U.S. patent application number 14/072484 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for system and method for communicating with an unpowered device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lexmark International, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Lexmark International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott Richard Castle, John Thomas Fessler, Keith Bryan Hardin, Michael David Maul, Mark Stephen Underwood, Joseph Kamal Yackzan.
Application Number | 20160182117 14/072484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53007384 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160182117 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Castle; Scott Richard ; et
al. |
June 23, 2016 |
System and Method for Communicating with an Unpowered Device
Abstract
An apparatus for performing operations using low power,
including control circuitry; a radio frequency (RF) circuit for
receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies; an internal power
source; and switching circuitry coupled between the control
circuitry and the internal power source, the switching circuitry
having a control terminal coupled to an output of the RF circuit.
The apparatus is configured in a normal mode of operation and an
off mode of operation in which the apparatus is powered down, and
wherein in the off mode of operation energy from the received RF
signals control a state of the switching circuitry to selectively
couple the internal power source with the control circuitry for
performing one or more operations.
Inventors: |
Castle; Scott Richard;
(Lexington, KY) ; Fessler; John Thomas;
(Lexington, KY) ; Hardin; Keith Bryan; (Lexington,
KY) ; Maul; Michael David; (Lexington, KY) ;
Underwood; Mark Stephen; (Lexington, KY) ; Yackzan;
Joseph Kamal; (Lexington, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lexmark International, Inc. |
Lexington |
KY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Lexmark International, Inc.
Lexington
KY
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150126137 A1 |
May 7, 2015 |
|
|
Family ID: |
53007384 |
Appl. No.: |
14/072484 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61791482 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/78 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/40 20130101; H04B
1/1607 20130101; H04B 1/1615 20130101; H04B 1/44 20130101; G06F
8/65 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/40 20060101
H04B001/40 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: processing circuitry; a radio
frequency (RF) circuit for receiving RF signals at one or more
frequencies; an internal power source; and switching circuitry
coupled between the processing circuitry and the internal power
source, the switching circuitry having a control terminal coupled
to an output of the RF circuit such that energy from the received
RF signals control a state of the switching circuitry to
selectively couple the internal power source with the processing
circuitry for performing one or more operations while a remainder
of the apparatus is unpowered.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry
comprises a processor and memory coupled thereto.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the internal power source
is coupled to the processing circuitry, at least one of the
received RF signals communicates at least one of an instruction and
data to the processing circuitry for performing the one or more
operations.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the RF circuit comprises a
first antenna for receiving RF signals at a first range of
frequencies for controlling the state of the switching circuitry
and a second antenna for receiving RF signals at a second range of
frequencies for communicating the at least one of the instruction
and data with the processing circuitry.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the RF signals comprise new
program code and the apparatus further comprises memory having
stored therein stored program code, wherein the one or more
operations comprises replacing the stored program code with the new
program code.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry
includes an output signal coupled to the control terminal of the
switching circuitry.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processing circuitry, when
coupled to the internal power source, selectively controls the
state of the switching circuitry to decouple the internal power
source from the processing circuitry.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal power source
comprises a battery.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal power source
comprises a capacitive member and the capacitive member comprises a
first plate coupled to the RF circuit such that the received RF
signals charge the capacitive member.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the internal power source
supplies power only to the processing circuitry.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry
authenticates a source of the received RF signals prior to
performing the one or more operations.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the RF circuit includes an RF
transmitter and the one or more operations includes an upload
operation in which data is transmitted by the RF transmitter.
13. An apparatus, comprising: control circuitry; a radio frequency
(RF) circuit for receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies;
an internal power source; and switching circuitry coupled between
the control circuitry and the internal power source, the switching
circuitry having a control terminal coupled to an output of the RF
circuit; wherein the apparatus is configured in a normal mode of
operation and an off mode of operation in which the apparatus is
powered down, and wherein in the off mode of operation energy from
the received RF signals control a state of the switching circuitry
to selectively couple the internal power source with the control
circuitry for performing one or more operations.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the RF circuit is coupled to
the control circuitry such that at least one of a command and data
is communicated between the RF circuit and the control circuitry
during the time the switching circuitry couples the internal power
source to the control circuitry.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising memory, wherein
the one or more operations comprises a download operation in which
at least one of data and program code executable by the apparatus
is downloaded to the memory.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the RF circuit comprises an
RF transmitter, and the one or more operations comprises an upload
operation in which at least one of data and an instruction from the
apparatus is transmitted by the RF transmitter.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the RF circuit comprises a
first antenna for receiving RF signals at a first range of
frequencies to control the state of the switching circuitry and a
second antenna for receiving RF signals at a second range of
frequencies to communicate with the control circuitry.
18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the control circuitry
comprises a processor and memory coupled thereto.
19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the control circuitry, when
coupled to the internal power source, selectively controls the
state of the switching circuitry to decouple the internal power
source from the control circuitry.
20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the control circuitry
authenticates a source of the received RF signals prior to
performing the one or more operations.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from U.S. provisional application No.
61/179,482, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled, "System and Method for
Communicating with an Unpowered Device," the content of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC.
[0003] None.
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0005] The present disclosure relates in general to appliances or
electronic devices, and more particularly, to electronic devices
which utilize radio frequency (RF) communication for communicating
while consuming little to no power.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] As the complexity of electronic "gadgets" continues to rise,
development cycles continue to shrink and more devices depend on
embedded processors to provide a feature-rich experience. Many
products have come to depend on complex embedded firmware to bring
life to their functionality.
[0008] As a result of the complexity and short development cycles,
many companies find themselves in the unenviable position of having
to update product firmware (to fix bugs or add a complete function)
after production of the product has begun. Depending on the timing
and importance of the update, this sometimes means having to un-box
products to re-program non-volatile memory within the product. This
process can be expensive and time consuming, leading to both budget
and schedule misses.
SUMMARY
[0009] Example embodiments provide a significant improvement over
existing approaches by providing a method to install updated
firmware and/or perform other tasks or operations without having to
un-package and then power-up a unit when late changes become
necessary. The method makes use of wireless communication and a
self-contained power supply to support the tasks to be
performed.
[0010] According to an example embodiment, there is disclosed a
device including processing circuitry; a radio frequency (RF)
circuit for receiving RF signals at one or more frequencies; an
internal power source; and switching circuitry coupled between the
processing circuitry and the internal power source. The switching
circuitry has a control terminal coupled to an output of the RF
circuit such that energy from the received RF signals control a
state of the switching circuitry to selectively couple the internal
power source with the processing circuitry for performing one or
more operations while a remainder of the device is unpowered. The
one or more operations may include, for example, a download
operation in which data or firmware executable by the device is
downloaded into device memory. The one or more operations may also
include an upload operation in which device data is transmitted by
the RF circuit over the air interface to a destination. In this
way, the processing circuitry may perform a limited number of
operations without the device needing to be electrically connected
to an external power supply or source.
[0011] In an example embodiment, the RF circuit includes a first
antenna for receiving RF signals at a first range of frequencies
for controlling the state of the switching circuitry and a second
antenna for receiving RF signals at a second range of frequencies
for communicating at least one of instructions and data of the
received RF signals with the processing circuitry.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the
disclosed embodiments, and the manner of attaining them, will
become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to
the following description of the disclosed embodiments in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portion of an electronics
device according to one or more example embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a portion of a system including
the electronics device of FIG. 1, according to an example
embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a portion of an electronics
device according to another example embodiment; and
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a portion of a system including
the electronics of FIG. 1, according to another example
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not
limited in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of
other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms
"connected," "coupled," and "mounted," and variations thereof
herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect
connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms
"connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted
to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
[0018] Terms such as "first", "second", and the like, are used to
describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are not
intended to be limiting. Further, the terms "a" and .sup.an herein
do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the
presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0019] Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the
specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to
exemplify embodiments of the disclosure and that other alternative
configurations are possible.
[0020] Example embodiments are generally directed to a circuit of a
device which utilizes a received RF signal for connecting to a
relatively small, internal power source to allow for the use of
large memory capacities without the need of an external power
supply or sizeable internal battery to supply power to the device.
Example embodiments enable the device to communicate and perform
predetermined operations despite being in an otherwise off mode,
thus consuming zero or near zero energy. An RF signal is applied to
a circuit of the unpowered device, generating a current to close a
switching component and power the device sufficiently to perform
one or more intended operations.
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the example
embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever
possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the
drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1,
an example embodiment includes circuit 1 of a device 100. Device
100 may be any type of device, such as an electronics device or
appliance. Circuit 1 may include an internal power source 10, a
processor 20 having memory 21 communicatively coupled thereto, an
RF circuit 22, switching circuitry 24 coupled between the power
source 10 and processor 20 and having a control terminal coupled to
RF circuit 22 and processor 20. In general terms, an RF signal is
received by RF circuit 22 and used to control switching circuitry
24 so as to provide power from power source 10 to processor 20,
memory 21 and, as needed, RF circuit 22, in order to perform one or
more operations before removing power to processor 20 via switching
circuitry 24. It is understood that device 100 includes other
circuitry and components to perform various functions during normal
operation thereof when powered by a traditional power source.
Circuit 1 may be located on the controller card of device 100, for
example.
[0023] Processor 20 may be any circuitry that performs or controls
the performance of the one or more operations during the time it is
powered by power source 10. In an example embodiment, processor 20
may execute instructions maintained in memory 21 for performing the
one or more operations. Though processor 20 may, in one embodiment,
be a microprocessor or controller which performs operations or
controls the operation of device 100 when device 100 is powered by
a traditional power supply in a normal mode of operation, in
another embodiment processor 20 is limited to performing mostly
those one or more operations that are desired to be performed
during the time processor 20 is powered by power source 10. In yet
another alternative embodiment, processor 20 is implemented as a
state machine or is otherwise hardwired.
[0024] Memory 21 may include nonvolatile system memory 21A for
storing program code for operating device 100 and/or local memory
21B. It is understood that memory 21 may be implemented as any of a
number of different types of memory.
[0025] With continued reference to FIG. 1, power source 10 supplies
power to processor 20, memory 21 and optionally RF circuit 22 when
initially connected thereto by RF circuit 22 via switching
circuitry 24. In an example embodiment, power source 10 may be a
battery of sufficient size to allow processor 20 to perform those
operations that are desired to be performed during the time power
source 10 sources power to processor 20. Battery size and capacity
may vary by application and be based upon, among other things, the
number and complexity of operations to be performed and the
frequency with which such operations are expected to be repeated.
It is understood that power source 10 may be other sources of
power. In another example embodiment, power source 10 may be or
include a capacitor which is charged by or through RF circuit 22
and have a capacitance size to allow for circuit 1 to perform the
above-described one or more operations when coupled to power source
10.
[0026] RF circuit 22 includes RF receiver circuitry to receive an
RF signal, and circuitry for using the received RF signal both to
energize switching circuitry 24 for establishing an electrical
connection between power source 10 and processor 20 and memory 21,
and to communicate data with processor 20 or otherwise access
memory 21. RF circuit 22 may include at least one antenna for
receiving the RF signal over the air interface. In one example
embodiment, a single antenna may be used to both energize switching
circuitry 24 and communicate data with processor 20. This
embodiment may, for example, provide for limited energizing or
limited data communication, or both. In another example embodiment,
at least two antennae are employed, including a first lower
frequency antenna for use in energizing switching circuitry 24 and
a second higher frequency antenna for communicating data with
processor 20 at a relatively higher bandwidth. RF circuit 22 may
include one or more filters and/or amplifier circuitry for suitably
selecting and/or conditioning received RF signals for use in
energizing switching circuitry 24 and communicating data with
processor 20.
[0027] RF circuit 22 may receive RF signals following any one or
more RF communication standards and/or protocols, including RFID
and the IEEE 802.11 standards.
[0028] As discussed, when activated switching circuitry 24 provides
an electrical connection between power source 10 and processor 20,
memory 21 and optionally RF circuit 22 to allow power source 10 to
supply power thereto. Switching circuitry 24 may have a source
terminal coupled to power source 10, a drain terminal coupled to
the power supply input of processor 20 and memory 21, and at least
one control terminal. A control terminal may be coupled to RF
circuit 22 for receiving the portion of the received RF signal for
energizing switching circuitry 24 to charge the control terminal so
as to close the connection between the source terminal and the
drain terminal of switching circuitry 24. As can be seen, closing
the connection between the source and drain terminals results in
power source 10 being connected and supplying power to processor 20
and memory 21. The control terminal of switching circuitry 24 may
also be coupled to an output of processor 20. In this way,
processor 20 may maintain the charged state of the control terminal
(to keep switching circuitry 24 closed) during the time operations
are being performed, and discharge or de-energize the control
terminal when the operations are complete, so as to open the
connection between the source and drain terminals of switching
circuitry 24, resulting in power source 10 being disconnected from
processor 20 and power source 10 thereafter having no load.
Switching circuitry 24 may be constructed with a relay circuit or
field effect power transistor or the like.
[0029] Circuit 1 of device 100 may further include a main power
connector 26 coupled to the supply terminal of processor 20. This
allows for processor 20 to perform operations during a normal mode
of operation of device 100. Such coupling may be direct or via
second switching circuitry (shown in FIG. 3). Further, circuit 1
may include a charging circuit for charging power source 10 (when
implemented as a battery) when a power supply is connected to main
power connector 26.
[0030] In another example embodiment, device 100 may include a main
processor (not shown) that draws more power than power source 10
may be able to provide such that processor 20 is used mostly or
entirely to perform operations in association with RF signals
received by RF circuit 22 while device 100, including the main
processor, is otherwise unpowered. In this embodiment, memory 21
may be a two port memory having a first port for communicating its
contents with processor 20 during the time when device 100 is
mostly unpowered and a second port for communicating its contents
with the main processor during normal operation of device 100.
Alternatively, memory 21 may be a switched memory for communicating
its contents with both processor 20 and the main processor.
[0031] The operation of circuit 1 of device 100 will be described.
Initially, device 100, and particularly circuit 1, is unpowered,
consuming no power. Upon reception of one or more RF signals, RF
circuit 22 provides signal energy from the RF signal to charge or
close switching circuitry 24, which connects power source 10 to
processor 20 and memory 21 so as to power the same. Once powered,
processor 20 may drive switching circuitry 24 to maintain switching
circuitry 24 in the closed position. When powered, processor 20 is
also capable of performing a number of functions.
[0032] The one or more RF signals may include authentication signal
data which processor 20 may use to authenticate the source of the
one or more RF signals. Authentication will serve to prevent a
hacker from accessing device 100. Following authentication,
processor 20 may perform any one or more operations.
[0033] For example, processor 20 may download firmware received by
RF circuit 22 over the air interface, and program the firmware into
memory 21A so as to replace firmware previously stored therein. In
this way, firmware for device 100 may be updated without having to
power up device 100 using a traditional power source through main
power connector 26. It is understood that processor 20 may also
download data for storage in memory 21, such as country or region
specific data in which device 100 is intended to be sold.
[0034] In addition or in the alternative, RF circuit 22 includes an
RF transmitter and processor 20 may upload data for transmission by
RF circuit 22. In this embodiment, RF communication may be powered
by power source 10 for both receiving and transmitting RF signals
over the air interface. Such uploaded data may include, for
example, information relating to the particular location of device
100. In this embodiment, device 100 is capable of being located
despite being unpowered except for power source 10.
[0035] It is understood that processor 20 may perform any of a
number of operations as specified in the one or more RF signals
received by RF circuit 22 or as specified in memory 21 during the
time processor 20 is powered by power source 10. It is further
understood that the operations performed during the time power
source 10 supplies power to processor 20 may be different from the
operations performed by device 10 during the normal mode of
operation in which device 10 is powered by an external power source
via main power connector 26.
[0036] As discussed, the example embodiments allow for
communication with device 100 when device 100 is otherwise
unpowered and consuming no power. In an example embodiment, device
100 may be boxed for shipment and subsequent sale, such as in a
cardboard box. Further, device 100 may be contained in a protective
bag within the cardboard box. In this embodiment, the antenna or
antennae of RF circuit 22 may be located largely external to device
100.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 2, antenna assembly 202 of RF circuit
22 may be located on, embedded in or integrated with a protective
bag 204 so as to allow for RF communication with device 100 despite
being placed in bag 204 and contained in box 206. Antenna assembly
202 may include a wire end 202A that may be inserted into device
100 and provide a temporary electrical connection with the rest of
RF circuit 22 of circuit 1. The temporary electrical connection may
be a pressure fit type of connection, similar to the type seen in
some devices that are purchased with a battery and a removable
piece of material is disposed between the battery and a battery
terminal so as to prevent battery discharge until slidingly removed
following purchase of the device. In this case, wire end 202A of
antenna assembly 202 may be a smooth piece of electrically
conductive material that physically contacts the circuitry of RF
circuit 22 so that device 100, despite being unpowered, may be
placed in protective bag 204 and boxed for shipment or sale yet
remain capable of receiving RF signals. Device 100 may include a
slot through which wire end 202A of antenna assembly 202 is
inserted in order to temporarily electrically connect with the
remaining part of RF circuit 22.
[0038] As mentioned, antenna assembly 202 may be located on,
embedded within or integrated with protective bag 204.
Specifically, the antenna portion 202B of antenna assembly 202,
which receives RF signals, may be disposed along an outer portion
of protective bag 204 and secured thereto using tape, an adhesive
or the like. Wire end 202A extends inwardly from an inner surface
of bag 204 so as to connect with the remainder of RF circuit 22
appearing in device 100. In this way, circuit 1 of device 100 may
be capable of receiving RF signals via antenna assembly 202 and RF
circuit 22 despite being contained within bag 204. The amount by
which wire end 202A extends from an inner surface of bag 204
depends upon the dimensions of device 100, the location of the slot
which receives wire end 202A on device 100, and the location of the
antenna portion 202B of antenna assembly 202.
[0039] During the time device 100 is boxed and thus unpowered,
device 100 may nevertheless communicate using circuit 1. For
example, firmware stored in memory 21 or other memory within
circuit 1 or elsewhere in device 100 may be updated using circuit
1. Further, data may be downloaded into or uploaded from device 100
when bagged and boxed. Then, following purchase of device 100, the
box 206 is opened and device 100 is removed from its protective bag
204. Removing device 100 from the protective bag 204 causes the
wire end 202A of the antenna assembly 202 to slide out of its
physical engagement with, and is thereby electrically disconnected
from, the remainder of RF circuit 22. Thereafter, without an
antenna for receiving RF signals, circuit 1 can no longer be used.
This, along with possible additional authentication mechanisms
and/or disabling settings made once device 100 is powered up
through main power connector 26, provides a measure of security to
prevent subsequent hacking of device 100.
[0040] In the event protective bag 204 is not used such that device
100 is placed directly within box 206, antenna assembly 202 may be
disposed along and/or embedded within box 206. As shown in FIG. 4,
antenna portion 202B may be disposed along an outer surface of box
206 and secured thereto using tape, an adhesive or the like. In the
event box 206 is a cardboard box, antenna portion 202B may be
disposed between adjacent inner and outer wall portions which form
a wall or panel of box 206. Wire end 202A may extend from the inner
surface of box 206, slide within a slot appearing on device 100,
and at least temporarily connect to the remainder of RF circuit
22.
[0041] Components of circuit 1 may be included on the controller
card of any product or device 100 that could potentially require
late changes to embedded system firmware that is resident in
on-board non-volatile memory. To prolong battery life, when circuit
1 is not in use, internal power source 10 is disconnected from
processor 20 by way of switching circuitry 24, as discussed above.
When switching circuitry 24 is closed, internal power source 10 is
connected to processor 20, which is then capable of booting the
re-programmed device.
[0042] As discussed, the radiated communication link, RF circuit
22, may serve a dual purpose in the example embodiments. A first
purpose is communication and the second purpose is energy transfer.
The energy transferred from the radiating RF source to circuit 1 is
low, but is sufficient to support limited functionality. In an
example embodiment, the energy is used to operate or control
switching circuitry 24. When the RF circuit 22 is excited by an
external field, it can direct the energy derived from the radiated
signal to "flip" or close the switch of switching circuitry 24,
thereby connecting internal power source 10 to processor 20 and the
rest of circuit 1. Once this is accomplished, the RF link can then
be used solely for communication.
[0043] As power source 10 provides power to circuit 1, processor 20
will begin executing code (stored in local non-volatile memory 21)
that will allow device 100 to perform its intended operations. As
discussed, the intended operations may include downloading firmware
received by RF circuit 22 into memory 21, and/or uploading firmware
from memory 21 to a destination via transmission by RF circuit
22.
[0044] The foregoing description of several methods and an
embodiment of the invention have been presented for purposes of
illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and
obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching. For example, circuit 1 may utilize a battery
assisted passive RFID tag as part of RF circuit 22.
[0045] It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by
the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *