Unpowered Device Data Reception via RF Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices, such as computing devices, face difficulties in receiving and transmitting data without being directly powered, as they typically require external power sources or batteries, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when access to these sources is limited or nonexistent.
Innovation Solution
The device operates in two power modes: one where it is powered solely through an interface, such as an RF interface, and another where it is powered by a non-RF source, allowing data reception and transmission without direct power, using a memory chip and processor to manage data interaction with a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device is directly powered using external power wires or batteries, then data reception and transmission can be performed, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming when access to power sources is limited or when the device is inside packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling data reception to occur before the device is fully powered on or removed from packaging. The system prepares and receives data in advance during manufacturing or provisioning, so that when the device is later activated, the data is already available. This eliminates the time-consuming step of powering the device specifically for data reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a powered system (such as a manufacturing system or external device) that can communicate with the target device through its interface even when the target device is not powered. This intermediary system handles the data transmission, allowing the unpowered device to receive data without requiring direct power connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device requires direct power connection to receive data, then data can be transmitted, but the device must be removed from packaging and accessed to power sources, reducing convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data reception in advance during manufacturing or provisioning while the device is still in packaging. This preliminary action ensures that configuration data, product information, or other data can be loaded without requiring the device to be removed from its packaging or accessed to power sources at the point of sale or deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device interface is designed to accept data transmissions even when the device is not powered, allowing the device to passively receive data through its interface. The powered external system serves the device's data reception needs without requiring the device to actively participate in power management or interface control.
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
Enables data reception and transmission without the need for external power wires or batteries, facilitating operations within packaging or in situations where power access is limited, thus simplifying and expediting the data management process.
Implementation Method 1
a first mode in which the computing device is powered solely via the interface
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices that receive data while not directly powered and methods of operating devices that receive data while not directly powered are described herein. One or more device embodiments include an interface configured to receive data from an additional device while the device is not directly powered, a memory coupled to the interface and configured to receive the data from the interface while the device is not directly powered and store the data while the device is not directly powered, and a user interface configured to permit a user to interact with the computing device. The computing device is configured to operate in at least two different power modes, wherein the computing device is powered only via the interface while operating in a first power mode and the computing device is powered by a non-radio frequency (non-RF) power source while operating in a second power mode.