REMOTE SENSOR INTERFACE (RSI) HAVING POWER CONSERVATIVE TRANSCEIVER FOR TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING WAKEUP SIGNALS

• US 20060287008A1
• Filed: 06/19/2006
• Published: 12/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: TeraHop Networks Incorporated
• Inventors: TWITCHELL, Robert W. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 7,539,520 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/574
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0229 where the received signal is a wanted signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/20 Manipulation of established connections
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A device for receiving and transmitting wireless signals includes a transceiver capable of receiving a wireless signal; and a standards-based radio capable of activation thereof in response to a reception of a wireless signal by the transceiver. The transceiver includes a receiver capable of receiving a wireless signal transmitted to prompt activation of said standards-based radio; and a transmitter configured, in response to a reception by said receiver of a wireless signal transmitted to prompt activation of said standards-based radio, to selectively transmit a wireless signal for another transceiver to prompt activation of another standards-based radio.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device for receiving and transmitting wireless signals, comprising:

(a) a transceiver capable of receiving a wireless signal; and

(b) a standards-based radio capable of activation in response to receipt of a wireless signal by said transceiver.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said transceiver is capable of receiving a wireless signal transmitted to prompt activation of said standards-based radio.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said standards-based radio, when activated, is capable of receiving and transmitting wireless signals that convey sensor data.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said transceiver consumes less power in receiving a wireless signal than said standards-based radio in receiving a wireless signal.

5. The device of claim 1, said transceiver comprising:

(i) a receiver capable of receiving a wireless signal transmitted to prompt activation of said standards-based radio; and

(ii) a transmitter configured, in response to a reception by said receiver of a wireless signal transmitted to prompt activation of said standards-based radio, to selectively transmit a wireless signal for another transceiver to prompt activation of another standards-based radio.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

(c) a sensor capable of acquiring sensor data; and

(d) wherein said standards-based radio is capable of transmitting said sensor data.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said sensor is disposed for monitoring of a container.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said sensor comprises a seal monitor capable of detecting opening and/or closure of said container.

9. The device of claim 6, wherein said sensor comprises a camera, a microphone, a motion detector, a light detector, or an RF signal detector.

10. The device of claim 6, wherein said sensor is a chemical sensor.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said sensor is sensitive to a chemical present within said container.

12. A self-contained wireless communications device, comprising:

(a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a first transmitter and a first receiver; and

(b) a second transmitter and a second receiver, the second receiver being configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component, and the second transmitter being configured to transmit the radio frequency broadcast received by the second receiver;

(c) wherein the second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.

13. The wireless communications device of claim 12, wherein the second transmitter is configured to transmit the radio frequency broadcast irrespective of the specific data identified in the radio frequency broadcast.

14. The wireless communications device of claim 12, wherein the second transmitter is configured to transmit the radio frequency broadcast irrespective of whether the LPRF communications component is powered up.

15. The wireless communications device of claim 12, wherein the wireless communications device is battery operated.

16. The wireless communications device of claim 12, wherein the wireless communications device is of a size capable of being handheld.

17. The wireless communications device of claim 12, wherein the LPRF communications component comprises a standards-based Bluetooth radio and wherein the second transmitter and second receiver do not comprise a standards-based Bluetooth radio.

18. The wireless communications device of claim 12, wherein the LPRF communications component communicates in accordance with a first protocol, and wherein the second transmitter and the second receiver communicate in accordance with a second protocol that is different from the first protocol.

19. The wireless communications device of claim 12, further comprising a sensor component physically connected to the LPRF communications component for data exchange there between, the wireless communications device being a remote sensor interface (RSI) in an RSI network.

20. The wireless communications device of claim 19, wherein the sensor component includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.