GB2269798A - A personal identification tag incorporating a pager - Google Patents

A personal identification tag incorporating a pager Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2269798A
GB2269798A GB9317471A GB9317471A GB2269798A GB 2269798 A GB2269798 A GB 2269798A GB 9317471 A GB9317471 A GB 9317471A GB 9317471 A GB9317471 A GB 9317471A GB 2269798 A GB2269798 A GB 2269798A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
tag
label
signal
principal surface
clothing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9317471A
Other versions
GB9317471D0 (en
Inventor
John David Barnett
Andrew Rostron
Stephen Anthony Bennett
Nigel Ball
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NEOTERIC TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Original Assignee
NEOTERIC TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB929217902A external-priority patent/GB9217902D0/en
Priority claimed from GB929224863A external-priority patent/GB9224863D0/en
Application filed by NEOTERIC TECHNOLOGIES Ltd filed Critical NEOTERIC TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Priority to GB9317471A priority Critical patent/GB2269798A/en
Publication of GB9317471D0 publication Critical patent/GB9317471D0/en
Publication of GB2269798A publication Critical patent/GB2269798A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44CPERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C3/00Medals; Badges
    • A44C3/001Badges
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B3/00Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems
    • G08B3/10Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G08B3/1008Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems
    • G08B3/1016Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems using wireless transmission
    • G08B3/1025Paging receivers with audible signalling details
    • G08B3/1058Pager holders or housings
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/22Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G08B5/222Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems
    • G08B5/223Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems using wireless transmission
    • G08B5/224Paging receivers with visible signalling details
    • G08B5/228Paging receivers with visible signalling details combined with other devices having a different main function, e.g. watches
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04BTRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/06Receivers
    • H04B1/08Constructional details, e.g. cabinet
    • H04B1/086Portable receivers

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

A personal identification tag and pager comprises means for attaching the tag to the clothing of a user, such as a clip 2, so that a principal surface 3 of the tag is visible to an observer. A region of the surface of the tag is adapted for mounting a label 7 on it temporarily, such as by means of adhesive. The tag includes means for receiving a primary RF signal from a remote transmitter, and means for generating a secondary signal on receipt of the RF signal. The secondary signal such as a flashing light or bleeper can indicate to the user of the tag that there is a message for him. The tag may also include a transmitter so that a wearer can acknowledge receipt of a signal. The label 7 may be protected by a transparent panel 8. <IMAGE>

Description

A PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION TAG This invention relates to a personal identification tag.
It is common at gatherings of a group of people, whether socially or, more especially, for business, for the people to be issued individually with identification tags to be worn prominently on their clothing. This allows the identity of people to be established easily. This practice is especially common at business gatherings, such as conferences, conventions, training meetings and so on, and in business, commercial and industrial sites in generally.
A problem of communication arises at large gatherings of people, because of the difficulties of locating a particular individual. This problem has been addressed by providing a location at which messages for individuals can be left, for example in the form of a message board, a mail box or an electronic mail system on a computer system. However, these solutions to the problem require the intended recipient to check the message location for any messages which might have been left. Failure of the intended recipient to check for messages means that messages are not received.
The present invention provides an identification tag which includes means for receiving a primary RF signal from a remote transmitter, and means for generating a secondary signal on receipt of the RF signal to alert the user of the tag of the primary signal.
Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a personal identification tag, which comprises means for attaching the tag to the clothing of a user such that a principal surface of the tag opposite to the surface which lies against the clothing is visible to an observer, a region of the said principal surface being adapted for mounting a label on it temporarily; means for receiving a primary RF signal from a remote transmitter; and means for generating a secondary signal on receipt of the RF signal.
The tag of the invention can be supplied to people attending a gathering in a manner to which many are accustomed, to be attached to their clothing to allow them to be easily identified. The same product worn on the clothing of individuals attending the gathering can also be relied on to notify individuals of messages which are intended for them. The individuals are notified of the messages without any need for messages to be announced on a public address system, which is generally undesirable (because of the intrusion) and frequently is not practical, as when the gathering is part of a training meeting and attendees are listening to a tutor. The tag has the further advantage that individuals are notified of the messages intended for them, without any need for them to attend a message centre to be check whether any messages have been left for them.
The tag of the invention may include a transmitter by which the wearer of the tag can transmit a signal, for example to acknowledge receipt of a signal. The signal transmitted from the tag might be simply a coded pulse, which might be generated for example simply by appropriate actuation, such as by depressing a button. It is envisaged also, however, that the transmitter might transmit more complicated signals, for example voice or data signals.
Preferably, the attachment means comprises a pin for piercing the clothing of a user to attach the tag to the clothing. The pin attachment means has the advantage that the identification tag may be secured to the clothing of an individual almost anywhere.
The attachment means may comprise a flexible arm which can be slid behind a flap in the clothing of a user. The flexible arm has the advantage that it allows the identification tag to be attached to, for example, a breast pocket of a suit or other similar flap or opening in an article of clothing. This configuration also has the advantage that it does not involve piercing the cloth or material of a garment and therefore avoids damage and unsightly marks which may be left when a pin is removed.
The attachment means may comprise a clip having two arms which can move from a gripping configuration in which they are biassed towards one another to grip fabric positioned between them, and a released configuration in which fabric can be moved into and out of the space between the arms. Use of a clip can minimise the risk of the identification tag being accidentally dislodged, lost or damaged, and has the further advantage that it does not pierce the material of the article of clothing.
Loss of the device would break the communication link between the wearer and the remote transmitter and may incur high replacement costs if the device was not located.
The principal surface may have a pair of parallel rails provided on it which can receive a label slid between them.
New labels may therefore be provided so that the device can be re-used and worn by another person. It also facilitates the use of customised company logos or marks on the label so that the person is more easily identifiable. The pair of parallel rails may be designed to accommodate other labels having a standard configuration, for example, in the form of a business card, thereby eliminating the need to print or manufacture new labels for each individual to use the tag.
A label may be mounted on the said principal surface. The identification tag may be provided to the user with a label already attached to the principal surface The principal surface may have at least two distinguishable regions, of which one has a configuration suitable for receiving the label. The region for receiving the label may be so configured by appropriate selection of dimensions, for example to accommodate a label having a standard or predetermined size. That region may have a surface texture which facilitates attachment (and generally also subsequent removal) of an adhesive backed label to the tag, the surface texture of the region for receiving the label being different from that of the remainder of the said surface.The region for receiving the label may be defined by means of rails which can receive a label slid between them, or by other formations which can engage a label temporarily.
The region of the principal surface other than that to which the label is applied can carry decorative or other markings.
For example, it might provide a decorative border for the label. It might carry information about the event at which the tag system is being used (such as the name of the convention).
It might carry information about the tag, and its operation.
The label may be mounted on the said principal surface by means of an adhesive. There is less risk of losing a label which has been attached to the identification tag by adhesive compared with attachment by use of rails along which a label may slide.
A transparent panel may be provided on the principal surface of the identification tag. This has the advantage that damage to, and unwanted marking of, the identification label is minimised.
The use of a panel can also serve to hold a non-adhesive identity label in position on the identification tag.
The identification tag system of the invention may use a primary RF signal in an appropriate radio communications wave band. Such appropriate bands might include the 49 MHz band or the 170 to 180 MHz band.The primary paging signal should not interfere with other radio transmission, such as those for medical, civil and military purposes. Ideally, the transmission of the primary signal from the transmitter is such that signals can be transmitted to a plurality of tags, for example, at least about 50 tags, preferably at least about 100 tags. Preferably, the tag has a paging range of approximately 500 m.
The tag may be battery powered. A battery if used may be rechargeable. A preferred battery is a zinc/air button cell battery. Such a battery can be arranged to have a useful operating life of upto about 100 hours or more before replacement or recharging is necessary. The tag might be powered by means of a solar cells, by which electric current is generated from solar radiation.
Preferably, the tag makes use of an ''asleep/awake'' paging system, which means that the device is not continuously monitoring for an activating paging signal. This involves much of the circuitry of the tag remaining dormant for a predetermined period of time, for example between 10 and 30 seconds. The circuitry of the tag is then activated and it seeks to detect a primary signal, which might take the form of a series of pulses to indicate the transmission of a message.
If such a series of pulses is detected, the circuitry remains activated to receive the message. The use of an "asleep/awake" system has the advantage that battery life can be enhanced.
The tag may provide a visual, or audible, or visual and audible secondary signal when activated by primary signal. For example, the tag may provide a secondary signal in the form of a flashing light, which will prompt a user to contact a message centre. It can be particularly preferred for the tag to include a number of lights, for example three lights, which can be arranged to flash. When more than one light is provided, the lights may be provided in different colours. An audible signal, for example in the form of a "bleep" or a synthesised voice message might serve the same purpose. Alternatively, the secondary signal may be in the form of an audible message, which might be recorded and played back, or played live to the user of the tag.
The means for receiving a primary RF signal from the remote transmitter, and the means for generating a secondary signal on receipt of the RF signal, may be provided in the tag by components used in the paging device sold by Motorola Inc, and referred to by them as "The Wrist Watch Pager".
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an identification tag of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of an identification tag of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a front view of another embodiment of identification tag according to the present invention.
Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows an identification tag which comprises a tag body 1 which houses means for receiving a primary RF signal from a remote transmitter and means for generating a secondary signal on receipt of the RF signal, a clip 2 fixed to the tag body 1 for securing the tag to an article of clothing, a principal display surface 3 which is opposite to the surface 4 which lies against the article of clothing. The clip 2 is formed from a resilient material, for example, a plastic or thin steel strip and grips a flap of cloth or piece of clothing between its lower end 5 and the surface 4 of the tag bdy 1. The principal surface has a recess 6 which may accommodate a label 7 on which the name or identity of the individual may be displayed or printed.The surface 3 is preferably smooth so that an adhesive label may be removed or replaced so that a new identity can be displayed when the device is worn by a different individual. A transparent panel 8 may be fitted over the label 7 to prevent accidental damage, marking or removal of the label. The panel 8 and label 7 may be held onto the principal surface by means of recesses 6.
Figure 2 shows a visual indicator 20 which illuminates when the identification tag receives an appropriate activation signal from the remote transmitter therefore notifying the wearer of the device of the communication. A switch 21 allows the device to be switched off when it is not in use, for example, when the device is stored. This conserves the life of the battery.
An alternative construction of the identification tag is shown in Figure 3 which illustrates the use of a recess on the principal surface which accepts an adhesive label.
The identification tag is capable of operating as a miniature paging device to allow a remote station to contact a specific individual. The approximate physical dimensions of the device are such that it may be attached to an article of clothing without being cumbersome and heavy (for example the device may be 30 mm by 50 mm by 5 mm and weigh approximately 80 grams).

Claims (11)

CLAIMS:
1. A personal identification tag, which comprises means for attaching the tag to the clothing of a user such that a principal surface of the tag opposite to the surface which lies against the clothing is visible to an observer, a region of the said principal surface being adapted for mounting a label on it temporarily; means for receiving a primary RF signal from a remote transmitter; and means for generating a secondary signal on receipt of the RF signal.
2. A tag as claimed in claim 1, which includes a transmitter by which a user of the tag can transmit a signal.
3. A tag as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the attachment means comprises a pin for piercing the clothing of a user to attach the tag to the clothing.
4. A tag as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the attachment means comprises a flexible arm which can be slid behind a flap in the clothing of a user.
5. A tag as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the attachment means comprises a clip having two arms which can move from a gripping configuration in which they are biassed towards one another to grip fabric positioned between them, and a released configuration.
6. A tag as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the said principal surface has a pair of parallel rails provided on it which can receive a label slid between them.
7. A tag as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, which has a label mounted on the said principal surface.
8. A tag as claimed in claim 7, in which the said principal surface has at least two distinguishable regions, of which one has a configuration suitable for receiving the label.
9. A tag as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, in which the label is mounted on the said principal surface by means of an adhesive.
10. A tag as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, in which a transparent panel may be attached to the principal surface.
11. A personal identification tag, substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in any one of Figures 1 to 3.
GB9317471A 1992-08-22 1993-08-23 A personal identification tag incorporating a pager Withdrawn GB2269798A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9317471A GB2269798A (en) 1992-08-22 1993-08-23 A personal identification tag incorporating a pager

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB929217902A GB9217902D0 (en) 1992-08-22 1992-08-22 A personal identification tag
GB929224863A GB9224863D0 (en) 1992-11-27 1992-11-27 A personal identification tag
GB9317471A GB2269798A (en) 1992-08-22 1993-08-23 A personal identification tag incorporating a pager

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9317471D0 GB9317471D0 (en) 1993-10-06
GB2269798A true GB2269798A (en) 1994-02-23

Family

ID=27266331

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9317471A Withdrawn GB2269798A (en) 1992-08-22 1993-08-23 A personal identification tag incorporating a pager

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2269798A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2334940A (en) * 1998-03-04 1999-09-08 Junior George Wynter Badge with visual or audio display actuated electrically
GB2414102A (en) * 2004-05-11 2005-11-16 Malcolm Ian Truman Electronic passenger alarm system
US7336185B2 (en) * 2004-12-27 2008-02-26 Incom Corporation Combination ID/tag holder

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1358483A (en) * 1973-04-02 1974-07-03 Wilkes Co Ltd D A Radio aerials for motor vehicles
GB2248002A (en) * 1990-09-11 1992-03-18 Interconnect Career Consultanc Decorative embellishment on radio pager

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1358483A (en) * 1973-04-02 1974-07-03 Wilkes Co Ltd D A Radio aerials for motor vehicles
GB2248002A (en) * 1990-09-11 1992-03-18 Interconnect Career Consultanc Decorative embellishment on radio pager

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2334940A (en) * 1998-03-04 1999-09-08 Junior George Wynter Badge with visual or audio display actuated electrically
US6386455B1 (en) * 1998-03-04 2002-05-14 Junior George Wynter Badge arrangement and badge with visual or audio indicator
GB2334940B (en) * 1998-03-04 2002-07-03 Junior George Wynter Badge arrangement and badge with visual or audio indicator
GB2414102A (en) * 2004-05-11 2005-11-16 Malcolm Ian Truman Electronic passenger alarm system
US7336185B2 (en) * 2004-12-27 2008-02-26 Incom Corporation Combination ID/tag holder

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9317471D0 (en) 1993-10-06

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)