Wireless communication module

A microcontroller radio card (2) for insertion into a first device, e.g., a camera (10) to allow for remote operation of a second device, e.g., a flashpack (22), utilizing the existing controls of the first device. The card includes a base (34) populated with various microelectronic devices for transmitting and or receiving RF or other signals used in the control and operation of the second device. A central processing unit (CPU) (41) translates signals received from the first device and controls the generation of corresponding signals to be transmitted to the second device in response to the signals received from the first device. Signals are transmitted to the second device via a transceiver chip (43).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless communication. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a wireless communication module for providing existing devices with built-in wireless control capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of photography, remote lighting for photography can be difficult, especially for outdoor shots. Photographing a building or other outdoor scene presents a significant challenge when the lights must be close to the building or scene and the camera must be further away to take in the entire building or scene. In certain situations, cables are used for remote photography lighting. However, because it is typically illegal to string cables across a public street, the use of cable is often not practical. Even if it is possible to use cables, it is not preferred because they are heavy, unwieldy, and tangle easily. In addition, the cables must be hidden from view in the photograph.

As a result of the difficulties encountered using cables with remote photography lighting, various remote control devices utilizing multiple wireless technologies have been developed to remotely control photography equipment such as flashpacks and secondary cameras. Infrared (IR), cellular, light pulse, and radio frequency (RF) are some examples of wireless technologies employed in prior art devices. One particularly effective system is the PocketWizard® MultiMAX™ designed by Lab Partners Associates Inc. of South Burlington, Vt. The PocketWizard® MultiMAX™ is an intelligent device that utilizes RF technology with a fully programmable transceiver. Much of the technology incorporated in the design of the PocketWizard® MultiMAX™ is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,375, which is incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein, issued to Clark on Oct. 25, 1994.

Typically, prior art devices require the connection of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver to the exterior of a camera. The attachment of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver to the exterior of a camera or other device increases the weight of the device and can make the device difficult to handle. In addition, the attached device is often easily damaged. However, the only way to provide existing devices that were not originally designed to include remote control functionality with such functionality is to attach a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver to the exterior of the device. Thus, in order to provide remote control functionality to existing devices, a separate transmitter, receiver, or transceiver must be attached to the exterior of the device body as in the example of a camera described previously.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a wireless communication module that can be inserted into both existing devices that were not designed to have remote control functionality thereby adding such functionality to the device and new devices specifically designed for incorporation of the module.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless communication module for insertion into a body of a camera to give the camera the ability to communicate with a remote device without disrupting normal camera function, the camera having camera controls and being originally designed without, or with different, remote communication functionality. The module includes a base sized and configured to be capable of being inserted into the camera body without substantially modifying the camera. The module also includes a transmitter or transceiver attached to the base. The module includes a camera control signal intercept connector for operatively connecting the transmitter or transceiver to the camera controls. The module, when inserted in the camera body and operatively connected to the camera controls via the connector, does not interfere with the normal function of the camera.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a camera capable of remotely operating a second device. The camera includes a camera body including camera controls, mechanical controls, and a conductor for conducting electrical signals between the camera controls and the mechanical controls, the camera body being not originally designed to remotely operate a second device. The camera also includes a microcontroller radio card having a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting signals from the camera body to the second device, the card sized for insertion into the camera body, the card directly connected to the conductor, thereby communicatively joining the card with the camera controls, the card not interfering with the normal function of the camera.

In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for modifying a camera, the camera including a housing having camera controls, so that the camera is capable of remotely communicating with a second device without interfering with normal camera function. The system includes a microcontroller radio card having a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting signals from the camera to the second device, the card capable of being inserted into the camera without substantially modifying the housing, the card including a camera control signal intercept connector to be operatively connected to the camera controls, the card being sized and configured to be received in a camera body that was originally designed without, or with different, remote communication functionality, the card not interfering with the normal function of the camera.

In still yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of modifying a camera, the camera including a housing having camera controls, so that the camera is capable of remotely communicating with a second device without interfering with normal camera function. The method includes physically connecting a microcontroller radio card having wireless communication capabilities to the camera controls; and inserting the microcontroller radio card in the camera without substantially modifying the housing, wherein the microcontroller radio card is sized and configured to be received in a camera housing that was originally designed without or with different, remote communication functionality, and wherein the microcontroller radio card docs not interfere with the normal function of the camera.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless communication module for insertion into a camera without interfering with normal camera function, the camera having camera controls and a first processor for controlling the operation of the camera. The module includes a base capable of being inserted completely within the camera without substantially modifying the camera; a transmitter or transceiver attached to the base; a second processor attached to the base, the second processor controlling communication between the camera and a remote device; and a camera control signal intercept connector for operatively connecting the transmitter or transceiver to the camera controls, wherein the module, when inserted in the camera body and operatively connected to the camera controls via the connector, does not interfere with the normal function of the camera.

In still a further embodiment, the present invention provides a system for modifying a camera, the camera including a housing having camera controls and a first processor for controlling the camera, so that the camera is capable of remotely communicating with a second device without interfering wit normal camera function. The system includes a microcontroller radio card having a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting signals from the camera to the second device, the card capable of being inserted completely within the camera without substantially modifying the housing, the card including a camera control signal intercept connector to be operatively connected to the camera controls, the card having thereon a second processor for controlling communication between the camera and the second device, the card, when inserted in the camera body and operatively connected to the camera controls via the connector, not interfering with the normal function of the camera.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method of modifying a camera, the camera including a housing having camera controls and a first processor for controlling the camera operation, so that the camera is capable of remotely communicating with a second device without interfering with normal camera function. The method includes operatively connecting a microcontroller radio card having wireless communication capabilities to the camera controls, the microcontroller radio card having thereon a second processor for controlling the communicating; and inserting the microcontroller radio card completely within the camera without substantially modifying the housing or interfering with normal camera function.

In still yet a further embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless communication module for insertion into a body of a camera to give the camera the ability to communicate with a remote device without disrupting normal camera function, the camera having camera controls and being originally designed without, or with different, remote communication functionality The module includes a base sized and configured to be capable of being inserted into the camera body without substantially modifying the camera; a transmitter or transceiver attached to the base; and a connector for operatively connecting the transmitter or transceiver to the camera controls, wherein the module, when inserted in the camera body and operatively connected to the camera controls via the connector, does not interfere with the normal function of the camera, and wherein the base is operably joined with a detachable antenna, the antenna adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the camera.

Other features, utilities and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The wireless communication module of the present invention adds wireless control functionality to existing devices, for example cameras. The module is inserted in a device that was originally designed without, or with different, remote control functionality. A device including the module can remotely operate other devices using the existing controls of the device. The module enables a user to remotely operate external devices without any cables running back to the device. It also allows a user to remotely operate other devices that include the wireless communication module.

In one embodiment, the module is installed in a camera and is used to add wireless flashpack and wireless camera controls to the camera. The module permits a user to remotely fire flashpacks without any cables running back to the camera. In addition, a camera including a wireless communication module may be remotely controlled and/or programmed by another camera including a module and vice versa. Depending upon the control command sent, a module inserted in one camera could also be used to remotely change the shutter speed or some other setting of a second camera containing a module.

Referring toFIG. 1, wireless communication module2serves as an intermediary device between the controls3of a first device4, the first device, and one or more remote devices5.FIG. 1is a block diagram that illustrates the general flow of communication signals in module2. In operation, module2intercepts signals6as they flow from controls3of first device4to other elements of the first device (e.g, signals generated from user interface inputs). Next, module2translates signals6and generates corresponding signals7in response to signals6received from first device4. The corresponding signals7are transmitted to remote devices5via a transmitter, transceiver, or similar mechanism and or back to first device4itself.

Module2may also receive signals8from remote device5via a receiver (not shown). In receiver mode, module2translates signals8and generates corresponding signals7to send to first device4.

FIGS. 2–3illustrate a camera10including one embodiment of the wireless communication module2of the present invention. Notably, the wireless communication module2resides entirely within the housing11of camera10. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the only feature that allows one to detect the presence of the wireless communication module2within camera10is the presence of an external antenna12connected to a PC connector14on the face16of the camera. As described more fully below, when module2is not in use, antenna12may be detached thereby removing structural signs indicating the presence of a wireless communication module2within camera housing11. When module2is not in use, camera10will generally function normally but without wireless communication functionality.

FIG. 3illustrates typical devices that may communicate with wireless communication module2of the present invention installed in housing11of camera10. One such device is a receiver device18that can be attached to the exterior of a camera20that does not include the module thereby allowing camera10to control certain functions of camera20. Alternatively, receiver device18may be connected to a remote flash device or flashpack22. In the instance where a flashpack22has either a wireless communication module2installed therein, or other receiving means installed therein, camera10may communicate directly with a flashpack22.

Two or more cameras having wireless communication module2may communicate with one another. A user can send and receive messages between two cameras10and10having modules2thereby allowing a user to wirelessly trigger either of the two cameras using the controls of the other camera. A user will also be able to alter the settings of one camera using the controls of another camera wirelessly.

Wireless communication module2can also be used to wirelessly communicate with other external devices such as a spray bottle24or other mechanical device that includes reception capabilities. In the example of a camera10outfitted with module2, the ability to actuate external devices such as spray bottles or other mechanical devices wirelessly may be beneficial to photographers trying to precisely capture events related to the external device. For example, a photographer might want to capture an image of vapor droplets as they exit the nozzle of a spray bottle. As one can recognize, the ability to precisely control the time that the vapor droplets exit the nozzle will enable a user to more precisely capture the image of those droplets. Although the examples described herein are in relation to a camera, one skilled in the art will recognize that wireless communication module2can also be used in myriad devices other than cameras to provide such devices with wireless communication functionality.

FIGS. 4–6illustrate one embodiment of wireless communication module2as installed in camera10. Module2typically resides within camera housing11on the side of the housing adjacent PC connector14. Removable antenna12, which is removably attachable to PC connector14, is adapted for use with module2and transmits signals to and from the module via a connection27between the module and the PC connector. Module2includes a head portion28that contains two substantially circular flex connectors29. When installed in camera10, head portion28is folded over so that it is substantially perpendicular to the remaining portions of module2. In certain cameras (such as a Nikon® D1), the screws (not shown) that both connect upper portion30of camera housing11to lower portion32of the camera housing serve as a path for electrical signals between the camera controls housed in the upper portion of the camera housing and the mechanical controls housed in the lower portion of the camera housing. Module2takes advantage of this functionality by providing apertures33in flex connectors29. When the screws used to secure together upper portion30and lower portion32are received in apertures33, flex connectors29permit wireless communication module2to intercept the electronic signals transferred between the camera controls and the mechanical controls in camera10. In cameras that do not utilize body screws as a conduit for electrical signals, module2may be more directly connected to the camera controls using any appropriate means including soldered connections or otherwise.

FIG. 5Ais a top plan view of one embodiment of wireless communication module2similar to that installed in camera10ofFIG. 4. Generally, module2is defined by a base34, typically a circuit board that includes three main portions: a substantially rectangular body portion36; a narrow throat or neck portion38; and, as noted above, a substantially square head portion28. In at least one embodiment, base34is a 6-layer ridged flex circuit board. This embodiment has many ground layers to keep all digital signals clean and isolated from the RF signals.

Surface37of body portion36typically includes module microchips40and other electrical connections. Microchips40and other electrical connections typically include at least a central processing unit (CPU)41, module controls42, and a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver chip43to provide wireless communication capabilities within module2, as described in more detail below. Although the entire module2, illustrated inFIG. 5A, is typically fabricated of a non-rigid material, throat38and head portions28are particularly flexible to allow the head portion to be bent at a substantially perpendicular angle to body portion36. Connection27is also joined with module controls42on one end and with PC connector14at the other end thereby providing the aforementioned electrical connection between module2and antenna12connected to PC connector14.

Module2is substantially rectangular in shape as illustrated inFIG. 5A. One skilled in the art, however, will recognize that module2can be developed in virtually any shape to fit the specific geometrical constraints of the device in which it is located.

FIG. 5Bis a partial side section view of one flex connector29. The latter includes electrical contacts80and82provided on top surface37and bottom surface84of head portion28. In addition, electrical connectors86and88are also formed on top and bottom surfaces37and84. Electrical connectors86and88electrically connect contacts80and82, respectively, with other areas on base34. In at least one embodiment, a contact relay90that connects relays86and88may also be present in base34. In an embodiment without contact relay connect90, signals intercepted by contact80may be processed separately from signals intercepted by contact82, and vice versa.

In operation, contacts80and or contacts82may intercept signals from the controls of device4. The intercepted signals are sent via relays86and88to CPU41of module2and then returned to the device and or transmitted to a remote device via transceiver43.

FIG. 6A–6Billustrate antenna12and its connection to PC connector14. In one embodiment, antenna12is a copper-plated coiled spring13covered with a thin molded rubber cover15for protection. The exposed end of the copper-plated coiled spring is soldered to a male PC connector17before molding.

Antenna12is very easily connected to camera10by simply plugging the antenna into PC connector14on face11of the camera. As indicated by the dashed lines inFIG. 6A, antenna12is rotatably joined with PC connector14. Such a connection allows a user flexibility in positioning antenna12at the most effective location for transmitting and receiving signals and allows the antenna to be positioned so as to accommodate the user's handling of the camera.

When not using the wireless transmission functionality of wireless communication module2, antenna12can easily be removed from PC connector14. Conversely, antenna12can be re-attached to PC connector14just as easily when the functionality of the wireless communication module is desired.

As mentioned above, and illustrated inFIG. 7, the wireless communication module of the present invention includes a central processing unit (CPU)41. A CPU used in one embodiment of the invention is an in-system programmable microcontroller manufactured by Atmel of San Jose, Calif. and identified by model number AT90S8515. Other logic devices may also be satisfactorily employed as CPU41. CPU41includes firmware for communicating with the camera controls. As described herein, reference will be made to actions taken by CPU41. As one skilled in the art understands, the firmware program stored within CPU41is actually responsible for dictating the operations performed by the CPU.

FIG. 7illustrates the flow of data and the interaction between the controls of camera10and one embodiment of module2via the flex connector29, CPU41, and external devices via antenna12. In this particular embodiment, module2includes a transceiver chip43or equivalent device capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals used in the communication of information between a camera10including module2and other devices such as a flashpack22(FIG. 3). A suitable transceiver chip43is manufactured by RF Micro Devices, Inc. of Greensboro, N.C., and is identified by model number RF2915. Although RF signals are utilized in one particular embodiment, the present invention encompasses all wireless communication technologies including cellular and infrared technologies.

In one embodiment, in transmission mode, transceiver chip43(indicated by dashed line inFIG. 7) of module2uses on/off keying (OOK) of a reference signal provided via line52that can be programmed anywhere between 344.04 MHz and 354.04 MHz with both 15 us and 25 us bit times (i.e., time it takes to transfer one bit) as its signaling means. Of course in other embodiments, phase shift keying (PSK) or frequency shift keying (FSK) may be used instead of OOK. The reference signal on line52is derived from a phase lock loop (PLL)54circuit that is controlled from CPU41. A single 4.000 MHz crystal56is used both to provide reference input to CPU41and as the reference clock for PLL54. CPU41sends a transmission enable signal along line58to start transmission of signals. PLL54has a lock detect output (not shown) that is monitored by CPU41to ensure reference signal52is on frequency before transmission is enabled.

PLL54sends the reference signal and line52to a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)55connected to PLL54. VCO55develops a signal carrier from the reference signal and sends the signal carrier on line53to a power amp60. Power amp60amplifies the RF signal carried by the signal carrier.

In operation, when a trigger (i.e., a sync pulse) comes in from camera10, via flex connector29, CPU41enables the transmitter circuit contained in transceiver chip43. CPU41then shifts out a serial command code by modulating a power amp60on and off. A logic 1 is represented by carrier on and a logic 0 by carrier off. When amp60is powered off during the 0 bits, the signal level drops by about 70 dB. The harmonics are kept low by way of a band pass filter62on the output of power amp60and by keeping the transmitter amplifier power level about 10 dB below its P1 dB limit. RF output power into antenna12is less than −5 dBm.

Every command code is sent twice (or more) with a pause in between. This is to increase reliability and also to keep the average duty cycle low.

In receive mode, CPU41enables a low-noise amplifier (LNA)64and mixer66built into transceiver chip43. An indicator68known as the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is monitored by the CPU's internal analog comparator to look for proper bit patterns from the transmitter circuit within transceiver chip43. Band pass filter70is positioned between mixer66and RSSI68for removing unwanted frequencies. PLL54is set 10.7 MHz below the frequency that is being monitored. As can be assumed from the previous sentence, the intermediate frequency (IF frequency) is 10.7 MHz. Band pass filters62and70offer great selectivity to the IF section of transceiver chip43. When implemented as 230 KHz ceramic band pass filters, filters62and70provide sensitivity in transceiver chip43of about −94 dBm for S/N of 12 dB.

A shield (not shown) is generally provided covering the entire RF section of body section36of module28to eliminate any signal leakage from PLL54to the outside. As the body of camera10is typically made of metal, additional shielding is provided. Of course, where the body is not made of metal, additional shielding materials may be provided as necessary.

Module2uses a linear voltage regulator IC72to maintain 3.3V internal from the camera's batteries74. In one embodiment, module2draws about 13 mA while in receive mode and about 16 mA peak in the transmit mode. When the power switch (not shown) of camera10is turned off, module2goes into sleep mode where current draw is dropped to about 1 mA. Since a typical camera battery74is rated for about 200 mA-H, module2has a very small effect on overall battery drain.

Referring toFIGS. 1,6B and7, in one embodiment, module2is automatically activated when male connector pin17of antenna12is attached to PC connector14. Other activation approaches, e.g., via controls of camera10, are also encompassed by the present invention. An inductor76(FIG. 6B), e.g., a 470 mH inductor in one embodiment of the invention, is connected from antenna12to the ground connection (not shown) of PC connector14via antenna contact77(FIG. 6B). Inductor76has an inductance chosen to have a resonance at 350 MHz so that it looks like an open circuit to the RF signal, but presents a short circuit to ground at low DC frequencies. As one skilled in the art will understand, alternate devices such as capacitors, resistors, or similar mechanisms may be used in place of inductor76. In such embodiments, activation and or deactivation of module2may be based on electrical events other than a short circuit (e.g., the measured current across an alternate device). This short circuit is typically detected by CPU41and is used to enable or disable radio operation. If the short circuit is not detected by CPU41, module2knows antenna12is not connected. Antenna12is typically designed to have a resistance of about 50 ohms for easy production testing. As mentioned above, the bodies of many cameras are made of metal alloy, which also makes for a good ground for antenna12.

FIGS. 8A–8Dillustrate one method of installing module2in a camera such as a Nikon D1.FIG. 8Ashows camera10without module2installed. First, upper portion30of housing11is substantially detached from lower portion32of housing11thereby exposing the inside80of both portions30,32.

Next, wireless communication module2is inserted into lower portion32so that it will reside adjacent PC connector14when portions30,32are reconnected. When inserted, top28of module2is closer to upper portion30. Additionally, the width (Wm) of module2is typically oriented relative to the width (Wc) of a sidewall91so that surface37of module2is co-planar to sidewall33. Of course, in devices other than the one illustrated inFIGS. 8A–8D, module2may be located and oriented in any manner within the device in order to facilitate connection of the module to the particular device's controls.

After insertion of module2, head portion28is folded over so that it is substantially perpendicular to the remaining portions36,38of module2. At the same time, flex connectors29formed in head portion28are positioned so apertures33are aligned with the female screw holes (not shown) formed on lower portion32so that when upper and lower portions30,32are reconnected, the screws joining them together pass through apertures33flex connectors29. As a result, contacts80and82of flex connector29are electrically connected so as to receive camera control signals carried by the camera screws in apertures33. Soldered connections are typically made to connect camera10's power supply to module2and connect antenna wire27to PC connector14inside housing16of camera10. Of course, as one skilled in the art will understand, there are myriad ways to connect module2to camera10other than soldered connections. After module2is joined with camera10, upper portion30is reconnected to lower portion32thereby enclosing module2within body16of camera10.

As illustrated inFIG. 8D, in one embodiment, the remote control functionality of module2is activated by attaching antenna12to PC connector14on housing11of camera10, as described above.

As discussed above, in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 8A–8D, the screws and screw holes (not shown) that hold upper and lower portions30and32of camera body16together also serve as a communication path for transferring electrical signals between module2and the controls of camera10. However, in other embodiments, screws may not be used to hold a camera's body together and therefore will not be available to serve as a point of connection with module2. Alternative ways of creating a connection between module2and the controls of the device in which it resides are contemplated by the present invention. One such way is the direct connection (via soldering or similar methods of connection) of a wire from the camera controls to module2.

As described herein, the wireless communication module2of the present invention is particularly suited for use with photographic equipment.FIG. 3shows several different photographic applications of the wireless communication module of the present invention. However, as one skilled in the art will recognize, the wireless communication module of the present invention can be used in conjunction with any device that includes controls capable of communicating with CPU41. Also, as described herein, wireless communication module2is also referred to as microcontroller radio card2. As further described herein, microcontroller radio card2is but one embodiment of a wireless communication module of the present invention. Other embodiments may includes non-RF transmission technologies as explained herein.

In addition, although the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7and described above delineates specific transmission frequencies, etc., one skilled in the art recognizes that other embodiments of the present invention may include any frequencies that provide acceptable transmission and reception of signals and are allowed by law.

Wireless communication module2of the present invention offers advantages over prior art devices because it makes it possible to convert a previously non-wireless device to a device having full wireless communication functionality. In addition, the original device does not have to be substantially altered or modified. Of course, the wireless communication module may be altered to fit within various geometrical configurations. Changes to the original device such as modifications to firmware or software or minor physical alterations to ensure the module will fit within the original device are not considered substantial alterations or modifications as defined herein. Rather, substantial modifications include comprehensive modifications to the structure of the original device that require new molding of the original device body, changes that substantially impact the costs of manufacturing the modified device as compared to the original device, and or changes that substantially impact the amount of time it takes to manufacture the modified device as compared to the original device. Nothing in the art exists to allow for such enhancements in existing devices.

While chip43is primarily described as providing RF signals, it is to be appreciated that the present invention encompasses the use of a chip that transmits and receives other signal types. These other signal types include infrared, sound, cellular, magnetic, and light pulse.

As a result, certain embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed and discussed herein, although it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these (or any other) particular embodiment. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.