In-field sensor programming
First Claim
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1. A stand-alone programming device for programming a sensor at a customer location, comprising:
- a data interface;
a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;
a transducer for modulating a magnetic field, an RF signal or infra-red light;
a transducer driver coupled to the transducer; and
a processor, coupled to the data interface, the memory and the transducer driver, for executing the processor-executable instructions that causes the apparatus to;
receive, by the processor, sensor data from the data interface, the sensor data comprising sensor identification information;
provide, by the processor, the sensor data to the transducer driver;
generate, by the transducer driver, an electronic driver signal matching the sensor data capable of electronically driving the transducer; and
modulate, by the transducer, the magnetic field, the RF signal or the infra-red light in accordance with the electronic driver signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method, system, and apparatus for programming a sensor at a customer location is disclosed. A defective sensor at a customer location is replaced by a new sensor that is programmed at the customer location using a programming device or a transducer coupled to a computing device. The new sensor is programming using the sensor'"'"'s detector normally used to sense a change in a magnetic field, an RF signal, infra-red light, or some other emission or property.
16 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A stand-alone programming device for programming a sensor at a customer location, comprising:
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a data interface; a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; a transducer for modulating a magnetic field, an RF signal or infra-red light; a transducer driver coupled to the transducer; and a processor, coupled to the data interface, the memory and the transducer driver, for executing the processor-executable instructions that causes the apparatus to; receive, by the processor, sensor data from the data interface, the sensor data comprising sensor identification information; provide, by the processor, the sensor data to the transducer driver; generate, by the transducer driver, an electronic driver signal matching the sensor data capable of electronically driving the transducer; and modulate, by the transducer, the magnetic field, the RF signal or the infra-red light in accordance with the electronic driver signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 10)
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6. A method performed by a stand-alone programming device for programming a sensor in the field, comprising:
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receiving, by a processor, sensor data from a data interface, the sensor data comprising sensor identification information; providing, by the processor, the sensor data to a transducer driver; generating, by the transducer driver, an electronic driver signal matching the sensor data and capable of electronically driving the transducer; and modulating, by the transducer, a magnetic field, an RF signal or infra-red light in accordance with the electronic driver signal. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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11. A transducer module coupled to a computing device for programming a sensor at a customer location, comprising:
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a data interface for receiving sensor data from the computing device relating to the sensor; a transducer driver coupled to the data interface for receiving the sensor data and for generating an electronic driver signal matching the sensor data and capable of electronically driving a transducer; and the transducer for receiving the electronic driver signal and for modulating a magnetic field, an RF signal, or infra-red light based on the electronic driver signal; wherein the sensor is programmed with the sensor data as a result of detecting the modulated magnetic field, the modulated RF signal, or the modulated infra-red light. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method performed by a transducer module coupled to a computing device for programming a sensor in the field, comprising:
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receiving, by a data interface, sensor data from the computing device relating to the sensor; receiving, by a transducer driver coupled to the data interface, the sensor data and generating an electronic driver signal based on the sensor data and capable of electronically driving a transducer; and receiving, by the transducer, the electronic driver signal and for modulating a magnetic field, an RF signal, or infra-red light based on the electronic driver signal; wherein the sensor is programmed with the sensor data as a result of detecting the modulated magnetic field, the modulated RF signal, or the modulated infra-red light. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification