System and method for extending the battery life in inventory control devices
First Claim
1. An inventory control device comprising:
- a passive receiver comprising;
a first antenna configured to wirelessly receive an initiation signal having an associated energy field from a remote control system;
a capacitor;
a rectifier circuit coupled between the antenna and the capacitor, the rectifier circuit configured to convert the initiation signal into a direct current for charging the capacitor; and
a signal generator coupled to the capacitor and configured to be powered solely by the capacitor and to output a mode change signal when the capacitor is charged above a threshold voltage; and
a functional module comprising;
a second antenna configured to wirelessly receive a data signal from the remote control system, the data signal comprising identification (ID) data;
an indicator comprising at least one of an audio indicator and a visual indicator;
a self-contained power source; and
a controller coupled to the second antenna, the indicator, the power source, and the signal generator, the controller comprising a stored ID indicative of the inventory control device, an inactive mode wherein the controller is not responsive to signals received by the second antenna, and an active mode wherein the controller activates the indicator upon receipt through the second antenna of a data signal that comprises ID data that matches the stored ID, wherein the controller is configured to change from the inactive mode to the active mode in response to receipt of the mode change signal from the signal generator, the functional module drawing more power from the power source in the active mode than in the inactive mode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods of extending battery life in inventory control devices are disclosed. A passive receiver configured to wirelessly receive an initiation signal having an associated energy field from a remote control system and to output a mode change signal is provided. The passive receiver is configured to be powered by an energy field associated with the initiation signal. A functional module coupled to the passive receiver and configured to be powered by a self-contained power source when the functional module is in an active mode is provided. The functional module is further configured to receive the mode change signal from the passive receiver and to change from an inactive mode to the active mode. The functional module draws more power from the power source in the active mode than in the inactive mode.
17 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An inventory control device comprising:
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a passive receiver comprising; a first antenna configured to wirelessly receive an initiation signal having an associated energy field from a remote control system; a capacitor; a rectifier circuit coupled between the antenna and the capacitor, the rectifier circuit configured to convert the initiation signal into a direct current for charging the capacitor; and a signal generator coupled to the capacitor and configured to be powered solely by the capacitor and to output a mode change signal when the capacitor is charged above a threshold voltage; and a functional module comprising; a second antenna configured to wirelessly receive a data signal from the remote control system, the data signal comprising identification (ID) data; an indicator comprising at least one of an audio indicator and a visual indicator; a self-contained power source; and a controller coupled to the second antenna, the indicator, the power source, and the signal generator, the controller comprising a stored ID indicative of the inventory control device, an inactive mode wherein the controller is not responsive to signals received by the second antenna, and an active mode wherein the controller activates the indicator upon receipt through the second antenna of a data signal that comprises ID data that matches the stored ID, wherein the controller is configured to change from the inactive mode to the active mode in response to receipt of the mode change signal from the signal generator, the functional module drawing more power from the power source in the active mode than in the inactive mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of conserving battery power in an inventory control device, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving with a first antenna an initiation signal having an associated energy field from a remote control system; rectifying the received initiation signal to form a direct current (DC) voltage; charging a capacitor with the DC voltage; sending, upon the capacitor being charged to a threshold voltage, a mode change signal with a device powered solely by the capacitor to a controller that is powered by a self-contained power source and that has an active mode and an inactive mode, wherein the controller uses more power in the active mode than in the inactive mod; and wherein receipt of the mode change signal by the controller causes the controller to enter the active mode and activate an indicator comprising at least one of an audio indicator and a visual indicator. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification