Programming wireless sensors

• US 20080117037A1
• Filed: 11/17/2006
• Published: 05/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alligator Germany Ventilfabrik GmbH
• Original Assignee: G-5 Electronics LLC
• Inventors: Pacsai, Ernest, Gilling, Robert, Kenny, Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 7,688,192 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/447
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver

Abstract

Programmable wireless sensors are disclosed that comprise a power supply, a sensing component, a transmitting component adapted to transmit information obtained by the sensing device or information derived from information obtained by the sensing component, a receiving component adapted to receive software, a memory component adapted to store received software, and control logic. The control logic includes logic operable to execute stored software. The stored software, when executed, is operable to program at least one operating characteristic of the programmable wireless sensor. Also disclosed are systems useful in selecting software to program or reprogram programmable wireless sensors. The programmable wireless sensors may be programmed or reprogrammed to emulate conventional wireless sensors, such as conventional TPMS sensors.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving input related to wireless sensors; and

in response to receiving the input related to wireless sensors;

selecting software encoded in one or more computer-readable media and, when executed, operable to program at least one operating characteristic of a programmable wireless sensor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving input related to wireless sensors comprises:

receiving an identifier of a wireless sensor to be substantially emulated upon execution of the software in the programmable wireless sensor.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving input related to wireless sensors comprises:

receiving an indication of the at least one operating characteristic to be programmed upon execution of the selected software.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

transmitting an activation signal to a wireless sensor; and

receiving the input related to wireless sensors in response to transmitting the activation signal.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to receiving the input related to wireless sensors further comprises:

transferring the selected software to a device adapted to transmit the selected software to the programmable wireless sensor.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to receiving the input related to wireless sensors further comprises:

transmitting the selected software to the programmable wireless sensor.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein responding to receiving the input related to wireless sensors further comprises:

wirelessly transmitting the selected software to the programmable wireless sensor.

8. Software encoded in one or more computer-readable media and, when executed, operable to:

receive input related to wireless sensors; and

in response to receiving the input related to wireless sensors;

select software encoded in one or more computer-readable media and, when executed, operable to program at least one operating characteristic of a programmable wireless sensor.

9. The software of claim 8, wherein receiving input related to wireless sensors comprises:

receiving an identifier of a wireless sensor to be substantially emulated upon execution of the software in the programmable wireless sensor.

10. The software of claim 8, wherein receiving input related to wireless sensors comprises:

receiving an indication of the at least one operating characteristic to be programmed upon execution of the selected software.

11. The software of claim 8, wherein the software is further operable to:

transmit an activation signal to a wireless sensor; and

receive the input related to wireless sensors in response to transmitting the activation signal.

12. The software of claim 8, wherein responding to receiving the input related to wireless sensors further comprises:

transferring the selected software to a device adapted to transmit the selected software to the programmable wireless sensor.

13. The software of claim 8, wherein responding to receiving the input related to wireless sensors further comprises:

transmitting the selected software to the programmable wireless sensor.

14. The software of claim 8, wherein responding to receiving the input related to wireless sensors further comprises:

wirelessly transmitting the selected software to the programmable wireless sensor.

15. A computer system comprising:

a processor;

a memory component that stores instructions associated with an application executed by the processor; and

an interconnect coupling the processor and the memory unit, enabling the computer system to execute the application and perform operations of;

receiving input related to wireless sensors; and

in response to receiving the input related to wireless sensors;

selecting software encoded in one or more computer-readable media and, when executed, operable to program at least one operating characteristic of a programmable wireless sensor.

16. The computer system of claim 15, wherein receiving input related to wireless sensors comprises:

receiving an identifier of a wireless sensor to be substantially emulated upon execution of the software in the programmable wireless sensor.

17. The computer system of claim 15, wherein receiving input related to wireless sensors comprises:

receiving an indication of the at least one operating characteristic to be programmed upon execution of the selected software.

18. The computer system of claim 15, further enabled to perform operations of:

transmitting an activation signal to a wireless sensor; and

receiving the input related to wireless sensors in response to transmitting the activation signal.

19. The computer system of claim 15, wherein responding to receiving the input related to wireless sensors further comprises:

transferring the selected software to a device adapted to transmit the selected software to the programmable wireless sensor.

20. The computer system of claim 15, wherein responding to receiving the input related to wireless sensors further comprises:

transmitting the selected software to the programmable wireless sensor.

21. The computer system of claim 15, wherein responding to receiving the input related to wireless sensors further comprises:

wirelessly transmitting the selected software to the programmable wireless sensor.