code generating and transmit-
`ting device described above, the method comprising the
`steps of:
`verifying that a BUSY signal on a busy line is not true;
`placing the desired data bits onto the data lines;
`allowing the data signal levels to stabilize;
`activating a ~STROBEsignal which. whenactive.is low;
`detecting the ~STROBEsignal;
`inputting the data byte into the CPU;
`asserting the BUSY signal to be true until inputting of the
`data byte has been completed:
`releasing the busy line by setting the BUSY signal to be
`not true; and
`pulsing or strobing an ~ACK signal on an ~ACKline to
`indicate that the IR code generating and transmitting
`device is ready to receive more data.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of one
`embodiment of a Personal Digital Assistant having attached
`thereto an infrared generating and transmitting device con-
`structed according to the teachings of the present invention
`and physically and electrically connected to the Personal
`Digital Assistant.
`FIG.2 of the drawings is a front end view of the Personal
`Digital Assistant and infrared generating and transmitting
`device shownin FIG. 1 andis taken along line 2—-2 of FIG.
`1.
`
`FIG, 3 is a block schematic circuit diagram of the elec-
`tronic circuitry inside the infrared generating and transmit-
`ting device.
`FIG.4 is a block flow diagram of the steps of a routine or
`protocol followed by the software/program in the infrared
`generating and transmitting device when carrying out a
`“RESET/INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE”.
`FIG. 5 is a block flow diagram of the steps of a protocol
`or routine followed by the software/program in the infrared
`generating and transmitting device in carrying out a
`“RECEIVE DATA ROUTINE”.
`
`FIG.6 is a block flow diagram of the steps of a routine or
`protocol followed by the software/program in the infrared
`generating and transmitting device in carrying out a “SEND
`IR” commandroutine.
`
`FIG.7 is a block flow diagram of the steps of a routine or
`protocol followed by the software/program in the infrared
`generating and transmitting device in carrying out a “CON-
`TROL & SET-UP FUNCTIONS”routine.
`
`FIG. 8 is a timing diagram for typical interface timing
`between the Personal Digital Assistant and the infrared
`generating and transmitting device.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT(S)
`
`there is
`Referring now the drawings in greater detail,
`illustrated in FIG. 1 a so-called Personal Digital Assistant 10
`which is an ultra-miniaturized hand held computer system.
`One such device is contemplated to be sold by Apple
`Computer Company under the trademark “NEWTON”and
`other such devices are sold by Casio Electronics. Similar
`devices are the Memorex “Commuter Computer”, the Psion
`“Series 3” and the Zeos “Pocket PC”.
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 9
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 9
`
`

`

`5,778,256
`
`3
`One of the applications envisioned for such hand held
`computer systems is personal tirne management, calendar
`keeping and schedule keeping.
`According to the teachings of the present invention, an
`infrared generating and transmitting device 12 is attached to
`(or can be incorporated into) the Personal Digital Assistant
`(PDA) 10 shownin FIG. 1. The function of such an infrared
`generating and transmitting device 12 is to enable the PDA
`to be capable of direct remote control of infrared (IR)
`operated devices such as video and audio entertainment
`systems, home automation systems and other IR operated
`systems.
`The technique for the capture, storage and subsequent
`generation of IR control signals is well knownin the art and
`described in a numberofprior patents, such as in the Darbee
`et al U.S. Pat. No. 4.959.810.
`Accordingto the teachings of the presentinvention, the IR
`generating and transmitting device 12 and IR generating and
`transmitting circuitry 14 (FIG. 3) attachedto or incorporated
`into a PDA 10 is provided for use with or in a PDA 16sothat
`the ultra miniaturized hand held computer system can be
`used for IR control of various IR controlled systems. such as
`video and audio equipment includingtelevision sets. VCRs.
`compact disc players. etc.
`Referring now to FIG. 1 in greater detail. the PDA 10 has
`the IR generating and transmitting device 12 fixed to the
`underside thereof. Electronic IR generating and transmitting
`circuitry 14 (FIG. 3) is mountedin a casing 16 for the device
`12 (or in the PDA 10) The casing 16 has a top panel 18
`mounting a visual display or LCD screen 20 having touch
`sensitive keys 22 thereon. The panel 18 also mounts a
`speaker 24 and a microphone 26.
`One end 28 of the casing 16 has a parallel port 30 and a
`serial port 32 (FIG. 2) mounted thereon.
`As shown in FIG. 2. one end 34 of the IR generating
`device 12 has two light-emitting diodes (LED’s) IR1 and
`IR2 positioned thereon for emitting coded IR signals. Of
`course, the LED’s IR1 and IR2 can be incorporated into the
`PDA 16 as well as the IR generating and transmitting
`circuitry 14 to be described in greater detail hereinafter.
`As shown in FIG. 3, the IR generating and transmitting
`device 12 includes the electronic circuitry 14 including a
`microprocessor 46, including a RAM and a ROM with code
`therein for generating selected IR control signals on com-
`mand. The IR LED’s IRI and IR2 are coupled to the
`microprocessor 40 for transmitting the codes in IR format.
`A parallel interface 44 is provided which is coupled between
`the microprocessor 40 and a host microprocessor of the PDA
`(not shown).
`Commands from the host PDAare supplied through the
`parallel interface 44 to the microprocessor 40. This circuitry
`enables the infrared generating and transmitting device 12 to
`be constructed as a separate add-on unit which can be
`externally attached electrically, for example, to a standard
`printer port (30 or 32) of the PDA 10.
`Of course, the interface 44 can be different, such as, for
`example,a serial interface for connectionto a serial port (32)
`of a PDA 10, or, as stated above, the interface could be
`eliminated and the IR LED’s IR1 and IR2 can be incorpo-
`rated as a built in feature of the PDA 16 and the micropro-
`cessor of the PDA would also be utilized as the IR
`microprocessor. either by means of a circuit board plugged
`into an internal expansion slot, an external expansionslot
`such as a PCMIA slot, or as an integral part of the main
`computer board itself. Alternatively. the IR microprocessor
`40 can beeliminated entirely and the microprocessor ofthe
`
`4
`PDAcanbe utilized instead with an IR LED driver attached
`as a peripheral to the main microprocessor of the PDA which
`will then directly execute appropriate software to generate
`the desired IR signal codes.
`The electronic circuitry 14 of the IR generating and
`transmitting device 12 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. Here a
`voltage divider circuit 46 is provided and includesfirst and
`second resistors R1 and R2 which together with a capacitor
`C1 define the voltage divider 46 and ensure a clean reset
`signal for the microprocessor 40 whenever poweris applied.
`The voltage divider circuit 46 is coupled to +Vcc through a
`buffer interface circuit 54 and a and a pull up resistor R3
`which permit
`initiation of the microprocessor 40 reset
`through the external buffer interface circuit 54 by a signal
`“INITIALIZE”. The steps of the protocol carried out by the
`software on receipt of the “RESET” command will be
`described in greater detail in connection with the description
`of the RESET INITIALIZATION SEQUENCEillustrated in
`FIG.4.
`A voltage backup and conditioning circuit 58 is provided
`which conditions the power supplied from both the battery
`60 and the power supply gl to the microprocessor 40. A
`diode D1 and a capacitor C2 insure a stable supply of
`voltage from a power supply J1 to the microprocessor 40
`even during high current demand cycles which may occur
`during transmission of IR code signals. A second diode D2,
`a series connected lithium battery 60. and a parallel con-
`nected capacitor C3 provide backup power for maintaining
`the data in the RAM of the microprocessor 40 when power
`is withdrawn.
`
`The electronic circuitry 14 further includes an oscillator
`circuit 64 including a ceramic resonator Y1, a first capacitor
`C4, a second capacitor C5 and a resistor RS. The oscillator
`circuit 64 is, in effect, a clock circuit for the microprocessor
`40.
`
`An IR driver circuit 68 is coupled to the microprocessor
`40. as shown,andincludesa first transistor 70 and a second
`transistor 72 connected as a Darlington Pair for driving the
`dual IR LEDs IR1 and IR2 under the control of a signal
`received through a capacitor C6 from output pin PB7 of the
`microprocessor 40 which changes the voltage drop across a
`resistor R5 connected between +Vcc and the base of tran-
`sistor 72.
`The software action comprises steps carried by a program
`stored in the RAM of the microprocessor 46 for initiating
`and controlling transmission of IR codes will be described in
`greater detail
`in connection with the description of the
`RECEIVE DATA ROUTINE illustrated in FIG. 5 which is
`the protocol carried out in a SEND IR command.
`A 36 pin industry standard interface connector 78 is
`provided andis often referred to as a “Centronics” interface
`after the name of the first manufacturer to proposeits use.
`Connected. between the microprocessor 40 and the inter-
`face connector 78is the buffer interface circuit 79 which is
`a 74LS374 buffer which buffers 8 bits of data received over
`eight interface lines 80. The data bits present on the input
`pins D@ through D7 are latched into the buffer interface
`circuit 79 by an interface signal. ~STROBE(after being
`conditioned by an inverter gate 82). A timing diagram for the
`typical
`interface timing is illustrated in FIG. 8 and is
`described in greater detail in connection with the description
`of the timing diagram shownin FIG.8.
`An interrupt circuit comprising two inverters 84 and 86
`are coupled from the strobe input line 88 to an interruptinput
`IRQ~ of the microprocessor 40. The same interface signal,
`namely the ~STROBEsignal after conditioning and a delay
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`35
`
`65
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 10
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 10
`
`

`

`5.778.256
`
`5
`through the two inverter gates 84 and 86, which are 74LSO4
`gates,
`initiates operation of the microprocessor 40 upon
`receipt of the data from the buffer interface circuit 79. In this
`respect, the ~STROBEsignal drives the IRQ pin of the
`microprocessor 40 low thereby generating an interrupt to the
`operating software of the microprocessor 40. The steps of
`the program/software entitled RECEIVE DATA that are
`carried out by the microprocessor 40 upon receipt of the
`interrupt signal is illustrated in FIG. 5.
`Theinterface buffer circuit 54 is a 74LS$244 buffer andis
`used as a buffer for two outputs from the microprocessor 40,
`the two output signals being a BUSY signal and an ~ACK
`signal from the microprocessor 40. The interface buffer
`circuit 54 also buffers an input signal, INITIALIZE. The
`relationship of the BUSY and ~ACKsignals is illustrated in
`FIG.8 and the steps of software or program controlthereof.
`entitled RECEIVE DATE ROUTINE isillustrated in FIG. §.
`The hardware interface between the PDA 10 and the IR
`
`generating and transmitting device 12 comprises 8 data lines
`80 and 6 control lines 90. The control line INITIALIZE
`enables the PDA 10 to reset the IR microprocessor 40 to a
`knownstate as indicated in FIG. 3. Control lines SLCT and
`~ERRORare notusedin this application, and are hardwired
`(to Vcc) to their normal state to ensure compatibility with
`standard printer interface specifications. Control
`lines
`~STROBE, BUSY. and ~ACK managethe transfer of data
`across the interface buffer circuit 79 in the following manner
`with reference to FIG.7.
`
`The PDA 10. after verifying that the BUSYsignal is not
`true. places the desired data bits for initiating the transmis-
`sion of the desired IR code signal onto the 8 data lines 80.
`After a short period of time to allow these signal levels to
`stabilize. the PDA 10 then activates the ~STROBEsignal
`(note that ~STROBEis active low).
`Upon detection of the ~STROBEsignal, the micropro-
`cessor 40 reads in the 8 bit data byte and asserts the BUSY
`signal. The BUSYsignal remainstrue until the data byte has
`been processed (i.e.
`the function requested has been
`completed), at which time the microprocessor 40 releases
`the BUSYsignal and pulses ~ACKto indicate thatit is ready
`to receive another byte.
`A flow chart of the steps followed by the software in
`carrying out a RESET/INITIALIZATION SEQUENCEis
`shown in FIG. 4. After a reset signal has been activated. a
`ram checksum determination is made to make certain that
`the default value for the device type(s) are correct. Then the
`interface I/O line signals are initialized. e.g.. a BUSY signal
`on a PCOpin of the microprocessor 40 is set low and the
`~ACKsignal on pin PC1is set high.
`Next all the internal software flags are cleared and the
`interrupt is enabled.
`In FIG. 5 is illustrated a flow chart of the steps of the
`software that are carried out in a RECEIVED DATA ROU-
`TINE.Here the interrupt (~STROBEsignal) activates the
`microprocessor 40 to set the BUSY signal on the PCO pin
`to be true. Then the data byte from the input lines to pins
`PA0-PA7 is received.
`
`Next a determination of the start of a control sequence is
`made so that
`the control and set up functions can be
`performed as illustrated in FIG.7.
`Tf no control status is on, then the IR commandis sent as
`illustrated in FIG. 6.
`
`Next the BUSY signal at the PCO pin is set FALSE
`followed by a strobe ~ACKsignal being placed on the ACK
`line at pin PC1.
`
`6
`Whenthe IR generating and transmitting circuitry 14 is
`attached to the PDA printer port. the PDA 10 can issue two
`types of commandsas illustrated in the flow chart in FIG. 4.
`Normal operational commands are shown in FIG. 5 and are
`1-byte values which cause IR code signals to be transmitted
`to a target device to be controlled such as a television or
`VCR. The code signal transmitted in response to a specific
`byte depends on the particular device type/make/model
`selected. However. in general. these code signals can be
`thought of as each byte being the equivalent of a single
`keystroke on a normal remote control device.
`The second class of command signals from the PDA 10
`comprise function signals which control the operation and
`configuration of the microprocessor 40 and generally consist
`of more than one byte of information. The start of one of
`these control function transmit sequencesis indicated by the
`receipt of a special (reserved) byte value. This causes the
`software/program in the microprocessor 40 to set the micro-
`processor 40 into a “Control Mode” status such that subse-
`quent bytes are interpreted as control functions and not IR
`commandsasillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIG.4.
`
`Twotypes of control functions are currently defined in
`FIG. 6. The first
`is a mode change. This specifies the
`particular class of device (TV. VCR. cable box. CD player.
`radio receiver, tape deck, etc.) to be controlled by subse-
`quent IR commands. The microprocessor 40 permits mul-
`tiple modes of classes each with a particular device/make/
`model assigned to it. This allows rapid switching back and
`forth between an array of several devices to be controlled.
`The second type of control function specifies the particu-
`lar device make and/or model within the mode (e.g. TV)
`currently selected. This consists of a 3-digit number which
`when referenced against a built in code library in the ROM
`or RAM ofthe microprocessor 40 and the IR generating and
`transmitting circuitry 14, uniquely specifies the IR code
`formatfor the particular device and the transmission param-
`eters for transmitting a code to the particular device to be
`controlled.
`
`FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the steps carried out by the
`software in the microcomputer when it receives a SEND IR
`command.First, the identity of the current device is loaded.
`Then, using the device type and the data byte received the
`microcomputer 40 indexes into an “IR command”library.
`Next a determination is made if the commandis valid. If no.
`the program exits.
`If yes, the transmission parameters are obtained from the
`library. e.g., carrier frequency encoding data. format.etc.
`Then the program points to a first on/off time. Next the
`time is set for a carrier “ON” time. Then a carrier generator
`code loop is executed for the “ON” time. Next the timer is
`set for carrier “OFF” time. Then no operation is executed
`and a determination if the “ON” time is completed. Then a
`determination is made if the code pattern has been com-
`pleted. If not. the program returnsto the “pointto first on/off
`time” step. When the pattern is completed, a determination
`is made if it should be repeated.
`FIG. 7 illustrates the steps followed by the software/
`program in the microcomputer in effecting the CONTROL
`& SET-UP FUNCTIONS.
`
`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
`
`35
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`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`In implementing the routine for the CONTROL & SET-
`UP FUNCTIONS. once a command to control and set-up is
`determined (see FIG. 5), a determination of a digit number
`andfirst or second digit is made. If the digit is not between
`0 and 9, a determination is made if a mode change command
`is being sent via the keyboard 22. If yes, a new modeisset.
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 11
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 11
`
`

`

`5,778,256
`
`8
`
`7
`After determination of the digits has been completed and
`it is determined that the digit was nota first or second digit.
`the third digit is obtained and corabined with the other two
`digits to form a device number. Then a determination is
`made if it is a valid 3-digit device number. Then the IR
`generating and transmitting device circuitry 14 is set for the
`new device type for the current mode followed by clearing
`of all internal flags and setting of the control status to off.
`
`Atypical interface timing diagram is illustrated in FIG, 8
`where it can be seen that the ~STROBEsignal is initially
`high and then goes low causing the BUSYsignal to go high.
`Thena data valid check is made andif valid. the function or
`commandis performed after which the BUSYsignal goes
`low and then a strobe ~ACK low signal is transmitted from
`the pin PC] through the interface buffer circuit 54 and the
`interface connector 78 to the PDA 10.
`
`Weclaim:
`1. A microcomputer system of a personal digital assistant
`(PDA) type comprising:
`a portable and hand held unit having a standard printer
`port;
`an infrared device comprising a separate unit which can
`be mechanically and physically attachedto said PDA as
`an integral part of said system, said infrared device
`having a communication port which can be electrically
`connected to said printer port;
`wherein said infrared device being operable for generat-
`ing a plurality of infrared control signals suitable for
`control of video. home entertainment and home auto-
`mation systems based upon stored program informa-
`tion; and
`wherein said infrared device includes signal generating
`and transmitting circuitry for selectively providing:
`a) a one-byte commandsignal dependanton the particular
`From the foregoing description. it will be apparentthat the
`device to be controlled; and
`IR generating and transmitting device 12 of the present
`b) a second type of commandsignal for providing control
`invention as an adjunct incorporated into a PDA 16 enhances
`function comprising more than said one byte signal.
`the value and use of a PDA. More specifically. it enables the
`2. A system as in claim 1 wherein:
`PDA 10 to be used as a remote control for controlling IR
`a) said PDA comprises a flat case;
`controlled devices such as for example televisions. VCRs.
`25
`garage door openers, IR controlled lighting systems. and
`b) said infrared device comprisesaflat case mechanically
`other IR controlled devices on machines. Also it will be
`attached to said PDA case; and
`apparent from the foregoing description that modifications
`c) light emitting diodes are mounted on an end of said
`infrared device.
`can be made to the IR generating and transmitting device 12
`of the present invention without departing from the teach-
`3. A system as in claim 2 wherein said infrared deviceis
`ings of the invention. Accordingly. the scope of the inven-
`substantially smaller than said PDA.
`tion is only to be limited as necessitated by the accompa-
`*
`*
`* *
`nying claims.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`30
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 12
`
`Petitioner Microsoft Corporation - Ex. 1011, p. 12
`
`