The invention relates to an energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter, the use thereof, and also to a method for the energy self-sufficient transmission of a radiofrequency signal.
Energy self-sufficient systems in which mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy using a piezoelectric transducer and then rectified are known in the prior art. The electrical energy is used to drive simple resonant circuits.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter and a method for the energy self-sufficient transmission of a radiofrequency signal that enable the communication of information to be improved.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, an energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter, including: at least one electromechanical transducer; a rectifier circuit connected downstream from the transducer; a voltage converter circuit; a logic circuit configuration connected to the voltage converter circuit; a radiofrequency transmission stage connected to the logic circuit configuration; and at least one transmission antenna. The logic circuit configuration includes a sequence controller and a memory for storing an identification code.
In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the electromechanical transducer includes at least one piezoelectric element.
In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the piezoelectric element is a bending transducer.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the electromechanical transducer includes at least one induction coil.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the voltage converter circuit includes an energy storage element.
In accordance with another added feature of the invention, the voltage converter circuit can be operated in a clocked manner.
In accordance with another additional feature of the invention, there is provided, at least one capacitor for storing energy. The capacitor is connected between the rectifier circuit and the voltage regulating circuit.
In accordance with a further added feature of the invention, the logic circuit configuration includes at least one component selected from a group consisting of at least one microprocessor and an ASIC.
In accordance with a further additional feature of the invention, there is provided, at least one sensor connected to the logic circuit configuration.
In accordance with yet an added feature of the invention, the logic circuit configuration is embodied using ULP technology.
In accordance with yet an additional feature of the invention, the logic circuit configuration has clock generator including an LC resonant circuit or an RC resonant circuit.
In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the radiofrequency transmission stage is constructed for transmitting a radiofrequency signal having a frequency of greater than 1 MHz.
In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention, the radiofrequency transmission stage is constructed for transmitting a radiofrequency signal having a frequency between 100 MHz and 30 GHz.
In accordance with yet a further added feature of the invention, the radiofrequency signal can have a bandwidth of more than 100 kHz.
In accordance with yet another added feature of the invention, a delay device is connected between the logic circuit configuration and the transmission antenna.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method for energy self-sufficiently transmitting a radiofrequency signal. The method includes: using an electromechanical transducer to convert a mechanical movement into a voltage signal; obtaining a rectified voltage signal by rectifying the voltage signal; converting the rectified voltage signal to produce a voltage level that is constant at least in sections; after converting the rectified signal, using the rectified voltage signal to supply energy to at least one logic circuit configuration; using the logic circuit configuration to communicate at least one identification code to a radiofrequency transmission stage; and using the radiofrequency transmission stage and a transmission antenna to radiate a radiofrequency signal containing the identification code.
In accordance with an added mode of the invention, the step of using the logic circuit configuration to communicate the identification code to the radiofrequency transmission stage includes: reading out the identification code from a memory of the logic circuit configuration; generating a transmission telegram including the identification code; activating the radiofrequency transmission stage; and modulating a radiofrequency oscillation with the transmission telegram.
In accordance with an additional mode of the invention, the method includes providing measurement data obtained from at least one sensor to the logic circuit configuration; and impressing the measurement data on the radiofrequency signal.
In accordance with another mode of the invention, the method includes radiating a plurality of radiofrequency signals one after another; each one of the plurality of the radiofrequency signals having a complete information content.
In accordance with a further mode of the invention, the method includes variably setting a time interval of individual ones of the plurality of the radiofrequency signals with respect to one another.
In accordance with a further added mode of the invention, the method includes variably setting a frequency of individual ones of the plurality of the radiofrequency signals with respect to one another.
In accordance with a further additional mode of the invention, the method includes encrypting information of the radiofrequency signal.
In accordance with yet an added mode of the invention, the method includes differently encrypting a plurality of radiofrequency signals.
In accordance with yet an additional mode of the invention, the method includes radiating the radiofrequency signal in a time-delayed manner.
In accordance with another added mode of the invention, the method includes transmitting the radiofrequency signal with a bandwidth greater than 100 kHz.
In accordance with another additional mode of the invention, the method includes transmitting the radiofrequency signal with a frequency of greater than 1 MHz.
In accordance with a further mode of the invention, the method includes transmitting the radiofrequency signal with a frequency of between 100 MHz and 30 GHz.
To that end the radiofrequency transmitter has at least one electromechanical transducer with a rectifier circuit connected downstream and at least one voltage converter circuit. A logic circuit configuration is connected to the voltage converter circuit. The logic circuit configuration includes at least one sequence controller and a memory in which an identification code is stored. A radiofrequency transmission stage is connected to the logic circuit configuration and is controlled by the logic circuit configuration. The radiofrequency signals generated by the radiofrequency transmission stage are radiated by at least one transmission antenna.
An electromechanical transducer is understood to be a general component in which mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy, for example, a piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive element or an electromagnetic induction coil.
The mechanical energy can be generated, for example, from:
The voltage generated by the transducer is rectified by the rectifier circuit and is then forwarded to a voltage converter. The voltage converter ensures that a constant voltage can be tapped off at least over a short period of time. As a result, voltage spikes are avoided, and moreover, the operating reliability is increased.
The connection between the rectifier and the voltage converter can be effected directly or via a current storage element that is additionally present, e.g. a capacitor. When a capacitor is present, by way of example, the downstream voltage converter can convert a typically exponentially falling charging voltage of the capacitor into a constant voltage at least for a short time. However, the converter can also store the electrical voltages itself.
Given the presence of a sufficient voltage signal for supplying energy to the logic circuit configuration, the logic circuit configuration communicates at least one identification code, and if appropriate, other information as well, for example sensor measurement signals, to the radio-frequency transmission stage. In the radiofrequency transmission stage, the voltage signal is used to generate a radiofrequency signal containing the identification code and to radiate it via the transmission antenna.
This method for the energy self-sufficient communication of signals has the advantage that the degree of utilization of the energy supplied by the transducer, with respect to the information density that can be emitted, is very high. Although such a system consumes a higher electrical energy per unit time compared with simple resonant circuits it is nonetheless possible to transmit a more than proportionally high information density per unit time relative thereto. Altogether, this results in a better utilization of the electrical energy made available by the transducer.
In order to achieve a high efficiency and a compact design, it is advantageous if the electromechanical transducer contains at least one piezoelement, in particular a piezoelectric bending transducer.
It is also preferred, e.g. in order to achieve an inexpensive construction, if the electromechanical transducer contains at least one induction coil.
In order to ensure a sufficiently long energy supply, it is advantageous if at least one energy storage element, e.g. in the form of a capacitor, for storing current is present between the rectifier circuit and the voltage converter circuit.
In order to increase the efficiency, it is favorable, moreover, if the voltage converter circuit is equipped with a further energy storage element. In particular, this is favorable if the voltage converter circuit is operated in a clocked manner.
It is additionally favorable if the logic circuit configuration is connected to at least one sensor. As a result, in addition to the identification code, measurement data from the at least one sensor can also be acquired or read out by the logic circuit configuration and the measurement data can be impressed on the radiofrequency signal.
It is also advantageous if, given a voltage supply over a sufficiently long time, a plurality of radiofrequency signals with complete information content are radiated one after the other, because this redundancy creates an increased communication reliability.
For increased security against interception, it is advantageous if the information of the radiofrequency signal is encrypted, typically by an encryption logic integrated into the logic circuit configuration. As a result, it is also possible to increase the transmission reliability by inputting individual keys, for example for access control purposes. In particular, when transmitting a plurality of radiofrequency signals, it is favorable if each of the radiofrequency signals is encrypted differently, e.g. with a different key.
Moreover, in order to suppress a transmission disturbance, it is favorable if, when transmitting a plurality of radiofrequency signals, their time interval with respect to one another is variable and/or the frequency of the individual radiofrequency signals differs.
Likewise for the purpose of increased transmission reliability, in particular in environments with a plurality of radiofrequency transmitters, it is advantageous if the radiation of the radiofrequency signal is time-delayed, for example by the variable, e.g. statistical, setting of a delay. The delay can be realized, for example, in the software of the logic circuit configuration. Using radiofrequency transmitters with in each case a statistically distributed delay time of their delay devices makes it possible to increase the transmission probability.
In order to reduce the energy consumption of the radiofrequency transmitter, it is advantageous if the logic circuit configuration is embodied using ultra low power technology (ULP technology).
It is advantageous if the logic circuit configuration contains a microprocessor or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) module.
Typically, part of the electrical energy provided by the transducer is used to run up the logic circuit configuration into an operating state. To that end, an oscillating crystal is normally provided as a clock generator. For shortening the time for running up the logic circuit configuration, it is favorable if, instead of an oscillating crystal, an LC resonant circuit or an RC resonant circuit is present as the clock generator.
In order to achieve a high data transmission rate, it is advantageous if a signal with a frequency of >1 MHz is transmitted using the radiofrequency transmission stage. By way of example, frequencies F of between 100 MHz and 30 GHz are realized in technology nowadays. However, there is no fundamental upper limit for the frequency.
In order to achieve a high data throughput within a short time, it is advantageous if the bandwidth of the radiofrequency signal is at least 100 KHz.
It is preferred if, during a transmission cycle, the logic circuit configuration:
The use of the radiofrequency transmitter is particularly advantageous in traffic technology, in particular automotive technology and rail technology, and/or in building technology, in particular installation technology, for example for controlling domestic appliances, electrical installations or for access control purposes.
Individual aspects of using the radiofrequency transmitter will now be described in more detail schematically using a mechanically fed light switch as an application. It goes without saying, however, that the invention is not restricted to this specific application.
a) Voltage Generation:
To generate voltage, i.e. to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, a piezoelectric bending transducer is used which, e.g. in the case of a force action of 5 N, experiences a flexure of 5 mm and builds up a resulting electrical voltage of 50 V across its inherent capacitor of 50 nF. Transducers with these parameters are known in the prior art and match a commercially available light switch well in terms of the dimensions and mechanical requirements.
b) Voltage Conditioning:
Voltage stabilization is obtained by using a prior art voltage converter with a high efficiency and a high input voltage dynamic range. If the charging voltage across the capacitor then falls during operation e.g. from 20 V to 5 V, the stabilization circuit provides a constant 3 V at the output.
c) Energy Consideration:
The following energy consideration is intended to show that it is possible to operate a processor circuit and a radiofrequency transmitter for a short time with the energy generated in our exemplary embodiment:
Let the electrical energy in the bending transducer be E=½ C·U2=½ 50·10−9·502 [V2 As/V]=62.5 2 μWs, and approximately 50 μWs thereof remain given 80% efficiency of the transducer. An electronic circuit requiring e.g. approximately 20 mW (3 V and 6.6 mA) can thus be operated for a time duration of t=50 μWs/20 mW=2.5 ms.
d) Transmission Rate and Volume of Data:
If a modulation rate of the radiofrequency transmitter of 100 Kbits/s is assumed, then data with a scope of approximately 250 bits can be emitted in this time. This volume of data suffices for encrypting the identity of the switch and also affords the possibility of increasing the transmission reliability by repeated emission or the application of correlation methods. Moreover, the use of the logic circuit configuration, typically a microprocessor or an ASIC, allows encryption of the data to be transmitted.
e) Radiofrequency Transmitter:
The radiofrequency transmitter is based on a power of 1 mW, which suffices to reliably transmit data to every point within a private residence. In this case, a typical scenario is that all the switches, for example light switches, upon actuation, emit one or a plurality of radiofrequency telegrams which are received by a single receiver and the latter initiates the corresponding actions (lamp on/off, dimming of lamp, etc.).
It goes without saying that the energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter is not restricted to an application in building technology, but rather can be used universally. Examples of possible fields of application are switch applications such as manually actuated emergency transmitters, access authorization interrogations, remote controls, other switches, limit switches in industry, traffic, in private households, in meters for water, gas and electricity, as motion detectors, animal monitoring, break-in/theft protection, and generally in automotive technology for reducing the wiring harness in motor vehicles, or in railroad systems.
An example of an appropriate sensor system application is a sensor for temperature, pressure, force and other measurement quantities, in particular for measuring automobile tire pressure and temperature, axle temperature and accelerations on trains, and the temperature or pressure force of motors and installations in industry.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an energy self-sufficient radiofrequency transmitter, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
The sole drawing FIGURE schematically shows the different functional units of the radiofrequency transmitter.
Referring now to the sole drawing FIGURE in detail, there is shown an electromechanical transducer 1, preferably a piezoelectric bending transducer or an induction coil that enables mechanical energy to be utilized for charge separation and thus for voltage generation. The mechanical energy originates for example from a mechanical force action, (e.g. button pressing) from a pressure change or a vibration. The voltage generated is used to charge a capacitor 7 via a rectifier circuit 2. Alternatively, direct feeding of the voltage regulating circuit 3 is also possible, and by way of example, the transducer 1 can store the charges itself. The downstream voltage conversion is advantageous in order to generate, from the exponentially falling charging voltage of the capacitor 7, a voltage that is constant over a short period of time for operating the downstream electronics.
The constant voltage is used to activate and supply the downstream logic circuit configuration 4 and radiofrequency transmission stage 5 as long as the stored energy permits this. The logic circuit configuration 4 contains a microprocessor sequence controller, a memory in which the identity of the measurement location or of the switch is stored, and (optionally) sensor inputs via which one or a plurality of sensors 8 can be connected.
If a supply voltage is available due to a mechanical energy feed, then the following processor-controlled sequence is initiated:
a) reading-out the identification code;
b) reading-out the connected sensors 8 (optional);
c) encrypting the data (optional);
d) generating a transmission telegram containing the identification code;
e) activating the radiofrequency transmission stage 5; and
f) modulating the radiofrequency oscillation with the transmission telegram (optionally a number of times as long as sufficient energy is available or until a different termination criterion is reached).
The radiofrequency transmission stage 5 generates a radiofrequency oscillation that is radiated via the transmission antenna 6. The transmission telegram generated by the logic circuit configuration 4 is modulated onto the oscillation.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
100 25 561 | May 2000 | DE | national |
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/756,925, filed Feb. 1, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/456,994, filed Apr. 26, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/034,491, filed Feb. 24, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/248,682, filed Oct. 9, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/304,121, filed Nov. 25, 2002, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/DE01/01965, filed May 21, 2001, which designated the United States and was not published in English, and which claims priority to German Patent Application Number DE 100 25 561.2, filed May 24, 2000, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1872257 | Durkee | Aug 1932 | A |
2565158 | Williams | Aug 1951 | A |
2813242 | Crump | Nov 1957 | A |
2874292 | Varley | Feb 1959 | A |
2995633 | Puharich et al. | Aug 1961 | A |
3077574 | Marks | Feb 1963 | A |
3093760 | Tarasevich | Jun 1963 | A |
3219850 | Langevin | Nov 1965 | A |
3230455 | Kosta | Jan 1966 | A |
3270283 | Ikrath et al. | Aug 1966 | A |
3315166 | Crump | Apr 1967 | A |
3370567 | Reith | Feb 1968 | A |
3456134 | Ko | Jul 1969 | A |
3553588 | Honig | Jan 1971 | A |
3596262 | Rollwitz et al. | Jul 1971 | A |
3614760 | Zimmet et al. | Oct 1971 | A |
3621398 | Willis | Nov 1971 | A |
3624451 | Gauld | Nov 1971 | A |
3633106 | Willis | Jan 1972 | A |
3683211 | Perlman et al. | Aug 1972 | A |
3697975 | Bernstein et al. | Oct 1972 | A |
3735412 | Kampmeyer | May 1973 | A |
3760422 | Zimmer et al. | Sep 1973 | A |
3781836 | Kruper et al. | Dec 1973 | A |
3781955 | Lavrinenko et al. | Jan 1974 | A |
3783211 | Panettieri | Jan 1974 | A |
3796958 | Johnston et al. | Mar 1974 | A |
3818467 | Willis | Jun 1974 | A |
3824857 | Smith | Jul 1974 | A |
3827038 | Willis | Jul 1974 | A |
3866206 | DeGiorgio et al. | Feb 1975 | A |
3928760 | Isoda | Dec 1975 | A |
3949247 | Fenner et al. | Apr 1976 | A |
3970939 | Willis | Jul 1976 | A |
3971028 | Funk | Jul 1976 | A |
3986119 | Hemmer, Jr. et al. | Oct 1976 | A |
3989963 | Giaccardi | Nov 1976 | A |
4001798 | Robinson | Jan 1977 | A |
4004458 | Knothe et al. | Jan 1977 | A |
4127800 | Long et al. | Nov 1978 | A |
4160234 | Karbo et al. | Jul 1979 | A |
4177438 | Vittoria | Dec 1979 | A |
4177800 | Enger | Dec 1979 | A |
4220907 | Pappas et al. | Sep 1980 | A |
4231260 | Chamuel | Nov 1980 | A |
4237728 | Betts et al. | Dec 1980 | A |
4257010 | Bergman et al. | Mar 1981 | A |
4259715 | Morokawa | Mar 1981 | A |
4300119 | Wiernicki | Nov 1981 | A |
4349762 | Kitamura et al. | Sep 1982 | A |
4355309 | Hughey et al. | Oct 1982 | A |
4371814 | Hannas | Feb 1983 | A |
4412355 | Terbrack et al. | Oct 1983 | A |
4433719 | Cherry et al. | Feb 1984 | A |
4471353 | Cernik | Sep 1984 | A |
4489269 | Edling et al. | Dec 1984 | A |
4504761 | Triplett | Mar 1985 | A |
4510484 | Snyder | Apr 1985 | A |
4521712 | Braun et al. | Jun 1985 | A |
4522099 | Melsheimer | Jun 1985 | A |
4524283 | Latvus | Jun 1985 | A |
4595864 | Stiefelmeyer et al. | Jun 1986 | A |
4612472 | Kakizaki et al. | Sep 1986 | A |
4626698 | Harnden, Jr. et al. | Dec 1986 | A |
4701681 | Koike | Oct 1987 | A |
4704543 | Barker et al. | Nov 1987 | A |
4739211 | Strachan | Apr 1988 | A |
4748366 | Taylor | May 1988 | A |
4786837 | Kalnin et al. | Nov 1988 | A |
4870700 | Ormanns et al. | Sep 1989 | A |
4878052 | Schulze | Oct 1989 | A |
5012223 | Griebell et al. | Apr 1991 | A |
5118982 | Inoue et al. | Jun 1992 | A |
5136202 | Carenzo et al. | Aug 1992 | A |
5146153 | Luchaco et al. | Sep 1992 | A |
5151695 | Rollwitz et al. | Sep 1992 | A |
5237264 | Moseley et al. | Aug 1993 | A |
5262696 | Culp | Nov 1993 | A |
5270704 | Sosa Quintana et al. | Dec 1993 | A |
5278471 | Uehara et al. | Jan 1994 | A |
5289160 | Fiorletta | Feb 1994 | A |
5301362 | Ohkawa | Apr 1994 | A |
5317303 | Ross et al. | May 1994 | A |
5327041 | Culp | Jul 1994 | A |
5339073 | Dodd et al. | Aug 1994 | A |
5339079 | Ledzius et al. | Aug 1994 | A |
5340954 | Hoffman et al. | Aug 1994 | A |
5431694 | Snaper et al. | Jul 1995 | A |
5471721 | Haertling | Dec 1995 | A |
5491486 | Welles et al. | Feb 1996 | A |
5499013 | Konotchick | Mar 1996 | A |
5535627 | Swanson et al. | Jul 1996 | A |
5546070 | Ellmann et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
5548189 | Williams | Aug 1996 | A |
5563600 | Miyake | Oct 1996 | A |
5569854 | Ishida et al. | Oct 1996 | A |
5572190 | Ross et al. | Nov 1996 | A |
5573611 | Koch et al. | Nov 1996 | A |
5578877 | Tiemann | Nov 1996 | A |
5581023 | Handfield et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5581454 | Collins | Dec 1996 | A |
5589725 | Haertling | Dec 1996 | A |
5592169 | Nakamura et al. | Jan 1997 | A |
5605336 | Gaoiran et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
5631816 | Brakus | May 1997 | A |
5632841 | Hellbaum et al. | May 1997 | A |
5659549 | Oh et al. | Aug 1997 | A |
5664570 | Bishop | Sep 1997 | A |
5675296 | Tomikawa | Oct 1997 | A |
5717258 | Park | Feb 1998 | A |
5725482 | Bishop | Mar 1998 | A |
5731691 | Noto | Mar 1998 | A |
5734445 | Neill | Mar 1998 | A |
5736965 | Mosebrook et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
5741966 | Handfield et al. | Apr 1998 | A |
5749547 | Young et al. | May 1998 | A |
5751092 | Abe | May 1998 | A |
5781646 | Face | Jul 1998 | A |
5797201 | Huang | Aug 1998 | A |
5801475 | Kimura | Sep 1998 | A |
5814922 | Uchino et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5816780 | Bishop et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5831371 | Bishop | Nov 1998 | A |
5834882 | Bishop | Nov 1998 | A |
5835996 | Hashimoto et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5839306 | Nunuparov | Nov 1998 | A |
5844516 | Viljanen | Dec 1998 | A |
5849125 | Clark | Dec 1998 | A |
5854994 | Canada et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
5861702 | Bishop et al. | Jan 1999 | A |
5861704 | Kitami et al. | Jan 1999 | A |
5872513 | Fitzgibbon et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5886647 | Badger et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
5886723 | Kubelik et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
5886847 | Lee et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
5889464 | Huang | Mar 1999 | A |
5892318 | Dai et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
5905442 | Mosebrook et al. | May 1999 | A |
5911529 | Crisan | Jun 1999 | A |
5918502 | Bishop | Jul 1999 | A |
5918592 | Kazubski et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5923542 | Sasaki et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5933079 | Frink | Aug 1999 | A |
5939816 | Culp | Aug 1999 | A |
5939818 | Hakamata | Aug 1999 | A |
5949516 | McCurdy | Sep 1999 | A |
5962951 | Bishop | Oct 1999 | A |
5979199 | Elpern et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
5982355 | Jaeger et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
5995017 | Marsh et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
5998938 | Comberg et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
6014896 | Schoess | Jan 2000 | A |
6025783 | Steffens, Jr. | Feb 2000 | A |
6026165 | Marino | Feb 2000 | A |
6028506 | Xiao | Feb 2000 | A |
6030480 | Face, Jr. et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
6037706 | Inoi et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
6040654 | Le Letty | Mar 2000 | A |
6042345 | Bishop et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
6052300 | Bishop et al. | Apr 2000 | A |
6054796 | Bishop | Apr 2000 | A |
RE36703 | Heitschel et al. | May 2000 | E |
6071088 | Bishop et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6074178 | Bishop et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6075310 | Bishop | Jun 2000 | A |
6079214 | Bishop | Jun 2000 | A |
6084530 | Pidwerbetsky et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
6087757 | Honbo et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
6101880 | Face, Jr. et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6111967 | Face, Jr. et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6112165 | Uhl et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6114797 | Bishop et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6114798 | Maruyama et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6122165 | Schmitt et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6124678 | Bishop et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6127771 | Boyd et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
6130625 | Harvey | Oct 2000 | A |
6140745 | Bryant | Oct 2000 | A |
6144142 | Face et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6150752 | Bishop | Nov 2000 | A |
6156145 | Clark | Dec 2000 | A |
6175302 | Huang | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6181225 | Bettner | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6181255 | Crimmins | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6182340 | Bishop | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6188163 | Danov | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6213564 | Face, Jr. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6215227 | Boyd | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6229247 | Bishop | May 2001 | B1 |
6243007 | McLaughlin et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6245172 | Face, Jr. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6246153 | Bishop et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6252336 | Hall | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6252358 | Xydis et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6255962 | Tanenhaus et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6257293 | Face, Jr. et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6259372 | Taranowski et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6278625 | Boyd | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6304176 | Discenzo | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6323566 | Meier | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6326718 | Boyd | Dec 2001 | B1 |
6362559 | Boyd | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6366006 | Boyd | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6392329 | Bryant et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6396197 | Szilagyi et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6407483 | Nunuparov et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6438193 | Ko et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6462792 | Ban et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6529127 | Townsend et al. | Mar 2003 | B2 |
6567012 | Matsubara et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
6570336 | Ham et al. | May 2003 | B2 |
6570386 | Goldstein | May 2003 | B2 |
6573611 | Sohn et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6606308 | Genest et al. | Aug 2003 | B1 |
6611556 | Koerner et al. | Aug 2003 | B1 |
6614144 | Vazquez Carazo | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6617757 | Vazquez Carazo et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6630894 | Boyd et al. | Oct 2003 | B1 |
6684994 | Nunuparov | Feb 2004 | B1 |
6700310 | Maue et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
6731708 | Watanabe | May 2004 | B1 |
6747573 | Gerlach et al. | Jun 2004 | B1 |
6756930 | Nunuparov et al. | Jun 2004 | B1 |
6768419 | Garber et al. | Jul 2004 | B2 |
6785597 | Farber et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
6812594 | Face et al. | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6856291 | Mickle et al. | Feb 2005 | B2 |
6861785 | Andre et al. | Mar 2005 | B2 |
6882128 | Rahmel et al. | Apr 2005 | B1 |
6933655 | Morrison et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
6980150 | Conway, Jr. et al. | Dec 2005 | B2 |
6992423 | Mancosu et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
7005778 | Pistor | Feb 2006 | B2 |
7019241 | Grassl et al. | Mar 2006 | B2 |
7084529 | Face et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7230532 | Albsmeier et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7245062 | Schmidt | Jul 2007 | B2 |
7389674 | Bulst et al. | Jun 2008 | B2 |
7391135 | Schmidt | Jun 2008 | B2 |
7392022 | Albsmeier et al. | Jun 2008 | B2 |
20010003163 | Bungert et al. | Jun 2001 | A1 |
20020021216 | Vossiek et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020070712 | Arul | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20030094856 | Face et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
20030105403 | Istvan et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20030143963 | Pistor et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20030193417 | Face et al. | Oct 2003 | A1 |
20040174073 | Face et al. | Sep 2004 | A9 |
20040242169 | Albsmeier et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20050030177 | Albsmeier et al. | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20050035600 | Albsmeier et al. | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20050067949 | Natarajan et al. | Mar 2005 | A1 |
20050087019 | Face | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050253486 | Schmidt | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20050253503 | Stegamat et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20060018376 | Schmidt | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060091984 | Schmidt | May 2006 | A1 |
20060109654 | Coushaine et al. | May 2006 | A1 |
20090027167 | Pistor et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
24 36 225 | Feb 1975 | DE |
24 21 705 | Nov 1975 | DE |
29 43 932 | Jun 1980 | DE |
30 16 338 | Nov 1980 | DE |
29 42 932 | May 1981 | DE |
32 31 117 | Feb 1984 | DE |
36 43 236 | Jul 1988 | DE |
37 36 244 | May 1989 | DE |
40 34 100 | Apr 1992 | DE |
41 05 339 | Aug 1992 | DE |
42 04 463 | Aug 1992 | DE |
42 32 127 | Mar 1994 | DE |
43 09 006 | Sep 1994 | DE |
43 12 596 | Oct 1994 | DE |
44 29 029 | Feb 1996 | DE |
196 19 311 | Dec 1996 | DE |
297 12 270 | Jul 1997 | DE |
196 20 880 | Nov 1997 | DE |
40 17 670 | Jan 1998 | DE |
198 26 513 | Dec 1999 | DE |
100 63 305 | Dec 2000 | DE |
199 55 722 | May 2001 | DE |
103 01 678 | Aug 2004 | DE |
0 119 91 | Jun 1980 | EP |
0 111 632 | Jun 1984 | EP |
0 319 781 | Jun 1989 | EP |
0 468 394 | Jan 1992 | EP |
0 627 716 | Apr 1994 | EP |
0 617 500 | Sep 1994 | EP |
0 656 612 | Jun 1995 | EP |
0 673 102 | Sep 1995 | EP |
0 833 756 | Apr 1998 | EP |
0 960 410 | Dec 1999 | EP |
1 197 887 | Apr 2002 | EP |
2646021 | Oct 1990 | FR |
0 824 126 | Nov 1959 | GB |
2 047 832 | Dec 1980 | GB |
2 047 932 | Dec 1980 | GB |
2 095 053 | Sep 1982 | GB |
2 254 461 | Oct 1992 | GB |
2 259 172 | Mar 1993 | GB |
2 350 245 | Nov 2000 | GB |
175853 | Oct 1980 | HU |
55-147800 | Nov 1980 | JP |
57-174950 | Oct 1982 | JP |
58-072361 | Apr 1983 | JP |
63-078213 | Apr 1988 | JP |
63-131770 | Jun 1988 | JP |
63-180262 | Jul 1988 | JP |
01-091598 | Apr 1989 | JP |
02-040441 | Feb 1990 | JP |
04-012905 | Jan 1992 | JP |
04-321399 | Nov 1992 | JP |
05-009325 | Jan 1993 | JP |
05-064739 | Mar 1993 | JP |
05-175568 | Jul 1993 | JP |
05-251785 | Sep 1993 | JP |
05-284187 | Oct 1993 | JP |
06-212484 | Aug 1994 | JP |
06-233452 | Aug 1994 | JP |
63-016731 | Nov 1994 | JP |
07-226979 | Aug 1995 | JP |
08-132321 | May 1996 | JP |
08-212484 | Aug 1996 | JP |
08-310207 | Nov 1996 | JP |
09-090065 | Apr 1997 | JP |
09-322477 | Dec 1997 | JP |
10-108251 | Apr 1998 | JP |
10-227400 | Aug 1998 | JP |
10-253776 | Sep 1998 | JP |
11-018162 | Jan 1999 | JP |
11-161885 | Jun 1999 | JP |
11-186885 | Jul 1999 | JP |
11-248816 | Sep 1999 | JP |
3060608 | Sep 1999 | JP |
11-341690 | Dec 1999 | JP |
2000-078096 | Mar 2000 | JP |
2000-502828 | Mar 2000 | JP |
2000-297567 | Oct 2000 | JP |
42-061018 | Feb 2009 | JP |
506038 | Jun 1973 | SU |
WO-9425681 | Nov 1994 | WO |
WO-9515416 | Jun 1995 | WO |
WO-9529410 | Nov 1995 | WO |
WO-9615590 | May 1996 | WO |
WO-9628873 | Sep 1996 | WO |
WO-9736364 | Oct 1997 | WO |
WO-9836395 | Aug 1998 | WO |
WO-9854766 | Dec 1998 | WO |
WO-9912486 | Mar 1999 | WO |
WO 9960364 | Nov 1999 | WO |
WO-0002741 | Jan 2000 | WO |
WO-0167580 | Sep 2001 | WO |
WO-0191315 | Nov 2001 | WO |
WO-03049148 | Nov 2001 | WO |
WO-0242873 | May 2002 | WO |
WO-03005388 | Jan 2003 | WO |
WO-03007392 | Jan 2003 | WO |
Entry |
---|
A Distributed, Wireless MEMS Technology for Condition Based Maintenance by Bult et al., Apr. 1996, UCLA and Rockwell Science Center. |
Alfredo Vazquez Carazo and Kenji Uchino, “Novel Piezoelectric-Based Power Supply for Driving Piezoelectric Actuators Designed for Active Vibration Damping Applications,” Journal of Electroceramics, vol. 7, No. 3, Dec. 2001, pp. 1-3. |
Anonymous, Aerospace Technology Innovation, Technology Transfer “Wafer ‘Wiggle’ Going Places”, vol. 9, No. 3, May/Jun. 2001, retrieved from http://ipp.nasa.gov/innovation/innovation—93/3-tt-wiggle.html, 2 pages. |
Anonymous, Microwaves & RF, Jan. 2001; 40, I; Sciences Module p. 5. |
Anonymous, Wireless SAW Identification and Sensor Systems 1167-1175, “4. Event-Driven SAW Sensors”, pp. 301-308. |
Batteryless Lighting Remote Control, http://www.gpi.ru/˜martin/batteryless—lighting.htm (Unknown Date). |
Batteryless Sensor for Intrusion Detection and Assessment of Threats by Gerald F. Ross et al. Nov. 1995, Technical Report, Defense Nuclear Agency. |
Colloquium on RF and Microwave Components for Communication Systems, University of Bradford, Apr. 23, 1997, 3 pages. |
Einfuhrung in die Technische Informatik und Digitaltechnik, by Dispert, H. et al., FH Kiel, 1995, 23 pgs. |
Elektronik 26/1995, Drahtlos identifizieren, 1 pg. |
English Abstract for JP45-9325. |
English Abstract for JP6233452. |
English Abstract JP46-10442. |
Frank Schmidt, Enocean GmbH Oberhaching, “Batterielose Funksensoren”, 11. ITG/GMA—Fachtagung Sensoren und Mess-Systeme, Ludwigsburg, Mar. 11-12, 2002, 18 pages. |
Halbleifer-Schaltungstechnik, by Tietze, U. et al.; 5. Auflage 1980; pp. 454-455, w/English translation. |
Hendrawan Soeleman et al., “Ultra-Low Digital Subthreshold Logic Circuits”, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Purdue University, Proceedings of the 1999 International Symposium on low Power Electronics and Design. |
How to switch over from any 4 pin SMD SAW resonator to the new EPCOS SAW resonators R8xx in QCC4A SMD package (3.5mm x 5mm) by Glas. A., Dec. 21, 2001, Application Note: SAW-Components, EPCOS AG. |
International Search Report and Written Opinion for Application No. PCT/DE01/01965 mailed on Feb. 1, 2002. |
J. Hollingum, “Autonomous radio sensor points to new applications”, Sensor Review, vol. 21, No. 2, 2001, pp. 104-106. |
J. Paradiso and M. Feldemeier, “A Compact, Wireless, Self-Powered Pushbutton Controller, ” Proc. 3rd Int'l conf. Ubiquitous Computing (Ubicom 2001), Springer-Verlag 2001, 6 pages. |
Lehrbuch det Physik, by Grimsehl, E., Band 2, Elektriztatslehre, 21., Auflage, 1988, 320-329. |
Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,121 dated Jan. 22, 2009. |
Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 29, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/188,633. |
Office Action dated Oct. 17, 2007 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,131. |
Office Action for Japan Patent Application No. 2001-586796 (Translated), dated Mar. 9, 2011. |
Office Action for Japan Patent Application. No. 2001-586796 (Translated) dated Aug. 25, 2010. |
P. Glynne-Jones and N.M. White, “Self-powered systems: a review of energy sources”, Sensor Review, vol. 21, No. 2, 2001, pp. 91-97. |
Philips Semiconductors Introduces Ultra Low-Power Real-Time Clock/Calendar Chip; IC Reduces Power Consumption and Helps Reduce Size and Weight of End User Equipment, Business Wire, Apr. 8, 1998. |
Piezopower Converter 13 compact power supply that makes electronics batteryless, http://www.gpi.ru/˜piezopower—converter.htm (Unknown Date). |
Siemens R&I/Environmentally Sensitive, NewWorld IV/2000, pp. 1-7. |
US Advisory Action dated Mar. 20, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,131. |
US Office Action dated Jan. 22, 2009 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,121. |
US Office Action dated Apr. 5, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,131. |
US Office Action dated Apr. 26, 2010 for Re-Issue U.S. Appl. No. 12/399,954. |
US Office Action dated May 3, 2005 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,131. |
US Office Action dated Jul. 9, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,131. |
US Office Action dated Jul. 13, 2005 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/188,633. |
US Office Action dated Sep. 20, 2006 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,131. |
US Office Action dated Nov. 16, 2005 for U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,121. |
US Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,131 dated Jun. 3, 2010. |
US Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 12/248,682 dated Feb. 17, 2010. |
US Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 12/248,682 dated Aug. 25, 2010. |
US Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 13/034,491 dated Oct. 27, 2011. |
US Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 13/456,994 dated Aug. 1, 2012. |
US Office Action issued Jul. 22, 2009 in U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,121. |
US Office Action DTD Sep. 11, 2013. |
Vandana Sinha, “Virginia-Based Electronics Research Firm to Work Manufacturer on Remotes”, The Virginian-Pilot, Nov. 17, 2001, pp. 1-2. |
US Office Action on U.S. Appl. No. 10/304,121, dated Oct. 5, 2016. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20140364074 A1 | Dec 2014 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 13756925 | Feb 2013 | US |
Child | 14202947 | US | |
Parent | 13456994 | Apr 2012 | US |
Child | 13756925 | US | |
Parent | 13034491 | Feb 2011 | US |
Child | 13456994 | US | |
Parent | 12248682 | Oct 2008 | US |
Child | 13034491 | US | |
Parent | 10304121 | Nov 2002 | US |
Child | 12248682 | US | |
Parent | PCT/DE01/01965 | May 2001 | US |
Child | 10304121 | US |