EP2453732A1

EP2453732A1 - A radio frequency identification tag for livestock tracking

Info

Publication number: EP2453732A1
Application number: EP09788616A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Toon Liang Huang; Kim Huat Albert Loh
Original assignee: PTS Technologies Pte Ltd
Current assignee: PTS Technologies Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2009-07-15
Filing date: 2009-07-15
Publication date: 2012-05-23
Also published as: NZ598186A; WO2011008170A1; WO2011008170A8

Abstract

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag assembly (200) which is suitable for livestock tracking. The RFID tag assembly includes a male portion (110), a female portion (120) and a support member (130). The female portion is configured to receive the male portion, and the support member is coupled to the male and the female portions. The support member carries an RFID communication device (131) which includes a transponder (131a) and an RFID coil coupled to the transponder. In some embodiments, the RFID coil (131b) has a thickness of less than approximately 2 millimeters (mm). In one embodiment, the RFID coil has an inner diameter of approximately 9mm and an outer diameter of approximately 16mm.

Description

A RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAG FOR LIVESTOCK

TRACKING

Field Of Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to livestock tracking. More particularly, various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that is suitable for livestock tracking.

Background

Various modern systems and methods for tracking livestock involve electronic transponders that transmit electromagnetic signals that are unique to a specific herd or individual animals. Examples of livestock that may be tracked are sheep, goats, swine, and cattle. Livestock can be tracked or identified, for example, by categorizing animals in accordance with breed, date of birth, or herd of origin data.

Modern livestock tracking transponders typically involve radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, in which an RFID reader transmits signals to an RFID tag that is attached to an animal. The RFID tag typically resides within a housing that forms a portion of a tag assembly, which is attached to a particular body part of an individual animal. The tag assembly can be securely attached to, for instance, an animal's ear to facilitate easy access to the tag. Upon receipt of signals output by the reader, the RFID tag can access data stored in an internal memory, and transmit such data to the reader. The likelihood of successful communication between the reader and the tag depends upon a separation distance between the reader and the tag.

An electronic transponder for the above purpose typically operates within predetermined suitable frequency ranges in accordance with an international standard such as ISO 14223/1. An example of a suitable frequency range is the Low Frequency (LF) range, which ranges from approximately 125 kHz - 134.2 kHz and/or approximately 140 kHz - 148.5 kHz. In accordance with regulations defined by a regulatory body, a reader must be capable of reading or querying the electronic transponder from a mandated minimum distance. For instance, in the European Community, Council Regulation EC 21/2004 specifies that a handheld RFID reader and a corresponding RFID ear tag must be capable of communicating over a distance of at least 12 centimeters.

Unfortunately, existing tag assemblies for livestock tracking or identification fail to facilitate livestock tracking in a suitably efficient manner. Existing tag assemblies can also have undesirably or unnecessarily limited communication capabilities. Additionally, existing tag assemblies fail to facilitate sufficiently secure tag attachment onto an animal.

It is therefore desirable to provide a solution to address at least one of the foregoing problems of conventional tag assemblies. Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the disclosure, a Radio Frequency Identification

(RFID) tag assembly is provided. The RFID tag assembly includes a male portion, a female portion and a support member. The female portion is configured to receive the male portion, and the support member is coupled to the male and the female portions. The support member carries an RFID communication device which includes a transponder and an RFID coil coupled to the transponder. The RFID coil has an inner diameter of approximately 9 millimeters (mm) and an outer diameter of approximately 16 millimeters (mm). In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) animal tracking system is provided. The RFID animal tracking system includes an RFID reader and an RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a male portion and a female portion configured to receive the male portion. The RFID tag also includes a receptacle coupled to the male portion and the female portion. The receptacle carries an RFID communication device which includes a transponder and an RFID coil which is coupled to the transponder. The RFID coil has an inner diameter of approximately 9 millimeters and an outer diameter of approximately 16 millimeters. The RFID coil is electronically matched to the transponder in a manner that enables reliable communication with the RFID reader over a distance of at least approximately 12 centimeters or at least approximately 14 centimeters, or at least approximately 18 centimeters. In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag assembly is provided. The RFID tag assembly includes a male portion and a female portion configured to receive the male portion. The RFID tag assembly also includes a support member which couples the male portion and the female portion. The support member includes a bending portion and a weak link portion coupled to the bending portion. The weak link portion is at least one of patterned and tapered to reduce structural integrity of the support member. The support member also includes a receptacle which is coupled to one of the bending portion and the weak link portion. The RFID tag assembly further includes an RFID communication device which is carried by the receptacle. The RFID communication device includes a transponder and a coil of wire coupled to the transponder. The coil of wire has a thickness of less than approximately 3 millimetres and an outer diameter of less than one from the group of approximately 25 millimetres, approximately 20 millimetres, and approximately 16 millimetres. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective illustration of a first RFID tag that includes a male portion, a female portion and a support member according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2 is an illustration of a first RFID animal tracking system that includes a first RFID tag assembly and an RFID reader according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figs. 3a and 3b are schematic illustrations of an RFID communication device according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 3c is a schematic circuit illustration showing a manner in which a transponder is coupled to an RFID coil according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 4 is a graph illustrating a data set identifying an average maximum successful communication distance between a number of first RFID tag assemblies and an RFID reader with respect to a relative level of power provided by the RFID reader;

Figs. 5a and 5b show the first RFID tag attached to an ear of a representative animal; Fig. 6a is a plane view and Fig. 6b is a side view of a second RFID tag according to an embodiment of the disclosure, respectively; and

Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b are flow diagrams illustrating a representative RFID tag assembly and RFID animal tracking system manufacturing and verification process according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Representative embodiments of the disclosure for addressing one or more of the foregoing problems associated with conventional tag assemblies for livestock tracking are described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 1 to 7b.

For purposes of brevity and clarity, the description herein is limited to RFID tag systems, devices, and techniques for livestock tracking. This, however, does not preclude various embodiments of the disclosure from other applications where fundamental principles prevalent among the various embodiments of the disclosure such as operational, functional or performance characteristics are required.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a first RFID tag 100, a first RFID assembly 200, and a first RFID animal tracking system 250 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In various embodiments, the first RFID tag 100 includes a male portion 110, a female portion 120, and a support member 130 configured to carry an RFID communication device 131. The tag 100 further includes a first surface 100a and a second surface 100b, which oppose each other. In various embodiments, the support member 130 includes a receptacle 134 within which the RFID communication device 131 can be positioned or accommodated. In some embodiments, the first RFID tag 100 can include a cover portion 134a that facilitates securing the RFID communication device 131 within the receptacle 134. The receptacle 134 and/or the cover portion 134a can be shaped and dimensioned to carry, accommodate, or house an RFID communication device 131 of a given shape and dimension. The RFID communication device 131 when carried by or attached to the first RFID tag 100 forms a first RFID tag assembly 200, which can communicate with an RFID reader 231 as shown in Fig. 2. Additionally, the first RFID tag assembly 200 and the RFID reader 231 form a first RFID animal tracking system 250.

The support member 130 couples the RFID tag's male and female portions 1 10, 120. The male portion 110 can be a pointed protruding member extending from one end of the first surface 100a of the RFID tag 100, and the female portion 120 can be a perforated member that is suitable for receiving and matingly engaging or securing the male portion 110. Such a perforated member can be defined at an end of the RFID tag 100, for instance, an end that is opposite to an end at which the male portion 110 resides.

The support member 130 can also include a flexible or bending portion 132, which in various embodiments has an elongated or slender shape (greater in length than in width). In several embodiments, the support member 130 further couples to, carries, or includes at least one weak-link portion 130a that facilitates controlled breakage of the support member 130. Controlled breakage may be desirable for reducing a likelihood of damaging an animal body part to which the RFID tag 100 is attached in situations in which the RFID tag 100 becomes caught or lodged on an object (e.g., a branch or a protruding member of a feeder or fence) in the animal's environment. In general, a weak-link portion 130a can be a segment or section of the RFID tag 100 that is intentionally designed to have a reduced or limited structural integrity relative to the tag's bending portion 132 and/or the male and female portions 1 10, 120. A weak-link portion 130a can be designed to at least partially break, tear, or fragment in response to a generally predictable or predetermined amount of force applied to the RFID tag 100 in one or more directions (e.g., along the length of and/or transverse to the bending portion 132). More particularly, a weak-link portion 130a can be designed to initiate breakage in response to a force that approximately equals or exceeds a predictable breakage or tearing force threshold, which can be defined in accordance with a livestock type and/or animal body part to which the RFID tag 100 is directed.

The weak-link portion 130a can be a patterned portion with a number of recesses or material depth patterns extending from the first surface 100a toward the second surface 100b. The patterns or recesses corresponding to the weak-link portion 130a are configured to reduce the mechanical or structural integrity of a portion of the support member 130 so as to facilitate controlled breakage of the support member 130 at a location or region defined by the weak-link portion 130a. Alternatively, the weak-link portion 130a can be a tapered portion that is tapered so as to reduce the mechanical or structural integrity of part of the support member 130. Additionally or alternatively, perforations, which extend from the first surface 100a through the second surface 100b, can be defined on the weak-link portion 130a to selectively reduce the mechanical or structural integrity of a portion of the support member 130.

In various embodiments, the receptacle 134 is positioned at an RFID tag location that facilitates the unimpeded or generally unimpeded bending of one or more portions of the RFID tag 100. In a representative example shown in Fig. 1, the receptacle 134 is disposed away from or adjacent to the bending portion 132, or more particularly, between the bending portion 132 and the female portion 120. In another representative example, the receptacle 134 can be disposed away from or proximate to the bending portion 132 and is positioned between the bending portion 132 and the male portion 110. The bending portion 132 facilitates the bending of the RFID tag 100 so as to allow contact or coupling between the male and female portions 110, 120. The male and female portions 110, 120 can subsequently be engaged and locked together in a locking position as shown in Fig. 2. The first RFID tag 100 can generally be constructed from one or more molding materials such as a Nylon 6 or a Polyamide 6 injection moulding grade plastic material. In a representative implementation, a plastic material from which the first RFID tag 100 can be constructed is the Grilon BZ 1 material by EMS-Grivory. Alternatively, a plastic material from which the first RFID tag 100 can be constructed is Zytel 7533F by Dupont.

The RFID communication device 131, which will be described later in greater detail with respect to Fig. 3, can be positioned or accommodated within the receptacle 134 such that the receptacle 134 holds or at least partially surrounds the RFID communication device 131. The receptacle 134 includes an opening through which the RFID communication device 131 can be placed, positioned, or inserted. In a representative embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the receptacle's opening provides access to the receptacle 134 at or relative to the first surface 100a of the RFID tag 100. In another representative embodiment, the opening of the receptacle 134 can provide access to receptacle 134 at or relative to the second surface 100b of the RFID tag 100.

After the RFID communication device 131 is accommodated within the receptacle 134, the cover portion 134a can be placed over or upon the opening of the receptacle

134 to facilitate encapsulation of the RFID communication device 131 within the receptacle 134. In various embodiments, the receptacle 134 includes a seating or sealing portion 135 that provides a seat or support for the cover portion 134a, and which facilitates securing, sealing, or welding the cover portion 134a to the receptacle 134 (e.g., in an environmentally isolated or airtight manner). In several embodiments, such encapsulation occurs by way of an ultrasonic welding operation, through which one or more locations along or proximate to an outer periphery of the cover portion 134a and the receptacle's sealing portion 135 are ultrasonically welded together to form a weld portion. The weld portion provides a melted joint along or around the receptacle's periphery. Thus, the weld portion is located between the receptacle 134 and the cover portion 134a. The receptacle's sealing portion 135 and a portion of the cover portion 134a (e.g., an outer rim) can be shaped and dimensioned to provide a weld portion having a predetermined or generally predetermined width and/or thickness.

In addition or as an alternative to the foregoing, after the RFID communication device 131 is accommodated within the receptacle 134, the receptacle 134 can be filled with a filling material, such as epoxy, so as to encapsulate the RFID communication device 131 within the receptacle 134. Where the RFID communication device 131 is encapsulated within the receptacle 134 by filling the receptacle 134 with a filling material, the cover portion 134a can optionally be omitted.

After the RFID communication device 131 is accommodated within the receptacle 134, the RFID communication device 131 is encapsulated for at least one of substantially impeding movement of the RFID communication device 131 and substantially impeding external contact to the RFID communication device 131, hence preserving the integrity of the RFID communication device 131.

Figs. 3a and 3b are schematic illustrations of an embodiment of an RFID communication device 131 according to the present disclosure. The RFID communication device 131 includes a transponder 131a and an RFID coil 131b. Fig. 3c is a schematic circuit illustration depicting a manner in which the transponder 131a is coupled to the RFID coil 131b.

In general, the RFID coil 131b can be shaped so as to have a substantially primitive geometric shape. Additionally, the RFID coil 131b includes a center about which a perforation 131c is defined. The perforation 131b can have a substantially primitive geometric shape that matches or is similar to the shape of the RFID coil 131a. In several embodiments, the RFID coil 131b is circularly shaped and the perforation

131c defined about its center is similarly circular in shape. In such embodiments, the RFID coil 131b has an outer diameter, and an inner diameter that is defined by the diameter of the perforation 131c. The RPID communication device 131 can be configured to communicate with the RFID reader 231 at a communication distance of more than 12 centimetres (cm), and is operable at a suitable frequency range such as LF range. More specifically, the RFID coil 131b is shaped and configured to have electrical characteristics which are compatible for use with the transponder 131a. For instance, the RFID coil 131b can be shaped and configured to operate at a frequency of 134.2 KHz and be capable of communicating with the RFID reader 231 at a communication distance range of more than 12 cm when the RFID reader 231 is a battery powered device. In one embodiment, the transponder 131a includes an integrated circuit (IC) that operates in accordance with an IC communication protocol that is compatible with electronic Read/Write (RJW) operations for LF range RF communications, and is compliant with the ISO 11784/11785 standard. In a representative implementation, the transponder 131 is or includes the EM4205/4305 IC which is available from EM Microelectronic - Marin SA.

The RFID coil 131b can be configured so that its electrical characteristics, such as the inductance and the impedance of the RFID coil 131b, are suitably predetermined in respect of the transponder 131a to which it is coupled. For example, in situations in which the EM4205/4305IC is used as the transponder 131a, the electrical characteristics of the RFID coil 131b can be configured by a technique such as coil winding. The electrical characteristics of the RFID coil 131a can therefore be established by a number of turns of the coil winding. Other techniques, such as material selection for the construction of the RFID coil 131b, are also useful for defining the electrical characteristics of the RFID coil 131b. One or more techniques for establishing the RFID coil's electrical characteristics may be subject to a desired set of coil dimension constraints, such that the RFID tag assembly 200 satisfies particular size and/or weight targets. In several embodiments, the RFID coil 131b can be formed from a length of metal such as a self bonding copper wire which has, for example, a thread diameter of 0.1 millimetres (mm). In an implementation, the length of metal is wound so that the number of turns produced in the RFID coil 131b is approximately 694. Hence, the inductance of the RFID coil 131b is approximately 4.5 Henries (H) and the impedance of the RFID coil 131b can thus be derived from the inductance of the RFID coil 131b (e.g., a coil impedance can be measured, calculated, or estimated after an actual or expected coil inductance target is achieved in association with a coil manufacturing process). Furthermore, the inductance of the RFID coil 131b can range, approximately, between 4H to 5H.

Depending upon embodiment details, the RFID coil 131b can have an outer diameter of less than approximately 27 mm, or between approximately 12.5 mm - 27 mm

(e.g., between about 15 mm - 26 mm). Additionally, the RFID coil 131b can have an inner diameter of less than approximately 23 mm (e.g., less than approximately 20.5 mm), or between approximately 6.5 mm - 21.5 mm (e.g., between about 8 mm - 19 mm). The RFID coil 131b can have a thickness of less than approximately 3 mm (e.g., less than approximately 2.5 mm), or between approximately 1.0 mm - 2.5 mm

(e.g., between about 1.3 mm - 2.2 mm). A given coil outer diameter, inner diameter, and/or thickness can be determined in accordance with an RFID tag assembly size target and/or an RFID tag assembly - RFID reader communication distance target

(e.g., a predetermined maximum distance over which successful or highly reliable communication can be expected).

The RFID tag's receptacle 134 can have a diameter that is sufficient to accommodate the RFID coil 131a. For instance, the receptacle 134 can have an internal diameter that is approximately 0.5 mm larger than the outer diameter of the RFID coil 131a, and an external diameter that exceeds its internal diameter by approximately 0.5 mm or more. The RFID tag's sealing portion 135 (and hence a weld portion) can exist between the receptacle's internal and external diameters. In some embodiments, the RFID tag's sealing portion 135 (and hence a weld portion) can have a width or thickness of approximately 2 mm.

In one embodiment, the RFID coil 131b can have an outer diameter of approximately 16 millimetres (mm) and which ranges, approximately, between 15.5 mm and 16.5 mm. Additionally, the inner diameter of the RFID coil 131b, which is defined by the perforation 131b, is approximately 9 mm and ranges, approximately, between 8.5 mm and 9.5 mm. The RFID coil 131a can have a thickness of approximately 1.35 mm and which ranges, approximately, between 1.34 mm and 1.36 mm.

In another embodiment, the RFID coil 131b can have an outer diameter of approximately 20 millimetres (mm) and which ranges, approximately, between 19.5 mm and 20.5 mm. Additionally, the inner diameter of the RFID coil 131b is approximately 13 mm and ranges, approximately, between 12.5 mm and 13.5 mm. The RFID coil 131a can have a thickness of approximately 2 mm and which ranges, approximately, between 1.9 mm and 2.1 mm.

In yet another embodiment, the RFID coil 131b can have an outer diameter of approximately 25 millimetres (mm) and which ranges, approximately, between 24.5 mm and 25.5 mm. Additionally, the inner diameter of the RFID coil 131b is approximately 18 mm and ranges, approximately, between 17.5 mm and 18.5 mm. The RFID coil 131a can have a thickness of approximately 2 mm and which ranges, approximately, between 1.9 mm and 2.1 mm. As mentioned earlier, the RFID communication device 131 communicates with the RFID reader 231. In a representative implementation, the RFID reader 231 is a handheld reader such as a Gallagher Smart Reader.

In one embodiment, when the RFID coil 131a has an inner and outer diameter of approximately 9 mm and approximately 16 mm, respectively, and a thickness of approximately 1.35 mm, the RFID communication device 131 is capable of communication with the RFID reader 231 at a communication distance or range of at least 14 cm. In another embodiment, the RFID coil 131a has a thickness of approximately 2 mm and which ranges, approximately, between 1.9 mm and 2.1 mm. When the RFID coil 131a has a thickness of approximately 2 mm, the RFID communication device 131 is capable of communication with the RFID reader 231 at a communication distance of at least 15 cm. The aforementioned communication distances of at least 14 cm and at least 15 cm can apply to a handheld, battery powered RFID reader 231. Greater communication distances can be attained for line powered RFID readers. In another embodiment, when the RFID coil 131a has an inner and outer diameter of approximately 13 mm and approximately 20 mm, respectively, and a thickness of approximately 2 mm, the RFID communication device 131 is capable of communication with the RFID reader 231 (e.g., a battery powered handheld reader) at a communication distance or range of at least 18 cm.

In yet another embodiment, when the RFID coil 131a has an inner and outer diameter of approximately 18 mm and approximately 25 mm, respectively, and a thickness of approximately 2 mm, the RFID communication device 131 is capable of communication with the RFID reader 231 at a communication distance or range of at least 20 cm.

Fig. 4 is a graph 400 illustrating a data set identifying an average maximum successful communication distance between a number of first RFID tag assemblies 200 and an RFID reader 231 with respect to a relative level of power provided by the RFID reader 231. For the measurements shown in Fig. 4, the RFID reader 231 was a handheld Gallagher Smart Reader, and the RFID coil 131b of the RFID communication device 131 carried by the first RFID tag 100 has an outer diameter of approximately 16 mm and a thickness of approximately 1.35 mm. An initial test distance was defined to be 18 cm. Communication tests were performed on a group of 10 first RFID tag assemblies 200 across multiple test distances, beginning at the initial 18 cm test distance. At each distance considered, a total of 3 communication tests were performed on each RFID tag 200 within the group.

In Fig. 4, the X-axis indicates an approximate 25% percentage power level (e.g., a low battery power condition) and a 100% power level (i.e., a fully charged battery condition) for the RFID reader 231. The Y-axis indicates a successful communication or reading distance in cm. As shown in Fig. 4, when the battery power level is approximately 25%, an average successful communication distance is approximately 20.5 cm. When the battery power level is approximately 100%, an average communication distance is approximately 21.6 cm. Therefore, as illustrated in the graph 400, it can be observed that at a full battery level or a low battery level, the RFID reader 231 is able to successfully communicate with the first RPID tag 100 from a distance of up to 21.6 cm and 20.5 cm, respectively. Regardless of a full or low battery level, each first RFID tag 100 within the group of 10 was able to successfully communicate with the RFID reader 231 over the initial distance of 18 cm. Thus, the first RFID tag 100 and the RFID reader 231 can successfully maintain a communication distance of at least 14 cm.

The first RFID tag 100 is shaped and is of a dimension suitable for tagging livestock such as sheep or goats. The first RFID tag 100 can be attached to, for example, an ear of the livestock as shown in Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b. Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b provide, respectively, a front view and a rear view of an ear of the livestock on which the first RFID tag 100 is attached. It can be appreciated that the RFID coil 131b, which can be shaped and dimensioned as discussed in the foregoing, facilitates a first RFID tag 100 having a shape and dimension that is reasonably compact, and which is less than or equal to a weight that is suitable for the above mentioned purpose of tagging sheep or goats. In a representative implementation, the weights of the RFID coil 131b and the first RFID tag assembly 200 are approximately 1.0 - 2.0 grams (g) (e.g., less than about 1.75 g, or about 1.5 g) and approximately 4.0 - 5.5 g (e.g., less than about 5.25 g, or about 4.8 g), respectively. Fig. 6a is a plane view and Fig. 6b is a side view of a second RFID tag 600 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, respectively. The second RFID tag 600 includes the first RFID tag 100, and further includes an elongate member portion 602 having a first face 602a and a second face 602b. The elongate member portion 602 is coupled to at least one of the male portion 110, the female portion 120, and the support member 130 of the first RFID tag 100. In various embodiments, the elongate member portion 602 includes a male member 610, a female member 620 and a center member 630, which includes a weak link part 630a and a bending part 632. The center member 630 couples the male and female members 610, 620. The male member 610, female member 620, the center member 630 of the second RFID tag 600 correspond or are similar to the male portion 110, the female portion 120 and the support member 130, respectively, of the first RFID tag 100. Additionally, the weak link part 630a and the bending part 632 of the second RFID tag 600 respectively correspond or are similar to the weak link portion 130a and the bending portion 132 of the first RFID tag 100.

In one embodiment, the elongate member portion 602 carries an identifier or inscription that can be carried by an exposed portion (e.g., the second face 602b) of the elongate member portion 602. The inscription can be etched or engraved by, for example, laser marking. The inscription can include an identification marking which can be visually perceived for identification of the livestock.

In another embodiment, the elongate member portion 602 carries, on its second face 602b, a visual identification label that can be used for identification of the livestock. The visual identification label can be molded into the elongate member portion 602, or attached to the elongate member portion 602 by, for example, gluing it to the second face 602b the elongate member portion 602. Alternatively, the visual identification label can be encased in a transparent covering such as a plastic covering and attached to the second face 602b of the elongate member portion 602. In yet another embodiment, the elongate member portion 602 carries an inscription which is engraved on its first face 602a and an identification label which is carried by (e.g., attached to) its second face 602b. Alternatively, the identification label is attached to the first face 602a of the elongate member portion 602 and the inscription is engraved on the second face 602b of the elongate member portion 602.

As mentioned earlier, the RFID communication device 131 when carried or encapsulated by or attached to a portion of the first RFID tag 100 forms a first RFID tag assembly 200, which can communicate with an RFID reader 231 as shown in Fig. 2. Similarly, the RFID communication device 131 when carried or encapsulated by or attached to a portion of the second RFID tag 600, forms a second RFID tag assembly (not shown), which can communicates with an RFID reader 231.

Additionally, the second RFID tag assembly and the RFID reader 231 form a second RFID animal tracking system (not shown) which is essentially identical, similar, or analogous to the first RFID animal tracking system 250 with the exception that second RFID tag 600 is a variation of the first RFID tag 100 in that it includes an elongate member portion 602 as described above.

Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b are flow diagrams illustrating a representative RFID tag assembly and RFID animal tracking system manufacturing and verification process 700 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the process 700 includes a first process portion 710 that involves providing an RFID communication device 131 ; a second process portion 720 that involves providing at least one of the first and second RFID tags 100, 600; and a third process portion 730 that involves securing or attaching the RFID communication device 131 to at least one of the first and second RFID tags 100, 600. For purposes of brevity and clarity, particular aspects of the procedure 700, including aspects that are relevant to one or more embodiments of the first process portion 710, are described in more detail hereafter with respect to the first RFID tag assembly 200. The second RFID tag assembly can be manufactured in a similar or analogous manner. As shown in Fig. 7b, the first process portion 710 of the procedure 700 includes a coil winding portion 710a in which a material is selected for the construction of the RFID coil 131b and a length of the selected material is wound to form the RFID coil 131b. The first process portion 710 can also include a verification portion 710b in which one or more electrical characteristics of the RFID coil 131b are verified; a coupling portion 710c in which the RFID coil 131b is coupled to the transponder 131a. The first process portion 710 can further include a programming portion 71Od in which at least one of a set of suitable communication protocols or parameters and a set of suitable operating protocols or parameters are programmed into the transponder 131a. The first process portion 710 can further include a Read/Write (R/W) portion 71Oe in which the transponder 131a is verified against any programming defects; a securing portion 71Of in which the transponder 131a is secured to the RFID coil 131 b; a curing portion 71 Og; and an inspection portion 71 Oh.

In association with the coil winding portion 710a, the length of selected coil material can be machine wound, and shaped and dimensioned as discussed earlier (e.g., with reference to Fig. 3) to form the RFID coil 131b. The dimensions of the RFID coil 131b can be verified by, for example, a test jig or a coil holding jig in which the dimensions of the RFID coil 131b are measured. Alternatively, a human operator can verify the dimensions of the RFID coil 131b. After verification of its dimensions, the RFID coil 131b can be trimmed and tinned at its ends. During the verification portion 710b, one or more electrical characteristics such as the inductance (L), capacitance (C) and resistance (R) of the RFID coil 131b can be verified using a measurement test jig in which the electrical characteristics can be measured by, for example, an LCR meter. The RFID coil 131b can be coupled to the transponder 131a in the coupling portion 710c by, for example, a process of soldering, thus forming the RFID communication device 131. For example, the tinned ends of the RFID coil 131b can be soldered to appropriate contact pads of the transponder 131a to establish electrical connectivity. The RFID coil 131b can be soldered to the transponder 131a using, for example, lead-free solder and at a suitable temperature that is controlled in accordance with a temperature tolerance of the transponder 131a. For example, where the transponder 131a is an EM4205/4305 IC, the soldering process is carried out at a temperature of less than approximately 250 degrees Celsius. In association with the program portion 71Od, depending on the transponder 131a used, particular information or data such as a communication or operation protocols or parameters can be programmed into the transponder 131a. Such protocols can include one or more portions of a software operating platform. In implementations in which the transponder 131a is an ISO 11784/11785 based IC chip, a set of suitable ISO 1 1784/1 1785 standard compliant communication protocols can be programmed into the transponder 131a.

At the R/W portion 71Oe, particular operational aspects of the RFID communication device 131 can be verified against programming defects using, for example, the RFID reader 231 to ensure proper communication between the RFID communication device 131 and the RFID reader 231. Furthermore, one or more target communication distances or ranges or a minimum and/or maximum communication distance between the RFID communication device 131 and the RFID 231 can be tested or verified. For example, the RFID device 131 and the RFID reader 231 can be verified to be capable of successfully communicating over a distance of more than 12cm, or more than 14 cm, or more than 18 cm. In certain embodiments, such verification can include testing or verifying RFID device - RFID reader communication ability at different RFID reader power levels.

During the securing portion 71Of, the transponder 131a is secured to the RFID coil 131b to, for example, ensure that the electrical connectivity between the transponder 131a and the RFID coil 131b is not easily compromised, thus improving robustness and integrity of the RFID communication device 131. The transponder 131a can be secured to the RFID coil 131b by, for example, using a securing material such as an epoxy or resin, followed by curing the securing material under controlled conditions during the curing portion 71Og. Aspects of the curing portion 71Og can be controlled depending on conditions such as the securing material used and the temperature tolerance of the transponder 131a.

After the curing portion 71Og, the RFID communication device 131 can be further tested at the inspection portion 71Oh to ensure that the integrity of the RFID communication device 131 is maintained (i.e., not compromised). The inspection portion 71Oh can include inspection processes such as a mechanical inspection process to ensure structural and mechanical integrity of the RFID communication device 131 and an electrical inspection process to ensure electrical integrity of the RFID communication device 131. The mechanical inspection process can be a visual inspection to, for instance, ensure that reliability limiting defects or cracks are not detected on the RFID communication device 131. The electrical process can be a reader test process using the RFID reader 231 to ensure that the communication distance range is maintained at more than 12cm or greater distance.

The RFID communication device 131 can be secured or attached during the attachment portion 730 to the first RFID tag 100 provided in the tag providing portion 720 of the process 700 of Fig. 7a. Aspects of particular embodiments of the tag providing portion 720 and the attachment portion 730 are described in detail hereafter.

The first RFID tag 100 can be formed by molding, via a controlled process, a mold material such as a Nylon 6 or a Polyamide 6 injection moulding grade plastic material in a molding jig to form the male portion 110, the female portion 120 and the support member 130 as described earlier in relation to Fig. 1.

The controlled process can include or specify control parameters, such as a molding temperature, a time setting, and a flow rate of the mold material that are suitable for molding the mold material. The controlled process is dependent on the characteristics of the mold material used. For example, where the mold material is

Grilon '/_, the molding temperature is controlled at a range of approximately 340 to

360 degree Celsius, the time setting is controlled at approximately 30 seconds, and the flow rate of the mold material is controlled at approximately lOml/minute.

During the attachment portion 730, the RFID communication device 131 is secured or attached to or encapsulated within a portion of the first RFID tag 100. The RFID communication device 131 can, for example, be attached to the first RFID tag 100 by encapsulating the RFID communication device 131 within the receptacle 134 of the support member 130 as previously described in Fig. 1. In association with the attachment portion 730, the cover portion 134a can be placed over or seated upon the opening of the receptacle 134. The cover portion 134a can be sealed to the receptacle 134 at or along the seating or sealing portion 135 to form a weld portion by ultrasonic techniques. For example, an outer portion of the receptacle 134 and the cover portion 134a can be subjected to ultrasound at a frequency of approximately 20 KHz for approximately 4s by an acoustic ultrasound source or ultrasonic welding device such as a Ringatronics Cobra 1000 or a Ringatronics Ultrasonic booster. Following that, if desired the first RFID tag assembly 200 and/or the first RFID animal tracking system 250 can be subjected to further inspection testing, such as described above for the inspection process 71Oh, to ensure the integrity and performance characteristics of the first RFID tag assembly 200. It is also understood that the inspection process 71Oh and can be implemented in additional or other portions of the process 700 in order to verify or ensure the integrity of portions of the first RFID animal tracking system 250. Furthermore, one or more inspection operations as previously described in relation to the inspection process 71Oh can be modified accordingly to suit a particular process portion at which it is implemented. Furthermore, where it is desired to etch or engrave an inscription onto the elongate member portion 602 of the second RFID tag 600 (or a portion of the first RFID tag 100), the process 700 can further include a laser marking process (not shown) in which the identification marking is laser marked onto the exposed portion (e.g., the second face 602b) of the elongate member portion 602.

In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A Radio Frequency Identification (RPID) tag assembly comprising:

a male portion;

a female portion configured to receive the male portion; a support member coupled to the male portion and the female portion, the support member carrying an RFID communication device comprising:

a transponder; and

an RFID coil coupled to the transponder, the RFID coil having an inner diameter of approximately 9 millimeters (mm) and an outer diameter of approximately 16 millimeters (mm).

2. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the RFID coil is less than or equal to approximately 2 mm.

3. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the RFID coil is approximately equal to 1.35mm.

4. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 1, the RFID coil having approximately 694 turns.

5. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 1, the RFID coil having an inductance of approximately 4.5 Henries (H).

6. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 1, the RFID tag being formed from a self bonding copper wire having a thread diameter of 0.1 mm.

7. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 2, having a weight less than approximately 4.8 grams and the RFID coil having a weight of approximately 1.5 grams.

8. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a receptacle having an opening, the RFID communication device disposed within the opening, the receptacle at least partially surrounding RPID communication device.

9. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 8, further comprising a cover configured to mate with the opening of the receptacle to encapsulate the RFID communication device within the receptacle.

10. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 9, further comprising an ultrasonic weld portion between the receptacle opening and cover.

1 1. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 1, wherein the support member is disposed between the male portion and the female portion.

12 The RFID tag assembly as in claim 11, wherein the support member comprises a bendable member.

13. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 11, wherein the support member further comprises a weak-link portion.

14. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 13, the weak-link portion being at least one of patterned and tapered to reduce structural integrity of the support member so as to facilitate controlled breakage of the support member.

15. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 1, further comprising elongate member portion that is coupled to at least one of the male portion, the female portion, and the support member.

16. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 15, wherein the elongate member portion carries a visual identification label.

17. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 1 being suitable for one of sheep and goats.

18. A Radio Frequency Identification (RPID) animal tracking system comprising: an RFID reader; and

an RFID tag comprising:

a male portion;

a female portion configured to receive the male portion; a receptacle coupled to the male portion and the female portion, the receptacle carrying an RFID communication device comprising:

a transponder; and

an RFID coil coupled to the transponder, the RFID coil having an inner diameter of approximately 9 millimeters and an outer diameter of approximately 16 millimeters, the RFID coil electronically matched to the transponder in a manner that enables reliable communication with the RFID reader over a distance of at least approximately 12 centimeters.

19. The RFID animal tracking system as in claim 18, wherein the RFID reader is a handheld reader.

20. The RFID animal tracking system as in claim 18, wherein the RFID coil is electronically matched to the transponder in a manner that enables communication with the RFID reader having an approximate RFID reader 100% power level over an average distance of approximately 21.6 centimeters.

21. The RFID animal tracking system as in claim 18, wherein the RFID coil is electronically matched to the transponder in a manner that enables communication with the RFID reader having an approximate RFID reader 25% power level over an average distance of approximately 20.5 centimeters.

22. The RFID animal tracking system as in claim 18, wherein the RFID coil is electronically matched to the transponder in a manner that enables reliable communication with the RFID reader over a distance of at least approximately 14 centimeters.

23. The RFID animal tracking system as in claim 18, wherein the RFID coil is electronically matched to the transponder in a manner that enables reliable communication with the RFID reader over a distance of at least approximately 18 centimeters.

24. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag assembly comprising:

a male portion;

a female portion configured to receive the male portion;

a support member coupling the male portion and the female portion, the support member comprising:

a bending portion;

a weak link portion coupled to the bending portion, the weak link

portion being at least one of patterned and tapered to reduce structural integrity of the support member; and

a receptacle coupled to one of the bending portion and the weak link portion;

an RFID communication device carried by the receptacle, the RFID communication device comprising:

a transponder; and

a coil of wire coupled to the transponder, the coil of wire having a thickness of less than approximately 3 millimetres and an outer diameter of less than one from the group of approximately 25 millimetres, approximately 20 millimetres, and approximately 16 millimetres.

25. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 24, wherein the coil of wire has an

inductance of approximately 4.5 Henries.

26. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 24, wherein the coil of wire has a thickness of less than approximately 2.75 millimetres.

27. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 24, wherein the coil of wire has a

thickness of approximately 1.0 - 2.5 millimetres.

28. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 24, wherein the coil of wire has an outer diameter of approximately 25 millimetres and an inner diameter of approximately 18 millimetres.

29. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 24, wherein the coil of wire has an outer diameter of approximately 20 millimetres and an inner diameter of approximately 13 millimetres.

30. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 24, wherein the coil of wire has an outer diameter of approximately 16 millimetres and an inner diameter of approximately 9 millimetres.

31. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 24, wherein the coil of wire has a weight of less than approximately 1.75 grams.

32. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 24, further comprising a cover portion coupled to the receptacle.

33. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 32, wherein the cover portion is coupled to the receptacle by an ultrasonic weld portion.

34. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 32, wherein the ultrasonic weld portion has a thickness of approximately 2 millimetres.

35. The RFID tag assembly as in claim 32 having a weight of less than approximately 5.5 grams.