How Modules Can Activate Things in a Sequence

This patent describes a system where an activation signal travels through connected modules, each activating an associated device after a delay before passing the signal to the next module.

What it covers

The patent discloses a system of connected modules designed to control various devices, referred to as 'payloads'. An activation signal starts from a 'master module' which has a user-activated switch. This signal then travels from one module to the next. When a module receives the activation signal, it waits for a pre-set or random amount of time. After this delay, it activates its associated payload, and then, after another pre-set or random delay, it transmits the activation signal to the next connected module. The signal can move in one direction or bi-directionally, using a special module to change direction. For example, pressing a button on a master module could trigger a chain reaction: first, a light turns on, then a fan starts after a short pause, and finally, a speaker plays a sound.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover systems where all modules activate simultaneously without a sequential propagation of an activation signal.
• —Does not cover systems where modules communicate wirelessly without a defined connection for signal propagation.
• —Does not cover systems that activate payloads without an intermediate delay after receiving the activation signal.
• —Does not cover systems where the activation signal's propagation direction cannot be reversed if two-way propagation is desired.
• —Does not cover systems that do not use a master module with a user-activated switch to initiate the sequence.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in the controlled, sequential propagation of an activation signal through connected modules, each introducing a delay before activating its payload and passing the signal along. This allows for precise timing and ordering of events in a distributed system, with the flexibility of one-way or two-way signal flow.

Why it matters

This technology provides a structured way to control multiple devices in a specific order with timed delays. This sequential control is valuable in automation, safety systems, and entertainment, where precise timing and order of operations are crucial. It offers a fundamental building block for creating complex automated sequences from simple, interconnected components.

Real-world examples

• 1.Automated assembly lines where steps must occur in sequence.
• 2.Theatrical special effects where lights, sounds, and props activate in a timed order.
• 3.Security systems where alarms trigger sequentially across different zones.
• 4.Smart home routines where devices activate one after another.
• 5.Industrial control systems for machinery startups and shutdowns.