GB2474060A

GB2474060A - An antenna suitable for use with the Near Field Communication standard is fitted to a human finger

Info

Publication number: GB2474060A
Application number: GB0917332A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Satnam Singh Bains
Original assignee: SERO SOLUTIONS Ltd
Current assignee: SERO SOLUTIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-05
Filing date: 2009-10-05
Publication date: 2011-04-06
Also published as: GB0917332D0

Abstract

This application concerns a near field communications (NFC) device comprising a base unit 1, a finger adapter 3 including a short range antenna 17 and a bridge component 5 providing electrical communication between the base unit and the finger adaptor. The base unit fits around a user's wrist and includes a housing 7 containing a communications module including an NFC communications device and a SIM card compartment 9. The device can be used to read NFC data and forward it using a cellular communication method such as GPRS. The NFC device also includes a display 13 and a removable NFC USB adapter. When the adaptor is inserted into a computer or similar device and the finger antenna is placed near to the adapter, data can be written to the computer. The finger adaptor may be disposable for hygiene reasons.

Description

NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION DEVICE

This invention relates to a near field communication device. Such a device may be used, for example, for communicating with a remote location.

Near field communication (NFC) is a standards-based, short-range (a few centimetres) wireless connectivity technology based on RFID that enables simple and safe two-way interactions between electronic devices. NFC is most commonly embedded into mobile telephones.

The use of NFC in combination with a mobile telephone is acceptable in situations where the user is familiar with mobile phone technology and has sufficient dexterity to use the mobile phone. However, other potential users, such as the elderly and infirm, are often not familiarwith the technology ordo not possess sufficient dexterity to use it, and would benefit from a simpler and more easily used form of NFC device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a near field communication device which overcomes, or at least ameliorates, the abovementioned disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a near field communication device comprising a component adapted to fit around a user's finger and incorporating an NFC antenna.

The finger component may be provided with a coating of a pathogen-resistant material, such as nano-silver.

The finger component may be provided with a removable component, such as an adhesive tape, containing an NFC tag for testing the functionality of the device.

The finger component may include a transmitter for communicating data received by the NFC antenna to a remote location.

Alternatively, the finger component may be connected by means of a bridging component to a base unit adapted to fit around the user's wrist, the base unit including a communications device for transmitting data from the device.

The bridging component may be coated with a pathogen-resistant material, such as nano-silver.

The communications device may include an NFC transmission means.

Alternatively or additionally, the communications device may include means for transmitting data to a remote location.

The communications device may include a receiver for receiving data from a remote location.

The base unit may include a removable NFC USB adapter.

The base unit may include a display. The display may be depressable to change a mode of operation of the device.

The base unit may include one or more of an NFC antenna, a global positioning system, a plurality of sensor inputs, and/or a barcode reader.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of one embodiment of a near field communications device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration showing more detail of a base unit forming part of the device shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a modification of the near field communications device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a near field communications (NFC) device which comprises a base unit 1, shown in more detail in Figure 2, a finger adapter 3, and a bridge component 5 between the base unit and the finger adapter.

The base unit 1 is adapted to fit around a user's wrist and comprises a housing 7 containing a communications module including an NFC communications device and a SIM card compartment 9 for receiving a SIM (or UICC) card linked to communications device including a transmitter and a receiver, for example such as would be provided as part of a mobile telephone, a removable NFC USB (universal serial bus) adapter 11 which can be used to NFC-enable apparatus having a USB slot, a display 13 which can be pressed to change the mode of operation of the device, a plurality of sensor inputs 15, a global positioning system, and an internal antenna for use in the event the finger adapter 3 is not present or not functioning.

The finger adapter 3 is designed as a detachable, disposable component and in use fits around a user's finger, especially the user's index finger. The finger adapter incorporates an NFC antenna 17 which is electrically connected to the base unit 1 by way of the bridge component 5. The finger adapter may be made, for example, of conventional latex, nitrile, vinyl or polypropylene (such as spunbound polypropylene) materials, and may have a coating of a pathogen-resistant material, such as nano-silver (particles of silver having a size of about 2 nm). The material of the finger adapter and any coating is advantageously such that air can readily flow to the user's finger. In practice, a user may touch a number of different surfaces with the finger adapter during a day and, for reasons of hygiene, it may be desirable to replace the finger adapter on a daily basis.

The bridge component 5 includes electrical wiring to permit communication between the base unit 1 and the finger adapter 3. The bridge component may also be made of a disposable material, for example conventional latex, nitrile, vinyl or polypropylene (such as spunbound polypropylene) materials, and may be coated with a pathogen-resistant material, such as nano-silver. The bridge component extends around the user's hand in the manner of a fingerless glove.

When the finger adapter 3 is initially attached to the bridge component 5 for the first time a self-test procedure is carried out to determine whether the finger adapter is functioning correctly. The self-test procedure is effected by a tape, such as an adhesive tape, which is removably attached to the finger adapter and which contains an NFC tag insert which tests the functionality of the device, both reading and writing (as will be explained in more detail hereinafter). The tape is removed from the finger adapter once the self-test procedure has been successfully completed.

The device may include other components (not shown) such as a barcode reader which may be used where barcode information is required in addition to NFC information.

The device can operate in either of two modes under the control of the base unit 1, a default Read' mode and a Write' mode. In the Read mode the device can read NFC based information from a suitable source by way of the antenna 17 of the finger adapter 3, while in Write mode the device can write data to another NFC-enabled device by way of the antenna 17 of the finger adapter 3.

In the default Read mode, the device collects data by way of the finger adapter and sends data to a remote device, such as a computer server, by way of conventional GPRS/3G networks. For example, when the user touches an item of NFC-enabled packaging with the finger adapter 3, the antenna in the finger adapter can receive dosage data from the NFC-enabled packaging, pass the data to the base unit 1, which in turn will use the SIM card to send the information to the server. The user is informed about the progress of the transmission of the data by the display 13 flashing in a first colour (such as amber) when the device begins to collect data and by displaying a second colour (such as green) for a certain time, such as 10 seconds, before resetting to an off condition.

In Write mode, the user can receive external data by way of the antenna in the finger adapter 3. Write mode is enabled by pressing the display 13 as explained above a single time. When the device is in Write mode the display 13 shows an icon, such as an arrow, to indicate it is in Write mode. In Write mode the user, or another person, can remove the NFC USB adapter 11 from the base unit I and insert it into a USB slot of a personal computer, which provides the personal computer with NFC functionality. Clearly, this step is not needed if the personal computer or other device is already NFC-enabled.

The user then touches the NFC USB adapter 11 with their finger adapter 3 which transfers data, such as a secure URL (uniform resource locator), to the personal computer together with the user's username and password, to enable logging in to a secure website. The user's details, as stored on the secure website, are then available to the user or to an agent authorised by the user, such as a medical practitioner.

Thus the Write mode allows the user to access Internet-based information without the need to remember a user name and password, a secure URL, or even being able to use an Internet browser to store a bookmark. The user can access persona used Internet-based information, in a secure way, but above all in a simple way by touching the NFC USB adapter 11 with their finger adapter 3. As explained above, if the computer or other device is NFC-enabled it is not necessary to use the USB adapter.

On certain occasions the user may request information, or may want to access a secure service by way of a computer employing an Auto Writer mode. In this situation, the user can be sent a URL directly to their base unit 1 from a trusted third party by way of the SIM card in the adapter 11. This may be, for example, an invitation to a webcam session, information based on the health and wellbeing of the user, or secure information which gives access to sensitive personal information.

Once the URL has been received, the base unit 1 prompts the user by changing to Write mode and indicating the change in mode by way of an icon on the display 13. Once an external trusted party sends the user a URL, the user can then access the URL web page by approaching, or touching, with the finger adapter 3, an NFC-enabled personal computer (as explained above, a personal computer can readily be NFC-enabled by means of an NFC USB adapter). This is significant because the user can access a range of web-based services without the need to type any data, or log in to any website. Communication is simply established by approaching, or touching, the NFC-enabled personal computer with the finger adapter 3, providing the user with simple access to Internet services.

Auto Writer mode is important because it allows a user to receive URLs (web page addresses) which will give the user access to secure personalised information. Conventionally, a userwould receive a link in a different document, such as an email, and will then need to manipulate that link and go through a process of logging in to access such information. The Auto Writer mode allows the user to access information sent to them simply by approaching, or touching, the finger adapter 3 against an NFC-enabled personal computer.

The display 13 on the base unit 1 has the capability of alerting the user to different events by flashing one or more colours. Alternatively, or additionally, the base unit 1 may incorporate an audible emitter to alert the user to different events by emitting one or more sounds.

Alerts may be sent to the user where the base unit 1 contacts (polls) a remote server for relevant information. Alternatively, a remote server may send information to alert the user without first being polled. In either case, information is transmitted between the base unit 1 and the remote server by way of the SIM card in compartment 9, for example by SMS text or GPRS/3G.

When the base unit 1 receives an alert, it will draw this to the attention of the user as explained above, and the user will therefore be prompted to take action.

For example, a user may have a medical schedule and if they have not taken their medicine an alert may be sent to the base unit ito draw attention to this.

The user can then take the medicine and touch, or approach, the medical packaging which contains an NFC tag with the finger adapter 3 to confirm this has been done, to cancel the alert, and to send a message to the remote server to the effect that the medicine has been taken.

Alternatively, the user can enquire further as to the nature of the alert. For example, the base unit 1 can go into Write mode so that the user can touch, or approach, an NFC-enabled personal computer with the finger adapter 3 to receive further information as to why the alert has been issued and the action that may need to be taken to cancel the alert. Alerts can be issued for many reasons, depending on the needs of the user.

As a further option, in certain situations it may be preferable to alert a third party who is responsible, for example, for the user's welfare. This may be, for example, a carer for the user. n such a case, the alert may simply be sent to the carer. However, sensors, such as movement, pulse and/or temperature sensors, can be provided on the base unit 1 or the bridge component 5, and in addition the base unit 1 will receive periodic information from the finger adapter 3. If movement is not detected for a certain time, or if the pulse and/or temperature sensors are outside a certain range, this information is transmitted to a remote server by the base unit 1 by way of a SIM card in compartment 9.

In turn, the remote server can alert the carer and, optionally, provide specific information regarding the user.

Figure 3 shows a modification of the device described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 3 an additional adapter 19 is provided on the thumb of the user. In one embodiment an NFC tag is provided in the adapter 19, beneath a cushion 21 and independent of the remainder of the device. The NFC tag in the thumb adapter 19 is recognised by the base unit 1 only when the thumb adapter is urged against the finger adapter 3 with sufficient force to compress the cushion and bring the NFC tag into the range of the antenna in the finger adapter 3. Once communication has been established, the base unit 1 sends an alert to a remote server by way of a SIM card in the compartment 9 50 as to summon help to the user.

The secure remote server may have, for example, a web-based interface where an administrator can set up various communities of users together with care plans and medication plans for individual users. Thus, medication schedules can be set up for users and alerts can be triggered in the event a specific medicine has not been taken over a period of time. Other information relating to the user can also be stored and monitored, including recent and historical medication information. Physiological measurements, such as blood pressure, can be stored along with workflow criteria determining when to raise an alert, and who to send the alert to, in the event the physiological results exceed predetermined limits.

The device can be used in many different situations. For example, a user can contact another person if they use the finger adapter 3 to touch a picture or other representation of that person which incorporates a suitable NFC tag. The tag is programmed with a phone number and text and when the finger adapter 3 approaches the picture an SMS message is generated by the base unit 1 and transmitted to that other person using a SIM in the compartment 9. This can also apply to contacting several people.

The device can be used to monitor the health of the user remotely with the NFC USB adapter 11. The user withdraws the adapter 11 from the base unit 1 and inserts the adapter into a USB slot of a healthcare device, such as a device for measuring blood pressure. The healthcare device recognises the NFC USB adapter and the user then employs the healthcare device to take a reading.

When this has been completed the user approaches, or touches, the adapter 11 with the finger adapter 3, which receives the reading. The reading is then forwarded to a remote server using the SIM in the compartment 9.

Of course, if the healthcare device is already NFC-enabled, there is no need to insert the adapter 11 because the healthcare device is already NFC-compatible.

The device can be used for ordering healthcare and other supplies. For example, a healthcare or other product, such as food or other goods, or even a picture or other representation of the product, may be provided with an NFC tag which contains information about that product. The user can then order, or re-order, that product by approaching, or touching, the NFC tag with the finger adapter 3 to generate a URL which is sent to a remote server by way of the base unit 1 to generate an order. The goods may, for example, then be picked up and delivered by a carer.

The device can be used to monitor medication compliance. In this case, medication packaging contains medicine in a numberof separate pods which are able to detect when the pod has been opened, together with an NFC tag which is able to store and transmit the time that a medicine has been taken to a remote server by way of the finger adapter 3. A schedule for the medication for a particular user is stored on the remote server, including the medication to be taken and at what time of the day. If a certain time has elapsed since a medication has previously been taken, or recorded to have been taken, the base unit 1 will receive an alert from the server and this activates the alerting process explained previously. At this point, the user can take their medicine, or check if they are due to take their medicine. Once the medicine has been taken, the finger adapter 3 can approach, or touch, the medical packaging to confirm they have taken the medicine.

In certain circumstances, the full functionality of the device shown in Figures 1 to 3 may not be necessary. In this case the base unit 1 may be arranged remotely and the user only needs to wear the finger adapter 3 on which is removably mounted a small transmitter. Such an arrangement may be used, for example, in a care home, where a central administrator may have a base unit, such as a PDA or mobile device, to receive and manage the alerting capability of the device shown in Figures 1 to 3 for a number of individual users.

The transmitter may be a small transmitter, for example using the ZigBee protocol, powered by a lithium battery. The transmitter transmits signals to a separate communications device which in turn forwards information to a remote server, for example by means of a wireless network of GPRSI3G.

The finger adapter is still disposable, but the transmitter is not and needs to be re-attached to a fresh finger adapter each time a used one is discarded. -14-

Claims

CLAIMS1. A near field communication device comprising a component adapted to fit around a user's finger and incorporating an NFC antenna.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the finger component is provided with a coating of a pathogen-resistant material.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the coating of a pathogen-resistant material comprises nano-silver.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the finger component is provided with a removable component containing an NFC tag for testing the functionality of the device.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the removable component comprises an adhesive tape containing an NFC tag. * S ** *
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the finger *,.component includes a transmitter for communicating data received by the NFC *. SI *.... antenna to a remote location. * * *.** * * S ** *
7. A device as claimed in any one of claims I to 5, wherein the finger component is connected by means of a bridging component to a base unit adapted to fit around the user's wrist, the base unit including a communications device for transmitting data from the device.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bridging component is coated with a pathogen-resistant material.
9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the coating of a pathogen-resistant material comprises nano-silver.
10. A device as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the communications device includes an NFC transmission means.
11. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the communications device includes means for transmitting data to a remote location.
12. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the communications device includes a receiver for receiving data from a remoteS * * *location. ** 20 S...i:.
13. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the base unit *:::: includes a removable NFC USB adapter.

S -16-
14. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the base unit includes a display.
15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the display is depressable to change a mode of operation of the device.
16. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 1 5, wherein the base unit includes one or more of an NFC antenna, a global positioning system, a plurality of sensor inputs, and a barcode reader.
17. A near field communications device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. *..* * * S ** * * I **** **S. * S S. SIS*.*..S * S 5.55 * S * ** * 55....S S