GB2284084A

GB2284084A - Control apparatus, especially but not exclusively for a disabled person

Info

Publication number: GB2284084A
Application number: GB9423054A
Authority: GB
Inventors: A Dachs; S Holder; M Ahmed; M Neal; D Hawkins
Original assignee: Hugh Steeper Ltd
Current assignee: Hugh Steeper Ltd
Priority date: 1993-11-15
Filing date: 1994-11-15
Publication date: 1995-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2014-11-15
Also published as: GB2284084B; GB9423054D0

Abstract

Control apparatus especially but not exclusively for a disabled person, comprising a plurality of appliance switches or a plurality of other appliance control devices (22 to 36) provided with respective different address codes in respective memory locations, in which the latter are connected to respective comparison means, which are in turn connected to respective radio signal receivers. The code of any received coded radio signal is compared with the address codes of all the devices, and a radio signal which comprises the address code of one of the control devices will activate that device but not any of the others. The apparatus further comprises a control unit having a radio signal transmitter which is capable of transmitting any selected one of a plurality of coded radio signals respectively comprising the address codes of the said plurality of devices and a selector which serves to enable the user to selectively transmit, from the control unit, one of the coded radio signals so as to activate the corresponding selected device. <IMAGE>

Description

Control apparatus, especially but not exclusively for a disabled person The present invention relates to control apparatus, especially but not exclusively for a disabled person.

Such apparatus may be to assist a disabled person to operate a front door lock, a telephone, an intercom system, a television, a radio, a hi-fi system, a fire, a lamp and many other appliances of his own home, or of a residential hospital, without the presence of an attendant. Such operation may be assisted by means of a switch device, the latter being appropriate for the disabled person who is to use the apparatus. For example, it may be a large push-button switch or a blow / suck switch.

In our GB-C-2,136,617, there is described control apparatus which addresses the different home appliances to which it is connected in a particular sequence, and may be so constructed that when the control switch is operated, the particular appliance which is being addressed by the apparatus at that time is switched on or off. In that prior apparatus, its various components are interconnected by cables and appropriate plugs and sockets. Such connections reduce the mobility allowable for the control unit operated by the user.

One form of control apparatus which has been proposed to overcome this problem uses the existing mains wiring to connect various components of the apparatus. This has disadvantages from mains interference, the need to use mains sockets even for appliances which are not mains powered, and the need to isolate low-voltage appliances for the sake of safety.

Another form of control apparatus which has been proposed to overcome the mobility problem uses a device which emits infra-red signals, and is programmed to emit signals already used to control, for example, a television.

Another proposed control apparatus has infra-red receiving devices, one in each room, which are connected to a control processor which in turn is wired to each and every appliance within those rooms which is operable by the user.

A disadvantage of both of these previously proposed apparatuses is that the infra-red signal emitted by a control device of the apparatus is relatively highly directional, and cannot pass through obstacles.

The present invention seeks to provide a remedy, whilst at the same time enabling different appliances to be controlled by the user on a selective basis.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to control apparatus especially but not exclusively for a disabled person, comprising a plurality of appliance switches or a plurality of other appliance control devices provided with respective different address codes in respective memory locations, in which the latter are connected to respective comparison means, which are in turn connected to respective radio signal receivers so that the code of any received coded radio signal is compared with the address codes of both or all the devices, and a radio signal which comprises the address code of one of the control devices will activate that device but not any of the others, the apparatus further comprising a control unit having a radio signal transmitter which is capable of transmitting any selected one of a plurality of coded radio signals respectively comprising the address codes of the said plurality of devices and a selector which serves to enable the user to selectively transmit, from the control unit, one of the coded radio signals so as to active the corresponding selected device.

It will therefore be appreciated that each appliance switch or other appliance control device has its own radio signal receiver. As a result, no wiring between the control unit and the appliances controlled needs to be effected. This increases the mobility allowable for the control unit, and affords considerable flexibility in readily changing the appliances which can be controlled by the apparatus. It is even possible for the apparatus to be taken to and used at a visited home or hotel.

One preferred form for the appliance switch may comprise a single unit having pins adapted for insertion into a standard mains socket, a socket adapted to receive a standard mains plug, with the address coded memory location, comparison means and radio signal receiver connected so that receipt of appropriately coded radio signals by the receiver opens or closes an electrical connection between a power pin of the said pins and the corresponding part of the socket of the unit.

The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of further transmitters respectively associated with the appliance control devices and each serving to transmit an answer-back radio signal indicative of activation of the associated appliance control device, the control unit being adapted to receive such an answer-back radio signal and to register such receipt as well as the identity of the responding device, in a status memory thereof.

The control unit may be continuously and automatically switched alternately from its transmission mode to its answer-back reception mode.

The apparatus may further comprise an override unit operable by an able-bodied person to transmit any selected one of the coded radio signals which can be transmitted by the control unit, to activate any selected one of the said plurality of appliance switches or other appliance control devices. In that case the control unit may change repeatedly, continuously and automatically through a cycle comprising at least two modes of operation, being a transmission mode, and an override-unit-signal reception mode, the control unit further comprising a decoder which serves to identify which of the said appliance switches or other appliance control devices is addressed by the override unit, the decoder being connected directly or indirectly to the status memory, so that the identity of the responding device is registered in the status memory.

The transmitter or transmitters of the apparatus may be such as to transmit pulse-coded modulated radio signals.

The transmitter or transmitters, the receivers and the comparison means, may comprise semi-conductor devices having digital integrated circuits.

Preferably the frequency of the carrier signal is in the region of 419 megahertz, say in the range from 410 to 430 megahertz. Alternatively the carrier frequency may be in the region of 179 megahertz, for example within the range from 170 to 190 megahertz. Alternatively, the carrier frequency may be in the region of 47 megahertz, for example within the range from 45 to 50 megahertz.

The control device may comprise a series of lamps associated respectively with the appliances which are controlled by the apparatus, and scanning means to effect an automatic scanning of those lamps so that they are illuminated successively one after the other, and switch means connected to the scanning means to stop the scanning sequence at a selected lamp, whereon the radio signal transmitter of the control unit transmits a coded radio signal corresponding to the selected appliance.

Alternatively, the control unit may comprise a screen, a screen driver and a central processing unit (CPU) programmed to provide a matrix of images on the screen, which images are respectively representative of the appliances controlled by the apparatus, and a visual indication which indicates one of those images or a group of those images and which changes position so that a plurality of different images or groups of images are indicated successively in a predetermined group scanning sequence, the CPU being provided with switch means to enable the scanning to be stopped to select the image or group of images which is at that time indicated by the visual indication, in which the visual indication is in the form of a box which surrounds the image or group of images indicated at any given time.

This affords the possibility of previously selected images to be marked by a change in tone or hue, for example, by inverse video or a change of background colour, without confusion arising during the scanning sequence.

The CPU may effect a second scanning mode in which successive images within a selected group are successively indicated by a smaller visual indication, during a second scanning sequence, further operation of the switch means effecting a selection within this second scanning sequence.

A given selection may cause the transmission by the control unit of a coded radio signal corresponding to the selected appliance.

Alternatively, a given selection may cause a different matrix of images to appear on the screen from which a further scan selection can be made.

Alternatively, a given selection may cause a given speech phrase to be spoken through a speaker of the apparatus.

Alternatively, a given selection may cause a confirmation routine to commence, to enable the user to confirm that the selection he has made is correct.

The switch means may comprise more than one switch, for example one to initiate and stop scanning, and one to effect a selection.

The scanning enables a speedy selection to be made by a disabled person from a large number of possible selections.

The first scanning sequence may comprise the scanning of successive columns of the matrix, and the second scanning sequence may comprise the scanning of the images within that column.

Alternatively the groups of images defined in the first scanning sequence may comprise blocks of such images, for example, the images in one half of the screen, followed by the images of the other half of the screen.

The scanning selection apparatus and method may be for apparatus other than for the control of appliances by a disabled person, and/or for control other than by radio control.

One of the appliance control devices may be a television or other appliance control device which transmits a given infra-red command signal recognisable by the television or other appliance upon receipt of a corresponding radio command signal.

An example of control apparatus for a disabled person, made in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the apparatus; Figure 2 shows a control unit of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 in greater detail and on a larger scale; Figure 3 shows, on a larger scale still, an exploded view of part of the unit shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a view of a main part of the unit shown in Figure 3, with a screen part thereof removed to reveal printed circuit boards which are otherwise behind it; Figure 5 shows a block circuit diagram of the main components on the general purpose printed circuit board of the main part of the control unit shown in Figure 2; Figures 6 to 11 show respective detailed circuit diagrams of respective parts of the block circuit diagram shown in Figure 5;; Figure 12 shows a detailed circuit diagram of a speech printed circuit board of the main part of the control unit shown in Figure 2; Figures 13a, 13b and 13c show a front view, a side view and an end view of a user switch of the control unit shown in Figure 2; Figure 14 shows electrical circuitry of the switch shown in Figures 13a, 13b and 14c; Figure 15 shows one display which may be provided on the main part of the control unit shown in Figure 2; Figures 16 to 18 show changes to the screen image of Figure 15 during a first scanning sequence; Figures l9a to l9c show the changes to the screen image of Figure 15 during a second scanning sequence; Figures 20a to 20n show other changes to the screen image of Figure 15 during other scanning sequences;; Figure 21 shows a flow chart indicative of the manner in which the radio frequency switch circuit of the circuitry shown in Figure 5 is programmed to operate; Figures 22a and 22b show block circuit diagrams of transmitter and receiver circuits for (a) the main unit and (b) an appliance unit of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figures 22c and 22d show diagrams representative of radio signals transmitted by the control unit, and an answer-back signal transmitted by an appliance unit, shown in Figure 1; Figures 23a, 23b and 23c show respective flow charts of different modes of operation of the main part of the control unit shown in Figure 2; Figures 24a, 24b show a front view and a side view of a mains control switch shown in Figure 1; Figure 25 shows the electrical circuitry of the control switch shown in Figures 24a, 24b;; Figure 26 shows a flow chart indicative of the operation of the mains control switch shown in Figures 24a and 24b; Figure 27a and 27b show front and side views of a one way mains or battery control device of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 28 shows the electrical circuitry of the control device shown in Figures 27a and 27b; Figures 29a and 29b show respective flow charts indicative of the operation of the one way mains or battery control device shown in Figure 27a and 27b; Figures 30a, 30b and 30c show a front view, a side view and an end view of a 4-way mains or battery controller of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figures 3la to 3le show respective diagrams of the electrical circuitry of the 4-way mains or battery controller shown in Figures 30a, 30b and 30c;; Figure 33a and Figure 33b show a front and side view of a telephone interface of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 34 shows the electrical circuitry of the telephone interface shown in Figures 33a and 33b; Figure 35 shows a flow chart indicative of the operation of the telephone interface shown in Figures 33a and 33b; Figures 36a and 36b show respectively a front view and a side view of a television controller of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 37 shows the arrangement of devices on a printed circuit board of the television controller shown in Figure 36a and 36b; Figure 38 is a diagram of the electrical circuit of the television controller shown in Figures 36a and 36b; Figure 39 shows a flow chart indicative of the operation of the television controller shown in Figures 36a and 36b; ; Figure 40 shows a flow chart indicative of the operation of a transceiver part of the television controller shown in Figures 36a and 36b; Figures 41a, 41b and 41c show a front, side and an underneath view of an override unit of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 42 shows electrical circuitry of the override unit of Figures 41a, 41b and 41c; Figure 43 shows further electrical circuitry of the override unit; Figure 44 shows a flow chart indicative of the operation of the override unit shown in Figures 41a, 41b and 41c; Figures 45a and 45b show a front and side view of an intercom unit of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figures 46 and 47 show electrical circuitry of the intercom unit of Figures 45a and 45b; Figures 48a, 48b and 48c show front, side and underneath views of a pendant alarm of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;; Figure 49 shows the electrical circuitry of the pendant alarm shown in Figure 48a, 48b and 48c; Figure 50 shows an flow chart indicative of the operation of the pendant alarm shown in Figures 48a 48b and 48c; Figures 51a, 51b and 51c show a front, side and underneath view respectively of an alternative control unit to that shown in Figure 2; Figure 52 shows electrical circuitry of the alternative control unit shown in Figures 51a, 51b and 51c; Figures 53 and 54 shows further circuitry of the alternative control unit; and Figure 55 is a diagram showing successive modes of operation of the control unit shown in Figure 2.

Control apparatus for a disabled person shown in Figure 1 is arranged, purely by way of example, in a living room. In that living room there is a door opener 10, an alarm 12, a heater 14, an intercom unit 16, a television 18, a telephone 20, and a disabled bed or chair controller 22.

These are connected to be operated by respective radio control devices 24 to 36. The radio control devices 24 to 36 are themselves operated by a control unit 38 by way of radio signals which are transmitted from that control unit 38 and received by the radio control devices 24 to 36.

The control unit 38 is in turn operated by way of a user switch 40 itself having a radio link with the control unit 38. A pendant alarm 42 may be provided and worn by the user, the pendant alarm having a radio link with the control unit 38.

An override unit 44 may be provided which emulates the signals produced by the control unit 38, and is able to transmit control signals to each and every one of the radio control devices 24 to 36 so as to override the control unit 38.

Other rooms are shown in Figure 1. In particular a second main room has a second intercom unit 46 which is connected by wiring to the intercom unit 16 in the living room, and also has its own radio control device 48. A second television control device 49 connected to the television control device 32 in the living room by wire is also provided in the second room. The second room is also shown with its own lamp 50 controlled by a radio control device 52. Lastly, the second main room has a telephone extension 54 connected by wire to the telephone 20 in the living room.

Intercom units 56 and 58 which do not have their own radio control devices are connected by wire to the intercom unit 16 in the living room, and are positioned respectively in a carers room and in a front door area. The front door itself is provided with a door lock 60 operated by its radio control device 62.

The control unit 38 and the various radio control devices 24 to 36, 48, 52 and 62 are so constructed that the user, by simply operating the switch 40, can control the control unit 38 in such a way as to selectively control any one of the appliances 10 to 22, 46, 50 and 60. The construction of the various parts of the apparatus, and the manner in which they are operated to effect such selective control will now be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 2 to 55 of the accompanying drawings.

The control unit 38 is shown in greater detail in Figure 2. It comprises a support base 70 upwardly from which extends an upright stem 72 of generally circular cross section to which is attached a user switch support arm 74 adjustably connected to the stem 72 via a clamp 76 in such a manner that the arm 74 can be raised and lowered and also pivoted about the stem 72. The arm 74 is provided at its distal end with a switch support pad 78 on which rests the user switch 40, a power cable 80 therefor being routed through the arm 74 and from thence downwardly through the stem 72 and out through a cable aperture 82 in the support base 70.

A second support arm 84 is L-shaped and extends upwardly from the stem 72 relative to which it is adjustably swivellable through 900. From an upwardly extending part of the arm 84 it turns through a right angle to a horizontal extending part terminating at a main unit support 86 on to which is supported a main unit 88 of the control unit 38.

The main unit is provided with a computer monitor liquid crystal display 90. Other features of the main unit support 86 and the main unit itself 88 will be evident from Figures 3 and 4.

From Figure 3 it can be seen that the main unit support 86 comprises the distal end of the arm 84 which is generally circular in cross section and has an arcuate transverse slot 92 formed adjacent to that end, a portion 94 of circular cross section formed with an internal screwthreaded bore 96 in its side and having an outer cross section which is just less than the inner cross section of the arm 84, a bridging portion 98 which connects the portion 94 with the circular cross section to a portion 100 of square section, and a hollow cradle beam of square cross section which fits on to the portion 100 and is provided at its other end with a closure cap 104. The cradle beam 102 is provided on its upper surface with a connector 106 with electrical contacts 108 and 110.It will be appreciated that in its assembled state the main unit support 86 has the end cap 104 secured to the far end of the cradle beam 102, the near end of which is fixed on to the square section portion 100 via a fastening screw 112, the circular cross section portion 94 being received in the end of the arm 84 so that the bore 96 is in registration with the slot 92, and a rotary knob 114 with a screw-threaded shank 116 has the latter engaging the bore 96. It will thus be seen that the cradle beam 102 is supported on the arm 84, and can be pivoted relative thereto through an angle up to 900, by loosening the knob 114, rotating the cradle beam 102 about its elongate axis and then tightening the knob 114. The main unit 88 has a generally rectangular housing with a screen 90 on its front and with a shoulder 118 extending across its whole width on its rear side.This shoulder 118 sits on the cradle beam 102. A recess 120 formed in the underside of the shoulder 118 receives the connector 108 so that electrical contacts 122 and 124 formed within that recess 120 engage the contacts 108 and 110 on the cradle beam 102. A secure connection between the main unit 88 and the cradle beam 102 is effected by way of a coach bolt 126 having a screw-threaded end which engages an internal screw-threaded bore 128 formed in the connector 106, the coach bolt 126 being tightened by an on/off knob 130.

Other parts of the main unit visible in Figure 3 are a speaker aperture 132, a contrast knob 136, and an attendant operating switch 138. Connection means 140 are also provided to enable the main unit 88 to be connected to a keyboard (not shown) for the purpose of setting certain coded values within the main unit 88.

From the interior of the main unit 88 shown in Figure 4 it can be seen that the unit has a loud speaker 142, a speech-synthesising printed circuit board 144, a microphone connector 146, and screen driver 148, a backlight invertor 150, a general purpose printed circuit board 152, a re-set switch 154 and a speech volume control 156.

Details of the circuitry on the general purpose printed circuit board 152 are shown in Figure 5. It comprises a battery backed random access memory (RAM) and an electrally erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) circuit 160, an analogue to digital converter 152, a display controller 164, a radio frequency circuit 166, a switch module 168, and a central processing unit interface 170. -These parts of the circuitry are interconnected by an address bus 172 and a data bus 174.

The battery backed RAM and EEPROM circuit 160 is shown in greater detail in Figure 6. Details of the analogue to digital converter 162 are shown in Figure 7, details of the display control are shown in Figure 8, details of the radio frequency circuit 166 are shown in Figure 9, details of the switch module 168 are shown in Figure 10, and details of the computer processor unit interface 170 are shown in Figure 11.

The identities of the semiconductor devices and the manner in which their pins are interconnected is evident from the drawings themselves.

In particular, the battery backed RAM to EEPROM circuitry, shown in Figure 6, comprises a memory controller/decoder 176 in the form of an integrated circuit PALCE22V10-25PC4, a battery backed RAM for the internal status memory 178 of the main unit 88, in the form of integrated circuit DS1220Y-200, and a non-volatile memory 180 for the configuration data of the main unit 88, in the form of an integrated circuit 28C64A20P.

The analogue to digital converter 162 shown in Figure 7 is in the form of and integrated circuit UPD7002.

It will be seen that the circuit enclosed in box 182 in Figure 8 is a contrast adjustment used to adjust the contrast of the image on the screen 90, the circuit within box 184 comprises a back-light control for the display for the screen 90 and the circuit within box 186 comprises line drivers for a display in the second room (not shown in Figure 1) The circuitry shown in Figure 9 comprises a radio signal receiving module 188, and a radio signal transmission module 190, connected to a serial communication control 192 in the form of a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART).

The switch module 168 of the circuitry shown in Figure 5 is shown in greater detail in Figure 10. The data bus 174 extends to the remainder of the circuitry from the position indicated at the top left-hand corner of the Figure.

The part of the circuitry labelled 194 constitutes a controller for an external communicator (not shown) and has outputs 196 connected to that communicator to enable the latter to show the status of the various parts of the apparatus.

The central processor unit (CPU) interface 170 of Figure 5 is shown in greater detail in Figure 11. It comprises a CPU interface buffer 198 connected to a CPU input/output controller 200.

Details of the electrical circuitry on the speech printed circuit board 144 in Figure 4 are shown in Figure 12.

It comprises a CPU address busbar decoder 202, a speech chip controller 204, a speech record and playback memory 206, a circuit 208 to enable bleeps to be mixed with speech output, and a switch 210 to direct the speech output signals selectively to the output 214 which is connected to the speaker 142 of the control unit, or the output 216 which is connected to a speaker (not shown) positioned in the second room. Means may be provided (not shown) to transmit the speech output signals by radio to a remote receiver. The intercom 30 shown in Figure 1 may be adapted for this purpose.

The semiconductor devices and all other electrical and electronic components, including both their internationally recognised part numbers or other identities as well as their values in the case of resistors and capacitors for example, and also the manner in which all these components are interconnected, are shown in detail in Figures 5 to 12, and all such information present in those drawings is imported into this text by direct reference. This is also correspondingly true of all the description which ensues in relation to the accompanying drawings.

The user switch 40 shown in Figure 2 is shown in greater detail in Figures 13a, 13b, 13c and 14. It comprises a generally rectangular casing 220 with a touch-pad 222 which is sprung-loaded into a non-depressed condition in which it is in an off position. The circuitry of the user switch is shown in Figure 14. It comprises a power supply circuit 224, a microprocessor 226, a low battery warning circuit 228, a normally open contact switch 230 which is arranged to be operated by the touch-pad 222, a transmitter 232, and an external switch circuit 234. All these parts of the user switch circuitry are interconnected in the manner illustrated in Figure 14.

The CPU on the board 148 shown in Figure 4, as well as all the other programmable devices of the circuits mounted on the boards 144 and 152 shown in that Figure, are programmed to enable the control unit 38 to be operated in the following manner. A keyboard (not shown) may be connected to the control unit 38 by way of the socket 140 shown in Figure 3 to enable such programming to be completed.

When the control unit 38 is switched on, an image may appear on the screen 90 such as that shown in Figure 15.

This image has a message and indicator space 236 at the top of the screen, to enable messages or indications to appear on the screen to communicate to the user information about the apparatus, such as for example that a telephone ring detector has detected an incoming call. Below the message space there is a four by six matrix of icons 238, each of which may be a word or a picture. Thus the first column of the matrix comprises the word ALARM, next a face with a speech bubble, next an outline of a house with an arrow extending from one room of the house to another, and at the bottom a picture of a person in a wheelchair with a directional arrow. The second column comprises the names JOAN, DAVID, DOCTOR, and MIKE.

Clearly, these names are given purely by way of example. The third column comprises a gradient with an arrow slanting downwardly with the gradient, then the words LIGHT 1 and LIGHT 2, and at the bottom an image of an intercom with the word BACK written thereunder. The fourth column comprises the words HELLO, then SPEAK SLOWLY, followed by a thumbs up sign and another intercom image, but with the word KITCHEN thereunder. The fifth column comprise the letters TV, followed by an upwardly directed arrow with the letters VOL thereabove, then a thumbs down sign, and lastly another image intercom with the word FRONT thereunder. The sixth and last column comprises an upwardly directed arrow with the letters CH thereabove, the word RADIO, then an image of a chair with a sloping leg rest having a directional arrow slanting upwardly therefrom, and lastly a key with the word FRONT thereunder.

It will thus be seen that each of the icons represents a function which is to be performed by the apparatus.

Whilst there are many different ways in which the control unit may be programmed to operate, one will now be described by way of example, which may be referred to as column scanning.

Upon depression of the touch-pad 222 shown in Figures 13a, 13b and 13c, the image of a box 240 appears round the first column of icons as shown in Figure 16. It has been found that the width of the lines which make up the box is preferably three pixels on a VGA screen. For as long as the touch-pad is depressed, the image of the box automatically scans successive columns in order from left to right, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. After the scanning has reached the sixth column, the box goes back to surround the first column, and the scanning sequence is repeated. Directly the user removes pressure from the touch-pad 222, then for a predetermined period of time the control unit records which column the first scanning sequence terminated at, this being the column selected by the user.If within that period of time, the user presses the touch-pad again, a second scanning sequence commences in which the different icons in the selected column are surrounded by a smaller box 242 in succession, from the top of the column to the bottom, as shown in Figures 19 to 21. When the user subsequently removes pressure from the touch-pad 222, the CPU records which icon was selected, and may at this stage display in the message space 236 for a predetermined period of time a message to the effect that an appliance represented by the icon is to be controlled, and asking for confirmation that this is in fact desired, with the words YES and NO also appearing in the message space 236, with a box alternately surrounding those two words. Operation of the user switch 40 when the box surrounds the word YES confirms selection.In this illustrated case, the appliance selected is a second light.

Instead of proceeding with the foregoing confirmation routine upon selection of a given icon, a second screen image may have been called up, with further scanning enabling further selections to be made. For example, upon selection of TV, a further screen image may have appeared with further icons setting out a further menu, for example representing different television channels, colour, volume, contrast and brightness controls, and even television teletext selections.

Many other scanning sequences are possible. Figures 21a to 21e show convergent block scanning, in which successive selections are made between two halves of a previously selected block or group of icons. A box image is again used to define a block of icons. Convergent block scanning enables one of a very large number of icons to be selected quickly and simply. For example ten successive selections would enable any one of over one thousand icons on one screen to be selected.

Another scanning method which is more appropriate where there are fewer icons on the screen is shown in Figures 21f to 21h. Here, there is only one scanning sequence, in which a box successively surrounds different icons, moving from the top to the bottom of the first column, then the second, and so on, so that if scanning is allowed to continue after the bottom icon of the extreme right-hand column has been addressed, the sequence starts again with the uppermost icon of the extreme left-hand column. This method of scanning may be referred to as linear scanning.

Other scanning sequences may be adopted which may be a mixture of two or more of the methods referred to herein as linear scanning, column scanning, and block scanning. For example, a mixture of block scanning and column scanning may be used as shown in Figures 21i to 21n.

Reverting to the manner in which the second lamp was selected, a complex chain of events will follow in the event that the user confirms the selection made. The serial communication controller (UART) 192 shown in Figure 9 issues an enabling signal to the NAND gate of the transmission circuitry 190, and data signals along the other input line to the transmission circuitry 190.

Figure 22 shows the programme executed for transmission. The start and initialise routines are performed when the apparatus is switched on. From the time a selection is made, as already described herein, the programme awaits depression of the touch-pad 222 as confirmation that the selection is correct. In the absence of a depression, the programme reverts to sleep mode for a predetermined period.

Upon depression, the transmission routine commences and continues until the touch-pad is released.

The block circuit diagram shown in Figure 22a shows in simple block form those parts of the circuitry which is shown in greater detail in Figures 5 to 12. A control circuit Aa of the main control unit which is labelled 38 in Figure 1 is connected to an encoder Ba via a plurality of appliance selection lines Ca, a plurality of command signal lines Da and a command sequence number line Ea.

The appliance selection lines Ca are respectively associated with a plurality of appliances to be operated by the main control unit 38. The command signal lines Da are respectively associated with possible commands to be send to the various appliances. The command sequence number line Ea is connected to an output from a command sequence number random access memory Fa of the control circuit Aa.

Within the encoder Ba there are a plurality of read only memories (ROMs). These comprise a start byte ROM Ga, a plurality of appliance identifying address signal ROMs Ha each storing a three byte code, a plurality of command signal ROMs 1a each containing a one byte code, and an end byte ROM Ja again containing a one byte code. These ROMs Ga to Ja are connected to a signal generator Ka. The appliance identifying address signal ROMs are connected to the signal generator Ka by respective AND gates La which have their second inputs connected respectively to the appliance selection lines Ca.

The command signal ROMs Ja are connected to the signal generator Ka via respective AND gates Ma which have their second inputs connected to the command signal lines Da respectively. The signal generator circuit Ka is provided with a check digit calculator Ka The command sequence number line Ba is connected directly to the signal generator Ka.

The signal generator Ka of the encoder Ba is connected to a device Na to convert bits which it receives as bytes into a series of pulses, so that the device Na converts a parallel input to a serial output. The latter is connected to a modulator 0a which superimposes the pulse signal on a carrier wave of frequency 419 MHZ. The output of this modulator is connected to a transmitter Pa.

The receiving part of the circuit shown in Figure 22a comprises devices corresponding to those of the transmitter part of the circuitry, in reverse order. Thus it comprises a receiver circuit Qa having an output in turn connected to a serial input to a parallel output device 5a in turn connected to a decoder Ta. The latter connection is via a comparator Ua which also has an input connected to a start byte ROM Va and an end byte ROM Wa Upon reception of a byte which corresponds to the start byte in the ROM Va, the comparator Ua opens a switch Qa to enable signals to pass from the device 5a to the decoder Ta, and upon receipt of an end byte, the comparator Ua closes with switch Xa. An output from the decoder Ta is connected back to the control circuit Aa.

Figure 22b shows a corresponding block circuit diagram for one of the appliances, such as the heater 14 of Figure 1.

It comprises a receiver Ab having an output connected to a demodulator Bb, for removing the carrier wave of a signal transmitted by the circuit shown in Figure 22a The demodulator Bb has an output connection to an input of a series input to parallel output device Cb. The output from the latter is connected to a switch Db. This switch is connected to a comparator Eb having respective inputs connected to a start byte ROM Fb and an end byte ROM Gb.

Downstream of the switch Db there is a further switch Hb. A comparator 1b has inputs connected respectively to the output of the switch Db and the output of an address byte ROM Jb.

The output from the comparator 1b is connected to the switch Hb. The output from the switch Hb is connected to a comparator Kb. The latter has a second input connected to an output from a command byte ROM Lb. The output from the comparator Kb is connected to a further switch Mb which is also connected to the output of the switch Hb. An output from the switch Mb is connected to a switch-on device Nb which in turn is connected to the appliance 0b to switch on the latter.

Thus Lb to Nb constitutes switching-on circuitry.

Corresponding switching-off circuitry Pb is also connected between the switch Hb and the appliance Q.

Also connected to the output from the switch Hb is a comparator Qb having a second input connected to a status request indicator byte ROM Rb. The output from the comparator Qb iS connected to a further switch Sb having an enabling input connected to the output from the comparator Qb. A status indicator RAM Tb is connected to the appliance 0b and is connected to signal generator Ub of a decoder Wb via an enabler Xb. The decoder Wb is also provided with a start byte ROM Yb an acknowledgement byte ROM Zb and an end byte ROM Ac.

The acknowledgement byte ROM Zb is connected to the signal generator Ub via an inhibitor Bb. An output from the switch Sb is connected to enabler Xb and the inhibitor Bc.

The signal generator Ub also has an input connected to the switch Hb via a shift register Cc, and has a check digit calculator Dc The output from the signal generator Ub of the encoder Wb is connected to a combination of a parallel input to serial output device, a modulator and a transmitter circuit Ec in a similar manner to the signal generator for the main control circuit shown in Figure 22a.

The circuits shown in Figures 22a and 22b operate in the following manner. Once an appliance has been selected by means of the main control unit 38 as already described, and a corresponding command for that appliance has also been selected, the associated lines Ca and Da respectively are raised to a high voltage level. This in turn enables the associated gates La and Ma to forward the appropriate three byte appliance identifying serial number, and the one byte command signal to the signal generator Ka of the encoder Ba The signal generator Ka then compiles a complete transmission signal comprising the start byte, the appliance identifying address signal, the command signal, the command sequence number byte, a check digit byte, and the end byte, in that order.These are forwarded to the parallel input to serial output device Na to produce a series of pulses which are then modulated by the modulator 0a prior to transmission as a radio signal from the transmitter Pa.

This signal is received by receiver circuits of all the appliances, and in particular the one represented in Figure 22b. Here, it is received by the receiver Ab, demodulated by the demodulator Bb, and forwarded as a series of bytes from the series input to parallel output device Cb.

The switch 0b is enabled by the comparator Eb upon reception of a start byte also stored in the start byte ROM Fb of the receiver circuit 22b, the switch Db is switched off upon reception of an end byte as stored in the end byte ROM Gb.

Upon reception of the address signal as stored in the address signal ROM Jb, and as recognised by the comparator Ib, the switch Ab is enabled to pass the received signals forward.

Upon receipt of a command signal forwarded by the switch Hb corresponding to one of the command signals stored in the ROMs such as the one Lb, the associated comparator Kb enables the signal to pass to an operating device, in this case a switch on device Nb. This switches on the appliance 0b and this in turn changes the status of the status indicator ROM Tb.

The command sequence number byte of the incoming signal is forwarded via a shift register Cc to the signal generator Ub. The latter compiles a signal comprising the start byte, the acknowledgement byte, the command sequence number byte, the check digit byte and the end byte from the various connections made to it. This then forwards the resulting signal for transmission by the circuit Ec.

This signal is received by the circuit shown in Figure 22a initially via a receiver Qa. It is demodulated by the demodulator Ra, converted to a series of bytes by the serial input to parallel output device Sa and forwarded to the decoder Ta once the comparator recognises a received byte corresponding to the start byte stored in its ROM Va. The decoder Ta therefore forwards a signal to the control circuit Aa in which a comparison is made between the command sequence number byte stored in its RAM Fa and the command sequence number byte as received. Subject to agreement of these bytes, the control circuit A a records a successful transmission and answer-back.

One of the ROMs Ja in the encoder Ba stores the code for a status enquiry. If this is transmitted as the command signal part of the whole signal from the transmitting part of the circuit shown in Figure 22a, switch Sb in Figure 22b is enabled so that inhibitor Bc inhibits the acknowledgement byte being forwarded to the signal generator Ub and instead the enabler Xb enables the status indicator byte to be forwarded from the status indicator byte ROM Tb. The circuitry shown in Figure 22b therefore transmits a signal indicative of the status of the appliance with which it is associated. This is received by the circuitry shown in Figure 22a to forward the status of the appliance to the control circuit Aa Thus the data transmitted is in digital form, and is shown in Figure 22c.It comprises the repetition of an eight byte message. The first byte 250 is a start-of-text byte, and may for example be the binary representation of the ASCII value for the number 2. The last byte 260 is an end-oftext byte, for example the number 3. These start and end bytes enable circuitry of the apparatus to interpret subsequent messages correctly even in the event that bytes are lost in transmission. The second, third and fourth bytes constitute an address signal 252. They define uniquely the appliance control device 24 to 36, 48, 52 and 62 of Figure 1, for which the command message is intended. This enables more than sixteen million control devices to be individually addressed without risk of confusion.

The fifth byte 254 represents the command itself.

If it is to a simple mains switch, as it will be to control the second light, this command will simply be "turn on" or "turn off", represented respectively by the binary numbers "11111110" and "11111111" respectively.

The sixth byte 256 represents the command sequence number, and serves to distinguish from successive commands which would otherwise be identical. For example, if a control device is connected to control a page turner, the sixth byte will be incremented for each page turn command.

The seventh byte 258 is a cyclic redundancy code, and serves to check the accuracy of transmission. It is the sum of the second to fifth bytes with a modulus of 256.

The transmission circuitry 190 is such as to transmit this message by pulse-code modulation on a carrier wave of frequency 419 MHz, although this frequency may alternatively be 179 MHz or 47 MHz.

Whilst the details of the appliance control switches and other appliance control devices have yet to be described in detail, it will be appreciated that the radio signal transmitted from the transmission circuitry 190 shown in Figure 9 is received by all the devices 24 to 36, 48, 52, and 62.

Each control device has a radio receiver and transmitter, and issues an acknowledgement or answer-back radio message in the event that it has responded to the command message transmitted by the control unit 38. The answer-back comprises five bytes, as shown in Figure 22d. The first and last are again start-of-text and end-of text markers 262 and 270 respectively. The second byte 264 is an acknowledgement code. This is the same for all control devices, it being understood that the only device which can issue an answer-back message is the correct one addressed.

The third byte 266 is the sequence number of the command message, and the fourth byte 268 is the cyclic redundancy check code for the answer-back message.

During the send stage shown in Figure 22, the routine shown in Figure 23a is executed. The message is sent and a retry count is incremented. A predetermined period is allowed to lapse pending receipt of the appropriate answerback signal from the control device addressed. After that time, if the answer-back is received, an error code is set to success. If not the routine reverts to the send message stage unless the retry count exceeds a predetermined number, in which case the error code is set to failure.

Once the error code is set to success, the control unit status memory is updated to record which appliance has had its status changed, and what that new status is, and in the case of the turning on of the second light as hereinbefore described, the corresponding icon 238 of the screen 90 will be changed to indicate that the light has been switched on, for example the icon may be changed in its representation to inverse video.

The appliance control device 28, being a mains control switch for the second light, is shown in greater detail in Figures 24a, 24b, and 26. It comprises a generally box-shaped housing 280 with mains pins 282 and an earth pin 284 projecting from a rear side of the housing 280 with precisely the dimensions of a standard mains plug (appropriate for the country of intended use), and a socket 286 with an Earth aperture 288 and power-pin apertures 290 precisely dimensioned to receive a standard mains plug.

The circuitry of the control device 28 is shown in Figure 25. It comprises a plug circuit 292 (connected to the pins 282 and 284 shown in Figure 24b), a socket circuit 294 (connected to the socket 286 shown in Figure 24a), a power supply 296, a relay switch 298, a microprocessor circuit 300, a receiver circuit 302 and a transmitter circuit 304 interconnected in the manner shown in Figure 25. In the event that the microprocessor circuit 300 receives data from the receiver circuit 302, the address code 252 within the message is compared in a comparator 306 within the microprocessor circuitry 300 with a three byte code stored in an electronic erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) memory 308.

A successful match results in the issue by the microprocessor circuitry 300 of a switch on or switch off signal to the relay switch 298, the creation of an answer-back code signal in a signal generator 310 of the microprocessor, and the transmission of that answer-back signal from the transmission circuit 304 in accordance with the message shown in Figure 22b.

Other possible stages in the operation of the mains control switch shown in Figures 24a and 24b are shown in Figure 26. From this it is evident that an override switch (not shown) is provided on the device. Otherwise the flowchart shown in this Figure represents the sequence already described. In the event that the device is operated by the override switch, the control unit is informed accordingly in a manner to be described herein.

The door lock control 62 shown in Figure 1 is shown in greater detail in Figures 27a, 27b, 28, 29a and 29b. It comprises a generally rectangular housing 320 having input and output leads 322 and 324 respectively. Its circuitry shown in Figure 28 comprises a microprocessor circuit 326, a relay circuit 328, a configuration memory 330, a power supply and filter 332, a receiver circuit 334 and a transmission circuit 336, all interconnected in the manner shown in Figure 28. It will be seen that the circuitry for the door lock control is similar to that for the mains control switch. The manner in which the circuitry is programmed to operate is shown in Figures 29a and 29b.

It will be seen that the main differences between the operation of the door lock controller as shown in Figures 29a and 29b differs from that of the mains switch shown in Figure 26 in that further commands over and above the turn on command and the turn off command are available, as indicated by the command byte 254 in Figure 22a. Thus, one further command signal which may be issued is a mono stable command, which turns the door lock relay on for a predetermined period, whereafter the relay is switched off automatically after that predetermined period of time. Alternatively, a delayed start command may be issued in which case the programme as shown in Figure 29b is executed, as a result of which the relay is switched on after a predetermined interval from the command is issued and then is switched off after a predetermined time from that.

It will be appreciated that the door lock controller 62 is a device which could be used to operate any appliance which is desired to be turned on for a relatively short period of time. Thus it may be used for a page turner, a curtain opener or a battery radio. It will be appreciated that the control device as shown in Figure 1 is the same as the control device 62 shown in that Figure.

Appliances requiring more than one control and may be provided with a four way mains or battery controller. Such a device is labelled 36 in Figure 1, and is shown in greater detail in Figures 30a, 30b, 30c, and 31a to 31e, which operates in accordance with Figures 32a and 32b. It comprises a generally rectangular housing 340 having power input and output sockets 342 and 344 respectively, four relay outputs 346 and four LED lamps indicative of the status of the relay outputs 346 respectively. The circuitry shown in 31a to 31e is substantially the same as that for the one way mains controller device shown in Figure 28, except that four relays are provided instead of one, connected to respective outputs from the microprocessor circuit. The four way mains controller device may be used, for example, to control a power-adjustable bed or chair as shown labelled 22 in Figure 1.

The manner of operation of the circuitry shown in Figures 32a and 32b are substantially the same as that shown in the one way controller of Figures 32a and 32b, except that the former may have a turn on, and a turn off command and a mono stable command for any one of the four relays, and in this particular example it does not have a delayed start command. The programme routine followed in the event of a mono stable command is shown in 32b.

The telephone interface 34 shown in Figure 1 is shown in greater detail in Figure 33a and 33b and in Figures 34 and 35. It comprises a generally rectangular housing 360 with input and output lines 362 and 364, and a telephone connection 366. Its circuitry is shown in Figure 34 and comprises a power supply and filter circuit 368, a microprocessor circuit 370, a receiver circuit 372, a transmission circuit 374, a telephone socket connection circuit 376, and a telephone connector circuit 378 all interconnected in the manner shown in Figure 34.The flow chart of its operation is shown in Figure 35, and in addition to the various responses which the control device may execute in response to a given command, there is also a ring detect which, when operative, sends a ring detect signal to the control unit 38 shown in Figure 31 which responds by placing a corresponding indication in the message space 236 on the screen 90.

The television control device 32 shown in Figure 1 is shown in greater detail in Figures 36a and 36b, 37, 38, 38a, 39 and 40. It comprises a generally rectangular housing 380 from which extends a 12 volt direct current input 382 and an extension lead 384 which connects the control device 32 of Figure 1 to the extension control 49 shown in Figure 1. The device shown in Figure 36a and 36b also comprises three infrared transmitters 386 and an infra-red receiver 388.

The housing 380 contains a printed circuit board on which are positioned a random access memory 390, a radio signal receiver circuit 392, a radio transmitter circuit 394, a command decoder 396, a central processing unit circuit 398, a keypad connector circuit 400, a liquid crystal display connector circuit 402 and a battery 404 for providing a power supply to the random access memory 390, an infra-red transmitter circuit 406 and an infra-red receiver circuit 408.

The details and interconnections of these various parts of the television control device circuitry are shown in Figure 38.

The circuitry for the extension control device 49 is shown in greater detail in Figure 38a.

The manner in which the radio frequency parts of the television control device 32 operates is shown in Figure 40 and is substantially the same as for the other control devices.

The manner of operation of the infra-red parts of the television control device shown in Figure 39, and is such so as to emulate the infra-red signals in accordance with the radio signal commands received by the radio control device, such as to emulate the infra-red signals emitted by a conventional-hand held infra-red remote controller for the television. The infra-red receiver 388 together with its associated circuitry, enables signals from such a hand-held controller to be memorised by the television control device and re-transmitted from the infra-red transmitters 386 in accordance with the radio signal commands received.

The override unit 44 shown in Figure 1 is shown in greater detail in Figures 41a, 41b and 41c, Figure 42, Figure 43 and Figure 44.

The override unit enables any one of the control devices 24 to 36, 48, 52 and 62 to be controlled by an ablebodied person independently of the control unit 38. It does this by transmitting a selected one of a number of different radio command signals corresponding to those which are issued by the control unit 38. It therefore has precisely the same effect on the selected control device.

The override unit 44 is much simpler than the control unit 38. It comprises a generally rectangular housing 420 provided with a column of function spaces 422 on to which can be written appliances to be controlled by the override unit, a column of push-button off-switches 424 and column of push-button on-switches 426. Each appliance space in the column 422 has an associated switch-on button and switch-off button in registration therewith. Depression of the appropriate switch-on button will cause the associated appliance to be switched on and depression of the associated switch-off button will cause that appliance to be switchedoff.

The circuitry of the override unit shown in Figure 42 comprises a microprocessor circuit 428, a configuration memory circuit 430, a keyboard circuit 432, a configuration defining input circuit 434, a transmitter circuit 436, a low battery indicator 438, and a power supply and filter circuit 440. All these circuits are constituted and interconnected in the manner shown in Figure 42. Figure 43 shows the keyboard connection circuit.

The manner of operation of the override unit 44 is shown in Figure 44, which shows that, once the unit has been switched on and initialised, the push-buttons 424 and 426 are scanned, and in the event that one of them is depressed at the time, the corresponding data, representative of the radio signal which is to be issued in accordance with the command selected is read from the configuration memory circuit 430, whereupon the appropriate command signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 436.

The intercom 16 and the intercom control device 30 of Figure 1 are shown in greater detail in Figures 45a, 45b, 46 and 47. Thus they comprises a generally rectangular housing 450 provided with speaker apertures 452, microphone apertures 454 and indicator diodes 456 indicative of whether the intercom is in speak or listen mode.

The circuitry of the intercom is shown in greater detail in Figures 46 and 47. It comprises a switching circuit 458, a speaker pre-amplifier and speaker circuit 462, a microphone circuit 564, a microphone pre-amplifier circuit 466, and an audio-line driver circuit 468. In addition, it comprises a power filter circuit 470, a buzzer circuit 472 and a door-lock buzzer circuit 474. Further circuity of the intercom is shown in Figure 47, comprising a microprocessor circuit 476, a data line transfer circuit 478, a receiver circuit 480, a transmitter circuit 482, a direction circuit 484, and a power circuit 486. All these circuits are constituted and interconnected precisely as shown in Figures 46 and 47.

The pendent alarm 42 of Figure 1 is shown in greater detail in Figures 48a, 48b, 48c, 49 and 50. It comprises a generally rectangular housing 490 with a push-button 492 and an LED lamp 494 indicative of the status of the alarm.

Details of its circuitry are shown in Figure 49.

It comprises a microprocessor circuit 500 and a power control circuit 502. The precise constitution and interconnection between these circuits are as shown in Figure 49, including the manner in which the switch 492 and the light-emitting diode lamp 494 are connected in that circuitry.

Since the pendant alarm does not respond to any signal from the control unit 38, but rather is simply to transmit an alarm signal, it does not have a receiver circuit.

Upon receipt of an alarm signal from the pendant alarm, the control unit 38 is programmed to issue a command signal to all the intercoms so that the latter emit audible alarm signals.

The manner of operation of the pendant alarm is shown in Figure 50. From this it can be seen that once it has been switched on and initialised, a depression of the pushbutton 492 will cause a coded alarm signal to be transmitted by the transmitter circuit 500 for a period of one minute.

Numerous variations and modifications to the illustrated apparatus will readily occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art without taking the resulting modification outside the scope of the present invention. For example, instead of the control unit 38, a much simpler control unit may be provided as shown in Figures 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 51e, 52, 53 and 54.

This simple control unit is in the form of a remote control handset and comprises a generally rectangular housing 510 having a touch-pad 512 which is resiliently urged in an outward direction, a column of appliance name spaces 514, a column of green status-indicating light emitting diodes 516 and a column of red scanning light emitting diodes 518. Each appliance name space has an associated status indicator diode 516 and an associated scanning diode 518 in registration therewith. The unit further comprises a battery charge indicator diode 518a, yellow stop/start indicator diodes 518b, a charger socket 518c, two alternative switch sockets 518d, a scan speed adjustment 518f, and a reset button 518g.In the appliance name spaces, it will be seen that the following indications appear in the following order : 'ALARM', 'LOCK', 'INTERCOM', 'PHONE', 'DIAL', 'LAMP', 'RADIO', 'TV', 'TV' with an up-ward arrow, 'TV VOL' with an up-ward arrow, 'TV VOL' with a down-ward arrow, and '2ND ROOM'. Immediately above this column there is an indicator space bearing the words 'STOP/START'.Successive pairs of diodes 516 and 518 are labelled, in the following order in the downward direction '1', 2 3 , 4 5 , 6 , 7 , '8', '9', '0', 'P', D Its circuity is shown in Figure 52 or 54, and comprises a microprocessor circuit 520, an auxiliary switch inputs circuit 522, a configuration port circuit 524, a battery charger circuit 526, rechargeable batteries 528, a power supply circuit 530, a configuration memory circuit 532, a receiver circuit 534, a transmitter circuit 536, and a scanning LED circuit 538. Further details of the battery charger circuit 526 are shown in Figure 54 which include a temperature sensing circuit 540, and a current sensing resistor 544. The temperature sensing circuit 540 will switch off the battery charger circuit 526 in the event that a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

The constitution and interconnection between the circuits is precisely as shown in Figures 52 and 54.

In the event that the touch pad 512 is not appropriate, a pneumatic switch can be connected to the unit via one of the alternative switch sockets 518d.

The semi-conductor components of the circuitry of the unit are so programmed and configured that, upon depression of the touch pad 512 a yellow indicator diode 518b will be switched on for a minimum of two seconds. If the scanning rate is greater than two seconds, as determined by the scan speed adjustment 518f, then that diode will remain on for at least the scanning rate period. During that period, the unit which incorporates circuitry corresponding to that shown in Figure 22a, issues status request signals with the address code of each appliance in turn. Each answer-back signal in this case will include the status, and depending upon whether the appliance concerned, or the control concerned is on or off, the status indicator diode in the column 516 adjacent to the name of the appliance concerned is illuminated.

Once this procedure has been completed for all the appliances, the green indicator diodes in the column 518 are then turned on and off each in succession in accordance with the scan speed rate. Operation of the switch 512 will then operate the appliance which at that point in time has its associated scan diode switched on. This is effected by the circuitry corresponding to what is shown in Figures 22a and 22b.

An audio cue which causes a sound to be emitted each time one of the scan diodes is switched on assists in selection.

After a predetermined number of scan cycles, all the scan diodes and status diodes are extinguished to conserve power.

In the event that the user changes rooms, the user may select '2ND ROOM' during the scanning in the first mode just described. Once that occurs, the apparatus changes to a second mode of operation in which the various appliances referred to in column 514 are now those of the second room, so that any selection now made will now control a different set of appliances from those of the first room, corresponding to a different set of ROMs Ha in the encoder Ba of Figure 22a.

Otherwise, the status request sequence and the scanning sequence is as for the first mode.

The answering of the telephone by the unit is effected by the selection of 'PHONE' on the unit during scanning in the first or second modes.

One or more of the appliance spaces in column 514 of the unit may be allocated to a stored telephone number for direct dialling in the first mode. Alternatively, selection of 'DIAL' on the unit can be used to operate the apparatus in a third mode. Both the yellow diodes 518b are then illuminated, and once the user switch 512 is released scanning of the green indicators in both columns 516 and 518, with both diodes of a given pair being illuminated simultaneously. The audio cue for the third mode may be of a different pitch. The user may then select by this scanning method one of the numbers 1 to 9 and 0 to effect dialling of a pre-stored telephone number.

To dial a non-stored number the user first selects 'DIAL' in the first mode to enter the third mode. The user then selects position 'P'. This enters the fourth mode in which both yellow diodes 518b are illuminated and then the diodes of columns 516 and 518 are scanned in pairs together.

The digits 1 to 9 and 0, P and D are then scanned in this way, and the audio cue for the fourth mode is of a third pitch.

Upon selection of a digit, the green diodes are extinguished and the stop/start indicator diodes are illuminated. At the same time the unit emits a given note to indicate that the digit selected has been saved. Further digit selections can be made to compile the complete telephone number. Selection of 'P' can effect a pause, and upon completion of the telephone number compilation, the lowermost position marked D is selected. To restart in the event that an error is made during the entering of digits, the stop/start position is selected.

Now that the various components of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 have been described in detail, a further principal of operation of the control unit 38 will be described. The manner in which it is effected is by appropriate programming of the circuitry as shown in Figure 5. Thus, the control unit 38 is programmed to operate cyclically through three different modes of operation, as illustrated in Figure 55. In the first mode 550, the control unit 38 is enabled for transmitting command signals and receiving corresponding answer-back signals. In the second mode 552, it is enabled to receive signals from the override unit, and also any answer-back signals which result from command signals issued by the override unit. In the third mode 554 of operation, it is enabled to receive message signals issued, for example, by the pendant alarm, or by the telephone ringing.The control unit 38 remains for a period of about 150 milli-seconds in any one mode before moving on to the next.

The second mode of operation routine is shown in Figure 23b. A check is made as to whether a message buffer in the control unit is present. If it is it is fetched, and a check is made as to whether the message is complete. If not, the buffer is checked until it does have a complete message, whereupon an error code is set to buffer empty".

The manner in which the buffer is filled is shown in Figure 23c. The routine ensures that characters are continually added to the existing message as received until the received message is complete.

In the unlikely event that more than one appliance transmits a message to the control unit 38 simultaneously, the control devices of each appliance can be programmed to transmit repeats of its message with respective different intervals over a given period of time. For example, the repeat rate for the intercom may be 2 seconds, the repeat rate for a mains fail sensor (not shown) may be 15 seconds, the repeat rate for the pendant alarm may be 5 seconds and the repeat rate for the telephone ringing message may be 1.8 seconds.

The modes of operation of the unit shown in Figure 51a can be effected also with the unit shown in Figures 2 to 4.

The control apparatus illustrated may be adapted to control operation of a wheelchair.

The control unit may be adapted to enable a single selection during a scan sequence to effect a plurality of commands simultaneously.

As regards the selection using a CPU, selections may be made of pages appearing on the screen. For example, the pages may be selected from a graphic on a master page, for example an icon of a telephone directory page. Selection of an icon of a telephone may be selected and a directory page selection of an individual graphic on this page may initiate the dialling sequence by the control unit for the number indicated by the selected icon.

b' :KY VlNl A VERSION 1 Six units to be available with the following features: 1) On/Off control of mains powered appliances 36 to be built.

2) Control of mains or battery powered appliances..9 to be built.

3) Alarm/Lock control.............................6 units to be built.

4) Control of telephone .......................... 6 units to be built.

Dial 10 numbers stored in PERSONA.

Assemble a non stored number.

Answer phone.

5) Full control of intercom 12 external, 12 internal and 6 user intercoms to be built.

6) Control of T.V. channel changer 6 units to be built.

7) High quality artificial speech C12 pre-recorded phrases configurable on site).

6 units to be built.

This is 75% essential.

8) Two room operation.

9) Family over-ride facility 6 units to be built.

This is 75% essential.

Appliances will have on/off,momentary, inct and latch modes of control.

"Momentary" output timing will be produceu in haraware if less than 2 secs.

If the user is in inch mode and the door or telephone rings he/she will stay in inch mode until he/she releases the switch.

T.V. auto out of standby will be provided.

Telephone control:- ringing detector is not provided.

remote control of line selze/release,dial,answer call,volume adjust and room selection, will be provided.

remote speech is desirable (50% essential).

Intercom :- remote speech is desirable (50% essential).

answer/ignore facility is 95% essential.

T.V. channel change:-two room facility is 75 essential.

learning mode will be available only to service engineers.

volume control will be provided (ramp mode).

mute will be provided.

at least 8 channel control will be possible.

Only single switch control will be provided.

Mains fail sensing is 75% essential.

A keyboard interface will be provided indirectly via a P.C. connected to a serial link. This will be used to configure the system.

Alarm control will be provided.

Door lock control will be provided.

A link to a communicator will be provided.

General notes: The case sizes and shapes are to be as close as possible to the ones expected to be used, but the main controller will have to be in a bought-in box similar to the one used for the demo for the Dept of Health).

The switch sends an "on" code when it is activated and another "middle" code 600mS later. This auto-repeats every 3 secs if the switch is still pressed.

The switch sends an "off" code when it is released.

This means for inch control PERSONA looks for an "off" code after a "middle" code. If it does not receive an "off" code or a repeated "middle" code within 3.5 secs it switches off automatically. This is a safety feature to ensure beds/chairs do not continue moving indefinately if the "off" code is missed.

This arrangrment allows inch and on/off control with low power consumption from the switch.It does,however, mean that the minimum "inch" time is 600mS.

IMPORTANT : Spare units to be made FOX VERSION 1 Six units to be available.

Family over-ride will be possible using a PERSONA family over-ride type unit.

If FOX gets out of sync. (display status is incorrect due to family over-ride intervention) this will be able to be corrected only by active intervention by the family or the user.

1) On/off, momentary, inch and latch control of mains powered appliances.

24 units to be built.

2) On/off, momentary, inch and latch control of battery powered appliances.

6 units to be built.

3) Alarm/lock control..............................6 units to be built 4) Control of telephone ...........................6 units to be built.

Dial numbers stored in LST9B.

Answer phone.

5) Control of intercom 6 external, 6 internal and 6 user intercoms to be built.

6) Control of T.V. channel changer 6 units to be built.

7) Two room operation.

8) Family over-ride facility 6 units to be built.

T.V. auto out of standby will be provided.

Telephone control:- ringing detector is not provided remote control of line seize/release,dial,answer call,volume adjust and room selection will be provided.

Intercom on/off control. User intercom with room selection capability.

T.V. channel change:-learning mode will be available only to service engineers.

volume control will be provided (ramp mode).

mute will be provided.

at least 8 channel control will be possible.

Alarm control.

Door lock control.

Tunstall telephone alarm control.

Single switch control using in-built switch or switch connected externally via a 3.5mm jack.

The unit will have up to 2 sets of LEDs ( one set for status, the other for scanning). Scanning will be like the SEC with a scan rate adjustable with a screw-driver from 0.5 secs - 5 secs.

Version 1 of FOX will be configured via a serial port on a P.c. using a header in FOX FOX has 12 codes associated with it. Records will be kept of FOX allocated codes at the factory. When a user wants a new peripheral device for his FOX to control it will be given the next one of the 12 codes.

IMPORTANT = Spare units 1 t E; t= be made p SO UA Version 2 General: - Where wiring is used it will be white.

All cases will be colour and style compatible.

Service engineers will have their own keyboard to allow system configuration.

This will be temporarily attachable to the keyboard socket underneath the PERSONA main unit.

Selling Prices: System that will replace SEC same price as SEC (2100 average) FOX (simple system) 1000 approx.

(Fox main unit approx. 400, appliance boxes apprpx. 80).

Environmental: All parts of the equipment will be fully functional over the temperature range o to +50 deg Celsius with the following exceptions: External intercoms Door lock controllers/buzzers Alarms Alarm controllers These will all operate over the temperature range -20 to +60 deg Celsius.

Safety and standards: The equipment will comply with the EEC EMC directive 89/886/EEC, EN601-1 part 1 and the IEE wiring regulations.

Battery back-up of the following functions will be provided: Intercom Door locks Telephone Steeper alarm systems Battery powered appliance controllers Switches PERSONA main unit Second display As the battery voltage in the main unit or the alarm controller falls, the ability to control alarm functions will be maintained long after low battery warnings have started.

Switches Switches will be radio linked to PERSONA using the same protocol as appliances, directly wired in or linked via infra red.

Switch input is bv 7 Din DIN InH ,nnvoneion) or q Emm nook Basic switch - radio link The basic switch will be operated by a sprung pad about 60 x 60 mm. It will be based around a micro-switch with a loud click to allow audible feedback of switch operation. It will also have tactile- feedback.The switch will be mounted in a box not much larger in area than the pad and not much thicker than the batteries used to power the circuit. These will be AA cells or a PP3 or smaller. The batteries must be easily obtainable by the public. They will last for 6 months or be re-chargeable. Audible low battery warning will be provided from the switch assembly.

The switch must be able to be fixed securely at any angle to a table or tubing but easily removable. Clamps to be unobtrusive and unobstructive.

A version of the switch will be available which contains no electronics. It only houses the micro-switch (a single pole change-over switch) and can be hard-wired to PERSONA using a 3 core cable.

It will be possible to attach different external switch actuators to the basic switch box using strong cable terminating in screw terminals with strain relief.

Switches will be splash and saliva resistant.

Switches will be reliable over a period of 2 million operations.

Adjustable actuation force is needed.

An infra red version of the radio switch will be available with the same mecanical and life specification.

Air switch: Herga or similar. Integrated saliva trap.

2 switch version needed one for suck one for blow. Two boxes can be stacked side by side. Mouthpiece with flexible stem. Usable with pressure bulb.

Tongue switch: Mechanical lever type.

Foot switch: Cannot be kicked out of position. Foot sized. Adjustable angle. Tactile feedback.

Chin switches: Need life test.

Attachable to wheelchair.

Plate needed to attach to flat surface.

Cheek switch: Attached to spectacle frame.

Finger switch: TASH will supply.

Eye switchest- EMG switches: Touch switches: Proportional inputs : - Head pointer.

Joystick.

Liberator.

Personality modules between general purpose board and switch socket will allow flexibility in choice of proportional input. The general board will have a basic A-D converter and the personality module provides a standard 0-5 volt output from any input.

Sianallina:- communication with peripheral devices is by a serial data link using R.F. This will use bought-in transmitters and receivers and operate at 419 MHz As soon as possible this will be re-designed by Steeper engineers and will operate at 47 MHz. The initial bought-in items will not allow speech transmission but the later Steeper design will.

The design of PERSONA will allow for change of R.F. signalling standards and frequencies to enable us to cope with changing standards and world wide variations.

Communication parameters The communication parameters are: Data rate : 4800 bits/ second Data bits : 8 Stop bits : 1 Parity : none Polling of devices is rejected due to delays that this would cause.Interleaving of data messages has been chosen.

Time Slots There are certain devices that must communicate information back to PERSONA.

Therefore PERSONA is not always in control of the transmission medium. Time slots are use to accommodate these devices without risk of data corruption (that would occur in the event of simultaneous transmission).

After PERSONA transmits a packet it will wait for at least two packet times u(two time slots) to allow other devices to reply. The first time slot is reserved for the family over-ride unit. The second slot is used by all of the other peripherals.

If, for example, the family over-ride had data to send it would wait for incoming data. If none was detected after two time slots it would transmit it's data. If incoming data was detected it would wait for it to finish and then transmit immediately (occupying the first time slot after PERSONA).

Time slot Time slot 1 2 ... PERSONA Family Peripheral PERSONA override s Devices which need to transmit data to PERSONA are: Intercom (button pressed) Mains fail sensor Pendant alarm Remote switch(es) Family over-ride Phone: ringing on hook off hook To allow the above to share the same frequency PERSONA will leave two "packet times', between transmissions. This will introduce a 300 mS delay to the response time of the system. This is small enough to be acceptable.

To reduce the chances of clashes in the improbable event of many of the devices which need to transmit to PERSONA doing so simultaneously, each will continue to transmit at aifferent repeat rates ( the more urgent ones more often).

Repeat rates will be: Intercom (button pressed) 2 secs Mains fail sensor..........................15 sensor 15 secs Pendant alarm ..............................6 6 secs Remote switch(es)...See basic switch section above Family over-ride No repeat Phone: ringing............................1.8 ringing l.s secs on hook...........,................1.8 hook s.8 secs off hook...........................1.8 hook 1.8 secs The pendant alarm is switched off automatically after 1 min.

Packet definition The format of each packet is:

S Addre Addre Addre Data Seq. CRC E T lss ss ss 8 bit No 8 bit T X MSB LSB 8 bit X The 24 bit address field allows for 16 million devices.

STX and ETX STX and ETX are ASCII characters for Start-of-Text and End-of-Text (hex 02 and 03 respectively). This scheme is used (rather than a fixed length packet) to provide a means of fast recovery if a byte is dropped during communication.

With a fixed length packet if data is lost during transmission it could be difficult to re-synchronise the system.

Address The 24 bit agwress field is sent most significant byte first. Each peripheral device has a unique address that is loaded at production time. PERSONA must be configured to send the correct address.If a device receiver gets an address that matches its pre-programmed address then the data field will be interpreted.

Data The data field is device dependant and may contain any 8 bit number.

Mains Switch The mains switch only has two commands: switch on and switch off. The command is sent in the data field of the above protocol.

B7-B1 : 1111111 so : 0 = on 1 = off PERSONA-Intercom commands The bit settings for the data field are: CONFIGURE = B7-B4: 0001 B3,B2: 00 Normal voice switched operation (Default) 01 Force to receive mode 10 Force to idle mode 11 Force to transmit mode B1 : o Attenuator range is 52dB (Default) 1 Attenuator range is 26dB B0 : o Microphone amplifier is active (Default) 1 Microphone amplifier is mute SET VOLUME = B7-B4: 0010 B3-B0: 0000 Maximum receive volume (Default) 1111 Minimum receive volume CONTROL = B7-B4: 0011 B1: o Disable audio transmitter (Default) 1 Enable audio transmitter B0: o Disable intercom (Power down) 1 Enable intercom (Default) Intercom - PERSONA commands TBD Alarm etc.

TBD Sequence number The sequence number ensures that only one copy of a message is interpreted.PERSONA may re-transmit the same message a number of times (e.g.

three) in order to improve the probability of reception. PERSONA should increment the sequence number field every time it sends a new message, but leave it constant for repeated messages. The peripheral uses the sequence number to determine whether the incoming message is the same as the previous message.This is important in applications such as the page turner, where correctly decoding the 3 repeats-would result in three pages being turned.

CRC (Cyclic redundancy code).

The CRc is used as an error check on the transmitted data. It is calculated on the whole packet excluding STX and ETX. At present the CRC is calculated as a check-sum. The error detection capability could be improved by using one of the CCITT polynomials.

The CRC is calculated on the whole packet excluding STX and ETX. At present the CRC is calculated as a check-sum. The error detection capability could be improved by using one of the CCITT polynomials.

CRC = sums3 address bytes + data byte + sequence no) modulus 256.

MAIN UNIT The main unit houses the LCD display with its built in electronics. This will have a contrast control knob for carer use.

An optional second display (for non-mobile users) will be provided. This will be a 12" monochrome monitor. If this display is left on and the user actuator switch is not used for more than one minute the display will be blanked out to save power ( pendant alarm actuation and incoming phone or intercom messages are an exception to this).

The possibility of being able to disconnect the PERSONA wheelchair display and mount it elsewhere will be investigated.

Two RS232C ports will be provided. One is available using a connector underneath the main unit, and the other is available internally for items such as touch sensitive screens.

An ISA expansion port will be provided.

The power input will be regulated +12v. This input will be filtered to eliminated load dumps and surges from wheelchair supplies. The input will be reverse polarity protected by a fuse / diode arrangement.

The following connectors will be provided:2 x DoH 7-pin DIN plug selectable.

2 x 3.5mm jack socket.

1 x DIN41612 type C 64-way plug (ISA expansion behind push-out panel).

1 x RGB video connector (DB15 sub-mini, same size as standard 9-way D).

1 x 1/4" jack mic socket.

1 x 25-pin D type plug (use sub-miniature? difficult for IDC)-2nd room.

1 x 12V power socket calculator style. Mechanically latched.

1 x 9-pin D type plug (serial port).

1 x PC-AT keyboard socket DIN.

1 x 2-pin DIN - for panic alarm switch input. 1 x 25 way D type socket (parallel port) (behind push-out panel).

Other fixings to case: Speaker - 66 mm diameter x 20 deep for the intercom system, mains fail warning, scan bleeps and switch operation confirmation tones.

LCD voltage inverter board (Steeper 100x55x20, bought-in 130x55x20).

On/off switch.

On/off status indicator (LED).

LCD contrast adjust control.

Recessed RESET switch (on back).

Attendant actuator switch.

1) C P U board Initially a bought in CPU card will be used. When time allows ( as soon as possible ) this will be changed to a Steeper designed board to keep costs down. The following specification applies to the Steeper designed board: The Main Controller board will be constructed on a single Eurocard size based PCB using a combination of DIP packages and surface mount technology as appropriate. The design will allow for a more complete migration to surface mount in the future when the design has been fully debugged and integrated.

The PCB will be multi-layer (approx 6) to simplify routing and will include a ground plane to limit susceptibility to EMI and fast transients. It is intended that the same type of CPU board will be used for the Main Controller and 2nd CPU to support communications, word processing etc. Certain features such as disk drive controllers which are not required by Persona (versions 1 and 2) are included as they form a part of highly integrated PC chip-sets.

It is easier to include them than not and the cost penalty is negligible.

The board will have the following main features: 386SX 25MHz processor (Intel or AMD).

lMbyte DRAM (expandable to 4MByte by soldering in extra memory).

lMbyte PROM (program storage).

256Kbyte SRAM (display memory).

VGA video output to LCD and CRT. Simultaneous display and software switching between displays will be supported.

2 x RS232C + PC compatible parallel port.

IDE Hard Disk Drive Interface.

Floppy Disk Drive Interface.

PC AT compatible keyboard interface.

Battery backed real-time clock.

Watchdog timer.

Speaker output.

PC AT bus expansion via vertical headers on top and under-side of PCB.

Operating system to support diskless embedded application but must be 100% PC compatible to enable use of 3rd party software.

2) General purpose board Contains circuitry for a range of functions, namely: 2Kbyte EEPROM (status data).

Power amplifier for intercom, bleeps alarm warning and artificial speech.

Pre amp for verbal user intercom and telephone.

Speech transmitters.

Data radio transmitter including alarm transmitter.

Data radio receiver.

Reset switch interface.

Panic switch interface.

Attendant switch interface.

Tilt switch interface to CPU 1.

5 user switch inputs, 2 x 5 switch outputs (5 to CPU 1,5 to CPU2).

Serial communication controller - sends codes to peripheral devices (uses UART or PIC).

Back up battery for pendant alarm, panic switch and re-boot data about status of devices prior to power fail (if needed).

Display output selector (one display for communications, the other display for environmental control and wheelchair).

Display selector. Provides the means of switching from the display in the main unit case and displays located in other rooms.

CRT driver electronics and selector.

Dual 8 bit A-D convertor for proportional input.

3) Audio board To be specified.

Allows 12 high quality phrases of 60 seconds total length to be recorded and played back. Each phrase may be any length. Recording may be done at users home and users/carers will be able to do this.

An EEPROM based alarm message system will be provided. This will dial a pre stored message and "speak" a message which can be recorded by the user or a member of his/her family at the installation/configuration stage. The recording process must be easy ( thinking of the world market) but not easy to accidentally erase.

Basic Infra Red Controller (BIRT) Learns and reproduces infra-red codes used by domestic appliances such as control of T.V. channels, volume, colour, brightness, contrast, Teletext, video recorder functions, I.R. controlled lights, Hi-Fi, I.R. curtains, satellite T.V.

BIRT is remote controlled by r.f. signals and looks like any other peripheral to PERSONA.

Multi room operation is possible by sending signals and power to a small other room relay containing a power stage and signal line interface. Control of this will be via the basic BIRT to eliminate the need for more r.f. receivers in each room.

For a wire free solution several BIRTs would be used.

BIRT can learn codes with widths as narrow as luS.

Programming of BIRT (learning I.R. codes) is done in conjunction with PERSONA or if BIRT is used with FOX it learns using a set of Leds and a switch which cannot be accidently accessed.

It is powered from the 12v bus, or an internal battery backed-up BS5724 supply.

Mains appliance boxes Two types will be provided: 1) A single version with a built in plug and socket. OKW type A90,20,165 is suitable. The socket will be mounted opposite the plug pins at the rear.

Note:- In situations where the house mains socket is close to a horizontal surface a single mains extension lead will be necessary.

2) A triple outlet box incorporating one r.f. receiver, one decoder with three outputs and one power supply. Mains connection will be via a 1 meter lead.

If more than three mains outlets are required two of these items will be used and connected, if necessary by a mains multi adaptor.

These items will have a red indicator to show that the device is plugged into a live mains socket and further red indicators to show that the appliance outlet is selected and live.

Continental and USA (110 volt,60 Hz) versions will be available.

The colour is to match the rest of Persona.

These items will be controllable by family over-ride and FOX.

Appliances controller This allows control of battery or mains powered appliances,locks and alarms.

Examples of equipment using this are: Beds/chairs Page turners Feeding arms curtains Door openers may need battery back-up Tunstall telephone alarm may need battery back-up Battery radios Provision is made for a 5 pin DIN socket into which users can plug their normal chair hand control to work in parallel with PERSONA.

This item consists of a radio receiver, a decoder with 4 outputs and up to four single pole changeover relays with 240v 5A contacts. It is powered from the 12v bus, or an internal battery backed-up BS5724 supply.

Intercom The intercom is designed to be suitable for use by verbal or non verbal people.

It will be a half duplex system. This means that the caller will press the button to speak and release it to listen. Visual indicators will be provided to show the condition of the system to make it clear to the caller what to do.

Viz: a) Call (symbol) b) Talk (symbol) c) Listen (symbol) State diagram: Intercom off Press button Intercom sends command to PERSONA Start one second buzz PERSONA turns buzzer on (background task) Option to ignore Turn intercom off (direct command) User can speak PERSONA turns buzzer off one second later (background task) Release button User can speak Press button Caller can speak Release button Cancel intercom Speech quality is particularly important.The SEC1B intercom standard of quality and volume is adequate as an example.

There gwll be up to four internal and four external intercoms.

External intercoms will have an illuminated nameplate showing users name and clear instructions visible in low ambient light conditions. It will be reasonably vandal proof. Care will be taken to ensure access to lock control power will not be available without use of special tools. Each intercom is to be individually selectable and to have individual call tones only coming from the selected item.

The external intercom will be automatically cancelled when the outer door lock times out or 3 minutes after the call button was last pressed whichever comes first.

The external intercom will provide an (optional) buzz tone when the associated door lock is energised.

Internal and user intercoms also provide mains fail warning tones.

Telephone The PERSONA telephone system will be built around the LST9B loudspeaking full duplex telephone.

Provision will be made for verbal and non-verbal users.

A microphone plugs into the PERSONA main unit and speech from the user is sent from there to a telephone interface unit situated near the LST9B. This contains a radio receiver whose output feeds into the LST9B Mic socket.

The interface unit also contains a circuit to sense ringing,line seized and on hook and to relay this information via radio to PERSONA.

It will also decode and deal with dial, line seize, volume control, and room selection signals from PERSONA.

Speech from the line to the user will be heard from the LST9B or an extension box as appropriate. It will not be sent by a radio link.

A minimum of 30 stored 16 digit numbers will be provided.

The method of storing telephone numbers in PERSONA by user or family will be clear and simple.

A small microphone will be used (smaller than the one used for the LST9B at present but more uni-directional if possible).

The ability to link to Mercury Telecoms will be provided.

Door openers and locks The system will control up to four door locks and openers.

These can also be operated from outside the home.

A key will be provided for other users.

Audible indication of lock opening will be provided by buzzing the external intercom.

More than one lock may be controlled either by wiring them in parrallel or by using more than one lock controller.

Alarm svstems Alarm systems will include dial emergency number, klaxon and flashing lights.

Access to the alarm system will be available from all parts of premises and gardens to which the user has access.

As well as the alarm used on SEC (B12836) a quieter (adjustable volume) version is required.

See Audio board (main unit) for details of telephone based alarm.

Pendant alarms Pendant alarms give rise to special problems viz: Pendant alarms should be able to work long after everything else has failed due to battery discharge. Indeed if the PERSONA main unit has been switched off it is desirable for the pendant alarm to work. However there is a requirement for an option to provide a delay between alarm trigger siognals and alarm actuation to allow cancelation of the alarm.

The way this will be implemented is that codes are transmitted from the pendant every 6 secs and continue for 60 secs. The alarm control unit will incorporate a 2 sec.delay before the alarm is sounded when it receives the pendant code. During this 2 sec. period PERSONA will recognise the pendant code and will be able to prevent the alarm sounding by sending another code to the alarm controller.

Hence if PERSONA is switched off or its battery has failed the cancel code will not be sent so the alarm responds to the pendant.

If PERSONA is configured to allow alarm cancellation and this has -been selected no more codes will be sent after the cancel code sent during the 2 sec. period. If the option to cancel is avaiable but has not been selected, or the time available to cancel has elapsed PERSONA sends a command to turn the alarm on.

Note that if the pendant alarm is cancelled it cannot be re-triggered for one minute.

Power supply Power requirements : - MAIN UNIT: CPU+VGA General Audio board board +5v 600mA 250mA 250mA? depends on memory type.

+12v - l50mA 100mA LCD and backlight board.

This will be a small board not mounted on the mother board to supply backlight power and LCD drive supplies.

Initially this will be a bought-out item.

+5v 250mA 0 to -24v 80mA 200 to 600v rms sinusoidal at 25-40kHz (120mA max 1500v max) (derived from +12v supply) BIRT +5v 150mA +12v 50mA DOOR LOCKS +12v 1A (0.25 watts average) ALARM BELLS +12v 1A (0.5 watts average) APPLIANCE CONTROLLER +12v 1.8 watts INTERCOMS 0.6 watts TELEPHONE INTERFACE 0.6 watts A separate 24v to 12v convertor will be used for wheelchair users.

BUS POWER SUPPLY The system input will be 12v from a mains power supply if needed.

After a mains failure there will be a fast charge system to recharge the batteries used in the system. This applies to ALL rechargeable batteries.

Housed within the Bus power supply and within another mains monitoring unit (to be provided if a bus power supply is not used) will be a mains fail sensor which transmits a signal to PERSONA. These mains fail signals will be unique to each mains fail sensor to allow for local mains fail in institutions.

In the case of the bus power supply there will also be a sensor which monitors the battery voltage.

If the mains fails (or the battery voltage drops) the following occurs: 1) A mains fail flag appears on the display.

and 2) A bleep sounds on the user and internal intercoms.When the intercom first bleeps there will be a 5 sec delay before the alarm controller s activated. This offers the option to cancel the alarm before it sounds.

PERIPHERAL UNITS All peripheral units will use either:1) A 12v input from a mains power unit which feeds a 12v bus.

2) An external power unit complying with BS5724, BS6301 and BS415 supplying power to an internal back-up battery.

Family over-ride Family over-ride allows family members as well as the PERSONA users to have control of appliances.

It uses membrane or calculator type switches and is configurable to suit individual circumstances. Both the number and designation of switches can be altered to suit.

The family over-ride controller will send status information when the PERSONA R.F. is detected ( PERSONA has come home) or every 5 minutes (selectable by a switch within the family over-ride unit). There will be a "force update" button on the family over-ride unit. When the family over-ride control is in range of PERSONA this will update the PERSONA status display.

It will use rechargeable batteries and will be able to be easily dropped onto a recharge cradle (unless primary cells last 4 months in normal use.) Audible low battery voltage warning will be provided.

Display An LCD display will be fitted in the main unit.

An optional second display for non mobile users will be available. This could be a 12" monochrome monitor.

A second room display will also be provided ( hard wired using IDC ribbon (screened)). The 2nd room display will incorporate data line receiver buffers and interface electronics to suit the display type used; it could be a 12" monochrome monitor or an LCD.

Displays will be blanked out after one minute if no switch input occurs, to save power. Displays will be turned back on as soon as switch operation is detected.

They will have their own battery backed up power supplies.

FOX Version 3 As version 2 except conf gu ab b PERSONA VERSION 3 Enhancements: Door lock or opener control by family members using remote over-ride type arrangement or coded keypad. Security is an important issue here.

security against other r.f. users learning the unlock door code will be provided by code encryption (version 3) MAIN UNIT Hard disc or ROH disk for communication software.

2 serial ports (COH1 COH2) are needed for bought in communication software and a third one (CON41 for SAW (Software access windows).

Dolphin software is known not to work with some BIOS, but does work with AHI BIOS. Investigation needed.

uAs well as the mother board, the general purpose board and the Audio board three other options will be provided: A second CPU for bought-in communication software.

Speech recognition added to the audio board.

A wheelchair control and track guidance board.

There will be provision for a door video camera system to be integrated. This could be a slow update system. This would allow vulnerable users to ensure that it is safe to allow entry to callers.

A colour monitor will be available for word processing and communication.

Parallel printer output.

Mouse using RS232C port.

Proportional input .............standards.......... ? Infra red control Control of Teletext Video timer programming Infra red printer control Infra red keyboard control (bought in) Infra red mouse control (bought in) Infra red modem control (bought in) Infra red joysticks/ tracker balls (bought in) Infra red expansion socket......... why?..... details...

Additional power requirements: Wheel chair 2nd CPU Hard disk board +5v 100mA 500mA 750mA General purpose board: Additional circuits for radio transmitter/receiver for intercom speech and out-going (user) telephone audio using sub carrier at 47 MUz.

Display demodulator and mixer for door camera video.

Touch screen input interface.

Hodem interface.

Display Monitor colour option. It can also be bigger.

Software control of contrast.

Switches A touch screen input will be provided.

PERSONA SOFIWARE REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION " ' DKL Issue L 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This specification describes the simple PERSONA system catering for users with the following characteristics: Reading ability Non hesitant (Phase 2 allows for hesitant users) Single screen (per room) Verbal and non verbal Fig. 1 shows a typical set of items to control.

2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL A) DESCRIPTION 2.1 The function of the Environmental Control is to operate domestic appliances, select alarms, receive and connect telephone calls, enable the user to communicate via intercoms and open doors. Two room use is catered for.

2.2 PERSONA can be configured to suit individual requirements.

One of the items shown in Fig.l can be selected by using the user switch which controls a scanning selection method chosen to suit the user.

2.3 Referring to Fig.l we can see that most of the display is divided into four rows and six columns which divide the screen into "cells".

3 Status box Status information of appropriate items is displayed at the top of the menu page. Six status boxes are available. They are allocated to the following Starting from left and going right. Alarm, Phone, Intercom, Lock, Batt. low, Mains fail.

3.1 Alarm and power fail status is indicated by an indicator flashing on and off once every second (i.e. on for 0.5 sec off for 0.5 sec.) for 30 secs. After the 30 sec period the status boxes stop flashing but status information stays true. The only exception is warden alarm systems (see section 13.3).

4 Messaae line There is a "message line" below the status line. This is usually an instruction or a piece of information.

When the message line is used to make a choice (for example, when the telephone rings, the message line says: ANSWER PHONE? YES IGNORE and PERSONA scans between YES and IGNORE) the choices are scanned by changing the selectable item to inverse video.

These questions and choice scans are always right justified.

Information is left justified.

5 Scanning Methods 5.1 For phase 1, one switch control, pnly, will be available. Phase 2 will allow two switch control.

In phase 1 of the project scanning will be available by scanning each item individually ("linear" scanning) and by column / row scan.

Appropriate unoccupied parts of the menu page are not scanned.

For phase 2 selection can be configured to be by convergent block scanning. If convergent block scanning is used, appropriate unoccupied parts of the menu page are not scanned.

5.2 Scan initiation: When the selector is activated, the scan cell column, or block is surrounded; on release of the switch the scanning process starts.

After response to a message line or cell selection there is an option for scanning either to start automatically or when a switch operation occurs.

5.3 Blank cells can be configured to be "scannable blanks". They are scanned like other cells and when selected result in scan reset but initiate no outputs. Non scannable blanks are skipped during scan and are not selectable.

5.4 Sleep after release: A "sleep after release" delay is provided. This means that after switch release, no further switch depressions are acknowledged by PERSONA for a period (configurable from 0 - 3 secs., default 1 sec.).

5.5 Scanning rate: Scanning rate is adjustable from 1/4 to 10 seconds (default 1.5 sec.).

5.6 Flyback delay: "Flyback delay" will be provided. This means that after scanning has moved to a non adjacent cell at the top of a column or if the extreme left hand column is scanned there will be a configurable delay (0 5 secs., default 0.25 sec.). The cell will be surrounded by the scan block during this period. Flyback delay is in addition to normal scan time. Selection is possible during flyback delay.

6 single Switch Control A single switch controls both scan and selection.

7 Two Switch Control (Phase 2) Three types of control are provided: a One switch is used to start and stop scanning. The second switch is used to make selections. Flybaak delay can be provided.

b Pressing one switch enables scanning Releasing it freezes scanning. The second switch is used to make selections. Flyback delay can be provided.

c One switch is used to perform scanning by repeatedly operating the switch. The second switch makes selections.

7.1 User controller: To save confusion the concept of "user controller" must be introduced.

If a user needs only one switch to control scanning and selection that switch is referred to as a "user controller".

If he/she needs two switches used in combination to control scanning and selection those switches are also referred to as a "user controller".

7.2 Scan cycles: If no selection is made from any menu page within 1 - 5 full scan cycles (configurable, with a default of 3), the scanning will stop until the selector user controller is operated.

8 Room Selection In this context "Room Selection" refers not to switching display screens on, but to selection of what appears on the menu page.

Room selection can be initiated by: Room change symbol Cradle change User controller activation A change in room selection will initiate polling of the status of mains controlled appliances in all areas.

The message line identifies which room is available to be controlled.

This information is maintained at all times unless interrupted by other messages or message line choices.

When room selection is by means of the "change room" symbol, this symbol turns to inverse video for 2 secs. before a new menu page appears.

8.1 Appliance room selection Each menu page may show a different range of appliances although some items in one room can be controlled from another. For example all the appliances except the curtains might be in the living room. The curtains could be in a front room. Control of "other room' appliances can be dangerous and choices must be made carefully.

PERSONA will display the appropriate appliances for the selected room since PERSONA 1,knows" which room the user is in (see section 9).

8.2 Telephone room selection Each menu page can be configured to be associated with either Main or Extension on the telephone. When an incoming telephone call is answered or when an outgoing call is dialled the appropriate telephone selection code is transmitted to the telephone interface unit.

(NOTE: Carers can temporarily over-ride PERSONA's selection, by using the buttons on the LST9B.) 8.3 Intercom room selection For early versions where the user intercom is not mobile, each room that the user may be in needs a user intercom. Each menu page can be configured to be associated with any user intercom. When an incoming intercom call is answered or when an outgoing intercom call is made the appropriate intercoms are activated.

9 Displays 9.1 Second room displays A display extension can be connected. Alternatively one PERSONA can be moved to different cradles.

9.2 Two remote user controllers which are not movable: To cope with the situation where two remote user controllers are used and are not movable, PERSONA can be configured such that operation of one user controller will activate the associated display and menu page.

9.3 Fixed displays. Users are mobile: To cope with the situation where users have fixed displays, but the users themselves are mobile, room selection must be made from the menu page. Both displays must respond to user controller use all the time.

9.4 User is mobile, PERSONA moves with him To cope with the situation where a user is mobile and PERSONA moves with him, a room change symbol is provided. When selected the next menu page appears.

9.5 Fixed cradles Where there are fixed cradles the cradle identifies automatically the menu page required.

9.6 Power down.

The displays will blank out 30 - oo secs. (configurable) after: user controller activity has ceased. Output activity, if it is Bistable or Hold, or if Monostable and the Monostable timer has timed out (see section 12.1), will have the same effect. If the mains has failed this will become 30 secs (not configurable).'.

10 Telephone 10.1 Telephone - General The telephone can only dial pre-stored numbers.

The symbols associated with the telephone facility are the stored numbers, a telephone symbol and phone volume.

Neither the phone symbol nor phone volume are selectable unless a call is in progress or the phone is ringing. The scan resets but no output changes occur.

The phone status is shown as PHONE when the phone line is seized.

Phone Vol - toggles phone volume Auto mute is configurable on dial and answer 10.2 Telephone Phrases Phrases may be identified by abbreviations consisting of two lines of up to six characters each or by pictograms if preferred.

To change phrases or abbreviations, see Configuration Section.

10.3 Dialling - Verbal user The user selects a pre-stored phone number.

Either: The cell and the phone symbol cell go to inverse video and the number is dialled. The stored number cell (only) stays in inverse video for 2 secs. The phone status box displays PHONE.

or: (Phase 2) The message line says: DIAL RESCAN DIAL (as above) RESCAN - scanning restarts and the selected cell reverts to normal video 10.4 Dialling - Non verbal user The user selects a pre-stored phone number.

or: (phase 2) The message line says: DIAL RESCAN DIAL - The stored number is dialled and the cell symbol stays in inverse video.

The message line changes to: DO YOU WANT TO CHOOSE A PHRASE? YES NO YES - scanning restarts to allow phrase choice.

When a phrase is selected the message line displays as much as possible of the phrase and the right hand end scans: DIAL RESCAN DIAL - dials the number, the stored number selection cell reverts to normal video and the telephone symbol goes to inverse video. The phone status box displays PHONE. The message line says: SPEAK RESCAN SPEAK - the phrase is outputted. No screen or message change. Scanning between SPEAK RESCAN continues.

RESCAN - scanning resumes NO - dials the number. The stored number selection cell reverts to normal video and the telephone symbol goes to inverse video. The phone status box displays PHONE.

RESCAN - the scanning resumes 10.5 Answering the telephone - Verbal users When the phone rings, provided the user is not controlling an item configured as a non interruptible item such as a bed, chair page turner or curtain, the message line changes and says: ANSWER PHONE? YES IGNORE. PERSONA scans between YES and IGNORE. This scan continues until: either) the phone stops ringing - the message line returns to its condition before interruption or) YES IGNORE selection is made Selection of IGNORE (or YES) cancels the message line.

(If IGNORE was selected the user can select the phone symbol which will answer the call (assuming the phone is still ringing) and change to inverse video.

Selection of YES answers the call and puts the phone symbol into inverse video. The phone status box displays PHONE If the user was controlling a moving item the message line prompt ANSWER, PHONE? YES IGNORE appears after movement of the item has ceased.

Cancelling the phone is by selecting the phone symbol which reverts to normal video. The phone status box goes blank.

10.6 Answering the Telephone - Non Verbal Users The response to incoming telephone calls is the same as for verbal users, except that if a standard phrase output has been configured to be available when answering the phone, selection of YES from the choice ANSWER PHONE? YES IGNORE results in as much as possible of the phrase being displayed on the message line followed by the choice SPEAK RESCAN.

RESCAN - scanning restarts SPEAK - phrase is outputted. The SPEAK RESCAN option is retained on the message line 11 Intercoms 11.1 Intercoms - General Only one internal or one external intercom can be on at any one time.

"One intercom' can mean one group of intercoms all working in parallel.

This means that there will be a priority clash if one intercom is in use at the same time as another intercom button is pushed. Under these circumstances, the user will hear the intercom call tone and if the user selects the new intercom the one formerly in use will be automatically de-selected.

11.2 The status of the intercom system is shown in the status box. A selected intercom cell is shown in inverse video.

11.3 There is no distinction between "Internal" and "External" intercoms.

11.4 The intercom may be de-selected automatically when a door lock timer times out. (See section 12.11) 11.5 Auto mute is configurable on call answering and call initiation. 'Y1 11.6 Call tones: When a call is initiated by somebody other than the user, the user is alerted by a call tone. Each intercom is configured with one of

call tones to enable the user to identify the calling intercom.

Repeated pressing of the intercom button results in repeat call tones.

11.7 Instant speak: A configurable option (phase 2) is "instant speak. This means that the caller can speak immediately without the user selecting the intercom, and removes the need for a call tone. Call tone and instant speak are configurable for each intercom in the system.

11.8 When an intercom button is pressed the intercom emits a confirmatory tone of any arbitrary pitch.

11.9 When PERSONA calls an intercom there is an intercom call tone from the called intercom. Its duration is 2 sec.

11.10 Intercom call tones are identified by a "call tone pitch code" (1 - 8) Pitch code 1: 220 Hz Pitch code 2: 300 Hz Pitch code 3: 425 Hz Pitch code 4: 590 Hz Pitch code 5: 820 Hz Pitch code 6: 1140 Hz Pitch code 7: 1580 Hz Pitch code 8: 2200 Hz 11.11 User Intercom Call Initiation (Verbal) a) Non parallel intercoms: The user selects an intercom cell to initiate an intercom conversation. The cell goes to inverse video for 2 secs while the intercom call tone is being applied to the called intercom. When an intercom call is answered the intercom sends a signal back to PERSONA and the intercom cell is highlighted until the call is cancelled by the user by de-selecting the cell or selecting a new intercom (see above).

b) Parallel intercoms: The user selects an intercom cell to initiate an intercom conversation. All the intercoms that are in a parallel group emit a call tone. (Note that some are configured not to emit a call tone if, for example they are outside the front door.) The cell goes to inverse video for 2 secs while the intercom call tones are being applied. When an intercom call is answered the intercom sends a signal back to PERSONA and the intercom cell is highlighted. If another intercom button is pressed a call tone is heard by the user and he is given the ANSWER IGNORE option in the message line. The call is cancelled by the user by de-selecting the cell or selecting a new intercom (see above).

11.12 User Intercom Call Initiation (Non Verbal) Selection of an intercom will result in either 11.12.1 a) Non parallel intercoms: The user selects an intercom cell to initiate an intercom conversation. The cell goes to inverse video for 2 secs while the intercom call tone is being applied to the called intercom.

Scanning re-starts (unless the system is configured such that switch actuation is needed to start scan).

When an intercom call is answered the intercom sends a signal back to PERSONA and the intercom cell is highlighted until the call is cancelled by the user by de-selecting the cell or selecting a new intercom (see above).

11.12.2 b) Parallel intercoms: The user selects an intercom cell to initiate an intercom conversation. All the intercoms that are in a parallel group emit a call tone. (Rote that some are configured not to emit a call tone if, for example they are outside the front door.) The cell goes to inverse video for 2 secs while the intercom call tones are being applied.

When an intercom call is answered the intercom sends a signal back to PERSONA and the intercom cell is highlighted. If another intercom button is pressed a call tone is heard by the user and he is given the ANSWER IGNORE option in the message line. The call is cancelled by the user by de-selecting the cell or selecting a new intercom (see above).

or: (phase 2): The message line says: DO YOU WANT TO CHOOSE A PHRASE? YES NO and PERSONA scans between YES and NO NO - The procedure described in sections 11.12.1, 11.12.2 above starts.

YES - Rescanning starts to allow a phrase to be selected.

When a phrase is selected the phrase pictogram is highlighted, the message line displays as much as possible af the phrase and at the end of the message line is the choice: CALL TONE RESCAN CAM. TONE - sends the call tone. The procedure described in sections 11.12.1, 11.12.2 above starts.

The message line changes to: SPEAK RESCAN.

PERSONA scans between SPEAK and RESCAN.

SPEAK - the phrase is outputted. No screen change or message line change.

RESCAN - scanning recommences RESCAN - scanning recommences 11.13 Answering intercoms. Verbal users When the external or internal intercom buttons are depressed by a caller, provided the user is not controlling an item configured as non interruptible such as a bed, chair page turner or curtain, PERSONA will put a message on the message line saying for example: BEDROOM INTERCOM. ANSWER IGNORE. PERSONA will scan between ANSWER and IGNORE.

Note this does not apply to "instant speak". If instant speik~is configured, the message line displays the information about which intercom button is being pressed as long as the button is held or 2 seconds, whichever is longer.

ANSWER - switches on the intercom and the appropriate intercom symbol turns to inverse video. Auto-mute is configurable. No call tone is sent to the intercom.

The message line is deleted.

IGNORE - deletes the message on the message line and returns the user to normal scanning If the user selected IGNORE, he can select the Intercom Symbol to turn the intercom on.

11.14 Answering intercoms non verbal users As with verbal users, when the intercom buttons are depressed by a caller, provided the user is not controlling moving items such as beds, chairs, page turners and curtains, PERSONA will put a message on the message line saying for example: BEDROOM INTERCOM. ANSWER IGNORE. PERSONA will scan between ANSWER and IGNORE.

ANSWER either: The intercom is switched on. The appropriate symbol goes to inverse video.

or: (Phase 2) Turns the intercom on. The appropriate symbol goes to inverse video. No call tone is sent to the intercom.

If auto phrase is configured as much of the auto phrase is displayed on the message line. (Each intercom can be configured to have this phrase available to it.) At the right hand end of the message line is a scan between SPEAK and RESCAN SPEAK - phrase is outputted, message line unchanged.

RESCAN - allows rescanning Auto-mute is configurable.

IGNORE - deletes the message on the message line and returns the user to normal scanning If the user selected IGNORE, hefcan select the Intercom Symbol to turn the intercom on.

12 Appliances 12.1 Each appliance can be controlled in one of the following ways: T) Toggle control PERSONA outputs an on code on selection of the cell (cell goes to inverse video and scan resets) and an off code when the cell is deselected (cell reverts to normal video and scan resets).

B) Bistable control with optional over-ride timer and/or optional inch mode PERSONA outputs an on code on selectionjof the cell (cell goes to inverse video but scan does not reset) and an off code when the switch is used again (cell reverts to normal video and scan resets).

Over-ride timer: A timer option is available as an over-ride stop (0 - razz seconds) for safety reasons. At the end of the time period an off code is sent to the appliance controller, the cell reverts to normal video and the scan is reset. If a status box was indicating status, this turns blank.

Inch timer: When the appliance has been de-selected, an off code is sent to the appliance controller. If the switch is re-pressed within a period (configurable from 0 - 5 secs) the appliance will be activated again.

While the inch delay timer is running, the relevant selection box stays in inverse video.

The inch.mode timer starts after the sleep after release time period.

If the user controller is held down during the sleep after release period and is still being held when the sleep after release period is over, activation of the device being controlled is not possible until the user controller has been released and re-pressed.

H) Output active while switch held with optional over-ride timer and/or optional inch mode PERSONA outputs an on code on selection of the cell (cell goes to inverse video but scan does not reset) and an off code when the switch is released (cell reverts to normal video and scan resets).

Over-ride timer: See above Inch timer: See above N) Monostable mode PERSONA outputs an on code on selection of the cell (cell goes to inverse video for 2 sec minimum or for the timer duration and the scan resets immediately) and an off code at end of timer period (if greater than 2 sec). PERSONA outputs delete flonlyn an on code add and a code to define the monostable time t}eriod if the time is less than 2 secs.

The cell reverts to normal video at the end of the timer period or after 2 secs whichever is greater.

The timer period is 0-180 seconds.

PERSONA carries out timings from 2 - 180 sec.

PERSONA's timer can be re-set by de-selection.

Timings from 0 - 2 secs are done in hardware and are not resetable.

N) No output This applies to scannable blanks. (see section 5.3) 12.1.1 Handshake On and off codes are acknowledged by controllers. If the ackowledge code is not received by PERSONA the message line says: DEVICE NOT RESPONDING for 3secs. The selected cell goes to normal video.

12.2 Television Control The following options are available: T.V. either: a)Turns the television on or off at the mains supply.

(Toggle mode) b) To turn the television on it is controlled by a mains appliance unit in toggle mode. A T.V. out of standby infra red pulse is sent 2 secs later using BIRT in monostable mode.

To turn the T.V. off the mains appliance unit is toggled off. BIRT is not used.

c) Takes the T.V in and out of standby using BIRT.

Mute - mutes or restores the T.V. sound.

Vol t - when selected, the T.V. volume increases.

Vol + - when selected, the T.V. volume decreases.

For Vol t and Vol , the increment or decrement rate is once every 0.5 - 5 sec (configurable, default 1 sec).

Ch 1 - 50 - selects T.V. channels.

t Ch - The channels will increment.The increment rate is once every 0.5 - 5 sec (default 2.5 sec).

The message line says: USE SWITCH TO STOP CHANNEL CHANGE (phase 2) + Ch - The channels will decrement.The decrement rate is once every 0.5 - 5 sec (default 2.5 sec).

The message line says: USE SWITCH TO STOP CHANNEL CHANGE (phase 2) Where appropriate, functions that have been choosen are indicated on the message line (Phase 2) 12.3 Video control If Video control is selected the VCR is taken out of standby.

The following options are available: Video - Takes the VCR in and out of standby and sends a code to tune the T.V. to the video when it is taken out of standby.

If PLAY, RECORD, FF or REW were selected, STOP is sent 0.5 secs. before the Video is put into standby.

Play - Puts the video into Play mode. Sends a code to tune the T.V. to the video.

F F - Puts the video into Fast Forward mode.

Rew - Puts the video into Rewind mode.

Fast forwards and rewind can only be selected by one of two pictograms each. For fast forwards, these are VIDEO FF or a video picture with > > . For rewind they are VIDEO REW or a video picture with .

This is to ensure that PERSONA can identify these two special functions.

When play is not selected and fast forwards or rewind are, the output type is toggle (T). However when play is also active subsequent selection of these results in bistable (B) output type.

If FF or REW are selected in PLAY mode, the next user controller operation will send the PLAY code.

Ch 1 - 50 - selects VCR channels.

t Ch - The channels will increment at the same rate as the T.V. t Ch The message line says: USE SWITCH TO STOP CHANNEL CHANGE (phase 2) + Ch - The channels will decrement.The decrement rate is once every 0.5 - 5 sec (default 1.5 sec).

The message line says: USE SWITCH TO STOP CHANNEL CHANGE (phase 2) Record - Puts the video into Record mode.

STOP is achieved by de-selection of PLAY FF REW RECORD or VIDEO.

When a new selection is made from PLAY, FF, REW or RECORD earlier selections are cancelled. There 'is one exception. Play is not deselected by FF or REW.

12.4 Tape Control The following options are available: Tape either: a)Turns the tape on or off at the mains supply, (Toggle mode) b) To turn the tape on it is controlled by a mains appliance unit in toggle mode. A tape out of standby infra red pulse is sent 2 secs later using BIRT in monostable mode.

To turn the tape off the mains appliance unit is toggled off. BIRT is not used.

c) Takes the tape in and out of standby using BIRT.

Play FF Rew Vol t - Same as T.V. volume Vol + - Same as T.V. volume Mute - Mutes or restores the sound.

The STOP code is sent immediately prior to PLAY, FF or REW.

When a new selection is made from PLAY, FF or REW earlier selections from among these will be cancelled.

12.5 Radio Control The following options are available: Radio either: a)Turns the radio on or off at the mains supply.

(Toggle mode) b) To turn the radio on it is controlled by a mains appliance unit in toggle mode. A radio out of standby infra red pulse is sent 2 secs later using BIRT in monostable mode.

To turn the radio off the mains appliance unit is toggled off. BIRT is not used.

c) Takes the radio in and out of standby using BIRT.

Mute - Mutes or restores the sound.

Vol t - Same as T.V. volume.

Vol + - Same as T.V. volume.

MW - Medium waveband selection FM - FM waveband selection Band t - Sequences through wavebands. Same rate as T.V.

channel sequence. The waveband is shown in the message line.

Tune t - Starts tuning scan. (An alternative configur ble option is to select a series of pre-tuned stations.) The channel will increment until the required channel is selected. The increinent rate is once every 0.5 5 sec (configurable, default 1.5 sec).

Ch 1 - 50 - selects Radio channels.

12.6 CD Player Control The following options are available: CD either a)Turns the CD on or off at the mains supply. (Toggle mode) b) To turn the CD on it is controlled by a mains appliance unit in toggle mode. A CD out of standby infra red pulse is sent 2 secs later using BIRT in monostable mode.

To turn the CD off the mains appliance unit is toggled off, BIRT is not used.

c) Takes the CD in and out of standby using BIRT.

Vol t - Same as T.V. volume.

Vol + - Same as T.V. volume.

Play Skip up - Skips one track per skip code sent and starts playing the next one (Auto repeat, bistable mode would be appropriate) Pause 12.6.1 Hi Fi Control This is needed where any combination of Tape, Radio and CD are connected to one amplifier.

Hi Fi either a)Turns the Hi Fi on or off at the mains supply.

(Toggle mode) b) To turn the Ri Fi on it is controlled by a mains appliance unit in toggle mode. A Ei Fi out of standby infra red pulse is sent 2 secs later using BIRT in monostable mode.

To turn the Ei Fi off the mains appliance unit is toggled off. BIRT is not used.

c) Takes the Hi Fi in and out of standby using BIRT.

12.7 Chair Control The following options are available: Sit up Lie Down Feet up Feet down 12.8 Bed Control The following options are available: Head up Head down Feet up Feet down 12.9 Curtain Control The following options are available: Curtain Open Close 12.10 Page Turner Control Only QED page turners are to be controlled.

The cell will be called BOOK 12.11 Door Locks Locks are controlled in the way described in section 12.1 (M). The lock cell is in inverse video while the lock is energised. While the lock timer is running the lock can be de-selected. When the lock is de-energised, if the associated intercom was on the intercom is switched off and both the intercom and lock cells revert to normal video.

13 Alarms 13.1 The alarm will usually be placed in the top left hand cell and may be selected in the same way as any other item.

13.2 The emergency alarm is operated by selecting the alarm cell which will set off the alarm after a delay of 0 - 20 seconds (configurable).

During the 0 - 20 second delay period the user will be able to cancel the alarm. This condition is indicated. by a flashing alarm symbol and a tone. The tone will be 6dB quieter than the scan tones. The message line says: TO CANCEL ALARM, USE SWITCH. During this delay period all scanning is suspended.

This is higher priority than any other use of the message line; e.g.

telephone or intercom calls are ignored.

13.3 The alarm status indicator can be configured to reset after 1 minute and/or after it has been de-selected. This option is to allow for warden systems with momentary contact operation by PERSONA, which are de-selected by warden controlled push buttons.

The following alarm types are available together or individually: SIREN AUTO DIAL WARDEN CARS NURSE TUNSTALL AUTO DIAL and TUNSTALL will result in the phone line release code being sent prior to activation starting to ensure the phone line is available.

13.4 Because of special requirements associated with pendant alarms there will be a 2 second delay between PERSONA transmitting "alarm off codes and the alarm sounding.

14. Mains or Batterv Power Failure 14.1 In the event of mains failure, the indication "Mains Fail" will appear in the right hand status box. This will flash once on for one sec. and off for one sec. for 30 seconds to warn the user that power has failed. An audio sound (bleep) will also be present for 30 seconds. After the 30 second period, the bleep and flashing will stop but the status information remains.

14.2 When the battery voltage gets low (9 volts) the "Batt low" status indicator flashes on for 0.5 secs. and off for 0.5 secs. for 5 secs.

This warning repeats every 2 mins.

14.3 If the mains has not failed but the battery fails (e.g. if the battery fuse blows) the battery low indicator will respond as in section 14.2 above.

B ) CONFIGURATION 15 Configuration - General System configuration.

Sections 15 - 17 refer to items configured at installation using a P.C. and are down loaded using an RS 232 link.

15.1 Global settings PERSONA will sense that a keyboard is present the first time a keystroke occurs. Control will return to the user switch if it is used. This is a safety feature in the unlikely event that the keyboard is left plugged in and the keyboard user has gone away leaving the PERSONA user unattended.

When keyboard entry is in use, scanning is carried out using the arrow keys. Automatic scan start when a new menu is presented will therefore not occur. Selection is made by using the enter key.

The same menu screens are presented in either case.

If the user switch is operated when an option not available to the user is presented on the screen, switch operation will be ignored.

The following questions must be answered: Are phrases needed? Y/N Proportional input device? Y/N Number of switches needed per user controller: 1 or 2 Two switch user controller type: A,E,S A) One to start and stop scan. Other for selections E) One enables scan. Other makes selections S) One performs scans.Other makes selections Scan type: L,B,CR L) Linear scan B) Convergent block scan CR) Column row scan Scanning rate: 0.25 - 10 secs (default 1.5 sec) Sleep after release time: 0 - 3 secs (default 1 sec) Flyback delay time: 0 - 5 secs (default 0.25 sec) After selection (from cell or message line) and subsequent user controller release, scanning starts automatically (A) or after switch use (S)? A/S (NOTE If (A) is selected, the cell, block or column is surrounded immediately for the normal flyback plus. scan period.) Number of full scan cycles before scanning stops: 1 - 5 (default 3) 15.2 Menu page selection (hardware constraints) Note: When room changing is carried out by using a room change symbol a warning should be issued at configuration.The warning is: POTENTIAL HAZARD IF DANGEROUS APPLIANCES CONTROLLED IN UNOCCUPIED ROOMS Number of menu pages: n n = 1 menu page: (Construct menu page, see section 17) n = more than 1 menu page: Is there a second room display? Y/N No 2nd room display: Menu page 1: Name for menu page on message line: - - - - - - - - - Do you need a room change symbol? Y/N Yes: Enter room change symbol cell location: x,y Room change pictogram reference: No: Continue If room has a fixed cradle enter cradle I.D.

(A "fixed" cradle is one that does not leave a room. It could be fixed to the fabric of the room or attached to a wheelchair which does not leave that room) Suppress room change for fixed cradle? Y/N Repeat to menu page n 2nd room display: Is there one user controller forfboth displays: Y/N Yes: (Room change symbol needed on each menu page.) Cell location for room change symbol for menu 1: x,y Cell location for room change symbol for menu 2: x,y No: (user controller determines menu page) Is user controller hard wired or remote? H/R H:User controller depression identifies menu page a: User controller I.D. identifies menu page Enter user controller i.d. for menu page 1 ***** Enter user controller i.d. for menu page 2 ***** 16 Menu page compilation. ~ ~ 16.1 General: The first question to be asked about a cell is which of the following classes of item is to be controlled: Locks Alarms Intercoms Telephone Telephone volume Telephone stored number Mute Phrases Appliances Scannable blank Blank cell Room change BIRT Communicator 17 Menu page,Room 1: User intercom device i.d.: ****** (identifies which user intercom is used in each room) Telephone main or extension device i.d.: (identifies telephone "room" selection) 17.1 Door Locks 17.1.1 Door lock group 1 Lock cell location: x,y Lock pictogram reference? (Which pictogram) Lock controller device i.d.: ****** Is there another lock controller? Y/N Yes: Next lock controller device i.d.: Repeat No: Continue Actions/timings: T B H M N Method of control (must be M1 Inch mode time? (must be zero) Over-ride time? 0 - m sec (must be ) Monostable timer? 0 - 180 sec Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? (Not relevant) Is there an associated intercom? Y/N (this means that the intercom is turned off when the lock is de eneraised) Yes: Intercom cell location: x,y No:Continue 17.1.2 Door lock group n Repeat from section 17.1.1 17.2 Alarms: 17.2.1 In the following text "Auto Dial" means that dialling of one stored telephone number which is not necessarily one of the pre stored numbers available to the user. It is not the same as a Tunstall alarm.

17.2.2 To save confusion the concept of "alarm groups" must be introduced.

If selection of a cell activates one (or several) alarms simultaneously the alarm or alarms are referred to as an "alarm group".

17.2.3 Is there an alarm group? Y/N No: No alarms required Yes: How many different alarm groups? n For alarm group 1: Cell location: x,y Repeat in another location? Y/N Yes: Cell location: x,y Repeat in another location? - Y/N etc.

No: Pictogram reference: How many lock controllers are associated with this alarm group? n n > 0 (these locks are activated as long as the associated alarm cell is activated) Lock controller 1 cell location: x,y Lock controller 1 device I.D.: Lock controller 2 cell location: x,y Lock controller 2 device I.D.: Repeat to n n = 0: Continue Is there a pendant to activate this alarm group? Y/N Yes: Pendant I.D.: No: Continue Actions/timings: How many alarms in this alarm group? m Alarm pictogram reference? 17.2.4 Alarm 1: Is this an auto dial alarm? Y/N Yes: (emergency number needed (see section 18.3)) Emergency phrase? Y/N Yes: Emergency phrase needed (see section 18.6) No: Continue No: Alarm device i.d.

Method of control TBHMN (must be T or M) Inch mode time? (must be zero) Over-ride time? 0 - OD sec (must be ) -- - Don't ask this with "T", "M" or "N" ~ Monostable timer? 0 - 180 sec Only ask this with "M" Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? (No interrupt allowed for alarms) Alarm delay: 0 - 20 seconds (If monostable control is chosen the minimum time that the cell is in inverse video for and alarm status indicator is on is 60 secs unless de-selected by scanning.) Alarm status automatically cancelled after 1 minute (as well as by being de-selected): Y/N Alarm 2: Repeat above Alarm m: Repeat above For alarm group 2: Repeat For alarm group n: Repeat 17.3 Intercoms 17.3.1 Intercom 1 In cell xn,yn there is an intercom associated with door lock group pictogram in cell xl,yl.This means that this intercom will cancel when the lock timer resets.

We are now going to specify that intercom.

Intercom pictogram reference? (Which pictogram) Intercom device i.d.: Is there another parallel intercom? Y/N Yes: Next intercom device i.d.: No: Continue Actions/timings: Method of control TBHMN (must be T) Inch mode time? (must be zero) Over-ride time? 0 - # sec (must be r) ~ Monostable timer? 0 - 180 sec (not relevant) Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N (not relevant) Is auto mute required on call answering? Y/N Is auto mute required on call initiation? Y/N Instant speak? Y/N Call tone pitch code: 1 - 8 (If phrases needed) Auto phrase on answer? Y/N 17.3.2 Intercom 2 If there are more intercoms associated with door locks: Repeat 17.3.1 If not: Continue Intercom cell location: x,y Intercom pictogram reference? Intercom device i.d.: ****** Is there another parallel intercom? Y/N Yes: Next intercom device i.d.: No: Continue Actions/timings : - Method of control T B H M N (must be T) Inch mode time? (must be zero) Over-ride time? 0 - ç sec (must be ) Monostable timer? 0 - 180 sec (not relevant) Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? (not relevant) Is auto mute required on call answering? Y/N Is auto mute required on call initiation? Y/N Instant speak? Y/N Call tone pitch code 1-8 (If phrases needed) Auto phrase on answer? -- Y/N 17.4 Telephone Telephone controller device i.d.: For telephone number 1 Telephone pictogram reference? (Note:: ---,------ pictogram must be chosen if telephone text abbreviation required.) Cell location x,y Repeat for telephone numbers 2 n Telephone pictogram cell location: x,y Is auto mute required on call answering? Y/N Is auto mute required on call initiation? Y/N (If phrases needed) Auto phrase on answer? Y/N Queue phrase on dial selection? Y/N 17.5 Phone volume Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y 17.6 Stored phone numbers For stored phone number 1: Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Repeat for stored phone numbers 2 n 17.7 Phrases For phrase number 1 Pictogram reference: (Note: ------,------ pictogram must be chosen if phrase abbreviation required.) Cell location x,y Repeat for phrases 2.......n 17.8 Appliances Appliance 1 Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Appliance controller device i.d.: ****** Method of control TBHNN Inch mode time? (0 - 5 sec) (Don't ask this with "T","M" or N") Over-ride time? (0 - oD sec) (Don't ask this with "T", "M" or "N") Monostable timer? (0-180 sec) (Only ask this with "M") Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N This deals with: Light Chair: Sit up, Lie Down, Feet up, Feet down Bed: Head up, Head down, Feet up, Feet down Page Turner Control 17.9 Scannable blank cells Blank cells can be configured to be "scannable blanks".

Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y 17.10 Curtain Control Old type curtain control (291/SP)? Y/N Yes: NOTE: Inverse video on selection and de-selection for 2 seconds.

Curtain controller device i.d.: Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Method of control T B H M N (Must be "T") Inch mode time? (0 - 5 sec) (Not relevant) Over-ride time? 0 - m sec (Nor relevant) Monostable timer? - (0-180 sec) (Not relevant) Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N No: Curtain controller device i.d.: ****** Pictogram reference for open: Cell location for open: x,y Pictogram reference for close: Cell location for close: xl,yl Method of control TBHMN (Must be "B or H") Inch mode time? (0 - 5 sec) (Not relevant) Over-ride time? (0 - # sec) sec) (Not relevant) Monostable timer? (0 - 180 sec) (Not relevant) Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N Note:For curtains of this type the ON code and OFF code for "open" are the same code. The same applies to "close". However, the "open" and "close" codes are different from each other.

17.11 BIRT BIRT controls infra red controllable items.

17.11.1 Infra red controlled item 1 Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Method of control T B H M N (T: on/off.

B or H for step-wise increment/decrement such as channels or volume.

N for individual channels.

Video FF and Rew must be set up as "T") Inch mode time? (0 - 5 sec) (Don't ask this with "T M or N") Over-ride time? (0 - sec) (Don't ask this with "T N or N") Monostable timer? (0 - 180sec)- (Only this with "M't) Interruptible by phone / intercom calls? Y/N BIRT address for on: 2 o - 99 BIRT address for off: 0 - 99 (Don't ask BIRT address for off with less than 2 sec monostable) AUTO REPEAT: D,S,N D) Different codes S) Same code N) No auto repeat D or S: Increment rate (0.5 - Ssec) D: How many different codes: n Code 1 BIRT address: Code 2 BIRT address: .... Code n BIRT address: S: BIRT address: N:Continue 17.11.2 Repeat for infra red controlled items 2 ..... n 17.12 Communicator: Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N To return to environmental control: Hold switch for ? secs (2 - cho sec) Don't use switch for ? sec (10 - aD sec) Switch re-direction (R) or switch emulation (E)? R/E Re-direction: DELETE THIS: Which pin on the RS232 connector is switch 1 re-directed to: 1-9 Which pin on the RS232 connector is switch 2 re-directed to: 1-9 (only if 2 switch control used for environmental control) ADD THIS: Use Communication Port Emulation: ~ ~ see communicator emulator diagram (fig.8): DELETE THIS: On emulation screen: north cell: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 "South" cell:Which pin on the Ras232 connector?: 1 - 9 "West" cell: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 "East" cell: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 "Select" cell: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 ADD. THIS: 4 or 5 switches: Y/N YES: Use the Communications Port NO: (3 switches or less). Use the RS232 port Switch 1: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 Switch 2: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 Switch 3: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 Exit North, South, East and West are all B or H control with scan parked on cell until cell de-selected.

Select is Monostable type control (0.5 sec) 18 User or helper configuration The following are items that can be configured using PERSONA menus.

18.1 When the system "wakes up" from reset or on first turning on, the Configuration Menu Page (Fig. 2) appears. The following items are available: Exit Emergency phone number M - Mercury PIN number Telephone Numbers - takes the user to the Configuration: Telephone Stored Number Selection Menu Page (Fig. 3) Phrases Telephone Auto phrase Intercom Auto phrase Telephone emergency phrase 18.2 Telephone Stored Number Entry and Editing.

From the Configuration Menu Page (Fig. 2) selection of the Telephone Number Change symbol takes the user to the Configuration: Telephone Stored Number Selection Menu Page (Fig. 3). Cells that have been allocated to phone numbers are shown as pictograms if selected or squares with two lines of ------,------.

The position to be added to, or edited is selected. If an invalid selection is attempted the scan will jump to the next available valid position.

From the Configuration: Telephone Stored Number Selection Menu Page (Fig. 3), the user is taken to the Telephone Stored Number Entry Menu Page (Fig. 4). This menu allows stored telephone numbers to be entered or changed by the user or by someone with a keyboard.

Non keyboard entry: The pictogram will be displayed.

either: If the pictogram was "------,------" (or text) the pictogram box is highlighted and the message line says: TYPE IN (OR EDIT) NAME. In the name bar on the Telephone Stored Number Entry Menu Page (Fig. 4) the word Name is highlighted. When the name is saved the word Number in the number bar is highlighted.

The entry area consists of two lines of -- -- -- - -- - to indicate that 2 lines of 6 characters are available.

Immediately this menu appears (or when Restart is selected (see below)), blocks 1, 2 and 4 are scanned.

If block 2 is selected, block 3 is also scanned.

If block 4 is selected, block 3 is also scanned.

When completed select SAVE to save the name.

or: If any other (pictorial) pictogram was chosen it is shown in the pictogram box.

The message line says: TYPE IN NUMBER and the word NUMBER in the number bar is highlighted. Block scanning is as above.

The following options are available: Restart - restarts scanning of blocks 1, 2 and 4, leaving name and number displays unchanged.

Delete - will remove the last character or digit entered.

Space - leaves a gap between Letters or numbers.

P - causes a 500 mS pause in dialling. (P can be repeated for longer delays).

Save - when Save is selected in name entry mode, the name is stored and scanning of numbers commences. When Save is selected in number entry mode, the name and number are stored and the message line says: Do You WANT TO DO ANOTHER? YES NO YES takes the user back to the Configuration: Telephone Stored Number Selection Menu Page (Fig. 3) NO takes the user to Configuration Menu Page (fig. 2) Clear - erases the complete name and number and restarts scanning blocks 1, 2 & 4.

The following procedure should be adopted: Enter the telephone number (up to 32 digits).(If "M" is chosen instead of a digit the code 131 - pause - Mercury 10 digit PIN number will be stored. The Mercury PIN number will be entered at the configuration stage).

Select SAVE or "return" on a keypad.

This entry will be added to the selected cell position and the message line says: DO YOU WANT TO DO ANOTHER? YES NO YES takes the user back to Configuration: Telephone Stored Number Selection Menu Page (fig. 3) NO takes the user to Configuration Menu Page (fig. 2) 18,3 Emergency phone number "Auto Dial" When selected from the Configuration Menu Page (fig. 2) the user is taken to the Telephone Stored Number Entry Menu Page (fig. 4). The name bar displays: EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER and the word Number is highlighted.

Blocks 3 and 4 are scanned. SAVE stores the number and takes the user to the Configuration Menu Page (fig. 2).

18.4 Mercury PIN number When selected from the Configuration Menu Page (fig. 2) the user is taken to the Telephone Stored Number Entry Menu Page (Fig. 4). The name bar displays: MERCURY PIN NUMBER and the word Number is highlighted.

18.5 Phrases Entry and Editing.

The system allows phrases to be typed and abbreviations entered and recordings to be made of the phrases later.

It also allows editing of all the above.

When "Phrases" is selected from the User Oonfiguration Menu Page (Fig.

2) the user is taken to the Configuration: Phrases selection menu page (Fig. 5.) This picks out cells that have been allocated to phrases in the user menu page and shows the pictograms already selected for them.

The message line says: SELECT POSITION.

Where phrases have already been recorded their durations are shown in the phrase cells.

If a phrase has been deleted, the duration of the previously recorded phrase is shown in the cell to aid re-recording (see Fig. 5 where the phrase in column 4, row 1 has been deleted for an example).

Various possibilities are now available: a) Configure a new cell b) Edit a phrase abbreviation c) Edit the phrase text d) Re-record a phrase e) Record one or more phrases when the pictogram and phrase typing has already been done When a cell is selected the message line says: RECORD? YES NO YES - the user is taken to the Phrase Recording Screen (Fig. 6).

This allows recording of phrases. (Cases d, e above).

It shows as much of the entire phrase as possible and its abbreviation.

It also shows a bar graph indicator showing the total time available for this recording. For new recordings (or for re recording the most recently recorded phrase) this will be the total available time. For re-recording in the middle of other recordings this will be the time already used for the earlier recording. The bar graph will be auto-scaled.

The bar graphs are fixed in screen length and move at constant speed. ( i.e. length is proportional to remaining time).

The message line says: PRESS SWITCH TO RECORD, and changes to PRESS SWITCH WHEN FINISHED when switch actuation has occurred.

When the switch (or return key) is pressed the second time the recorded phrase is repeated and the message line changes to say: RECORDING OKv YES NO REPEAT YES - retains the recording and returns the user to the Configuration: Phrase selection menu page (Fig. 5). This allows another choice of phrase to be made.

NO - the message line reverts to: PRESS SWITCH TO RECORD to allow another recording REPEAT - the phrase is repeated with no screen change.

NO - the user is taken to the Configuration. Phrase entry menu page (fig. 7). Blocks 1 2 and 3 are scanned. Allows phrase or abbreviation entry or editing (Cases a,b,c above).

The pictogram will be displayed.

either: If the pictogram was "-- , " the pictogram box is highlighted and the message line says: TYPE IN ABBREVIATION. The entry area consists of two lines of ------- to indicate that 2 lines of 6 characters are available.

The abbreviation is typed in.

When completed select SAVE to save the abbreviation.

The message line changes to: TYPE IN PHRASE and the phrase box is highlighted and causes the phrase box to show two rows of - - - - - - - - - - - - .

or: If any other (pictorial) pictogram was chosen it is shown in the pictogram box but the message line goes straight to: TYPE IN PHRASE and the phrase box is highlighted and causes the phrase box to show two rows of--------------------, When the phrase has been entered or if it is not to be changed, Save causes the entered phrase to be saved and takes the user to the Configuration. Phrase Selection Menu Page (Fig. 5).

From the Configuration. Phrase entry menu page (Fig. 7) the following options are available: Previous page Exit Characters Delete - erases last character entered Space - inserts a space between characters Save - see above Clear - clears the abbreviation and phrase but does not erase the recorded phrase.

Keyboard users can select a phrase using the arrow keys. The selected phrase is highlighted and if the delete button is used the message line says: DELETE PHRASE? YES NO 18.6 Telephone auto phrase, intercom auto phrase, telephone emergency phrase entry and editing.

This is similar to phrase entry and editing.

When telephone auto phrase, intercom auto phrase or telephone emergency phrase are selected from the Configuration menu page (fig.2) the user is taken to the Configuration; Shrase entry menu page (fig.

7).

Various possibilities are now available: a) Enter a phrase text b) Edit the phrase text c) Re-record a phrase d) Record a phrase when the phrase typing has been done.

The message line says: RECORD? YES NO YES - the user is taken to the Phrase Recording Screen (Fig. 6).

This allows recording of phrases. (Cases c, d above).

It shows as much of the entire phrase as possible It also shows a bar graph indicator showing the total time available for this recording. For new recordings or for re recording, this will be the total available time. The bar graph will be auto-scaled.

The bar graph is fixed in screen length and moves at constant speed. ( i.e. length is proportional to remaining time).

When the switch (or return key) is pressed the second time the recorded phrase is repeated and the message line changes to say: RECORDING OK? YES NO REPEAT YES - retains the recording and returns the user to the Configuration. Phrase Selection Screen (Fig.

5). This allows another choice of phrase to be made.

NO - the user stays in the Configuration. Phrase entry menu page (fig. 7). Blocks 1 2 and 3 are scanned. Allows phrase entry or editing (Cases a,b above).

The message line says: TYPE IN PHRASE and the phrase box is highlighted and causes the phrase box to show two rows of - - -- - When the phrase has been entered, or if it is not to be changed, SAVE causes the entered phrase to be saved and takes the user to the Phrase recording screen (Fig. 6).

Appendix 1 The following are available to be configured into the cells: Alarm: Auto dial alarm Nurse Warden Helper Bell Siren Tunstall Beacon Door lock Intercom n Phrase n Mute (all) Phone volume Appliances: Door opener (e.g. Wessex) Light n Lamp n Heater n Fan n Talking book Spare socket Computer (on/off) Phone answering machine (on/off) Typewriter (on/off) Chair sit up Chair lie down Chair feet up Chair feet down Bed head up Bed head down Bed feet up Bed feet down Curtain open Curtain close T.V. (on/off) Page turner Electric blanket Cosy toes Stored phone numbers BIRT T.V.

T.V. volume up T.V. volume down T.V. channel increment T.V. channel n C.D.

C.D. play C.D. skip C.D. pause Tape play Tape record Tape fast forwards Tape rewind Radio Radio program increment Radio station n Radio band increment Video Video play Video fast forwards Video rewind Video record Video channel increment Video channel n Teletext Room change Blank cell Scannable blank cell PERSONA SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION Issue L 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PERSONA consists of the following three items:1) An Environmental Controller 2) A Mobility Controller 3) A Communicator These three separate systems for PERSONA can be configured in any combination. Each system would normally be configured on site by the installation engineer to suit individual user requirements.

Appropriate functions in the system may be re-configured by the user.

Refer to Fig. 1 (the Level 1 Menu Page) which shows the default condition (Environmental Control) with a typical set of items to control. Selection of Communication, Mobility or Individual Configuration can be made from this menu screen which also allows the most important Environmental Control functions to be selected.

When the user is in Communication or Mobility modes, the Environmental Control selection will be made available.

The Environmental Control permits selection of Communication or Mobility if appropriate whilst the user is in Environmental Control mode.

1.2 This specification describes the PERSONA system catering for users with the following characteristics: Reading ability or no reading ability Hesitancy or non hesitancy Single screen or nested screens Verbal or non verbal 2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL A) DESCRIPTION 2.1 The function of the Environmental Control is to operate domestic appliances, select alarms, receive and connect telephone calls, enable the user to communicate via intercoms and open doors. Multi room use is catered for.

2.2 PERSONA can be configured to suit individual requirements.

Selected configuration options, such as scan speed can be made available to the user.

2.3 Menu Pages A series of screens, called menu pages, is presented to the user. A typical example is shown in Fig.8. One of the items shown on the menu page can be selected by using one or two switches which control a scanning selection method chosen to suit the user. Although Fig.8 is typical of the layout of the majority of menu pages there are exceptions.

2.4 Referring to Fig.l we can see that most of the display is divided into four rows and six columns which divide the screen into "cells".

2.5 Symbols and Words One philosophy behind using symbols and words could be: a Symbols only - go to another menu page (no action) b Words - immediate action (no menu change) c Symbols and words - immediate action and menu change Whether or not this philosophy is adopted, when selections are made which result in a menu page change, the cell pictogram turns to inverse video for 0 - 3 secs. (default 1.5 sec.) before the next menu page appears. When selections are made which result in immediate action only, the pictogram turns to inverse video.

There are three symbols that occur on most screens: a Exit - returns the user to the Level 1 Menu Page (Fig. 1 is an example of a typical Level 1 Menu Page).

See Fig.8 , bottom left hand corner, for an example of the Exit symbol.

b More - allows an extension of more items from a list, for example more pre-recorded phrases or more stored telephone numbers.

See Fig.8, bottom right hand corner, for an example of the hue symbol.

c Previous Page - returns to the page or level from which the user came.

See Fig.8 above Exit symbol for an example.

3 Status box Status information is displayed at the top of the menu page. Six status boxes are available. They are allocated to the following, (reading from left to right): Alarm, Phone, Intercom, Lock, Batt. low, Mains fail.

Fig. 2 shows the Level 1 Menu Page with the alarm status and power fail status active.

4 Message line There is a "message line" below the status line. This is usually an instruction or a piece of information.

These questions and choice scans are always right justified.

Information is left justified.

5 Scanning Methods 5.1 Scanning may be by: a) Scanning each item individually ("linear" scanning).

b) Column/row scan. Appropriate unoccupied parts of the menu page are not scanned.

c) Convergent block scanning. Appropriate unoccupied parts of the menu page are not scanned. Where possible screens should be arranged so that functional units are scanned as blocks. Once a functional block is selected, scanning efficiency is the next most important factor in scanning method choice.

In the early part of the project, scanning may be provided such that the screen is scanned in two halves, followed by column scan, then row scan (with empty columns or cells skipped). If only one cell is present in a column, column selection results in that cell being selected.

Whichever type of scanning is used, it is maintained consistently for each menu page.

5.6 Flyback delay: "Flyback delay" will be provided. This means that after scanning has moved to a non adjacent cell at the top > of a a column, or if the extreme left hand column is scanned there will be a configurable delay (0 5 secs., default 0.25 sec.). The cell will be surrounded by the scan block during this period. Flyback delay is in addition to normal scan time. Selection is possible during flyback delay.

5.7 Cells Unoccupied cells can be designated as "scannable blanks" or "non scannable blanks". This allows for situations where the "rhythm" of scanning must be maintained at the expense of efficiency.

5.8 Scan tones Each of the following tone arrangements is a configurable option: a) Linear scan: One tone at start of scan (500Hz). When each cell is scanned there is a tone, at 375Hz with a duration of 0.25 sec.

b) Block scan: The first of a new set of blocks results in a pitch at 500Hz with a duration of 0.35 sec.

Subsequent blocks result in a tone at 375Hz with a duration of 0.25 sec.

New menu pages cause a 3 note "tune".

The first tone at 500Hz, duration 0.25 sec.

The second tone 500Hz, duration 0.25 sec.

The third tone at 333Hz, duration 0.5 sec.

6 Single Switch Control A single switch controls both scan and selection.

7 Two Switch Control Three types of control are provided: a One switch is used to start and stop scanning. The second switch is used to make selections. Flyback delay can be provided.

b Pressing one switch enables scanning. Releasing it freezes scanning. The second switch is used to make selections. Flyback delay can be provided.

The message line identifies which room is available to be controlled.

8.1 Appliance room selection Each menu page may show a different range of appliances although some items in one room can be controlled from another. For example all the appliances except the curtains might be in the living room. The curtains could be in a front room. Control of "other room" appliances can be dangerous and choices must be made carefully.

PERSONA will display the appropriate appliances for the selected room since PERSONA "knows" which room the user is in (see section 9).

8.2 Telephone room selection Each menu page can be configured to be associated with either Main or Extension on the telephone. When an incoming telephone call is answered or when an outgoing call is dialled, the appropriate telephone selection code is transmitted to the telephone interface unit.

(NOTE: Carers can temporarily over-ride PERSONA's selection, by using the buttons on the LST9B.) 8.3 Intercom room selection For early versions where the user intercom is not mobile, each room that the user may be in, needs a user intercom. Each menu page can be configured to be associated with any user intercom. When an incoming intercom call is answered or when an outgoing intercom call is made the appropriate intercoms are activated.

g Displays 9.1 Second room displays A display extension can be connected. Alternatively one PERSONA can be moved to different cradles.

9.3 Contrast control is by PERSONA and/or by manual (knob) adjustment.

9.4 Two remote user controllers which are not movable: To cope with the situation where two remote user controllers are used and are not movable, PERSONA can be configured such that operation of one user controller will activate the associated display and menu page.

9.5 Fixed displays. Users are mobile: To cope with the situation where users have fixed displays, but the users themselves are mobile, room selection must be made from the menu page. Both displays must respond to user controller use all the time.

9.6 User is mobile, PERSONA moves with him To cope with the situation where a user is mobile and PERSONA moves with him, a room change symbol is provided. When selected the next menu page appears.

9.7 Fixed cradles Where there are fixed cradles the cradle automatically identifies the menu page required. (Cradles are identified by a 3 bit code).

9.8 Power down.

The displays will blank out 30 - secs. (configurable) after user controller activity has ceased. Output activity, if it is Bistable or Hold, or if Monostable and the Monostable timer has timed out (see section 12.1), will have the same effect. If the mains has failed this will become 30 secs (not configurable).

10 Telephone 10.1 Telephone - General The user can dial pre-stored numbers or he/she can assemble a number digit by digit and then dial it.

The symbols associated with the telephone facility are the stored numbers, a telephone symbol, phone secrecy/speak and phone volume.

Neither the phone secrecy/speak symbol nor phone volume are selectable unless a call is in progress. If attempt are made to select these, the scan resets but no output changes occur.

The phone status is shown as PHONE when the phone line is seized.

With no activity on the phone line the telephone symbol shown in Fig.l is displayed.

When a phone call is in progress the Phone Control Menu Pages (Fig.5 for a verbal user and Fig.6 for a non verbal user) are available.

The following facilities are provided: Communicator - (non verbal user only) Previous page Exit Telephone phrases - takes the user to the telephone phrases menu page (Fig.7) (Non verbal only) End Call - ends call and returns user to the menu page that was interrupted by the incoming call.

Phone Vol - toggles phone volume Secrecy/Speak - Secrecy appears when the call is answered.

If selected it is replaced by the associated Speak symbol and vice versa.

Secrecy: disconnects user's speech from phone line.

Speak: reconnects user's speech to phone line.

Mute - Mutes hi-f i, T.V. etc. An alternative (configurable) strategy is "Auto Mute" when the telephone is selected When a call is in progress, if the user exits to the Level 1 Menu Page, selection of the phone symbol will take him/her to the Telephone Control Menu Page (Figs.5 or 6).

10.2 Telephone Phrases The Telephone Phrases Menu Page (Fig.7) allows the following options: Previous page Exit Telephone control - takes the user to the Telephone Control Menu Page (Fig.6) Phrases - There is a choice of phrases. Once a phrase is selected either: a) The phrase abbreviation is highlighted, the message line displays as much as possible of the phrase and at the end of the message line is the choice: SPEAK or RESCAN.

PERSONA scans between SPEAR and RESCAN.

RESCAN - scanning recommences SPEAK - the phrase is outputted. No screen change.

b) The phrase is outputted.

a) or b) are configurable. a) is identified as "Hesitant" in the configuration section.

Phrases will be identified by abbreviations consisting of two lines of up to six characters each.

To change phrases or abbreviations, see Configuration Section.

10.3 Stored Number Dialling - Verbal user Assuming the phone is not in use, the user can select a pre-stored phone number. This may be either directly from the Level 1 Menu Page or by selecting the "Phone" Menu box from the Level 1 Menu Page (Fig.

1) which results in the Telephone Stored Number Menu Page (Fig.8) appearing, showing a directory of pre-stored telephone numbers.

Either: The cell and the phone symbol cell go to inverse video and the number is dialled and the user is taken to the Telephone Control Menu Page (Fig.5).

The stored number cell (only) stays in inverse video for 2 secs. The phone status box displays PHONE.

or: (configurable for "hesitant" users) The message line says: DIAL RESCAN DIAL (as above) RESCAN - scanning restarts and the selected cell reverts to normal video 10.4 Stored Number Dialling - Non verbal user The user selects a pre-stored phone number as above.

or: "Hesitant" The message line says: DIAL RESCAN DIAL - The stored number is dialled and the cell symbol stays in inverse video.

The message line changes to: DO YOU WANT TO CHOOSE A PHRASE? YES NO YES - the user is taken to the Telephone Phrases Menu Page (Fig.7). Scanning restarts to allow phrase choice.

RESCAN - scanning resumes NO - the number is dialled and the user is taken to the Telephone Control Menu Page (Fig.6). The phone status box displays PHONE.

RESCAN - the scanning resumes 10.5 Non Stored Number Dialling - Verbal user If Dial selection is chosen from the Stored Number Menu Page (Fig.8) the user is taken to the Telephone Number Selection Menu Page (Fig.9).

The last non stored number assembled is displayed in the message line.

This number can be dialled by choosing DIAL. However, it is cleared on selection of the first digit of a new number.

The following options are available: Previous page Exit Delete - deletes the last digit selected.

Clear - deletes the entire telephone number.

M - selects Mercury (131-pause-l0 digit PIN) Dial - dials the assembled number and the user is taken to the Telephone Control Menu Page (Fig.5).

Digits - the telephone number is assembled digit by digit.

When completed the user selects Dial. Scanning of the telephone number selection page is slightly different from usual. Column 1 is scanned as a block and columns 3 - 6 are scanned as a block. Once one of these blocks is scanned it remains selected as a block until either one choice is made from column 1 or RESCAN is chosen from the larger block.

10.6 Non Stored Number Dialling - Non verbal user If Dial selection is chosen from the Stored Number Menu Page (Fig.8) the user is taken to the Telephone Number Selection Menu Page (Fig.10).

The last non stored number assembled is displayed in the message line.

This number can be selected by choosing OK. However, it is cleared on selection of the first digit of a new number.

The following options are available: Communicator Previous page Exit OK - Used to indicate that the number assembled is correct. When OK is selected the message line changes to: DO YOU WANT TO CHOOSE A MESSAGE? YES NO and PERSONA scans between YES and NO YES - the user is taken to the Telephone Phrases Menu Page (Fig.7) (See section 10.2 above).

NO - the number is dialled and the user is taken to the Telephone Control Menu Page (Fig.6).

Delete - deletes the last digit selected.

Clear - deletes the entire telephone number.

M - selects Mercury (131-pause-l0 digit PIN) Rescan - allows full scanning to re-start (see Digits below) Digits - the telephone number is assembled digit by digit.

When completed the user selects OK.

When completed the user selects Rescan.

Scanning of the telephone number selection page is slightly different from usual. Columns 1 and 2 are scanned as a block and columns 3 - 6 are scanned as another block. Once one of these blocks is scanned it remains selected as a block until either one choice is made from columns 1,2 or RESCAN is chosen from the larger block.

10.7 Answering the telephone - Verbal users When the phone rings, provided the user is not controlling an item configured as a non interruptible item such as a bed, chair page turner or curtain, the message line changes and says: ANSWER PHONE? YES IGNORE. PERSONA scans between YES and IGNORE. This scan continues until: either) the phone stops ringing - the message line returns to its condition before interruption or) YES IGNORE selection is made Selection of YES or IGNORE cancels the message line.

(If IGNORE was selected the user can select the phone symbol from the Level 1 Menu Page. The user is taken to the Telephone Control Menu Page (Fig.5) and the call is answered assuming the phone is still ringing. The phone symbol changes to inverse video.

Selection of YES also takes the user to the Telephone Control Menu Page (Fig.5) and answers the call. The phone status box displays PHONE If the user was controlling a moving item the message line prompt ANSWER PHONE? YES IGNORE appears after movement of the item has ceased.

10.6 Ariswering the Telephone - Non Verbal Users The response to incoming telephone calls is the same as for verbal users, except that if a standard phrase output has been configured to be available when answering the phone, selection of YES from the choice ANSWER PHONE? YES IGNORE results in as much as possible of the phrase being displayed on the message line followed by the choice SPEAK RESCAN.

RESCAN - scanning restarts SPEAR - phrase is outputted. The SPEAK RESCAN option is retained on the message line If a standard phrase output has not been configured to be available when answering the phone, selection of YES from the choice ANSWER PHONE? YES IGNORE results in the user being taken to the Telephone Phrases Menu Page (Fig.7) and answering the call.

11 Intercoms 11.1 Intercoms - General Only one internal or one external intercom can be on at any one time.

"One intercom" can mean one group of intercoms all working in parallel. The greatest number of parallel intercoms is 4. Each "parallel" intercom shares a selection cell with the other intercoms in the group is a separate unit in its own right.

All intercoms must be configured to be on the same menu page, either the Level 1 Menu Page or the Intercom Selection Menu Page (Fig.ll).

11.1.1 When the system consists of more than one intercom each intercom is distinguishable either by a different pictogram or by a configurable "identifier" taking up thetottom third of the pictogram.

The identifier consists of up to six alphanumeric characters and overwrites the pictogram.

11.3 There is no distinction between "Internal" and "External" intercoms.

11.4 The intercom may be de-selected automatically when a door lock timer times out. (See section 12.11) 11.5 Auto mute is configurable on call answering and call initiation.

11.6 Call tones: When a call is initiated by somebody other than the user, the user is alerted by a call tone. Each intercom is configured with one of four call tones to enable the user to identify the calling intercom.

Repeated pressing of the intercom button results in repeat call tones.

11.7 Instant speak: A configurable option is "instant speak". This means that the caller can speak immediately without the user selecting the intercom, and removes the need for a call tone. Call tone and instant speak are configurable for each intercom in the system.

11.10 Intercom call tones are identified by a "call tone pitch code" (1 - 8) Pitch code 1: 220 Hz Pitch code 2: 300 Hz Pitch code 3: 425 Hz Pitch code 4: 590 Hz Pitch code 5: 820 Hz Pitch code 6: 1140 Hz Pitch code 7: 1580 Hz Pitch code 8: 2200 Hz These call tones are heard in the user intercom and are to help a visually impaired user to know which intercom is calling him/her. The are generated in PERSONA.

11.11 User Intercom Call Initiation (Verbal) Simple intercom systems can be selected directly from the Level 1 Menu Page, but more complex ones can be selected from an Intercom Selection Menu Page (Fig.11).

Selection of an intercom will take the user to the Intercom Control Menu Page (Fig.13) where the following options are available: Previous page Exit Mute - mutes hi-f i, T.V. etc. An alternative (configurable) strategy is "auto mute" when the intercom is selected.

End intercom call - cancels the intercom and returns the user to the menu page he/she came from.

Door lock - unlocks door The message line indicates which intercom is in use.

a) Non parallel intercoms: The user selects an intercom cell to initiate an intercom conversation. The cell goes to inverse video for 2 secs while the intercom call tone is being applied to the called intercom. When an intercom call is answered the intercom sends a signal back to PERSONA and the intercom cell is highlighted until the call is cancelled by the user by de-selecting the cell or selecting a new intercom (see above).

b) Parallel intercoms: The user selects an intercom cell to initiate an intercom conversation. All the intercoms that are in a parallel group emit a call tone. (Note that some are configured not to emit a call tone if, for example they are outside the front door.). The cell goes to inverse video for 2 secs while the intercom call tones are being applied. When an intercom call is answered the intercom sends a signal back to PERSONA and the intercom cell is highlighted. If another intercom button is pressed a call tone is heard by the user and he is given the ANSWER IGNORE option in the message line. The call is cancelled by the user by de-selecting the cell or selecting a new intercom (see above).

11.12 User Intercom Call Initiation (Non Verbal) As in the case of verbal users, simple intercoms will be selected directly, but more complex ones will be selected from a selection menu (Fig.11).

Selection of an intercom will result in either 11.12.1 a) Non parallel intercoms: The user selects an intercom cell to initiate an intercom conversation. The cell goes to inverse video for 2 secs while the intercom call tone is being applied to the called intercom.

When an intercom call is answered the intercom sends a signal back to PERSONA and the intercom selection cell is highlighted for 2 secs. and the user is taken to the Intercom Control Menu Page (Fig.15).

11.12.2 b) Parallel intercoms: "' - The user selects an intercom cell to initiate an intercom conversation. All the intercoms that are in a parallel group emit a call tone. (Note that some are configured not to emit a call tone if, for example they are outside the front door.) The cell goes to inverse video for 2 secs while the intercom call tones are being applied.

When an intercom call is answered the intercom sends a signal back to PERSONA and the intercom selection cell is highlighted for 2 secs. and the user is taken to the Intercom Control Menu Page (Fig.15).. If another intercom button is pressed a call tone is heard by the user and he is given the ANSWER IGNORE option in the message line. The call is cancelled by the user by de selecting the cell or selecting a new intercom (see above).

or: (Phase 2) The message line says: DO YOU WANT TO CHOOSE A PHRASE? YES NO and PERSONA scans between YES and NO NO - The procedure described in sections 11.12.1, 11.12.2 above starts.

YES - Takes the user to the Intercom Phrases Menu Page (Fig.17).

When a phrase is selected the phrase pictogram is highlighted, the message line displays as much as possible of the phrase and at the end of the message line is the choice: BLEEP RESCAN BLEEP - sends the call tone. The procedure described in sections 11.12.1, 11.12.2 above starts.

The message line changes to: SPEAK RESCAN.

PERSONA scans between SPEAK and RESCAN.

SPEAK - the phrase is outputted. No screen change or message line change.

RESCAN - scanning recommences RESCAN - scanning recommences From the Intercom Control Menu Page (Fig.lS), the following options are available: Communicator Previous page Exit Mute - mutes hi-fi, T.V. etc.

Phrases - takes the user to the intercom phrases menu page (Fi'g.17) End intercom call - returns user to menu page he/she came from.

Door lock - if required 11.13 Answering intercoms. Verbal users When the external or internal intercom buttons are depressed by a caller, provided the user is not controlling an item configured as non interruptible such as a bed, chair page turner or curtain, PERSONA will put a message on the message line saying for example: BEDROOM INTERCOM. ANSWER IGNORE. PERSONA will scan between ANSWER and IGNORE.

Note this does not apply to "instant speak". If instant speak is configured, the message line displays the information about which intercom button is being pressed as long as the button is held or 2 seconds, whichever is longer.

The message line is deleted.

ANSWER either: Takes the user to the Intercom Control Menu Page (Fig.l3). The intercom is switched on. The appropriate symbol goes to inverse video. Auto-mute is configurable.

or: (Phase 2) Takes the user to the Intercom Control Menu Page (Fig.13). The intercom is switched on. The appropriate symbol goes to inverse video. If auto-phrase is configured as much of the auto phrase is displayed on the message line. (Each intercom can be configured to have this phrase available to it.) At the right hand end of the message line is a scan between SPEAK and RESCAN SPEAK - phrase is outputted, message line unchanged.

RESCAN - allows rescaning Auto-mute is configurable.

11.15 Answering intercoms non verbal'users As with verbal users, when the external or internal intercom buttons are depressed by a caller, PERSONA will put a message on the message line saying for example: BEDROOM INTERCOM. ANSWER IGNORE OFF.

PERSONA will scan between ANSWER, IGNORE and OFF.

ANSWER - takes the user to the Intercom Control Menu Page (Fig.15) Auto-mute is configurable.

There will be another configurable option to output a phrase such as 'MY NAME IS DAVID, WHO IS CALLING PLEASE? after "Answer Intercom" is selected.This may be configured to happen only on chosen intercoms.

IGNORE - deletes the message on the message line and returns the user to normal scanning OFF - allows the user to continue using PERSONA and intercom button depressions are ignored for 60 seconds.

There is an optional ARE YOU SURE? YES NO on the message line in response to IGNORE and OFF (identified as "confirmation messages needed" in the configuration section).

If the user incorrectly selected OFF, he/she can exit to the Level 1 Menu Page where he/she can select the Intercom Symbol to take him/her to the Intercom Control Menu Page to allow him/her to turn the intercom on.

11.16 Intercom and Telephone combinations If a phone call is in progress and an intercom button is pressed PERSONA will handle the interruption as normal by means of the message line. The same applies if an intercom call is in progress when a phone call arrives. If the new call is accepted the user will be presented with the Telephone/Intercom Control Menu Page (Fig.19, verbal, Fig.20, non verbal). These are actually combinations of earlier screens which are designed to "mesh" together.

12 Appliances 12.1 Appliances can be divided into two categories, simple and complex.

"Simple" appliances are ones that need only to be switched on or off, with no further appliance control, for example lights. "Complex" appliances need to be switched on or off, but also require further controls. Examples include TV, VCR, and Hi-Fi's.

12.2 To control both simple and complex appliances, if only a few appliances are to be controlled and there is enough room they may be selected directly from the Level 1 Menu Page (Fig. 1). Otherwise the Appliances symbol must be selected and the user is taken to an Appliance Menu Page (Fig.21 is a typical one).

12.3 If the appliances are "simple" they are controlled directly with no menu page change, when selected. In these circumstances the item selection box will contain a word.

12.4 If the item is "complex" PERSONA takes the user to a new menu page when a selection is made. These items are therefore represented by a symbol. (In exceptional circumstances small parts of complex submenus may all be placed on the Level 1 Menu Page).

12.5 Each appliance can be controlled in one of the following ways: T) Toggle control PERSONA outputs an on code on selection of the cell (cell goes to inverse video and scan resets) and an off code when the cell is deselected (cell reverts to normal video and scan resets).

B) Bistable control with optional over-ride timer and/or optional inch mode PERSONA outputs an on code on selection of the cell (cell goes to inverse video but scan does not reset) and an off code when the switch is used again (cell reverts to normal video and scan resets).

Over-ride timer: A timer option is available as an over-ride stop (0 - seconds) for safety reasons. At the end of the time period an off code is sent to the appliance controller, the cell reverts to normal video and the scan is reset. If a status box was indicating status, this turns blank.

The inch mode timer starts after the sleep after release time period.

Over-ride timer: See above Inch timer: See above M) Monostable mode PERSONA outputs an on code on selection of the cell (cell goes to inverse video for 2 sec minimum or for the timer duration and the scan resets immediately) and an off code at end of timer period (if greater than 2 sec). PERSONA outputs an on code add and a code to define the monostable time period if the time is less than 2 secs. The cell reverts to normal video at the end of the timer period or after 2 secs whichever is greater.

The timer period is 0-180 seconds.

PERSONA carries out timings from 2 - 180 sec.

PERSONA's timer can be re-set by de-selection.

Timings from 0 - 2 secs are carried out in hardware N) No output This applies to scannable blanks. (see section 5.3) 12.5.1 Handshake On and off codes are acknowledged by controllers. If the acknowledge code is not received by PERSONA the message line says: DEVICE NOT RESPONDING for 3 secs. The selected cell goes to normal video.

12.6 From an Appliance Menu Page (e.g. Fig.21), the following options are available: Previous page Exit Appliances - various appliance symbols can be selected.

More - if needed 12.7 Television Control 12.7.1 If T.V. control is selected, the T.V. is turned on and the user is taken to the T.V. Control Menu Page (Fig. 24) The following options are available: T.V. either: a) Turns the television on or off at the mains supply.

To turn the T.V. off the mains appliance unit is toggled off. BIRT is not used.

c) Takes the T.V. in and out of standby using BIRT.

Mute - mutes or restores the T.V. sound.

Vol t - when selected, the T.V. volume increases.

Vol + - when selected, the T.V. volume decreases.

For Vol t and Vol C, the increment or decrement rate is once every 0.5 - 5 sec (configurable, default 1 sec).

Ch 1 - 50 - selects T.V. channels.

The message line says: USE SWITCH TO STOP CHANNEL CHANGE (phase 2) Adjust - takes the user to the T.V. Adjustment Menu Page (Fig. 25) More Where appropriate, functions that have been chosen are indicated on the message line (Phase 2) 12.7.2 T.V Adjustment Menu Page The T.V Adjustment Menu Page (Fig. 25) provides the following options: Normal - sends the "normal" infra red code to the T.V.

Previous page Exit Bright t - see T.V. volume Bright + - see T.V. volume Colour t - see T.V. volume Colour + - see T.V. volume Contrast t - see T.V. volume Contrast + - see T.V. volume Tint t - see T.V. volume Tint + - see T.V. volume Balance v - see T.V. volume Balance * - see T.V. volume Treble t - see T.V. volume Treble + - see T.V. volume Bass t - see T.V. volume Bass + - see T.V. volume Some of the above may be used to control from the user's Hi-Fi if he/she uses this as an audio channel for the T.V.

12.8 Video control 12.8.1 If Video control is selected the VCR is taken out of standby and the user is taken to the Video Control Menu Page (Fig. 26) The following options are available: Video - Takes the VCR in and out of standby and sends a code to tune the T.V. to the video when it is taken out of standby.

Pause Play - Puts the video into Play mode. Sends a code to tune the T.V. to the video.

F F - Puts the video into Fast Forward mode.

Rew - Puts the video into Rewind mode.

Previous Page More Exit Fast forwards and rewind can only be selected by one of two pictograms each. For fast forwards, these are VIDEO FF or a video picture with > > . For rewind they are VIDEO REW or a video picture with < < .

This is to ensure that PERSONA can identify these two special functions.

If PLAY and FF or REW are both selected the next user switch operation will send the STOP code. If FF or REW are selected by themselves STOP must be scan selected.

Record - Puts the video into Record mode.

Chl etc. - see T.V. channel change.

STOP is achieved by de-selection of PLAY FF REW RECORD or VIDEO.

When a new selection is made from PLAY, FF, REW or RECORD earlier selections are cancelled. There is one exception. PLAY is not deselected by FF or REW.

12.9 Video Programming Control 12.4 Tape Control Vol t - Same as T.V. volume Vol + - Same as T.V. volume Mute - Mutes or restores the sound.

The STOP code is sent immediately prior to PLAY, FF or REW.

To be defined later 12.10 Tape Control 12.10.1 If Tape control has been selected the tape machine is turned on (or taken out of standby as appropriate) and the user is taken to the Tape Control Menu Page (Fig. 28) or the Twin Tape Control Menu Page (Fig. 29)(configurable).

12.10.2 The following options are available from the Tape Control Menu Page (Fig. 28) Tape either: a) Turns the tape on or off at the mains supply.

(Toggle mode) b) To turn the tape on it is controlled by a mains appliance unit in toggle mode. A tape out of standby infra red pulse is sent 2 secs later using BIRT in monostable mode.

To turn the tape off the mains appliance unit is toggled off. BIRT is not used.

c) Takes the tape in and out of standby using BIRT.

Play FF Rew Previous Page Exit Pause Vol t - See T.V. volume Vol + - See T.V. volume Mute - Mutes tape playback volume.

Record mic - Puts the tape into Record mode and selects mic input.

Record radio - Puts the tape into Record mode and selects radio input.

Record CD - Puts the tape into Record mode and selects the CD input.

Record LP - Puts the tape into Record mode and selects the record player input.

Only one Record option can be selected at one time.

The STOP code is sent immediately prior to PLAY, RECORD,FF,REW or EXIT.

PAUSE is available when (or before) PLAY, RECORD or STOP are selected but not when FF or REW are selected.

When invalid selections are attempted they are ignored and the message line says: SELECTION NOT POSSIBLE until a new switch operation is made.

12.10.4 The following options are available from the Twin Tape Control Menu Page (Fig. 29): Tape off - Turns the tape power or off. Takes the user to the Level 1 Menu Page.

Previous Page Exit Play 1 - Puts No.1 tape into Play mode. Play 2 cannot be selected until Play 1 has been cancelled.

FF 1 - Puts No.l tape into Fast Forward.

Rew 1 - Puts No.1 tape into Rewind mode.

Pause 1 - Puts No.l tape into pause mode.

Vol t - See T.V. volume Vol + - See T.V. volume Mute - Mutes tape playback volume.

Play 2 - Puts No.2 tape into Play mode. Play 1 cannot be selected until Play 2 has been cancelled.

FF 2 - Puts No.2 tape into Fast Forward mode.

Rew 2 - Puts No.2 tape into Rewind mode.

Pause 2 - Puts No.2 tape into pause mode.

Dub 1 < 2 - Dubs from tape No.1 to tape No.2 Record mic - Puts tape 2 into Record mode and selects mic input.

Record radio - Puts tape 2 into Record mode and selects radio input Record CD - Puts tape 2 into Record mode and selects CD input.

Record LP - Puts tape 2 into Record mode and selects record player input.

Only one Record or Dub option can be selected at one time.

The STOP code is sent immediately prior to PLAY, RECORD, FF, REW, DUB or EXIT.

12.11 Radio Control 12.11.1 If Radio control has been selected the user is taken to the Radio Control Menu Page (Fig. 30).

The following options are available: Radio either: a)Turns the radio on or off at the mains supply.

c) Takes the radio in and out of standby using BIRT.

Mute - Mutes or restores the sound.

Vol t - Same as T.V. volume.

Vol + - Same as T.V. volume.

channel sequence. The waveband is shown in the message line.

Tune t - Starts tuning scan. (An alternative configurable option is to select a series of pre-tuned stations.) The channel will increment until the required channel is selected. The increment rate is once every 0.5 5 sec (configurable, default 1.5 sec).

Ch 1 - 50 - selects Radio channels.

Balance b - See earlier.

Balance * - See earlier.

Treble t - See earlier.

Treble + - See earlier.

Bass t - See earlier.

Bass + - See earlier.

Previous Page Exit 12.12 CD Player Control 12.12.1 If CD Player control is selected the CD is switched on and the user is taken to the CD Control Menu Page (Fig. 31).

The following options are available: CD - either: a) Turns the CD on or off at the mains supply. (Toggle mode) b) To turn the CD on it is controlled by a mains appliance unit in toggle mode. A CD out of standby infra red pulse is sent 2 secs later using BIRT in monostable mode.

To turn the CD off the mains appliance unit is toggled off. BIRT is not used.

or: c) Takes the CD in and out of standby using BIRT.

More - if needed Vol t - Same as T.V. volume.

Vol + - Same as T.V. volume.

Play Skip up - Skips one track per skip code sent and starts playing the next one (Auto repeat, bistable mode would be appropriate) Repeat - repeats track being played Search * - searches forwards ( plays at high speed) Search 4 - searches backwards ( plays at high speed) Pause Store - sets the machine to store mode CD1 etc. - selects different CDs on a multi CD player Track t - selects tracks. Tracks are decremented once every 0 - 5 secs. (configurable, 1.5 sec. default) and are displayed on the message line.

Track t - selects tracks. Tracks are decremented once every 0 - 5 secs. (configurable, 1.5 sec. default) and are displayed on the message line.

Reypad selection - selects the Keypad Menu Page (Fig.46) Previous Page Exit 12.12.2 The Keypad Menu Page The Keypad Menu Page (Fig.46) provides the means of selecting tracks from a disc with too many tracks to make incrementing one by one a practical proposition. The track number is assembled and appears on the message line. When the number is correct the user makes use of the Previous Page symbol to return to the CD control page.

The Keypad Menu Page provides the following options: Previous Page Exit Clear - deletes the entire number Delete - deletes the last digit entered Digits 12.13 Hi Fi Control This is needed where any combination of Tape, Radio and CD are connected to one amplifier.

Hi Fi either: a)Turns the Hi Fi on or off at the mains supply.

(Toggle mode) b) To turn the Hi Fi on it is controlled by a mains appliance unit in toggle mode. A Hi Fi out of standby infra red pulse is sent 2 secs later using BIRT in monostable mode.

To turn the Hi Fi off the mains appliance unit is toggled off. BIRT is not used.

or: c) Takes the Hi Fi in and out of standby using BIRT.

12.14 Chair Control If chair control has been selected the user is taken to the Chair Control Menu Page (Fig. 32).

The following options are available: Previous page Exit Head Up Head Down Feet Up Feet Down Sit up Lie Down 12.15 Bed Control If bed control has been selected the user is taken to the Bed Control Menu Page (Fig. 33).

The following options are available: Previous page Exit Head Up Head Down Feet Up Feet Down Raise Bed Lower Bed 12.16 Curtain Control When curtain control is selected the user is taken to the Curtain Control Menu Page (Fig. 34).

The following options are available: either: Curtain or: Open Close Previous page Exit More - if needed.

12.17 Page Turner Control There are two types of page turner envisaged for use with this system, which are supplied by either QED or GEWA.

The QED only allows pages to be turned in one direction so selection of "Page Turner" from the appliances Menu Page will cause an immediate action with no new menu page presented to the user.

The GEWA is more complicated and allows pages to move in two directions.

If a GEWA turner is in use , this is noted at the configuration stage and selection of "Page Turner" takes the user to the Page Turner Control Menu Page (Fig. 35) 12.17.1 The following options are available: Previous page Exit Fwd - The roller on the page turner moves from left to right until another switch closure is made.

CW - The roller on the page turner rotates clockwise until another switch closure is made.

CCW - The roller on the page turner rotates counter clockwise until a switch closure occurs.

Rev - The roller on the page turner moves from right to left until another switch closure occurs.

After Fwd, CW, CCW or Rev block scanning restarts automatically.

The types of control and messages are the same as for curtains.

Only QED page turners are to be controlled.

The cell will be called BOOK 12.18 Door Locks Locks are controlled in the way described in section 12.1 (H). The lock cell is in inverse video while the lock is energised. While the lock timer is running the lock can be de-selected. When the lock is de-energised, if the associated intercom was on the intercom is switched off and both the intercom and lock cells revert to normal video.

12.18.1 Door locks may be controlled in parallel. This is not the same as wiring lock mechanisms in parallel. It means that when a lock cell is selected PERSONA sends control codes to more than one lock controller. The maximum number of parallel lock controllers is 8.

12.11.2 When the system consists of more than one door lock group, each lock group is distinguisable either by a different pictogram or by a configurable "identifier" taking up the bottom third of the pictogram. The identifier consists of up to six alphanumeric characters and overwrites the pictogram.

13 Alarms 13 Alarms 13.1 The alarm will usually be placed in the top left hand cell and may be selected in the same way as any other item.

During the 0 - 20 second delay period the user will be able to cancel the alarm. This condition is indicated by a flashing alarm symbol and a tone. The tone will be 6dB quieter than the scan tones. The message line says: TO CANCEL ALARM, USE SWITCH. During this delay period all scanning is suspended.

This is higher priority than any other use of the message line; e.g.

telephone or intercom calls are ignored.

The following alarm types are available together or individually: SIREN AUTO DIAL WARDEN CARAT NURSE TUNSTALL CALL AUTO DIAL and TUNSTALL will result in the phone line release code being sent prior to activation starting to ensure the phone line is available.

13.4 Because of special requirements associated with pendant alarms there will be a 2 second delay between PERSONA transmitting "alarm on" codes and the alarm sounding.

13.5 When CALL is selected, if several options are configured by choosing the CALL symbol, the user is taken to the Help Control Menu Page (Fig. 36) Alternatively, if only one of the above is configured, it is selected immediately by choosing "CALL".

When one of these types of alarm is choosen there is a configurable option (Hesitant users) that the message line says: ARE YOU SURE? YES NO YES - the alarm is selected immediately NO - the system scans the Help Control Menu Page if used or returns to the Level 1 Menu Page.

14. Mains or Battery Power Failure 14.1 In the event of mains failure, the indication "Mains Fail" will appear in the right hand status box. This will flash once on for one sec. and off for one sec. for 30 seconds to warn the user that power has failed. An audio sound (bleep) will also be present for 30 seconds. After the 30 second period, the bleep and flashing will stop but the status information remains.

This warning repeats every 2 mins.

B) CONFIGURATION 13.1 Configuration - General There are two groups of configurable items: a) Items that the user (or anyone else can alter without the need for a keyboard) These are: Selection of one of three scan speeds.

Telephone numbers.

Phrases.

Holiday settings.

b) Items that can only be altered by using a keyboard. (The intention is that these are usually altered by service engineers although technically minded people could manage.) Examples are: Is the user verbal? How many rooms are in use? Setting of selection delay times.

The full list is below (section 15.3).

Status information is maintained for user configuration menus.

System configuration.

15.1 Global settings PERSONA will sense that a keyboard is present the first time a keystroke occurs. Control will return to the user switch if it is used. This is a safety feature in'the unlikely event that the keyboard is left plugged in and the keyboard user has gone away leaving the PERSONA user unattended.

When keyboard entry is in use, scanning is carried out using the arrow keys. Automatic scan start when a new menu is presented will therefore not occur. Selection is made by using'the enter key.

The same menu screens are presented in either case.

In the case of configuration options only available to keyboard users most of the selections are made by answering yes or no or by typing in numbers.

The following questions must be answered: Are phrases needed? Y/N Proportional input device? Y/N Number of switches needed per user controller: 1 or 2 Two switch user controller type: A,E,S A) One to start and stop scan. Other for selections E) One enables scan. Other makes selections S) One performs scans.Other makes selections Scan type: L,B,CR L) Linear scan B) Convergent block scan CR) Column row scan Scanning rate: Low: 0.25 - 10 secs Med: 0.25 - 10 secs High:0.25 - 10 secs Sleep after release time: 0 - 3 secs (default 1 sec) Flyback delay time: 0 - 5 secs (default 0.25 sec) After selection (from cell or message line) and subsequent user controller release, scanning starts automatically (A) or after switch use (S)? A/S (NOTE If (A) is selected, the cell, block or column is surrounded immediately for the normal flyback plus scan period.) Number of full scan cycles before scanning stops: 1 - 5 (default 3) 15.2 The following can only be altered by use of a keyboard: Is wheelchair control needed? Y/N Number of wheelchair control switches? 0 to 5 Touch screen? Y/N Same switch as environmental control? Y/N Wheel chair controller P & Giles CDL Steeper Other Is a communicator needed? Y/N Steeper communicator? Y/N Bought in communicator SCAN WSKE 2 FLIPPER MIND READER HAL Is environmental control needed? Y/N One room or two room display system? 1 / 2 Proportional input device? Y/N Touch screen display 1? Y/N Touch screen display 2? Y/N 15.3 The following description refers to items which are alterable by switch users (or by the keyboard). When "Configuration" is selected from the level 1 Menu Page the user is taken to the User Configuration Menu Page (Fig. 37). The following items are available: Scan Speeds - takes the user to the Scan Speed Selection Menu Page (Fig. 38) Telephone Numbers - takes the user to the Configuration: Telephone Stored Number Selection Menu Page (Fig. 40) Phrases - takes the user to the Phrase Selection Menu Page (Fig. 47).

Intercom Phrases - takes the user to the Intercom Phrase Selection Menu Page (Fig.17).

Telephone Phrases - takes the user to the Telephone Phrase Selection Menu Page (Fig.7).

Holiday Settings Exit 15.3.1 Scan Speed Selection Refer to Fig. 38 The following choices are available: Previous Page Exit Slow Scan Medium Scan Fast Scan If a scan speed is chosen that is faster than the one previously used the user is taken to the Scan Speed Confirmation Menu Page (Fig. 39).

A message appears on the message line saying: SPEED TEST. PLEASE TYPE THE WORD PERSONA.

Blocks 1 to 6 will be scanned in turn, then normal row scanning will occur. If a mistake is made, the system reverts back to the Scan Speed Selection Menu Page (Fig. 38) and the original scan speed is restored.

If "PERSONA" is typed correctly, the user is taken to the Level 1 Menu Page with the new scan speed configured.

If "Previous Page" or "Exit" are selected, the original scan speed is restored.

15.3 Menu page selection (hardware constraints) Note: When room changing is carried out by using a room change symbol a warning should be issued at configuration. The warning is: POTENTIAL HAZARD IF DANGEROUS APPLIANCES CONTROLLED IN UNOCCUPIED ROOMS Number of menu pages: n n = 1 menu page: (Construct menu page, see section 17) n = more than 1 menu page: Is there a second room display? Y/N No 2nd room display: Menu page 1: Name for menu page on message line: - - - - - - - - - Do you need a room change symbol? Y/N Yes: Enter room change symbol cell location: x,y Room change pictogram reference: No: Continue If room has a fixed cradle enter cradle I.D.

(A "fixed" cradle is one that does not leave a room. It could be fixed to the fabric of the room or attached to a wheelchair which does not leave that room) Suppress room change for fixed cradle? Y/N Repeat to menu page n 2nd room display: Is there one user controller for both displays: Y/N Yes: (Room change symbol needed on each menu page.) Cell location for room change symbol for menu 1: x,y Cell location for room change symbol for menu 2: x,y No: (user controller determines menu page) Is user controller hard wired or remote? H/R H: User controller depression identifies menu page R: User controller I.D. identifies menu page Enter user controller i.d. for menu page 1 ***** Enter user controller i.d. for menu page 2 ***** 16 Menu page compilation.

16.1 General: The first question to be asked about a cell is which of the following classes of item is to be controlled: Locks Alarms Intercoms Telephone Telephone volume Telephone stored number Mute Phrases Appliances Appliances using mains switching plus out of standby with BIRT Scannable blank Blank cell Room change BIRT Communicator 17 Menu page,Room 1: User intercom device i.d.: ****** (identifies which user intercom is used in each room) Telephone main or extension device i.d.: (identifies telephone "room" selection) 17.1 Door Locks 17.1.1 Door lock group 1 Lock cell location: x,y Lock pictogram reference? (Which pictogram) Lock pictogram identifier? Lock controller device i.d.: Is there another lock controller? Y/N Yes: Next lock controller device i.d.: Repeat.

No: Continue Actions/timings: Method of control TBHMN (must be M) Inch mode time? (must be zero) Over-ride time? 0 - a, sec (must be ) Monostable timer? 0 - 180 sec Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? (Not relevant) Is there an associated intercom? Y/N (this means that the intercom is turned off when the lock is deenerised) Yes: Intercom cell location: x,y No: Continue 17.1.2 Door lock group n Repeat from section 17.1.1 A warning is needed if an attempt is made to configure n > 8. (Not allowable).

17.2 Alarms: 17.2.1 In the following text "Auto Dial" means that dialling of one stored telephone number which is not necessarily one of the pre stored numbers available to the user. It is not the same as a Tunstall alarm.

17.2.2 To save confusion the concept of "alarm groups" must be introduced.

17.2.3 Is there an alarm group? Y/N No: No alarms required Yes: How many different alarm groups? n For alarm group 1: Cell location: x,y Repeat in another location? Y/N Yes: Cell location: x,y Repeat in another location? Y/N etc.

No: Pictogram reference: How many lock controllers are associated with this alarm group? n n > o (these locks are activated as long as the associated alarm cell is activated) Lock controller 1 cell location: x,y Lock controller 1 device I.D.: Lock controller 2 cell location: x,y Lock controller 2 device I.D.: Repeat to n n = 0: Continue Is there a pendant to activate this alarm group? Y/N Yes: Pendant I.D.: No: Continue Actions/timings: How many alarms in this alarm group? m Alarm pictogram reference? 17.2.4 Alarm 1: Is this an auto dial alarm? Y/N Yes: (emergency number needed (see section 18.3)) Emergency phrase? Y/N Yes: Emergency phrase needed (see section 18.6) No: Continue No: Alarm device i.d.

Method of control TBHMN (must be T or M) Inch mode time? (must be zero) Over-ride time? 0 - oD sec (must be ) Don't ask this with "T", "M" or "N" Monostable timer? 0 - 180 sec Only ask this with "M" Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? (No interrupt allowed for alarms) Alarm delay: 0 - 20 seconds (If monostable control is chosen the minimum time that the cell is in inverse video for and alarm status indicator is on is 60 secs unless de-selected by scanning.) Alarm status automatically cancelled after 1 minute (as well as by being de-selected): Y/N Alarm 2: Repeat above Alarm m: Repeat above For alarm group 2: Repeat For alarm group n: Repeat 17.3 Intercoms 17.3.1 Intercom 1 In cell xn,yn there is an intercom associated with door lock group pictogram in cell xl,yl. This means that this intercom will cancel when the lock timer resets.

We are now going to specify that intercom.

Intercom pictogram reference? (Which pictogram) Intercom pictogram identifier? Intercom device i.d.: Is there another parallel intercom? Y/N Yes: Next intercom device i.d.: No: Continue Actions/timings: Method of control TBHMN (must be T) Inch mode time? (must be zero) Over-ride time? 0 - sec (must be ) Monostable timer? 0 - 180 sec (not relevant) Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N (not relevant) Is auto mute required on call answering? Y/N Is auto mute required on call initiation? Y/N Instant speak? Y/N Call tone pitch code: 1-8 (If phrases needed) Auto phrase on answer? Y/N 17.3.2 Intercom 2 If there are more intercoms associated with door locks: Repeat 17.3.1 If not:Continue Intercom cell location: x,y Intercom pictogram reference? Intercom device i.d.: Is there another parallel intercom? Y/N Yes: Next intercom device i.d.: No: Continue Actions/timings: Method of control TBHMN (must be T) Inch mode time? (must be zero) Over-ride time? 0 - ao sec (must be oo) Monostable timer? 0 - 180 sec (not relevant) Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? (not relevant) Is auto mute required on call answering? Y/N Is auto mute required on call initiation? Y/N Instant speak? Y/N Call tone pitch code 1-8 (If phrases needed) Auto phrase on answer? Y/N 17.4 Telephone Telephone controller device i.d.: For telephone number 1 Telephone pictogram reference? (Note:: ------,------ pictogram must be chosen if telephone text abbreviation required.) Cell location x,y Repeat for telephone numbers 2 n Telephone pictogram cell location: x,y Is auto mute required on call answering? Y/N Is auto mute required on call initiation? Y/N (If phrases needed) Auto phrase on answer? - - Y/N Queue phrase on dial selection? Y/N 17.5 Phone volume Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y 17.6 Stored phone numbers For stored phone number 1: Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Repeat for stored phone numbers 2 n 17.7 Phrases For phrase number 1 Pictogram reference: (Note: ------,------ pictogram must be chosen if phrase abbreviation required.) Cell location x,y Repeat for phrases 2 n 17.8 Appliances Appliance 1 Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Appliance controller device i.d.:: Method of control TBHMN Inch mode time? (0 - 5 sec) (Don't ask this with "T","M" or N") Over-ride time? (0 - ao sec) (Don't ask this with "T", "M" or "N") Monostable timer? (0-180 sec) (Only ask this with "M") Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N This deals with: Light Chair: Sit up, Lie Down, Feet up, Feet down Bed: Head up, Head down, Feet up, Feet down Page Turner Control 17.9 Scannable blank cells Blank cells can be configured to be "scannable blanks".

Curtain controller device i.d.: Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Method of control TBHMN (Must be "T") Inch mode time? (0 - 5 sec) (Not relevant) Over-ride time? 0 - Ç sec (Nor relevant) Monostable timer? (0-180 sec) (Not relevant) Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N No: Curtain controller device i.d.: Pictogram reference for open: Cell location for open: x,y Pictogram reference for close: Cell location for close: xl,yl Method of control T B H M N (Must be "B or H") Inch mode time? (0 - 5 sec) (Not relevant) Over-ride time? (0 - m sec) (Not relevant) Monostable timer? (0 - 180 sec) (Not relevant) Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N Note: For curtains of this type the ON code and OFF code for "open" are the same code.The same applies to "close". However, the "open" and "close" codes are different 'from each other.

17.11 BIRT BIRT controls infra red controllable items.

17.11.1 Infra red controlled item 1 Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Method of control TBHMN (T: on/off.

B or H for step-wise increment/decrement such as channels or volume.

M for individual channels.

Video FF and Rew must be set up as "T") Inch mode time? (0 - 5 sec) (Don't ask this with "T M or N") Over-ride time? (0 - CD sec) (Don't ask this with "T M or N") Monostable timer? (0 - 180sec) (Only this with "M") Interruptible by phone / intercom calls? Y/N BIRT address for on: o - 99 BIRT address for off: 0 - 99 (Don't ask BIRT address for off with less than 2 sec monostable) AUTO REPEAT: D,S,N D) Different codes S) Same code N) No auto repeat D or S: Increment rate (0.5 - Ssec) D: How many different codes: n Code 1 BIRT address: Code 2 BIRT address: ....Code n BIRT address: S: BIRT address: N: Continue 17.11.2 Repeat for infra red controlled items 2 ..... n 17.12 Communicator: Pictogram reference: Cell location x,y Interruptible by phone/intercom calls? Y/N To return to environmental control: Hold switch for ? secs (2 - ç sec) Don't use switch for ? sec (10 - m sec) Switch re-direction (R) or switch emulation (E)? R/E Re-direction: Use Communication Port Emulation: See communicator emulator diagram (fig.8): 4 or 5 switches: Y/N YES: Use the Communications Port NO: (3 switches or less).Use the RS232 port Switch 1: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 Switch 2: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 Switch 3: Which pin on the RS232 connector?: 1 - 9 Exit North, South, East and West are all B or H control with scan parked on cell until cell de-selected.

18.1 When the system "wakes up" from reset or on first turning on, the Configuration Menu Page (Fig. 2) appears. The following items are available: Exit Emergency phone number N - Mercury PIN number Telephone Numbers - takes the user to the Configuration: Telephone Stored Number Selection Menu Page (Fig. 3) Phrases Telephone Auto phrase Intercom Auto phrase Telephone emergency phrase 18.2 Telephone Stored Number Entry and Editing.

Non keyboard entry: The pictogram will be displayed.

The entry area consists of two lines of --------- to indicate that 2 lines of 6 characters are available.

If block 2 is selected, block 3 is also scanned.

If block 4 is selected, block 3 is also scanned.

When completed select SAVE to save the name.

Delete - will remove the last character or digit entered.

Space - leaves a gap between letters or numbers.

P - causes a 500 mS pause in dialling. (P can be repeated for longer delays).

The following procedure should be adopted: Enter the telephone number (up to 32-digits).(If "M" is chosen instead of a digit the code 131 - pause - Mercury 10 digit PIN number will be stored. The Mercury PIN number will be entered at the configuration stage).

Select SAVE or "return" on a keypad.

This entry will be added to the selected cell position and the message line says: DO YOU WANT TO DO ANOTHER? YES NO YES takes the user back to Configuration: Telephone Stored Number Selection Menu Page (fig. 3) NO takes the user to Configuration Menu Page (fig. 2) 18.3 Emergency phone number "Auto Dial" When selected from the Configuration Menu Page (fig. 2) the user is taken to the Telephone Stored Number Entry Menu Page (fig. 4). The name bar displays: EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER and the word Number is highlighted.

18.5 Phrases Entry and Editing.

It also allows editing of all the above.

When "Phrases" is selected from the User Configuration Menu Page (Fig.

The message line says: SELECT POSITION.

This allows recording of phrases. (Cases d, e above).

It shows as much of the entire phrase as possible and its abbreviation.

When the switch (or return key) is pressed the second time the recorded phrase is repeated and the message line changes to say: RECORDING OK? YES NO REPEAT YES - retains the recording and returns the user to the Configuration: Phrase selection menu page (Fig. 5). This allows another choice of phrase to be made.

The pictogram will be displayed.

either: If the pictogram was "-- ,------" the pictogram box is highlighted and the message line says: TYPE IN ABBREVIATION. The entry area consists of two lines of - - - --- to indicate that 2 lines of 6 characters are available.

The abbreviation is typed in.

When completed select SAVE to save the abbreviation.

or: If any other (pictorial) pictogram was chosen it is shown in the pictogram box but the message line goes straight to: TYPE IN PHRASE and the phrase box is highlighted and causes the phrase box to show two rows of------------------.

When the phrase has been entered or if it is not to be changed, Save causes the entered phrase to be saved and takes the user to the Configuration. Phrase Selection Menu Page (Fig. 5).

This is similar to phrase entry and editing.

When telephone auto phrase, intercom auto phrase or telephone emergency phrase are selected from the. Configuration menu page (fig.2) the user is taken to the Configuration. Phrase entry menu page (fig.

7).

This allows recording of phrases. (Cases c, d above).

5). This allows another choice of phrase to be made.

The message line says: TYPE IN PHRASE and the phrase box is highlighted and causes the phrase box to show two rows of - - When the phrase has been entered, or if it is not to be changed, SAVE causes the entered phrase to be saved and takes the user to the Phrase recording screen (Fig. 6).

MOBILITY WEIEELCEIAIR CONTROL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS: Voice input Scanning / selection. repeated back by artificial speech for blind users Points in spec that need further thought: Intercoms not associated with door locks not specified in section 15 Max 4 parallel intercoms Intercom (parallel ones) spec operation Locks : Identify alarms/cells. Then in ALARM pu:There is an alarm in cell x,y . Now we'll specify it.

Teletext Satellite Cable T.V.

Contrast Tones for linear scan Automute Appendix 1 The following are available to be configured into the cells: Alarm: Auto dial alarm Nurse Warden Helper Bell Siren Tunstall Beacon Door lock Intercom n Phrase Mute (all) Phone volume Appliances: Door opener (e.g. Wessex) Light n Lamp n Heater n Fan n Talking book Spare socket Computer (on/off) Phone answering machine (on/off) Typewriter (on/off) Chair sit up Chair lie down Chair feet up Chair feet down Bed head up Bed head down Bed feet up Bed feet down Curtain open Curtain close T.V. (on/off) Page turner Electric blanket Cosy toes Stored phone numbers BIRT T.V.

T.V. volume up T.V. volume down T.V. channel increment T.V. channel n C.D.

C.D. play C.D. skip C.D. pause Tape play Tape record Tape fast forwards Tape rewind Radio Radio program increment Radio station n Radio band increment Video Video play Video fast forwards Video rewind Video record Video channel increment Video channel n Teletext Room change Blank cell Scannable blank cell HARDWARE SPECIFICATION Product: PC386 Description: PC386 Target PC card for the PCbus PCbus Interface: PCbus pinout on DIN41612 connector.

May be IDC ribbon cable to standard PC edge connector.

Processor: 386sx running at 20MHz. 8086 code compatible.

Memory: Flexible combination of EPROM( byte-wide sockets, 28 or 32 pin chips) and dynamic RAM up to 8Mbyte total on-board memory.

Interrupts: Supports interrupts on any PCbus line plus AT interrupts.

Serial Interface: Two independent full duplex asynchronous serial ports, using RS-232 transceiver chips.

RxD, TxD, CTS, RTS on each channel.

Parallel Interface: Centronics type 8 bit port.

Connectors: DIN41612 with rows A and C fUlly populated (PCbus connector), 50 way right-angle IDC connector (parallel and serial interface).

Dimensions: 100rum * 160mm (single Eurocard) Weight: 150g approx Operating Temperature: 0 - 70 degrees C Humidity: 10% - 90% Non-condensing Power Supplies: +SV &commat; 400mA max (CMOS) (No load on parallel ports) Issue 1 4.2.94 FOX SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATION INDEX Page 2 GLOSSARY 3 INTRODUCTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL 3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION 3 USER SWITCHES 4 START SCANNING, POLLING OF DEVICES & THE STOP/START 5 CONTROL OF DEVICE GROUPS.

7 STATUS INDICATION 8 SCANNING RATE 8 NUMBER OF SCANNED SELECTIONS 8 SLEEP AFTER RELEASE 8 SCAN REPEAT 9 SCAN "BLEEPS" 9 SECOND ROOM SELECTION 10 TELEPHONE 12 INTERCOMS 14 TELEVISION CONTROL 15 CONTROL OF INFRA RED DEVICES USING BIRT 15 DOOR LOCKS 15 ALARMS 15 BED/CHAIR CONTROLLERS 15 MAINS OR BATTERY POWER FAILURE GLOSSARY User Controller If a user needs only one switch to control scanning and selection, that switch is referred to as a "user controller".

If the user needs two switches used in combination to control scanning and selection those switches are also referred to as a "user controller".

Device Controller A device controller is a piece of apparatus with a radio receiver which, in response to signals from FOX or Family Over ride controllers carries out control functions.

Viz: Mains switches 2 Way mains / battery controllers User intercoms BIRT Telephone interface Device Group A device group refers to up to three device controllers, each with different ON and OFF codes that can be controlled by selecting or cancelling a single status LED on Fox. Device controllers can be configured to be "pollable" or "not pollable".

Intercom Group An intercom group is one to four intercoms working in parallel.

An intercom group can also be a single user intercom but groups of more than one user intercom are not permitted.

Alarm Group An alarm group consists of 1 to 3 functions to be operated from one display selection. e.g.: Siren Door Lock Dial Telephone 2. INTRODUCTION 2.1 This specification describes the Fox system which caters for people who use single or two switches as a means of control. Fig.l shows a typical Fox unit.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL Description 3.1 The function of the Environmental Control is to operate domestic appliances, select alarms, receive and connect telephone calls, enable the user to communicate via intercoms and open doors. Two room use is catered for.

3.2 Fox can be configured to suit individual requirements. One of the items shown in Fig.1 can be selected by means of the user switch which controls a scanning selection method chosen to suit the user.

4. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION Ref erring to Fig.l we can see that there are two columns each of 12 red LEDs (B & C). In addition, there are two yellow LEDs marked "STOP/START" (A & D). In a first mode of operation indicator A switches on as soon as the user controller is operated and RF signals are sent to and received from device controllers. When this "polling" of devices has taken place, the status indicators in Column C, Figure 1, will display the current status of devices. After indicator A has been scanned, the left hand column of 12 LEDs (B in Fig.1) is scanned and the twelve right hand LEDs indicate the status of devices (C in Fig.l). To the right of the status LEDs are labels indicating the devices that can be controlled. Fox can be configured with devices and phone numbers arranged in any order on the display.A device position can be allocated to cater for second room operation (see Section 14).

Fox can also be configured to operate in a second mode of operation. This is used exclusively for dialling telephone numbers (see Section 15.2). When operating in this mode indicators A & D followed by Columns B & C are scanned together and there is no device status indication. Polling of devices does not take place when Fox is in a second mode of operation.

Indicator E (Fig.l) shows when the unit is being fast charged (yellow) or trickle charged (green).

5. USER SWITCHES Single or two switch user control are available.

5.1 Single Switch Control Both scanning and selection can be achieved from a single user switch. Scanning will not occur until the switch is released.

5.2 Two Switch Control Three types of control are provided: a) One switch is used to start and stop scanning. The second switch is used tb make selections.

b) Pressing one switch enables scanning. Releasing it freezes scanning. The second switch is used to make selections.

c) One switch is used to perform scanning by repeatedly operating the switch. The second switch makes selections.

5.3 User Controller To save confusion the concept of "user controller" must be introduced.

If a user needs only one switch to control scanning and selection, that switch is referred to as a "user controller".

6. START SCANNING. POLLING OF DEVICES & THE STOP/START INDICATOR (First Mode of Operation) When the user controller is operated, LED A (Fig.l) comes on immediately and polling of devices takes place. During polling, Fox will make up to three transmission attempts for every device group (see Section 7.1). The device controller(s) will respond with ON or OFF handshake code(s). If one ON handshake code is received from any device group, the status indicator for the device group (Column C) will be switched on. A failure to respond will be interpreted as an OFF signal.

When polling is complete the status indicators relating to all the device controllers which are turned on (Column C) will be illuminated. After the user controller has been released, indicator A stays on for the longest of the following: a) 2 seconds b) scan time c) polling time When indicator A goes out scanning of Column B will commence.

If the user controller is operated again while indicator A is on, polling of devices stops, indicator A goes out, scanning is terminated and device status indicators are not amended.

If the User Controller is operated again within 90 seconds of the status indicators resetting, polling will not take place.

When scan repeat is configured, polling does not take place on the repeat scans. There is no polling in the second mode of operation (see Section 12).

7. CONTROL OF DEVICE GROUPS.

7.1 Device GrouDs A device group refers to up to three device controllers, each with different ON and OFF codes that can be controlled by selecting or cancelling a single status LED on Fox.

Device controllers can be configured to be "pollable" or not "pollable". For fail safe operation,3 > f dangerous or critical devices must be controlled by a device group comprising only one "pollable" device controller.

An optional two second delay can be introduced between each device controller code (see Section 17b).

7.2 Control Methods Each device in a device group can be controlled in any of the following ways: 7.2.1 Toggle Control (First Mode of Operation) To turn a device group on, the user controller is first operated to initiate scanning (see Section 6). When the scan indicator in Column B is adjacent to the desired device group status indicator, the user controller is operated again. The device group status indicator (Column C) turns on and indicator B turns off. FOX transmits the appropriate ON code sequence(s) to the device controller(s) in the selected device group. The selected device controller(s) will respond with an ON handshake code(s).

If FOX receives any ON handshake code from any member of the device group, the status indicator C will remain on, either until the device group is cancelled by the user controller or is timed out in accordance with Section 8.

If an ON handshake code is not received after three transmission attempts, the status indicator in Column C will go out.

During this process, any other device groups identified as ON during the initial polling (see Section 6), will indicate their status (see Section 8).

To turn a device group off the user controller is first operated to initiate scanning (see Section 6). When the scan indicator in Column B is adjacent to the desired device status indicator, the user controller is operated again. The device status indicator (Column C) turns off and indicator B turns off. Fox transmits the appropriate OFF code sequence to the device controller(s). The device controller(s) will respond with an OFF handshake code(s).

If Fox does not receive an OFF handshake code after three transmissions from at least one member of the device group that are tagged as "pollable" (Section 7.1), the status indicator C will come on again, in accordance with Section 8. If at least one handshake code is received, the status indicator in Column C will remain off.

7.2.2 Bistable Control with Optional Over-ride Timer and/or Optional Inch Mode and/or Optional Repeat Mode.

Fox outputs an on code to the device controller on selection of the LED. Status LED in Column C flashes once every 0.5 seconds and the scan indicator (Column B) goes off. When the user controller is operated again, an OFF code is sent to the device controller and the status LED in Column C stops flashing. If no handshake OFF code is received after 3 polling attempts, the status LED will come on without flashing. This is irrespective of the user controller being released.

Over-ride timer: A timer option is available as an over-ride stop (0 seconds) for safety reasons. At the end of the time period an off code is sent to the device controller.

If no handshake OFF code is received after 3 polling attempts, the status LED will come on without flashing.

Inch timer: When the device has been de-selected, an OFF code is sent to the device controller. If the switch is re pressed within a period (configurable from 0-5 seconds) the device will be activated again. While the inch delay timer is running, the relevant status LED flashes as above.

The inch mode timer starts after the sleep after release time period (see Section 11). If the user controller is held down during the sleep after release period and is still being held when the sleep after release period is over, activation of the device being controlled is not possible until the user controller has been released and re-pressed.

Repeat mode: While the device is selected FOX will output an ON code or control code(s) at a predetermined repetition rate configurable between 1 and 5 seconds until the LED is de-selected. Status indicator C will flash during this period. An optional OFF code can be configured to be sent when the user controller is operated again.

7.2.3 Hold control - Output active while switch held with Optional Over - ride Timer and/or Optional Inch Mode and/or Optional Repeat Mode.

Fox outputs an on code to the device controller on selection of the LED. Status LED in Column C flashes once every 0.5 seconds and the scan indicator (Column B) goes off. When the user controller is released, an OFF code is sent to the device controller and the status LED in Column C stops flashing. If no handshake OFF code is received, the status LED will come on without flashing.

Over-ride timer: See above.

Inch timer: See above.

Repeat mode: While the device is selected FOX will output an ON code or control code(s) at a predetermined repetition rate configurable between 1 and 5 secs. until the LED is de-selected. Status indicator C will flash during this period. An optional OFF code can be configured to be sent when the user controller is released.

7.2.4 Monostable Mode Fox outputs an ON code on selection of the LED.

(status LED turns on and scan LED turns off. After 1 to 60 seconds (configurable) an OFF code is outputted and the status LED goes off.

8 STATUS INDICATION Following the polling of devices (Section 6) and/or the turning on or off of a device group (Section 7), the status LEDs in Column C will be illuminated, indicating which device groups are switched on. All device status indicators that show that devices are on, will remain on as follows: 1. For two seconds after release of the User Controller and/or after all handshake codes have been received, depending on which is received last.

2. For two seconds after scan repeat has finished (Section 12).

3. For the time period where a device is configured to be activated for a pre-set time.

NOTE: The status indicators in Column C may be interrupted duringthe pre-set timing period in 3. above if another selection is made, but will come on again for the unexpired time when the other selection process is completed.

9. SCANNING RATE This is adjustable using a 16 position hex switch from 1/4 to 5 seconds (preset adjustable with the use of a small tool by carer). Switch to be adjacent to bleep volume adjuster in the base of FOX, and marked (see Section 13).

10. NUMBER OF SCANNED SELECTIONS In the first mode of operation Fox can be configured to scan A, followed by from 1 to 12 LEDs in Column B, depending on the number of devices to be controlled. The scan for the second room operation can be configured independently of the first room and, again, will depend on the number of devices to be controlled (see Section 14).

In the second mode of operation (see Section 15.2), indicators A & D are scanned together, followed by from 1 to 12 positions in Columns B & C, depending on the number of stored telephone numbers.

11. SLEEP AFTER RELEASE After the user switch is released, no further switch depressions are acknowledged for a period of between 100mS and 1 second (configurable).

12. SCAN REPEAT First Mode of Operation If there is no user controller activity following the initiation of scanning, Fox can be configured to rescan LED A followed by the LEDs in Column B from 1-3 times before the scan is terminated. The status indicators (Column C Fig.l), remain on for 2 seconds after scanning has finished. When LED A is rescanned, this indicator will remain on for two seconds, or for the scan time if this is longer than two seconds. Polling does not take place during a rescan of A.

Second Mode of Operation The 2 LEDs A & D, followed by the LEDs in Columns B & C, will scan the same number of times as configured for mode 1 above.

13. SCAN "BLEEPS" 13.1 Volume of Scan Bleeps The volume can be set by means of a preset adjuster, giving adjustment over the range off to maximum. Preset to be adjacent to the scan rate adjuster (see Section 9), and labelled "VOL". Adjustment by means of a small tool.

There are three configurable options: 1) No scan bleeps 2) Preset volume adjustment (as described above) 3) Device selection on Fox switches the bleeps on and off 13.2 Bleep Frequencies First Scan LED (first mode of operation) (Stop/Start/Polling LED A) .................... 820 Hz Other Scan LEDs (first mode of operation) ..................... 425 Hz First Scan LEDs (2nd mode of operation) (Stop/Start LEDs A & D) ...................... 1580 Hz Other Scan LEDs (second mode of operation) ................... 1148 Hz All frequencies are +/- 10% 14. SECOND ROOM SELECTION There are two possibilities for second room operation: 14.1 One Fox moving between rooms In this case any device position can be allocated for second room selection. Once the second room has been selected, the second room status LED in Column C will come on and the telephone, the intercom system and the infra-red controller (BIRT) will remain connected to their respective second room extensions until the first room is reselected.

This means, for example, that the incoming phone call ringing tones will be heard on the phone second room extension.

Selection of intercom on the Fox display will transmit the appropriate user intercom selection code.

Fox can be configured to control a different set of devices in each room.

14.2 A Fox in each room This is similar to 14.1. Both Fox units can be configured so that any position can be allocated for second room selection.

Once the second room has been selected, the second room status LED in Column C will come on and the telephone, the intercom system and the infra-red controller (BIRT) will remain connected to their respective second room extensions until the first room is reselected by cancelling the second room status LED. This means, for example, that the incoming phone call ringing tones will be heard on the phone second room extension.

Fox can be configured to control a different set of devices in each room.

15. TELEPHONE General Fox sends radio signals to the telephone interface unit which controls the Steeper Loudspeaking Telephone.

When the phone facility is required Fox is configured with a status position marked "PHONE". This is used to answer and cancel telephone calls. The dialling of telephone numbers is explained in Sections 15.1 and 15.2.

15.1 Dialling - First Operating Node Telephone Numbers Stored in Telephone Any scan position on the Fox display can be allocated to dial a phone number. When the scan is stopped against the chosen position the status indicator will come on and Fox will transmit as follows: Send seize line code 2 second delay Send digit 9 (if required for PBX - Optional) 2 second delay Send access LST memory (T on phone) 0.5 second delay Send LST memory store location (1-10) When Fox has finished transmitting dialling information the store status indicator will go out and the Phone status indicator will come on.

15.2 Dialling - Second Operating Mode To obtain the second mode of operation select "Dial". The "Dial" status indicator will-come on (column C), the scan indicator will go off (in column B) and all other status indicators will go out. On release of the user controller the "Dial" status indicator in Column C will go out and indicators A & D will come on for two seconds or for the scan time if this is longer than two seconds.

Operation of the user controller when indicators A & D are on will cause A & D to be switched off and the scan to be terminated (see Scan Repeat Section 12). If the user controller is not operated during this period, A & D will go out and the first indicators in Columns B & C will come on. Scanning will continue down Columns B & C at normal scan rate. Operating the user controller when the scan indicators in Columns B & C are adjacent to the desired stored phone number will initiate the dialling sequence.

While dialling is taking place, the selected indicators (Columns B & C) will remain on and Fox will transmit as follows: Send seize line code 2 second delay Send digit 9 (if required for PBX - Optional) 2 second delay Send access LST memory (T on phone) 0.5 second delay Send LST memory store location (1-10) As soon as Fox has transmitted dialling information, and the user controller has been released, the store status indicators ( in columns B and C) will go out and the scan will be terminated. Device group status indicators (Column C) will come on with the phone status indicator on, to show a call is in progress. The display of status indicators resumes as per (Section 8). It is not possible to enter mode 2 operation by selecting "Dial" when "Phone" is on.

(See Section 15.3.) 15.3 Call in Proaress If a phone call is in progress it is not possible to select another stored number. This applies when numbers are dialled using either the first or second operating mode.

15.4 Answering/Cancelling When the phone rings the phone can be answered by stopping the scan indicator when it is adjacent to the "Phone" status LED in column C. On selection, scan LED in column B will go out. Display of status indicators resumes as per section 8.

The phone line is cancelled by repeating the above.

15.5 Telephone Volume Adjustment Any device position in the first mode can be allocated to toggle the telephone volume between medium and high settings.

16. INTERCOMS 16.1 Intercoms - General Only one intercom group with one user intercom can be switched on at any one time.

A group of intercoms will require one position on the display to switch the group on or off.

Speech will be heard over all intercoms in a group.

Fox can be configured for up to four intercom groups.

The maximum permissable number of intercoms in an installation is eight.

If one intercom group is selected at the same time as a call button is pushed on an intercom in a different intercom group, the intercom call tone will be heard over the user intercom and the intercom stations that are configured to receive call tones in the intercom group currently in use. There is no speech communication during this intercom call tone period.

If the user selects the new intercom group, the group currently in use will be automatically de-selected.

When the user has selected an intercom group, a caller can communicate between an intercom within the group and the user intercom by pushing the "Call" button. If more than one "Call" button is pressed at the same time on intercoms within the group, the intercom with the call button that was pressed first will enable that caller to communicate with the user intercom. Pressing the call button on another intercom within the group will have no effect until the call button on the first intercom is released.

16.2 The status of the intercom groups is shown on the status LEDs (see Section 8).

16.3 An intercom group may be configured to de-select automatically when a door lock timer times out.

16.4 Call Tones: When a call is initiated by somebody other than the user, unless "Instant Speak" is configured (see section 16.7) the user is alerted by a call tone. The call tone will be heard over the user intercom, and all other intercom stations configured to receive call tones in every intercom group. This call tone will last as long as the button is pressed, but no longer than 2 seconds. Each intercom group is set up with one of eight call tones to enable the user to identify the calling intercom (see Section 16.5).

Repeated pressing of the intercom button results in repeat call tones until the intercom is selected.

The call tone volume can be adjusted.

16.5 Intercom call tones referred to in Section 16.4 are identified by a "call tone pitch code" (1-8). Internal settings inside intercom stations will determine the call tone pitch that will be emitted from the user intercom when the call button is pressed.

Pitch code 1: 220 Hz (+/- 10t) Pitch code 2: 300 Hz (+/- 10%) Pitch code 3: 425 Hz (+/- 10%) Pitch code 4: 590 Hz (+/- 10%) Pitch code 5: 820 Hz (+/- 10%) Pitch code 6: 1140 Hz (+/- 10%) Pitch code 7: 1580 Hz (+/- 10%) Pitch code 8: 2200 Hz (+/- 10%) 16.6 Speech Volume This is adjustable.

16.7 Instant Speak A configurable option is "instant speak". This means that the caller can speak without the user making an intercom selection. When the button is pressed a short call tone 0.25 seconds long will precede speech. This tone is as section 16.5. If the user selects this intercom group the call tone will not sound every time the button is pressed. When instant speak is configured the caller has to press and hold the call button while speaking.

If the "Call" button is pressed on an intercom in a group that is configured for Instant Speak while another intercom group is in use, the first intercom is interrupted. If more than one Instant Speak button is pressed simultaneously, the response of the system is unimportant provided no damage occurs.

If the user wishes to speak back to the caller, they must select the appropriate intercom group (see Section 16.9).

Call tone and instant speak options are configurable for each intercom group in the system, and are set up as required inside intercoms.

16.8 When an intercom button is pressed the intercom emits a confirmatory tone of any arbitrary pitch while the button is held.

16.9 Answering Intercoms When an intercom button is depressed by a caller, a call tone is heard over the user intercom and all other intercom groups that have been configured to receive call tones unless Instant Speak is in use. By stopping the scan when it is adjacent to the appropriate intercom group status LED, the intercom will be turned on and the user can speak. No call tone will be sent to the intercom group when answering the intercom. The caller can speak back to the user by pressing and holding the call button.

16.10 User Intercom Call Initiation (by means of Fox) The user selects an intercom group LED to initiate an intercom conversation. The status LED (Column C) turns on and the scan LED (Column B) turns off.

The intercom system can be configured to send a two second call tone to the intercom group. Alternatively, no call tone will be sent, and the user can speak directly to the intercom group. The call is cancelled by the user deselecting the LED or selecting a new intercom group.

17. TELEVISION CONTROL The following options are available: T.V. either: a) Turns the television on or off at the mains supply.

(Toggle mode).

b) The television is turned on or off at the mains supply by a mains device controller in toggle mode.

A T.V. out of standby infra red pulse is sent 2 seconds after switch on using BIRT.

To turn the T.V. off the mains device controller is toggled off. BIRT is not used.

c) Takes the T.V. in and out of standby using BIRT.

Mute - Mutes or restores the T.V. sound.

Vol t - When selected, the T.V. volume increases.

Vol I - When selected, the T.V. volume decreases.

For volume t and Vol L, the increment or decrement rate is once every 1 second.

Ch 1-50 - selects T.V. channels.

t Ch - The channels will increment. The increment rate is once every 2.5 seconds. Using Fox it is possible to increment through a number of channels and then start at the first channel again.

18. CONTROL OF INFRA RED DEVICES USING BIRT Fox can be programmed to transmit RF signals to BIRT. BIRT will convert each RF code into an IR code. Using bi-stable repeat or hold repeat modes, Fox can send out RF codes as follows: 1. The same RF code repeated, until deselected.

2. A different code on each repeat transmission from a pre stored table of codes, until deselected.

19. DOOR LOCKS When the lock LED is selected the status LED will come on and the lock will energize. After a time period the lock will de energize and the lock LED will cancel. The lock may also be cancelled by the user before the end of the time period by selecting the lock status LED again.

An intercom group may be configured to cancel when the lock re-sets (see Section 16.3). Lock on time 1-60 seconds (configurable).

Future work includes lock code encryption.

20. ALARMS 20.1 The alarm will usually be placed at the top of the Fox scan and may be selected in the same way as any other item.

20.2 The alarm status LED can be configured to reset after 1 minute and/or after it has been de-selected. This option is to allow for warden systems with momentary contact operation by Fox which can be cancelled by warden controlled push buttons.

21. BED/CHAIR CONTROLLERS These are switched on by means of the two-way mains battery controller. To give fail safe operation, the two-way mains battery controller can be set-up to initiate a one to five second re-triggerable timer. If the two-way mains battery controller does not receive a refresh signal from Fox, operating in bi-stable repeat mode, or hold repeat mode, the two-way mains battery controller will switch the bed/chair off at the end of the mains battery controller timer period.

22. MAINS OR BATTERY POWER FAILURE 22.1 When the battery voltage gets low (2.2 volts) an audible warning will be emitted when the user controller is operated.

22.2 If no external power is available to FOX indicator E (figure 1) will go out.

IMPORTANT Hugh Steeper Limited cannot accept responsibility for the safety and reliability of this equipment unless: a) All repairs are carried out by authorised personnel.

b) The electrical mains wiring in the relevant room or rooms where the equipment is connected complies with BS7671:1992 "Requirements for electrical installations" (IEE wiring regulations sixteenth edition).

c) The equipment is used in accordance with these instructions for use.

Under no circumstances should any maintenance or repairs to the equipment be attempted by personnel not authorised by Hugh Steeper Ltd.

Only Steeper approved cables and control equipment, other than actuators complying with DHSS Specification "Actuators for Environmental Control Equipment" are to be connected to any part of the system.

In the event of a breakdown: Telephone: 0181 789 7575 Hugh Steeper Limited Queen Mary's University Hospital Disablement Services Centre Roehampton Lane London SW15 5PL During out of office hours a telephone answering machine will take your message. Please state the name and address of the user and if the system telephone is out of use, an alternative telephone number. Your call will be attended to as soon as possible.

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 FOX CONTROL UNIT (C20250) ELECTRICAL SAFETY STANDARD

FOX is marked with the 'small man' symbol which indicates that it has been inspected and conforms to the Electrical Safety and Construction Requirements of IEC 601-1:1988 Type BF Equipment.

Type BF equipment is equipment with an F-type applied part, providing a particular degree of protection against electric shock, particularly regarding: - allowable leakage current - reliability of the protective earth connection (if present) An F type applied part is one isolated from all other parts of the equipment Protection against electric shock: Internally Powered Equipment Only connect Hugh Steeper Ltd.Power Supply/Charger C20288 NOT SUITABLE FOR USE IN THE PRESENCE OF A FLAMMABLE ANAESTHETIC MIXTURE WITH AIR OR WITH OXYGEN OR WITH NITROUS OXIDE Mode of operation: - Continuous Degree of protection against ingress of liquids: - Ordinary Equipment (Enclosed equipment without protection against ingress of water) This equipment, when packed by Hugh Steeper Ltd is capable of being exposed for a period not exceeding 15 weeks to environmental conditions not outside the following ranges: a. an ambient temperature range of 0 deg C to 60 deg C b. a relative humidity range of 10% to 95% c. an atrnospheric pressure range of 500hPa to 1060hPa TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Input: - 6.5V --- 350 mA Note: The symbol ~~~ indicates that the input is direct current Internal Power Source - 2 off 1.2 VOLT 0.8 AHr - Nickel Cadmium Cells - NOT REPLACEABLE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT. Doing so will result in permanent damage to the inclosure.

Hugh Steeper Ltd will make available on request circuit diagrams, parts lists, descriptions, calibration instructions, or other information which will help Hugh Steeper Ltd's qualified staff to repair equipment where appropriate.

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4 12th September 1994 CONTENTS Section Page No.

1 Introduction . 4 2 Assessment 5 3 Installation 5 4 The User Switch . 5 Special Operating Switches . . 6 5 Switching the Equipment On or Off . . 6 6 Recharging The Fox Control Unit and Replacing 7 The Family Override Battery . . . . 7 7 Emergency Battery Operation during Mains Failure 7 8 How to make a selection during Fox . . 8 MODE 1 - Scanning - Control of up to 12 Appliances MODE 2 - Scanning - Expansion for 2nd Room use or for control of up to 22 Appliances MODE 3 & 4 - Dialling Telephone numbers 9 Audio cue 9 10 Scanning Rate 9 11 Stop/Start . 9 12 Scan Cycles . 9 13 Scan Length .. 9 14 Telephone Control . 10 - 12 Attendant Operation of Duplex 12 15 Resetting the Fox Control Unit 13 16 Looking after your Equipment . 13 17 Steeper Maintenance Services . 13 18 Appendix 1 (Figs 1, 2, 3 and 4) 14 Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 SECIION 1. INTRO1)UCIION The FOX ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM is designed to control domestic electric appliances. It is operated via a portable Control Unit (known as FOX) which is fitted with an array of 12 indicators (forming a linear scan display). A second array of 12 indicators displays the status of each appliance. There are also two one yellow "Stop/Start" indicators (see Fig. 1, Appendix 1).

Fox can be operated by means of a single switch incorporated in the lower part of the unit. There is also provision for the connection of one or two external switches. There are built-in rechargeable batteries or Fox can be powered from a power supply/battery charger.

Fox sends radio frequency signals to control and operate remote appliances. Special units with in-built radio receivers are provided for electrical power switching, telephone operation and control of home security systems. The same method of communication is used to allow the controlled devices to signal their current status back to Fox. A special unit (known as 'BIRT') is provided to convert the radio signals to infra red for control of home entertainment equipment.

A typical system layout is shown in Fig. 2. Appendix 1. There are 9 major parts a) User Switch - enables the system to be controlled by means of one or two switches.

Examples of user switches are suck/blow switches, hand/foot switches or chin switches.

b) Fox Portable Control Unit and detachable Battery Charger/Power Supply.

c) Mains Control Switch - turns items such as lamps or heaters on or off.

d) Dual Appliance Controller - controls items such as alarms, door locks or electrical appliances that cannot be controlled by a Mains Control Switch (e.g. motorised electric beds or chairs, page turners or door openers).

e) Intercom System - user intercom and up to 8 remote intercom stations.

f) Basic Infra Red Transmitter (BIRT) - converts radio signals received from the Fox Control Unit into infra red codes to operate home entertainment equipment.

g) Steeper "Duplex" Loudspeaking Telephone and Telephone Interface h) Power Supply with a built in Rechargeable Battery - powers the Dual Appliance Controller, the Intercom System, BIRT and the "Duplex" Telephone Interface. If the mains supply fails, battery power is available for emergency use.

i) Family Override - a hand held transmitter that can operate appliances independently from the Fox Control Unit.

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 SECTION 2. ASSESSMENT Before any equipment is supplied, a Steeper Engineer will visit to discuss equipment requirements and agree any work to be carried out in the building prior to the installation of Fox.

SECTION 3. INSTALLATION Prior to the installation of the Fox Environmental Control System, the following work must be carried out.

a) Any additional power points required must be fitted.

b) If the Steeper "Duplex" Telephone is to be used, a telephone point will be required. It must be mounted in a position agreed with the Steeper Engineer.

c) An electric door lock may need to be fitted to the main door.

d) As far as is practical, all auxiliary equipment to be controlled by Fox, such as curtain openers, page turners or motorised beds or chairs need to be installed.

SECTION 4. THE USER SWITCH It is extremely important that the correct type of switch is selected, adjusted and positioned to suit individual needs.

The Fox Portable Control Unit has a built-in sensitive hand switch measuring 50 x 50 mm (2" x 2"). The Unit can be mounted in a convenient position for ease of operation. If the built-in switch is not appropriate, Fox can be controlled by one or two external switches which can be connected via miniature jack sockets located in the base.

The following are examples of some of the external switches available: a) Pneumatic Switch for suck/ blow operation. This type of operating switch is provided with 3 metres of plastic tubing fitted with a pipe mouthpiece. A variety of mounting arrangements can be offered for fitting to beds and wheelchairs for example.

b) A Minimal Movement Switch. This could be used in a number of ways including hand, head or foot operation. It can be adjusted to operate by very small movements and operating pressures. A variety of mounting arrangements can be offered. Alternatively the switch may be placed on a table or on the floor when a velcro strip may be used to prevent it from moving.

c) Footswitch.

d) Chin Switch mounted on a neck halter.

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 SPECIAL OPERATING SWITCHES One of a variety of "tailor made" operating switches may be provided if none of the standard switches are suitable. These include: a) Specifically manufactured hand or foot splints with a built-in operating switch, to enable operation by the slightest movement of a finger or toe.

b) Eye Control Switches c) "Myoelectric" control using an electrode mounted on the surface of the skin to detect a; voluntary muscle contraction.

d) Cheek Switches mounted from a spectacle frame.

IMPORTANT If difficulties are experienced in using the operating switch, contact the Steeper Helpline (see section 17). An Engineer will call to adjust or change the switch.

SECTION 5. SWITCHING THE EQUIPMENT ON OR OFF All the procedures in this Section need to be carried out to prepare the equipment for use: a) Ensure that all parts of the System that need to be connected to the building electrical supply are plugged into the wall sockets and the wall sockets are themselves switched on.

b) Ensure that the on/off switch on each of the mains appliances, e.g. T.V., radio, lamp, etc.

is turned on.

c) If the batteries in the Fox Control Unit are discharged, they must be recharged as described in Section 6.

The Fox Control Unit is designed as a Remote Control Handset. All other parts of the system that are connected to the building electrical power supply should be left plugged in and switched on.

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 SECTION 6. RECHARGING THE FOX CONTROL UNrI' The Fox Portable Control Unit has a built-in rechargeable battery.

A fully charged battery will operate the Unit for a minimum of 24 hours.

It is recommended that the Unit is connected to the battery charger once a day. A completely discharged battery will be recharged in 4 hours. During this time indicator F (Fig. 1, Appendix 1) will be amber.

The Unit can be left permanently connected to the battery charger, if required. When the charger is connected and the mains supply is on, indicator F will remain illuminated. The colour of indicator F will change to green when charging is complete.

FAMILY OVERRIDE BATTERY Family Override is powered from a non-rechargeable PP3 Alkaline Battery. This should be replaced once every 12 months.

SECTION 7. EMERGENCY BATTERY OPERATION DURING MAINS FAILURE When the house electrical supply is cut off, the system will do the following things: a) Ignore all attempts by Fox or Family Override to select any mains appliance.

b) Maintain operation of alarms, door locks, intercoms, telephone and any battery powered appliances for at least 4 hours.

c) Return to normal operation when the electrical supply is restored and automatically recharge the various power supply batteries.

d) If the Fox Portable Control Unit is connected to the mains charger when the mains supply fails, indicator F will go out (see Fig. 1, Appendix 1), and the Fox internal rechargeable battery will continue to power the Unit (see Section 6).

All batteries used in the Fox System are capable of being used in any orientation. To ensure safety, vents on equipment must be kept unobstructed.

Annual maintenance visits by Steeper personnel will include a check on the condition of the batteries and replacement when necessary.

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 SECTION 8. HOW TO MAKE A SELECTION USING FOX (Description for Single User Switch Control Only) MODE 1 - SCANNING - CONTROL OF UP TO 12 APPLIANCES When the user switch is operated, the yellow indicator at the top of the displays will come on for a minimum of 2 seconds (Indicator A, Fig. 1, Appendix 1). If the scanning rate is greater than 2 seconds, then this will remain on for at least the scanning rate time (see Section 10). During this period Fox will send a radio signal to every appliance controller. Each appliance controller will respond by sending a code back to Fox indicating if the appliance is turned on or off. Fox will then display in 'Column C' of Fig. 1, Appendix 1 which appliances are turned on.

Scanning of the green scan indicators (Column B of Fig.l) will then start at a pre-set scan speed (see Section 10).

An appliance can be tumed on or off if the user switch is operated when the scan indicator in Column B is adjacent to the appropriately marked indicator in Column C.

An audio cue makes selection easier (see Section 9).

The scan indicator and any status indicators that are on will go out to conserve battery power after a preset number of scan cycles (see Section 12).

MODE 2 - SCANNING - EXPANSION FOR SECOND ROOM USE OR FOR THE CONTROL OF UP TO 22 APPLIANCES A position can be provided on the display for expansion. This may be required where, for example, the Fox Control Unit is mounted on a wheelchair and the user wishes to control appliances in more than one room.

When the expansion facility is provided, a position on the display is labelled in an appropriate way (e.g. "Room Change" or "More"). If this position is selected, the yellow indicator at the top of the display will come on for a minimum of two seconds. Scanning and selection of appliances then proceeds in a similar manner to Mode 1 except that a different group of appliances can now be controlled. The audio cue is also a lower pitch to that used for Mode 1.

MODE 3 & 4 - DIALLING TELEPHONE NUMBERS The scanning and selection of telephone numbers is described in Section 14.

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 SECTION 9. AUDIO CUE Fox can give a "bleep" as the scan light comes on at each step down the list of selections.

A higher pitch "bleep" is emitted when the top yellow indicator (Start/Stop) comes on.

The volume of the audio cue can be adjusted by means of a miniature 16 position switch located on the back of the Fox Control Unit (see Fig. 3). The pitch of the audio cue will depend on the scanning mode selected (see sections 8 and 14).

SECTION 10. SCANNING RATE This is adjustable by means of a miniature 16 position switch on the back of Fox Control Unit (see Fig. 3, Appendix 1). Scanning rate can be set between 1/4 to 5 seconds.

SECTION 11. STOP/START If the User Switch is operated when the yellow "Stop/Start" indicator is on, no further scanning will take place and any status indicators that are on will go out to conserve battery power.

SECTION 12. SCAN CYCLES Fox can be set to scan Column B (Fig. 1), 1 - 3 times. If the User Switch is not operated during this time, the scan will be terminated and any status indicators that are on will go out to conserve battery power.

SECTION 13. SCAN LENGTH Fox will be set to scan only as many indicators as there are appliances to be controlled in mode 1 or mode 2.

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 SECTION 14. TELEPHONE CONTROL INTRODUCTION Fox is designed to control "Duplex" the Steeper Loudspeaking Telephone. Up to 10 telephone numbers can be entered in the memory store of this telephone which can then be accessed by making selections on the Fox display. In addition, there is an option to allow telephone numbers to be compiled and dialled by the user. Two further telephone numbers can also be stored directly in the Fox Control Unit.

ANSWERING THE TELEPHONE A telephone call can also be answered by selecting the indicator marked 'Phone' on the Fox display.

DIALLING OF PRE-SET TELEPHONE NUMBERS Any position on the Fox Control Unit display can be allocated to access one of the 10 telephone numbers stored in the 'Duplex' memory. In addition, 2 telephone numbers can be stored directly in the Fox Control Unit. Again, these numbers can be allocated to any position on the display.

It is often convenient to group up to 10 of these stored telephone numbers together. To access these numbers, select the position marked 'DIAL' on the display (Mode 1 or 2, see Section 8).

Scanning then enters a third mode of operation and is as follows: When 'DIAL' is selected, both the yellow indicators at the top of the display come on together.

When the user switch is released, scanning of the green indicators in Columns B and C in pairs together (Fig. 1, Appendix 1) will start. The audio cue for Mode 3 is of a different pitch (see Section 9).

For example, to dial memory store 2, select position 2 on the scan.

COMPILING AND DIALLING TELEPHONE NUMBERS NOT HELD IN A MEMORY It is possible to build up a telephone number and to dial that number using the display. This is done by first selecting 'DIAL' (Fig. 1, Appendix 1) to enter Mode 3 as described above. Next select the position marked 'P' (program numbers). Both yellow indicators at the top of the display come on together. Scanning enters Mode 4 operation. Indicators in Columns B and C are scanned in pairs together. Digits 1 to 0 followed by 'P' and 'D' are scanned. The audio cue for mode 4 is of a different pitch (see section 9).

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 If the User switch is operated when the indicators are adjacent to a digit, the indicators go out and the Stop/Start indicators come on. At the same time the Fox Control emits a confirmatory tone to indicate that the digit has been saved. Further digits can be loaded in the same way. If 'P' is selected while compiling a number, it will insert a pause into the dialling sequence. When the number has been entered, it can be dialled by selecting the bottom position marked'D'. If a mistake is made whilst entering digits, it is necessary to select the 'Stop/Start' position and start again.

STORING TELEPHONE NUMBERS INTO "DUPLEX" Note: Memory Store 1 on Fox will dial the number stored in DUPLEX Store 1.

and: Memory Store 2 on Fox will dial the number stored in DUPLEX Store 2, etc.

To store a number in "Duplex", press the 'TAKE CALL' button. Press 'P' followed by the single digit you have chosen to represent the telephone number to be stored. Dial the number to be stored followed by 'P' again. Note that you will not hear any tones from the loudspeaker. Press END CALL' or continue to store more numbers in the same way.

SECOND ROOM OPERATION OF THE TELEPHONE "Duplex" can be set up with an extension speaker and microphone to enable use of the telephone in a second room.

Room selection will be carried out automatically by Fox and will depend on whether Fox is operating in Mode 1 or Mode 2 (See section 8).

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 ATTENDANT OPERATION OF "DUPLEX" The Steeper "Duplex" incorporates a keypad to enable it to be used as a normal telephone with the same facilities listed above and to allow stored number entry.

To receive a call: When the telephone rings, press the 'TAKE CALL' button. This will switch on the microphone and loudspeaker. The loudspeaker volume may be switched between two settings at any time by pressing the 'HIGH VOL' or 'LOW VOL' buttons. The call is ended by pressing the 'END CALL' button.

To make a call to a non-stored number: Press the 'TAKE CALL' button to hear dial tone then dial the required number on keypad. The call can be ended at any time by pressing the 'END CALL' button.

To make a call to a stored number: Press the 'TAKE CALL' button then 'T' followed by one digit corresponding to the stored number to be dialled. "Duplex" will dial the number.

To repeat the last number dialled: Press the 'TAKE CALL' button followed by the 'T' button twice in succession. "Duplex" will dial the number.

To select 1st or 2nd Room Press the "MAIN" button if the speaker and microphone associated with the main unit are to be used.

Press the "EXT" button if the extension speaker and microphone are to be used.

IMPORTANT: WHEN "DUPLEX" IS FIRST CONNECTED TO THE BT LINE, PRESS THE "TAKE CALL" BUTTON FOLLOWED BY "MAIN" OR "EXT" TO ENSURE THE TELEPHONE - IS SWITCHED TO THE DESIRED ROOM Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994 SECTION 15. RESETTING THE FOX CONTROL UNrT The computer inside the Fox Control Unit can be reset by means of the reset button at the top of the Unit (see Fig. 4, Appendix 1). A pencil point can be used for this purpose. Care should be taken not to press too hard.

SECTION 16. LOOKING AFTER YOUR EQUIPMENT No special care is required The only attention necessary will be the occasional dusting of the equipment with a clean dry duster. The Fox Control Unit may be wiped with a clean damp cloth.

The equipment should be protected from the spillage of water and liquids. Therefore, do not stand drinks, plants or similar items on any part of the system.

SECTION 17. STEEPER MAINTENANCE SERVICES A Steeper Engineer will make an annual maintenance visit on the first and subsequent anniversaries of the installation of the equipment.

Should any fault occur with the equipment, contact the emergency telephone number: 0181 789 7575 During out of office hours a telephone answering machine will take your message. Please state clearly the name and address of the user, and, if the system telephone is out of use, an alternative telephone number. Your call will be attended to as soon as possible.

It would be helpful if you could briefly describe what appears to be wrong with your system when you call for an Engineer.

Literature Number L20648, Issue 4, 12th September 1994

Claims

Claims: 1. Control apparatus especially but not exclusively for a disabled person, comprising a plurality of appliance switches or a plurality of other appliance control devices provided with respective different address codes in respective memory locations, in which the latter are connected to respective comparison means, which are in turn connected to respective radio signal receivers so that the code of any received coded radio signal is compared with the address codes of all the devices, and a radio signal which comprises the address code of one of the control devices will activate that device but not any of the others, the apparatus further comprising a control unit having a radio signal transmitter which is capable of transmitting any selected one of a plurality of coded radio signals respectively comprising the address codes of the said plurality of devices and a selector which serves to enable the user to selectively transmit, from the control unit, one of the coded radio signals so as to activate the corresponding selected device.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the appliance control device comprises a single unit having pins adapted for insertion into a standard mains socket, a socket adapted to receive a standard mains plug, with the address coded memory location, comparison means and radio signal receiver connected so that receipt of appropriately coded radio signals by the receiver opens or closes an electrical connection between a power pin of the said pins and the corresponding part of the socket of the unit.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a plurality of further transmitters respectively associated with the appliance control devices and each serving to transmit an answer-back radio signal indicative of activation of the associated appliance control device, the control unit being adapted to receive such an answer-back radio signal and to register such receipt, in a memory thereof.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising status signal generating means respectively associated with the appliance control devices, each serving to include a status signal, indicative of the status of the associated appliance, in an answer-back radio signal transmitted by the associated further transmitter.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising status request initiating means of the control unit which serves to deliver signals to the transmitter thereof which each include a status request command signal and an address code, so that each and every appliance control device is addressed in turn, a status memory of the control unit being updated by the answer-back radio signals received back from the associated further transmitters.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which the status request initiating means are connected to deliver such a series of status request signals upon operation of a user control switch of the control unit.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the control unit is continuously and automatically switched alternately from its transmission mode to its answer-back reception mode.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an override unit operable by an able-bodied person to transmit any selected one of the coded radio signals which can be transmitted by the control unit, to activate any selected one of the said plurality of appliance switches or other appliance control devices.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the transmitter or transmitters of the apparatus are such as to transmit pulse-coded modulated radio signals.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, in which the transmitter or transmitters, the receivers and the comparison means, comprise semi-conductor devices having digital integrated circuits.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, in which the frequency of the carrier signal is in the range from 410 to 430 megahertz.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, in which the frequency of the carrier signal is substantially 419 megahertz.
13. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, in which the carrier frequency is in the range from 170 to 190 megahertz.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, in which the carrier signal is substantially 179 megahertz.
15. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, in which the carrier frequency is in the range from 45 to 50 megahertz.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, in which the carrier frequency is substantially 47 megahertz.
17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the control device comprises a series of diodes or other lamps associated respectively with the appliances which are controlled by the apparatus, and scanning means to effect an automatic scanning of those lamps so that they are illuminated successively one after the other, and switch means connected to the scanning means to stop the scanning sequence at a selected lamp, whereupon the radio signal transmitter of the control unit transmits a coded radio signal corresponding to the selected appliance.
18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, in which the control unit comprises a screen, a screen driver and a central processing unit (CPU) programmed to provide a matrix of images on the screen, which images are respectively representative of the appliances controlled by the apparatus, and a visual indication which indicates one of those images or a group of those images and which changes position so that a plurality of different images or groups of images are indicated successively in a predetermined group scanning sequence, the CPU being provided with switch means to enable the scanning to be stopped to select the image or group of images which is at that time indicated by the visual indication, in which the visual indication is in the form of a box which surrounds the image or group of images indicated at any given time.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18,in which previously selected images are marked by a change in tone or hue or by inverse video or a change of background colour.
20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19, in which the CPU effects a second scanning mode in which successive images within a selected group are successively indicated by a smaller visual indication, during a second scanning sequence, further operation of the switch means effecting a selection within this second scanning sequence.
21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 20, in which a given selection causes the transmission by the control unit of a coded radio signal corresponding to the selected appliance.
22. Apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21, in which a given selection causes a different matrix of images to appear on the screen from which a further scan selection can be made.
23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21, in which a given selection causes a given speech phrase to be spoken through a speaker of the apparatus.
24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 21, in which a given selection causes a confirmation routine to commence, to enable the user to confirm that the selection he has made is correct.
25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 24, in which the switch means comprise more than one switch.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25, in which the switch means comprise one switch to initiate and stop scanning, and one to effect a selection.
27. Apparatus according to claim 18 or to any one of claims 19 to 26 when read as directly or indirectly appended to claim 18, in which a first scanning sequence comprises the scanning of successive columns of the matrix, and a second scanning sequence comprises the scanning of the images within that column.
28. Apparatus according to claim 18 or to any one of claims 19 to 26 when read as directly or indirectly appended to claim 18, in which groups of images defined in a first scanning sequence comprise blocks of such images.
29. Apparatus according to claim 28, in which one such block comprises the images in one half of the screen, followed by the images of the other half of the screen.
30. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which one of the appliance control devices is a television or other appliance control device which transmits a given infra-red command signal recognisable by the television or other appliance upon receipt of a corresponding radio command signal.
31. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which mode switching means are provided as part of the control unit which serve to change the appliance control devices which can be controlled by the control unit from a first set to a second set whilst using the same selection means, so that after a change of mode has been selected, precisely the same procedure which is used to select an appliance control device in the first mode now selects a different appliance control device in the second mode.
32. Apparatus according to claim 31, in which the appliance control devices of the first set are in a first room, and those of the second set are in a second room.
33. Control apparatus according to claim 1 and substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 50 with or without the modification shown in Figures 51 to 54.