RF transponder with electromechanical power
First Claim
1. A transponder for use in a vehicle as part of an RF-based electronic payment system, the system including a reader for engaging in RF communications with the transponder, the transponder comprising:
- an antenna;
an RF module coupled to said antenna for receiving RF interrogation signals from the reader and for transmitting RF response signals to the reader;
a power circuit for supplying power to said RF module, wherein said power circuit includes a microelectromechanical generator for converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A transponder for use in a vehicular RF communications system, such as an electronic toll collection system or the like. The transponder includes an electromechanical generator for converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy for powering the control electronics and/or RF transceiver electronics of the transponder. The electromechanical generator may charge an energy storage element, such as capacitor or a battery, which is then used as a power source by the transponder electronics. The electromechanical generator may be implemented using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology. In one embodiment, the MEMS generator is an inductive microelectromechanical generator including a permanent magnet, a spring, and an electrical coil. In another embodiment, the MEMS generator is a capacitive microelectromechanical generator including a mechanical variable capacitor, switches and control electronics.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A transponder for use in a vehicle as part of an RF-based electronic payment system, the system including a reader for engaging in RF communications with the transponder, the transponder comprising:
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an antenna;
an RF module coupled to said antenna for receiving RF interrogation signals from the reader and for transmitting RF response signals to the reader;
a power circuit for supplying power to said RF module, wherein said power circuit includes a microelectromechanical generator for converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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2. (canceled)
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12. An electronic toll collection system including a plurality of roadside readers for engaging in RF communications with a plurality of vehicle-borne transponders, said transponders each comprising:
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an antenna;
an RF module coupled to said antenna for receiving RF interrogation signals from one of the readers and for transmitting RF response signals to the one of the readers;
a power circuit for supplying power to said RF module, wherein said power circuit includes a microelectromechanical generator for converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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13. (canceled)
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23. A transponder for use in a vehicle as part of an RF-based electronic payment system, the system including a reader for engaging in RF communications with the transponder, the transponder comprising:
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antenna means for receiving RF signals from the reader and transmitting RF signals to the reader;
memory means for storing transponder information;
communication means for demodulating a received RF signal and generating a modulated signal containing said transponder information;
microelectromechanical means for converting kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy; and
means for supplying said electrical energy to said communication means. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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Specification