Controlled power-efficient operation of wireless communication devices

摘要

A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

主权项

1. A wireless smoke sensor device that functions as part of an in-building wireless sensor system, comprising:
a wireless transceiver capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from an electronic device located remotely from the wireless device, wherein the electronic device and the wireless device are configured to be installed within a building as part of the in-building wireless sensor system; a smoke sensor configured to take smoke measurements; a controller operatively coupled to the wireless transceiver and the smoke sensor and configured to:
continuously operate the wireless device in a sleep mode whereby the wireless transceiver is inoperable to transmit or receive information and consumption of power from the battery is lower than when the wireless device operates in an awake mode;periodically and temporarily switch the operation of the wireless device from the sleep mode to the awake mode whereby, while in the awake mode, the wireless transceiver is configured to transmit one or more smoke measurements measured using the smoke sensor of the wireless device as one or more encrypted packets, each encrypted packet comprising a first checksum and first authenticity code for use in verifying an authenticity of the packet; andin response to a received, encrypted message comprising a second checksum and a second authenticity code, alter a period at which the wireless device switches from the sleep mode to the awake mode such that during a first period the wireless device operates in the sleep mode for a first amount of time before temporarily switching from the sleep mode to the awake mode and that during a second period the wireless device operates in the sleep mode for a second amount of time before temporarily switching from the sleep mode to the awake mode, the second amount of time being greater than the first amount of time.