Vehicle tag reader

• US 20070013500A1
• Filed: 08/31/2006
• Published: 01/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Forster, Ian
• Granted Patent: US 7,518,494 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/445
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0444 Antenna structures, control or arrangements thereof, e.g. for directional antennas, diversity antenna, antenna multiplexing or antennas integrated in fenders
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/66 using electric or magnetic means G01P3/80 takes precedence; measuring short time intervals G04F8/00, G04F10/00

Abstract

A tire sensor that communicates to a remote interrogator in one of two modes depending on the nature of the interrogation. The interrogator may be distributed throughout a vehicle if needed for design options. Further, the interrogator only interrogates the transponder when the interrogator has reason to believe that the transponder is in range of the interrogator. The interrogator and transponder may be configured to operate in different modes for communication during operation of the tire on a vehicle and during non-operation. The transponder may communicate tire condition information to the interrogator concerning environmental or other information sensed about the tire.

Claims

1-40. -40. (canceled)

41. A wireless communication system, comprising:

a transponder adapted to be positioned on a vehicle tire;

an interrogator; and

a control system adapted to;

(a) determine a circumferential location of said transponder on the vehicle tire;

(b) interrogate, through said interrogator, the transponder in a window when the transponder moves in an arc proximate said interrogator; and

(c) not interrogate said transponder when said transponder is expected to be outside the window.