Wireless reader tags (WRTs) with sensor components in asset monitoring and tracking systems
First Claim
1. A wireless communications system comprising:
- a reader configured to receive first wireless communication signals comprising data generated externally of the reader and to output second wireless communication signals; and
a plurality of remote communications devices comprising radio frequency identification devices comprising communications circuitry configured to output the first wireless communication signals and to receive and to process the second wireless communication signals, wherein the remote communications devices are individually configured to sense at least one condition with respect to the respective remote communications device and to communicate data corresponding to the at least one sensed condition at a plurality of moments in time responsive to criteria originating within the respective remote communications devicewherein each remote communications device is capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, and further includes a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency transmission and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal in order to power up the remote communications device, the second receiver being adapted to draw less current than the communications circuitry while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency transmission.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wireless transceiver includes: (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 transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is 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. 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.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A wireless communications system comprising:
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a reader configured to receive first wireless communication signals comprising data generated externally of the reader and to output second wireless communication signals; and a plurality of remote communications devices comprising radio frequency identification devices comprising communications circuitry configured to output the first wireless communication signals and to receive and to process the second wireless communication signals, wherein the remote communications devices are individually configured to sense at least one condition with respect to the respective remote communications device and to communicate data corresponding to the at least one sensed condition at a plurality of moments in time responsive to criteria originating within the respective remote communications device wherein each remote communications device is capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, and further includes a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency transmission and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal in order to power up the remote communications device, the second receiver being adapted to draw less current than the communications circuitry while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency transmission.
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2. A wireless communications system comprising:
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a wireless reader tag serving as a reader (WRT reader) configured to receive first wireless communication signals comprising data generated externally of the WRT reader and to output second wireless communication signals; and a plurality of wireless reader tags serving as wireless tags (WRT tags) comprising low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications components configured to output the first wireless communication signals and to receive and to process the second wireless communication signals, wherein the WRT tags are individually configured to sense at least one condition with respect to the respective WRT tag and to communicate data corresponding to the at least one sensed condition at a plurality of moments in time responsive to criteria originating within the respective WRT tag wherein each WRT tag is capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, and further includes a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency transmission and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal in order to power up the WRT tag, the second receiver being adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency transmission. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A wireless communications method comprising:
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sensing a condition with respect to a remote communications device at a plurality of first moments in time; providing data regarding the sensed condition at the first moments in time; outputting a plurality of first wireless communication signals using communications circuitry of the remote communications device; receiving the first wireless communication signals using a reader; outputting a plurality of second wireless communication signals using the reader; receiving and processing the second wireless communication signals using the remote communications device; and using the first wireless communication signals, communicating the data externally of the remote communications device at a plurality of second moments in time determined according to criteria independent of operations of the reader wherein each remote communications device is capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, and further includes a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency transmission and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal in order to power up the remote communications device, the second receiver being adapted to draw less current than the communications circuitry while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency transmission.
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11. A wireless communications method comprising:
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sensing a condition with respect to a wireless reader tag serving as a tag (WRT tag) at a plurality of first moments in time; providing data regarding the sensed condition at the first moments in time; outputting a plurality of first wireless communication signals using the WRT tag; receiving the first wireless communication signals using a reader; outputting a plurality of second wireless communication signals using the reader; receiving and processing the second wireless communication signals using the WRT tag; and using the first wireless communication signals, communicating the data externally of the WRT tag at a plurality of second moments in time determined according to criteria independent of operations of the reader wherein each WRT tag is capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, and further includes a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency transmission and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal in order to power up the WRT tag, the second receiver being adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency transmission. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A wireless communications method comprising:
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sensing a condition with respect to a remote communications device at a plurality of moments in time; providing data regarding the sensed condition at the moments in time; outputting a plurality of wireless communication signals using communications circuitry of the remote communications device; using the wireless communication signals, outputting the data regarding the sensed condition at a plurality of moments in time; and adjusting a number of times the condition is sensed with respect to time wherein each remote communications device is capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, and further includes a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency transmission and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal in order to power up the remote communications device, the second receiver being adapted to draw less current than the communications circuitry while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency transmission.
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22. A wireless communications method comprising:
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sensing a condition with respect to a wireless reader tag serving as a wireless tag (WRT tag) at a plurality of moments in time; providing data regarding the sensed condition at the moments in time; outputting a plurality of wireless communication signals using the WRT tag; using the wireless communication signals, outputting the data regarding the sensed condition at a plurality of moments in time; and changing a duty cycle and revolving communication schedule of the WRT tag wherein each WRT tag is capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, and further includes a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency transmission and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal in order to power up the WRT tag, the second receiver being adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency transmission. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification