Battery-operated devices, initiator device and communication system formed therewith

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery-operated device, in particular a display device, which has: - a first communication stage for wireless communication, in particular radio communication, with a data processing apparatus, and - a second communication stage which is designed to ask, in a wireless manner, an initiator device, which differs from the data processing apparatus, whether there is the need for communication between the device and the data processing apparatus via the first communication stage, and wherein if there is the need, the battery-operated device is designed to establish communication with the data processing apparatus with the aid of the first communication stage.

Description

[0001] title

[0002] Battery-operated devices, initiator device and communication system formed thereby

[0003] Description

[0004] Technical field

[0005] The invention relates to a battery-operated device, an initiator device and a communication system formed thereby.

[0006] background

[0007] In modern sales areas, electronic battery-operated product and / or price displays, hereinafter referred to as electronic displays, are used to show potential customers the most up-to-date product and / or price information possible, which can be changed wirelessly in a communication system designed to operate the electronic displays. Such electronic displays can, for example, be attached to shelves in a supermarket instead of paper labels or, for example, to motor vehicles at a car dealership, as disclosed in WO 2020 / 193705. In order to transmit the information conveyed by means of the electronic display over long distances, as is the case, for example,In order to keep the information up to date – as is the case with a car dealership with its typically extensive outdoor presentation area – according to WO 2020 / 193705, data is transmitted via a mobile network, for example using the NB-IoT standard. However, this has proven to be disadvantageous because this communication technology only allows for very slow and energy-intensive data transmission. This means that the product and / or price information can either only be updated relatively rarely in order to save energy, or that the operation of the electronic displays is associated with considerable energy consumption, which severely reduces the lifespan of the batteries. This, in turn, causes considerable maintenance effort because the batteries have to be replaced or recharged more frequently. WO 2020 / 193705 discloses measures to reduce energy consumption.However, it has been shown that in many cases these precautions are not sufficient to keep the product and / or price information presented by electronic displays up-to-date in an energy-saving manner.

[0008] Against this background, the invention has set itself the object of providing a battery-operated device, in particular an electronic display device, as well as a communication system, whereby a reliable and at the same time as energy-efficient communication of data should be enabled.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] This object is achieved by a battery-operated device according to claim 1. The subject matter of the invention is therefore a battery-operated device, in particular a display device, which has: a first communication stage for wireless communication, in particular for radio communication, with a data processing device, and a second communication stage which is designed to wirelessly query an initiator device, which is different from the data processing device, whether there is a need for communication between the device and the data processing device via the first communication stage, and wherein the battery-operated device is designed to establish communication with the data processing device with the aid of the first communication stage if the need exists.

[0011] This object is further achieved by an initiator device according to claim 12. The invention therefore relates to an initiator device which has a third communication stage for communicating, in particular for radio communication, with a data processing device, wherein a necessity indicator which indicates a necessity for communication between the data processing device and another, in particular battery-operated, device can be received, and a fourth communication stage which is designed to wirelessly inform the other, in particular battery-operated, device, in particular which is requesting it, whether there is a necessity for communication between the other, in particular battery-operated, device and the data processing device.

[0012] This object is further achieved by a communication system according to claim 15. The invention therefore relates to a communication system which has at least one battery-operated device according to the invention and at least one initiator device according to the invention.

[0013] The measures according to the invention have the advantage that the data communication of each individual battery-operated device in the system with the data processing device is limited to the bare minimum. Continuous and direct queries by all battery-operated devices in the system to the data processing device as to whether there is a need to communicate with the data processing device is thus avoided. This has a positive impact on the availability of the data processing device in the system for communication with those devices for which there is an (urgent) need to communicate, for example because more current data must be transmitted. Not only is the available bandwidth used sparingly in contactless communication, i.e. radio communication or communication based on light, such asNot only does this avoid the need for infrared light, but it also maintains the responsiveness of the data processing device in the event of a need for individual communication, because the data processing device no longer has to continually respond to the multitude of often useless or superfluous requests. Furthermore, battery-operated devices also have the advantage of saving the energy otherwise required for the continuous, often unnecessary, direct requests to the data processing device.

[0014] Advantageously, this enables energy-saving data communication because communication via the first communication stage of the battery-operated device, which is relatively energy-intensive compared to communication via the second communication stage, is only established when there is an actual reason for such communication. Energy-intensive communication setup and the associated communication via the first communication unit without subsequent content-related data transmissions can thus be avoided.

[0015] According to the invention, the initiator device acts as the initiator for communication between the respective battery-operated device and the data processing device, but only if the prerequisite is met that communication is actually necessary. The initiator device is a different device from the data processing device, but is notified by the data processing device that communication with one of the battery-operated devices is necessary.In the communication system in which a group of battery-operated devices is located within the contactless communication range of the initiator device, the initiator device can thus serve as an initiator for this group of battery-operated devices in order to selectively instruct those battery-operated device(s) within the group that there is a need to communicate with the data processing device.

[0016] For this purpose, the data processing device transmitted – at a previous point in time in the past – a necessity indicator to the initiator device, which enables the unambiguous identification of the battery-operated device concerned or a number (group) of such battery-operated devices.

[0017] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0018] The data processing device thus provides the data for the battery-operated device for display there, as well as for the initiator device to indicate the need for communication with the respective battery-operated device. It can also retrieve data from this device. The data processing device can be designed as a local computer or as a server that supplies the respective device with data as a client or retrieves data from the client. However, the data processing device can also be a cloud-based software solution provided by a data center connected to the Internet. The data processing device can communicate with the initiator device and with the battery-operated device(s) via a suitable communication device.

[0019] It should be noted that battery-operated devices include devices that have replaceable or rechargeable batteries or accumulators, or that can be connected to a (replaceable or rechargeable) battery. Of course, other energy storage devices such as capacitors, in particular supercapacitors, can equally be used here instead of a conventional battery. A battery-operated device can also be understood to mean a photovoltaically operated device that has a solar cell or solar panel for generating electricity for its operation. This electricity can be buffered or stored, at least temporarily, with the help of an energy storage device, such as a capacitor, a supercapacitor, or a rechargeable battery.

[0020] From the perspective of the data processing device, the need to establish communication with the data processing device exists when the data processing device wishes to transmit data to the battery-operated device or to retrieve data from the battery-operated device. This need, namely to establish communication with the data processing device, can be indicated, for example, by storing necessity data representing the necessity indicator on the initiator device. The necessity data was received by the data processing device—as mentioned—at some point in the past.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the necessity indicator can be designed to allow unique identification or addressing of the affected battery-operated device, or at least to identify or address a subgroup within the group of battery-operated devices. In this case, the requesting battery-operated device, whose identity or unique address matches the identity indicated by the necessity indicator, is informed that it should establish communication with the data processing device.

[0022] However, the necessity indicator can also be designed within the framework of a further embodiment or interpreted in the communication system in such a way that it causes the initiator device, when the battery-operated device requests that communication with the data processing device be established, not to send a response to the request – e.g., within a predefined time window. This is interpreted by the battery-operated device as requiring it to subsequently establish communication with the data processing device, e.g., immediately. If, however, the battery-operated device receives a response from the initiator device, the battery-operated device does not establish communication with the data processing device.This system behavior should not be confused with a connection failure between the battery-powered device and the initiator device, which will be discussed later in the general description.

[0023] In both training forms, the need data is received via the third communication level at the initiator device and processed there according to the respective training form. The need data can be provided individually for each of the battery-operated devices present in the communication system or in list form. In addition to specifying the need, the need data can also provide further information, such as a preferred time at which communication between the battery-operated device and the data processing device should be established.

[0024] The first communication stage of the battery-operated device and the third communication stage of the initiator device, as well as the data processing device or the communication device connected to the data processing device, are designed to communicate using a first wireless communication technology, forming components of a first communication network, in particular a first radio network. This first communication technology is used here in particular for communication between the first communication stage and the data processing device, as well as between the third communication stage and the data processing device.

[0025] The first communication technology allows data transmission over long distances. In the case of the vehicle dealer discussed above, for example, a communication network that allows data transmission over several kilometers can be established to update the battery-powered device installed in the vehicle, even during test drives.

[0026] It has proven advantageous for the first communication network to be a wide area network (WAN), in particular a low-power wide area network (LPWAN), which, in contrast to the "classic" WAN, is designed to transmit data at a low bit rate. Therefore, both the first communication stage of the battery-operated device and the third communication stage of the initiator device, as well as the data processing device or the communication device connected to the data processing device, are preferably designed to communicate via a wide area network, in particular to communicate via a low-power wide area network. Accordingly, the first communication stage, the third communication stage, and the data processing device or the communication device associated with it can be designed to communicate via LTE-M (including the eMTC specifications LTE Cat M1, LTE Cat M2, etc.).) or via the Narrowband Internet of Things Standard, or NB-IoT Standard for short. LTE stands for "Long-Term Evolution" and is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals. LTE is based on the GSM / EDGE and UMTS / HSPA standards, which is generally known to those skilled in the art. It is also known to those skilled in the art that LTE-M (or LTE-MTC (M or eMTC stands for "enhanced Machine Type Communication") is an LPWAN radio technology standard that was developed within the framework of the 3GPP (3GPP stands for "3rd Generation Partnership Project") to enable a wide range of mobile devices and services. In contrast to LTE-M, NB-IoT, whose standard was also developed within the framework of the 3GPP, has a lower data rate and is cheaper to implement. It can also be planned that a Long Range Wide Area Network, or LoRaWAN for short, is used as the first communication network.LoRaWAN is a low-power wireless network protocol established by the LoRa Alliance. Implementation on the end device side or in gateways in LoRaWAN is achieved using a proprietary and patented transmission method based on chirp spread spectrum modulation technology, known as "LoRa" by Semtech Corporation. Common cellular mobile communications standards and specifications, such as 2G to 5G, that are well known to those skilled in the art, can also be used in the primary communication network.

[0027] The second communication stage of the battery-operated device and the fourth communication stage of the initiator device are configured to communicate with each other using a second wireless communication technology, forming components of a second communication network, in particular a second radio network. This second contactless communication technology is used here in particular for communication between the initiator device and the battery-operated devices associated with the initiator device.

[0028] The second wireless communication technology is optimized for high data speed (high bit rate) and / or energy-efficient data transmission. The achievable range is preferably shorter than that of the first wireless communication technology in order to enable local wireless communication. Due to the high transmission speed, data transmission takes a relatively short time and is therefore energy-efficient. Data can be transmitted, for example, in the infrared or optical frequency range of light, e.g., according to the Infrared Data Association standard (IrDA for short) or via Li-Fi (Visible Light Communication interest group, IEEE 802.15.7). Li-Fi is a wireless communication technology in which light in the visible, ultraviolet, or infrared spectral range is used for data transmission.Preferably, however, data transmission takes place in the radio frequency range, using technologies known to those skilled in the art in connection with Bluetooth (administered by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and maintained by the Bluetooth SIG Working Groups), WLAN (IEEE Standards 802.11, 802.11b, etc.), ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4, Connectivity Standards Alliance), or NFC (standardized in ECMA-340 and ISO / IEC 18092). For this purpose, communication protocols corresponding to the respective technology or a proprietary, extremely energy-efficient, and reliable communication protocol, such as that known from WO2015124197, can be used.

[0029] The second communication network is preferably a wireless local area network or a wireless personal area network because the radio coverage area should typically be well localized or delimited in terms of range, depending on the application, such as in connection with the aforementioned vehicle dealer.

[0030] For data transmission using the second communication technology, connection-oriented or connectionless data transmission can be used. Connection-oriented or "connection-oriented communication" is a type of data transmission in which the devices at the endpoints establish an end-to-end connection using a protocol before data is sent. Therefore, a participant must register with the receiver before transmitting information. In contrast, with connectionless communication, each communication partner can be reached directly, i.e., without prior registration. In the present context, connection-oriented data transmission has the advantage that the initiator device clearly knows whether the battery-operated device is ready to provide data or whether data provision was successful.Connectionless data transmission has the advantage of keeping communication time (and thus energy consumption) low because no time-consuming connection setup, etc., is required. The first communication network or the first.

[0031] The communication technology is therefore designed for data transmission over a longer distance than the second communication network or the second communication technology. Accordingly, the first communication level and the third communication level are designed for more extensive communication, i.e., over a longer distance, than the second communication level and the fourth communication level. The two communication technologies are therefore preferably designed differently in terms of their range.

[0032] The second communication network or the second communication technology is preferably configured for faster and / or more energy-efficient data transmission than the first communication network or the first communication technology. Accordingly, the second communication stage and the fourth communication stage are configured for faster and / or more energy-efficient communication than the first communication stage and the third communication stage.

[0033] The second communication technology is therefore optimized for communication within the group with the initiator device, whereas the first communication technology is optimized for communication with the data processing device. The second communication technology is therefore designed for a shorter range compared to the first communication technology, because in an application-oriented system configuration, the distances between the initiator device and the battery-operated devices grouped within its transmission range are typically significantly shorter than the distance between said devices and the data processing device or those radio system components (such as the aforementioned communication device) that are used for radio communication with the data processing device. For example, the two communication technologies can beThey can also differ in that the second communications network thus implemented is designed more for local radio communication, whereas the first communications technology is designed for regional or supra-regional radio communication. In the second communications network, for example, at least one so-called access point with a radio communication range of up to several hundred meters can be installed as one of the network components. In the first communications network, for example, a radio mast used in cellular mobile radio technology, which allows a radio communication range of several kilometers, can be provided as one of the network components.

[0034] As discussed, wireless communication, or wireless requests and wireless notifications, can be based on various technologies, which are characterized by the fact that signal transmission is at least partially wireless. However, "wireless" in this context does not imply that cables cannot also contribute to signal transmission. For example, cables can be used to connect the hardware components involved in the transmission, particularly within a device. An antenna can also use a cable. In particular, a wired or line-based or similar connection for signal transmission is preferably provided between the first and second communication levels of the battery-operated device, as well as between the third and fourth communication levels of the initiator device.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the second communication stage is designed to instruct the first communication stage, when necessary, to establish communication with the data processing device. This is preferably done via a wired connection. For this purpose, the necessity data is first received and decoded so that the battery-operated device is aware of the necessity. To transmit the instruction from the second communication stage to the first communication stage, a control line can be provided, wherein the instruction is transmitted by means of a control signal. However, to transmit the instruction from the second communication stage to the first communication stage, a bus system can also be provided, wherein the instruction is transmitted by means of a bus command.

[0036] Likewise, the initiator device preferably has a wired connection between the third and fourth communication levels, which can be implemented, for example, as a control line or bus system. The initiator device is preferably configured to transmit the necessity indicator or a representation of the necessity indicator to the fourth communication level via the wired connection, so that the fourth communication level can subsequently inform the respective battery-operated device, in particular the one querying it, whether the necessity exists or not.

[0037] Establishing communication via the first communication level when necessary can, for example, involve starting or establishing a first-level communication connection with the data processing device. Activation can also, for example, involve initiating a data exchange via an already established connection.

[0038] It has proven advantageous for the battery-operated device to have an active mode and an energy-saving mode, wherein in the active mode at least the first communication stage is ready for communication with the data processing device, and wherein in the energy-saving mode at least the first communication stage is deactivated, in particular switched off, in particular with regard to its communication capability, and wherein the device is designed to transfer at least the first communication stage from the energy-saving mode to the active mode when necessary. This allows the targeted activation of at least the first communication stage, which enables regulation or control of the energy requirement. In particular, the energy requirement can thus be significantly reduced over longer periods in which there is no need for communication.

[0039] It has proven particularly advantageous that the second communication stage of the battery-operated device is designed to initiate the transition of at least the first communication device from energy-saving mode to active mode when necessary. In energy-saving mode, individual components of the device are either completely switched off, i.e., de-energized, or at least their processing capability is stopped. When active mode is initiated, either the de-energized component is supplied with power again, or processing is continued for the stopped component, or new processing is started. Both can be accomplished using a signal, such as an interrupt signal, at the hardware level, ensuring the most reliable implementation possible. In this way, potential latencies that could occur during software processing can be reliably avoided.

[0040] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the first communication stage to enter energy-saving mode after communication with the data processing device has ended. This automatically reduces energy consumption after communication with the data processing device has been established, extending the battery life. These measures ensure that the first communication stage is reliably active only when it is actually conducting communication. Energy consumption resulting from a first communication stage that is ready to communicate but not communicating can thus be completely prevented. This allows overall energy consumption to be significantly reduced.

[0041] For various reasons, it may happen that a connection between the battery-powered device and the initiator device is not possible. This can occur, for example, in the case of a vehicle dealership when a vehicle and its battery-powered device are on a test drive, where no initiator device is within the communication range of the second communication stage. Even in this situation, however, it is desirable to keep the device's data up-to-date.

[0042] It has therefore proven advantageous that the battery-operated device is designed to establish communication with the data processing device with the aid of the first communication stage in the event of a failed communication attempt, preferably in the event of several failed communication attempts, particularly preferably in the event of several immediately consecutive communication attempts, with the initiator device.

[0043] Thus, if communication via the second communication network is not possible, communication is initiated autonomously via the first communication level to directly query the data processing unit for new data, which is equivalent to asking whether communication with it is necessary. This ensures that the data from the battery-operated device always remains up-to-date. Because communication with the initiator device is possible in most cases (for example, because the vehicle is stationary most of the time in the showroom or on the vehicle dealer's premises), enormous energy savings are achieved even in the event of occasional failures in the connection to the initiator device (for example, during test drives).

[0044] The device is therefore preferably designed to establish communication with the data processing device via the first communication level when the request is confirmed via the second communication level that there is a need, or when the need exists because no communication via the second communication level is possible or cannot be established.

[0045] The fact that communication with the data processing device is only established autonomously after several failed communication attempts has the advantage that the chance of ultimately successful communication via the second communication level is increased during the communication attempts, which statistically reduces energy consumption over a longer period of time because often unnecessary, energy-intensive communication via the first communication station can be dispensed with more often.

[0046] As discussed above, the aforementioned measures can be used to transmit product and / or price information from the data processing device to the device for presentation there. Therefore, the battery-operated device is preferably designed as a display device and has a display unit, in particular having a screen, for displaying product and / or price information.

[0047] The device can have an energy-saving display unit, such as an LCD. Preferably, however, the technology used is based on electronic ink or electronic paper technology. Such a display unit has a reflective screen, known in technical jargon as an electronic paper display (EPD), and is implemented using "electronic paper," or "e-paper" or "e-ink" for short.

[0048] If the battery-operated device has a display, the data provided by the data processing device often represents display information, in particular product and / or price information. In this case, the battery-operated device is configured to receive the display data via the first communication stage and to display the display information conveyed thereby.

[0049] However, the battery-operated device can also be designed to generate data. For this purpose, a generation unit can be provided instead of the display unit, or preferably in addition to the display unit. Such a generation unit can be, for example, an input device such as a touchscreen, a keyboard, buttons, or the like, or a sensor such as a camera, a microphone, a location sensor, etc.

[0050] In order to provide the generated data in an energy-saving and, at the same time, as up-to-date as possible, it has proven advantageous for the device to be configured to transmit data generated before communication with the data processing device, in particular in the device, to the data processing device via the first communication stage. This allows the device to collect data over long periods of time and then transmit it in a bundled form. It is particularly advantageous if the device is configured to use the first communication stage in its active mode to transmit data generated during its energy-saving mode. Therefore, no intermediate activation is necessary for the transmission of the generated or collected data.Rather, the fact that communication with the data processing device is necessary is immediately exploited by the battery-operated device in order to transmit its collected data to the data processing device.

[0051] The term "energy-saving mode" refers in particular to the energy-saving mode of the first communication stage and, if applicable, other components. Those components involved in generating the data are, of course, active as required while the energy-saving mode is active. Furthermore, a memory stage can be provided for temporarily storing the generated data. For example, data is generated by the sensor (which is provided as an exemplary generation unit) while the first communication stage is in energy-saving mode, and this generated sensor data is temporarily stored in the memory stage, from where it is read out in the next active mode of the first communication stage and sent by the first communication stage or transmitted to the data processing unit.

[0052] As discussed, the second communication network is preferably more energy-efficient than the first communication network. Therefore, frequent communication via the second communication network is more energy-efficient than correspondingly frequent communication via the first communication network. However, to further reduce energy consumption, it has proven advantageous to also communicate via the second communication network on an as-needed basis.

[0053] It has therefore proven advantageous that the second communication stage is designed to carry out the request to the initiator device in dependence on a trigger signal.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the battery-operated device comprises a sensor (touch sensor, temperature sensor, sound detection sensor, image detection sensor, position detection sensor), in particular a motion sensor, which is provided for generating the trigger signal. This allows a data update precisely when an update is needed, for example, because a vehicle is being moved out of a parking space for a test drive. The update process can also be initiated by simply manually shaking the battery-operated device.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the invention, the battery-operated device is designed to generate the trigger signal in a time-dependent manner. This measure ensures that any updates that may be available are always kept up-to-date by a timer. This measure also allows synchronization to be established in the communication system. For example, the individual battery-operated devices can be assigned time slots in which they must report to the initiator device. Should this communication fail, possibly repeatedly, the initiator device can send a corresponding message to the data processing device to trigger further measures there.

[0056] Of course, both aspects (sensor- and time-controlled) can be used to generate the trigger signal. For example, in addition to the time-dependent trigger signal that keeps the device up-to-date within the desired time intervals, a sensor-dependent trigger signal can trigger an early (unscheduled) update. For example, such a situation can arise at a car dealership when a test drive is just about to begin.

[0057] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the second communication stage is also configured to enter an active mode and an energy-saving mode. Entering a respective mode can also be triggered by the trigger signal (or various trigger signals). Preferably, the second communication stage switches from the energy-saving mode to the active mode, or from an active mode to the energy-saving mode, in a time-dependent manner, particularly periodically. If a more energy-efficient communication technology is used for the second communication stage, the system can be operated in an energy-saving manner even if the active mode is entered frequently.

[0058] The measures mentioned thus allow energy-efficient operation of the battery-operated device through energy management based on the information communicated by the initiator device regarding the need for communication with the data processing device.

[0059] Regarding the realization of the initiator device, it should be noted that this can be based on different training methods.

[0060] According to a first embodiment, the initiator device is formed by a device according to the invention, wherein the third communication stage is formed by the first communication stage and the fourth communication stage is formed by the second communication stage. Thus, the number of different devices required in the system can be kept to a minimum because ultimately only a single common embodiment is required for the initiator device and the battery-operated device.

[0061] Thus, one of the at least two battery-operated devices in the communication system assumes the role of the initiator device. This role can be predefined in a fixed manner or can switch between the devices automatically, such as time-controlled or event-based, or manually. The respective role assumed by each battery-operated device can be configured using software running on the device's computer. This software provides the role-specific behavior of the device depending on the configured role and also performs the necessary coordination among the devices for the role change.

[0062] Changing roles has the advantage that energy consumption is distributed as evenly as possible among all devices in the communications system. As a result, maintenance work, such as battery replacement or the timing of charging rechargeable batteries or accumulators, can be planned more reliably and carried out on a large scale, thus efficiently. Through the combination of assigned roles, which change over time, and demand-dependent communication, which according to the invention only takes place with the data processing device when necessary, the communications system can be operated more energy-efficiently than would be the case if the aforementioned measures were not provided.

[0063] The roles can, for example, be assigned in such a way that this is controlled by the data processing device. All devices that form a group, i.e., are in an area in which they can communicate with each other via the second or fourth communication level, can be listed in a computerized list, for example, in a memory of the data processing unit. The data processing device runs through the list to assign the role of initiator device to the battery-operated device listed in the respective list element. In this case, for example, after a certain period of time and / or after a certain number of established communications, the role of initiator device is passed on to the next battery-operated device in the list.This fact can be communicated to the devices included in the communication system so that everyone knows which of them is the initiating device.

[0064] However, the role can also be passed on in such a way that during communication with the data processing device, a battery status (battery charge level, e.g., specified as a percentage of the maximum possible battery charge) of the device currently communicating (i.e., the battery-operated device as well as the device currently assuming the role of the initiator device) is transmitted to the data processing device. A comparison of the individual charge levels of the batteries available in the communication system available at the data processing device can be used to change the role assignment in the communication system. If, for example, the battery charge level of the device currently assuming the role of the initiator device falls below a (e.g.If the threshold value (fixed or definable depending on the other battery-operated devices' charge levels) is exceeded, the initiator device can be instructed to relinquish the role of initiator device to one of the other battery-operated devices that has a higher charge level. Preferably, the battery-operated device with the highest charge level is selected for this purpose. The energy stored in the batteries of the devices available in the communication system can thus be optimally utilized without one or more of the devices having an individually increased energy requirement due to excessively frequent use and thus being disadvantaged.

[0065] A stationary role, on the other hand, has the advantage that only one device has a higher energy consumption than the remaining devices, while all other devices can be operated in an energy-efficient manner. In this configuration of the communication system, only the battery of one battery-operated device predefined as the initiator device would have to be charged or replaced at regular intervals, while all other battery-operated devices can be operated with a battery life extended by the measures according to the invention. This eliminates the need for frequent checking and maintenance of the remaining battery-operated devices, whose maintenance intervals are correspondingly extended. It should be noted that this advantage also applies if the initiator device is not designed as a battery-operated device.

[0066] To set the respective role for the battery-operated device, each of the battery-operated devices of the communication system is advantageously configured to receive role assignment data that initiate either the behavior of the initiator device or the behavior of the battery-operated device, and to process it so that the thus-specified role is assumed. In a minimal configuration, the role assignment data can be defined by a single bit. However, the role assignment data can also contain further information, such as the time at which it becomes valid, for example, to ensure synchronization in the communication system and to ensure with a high degree of probability that all existing battery-operated devices have received the information for the role change.In the respective battery-operated device, the role assignment data can be received, for example, from the data processing device via the first communication level or from another device (e.g., the initiator device) via the second communication level.

[0067] However, the roles can also be assigned in such a way that this is controlled by the battery-operated device currently assuming the role of the initiator device. In this case, the role assignment data is generated and sent by the initiator device. For example, the battery-operated device currently assuming the role of the initiator device can transmit the role assignment data to one of the other battery-operated devices after a certain time has elapsed and / or after its battery charge level falls below a threshold, thus performing a role swap with this battery-operated device.The decision as to which of the available battery-operated devices is selected to assume the role of the initiator device can be made for the battery-operated device currently assuming this role by comparing the various charge levels of the battery-operated devices requesting communication with the data processing device. Here, too, the battery-operated device with the highest charge level can be selected in order to achieve the most uniform energy consumption possible for the communication system across the battery-operated devices over the operating time.

[0068] However, according to a preferred embodiment, the initiator device has a power supply or is connected to a power supply, wherein the power supply is more powerful than the power supply of the other, in particular battery-operated, device.

[0069] This measure allows the device with the greatest energy demand (i.e., the initiator device) to be supplied with energy reliably and over the long term, allowing the entire communication system to operate maintenance-free for extended periods. This is because data transmission is distributed in such a way that the time-consuming and energy-intensive communications with the data processing device are largely carried out by the initiator device. This involves, for example, the initiator device maintaining contact with the data processing device, thus ensuring that an up-to-date status regarding the need for communication between the data processing device and one of the other devices is always available. For this purpose, a large portion of the energy used by the communication system is provided by the efficient power supply.

[0070] The energy requirement that is covered, for example, by a weaker energy supply device of the other devices or the battery of the battery-operated devices can thus be kept to a minimum because a high energy requirement only occurs when communication with the data processing device is actually necessary and is actually carried out. The energy supply of the initiator device can, as with the battery-operated device, be provided by means of a replaceable or rechargeable energy storage device, such as a battery or accumulator (or similar). In this case, the energy storage device has a higher energy storage capacity than the energy storage device (i.e. the battery) of the other, battery-operated device. Thus, all devices, in particular also the initiator device, of the communication system can be used mobile, i.e. independent of location.However, the communication system can also contain several initiator devices supplied in this way. Which of the initiator devices maintains contact with the data processing device in order to keep the other devices up-to-date about the need for communication can be negotiated between the initiator devices – e.g., depending on the respective battery charge level of the initiator devices – for which, for example, the fourth communication level is used.

[0071] Preferably, the initiator device is designed to be connected to a power grid, in particular to a low-voltage grid, preferably by means of a plug, particularly preferably by means of a power plug, or by means of a power supply unit. Thus, the power supply of the initiator device, i.e., the device intended to carry out the most (most frequent) communications with the data processing device (e.g., to keep information regarding the need for communication with the battery-operated devices up-to-date), is essentially continuously ensured.

[0072] In the case of a wired (external) power supply of the initiator device, it can also be provided that the initiator device does not have to wait for a request from another battery-operated device, but rather, when the data processing device needs to communicate with one of the battery-operated devices, transmits this by radio until the battery-operated device in question has completed the communication.

[0073] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the initiator device (even when using the more powerful power supply) can, in principle, also be designed to perform the same tasks as the battery-operated device. For example, the initiator device can also be designed to display product and / or price information and / or generate data using a generation unit. In contrast to this all-encompassing design, however, the initiator device can also be designed to merely "manage" the communication between the data processing unit and the battery-operated device, i.e., to inform the battery-operated device when there is a need for communication with the data processing unit, without providing any additional functionality.

[0074] Finally, it should be generally mentioned that the electronic devices discussed (such as the data processing device, the battery-operated device, the initiator device, etc.) naturally comprise electronics. The electronics can be discrete or comprise integrated electronics, or a combination of both. Microcomputers, microcontrollers, and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), possibly in combination with analog or digital electronic peripheral components, can also be used. Many of the device functionalities mentioned are implemented – possibly in conjunction with hardware components – using software that runs on a processor in the electronics. Devices designed for radio communication usually have an antenna configuration for transmitting and receiving radio signals as part of a transceiver module.

[0075] These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from the figures discussed below.

[0076] Short character description

[0077] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures using exemplary embodiments, to which, however, the invention is not limited. In the various figures, identical components are provided with identical reference numerals. They show schematically: Fig. 1 shows, in block diagram form, a communication system according to the invention with a power supply-operated initiator device and a battery-operated device;

[0078] Fig. 2 shows an application example of the communication system according to Figure 1;

[0079] Fig. 3 State diagrams of four devices of the application example according to Figure 2.

[0080] Description of the embodiments

[0081] Figure 1 shows a communication system 1 comprising a battery-operated device 2, an initiator device 4, and a data processing device 6. Outside the communication system 1, there is a low-power wide-area network 7, or LP-WAN 7 for short, for transmitting data between, on the one hand, the data processing device 6 and the initiator device 4, and, on the other hand, the data processing device 6 and the battery-operated device 2.

[0082] The LP-WAN 7 is assigned a communication device 7A and a radio system, of which a radio mast 7B is symbolically represented. The LP-WAN 7 is designed for communication according to the Narrowband Internet of Things Standard, or NB-IoT Standard for short. The communication device 7A is a cloud infrastructure that can be implemented by a data center, wired and / or radio-based communication components or devices. The communication level 7A allows the data processing device 6 to which it is connected to communicate via the LP-WAN 7. The radio mast 7B represents the physical interface for receiving and transmitting radio signals, i.e., radio communication with various devices in the LP-WAN 7. In such an LP-WAN 7, a relatively large number of such communication devices 7A and radio masts 7B can generally be activated in order to achieve supra-regional, possibly even nationwide, radio coverage.The simplified representation chosen here serves only to provide a compact discussion of the principle of the invention.

[0083] The battery-operated device 2 has a battery 21, which is provided for its energy or power supply and provides a first supply voltage VCCI with respect to a reference potential GND. This battery supply requires the NB-IoT functionality to be used as economically as possible, because it is very energy-intensive. Therefore, NB-IoT (radio) communication 100 with the data processing device 6 only occurs when actually necessary, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0084] The battery-operated device 2 further comprises a first communication stage 25 for the aforementioned purpose of receiving the product and / or price information. For reasons of clarity, the first communication stage 25 is structured into a first microcontroller or computer 26 and a first transceiver 27, of which only one antenna configuration is symbolically shown. The first computer 26 primarily serves to implement the NB-IoT communication protocol or standard and thus enables standard-compliant radio communication.

[0085] The battery-operated device 2 further comprises a second communication stage 22. For reasons of clarity, the second communication stage 22 is structured into a second microcontroller or computer 23 and a second transceiver 24, of which only one antenna configuration is symbolically shown. The second computer 23 primarily serves to implement a Bluetooth communication protocol for Bluetooth communication 200 with the initiator device 4 and thus enables standard-compliant radio communication.

[0086] The battery-operated device 2 is further configured to send a request via Bluetooth communication 200 to the initiator device 4, requesting whether the battery-operated device 2 should establish the NB-IoT communication 100 with the data processing device 6. If the initiator device 4 transmits a need for such NB-IoT communication 100 with the data processing device 6 as a request response to the battery-operated device 2 via Bluetooth communication 200, a connection is established between the first communication stage 25 and the data processing device 6 via the LP-WAN 7. This functionality is preferably implemented such that the second computer 23 transmits a communication establishment command KEB via a first data bus 28 to the first computer 26 of the first communication stage 25, where this command is executed.However, this functionality can also be implemented such that the battery-operated device 2 has a first central computer 29, via which the evaluation of the request response received from the initiator device 4 takes place and via which the communication establishment command KEB is ultimately sent to the first computer 26 of the first communication stage 25 or the NB-IoT communication 100 is processed directly with the aid of the first transceiver 27.

[0087] The initiator device 4 has a power supply 41 having a power plug for connection to a power grid. The power supply 41 serves to supply energy or power to the initiator device 4 and provides a second supply voltage VCC2 relative to a reference potential GND. The mains power supply requires NB-IoT communication capability without the need to consider energy-saving behavior. This allows the initiator device 4 to be in NB-IoT radio contact with the data processing device 6 practically continuously or frequently, such as at relatively short periodic intervals, in order to receive, for example, necessity data ND. The necessity data ND indicates that NB-IoT communication 100 between the data processing device 6 and the battery-operated device 2 is necessary or that such a necessity exists.

[0088] The initiator device 4 has a third communication stage 42 for receiving the necessity data ND. The necessity data ND is transmitted from the data processing device 6 via the LP-WAN 7. For reasons of clarity, the third communication stage 42 is structured into a third microcontroller or computer 43 and a third transceiver 44, of which only one antenna configuration is symbolically represented. The third computer 43 primarily serves to implement the NB-IoT communication protocol or standard and thus enables standard-compliant radio communication. The initiator device 4 further has a fourth communication stage 45. For reasons of clarity, the fourth communication stage 45 is structured into a fourth microcontroller or computer 46 and a fourth transceiver 47, of which only one antenna configuration is symbolically represented.The fourth computer 46 serves primarily to implement the Bluetooth communication protocol for Bluetooth communication 200 with the battery-operated device 2 and thus enables standard-compliant radio communication.

[0089] The initiator device 4 is further configured to receive and store the necessity data ND during an NB-IoT communication 100 with the data processing device 6. The initiator device 4 is further configured to access the stored necessity data ND upon receiving a request regarding a communication necessity via NB-IoT communication 100 between the battery-operated device 2 and the data processing device 6 and to check whether such a necessity exists for the requesting battery-operated device 2. The result of this check is communicated to the requesting battery-operated device 2 via Bluetooth communication 200 and processed there as discussed.

[0090] This functionality of the initiator device 4 is preferably implemented such that the third computer 43 transmits the necessity data ND received from the data processing device 6 via a second data bus 48 to the fourth computer 46 of the fourth communication stage 45, where these necessity data ND are stored for processing the request by the battery-operated device 2.

[0091] However, this functionality can also be implemented in such a way that the initiator device 4 has a second central computer 49, via which the provision of the necessity data ND as well as a request by the battery-operated device 2 is processed.

[0092] The battery-operated device 2 implements an electronic display panel with an extremely energy-saving screen 5 based on electronic ink. The screen 5 is used to display product and / or price information, which is provided by the data processing device 6 via display data AD via the LP-WAN 7, i.e., via NB-IoT radio, to the battery-operated device 2. This NB-IoT communication 100 only needs to occur when an update of the screen contents is required, or in other words, when there is a need for such NB-IoT communication 100. The screen 5 can also be equipped with a screen microcontroller (not shown) that can communicate with the first computer 26 via the first bus 28 in order to receive the corresponding update data (display data AD) received via NB-IoT communication 100.The same applies, in an adapted form, to the initiator device 4, whereby in this case there is no NB-IoT communication restriction due to energy saving considerations.

[0093] The following describes the application of the communication system 1 at a motor vehicle dealership with the help of Figure 2. This dealership has two different exhibition areas 3A and 3B, namely an open-air area 3A and a sales hall 3B. It should be noted that the spatial extent of the two areas 4A and 3B does not correspond to the visualized proportions, since Figure 2 merely contains schematic representations. Connecting lines (lines / cables) between network elements or indicated radio signals, as can be seen in Figure 1, have been omitted here for the sake of clarity, although the facts discussed in connection with Figure 1 are of course also present in the system visualized in Figure 2.

[0094] A first group of battery-operated devices 2A to 2D is located in the motor dealer's open area 3A, with each of the devices 2A to 2D mounted on or in a vehicle (not shown). Also located in the open area 3A is a first initiator device 4A, which is provided and configured for Bluetooth communication 200 with the battery-operated devices 2A to 2D.

[0095] A second group of battery-operated devices 2E to 2G is located in a sales hall 3B of the motor vehicle dealer, with each of the devices 2E to 2G also being mounted there on or in a vehicle (not shown). In the sales hall 3A, there is a second initiator device 4B, which is provided and configured for Bluetooth communication 200 with the battery-operated devices 2E to 2G.

[0096] The battery-operated devices 2A to 2G are basically all implemented according to the battery-operated device 2 shown in Figure 1. An exception to this is the battery-operated device 2B, which, in addition to the screen 5 shown in Figure 1, has a humidity sensor 5A and a temperature sensor 5B, wherein these sensors 5A and 5B are either connected to the first bus 28 or to one of the microcontrollers 23, 26, or 29.

[0097] The two initiator devices 4A and 4B, similar to the battery-operated devices 2A to 2G, also each have a screen 5. In this exemplary embodiment, however, they are not mounted on a vehicle, but rather are installed stationary to provide local product and / or price information. However, they can also be provided in a vehicle. The initiator devices 4A and 4B are implemented according to the initiator device 4 shown in Figure 1.

[0098] To provide the product and / or price information presented on the screens 5 of the battery-operated devices 2A to 2G and the initiator devices 4A and 4B, the vehicle dealer can enter or select the desired information into the data processing device 6. For this purpose, the data processing device 6 can have a corresponding software application that enables this user interaction and the transmission of the resulting display data AD.

[0099] The data processing device 6 then informs the initiator devices 4A and 4B that one or the other of the battery-operated devices 2A to 2G needs to communicate with the data processing device 6. The affected battery-operated devices 2A to 2G, as soon as they request communication from the initiator device 4A or 4B, are then instructed by the initiator devices 4A and 4B to establish communication with the data processing device 6, as discussed below in the context of Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the communication processes in the communication system 1 in a temporal context in the form of state diagrams, with the states indicating either an activated state A or a deactivated state D. This is shown as an example for the first initiator device 4A and the first three devices 2A to 2C of the free area 3A.

[0100] Figure 3 shows the state sequence of the first initiator device 4A and the battery-operated devices 2A to 2C along the time axis t, divided into 17 time periods T1 to T17. In this example, each time period T1 to T17 corresponds to approximately one second. However, the time periods T1 to T17 can vary in length, even individually, depending on the programming of the software running on the devices 1A to 1G or 4A and 4B.

[0101] The state sequence of the third communication stage 42 of the initiator device 4A is represented by a first graph IV1. The state sequence of the fourth communication stage 45 of the first initiator device 4A is represented by a second graph IV2. Furthermore, the state sequence of the first communication stage 25 of the devices 2A is represented by a third graph VA1, the state sequence of the first communication stage 25 of the devices 2B by a fourth graph VB1, the state sequence of the first communication stage 25 of the devices 2C by a fifth graph VC1, the state sequence of the second communication stage 22 of the devices 2A by a sixth graph VA2, the state sequence of the second communication stage 22 of the devices 2B by a seventh graph VB2, and the state sequence of the second communication stage 22 of the devices 2C by an eighth graph VC2.The graphs IV1, IV2, VA1, VA2, VB1, VB2, VC1, VC2 each represent whether the respective communication stage is activated, i.e., in its activated state A, or deactivated, i.e., in its deactivated state D, in a time range T1 to T17. In the activated state A, communication consumes power, whereas in the deactivated state D, the power consumption is significantly lower than in the activated state A, or even no power consumption at all for the corresponding communication stage if it is completely switched off. In the time ranges T1 and T2, the third communication stage 42 of the initiator device 4A is activated, with a list of the battery-operated devices 2A to 2D to be activated being queried by the data processing device 6 via the LP-WAN 7 and subsequently stored by the initiator device 4A.After receiving the list, the third communication level 42 is deactivated and the fourth communication level 45 is activated.

[0102] In the time range T4, the second communication stage 22 of the first battery-operated device 2A is activated by an internal timer electronics (which is implemented, for example, with the aid of one of the microcontrollers) of the battery-operated device 2A in order to query the initiator device 4A via Bluetooth communication 200 as to whether data for the first battery-operated device 2A is available at the data processing device 6. The stored list indicates that data is available for the first battery-operated device 2A, i.e., that communication with the data processing device 5 is necessary, and also specifies a recommended time range T8 to T10 in which the first battery-operated device 2A should communicate with the data processing device 6.At the beginning of the recommended time period T8, the first battery-operated device 2A then activates the first communication stage 25 to initiate communication with the data processing device 6 via the LP-WAN 7 and retrieve the data. In this example, this is display data AD, which represents new product and price information. After receiving the data, the first battery-operated device 2A updates the display unit 5 according to the new product and price information.

[0103] Similarly, in time range T6, the second battery-operated device 2B queries the initiator device 4A via the second communication stage 22 via Bluetooth communication 200 as to whether data is present at the data processing device 6, i.e., whether communication with it is necessary. Since the stored list indicates this necessity, communication with the data processing device 6 is carried out via the LP-WAN 7 using the first communication stage 25 of the second battery-operated device 2B in the time ranges T14 to T16, which are also predefined in the list for the second battery-operated device 2B. During this NB-IoT communication 100, not only is the data retrieved from the data processing device 6, but the sensor data determined by the humidity sensor 5A and temperature sensor 5B is also transmitted to the data processing device 6.

[0104] At time T8, the third battery-operated device 2C queries the initiator device via Bluetooth communication 200 as to whether data is available for it, i.e., whether communication with the data processing device 6 is necessary. Since, according to the stored list, there is no need for the third battery-operated device 2C to communicate with the data processing device 6, i.e., no (display) data is to be retrieved there, the first communication stage 25 of the third battery-operated device 2C remains deactivated, and the second communication stage 22 is also deactivated until the next timer-controlled request from the initiator device 4A.

[0105] In the same way, the battery-operated device 2D (whose activity of the communication stages is not shown) also requests the initiator device 4A to start and carry out the NB-IoT communication 100 with the data processing device 6 if necessary, whereby, depending on the situation, (display) data is retrieved and / or data is transmitted to the data processing device 6, which, however, is not shown.

[0106] The initiator device 4A, for its part, updates the list of communication needs over time in a periodic or event-related manner through NB-IoT communications 100 with the data processing device 6.

[0107] The group of devices 2E - 2G and 4B behaves in an analogous manner.

[0108] In conclusion, with regard to the application example discussed, it can be stated that the aforementioned measures allow communication via the low-power WAN 7 to be reduced to a minimum, thereby significantly reducing the energy consumption of the devices 2A to 2H, because communication via the LP-WAN 7 with the data processing device 6 is only established when the respective need for communication exists, i.e., in this case, in particular, the need for communication due to the availability of data. At the same time, the available bandwidth or data transmission rate can be ideally utilized because the aforementioned measures allow the temporal distribution of communication to be optimized.

[0109] With reference to the application example shown in Figure 2, it should also be noted that the radio communication coverage areas of the two initiator devices 4A and 4B, or of the groups of battery-operated devices 2A-2D and 2E-2G assigned to the two initiator devices, can overlap at least partially (possibly only temporarily). In this case, when using the same frequency band, it is expedient to use different radio channels for each group 2A-2D and 2E-2G, which are sufficiently far apart to ensure uninterrupted communication with the respective initiator device 4A or 4B.However, it has proven particularly advantageous to use different communication technologies for the communication between the initiator device 4A and the group of battery-operated devices 2A - 2D, on the one hand, and the communication between the initiator device 4B and the group of battery-operated devices 2E - 2G, on the other hand. The choice of the communication technology to be used in each case can depend on the respective application. For example, in the case of the car dealer, for the extensive open area 3A, WLAN radio traffic can be used between the group of battery-operated devices 2A - 2D and the initiator device 4A in order to maximize the spatially available radio coverage area, and e.g.For the rather cramped sales hall 3B, low-power Bluetooth radio communication is used between the group of battery-operated devices 2E - 2H and the initiator device 4B in order to use the most energy-efficient communication technology possible for a relatively small required radio coverage area.

[0110] In another application, where, for example, it can be assumed that the initiator device will, over time, be moved past all battery-operated devices, either automatically, such as by a robot, or manually, with a distance of only a few millimeters to a few centimeters, NFC technology can even be used for communication between the initiator device and the battery-operated devices. In this case, the energy requirement on the battery-operated device side for querying the initiator device as to whether communication with the data processing device is necessary can be practically completely avoided. This is possible because the fourth communication stage 45 can be designed as an NFC read / write device (also referred to in technical jargon as an "NFC reader").In this case, if an inductive coupling is established with the second communication stage 22, implemented as an NFC tag or NFC device, the fourth communication stage 45 also assumes the power supply of the second communication stage 22 via the inductive coupling. As long as the need for communication with the data processing device 6 is not communicated during such communication, the electronics of the battery-operated device can remain in a virtually power-free deep sleep mode. Only when the need is communicated via NFC communication is the deep sleep mode exited under the control of the second communication stage 22 and communication with the data processing device 6 is carried out using power from the battery 21.

[0111] Finally, it is pointed out once again that the figures described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments, which can be modified in a variety of ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For the sake of completeness, it is also pointed out that the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that the relevant features may be present multiple times. Claims

[0112] 1. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G), in particular a display device, comprising:

[0113] - a first communication stage (25) for wireless communication, in particular for radio communication, with a data processing device (6), and

[0114] - a second communication stage (22) which is designed to wirelessly query an initiator device (4; 4A - 4B) which is different from the data processing device (6) as to whether there is a need for communication between the device (2; 2A - 2G) and the data processing device (6) via the first communication stage (25), and wherein the battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) is designed to establish communication with the data processing device (6) with the aid of the first communication stage (25) if the need exists.

[0115] 2. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to claim 1, wherein the second communication stage (22) is designed to instruct the first communication stage (25) to establish communication with the data processing device when necessary.

[0116] 3. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, which has an active mode and a power-saving mode, wherein

[0117] - in the active mode, at least the first communication stage (25) is ready for communication with the data processing device (6) and wherein

[0118] - in the energy saving mode, at least the first communication stage (25), in particular with regard to its communication capability, is deactivated, in particular switched off, and wherein

[0119] - the device (2; 2A - 2G) is designed to transfer at least the first communication stage (25) from the energy saving mode to the active mode when necessary.

Claims

4. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to claim 3, wherein the second communication stage (22) is designed to initiate the transfer of at least the first communication device (25) from the energy-saving mode to the active mode when necessary.

5. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to one of the preceding claims 3 - 4, wherein the first communication stage (25) is designed to enter the energy-saving mode after communication with the data processing device (6) has been terminated.

6. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed to establish communication with the data processing device (6) with the aid of the first communication stage (25) in the event of a failed request from the initiator device (4; 4A - 4B), preferably in the event of several failed requests, particularly preferably in the event of several immediately consecutive failed requests.

7. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (2; 2A - 2G) is designed to output data which were generated before the establishment of communication with the data processing device (6), in particular in the device (2; 2A - 2G), to the data processing device via the first communication stage (25).

8. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, wherein the device (2; 2A - 2G) is designed to use the first communication stage (25) in its active mode for outputting data generated during its energy-saving mode.

9. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second communication stage (22) is is designed to carry out the request at the initiator device (4; 4A - 4B) in dependence on a trigger signal.

10. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to claim 9, wherein the device (2; 2A - 2G) has a sensor (5A, 5B), in particular a motion sensor, which is provided for generating the trigger signal.

11. Battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the device (2; 2A - 2G) is designed to generate the trigger signal in a time-dependent manner.

12. Initiator device (4; 4A - 4B) comprising: - a third communication stage (42) for communicating, in particular for radio communication, with a data processing device (6), wherein a necessity indicator indicating a necessity for communication between the data processing device (6) and another, in particular battery-operated, device (2; 2A - 2G) is receivable, and - a fourth communication stage (45) which is designed to wirelessly inform the other, in particular battery-operated, device (2) which is inquiring about it, whether there is a need for communication between the other, in particular battery-operated, device (2; 2A - 2G) and the data processing device (6).

13. Initiator device (4; 4A - 4B) according to claim 12, which has a power supply or is connected to a power supply that is more powerful than the power supply of the other, in particular battery-operated, device (2; 2A - 2G).

14. Initiator device (4; 4A - 4B) according to one of claims 12, which is formed by a device (2; 2A - 2G) according to one of the preceding claims 1 - 11, wherein the third communication stage (42) is formed by the first communication stage (25) and wherein the fourth Communication stage (45) is formed by the second communication stage (22). 15 Communication system (1) comprising at least one battery-operated device (2; 2A - 2G) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 and at least one initiator device (4; 4A - 4B) according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 14.

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