Electronic component for transmitting identification information during a change of state

Abstract

An electronic component comprising: - a motion sensor and / or a proximity sensor; - a microprocessor coupled to the sensor to form a data signal; - a memory space connected to the microprocessor to store a part of the data signal and an item of identification information; - a power supply; and - a radio communication transmitter connected to the microprocessor; characterized in that the microprocessor is able to define two states of the electronic component, in which the memory space contains a predetermined state change defined on the basis of the two states, once the microprocessor has detected the predetermined state change, the microprocessor is able to transmit the item of identification information by radio frequency signal output during a period ΔT, then, at the end of the period ΔT, to stop the output of the radio frequency signal, the period ΔT ranging from 20 seconds to 10 minutes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic component that is sensitive to motion or proximity to an object or source, and is intended, for example, to be incorporated into an installed assembly so as to transmit identification information elements (e.g., identification of a component of the installed assembly) when the electronic component is moved or when it has reached proximity to other objects or sources. Background Technology

[0002] For devices that adjust systems, especially electronic devices (e.g., systems for driver assistance tools in motor vehicles), knowing the identification of the components (objects of the system) of the installed parts is essential. This is because these devices are sensitive to the technical characteristics of components, especially the technical characteristics of the tire in the example of a driver assistance tool. This component (e.g., the tire) needs to be modified over time or replaced during the use of the system; therefore, it is important to periodically obtain the identification of components (especially the tire's identification) that are in direct contact with the road in the specific circumstances of a motor vehicle.

[0003] Currently, in the case of an installed component, identification functionality can be provided electronically, for example, through a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag included within the installed component. An example of an RFID tag applicable to a tire is shown in publication FR2901422A1. This RFID tag is a passive electronic component that receives radio frequency interrogation signals from a reader external to the installed component. The energy of the interrogation signal is used to power the electronic component and transmit a radio frequency return signal containing information about, for example, the identification of the tire. Thus, this information is received in response to a command received by a user activating the RFID reader.

[0004] Due to the properties of the elastomer blend in the tire, and to facilitate the integration of RFID tags into the tire, it is common practice to use a frequency band around 900MHz. This corresponds to an optimal trade-off between small-sized RF antennas, maintaining the physical integrity of the RFID tag, and good quality of the RF return signal.

[0005] However, RFID tags are typically read when the tire is stationary (i.e., in a steady or pseudo-steady state) to optimize energy transfer to the RFID tag. Furthermore, radio wave transmission is controlled by specific transmission standards that limit transmission power, thus reducing the reading distance of the RFID tag. Therefore, if it is desired to identify the four installed components of a vehicle based on the vehicle structure itself, the number of readers must be increased; preferably, one reader is used for each axle of the vehicle, or at least one reader is used for each installed component. Thus, this device cannot meet the requirements of vehicle industrialization due to the limitations of the desired automation of the installation of radio communication systems and the function of providing information about the installed components.

[0006] The object of this invention is to define an electronic component for transmitting identification information elements upon the occurrence of events such as changes in the state of the electronic component, particularly for installed components, at specific moments (e.g., the moment when an installed component of a vehicle is rotated), to achieve optimal control of the electronics of a system (e.g., a vehicle) that depends on the characteristics of the installed component. The system surrounding this component must also be economically and industrially competitive. Therefore, this invention aims to solve all the problems of ordinary RFID tags while maintaining reliability throughout the lifespan of components in the system. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention relates to an electronic component as a primary objective, the electronic component comprising:

[0008] - At least one motion sensor and / or at least one proximity sensor, wherein the signal of the at least one motion sensor is sensitive to the motion of the electronic component, and the signal of the at least one proximity sensor is sensitive to the distance between the sensor and an object outside the electronic component;

[0009] - A microprocessor coupled to at least one motion sensor and / or at least one proximity sensor to generate data signals;

[0010] - A storage area connected to a microprocessor, the storage area being used, on the one hand, to store at least a portion of data signals representing at least one sensor, and on the other hand, to store at least one identification information element;

[0011] - Energy; and

[0012] - A radio transmitter that is connected to a microprocessor.

[0013] The electronic component is characterized in that the microprocessor is capable of defining at least two states of the electronic component based on at least a portion of a data signal, wherein the storage area contains at least one predetermined state change defined based on the at least two states of the electronic component, wherein when the microprocessor has detected at least one predetermined state change of the electronic component, the microprocessor is capable of transmitting at least one identification information element via a transmitted radio frequency signal during a time interval ΔT, and then stopping the transmission of the radio frequency signal at the end of the time interval ΔT.

[0014] Here, the term "signal sensitivity to motion of electronic components" refers to a signal whose amplitude is proportional to the motion, or whose shape reflects indirect information elements related to the motion of the electronic component. This motion is a translation and / or rotation of the electronic component in one direction. To further explain the first case of sensor sensitivity to motion, this could be, for example, the time response of an accelerometer along the radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the controlled electronic component, based on the square of the rotational speed, or a direct change in angular velocity provided by a gyroscope sensor. In the second case, it could be, for example, the time variation of a rotary encoder.

[0015] Here, the term "signal sensitive to the distance between the sensor and an external object" means that the amplitude of the signal is proportional to the distance, or that the shape of the signal reflects indirect information about the proximity of the electronic component to the object. This distance is in the form of optical and / or audio and / or electromagnetic and / or mechanical signals.

[0016] Here, the term "microprocessor" refers to an electronic device composed of electronic chips with basic computing capabilities, which, depending on the nature of the values ​​provided by sensors, may be an analog-to-digital converter. The microprocessor is coupled to a storage area, for example, for performing operations on the data. The microprocessor acts as the overall controller of the electronic component by activating various systems such as motion sensors or proximity sensors, for example, if these systems require power to operate, and possibly, based on intermediate results it has obtained, transmitting identification information contained in the storage area of ​​the electronic component at a given moment. Specifically, it initiates and times the radio frequency transmission of the electronic component via a radio frequency transmitter control. Finally, it is connected to a power source to perform its task or the task of the components connected to it. This power source, whether a battery or an energy storage device, such as a capacitor powered by an energy-generating device (e.g., a piezoelectric element), can also directly supply power to the components coupled to the microprocessor.

[0017] The term "predetermined state change" refers to one or more possible state changes of an electronic component, specifically designed for performing tasks within a microprocessor associated with these state changes. Since the electronic component is categorized according to p distinct states, there are p*(p-1) possible state changes, taking into account the direction of state transitions. For example, if the electronic component is defined based on two states, E0 and E1, there are two possible changes: a transition from E0 to E1 and a transition from E1 to E0. Some of these p*(p-1) possible state changes are selected to create a list of predetermined state changes. Only state changes on this list will cause the microprocessor to perform actions related to the radio frequency transmission of identification information.

[0018] The electronic component responds to requested functional requirements. To this end, if a predetermined state change of the programmed electronic component is detected, it automatically transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal. This state change is manifested in the signal from the sensor through the shape (and possibly, amplitude) of the signal. Therefore, processing of this data signal allows for real-time determination of the electronic component's state, even when the component is in motion. It also satisfies energy-saving requirements by transmitting the RF signal only after a time interval ΔT following the detection of the electronic component's state change. Thus, in the case of a private car, which is typically in a non-transmitting mode, energy is naturally saved by not transmitting RF signals. Furthermore, it only resumes its transmitting function when a new predetermined state change occurs. Finally, it is efficient in terms of transmission power because, compared to passive devices, it provides all the transmission power required and available according to transmission standards, where only a portion of the energy transmitted by an external reader and received by the passive device is used for RF transmission. Therefore, signal transmission is optimized, and thus coverage is extended over a greater distance, allowing for limitations on, for example, the number of receiving systems in a vehicle. Furthermore, the onboard system in the vehicle is used only for receiving, not for transmitting, and it also has lower energy consumption compared to solutions utilizing passive electronic components. Therefore, it meets the competitiveness constraints related to the ecosystem of electronic components.

[0019] Clearly, the time interval ΔT for transmitting the radio frequency signal can be defined based on the state of the electronic component at the time of transmission. Therefore, this time interval ΔT can be the same for multiple states of the electronic component, or it can be different for each state. This time interval can be programmed between the electronic component and the programmer via a wired or wireless communication device. However, by default, the standard value of this time interval ΔT is hardwired into the electronic component.

[0020] Advantageously, the amplitude of at least a portion of the data signal constitutes an information element for determining the state of the electronic component, each state of the electronic component being limited by at least a first limit value in at least a portion of the data signal, and the electronic component being in a given state, the intersection of the at least first limit value with at least one value of at least a portion of the data signal characterizing the state change of the electronic component.

[0021] Advantageously, at least the first limit value is a value defined at least based on a critical distance, critical velocity, or critical acceleration.

[0022] Because microprocessors have inherent comparison mechanisms, they can detect the crossing of a first limit value, or even the direction of that crossing. Depending on the nature of the sensors in the electronic component, there are two alternative approaches for characterizing the switching of the electronic component from one state to another.

[0023] If the signal amplitude is a vector carrying information about the motion or proximity of the electronic component, then the state of the electronic component is characterized by the intersection of a first threshold value and the value of the data signal. This first threshold value determines the transition of the electronic component to the next state. If the amplitude of the data signal is proportional to the velocity of the electronic component, then the first threshold value is the critical velocity. If the signal amplitude is a function of the velocity of the electronic component, for example, the square of the rotational velocity in the case of acceleration in the radial direction of the rotation axis, then the first threshold value is proportional to the square of the critical velocity. However, in the case of proximity sensors, but not only in this case, the first threshold value can be a function of the critical distance. Finally, the first threshold value can also be a function of the critical acceleration. However, a standard value for this first threshold value can also be input.

[0024] Advantageously, the repetition of patterns in at least a portion of the data signal constitutes an information element for determining the state of the electronic component, and the overriding of N patterns observed in at least a portion of the data signal during a time period ΔT' characterizes the state change of the electronic component in a given state.

[0025] Very advantageously, the time interval ΔT' is proportional to the reciprocal of the second critical velocity of the electronic component.

[0026] In cases where the shape, rather than the amplitude, of a sensor signal indirectly reflects the motion of an installed component or the proximity of an electronic component to another object, switching to the next state corresponds to the periodicity of the signal from the sensor reaching a certain level. Therefore, the duration ΔT' corresponds to this critical period, for example, related to a critical velocity, indicating a switch to the next state. In this case, the pseudo-periodicity of the data signal makes it necessary, for example, to consider the crossing of a threshold. In particular, this threshold must represent the degree of bijectivity in order to identify patterns in this way, for example, as the response of an accelerometer mounted on a deformable object (e.g., a wheel) during rolling. If the direction of crossing this threshold is also considered, a double detection in the time period ΔT' indicates a switch to the next state. If the direction of crossing is not considered, a triple detection within the time period ΔT' will trigger a switch to the next state of the electronic component.

[0027] Furthermore, the pattern does not necessarily have to be constant throughout the entire operation of the electronic component; as long as its overall shape remains recognizable, a certain degree of variation in the pattern in terms of time and amplitude can be tolerated.

[0028] Finally, the time interval ΔT' is likely to be a multiple of the second critical velocity, which is a function of the periodicity of the pattern. However, it is preferable that this time interval is also as short as possible to allow for rapid detection of state changes in the electronic component without distortion due to excessively rapid changes in the electronic component's motion or rapid approach of the electronic component to an external object. For example, if the time interval ΔT' is the critical period, detecting no more than one pattern in the data signal during the time interval ΔT' ensures that the component is below the critical period and therefore in the first given state. Conversely, detecting at least two patterns within the same time interval ΔT' ensures that the component is above the critical period. Therefore, the electronic component is in the second state.

[0029] To assess changes in the state of an electronic component, data signals from sensors are observed over a time period ΔT'. In some applications, particularly motion detection, this time period ΔT' typically represents the period of the electronic component, whether it's the rotational cycle of an installed assembly or a rotating machine, or the cyclical cycle of a motion or action. Therefore, if a critical speed corresponding to the electronic component switching to a certain periodicity level is identified, the time period ΔT' needs to be determined, for example, by the ratio of the curve distance generated by the electronic component during one rotation to the speed at which it enters the critical rotation. If the period of the sensor signal is longer within this time period, the electronic component exhibits a changing state, and this change in state manifests as a modification of the electronic component's period.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one motion sensor is included in the group comprising inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscope sensors, gyroscopes) and angle sensors (e.g., rotary encoders and magnetometers).

[0031] These sensors are all sensitive to the motion of electronic components, whether that motion is translational or rotational, or by the shape of the signal in a rotary encoder or gyroscope, or by the amplitude of the signal in an accelerometer or gyroscope sensor. An accelerometer is a special case where, when mounted on a deformable rotating object (e.g., a tire), it is potentially sensitive to motion not only by its amplitude but also by its shape.

[0032] Preferably, at least one proximity sensor is included in the group comprising an optical sensor (e.g., a photoelectric sensor or a photoconductive cell or photodiode), an electromagnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor), an inductive sensor (e.g., a variable magnetoresistive or Foucault current sensor), a capacitive sensor, an acoustic sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor or a microphone), a microwave sensor, and a button.

[0033] These sensors are all sensitive to the proximity of electronic components to another object, regardless of whether that proximity is assessed through light, electromagnetic waves, sound waves, or even contact between solids.

[0034] The specific time period used to determine the state changes of an electronic component is input as a fixed value into the electronic component (wherein, a limit value for each predetermined state change is specified), or it is evaluated by processing at least a portion of the data signal from the sensor. Clearly, the transition between two states and the two limit values ​​for the two transition directions from state "i" to state "j" and from state "j" to state "i" may be the same. However, specific limit values ​​can also be defined for each transition direction.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the time interval ΔT for transmitting the radio frequency signal is between 10 seconds and 10 minutes, or between 20 seconds and 10 minutes, or preferably between 30 seconds and 7 minutes or 5 minutes; most preferably, between 1 minute and 5 minutes.

[0036] One of the problem areas for electronic components is their energy self-sufficiency. Furthermore, there is no need to transmit identification information beyond the required level. This is because radio frequency (RF) transmission is an energy-intensive function of electronic components. When an electronic component changes state, and when the direction of this state change requires RF transmission, the electronic component must perform its transmission function. This demonstrates the necessity of short transmission intervals. However, the electronic component may be in motion at the moment of its RF transmission. Furthermore, the transmission may be subject to interference from the external environment of the electronic component. Finally, it may be decided to perform spatially directional RF transmission via an antenna, which then becomes directional. This directional antenna can be movable or multiple to transmit in different geographical areas. Another advantage of directional antennas is that the range of RF transmission becomes longer. Therefore, for all these options, a certain time interval must be specified to ensure that identification information is correctly transmitted from the electronic component to the outside. It has been found that a 20-second time interval is the lower limit, and for high-quality RF communication, especially when the electronic component is in a dynamic state, a time interval of at least 30 seconds or one minute is more effective. This is because when the electronic component is in a dynamic state, a longer transmission time is needed to overcome RF communication black spots, such as when the electronic component is in motion. When electronic components are applied to the tires of land vehicles, the optimal compromise found is a time interval between 1 and 5 minutes, which allows for sufficient redundancy in the information that can be transmitted via radio waves, with enough quality to ensure the correct transmission of identification information.

[0037] In a highly preferred embodiment, the transmission of the radio frequency signal during the time interval ΔT occurs periodically during the time period T, which is preferably between 0.5 seconds and 1 minute.

[0038] Preferably, the time period T is defined based on the state of the electronic components.

[0039] Therefore, radio frequency (RF) transmission will not continue. This allows for energy conservation and improves the energy self-sufficiency of the electronic component, but it becomes periodic. The periodicity can be a function of the rotational speed of the electronic component. In the case of installed components, for installed components of land or air vehicles, a periodicity between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds is preferred. However, some states of the electronic component do not require such periodicity, for example, if the electronic component is in normal operation or stationary, that is, for example, without movement; in this case, a periodicity of one minute is sufficient. Finally, the transmission period T of the RF signal can also vary according to the state of the electronic component. In this case, the time period associated with each state should be specified in the storage area of ​​the electronic component. In particular, each state or predetermined state change of the electronic component can generate the definition of the RF transmission time interval ΔT and the period T of the RF signal.

[0040] Preferably, the radio frequency signal has a transmission frequency between 2400MHz and 2482MHz.

[0041] This frequency band corresponds to the band used by Bluetooth Low Emission (BLE) technology, a global communication standard for long-distance transmission that minimizes interference with the external environment, especially conductive materials. Furthermore, communication antennas (e.g., in the case of dipole antennas) typically have a characteristic size proportional to the inverse of the communication frequency, resulting in small antenna dimensions. This facilitates the integration of electronic components into many objects, particularly tires.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a second object, which is a tire comprising an electronic component having at least the technical features of the first object of the present invention, integratedly mounted on the tire, wherein at least one identification information element is included in the group comprising the tire's serial number, the tire's identifier, the electronic component's serial number, and the electronic component's identifier.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a third object, which is a conveyor belt comprising electronic components having at least the technical features of the first object of the present invention, integratedly mounted on the conveyor belt, wherein at least one identification information element is included in the group comprising a serial number of the conveyor belt, an identifier of the conveyor belt, a serial number of the electronic component, and an identifier of the electronic component.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a fourth object, which is a track, that is, a flexible annular belt inserted between the ground and a vehicle wheel to provide traction with a low grip coefficient on the ground, comprising electronic components having at least the technical features of the first object of the invention, integratedly mounted on said track, wherein at least one identification information element is included in the group comprising a serial number of the track, an identifier of the track, a serial number of the electronic component, and an identifier of the electronic component.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a fifth object, which is a wheel comprising an electronic component having at least the technical features of the first object of the present invention, integratedly mounted on the wheel, wherein at least one identification information element is included in the group comprising a serial number of the wheel, an identifier of the wheel, a serial number of the electronic component, and an identifier of the electronic component.

[0046] Finally, the present invention relates to a sixth objective, which is an installed component comprising an electronic component having at least the technical features of the first objective of the present invention, integratedly mounted on the installed component, wherein at least one identification information element is included in the group comprising a tire serial number, a tire identifier, a wheel serial number, a wheel identifier, an electronic component serial number, and an electronic component identifier. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The invention will be more readily understood by reading the following description, which primarily concerns applications with installed component types. These applications are provided by way of example only, and reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] - Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of an electronic component according to one embodiment of the first objective of the present invention.

[0049] - Figure 2 It is an installed component that includes a tire and wheels fitted with electronic components according to the second purpose of the invention.

[0050] - Figure 3a It is a time signal emitted from a rotary encoder of an electronic component mounted on the outer tire of the installed assembly under rolling conditions, according to the second objective of the invention.

[0051] - Figure 3b According to the fifth objective of the present invention, the time signal is emitted from the accelerometer of an electronic component mounted on a wheel with an installed assembly under rolling conditions.

[0052] - Figure 3c According to the fifth objective of the present invention, the accelerometer of an electronic component mounted on an installed assembly near an object emits a time signal representing a proximity sensor.

[0053] - Figure 3d According to the second objective of the invention, the time signal is emitted from an accelerometer of an electronic component mounted on the outer tire of the installed assembly under rolling conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figure 1A simplified diagram of an electronic component 1 according to the invention is shown. The system includes a microprocessor 2 coupled to a power source 3, which may be a battery or, for example, an energy storage device powered by a piezoelectric element. The microprocessor 2 communicates with a motion sensor 4, which is sensitive to the motion of the electronic component, in this case, the rotational speed about a predetermined axis of rotation, which forms the basis for the positioning and orientation of the motion sensor 4 relative to a fixed support (not shown in the figure) of the electronic component 1. In this example, the microprocessor 2 controls the acquisition of the motion sensor 4 by sending an acquisition command to the motion sensor 4 and retrieving data acquired from the sensor 4. Similarly, the microprocessor 2 is connected to a motion sensor 4', in this case, an ultrasonic sensor sensitive to an ultrasonic source emitting calibrated noise. Here, the emission of the source is indicated by a curved dashed line. In this case, the connection to the second sensor 4' is unidirectional because the sensor is passive. Furthermore, the closer the sensor 4' is to the ultrasonic source, and therefore the closer the electronic component 1 is to the ultrasonic source, the stronger the signal recorded by the sensor 4'. By analyzing this signal, the distance between the electronic component 1 and the ultrasonic source can be inferred.

[0055] Microprocessor 2 is connected to a first storage area 5a for storing some data obtained from the sensor and for performing some of the operations described above for defining the rotational state of electronic component 1. Preferably, storage area 5a is a flash memory or RAM type. Microprocessor 2 may also be connected to a second storage area 5b, which contains identification information carried by electronic component 1 and predetermined state changes. Preferably, storage area 5b is a read-only memory, that is, a write-locked but potentially rewritable EPROM or EEPROM memory. The two storage areas 5a and 5b form storage area 5 of electronic component 1. However, if microprocessor 2 has sufficient buffer memory, the entire storage area 5 of electronic component 1 may be located in microprocessor 2 to optimize response time.

[0056] Finally, the microprocessor 2 communicates with the radio transmitter 6, which receives the energy required for transmission, the identification information to be transmitted, and (if necessary) the transmission cycle provided by the microprocessor 2. The radio transmitter 6 encodes the information into radio frequency signals and transmits them via one or more transmitting antennas. Preferably, the radio transmitter 6 operates in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band, particularly in the 2.4 GHz band, which is the operating band for BLE technology. Clearly, the radio transmitter 6 can have a bidirectional link with the microprocessor for modifying the parameters of the electronic component, such as identification information and predetermined state changes, according to the physical support on which the electronic component is to be integrated. Therefore, remote programming can be performed during or after the electronic component is mounted on the physical support, thereby facilitating the industrial production of physical supports incorporating such electronic components.

[0057] Figure 2 A portion of a tire 100 according to a second objective of the invention is shown. The tire 100 includes a crown S extending from two sidewalls F and terminating at two bead Bs. In this case, the tire 100 will be mounted on the wheel of a private car or heavy truck, the position of the wheel at the two bead Bs not shown in the figure. Thus, a closed cavity C containing at least one pressurized fluid is defined, and the boundary of the closed cavity C is formed by the inner surface 13 of the tire 100 and the outer surface of the wheel. The outer surface of the tire 100 is indicated by 14.

[0058] It should be noted that reference axis 201 corresponds to the natural rotation axis of the tire 100 or the installed assembly, and intermediate plane 211 is perpendicular to reference axis 201 and equidistant from the two bead Bs. The intersection of reference axis 201 and intermediate plane 211 determines the center of tire 200. A Cartesian reference system is defined at the center of tire 200, consisting of reference axis 201, a vertical axis 203 perpendicular to the ground, and a longitudinal axis 202 perpendicular to the other two axes. Furthermore, axial plane 212 is defined to pass through reference axis 201 and longitudinal axis 202, and is parallel to the ground plane and perpendicular to intermediate plane 211. Finally, vertical plane 213 is a plane that is perpendicular to both intermediate plane 211 and axial plane 212 and passes through vertical axis 203.

[0059] Each mass point of the tire 100 is uniquely defined by its cylindrical coordinates (Y, R, θ). The scalar Y represents the axial distance from the mass point of the tire 100 to the center of the tire 200 in the direction of the reference axis 201, defined by the orthogonal projection of the mass point of the tire 100 onto the reference axis 201. A radial plane 214 is defined around the reference axis 201 at an angle θ to the vertical plane 213. The mass point of the tire 100 is referenced in this radial plane 214 by the distance R from the center of the pneumatic tire in the direction perpendicular to the reference axis 201, as identified by the orthogonal projection of the mass point onto the radial axis 204.

[0060] The tire 100 includes an electronic component corresponding to the first objective of the invention, perpendicular to the tread crown S on its inner surface 13. The electronic component is fixed to the inner surface 13 of the tire 100 by means of a patch of an elastomeric compound known to those skilled in the art. Here, the electronic component includes a motion-sensitive sensor in the form of a uniaxial accelerometer, its main axis positioned perpendicular to the inner surface 13 of the tire 100. Therefore, the signal transmitted by the sensor is acceleration in the radial direction relative to the natural rotation axis 201 of the mounted assembly.

[0061] Obviously, the electronic component can also be equipped with a triaxial accelerometer, whose axes are not collinear with each other. In this case, considering the geometric position of these three axes relative to the inner surface 13 of the tire, it is entirely possible to define the radial acceleration experienced by the electronic component. Therefore, knowing the position of the electronic component relative to the physical support (in this case, the tire 100) is very useful for transmitting a useful signal. However, determining the radial acceleration is preferred, but not necessary, when determining the motion of the electronic component. Tire tilt error does not affect the performance of the electronic component in determining its rotational state, but the detection parameters, such as the first limit value or the second limit value, need to be adjusted. Similarly, it is preferred to position the electronic component at a right angle to the crown assembly S of the tire 100. However, there is no reason not to position it on the sidewall F or the bead B of the tire 100.

[0062] Figure 3 shows the time representation of various sensors. When electronic components are integrated with physical supports (parts of the installed components), such as at the location of a wheel or tire, these sensors are sensitive to the movement of the electronic components or their proximity to objects.

[0063] Figure 3aThis is the time response of a rotary encoder on an electronic component mounted on the tire during the constant rotation of the mounted component. The signal is in the form of a Dirac comb. Each Dirac represents a complete rotation of the electronic component around the tire's axis of rotation. This data signal is delimited by unit values. The critical period used to identify predetermined changes in the tire's state is represented here by the time interval ΔT', which begins from the time term at the Dirac level. For signal analysis, a threshold of 0.8 has been defined, and the upward crossover of this threshold is considered the starting point of the time base of the time interval ΔT'.

[0064] For the state change of the electronic component to constitute a change in the state of the tire, i.e., a change in rotational speed, the pattern of the wheel rotation signal must repeat at least once in the time period ΔT'. Here, pattern recognition requires a detection threshold, represented by the bijective value of the horizontal curve 1000 shown as a dashed line. Furthermore, considering the direction of the cross threshold 0.8, two crosses must occur in the time period ΔT' to determine the state change of the electronic component integrated on the tire. If there were no cross direction, the threshold would have to be crossed three times. This is not the case here, because only a single upward cross is observed. The electronic component, therefore the tire does not change its state, and thus the electronic component does not trigger radio frequency emission.

[0065] Figure 3b This corresponds to the time data signal of an electronic component mounted on the wheel of the installed assembly. The installed assembly is under conditions of rolling at a constant speed. Here, the data signal represents the signal of the accelerometer in the radial direction of the installed assembly relative to its natural axis of rotation.

[0066] The determination of the state changes of electronic components, and thus the state changes of an object (in this case, an assembled assembly with integrated electronic components), can be performed by the amplitude of the data signal value and simply by the shape of the data signal (due to the effect of Earth's gravity on the signal amplitude). In fact, during one rotation of the assembled assembly, the extreme vertical positions represent the minimum and maximum values ​​of the radial acceleration amplitude, thus enabling the detection of the wheel's rotation. Conversely, during wheel rotation, the vertical midpoint of the accelerometer represents the center value of the signal between the minimum and maximum values. Clearly, if the radial acceleration of the assembled assembly is not constant, the signal is subject to interference from the carrier wave associated with the instantaneous radial acceleration of the electronic component.

[0067] Considering the fact that the rotational speed is constant here, a time interval ΔT' corresponding to the electronic component switching to a specific rotational state is determined. This time interval ΔT' starts from a reference point; here, the reference point is a threshold of 0.2, which is the sine wave of radial acceleration subtracted from the carrier wave associated with the rotational speed of the installed component. The threshold is represented by the dashed horizontal curve 1001. An upward crossover of the value 0.2 causes the encoder to increment. If the encoder exceeds the number 2 during the time interval ΔT', it indicates a change in the state of the electronic component. Here, this event actually occurs during the time interval ΔT'. At the end of the time interval ΔT', the electronic component begins to transmit radio frequency signals at time intervals ΔT. This radio frequency signal includes identification information, in this case, the serial number of the tire and the wheel, which were pre-placed in the storage area of ​​the electronic component during the formation of the installed component.

[0068] Figure 3c This represents the time response of the data signal from the microphone's electronic components. The electronic components are initially positioned relative to an object that serves as a white noise source. The electronic components are mounted on the mounted assembly. The white noise source moves laterally relative to the mounted assembly, and the point at which this lateral movement stops is marked. From the stopped position, the noise source moves closer to the mounted assembly. The stop time is marked, and then the noise source moves away from the electronic components along the same path, separating it from the mounted assembly. Here, the interval is greater than the initial distance between the noise source and the mounted assembly.

[0069] The objective here is to determine the change between two states of an electronic component, which corresponds to the distance from the electronic component to the noise source.

[0070] The first state corresponds to a distance greater than the critical length LO, and the second state corresponds to a distance less than the same critical length. The proximity sensor, represented by the microphone, must be calibrated to determine the specific amplitude of the data signal representing the microphone corresponding to the critical distance LO. This amplitude is represented by the dashed horizontal curve 1002, which forms the first limit value. Furthermore, in this case, simply detecting the first limit value is insufficient to initiate radio frequency transmission. This transmission is affected by a delay effect. In fact, the signal must exceed the first limit value within a time interval ΔT”. This provides greater certainty in exceeding the critical length through information redundancy. Considering that the component has undergone a state change between state 1 and state 2, and that this change is a predetermined state change, the electronic component initiates radio frequency transmission within the time interval ΔT.

[0071] Then, the electronic component detects a downward crossover of the first limit value, which in this case might correspond to the electronic component switching from state 2 to state 1. In practice, this state change must last for a period of time ΔT”' to verify this state change of the electronic component. However, this state change from state 2 to state 1 is not a predetermined state change. Therefore, although the state change continues, the electronic component does not transmit radio frequency signals. However, it is now in state 1. It awaits the necessary conditions to return to state 2 and transmit radio frequency signals carrying identification information about the installed components during the same time interval ΔT.

[0072] Figure 3d This is a time signal emitted by the accelerometer of an electronic component mounted on the outer tire of the installed assembly under rolling conditions. The purpose here is to identify the state of the electronic component between a first state 1 and a second state 2, corresponding to the electronic component's speed of movement above a critical speed. This critical speed is represented by a first limit value in terms of acceleration in the radial direction, which is proportional to the square of the critical speed. This first limit value is represented by the dashed horizontal curve 1003.

[0073] At the start of the time transition, the electronic component is in its state 1, and the amplitude of the accelerometer signal is below curve 1003. The acceleration then rises above the value defined by curve 1003. This is confirmed after a delay ΔTj; that is, after this period, the signal amplitude remains above curve 1003, indicating that the electronic component has changed its state and switched to state 2. Since this state change is a predetermined state change for the electronic component, it begins transmitting radio frequency signals, including tire identification information, after a delay ΔTj. This transmission occurs during the time interval ΔT by periodically transmitting signals during this time interval. The electronic component then ceases its radio frequency transmission. However, during this time, the amplitude of the data signal falls below curve 1003 before rising above it again. This drop in the data signal is specific to tires under rolling conditions. This is because when the accelerometer of the electronic component is in the contact zone corresponding to the point of contact between the tire and the ground, the accelerometer observes almost zero acceleration due to this contact. This transient switch lasts only a portion of the tire's wheel rotation, not exceeding 10% of that wheel rotation. In terms of time, the accelerometer switches to a near-zero value for a short duration (a function of tire speed). To avoid misleading the electronics' state, it is useful, for example, to define a second delay ΔTi, which is a function of the critical speed and tire characteristics, to prevent the electronics from making untimely and erroneous decisions based on the assumption that it has returned to state 1. After this delay ΔTi, the electronics re-analyze the amplitude of the data signal. If the value is again above curve 1003, it means that the electronics is still in its initial state, i.e., state 2. If the detected signal amplitude is still below curve 1003, it is inferred that the electronics has switched to state 1. Here, the switch from state 2 to state 1 is not a predetermined state change for the electronics, and the electronics do not begin emitting radio frequency signals. However, it is now in state 1. The duration of state 1 for the electronics attached to the tire is indicated by a white rectangle, and the duration of state 2 is indicated by a black rectangle.

Claims

1. An electronic component (1), comprising: - At least one motion sensor (4) and / or at least one proximity sensor (4'), the signal of the at least one motion sensor (4) being sensitive to the motion of the electronic component (1), and the signal of the at least one proximity sensor (4') being sensitive to the distance between the sensor and an object outside the electronic component (1); - A microprocessor (2) coupled to at least one motion sensor (4) and / or at least one proximity sensor (4') to generate data signals; - A storage area (5, 5a, 5b) connected to a microprocessor (2) is used, on the one hand, to store at least a portion of the data signal representing at least one sensor (4, 4'), and on the other hand, to store at least one identification information element; - Energy (3); and - A radio transmitter (6) connected to a microprocessor (2); The microprocessor (2) is characterized in that it is capable of defining at least two states of an electronic component based on at least a portion of a data signal, wherein the storage area contains at least one predetermined state change defined based on at least two states of the electronic component, said at least one predetermined state change being represented by at least one of the following changes: 1) Changes in the rotational speed of the installed component above or below a threshold of rotational speed, wherein if only a single crossover of the threshold is observed, the change in rotational speed does not indicate a change in the state of the electronic component; 2) A change in periodic radial acceleration exceeding a critical acceleration, which corresponds to the rotational speed of the installed component, wherein the data signal includes an acceleration component, and the amplitude of the acceleration component is a function of the rotational speed; 3) Corresponds to changes in the distance between the electronic component and the object exceeding a critical distance; and 4) When the speed of the installed component exceeds the critical speed, the amplitude of the accelerometer is first lower than the curve corresponding to the critical speed and then rises above the curve corresponding to the critical speed. When the microprocessor (2) has detected at least one predetermined state change of the electronic component, the microprocessor (2) is able to transmit at least one identification information element via a transmitted radio frequency signal during a time interval ΔT, and then stop transmitting the radio frequency signal at the end of the time interval ΔT, wherein the time interval ΔT for transmitting the radio frequency signal is between 20 seconds and 10 minutes.

2. The electronic component according to claim 1, wherein, The amplitude of at least a portion of the data signal constitutes an information element for determining the state of the electronic component, each state of the electronic component is limited by at least a first limit value in at least a portion of the data signal, and the electronic component is in a given state, the intersection of at least the first limit value and at least one value of at least a portion of the data signal characterizes the state change of the electronic component.

3. The electronic component according to claim 2, wherein, The at least first limit value is a value defined at least based on a critical distance, critical velocity, or critical acceleration.

4. The electronic component according to claim 1, wherein, The repetition of patterns in at least a portion of the data signal constitutes information elements for determining the state of the electronic component, and the overtaking of N patterns observed in at least a portion of the data signal during the time period ΔT' characterizes the state change of the electronic component in a given state.

5. The electronic component according to claim 4, wherein, The time interval ΔT' is proportional to the reciprocal of the second critical velocity of the electronic component.

6. The electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The at least one motion sensor (4) is included in the group comprising inertial sensors and angle sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscope sensors, and gyroscopes, and angle sensors such as rotary encoders and magnetometers.

7. The electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The at least one proximity sensor (4') is included in the group comprising an optical sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an acoustic sensor, a microwave sensor and a button, wherein the optical sensor is such as a photoelectric sensor or a photoconductive cell or a photodiode, the electromagnetic sensor is such as a Hall effect sensor, the inductive sensor is such as a variable magnetoresistive or Foucault current sensor, and the acoustic sensor is such as an ultrasonic sensor or a microphone.

8. The electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, During the time interval ΔT, the transmitted radio frequency signal is periodically transmitted in the time period T.

9. The electronic component according to claim 8, wherein, The period T is defined based on the state of the electronic components.

10. The electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The transmission frequency of the radio frequency signal is between 2400MHz and 2482MHz.

11. The electronic component according to claim 1, wherein, The time interval ΔT for transmitting radio frequency signals is between 30 seconds and 7 minutes.

12. The electronic component according to claim 1, wherein, The time interval ΔT for transmitting radio frequency signals is between 1 minute and 5 minutes.

13. The electronic component according to claim 8, wherein, The time period T is between 0.5 seconds and 1 minute.

14. A tire (100) comprising an electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the electronic component being integratedly mounted on the tire, wherein, At least one identification information element is included in the group containing the tire's serial number, the tire's identifier, the electronic component's serial number, and the electronic component's identifier.

15. A conveyor belt comprising an electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the electronic component being integratedly mounted on the conveyor belt, wherein, At least one identification information element is included in the group containing the conveyor belt's serial number, the conveyor belt's identifier, the electronic component's serial number, and the electronic component's identifier.

16. A track comprising an electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the electronic component being integratedly mounted on the track, wherein, At least one identification information element is included in the group containing the track's serial number, the track's identifier, the electronic component's serial number, and the electronic component's identifier.

17. An installed component comprising an electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the electronic component is integratedly mounted on the installed component, wherein, At least one identification information element is included in the group containing the tire serial number, tire identification, wheel serial number, wheel identification, electronic component serial number, and electronic component identification.

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