Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COMMUNICATION-CONNECTED BATTERY WITH
EXPANSION CAPABILITY
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to adding communications
capability
and expansion onto sensors coupled with batteries.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Compact sensors have many uses, such as door, state, temperature,
acceleration, etc., sensors that might be inexpensively deployed, perhaps in a
communications network. Typically, some sensors require some processing,
communications capability and a power source to be nearby the sensor. However,
some implementations might be too costly and/or too bulky.
[0003] Further, many devices that did not traditionally have communications
capabilities are being replaced by updated devices that do have native
communications capabilities. For example, newer, more expensive smoke
detectors
have native communications capabilities. However, this does not help with
other
smoke detectors and it is typically more cost effective to reuse the existing
smoke
detector and add in communications capabilities.
[0004] In adding such functionality, cost of components and assembly are a
consideration. Another consideration is power consumption, as in a normal
lifetime
of smoke detector battery, only a very small portion of that lifetime is spent
in an
alarm activated state.
SUMMARY
[0005] A battery casing having internal power and processing capability and be
used
as part of a sensor by coupling a sensor tab onto the battery's casing such
that power
is supplied to the sensor and mechanical connection is provided between the
two.
[0006] A communication device comprises a processing circuit having at least
two
modes, a sleep mode and an awake mode, a wireless communications circuit that
can
wirelessly send a message as to whether an alarm has been triggered, and a
passive
sensor, powered by audio signals impinging on the passive sensor, that
provides at
least an approximation of an audio signal to the processing circuit so as to
cause the
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processing circuit to switch between the at least two modes. The communication
device can be housed in a housing sized to fit into a battery compartment.
[0007] The following detailed description together with the accompanying
drawings
will provide a better understanding of the nature and advantages of the
present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a battery casing as might be used in examples
herein.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a top view of the battery casing of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an expansion tab that can be coupled to the
battery casing.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a battery casing and expansion tab coupled.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates daisy-chainable expansion tabs.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates various alternate form factors for battery
casings.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a novel battery-based device with integrated
audio sensing
using a passive sensor.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a rear view of a smoke detector that might use the battery-
based
device of FIG. 7.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a front view of a smoke detector that might use the
battery-based
device of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are
set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will
also
be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced
without
the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or
simplified
in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
[0018] In embodiments of devices explained herein, a battery casing that
combines a
power source and processing and/or communications capability into a particular
form
factor, can be used with expansion tabs to provide a compact, powered sensor
device
that can communicate with other devices. Examples of such battery casings
might be
those described below.
[0019] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a battery casing 100. Battery casing 100
can house
a power source, such as a compact 9 V, 5 V, or other voltage battery, often in
a form
factor that is compatible with other battery standards, but that is not
required. Battery
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casing 100 also houses some processing capability, such as circuitry or a
programmed
microprocessor or microcontroller, as well as some communication capability,
such as
wireless communication capability.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows some features of battery casing 100, such as a top surface
101
providing access to a positive battery terminal 102+, a negative battery
terminal 102-,
and an expansion connector 104. In a preferred embodiment, battery casing 100
is
usable as a replacement for a battery in a device that has a need for added
communication capability and as such, positive battery terminal 102+ and a
negative
battery terminal 102- might be configured or arranged to be in a standardized
position
or location and provide thereon electrical power. In a specific embodiment,
positive
battery terminal 102+ and negative battery terminal 102- together supply a
current to
a device when attached to terminals 102, wherein positive battery terminal
102+
provides a more positive voltage relative to negative battery terminal 102-,
such as 7V
to 9V nominal, with positive battery terminal 102+ having a shape that would
accept a
connector having the shape of negative battery terminal 102- and vice versa.
[0021] FIG. 2 provides a top view of battery casing 100, showing the features
that
appear on top surface 101. The spatial relationship between positive battery
terminal
102+ and negative battery terminal 102- might be in compliance with standards
for
9V batteries.
[0022] Expansion connector 104 might provide for two, four, eight, or some
other
number of wired connections. In the preferred embodiment, expansion connector
104
is a female connector and its border does not extend beyond surface 101 so far
as to
interfere with a connection to terminals 102. Expansion connector 104 might
include
a multi-pin miniature electrical connector, located between or aside battery
terminals
102. This connector provides access to a regulated supply and interfaces to an
integrated micro-controller.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an expansion tab 300 as might be used with battery
casing
100. Expansion tab 300 is shown with having a surface 301 through which is
exposed
mechanical posts 302A and 302B, and an expansion tab connector 304. In the
preferred embodiment, expansion tab connector 304 is a male connector and is
shaped
such that the wires of expansion tab connector 304 make contact with the wires
of
expansion connector 104 when expansion tab 300 is mechanically attached to
battery
casing 100.
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[0024] In a preferred embodiment, mechanical posts 302A and 302B mechanically
connect to battery terminals 102 in order to support expansion tab 300 and
maintain
mechanical coupling with battery casing 100, while power, control and data
signals
are conveyed by the electrical connections provided via expansion connector
104 and
expansion tab connector 304. Mechanical posts 302A and 302B need not be made
of
conducting material, but should be made of material sufficient to support
expansion
tab 300 and maintain the electrical connections for connector 104 and
expansion tab
connector 304.
[0025] Expansion tabs could be used in applications such as detecting motion,
temperature and humidity monitoring, etc. The expansion tabs might have small
housings containing additional sensors and circuitry. Once connected, the
battery
housing controller might identify the particular expansion tab (serial number,
type,
etc.) connected and install the appropriate device driver. If the appropriate
driver is
not available, the controller might download it from the cloud. Once
installed, a
server on the cloud is notified of the new functionality and the smartphone
apps that
handle the features of those expansion tabs are also notified. The app might
present
options to the user for device configuration and notification (e.g., what to
notify, how
often to check, limits, etc.).
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a battery casing and expansion tab coupled. The
coupled unit
might include some other attachment means, such as one half of a hook-and-loop
fabric fastener, a fastener hole, such as a nail hole or screw hole, or
adhesive means,
such as tape, glue or other adhesive material applied to the battery casing or
the
expansion tab, or both. An example is double-sided tape 402. Those attachment
means might allow the coupled unit to be easily installed where appropriate or
needed
for the type of expansion tab used.
[0027] Examples of sensors that might be used in expansion tabs include
accelerometers, motion sensors, tilt sensors, temperature sensors, light
sensors, or
other compact sensors. For example, a coupled using comprising a tilt sensor
and a
battery casing might be nailed to the inside of a cabinet door that is hinged
from
above or below. Installed in that way, the tilt sensor would sense the cabinet
door
being opened or closed. Sensing signals can be sent to a processor within the
battery
casing and from there a wireless signal can be sent to a wireless network so
that the
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fact that the cabinet door was opened or closed could be conveyed to an
application
that is monitoring signals related to this coupled unit or other coupled
units.
[0028] A specific implementation might be a drug cabinet in a hospital
that is not
already equipped with sensors and communication capability. Suppose a tilt
sensor
coupled unit (battery casing and expansion tab) are attached to a drug cabinet
hinged
from above. If the drug cabinet is opened (by swinging the door rotating
forward and
up, the tilt sensor senses that, signals the processor, the processor causes a
message to
be sent over the wireless network and that is routed (according to a routing
protocol or
per addressing information added by the processor) to a server that then sends
an
alarm message to an application running on an administrator's smartphone.
[0029] In another example, the expansion tab is a temperature sensor and
the
coupled unit is used as part of a wireless thermostat that can be placed in
desired
locations and will signal to a server a current temperature, which the server
can use to
control heating/cooling devices accordingly.
[0030] On a conventional 9V battery, there are two connectors, one each for
the
anode and cathode. These connectors are used to electrically connect the
battery to
the electrical circuit. In addition to their electrical properties, these
connectors also
have a mechanical connection element, providing a snap fit with a mating
connector.
This can be used to maintain mechanical coupling with the expansion tabs even
without providing electrical connections. This adds flexibility in that the
expansion
tab does not have to deal with only 9 volts. The expansion connector might
supply a
regulated output at some other voltage or a regulated 9 volts.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates stackable expansion tabs, wherein at least one of
the
expansion tabs 502 has suitable mechanical and electrical connectors on a top
face
and an opposite face, thereby allowing for stacks of two or more expansion
tabs to be
provided. In this manner, expansion tabs can be "daisy-chained."
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates various alternate form factors for battery
casings. In the
example shown in FIG. 1, the form factor was the same as a conventional 9V
battery
with a side notch that can be used to control positioning and usability in
various
applications. The expansion tab then connects on top of the battery casing,
creating a
stand-alone sensor platform. This is also illustrated on the left in FIG. 6,
as battery
casing 100 and expansion tab 300.
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[0033] In an alternative approach, a smaller form factor is used, wherein the
coupled
unit is powered by a battery having two 1/2 AA cells (604) and the battery
housing also
includes an RF and /or processor board 602, so that with the addition of an
expansion
tab 606, the coupled unit is still within the form factor of a conventional 9V
battery.
[0034] One type of expansion tab could be a 9V battery extension that includes
a
boost regulator and 9V terminals. This would then allow the coupled unit to be
considerably more compact in the standalone sensor mode, as well as reducing
system
cost by removing the need to have three connectors on top of the wireless and
power
module and the boost circuit for the battery terminal voltage. In other
variations, a
different type of regulator might be used.
[0035] Expansion tabs might be provided for microswitch detection, an optical
sensor
that can distinguish an open door and a closed door based on differences of
light
falling on the optical sensor, or other sensors. In some aspects, the coupled
unit may
include other sensors as well. For example, the unit may include an
accelerometers or
a microelectromechanical device as well.
[0036] In embodiments of devices explained herein, sensing of an alarm
activated
state is done using a passive device thereby eliminating or reducing the
amount of
energy consumed for sensing while the activated state is not present. One
approach to
sensing an audio input is to use a microphone, such as a small electric
microphone,
listen for inputs ¨ often by running a microprocessor that executes
instructions
including instructions to process inputs received from the microphone to
determine if
an appropriate audio input is occurring. This, however, can waste power.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing various components as might be
used.
As shown there, a device 700 includes a processor 702, a communications module
704 (which might comprise an antenna and/or some control logic and analog
circuit
elements), a battery 706 for powering processor 702 and communications module
704. In other variations, processor 702 is replaced with a simpler control
circuit.
Processor 702 can be a microprocessor or microcontroller or system on a chip,
as
appropriate.
[0038] Battery 706 might be integrated into a housing such that all of device
700
would fit into a chamber sized to accept a conventional battery. Preferably,
processor
702 has a sleep mode and an awake mode, wherein power consumption is reduced
in
the sleep mode relative to the awake mode. Processor 702 switches from the
sleep
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mode to the awake mode in response to a signal received at a mode signal input
to
processor 702. A passive sensor 710 is coupled to the mode signal input of
processor
702. Passive sensor 710 can be a sound sensor.
[0039] Passive sensor 710 might comprise a piezoelectric transducer, such as
those
used as electrically powered output devices that generate audio. Given the
location of
device 700 (inside or near a smoke detector or other alarm signaling device),
the
typical minimum sound level requirement for such detector/devices, and the
form of
the signal, the sound energy impinging on passive sensor 710 in an alarm
condition is
sufficient energy to generate the mode signal without needing any other
electrical
power.
[0040] By taking advantage of the piezoelectric property that the transducer
can
generate a voltage when excited by an audio signal, and the minimum sound
levels
expected at passive sensor 710, as well as the level of detail needed from the
signal,
device 700 can remain in its deepest sleep state, without the need to
periodically
wake-up to monitor the audio.
[0041] In a specific embodiment, a smoke detector has an alarm sound
generator,
such as a speaker that can generate an 85 dB alarm sound. Given the proximity
of
device 700 to the speaker, passive sensor 710 can generate enough excitation
energy
on its own to provide the mode signal, a voltage waveform that wakes processor
702.
Once awake, processor 702 can monitor both the frequency and waveform period
to
determine if the cause of the wake-up was a real alarm. For example, processor
702
might maintain a set of lookup parameters that are compared to a continuing
signal
received at its mode signal input.
[0042] For ease of implementation, passive sensor 710 might be an audio
transducer
selected to have a resonant frequency close to, or at, the generated frequency
of the
alarm to increase the amplitude of the resulting output voltage waveform.
[0043] For many smoke detectors, the frequency and waveform of its audible
alert is
standard, such as those defined by ANSI specification ANSI/ASA S3.41-1990
(R2008) (Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal). ANSI specification ANSI/ASA
S3.41-1990 (R2008) requires a specific pattern ¨ referred to as "Temporal
Three's".
This pre-defined pattern can be used to validate that the alarm is being
generated by
the smoke alarm.
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[0044] To minimize false triggers, the period and the frequency of the alarm
can be
learned during an installation process. As part of the installation, the user
might be
requested to press an alarm "test" button. This would trigger the smoke alarm
and
processor 702 can use passive sensor 710 to learn both the frequency and
pattern of
the alarm. Later, this can be used as a base comparison to compare against any
future
alarms. Thus, if there were a match, processor 702 would send an alarm signal
to
communication module 704, which could then wirelessly transmit a corresponding
message signaling the alarm.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates how the circuits described above might be used
within a
conventional smoke detector housing. As illustrated there, smoke detector 800
has a
battery compartment that might otherwise house a conventional 9V battery. In
its
place, is a housing containing a battery and the circuitry shown in FIG. 7. It
might be
that this housing has the circuity in a battery portion 802, terminals 804 for
providing
electrical power to smoke detector 800, and a battery portion 806 for
providing
power.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates how battery portion 802 (or all of the housing
containing that
portion) can be situated near enough to an alarm emitter 902 so that sound
waves 904
are sufficient to power passive sensor 710 (shown in FIG. 7).
[0047] The device might also be used in other applications, such as a carbon
monoxide detector or other alarm condition signaling system. The device might
be
used with various battery form factors, such as 9V, AA, AAA, 1/2 AA, N, or
other
form factors.
[0048] Using the above concepts, users of devices and sellers of such devices
or
sellers of combined battery / communications elements might have the systems
set up
so that alarm conditions can be detected without significant quiescent power
drain.
[0049]
[0050] Other examples where the communications elements might find usefulness
include gas/water/fire sensors, garage door open/closed sensors, door opening
(e.g.,
front door, medicine or liquor cabinet door) sensors, temperature sensors, and
the like.
Because the expansion tabs are interchangeable, a very flexible sensor network
can be
implemented using these devices.
[0051] In some sensor networks, other data is taken into account. For example,
a
sensor might be employed onto a door that should not be opened if person A is
not
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within range of that door. An alarm app would then send an alarm to person A's
smartphone if the external information indicates that person A is out of range
and not
send an alarm if person A is determined to be within range. The external
information
might be provided as a form of geofencing.
[0052] Many other scenarios can be supported by the sensor network. For
example,
hours of operation might be included in the other data taken into account.
This might
allow for selective notification, such as where a user chooses to only be
notified if the
door is opened during a particular time-frame, e.g., while they are out of the
house at
work.
[0053] The sensor network may have a user interface. The user interface can be
provided over an Internet Protocol (IP) interface. For example, one or more
devices
in the sensor network may operate as HTTP servers, and a smartphone, computer
or
other web-enabled device can be used to present that user interface to a user.
In some
aspects, this interface may be presented using a browser of the web-enabled
device.
Alternatively, a smart phone app with a web API might be used so that the
sensor
network does not have to be shipped or sold with a specific display and input
means.
The user interface can provide display data, such as messages, sensor status,
indications of who or what is being sensed, and other information. For
example, the
user interface might show display data filtered by at least some of
information
obtained from the sensor network and/or from an external information source.
The
display data might vary based on who is sensed as being present near the
sensor
network and/or how many people are present, or whether predetermined users are
present. The sensor network might include, or be connected to, a
communications
hub for more centrally controlling and managing communications between sensor
elements and the HTTP server or other user interface.
[0054] In some aspects, the device, or smart battery, described above may use
communications capabilities to provide other functionality to a device.
Generally, a
smart battery may not offer a formal control interface. For example, the smart
battery
may take the appearance of a battery which might power another device.
Accordingly, the smart battery may be configured to offer some control of a
battery-
powered product.
[0055] In general, the control offered by the smart battery may include
altering the
voltage or the current of the power supplied by the smart battery. For
example, a
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smart battery may offer a feature which might reduce or change the voltage of
the
smart battery, which may be referred to as a "self-test" feature. This feature
might
allow the smart battery to test whether a "low battery" sensor on a powered
device
(which the smart battery is inserted into) is operating properly. In some
aspects, the
smart battery may also a mode in which the voltage to a powered device is
turned off,
or a "snooze" feature.
[0056] Generally, these smart battery features including power control may be
useful
in a large number of devices, in addition to their use in smoke detectors. For
example, a smart battery may be powered up only between certain times to
either
preserve battery life or to limit product use. Such limited product use might
be useful
in a smart battery that is used to power a child's toy, for example.
[0057] In some aspects, the smart battery may include a number of sensors. For
example, the smart battery may include a motion sensor. Accordingly, the smart
battery may be configured to alter the provided power based upon input from a
sensor. For example, the smart battery may be configured to "power up" when it
detects movement. Such a smart battery may be useful in a number of
situations, such
as in a children's toy, or in other forms of battery-powered devices that wait
for
human interaction.
[0058] Other scenarios may also be possible. For example, certain battery-
powered
devices may draw a low current when they are not in use. In that case, it may
be
advantageous for the smart battery to provide a low voltage during those
times, but
when the battery-powered device is moved or used, while providing a higher
current
or voltage at other times when the device requires. Accordingly, the battery
may be
configured to increase its voltage based on input from sensors.
[0059] In some aspects, signals received from the cloud, such as the Internet,
may
also be used to provide functionality to the smart battery. For example,
signals from
the cloud may be used to alter the voltage or current provided by the smart
battery. In
some aspects, a smart battery may be configured to turn a device on or off,
such as by
switching the voltage from a non-zero voltage to zero voltage, based on
signals
received from the cloud or another source.
[0060] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such
as")
provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the
invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed.
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No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-
claimed
element as essential to the practice of the invention.
[0061] Further embodiments can be envisioned to one of ordinary skill in the
art after
reading this disclosure. In other embodiments, combinations or sub-
combinations of
the above-disclosed invention can be advantageously made. The example
arrangements of components are shown for purposes of illustration and it
should be
understood that combinations, additions, re-arrangements, and the like are
contemplated in alternative embodiments of the present invention. Thus, while
the
invention has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments, one
skilled in
the art will recognize that numerous modifications are possible.
[0062] For example, the processes described herein may be implemented using
hardware components, software components, and/or any combination thereof. The
specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative
rather
than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that various
modifications and
changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope
of the invention as set forth in the claims and that the invention is intended
to cover
all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.
[0063] All references, including publications, patent applications, and
patents, cited
herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
reference
were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference
and were
set forth in its entirety herein.
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