Sensor device with persistent low power beacon

摘要

One disclosed method involves providing a first device comprising a sensor configured to sense a stimulus experienced by the first device, a controller configured to process data received from the sensor and thereby obtain processed sensor data, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the processed data, and a battery configured to supply power to at least the controller and the transmitter. The first device is operated in a first operational mode in which the sensor, the controller, and the transmitter are used at least occasionally to obtain and transmit processed data. When the battery is in a low power condition, the first device is operated in a second operational mode wherein the sensor, controller, and transmitter are not used to obtain and transmit processed sensor data, but wherein the first device at least occasionally transmits a signal that indicates a low power condition of the battery.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
operating a first device in a first operational mode, wherein the first device is configured to perform a plurality of power consuming functions, including transmitting data relating to at least one performance parameter of a user based on output from a sensor; determining, by the first device, that remaining capacity of a battery is less than a first threshold; in response to the determining, adjusting the modality of the first device to case one or more functions in the plurality of power-consuming function performed by said device; subsequent to determining, detecting stimulus by the sensor; in response to the detection, periodically transmitting, by a transmitter, a beacon signal wherein said signal indicates a low power condition of the battery; determining that the remaining capacity of the battery is approaching a second threshold set at a level greater than the first threshold; and causing transmission of a signal that indicates the remaining capacity is approaching the second threshold.