(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0071773 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Apr. 6, 2006
`Ahmed et al.
`
`US 2006007 1773A1
`
`(54) CAGE TELEMETRY MODULE AND SYSTEM
`(76) Inventors: Osman Ahmed, Hawthorn Woods, IL
`(US); Martin Glanzer, Peri-Besch
`(DE); Maximilian Fleischer,
`Hohenkirchan (DE); Peter Gulden,
`Munchen (DE)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Harold C. Moore
`Maginot, Moore & Beck
`Bank One Center/Tower
`111 Monument Circle, Suite 3000
`Indianapolis, IN 46204-5115 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`(22) Filed:
`
`10/951,450
`Sep. 27, 2004
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`GSB 9/00
`(2006.01)
`G08B I/08
`(52) U.S. Cl. ...................................... 340/521; 340/539.22
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A remote sensor assembly includes a silicon Substrate, a
`plurality of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sen
`sors Supported on the silicon Substrate, a wireless commu
`nication circuit Supported on the silicon Substrate, and a
`processing device Supported on the silicon Substrate. The
`processing device is operable to obtain measurement values
`from at least one of plurality of MEMS sensors, perform a
`first filtering operation on the measurement values, and
`determine whether to cause the communication circuit to
`transmit a signal to an external device based on the first
`filtering operation.
`
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`Emerson Exhibit 1037
`Emerson Electric v. Ollnova
`IPR2023-00624
`Page 00001
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 1 of 8
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`US 2006/0071773 A1
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`IPR2023-00624 Page 00002
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 2 of 8
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`US 2006/0071773 A1
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`1084, 1
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`IPR2023-00624 Page 00003
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 2006/0071773 A1
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`IPR2023-00624 Page 00004
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 4 of 8
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`US 2006/007 1773 A1
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`908
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`IPR2023-00624 Page 00005
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 5 of 8
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`US 2006/0071773 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 6 of 8
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`US 2006/0071773 A1
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`IPR2023-00624 Page 00007
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 7 of 8
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`US 2006/0071773 A1
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`IPR2023-00624 Page 00008
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 6, 2006 Sheet 8 of 8
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`US 2006/0071773 A1
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`IPR2023-00624 Page 00009
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`US 2006/007 1773 A1
`
`Apr. 6, 2006
`
`CAGE TELEMETRY MODULE AND SYSTEM
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`0001 Cross-reference is made to co-pending United
`States patent application serial no. Express Mail No.
`EV505541465US, attorney docket 1867-0071), entitled
`“Two Dimensional RF Location Method and Apparatus',
`filed Sep. 27, 2004, and to co-pending United States patent
`application serial no. Express Mail No. EV505541488US,
`attorney docket 1867-0072, entitled "Cage Telemetry Sys
`tem. Using Intermediate Transponders', filed Sep. 27, 2004.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0002 The present invention relates generally to cage
`telemetry systems, and more particularly, systems for
`remotely obtaining sensor and/or location information for
`One or more cages.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0003 Environmental sensor and telemetry systems are
`used to monitor conditions in a variety of implementations.
`Temperature, humidity and light sensors are often employed
`in building control systems to assist in regulating a com
`fortable environment and/or increasing efficiency in power
`consumption. Smoke and/or heat sensors provide informa
`tion regarding a possible hazardous condition.
`0004 While current sensing technology has proven
`adequate for building control systems, there has been an
`increasing need for sensing devices that are located in Small
`spaces. For example, it is desirable to monitor conditions in
`animal cages that are used for the housing and care of
`research animals. However, typical temperature sensor
`devices and the like are too large to fit conveniently within
`an animal cage, particularly when several sensor devices are
`used to monitor various conditions. A further impediment to
`the use of generally available sensor devices in a cage
`environment is the significant wiring burden associated with
`Such sensors. Each sensor typically requires wiring for both
`bias power and for signaling. If multiple sensors are used in
`an array of cages, the wiring requirements can be staggering.
`0005 Accordingly, there is a need for new arrangements
`for detecting various conditions in relatively small spaces,
`Such as in animal cages, that has a reduced wiring require
`ment and reduced space requirement.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0006 The present invention addresses the above
`described need, as well as others, by providing a remote
`sensor assembly that employs MEMS sensors, wireless
`communications and selective transmission of sensor values.
`The result of combining Such elements is a sensor assembly
`that may be realized in a relatively small footprint, and has
`Substantially reduced if not eliminated wiring requirements.
`0007 An embodiment of the invention is a remote sensor
`assembly that includes a silicon Substrate, a plurality of
`microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors supported
`on the silicon Substrate, a wireless communication circuit
`Supported on the silicon Substrate, and a processing device
`Supported on the silicon Substrate. The processing device is
`operable to obtain measurement values from at least one of
`
`plurality of MEMS sensors, perform a first filtering opera
`tion on the measurement values, and determine whether to
`cause the communication circuit to transmit a signal to an
`external device based on the first filtering operation.
`0008. The sensor assembly may be arranged in a cage of
`an animal. In such a case, the MEMS sensors would include
`those capable of sensing conditions that affect animal health
`or evidence physical condition.
`0009. Another embodiment of the invention is a method
`of obtaining sensor data from an animal cage. The method
`includes obtaining data regarding at least one environmental
`factor using a sensor assembly that is disposed proximal to
`the animal cage. The sensor assembly includes a silicon
`Substrate, a plurality of microelectromechanical system
`(MEMS) sensors supported on the silicon substrate, a wire
`less communication circuit Supported on the silicon Sub
`strate, and a processing device Supported on the silicon
`substrate. The method further includes performing a first
`filtering operation on measurement values received from at
`least one of plurality of MEMS sensors, and determining
`whether to cause the communication circuit to transmit a
`signal to an external device based on the first filtering
`operation.
`0010) The reduced size afforded by MEMS technology
`and the reduced transmission requirements facilitated by the
`filtering and selective transmission operations allows for
`significant size reduction of the assembly. The Smaller
`assembly makes use in animal cages practical.
`0011. The above described features and advantages, as
`well as others, will become more readily apparent to those
`of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following
`detailed description and accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0012 FIG. 1 shows a representative block diagram of an
`exemplary cage data system according to various inventive
`aspects described herein;
`0013 FIG. 2 shows a representative front view of an
`array of a cage rack of the system of FIG. 1;
`0014 FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of exem
`plary embodiment of a wireless module that may be used as
`one or more of the wireless modules of the system of FIG.
`1;
`0.015 FIG. 4 shows in further detail a schematic block
`diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the RF circuit of
`the wireless module of FIG. 3;
`0016 FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an exemplary
`embodiment of the processing circuit of the wireless module
`of FIG. 3;
`0017 FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of an exemplary set of
`operations that are carried out by the processing circuit of
`FIG. 5;
`0018 FIG. 7 shows a representative schematic drawing
`of an exemplary embodiment of the sensor module of the
`wireless module of FIG. 3.
`0.019 FIG.8 shows an exemplary MEMS gas sensor that
`may be used as one of the sensors in the sensor module of
`FIG. 7:
`
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`US 2006/007 1773 A1
`
`Apr. 6, 2006
`
`0020 FIG. 9 shows a schematic block diagram of an
`exemplary radio location transceiver that may be used as the
`radio location transceivers of the system of FIG. 1.
`0021
`FIG. 10 shows a schematic block diagram of an
`exemplary wireless hub that may be used as the wireless hub
`of the system of FIG. 1.
`0022 FIG. 11 shows a schematic block diagram of an
`exemplary rack transponder that may be used as any or all
`of the rack transponders of the system of FIG. 1.
`0023 FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of an exem
`plary embodiment of a portion of a driver circuit of the
`sensor module of FIG. 7.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0024 FIG. 1 shows a representative block diagram of an
`exemplary cage data system 100 according to various inven
`tive aspects described herein. The cage data system 100
`includes a plurality of racks 102,104, each having a plurality
`of cages 106. The cages 106 are arranged in rows and
`columns in the racks 102 and 104. While the precise
`dimensions of the cages 106 are not important to disclosure
`of the invention, each cage 106 is an enclosure preferably
`having a rectangular footprint that has a size typical in the
`industry for the animal it is meant to contain. Each cage 106.
`as is known in the art, includes openings at least at the ends
`thereof to allow for ventilation. In accordance with this
`embodiment of the invention, each cage 106 also includes a
`wireless module 108 that is capable of providing telemetry
`information in conjunction with other elements of the sys
`tem 100.
`0.025 The cage data system 100 also includes a rack data
`transponder 110 associated with the first rack 102 and a rack
`data transponder 112 associated with the second rack 104.
`The first rack 102 is further divided into a first array 120 of
`cages 106 and a second array 122 of cages 106 arranged
`back to back. Similarly, the second rack 104 is divided into
`a first array124 of cages 106 and a second array 126 of cages
`106 arranged back to back. It will be appreciated that other
`embodiments will have additional racks, each rack prefer
`ably including a corresponding rack transponder and one or
`two arrays of cages.
`0026. As a consequence, each cage 106 and its corre
`sponding wireless module 108 are associated with the rack
`on which they are located. Each cage 106 and its corre
`sponding wireless module 108 are further associated with an
`the array of that rack. By way of example, the exemplary
`cage 106a, which is associated with the wireless module
`108a, is located in the first array 120 of the first rack 102. In
`a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wireless mod
`ules 108 are operable to generate sensor information and
`location information, and communicate Such information
`using wireless communications. However, it will be appre
`ciated that at least some advantages over prior art systems
`may be realized in systems having wireless modules 108 that
`generate only location information or only sensor informa
`tion in accordance with the present invention.
`0027. In particular, in the embodiment described herein,
`each wireless module 108 includes an RF transceiver circuit
`and at least one sensor device (See e.g. the RF circuit 302
`and the sensor module 308 of FIG. 3). The at least one
`sensor device is configured to sense one or more environ
`
`mental or other conditions within or in the proximity of the
`cage. In the embodiment described herein, each wireless
`module 108 includes a temperature sensor, a humidity
`sensor, and one or more gas sensors. Such sensors can
`provide valuable information regarding the living conditions
`of the cage 106, and/or certain health traits of the animal
`within the cage 106.
`0028. Each wireless module 108 is operable to commu
`nicate sensor data to the rack data transponder 110 or 112 of
`the rack 102 or 104 on which the wireless module 108 is
`located. Thus, for example, the exemplary wireless module
`108a communicates sensor data to the rack transponder 110
`of the first rack 102.
`0029. The location information generated by each wire
`less module 108 relates to the position of the wireless
`module 108 within its rack. To this end, each array 120, 122,
`124 and 126 of each rack 102 and 104 includes radio
`location transceiver systems that cooperate with each wire
`less module 108 to determine the location of the wireless
`module 108 within its array.
`0030. By way of example, the first rack 102 includes first
`and second radio location transceiver systems 114 and 116
`spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and disposed
`proximate the first array 120. Each of the first and second
`radio location transceiver systems 114 and 116 are operable
`to selectively transmit a signal to a select one of the wireless
`modules 108, and receive a response signal from the select
`wireless module 108. Each of the first and second radio
`location transceiver systems 114 and 116 are further oper
`able to generate distance-related information based on char
`acteristics of the transmitted and responsive signal. Such
`distance-related information of the first and second trans
`ceiver systems 114 may then be used to identify the location
`of the select cage's communication module 108 within the
`array 120.
`0031
`Each other array 122, 124 and 126 has a similar set
`of radio location transceiver systems that operate in the same
`manner as the radio location transceivers 114 and 116
`0032. An explanation of how distance information from
`the first and second transceiver systems 114 and 116 is used
`to identify the location of a cage 106 within the array 120 is
`provided in connection with FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a
`representative front view of the array 120 of the first rack
`102 of FIG. 1. The cages 106 are individually identified by
`the row and column of the array 120 in which they are
`located. For example, the cage 106, is located in the first
`column and first row of the array 120, the cage 106, is
`located in the first column and second row of the array 120,
`the cage 106, is located in the third column and first row
`of the array 120 and so forth. The first location transceiver
`114 and the second location transceiver 116 are located
`proximate a common side of the array 120.
`0033 Consider an operation in which the location of the
`cage 106, within the array 120 is desired. Assume that the
`location transceiver 114 determines that the wireless module
`108s of cage 106, is at a distance d1 away, and the
`location transceiver 116 determines that the wireless module
`108s is at a distance d2 away. The arc ad1 represents all
`points in the array 120 that are at a distance of d1 from the
`first location transceiver 114, and the arcad2 represents all
`points in the array 120 that are at a distance of d2 from the
`
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`Apr. 6, 2006
`
`second location transceiver 116. The point ad12 represents
`the unique intersection point of the arcs ad1 and ad2, and
`thus represents the location of the wireless module 108,
`and the cage 106. Thus, by determining the intersections
`of the arcs within the array 120 which have the determined
`distances from each of the first and second location trans
`ceivers 114 and 116, the location of a cage 106, may
`readily be determined.
`0034) Referring again to FIG. 1, at least one element in
`the system 100 is operable to calculate the array location (i.e.
`the intersection of the arcs ad1 and ad2) of the select
`communication module 108 based on the distance informa
`tion generated by the first and second transceiver systems
`114 and 116. This element may be a processing device or
`circuit within either the first or second transceiver systems
`114, 116, the rack data transponder 110, the space wireless
`hub system 128 (discussed below) or any other element of
`the system 100.
`0035) Referring again to the general description of the
`cage data system 100 of FIG. 1, the system 100 further
`includes the space wireless hub 128, a LAN connection 130
`and at least one work station 132. The wireless hub 128 is
`a circuit that is operable to communicate using short-range
`wireless communications, as well as using the LAN con
`nection 130. In general, the wireless hub 128 operates as an
`access point to data regarding the various cages 106. To this
`end, an operator at the work Station 132 may request data,
`including location data and or sensor data, regarding one or
`more of the cages 106. The work station 132 is operable to
`communicate the request to the wireless hub 128. The
`wireless hub 132 is operable to use wireless communications
`to obtain the requested data via one of the rack data
`transponders 110 or 112 and/or one or more transceiver
`systems (such as transceiver systems 114 and 116). Further
`detail on data acquisition for the system 100 is provided
`further below.
`0036) The wireless hub 128 is further operable to receive
`requests for cage information (location and/or sensor data)
`from a wireless personal wireless device (PWD) 134, such
`as a personal data assistant.
`0037. The embodiment of the cage system 100 described
`herein preferably has at least three basic functions. The first
`function of the cage system 100 is to log and monitor sensor
`data associated with each of the cages 106 (and gathered by
`the corresponding wireless modules). The second function is
`to automatically determine the location of a specific cage,
`i.e. the cage 106a, within the cage system 100. The third
`function of the cage system 100 is to respond to requests for
`cage sensor data.
`0038. In operation, the cage system 100 monitors and
`logs sensor data of the cages 106 in the following manner.
`The sensor device(s) of each wireless module 108 sense one
`or more conditions (i.e. temperature, humidity, CO concen
`tration, etc.) on an ongoing basis. Each wireless module 108
`from time to time transmits sensed condition data (sensor
`data) to the wireless hub 128. To this end, the wireless
`module 108 preferably transmits the sensor data to its
`corresponding rack transponder. For example, the wireless
`module 108a, which is located on the first rack 102, trans
`mits sensor data to the first rack transponder 110. The rack
`transponder (e.g. the rack transponder 110) retransmits the
`data to the wireless hub 128. The wireless hub 128 then
`
`stores the data locally, and/or provides the data to the work
`station 132. The work station 132 preferably maintains the
`data and makes the data available on a display Screen or the
`like. The work station 132 may further create a log of
`historical conditions if desirable.
`0039. It will be appreciated that in an alternative embodi
`ment, the wireless modules 108 may communicate directly
`with the wireless hub 128. However, it is desirable to
`employ the intermediate rack transponders to reduce the
`need for long antennae and/or greater transmission power in
`the wireless modules 108.
`0040. In the second operation, the wireless hub 128 may
`receive a request to obtain location information for one of
`the wireless modules 108, for example, the wireless module
`108a. Such a request may be originated at the PWD 134,
`which transmits a request for the location of the cage 106a
`and/or the corresponding wireless module 108a to the wire
`less hub 128. Alternatively, an operator may originate Such
`a request at the work station 132 (or other entity connected
`to the LAN 130).
`0041) Regardless of the origination, the wireless hub 128
`transmits a location request signal to the radio location
`transceivers of the array that corresponds to the module 108
`for which location information is requested. Thus, in the
`exemplary operation described herein, the wireless hub 128
`transmits the location request signal pertaining to the mod
`ule 108a to the transceivers 114 and 116 of the array 120.
`0042. It will be appreciated that the wireless hub 128
`must at Some point obtain information identifying the array
`120 in which the module 108a is located. Such information
`may be obtained in multiple ways. In a first method, the
`wireless hub 128 may request that all radio location trans
`ceivers of all arrays 120, 122, 124 and 126 attempt to locate
`the module 108a. Only the radio location transceivers of the
`appropriate array 120 should be able to give a viable answer
`because those of the arrays 122, 124 and 126 would not be
`able to locate the wireless module 108a. Even if the radio
`location transceiver of another array could pick up a stray
`signal and thus generate distance information, the location
`transceivers that generate distance information representa
`tive of the least distance can be identified as the appropriate
`set of radio location transceivers. Alternative, the rack on
`which a particular wireless module 108 is located may be
`determined by the rack transponders 110 and 112. To this
`end, each of the rack transponders 110 and 112 may poll the
`wireless modules 108 to determine which modules 108 are
`located in its rack. Once the rack of the module 108a is
`known, then the location request may be sent to only those
`sets of location transceivers that are in the appropriate rack
`for the module.
`0043. In any event, the radio location transponders 114
`and 116 then transmit a radio location signal to the Subject
`wireless module 108a responsive to the request from the
`wireless hub 128. In particular, the first radio transceiver 114
`transmits a first radio location signal having a parameter
`unique to the wireless module 108a. The unique parameter
`may suitably be a unique frequency, phase shift, digital code
`or a unique combination of elements. The wireless module
`108a is configured to respond only to location signals
`including that unique parameter. In this manner, only one
`wireless module 108a responds to the radio location signal,
`even though all of the communication modules 108 in the
`array 120 would at least nominally receive the signal.
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`0044) The wireless module 108a then transmits the
`response to the first radio location transceiver 114. The first
`radio location transceiver 114 employs one or more tech
`niques to determine a distance value based on the transmis
`sion of the radio location signal and the receipt of the
`responsive signal. One such method involves a radar-type
`technique which is describe below in connection with FIGS.
`4 and 9.
`0045. The second radio location transceiver 116 also
`transmits a location signal with the parameter unique to the
`wireless module 108a and receives a responsive signal. The
`second radio location transceiver 116 similarly generates its
`own distance information.
`0046.
`In accordance with the present embodiment, the
`first and second location transceivers 114 and 116 transmit
`the distance information to the wireless hub 128, preferably
`through the rack transponder 110. The wireless hub 128 uses
`the two distances to determine the array location, employing
`the method described above in connection with FIG. 2. The
`wireless hub 128 then transmits the determined location
`within the array 120, as well as the rack 102 and array 120
`on which the wireless communication device 108a is
`located, to the requesting device (e.g. the PWD 134 or the
`work station 132). The work station 132 and/or PWD 134
`that receives the location information may then visibly
`display the information in a manner that is comprehensible
`to a human viewer. For example, a text message containing
`a rack, array, row and column number may be provided, or
`a graphic display of the location may be provided.
`0047. The third general feature of the system 100 is to
`provide sensor data responsive to a request. In one opera
`tion, the work Station 134 generally maintains sensor data
`for all the cages 106 as described above. Accordingly, an
`operator may request current sensor information for any of
`the cages 106 by formulating a query to the work Station
`134. To this end, the work station 134 may suitable have a
`front end and data handling capability similar to that of the
`INSIGHTTM model workstation, which is typically used as
`a data server for HVAC and other building systems, and
`which is available from Siemens Building Technologies,
`Inc. of Buffalo Grove, Ill.
`0.048. In some cases it is preferable to obtain current
`sensor data from the wireless modules 108 themselves
`instead of obtaining the sensor data maintained by the work
`station 132. In some embodiments, for example, the work
`station 132 may not maintain sensor data as it is received,
`but rather further processes or filters the data. The operation
`of requesting data from the sensor modules 108 is known as
`"polling the wireless modules 108.
`0049. In the exemplary embodiment described herein, the
`wireless hub 128 is operable to receive polling requests via
`wireless signals from the PWD 134. A polling request
`preferably includes information identifying the cage and the
`type of sensor data requested. Alternatively, a polling
`request may only identify the cage, in which case all of the
`current sensor data of the identified cage is requested.
`0050 Consider an example in which the PWD 134 gen
`erates a polling request for sensor data from the cage 106a
`of FIG. 1. The wireless hub 128 receives the request and
`formulates a corresponding query signal that is transmitted
`to the first transponder 110. The first transponder 110.
`
`responsive to the query signal, generates a data request
`signal and transmits the signal to the wireless module 108a.
`The wireless module 108a, responsive to the data request
`signal, generates an output based on its current sensor values
`and transmits the output as wireless signal to the first
`transponder 110. The first transponder 110 receives the
`output signal and forwards the output data (or data repre
`sentative thereof) to the wireless hub 128. The wireless hub
`128 then transmits the information to the PWD 134.
`0051. It will be appreciated that the work station 134 or
`other devices, not shown, connected to the LAN 130 may
`generate similar polling requests that are satisfied through
`the wireless hub 128 in the same manner.
`0052 The above operations provide significant advan
`tages over prior art methods of tracking the location of cages
`and/or obtaining data regarding certain conditions of the
`cages in a multiple cage environment. It will be appreciated
`that some advantages of the invention will be realized in a
`system in which the sensor data monitoring and/or polling
`operations are available even if the automatic cage location
`operation is not incorporated. Similarly, Some of the advan
`tages of the invention may be realized in a cage system that
`only incorporates the cage location operation and not the
`sensor telemetry operations described above.
`0053. It is noted also that by employing individual data
`transponders 110, 112, on each rack 102, 104, the wireless
`modules 108 have reduced antenna requirements and/or
`reduced transmission power requirements. As a conse
`quence, the wireless modules 108 may have a smaller
`physical size. The smaller sized wireless modules 108
`advantageously have less impact on the size requirements of
`the cages 106. By contrast, if large, high power RF trans
`ceiver circuits were employed, the size of the cages 106 may
`have to be significantly enlarged. Moreover, the heat gen
`erated by such high power circuits could adversely affect the
`animals within the cages 106.
`0054) To further reduce power and size requirements, it is
`preferable if the sensors used on the wireless modules 106
`incorporate MEMs technology. Moreover, to reduce power
`requirements, it is preferable if the wireless modules 108
`limit the number of sensor data transmissions. In the
`embodiment described herein, the sensor modules 108
`include filters that actively determine whether enough
`change has occurred in a particular sensed condition to
`justify a transmission to the wireless hub 128 (i.e. through its
`corresponding rack transponder).
`0.055 FIGS. 3-11 show in further detail exemplary
`embodiments of the elements of the system 100. FIGS. 3-8
`show various elements and/or operations of an exemplary
`embodiment of a wireless module 300 that may be used as
`one or more of the wireless modules 108 of FIG. 1. FIG. 9
`shows an exemplary radio location receiver 900 that may be
`used as the radio location transceivers 114 and 116 (as well
`as others) of FIG. 1. FIGS. 10 and 11 show schematic block
`diagrams of an exemplary wireless hub and transponder
`1100, respectively, that may be used as the wireless hub 128
`and rack transponders 110 and 112 of FIG. 1, respectively.
`0056 Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless module 300
`includes an RF circuit 302, a power management module
`304, a processing circuit 306, and a MEMS-based sensor
`module 308. In a preferred embodiment, many or most
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00013
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`US 2006/007 1773 A1
`
`Apr. 6, 2006
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`elements of the RF circuit 302 are also formed using MEMS
`or MEMS-like technology. The module 300 includes a
`silicon substrate 301 which supports each of the elements
`302, 304, 306 and 308. As will be discussed below, the
`MEMs elements that require non-silicon substrates may be
`supported on the silicon substrate 301 using flip chip bond
`ing techniques. It is advantageous to have most or all of the
`elements 302,304,306 and 308 supported on a single silicon
`Substrate because it reduces power requirements and reduces
`the footprint of the sensor module 300. However, at least
`Some advantages of the invention may be obtained even if
`only some of the elements are incorporated onto a single
`Substrate, such as the sensor module 308 and processing
`circuit 306.
`0057. It will be appreciated that in the present embodi
`ment, the elements 302, 304, 306 and 308 may all be
`connected using conductive interconnects 309 that are
`formed on the semiconductor substrate 301. Such conduc
`tive interconnects 309 may suitably be metallic intercon
`nects or traces and/or polysilicon conductors, that are
`formed on the substrate 301 using known techniques.
`0058. In general, the RF circuit 302 is operable to com
`municate using local wireless communication protocols
`Such as Bluetooth, or other short-range wireless protocols. In
`the embodiment described herein, the RF circuit 302 is
`operable to communicate data signals to and from a wireless
`transponder such as the transponder 110 of FIG. 1, and is
`further operable to communicate signals with a radio loca
`tion transceiver such as the transceivers 114 and 116. The RF
`circuit 302 is operably connected to receive bias power and
`transmission power from the power management module
`304. The RF circuit 302 is further operable to process
`received RF signals and provide digital signals to the
`processing circuit 306, and to receive digital signals from the
`processing circuit 306 and generate transmission RF signals
`therefrom.
`0059 FIG. 4 shows in further detail an exemplary block
`diagram of the RF circuit 302. The RF circuit 302 in the
`embodiment described herein includes a frequency modu
`lated continuous wave radar transponder system 402 that
`cooperates with corresponding radio location transceivers
`(e.g. transceivers 114, 116 of FIG. 1 and transceiver 900