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    • 专利摘要:
    A method comprises, in response to receiving a first signal in a communication device when the communication device is in a deep sleep mode, changing the tag from the deep sleep mode to an awake mode for a period, wherein the communication - the device consumes a first amount of power in the deep sleep mode, and the communication device consumes a second amount of power in the awake mode, and the second amount of power is greater than the first amount of power; in response to receiving a second signal during the period in the awake mode, converting the communication device from the awake mode to a fully functional mode, the communication device consuming a third amount of power in the fully functional mode, and the third amount of current is greater than the second amount of current.
    公开号:BE1027802B1
    申请号:E20205942
    申请日:2020-12-16
    公开日:2021-12-13
    发明作者:Alexander Mueggenborg；Edward A Richley
    申请人:Zebra Tech；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MULTIPHASE ACTIVATION OF COMMUNICATION DEVICES
    FIELD Examples disclosed herein relate to communication devices and, more particularly, to methods and devices for multi-phase activation of communication equipment.
    SUMMARY According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising, in response to receiving a first signal on a communication device when the communication device is in a deep sleep mode, changing the tag from the deep sleep mode to an awake mode for a period, wherein the communication device consumes a first amount of power in the deep sleep mode, and the communication device consumes a second amount of power in the awake mode, and the second amount of power is greater than the first amount of power, in response to receiving a second signal during the period in the awake mode, changing the communication device from the awake mode to a fully functional mode, the communication device consuming a third amount of power in the fully functional mode, and the third amount of power greater than the second amount of current, and in response to not receiving n the second signal during the period, change the communication device from the awake mode to the deep sleep mode. Optionally or additionally, the first signal may be received through a near-field radio frequency (RF) interface, and/or the second signal may be received through a magnetic-field interface or near-field radio-frequency (RF) interface.
    Optionally or additionally, the magnetic-field interface can be off in deep sleep mode and on in awake mode and fully functional mode. Optionally or additionally, the method may further comprise changing the communication from the fully functional mode to the deep sleep mode in response to receiving a third signal. According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a communication device comprising a magnetic-field interface, a near-field radio frequency (RF) interface, a far-field RF interface, and a controller, the controller being configured to placing the device in a deep sleep mode in which the magnetic-field interface is in an off state, the near-field RF interface is in an inactive state, and the far-field RF interface is in the off state, in response to receiving a wake-up signal on the near-field RF interface, converting the communication device from the deep sleep mode to an awake mode for a period when the magnetic-field interface is in the on state, the near-field RF interface in the on state and the far-field RF interface is in the off state, if an enable signal is received during the period, converting the communication device from the awake mode to a fully functional mode in which the m magnetic-field interface, the near-field RF interface, and the far-field RF interface are each in the on state, if the activation signal is not received during the period, converting the communication device from the awake mode to the deep sleep mode.
    Optionally or additionally, the near-field RF interface may have an effective range of approximately two inches, and/or the magnetic-field interface may have an effective range of approximately two feet.
    Optionally or additionally, the communication device may further comprise a switch that must be actuated to place the communication device in the awake mode.
    Optionally or additionally, the communication device may further comprise a peripheral device, wherein the controller may be configured to place the peripheral device in the off state in the deep sleep mode and the awake mode, and to place the peripheral device in the on state in the fully functional mode. Further, the peripheral device may be an accelerometer.
    Optionally or additionally, the communication device may further comprise a timer to enforce the period and/or wherein the communication device may comprise a radio frequency identification tag.
    Optionally or additionally, the communication device may further comprise a battery.
    Optionally or additionally, the communication device may consume a first amount of power from the battery in the deep sleep mode, preferably the communication device may consume a second amount of power in the awake mode, and the second amount of power is greater than the first amount of power preferably, the communication device may consume a third amount of power in the fully functional mode, and the third amount of power is equal to or greater than the second amount of power.
    According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising a battery, a first communication interface having a first effective communication range, a second communication interface having a second effective communication range greater than the first effective communication range, a third communication interface having a third effective communication range greater than the second effective communication range, a controller configured to place the device in a first operational mode in which the first communication interface is inactive, the second communication interface is off, and the third communication interface is off is, placing the device in a second operational mode wherein the first communication interface is on, the second communication interface is on, and the third communication interface is off, and, if an enable signal is received in the second operational mode , placing the device in a third operation uneal mode in which the first, second and third communication interfaces are on.
    Optionally or additionally, the controller may be configured to place the device in the second operational mode in response to receiving a wake-up signal, preferably the wake-up signal may be a near-field communication signal.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The disclosure is further explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the following drawings. The drawings show in the figures, in.
    FIG. 1 shows an example system including communication equipment deployed in an example area.
    FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of a wireless communication device constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
    FIG. 3 is a table of exemplary states of components of the exemplary wireless communication device of FIG. 2 in different preview modes.
    FIG. 4 is a flow chart representative of an exemplary method according to the teachings of this disclosure.
    It should be noted that the figures are only schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Like parts are designated with like reference numerals.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION Communication equipment transmit and/or receive signals using one or more wireless and/or wired interfaces. Examples of interfaces are radio frequency (RF) transceivers, RF 5 receivers, RF transmitters, magnetic-field interfaces, and wired interfaces. Some communications equipment, such as active radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, have an internal power source (eg, a battery) that supplies power to one or more of its components (eg, one or more of its interfaces. Although some examples disclosed herein refer to and explained using active RFID tags, the teachings of this disclosure are applicable to any suitable communication device.
    Some communication devices, such as active RFID tags, are configured to periodically (e.g., ten times per second) send signals at a predetermined energy level. Such periodic broadcasts are sometimes called beacons. In particular, transmitting such signals requires energy from a power source (e.g., an internal or external battery). The active transmission of these signals is distinguished from a passive transmission which uses externally supplied energy (e.g., via backscatter of a signal provided by, e.g., an RFID reader).
    In addition to sending signals, some RFID tags receive signals through one or more interfaces. While some interfaces are passively dependent on externally supplied power, others are active and powered by an internal power source. For example, a magnetic-field interface receives power from an internal battery to enable wireless communication with another magnetic-field interface. In some cases, the amount of current drawn by component(s) of such interface(s) varies according to a desired level of performance and/or power. For example, a greater amount of power drawn by a communication component may allow that component to have a greater communication range.
    When an RFID tag transmits and/or actively waits (i.e., uses an internal power source) to receive a signal, a constant flow of power to the respective components is required, resulting in a constant decrease in battery power. Familiar labels with only one operating mode in which components start to drain the battery from the moment the RFID tag is activated and don't stop until the battery is depleted, consume unwanted power even when the RFID tag is not in use (eg, not attached to a trackable object).
    Some known RFID tags disable a far-field RF interface until an activation signal is received by a magnetic-field interface on the RFID tag, and the activation signal causes the far-field RF interface to be activated. However, if the magnetic-field interface remains fully active continuously, a significant amount of current is drawn over time. Due to this constant current draw, the battery depletes over time to such an extent that when the previously deactivated far-field RF interface is activated, the internal battery is already in a reduced state of charge (e.g., at half-life).
    Examples disclosed herein recognize that battery charge states are undesirably consumed while RFID tags are not deployed. For example, RFID tags can remain in storage before being attached to an asset for tracking purposes. If power is consumed while the RFID tag is not deployed, the battery charge is unnecessarily reduced. It is important to note that for the descriptions below, battery charge or battery life refers to the power level of a battery if the battery is a single use battery. If the battery is rechargeable, battery charge or battery life refers to a single charge cycle between charges for the battery. Furthermore, examples disclosed herein recognize that disabled RFID tags that are actively listening for a signal to be activated consume significant amounts of power by, for example, continuously running a magnetic field interface while the RFID tag is not deployed.
    To avoid this and to extend the power source, the examples disclosed herein provide a multi-stage process in which the communication device goes through a series of operational modes. Specifically, examples disclosed herein provide a deep sleep mode, an awake mode, and a fully functional mode. Each of the operational modes puts internal components of the communication device in a particular state. As used herein, when a component is in an off (“off”) state, the component does not operate and draws no power from the battery. As used herein, when a component is in an inactive state (“idle”), the component operates or operates at a reduced level of power consumption (eg, drawing a reduced amount of power from the battery relative to full functionality) . When a component is in an on state, the component is operating or operating at a full level of power consumption (e.g., drawing an amount of power from the battery associated with full functionality). In other words, the amount of current drawn by a component in the idle state is less than the amount of current drawn by that same component in the on state. It is important to note that even when the RFID tag is in a deep sleep mode, there will still be self-discharge on the battery where the state of charge may still drop while the battery is inactive. The disclosure below describes a method to reduce the amount of battery loss while the RFID tag is disabled.
    As described in detail below, exemplary methods and devices disclosed herein place different interfaces of communication equipment in different states in accordance with received signals. In some examples disclosed herein, when the communication device is in deep sleep mode, a magnetic-field interface is off, a near-field RF interface is inactive, a controller is inactive, and a far-field RE interface is off. Typically, when certain components are off and others are inactive, the communication device consumes only a small amount of power. In some examples, when the magnetic-field interface is off and the near-field RF interface is inactive, this enables the communication device to operate (eg, listen to a near-field RF signal) on nanoamperes of current, as opposed to requiring microamps when the magnetic-field interface is on.
    As part of a multi-stage activation process disclosed herein, the communication device receives a wake-up signal via the near-field RF interface. In response to the wake-up signal, the communication device enters the awake mode in which the magnetic-field interface is on, the near-field RF interface is on, the controller is on, and the far-field RF interface is off. In particular, having the far-field RF interface off significantly reduces power consumption. The communication device remains in the awake mode for a predetermined period during which the magnetic-field interface and the near-field RF interface listen for an activation signal. As the next part of the multi-phase activation process disclosed herein, when the communication receives the activation signal in the awake mode, the communication device enters the fully functional mode. In full-function mode, the magnetic interface is on, the near-field RF interface is on, the controller is on, and the far-field interface is on. If the communication does not receive the activation for the period corresponding to the awake mode, the communication device reverts to the deep sleep mode.
    Accordingly, the examples disclosed herein provide multiple modes of operation in which the communication device is not in a fully functional mode and, thus, save energy relative to the fully functional mode. The examples disclosed herein are described below in conjunction with the figures as exemplary implementations in exemplary environments. However, examples of energy-saving methods and apparatus disclosed herein are applicable in connection with any suitable apparatus or application.
    FIG. 1 shows an exemplary environment in which methods and devices disclosed herein can be implemented. The example environment of FIG. 1 includes an active area 100 and an inactive area 102. The active area 100 includes deployed RFID tags 106 and RFID readers 108. The active area 100 can be a retail space, department store, supermarket, or any type of space including moveable objects that an entity is interested in tracking through, for example, RFID technology. The deployed RFID tags 106 are attached or otherwise carried by an object to be tracked through the RFID readers 108 and a processing platform in communication with the RFID readers 108. The processing platform may use any suitable location technology or technique to determine locations of the deployed RFID tags 106 and, thus, the object carrying the respective deployed RFID tags 106 as those objects move through the active area 100 .
    The inactive area 102 includes non-deployed RFID tags 104. The non-deployed RFID tags 104 have not yet been assigned or carried by an object to be tracked. The example inactive area 102 may be a storage area or any other area where currently unused labels are stored pending future use within the active area 100.
    The non-deployed RFID tags 104 can be kept in the active area 102 for an extended period of time. If the non-deployed RFID tags 104 were to continuously transmit signals (eg, beacons) and/or actively listen for signals in the active area 102, a battery in the non-deployed RFID tag 104 would have an unnecessarily shortened charge once it is transferred to the active area 100. However, the examples disclosed herein allow the non-deployed RFID tags 104 to be stored in a deep sleep mode and listen for a wake-up signal while consuming only nanoamperes of power, for example.
    In one embodiment, the non-deployed RFID tags 104 are stored in the idle area 102 until the non-deployed RFID tags 104 are assigned and attached to an object to be tracked (i.e., deployed). Because the non-deployed RFID tags 104 do not need to transmit or listen while in the idle area 102, the non-deployed RFID tags 104 are placed in deep sleep mode during storage. When one or more of the non-deployed RFID tags 104 are selected for use in the active environment 100, that tag(s) must be activated. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, an external activator 110 sends a wake-up signal to the selected tag(s) via a near-field RF signal. The external activator 110 is any device capable of transmitting a near-field RF signal, such as, for example, a portable mobile computing device worn by a person 112. In some examples, the external activator 110 transmits a 13.56 MHz signal that is strong enough to temporarily supply energy to, for example, an NFC chip of the tag(s) via a near-field RF antenna. Alternatively, the external activator 110 may be a fixed device mounted, for example, on a shelf or wall. Because the exemplary wake-up signal is a near-field RF signal in the illustrated example, the external activator 110 and the selected tag(s) are placed close to each other (e.g., within 2 inches) to allow reception of the wake-up signal. This prevents non-
    selected tag(s) inadvertently receive the wake-up signal and remain in deep sleep mode.
    In some examples, the wake-up signal is sent from the external activator 110 as a near-field RF signal with a range of one to two feet. This example would be advantageous for situations where the goal is to activate, for example, a group of the non-deployed RFID tags 104, perhaps all in a box, before being taken to the active area 100 or before being shipped (eg, to a customer). In such cases, the entire box of RFID tags is awakened without having to remove the RFID tags from the box.
    When the selected(s) of the non-deployed RFID tags 104 receives the near-field wake-up signal, the selected(s) of the non-deployed RFID tags 104 transition from a deep sleep mode to an awake mode. While in the awake mode, the selected one of the non-deployed RFID tags 104 is temporarily enabled to receive an activation signal, causing the selected one of the non-deployed RFID tags 104 to transition from the awake mode to a fully functional mode . Once in fully functional mode, that tag is considered one of the deployed RFID tags 106 and can be used to track an object within the active area 100 .
    In the illustrated example, the external activator 110 provides the activation signal to the selected tag(s). In the illustrated example, the activation signal is a magnetic-field signal received by the magnetic-field interface of the tag(s). In another example, the activation signal is a near-field RF signal. In some examples, a second external activator other than the external activator 110 is used to provide the activation signal. The illustrated external activator 110 of FIG. 1 may be a mobile computing device with a near-field RF interface, and another external activator (not shown) is a magnetic-field rod. In another example, the external activator 110 is a device that can transmit both a near-field RF signal and a magnetic-field signal.
    In an example scenario, a person 112 working in a department store enters the inactive area 102 to retrieve additional non-deployed RFID tags 104 for deployment in the active area 100 (eg, to be attached to an object that will move in the active area 100 so that the object can be tracked through the RFID readers 108). In this example scenario, the person accesses multiple undeployed RFID tags 104, all currently in deep sleep mode. The person 112 does not need the whole plurality of non-deployed RFID tags 104, but only a subset of the non-deployed RFID tags 104. To preserve battery life, the plurality of non-deployed RFID tags is 104 are all in deep sleep mode and only communicable through their near-field RF interface. The person 112 approaches the subset and uses a mobile computing device with near-field RF communications capabilities to send a wake-up signal to each of the non-deployed RFID tags 104 within the subset. Since the distance limit for near-field RF communication is 2-3 inches, the person 112 must move the mobile computing device close to the non-deployed RFID tags 104 selected to be deployed, allowing the person 112 to target the subset of the non-deployed RFID tags 104 and not all the non-deployed RFID tags 104. Once the person 112 uses the mobile computing device to change the subset of the non-deployed RFID tags 104 to awake mode, listens the magnetic-field interface of each RFID tag 104 in the subset to further instructions. A magnetic activation signal may then be sent to each of the subsets via a magnetic-field interface, thereby changing the operational mode of the RFID tags 104 in the subset from awake mode to fully functional mode. In the example illustrated, the magnetic-field activation signal's range is approximately two feet, so while, for example, working in a warehouse storage facility, there is a good chance that the magnetic-field activation signal would reach more than just the subset of RFID tags. 104 selected for deployment. However, because the plurality of RFID tags 104 that are not in the selected subset did not receive the wake-near-field RF signal, those tags do not listen for the magnetic-field interface activation signal because the corresponding magnetic-field interfaces in the out to be able. It is necessary that the non-deployed RFID tags 104 remain in deep sleep mode, because deep sleep mode allows the non-deployed RFID tags 104 to conserve battery life to extend future deployment time. The subset of the plurality of non-deployed RFID tags 104 selected for deployment then receives the activation signal through the magnetic-field interface and transitions from awake mode to fully functional mode. The selected subset of RFID tags 104 are now ready to be associated with items to be tracked and thus become part of the deployed RFID tags 106.
    FIG. 2 shows an exemplary RFID tag 200 in which the exemplary methods and devices disclosed herein can be implemented. Although the example of FIG. 2 is an RFID tag, exemplary methods and devices disclosed herein can be implemented in any suitable communication device. The exemplary RFID tag 200 of FIG. 2 includes a near-field RF interface 202, a near-field antenna 204, a controller 206, a timer 208, a voltage regulator 210, a switch 212, a far-field RF interface 214, a magnetic-field interface 216, a coil 218, a peripheral 220, a battery 222 and a far-field antenna 224.
    Alternative implementations of the exemplary RFID tag 200 of FIG. 2 include one or more additional or alternative elements, processes and/or devices. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the exemplary components of the exemplary RFID tag 200 of FIG. 2 can be combined, divided, rearranged or omitted.
    The exemplary near-field RF interface 202, the exemplary controller 206, the exemplary timer 208, the exemplary voltage regulator 210, the exemplary switch 212, the exemplary far-field RF interface 214, and the exemplary magnetic-field interface 216 of FIG. 2 are implemented by hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination of hardware, software and/or firmware.
    In some examples, at least one of the sample near-field RF interface 202, the sample controller 206, the sample timer 208, the sample voltage regulator 210, the sample switch 212, the sample far-field RF interface 214, and the sample magnetic-field interface 216 of FIG. 2 is implemented by a logic circuit.
    As used herein, the term "logic circuitry" is expressly defined as a physical device comprising at least one hardware component configured (eg, via operation in accordance with a predetermined configuration and/or via execution of stored machine-readable instructions) to operate one or more machines and/or perform actions on one or more machines.
    Examples of a logic circuit include one or more processors, one or more coprocessors, one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more controller units (MCUs), one or more hardware accelerators, one or more special purpose computer chips, and one or more system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices.
    Some examples of logic circuits, such as ASICs or FPGAs, are specifically configured hardware to perform operations (e.g., one or more of the operations of FIG. 4). Some examples of logic circuits are hardware that executes machine-readable instructions to perform operations (e.g., one or more operations of FIG. 4). Some examples of logic circuits involve a combination of specifically configured hardware and hardware that executes machine-readable instructions.
    The near-field RF interface 202 in FIG. 2 is in communication with the near-field antenna 204. The near-field RF interface 202 is capable of receiving a near-field RF signal from a near-field RF transmitting device through the near-field antenna 204. field RF interface 202 is either a passive (ie, relies on an external energy source for power) or active component (ie, uses power from the battery 222). The near-field RF interface 202 is in communication with the controller 206. In some embodiments, the near-field RF interface 202 is configured in accordance with ISO/IEC 14443. In the illustrated example, the near-field RF interface 202 has a range of 1-2 inches.
    For example, the external activator 110 must be within 1-2 inches of the near-field antenna 204 to communicate with the near-field RF interface 202. The controller 206 of FIG. 2 controls components of the example RFID tag 200. The controller 206 communicates with the near-field RF interface 202 and the far-field RF interface 214 to control, among other functions, the amount of current drawn from the battery 222. taken through the near-field RF interface 202 and the far-field RF interface 214. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the near-field RF interface 202 consumes a smaller amount of power from the battery 222 when fully functional than the far-field RF interface 214 when fully functional.
    As described in detail below, the exemplary RFID tag 200 of FIG. 2 is placed in one of three operational modes and undergoes a multi-stage process as it transitions from a non-deployed tag to a deployed tag.
    In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the controller 206 implements the multi-stage process by storing definitions of the various operational modes and the corresponding states for the components of the RFID tag 200. In the illustrated example, the data is representative of the operational modes and the corresponding states stored in a data structure (eg, a table) in a memory accessible to the controller 206.
    The timer 208 allows the controller 206 to place the RFID tag 200 in different operational modes (e.g., the awake mode) for a certain period of time. In the illustrated example, upon receiving a start timer signal from the controller 206, the timer 208 sends an end timer signal to the controller 206 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from when the start timer signal was received. In the illustrated example, the timer 208 is shown as separate from the controller 206. In some examples, the controller 206 internally implements the function of the timer 208.
    The switch 212 is a physical switch or an electrical switch. In the illustrated example, the switch 212 activates in response to receiving a signal from the controller 206. The exemplary switch 212 of FIG. 2 is aligned with a circuit that supplies power to the magnetic-field interface 216 when the switch 212 is closed. The switch 212 opens upon receiving another signal from the controller 206 to prevent the magnetic-field interface 216 from receiving power. In some embodiments, switch 212 is a field effect transistor switch. In some examples, this switch 212 may be shared or one or more additional switches may control or other components (eg, the far-field RF interfaces 214 and/or the peripheral device 220) may receive power from the battery 222. Additionally, or alternatively, control the switch 212 and/or other switches) an amount of power supplied or taken by one or more of the components.
    The magnetic-field interface 216 communicates with external magnetic interfaces through the coil 218. The coil 218 receives signals from external devices in the form of changes in magnetic fields. The coil 218 provides received signals to the magnetic field interface 216.
    In the illustrated example, the magnetic field interface 216 is operational (i.e., receives power from the battery 222) only when the switch 212 is in the closed position (e.g., as controlled by the controller 206). In the illustrated example, coil 218 resonates at 125 kHz.
    The exemplary peripheral device 220 of FIG. 2 is a sensor, accelerometer, temperature sensor or equivalent type of sensor known to be used in conjunction with an RFID tag. The peripheral 220 is in line with the switch 212 and therefore power is available to the peripheral 220 according to a state of the switch 212. In the illustrated example, the peripheral 220 is off in the deep sleep mode and the peripheral 220 is on in the awake mode. mode and fully functional mode. In some examples, the RFID tag 200 includes a plurality of peripherals 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral 220 shares the switch 212 with the magnetic-field interface 216 and is therefore on when the magnetic-field interface 216 is on.
    The exemplary far-field RF interface 214 of FIG. 2 uses the far-field antenna 224 to transmit and/or receive RF signals such as, for example, bursts of ultra-wide band signals. The exemplary far-field RF interface 214 of FIG. 2 transmits signals according to instructions received from the controller 206. In some embodiments, the far-field RF interface 214 receives far-field RF signals from external devices and sends the received signals to the controller 206. In some embodiments, the far-field RF receives interface 214 receives power from the battery 222 through the voltage regulator 210. The voltage regulator 210 is operable to regulate current received from the battery 222 to allow the far-field RF interface to have a constant current during operation. In some embodiments, the far-field antenna 224 is a 6.5 GHz antenna.
    In some embodiments, the battery 222 supplies power to the near-field RF interface 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the near-field RF interface 202 draws no power unless the near-field RF interface 202 receives a signal. When the near-field RF interface 202 receives a signal, the near-field RF interface 202 in the illustrated embodiment draws 240 microamps. In the illustrated embodiment, the far-field RF interface 214 draws 1.5 milliamps of current when a message is sent, however, if no message is sent, the far-field RF interface 214 draws no current.
    FIG. 3 shows an exemplary set of operational modes and corresponding states to implement the multi-stage activation process disclosed herein. The example of FIG. 3 includes three operational modes for the exemplary RFID tag 200 of FIG. 2. The three modes of operation allow the RFID tag 200 to draw a smaller amount of charge from the battery 222 while it is not being deployed, which extends the charge from the battery 222. The exemplary operational modes of FIG. 3 are called "operational" because in each of the modes at least one component IS at least partially operational.
    As shown in the table of FIG. 3, when the RFID tag 200 is in the deep sleep mode, the least amount of the total power of the battery 222 is taken from the other operating modes. In some embodiments, the RFID tag 200 is placed in deep sleep mode immediately after manufacture. In deep sleep mode, the magnetic-field interface 216 is off, the near-field RF interface 202 is inactive, the controller 206 is inactive, and the far-field RF interface 214 is off. In the deep sleep mode, the idle near-field RF interface 202 and the idle controller 206 draw a smaller amount of current from the battery 222 compared to the same components when in the on state. In one embodiment, the idle near-field RF interface 202 does not draw power as a passive near-field RF interface and will wait for a near-field signal of 13.56 MHz to energize the antenna and pass a signal to the controller 206, which can be implemented as a microcontroller 206.
    The controller 206 transfers the RFID tag 200 from the deep sleep mode to the awake mode after receiving the wake-up signal through the near-field RF interface 202. In the awake mode, the magnetic-field interface 216 is on, the near- field RF interface 202 is on, controller 206 is on, and far-field RF interface 214 is off. To begin the period when the RFID tag 200 is able to transition to the fully functional mode, the controller 206 sets the timer 208 to initiate the period during which the RFID tag 200 is placed in the awake mode. Additionally, the controller 206 sends a signal to actuate the switch 212, supplying power from the battery 222 to the magnetic-field interface 216. While the illustrated example of FIG. 3 includes the magnetic-field interface 216 and the near-field RF interface 202 which both draw power from the battery 222 in the awake mode, some alternative examples include only one of the magnetic-field interface 216 and the near-field RF interface 202 which is on in awake mode.
    In the example of FIG. 3, when the RFID tag 200 is in the awake mode, the near-field RF interface 202 and the magnetic interface 216 both draw power simultaneously to listen for possible communication signals. In some embodiments, the far-field RF interface 214 is on when the RFID tag 200 is in the awake mode. In some embodiments, in the awake mode and the fully functional mode, the near-field RF interface 202 decreases 240 microamps and the magnetic-field interface 216 12 microamps. In the illustrated example, when the period implemented by the timer ends, if neither the near-field RF interface 202 nor the magnetic-field interface 216 has received an activation signal (e.g., from the external activator 110 or other device),
    controller 206 disables switch 212, disconnecting magnetic-field interface 216 from battery 222. In doing so, controller 206 transfers RFID tag 200 from awake mode to deep sleep mode.
    On the other hand, if the RFID tag 200 receives an activation signal while in the awake mode (via either the magnetic interface 216 or the near-field RF interface 202), the controller 206 transfers the RFID tag 200 from the awake mode to fully functional mode. In some embodiments, the RFID tag 200 remains in the fully functional mode for the remainder of the life of the battery 222. Alternatively, the controller 206 transitions the RFID tag 200 from the fully functional mode to the deep sleep mode in response to, for example, a deactivation signal. In some embodiments, the disable signal is received by either the near-field RF interface 202, the magnetic interface 216, or the far-field RF interface 214.
    In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, when the tag 200 is in full-function mode, the magnetic interface 216 is on, the near-field RF interface 202 is on, the controller 206 is on, and the far-field RF interface 214 is on. In the fully functional mode, the RFID tag 200 is fully operational and transmits signals (e.g., beacons) as a far-field RF tag. For example, the signals sent by the far-field RF antenna 224 through the far-field interface 214 can be read by the RFID readers 108 of FIG. 1 and can be processed to locate the RFID tag 200. The far-field RF interface 214 draws the most power from the battery 222 when turned on compared to the near-field RF interface 202 (when on) and the magnetic-field interface 216 (when on). In the illustrated embodiment, the far-field RF interface 214 draws off approximately 1.5 milliamps when fully functional.
    FIG. 4 is a flowchart representative of sample operations for implementing the sample RFID tag
    200 of FIG. 2. Alternative example implementations of the operations of FIG. 4 include one or more additional or alternative operations. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the operations of the exemplary flowchart of FIG. 4 are combined, divided, rearranged or omitted. In some examples, the operations of FIG. 4 implemented by machine readable instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a medium (e.g., a tangible machine readable medium) for execution by one or more logic circuits (e.g., processor(s)). In some examples, the operations of FIG. 4 implemented by one or more configurations of one or more specifically designed logic circuits (e.g., ASIC(s)). In some examples, the operations of FIG. 4 implemented by a combination of specifically designed logic circuit(s) and machine readable instructions stored on a medium (e.g., a tangible machine readable medium) for execution by logic circuit(s).
    As used herein, each of the terms "tangible machine-readable medium", "non-perishable machine-readable medium" and "machine-readable storage device" is expressly defined as a storage medium (eg, a hard disk platter, a digital versatile disk, a compact disc, flash memory, read-only memory, random access memory, etc.) on which machine-readable instructions (eg, program code in the form of software and/or firmware) can be stored. Further, as used herein, each of the terms "tangible machine-readable medium", "non-perishable machine-readable medium" and "machine-readable storage device" is expressly defined to exclude propagating signals. That is, as used in each claim of this patent, a "tangible machine-readable medium" cannot be read to be implemented by a propagating signal. Further, as used in one of the claims of this patent, a "non-perishable machine-readable medium" cannot be read to be implemented by a propagating signal. Further, as used in one of the claims of this patent, a "machine readable storage device" cannot be read to be implemented by a propagating signal.
    As used herein, each of the terms "tangible machine-readable medium", "non-perishable machine-readable medium" and "machine-readable storage device" is expressly defined as a storage medium on which machine-readable instructions are stored for any suitable period of time (eg, permanent, for a longer period of time (eg, while a program associated with the machine-readable instructions is being executed), and/or a short period of time (eg, while the machine-readable instructions are being cached and/or during a buffering process)).
    Initially, the RFID tag 200 is placed in deep sleep mode (block 400). As described above, when manufactured, the RFID tag 200 can be put into deep sleep mode to minimize or at least reduce the amount of power consumed by the battery 222 while the RFID tag 200 is not deployed. and thus, not needing amounts of power associated with functionality (eg, transfer of signals on readable ranges). In the context of FIG. 1, the RFID tag 200 can stay in deep sleep mode while it is stored in the inactive area
    102. If the RFID tag 200 is sent a magnetic activation signal while it is in deep sleep mode, the RFID tag 200 would not respond like when the RFID tag 200 is in deep sleep mode, the magnetic interface 216 is off and it has no receives signals.
    In the example of FIG. 4, the RFID tag 200 listens for a wake-up RF signal through the near-field RF interface 202, which is not active in the deep sleep mode (block 402). Such a signal is sent by,
    for example, a person who determined one of the undeployed tag(s) 104 of FIG. 1 using the external activator 110.
    When the wake-up signal is received, the controller 206 transitions the RFID tag 200 from the deep sleep mode to the awake mode (block 404). Otherwise, the RFID tag remains in deep sleep mode (block 402).
    In the awake mode, the RFID tag 200 waits for an activation signal via the magnetic-field interface 216 and/or the near-field RF interface 202 (block 406). If the enable signal is received within the period implemented by the timer 208, the controller 206 transitions the RFID tag 200 from the awake mode to the fully functional mode (block 410). To continue the above example scenario, the person who wants to deploy certain RFID tags uses the external activator 110 or other suitable communication device to send a magnetic-field signal including the activation signal when in inactive area 102 . If the period implemented by the timer 208 expires before an enable signal is received, the RFID tag 200 reverts to the deep sleep mode (block 400). If an activation signal is sent to the RFID tag 200 after the timer 208 expires and the RFID tag 200 returns to deep sleep mode, then there is no change in state for the RFID tag 200. One scenario that allows this is situations where the user accidentally sends a wake-up signal to the RFID tag 200. In this case, the RFID tag 200 would be in the awake mode temporarily while waiting for an activation signal, and then not receive an activation signal, causing the RFID tag 200 to revert to deep sleep mode to conserve battery power.
    In the fully functional mode, the RFID tag 200 is fully functional. The controller 206 enables the battery 222 to supply power to the far-field RF interface 214. The far-field RF interface 214, while in full-function mode, beacons far-field RF signals (eg, UWB signal) during normal operation that allows the RFID tag 200 to be located by a system including, for example, the RFID readers 108 .
    In the example of FIG. 4, the RFID tag 200 is deactivated due to the battery 222 becoming depleted, for example. Alternatively, the RFID tag 200 may be placed back into deep sleep mode by a disable signal received by the RFID tag 200. The disable signal may be received through the near-field RF interface 202, far-field RF interface 214, or by magnetic-field interface 216. When the RFID tag 200 returns to deep sleep mode, the states of the components within the RFID tag 200 all revert to deep sleep mode as discussed above.
    While certain exemplary devices, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein, the scope of the coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all devices, methods and articles of manufacture that reasonably fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.
    The benefits, solutions to problems, and any of the element(s) that may cause or make any benefit or solution more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any changes made during the granting procedure of this application and any equivalents of those claims as granted. For clarity and concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. It will be appreciated that the embodiments shown have the same or similar components, except where they are described as different.
    The Summary of the Disclosure is provided to enable the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure.
    It has been submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret the scope or meaning of the claims.
    In addition, it can be seen from the foregoing Detailed Description that various functions have been grouped together in different embodiments for the purpose of streamlining disclosure.
    This manner of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intent that the claimed performances require more features than are expressly stated in any claim.
    As the following claims show, the inventive subject matter of the invention lies precisely in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment.
    Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing alone as a subject matter claimed separately.
    The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures is not useful for an advantage.
    Many variants will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
    All variants are deemed to fall within the scope of the invention defined in the following claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (18)
    [1]
    A method comprising: in response to receiving a first signal on a communication device when the communication device is in a deep sleep mode, changing the tag from the deep sleep mode to an awake mode for a period, wherein the communication device a first amount of power consumes in the deep sleep mode, and the communication device consumes a second amount of power in the awake mode, and the second amount of power is greater than the first amount of power; in response to receiving a second signal during the period in the awake mode, changing the communication device from the awake mode to a fully functional mode, the communication device consuming a third amount of power in the fully functional mode, and the third amount of current is greater than the second amount of current; and in response to not receiving the second signal during the period, changing the communication device from the awake mode to the deep sleep mode.
    [2]
    The method of claim 1, wherein the first signal is received through a near-field radio frequency (RF) interface.
    [3]
    The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second signal is received via a magnetic-field interface or near-field radio frequency (RF) interface.
    [4]
    The method of claim 3, wherein the magnetic-field interface is off in the deep sleep mode and on in the awake mode and the full-function mode.
    [5]
    The method of any preceding claim, further comprising changing the communication from the full function mode to the deep sleep mode in response to receiving a third signal.
    [6]
    6. Communication device comprising: a magnetic-field interface; a near-field radio frequency (RF) interface; a far-field RF interface; and a controller, the controller being configured to: place the communication device in a deep sleep mode in which the magnetic-field interface is in an off state, the near-field RF interface is in an inactive state, and the far-field RE interface is in the off state; in response to receiving a wake-up signal on the near-field RF interface, converting the communication device from a deep sleep mode to an awake mode for a period when the magnetic-field interface is in the on state, the near-field RF interface is in the on state, and the far-field RF interface is in the off state 1S; if an enable signal is received during the period, converting the communication device from the awake mode to a fully functional mode in which the magnetic-field interface, the near-field RF interface, and the far-field RF interface are each in the enabled mode. to be able; if the enable signal is not received during the period, converting the communication device from the awake mode to the deep sleep mode.
    [7]
    The communication device of claim 6, wherein the near-field RF interface has an effective range of about two inches and/or wherein the magnetic-field interface has an effective range of about two feet.
    [8]
    The communication device of claim 6 or 7, further comprising a switch to be actuated to place the communication device in the awake mode.
    [9]
    The communication device of any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a peripheral device, the controller being configured to: place the peripheral device in the off state in the deep sleep mode and the awake mode; and placing the peripheral in the on state in the fully functional mode.
    [10]
    The communication device of claim 9, wherein the peripheral device is an accelerometer.
    [11]
    A communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising a timer to enforce the period and/or wherein the communication device comprises a radio frequency identification tag.
    [12]
    A communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, further comprising a battery.
    [13]
    The communication device of claim 12, wherein the communication device consumes a first amount of power from the battery in the deep sleep mode.
    [14]
    The communication device of claim 13, wherein the communication device consumes a second amount of power in the awake mode, and the second amount of power is greater than the first amount of power.
    [15]
    The communication device of claim 14, wherein the communication device consumes a third amount of power in the fully functional mode, and the third amount of power is equal to or greater than the second amount of power.
    [16]
    16. Device comprising: a battery;
    a first communication interface having a first effective communication range; a second communication interface having a second effective communication range greater than the first effective communication range; a third communication interface having a third effective communication range greater than the second effective communication range; a controller configured to: place the device in a first operational mode wherein the first communication interface is inactive, the second communication interface is off, and the third communication interface is off 18; placing the device in a second operational mode in which the first communication interface is on, the second communication interface is on, and the third communication interface is off; and if an enable signal is received in the second operational mode, placing the device in a third operational mode in which the first, second and third communication interfaces are on.
    [17]
    The device of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to place the device in the second operational mode in response to receiving a wake-up signal.
    [18]
    An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the wake-up signal is a near-field communication signal.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    US20210192154A1|2021-06-24|
    WO2021126332A1|2021-06-24|
    BE1027802A1|2021-06-22|
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    法律状态:
    2022-02-02| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20211213 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US16/718,999|US20210192154A1|2019-12-18|2019-12-18|Methods and Apparatus for Multi-Stage Activation of Communication Devices|
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