Patent EP0267009A1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0267009A1
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Data-storing devices
Assignee: Mars Inc
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Filing: 1987-11-03
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2007-11-03
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for delivering power to and communicating with a data-storing device (4), e.g. a token, in a contactless manner includes a resonant circuit (6) arranged for inductive coupling with the device. The values of the components are selected to give a relatively constant power transfer over the possible range of distances between the inductances (36, 8). Communications from the device resulting in changes in the token impedance are detected by sensing current changes in the resonant circuit. The power transmitted by the resonant circuit is limited to prevent excessive power damaging devices whose characteristics are such that they may be damaged by higher power levels. Devices which require higher levels can send a signal which results in the limit being bypassed.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew Jim Kelley Glasspool
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 18:53
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10009; G06K7/10316; G06K7/10336; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/067; G06K19/07; G06K19/0723
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
Apparatus for communicating with a data-storing device in a contactless manner, the apparatus comprising a resonant circuit having an inductive component which is arranged for inductive coupling to the device so as to deliver power to the device, and data detection means coupled to the resonant circuit for sensing changes in the combined impedances of the resonant circuit and the device to detect data transmitted by changes in the impedance of the device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus for communicating with a data-storing device in a contactless manner, the apparatus comprising a resonant circuit having an inductive component which is arranged for inductive coupling to the device so as to deliver power to the device, and data detection means coupled to the resonant circuit for sensing changes in the combined impedances of the resonant circuit and the device to detect data transmitted by changes in the impedance of the device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resonant circuit is a series resonant circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
85 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, including means for supporting the device such that inductances of the apparatus and the device are separated by a distance D, wherein D can vary from a minimum of D₁, wherein the impedance of the resonant circuit Z i = R i +jX i , wherein the reflected impedance of the device in the resonant circuit Z t = R t +jX t , and wherein, when D = D₁, R t > R i .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein, when D = D₁, R t < = 10 R i .
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein D can vary to a maximum of D₂, and wherein, when D = D₂, R t > = 0.1 R i .
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, when D = D₂, R t < = R i .
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, including means for supporting the device such that inductances of the apparatus and the device are separated by a distance D, wherein D can vary to a maximum of D₂, wherein the impedance of the resonant circuit Z i = R i + jX i , wherein the reflected impedance of the device in the resonant circuit Z t = R t + jX t , and wherein, when D = D₂, R t > = 0.1 R i .
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein, when D = D₂, R t < = R i .
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, including means for driving the resonant circuit at a frequency which is substantially equal to the resonant frequency of the combined resonant circuit and data-storing device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said data detection means comprises means responsive to only short-term changes in impedance.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, including means for controlling the power at which the resonant circuit is driven so as to prevent excessive power transfer to a data-storing device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said current limiting means has a slow response time so that short term power changes are permitted.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 11 or 12, including means for overriding the power control. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said overriding means is responsive to a signal generated by the device for overriding the power control in order to increase the power to the device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, including means for temporarily altering the supply of power by the resonant circuit to the device in order to transmit data to the device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, including means for reducing the impedance across the resonant circuit during periods in which the power to the device is altered in order to prevent ringing of the circuit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus for delivering power in a contactless manner to a data-storing device and for receiving data from the device, the apparatus being responsive to a predetermined signal from the device for increasing the power supplied thereto.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus for delivering power in a contactless manner to a data-storing device and for receiving data from the device, the apparatus being responsive to a predetermined signal from the device for increasing the power supplied thereto.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
A data-storing device having power level sensing means, and means responsive thereto for generating a signal indicating that further power to the device is required.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
A data-storing device having power level sensing means, and means responsive thereto for generating a signal indicating that further power to the device is required.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the device has means for receiving power in a contactless manner.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the device has a non-volatile writable memory.
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