GB2551343A

GB2551343A - Programming of devices

Info

Publication number: GB2551343A
Application number: GB1610270.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Greenwood Simon
Original assignee: Greenwood Soar IP Ltd
Current assignee: Greenwood Soar IP Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-13
Filing date: 2016-06-13
Publication date: 2017-12-20
Also published as: GB201610270D0

Abstract

A label for attachment to a programmable device, the label comprising a stored code and a label coupling element, 12, and a programmable device, 2, comprising a device coupling element, 24, and a controller, wherein when the label is attached to the programmable device, the label coupling element communicates with the device coupling element such that the programmable element reads the stored code and changes the operating characteristics of the device. The coupling elements may be an antenna/aerial, an inductive loop or a plate of a capacitor. The stored code may be a program for operating the programmable device, a key associated with a program or parameter of the programmable device or one or more parameters for operating the programmable device. The label may contain a visual indication of the changing of the characteristics of the programmable device (e.g. a coloured LED)

Description

Programming of Devices

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a label, a programmable device and a method of programming a programmable device.

Background

Presently, many electrical and electronic devices employ means for programming such that desired characteristics of the device may be altered to suit the load or other requirements of the installed electronic device. Examples of such devices include domestic appliances, security systems, power supplies, lighting ballasts and LED drivers. Examples of the characteristics that need to be programmed include: • Technical, e.g. the characteristics of a local power supply in the location where the device is to be used; • Regulatory, e.g. the limits on the speed or temperature at which the device may be operated in a particular location; • Customized, e.g. the characteristics of the load with which a particular power supply is to be used; and • Commercial, e.g. to offer a range of products based on the same hardware but with different features enabled.

If devices can be programmed in this way, the manufacturer only needs to make one or a few standard items of hardware, which is much more efficient than making and stocking multiple different versions of the device for different uses. If the programming can be deferred until the time of sale to the end customer, installation or first use of the device then the efficiencies of this approach are passed down the supply chain. This also reduces the number of different stock keeping units which an original equipment manufacturer must keep, in order to meet the requirements of different end users or customers.

It is known to program such devices by changing physical settings on the device, such as jumpers and DIP switches. It is also known to program the devices by storing changes in software in the device memory, for example using plug-in programmers. Such programming means require a separate programmer which must be connected or brought near to the device which it is intended to program. Thus they are typically limited to use by the manufacturer.

It is an aim of the present invention to address at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label adapted for attachment to a programmable device, the label comprising a stored code; and a label coupling element, wherein, in use, when the label is attached to the programmable device, the label coupling element communicates the stored code to the programmable device, thereby effecting a change in the characteristics of the programmable device..

In an example, the label comprises a memory comprising the stored code, and the stored code comprises a program for operating the programmable device.. In an example the label comprises a memory comprising the stored code, and the stored code comprises one or more parameters for operating the programmable device. In an example, the label comprises a memory comprising the stored code, and the stored code comprises a key associated with at least one program or parameter of the programmable device.

In an example, in use, the label coupling element remotely communicates the stored code to the programmable device.

In an example, in use, the label coupling element is a label antenna which transmits the stored code to the programmable device at a radio frequency.

In an example, the label coupling element is an inductive loop operable to couple to an inductive loop of the programmable device by transformer action and thereby transmit the stored code to the programmable device

In an example, the label coupling element is a first plate of a capacitor, the first plate operable to couple to a second plate of the capacitor within the programmable device and thereby transmit the stored code to the programmable device

In an example, the label comprises a resonant circuit, the resonant circuit having a resonant frequency, wherein the stored code comprises at least one value of a label component of the resonant circuit, the at least one value associated with at least one program or parameter of the programmable device.

In an example, the label comprises a first portion of a resonant circuit, the first portion of the resonant circuit adapted to form the resonant circuit with a second portion of the resonant circuit within the programmable device, wherein the stored code comprises at least one value of a label component of the first portion of the resonant circuit, the at least one value associated with at least one program or parameter of the programmable device.

In an example, the label is adapted for attachment by adhesion to the programmable device. This provides a straightforward method for attaching the label to the programmable device. It will be understood that the label may be adapted for attachment by other mechanical means.

In an example, the label provides a visual indication of the change in characteristics of the programmable device. This avoids the problems associated with known programming means which do not provide a visual indication of the programming having been undertaken or the actual parameters of the programming that has been undertaken. As such, it is possible that the user may mistakenly use an unprogrammed device or a device that is incorrectly programmed for the intended use. Such a mistake is at the very least a nuisance and in the worst case may cause a problem of legality or safety, such as danger to the end user, overheating or even fire.

According to the present invention in another aspect, there is provided a programmable device comprising a device coupling element and a controller, wherein, in use, when a label comprising a stored code and a label coupling element is attached to the programmable device, the device coupling element is operable to communicate with the label coupling element to read the stored code and the controller is operable to change the characteristics of the programmable device in a manner dependent on the stored code.

In an example, the programmable device further comprises a memory capable of storing a program comprised in the stored code. In an example, the programmable device further comprises a memory in which a program is stored, the operation of the program being dependent on one or more parameters comprised in the stored code. In an example, the programmable device further comprises a memory in which a choice of programs or parameters is stored, at least one of the programs or parameters being associated with a key comprised in the stored code.

In an example, the device coupling element is operable to remotely communicate with the label coupling element to read the stored code.

In an example, the device coupling element is a device antenna operable to communicate with the label coupling element at a radio frequency.

In an example, the device coupling element is an inductive loop operable to couple to an inductive loop of the label coupling element by transformer action and thereby receive the stored code.

In an example, the device coupling element is a second plate of a capacitor, the second plate operable to couple to a first plate of the capacitor to form the capacitor, the first plate within the label and thereby receive the stored code.

In an example, the controller comprises a stimulating circuit operable to provide a stimulating current to the device antenna, the stimulating current sweeping over a range of frequencies and a detection circuit operable to detect a resonant frequency of a resonant circuit stimulated by the stimulating current, wherein the stored code comprises at least one value of a label component of the resonant circuit, the resonant frequency dependent on the at least one value, and the at least one value associated with at least one program or parameter of the programmable device.

In an example, the resonant circuit is within the label.

In an example, the programmable device comprises a second portion of the resonant circuit, the second portion of the resonant circuit adapted to form the resonant circuit with a first portion of the resonant circuit, the first portion within the label.

In an example, after the device has been programmed, the device antenna cannot be operated to re-program the device.

In an example, the programmable device comprises a designated area for attachment of the label, so that when the label is attached to the programmable device at the designated area, the device coupling element is adjacent to the label coupling element.

According to the present invention in still another aspect, there is provided a method of programming a programmable device, the method comprising the steps of attaching a label to the programmable device, the label comprising a label coupling element and containing a stored code, operating a device coupling element in the device to communicate with the label coupling element and read the stored code and programming the device in a manner dependent on the stored code.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a first example of a label and a programmable device;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the components of the programmable device of the first example;

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a second example of a label and a programmable device;

Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a third example of a label and a programmable device; and

Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of a fourth example of a label and a programmable device.

Description of Example Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a first example of a label 10 and a programmable device. The programmable device shown in Figure 1 is a generic programmable device that may be, for example, a lamp ballast or an LED lighting driver. The programmable device is contained within a housing 2, the shape and details of which are not important, except that the housing preferably includes a generally flat designated area 4 to which a label can be attached. The boundaries of the attachment area 4 may be indicated by moulded or printed guide marks 6 as an aid to the user. The housing 2 will typically be provided with one or more ports 8,9 for receiving input power and for connecting lines to carry input and/or output signals in accordance with the intended purpose of the programmable device.

Figure 1 also illustrates a label 10 that can be attached to the designated area 4 of the housing 2 in order to program the programmable device. The simplest method of attachment is to provide the underside of the label 10 with an adhesive coating but other methods such as a clip or pocket on the housing 2 of the programmable device are not excluded. The label 10 contains a label coupling element 12. In the present example, the label coupling element 12 is a label antenna 12. The label antenna 12 is connected to a microprocessor with memory 14 in which is stored a code required for programming the programmable device, as explained below. Typically the label 10 contains no source of power but relies on current induced in the antenna 12. In the example shown in Figure 1, the label is a “smart label”, as the current induced in the antenna 12 powers the microprocessor with memory 14 and transmits the stored code to a receiver. The antenna 12 and the microprocessor with memory 14 may be sandwiched between layers of paper or plastic film to protect them and to provide an upper surface of the label 10 on which visual indications 16 can be displayed. The visual indications 16 may include a printed message that is meaningful to a human operator, such as a product code, a list of operating characteristics or a set of instructions for use. Additionally or alternatively, the visual indications 16 may include a machine-readable code such as a linear barcode or QR Code®.

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the internal components of the programmable device. Within the housing 2, a signal is received from an input port 8 and is passed to an output port 9 after being transformed by a signal processor 24 in a manner that is determined by the way the programmable device is programmed. The word “signal” is to be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner and may in fact denote a power supply that needs to be conditioned by the programmable device to be suitable for outputting to a particular attached load. The signal processor 24 operates under the control of a controller 20, which is in two-way communication with a memory 22. The controller 20 is also in communication with a device antenna 24 that is located within the housing 2 of the programmable device, adjacent to the area designated for attachment of the label 10.

The label 10 is normally attached to the housing 2 prior to the first use of the programmable device. The label is attached to the housing 2 so that the antenna 12 of the label overlies the antenna 24 of the programmable device. When the programmable device is powered on, the controller 20 delivers a current to the device antenna 24 to induce a current in the label antenna 12 and interrogate the microprocessor with memory 14 in the label. The microprocessor with memory 14 responds by transmitting a stored code from the label antenna 12 to the device antenna 24, which is received by the controller 20. The controller 20 uses the stored code to determine the manner in which the programmable device should thereafter be operated, thereby effecting a change in the characteristics of the programmable device.

The stored code received from the label 10 may itself comprise the program for operating the programmable device. However, this places a high requirement on the amount of information to be stored and transmitted by the label 10, which should generally be kept as cheap and simple as possible. More practically, the program may be pre-stored in the memory 22 of the programmable device and the stored code may comprise one or more parameters required by the program for operating the programmable device. For example, the parameters may be the power output and frequency required by a lamp that is to be connected to the programmable device. A further possibility is that multiple programs or parameters may be pre-stored in the memory 22 of the programmable device and the stored code may comprise a key that enables the controller 20 to select the appropriate one for operation of the programmable device.

Various communication technologies and protocols are known that permit information to be transferred to the programmable device from the attached label 10. The antenna 24 in the programmable device can be located immediately adjacent to the area 4 for attachment of the label 10, so that the distance between the two antennas 12 and 24 may be no more than a few millimetres. This permits low frequency RFID technology to be used. However, the invention is not limited to any particular technology and embraces other near-field and short-range transmission systems that are already known or may be developed in future, such as capacitive, inductive, sonic, ultrasonic, infra red or visible light transmission. Further examples of some of these technologies are described below with respect to Figures 3 to 5.

For most applications, the programming of the programmable device should need to be done only once so there is no need for the label 10 to be easily removable from the housing 2. The label 10 thus remains in place to provide a permanent visual indication 16 of the characteristics of the programmed programmable device. The one-time nature of the programming operation can be made a function of the controller 20 so that the antenna 24 is only activated on the first occasion when the programmable device is powered on - subject perhaps to the successful reading of an attached label 10. In an alternative embodiment, the controller 20 can permit the programmable device to be programmed and re-programmed within a predetermined time limit after the first power-on or the first successful read operation, after which the program becomes fixed.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic drawing of a second example of a label 110 and a programmable device. The label 110 and programmable device of the second example comprise many of the same features as the label 10 and programmable device of the first example, and only the differences are described here.

As in the first example, the label 110 of Figure 3 comprises a coupling element 112. The coupling element 112 is a first inductive loop 112. The label 110 comprises a resonant circuit 114 connected to the first inductive loop 112. The resonant circuit 114 comprises an inductor 116 and a capacitor 118 connected to the first inductive loop 112 in series.

The programmable device comprises a housing 102, as described above in the first example. The programmable device comprises a device coupling element 124. The device coupling element 124 is a second inductive loop 124. The second inductive loop 124 is in communication with a controller 120. The controller 120 is in communication with a memory 122. The controller 120 is in communication with a signal processor 124, which operates in the same manner as the signal processor 24 of the first example. The controller 120 comprises a stimulating circuit (not shown). The controller 120 comprises a detection circuit (not shown).

In use, when the label 110 is attached to the housing 102 of the programmable device, the first inductive loop 112 communicates with the second inductive loop 124 by transformer action. The stimulating circuit of the controller 120 stimulates the second inductive loop 124 with an alternating signal current. This induces an alternating current in the first inductive loop 112 by transformer action. The alternating current in the first inductive loop 112 stimulates the resonant circuit 114.

The alternating signal current produced by the stimulating circuit of the controller 120 sweeps through a range of frequencies overtime. This means that the resonant circuit 114 is stimulated over a range of frequencies. As the alternating signal current sweeps through a range of possible resonant frequencies of the resonant circuit 114, the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 114 can be detected by the detection circuit of the controller 120. The detection circuit detects the resonant frequency as a change in impedance or phase difference in the voltage and current in the alternating signal current.

In this example, the stored code comprises at least one value of a label component 112 116 118. The at least one value may be the capacitance of the capacitor 118 and/or the inductance of the inductor 116. The resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 124 depends on the at least one value. This means that the stored code is transmitted by the change in impedance or phase difference in the voltage and current in the alternating signal current.

The controller 120 may deduce the stored code (i.e. the at least one value) from the resonant frequency. The stored code may represent a key, which may be associated with at least one program or parameter of the programmable device stored in the memory 122.

Alternatively, the resonant frequency (which depends on the stored code) itself may represent the key, and may be associated with the at least one program or parameter. In this case, the controller 120 does not need to deduce the stored code from the resonant frequency in order to program the programmable device.

The programmable device can be programmed differently by different labels 110 having different capacitance and/or inductance values of the capacitor 118, the first inductive loop 112 and/or the inductor 116.

It will be appreciated that different combinations of components may be used in the resonant circuit 114.

The programmable device of the second example further comprises a signal processor 124, an input port 108 and an output 109, which function in the same way as the corresponding components of the first example.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a schematic drawing of a third example of a label 210 and a programmable device. The label 210 and programmable device of the third example comprise many of the same features as the label 110 and programmable device of the second example, and only the differences are described here.

The third example illustrates that it is possible to transfer one or more of the capacitive or inductive elements from the label 210 to the programmable device. In this case, the capacitor 218 is located in the programmable device rather than in the label.

The label 210 comprises a first portion 214 of a resonant circuit. The first portion 214 of the resonant circuit comprises an inductor 216. The inductor is in communication with a first inductive loop 212, which in turn is in communication with a second inductive loop 224 of the programmable device by transformer action.

The programmable device comprises a second portion 215 of the resonant circuit. The second portion 215 of the resonant circuit comprises a capacitor 218. The capacitor is in communication with the second inductive loop 224 and the controller 220.

In the third example, the stored code again comprises at least one value of a label component 212 216 of the resonant circuit. The at least one value may be the inductance of the inductor 216.

The programmable device of the third example further comprises a housing 202, a controller 220, a memory 222, a signal processor 224, an input port 208 and an output port 209, which function in the same way as the corresponding components of the second example.

It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the inductor 216 may be located in the programmable device rather than in the label 210. Additionally, different combinations of components may be used in the first portion 214 and the second portion 215 of the resonant circuit.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic drawing of a further example of a label 310 and a programmable device. The label 310 and programmable device of the fourth example comprise many of the same features as the label 310 and programmable device of the third example, and only the differences are described here.

The label 310 comprises a label coupling element 312. The label coupling element 312 is a first plate 312. The label comprises a first portion 314 of a resonant circuit. In this case, the first portion 314 of the resonant circuit is the first plate 312 of the capacitor.

The programmable device of the fourth example comprises a device coupling element 324a. The device coupling element 324a comprises a second plate 324a and a third plate 324b. The third plate 324b is in communication with the controller.

The programmable device of the fourth example comprises a second portion 315 of the resonant circuit. The second portion 315 of the resonant circuit comprises the second plate 324a and an inductor 316. The inductor 316 is in communication with the second plate 324a of the capacitor 318 and a controller 320.

In use, when the label is attached to a housing 302 of the programmable device, the first plate 312 forms a first capacitor 318a with the second plate 324a. Additionally, the first plate 312 forms a second capacitor 318b with the third plate 324b.

In this example, the stored code is represented by the properties of the first plate 314, as these properties determine the capacitance of the first capacitor 324a and the second capacitor 324b, which in turn determine the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit. Alternatively, the controller 320 may simply measure the impedance of the capacitor 324b to access the stored code.

In the fourth example, the programmable device further comprises a controller 320, a memory 322, a signal processor 324, an input port 308 and an output port 309, which function in the same way as the corresponding components of the second example and the third example.

An advantage of the fourth example is that the first plate 314 may simply be a single layer of metal on or inside the label 310. Such a layer of metal may be formed simply by metallised printing on the label or any other metal deposition or embedding technique to form one half of a capacitor.

Similarly, it is possible to create an inductor by metallised printing on the label (or any other metal deposition or embedding technique) to form an inductive loop component at or near the label surface. In this case a similar inductive loop may be included at or near the surface of the programmable device and a capacitor may be included in series with this inductive loop. The inductive loops in or on the label and programming device may therefore form the two windings of a transformer which in itself has an inductance value defined by the geometry and number of turns of the inductive loops. This combination of transformer / inductor and capacitor may be similarly stimulated by an AC current at a range of frequencies and the resonance or other characteristics may be measured by a detection circuit.

In one specific example, in a light fitting or fixture comprising a metalwork box, a reflector and optical system, a lamp holder, and a light source or lamp, a power supply or ballast or driver is required to be programmed for a particular light level and to minimise energy usage in an overall lighting scheme. The lighting scheme designer might order such a light fitting from the manufacturer with a particular lumen output. The manufacturer can program the power supply or ballast or driver by selecting the relevant label from stock and applying it to the power supply or ballast or driver which will then respond to the label to set the desired characteristics for the lumen output. The label also carries the programmed characteristic specific information in printed form so as to be permanently available to the lighting installer and end user.

The invention is not limited to applications such as power supplies and signal processors. Other products such as consumer goods can employ exactly the same technique of programming a device by attaching a label to it. As an example, a washing machine manufacturer, for the sake of economy of scale, may manufacture the same physical model of machine for worldwide sales. However, certain territories may require different safety requirements and temperature settings for the machine. The manufacturer or local distributor can program the washing machine by selecting the relevant label from stock and applying it to the washing machine, which will then respond to the label to set the desired characteristics for the washing machine safety and program temperatures. The label also carries the model number, programmed code and any other relevant model specific information in printed form.

Additionally, this invention may be used by an end user, who may print and program the label locally before applying the label to the programmable device. In such circumstances, the printing and programming functions should be strictly conjoined such that the visual indication of the label corresponds to the label’s internal code.

It will be appreciated that the term “coupling element” (whether used in relation to the label or the device) covers a range of possible couplings, and embraces many types of nearfield and short-range transmission systems, such as capacitive, inductive, sonic, ultrasonic, infra red or visible light transmission. The term “remotely communicates” when used with respect to the coupling elements means that the coupling elements communicate with each other without contact between the coupling elements.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the term “stored code” covers a range of possibilities, including a program for operating the device, one or more parameters for operating the device, a resonant frequency of a resonant circuit or at least one value of a label component.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A label adapted for attachment to a programmable device, the label comprising: a stored code; and a label coupling element, wherein, in use, when the label is attached to the programmable device, the label coupling element communicates the stored code to the programmable device, thereby effecting a change in the characteristics of the programmable device.

2. The label of claim 1, wherein the label comprises a memory comprising the stored code, and the stored code comprises a program for operating the programmable device.

3. The label of claim 2, wherein the label comprises a memory comprising the stored code, and the stored code comprises one or more parameters for operating the programmable device.

4. The label of claim 2, wherein the label comprises a memory comprising the stored code, and the stored code comprises a key associated with at least one program or parameter of the programmable device.

5. The label of any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the label coupling element remotely communicates the stored code to the programmable device.

6. The label of claim 5, wherein, in use, the label coupling element is a label antenna which transmits the stored code to the programmable device at a radio frequency.

7. The label of claim 5, wherein the label coupling element is an inductive loop operable to couple to an inductive loop of the programmable device by transformer action and thereby transmit the stored code to the programmable device.

8. The label of claim 5, wherein the label coupling element is a first plate of a capacitor, the first plate operable to couple to a second plate of the capacitor within the programmable device and thereby transmit the stored code to the programmable device.

9. The label of claim 7 or 8, comprising a resonant circuit, the resonant circuit having a resonant frequency, wherein the stored code comprises at least one value of a label component of the resonant circuit, the at least one value associated with at least one program or parameter of the programmable device.

10. The label of claim 7 or 8, comprising a first portion of a resonant circuit, the first portion of the resonant circuit adapted to form the resonant circuit with a second portion of the resonant circuit within the programmable device, wherein the stored code comprises at least one value of a label component of the first portion of the resonant circuit, the at least one value associated with at least one program or parameter of the programmable device.

11. The label of any preceding claim, wherein the label is adapted for attachment by adhesion to the programmable device.

12. The label of any preceding claim, wherein the label provides a visual indication of the change in characteristics of the programmable device.

13. A programmable device comprising: a device coupling element; and a controller, wherein, in use, when a label comprising a stored code and a label coupling element is attached to the programmable device, the device coupling element is operable to communicate with the label coupling element to read the stored code and the controller is operable to change the characteristics of the programmable device in a manner dependent on the stored code.

14. The programmable device of claim 13 further comprising a memory capable of storing a program for operating the programmable device, the program comprised in the stored code.

15. The programmable device of claim 13 further comprising a memory comprising a program for operating the programmable device, wherein the operation of the program is dependent on one or more parameters comprised in the stored code.

16. The programmable device of claim 13 further comprising a memory comprising a choice of programs or parameters for operating the device, the stored code comprising a key associated with at least one of the programs or parameters.

17. The programmable device of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the device coupling element is operable to remotely communicate with the label coupling element to read the stored code.

18. The programmable device of claim 17, wherein the device coupling element is a device antenna operable to communicate with the label coupling element at a radio frequency.

19. The programmable device of claim 17, wherein the device coupling element is an inductive loop operable to couple to an inductive loop of the label coupling element by transformer action and thereby receive the stored code.

20. The programmable device of claim 17 wherein the device coupling element is a second plate of a capacitor, the second plate operable to: couple to a first plate of the capacitor to form the capacitor, the first plate within the label; and thereby receive the stored code.

21. The programmable device of claim 19 or 20, wherein the controller comprises: a stimulating circuit operable to provide a stimulating current to the device antenna, the stimulating current sweeping over a range of frequencies; and a detection circuit operable to detect a resonant frequency of a resonant circuit stimulated by the stimulating current, wherein the stored code comprises at least one value of a label component of the resonant circuit, the resonant frequency dependent on the at least one value, and the at least one value associated with at least one program or parameter of the programmable device.

22. The programmable device of claim 21, wherein the resonant circuit is within the label.

23. The programmable device of claim 21 comprising a second portion of the resonant circuit, the second portion of the resonant circuit adapted to form the resonant circuit with a first portion of the resonant circuit, the first portion within the label.

24. The programmable device of any of claims 13 to 23, wherein after the device has been programmed, the device coupling element cannot be operated to re-program the device.

25. The programmable device of any of claims 13 to 24, wherein the programmable device comprises a designated area for attachment of the label, so that when the label is attached to the programmable device at the designated area, the device coupling element is adjacent to the label coupling element.

26. A system comprising: the programmable device of any of claim 13; and the label of claim 1 attached to the programmable device.

27. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 14; and the label of claim 2 attached to the programmable device.

28. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 15; and the label of claim 3 attached to the programmable device.

29. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 16; and the label of claim 4 attached to the programmable device.

30. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 17; and the label of claim 5 attached to the programmable device.

31. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 18; and the label of claim 6 attached to the programmable device.

32. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 19; and the label of claim 7 attached to the programmable device.

33. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 20; and the label of claim 8 attached to the programmable device.

34. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 21; and the label of claim 9 or 10 attached to the programmable device.

35. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 22; and the label of claim 9 attached to the programmable device.

36. A system comprising: the programmable device of claim 23; and the label of claim 10 attached to the programmable device.

37. A system comprising: the programmable device of any of claims 13 to 25; and the label of claim 11 or 12attached to the programmable device.

38. A programmable device substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

39. A method of programming a programmable device, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a label to the programmable device, the label comprising a label coupling element and containing a stored code; operating a device coupling element in the device to communicate with the label coupling element and read the stored code; and programming the device in a manner dependent on the stored code.