Vehicle tag reader
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An interrogator, comprising:
- wireless communication circuitry configured to communicate with a transponder positioned on a wheel that rotates and to receive information therefrom; and
a plurality of antennas coupled to the wireless communication circuitry and arranged in an array about the wheel for wirelessly communicating with the transponder,wherein each antenna of the plurality of antennas is configured to be selectively activated for wireless communication with the transponder based on the position of the transponder as the wheel rotates.
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Accused Products
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.
73 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An interrogator, comprising:
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wireless communication circuitry configured to communicate with a transponder positioned on a wheel that rotates and to receive information therefrom; and a plurality of antennas coupled to the wireless communication circuitry and arranged in an array about the wheel for wirelessly communicating with the transponder, wherein each antenna of the plurality of antennas is configured to be selectively activated for wireless communication with the transponder based on the position of the transponder as the wheel rotates. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of interrogating a transponder mounted on a wheel that rotates, the method comprising:
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determining a location and speed of rotation of the transponder as the transponder rotates with the wheel; and for each antenna of a plurality of antennas positioned about the wheel, selectively activating the antenna for wireless communication with the transponder based on the position of the transponder as the wheel rotates. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A wireless communication system, comprising:
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a transponder positioned on a wheel; multiple antennas positioned in an array proximate to at least a portion of the wheel; an interrogator configured to wirelessly communicate with the transponder via the multiple antennas; and a controller coupled to the multiple antennas, wherein for each antenna, the controller is configured to selectively activate the antenna for wireless communication with the transponder based on a position of the transponder relative to the antenna as the wheel rotates. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification