WO2017187203A1 - Improvements related to battery-powered electronic devices - Google Patents

Improvements related to battery-powered electronic devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017187203A1
WO2017187203A1 PCT/GB2017/051218 GB2017051218W WO2017187203A1 WO 2017187203 A1 WO2017187203 A1 WO 2017187203A1 GB 2017051218 W GB2017051218 W GB 2017051218W WO 2017187203 A1 WO2017187203 A1 WO 2017187203A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electronic device
input command
battery
discharge
controller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2017/051218
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David R Evans
David CORDER
Original Assignee
Technology Solutions (Uk) Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB1607602.8A external-priority patent/GB2543596A/en
Priority claimed from GB1607601.0A external-priority patent/GB2543595B/en
Application filed by Technology Solutions (Uk) Limited filed Critical Technology Solutions (Uk) Limited
Publication of WO2017187203A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017187203A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/44—Methods for charging or discharging
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/007—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage
    • H02J7/00712—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage the cycle being controlled or terminated in response to electric parameters
    • H02J7/007182—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage the cycle being controlled or terminated in response to electric parameters in response to battery voltage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
    • H01M10/052—Li-accumulators
    • H01M10/0525—Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
    • H01M2010/4278—Systems for data transfer from batteries, e.g. transfer of battery parameters to a controller, data transferred between battery controller and main controller
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
    • H01M2220/30—Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0063—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with circuits adapted for supplying loads from the battery
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to battery-powered electronic devices.
  • Many electronic devices particularly portable electronic devices, incorporate rechargeable batteries which allow the device to be used for a limited period of time before the battery needs to be recharged.
  • An example of such a device is an RFID reader, which is used to read information from RFID tags.
  • RFID readers interrogate RFID tags using a radio wave source, and then receive radio waves emitted from the tag in response, using a radio wave receiver.
  • the radio waves emitted by the tag contain information which allows the tag to be identified.
  • Commonly used rechargeable batteries include lithium ion batteries, which have a high energy density and low-self discharge. Although lithium ion batteries are popular for these reasons, lithium ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods in view of the pressurised flammable electrolyte contained therein. There are therefore strict regulations in place for the transport, for example by air, of lithium ion batteries, as well as electronic devices which contain lithium ion batteries. In particular, restrictions are in place which set an upper limit on the level of charge stored by a lithium ion battery to allow the battery to be transported.
  • an electronic device comprising a battery and a controller having a mode in which the controller: a) receives at least one input command
  • a method of discharging a battery of an electronic device comprising providing a controller of the electronic device with at least one input command, and
  • the controller determines whether the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command, such that the controller causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command.
  • the device and method of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be beneficial principally as the controller of the electronic device has a mode in which the controller causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command.
  • this dedicated mode may discharge the battery to an appropriate pre-determined charge level, without the need for further user input other than the initial input command. This may remove the need for the device to be monitored during discharge of the battery, thereby saving both time and labour costs.
  • the dedicated mode may allow automatic discharge of the battery of an electronic device in response to an input command, until the level of charge in the battery reaches a pre-determined level. This may simplify the procedure necessary to place an electronic device in a condition suitable for transport by air.
  • the mode in which the controller receives at least one input command, determines whether the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command, and causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command may be referred to as a discharge mode.
  • the discharge mode may differ from a normal mode of operation of the electronic device.
  • a normal mode of operation of the electronic device may be a mode in which the electronic device is operable to perform its intended function
  • the discharge mode may be a mode in which the electronic device is operable to discharge its battery to a pre-determined charge level.
  • the electronic device may not be operable in its discharge mode to perform its intended function, and may have increased power consumption relative to the normal mode of operation.
  • the pre-determined charge level may be less than, or equal to, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% of the total charge capacity of the battery.
  • the pre-determined charge level may be greater than 0% of the total charge capacity of the battery.
  • the electronic device may comprise an electrical load, which consumes power.
  • the electrical load may be a resistive load, ie a resistor, and the controller may, for example, be configured to operate the electronic device to apply a voltage across the load in response to the at least one input command.
  • the controller may be configured to operate the electronic device to apply a voltage across the load where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command.
  • the battery may be discharged to the pre-determined level.
  • the at least one input command may comprise an electronic signal derived from an authentication object or device.
  • the at least one input command may comprise an electrical signal communicated through an electrical connection, eg a USB connection.
  • the at least one input command may comprise an electronic signal derived from electromagnetic radiation.
  • the at least one input command may comprise an electronic signal derived from any, or any combination thereof.
  • radio waves infra-red light, visible light, or ultra-violet light, eg from an RFID tag, a bar code, or a QR code.
  • the authentication object or device may be an active device capable of emitting the electronic signal, and hence may be provided with a power source.
  • the authentication object or device may be a passive object that may carry data, which data may be read in a manner that causes an electronic signal to be derived from the authentication object, and hence may not be provided with a power source.
  • the electronic device may comprise a reader for reading an authentication object.
  • the reader may comprise a source of electromagnetic radiation, and a sensor for sensing electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object.
  • the source of electromagnetic radiation may have a pre-determined frequency or range of frequencies, and electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object may have a frequency that is similar to, or equal to, the frequency or range of frequencies of the electromagnetic radiation of the source.
  • the source of electromagnetic radiation may comprise a source of radio waves, infra-red light or visible light, for example.
  • the sensor may sense radio waves, infra-red light or visible light, for example.
  • the electronic device may comprise an RFID reader, which may comprise a receiver for receiving radio wave signals.
  • the at least one input command may comprise an electronic signal derived from at least one radio wave signal received by the receiver from an RFID tag.
  • the RFID reader may comprise a radio wave source.
  • the at least one radio wave signal received by the receiver from an RFID tag may be emitted by the RFID tag in response to a radio wave signal emitted by the radio wave source.
  • the reader may comprise a camera
  • the electronic device may comprise a processor configured to generate the at least one input command in response to an image and/or video of an authentication object captured by the camera.
  • the authentication object may comprise any or any combination of an RFID tag, a barcode, or a QR code.
  • the at least one input command may be derived from at least one radio wave signal received by the receiver from an RFID tag.
  • the electronic device may comprise a user interface, and the at least one input command may be inputted by a user of the electronic device via the user interface.
  • the user interface may comprise a push-button or touch-screen interface, and the discharge mode may be selected by actuation of a push-button or a touch-screen.
  • the controller may be configured to operate the device in a normal mode of operation to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level in response to the at least one input command.
  • the controller may be configured to operate the electronic device to achieve the intended function of the electronic device, until the pre-determined charge level is reached.
  • the controller may be configured to turn off the electronic device once the pre-determined level has been reached.
  • the controller may have a mode in which the controller receives a plurality of input commands, determines whether the plurality of input commands matches predetermined discharge commands, and causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the plurality of input commands match pre-determined discharge commands.
  • the controller may have a mode in which each of the plurality of input commands must be received, and must match a plurality of pre-determined discharge commands, for the controller to cause operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to the predetermined charge level. This may prevent accidental activation of the discharge mode of the electronic device.
  • the plurality of input commands may comprise input commands of differing formats including, for example, input commands of different type, duration, strength, etc.
  • the controller may have a mode in which the controller must receive an input command of a pre-determined form, for a pre-determined period of time, in order to cause operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to the pre-determined charge level.
  • the plurality of input commands may comprise input commands derived from different authentication objects, or may, for example, comprise input commands derived from a single authentication object.
  • the battery may comprise a rechargeable battery, for example a lithium ion battery.
  • the electronic device may comprise a portable electronic device, for example an RFID reader, or a mobile telephone.
  • the electronic device may comprise a monitor for monitoring the level of charge stored by the battery.
  • the monitor may comprise a battery gas gauge.
  • the monitor may be configured to monitor the level of charge contained in the battery continuously whilst the battery is discharging.
  • the monitor may be configured to transmit battery charge level information to the controller.
  • the controller may comprise a microprocessor.
  • the method may comprise discharging the battery to a pre-determined charge level which is less than, or equal to, 50%, 40%, or 30%, of the total charge capacity of the battery.
  • the method may comprise applying a voltage across a load, eg a resistor, of the electronic device in response to the at least one input command.
  • a voltage across a load eg a resistor
  • the battery may be discharged to the predetermined level.
  • the method may comprise reading an authentication object to generate the at least one input command.
  • the method may comprise interrogating an
  • authentication object with a source of electromagnetic radiation, and receiving a response in the form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object, to generate the at least one input command.
  • the method may comprise interrogating an authentication object with a radio wave source, and receiving a response in the form of radio waves emitted by the authentication object, to generate the at least one input command.
  • the electronic device may comprise an RFID reader, and the authentication object may comprise an RFID tag.
  • the method may comprise scanning an RFID tag using an RFID reader, to generate the at least one input command.
  • the method may comprise interrogating an RFID tag with a radio wave source, and receiving a response in the form of radio waves emitted by the RFID tag, to generate the at least one input command.
  • the method may comprise interrogating an authentication object with an infra-red light source and/or a visible light source and/or an ultra violet light source, and receiving a response in the form of infra-red and/or visible and/or ultra violet light emitted by the authentication object, to generate the at least one input command.
  • the electronic device may comprise a barcode and/or QR code scanner, and the authentication object may comprise a barcode and/or a QR code.
  • the method may comprise scanning a barcode and/or a QR code using a barcode and/or QR code scanner, to generate the at least one input command.
  • the electronic device may comprise a camera, and a processor configured to generate the at least one input command in response to an image and/or video of an authentication object captured by the camera.
  • the method may comprise using a camera of the electronic device to capture an image and/or video of an authentication image, and generating the at least one input command using the captured image and/or video.
  • the method may comprise providing a controller of the electronic device with a plurality of input commands, such that the controller causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the plurality of input commands match pre-determined discharge commands.
  • the method may comprise providing a controller of the electronic device with input commands of differing formats including, for example, input commands of different type, duration, strength, etc.
  • a data carrier comprising machine readable instructions for a controller of an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a battery, and a controller having a discharge mode, wherein the instructions cause operation of the controller to: a) receive at least one input command
  • an RFID reader comprising a battery, a receiver for receiving radio wave signals, and a controller having a mode in which the controller:
  • a method of discharging a battery of an RFID reader comprising providing a controller of the RFID reader with at least one input command derived from at least one radio wave signal received by a receiver of the RFID reader from an RFID tag, and determining whether the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command, such that the controller causes operation of the RFID reader to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command
  • a data carrier comprising machine readable instructions for a controller of an RFID reader, the RFID reader comprising a battery, a receiver for receiving radio wave signals, and a controller having a discharge mode, wherein the instructions cause operation of the controller to:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of discharging a battery of an electronic device according to the second aspect of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 An electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention, generally designated 10, is shown schematically in Figure 1 .
  • the device 10 as shown in Figure 1 is an RFID reader 10.
  • the RFID reader 10 comprises a microcontroller 12, a battery 14, a gas gauge 16, and a UHF transponder 18.
  • the microcontroller 12, battery 14, gas gauge 16, and UHF transponder 18 are conventional components which may typically be found in a conventional RFID reader.
  • the microcontroller 12 is configured to receive information from both the gas gauge 16 and the UHF transponder 18, and is further configured to operate as will be described in more detail below, and with reference to Figure 2.
  • the RFID reader 10 is used to read 22 an RFID tag (which is a further UHF transponder) 20.
  • the microcontroller 12 determines 24 whether the RFID tag 20 is a tag configured to send the microcontroller 12 into a discharge mode. If the RFID tag 20 is not a tag configured to send the microcontroller 12 into a discharge mode, then the RFID reader 10 performs its normal function 26 having regard to the RFID tag 20.
  • the microcontroller 12 configures 28 the RFID reader 10 to discharge the battery 14 by placing a load across a resistor (not shown). During discharge, the level of charge in the battery 14 is read by the gas gauge 16, and this information is fed to the microcontroller 12. The microcontroller 12 thus determines 31 the level of charge in the battery 14. If the level of charge in the battery is above a pre-determined threshold, in the present case 30%, then the microcontroller continues 32 to operate the discharge mode. If the level of charge in the battery is below a pre-determined threshold, in the present case 30%, then the microcontroller interrupts 34 the discharge mode, and shuts down 36 the RFID reader 10.

Abstract

An electronic device (10) is provided comprising a battery (14) and a controller (12). The controller (12) has a mode in which the controller (12): (a) receives at least one input command, (b) determines whether the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command, and (c) causes operation of the electronic device (10) to discharge the battery (14) to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command.

Description

TITLE - Improvements related to Battery-Powered Electronic Devices
The present invention relates to battery-powered electronic devices. Many electronic devices, particularly portable electronic devices, incorporate rechargeable batteries which allow the device to be used for a limited period of time before the battery needs to be recharged. An example of such a device is an RFID reader, which is used to read information from RFID tags. RFID readers interrogate RFID tags using a radio wave source, and then receive radio waves emitted from the tag in response, using a radio wave receiver. The radio waves emitted by the tag contain information which allows the tag to be identified.
Commonly used rechargeable batteries include lithium ion batteries, which have a high energy density and low-self discharge. Although lithium ion batteries are popular for these reasons, lithium ion batteries are classified as dangerous goods in view of the pressurised flammable electrolyte contained therein. There are therefore strict regulations in place for the transport, for example by air, of lithium ion batteries, as well as electronic devices which contain lithium ion batteries. In particular, restrictions are in place which set an upper limit on the level of charge stored by a lithium ion battery to allow the battery to be transported.
There has now been devised an electronic device, a method of discharging a battery of an electronic device, an RFID reader, and a method of discharging a battery of an RFID reader, which overcome or substantially mitigate the
aforementioned and/or other disadvantages associated with the prior art.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an electronic device comprising a battery and a controller having a mode in which the controller: a) receives at least one input command
b) determines whether the at least one input command matches a predetermined discharge command, and c) causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a predetermined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of discharging a battery of an electronic device, the method comprising providing a controller of the electronic device with at least one input command, and
determining whether the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command, such that the controller causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command.
The device and method of the first and second aspects of the present invention may be beneficial principally as the controller of the electronic device has a mode in which the controller causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command. In particular, this dedicated mode may discharge the battery to an appropriate pre-determined charge level, without the need for further user input other than the initial input command. This may remove the need for the device to be monitored during discharge of the battery, thereby saving both time and labour costs.
Furthermore, the dedicated mode may allow automatic discharge of the battery of an electronic device in response to an input command, until the level of charge in the battery reaches a pre-determined level. This may simplify the procedure necessary to place an electronic device in a condition suitable for transport by air.
The mode in which the controller receives at least one input command, determines whether the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command, and causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command, may be referred to as a discharge mode. The discharge mode may differ from a normal mode of operation of the electronic device. For example, a normal mode of operation of the electronic device may be a mode in which the electronic device is operable to perform its intended function, whilst the discharge mode may be a mode in which the electronic device is operable to discharge its battery to a pre-determined charge level. The electronic device may not be operable in its discharge mode to perform its intended function, and may have increased power consumption relative to the normal mode of operation.
The pre-determined charge level may be less than, or equal to, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% of the total charge capacity of the battery. The pre-determined charge level may be greater than 0% of the total charge capacity of the battery.
The electronic device may comprise an electrical load, which consumes power. The electrical load may be a resistive load, ie a resistor, and the controller may, for example, be configured to operate the electronic device to apply a voltage across the load in response to the at least one input command. The controller may be configured to operate the electronic device to apply a voltage across the load where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command. Thus by applying a voltage across the load, the battery may be discharged to the pre-determined level.
The at least one input command may comprise an electronic signal derived from an authentication object or device. The at least one input command may comprise an electrical signal communicated through an electrical connection, eg a USB connection. Alternatively, the at least one input command may comprise an electronic signal derived from electromagnetic radiation. The at least one input command may comprise an electronic signal derived from any, or any
combination, of radio waves, infra-red light, visible light, or ultra-violet light, eg from an RFID tag, a bar code, or a QR code.
The authentication object or device may be an active device capable of emitting the electronic signal, and hence may be provided with a power source.
Alternatively, the authentication object or device may be a passive object that may carry data, which data may be read in a manner that causes an electronic signal to be derived from the authentication object, and hence may not be provided with a power source. The electronic device may comprise a reader for reading an authentication object. The reader may comprise a source of electromagnetic radiation, and a sensor for sensing electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object. The source of electromagnetic radiation may have a pre-determined frequency or range of frequencies, and electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object may have a frequency that is similar to, or equal to, the frequency or range of frequencies of the electromagnetic radiation of the source. The source of electromagnetic radiation may comprise a source of radio waves, infra-red light or visible light, for example. Similarly, the sensor may sense radio waves, infra-red light or visible light, for example.
The electronic device may comprise an RFID reader, which may comprise a receiver for receiving radio wave signals. The at least one input command may comprise an electronic signal derived from at least one radio wave signal received by the receiver from an RFID tag. The RFID reader may comprise a radio wave source. The at least one radio wave signal received by the receiver from an RFID tag may be emitted by the RFID tag in response to a radio wave signal emitted by the radio wave source.
The reader may comprise a camera, and the electronic device may comprise a processor configured to generate the at least one input command in response to an image and/or video of an authentication object captured by the camera.
The authentication object may comprise any or any combination of an RFID tag, a barcode, or a QR code. Where the authentication object comprises an RFID tag, the at least one input command may be derived from at least one radio wave signal received by the receiver from an RFID tag. The electronic device may comprise a user interface, and the at least one input command may be inputted by a user of the electronic device via the user interface. For example, the user interface may comprise a push-button or touch-screen interface, and the discharge mode may be selected by actuation of a push-button or a touch-screen.
The controller may be configured to operate the device in a normal mode of operation to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level in response to the at least one input command. For example, the controller may be configured to operate the electronic device to achieve the intended function of the electronic device, until the pre-determined charge level is reached. The controller may be configured to turn off the electronic device once the pre-determined level has been reached. The controller may have a mode in which the controller receives a plurality of input commands, determines whether the plurality of input commands matches predetermined discharge commands, and causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the plurality of input commands match pre-determined discharge commands. The controller may have a mode in which each of the plurality of input commands must be received, and must match a plurality of pre-determined discharge commands, for the controller to cause operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to the predetermined charge level. This may prevent accidental activation of the discharge mode of the electronic device.
The plurality of input commands may comprise input commands of differing formats including, for example, input commands of different type, duration, strength, etc. For example, the controller may have a mode in which the controller must receive an input command of a pre-determined form, for a pre-determined period of time, in order to cause operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to the pre-determined charge level. The plurality of input commands may comprise input commands derived from different authentication objects, or may, for example, comprise input commands derived from a single authentication object. The battery may comprise a rechargeable battery, for example a lithium ion battery. The electronic device may comprise a portable electronic device, for example an RFID reader, or a mobile telephone.
The electronic device may comprise a monitor for monitoring the level of charge stored by the battery. The monitor may comprise a battery gas gauge. The monitor may be configured to monitor the level of charge contained in the battery continuously whilst the battery is discharging. The monitor may be configured to transmit battery charge level information to the controller. The controller may comprise a microprocessor.
The method may comprise discharging the battery to a pre-determined charge level which is less than, or equal to, 50%, 40%, or 30%, of the total charge capacity of the battery.
The method may comprise applying a voltage across a load, eg a resistor, of the electronic device in response to the at least one input command. Thus by applying a voltage across the load, the battery may be discharged to the predetermined level.
The method may comprise reading an authentication object to generate the at least one input command. The method may comprise interrogating an
authentication object with a source of electromagnetic radiation, and receiving a response in the form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object, to generate the at least one input command.
The method may comprise interrogating an authentication object with a radio wave source, and receiving a response in the form of radio waves emitted by the authentication object, to generate the at least one input command. The electronic device may comprise an RFID reader, and the authentication object may comprise an RFID tag. The method may comprise scanning an RFID tag using an RFID reader, to generate the at least one input command. The method may comprise interrogating an RFID tag with a radio wave source, and receiving a response in the form of radio waves emitted by the RFID tag, to generate the at least one input command.
The method may comprise interrogating an authentication object with an infra-red light source and/or a visible light source and/or an ultra violet light source, and receiving a response in the form of infra-red and/or visible and/or ultra violet light emitted by the authentication object, to generate the at least one input command. The electronic device may comprise a barcode and/or QR code scanner, and the authentication object may comprise a barcode and/or a QR code. The method may comprise scanning a barcode and/or a QR code using a barcode and/or QR code scanner, to generate the at least one input command.
The electronic device may comprise a camera, and a processor configured to generate the at least one input command in response to an image and/or video of an authentication object captured by the camera. The method may comprise using a camera of the electronic device to capture an image and/or video of an authentication image, and generating the at least one input command using the captured image and/or video. The method may comprise providing a controller of the electronic device with a plurality of input commands, such that the controller causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the plurality of input commands match pre-determined discharge commands. The method may comprise providing a controller of the electronic device with input commands of differing formats including, for example, input commands of different type, duration, strength, etc. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a data carrier comprising machine readable instructions for a controller of an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a battery, and a controller having a discharge mode, wherein the instructions cause operation of the controller to: a) receive at least one input command
b) determine whether the at least one input command matches a predetermined discharge command, and
c) cause operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a predetermined charge level where the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an RFID reader comprising a battery, a receiver for receiving radio wave signals, and a controller having a mode in which the controller:
a) receives at least one input command
b) determines whether the at least one input command matches a predetermined discharge command, and
causes operation of the RFID reader to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of discharging a battery of an RFID reader, the method comprising providing a controller of the RFID reader with at least one input command derived from at least one radio wave signal received by a receiver of the RFID reader from an RFID tag, and determining whether the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command, such that the controller causes operation of the RFID reader to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a data carrier comprising machine readable instructions for a controller of an RFID reader, the RFID reader comprising a battery, a receiver for receiving radio wave signals, and a controller having a discharge mode, wherein the instructions cause operation of the controller to:
a) receive at least one input command derived from at least one radio wave signal received by the receiver from an RFID tag
b) determine whether the at least one input command matches a predetermined discharge command, and
cause operation of the RFID reader to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command.
Preferential features of each aspect of the present invention may be applied equally to other aspects of the present invention, where appropriate.
Practicable embodiments of the invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of discharging a battery of an electronic device according to the second aspect of the present invention.
An electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention, generally designated 10, is shown schematically in Figure 1 . The device 10 as shown in Figure 1 is an RFID reader 10.
The RFID reader 10 comprises a microcontroller 12, a battery 14, a gas gauge 16, and a UHF transponder 18. The microcontroller 12, battery 14, gas gauge 16, and UHF transponder 18 are conventional components which may typically be found in a conventional RFID reader. The microcontroller 12 is configured to receive information from both the gas gauge 16 and the UHF transponder 18, and is further configured to operate as will be described in more detail below, and with reference to Figure 2. The RFID reader 10 is used to read 22 an RFID tag (which is a further UHF transponder) 20. The microcontroller 12 determines 24 whether the RFID tag 20 is a tag configured to send the microcontroller 12 into a discharge mode. If the RFID tag 20 is not a tag configured to send the microcontroller 12 into a discharge mode, then the RFID reader 10 performs its normal function 26 having regard to the RFID tag 20.
If the RFID tag 20 is a tag configured to send the microcontroller 12 into a discharge mode, then the microcontroller 12 configures 28 the RFID reader 10 to discharge the battery 14 by placing a load across a resistor (not shown). During discharge, the level of charge in the battery 14 is read by the gas gauge 16, and this information is fed to the microcontroller 12. The microcontroller 12 thus determines 31 the level of charge in the battery 14. If the level of charge in the battery is above a pre-determined threshold, in the present case 30%, then the microcontroller continues 32 to operate the discharge mode. If the level of charge in the battery is below a pre-determined threshold, in the present case 30%, then the microcontroller interrupts 34 the discharge mode, and shuts down 36 the RFID reader 10.

Claims

Claims:
1. An electronic device comprising a battery and a controller having a mode in which the controller:
a) receives at least one input command
b) determines whether the at least one input command matches a predetermined discharge command, and
c) causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a predetermined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command.
2. An electronic device as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the pre-determined charge level is less than, or equal to, 50%, 40%, or 30% of the total charge capacity of the battery.
3. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to apply a voltage across a load that consumes power where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command.
4. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one input command comprises an electronic signal derived from an authentication object or device.
5. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic signal of the at least one input command is communicated through an electrical connection or derived from electromagnetic radiation.
6. An electronic device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the electronic signal of the at least one input command is derived from any, or any combination, of radio waves, infra-red light, visible light, or ultra-violet light.
7. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic device comprises a reader for reading an authentication object.
8. An electronic device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the reader comprises a sensor for sensing electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object.
9. An electronic device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the reader comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation, and a sensor for sensing electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object.
10. An electronic device as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the source of electromagnetic radiation has a pre-determined frequency or range of frequencies, and electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object has a frequency that is similar to, or equal to, the frequency or range of frequencies of the electromagnetic radiation of the source.
1 1 . An electronic device as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the source of electromagnetic radiation comprises a source of radio waves, infra-red light or visible light.
12. An electronic device as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein the sensor senses radio waves, infra-red light or visible light.
13. An electronic device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the reader comprises a camera, and the electronic device comprises a processor configured to generate the at least one input command in response to an image and/or video of an authentication object captured by the camera.
14. An electronic device as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 13, wherein the authentication object comprises any or any combination of an RFID tag, a barcode, or a QR code.
15. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic device comprises a user interface, and the at least one input command is inputted by a user of the electronic device via the user interface.
16. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to operate the device in a normal mode of operation to discharge the battery to a pre-determined level in response to the at least one input command.
17. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller is operable to turn off the electronic device once the pre-determined level has been reached.
18. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the battery comprises a rechargeable battery.
19. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the battery comprises a lithium ion battery.
20. An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic device comprises a portable electronic device.
21 . An electronic device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic device comprises a monitor for monitoring the level of charge stored by the battery.
22. An electronic device as claimed in Claim 21 , wherein the monitor comprises a battery gas gauge.
23. A method of discharging a battery of an electronic device, the method comprising providing a controller of the electronic device with at least one input command, and determining whether the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command, such that the controller causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the at least one input command matches the pre-determined discharge command.
24. A method as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the at least one input command comprises an electronic signal derived from an authentication object or device.
25. A method as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the method comprises discharging the battery to a pre-determined charge level which is less than, or equal to, 50%, 40%, or 30%, of the total charge capacity of the battery.
26. A method as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 25, wherein the method comprises applying a voltage across a load of the electronic device in response to the at least one input command.
27. A method as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 26, wherein the method comprises reading an authentication object to generate the at least one input command.
28. A method as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 27, wherein the method comprises interrogating an authentication object with a source of electromagnetic radiation, and receiving a response in the form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the authentication object, to generate the at least one input command.
29. A method as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 28, wherein the method comprises interrogating an authentication object with a radio wave source, and receiving a response in the form of radio waves emitted by the authentication object, to generate the at least one input command.
30. A method as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the method comprises scanning an RFID tag using an RFID reader, to generate the at least one input command.
31 . A method as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 28, wherein the method comprises interrogating an authentication object with an infra-red light source and/or a visible light source and/or an ultra violet light source, and receiving a response in the form of infra-red and/or visible and/or ultra violet light emitted by the authentication object, to generate the at least one input command.
32. A method as claimed in Claim 31 , wherein the method comprises scanning a barcode and/or a QR code using a barcode and/or QR code scanner, to generate the at least one input command.
33. A method as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 28, wherein the method comprises using a camera of the electronic device to capture an image and/or video of an authentication image, and generating the at least one input command using the captured image and/or video.
34. A method as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 33, wherein the method comprises providing a controller of the electronic device with a plurality of input commands, such that the controller causes operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a pre-determined charge level where the plurality of input commands match a plurality of pre-determined discharge commands.
35. A data carrier comprising machine readable instructions for a controller of an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a battery, and a controller having a discharge mode, wherein the instructions cause operation of the controller to:
a) receive at least one input command
b) determine whether the at least one input command matches a predetermined discharge command, and
c) cause operation of the electronic device to discharge the battery to a predetermined charge level where the at least one input command matches a pre-determined discharge command.
36. A data carrier as claimed in Claim 35, wherein the at least one input command comprises n electronic signal derived from an authentication object or device.
PCT/GB2017/051218 2016-04-29 2017-04-28 Improvements related to battery-powered electronic devices WO2017187203A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1607601.0 2016-04-29
GB1607602.8A GB2543596A (en) 2016-04-29 2016-04-29 Improvements related to battery-powered RFID readers
GB1607601.0A GB2543595B (en) 2016-04-29 2016-04-29 Improvements related to battery-powered electronic devices
GB1607602.8 2016-04-29

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