Backscatter communication device wake-up methods, communication device wake-up methods, and radio frequency identification device wake-up methods

Abstract

Radio frequency identification devices, backscatter communication device wake-up methods, communication device wake-up methods and a radio frequency identification device wake-up method are described. In one aspect, a wireless communication device includes a processor configured to process a plurality of received wireless signals and to control the communication of a plurality of outputted wireless signals, wherein the processor is configured to control the communication of the outputted wireless signals using backscatter modulation, circuitry coupled with the processor and configured to control operations of the processor, and wherein the processor is configured to output a reference signal responsive to detection of radio frequency energy, the circuitry is configured to analyze the reference signal and the radio frequency energy, and the processor is configured to enter a predefined mode of operation utilizing an increased amount of electrical energy responsive to the analysis of the reference signal and the radio frequency energy by the circuitry.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . A backscatter communication device wake-up method comprising: 
 providing a backscatter communication device;    detecting reception of radio frequency energy within the backscatter communication device;    generating a reference signal responsive to the detecting using the backscatter communication device;    analyzing the radio frequency energy with respect to the reference signal using the backscatter communication device; and    changing a mode of operation of the backscatter communication device responsive to the analyzing, wherein the backscatter communication device consumes an increased amount of electrical energy after the changing.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the generating comprises generating a clock signal.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the analyzing comprises comparing a modulation frequency of the radio frequency energy with a frequency of the clock signal.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising enabling a watchdog timer of the backscatter communication device responsive to the detecting.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising providing operational power for the backscatter communication device using a battery.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the providing comprises providing a radio frequency identification device.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the detecting comprises detecting using processing circuitry, and further comprising providing the processing circuitry in another mode of operation using an increased amount of electrical energy responsive to the detecting.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the generating comprises generating using the processing circuitry provided in the another mode of operation.  
   
   
       27 . A communication device wake-up method comprising: 
 providing a communication device comprising processing circuitry;    providing the processing circuitry in a first mode of operation utilizing a first amount of electrical energy;    detecting the presence of radio frequency energy;    providing the processing circuitry in a second mode of operation to generate a reference signal responsive to the detecting, the processing circuitry utilizing a second amount of electrical energy greater than the first amount during the second mode of operation;    analyzing the radio frequency energy with respect to the reference signal; and    providing the processing circuitry in a third mode operation responsive to the analyzing, the processing circuitry utilizing a third amount of electrical energy greater than the second amount during the third mode of operation.    
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the providings of the processing circuitry individually comprise activating respective different circuitry of the processing circuitry.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 27  further comprising generating the reference signal comprising a clock signal using the processing circuitry during the second mode of operation.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 29  wherein the analyzing comprises comparing a frequency of the received radio frequency energy with a frequency of the clock signal.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 27  further comprising enabling a watchdog timer responsive to the detecting.  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the analyzing comprises analyzing using circuitry external to the processing circuitry, and further comprising providing electrical energy to the circuitry responsive to the detecting.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the providing the electrical energy comprises providing using the processing circuitry.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 27  further comprising processing the radio frequency energy using the processing circuitry in the third mode of operation.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the providing the communication device comprises providing a radio frequency identification device.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 27  further comprising providing electrical energy to the processing circuitry using a battery.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the providing the processing circuitry in the third mode of operation enables backscatter communications circuitry.  
   
   
       38 . A radio frequency identification device wake-up method comprising: 
 providing a radio frequency identification communication device comprising processing circuitry and wake-up circuitry, the communication device being configured to communicate with a reader;    providing the processing circuitry in a first mode of operation utilizing a first amount of electrical energy;    detecting the presence of radio frequency energy;    providing the processing circuitry in a second mode of operation responsive to the detecting including generating a clock signal having a frequency corresponding to a frequency of modulation of first wireless signals outputted from the reader, providing operational electrical energy to the wake-up circuitry, and enabling a watchdog timer, the processing circuitry utilizing a second amount of electrical energy greater than the first amount during the second mode of operation;    comparing a frequency of the radio frequency energy with a frequency of the clock signal;    generating an indication signal responsive to the comparing and indicating reception of the radio frequency energy having the frequency of modulation of the first wireless signals outputted from the reader; and    providing the processing circuitry in a third mode operation responsive to the generating including processing the first wireless signals and backscatter modulating received radio frequency energy to communicate second wireless signals to the reader, the processing circuitry utilizing a third amount of electrical energy greater than the second amount during the third mode of operation.