Methods and apparatus for power control
First Claim
1. An apparatus for acquiring data for process tools used for processing workpieces, the apparatus comprising:
- a substrate;
at least one sensor supported by the substrate, the sensor being capable of providing information;
an information processor supported by the substrate, the information processor being connected with the sensor so as to receive information from the sensor;
an internal communicator supported by the substrate, the internal communicator being connected with the information processor so that the information processor can provide information to the internal communicator, the internal communicator being capable of wireless bi-directional communication;
a power source supported by the substrate, the power source being connected so as to provide power to the internal communicator, and the information processor being capable of shutting off power to the internal communicator for an amount of time, the information processor being capable of turning on power to the internal communicator for an amount of time so that the apparatus can test for an incoming communication signal, and the information processor being capable of allowing power to the information processor in response to a signal.
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Abstract
Described are methods and apparatus that can provide increased power use efficiency for some applications of wireless telecommunications devices. An aspect of the present invention includes an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus includes a wireless communication system powered with a limited capacity power source. The apparatus is capable of controlling the power applied to the communication system so as to increase the efficiency for using the power. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of controlling power use for wireless telecommunications with a limited capacity power source.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for acquiring data for process tools used for processing workpieces, the apparatus comprising:
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a substrate;
at least one sensor supported by the substrate, the sensor being capable of providing information;
an information processor supported by the substrate, the information processor being connected with the sensor so as to receive information from the sensor;
an internal communicator supported by the substrate, the internal communicator being connected with the information processor so that the information processor can provide information to the internal communicator, the internal communicator being capable of wireless bi-directional communication;
a power source supported by the substrate, the power source being connected so as to provide power to the internal communicator, and the information processor being capable of shutting off power to the internal communicator for an amount of time, the information processor being capable of turning on power to the internal communicator for an amount of time so that the apparatus can test for an incoming communication signal, and the information processor being capable of allowing power to the information processor in response to a signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of deriving operating characteristics for a process tool used for processing workpieces, the method being performed with a sensor apparatus having, at least one sensor, an information processor, an independent power supply, and a wireless bi-directional communication system, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) loading the sensor apparatus into the process tool;
b) using the information processor to turn on the power to the communication system for a first predetermined amount of time so that the communication system can test for an external communication signal;
c) if there is no signal, using the information processor to turn off the power to the communication system and waiting a second predetermined amount of time with the power to the communication system turned off and returning to step b;
d) if there is a signal, measuring the operating characteristics with the sensor, converting the measured operating characteristics into digital data, performing at least one step of i. storing the digital data in the sensor apparatus, ii. transmitting the digital data to a receiver, and iii. storing the digital data in the sensor apparatus and transmitting the digital data to a receiver; and
e) using the information processor to turn off the power to the communication system and waiting the second predetermined amount of time with the power to the communication system turned off and returning to step b. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising:
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an information processor;
an internal communicator, the internal communicator being capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information, the internal communicator being connected with the information processor so that the information processor can provide information to the internal communicator;
a power source, the power source being connected so as to provide power to the internal communicator, and the information processor being capable of shutting off power to the internal communicator for an amount of time, the information processor being capable of turning on power to the internal communicator for an amount of time so that the apparatus can test for an incoming communication signal, and the information processor being capable of allowing power to the information processor in response to a signal. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19)
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17. A method of operating a wireless communication device, the device having an information processor, an independent power supply, and a wireless bi-directional communication system, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) using the information processor to turn on the power to the communication system for a first predetermined amount of time so that the communication system can test for an external communication signal;
b) if there is no signal, using the information processor to turn off the power to the communication system and waiting a second predetermined amount of time with the power to the communication system turned off and returning to step a;
c) if there is a signal, providing power to the communication system until a response to the signal is completed; and
d) using the information processor to turn off the power to the communication system and waiting the second predetermined amount of time with the power to the communication system turned off and returning to step a.
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Specification