Methods and systems for sensing activity using energy harvesting devices
US8274383B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Sep 25, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07C5/08
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for monitoring activities relating to movable and removable items within a vehicle is described. The system includes an electrical energy storage device, an energy harvesting device operable to store harvested energy in the electrical energy storage device, a sensor element configured to output signals corresponding to one or more of removal, installation, and a shift in position of a corresponding item within the vehicle, and a transmitter configured to receive the signals from the sensor element. The transmitter is also configured to transmit unique identification information and data corresponding to the signals received from the sensor element, where the unique identification information corresponds with a location of the item on the vehicle. The sensor element and the transmitter are configured to use energy from one or both of the energy harvesting device and the electrical energy storage device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.