JP2002514020A - System and method for communication of encoded RF and encoded magnetic field - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: A wireless security system combines the operation of encoded RF and encoded magnetic field into a base unit device and a remote unit device to overcome the limitations of RF only or magnetic field only wireless security devices . The base unit consists of a power supply, a base processing unit, an RF receiver, and a base inductor-capacitor (LC) transceiver. The base processing unit can control the operation of both the encoded RF and the encoded magnetic field. The remote unit consists of a battery, a remote processing unit, an RF transmitter, a remote magnetic field transducer circuit, a manual controller, and an energy storage device. A remote processing unit capable of controlling the operation of both the encoded RF and the encoded magnetic field is implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit. The remote unit device can be miniaturized to a relatively small size, for example, such that it can be embedded in a key of a motor vehicle. The remote unit device can convert magnetic field energy to DC electrical energy for the purpose of powering the remote unit device, conserving battery power, and recharging the battery.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(Related Applications) This US patent application is related to the following US patent applications. `` A ROBUST LC FULL-WAV
A U.S. patent application entitled "E BRIDGE RECTIFIER INPUT STRUCTURE" is filed by Pieter Sch
Filed January 15, 1998 under the name of ieke, and was assigned to the same assignee as the U.S. patent application. "A HIGHLY EFFICIENT MULTI-FREQUENCY VOLTAGE REGULATING CIRCUIT
INCORPORATING A MAGNETIC FIELD POWER SENSOR AND PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC FI
A U.S. patent application entitled "ELD DETECTION" is filed by Pieter Schieke and Willem Smit
And filed on April 16, 1998, and assigned to the same assignee as the U.S. patent application. The disclosure of the above referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to wireless security systems and, more particularly, to transmitters, receivers capable of encoded operation over a wide range of electromagnetic spectrum,
And a transponder device.

[0002] The state of the art describes transmitters, receivers and transponder security devices that operate in the RF spectrum or communicate via magnetic fields. R
The signal sent by the F-device may be encoded with the aim of increasing security by preventing other devices from capturing the transmission and subsequently using it without authorization. Typically, magnetic field transponders operate in a non-encoding mode.

[0003] There are limitations to RF and magnetic field security systems known to those skilled in the art that are currently implemented as separate and independent systems. These limits include size, weight,
Operating range, and power consumption. Heretofore, a single device capable of encoded RF and encoded magnetic field operation, a single device of convenient size and efficient in operation that makes the result commercially practical, No wireless security system incorporates both technologies. Furthermore, even though both RF and magnetic field operation are possible, there is no existing device that combines the functions of encoding, decoding, processing and controlling both RF and magnetic fields on a single integrated circuit. Therefore, there is a need to develop a wireless security system capable of encoded RF and encoded magnetic field operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to combine RF and magnetic field operations into a single wireless security system with encoding capability. The present invention overcomes the limitations of RF only or magnetic field only wireless security devices.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wireless security system including a base unit device and a remote unit device.

Another object of the present invention is to allow parts of the security system, including the remote unit device, to be reduced to a relatively small size, such as to be able to be embedded in a car key, for example. It is.

[0007] Another object of the invention is that a portion of the security system, including the remote unit device, provides the remote unit device with power, conserves battery power, and converts the magnetic field energy to DC power in order to recharge the battery. To be able to convert it into electrical energy.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing unit for a remote unit on a single monolithic integrated circuit, which processing and control encoding and control for both RF and magnetic field operation. Is to be able to do it.

Another object of the invention is to enable a processing unit for the base unit to perform encoding and decoding processes and controls for both RF and magnetic field operations.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide the invention in a magnetic field mode, typically at about 100K.
Operating in the electromagnetic spectrum band from Hz to about 100 MHz. RF
In mode, the present invention operates in the electromagnetic spectrum band, typically from about 100 MHz to about 500 MHz.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a wireless security system including a base unit and a remote unit, wherein each of the base unit and the remote unit is capable of RF and magnetic field operation. Disclosed. The base unit consists of a power supply, a base processing unit, an RF receiver, and a base magnetic field transducer circuit. The remote unit consists of a battery, a remote processing unit, an RF transmitter, a remote magnetic field transducer circuit, a manual controller, and an energy storage device.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of the Invention Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless security system 100 capable of communicating an encoded RF and an encoded magnetic field is disclosed. The system 100 includes a base unit 110 capable of transmitting an encoded magnetic field, receiving an encoded magnetic field, receiving an encoded RF, transmitting an encoded magnetic field, and receiving an encoded magnetic field. , A remote unit 150 capable of transmitting encoded RF, wherein the remote unit 15 communicates with a base unit.
0.

The present invention does not disclose or claim one or more methods of encoding and decoding data. There are many ways to perform this function that are well known to those skilled in the art. One such method is the "MICROCHIPS AND REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES COMP
See US Patent No. 5,517,187, entitled "RISING SAME." The U.S. patent was granted to several of the same inventors as the present invention and is currently assigned to the same assignee as the U.S. patent application. The above US patents are incorporated herein by reference.

The base unit 110 includes a power supply 115, a base processing unit 120 coupled to the power supply 115, a base magnetic field converter circuit 130 coupled to the base processing unit 120, and an RF receiver coupled to the base processing unit 120. Vessel 140.

Power supply 115 may be a commercially available AC power source or base unit 12.
0 can be connected to any of the DC power sources provided by the host. Power supply 115 converts or regulates input power to low voltage DC power coupled to base processing unit 120.

The base processing unit 120 controls both RF and magnetic field operations. The base processing unit 120 sends a signal to the base magnetic field converter circuit 130 for communication with the remote unit 150. The base processing unit 120 also receives the signal generated by the remote unit 150 via the base magnetic field converter circuit 130 and the RF receiver 140. The base processing unit 120 is a base processing unit 1
20 can decode signals received from remote unit 150 and encode signals sent to remote unit 150.

The base magnetic field converter circuit 130 is coupled to the base processing unit 120. The base magnetic field converter circuit 130 can generate a magnetic field detected by the remote magnetic field converter circuit 170. Further, the base magnetic field converter circuit 130 can detect a relatively weak magnetic field generated by the remote magnetic field converter circuit 170.

The RF receiver 140 receives an RF signal generated by the RF transmitter 180 of the remote unit 150. The RF receiver 140 relays these signals to the base processing unit 120.

The remote unit 150 includes a battery 155, an energy storage device 195 coupled to the battery 155, the battery 155 and the energy storage device 195.
, A remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170 coupled to the remote processing unit 160 and indirectly coupled to the battery 155 and the energy storage 195, and an RF coupled to the remote processing unit 160. It comprises a transmitter 180 and a manual controller 190 coupled to the remote processing unit 160.

The battery 155 and the energy storage device 195 are connected to the remote processing unit 1
60, low field DC energy to the remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170, the RF transmitter 180, and the manual controller 190. The energy storage device 195 is charged by a rectifier-regulator in the remote processing unit 160. The energy storage device 195, which may be a simple capacitor, can supply DC electrical energy to elements of the remote unit 150 that require power,
Thus, the power of the battery 155 can be saved. If the energy storage device 195 is not charged, the battery 155
Power to the elements. For a detailed description of these features, see “A HIGHLY EFF
ICIENT MULTI-FREQUENCY VOLTAGE REGULATING CIRCUIT INCORPORATING A MAGNET
It is found in the aforementioned U.S. patent application entitled "IC FIELD POWER SENSOR AND PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC FIELD DETECTION".

The remote processing unit 160 is implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit,
Controls both RF and magnetic field operation. Remote processing unit 160 sends a signal to remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170 for communication with base unit 120. The remote processing unit 160 also receives signals generated by the base unit 110 via the remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170. Remote processing unit 16
0 can decode the signal that the remote processing unit 160 receives from the base unit 110 and encode the signal sent to the base unit 110.

The remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170 is coupled to the remote processing unit 160. The remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170 can generate a magnetic field that is detected by the base magnetic field transducer circuit 130. Further, the remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170
The magnetic field generated by the base magnetic field converter circuit 130 can be detected. The remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170 sends the signal generated by the remote processing unit 160 and relays the signal received from the base unit 110 to the remote processing unit 160.

The RF transmitter 180 sends the RF signal generated by the remote processing unit 160 to the RF receiver 140 of the base unit 110.

The manual control device 190 enables manual operation of the remote unit 150. Upon activation of the manual controller 190, the remote unit 150 sends a pre-designated encoded signal to the base unit 110 via the RF transmitter 180 and / or the remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170. Manual control 190 may be implemented with microswitches, buttons, or similar devices known to those skilled in the art.

Three modes of operation of the wireless security system 100 are disclosed. The first mode is described as a manual control mode. In this mode, the manual controller 19
0 is asserted. Remote unit 150 sends a pre-specified encoded RF signal to base unit 110 and / or modulates a pre-specified encoded magnetic field. Base unit 110 may interpret the signal sent by remote unit 150 and acknowledge this signal by sending a response to remote unit 150 or notifying the host system.

[0027] The second mode is a passive transponder mode. In this mode, the base unit 110 intermittently asserts a magnetic field via the base magnetic field transducer circuit 130. The remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170 detects the presence of an intermittent magnetic field and alerts the remote processing unit 160. The remote processing unit 160
Instruct F transmitter 180 to send the encoded signal to base unit 110 and / or instruct remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170 to modulate the encoded magnetic field.

The third mode is an active transponder mode. In this mode, the base unit 110 queries the remote unit 150 by asserting the encoded magnetic field via the base magnetic field converter circuit 130. The remote magnetic field transducer circuit 170 detects the interrogating magnetic field and relays the signal to the base processing unit 160. Base processing unit 160 analyzes the encoded signal sent by base unit 110 and provides RF transmitter 180 with:
Instruct the encoded response to be sent to base unit 110 and / or instruct remote field transducer circuit 170 to modulate the encoded magnetic field.

Referring to FIG. 2, the functional components of the base processing unit 120 are disclosed.
In the figures, the same reference numbers represent the same elements. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the base processing unit 1
It will be appreciated that 20 may include various embodiments. In these embodiments, the functional components described below may be implemented in software or hardware. The base processing unit 120 includes a plurality of I / O ports 210, encoding logic 220 coupled to at least one of the I / O ports 210,
Decoding logic 230 coupled to at least one of the I / O ports 210;
At least one of the O ports, encoding logic 220, and decoding logic 230
Magnetic field transducer circuit controller 240 coupled to I / O port 210
And an RF serial data receiver 250 coupled to the decode logic 230.

A plurality of I / O ports 210 connect the base processing unit 120 to other components within the base unit 110 (FIG. 1) and to programming devices external to the wireless security system 100 (FIG. 1). . Each of the plurality of I / O ports 210 may include a unique plurality of control lines. Power and ground references may be
It is supplied to the base processing unit 120 via at least one of the O ports 210.

The encoding logic 220 is coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports 210. The encoding logic 220 is responsible for preparing the encoded digital serial bit stream for transmission to the remote unit 150 (FIG. 1) via the base field transducer circuit controller 240. Encoding logic 220
Can be accessed via at least one of the plurality of I / O ports 210 by a programming device external to the wireless security system 100 (FIG. 1).

The decode logic 230 is coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports 210. Decoding logic 230 is responsible for decoding the encoded digital serial bit stream received from remote unit 150 (FIG. 1) via base field transducer circuit controller 240 or RF serial data receiver 250. Decoding logic 230 is used by wireless security system 100 (FIG. 1).
At least one of the plurality of I / O ports 210
Can be accessed through one.

The base magnetic field transducer circuit controller 240 is coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports 210, decoder logic 230, and encoder logic 220. The base magnetic field converter circuit controller 240 controls the base magnetic field converter circuit 130 (
1) transmits and receives the encoded magnetic field signal.

Referring to FIG. 3, the functional components of remote processing unit 160 are disclosed. In the figures, the same reference numbers represent the same elements. As described above, the remote processing unit 160 is implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit, thereby providing various embodiments. In these embodiments, the functional components described below may be implemented in software or hardware. The remote processing unit 160 includes a plurality of I / O ports 310 and a plurality of I / O ports 31
0, a remote magnetic field transducer circuit controller 340 coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports 310 and the encoding logic 320, and a plurality of I / O ports 310. An RF serial data transmitter 340 coupled to at least one and encoding logic 320;
Consists of

The plurality of I / O ports 310 connect the remote processing unit 160 to the other components in the remote unit 150 (FIG. 1) and the wireless security system 100.
Connect to an external programming device (FIG. 1). Base processing unit 120
As with (FIG. 2), each of the plurality of I / O ports 310 may include a unique plurality of control lines. Power and ground references are provided to the remote processing unit 160 via at least one of the plurality of I / O ports 310.

The encoding logic 320 is coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports 310. The encoding logic 320 includes a remote magnetic field transducer circuit controller 340.
Alternatively, the base unit 110 (FIG. 1) via the RF serial data transmitter 350
Responsible for preparing an encoded digital bit serial stream for transmission to. Encoding logic 320 may be accessed by programming devices external to wireless security system 100 (FIG. 1) via one of a plurality of I / O ports 310.

The remote magnetic field transducer circuit controller 340 is coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports 310 and encoder logic 320. In addition to transmitting and receiving the encoded magnetic field signals, the remote magnetic field transducer circuit controller 340 includes a rectifier that converts the magnetic field energy to regulated low voltage DC electrical energy.
And a regulator 345. The resulting regulated DC electrical energy is used to charge the energy storage 195 and to the battery 155 (FIG. 1).
) Can be used to recharge.

Referring to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a magnetic field transducer circuit 400 is shown. In the figure,
The same reference numbers represent the same elements. The magnetic field converter circuit 400 includes the capacitor 4
It is shown as consisting of an inductor 410 coupled in parallel with 20. Those skilled in the art
It will be appreciated that multiple inductor-capacitor combinations of various forms, configurations and characteristics perform substantially the same function of converting magnetic field energy to electrical energy and vice versa (eg, series coupling). Inductor 410 and capacitor 4
The specifications of 20 are determined by the particular application of wireless security system 100 (FIG. 1).

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, modifications and changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention including a base unit and a remote unit.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a base processing unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a remote processing unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic field transducer circuit.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H02J 17/00 H04B 1/04 M 5K060 H04B 1/04 G06K 19/00 H (72) Inventor Smit, Willem United States Arizona 85248, Chandler, West Oriole Way 1374 (72) Inventor Van Niekirk, Johannes A. United States Arizona 85048, Chandler, West Jasper Drive 4078 F-term (Reference) 5B035 AA13 BB09 CA12 CA23 5B058 CA15 CA22 5B072 AA03 CC08 DD10 5C087 AA02 AA03 BB18 BB74 DD05 DD14 EE01 FF01 AC17 FF01 FF01 FF01 AB03 AC03 5K060 CC04 CC11 DD08 [Continued Summary] Magnetic field energy can be converted to DC electrical energy.

Claims (29)

[Claims] 1. A base unit capable of transmitting an encoded magnetic field, receiving an encoded magnetic field, and receiving an encoded RF, transmitting an encoded magnetic field, and receiving an encoded magnetic field. , A remote unit capable of transmitting encoded RF, the remote unit communicating with the base unit in combination. 2. A power supply, a base processing unit coupled to the power supply, a base magnetic field transducer circuit coupled to the base processing unit, and an RF receiver coupled to the base processing unit. The wireless security system according to claim 1, comprising: 3. A base processing unit comprising: a plurality of I / O ports; an encoding logic coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; and at least one of the plurality of I / O ports. Decoding logic coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports, a base magnetic field transducer circuit controller coupled to the encoding logic and the decoding logic, at least one of the plurality of I / O ports And R coupled to the decoding logic
The wireless security system according to claim 2, comprising: an F serial data receiver. 4. The remote unit comprises: a battery; an energy storage device coupled to the battery; and a remote processing unit coupled to the battery and the energy storage device implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit. The remote magnetic field transducer circuit coupled to the remote processing unit; an RF transmitter coupled to the remote processing unit; and a manual controller coupled to the remote processing unit. Wireless security system. 5. The wireless security system of claim 2, wherein said base magnetic field transducer circuit includes an inductor and a capacitor coupled to said inductor. 6. The wireless security system of claim 4, wherein the remote magnetic field transducer circuit includes an inductor and a capacitor coupled to the inductor. 7. The wireless security system of claim 4, wherein the electrical storage device is capable of providing low power DC electrical energy to the remote unit. 8. The remote processing unit comprising: a plurality of I / O ports; an encoding logic coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; A remote magnetic field transducer circuit controller coupled to the encoding logic; at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; and an RF serial data transmitter coupled to the encoding logic; 5. The wireless security system of claim 4, wherein is implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit. 9. The wireless security system of claim 8, wherein the remote magnetic field transducer circuit controller includes a rectifier-regulator coupled to the remote magnetic field transducer circuit, the battery, and the energy storage device. . 10. The rectifier-regulator reduces the magnetic field energy to a low power D to charge the electrical storage device and to recharge the battery.
10. The wireless security system of claim 9, wherein the wireless security system is capable of converting to C electrical energy. 11. A method of operating a wireless security system, comprising: providing a base unit capable of transmitting an encoded magnetic field, receiving an encoded magnetic field, and receiving an encoded RF. Providing a remote unit capable of transmitting the encoded magnetic field, receiving the encoded magnetic field, and transmitting the encoded RF, the remote unit communicating with the base unit. Method. 12. Providing a base unit comprising: providing a power supply; providing a base processing unit coupled to the power supply; and providing a base magnetic field transducer circuit coupled to the base processing unit. The method of operating a wireless security system according to claim 11, comprising providing and providing an RF receiver coupled to the base processing unit. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the base processing unit comprises: providing a plurality of I / O ports; providing encoding logic coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; Providing decode logic coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; a base magnetic field coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; the encode logic; and the decode logic. Providing a converter circuit controller; R coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports and the decode logic.
13. The method of operating a wireless security system according to claim 12, comprising providing an F-serial data receiver. 14. Providing the remote unit comprises: providing a battery; providing an energy storage device coupled to the battery; and providing the battery and the battery implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit. Providing a remote processing unit coupled to the energy storage device; providing a remote magnetic field transducer circuit coupled to the remote processing unit; and providing an RF transmitter coupled to the remote processing unit. The method of operating a wireless security system according to claim 11, comprising: providing a manual controller coupled to the remote processing unit. 15. The wireless security system of claim 12, wherein the base magnetic field transducer circuit comprises: providing an inductor; and providing a capacitor coupled to the inductor. How to let. 16. The wireless security system of claim 14, wherein the remote magnetic field transducer circuit comprises: providing an inductor; and providing a capacitor coupled to the inductor. How to let. 17. The method according to claim 17, wherein the electric storage device includes a low-power DC to the remote unit.
The method of operating a wireless security system according to claim 14, which is capable of providing electrical energy. 18. Providing the remote processing unit comprises: providing a plurality of I / O ports; providing encoding logic coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; Providing a remote magnetic field transducer circuit controller coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports and the encoding logic; coupling to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports and the encoding logic. Providing a controlled RF serial data transmitter, wherein the remote processing unit is implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit. 19. The wireless security system of claim 18, wherein the remote magnetic field transducer circuit controller includes a rectifier-regulator coupled to the remote magnetic field transducer circuit, the battery, and the energy storage device. How to work. 20. The rectifier-regulator converts the magnetic field energy to a low power D to charge the electrical storage device and to recharge the battery.
20. The method of operating a wireless security system according to claim 19, wherein the method can convert to C electrical energy. 21. The method of operating a wireless security system according to claim 11, further comprising: providing a manual control mode; providing a passive transponder mode; and providing an active transponder mode. . 22. A base unit capable of transmitting an encoded magnetic field, receiving an encoded magnetic field, and receiving an encoded RF. 23. The base according to claim 22, wherein the transmission of the encoded magnetic field, the reception of the encoded magnetic field, and the reception of the encoded RF are controlled by a single processing unit. unit. 24. The base unit, comprising: a power supply; a base processing unit coupled to the power supply; a base magnetic field transducer circuit coupled to the base processing unit; and an RF receiver coupled to the base processing unit. 23. The base unit according to claim 22, comprising: 25. The base processing unit, comprising: a plurality of I / O ports; an encoding logic coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; and at least one of the plurality of I / O ports. Decoding logic coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports, a base magnetic field transducer circuit controller coupled to the encoding logic and the decoding logic, at least one of the plurality of I / O ports And R coupled to the decoding logic
The base unit according to claim 24, comprising: an F-serial data receiver. 26. A remote unit capable of transmitting an encoded magnetic field, receiving an encoded magnetic field, and transmitting an encoded RF. 27. The transmission of the encoded magnetic field, the reception of the encoded magnetic field, and the transmission of the encoded RF by a single processing unit implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit. 27. The remote unit according to claim 26, which is controlled. 28. The remote unit comprising: a battery; an energy storage device coupled to the battery; and a remote processing unit coupled to the battery and the energy storage device implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, comprising: a remote magnetic field transducer circuit coupled to the remote processing unit; an RF transmitter coupled to the remote processing unit; and a manual controller coupled to the remote processing unit. Remote unit as described. 29. The remote processing unit comprising: a plurality of I / O ports; an encoding logic coupled to at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; A remote magnetic field transducer circuit controller coupled to the encoding logic; an at least one of the plurality of I / O ports; and an RF serial data transmitter coupled to the encoding logic; 29. The wireless security system of claim 28, wherein is implemented on a single monolithic integrated circuit.