Apparatus and method for locating and updating low-power wireless communication devices
US9900737B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/70
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A low-power wireless communication device is in a sleep or standby mode of operation for extended periods of time, periodically becoming fully operational and issuing a “check in” message to a base station, thereby inhibiting the ability of the base station to assist in the locating of device, and remotely updating the settings or operational programming of the device much of the time. Upon receipt of a command to locate a misplaced low-power wireless device or to update the device, a base station queues an associated command in a task queue. Upon receipt of a check-in message from an associated low-power wireless device, indicating it is in a fully powered and communicative state of operation, the base station searches its task queue for applicable commands relative to the specific wireless device and executes them via communication with the now fully-operational wireless device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.