System and method for data retrieval in AC power tools via an AC line cord
First Claim
1. A system for communicating information between a power tool and an independent subsystem using a power cord of the tool as a signal conducting medium, the system comprising:
- an independent interface subsystem adapted to be electrically coupled to said power cord for bidirectional communication with said power tool via said power cord, and to provide an input signal to said power tool to initiate communication with said power tool;
an electronic module disposed within said tool for storing operational information relating to said power tool;
a controller disposed within said tool and in communication with said electronic module, said controller is adapted to;
recognize said input signal and thereafter enter a communications mode of operation;
obtain said operational information from said electronic module; and
transmit periodic pulses representative of said operational information over said power cord in synchronization with said input signal; and
wherein said interface system decodes said periodic pulses to obtain said operational information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing device for analysis and/or recording.
76 Citations
48 Claims
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1. A system for communicating information between a power tool and an independent subsystem using a power cord of the tool as a signal conducting medium, the system comprising:
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an independent interface subsystem adapted to be electrically coupled to said power cord for bidirectional communication with said power tool via said power cord, and to provide an input signal to said power tool to initiate communication with said power tool;
an electronic module disposed within said tool for storing operational information relating to said power tool;
a controller disposed within said tool and in communication with said electronic module, said controller is adapted to;
recognize said input signal and thereafter enter a communications mode of operation;
obtain said operational information from said electronic module; and
transmit periodic pulses representative of said operational information over said power cord in synchronization with said input signal; and
wherein said interface system decodes said periodic pulses to obtain said operational information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for communicating information between a power tool having a power cord, an internal motor, a switch in communication with said power cord for switching on and off said motor, and a storage module for storing operational information relating to said tool, the system comprising:
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an independent interface subsystem adapted to be electrically coupled to said power cord for facilitating bi-directional communications with said power tool, via said power cord;
said independent interface subsystem operating to initiate a communications mode between said power tool and said interface subsystem by applying to the power cord an AC input signal having a frequency greater than 60 Hz and being of insufficient magnitude to cause rotation of said motor; and
a controller disposed within said tool for recognizing said AC input signal and transmitting signal pulses, via said switch, corresponding to said stored operational information over said power cord back to said interface subsystem for decoding by said interface subsystem. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for bidirectionally communicating information to and from a power tool having an internally disposed storage module and controller, said method comprising:
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a) applying an input signal from a subsystem independent of said power tool through a power cord of said tool, said input signal informing said controller to enter a communications mode of operation;
b) causing said input signal to have a frequency higher than 60 Hz and a power that is insufficient to cause normal operation of said tool;
c) using said controller to receive said input signal and to initiate downloading of stored information from said module over said power cord via signal pulses generated in synchronization with said input signal; and
d) demodulating said signal pulses to obtain said stored information. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A system for fully duplexed bidirectional communication with a power tool, said system comprising:
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an electronic component disposed within the power tool, the electronic component comprising a storage module, a controller in communication with the storage module and an electrical switching device;
an independent interface subsystem adapted to;
be electrically connected to a power cord of the power tool for fully duplexed bidirectional communication with the power tool;
to transmit a square wave, bipolar DC signal to the electronic component, determine the polarity of the electronic component; and
digitally transmit data to the electronic component by sequentially switching the bipolar square wave, DC signal at a specific frequency using a specific communications protocol and baud rate; and
wherein the electronic component is adapted to interpret the digitally communicated data from the interface system and transmit digital data to the interface subsystem by sequentially controlling the flow of current through the electronic switching device. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method for bidirectionally communicating with a power tool, said method comprising:
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disposing an electronic component within the power tool, the electronic component including a storage module and a controller in communication with the storage module and an electrical switching device;
electrically connect an independent interface subsystem to a power cord of the power tool to implement fully duplexed bidirectional communication with the power tool;
transmiting a square wave, bipolar DC signal from the interface subsystem to the electronic component;
determining the polarity of the electronic component utilizing the interface subsystem;
digitally transmitting data from the interface subsystem to the electronic component by sequentially switching the bipolar square wave, DC signal at a specific frequency using a specific communications protocol and baud rate;
interpreting the digitally communicated data from the interface system utilizing the electronic component; and
transmiting digital data from the electronic component to the interface subsystem by sequentially controlling the flow of current through the electronic switching device. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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Specification