Passive Radio Frequency Data Logger

• US 20100026466A1
• Filed: 10/12/2009
• Published: 02/04/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mynette Technolgies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Steven M. Colby
• Inventors: Colby, Steven M.
• Granted Patent: US 8,816,826 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/10.400
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/025 the material being flexible or adapted for folding, e.g. paper or paper-like materials used in luggage labels, identification tags, forms or identification documents carrying RFIDs methods for testing the genuineness of valuable papers, e.g. banknotes or passports G07D7/00; constructional features of booklets and the like B42D
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0723 the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07354 by biometrically sensitive means, e.g. fingerprint sensitive fingerprint sensors in general G06V40/12; biometrically activated access control G07C9/25
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07749 the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/47 using RFID associated with sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom

Abstract

A radio frequency identification device is configured as a data logger. In a logging mode the radio frequency identification device logs information received from a transmitter. In an upload mode the radio frequency identification device is configured to upload to a receiver logged information and/or information identifying the radio frequency identification device. Optionally, the logging mode is used when there is insufficient power to send a readable response signal to the transmitter.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a first transmitter configured to transmit a first RF signal including identification data configured to identify the first transmitter;

a logger configured to receive the RF signal transmitted by the first transmitter, to convert the RF signal into electrical energy, and to use the electrical energy to store the identification data in static memory storage within the logger, the static memory storage being configured to simultaneously store a plurality of identification data received from a plurality of transmitters;

a second transmitter configured to communicate a second signal to the logger and to receive a first reply signal, the first reply signal including the plurality of identification data stored in the static memory; and

a database server configured to store the plurality of identification data received in the first reply signal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the logger is further configured to use the electrical energy to transmit a second reply signal to the first transmitter in response to the first RF signal, the second reply signal including data configured to identify the logger.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second signal is an RF signal.

4. The system of claim 1, further including a shipment tracked using the logger.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the RF signal include time information.

6. A passive radio frequency logger comprising:

a power circuit configured to convert RF signals into electrical energy;

a log data storage including static memory configured to store a plurality of identification information received in a plurality of RF signals, the plurality of identification information being configured to identify a plurality of transmitters;

a processor configured to store one or more members of the plurality of identification information in the log data storage using the electrical; and

an antenna configured to receive the plurality of RF signals including the plurality of identification information, and configured to transmit a reply signal using the electrical energy, the reply signal including the plurality of identification information stored in the log data storage.

7. The passive radio frequency logger of claim 6, further including sensor configured to generate data using the electrical energy generated using the power circuit.

8. The passive radio frequency logger of claim 6, wherein the identification information is stored in the log data storage in association with time information.

9. The passive radio frequency logger of claim 6, further including an ID data storage configured to store identity information associated with the system, the antenna being configured to transmit the identity information.

10. The passive radio frequency logger of claim 6, further including logic configured to determine when communication reliability is sufficient to send the reply signal.

11. The passive radio frequency logger of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to attempt to send a signal to a transmitter after storing identification information received from one of the plurality of transmitters.

12. The passive radio frequency logger of claim 6, further including a state memory configured to store a value indicative of whether the passive radio frequency logger is in a logging state or an upload state.

13. The passive radio frequency logger of claim 6, further including logic configured for switching between a logging mode and an upload mode.

14. The passive radio frequency logger of claim 13, wherein the logic is configured for switching between the logging mode and the upload mode responsive to a level of the electrical energy.

15. A method comprising:

receiving a first radio frequency transmission including first identification data configured to identify a sender of the first radio frequency transmission;

using the first radio frequency transmission to generate first electrical energy;

storing the first identification data in a log data storage using the first electrical energy;

receiving a second radio frequency transmission including second identification data configured to identify a sender of the first radio frequency transmission;

using the second radio frequency transmission to generate second electrical energy;

storing the second identification data in the log data storage using the second electrical energy;

switching from a logging mode to an upload mode; and

uploading the first identification data and the second identification data stored in the log data storage, in the upload mode.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein switching from the logging mode to the upload mode is responsive to a radio frequency signal.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein switching from the logging mode to the upload mode is responsive to a received command.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein switching from the logging mode to the upload mode is responsive to a handshaking routine.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein switching form the logging mode to the upload mode is responsive to a radio frequency.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein switching from the logging mode to the upload mode is responsive to receiving data identifying a data logger including the log data storage.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein switching from the logging mode to the upload mode is responsive to a third radio frequency transmission.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein switching from the logging mode to the upload mode is responsive to a frequency of a third radio frequency transmission.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein switching from the logging mode to the upload mode is responsive to manipulation of a mechanical or electrical switch included in a data logger, the data logger including the log data storage.

24. The method of claim 15, wherein switching between the logging mode and the upload mode is automatic after logging occurs.

25. The method of claim 15, further including sending a response to the second radio frequency transmission, receiving an acknowledgement of the response, and changing from the logging mode to the upload responsive to the acknowledgement.

26. The method of claim 15, further including receiving a confirmation that the uploading of the first and second identification was successful and, in response, deleting the first and second identification data from the log data storage.

27. The method of claim 15, wherein uploading the first and second identification data is performed using energy generated from a fourth radio frequency transmission.

28. The method of claim 15, wherein uploading of the first and second identification data is performed using a physical connection from the log data storage to an external device.

29. The method of claim 15, wherein connection to an external device automatically results in a change from the logging mode to the upload mode.