Abstract:
Various embodiments of the invention allow for electronic labeling and identification of electronic equipment. Contact-based and contactless systems and methods to electronically associate hardware are described.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    A. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to electronic labeling of electronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods to identify compatible electronic devices. 
         [0003]    B. Background of the Invention 
         [0004]    Power systems and accessories often have no standardized output connectors. Various AC/DC power adapters, for example, have output connectors with different dimensions and configurations, including different output current and voltage ratings or polarities. The non-uniformity across a variety of types of power systems from different manufacturers typically makes power adapters mechanically and electrically incompatible with more than one product. Although most power adapters contain engraved symbols or labels with markings, the provided information oftentimes appears cryptic to the common user, in part, because the information is insufficient to even determine the supplier of the power adapter. Even when a particular adapter contains information such as part numbers, these usually identify only the supplier without identifying the equipment that the adapter belonged to at time of purchase. Therefore, once a consumer separates an adapter from an associated product, be it a power drill, a shop light, or a game console, it becomes difficult to determine to which product a certain disassociated adapter originally belonged. 
         [0005]    The lack of standardization leads to compatibility issues not only between different devices from different suppliers or manufacturers, but also between different devices made by a single supplier. For example, if a newer model device has voltage, current, or power requirements different from an older model by the same supplier, there is a substantial likelihood that the older model power adapter does not match one or more requirements of the newer model adapter. In addition, connecting an AC adapter to an electrical device that has a matching output connector dimensions but opposite polarity or different voltage, current, or power requirements can potentially damage the product or, in extreme cases, pose a safety risk to the user. 
         [0006]    The lack of reliable standards at the very least creates uncertainty and confusion to the average consumer, who cannot decipher labels and imprints to easily decide which power adapter to use with which device. As a result, over time, consumers gather drawers full of orphaned power adapters that eventually end up as landfill material. One exemplary consumer survey showed widespread dissatisfaction among consumers with the cost, inconvenience, and wastefulness of the profusion of AC/DC power adapters used by electronic devices. 
         [0007]    What is needed are tools to overcome the above-described limitations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Various embodiments of the invention provide for low-cost means to implement an electronic label that contains identifying information for a piece of hardware, such as an AC/DC power adapter. 
         [0009]    In particular, certain embodiments of the invention provide for an electronic label that carries information regarding the piece of hardware and an associated product. The identifying information allows a consumer to easily determine mismatched or misplaced equipment to correctly re-associate power devices and powered devices, and, thus, to prevent a premature disposal of otherwise functional electronic products. 
         [0010]    Both contact-based and contactless approaches to electronically associate an electronic product with a matching electronic product are described. 
         [0011]    Certain features and advantages of the present invention have been generally described in this summary section; however, additional features, advantages, and embodiments are presented herein or will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Accordingly, it should be understood that the scope of the invention shall not be limited by the particular embodiments disclosed in this summary section. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a block diagram illustrating a contact-based identification system to associate devices according to various embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a block diagram illustrating another contact-based identification system to associate devices according to various embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1C  illustrates an implementation of an output connector for use in an identification system to associate devices according to various embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1D  illustrates an alternative implementation of an output connector for use in an identification system to associate devices according to various embodiments. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2A  is a block diagram illustrating a contactless identification system according to various embodiments. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2B  is a block diagram illustrating an alternate contactless identification system to associate devices according to various embodiments. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an identifier tag according to various embodiments. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a contactless ID reader according to various embodiments. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an illustrative contact-based process for identifying associate devices in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an illustrative contactless process for identifying associate devices in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, described below, may be performed in a variety of ways and using a variety of means. Those skilled in the art will also recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments are within the scope thereof, as are additional fields in which the invention may provide utility. Accordingly, the embodiments described below are illustrative of specific embodiments of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the invention. 
         [0024]    Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or the like in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, connections between components or between method steps in the figures are not restricted to connections that are affected directly. Instead, connections illustrated in the figures between components or method steps may be modified or otherwise changed through the addition thereto of intermediary components or method steps, without departing from the teachings of the present invention. 
         [0026]    In this document the terms “contactless transponder reader” and “contactless reader” and “transponder reader” are used interchangeably. The term “computer” is meant to include mobile and non-mobile computing devices recognized by one skilled in the art. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a contact-based identification system to associate devices according to various embodiments. Identification system  100  comprises power supply assembly  101  and reader assembly  105 . Power supply assembly  101  comprises power supply  102  that is coupled to output connector  104  via electrical cable  103 . Reader assembly  105  comprises serial data converter  116 , e.g., a serial-to-USB converter, coupled between receptacle  114  and reader  118 . 
         [0028]    Power supply  102  may be any power source, including an AC/DC adapter. Serial memory  112  is coupled within output connector  104  to output a serial data signal via serial data line  110 . In one embodiment, power supply  102  is configured to provide to output connector  104 , via electrical cable  103 , a positive power signal through first conductor  106  and a negative power signal through second conductor  108 . First and second conductors  106 ,  108  provide the positive and negative power signals in the form of a current and/or a voltage. 
         [0029]    In detail, electrical cable  103  comprises at least two conductors  106 ,  108  to conduct power from power supply  102  to one or more contact surfaces of output connector  104 . First and second conductors  106 ,  108  and serial data line  110  are composed of any suitable electrically conductive material, such as copper. Each of conductors  106 ,  108  and serial data line  110  is connected to at least one contact surface of output connector  104 . For example, second conductor  108  may be used to carry current of a negative polarity from power supply  102  to outer connector of output connector  104 , while first conductor  106  carries current of a positive polarity from power supply  102  to an inner connector of output connector  104 . 
         [0030]    Serial memory  112  may be a non-volatile memory that is located within output connector  104  and is coupled between a ground connection, such as conductor  108 , and a data connection, such as serial data line  110 , which is coupled to a conducting surface of output connector  104 . Note that no powered connection is required to read data from serial memory  112 . 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, power is diverted from power supply  102  to energize an integrated circuit (not shown), which contains serial memory  112 . For example, first conductor  106  may provide current or voltage to serial memory  112 . Memory  112  may be a 1 kB memory chip that is embedded within an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is molded into the housing of output connector  104 , e.g. at one end of a barrel connector. One lead of the memory chip may be soldered to conductor  108  and a second lead is soldered to a conducting surface of output connector  104 , so that the output of output connector  104 , conductors  106 ,  108 , and serial data line  110  are available to couple to receptacle  114  of reader assembly  105 . Any molding technique known in the art may be used to ensure that the product comprising the embedded chip is not visually different than if no chip were embedded. 
         [0032]    Memory  112  serves to hold identification data, such as manufacturing date, lot number, serial number etc., and identify a counterpart device (not shown) that is designed to receive output connector  104 . For example, the identification data may be used to identify the AC/DC adapter holding the serial memory and to associate an electric drill that the adapter is configured to mate to, including data such as the operating voltage of the electric drill and the amount of power that the drill is designed to draw from the adapter. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the identification data is permanently stored into serial memory  112 . For example, the identification data may be programmed by the chip manufacturer, at time of manufacture, using a single write operation. The stored identification data may be subsequently read out from memory  112  through serial data signal  110  by a read-only process. In an alternative embodiment, the identification data may be rewritten multiple times into serial memory  112  embedded in an integrated circuit that is capable of processing data with a microcontroller. For example, a chip manufacturer may supply an unprogrammed chip to the power supply assembly manufacturer, who then programs the identification data, as needed. In yet another embodiment, memory  112  may contain identification data in both a read-only memory and a rewritable memory for use in multiple applications. 
         [0034]    Serial memory  112  may additionally include various levels of data protection, including encryption and password protection, that provide secure communication to reader  118 . For example, a chip manufacturer may store a password within memory  112  that a host, such as reader  118 , would have to supply prior to being granted access to request or modify any data stored on memory  112 . Numerous ways of providing a communication channel between the memory and reader are possible. Physical connections include serial I/O protocols, such as RS-232, SPI, or I2C. In one embodiment, a 1-Wire® data communication over a single signal is used, wherein line  120  shares the same ground as output connector  104  in which serial memory  112  is embedded. Other embodiments are possible but would require additional wiring between output connector  104  and receptacle  114 , which would increase cost and complexity. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, output connector  104  provides data from serial memory  112  to reader  118  via serial data converter  116 . Output connector  104  is a DC power connector, comprising three electrical contacts, similar to an automotive cigarette lighter plug having a nominal polarity of 12 V. In one embodiment, output connector  104  has a cylindrical shape with two or more electrically conducting contact surfaces. Typically, at least two of the contact surfaces are concentric, one on the outer side of a barrel-style body and one on the inner side. Two or more of the contact surfaces may be aligned in a co-linear fashion to provide multiple independent power or signal lines. Between the two or more contact surfaces is disposed electrically insulating material. Outer contact of output connector  104  is connected to one polarity of power supply  102 , e.g. a negative polarity, while the inner contact is connected to an opposite polarity of power supply  102 , e.g. a positive polarity. Further, disposed at the center of the barrel connector may be a center pin. Each of the contact surfaces may be configured to receive and transmit power and data signals. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1C  illustrates an implementation of an output connector for use in an identification system to associate devices according to various embodiments. Output connector  160  comprises two outer contact surfaces  163 ,  164  and one inner contact surface  165 . Outer contact surfaces  163 ,  164  are aligned in a co-linear fashion and separated by electrically insulating material  166 , such as Teflon® or any other suitable dielectric. Unlike in prior art barrel-style connectors commonly found in AC/DC adapters, a total of three contact surfaces are provided. Outer contact surface  164  is coupled to the positive polarity of a power supply (not shown) via first electrical conductor  167 , while the inner contact surface  165  is coupled to a negative polarity of the power supply via second electrical conductor  168 . Outer contact surface  163  is configured to receive and transmit serial data signals via a serial data line, as previously mentioned. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any permutation of the polarities of the conducting surfaces may be chosen. Similarly, the inner contact may be split instead of the outer contact to achieve similar functions. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1D  illustrates an alternative implementation of an output connector for use in identification system to associate devices according to various embodiments. Output connector  180  comprises three outer contact surfaces  183 ,  184 ,  185  separated by two sections of electrically insulating material  186 . Contact surfaces  184 ,  185  are coupled to the positive and negative polarity of the power supply via first electrical conductor  187  and second electrical conductor  188 , respectively, while contact surface  183  is configured to receive and transmit serial data signals via the serial data line. 
         [0038]    Returning now to  FIG. 1A , output connector  104  is configured to be inserted into a counterpart receptacle  114 . The mating receptacle comprises two or more contacts configured to receive output connector  104  and to make electrical and mechanical contact with the contact surfaces of output connector  104 . Output connector  104  is composed of any suitable electrically conductive material, such as nickel-plated copper. One skilled in the art will recognize that different shapes and materials may be substituted to provide power and data from power supply  102  to reader  118  and to insulate conducting surfaces from each other. 
         [0039]    Receptacle  114  is configured to receive output connector  104  to establish a communication channel for data transmission between memory  112  and reader  118  via serial data converter  116 . In one embodiment, matching receptacle  114  receives serial data signal  110 , which comprises identifying data, and transmits it to serial data converter  116 . Serial data converter  116  converts serial data signal  110  into second data signal  117 , which comprises the identifying data in a different format. 
         [0040]    With regard to a coaxial output connector  104 , receptacle  114  may be a socket mounted directly to the housing of reader  118 . Alternatively, receptacle  114  may be extended by electrical cable  115 . In yet another alternative, a serial-to-USB adapter cable having a multi-pin connector may be utilized to directly connect receptacle  114  to a USB input port of reader  118 . Receptacle  114  need not connect to or utilize each contact of output connector  104 . In one embodiment, receptacle  114  comprises at least one contact for serial data signal  110 . A designated contact, such as a center contact, may be used to transmit data signals between memory  112  and reader  118 . 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, receptacle  114  may be designed as one or more power connectors, such as a set of modified DC barrel connectors that provide numerous input connectors of varying sizes and shapes to form a universal reader from which a user may select a matching connector. 
         [0042]    Reader  118  may be implemented as a plug and play USB reader that is internal or external to a computer or any other portable electronic device that is capable of displaying information. In one embodiment, serial data converter  116  converts serial data from serial memory  112  to USB formatted data, which is second data signal  117 . Reader  118  receives second data signal  117  via a USB enabled interface and displays the data on a human-readable display, such as an LCD. 
         [0043]    Data transmission based on a USB protocol well understood in the art, and a detailed description is omitted herein. The USB interface advantageously supplies by cable the power necessary to operate serial memory  112 , thus the data contained in serial memory  112  can be obtained without power supply assembly  101  being plugged into a wall outlet. One additional benefit of the USB interface is that USB is a universally accepted de facto standard for low power applications, and is built in into many devices, including portable devices, such as cellular phones. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , serial memory  112  may be embedded within power supply  102 . In identification system  150 , electrical cable  103  comprises at least three conductors, e.g., copper wires. First and second conductors  106 ,  108  are configured to carry power and third conductor  140  carries data signals from power supply  102  to one or more contact points of output connector  104 . The conductors are connected to corresponding contact surfaces on output connector  104 . For example, first conductor  106  may be configured to carry current of a positive polarity from the power supply to the inner connector of output connector  104 , while second conductor  108  may be configured to carry current of a negative polarity from power supply  102  to the outer connector of output connector  104 , and third conductor  140  carries a data signal from memory  112  to the center connector of output connector  104 . The data signal carries identification data regarding the content stored in serial memory  112 , such as identification data discussed previously. 
         [0045]    One skilled in the art will recognize that the data signal may carry any sort of information, including data related and unrelated to hardware or software described herein. For example, the data signal may carry information containing a counter to count the total hours of operation or the power consumed by a piece of equipment, such as a counterpart device that output connector  104  is designed to mate to. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, power supply  102  is utilized to transmit power to reader  118  via output connector  104 . In another embodiment, matching receptacle  114  receives power from reader  118  to provide power to serial memory  112  via second and third conductors  108 ,  140 , respectively. In this embodiment, power and data signals are multiplexed on third conductor  140 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 2A  is a block diagram illustrating a contactless identification system to associate devices according to various embodiments. Serial memory  212  may be implemented as a non-volatile memory that is embedded in an identifier tag, e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder or a smart card to allow communication with a reading device. The identifier tag may be a simple, low-cost device such as for use with a near field communication (NFC) contactless transponder reader. With reference to contactless embodiments, serial memory  212  is embedded within an integrated circuit that can be molded into the housing of power supply  202 . Serial memory  212  comprises identification data that can be read out with contactless reader  220 . As such, serial memory  212  acts as an electronic identifying label to identify the electrical characteristics of power supply  202  and that of one or more products that power supply  202  is associated with. As illustrated in  FIG. 2B , serial memory  212  may embedded within an integrated circuit molded into output connector  204 , e.g. into a barrel power supply connector. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an identifier tag according to various embodiments. Identifier tag  300  is configured to communicate with a reading device, such as a transponder reader. Identifier tag  300  comprises a communications circuit that is based on RFID technology. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, identifier tag  300  comprises passive circuitry that is configured to communicate with contactless reader via radio frequency (RF) technology. Such circuitry may comprise a resonant structure that draws energy from an electromagnetic field. The source of energy is the RF field that is generated by a tag reader (not shown) at a designated frequency, such as 13.56 MHz. Part of the energy that identifier tag  300  draws is used to operate antenna circuit  302 , memory  304 , power circuit  306 , and control logic  308 . The energy may be extracted, for example, over a number of consecutive cycles. 
         [0050]    Power circuit  306  comprises power storage capabilities that allow it to store some or all of the extracted energy. Once tag  300  is energized, it can actively communicate to the contactless reader. The powering of tag  300  and the communication with the contactless reader may occur simultaneously. In one embodiment, tag  300  is an active transponder with its own source of energy, e.g. a battery, and tuning circuitry that allow identifier tag  300  to transmit data to the contactless reader. The data comprises identifying information for a piece of hardware that is associated with the product that carries tag  300 . 
         [0051]    Antenna circuit  302  comprises one or more antennae that may operate at various resonant frequencies where each antenna is designed to efficiently transfer energy at its resonant frequency. Antenna circuit  302  enables wireless communication between tag  300  and the contactless reader in accordance with a chosen RF communication standard. 
         [0052]    The antenna signals transmitted by antenna circuit  302  can be regulated in amplitude, phase, or both. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other examples and combinations of modulation may be employed to achieve effective identification data transmission without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0053]    Control logic  308  serves to control the signals transmitted by antenna circuit  302  and to communicate with memory  304 . Control logic  308  comprises controls to read out identification data from memory  304  and to convert the data into corresponding RF signals for transfer by antenna circuit  302 . Control logic  308  may comprise additional circuitry to process and provide data protection for secure communication between tag  300  and the contactless reader. The identification data may be permanently stored into memory  304 , for example, by the tag manufacturer, and may associate the tagged item with its associated product. In one embodiment, both a read-only memory and a rewritable memory are provided. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a contactless ID reader according to various embodiments. Reader  400  comprises transmitter  402 , antenna circuit  404 , receiver  406 , and control logic  408 . Reader  400  may be an RFID reader with a USB controlled interface. 
         [0055]    In one embodiment, reader  400  is configured to enable data exchange between ID tag  410 , which stores identifying data about an associated item on ID tag  410 , and computer  412 , which can display the identifying data on a display. Reader  400  reads out data stored on ID tag  410  via a communication channel established between ID tag  410  and reader  400  according to a communications protocol. Communication is established over one of various types of wireless data transmission protocols, including infrared, RF, microwave, Bluetooth, Wifi, Wireless USB and other protocols. In addition, other techniques, including optical techniques, such as lasers, may be used. 
         [0056]    Reader  400  enables a data exchange between ID tag  410  and computer  412 . Computer  412  may be equipped with an application program for executing data exchange with reader  400  via a communication cable  414 . Alternatively, data may be transmitted in accordance with a data transmission protocol between a serial memory located within ID tag  410  and reader  400 , where reader  400  is an NFC-enabled portable device having a relatively short reading range, such as a cellular phone. Data stored on the non-volatile memory of ID tag  410  may be user accessible to allow for re-writing of data via transmitter  402  and antenna circuit  404 . Thus, a user may identify a product associated with a particular item, for example an AC/DC power adapter, by scanning the adapter carrying ID tag  410  with an NFC-enabled cellular phone. 
         [0057]    Antenna circuit  404  is configured to transmit and receive RF signals to and from ID tag  410 . Receiver  406 , receives from antenna circuit  404  the RF signals that carry among other information the identifying data. Control logic  408  serves to control and decode the received signals and to communicate with computer  412 . The control circuit enables mutual data exchange between receiver  406  and computer  412 , for example, via corresponding USB interfaces (not shown) on reader  400  and computer  412 . The USB interface of reader  400  and the USB interface of computer  412  may be interconnected via a communication cable comprising a USB plug. Control logic  408  is coupled to a serial-to-USB data converter circuit to perform the serial-to-USB conversion. An adapter may be used to convert the output of reader  400  to a suitable signal for the read-out device. In one embodiment, computer  412  may perform serial-to-USB conversion over a serial port, for example, by using an appropriate driver application program that is made available on a website. 
         [0058]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an illustrative contact-based process for identifying associate devices in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
         [0059]    At step  502 , a receptacle receives an output connector that is coupled to a serial memory. 
         [0060]    At step  504 , communication is established between the memory and a reader that is coupled to the receptacle. 
         [0061]    At step  506 , the reader reads the identification data from the memory. 
         [0062]    At step  508 , the identification data is converted into a format that can be displayed on a display. 
         [0063]    At step  510 , the formatted identification data is viewed on a display device, such as a computer monitor or handheld device. 
         [0064]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that fewer or additional steps may be incorporated with the steps illustrated herein without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the identification data may be converted from serial data into a USB format via a serial-to-USB converter prior to being converted into data that can be displayed on a display. Furthermore, no particular order is implied by the arrangement of blocks within the flowcharts or the description herein. 
         [0065]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an illustrative contactless process for identifying associate devices in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
         [0066]    At step  602 , a reader is brought into the proximity of an identifier tag that comprises a serial memory. 
         [0067]    At step  604 , communication is established between the memory and the reader. 
         [0068]    At step  606 , the reader reads the identification data from the memory. 
         [0069]    At step  608 , the identification data is converted into a format that can be displayed on a display. 
         [0070]    Finally, at step  610 , the formatted identification data is viewed on a display device, such as a computer monitor or handheld device, such as an NFC-enabled phone. 
         [0071]    It will be appreciated that the preceding examples and embodiments are exemplary and are for the purposes of clarity and understanding and not limiting to the scope of the present invention. It is intended that all permutations, enhancements, equivalents, combinations, and improvements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art, upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings, are included within the scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the claims include all such modifications, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.