CA2084441A1 - Data terminal battery saver arrangement - Google Patents
Data terminal battery saver arrangementInfo
- Publication number
- CA2084441A1 CA2084441A1 CA002084441A CA2084441A CA2084441A1 CA 2084441 A1 CA2084441 A1 CA 2084441A1 CA 002084441 A CA002084441 A CA 002084441A CA 2084441 A CA2084441 A CA 2084441A CA 2084441 A1 CA2084441 A1 CA 2084441A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- data
- data terminal
- battery powered
- state
- battery
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Landscapes
- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
Abstract
Data Terminal Battery Saver Arrangement A data terminal battery saving arrangement that operates in a low power Idle state until activated, for data processing, by user activity or receiving, using paging techniques, a data terminal address, and reenters the Idle state after a period of time with no user or data activity.
Description
LA ~
Data Terminal Battery Saver Arrangement Background Of The Invention This invention relates generally to battery powered data terminals including but not limited to such terminals with a battery saver arrangement.
Wireless communications systems hav0 evolved in 10 different directions with the strengths and weaknesses of various systems and equipment reflecting the differing system needs that practitioners have focused on.
Wireless data systems, protocols, and equipment have evolved to service a growing user base on both 15 outbound and inbound channels, on a sporadic, highly interactive basis where message lengths, content, and protocols may be complex and processing intensive.
Premiums consequently may have been placed on processing speed, accuracy, and user interaction often at 20 the expense of power consumption. Recently the marketplace has been demanding battery powered portable data terminals that are the functional equivalent of a portable computer combined with a portable two way radio. This market requirement has focused attention on
Data Terminal Battery Saver Arrangement Background Of The Invention This invention relates generally to battery powered data terminals including but not limited to such terminals with a battery saver arrangement.
Wireless communications systems hav0 evolved in 10 different directions with the strengths and weaknesses of various systems and equipment reflecting the differing system needs that practitioners have focused on.
Wireless data systems, protocols, and equipment have evolved to service a growing user base on both 15 outbound and inbound channels, on a sporadic, highly interactive basis where message lengths, content, and protocols may be complex and processing intensive.
Premiums consequently may have been placed on processing speed, accuracy, and user interaction often at 20 the expense of power consumption. Recently the marketplace has been demanding battery powered portable data terminals that are the functional equivalent of a portable computer combined with a portable two way radio. This market requirement has focused attention on
2 5 battery life.
In contrast, personal paging systems, protocols, and equipment have evolved to service a large user base on outbound channels only, on a non real time critical basis, where message lengths and content are limited. Premiums 30 are placed on low system cost message delivery and subscriber unit battery life.
Clearly a need exists for a battery powered data terminal with significantly extended battery life.
Summary Of The Invention This invention addresses the aforementioned needs 5 by teaching a wireless data communications system having a network controller, operating on one or more radio frequency channels, and a plurality of data terminals, some which are battery powered and normally operable in at least one low power consumption (Idle) state but 10 controllably operable in at least one high power consumption (active) state, such system further having an arrangement to extend the battery life of the battery powered data terminals. The system transmits a data terminal address corresponding to a battery powered data 15 terminal to a receiver, associated with said battery powered data terminal and operable in an Idle state, for and only for receiving said data terminal address to provide a received address. Control logic, responding to the received address, provides a data enable signal. A
20 transceiver associated with the battery powered data terminal responding to the data enable signal operates only in an active state, for processing of data messages. A data terminal battery saver arrangement for use in the data communications system and a method of extending data 2 5 terminal battery life is disclosed.
Brief Description Of The Drawings The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless data communications system constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless battery 5 powered data terminal that may be used in the FIG. 1 system.
FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrative of the process executed by the FIG. 2 data terminal.
Detailed Description Referring to FIG. 1, an RF data base station (10) is coupled, by way of outbound and inbound RF signal paths 15 (12), that may be, for illustration purposes, in a frequency in the 450, 800, or 900 Mhz frequency bands, to a plurality of data tsrminals, one or more of which is a battery powered data terminal (14). Similarly an RF paging base station (16) is coupled, by way of an outbound RF signal 20 path (18) that may be on the same or a different frequency, to the data terminals (14). The data base station (10) and the paging base station (16) are connected to a network controllsr (20).
In operation, when the network controller (20) has a 25 data message for a particular battery powered data terminal (14) a corresponding data terminal address is transmittsd as a paging message by the paging base station (16), utilizing a paging signaling protocol, such as multitons, POCSAC;, etc. over the outbound RF signal path 30 (18). The battery powered data terminal (14), normally operable in a low power consumption (Idle) state, utilizing an associated low power consumption paging receiver (22) and/or paging receiver power conserving techniques, will receive (receive and decode) the corresponding data terminal address. Thereafter, controllably operating in a high power consumption (Active) state entered by activating other portions of the battery powered data terminal (14), including a comparatively high power 5 consumption data transceiver (24), the battery powered data terminal (14) will process ensuing data message(s).
This, naturally, includes transceiving and processing all required inbound and outbound data traffic including data messages, overhead, and other included information, using 10 appropriate data signaling protocols. The network controller (20) via data base station (10), after a sufficient time lapse or the receipt of an acknowledge message from the battery powered data terminal (14), will establish a data link via RF signal path (12) and transmit 15 the data message.
The block diagram of FIG. 2, where like reference numerals refer to like segments from FIG. 1, is referenced in the following detailed explanation of the battery powered data terminal embodiment of the instant 20 invention. An antenna (26) is coupled to both the associated paging receiver (22) and the data transceiver (24). The paging receiver (22) may in practice represent a low power consumption integrated subpart of the data transceiver (24), itself or it may be provided as a 25 separate, independent unit. In any event paging receiver (22), supplied by a power source (32), such as a battery, receives the data terminal address and provides the received address at input (28) to control logic (30). The control logic (30), also coupled to power source (32), in 30 response to the received address at input (28) will provide a data enable signal at output (34) to activate or enable, for example by switching power on at input (36), the data transceiver (24). With the data transceiver (24) now enabled, Active state, the battery powered data terminal 5 ~ ~ .3 ' ~ ~
is no longer in an Idle state and processing of data messages may occur.
After all processing of data messages has been completed, as determined by, for example control logic 5 (30) detecting no data activity for a predetermined period of time, the data transceiver (24) may be disabled by control logic (30) sending a disable signal at output (34) and/or removing power at input (36). Alternatively the data transceiver (24) may be permitted to disable itself.
1 0 In either event, the data transceiver (24), may optionally notify the network controller (20) by sending a disabled (I'm Idle) message, and send an indication at output (38) to control logic (30). In any event, the data terminal is caused to reenter the "Idle" state where power 1 5 consumption is again comparatively low.
When the battery powered data terminal (14), specifically control logic (30), detects user activity, by for example the keyboard (40) being used, all such user interface elements, keyboard (40), display (42), etc., may 20 be activated at "I/O"s (44, 46). If the user activity requires processing of data messages, the data enable signal may be provided and the data transceiver (24) thus enabled as above described. After all user activity and required data messages are processed the battery powered 25 data terminal (14) reenters the "Idle" state.
The instant invention, viewed as a method, may be further appreciated by referring to FIG. 3 and the following discussion. The flow chart information is intended as appropriate programming flow for a microprocessor (not
In contrast, personal paging systems, protocols, and equipment have evolved to service a large user base on outbound channels only, on a non real time critical basis, where message lengths and content are limited. Premiums 30 are placed on low system cost message delivery and subscriber unit battery life.
Clearly a need exists for a battery powered data terminal with significantly extended battery life.
Summary Of The Invention This invention addresses the aforementioned needs 5 by teaching a wireless data communications system having a network controller, operating on one or more radio frequency channels, and a plurality of data terminals, some which are battery powered and normally operable in at least one low power consumption (Idle) state but 10 controllably operable in at least one high power consumption (active) state, such system further having an arrangement to extend the battery life of the battery powered data terminals. The system transmits a data terminal address corresponding to a battery powered data 15 terminal to a receiver, associated with said battery powered data terminal and operable in an Idle state, for and only for receiving said data terminal address to provide a received address. Control logic, responding to the received address, provides a data enable signal. A
20 transceiver associated with the battery powered data terminal responding to the data enable signal operates only in an active state, for processing of data messages. A data terminal battery saver arrangement for use in the data communications system and a method of extending data 2 5 terminal battery life is disclosed.
Brief Description Of The Drawings The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless data communications system constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless battery 5 powered data terminal that may be used in the FIG. 1 system.
FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrative of the process executed by the FIG. 2 data terminal.
Detailed Description Referring to FIG. 1, an RF data base station (10) is coupled, by way of outbound and inbound RF signal paths 15 (12), that may be, for illustration purposes, in a frequency in the 450, 800, or 900 Mhz frequency bands, to a plurality of data tsrminals, one or more of which is a battery powered data terminal (14). Similarly an RF paging base station (16) is coupled, by way of an outbound RF signal 20 path (18) that may be on the same or a different frequency, to the data terminals (14). The data base station (10) and the paging base station (16) are connected to a network controllsr (20).
In operation, when the network controller (20) has a 25 data message for a particular battery powered data terminal (14) a corresponding data terminal address is transmittsd as a paging message by the paging base station (16), utilizing a paging signaling protocol, such as multitons, POCSAC;, etc. over the outbound RF signal path 30 (18). The battery powered data terminal (14), normally operable in a low power consumption (Idle) state, utilizing an associated low power consumption paging receiver (22) and/or paging receiver power conserving techniques, will receive (receive and decode) the corresponding data terminal address. Thereafter, controllably operating in a high power consumption (Active) state entered by activating other portions of the battery powered data terminal (14), including a comparatively high power 5 consumption data transceiver (24), the battery powered data terminal (14) will process ensuing data message(s).
This, naturally, includes transceiving and processing all required inbound and outbound data traffic including data messages, overhead, and other included information, using 10 appropriate data signaling protocols. The network controller (20) via data base station (10), after a sufficient time lapse or the receipt of an acknowledge message from the battery powered data terminal (14), will establish a data link via RF signal path (12) and transmit 15 the data message.
The block diagram of FIG. 2, where like reference numerals refer to like segments from FIG. 1, is referenced in the following detailed explanation of the battery powered data terminal embodiment of the instant 20 invention. An antenna (26) is coupled to both the associated paging receiver (22) and the data transceiver (24). The paging receiver (22) may in practice represent a low power consumption integrated subpart of the data transceiver (24), itself or it may be provided as a 25 separate, independent unit. In any event paging receiver (22), supplied by a power source (32), such as a battery, receives the data terminal address and provides the received address at input (28) to control logic (30). The control logic (30), also coupled to power source (32), in 30 response to the received address at input (28) will provide a data enable signal at output (34) to activate or enable, for example by switching power on at input (36), the data transceiver (24). With the data transceiver (24) now enabled, Active state, the battery powered data terminal 5 ~ ~ .3 ' ~ ~
is no longer in an Idle state and processing of data messages may occur.
After all processing of data messages has been completed, as determined by, for example control logic 5 (30) detecting no data activity for a predetermined period of time, the data transceiver (24) may be disabled by control logic (30) sending a disable signal at output (34) and/or removing power at input (36). Alternatively the data transceiver (24) may be permitted to disable itself.
1 0 In either event, the data transceiver (24), may optionally notify the network controller (20) by sending a disabled (I'm Idle) message, and send an indication at output (38) to control logic (30). In any event, the data terminal is caused to reenter the "Idle" state where power 1 5 consumption is again comparatively low.
When the battery powered data terminal (14), specifically control logic (30), detects user activity, by for example the keyboard (40) being used, all such user interface elements, keyboard (40), display (42), etc., may 20 be activated at "I/O"s (44, 46). If the user activity requires processing of data messages, the data enable signal may be provided and the data transceiver (24) thus enabled as above described. After all user activity and required data messages are processed the battery powered 25 data terminal (14) reenters the "Idle" state.
The instant invention, viewed as a method, may be further appreciated by referring to FIG. 3 and the following discussion. The flow chart information is intended as appropriate programming flow for a microprocessor (not
3 0 specifically shown) portion of control logic (30) .
The battery powered data terminal battery saving arrangement, is intended to normally operate in an Idle state (100), comparatively low power consumption state, with a data terminal address receiver (paging receiver 6 k ' O~
(22)) enabled, e. g. powered up, etc. As long as the specific data terminal address has not been received (102) nor a user interface, e. g. keyboard, used (104), the arrangement remains in the Idle state (100). If the keyboard, for 5 example, is used (104), the user interface elements are enabled at step (106) (data terminal (14) enters an Active state) and processing of data messages may be required as indicated at (108). If such processing is required (108), or the data terminal address is received (102), the control 10 logic (30) provides a data enable signal indicated at (110) and the data transceiver (24) is effectively enabled at (112). The data transceiver (24) is now in another active state that may also include supplying power to user interface elements and processing of data messages may 15 occur (114). Optionally, an acknowledgment of the received data terminal address may be transmitted. When an absence of user and data activity is detected, an optional disable message is transmitted as shown at step (118) and the data transceiver (24) and/or user interface 20 elements are disabled at (120), thereby returning the data terminal battery saving arrangement to the "Idle" state (100). Accordingly, by operating the comparatively high power consumption portions of the battery powered data terminal (14) only when and if required, effective data 25 communications may be provided and a substantial improvement in battery life realized.
The battery powered data terminal battery saving arrangement, is intended to normally operate in an Idle state (100), comparatively low power consumption state, with a data terminal address receiver (paging receiver 6 k ' O~
(22)) enabled, e. g. powered up, etc. As long as the specific data terminal address has not been received (102) nor a user interface, e. g. keyboard, used (104), the arrangement remains in the Idle state (100). If the keyboard, for 5 example, is used (104), the user interface elements are enabled at step (106) (data terminal (14) enters an Active state) and processing of data messages may be required as indicated at (108). If such processing is required (108), or the data terminal address is received (102), the control 10 logic (30) provides a data enable signal indicated at (110) and the data transceiver (24) is effectively enabled at (112). The data transceiver (24) is now in another active state that may also include supplying power to user interface elements and processing of data messages may 15 occur (114). Optionally, an acknowledgment of the received data terminal address may be transmitted. When an absence of user and data activity is detected, an optional disable message is transmitted as shown at step (118) and the data transceiver (24) and/or user interface 20 elements are disabled at (120), thereby returning the data terminal battery saving arrangement to the "Idle" state (100). Accordingly, by operating the comparatively high power consumption portions of the battery powered data terminal (14) only when and if required, effective data 25 communications may be provided and a substantial improvement in battery life realized.
Claims (9)
1. A wireless data communications system having a network controller, operating on one or more radio frequency channels, and a plurality of data terminals, some which are battery powered and normally operable in at least one low power consumption (Idle) state but controllably operable in at least one high power consumption (active) state, such system further having an arrangement to extend the battery life of the battery powered data terminals, comprising in combination:
transmit means for transmitting a data terminal address corresponding to a battery powered data terminal;
means, responsive to said transmit means, associated with said battery powered data terminal and operable in an Idle state, for receiving said data terminal address to provide a received address;
control means, responsive to said received address, for providing a data enable signal; and transceiver means, responsive to said data enable signal, associated with said battery powered data terminal, and operable only in an active state, for processing of data messages.
transmit means for transmitting a data terminal address corresponding to a battery powered data terminal;
means, responsive to said transmit means, associated with said battery powered data terminal and operable in an Idle state, for receiving said data terminal address to provide a received address;
control means, responsive to said received address, for providing a data enable signal; and transceiver means, responsive to said data enable signal, associated with said battery powered data terminal, and operable only in an active state, for processing of data messages.
2. A wireless data communications system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said processing of data messages includes at least transmitting an acknowledgment of said received address.
3. A wireless data communications system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said processing of data messages includes at least receiving a data message.
4. A data terminal battery saver arrangement having a battery powered data terminal which is normally operable in at least one low power consumption (Idle) state but controllably operable in at least one high power consumption (active) state, comprising in combination:
means, operable in an Idle state, for receiving a data terminal address corresponding to the battery powered data terminal to provide a received address;
control means, responsive to said received address, for providing a data enable signal; and transceiver means, responsive to said data enable signal and fully operable only in an active state, for processing of data messages.
means, operable in an Idle state, for receiving a data terminal address corresponding to the battery powered data terminal to provide a received address;
control means, responsive to said received address, for providing a data enable signal; and transceiver means, responsive to said data enable signal and fully operable only in an active state, for processing of data messages.
5. A data terminal battery saver arrangement in accordance with claim 4 wherein said control means further includes;
detector means,coupled to said transceiver means, for detecting a predetermined period of time without data activity and, in response to such period of time, generating a disable signal that results in the battery powered data terminal reentering the Idle state.
detector means,coupled to said transceiver means, for detecting a predetermined period of time without data activity and, in response to such period of time, generating a disable signal that results in the battery powered data terminal reentering the Idle state.
6. A data terminal battery saver arrangement in accordance with claim 5 further including;
interface means, coupled to said detector means and fully operable only in an active state, for effecting user interface to the battery powered data terminal until said disable signal results in the battery powered data terminal reentering the Idle state.
interface means, coupled to said detector means and fully operable only in an active state, for effecting user interface to the battery powered data terminal until said disable signal results in the battery powered data terminal reentering the Idle state.
7. In a data terminal battery saver arrangement having a battery powered data terminal that is normally operable in at least one low power consumption (Idle) state but controllably operable in at least one high power consumption (active) state, a method of extending battery life comprising the steps of:
operating the battery powered data terminal in an idle state;
receiving, when in said Idle state, a data terminal address corresponding to the battery powered data terminal to provide a received address;
providing, in response to said received address, a data enable signal; and processing, only in an active state in response to said data enable signal, of data messages.
operating the battery powered data terminal in an idle state;
receiving, when in said Idle state, a data terminal address corresponding to the battery powered data terminal to provide a received address;
providing, in response to said received address, a data enable signal; and processing, only in an active state in response to said data enable signal, of data messages.
8. A method in accordance with claim 7 further including the step of detecting a predetermined period of time without processing of data messages and, in response to such period of time, generating a disable signal that results in the battery powered data terminal reentering the idle state.
9. A method in accordance with claim 7 further including the step of effecting user interface to the battery powered data terminal, only in an active state, and said step of detecting further including the step of detecting a predetermined period of time without user activity and, in response to such period of time, generating said disable signal resulting in the battery powered data terminal reentering the Idle state.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US82920792A | 1992-02-03 | 1992-02-03 | |
| US829,207 | 1992-02-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2084441A1 true CA2084441A1 (en) | 1993-08-04 |
Family
ID=25253853
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002084441A Abandoned CA2084441A1 (en) | 1992-02-03 | 1992-12-03 | Data terminal battery saver arrangement |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2084441A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7085289B2 (en) | 2002-03-29 | 2006-08-01 | International Business Machines Corporation | Bandwidth throttle for a wireless device |
-
1992
- 1992-12-03 CA CA002084441A patent/CA2084441A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7085289B2 (en) | 2002-03-29 | 2006-08-01 | International Business Machines Corporation | Bandwidth throttle for a wireless device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |