EP3167299A2

EP3167299A2 - Communication-connected battery with expansion capability

Info

Publication number: EP3167299A2
Application number: EP15819765.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roel Peeters; James Blackwell
Original assignee: Roost Inc
Current assignee: Roost Inc
Priority date: 2014-07-09
Filing date: 2015-07-07
Publication date: 2017-05-17
Also published as: AU2015288012B2; WO2016007466A2; EP3167299A4; CA2961160A1; AU2015288012A1; WO2016007466A3

Abstract

A sensor element includes mechanical connectors adapted to couple to conventional battery electrical terminals to provide mechanical support for the sensor on a battery housing or device, at least one sensing element that is capable of emitting an electrical signal upon sensing an sensed environmental variable, and an electrical connector, distinct from the mechanical connectors for receiving power from, and sending signals to, the battery housing or device. The coupled unit can be used to provide powered sensing and communication capability. The coupled unit's outputs could be processed with user presence information.

Description

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 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 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 9 V 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. [0024] In a preferred embodiment, mechanical posts 302 A 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 302 A 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 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. [0033] In an alternative approach, a smaller form factor is used, wherein the coupled unit is powered by a battery having two ½ 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 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. [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, ½ 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 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 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. 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.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sensor element comprising:

mechanical connectors adapted to couple to conventional battery electrical

terminals to provide mechanical support for the sensor on a battery housing or device;

at least one sensing element that is capable of emitting an electrical signal upon sensing an sensed environmental variable; and

an electrical connector, distinct from the mechanical connectors for receiving power from, and sending signals to, the battery housing or device.

2. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the battery housing or device is a battery with communication capability.

3. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the power received from the battery housing or device is at a voltage other than a voltage supplied at the conventional battery electrical terminals.

4. A sensor network comprising:

at least one sensor element comprising:

a) mechanical connectors adapted to couple to conventional battery electrical terminals to provide mechanical support for the sensor on a battery housing or device;

b) at least one sensing element that is capable of emitting an electrical signal upon sensing an sensed environmental variable; and

c) an electrical connector, distinct from the mechanical connectors for receiving power from, and sending signals to, the battery housing or device; a communications hub, that receives and processes messages received from the at least one sensor element;

an external information source;

a processor that evaluates the messages and information from the external

information source; and

a user interface that shows display data filtered by at least some of the information from the external information source.

5. The sensor network of claim 4, wherein the information from the external information source includes user presence information, such that the display data varies based on presence of predetermined users.

6. A communication device comprising:

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 processing circuit to switch between the at least two modes.

7. The communication device of claim 6, wherein energy for generating the at least an approximation of an audio signal comprises energy generated by the passive sensor.

8. The communication device of claim 6, further comprising a housing sized to fit into a battery compartment.

9. The communication device of claim 8, wherein the battery compartment is a battery compartment of a smoke detector.

10. A method of sensing and communicating an alarm condition, the method comprising:

having a sound sensor placed in proximity to an alarm sound generator, wherein the proximity is such that power needed to trigger an alarm signal from the sound sensor is provided by sound waves produced by the alarm sound generator;

triggering a processing circuit to switch from a sleep mode to an awake mode in response to the alarm signal from the sound sensor; and

initiating a wireless communication to send a message as to whether an alarm has been triggered, when the alarm signal from the sound sensor is sent.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising enclosing the sound sensor, the processing circuit, a wireless communication circuit and a battery with a housing sized to fit into a battery compartment of a device having the alarm sound generator.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the alarm sound generator is part of a smoke detector, and wherein the smoke detector is powered by the battery in the housing.