System and method for transparent remote emulation of wired and wireless communication signals at physical component interfaces

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for transparent and remote emulation of communication interfaces. The system comprises a first emulator device (PDE) that connects to an interface of a source electronic device, said interface being of the physical wired type (e.g. OBD-II, USB, industrial signals), internal type (e.g. display bus, key pad), or wireless type (e.g. Bluetooth, NFC). The PDE captures and digitises the signals / data. This data is transmitted bidirectionally via a high-speed remote network to a second emulator device (SDE). The SDE processes the data to emulate the original interface transparently to a target device, simulating physical proximity and enabling an interaction that is indistinguishable from a local connection. These include latency mitigation and security mechanisms (encryption, authentication). The invention enables remote vehicle diagnostics, distributed hardware computing, remote NFC payments, and remote access to industrial machinery and specialised equipment.

Description

LF25-EMUL-18 System and method for the transparent remote emulation of wired and wireless communication signals in physical component interfaces. RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority using U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 945,424 entitled "Physical connector emulator of electrical signals, standards and communication protocols", submitted on September 19, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. PATENTS CITED

[0002] The following documents and references are incorporated by reference in their entirety, Hardesty (U.S. Patent No. Q 8,838,328), Stevenson et al (US Patent No. Q 11,190,373). FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for the communication and control of electronic devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for the remote and transparent emulation of various communication interfaces, including, but not limited to, physical wired communication interfaces (such as vehicle diagnostic ports, standard data ports, and connections for industrial transducer signals), interfaces of internal components of electronic devices (such as display buses, keyboard interfaces, or audio interfaces), and wireless communication interfaces (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Near Field Communication (NFC)).

[0004] The invention allows a target electronic device to interact with a remotely located source electronic device, or with its internal components, as if a direct, local physical connection existed. The field of the invention encompasses applications ranging from the diagnosis, maintenance, and remote control of all types of vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, trains, aircraft), industrial and agricultural machinery, to systems of LF25-EMUL-18 distributed hardware computing, remote contactless payment solutions, remote access to specialized hardware, telemetry and industrial control, and advanced platforms for remote simulation and training. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE

[0005] Currently, the interaction between electronic devices and their peripherals, internal components, or diagnostic and control systems is predominantly based on physical proximity and direct connection via short-range wired or wireless communication interfaces. This reliance on local physical connections presents numerous limitations and challenges in a variety of fields.

[0006] In the automotive and machinery sectors, for example, on-board diagnostic systems (OBD-II, CAN, J 1939) and other communication interfaces require technicians or diagnostic systems to be physically present and connected to the vehicle or machinery. This imposes logistical and time constraints, especially for large fleets, vehicles located in remote areas, or specialized equipment requiring diagnosis by remote experts. Despite the evolution of some telemetry solutions, these are often limited to extracting specific data and do not allow for complete, "transparent" bidirectional interaction with all the system's low-level protocols and signals. Furthermore, some manufacturers persist with closed systems, hindering interoperability and third-party access to data for diagnostics or solutions.

[0007] In the realm of consumer electronics and computing, traditional architecture dictates that all essential components (CPU, GPU, memory, storage) reside in the same chassis as the user interfaces (display, keyboard, mouse, camera, audio). This monolithic integration imposes limitations on design (size, weight, heat dissipation), hardware lifespan (obsolescence due to internal component upgrades), and deployment flexibility. Existing cloud computing solutions primarily focus on software virtualization or data access, but rarely enable transparent emulation of hardware interfaces at the hardware level. LF25-EMUL-18 electrical signal or pin-out, which would allow a "lightweight" end-user device to behave as if its core processing were local.

[0008] Wireless communication interfaces like Bluetooth and NFC are also inherently tied to physical proximity. While convenient for short-range interactions (e.g., device pairing, contactless payments), their limited range hinders innovative remote applications. Specifically in the field of NFC-based contactless payments, the requirement that the card or phone be within a few centimeters of the payment terminal limits transactions to scenarios where the payer and the terminal share the same physical location, thus restricting the use of these technologies in e-commerce or remote service contexts.

[0009] In industrial automation and process control, sensor and actuator networks often use standard electrical signals (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V DC) or specific industrial protocols that require extensive cabling and local control points. Remote management and integration of these systems into Industry 4.0 or Industrial IoT infrastructures is hampered by the complexity of adapting and emulating these interfaces transparently over long distances.

[0010] Existing solutions for remote device access or virtualization often involve software layers that introduce latency, incompatibilities, or require significant modifications to the end devices to function. There is an unmet need for a system that can transparently emulate the physical and protocol behavior of various communication interfaces (wired and wireless, external and internal) across a remote network, enabling interaction indistinguishable from a direct, local connection. Such a system would unlock a vast array of new applications and efficiencies across multiple industries.

[0011] All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this document, are incorporated herein by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes LF25-EMUL-18 prior art. The discussion of references states what their authors claim, and applicants reserve the right to question the accuracy and relevance of the cited documents. It shall be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referenced herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common knowledge in the art.

[0012] It is recognized that the term "comprising" may, in various jurisdictions, be attributed either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purposes of this specification, and unless otherwise indicated, the term "comprising" shall have an inclusive meaning, that is, meaning an inclusion of not only the components directly referenced in the list, but also other unspecified components or elements. This reasoning shall also be used when the term "comprising" or "encompassing" is used in connection with one or more steps in a method or process.

[0013] In one aspect, the invention is a system for the remote and transparent emulation of communication interfaces, comprising: A first emulator device, configurable to: i. Establish a connection with a first communication interface of a source electronic device, said first interface being selected from a group that includes physical wired communication interfaces, interfaces of internal components of electronic devices, and wireless communication interfaces; ii. Capture and digitize signals and / or data associated with the communication protocol of said first communication interface; and iii. Transmit the digitized data bidirectionally through a high-speed remote communication network; b. A second emulator device, configurable to: i. Receive the digitized data from the first emulator device through the remote communication network; ii.Processing the received data to emulate a second communication interface that is functionally and behaviorally transparent to the first communication interface; and iii. Providing the second communication interface to a target electronic device, such that the target electronic device interacts with the second communication interface as if it were directly connected to the first communication interface of the source electronic device, with simulated physical proximity. LF25-EMUL-18

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become evident after examination of the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, taken together with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] To better understand the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1: Shows a high-level block diagram of the remote and transparent emulation system for communication interfaces, illustrating a First Emulator Device (PDE) (100) connected to a source electronic device (101) and a Second Emulator Device (SDE) (102) connected to a target electronic device (103), both communicating through a high-speed remote communication network (104) (e.g., Internet, 5G). This diagram would represent the overall architecture, similar to the existing Figure 1 but with a focus on the PDE / SDE designation.

[0017] Figure 2: Represents a detailed block diagram of the First Emulator Device (PDE) (106) or the Second Emulator Device (SDE) (107), emphasizing its key internal components for emulating physical wired communication interfaces (e.g., OBD-II, USB, HDMI, RS-232) (105) and capturing / reproducing electrical signals such as 4-20mA or 0-10V DC for industrial transducers) (108). It illustrates the transceiver (109), the signal processing / digitization module (110), and the network interface (111), remote communication network (112), showing how the different types of electrical and data connectors are managed.

[0018] Figure 3: Shows a block diagram of one of the emulator devices (113), focused on emulating internal component interfaces of electronic devices (114). This diagram illustrates how the emulator connects directly to an internal bus or to the pins of a component connector (e.g., a MIPI DSI display interface, LVDS, or a keyboard bus) (115). LF25-EMUL-18 detailing the capture and reproduction of signals at the pin-out level to allow physical separation of the component and transmission of signals over the internet (116).

[0019] Figure 4: Presents a detailed block diagram of one of the PDE (121) and SDE (123) emulator devices configured for emulating wireless communication interfaces, with a specific focus on NFC emulation at the radio frequency (RF) signal level. This diagram illustrates the RF capture module (117), the digital signal processor (118), and the RF generator (119) capable of reproducing the NFC electromagnetic field with high fidelity from an NFC source or signal (120) by sending it over the internet (122).

[0020] Figure 5: Shows a more detailed block diagram of the emulator devices or the complete system, highlighting the inclusion of security modules (130) (e.g., encryption, authentication) and components dedicated to latency mitigation (131) (e.g., smart buffering, clock synchronization, low-latency compression / decompression).

[0021] Figure 6: Illustrates an exemplary application scenario of the system, such as remote diagnostics of an automotive vehicle, a distributed hardware computing system (e.g., a mobile phone with its processor in the cloud), or a remote NFC payment system, to clarify the functionality of the invention in a real-world context. In this regard, the example of remote diagnostics of an automotive vehicle will be illustrated, where the OBD-II port (124) is connected to the first PDE emulator device (125), which processes and transmits via high-speed internet (126) to the second SDE emulator device (127), which adapts and transmits the data to the scanner or computer (128), assuming the vehicle is physically located at the same place as the scanner.

[0022] The above-described and other features will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and accompanying claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT LF25-EMUL-18

[0023] To provide a general understanding of the invention, certain illustrative embodiments and examples will now be described. However, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be carried out by different embodiments, which are also intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the description. The compositions, apparatus, systems, and / or methods described herein may be adapted and modified as appropriate for the application being addressed, and those described herein may be employed in other suitable applications, provided that such additions and modifications do not depart from the scope of the invention.

[0024] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the term "a transaction" may include a plurality of transactions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in the specification and claims, singular names or types of reference include variations within the family of that name unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "under," "below," "over," "above," "top," "front," "back," "left," "right," and "parts" designate directions on the referenced drawings, but are not limiting with respect to the orientation in which the mounting modules or any of them may be used.

[0026] The present invention relates to an innovative system and method for the remote and transparent emulation of communication interfaces, applicable to a wide range of electronic devices operating through wired (physical or internal) or wireless interfaces. The fundamental objective of the invention is to overcome the limitations imposed by the physical proximity between components or devices requiring direct communication, enabling seamless and uninterrupted interaction through a high-speed remote communication network. This means that a device or user can interact with a remotely located system or component as if they were physically connected to it, without requiring modifications to the software or hardware of the end devices. LF25-EMUL-18

[0027] Transparency is achieved by faithfully capturing the communication protocol signals or data at the source and reproducing or generating them identically at the destination, creating an "illusion" of a local connection. This capability is particularly disruptive in various areas, from automotive diagnostics and telemetry to distributed computing with remote components, contactless payment systems, and industrial machinery control. I. General System Architecture

[0028] In its most fundamental configuration, the remote transparent emulation system (hereafter referred to as "the System") comprises at least two main units: a First Emulator Device and a Second Emulator Device. Both devices are interconnected via a High-Speed ​​Remote Communication Network.

[0029] First Emulator Device (PDE): This device is located near the source electronic device (or "remote device"), whose communication interface is to be emulated or extended remotely. The PDE is responsible for establishing a direct connection with this interface, capturing its signals or data in real time (digitized if necessary), and transmitting them efficiently and securely over the communication network. It is capable of operating with various types of interfaces, whether wired, internal component interfaces, or wireless.

[0030] Second Emulator Device (SDE): This device is located at the target electronic device (or "local device" / "client device"), which is the system or user that needs to interact with the source electronic device's interface. The SDE receives data from the PDE, processes it to reconstruct or regenerate the behavior of the original interface, and presents it to the target electronic device in such a way that the latter perceives a direct, local connection with the source device's interface, unaware of the remote emulation process. This implies a faithful reproduction not only of the data, but also of the timing and protocol behavior. LF25-EMUL-18

[0031] High-Speed ​​Remote Communication Network: This network is the medium through which the PDE and SDE communicate bidirectionally. To ensure transparency and adequate emulation performance (especially for high-speed or low-latency interfaces), this network must possess high-speed, low-latency, and sufficient bandwidth characteristics. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, fiber optic connections, fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks, high-speed local area networks (LANs) (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet), high-capacity wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi 6 / 7), or combinations thereof. II. Components and General Functionality of Emulator Devices

[0032] Each emulator device (PDE and SDE) is typically configured with the following essential components, which may vary in their specific implementation (microcontrollers, SBCs, FPGAs, ASICs) depending on the interface and performance required: 1. Specific Interface Module: This module is responsible for the direct connection to the interface to be emulated or from which signals will be captured. It includes the interface electronics (transceivers, analog-to-digital / digital-to-analog converters, voltage level adapters, etc.) and the firmware / software to interpret and generate the specific protocols of that interface. 2. Processing Module (MCU / SBC / SoC): A microcontroller (MCU), a single-board computer (SBC) like the Raspberry Pi, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) like the ESP32, or a more powerful processor, is the "brain" of the emulator device. It is responsible for: Managing the capture and digitization of signals; packaging and encapsulating data for transmission over the network; managing the remote network communication protocol; decapsulating and processing data received from the other emulator; reconstructing the signals or protocol behavior for the emulated interface; controlling the network interface and communication modules; and implementing security and latency mitigation algorithms. LF25-EMUL-18 3. Network Communication Module: Enables connection to the remote communication network. May include Ethernet interfaces, Wi-Fi modules, cellular modules (4G, 5G), or any other relevant network technology. 4. Power Supply Module: Provides the necessary power for the operation of all emulator components. III. Specific Types of Emulating Interfaces and Transparency Mechanisms

[0033] The versatility of the System lies in its ability to emulate different categories of communication interfaces, adapting to the particularities of each one to ensure functional transparency. A. Emulation of Physical Wired Communication Interfaces (External Ports) This type of emulation focuses on replicating the behavior of standard or proprietary communication ports that typically require a direct physical connection via a cable or connector. The system allows a target device to interact with the emulated port as if the cable were connected to the original source device, regardless of the distance. • Operating Mechanism: 1. Capture on the PDE: The First Emulator Device's Specific Interface Module (PDE) is physically connected to the wired port of the source electronic device (e.g., a vehicle's OBD-II port). The PDE accurately captures the electrical signals (voltages, currents, timing, waveforms) and / or digital data packets transmitted through this port, using appropriate transceivers and signal conditioning circuitry. For bidirectional protocols, the PDE also captures the signals the source device receives from the port. 2. Digitization and Packaging: Analog signals are digitized by high-resolution A / D converters. The digital data and the timing characteristics of the signals are LF25-EMUL-18 packages data into frames or packets that can be efficiently transmitted over the remote network. 3. Remote Transmission: The PDE Network Communication Module sends these data packets bidirectionally through the High Speed ​​Remote Communication Network. 4. Reconstruction in the SDE: The Second Emulator Device (SDE) receives the data packets. Its Processing Module decapsulates the data, and the Specific Interface Module regenerates the electrical signals and the original port protocol behavior with high fidelity. This may involve converting digital data to analog signals (using D / A converters), modulating signals, precise synchronization, and reproducing bit sequences or data frames as they would occur in a local connection. 5. Transparent Interaction: A target electronic device (e.g., an automotive diagnostic scanner, a computer, a USB storage device) is connected to the emulated port of the SDE. Thanks to the fidelity of the emulation, the target device interacts with the SDE as if it were directly connected to the port of the source electronic device, without detecting the intermediation of the remote emulation system. • Application Examples: o Remote Vehicle Diagnostics and Maintenance: A technician can connect an OBD-II scanner to an SDE in their workshop, and the SDE will emulate the OBD-II port of a vehicle located miles away. This allows for remote diagnosis, reading of fault codes, clearing of errors, or even reprogramming of vehicle modules, applicable to automobiles (combustion or electric), heavy vehicles, motorcycles, boats, trains, and aircraft. o Remote Machinery Control: For agricultural, construction, or industrial machinery that uses serial ports (RS-232, RS-432), industrial Ethernet, or transducer signals (4-20mA, 0-10V DC), the system allows for remote operation or monitoring of the equipment, as if the control panels or PLCs were physically connected to the machinery. LF25-EMUL-18 or Remote Access to Peripherals: A user can connect a USB hard drive or printer to an SDE, and these peripherals would be accessible as if they were directly connected to a computer located in a data center. or Connection to Electrical Generators and Specialized Equipment: Enables remote monitoring and control of specialized equipment that uses specific communication ports for its operation. B. Emulation of Internal Component Interfaces of Electronic Devices

[0034] This aspect of the invention is particularly innovative, as it allows the physical segregation of components within a complex electronic device (such as a PC or mobile phone), with the ability for the main components (e.g., processor, memory, storage) to reside in a remote location, while the user interaction components (e.g., screen, keyboard, camera) remain locally connected to the SDE. • Operating Mechanism: 1. In the PDE: Instead of connecting to an external port, the PDE connects directly to a component's internal bus interface or connector (e.g., the video output of a PC's graphics card, the MIPI DSI bus of a mobile SoC). The PDE captures electrical and data signals at the pin-out level, including timing, voltages, and low-level protocols. 2. Digitization and Transmission: These physical signals are digitized at high resolution and packaged. Given the high speed and large bandwidth required for some of these interfaces (e.g., video), low-latency compression / decompression techniques and optimized transport protocols are used over the high-speed network. 3. Reconstruction in the SDE: The SDE receives the digitized data and, through its Dedicated Interface Module, reproduces the electrical signals at the pin-out level with extreme fidelity. For example, for a display, the SDE would generate the MIPI DSI, LVDS, or HDMI signals with the exact timing and data format that the remote graphics controller would be sending, allowing a locally connected display panel to function. LF25-EMUL-18 as if it were directly connected to the remote graphics processor. The same applies to keyboard, mouse, audio, or camera interfaces. 4. Operational Transparency: For the operating system or software of the electronic device hosting the main (remote) component, and for the local component (e.g., the physical screen, the physical keyboard), the connection is indistinguishable from a traditional direct connection. This enables "boneless" or modular device architectures. • Application Examples: o Distributed Consumer Devices ("Striped Smartphones / PCs"): A mobile phone or local PC might consist only of a screen, microphone, camera, headphone jacks, USB ports, and a battery, while the processor, memory, and storage reside on a remote server (e.g., in the cloud or a data center). The SDE on the local device emulates the internal interfaces of these components, enabling a lighter, more robust, cost-effective, and upgradeable end device. o Hardware as a Service (HaaS): Companies can offer remote access to specialized and expensive hardware (e.g., workstations with high-performance GPUs, chip development equipment, laboratory equipment) where users interact with their local peripherals connected to an SDE, while the processing hardware resides in the cloud.or Extended Reality (XR) and Remote Virtual Reality (VR): VR or AR glasses can be lighter and more comfortable, since their heavy graphics and data processing is done on a remote server, and only the screen and sensor interfaces are emulated and transmitted to the head device. C. Emulation of Wireless Communication Interfaces

[0035] Beyond wired and internal physical interfaces, the invention extends to the transparent emulation of wireless communication interfaces, allowing remote devices to behave as if they were in direct proximity to specific wireless modules or networks. LF25-EMUL-18 • Mechanism of Operation (Logical Protocol Level): For most wireless protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LoRa, 5G / LTE), the PDE connects to the digital interface (e.g., KART, SPI, USB) of an actual wireless module or to the software stack that controls that module in the source device. The PDE intercepts commands and data at the logical protocol level (e.g., Bluetooth pairing commands, Wi-Fi data frames, Zigbee sensor messages). This protocol data is encapsulated and transmitted over the high-speed network to the SDE. The SDE, in turn, decapsulates the data and injects it into a connected local wireless module or into that module's software stack, causing the local wireless environment to perceive the presence and behavior of a remote device. This allows the effective range of these wireless technologies to be extended to virtually unlimited distances and enables the virtualization of connectivity. • Operating Mechanism (Radio Frequency Signal Level - RF - for NFC): For Near Field Communication (NFC) emulation, the invention implements an even more sophisticated mechanism that operates directly at the radio frequency (RF) signal level to simulate the physical proximity inherent in NFC. 1. RF Signal Capture in the PDE: A specialized NFC interface module in the PDE is capable of capturing the electromagnetic field and modulation characteristics of an NFC signal emitted by an NFC source device (e.g., a credit card, a mobile phone) as it approaches the PDE. The PDE not only reads the data but also records the properties of the RF wave. 2. Digitization and Transmission: The captured characteristics of the RF signal are precisely digitized and packaged into data that can be transmitted over a high-speed remote communication network. This may include information about the signal's amplitude, phase, frequency, and timing. 3. RF Signal Reproduction in the SDE: The SDE, equipped with a specialized NFC interface module and an RF signal generator, receives this digitized data. The SDE is capable of faithfully reproducing the electromagnetic field and the NFC RF signal from the received data. This means that the SDE emits a signal that is indistinguishable, to a LF25-EMUL-18 destination NFC terminal, of the signal that the source NFC device would emit if it were physically present. 4. Seamless Interaction for Remote Payments: An NFC payment terminal or NFC reader is brought near the SDE. Due to the precise reproduction of the NFC RF signal, the terminal detects and communicates with the SDE as if the credit card or mobile phone were physically present and processing the payment locally. This enables contactless remote payment transactions, where a user can authorize a payment at a remote terminal by bringing their card / phone close to a PDE at their location, and the transaction is completed at the SDE next to the remote terminal. • Application Examples: o Secure Remote Payments: As detailed for NFC, enabling contactless card or phone payment transactions remotely. o Remote Access Control: Emulating RFID / NFC access cards to open doors or activate systems in remote locations. o Remote Device Pairing: Facilitating the pairing of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi devices that normally require proximity, without the devices having to be physically together. o Distributed IoT: Wireless sensors or actuators that rely on Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or LoRa can communicate with master controllers located in the cloud or a data center via emulators, extending the IoT network without range limitations. IV. Solutions for Latency Mitigation and Security

[0036] The remote and transparent nature of the invention imposes strict requirements regarding communication latency and security. The System integrates several solutions to address these critical challenges: • A. Latency Mitigation: LF25-EMUL-18 or High-Speed ​​Communication Network: The use of state-of-the-art network infrastructure, such as fiber optics, low-latency 5G networks, and high-speed Ethernet networks, is fundamental. These networks minimize the inherent delay in data transmission. Intelligent and Adaptive Buffering: Emulator devices employ buffering algorithms that dynamically adapt to network conditions. This helps smooth out latency variations (jitter) and ensure a continuous flow of data, essential for real-time applications such as video, audio, or critical control signals. Precise Clock Synchronization: Mechanisms are implemented to maintain highly precise clock synchronization between the PDE and the SDE (e.g., using protocols such as PTP - Precision Time Protocol or NTP - Enhanced Network Time Protocol). This is vital for the faithful reproduction of time-sensitive signals and for data coherence in bidirectional systems.Low-Latency Compression / Decompression: For high-bandwidth data (especially video and audio), optimized compression / decompression codecs and algorithms are used to minimize processing delay, prioritizing latency over maximum compression. Optimized Transport Protocols and Traffic Prioritization (QoS): Transport protocols designed for low latency (e.g., UDP with selective retransmission mechanisms or custom protocols) can be used instead of TCP for certain critical data flows. Additionally, where the network infrastructure allows, Quality of Service (QoS) is implemented to prioritize emulation traffic, reducing the likelihood of congestion and variable latency. • B. Security: o End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): All data communication between the PDE and the SDE is encrypted using robust encryption algorithms and modern security standards (e.g., AES-256, TLS 1.3). This guarantees the confidentiality of the transmitted information, protecting it from unauthorized interception. LF25-EMUL-18 or Robust Authentication: Emulator devices require mutual and robust authentication before establishing a secure connection. This can be implemented using digital certificates, cryptographic keys, multi-factor authentication, or a combination thereof, ensuring that only authorized devices can participate in the emulation. Access Control and Key Management: Access to the emulation system can be managed through a user application (e.g., on a mobile phone) that requires an activation code or specific credential provided by the remote service provider (e.g., a retail location for payments). Cryptographic key management can benefit from technologies such as blockchain to ensure immutability and transparency in the access and event log, or for the secure distribution of keys to authorized devices.Tamper-Proofing: Emulator devices can incorporate hardware security elements (e.g., Hardware Security Modules - HSMs) and tamper-proofing measures to protect cryptographic keys and firmware from physical attacks. V. General Applications and Additional Use Cases

[0037] The invention, by enabling the remote and transparent emulation of communication interfaces, opens up endless possibilities and generates disruptive business models and applications in multiple sectors, beyond the specific examples already mentioned. • 1. Hardware as a Service (HaaS) and Low-Cost / Debonded Devices: This system allows manufacturers to separate expensive and bulky processing hardware from user interface hardware. This can lead to the creation of significantly cheaper, lighter, and more energy-efficient end-user devices, while the "brain" resides in a data center. Users can subscribe to a remote hardware service, accessing advanced processing capabilities without the need to invest in expensive on-premises equipment. This architecture facilitates upgrading the core hardware without replacing the end-user device. LF25-EMUL-18 • 2. Global Diagnostic and Service Centers: Companies can establish centralized diagnostic and repair centers worldwide. Highly specialized technicians can diagnose, configure, or repair machinery and vehicles anywhere in the world, as if they were physically present, reducing travel costs and downtime. • 3. Remote Education, Training, and Simulation: Facilitates access to expensive and specialized training equipment, laboratories, and simulators (e.g., flight simulators, advanced medical equipment, heavy industrial machinery). Students and professionals can interact with real or simulated hardware remotely, gaining hands-on experience without the need for physical presence, thus democratizing access to technical training. • 4. Cybersecurity and Hardware Isolation: By physically separating critical hardware from the operating environment, the system can improve cybersecurity. Hardware interfaces can be emulated in a virtual or isolated environment, protecting sensitive physical components from direct attacks. This allows, for example, testing malicious software on real but remotely isolated hardware. • 5. Large Scale Telemetry and Monitoring: Enables the collection of real-time data from a vast network of sensors and actuators (e.g., in smart agriculture, smart cities, or environmental monitoring), including those using non-standard or legacy communication interfaces, transparently delivering the information to remote analysis centers. • 6. Remote Hardware / Software Development and Testing: Engineers and developers can test hardware or software prototypes on physical platforms located remotely. For example, a firmware developer can debug an electronic board located on another continent, controlling its ports and reading its pins as if it were on their workbench. • 7. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: In the event of local disasters, the ability to access and operate critical hardware from a remote location can be vital for the continuity of operations. VI. Additional Technical Details and Implementation Considerations LF25-EMUL-18 • Configuration Flexibility: Emulator devices can be programmatically configured to adapt their specific interface module to the type of port or component being emulated. This can be achieved through upgradeable firmware, interchangeable hardware modules, or a combination of both. • System Management: The system is expected to be manageable through a user application (e.g., on a smartphone or PC) or a web platform. This management interface would allow users to: o Select the type of interface to emulate. o Configure connection parameters (e.g., IP address of the other emulator, security settings). o Activate / deactivate emulation. o For NFC remote payment applications, the user application could generate and / or require an activation code or credential provided by the merchant or service provider to securely initiate and authorize the transaction. • Adaptability to Diverse Network Conditions: Although high-speed networks are prioritized, the invention can incorporate bit rate adaptation and error correction algorithms to maintain basic functionality even under less optimal network conditions, minimally compromising latency or quality depending on the application. • Scalability: The system is scalable to support multiple emulation instances simultaneously, allowing multiple users to access different remote interfaces through a shared infrastructure.

[0038] The invention, therefore, is not limited to the mere transmission of data, but to the transformation of the interaction with the hardware, making physical location incidental and opening a path towards a truly distributed and global hardware and services infrastructure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0039] This section aims to summarize certain aspects of the present invention and briefly present some embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made to avoid obscuring LF25-EMUL-18 the purpose of this section. Such simplifications or omissions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0040] The present invention discloses an innovative system and method for the remote and transparent emulation of communication interfaces. The system is designed to overcome physical barriers, allowing devices and systems to interact with remote hardware as if it were directly and locally connected. This is achieved through the use of at least one first emulator device (PDE) and one second emulator device (SDE), connected via a high-speed remote communication network.

[0041] The PDE connects to a communication interface of a source electronic device. This interface can be of various types, including: (a) physical wired communication interfaces (such as on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) ports, USB, HDMI, or connections for industrial transducers such as 4-20mA or 0-10V DC signals); (b) internal component interfaces of electronic devices (such as display buses, keyboard interfaces, or cameras at the pin-out level); and (c) wireless communication interfaces (such as Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC)). The PDE is capable of accurately capturing and digitizing the signals and / or data from the selected interface protocol.

[0042] The digitized data is transmitted bidirectionally across the remote network to the SDE. The SDE processes this data and emulates an interface identical to the original, presenting it to a target electronic device. The emulation is "transparent" because the target device interacts with the emulated interface without perceiving the intermediation of the remote network or the emulating devices, experiencing a direct connection and simulated physical proximity. For wireless interfaces such as NFC, the emulation extends to the precise reproduction of the radio frequency (RF) signal to fully simulate physical presence.

[0043] The system incorporates robust solutions to mitigate latency challenges, utilizing high-speed networks, intelligent buffering, precise clock synchronization, and optimized compression. Furthermore, communication security is guaranteed through end-to-end encryption. LF25-EMUL-18 robust authentication and, optionally, the use of blockchain technology for access management and transactional integrity.

[0044] The invention enables a multitude of disruptive applications in diverse fields, including remote vehicle diagnostics and maintenance (cars, heavy vehicles, trains, aircraft, agricultural and industrial machinery), distributed hardware computing (e.g., smartphones or decommissioned PCs), remote access to specialized hardware as a service, contactless remote payment solutions, remote access control, large-scale telemetry, and advanced platforms for education and simulation. The present invention transforms interaction with hardware, making physical location incidental and promoting the creation of truly distributed and global hardware and service infrastructures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Currently, the interaction between electronic devices and their peripherals, internal components, or diagnostic and control systems is predominantly based on physical proximity and direct connection via short-range wired or wireless communication interfaces. This reliance on local physical connections presents numerous limitations and challenges in a variety of fields.

[0046] In the automotive and machinery sectors, for example, on-board diagnostic systems (OBD-II, CAN, J1939) and other communication interfaces require technicians or diagnostic systems to be physically present and connected to the vehicle or machinery. This imposes logistical and time constraints, especially for large fleets, vehicles located in remote areas, or specialized equipment requiring diagnosis by remote experts. Despite the evolution of some telemetry solutions, these are often limited to extracting specific data and do not allow for seamless, bidirectional interaction with all the system's low-level protocols and signals. Furthermore, some manufacturers persist with closed systems, hindering interoperability and third-party access to data for diagnostics or solutions. LF25-EMUL-18

[0047] In the realm of consumer electronics and computing, traditional architecture dictates that all essential components (CPU, GPU, memory, storage) reside in the same chassis as the user interfaces (display, keyboard, mouse, camera, audio). This monolithic integration imposes limitations on design (size, weight, heat dissipation), hardware lifespan (obsolescence due to internal component upgrades), and deployment flexibility. Existing cloud computing solutions primarily focus on software virtualization or data access, but rarely enable transparent emulation of hardware interfaces at the electrical signal or pinout level, which would allow a "lightweight" end-user device to behave as if its core processing were local.

[0048] Wireless communication interfaces like Bluetooth and NFC are also inherently tied to physical proximity. While convenient for short-range interactions (e.g., device pairing, contactless payments), their limited range hinders innovative remote applications. Specifically in the field of NFC-based contactless payments, the requirement that the card or phone be within a few centimeters of the payment terminal limits transactions to scenarios where the payer and the terminal share the same physical location, thus restricting the use of these technologies in e-commerce or remote service contexts.

[0049] In industrial automation and process control, sensor and actuator networks often use standard electrical signals (e.g., 4–20 mA, 0–10 V DC) or specific industrial protocols that require extensive cabling and local control points. Remote management and integration of these systems into Industry 4.0 or Industrial IoT infrastructures is hampered by the complexity of adapting and emulating these interfaces transparently over long distances.

[0050] Existing solutions for remote device access or virtualization often involve software layers that introduce latency, incompatibilities, or require significant modifications to the end devices to function. There is an unmet need for a system that can transparently emulate the physical and protocol-related behavior of various interfaces. LF25-EMUL-18 communication (wired and wireless, external and internal) via a remote network, enabling interaction indistinguishable from a direct, local connection. Such a system would open up a vast array of new applications and efficiencies across multiple industries. CONCLUSION

[0051] In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted that it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. Moreover, in the claims hereafter, the structures, materials, actions, and equivalents of all means and functional elements further intended to include any structure, material, or actions for the performance of their aforementioned functions.

[0052] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention described above, in particular any "preferred embodiments," are merely possible examples of implementations, set forth simply for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without substantially departing from the spirit of the invention's principles. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the invention and this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0053] The present invention has been described in sufficient detail with a certain degree of particularity. Its usefulness is appreciated by those skilled in the art. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the present description of embodiments has been made only as an example and that numerous changes in the arrangement and combination of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Consequently, the scope of this The invention LF25-EMUL-18 is defined by the attached claims instead of the above description of embodiments.

Claims

LF25-EMUL-18 Claims: What is being demanded is:

1. A system for the remote and transparent emulation of communication interfaces, comprising: a. A first emulator device, configurable to: i. Establish a connection with a first communication interface of a source electronic device, said first interface being selected from a group that includes physical wired communication interfaces, interfaces of internal components of electronic devices, and wireless communication interfaces; ii. Capture and digitize signals and / or data associated with the communication protocol of said first communication interface; and iii. Transmit the digitized data bidirectionally over a high-speed remote communication network. b. A second emulator device, configurable to: i. Receive the digitized data from the first emulator device over the remote communication network; ii.Processing the received data to emulate a second communication interface that is functionally and behaviorally transparent to the first communication interface; and iii. Providing the second communication interface to a target electronic device, such that the target electronic device interacts with the second communication interface as if it were directly connected to the first communication interface of the source electronic device, with simulated physical proximity. LF25-EMUL-18 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first physical wired communication interface comprises one or more of: an on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) port, a USB port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort port, a VGA port, an RJ45 port, an RJ11 port, an RS-232 port, an RS-432 port, a PS / 2 port, a SATA port, a SCSI port, a FireWire port, or any other standardized or proprietary electrical or data connector.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first internal component interface of an electronic device comprises an internal bus or connector interface designed for communication between components within the same electronic device, such as a display interface (e.g., MIPI DSI, LVDS, eDP), a keyboard interface, a speaker interface, a microphone interface, or a camera interface, allowing processing or storage components to be located physically remote from the target electronic device.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein: the emulation of the internal component interface is performed at an electrical signal or pin-out level, replicating the electrical and timing characteristics of the bus or connector signals.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first wireless communication interface comprises one or more of: a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a Zigbee interface, a LoRa interface, a 5G / LTE interface, or a near field communication (NFC) interface.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein: the emulation of the near-field communication (NFC) interface involves the capture of the NFC radio frequency (RF) signal characteristics by the first emulator device, the LF25-EMUL-18 transmission of said characteristics, and the reproduction or generation of an identical NFC RF signal by the second emulator device to be detected by a destination NFC terminal.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein: the high-speed remote communication network includes technologies such as fiber optics, 5G networks, or any other network infrastructure capable of supporting the latency and bandwidth required for transparent emulation.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: security modules configured to implement: a. End-to-end encryption to protect the confidentiality of transmitted data; b. Robust authentication between the first and second emulator device; and c. Optionally, key management mechanisms or transaction records based on blockchain technology.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein: the first and / or second emulator device are based on microcontrollers, single-board computers (SBCs) such as Raspberry Pi, or systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) such as ESP32, configured with custom software or firmware for emulation.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein: the latency of remote communication is mitigated by one or more of the following techniques: use of high-speed internet, intelligent buffering, precise clock synchronization between emulator devices, low-latency data compression / decompression, optimized transport protocols, and traffic prioritization (QoS).

11. The system of claim 1, wherein: LF25-EMUL-18 The source electronic device is selected from a group that includes: motor vehicles (combustion, electric, hybrid), heavy vehicles, motorcycles, boats, trains, aircraft, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, industrial machinery, electric generators, and consumer electronic devices such as personal computers (PCs) and mobile phones.

12. A method for the remote and transparent emulation of communication interfaces, comprising the steps of: a. Establishing a connection with a first communication interface of a source electronic device, said first interface being selected from a group that includes physical wired communication interfaces, interfaces of internal components of electronic devices, and wireless communication interfaces; b. Capturing and digitizing signals and / or data associated with the communication protocol of said first communication interface; c. Transmitting the digitized data bidirectionally through a high-speed remote communication network; d. Receiving the digitized data on a second emulator device through the remote communication network; e. Processing the received data to emulate a second communication interface that is functionally and behaviorally transparent to said first communication interface; and f.Offering said second communication interface to a destination electronic device, in such a way that the destination electronic device interacts with the second communication interface as if it were directly connected to the first communication interface of the source electronic device, with a simulated physical proximity. LF25-EMUL-18 13. The method of claim 12, wherein: the first physical wired communication interface comprises one or more of: an on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) port, a USB port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort port, a VGA port, an RJ45 port, an RJ11 port, an RS-232 port, an RS-432 port, a PS / 2 port, a SATA port, a SCSI port, a FireWire port, or any other standardized or proprietary electrical or data connector.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein: the first internal component interface of an electronic device comprises an internal bus or connector interface designed for communication between components within the same electronic device, such as a display interface, a keyboard interface, a speaker interface, a microphone interface, or a camera interface, allowing processing or storage components to be located physically remote from the target electronic device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: the emulation of the internal component interface is performed at an electrical signal or pin-out level, replicating the electrical and timing characteristics of the bus or connector signals.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein: the first wireless communication interface comprises one or more of: a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a Zigbee interface, a LoRa interface, a 5G / LTE interface, or a near field communication (NFC) interface.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the emulation of the near-field communication (NFC) interface involves the capture of the NFC radio frequency (RF) signal characteristics by the first emulator device, the LF25-EMUL-18 transmission of said characteristics, and the reproduction or generation of an identical NFC RF signal by the second emulator device to be detected by a destination NFC terminal.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of implementing security by: end-to-end encryption to protect the confidentiality of the transmitted data; and robust authentication between the first and second emulator device.

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