WO2022255935A1

WO2022255935A1 - A wireless transmitter

Info

Publication number: WO2022255935A1
Application number: PCT/SG2021/050313
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mathew Adam WILLIAMS; Aurelien Albert Francois FRANC; Jordan Xu; Caijin WANG; Indira PRAKASAM
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Asia Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-02
Filing date: 2021-06-02
Publication date: 2022-12-08

Abstract

A wireless transmitter for communicating with a receiver and a modular accessory device for coupling to the wireless transmitter are provided. The wireless transmitter comprises a transmitter housing comprising an actuator member provided on a first external surface of the transmitter housing, the actuator member having a portion disposed within the transmitter housing; a power sensing member disposed on a second external surface of the transmitter housing, the power sensing member capable of coupling to an external power source; a controller module coupled to the power sensing member, the controller module arranged to be activated based on a power sensed at the power sensing member; a radio communication module coupled to the controller module; and wherein upon activation of the controller module based on the power sensed at the power sensing member, the controller module is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module to enter a commissioning mode of the transmitter.

Description

A WIRELESS TRANSMITTER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates broadly to a wireless transmitter for communicating with a receiver.

BACKGROUND

For applications using transmitters to communicate with receivers at different locations, transmitters may be desired to be wireless so that complexities with wiring of transmitters may be prevented. Further, it has been recognized that wireless transmitters may be produced batteryless so that issues relating to replacement of internal batteries or power sources may be prevented. In addition, with power generator technology progressing, it has been recognized that small form power generators may be provided with batteryless and wireless transmitters in order to reduce the form factor of such wireless transmitters.

Currently, for such wireless transmitters, communications are performed on a single fixed frequency. Typically, batteryless and wireless transmitters are meant to internally generate sufficient power to transmit a signal on a fixed frequency before powering down. The consequence of the above is that operators may only use a specific radio frequency for communication. One problem that may arise is that in an environment, such as an industrial environment, whereby the frequency is relatively heavily utilized by a plurality of communication devices, communication reliability can typically be degraded, e.g. due to radio frames being interrupted by external disturbances.

Furthermore, currently, for such wireless transmitters, it has been recognized that communications are not encrypted. It is recognized that such wireless transmitters are not intended to provide configurable encryption for radio communication. One problem that may arise is that without encryption, radio communications may be intercepted and accessed by a non-authorised party to gain information that may be valuable to such a non- authorised party.

Hence, in view of the above, there exists a need for a wireless transmitter that may address at least one of the above problems. SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wireless transmitter for communicating with a receiver, the wireless transmitter may comprise a transmitter housing comprising an actuator member provided on a first external surface of the transmitter housing, the actuator member having a portion disposed within the transmitter housing; a power sensing member disposed on a second external surface of the transmitter housing, the power sensing member capable of coupling to an external power source; a controller module coupled to the power sensing member, the controller module arranged to be activated based on a power sensed at the power sensing member; a radio communication module coupled to the controller module; and wherein upon activation of the controller module based on the power sensed at the power sensing member, the controller module is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module to enter a commissioning mode of the transmitter.

In the commissioning mode of the transmitter, the radio communication module may be arranged to monitor a plurality of communication frequencies to determine a receiver communication frequency; and wherein if the receiver communication frequency is determined, the controller module is arranged to instruct the radio communication module to conduct further communications with a receiver that is communicating at the receiver communication frequency, the further communications being based on the determined receiver communication frequency.

The controller module may be arranged to instruct the radio communication module to encrypt the further communications with the receiver that is communicating at the receiver communication frequency.

The controller module may be further coupled to the portion of the actuator member disposed within the transmitter housing and further wherein the controller module is arranged to instruct the radio communication module based on an actuation sensing of the portion of the actuator member.

Upon activation of the controller module based on the power sensed at the power sensing member and wherein if the actuation sensing indicates that the actuator member has been actuated for a first predetermined number of times, the controller module may be further arranged to instruct the radio communication module to enter a decommissioning mode of the transmitter.

In the decommissioning mode of the transmitter, the controller module may be arranged to instruct the radio communication module to reset a communication frequency of the transmitter.

The wireless transmitter may further comprise a first mechanical mating member disposed at a first top surface of the transmitter housing wherein the first mechanical mating member is adapted to mechanically engage with an external actuation device disposed at the first top surface.

The first external surface may be the first top surface.

The wireless transmitter may further comprise a second mechanical mating member disposed at a back end of the transmitter housing wherein the second mechanical mating member is adapted to mechanically couple with an external device disposed adjacent to the wireless transmitter.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a modular accessory device for coupling to the wireless transmitter as disclosed herein, to enable a commissioning/decommissioning mode at the wireless transmitter, the modular accessory device may comprise a power source disposed within an accessory device housing of the modular accessory device; an electrically conductive member to couple to the power sensing member of the wireless transmitter, the electrically conductive member being coupled to the power source; and a switch to turn on a draining of the power source for providing power to the wireless transmitter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram for illustrating a wireless transmitter for communicating with a receiver in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a wireless transmitter in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a perspective bottom view of the wireless transmitter in the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a modular accessory device.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the modular accessory device being coupled to a wireless transmitter of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3C is another perspective view of the modular accessory device prior to coupling to the wireless transmitter of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a wireless transmitter in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram for illustrating internal components of a wireless transmitter in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a wireless transmitter for illustrating an initial first position prior to actuation of the wireless transmitter in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of the wireless transmitter for illustrating a final second position after actuation of the wireless transmitter in the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart for illustrating a commissioning/decommissioning process of a wireless transmitter in an exemplary implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless transmitter 100 is a batteryless and wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter 100 comprises a transmitter housing 102, a power sensing member 104, a controller module 106 and a radio communication module 108. The wireless transmitter 100 may further comprise a power generator (not shown).

The transmitter housing 102 comprises an actuator member 110 provided on a first external surface of the transmitter housing 102. A portion of the actuator member 110 is disposed within the transmitter housing 102. An exposed portion of the actuator member 110 may be disposed anywhere externally of the transmitter housing 102. The first external surface may be, but is not limited to, a first top surface of the transmitter housing 102. The first external surface may be any external surface of the transmitter housing 102. For example, the actuator member 110 may alternatively be disposed on a side wall of the transmitter housing 102. The actuator member 110 may be, but is not limited to, a pushbutton, or a plunger-type translational member.

The power sensing member 104 is disposed on a second external surface of the transmitter housing 102. The power sensing member 104 is capable of coupling to an external power source (not shown). The second external surface may be any external surface of the transmitter housing 102. The second external surface may be, but is not limited to, a second bottom surface of the transmitter housing 102. The second bottom surface is opposite the first top surface, i.e. the second bottom surface is disposed on an opposite side of the transmitter housing 102 from the first top surface. The power sensing member 104 may be disposed anywhere externally of the transmitter housing 102. For example, the power sensing member 104 may alternatively be disposed on a side wall of the transmitter housing 102. The controller module 106 is coupled to the power sensing member 104. The controller module may comprise a microcontroller which is used to control the circuitry within/of the wireless transmitter 100.

The radio communication module 108 is coupled to the controller module 106. The radio communication module 108 may include an antenna and is capable of functioning as a transceiver. The radio communication module 108 is capable of transmitting a communication signal to a receiver and to receive a signal from the receiver.

In the description below, it is described how the wireless transmitter 100 may enter a transmitter commissioning mode (to pair with a receiver that is itself in a commissioning mode, with a chosen frequency of the receiver) or a transmitter decommissioning mode. In addition, it is described that the wireless transmitter 100 may enter a normal pairing mode (to pair with a receiver) to communicate on a predetermined default frequency.

The controller module 106 is arranged to be activated based on a power sensed at the power sensing member 104. Upon activation of the controller module 106 based on the power sensed at the power sensing member 104, the controller module 106 is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 to enter a commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter 100. The commissioning mode may also be known as a frequency determination mode. At this time, power may be drawn from the external power source.

In the commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter 100, the radio communication module 108 is arranged to monitor a plurality of communication frequencies to determine a receiver communication frequency. For example, the radio communication module 108 scans a spectrum of communication frequency, e.g. two or more predetermined frequencies, to determine the receiver communication frequency. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined frequencies may be stored in a storage module (not shown) coupled to the radio communication module 108. The receiver communication frequency is a frequency that a receiver, that is in a commissioning mode, is on. That is, the receiver is waiting to pair with the wireless transmitter 100 on the receiver communication frequency.

If the receiver communication frequency is determined, the controller module 106 is arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 to conduct further communications with the receiver that is communicating at the receiver communication frequency. The further communications are based on the determined receiver communication frequency. That is, the wireless transmitter 100 may communicate on a transmission frequency with the receiver, the transmission frequency being the determined receiver communication frequency. For example, after scanning or monitoring the plurality of communication frequencies to determine a receiver communication frequency, after determination of the receiver communication frequency, the radio communication module 108 is fixed on the determined receiver communication frequency for further communications with the receiver. As such, in the commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter 100, the controller module 106 is arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 to pair with the receiver at a chosen frequency (chosen at the receiver).

In the exemplary embodiment, the controller module 106 may be further arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 to encrypt the further communications with the receiver that is communicating at the receiver communication frequency. In the exemplary embodiment, the logic for encryption, the encryption techniques, protocol etc. may be stored in the storage module (not shown) coupled to the radio communication module 108.

In the exemplary embodiment, the controller module 106 is further coupled to the portion of the actuator member 110 disposed within the transmitter housing 102. The controller module 106 is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 based on an actuation sensing of the portion of the actuator member 110. The actuation sensing may be implemented in any number of ways. For example only, for a wireless transmitter with an internal power generator, an actuation of the actuator member 110 may generate a voltage and/or current at the power generator. The generated voltage and/or current may be detected by the controller module 106. For example, a pin of a microcontroller may be used to sense a switch in logic high/low based on an actuation of the actuator member 110.

In the exemplary embodiment, upon activation of the controller module 106 based on the power sensed at the power sensing member 104 and wherein if the actuation sensing indicates that the actuator member 104 has been actuated for a first predetermined number of times, the controller module 106 is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 to enter a decommissioning mode of the transmitter. The decommissioning mode may also be known as a frequency determination or reset mode. For example, when an external power source is coupled to the power sensing member 104 and a user / operator actuates the actuator member 110 for a first predetermined number of times, power is sensed at the power sensing member 104 and actuation is sensed of the portion of the actuator member 110 for the first predetermined number of times. Upon the above conditions, the controller module 106 is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 to enter a decommissioning mode of the transmitter. The first predetermined number of times may be stored in the storage module (not shown) coupled to the radio communication module 108. For example, the first predetermined number of times may be, but is not limited to, actuation of the actuator member 110 for six times. The first predetermined number of times may also be any number of times of actuation of the actuator member 110.

In the decommissioning mode of the wireless transmitter 100, the controller module 106 is arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 to reset a communication frequency of the wireless transmitter 100. For example, the communication frequency of the wireless transmitter 100 is reset e.g. to a predetermined default frequency. In some exemplary embodiments, in the decommissioning mode, there is no encryption of communication signals for further communications. That is, during communication on the predetermined default frequency, there is no encryption of the communication signals. The predetermined default frequency may be stored in the storage module (not shown) coupled to the radio communication module 108. In some exemplary embodiments, after the decommissioning mode, the wireless transmitter 100 may undergo pairing with a receiver e.g. to communicate at the default predetermined frequency.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless transmitter 100 may preferably further comprise a visual indicator member 112 coupled to the controller module 106 to show pairing and/or commissioning and/or decommissioning at the wireless transmitter 100. The pairing may be with a receiver on a default predetermined frequency while the commissioning may be with a receiver on a receiver communication frequency. For example, the visual indicator member may comprise a light emitting diode (LED). For example, the LED flashes to show a pairing mode. For example, the LED may flash at a faster speed to show a commissioning mode. For example, the LED may show another visual indication to show a decommissioning mode.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless transmitter 100 may be provided with a normal pairing mode. For example, the wireless transmitter 100 may enter into a normal pairing mode without usage of the power sensing member 104 or e.g. without a power sensed at the power sensing member 104. In such a scenario, the controller module 106 may be arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 based on an actuation sensing of the portion of the actuator member 110 when no power is sensed at the power sensing member 104. For example, when there is no external power source coupled to the power sensing member 104 and a user / operator actuates the actuator member 110 for a second predetermined number of times, the radio communication module 108 is instructed to enter a normal pairing mode. That is, with no power sensed at the power sensing member 104 and actuation is sensed of the portion of the actuator member 110 for the second predetermined number of times, the controller module 106 is arranged to instruct the radio communication module 108 to pair with a receiver at a predetermined default frequency and in a default non-encrypted state. This is termed as the normal pairing mode. The predetermined default frequency may be stored in the storage module (not shown) coupled to the radio communication module 108. For example, the second predetermined number of times may be, but is not limited to, actuation of the actuator member 110 for three times when no power is sensed at the power sensing member 104. The second predetermined number of times may also be any number of times of actuation of the actuator member 110 when no power is sensed at the power sensing member 104.

For example only, for a wireless transmitter with an internal power generator, an actuation of the actuator member 110 may generate a voltage and/or current at the power generator. The generated voltage and/or current may be detected by the controller module 106. For example, a pin of a microcontroller may be used to sense a switch in logic high/low based on an actuation of the actuator member 110, e.g. to indicate the normal pairing mode. During the normal pairing mode, the power provided to the wireless transmitter 100 during actuation of the actuator member 110 may be provided by the internal power generator of the wireless transmitter 100. During the normal pairing mode, there is insufficient power for the wireless transmitter 100 to e.g. scan the spectrum of communication frequencies. With the second predetermined number of times of actuation of the actuator member 110, a generated voltage and/or current may allow the wireless transmitter 100 to operate to set communication at a predetermined default frequency. In the normal pairing mode, the default communication mode is non-encrypted communication. As an example only, during the normal pairing mode, with a three times actuation of the actuator member 110, the wireless transmitter 100 transmits a radio signal three times. The radio signal may be a same signal transmitted for the three times on the predetermined default frequency. A receiver, in a pairing mode, records e.g. an identification or ID of the wireless transmitter 100 and is arranged to communicate thereafter with the wireless transmitter 100, i.e. the receiver and the wireless transmitter 100 are paired such that further communication signals from the wireless transmitter 100 are received by the paired receiver.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a wireless transmitter in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2B is a perspective bottom view of the wireless transmitter in the exemplary embodiment.

The wireless transmitter 200 functions substantially similarly to the wireless transmitter 100 of FIG. 1.

In the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the wireless transmitter 200 comprises a transmitter housing 202, an actuator member 210, a power sensing member 204, a controller module (not shown; disposed internally) and a radio communication module (not shown; disposed internally). The wireless transmitter may further comprise a power generator (not shown; disposed internally).

The transmitter housing 202 comprises a first top surface 212, a second bottom surface 214, a first side wall 216, a second side wall (not shown), a first back end 220 and a second back end 222. The first top surface 212 is opposite the second bottom surface 214, i.e. the first top surface 212 is disposed on an opposite side of the transmitter housing 202 from the second bottom surface 214. The first side wall 216 is opposite the second side wall, i.e. the first side wall 216 is disposed on an opposite side of the transmitter housing 202 from the second side wall. The first back end 220 is opposite the second back end 222, i.e. the first back end 220 is disposed on an opposite side of the transmitter housing 202 from the second back end 222.

The actuator member 210 is located at the first top surface 212 of the transmitter housing 202. A portion of the actuator member 210 is disposed within the transmitter housing 202. An exposed portion of the actuator member 210 protrudes above the first top surface 212 of the transmitter housing 202.

In the exemplary embodiment, the power sensing member 204 is located at the opposing second bottom surface 214 of the transmitter housing 202. The power sensing member 204 is capable of coupling to an external power source (not shown). The power sensing member 204 is in the form of, but is not limited to, a gold metal plated edge, one or more contact pads or one or more pogo pins. The power sensing member 204 allows electrical coupling of the wireless transmitter 200 to another device disposed at the second bottom surface 214 of the wireless transmitter 200. For example, the another device may be a modular accessory device for performing commissioning and/or decommissioning. For example, the another device may comprise a corresponding electrically conductive member to co-operate with the power sensing member 204. As an example, the power sensing member 204 may be one or more exposed contact pads while the another device may comprise one or more pogo pins to co-operate with the contact pads. For example, the another device can allow an external power source to be provided to the wireless transmitter 200 via the electrical coupling. For example, sufficient power may be provided via the electrical coupling to allow the controller module (compare 106 of FIG. 1) of the wireless transmitter 200 to instruct the radio communication module (compare 108 of FIG. 1) to enter a commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter 200, e.g. to monitor for and determine a receiver communication frequency. For example, the power sensing member 204 may receive power via the electrical coupling to allow entry into a decommissioning mode of the wireless transmitter 200.

The controller module (compare 106 of FIG. 1) is located within the transmitter housing 202. The controller module is coupled to the power sensing member 204. The controller module is arranged to be activated based on a power sensed at the power sensing member 204. The controller module may comprise a microcontroller which is used to control the circuitry of the wireless transmitter 200. Upon activation of the controller module based on the power sensed at the power sensing member 204, the controller module is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module (compare 108 of FIG. 1) to enter a commissioning mode of the transmitter 200.

The radio communication module (compare 108 of FIG. 1) is located within the transmitter housing 202. The radio communication module is coupled to the controller module (compare 106 of FIG. 1) and is capable of functioning as a transceiver. The radio communication module (compare 108 of FIG. 1) is capable of transmitting a communication signal to a receiver and to receive a signal from the receiver. In the commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter 200, the radio communication module (compare 108 of FIG. 1) is arranged to monitor a plurality of communication frequencies to determine a receiver communication frequency. If the receiver communication frequency is determined, the controller module (compare 106 of FIG. 1) is arranged to instruct the radio communication module (compare 108 of FIG. 1) to conduct further communications with the receiver that is communicating at the receiver communication frequency. The further communications are based on the determined receiver communication frequency. That is, the wireless transmitter 200 may communicate on a transmission frequency with the receiver, the transmission frequency being the determined receiver communication frequency. For example, after scanning or monitoring the plurality of communication frequencies to determine a receiver communication frequency, after determination of the receiver communication frequency, the radio communication module (compare 108 of FIG. 1) is fixed on the determined receiver communication frequency for further communications with the receiver.

The power generator (not shown) is located within the transmitter housing 202. In the exemplary embodiment, the power generator is capable of generating power to operate the wireless transmitter 200. In the exemplary embodiment, the exposed portion of the actuator member 210 protruding above the first top surface 212 is arranged to be actuated/contacted e.g. by an actuator of an actuation device. For example, such an actuator may be a plunger and the actuation device may be a pushbutton or selector switch comprising the plunger. For example, such an actuation device may be a wired transmitter comprising a plunger as an actuator.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless transmitter 200 further comprises a first mechanical mating member 224, 226 disposed at the first top surface 212 of the transmitter housing 202. The first mechanical mating member 224, 226 is adapted to mechanically engage with or couple to an external actuation device (not shown) disposed at the first top surface 212. The first mechanical mating member 224, 226 may be termed as an actuation device mating member. The first mechanical mating member 224, 226 is in the form of, but is not limited to, a fixing hook and snap-clip respectively for mounting the wireless transmitter 200 to the external actuation device. The external actuation device may be, but is not limited to, a pushbutton, a selector switch, a joy stick etc. The pushbutton, the selector switch, the joy stick etc may be made of plastic or metal but is not limited as such. For example, the external actuation device may also be a wired transmitter with a plunger for actuating the wireless transmitter 200. In such a scenario, the wired transmitter may be actuated by another actuation device that in turn actuates its plunger to actuate the wireless transmitter 200. The first mechanical mating member 224, 226 enables the wireless transmitter 200 to be easily mounted to or dismounted from the external actuation device when disposed at the first top surface 212.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless transmitter 200 further comprises a second mechanical mating member 228 disposed at the first back end 220 of the transmitter housing 202. It may be provided that another second mechanical mating member 230 is disposed at the second back end 222 of the transmitter housing 202. The second mechanical mating member(s) may be termed as adjacent device mating member(s). The second mechanical mating member e.g. 228, 230 forms a thoroughfare extending from the first side wall 216 to the opposing second side wall (not shown). The second mechanical mating member e.g. 228, 230 is adapted to mechanically couple with an external device (not shown) disposed adjacent to the wireless transmitter 200, i.e. adjacent to the first side wall 216 and/or the second side wall (not shown) of the transmitter housing 202, wherein the adjacent external device (not shown) comprises a complementary member for mating with the second mechanical mating member e.g. 228, 230.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a modular accessory device. The modular accessory device is an accessory device for performing commissioning and/or decommissioning at a wireless transmitter. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the modular accessory device being coupled to a wireless transmitter of an exemplary embodiment. The view of the wireless transmitter is along the direction A as indicated in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3C is another perspective view of the modular accessory device prior to coupling to the wireless transmitter of the exemplary embodiment. The view of the modular accessory device and the wireless transmitter in FIG. 3C may be taken as from an opposite side of the modular accessory device and the wireless transmitter as compared to the view of FIG. 3B.

In some exemplary embodiments, the modular accessory device for performing commissioning and/or decommissioning at a wireless transmitter may be termed as a modular commissioning accessory device.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the modular accessory device 300 comprises an accessory device housing 302, a recess 304, an electrically conductive member 306 and a power source (not shown; disposed internally). The power source is located within the accessory device housing 302 and coupled to the electrically conductive member 306.

The recess 304 is in the form of, but is not limited to, a substantially rectangular channel receptacle. The recess 304 comprises an open front at a first front wall 308 of the accessory device housing 302, a closed back formed by an opposing second back wall 310 of the accessory device housing 302, a first slanted face 312, a second slanted face 314 and a base 316. The second slanted face 314 is disposed opposite the first slanted face 312. The recess 304 is adapted to accommodate a bottom part (or bottom surface, compare e.g. 214 of FIG. 2B) of a wireless transmitter 320 of an exemplary embodiment. The shape of the recess 304 is complementary to the shape of the bottom part of the wireless transmitter 320.

Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the recess 304 is adapted to receive the wireless transmitter 320 with a second bottom surface (compare 214 of FIG. 2B) of the wireless transmitter 320 being in contact with the base 316 of the recess 304. A first back end 322 of the wireless transmitter 320 is in contact with the first slanted face 312 (see FIG. 3A) of the recess 304 (see FIG. 3A) of the modular accessory device 300. A second back end 324 of the wireless transmitter 320 is in contact with the second slanted face 314 (see FIG. 3A) of the recess 304. A width of the recess 304 is substantially the same as a width of the wireless transmitter 320 such that the wireless transmitter 320 is substantially contained in the recess 304.

The electrically conductive member 306 of the modular accessory device 300 is disposed within the recess 304 and is complementary to a power sensing member (compare 104 of FIG. 1 and 204 of FIG. 2B) of the wireless transmitter 320. When the wireless transmitter 320 is fitted into the recess 304 of the modular accessory device 300, the power sensing member (compare 104 of FIG. 1 and 204 of FIG 2B) is in electrical contact with the electrically conductive member 306 of the modular accessory device 300. The electrically conductive member 306 allows electrical coupling of the modular accessory device 300 to the wireless transmitter 320. The electrically conductive member 306 of the modular accessory device 300 is in the form of, but is not limited, one or more pogo pins, one or more contact pads or a gold metal plated edge. For example, where the electrically conductive member 306 is in the form of one or more pogo pins (as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C), the power sensing member (compare 104 of FIG. 1 and 204 of FIG. 2B) is in the form of a gold metal plated edge or one or more contact pads. For example, where the electrically conductive member 306 is in the form of a gold metal plated edge or one or more contact pads, the power sensing member (compare 104 of FIG. 1 and 204 of FIG. 2B) is in the form of one or more pogo pins.

In the exemplary illustration, the modular accessory device 300 further comprises a depression switch 318. When the wireless transmitter 320 is fitted into the recess 304 of the modular accessory device 300, the second bottom surface (compare 214 of FIG. 2B) of the wireless transmitter 320 may depress the depression switch 318 and activate or drain the power source of the modular accessory device 300. Power may then be provided to the wireless transmitter 320 via the electrically conductive member 306.

As an example, the modular accessory device 300 provides a power supply, for example 3V, to the wireless transmitter 320 via the two pogo pins. As an example, when the modular accessory device 300 is coupled to the wireless transmitter 320, the two pogo pins on the modular accessory device 300 are connected to a controller module (compare 106 of FIG. 1) of the wireless transmitter 320 via two contact pads disposed on the wireless transmitter 320.

The wireless transmitter 320 is a batteryless and wireless transmitter. Power may be provided by the power source of the modular accessory device 300 to the coupled wireless transmitter 320 via the electrical coupling between the electrically conductive member 306 of the modular accessory device 300 and the power sensing member (compare 104 of FIG. 1 and 204 of FIG 2B) of the wireless transmitter 320.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless transmitter 400 is substantially similar to the wireless transmitter 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B and 320 of FIGS. 3B and 3C.

The wireless transmitter 400 comprises a power sensing member 404, a controller module 406, a radio communication module 408 and an actuator member 410. The controller module 406 and the radio communication module 408 are disposed on a circuit board 440. The circuit board 440 is disposed along a height of the wireless transmitter 400 in a vertical orientation that is extending between a first top surface (compare 212 of FIG. 2A) and an opposing second bottom surface (compare 214 of FIG. 2B) of a transmitter housing (compare 202 of FIGS. 2A and 2B).

The power sensing member 404 is disposed on a second bottom surface (compare 214 of FIG. 2B) of the transmitter housing (compare 202 of FIGS. 2A and 2B). The power sensing member 404 is capable of being connected to an external power source.

A portion of the actuator member 410 is disposed within the transmitter housing (compare 202 of FIGS. 2A and 2B). A portion of the actuator member 410 protrudes above a first top surface (compare 212 of FIG. 2A) of the transmitter housing (compare 202 of FIGS. 2A and 2B). The controller module 406 is electrically coupled to the portion of the actuator member 410 disposed within the transmitter housing so as to perform actuation sensing of the actuator member 410.

The controller module 406 may be, but is not limited to, a microcontroller. The controller module 406 is electrically coupled to the power sensing member 404. The radio communication module 408 is also electrically coupled to the controller module 406. When power is sensed at the power sensing member 404, the controller module 406 is activated. Thereafter, the controller module 406 is arranged to instruct the radio communication module 408 to enter a commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter.

The logic control for activation of the wireless transmitter 400 and the transceiver/transmission mechanism etc. of the radio communication module 408 are contained/stored on the circuit board 440 of the wireless transmitter 400. When the modular accessory device (compare 300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C) is coupled/attached to the wireless transmitter 400, the wireless transmitter 400 detects a power of the modular accessory device (compare 300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C) and the wireless transmitter 400 can go into a commissioning mode or a decommissioning mode, the decommissioning mode further based on an actuation sensing of the actuator member 410.

For a commissioning mode, depending on a receiver communication frequency determined from a receiver, the wireless transmitter 400 can determine and perform further communications with the receiver on a specific receiver communication frequency. In some exemplary embodiments, in the commissioning mode, the wireless transmitter 400 can enable an encryption mode to encrypt the further communications with the receiver. For the decommissioning mode, when the wireless transmitter 400 detects a power of the modular accessory device (compare 300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C) and the actuation sensing indicates that the actuator member 410 has been actuated for a first predetermined number of times e.g. six times, the controller module 406 is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module 408 to enter the decommissioning mode whereby the communication frequency of the radio communication module 408 is reset to a predetermined default frequency.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram for illustrating internal components of a wireless transmitter in an exemplary embodiment. The wireless transmitter 500 is substantially similar to the wireless transmitter 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless transmitter 500 comprises a controller module 506 that is coupled/connected to an actuation sensing module 510, to a power sensing member 504 and to a radio communication module 508. The controller module 506 is further coupled/connected to a storage module 552 which is in turn coupled/connected to the radio communication module 508. The radio communication module 508 comprises an antenna 550. The radio communication module 508 is capable of sending and/or receiving communication signals via the antenna 550 to/from a receiver. The storage module 552 stores information including, but not limited to, a plurality of predetermined frequencies that may be used by a receiver for communication; logic for setting the wireless transmitter 500 to a normal pairing mode or a commissioning mode or a decommissioning mode, such logic including a first predetermined number of times for the actuation sensing module 510 to set the wireless transmitter 500 to a decommissioning mode and a second predetermined number of times for the actuation sensing module 510 to set the wireless transmitter 500 to normal pairing mode; a predetermined default frequency; encryption methodologies/logic etc. and codes for communication signals etc. In an exemplary embodiment, a user / operator can select a desired receiver communication frequency at the receiver to set the receiver to a receiver commissioning mode. As an example, the receiver is capable of, but is not limited to, communicating at eleven different frequencies. When an external power source, for example from a modular accessory device (compare 300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C), is connected to the wireless transmitter 500 (compare 100 of FIG. 1 , 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, 320 of FIGS. 3B and 3C, 400 of FIG. 4), the power sensing member 504 senses the provision of external power. For example, one or more pogo pins of an electrically conductive member (compare 306 of FIGS. 3A and 3C) of the modular accessory device (compare 300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C) are connected to one or more contact pads of the power sensing member 504 of the wireless transmitter 500. The pogo pins on the modular accessory device provides a constant power supply of, for example 3V, to the connected/coupled wireless transmitter 500. The controller module 506 is activated due to and based on the power sensed at the power sensing member 504. Thereafter, the controller module 506 instructs the radio communication module 508 to enter a commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter 500. That is, the external power causes the wireless transmitter 500 to power up and to go into the commissioning mode. The power sensing member 504 of the wireless transmitter 500, being connected to the controller module 506, also provides a constant power supply from the modular accessory device to the controller module 506 to keep the controller module 506 at an ON state (or activated state) during the commissioning process. For example, the commissioning mode is automatically conducted or entered into when the external power is detected at the power sensing member 504 with no other user intervention. The commissioning mode is also termed as a frequency determination mode.

During the commissioning mode, the radio communication module 508 monitors a plurality of communication frequencies to determine a receiver communication frequency. For example, the radio communication module 508 scans a spectrum of available/predetermined communication frequencies to determine/pair with a matching receiver communication frequency at a receiver which is itself on a receiver commissioning mode. The receiver is placed on a receiver commissioning mode and is communicating/polling on a receiver communication frequency, waiting to pair with the wireless transmitter 500. For example, there are two or more predetermined communication frequencies which are stored in the storage module 552. The receiver communication frequency is the frequency that the receiver, that is in commissioning mode, is communicating/polling on, whereby the receiver is waiting to pair with the wireless transmitter 500 on the receiver communication frequency.

If the receiver communication frequency is determined, the controller module 506 instructs the radio communication module 508 to conduct further communications with the receiver that is communicating at the receiver communication frequency. The further communications are therefore based on the determined receiver communication frequency. That is, the wireless transmitter 500 may communicate on a transmission frequency with the receiver, the transmission frequency being the determined receiver communication frequency. For example, after determination of the receiver communication frequency, the radio communication module 508 is fixed on the determined receiver communication frequency for further communications with the receiver.

In the commissioning mode, the controller module 506 also instructs the radio communication module 508 to encrypt the further communications with the receiver that is communicating at the receiver communication frequency. For example, the radio communication module 508 is toggled to an encrypted mode for further communications. The communication signals sent by the radio communication module 508 to the receiver are thereby encrypted. As an example, during the commissioning mode, a visual indicator member (not shown) of the wireless transmitter 500 may also be activated to indicate the status of the commissioning process to a user/operator.

The controller module 506 is further capable of instructing the radio communication module 508 based on the actuation sensing module 510. The actuation sensing module 510 is capable of sensing actuation of the portion of an actuator member (compare 110 of FIG. 1 , 210 of FIGS. 2A and 2B and 410 of FIG. 4) disposed within a transmitter housing. Upon activation of the controller module 506 based on the power sensed at the power sensing member 504 and wherein if the actuation sensing module 510 indicates that the actuator member has been actuated for a first predetermined number of times, the controller module 506 is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module 508 to enter a decommissioning mode of the wireless transmitter 500. For example, the first predetermined number of times may be, but is not limited to, six actuations of the actuator member, being sensed at the actuation sensing module 510. The first predetermined number of times may be stored in the storage module 552. For example, to enter the decommissioning mode, the user / operator can actuate the actuator member for e.g. six times while the wireless transmitter 500 is connected to the external power supply e.g. the modular accessory device.

In the decommissioning mode, the controller module 506 instructs the radio communication module 508 to reset a communication frequency of the wireless transmitter 500. For example, the communication frequency of the wireless transmitter 500 is reset to a predetermined default frequency. In the decommissioning mode, there is no encryption of communication signals for further communications. The decommissioning mode may also be known as a resetting mode.

In the exemplary embodiment, actuation sensing may be based on a number of times the actuator member (compare 110 of FIG. 1 , 210 of FIGS. 2A and 2B and 410 of FIG. 4) is actuated and that each time provides a voltage signal (or logic high) to the controller module 506. For example, in a batteryless and wireless transmitter, an internal power generator may be provided for the transmitter to communicate with a receiver, e.g. to send communication signals to the receiver. For example, without an external power source, actuating an actuator member of such a batteryless and wireless transmitter generates sufficient power e.g. to send a communication signal to a receiver at a predetermined default frequency in a non-encrypted form. Thus, upon activation of the controller module 506 based on the power sensed at the power sensing member 504, the controller module 506 may determine whether to enter a decommissioning mode based on the number of high voltage signals received at the actuation sensing module 510 that is in turn based on the number of times the internal power generator is activated to generate power within the wireless transmitter.

FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of a wireless transmitter for illustrating an initial first position prior to actuation of the wireless transmitter in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of the wireless transmitter for illustrating a final second position after actuation of the wireless transmitter in the exemplary embodiment.

In this exemplary embodiment, an actuator member 610 is in the form of a plunger but it will be appreciated that the actuator member 610 is not limited as such. A portion of the actuator member 610 is disposed within a transmitter housing (compare 102 of FIG. 1 and 202 of FIGS. 2A and 2B).

In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the various components of a wireless transmitter 600 are in an initial first position when no force is applied on an actuator member 610 of the wireless transmitter 600. This state may also be termed as an unactuated state.

In the exemplary embodiment, a power generator 630 is disposed in the wireless transmitter 600. Power can be provided to the wireless transmitter 600 by activation of the power generator 630 when no external power source (for example a modular accessory device (compare 300 of FIGS. 3A to 3C)) is connected/coupled to the wireless transmitter 600.

In the initial first position, a cam member 620 may be spaced apart from, or in minimal contact with, a spring 632 of a power generator 630 of the wireless transmitter 600. The power generator 630 is in a non-activated state.

An external mechanical force F may be applied to the actuator member 610 to actuate or activate the wireless transmitter 600. For example, an external actuation device (not shown) can be mechanically engaged with a first mechanical mating member 624 of the wireless transmitter 600. The external actuation device can be disposed at a top surface of the wireless transmitter 600. The external actuation device may comprise a plunger/piston which is arranged to mechanically contact the actuator member 610 of the wireless transmitter 600.

When an external mechanical force F is applied on the external actuation device (not shown), the piston of the external actuation device transmits the force F and pushes the actuator member 610 of the wireless transmitter 600. Therefore, the external mechanical force F causes the actuator member 610 to translate downward in a substantially vertical direction towards the cam member 620. When the actuator member 610 contacts a projecting end 626 of the cam member 620, the cam member 620 starts to rotate/pivot off-centre of its member body and about its fixed end 622 in a first direction. The first direction is in a downward direction and towards the spring 632 of the power generator 630. For example, the first direction is an anti clockwise direction. The cam member 620 is displaced in an increasing displacement in a downward direction during the rotation process in the first direction.

At a particular point during the rotation process of the cam member 620 in the first direction, a heel portion 628 of the cam member 620 starts to contact the spring 632 of the power generator 630. As the cam member 620 continues to rotate about the fixed end 622 in the first direction, the heel portion 628 contacts and pushes down on the spring 632. The spring 632 of the power generator 630 is compressed by the heel portion 628 of the cam member 630 pressing down on the spring 632. A magnet 634 of the power generator 630 is mechanically connected to the spring 632 via a lever 642. As the spring 632 is compressed, energy builds up in the spring 632.

With reference to FIG. 6B, when the spring 632 is displaced maximally due to the contact of the cam member 620, the force of the spring 632 becomes higher than the attraction force of the magnet 634. The spring 632 is straightened and the force of the spring 632 displaces the lever 642 that in turn causes the magnet 634 to translate in a downward direction, e.g. in an abrupt manner, towards a bottom part of a transmitter housing (compare 102 of FIG. 1 and 202 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) until the magnet 634 reaches a final position as shown in FIG. 6B. Thus, the magnet 634 moves with respect to a static electromagnetic coil 636 of the power generator 630. The movement of the magnet 634 induces a voltage and/or a current in the static electromagnetic coil 636 of the power generator 630.

At this stage, the power generator 630 is thereby activated, to generate the voltage and/or current, with the actuation of the wireless transmitter 600 via the actuator member 610. The activation/induction produces enough/sufficient energy/power to fulfil a basic functionality of the wireless transmitter 600. The wireless transmitter 600 is powered up and the power generator 630 provides power e.g. including providing power to a radio communication module 608 (compare 108 of FIG. 1 , 408 of FIG. 4 and 508 of FIG. 5) disposed on a circuit board 640 in the wireless transmitter 600 for transmitting one or more communication signals to a corresponding receiver. For example, a controller module 606 (compare 106 of FIG. 1 , 406 of FIG. 4, 506 of FIG. 5) on the circuit board 640 may be activated with the generation of the power by the power generator 630 and a transmission of e.g. three radio frames may be transmitted to a receiver. The communication/transmission frequency of the one or more signals may be stored in a storage module (compare 552 of FIG. 5) of the circuit board 640.

In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the various components of the wireless transmitter 600 are in the final position. In the final position, the magnet 634 of the power generator 630 is in the final position having moved down from the initial first position (shown in FIG. 6A), and the power generator 630 is activated. Each activation of the power generator 630 causes a voltage signal to be sent to the controller module 606. In this exemplary embodiment, the voltage signal being sent is equivalent to an actuation sensing of a portion of the actuator member 610 disposed within the transmitter housing (compare 102 of FIG. 1 and 202 of FIGS. 2A and 2B).

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless transmitter 600 can enter into a normal pairing mode when the wireless transmitter 600 is not coupled to a modular accessory device (compare 300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C), i.e. when there is no connection to an external power source. For example, no power is sensed at a power sensing member 604 (compare 104 of FIG. 1 , 204 of FIGS. 2B, 404 of FIG. 4 and 504 of FIG. 5) of the wireless transmitter 600. To enter the normal pairing mode, a user/operator actuates the actuator member 610 for a second predetermined number of times. For example, the second predetermined number of times stored on the storage module may be actuation of the actuator member 610 for three times. For example, the user/operator actuates the actuator member 610 three times when there is no external power source. The power generator 630 of the wireless transmitter 600 is thereby activated for three times. Three voltage signals are sequentially provided to the controller module 606 (compare 106 of FIG. 1 , 406 of FIG. 4, 506 of FIG. 5) via actuation of the power generator 630 for three times. For example, an actuation sensing determines that the actuator member 610 has been actuated for the second predetermined number of times. Sufficient power is provided by activation of the power generator 630 to allow the controller module 606, based on the actuation sensing of the portion of the actuator member 610, to instruct the radio communication module 608 to pair with a receiver on a predetermined default/fixed transmission communication frequency. The predetermined default/fixed communication frequency is stored in the storage module (compare 552 of FIG. 5).

Thus, without an external power provided, when it is detected that an actuation sensing of the portion of the actuator member 610 corresponds to a second predetermined number of times stored in the storage module (compare 552 of FIG. 5) of the wireless transmitter 600, the normal pairing mode is activated for the wireless transmitter 600. For the pairing, the controller module 606 (compare 106 of FIG. 1 , 406 of FIG. 4, 506 of FIG. 5) instructs the radio communication module 608 (compare 108 of FIG. 1 , 408 of FIG. 4 and 508 of FIG. 5) to send/transmit a communication signal to a receiver at a predetermined default/fixed receiver/transmission communication frequency. For example, during the normal pairing mode, with a three times actuation of the actuator member 610, the wireless transmitter 600 transmits a radio signal three times. The radio signal may be a same signal transmitted for the three times on the predetermined default frequency. The receiver, in a pairing mode, records e.g. an identification or ID of the wireless transmitter 600 and is arranged to communicate thereafter with the wireless transmitter 600, i.e. the receiver and the wireless transmitter 600 are paired such that further communication signals from the wireless transmitter 600 are received by the paired receiver. It is appreciated that such default communication modes operate without encryption. That is, in the normal pairing mode, the communication signals are in a non- encrypted form.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wireless transmitter 600 can also enter into a decommissioning mode when the wireless transmitter 600 is coupled to a modular accessory device (compare 300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C), i.e. when there is an external power source. Power is sensed at the power sensing member 604 (compare 104 of FIG. 1 , 204 of FIGS. 2B, 404 of FIG. 4 and 504 of FIG. 5) of the wireless transmitter 600. To enter the decommissioning mode, the user/operator actuates the actuator member 610 for a first predetermined number of times. For example, the first predetermined number of times may be actuation of the actuator member 610 for six times. The first predetermined number of times may be stored in the storage module coupled to the radio communication module 608. For example, the user/operator actuates the actuator member 610 for six times when there is an external power source sensed at the power sensing member 604. The power generator 630 of the wireless transmitter 600 is activated for six times. Six voltage signals are sequentially provided to the controller module 606 (compare 106 of FIG. 1 , 406 of FIG. 4, 506 of FIG. 5) via actuation of the power generator 630 for six times. For example, an actuation sensing indicates that the actuator member 610 has been actuated for the first predetermined number of times e.g. six times. Based on the external power sensed at the power sensing member 604 and the actuation sensing of the portion of the actuator member 610, the controller module 606 (compare 106 of FIG. 1 , 406 of FIG. 4 and 506 of FIG. 5) instructs the radio communication module 608 (compare 108 of FIG. 1 , 408 of FIG. 4 and 508 of FIG. 5) to enter a decommissioning mode of the transmitter 600. When in the decommissioning mode, the controller module 606 instructs the radio communication module 608 to reset a communication frequency of the transmitter 600 to a predetermined default transmission/receiver communication frequency. Further communications using the wireless transmitter 600 are based on the predetermined default transmission/receiver communication frequency and without encryption. The predetermined default transmission/receiver communication frequency may be stored in the storage module coupled to the radio communication module 608.

In the exemplary embodiment, when the mechanical force F is removed, the components return to the initial first position as shown in FIG. 6A. For example, the spring 632 is biased back towards the initial first position shown in FIG. 6A. With the movement of the spring 632, the lever 642 pulls the magnet 634 from the final position in an upward direction towards a first top surface of the transmitter housing. At a particular point, when the spring 632 is returned to the initial first position, the magnet 634 moves, e.g. in an abrupt manner, back to the initial first position as shown in FIG. 6A. The return of the spring 632 causes the cam member 620 to rotate/pivot off-centre of its member body about the fixed end 622 in a second direction until the cam member 620 returns to the initial first position as shown in FIG. 6A. The second direction is in an upward direction and towards the actuator member 610. The actuator member 610 is thereby moved back to the initial first position. As such, no external force needs to be applied to move the components back to the initial first position of FIG. 6A from the final position of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart 700 for illustrating a commissioning/decommissioning process of a wireless transmitter in an exemplary implementation.

At step 702, a wireless transmitter is electrically coupled to a modular accessory device that can provide an external power source to the wireless transmitter. For example, a power sensing member of the wireless transmitter is electrically coupled to an electrically conductive member of the modular accessory device. The power from the modular accessory device can provide a constant power supply, e.g. 3V supply, to keep the wireless transmitter turned/switched on for a commissioning/decommissioning process.

At step 704, a controller module of the wireless transmitter is activated. For example, the external power source from the modular accessory device may activate a controller module of the wireless transmitter via the power sensing member. For example, the connection to the modular accessory device enables an I/O pin of a microcontroller of the controller module to go high. The wireless transmitter may then enter into a frequency determination mode, i.e. a commissioning mode or a decommissioning mode.

At step 706, it is determined whether an actuator member of the wireless transmitter has been actuated for a first predetermined number of times. For example, an actuation sensing is performed to determine if the actuator member has been actuated for e.g. six times. For example, the actuation sensing is performed for a predetermined period of time. In that period of time, if it is determined that there is no actuation for a first predetermined number of times, the process moves to step 708. Otherwise, if the actuation sensing indicates that the actuator member has been actuated for the first predetermined number of times, the controller module instructs the radio communication module to enter a decommissioning mode at step 714. For example, the predetermined period of time may be about 5s or less.

At step 708, in the commissioning mode, a radio communication module of the wireless transmitter monitors a plurality of communication frequencies to determine a receiver communication frequency of a receiver, to perform pairing. If the receiver communication frequency is determined, pairing is completed between the wireless transmitter and the receiver. For example, the controller module instructs the radio communication module to conduct further communications with the receiver at the determined receiver communication frequency.

At step 710, the modular accessory device can be uncoupled from the wireless transmitter. At step 712, the wireless transmitter communicates thereafter with the receiver at the determined receiver communication frequency and the radio frames of the further communications with the receiver are encrypted.

At step 714, in the decommissioning mode, the controller module instructs the radio communication module to reset a communication frequency of the transmitter. Encryption is also deactivated with the decommissioning mode.

With the above exemplary implementation, for example, to change channel, a user/operator may use the decommissioning mode to reset a communication frequency of the transmitter (see steps 706 and 714). Thereafter, the user/operator may use a normal pairing mode or a commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter to enable the wireless transmitter to conduct further communications on a respective default predetermined frequency without encryption (under normal pairing mode) or a chosen receiver communication frequency with encryption enabled (under the commissioning mode).

In the above exemplary implementation, the receiver is put into a commissioning mode (at the receiver) at a chosen receiver communication frequency. The receiver may then wait to pair with the wireless transmitter.

In the above exemplary implementation, the controller module of the wireless transmitter contains/stores/comprises the intelligence/logic for the process. For example, at step 704, once power is sensed via the power sensing member, the controller module of the wireless transmitter may be activated to enter into the commissioning or decommissioning modes.

With the above exemplary implementation, the wireless transmitter may be chosen to function at different frequencies depending on the configuration provided to the wireless transmitter by the user/operator via connection of an external power supply (e.g. from the modular accessory device). With the above exemplary implementation, the wireless transmitter may be chosen to function with encrypted radio messages depending on the configuration provided to the wireless transmitter by the user/operator via connection of an external power supply (e.g. from the modular accessory device).

The above described exemplary embodiments may provide a wireless transmitter which may communicate/function with a receiver with a choice of a plurality of communication frequencies. This allows a user/operator to configure the wireless transmitter to change the radio communication frequency for radio communication between a wireless transmitter and a receiver for an industrial switch/device/machinery. For example, when a particular communication frequency is busy in a particular environment where the wireless transmitter is installed, the communication reliability may be degraded due to the radio frames/signals which are interrupted by external disturbances. The user/operator may improve the communication reliability by switching/changing to a lesser used communication frequency using the commissioning process via coupling to an external power source. The above described exemplary embodiments may provide a possibility for a wireless transmitter to switch between a non-encrypted communication mode and an encrypted communication mode via coupling to an external power source. Therefore, exemplary embodiments may allow encrypted communication to be sent for sensitive/confidential information. Exemplary embodiments may also allow non-encrypted communication to be sent for non-sensitive/non-confidential information. Depending on whether an encryption mode or a non-encrypted mode is desired, the user/operator can enable/disable or toggle between encrypted and non-encrypted radio communication. The user/operator may configure/set up the wireless transmitter and/or the modular accessory device for commissioning/decommissioning as appropriate.

With the above described exemplary embodiments, the wireless transmitter can be connected to the modular accessory device for commissioning/decommissioning easily when the need arises, without compromising or negatively affecting the performance of the machinery / industrial control unit(s). For example, the wireless transmitter may be coupled to an external actuation device, such as e.g. a pushbutton, that can control a system or machinery in an industrial setting.

The modular accessory device for commissioning/decommissioning can be easily connected to the wireless transmitter of exemplary embodiments to add a functionality to the wireless transmitter, i.e. for toggling between an encrypted mode and a non-encrypted mode and/or for changing to another/default receiver communication frequency. The wireless transmitter of exemplary embodiments can be used on its own without the modular accessory device. Further, since the modular accessory device is a separate device from the wireless transmitter, this allows the wireless transmitter to be formed with a small form factor.

The terms "coupled" or "connected" as used in this description are intended to cover both directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate means, unless otherwise stated.

The terms “configured to (perform a task/action)”, “configured for (performing a task/action)” and the like as used in this description include being programmable, programmed, connectable, wired or otherwise constructed to have the ability to perform the task/action when arranged or installed as described herein. The terms “configured to (perform a task/action)”, “configured for (performing a task/action)” and the like are intended to cover “when in use, the task/action is performed”, e.g. specifically to and/or specifically configured to and/or specifically arranged to and/or specifically adapted to do or perform a task/action.

The term "and/or", e.g., "X and/or Y" is understood to mean either "X and Y" or "X or Y" and should be taken to provide explicit support for both meanings or for either meaning.

The terms "associated with", “related to” and the like used herein when referring to two elements refers to a broad relationship between the two elements. The relationship includes, but is not limited to, a physical, a chemical or a biological relationship. For example, when element A is associated with element B, elements A and B may be directly or indirectly attached to each other or element A may contain element B or vice versa.

The terms “exemplary embodiment”, “example embodiment”, “exemplary implementation”, “exemplarily” and the like used herein are intended to indicate an example of matters described in the present disclosure. Such an example may relate to one or more features defined in the claims and is not necessarily intended to emphasise a best example or any essentialness of any features.

The description herein may be, in certain portions, explicitly or implicitly described as algorithms and/or functional operations that operate on data within a computer memory or an electronic circuit. These algorithmic descriptions and/or functional operations are usually used by those skilled in the information/data processing arts for efficient description. An algorithm is generally relating to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The algorithmic steps can include physical manipulations of physical quantities, such as electrical, magnetic or optical signals capable of being stored, transmitted, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated.

Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, and would ordinarily be apparent from the following, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that throughout the present specification, discussions utilizing terms such as “scanning”, “calculating”, “determining”, “replacing”, “generating”, “initializing”, “outputting”, and the like, refer to action and processes of an instructing processor/computer system, or similar electronic circuit/device/component, that manipulates/processes and transforms data represented as physical quantities within the described system into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the system or other information storage, transmission or display devices etc.

The description also discloses relevant device/apparatus for performing the steps of the described methods. Such apparatus may be specifically constructed for the purposes of the methods, or may comprise a general purpose computer/processor or other device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in a storage member. The algorithms and displays described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. It is understood that general purpose devices/machines may be used in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, the construction of a specialized device/apparatus to perform the method steps may be desired.

In addition, it is submitted that the description also implicitly covers a computer program, in that it would be clear that the steps of the methods described herein may be put into effect by computer code. It will be appreciated that a large variety of programming languages and coding can be used to implement the teachings of the description herein. Moreover, the computer program if applicable is not limited to any particular control flow and can use different control flows without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, one or more of the steps of the computer program if applicable may be performed in parallel and/or sequentially. Such a computer program if applicable may be stored on any computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, memory chips, or other storage devices suitable for interfacing with a suitable reader/general purpose computer. In such instances, the computer readable storage medium is non-transitory. Such storage medium also covers all computer- readable media e.g. medium that stores data only for short periods of time and/or only in the presence of power, such as register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM) and the like. The computer readable medium may even include a wired medium such as exemplified in the Internet system, or wireless medium such as exemplified in Bluetooth technology. The computer program when loaded and executed on a suitable reader effectively results in an apparatus that can implement the steps of the described methods.

The exemplary embodiments may also be implemented as hardware modules. A module is a functional hardware unit designed for use with other components or modules. For example, a module may be implemented using digital or discrete electronic components, or it can form a portion of an entire electronic circuit such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). A person skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments can also be implemented as a combination of hardware and software modules.

Additionally, when describing some embodiments, the disclosure may have disclosed a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. Flowever, unless otherwise required, it will be appreciated the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps disclosed. Other sequences of steps may be possible. The particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as undue limitations. Unless otherwise required, a method and/or process disclosed herein should not be limited to the steps being carried out in the order written. The sequence of steps may be varied and still remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Further, in the description herein, the word “substantially” whenever used is understood to include, but not restricted to, "entirely" or “completely” and the like. In addition, terms such as "comprising", "comprise", and the like whenever used, are intended to be non-restricting descriptive language in that they broadly include elements/components recited after such terms, in addition to other components not explicitly recited. For an example, when “comprising” is used, reference to a “one” feature is also intended to be a reference to “at least one” of that feature. Terms such as “consisting”, “consist”, and the like, may, in the appropriate context, be considered as a subset of terms such as "comprising", "comprise", and the like. Therefore, in embodiments disclosed herein using the terms such as "comprising", "comprise", and the like, it will be appreciated that these embodiments provide teaching for corresponding embodiments using terms such as “consisting”, “consist”, and the like. Further, terms such as "about", "approximately" and the like whenever used, typically means a reasonable variation, for example a variation of +/- 5% of the disclosed value, or a variance of 4% of the disclosed value, or a variance of 3% of the disclosed value, a variance of 2% of the disclosed value or a variance of 1% of the disclosed value.

Furthermore, in the description herein, certain values may be disclosed in a range. The values showing the end points of a range are intended to illustrate a preferred range. Whenever a range has been described, it is intended that the range covers and teaches all possible sub ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. That is, the end points of a range should not be interpreted as inflexible limitations. For example, a description of a range of 1% to 5% is intended to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges 1% to 2%, 1% to 3%, 1% to 4%, 2% to 3% etc., as well as individually, values within that range such as 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%. It is to be appreciated that the individual numerical values within the range also include integers, fractions and decimals. Furthermore, whenever a range has been described, it is also intended that the range covers and teaches values of up to 2 additional decimal places or significant figures (where appropriate) from the shown numerical end points. For example, a description of a range of 1% to 5% is intended to have specifically disclosed the ranges 1 .00% to 5.00% and also 1.0% to 5.0% and all their intermediate values (such as 1.01%, 1.02% ... 4.98%, 4.99%, 5.00% and 1.1%, 1.2% ... 4.8%, 4.9%, 5.0% etc.,) spanning the ranges. The intention of the above specific disclosure is applicable to any depth/breadth of a range.

In some of the described exemplary embodiments, the wireless transmitter is described as being able to operate a commissioning mode, a decommissioning mode and a normal pairing mode. It is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are not limited as such. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the wireless transmitter may operate only a commissioning mode. In some exemplary embodiments, the wireless transmitter may operate at two or all of the commissioning mode, the decommissioning mode and the normal pairing mode.

In the described exemplary embodiments, the actuation sensing is described as a voltage signal sent to the control module based on a power generator being activated. Flowever, it is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are not limited as such. There may be other forms of actuation sensing that can be implemented. For example, a register for counting the number of times of actuation may be provided. As another example, there may be provided an actuation sensing module apart from the controller module. The actuation sensing module may comprise a counter to count the number of times the actuator member is actuated and if a predetermined number is reached, a single voltage signal is sent to the controller module.

While the wireless transmitter described in some exemplary embodiments have been described as capable of working with an external actuation device, it is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are not limited as such. That is, the exemplary embodiments may include any type of wireless transmitters that fall within the scope of the claims.

In the described exemplary embodiments, the power sensing member of a wireless transmitter is described to be in the form of a gold metal plated edge, one or more contact pad or one or more pogo pins. However, it is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are not limited as such. The power sensing member may be in any form so long as the power sensing member may electrically couple the wireless transmitter to a complementary corresponding electrically conductive member of a modular accessory device for performing commissioning/decommissioning.

In the described exemplary embodiments, the wireless transmitter is described to enter the commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter upon activation of the controller module based on the power sensed at the power sensing member, e.g. without performing actuation sensing. It is to be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are not limited as such. For example, it may be provided that for the commissioning mode, actuation sensing is also performed to detect if there is actuation for, for example, a third predetermined number of times. The actuation sensing may be provided as a confirmation that a user/operator wishes to enter the commissioning mode of the wireless transmitter. For example, when power is sensed at the power sensing member of the wireless transmitter and actuation is sensed of an actuator member of the wireless transmitter for the third predetermined number of times, the controller module of the wireless transmitter may be arranged to instruct the radio communication module of the wireless transmitter to pair with the receiver at a chosen frequency (chosen at the receiver in its commissioning mode). For example, the third predetermined number of times may be, but is not limited to, actuation of the actuator member for three times when power is sensed at the power sensing member. The third predetermined number of times may also be any number of times of actuation of the actuator member. Encryption of further communications may be provided after the pairing with the commissioning mode.

In some described exemplary embodiments, the wireless transmitter is described as co operating with a modular accessory device for performing commissioning/decommissioning at the wireless transmitter. It will be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are not limited as such. That is, the wireless transmitter may co-operate with any form of an external device etc. that can provide an external power source to the wireless transmitter.

Further, it is to be appreciated that the first mechanical mating member and/or the second mechanical mating member of the wireless transmitter of the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the forms described in the exemplary embodiments. For example, the first mechanical mating member may be any form of suitable connection so long as the wireless transmitter may be coupled to an external actuation device. For example, the second mechanical mating member may be any form of suitable connection so long as the wireless transmitter may be coupled to an external device disposed adjacent to the wireless transmitter.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that other variations and/or modifications may be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the claimed invention as broadly described. For example, in the description herein, features of different exemplary embodiments may be mixed, combined, interchanged, incorporated, adopted, modified, included etc. or the like across different exemplary embodiments. For example, exemplary embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive as some may be combined with one or more embodiments to form new exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that while the present disclosure provides embodiments having one or more of the features/characteristics discussed herein, one or more of these features/characteristics may also be disclaimed in other alternative embodiments and the present disclosure provides support for such disclaimers and these associated alternative embodiments. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A wireless transmitter for communicating with a receiver, the wireless transmitter comprising, a transmitter housing comprising an actuator member provided on a first external surface of the transmitter housing, the actuator member having a portion disposed within the transmitter housing; a power sensing member disposed on a second external surface of the transmitter housing, the power sensing member capable of coupling to an external power source; a controller module coupled to the power sensing member, the controller module arranged to be activated based on a power sensed at the power sensing member; a radio communication module coupled to the controller module; and wherein upon activation of the controller module based on the power sensed at the power sensing member, the controller module is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module to enter a commissioning mode of the transmitter.

2. The wireless transmitter as claimed in claim 1 , wherein in the commissioning mode of the transmitter, the radio communication module is arranged to monitor a plurality of communication frequencies to determine a receiver communication frequency; and wherein if the receiver communication frequency is determined, the controller module is arranged to instruct the radio communication module to conduct further communications with a receiver that is communicating at the receiver communication frequency, the further communications being based on the determined receiver communication frequency.

3. The wireless transmitter as claimed in claim 2, further comprising the controller module being arranged to instruct the radio communication module to encrypt the further communications with the receiver that is communicating at the receiver communication frequency.

4. The wireless transmitter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller module is further coupled to the portion of the actuator member disposed within the transmitter housing and further wherein the controller module is arranged to instruct the radio communication module based on an actuation sensing of the portion of the actuator member.

5. The wireless transmitter as claimed in claim 4, upon activation of the controller module based on the power sensed at the power sensing member and wherein if the actuation sensing indicates that the actuator member has been actuated for a first predetermined number of times, the controller module is further arranged to instruct the radio communication module to enter a decommissioning mode of the transmitter.

6. The wireless transmitter as claimed in claim 5, wherein in the decommissioning mode of the transmitter, the controller module is arranged to instruct the radio communication module to reset a communication frequency of the transmitter.

7. The wireless transmitter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a first mechanical mating member disposed at a first top surface of the transmitter housing wherein the first mechanical mating member is adapted to mechanically engage with an external actuation device disposed at the first top surface.

8. The wireless transmitter as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first external surface is the first top surface.

9. The wireless transmitter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a second mechanical mating member disposed at a back end of the transmitter housing wherein the second mechanical mating member is adapted to mechanically couple with an external device disposed adjacent to the wireless transmitter.

10. A modular accessory device for coupling to the wireless transmitter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 to enable a commissioning/decommissioning mode at the wireless transmitter, the modular accessory device comprising, a power source disposed within an accessory device housing of the modular accessory device; an electrically conductive member to couple to the power sensing member of the wireless transmitter, the electrically conductive member being coupled to the power source; and a switch to turn on a draining of the power source for providing power to the wireless transmitter.

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