Intermediate Device for Passive Sensor Energy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor reading systems face challenges in efficiently obtaining information from non-powered sensors, such as passive RFID tags, due to the low energy signals they emit, which require costly and high-sensitivity detection circuitry and constant power sources.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate device is introduced to facilitate sensor reading by receiving wake-up commands, transitioning to a normal mode, and detecting reflected energy from sensors, generating reports, and transmitting them to the sensor reading device, using low-cost circuitry and power management to handle low-energy signals without constant power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct detection of low energy signals from non-powered sensors is used, then sensor information can be obtained, but costly and high-sensitivity detection circuitry is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate device that acts as a mediator between the sensor reading device and non-powered sensors. The intermediate device receives wake-up commands, activates local sensors, detects reflected energy signals, generates reports, and transmits them to the sensor reading device. This intermediary approach allows the use of lower-cost detection circuitry while maintaining the ability to read sensor information.
2Reliability
If constant power sources are used for sensor reading, then continuous operation is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the intermediate device transition between sleep mode and normal mode based on wake-up commands. The device activates local sensors only when needed to detect reflected energy from non-powered sensors, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation maintains reliability for continuous operation capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to constant operation.
3Measurement precision
If high-sensitivity detection circuitry is used, then low energy signals can be detected, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor reading system into three separate components: the sensor reading device, the intermediate device with local sensors, and the non-powered sensors. This segmentation allows each component to have optimized, lower-cost circuitry rather than requiring the entire system to use high-sensitivity expensive components. The intermediate device's local sensors detect signals only in close proximity to sensors, reducing the need for expensive high-sensitivity circuitry in the main reading device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient and cost-effective reading of information from non-powered sensors, extending battery life and reducing hardware complexity, allowing for extended operation periods and accurate tracking of sensor locations.
Implementation Method 1
receive reflected energy from a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a wireless communication interface configured to communicate with a sensor reading device, receive a wake up command from the sensor reading device, and receive reflected energy from a sensor. The device may also include one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer readable media including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, perform or control performance of operations. The operations may include performing a wake up operation based on the wake up command from the sensor reading device, and recording the reflected energy from the sensor. The operations may further include generating a report regarding the reflected energy, and causing the wireless communication interface to transmit the report to the sensor reading device.