Abstract:
A system and method of alerting a wireless communication capability of a camera body to the presence of an external antenna element present in electrical communication with a pre-existing port of the camera body that was originally not designed for an external antenna. The wireless communication capability may be activated and/or deactivated by an electrical event produced when a connector of the external antenna is connected to the pre-existing port.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/306,759, filed Nov. 26, 2002, entitled “Wireless Communication Module,” now allowed, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless communication. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a wireless communication activation system and method.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     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.  
         [0004]     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.  
         [0005]     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  
       [0006]     In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system for alerting a wireless communication capability within a camera body to the presence of an external antenna, the camera body including a pre-existing port not originally designed to accept a wireless communications antenna, the wireless communication capability being in electrical communication with the pre-existing port. The system includes an antenna element and a port connector configured to connect to the pre-existing port of the camera body, the port connector being in electrical communication with the antenna element and providing electrical communication between the antenna element and the wireless communication capability when the port connector element is connected to the pre-existing port of the camera body. The system also includes an antenna notification module in electrical communication with the antenna element and the port connector, the antenna notification module producing an electrical event when the port connector element is connected to the pre-existing port of the camera body, the electrical event providing an indication to the wireless communication capability that the antenna element is present.  
         [0007]     In another embodiment, the present invention includes an antenna assembly for removable connection to a first PC connector of a camera body having wireless communication capability therein. The antenna assembly includes an antenna element and a second PC connector including a male connector pin in electrical communication with the antenna element, the male connector pin providing electrical communication between the antenna element and the wireless communication capability when the male PC connector is connected to the PC connector of the camera body. The antenna assembly also includes an antenna notification module in electrical communication with the antenna element and the second PC connector, the antenna notification module producing an electrical event when the second PC connector is connected to the first PC connector of the camera body, the electrical event providing an indication to the wireless communication capability that the antenna element is present.  
         [0008]     In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a wireless communication system for a camera body, the camera body including a PC connector and a wireless communication module having an antenna sensing means, the wireless communication module being in electrical communication with the first PC connector. The system includes an antenna element external to the camera body and a connecting means for connecting the antenna element to the PC connector of the camera body, the connecting means being in electrical communication with the antenna element. The system also includes a notification means for electrically communicating the presence of the antenna element to the antenna sensing means when the connecting means is connected to the PC connector of the camera body, the antenna element being adapted to transmit and receive one or more signals from and to the camera body.  
         [0009]     In still another embodiment, the present invention includes a camera capable of wirelessly communicating with a remote device. The camera includes a first PC connector exposed to an outside surface of a body of the camera and a wireless communication module having an antenna sensing means, the wireless communication module being in electrical communication with the first PC connector. The camera also includes an antenna element external to the body of the camera and a second connector operatively configured to connect the antenna element to the first PC connector, the second connector being in electrical communication with the antenna element. The camera further includes a notification means for electrically communicating the presence of the antenna element to the antenna sensing means.  
         [0010]     In still yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a method of activating a wireless communication capability of a camera body. The method includes producing an electrical event by connecting an external antenna to a PC connector of the camera body, and using the electrical event to notify the wireless communication capability of the presence of the external antenna.  
         [0011]     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. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show one or more forms of the invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram that shows the flow of signals within one embodiment of the wireless communication module of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front right isometric view of a camera containing one embodiment of the wireless communication module of the present invention including a removably attachable antenna connected to the PC connector port on the camera;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a camera including one embodiment of the wireless communication module of the present invention and devices that typically communicate with the module;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a phantom front isometric view of a typical camera that shows the positioning of one embodiment of the wireless communication module of the present invention and associated detachable antenna;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of one embodiment of the wireless communication module of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5B  is a partial side section view taken along line  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6A  is similar to  FIG. 2 , except that it shows the placement and range of motion of an antenna when installed in the PC connector port of a camera;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6B  is a side section view taken along line  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 6A ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram that shows the elements of one embodiment of the wireless communication module of the present invention and associated elements of the camera with which the module is connected;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 8A-8D  are installation drawings showing the various stages of installation of one embodiment of the wireless communication module of the present invention in a camera. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]     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.  
         [0024]     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.  
         [0025]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , wireless communication module  2  serves as an intermediary device between the controls  3  of a first device  4 , the first device, and one or more remote devices  5 .  FIG. 1  is a block diagram that illustrates the general flow of communication signals in module  2 . In operation, module  2  intercepts signals  6  as they flow from controls  3  of first device  4  to other elements of the first device (e.g, signals generated from user interface inputs). Next, module  2  translates signals  6  and generates corresponding signals  7  in response to signals  6  received from first device  4 . The corresponding signals  7  are transmitted to remote devices  5  via a transmitter, transceiver, or similar mechanism and or back to first device  4  itself.  
         [0026]     Module  2  may also receive signals  8  from remote device  5  via a receiver (not shown). In receiver mode, module  2  translates signals  8  and generates corresponding signals  7  to send to first device  4 .  
         [0027]      FIGS. 2-3  illustrate a camera  10  including one embodiment of the wireless communication module  2  of the present invention. Notably, the wireless communication module  2  resides entirely within the housing  11  of camera  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the only feature that allows one to detect the presence of the wireless communication module  2  within camera  10  is the presence of an external antenna  12  connected to a PC connector  14  on the face  16  of the camera. As described more fully below, when module  2  is not in use, antenna  12  may be detached thereby removing structural signs indicating the presence of a wireless communication module  2  within camera housing  11 . When module  2  is not in use, camera  10  will generally function normally but without wireless communication functionality.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates typical devices that may communicate with wireless communication module  2  of the present invention installed in housing  11  of camera  10 . One such device is a receiver device  18  that can be attached to the exterior of a camera  20  that does not include the module thereby allowing camera  10  to control certain functions of camera  20 . Alternatively, receiver device  18  may be connected to a remote flash device or flashpack  22 . In the instance where a flashpack  22  has either a wireless communication module  2  installed therein, or other receiving means installed therein, camera  10  may communicate directly with a flashpack  22 .  
         [0029]     Two or more cameras having wireless communication module  2  may communicate with one another. A user can send and receive messages between two cameras  10  and  10 ′ having modules  2  thereby 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.  
         [0030]     Wireless communication module  2  can also be used to wirelessly communicate with other external devices such as a spray bottle  24  or other mechanical device that includes reception capabilities. In the example of a camera  10  outfitted with module  2 , 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 module  2  can also be used in myriad devices other than cameras to provide such devices with wireless communication functionality.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 4-6  illustrate one embodiment of wireless communication module  2  as installed in camera  10 . Module  2  typically resides within camera housing  11  on the side of the housing adjacent PC connector  14 . Removable antenna  12 , which is removably attachable to PC connector  14 , is adapted for use with module  2  and transmits signals to and from the module via a connection  27  between the module and the PC connector. Module  2  includes a head portion  28  that contains two substantially circular flex connectors  29 . When installed in camera  10 , head portion  28  is folded over so that it is substantially perpendicular to the remaining portions of module  2 . In certain cameras (such as a Nikon® D1), the screws (not shown) that both connect upper portion  30  of camera housing  11  to lower portion  32  of 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. Module  2  takes advantage of this functionality by providing apertures  33  in flex connectors  29 . When the screws used to secure together upper portion  30  and lower portion  32  are received in apertures  33 , flex connectors  29  permit wireless communication module  2  to intercept the electronic signals transferred between the camera controls and the mechanical controls in camera  10 . In cameras that do not utilize body screws as a conduit for electrical signals, module  2  may be more directly connected to the camera controls using any appropriate means including soldered connections or otherwise.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of one embodiment of wireless communication module  2  similar to that installed in camera  10  of  FIG. 4 . Generally, module  2  is defined by a base  34 , typically a circuit board that includes three main portions: a substantially rectangular body portion  36 ; a narrow throat or neck portion  38 ; and, as noted above, a substantially square head portion  28 . In at least one embodiment, base  34  is 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.  
         [0033]     Surface  37  of body portion  36  typically includes module microchips  40  and other electrical connections. Microchips  40  and other electrical connections typically include at least a central processing unit (CPU)  41 , module controls  42 , and a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver chip  43  to provide wireless communication capabilities within module  2 , as described in more detail below. Although the entire module  2 , illustrated in  FIG. 5A , is typically fabricated of a non-rigid material, throat  38  and head portions  28  are particularly flexible to allow the head portion to be bent at a substantially perpendicular angle to body portion  36 . Connection  27  is also joined with module controls  42  on one end and with PC connector  14  at the other end thereby providing the aforementioned electrical connection between module  2  and antenna  12  connected to PC connector  14 .  
         [0034]     Module  2  is substantially rectangular in shape as illustrated in  FIG. 5A . One skilled in the art, however, will recognize that module  2  can be developed in virtually any shape to fit the specific geometrical constraints of the device in which it is located.  
         [0035]      FIG. 5B  is a partial side section view of one flex connector  29 . The latter includes electrical contacts  80  and  82  provided on top surface  37  and bottom surface  84  of head portion  28 . In addition, electrical connectors  86  and  88  are also formed on top and bottom surfaces  37  and  84 . Electrical connectors  86  and  88  electrically connect contacts  80  and  82 , respectively, with other areas on base  34 . In at least one embodiment, a contact relay  90  that connects relays  86  and  88  may also be present in base  34 . In an embodiment without contact relay connect  90 , signals intercepted by contact  80  may be processed separately from signals intercepted by contact  82 , and vice versa.  
         [0036]     In operation, contacts  80  and or contacts  82  may intercept signals from the controls of device  4 . The intercepted signals are sent via relays  86  and  88  to CPU  41  of module  2  and then returned to the device and or transmitted to a remote device via transceiver  43 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 6A-6B  illustrate antenna  12  and its connection to PC connector  14 . In one embodiment, antenna  12  is a copper-plated coiled spring  13  covered with a thin molded rubber cover  15  for protection. The exposed end of the copper-plated coiled spring is soldered to a male PC connector  17  before molding.  
         [0038]     Antenna  12  is very easily connected to camera  10  by simply plugging the antenna into PC connector  14  on face  11  of the camera. As indicated by the dashed lines in  FIG. 6A , antenna  12  is rotatably joined with PC connector  14 . Such a connection allows a user flexibility in positioning antenna  12  at the most effective location for transmitting and receiving signals and allows the antenna to be positioned so as to accommodate the user&#39;s handling of the camera.  
         [0039]     When not using the wireless transmission functionality of wireless communication module  2 , antenna  12  can easily be removed from PC connector  14 . Conversely, antenna  12  can be re-attached to PC connector  14  just as easily when the functionality of the wireless communication module is desired.  
         [0040]     As mentioned above, and illustrated in  FIG. 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 CPU  41 . CPU  41  includes firmware for communicating with the camera controls. As described herein, reference will be made to actions taken by CPU  41 . As one skilled in the art understands, the firmware program stored within CPU  41  is actually responsible for dictating the operations performed by the CPU.  
         [0041]      FIG. 7  illustrates the flow of data and the interaction between the controls of camera  10  and one embodiment of module  2  via the flex connector  29 , CPU  41 , and external devices via antenna  12 . In this particular embodiment, module  2  includes a transceiver chip  43  or equivalent device capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals used in the communication of information between a camera  10  including module  2  and other devices such as a flashpack  22  ( FIG. 3 ). A suitable transceiver chip  43  is 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.  
         [0042]     In one embodiment, in transmission mode, transceiver chip  43  (indicated by dashed line in  FIG. 7 ) of module  2  uses on/off keying (OOK) of a reference signal provided via line  52  that 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 line  52  is derived from a phase lock loop (PLL)  54  circuit that is controlled from CPU  41 . A single 4.000 MHz crystal  56  is used both to provide reference input to CPU  41  and as the reference clock for PLL  54 . CPU  41  sends a transmission enable signal along line  58  to start transmission of signals. PLL  54  has a lock detect output (not shown) that is monitored by CPU  41  to ensure reference signal  52  is on frequency before transmission is enabled.  
         [0043]     PLL  54  sends the reference signal and line  52  to a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)  55  connected to PLL  54 . VCO  55  develops a signal carrier from the reference signal and sends the signal carrier on line  53  to a power amp  60 . Power amp  60  amplifies the RF signal carried by the signal carrier.  
         [0044]     In operation, when a trigger (i.e., a sync pulse) comes in from camera  10 , via flex connector  29 , CPU  41  enables the transmitter circuit contained in transceiver chip  43 . CPU  41  then shifts out a serial command code by modulating a power amp  60  on and off. A logic  1  is represented by carrier on and a logic  0  by carrier off. When amp  60  is 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 filter  62  on the output of power amp  60  and by keeping the transmitter amplifier power level about 10 dB below its P1 dB limit. RF output power into antenna  12  is less than −5 dBm.  
         [0045]     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.  
         [0046]     In receive mode, CPU  41  enables a low-noise amplifier (LNA)  64  and mixer  66  built into transceiver chip  43 . An indicator  68  known as the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is monitored by the CPU&#39;s internal analog comparator to look for proper bit patterns from the transmitter circuit within transceiver chip  43 . Band pass filter  70  is positioned between mixer  66  and RSSI  68  for removing unwanted frequencies. PLL  54  is 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 filters  62  and  70  offer great selectivity to the IF section of transceiver chip  43 . When implemented as 230 KHz ceramic band pass filters, filters  62  and  70  provide sensitivity in transceiver chip  43  of about −94 dBm for S/N of 12 dB.  
         [0047]     A shield (not shown) is generally provided covering the entire RF section of body section  36  of module  28  to eliminate any signal leakage from PLL  54  to the outside. As the body of camera  10  is 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.  
         [0048]     Module  2  uses a linear voltage regulator IC  72  to maintain 3.3V internal from the camera&#39;s batteries  74 . In one embodiment, module  2  draws about 13 mA while in receive mode and about 16 mA peak in the transmit mode. When the power switch (not shown) of camera  10  is turned off, module  2  goes into sleep mode where current draw is dropped to about 1 mA. Since a typical camera battery  74  is rated for about 200 mA-H, module  2  has a very small effect on overall battery drain.  
         [0049]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 6B  and  7 , in one embodiment, module  2  is automatically activated when male connector pin  17  of antenna  12  is attached to PC connector  14 . Other activation approaches, e.g., via controls of camera  10 , are also encompassed by the present invention. An inductor  76  ( FIG. 6B ), e.g., a 470 mH inductor in one embodiment of the invention, is connected from antenna  12  to the ground connection (not shown) of PC connector  14  via antenna contact  77  ( FIG. 6B ). Inductor  76  has 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 inductor  76 . In such embodiments, activation and or deactivation of module  2  may 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 CPU  41  and is used to enable or disable radio operation. If the short circuit is not detected by CPU  41 , module  2  knows antenna  12  is not connected. Antenna  12  is 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 antenna  12 .  
         [0050]      FIGS. 8A-8D  illustrate one method of installing module  2  in a camera such as a Nikon D1.  FIG. 8A  shows camera  10  without module  2  installed. First, upper portion  30  of housing  11  is substantially detached from lower portion  32  of housing  11  thereby exposing the inside  80  of both portions  30 ,  32 .  
         [0051]     Next, wireless communication module  2  is inserted into lower portion  32  so that it will reside adjacent PC connector  14  when portions  30 ,  32  are reconnected. When inserted, top  28  of module  2  is closer to upper portion  30 . Additionally, the width (Wm) of module  2  is typically oriented relative to the width (Wc) of a sidewall  91  so that surface  37  of module  2  is co-planar to sidewall  33 . Of course, in devices other than the one illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8D , module  2  may be located and oriented in any manner within the device in order to facilitate connection of the module to the particular device&#39;s controls.  
         [0052]     After insertion of module  2 , head portion  28  is folded over so that it is substantially perpendicular to the remaining portions  36 ,  38  of module  2 . At the same time, flex connectors  29  formed in head portion  28  are positioned so apertures  33  are aligned with the female screw holes (not shown) formed on lower portion  32  so that when upper and lower portions  30 ,  32  are reconnected, the screws joining them together pass through apertures  33  flex connectors  29 . As a result, contacts  80  and  82  of flex connector  29  are electrically connected so as to receive camera control signals carried by the camera screws in apertures  33 . Soldered connections are typically made to connect camera  10 &#39;s power supply to module  2  and connect antenna wire  27  to PC connector  14  inside housing  16  of camera  10 . Of course, as one skilled in the art will understand, there are myriad ways to connect module  2  to camera  10  other than soldered connections. After module  2  is joined with camera  10 , upper portion  30  is reconnected to lower portion  32  thereby enclosing module  2  within body  16  of camera  10 .  
         [0053]     As illustrated in  FIG. 8D , in one embodiment, the remote control functionality of module  2  is activated by attaching antenna  12  to PC connector  14  on housing  11  of camera  10 , as described above.  
         [0054]     As discussed above, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8D , the screws and screw holes (not shown) that hold upper and lower portions  30  and  32  of camera body  16  together also serve as a communication path for transferring electrical signals between module  2  and the controls of camera  10 . However, in other embodiments, screws may not be used to hold a camera&#39;s body together and therefore will not be available to serve as a point of connection with module  2 . Alternative ways of creating a connection between module  2  and 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 module  2 .  
         [0055]     As described herein, the wireless communication module  2  of the present invention is particularly suited for use with photographic equipment.  FIG. 3  shows 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 CPU  41 . Also, as described herein, wireless communication module  2  is also referred to as microcontroller radio card  2 . As further described herein, microcontroller radio card  2  is but one embodiment of a wireless communication module of the present invention. Other embodiments may includes non-RF transmission technologies as explained herein.  
         [0056]     In addition, although the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7  and 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.  
         [0057]     Wireless communication module  2  of 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.  
         [0058]     While chip  43  is 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.  
         [0059]     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.