Electronic tags for micro-proximity location, detection and services

摘要

Designs of a tag are described. Relevant parameters of the tag can be selected and determined via a device (e.g., a mobile device) running the client module in a predefined mode. Not only is the transmission power controlled to a small amount for detection of a nearby device, but the tag also operates periodically (e.g., every 2 or 10 seconds) to preserve the power driving it. The tag generates a transmission signal in compliance with a wireless technology standard so that the transmission signal can be received by a commonly-used device (e.g., a smartphone). In addition, for simplicity, the tag is not designed as a transceiver but operates as a transmitter only.

主权项

1. A tag comprising:
a battery; an antenna; a wake-up timer to turn on and off operations of the tag per a predefined timing, wherein the tag acts as a transmitter to transmit a broadcast in accordance with a wireless standard; a state machine controller provided to randomize data packets; a direct digital synthesizer provided to synthesize signal waveforms based upon data provided by the state machine controller and generate data packets to be broadcast via the antenna; a memory space to store at least an identifier of one tag action that is included in the broadcast and causes a device receiving the broadcast to react per the tag action, wherein the device is loaded with a client module that is configured to digest the broadcast, the tag action is one of tag actions predefined on a server.