IT202100011324A1 - Ring or necklace with radiofrequency transceiver and/or radiofrequency remote control functions - Google Patents

Description

?Together ring or jewel with functionality? radio frequency transceiver and/or radio frequency remote control?

DESCRIPTION

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of application.

The present invention relates to a ring or jewel assembly with functionality built-in radio frequency transceiver and/or radio frequency remote control.

Description of the prior art.

Numerous systems and methods are known for providing low-cost effective remote controls and/or radio frequency transceivers and/or RFID tags or transponders usable for multiple uses.

On the other hand, no systems or methods are known which allow such remote controls or radio frequency transceivers and/or RFID tags or transponders to be integrated into objects that can be used or worn by a user, such as to confer advantages of convenience of use and safety.

In particular, no systems or methods are known which allow such remote controls or radio frequency transceivers and/or RFID tags or transponders to be integrated into rings or jewellery, for example made of gold or precious metals.

In fact, a currently unsolved technical problem, which precludes the above solutions, ? constituted by the fact that the ring or jewel? made mainly in gold or other precious metal, the cio? of a conductor material which, as is well known, causes the effect of shielding electromagnetic waves generated in the vicinity? of it, drastically attenuating or even canceling these electromagnetic waves in the surrounding space, and not allowing their propagation towards the outside.

? having therefore felt the need to have systems or methods available which allow these remote controls or radio frequency transceivers and/or RFID tags or transponders to be integrated into rings or jewellery, in order to guarantee easy and effective use, and which also allow high levels of security with respect to interception and duplication of the radio signal.

In particular, this need? felt for example in the field of remote controls for cars.

In fact, in the field of jewelry, on the one hand, and in the high-end car sector, on the other hand, up until now rings in precious (or even non-precious) metals have never been made that allow a connection and multiple functions. ? with cars by exchanging radio frequency wireless signals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

? object of the present invention is to provide a ring or jewel assembly with functionality? of radiofrequency transceiver and/or radiofrequency remote control, which makes it possible to at least partially obviate the drawbacks described above with reference to the prior art, and to meet the above-mentioned needs which are particularly felt in the technical sector in question. That purpose? achieved by means of a ring or jewel assembly according to claim 1.

Further embodiments of this ring or jewel assembly are defined by claims 2-19.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the method according to the invention will result from the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a ring assembly according to the present invention; in particular, figures 1A to 1F show a top view, a first side view, a second side view, a first partially exploded perspective view, a perspective view and a second partially exploded perspective view of the ring assembly, according to this embodiment;

Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of a ring assembly according to the present invention; in particular, figures 2A to 2F show a top view, a first side view, a second side view, a first partially exploded perspective view, a perspective view and a second partially exploded perspective view of the ring assembly, according to this ?other embodiment;

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a sectional side view and a top view, respectively, of an embodiment of a ring assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a sectional side view of a further embodiment of a ring assembly according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference in particular to figures 1-4, a ring or jewel assembly is described with functional radio frequency transceiver 1.

This assembly 1 comprises a metal ring or jewel body 2; a cavity? 3 obtained in the aforementioned body 2 of a ring or jewel, filled at least in part by one or more? portions 4, 5 made of at least one dielectric material; and a microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device 6.

The microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device 6 ? configured to transmit and receive SRF radio frequency signals, with the spectrum belonging to a predefined radio frequency range, and ? fixed to the ring or jewel 2, at least partially inserted in the aforementioned cavity? 3, and at least partially surrounded by the aforementioned at least one dielectric material.

L?At least one dielectric material ? interposed between the metal 7 of the body of the ring or jewel 2 and the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device 6, so as to prevent the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device 6 from being in contact with the metal 7 of the ring or jewellery, and to forming a space of dielectric material, able to allow the propagation of electromagnetic signals having a spectrum in said radio frequency range.

According to one embodiment, the dimensions of this dielectric material gap and the properties? dielectric of? one or more? dielectric materials used are such as to cancel or significantly reduce the shielding effect of the electromagnetic waves at radio frequency by the metal of the body of the ring or jewel, and therefore allow the propagation, in this space of dielectric material, of electromagnetic waves having a spectrum in the radio frequency range used, and allow the propagation in the space surrounding the ring of the SRF radio frequency electromagnetic signals transmitted or intended to be received by the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device 6.

In an embodiment, the relative dielectric constant of the dielectric material and the dimensions of the dielectric material space are chosen depending on the predefined radio frequency range for use, and/or on the electrical power expected for the microelectronic device, so as to create electromagnetic propagation conditions suitable to allow the propagation of the waves at the desired frequencies of use.

Thanks to the aforementioned structural and functional characteristics of the ring or jewel assembly, it is avoided that these electromagnetic signals are totally shielded by the metal of the body of the ring or jewel.

According to one embodiment, the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device 6 is integral with the body of the ring, and ? fixed to a stone or to one of said portions of dielectric material, which are in turn fixed to the body of the ring, and therefore the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device 6 ? integral with the body of the ring.

According to an implementation option, the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device 6. ? fixed to the body of the ring by means of the aforementioned stone or portion of dielectric material.

According to one embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly 1, said ring or jewel ? a ring in precious metal, containing at least one stone 4, for example a precious stone 4, to which ? fixed the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device 6.

Stone 4? fixed to the body 2 of the ring and contained in the cavity? 3 obtained in the body 2 of the ring, so as to only partially fill the cavity? 3, which remains partially filled only with air, thus constituting? an air chamber 5 placed between the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device 6 and the metal body 2 7 of the ring 1.

The aforementioned portions of dielectric material comprise in this case two portions, a first portion 4 formed of a first dielectric material, i.e. stone, and a second portion 5 formed by a second dielectric material, ie? air.

This embodiment? illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B.

In this case, for example, in the part underneath the stone, a recess is created in the metal, so as to avoid contact between the transceiver device and the metal, and forming a sort of air chamber 5 necessary for the propagation of the radio frequencies.

Also in the precious stone 4 set above the hollow 3 in the metal, a hollow is made which is necessary for housing the transceiver microelectronic device 6.

According to a particular implementation option, the dimensions of the transceiver device 6 are of the order of millimetres, for example 3.2 x 3.2 x 0.5 mm.

According to other implementation options, the dimensions of the transceiver device 6 can be various, up to a maximum of 12 mm.

According to a particular implementation option, the dimensions of the cavity, and in particular of the aforementioned inner tube, are in the order of millimetres.

By way of a purely non-limiting example, the dimensions of an implementation option of the ring assembly, made with the structure of figure 3A, are indicated below: longitudinal dimension of the cavity? 3 and stone 4 equal to 7.2 mm; thickness of the inner tube 5 equal to 2 mm; thickness of stone 4 equal to 1.7 mm; thickness of the body 2 of the metal ring equal to 3.7 mm; distances between the edges of the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device and the metal walls of the cavity? equal to 2 mm.

In accordance with another embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly 1, the aforementioned ring or jewel 1? a ring in precious metal, containing two stone portions 4 and 4?, for example a precious stone, among which ? interlock the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device 6.

The stone portions 4 and 4? are they fixed to the body 2 of the ring and contained in the aforementioned cavity? 3 obtained in the body 2 of the ring.

In this case, the aforementioned two portions of stone 4 and 4? constitute the two portions of dielectric material 4 and 4?, composed of a single dielectric material, i.e. the stone itself.

This embodiment? shown in figure 4.

By way of a purely non-limiting example, the dimensions of an implementation option of the ring assembly, made with the structure of figure 4, are indicated below: longitudinal dimension of the cavity? 3 and stone 4 equal to 7.2 mm; thickness of stone 4 equal to 1.7 mm; stone thickness 4? equal to 1.7 mm; thickness of the body 2 of the metal ring equal to 3.7 mm; distances between the edges of the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device and the metal walls of the cavity? equal to 2mm.

According to several possible implementation options, the aforementioned stone 4 ? made up of a precious stone included in the ring or jewel, for example diamond, or emerald, or ruby, or onyx, and so on? Street).

In accordance with another embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly 1, the aforementioned ring or jewel ? a ring in precious metal, containing two portions of carbon fiber between which? interlocking the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device.

This embodiment is not explicitly illustrated in the figures, as it is structurally similar to the structure of the ring assembly shown in figure 4, with the difference that the two portions in precious stone are replaced by two portions in carbon fibre.

Are the above carbon portions fixed to the body 2 of the ring and contained in the cavity? obtained in the body of the ring.

In this case, the two portions of carbon fiber constitute the two portions of dielectric material, composed of a single dielectric material, ie? carbon fiber.

According to another embodiment, the ring or necklace is a ring in precious metal, containing at least a portion of carbon fiber, to which ? fixed the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device. The aforementioned at least one portion in carbon fiber? fixed to the body 2 of the ring and contained in the cavity? obtained in the body of the ring, in such a way as to only partially fill the cavity, which remains partly filled only with air, constituting an air chamber interposed between the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device and the metal body of the ring.

In this case, the aforementioned portions of dielectric material comprise two portions, a first portion formed from a first dielectric material, i.e. carbon fiber, and a second portion formed by a second dielectric material, cio? air.

The aforementioned embodiment is not explicitly illustrated in the figures, as it is structurally similar to the structure of the ring assembly shown in figure 3A, with the difference that the precious stone portion is? replaced by a carbon fiber portion.

According to an implementation example, the carbon fiber ? associated with an epoxy resin support.

According to one embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly 1, the dimension of the space of dielectric material which separates the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device from the metal of the ring or jewel ? between 2mm and 5mm.

According to an implementation option, the dimension of the dielectric material space is ? preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm, and, more? preferably, ? of 2 mm or 2.5 mm or 3 mm.

According to an embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly, the relative dielectric constant of said at least one dielectric material which separates the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device from the metal of the ring or jewel ? less than 50.

In accordance with various possible implementation options, the relative dielectric constant of said at least one dielectric material which separates the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device from the metal of the ring or jewel? preferably less than 10 and preferably less than 5.

Yes ? already noted previously that, in theory, the dimensions of the space of dielectric material and the properties? dielectric of? one or more? dielectric materials used can be chosen and designed according to the predefined radio frequency range for use.

In practice, the Applicants have verified that, for the entire radio frequency range of interest (for example LF or HF or UHF), the exemplary characteristics indicated above (dielectric gap between 2 and 5 mm, air and/or precious stone or or carbon fiber chosen as dielectric materials) are such as to significantly reduce the shielding effect by the metal of the ring or jewel and allow the desired propagation of the electromagnetic signals in a space surrounding the ring.

In fact, from the point of view of the properties? dielectric properties, the aforementioned materials have relative dielectric constants included in the ranges indicated above, both air (relative dielectric constant equal to about 1), and diamond (typical relative dielectric constant between 5 and 10), and other precious stones (such as example emerald, ruby, onyx), and carbon fiber (which can be made with a dielectric constant belonging to the ranges mentioned above).

According to an implementation option, the aforementioned cavity? 3 ? obtained by carving or engraving in the metal body 2 of the ring or jewel.

According to an implementation option, the aforementioned precious stone 4 ? worked with a notch or an internal excavation to allow the passage of radio frequencies.

In accordance with an embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly 1, the aforementioned precious metal ? gold.

According to other possible embodiments of the ring or jewel assembly, the aforementioned precious metal is platinum, or titanium, or silver.

According to various possible embodiments, the ring or jewel assembly comprises a jewel or jewel other than a ring, provided that it is this necklace or jewel, or a part thereof intended to contain the transceiver device, has dimensions comparable to those mentioned above. The detailed description provided above of the ring assembly allows the person skilled in the art to easily transpose this description to implement an embodiment with a necklace or jewel other than a ring.

In accordance with an embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly 1, the aforementioned microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device 6? a passive transponder or tag, operating on radio frequency.

According to an implementation option, this microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device 6 is a passive RFID transponder or tag, operating on RF-ID radio frequency.

In accordance with an embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly 1, the aforementioned microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device 6? configured to operate at LF or HF or UHF frequencies.

According to specific possible implementation examples, the frequencies used are UHF 868 MHz and HF 13.56 MHz.

In accordance with an embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly 1, the aforesaid transponder or passive tag ? configured to interact with an external RF antenna, capable of emitting an activation signal, so that when the ring or jewel assembly approaches this antenna below a predefined operating distance, the transponder or tag activates after having received the activation signal.

The transponder or tag, once activated, ? configured to issue one or more? predefined radio frequency signals corresponding to one or more? pre-set commands.

According to one embodiment, the transponder or tag ? configured to perform the functions of a car remote control, and ? capable of interoperating, in order to carry out one or more? commands or functions, with one or more? active RFID devices, arranged in respective locations within the automobile, each active RFID device comprising an RF antenna connected to a respective active RFID reader.

According to an implementation option, this active RFID reader for communication ? set up on the car, for example with a dedicated CAN-BUS interface.

According to various possible embodiments, included in the present invention, the aforementioned one or more? commands or functions include:

- opening and closing the doors and boot of the car; and/or

- automatic adjustment of the driver's driving settings, and/or switching the engine on and off and/or changing the engine power and/or switching on and settings of the climate control system, and/or switching on and managing the audio system.

According to an implementation option, the aforementioned one or more? commands or functions are performed when the ring or jewel assembly approaches a respective active RFID device located near the of the handles, in the case of opening and closing the doors and boot of the car.

According to an implementation option, the aforementioned one or more? commands or functions are carried out when the ring or jewel assembly approaches a respective active RFID device located inside the passenger compartment, in the case of the other commands or functions mentioned above.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly, also included in the present invention, the transponder or tag ? configured to perform the contactless operation functions of a credit or debit card.

Also in this case, this use is based on RFID technology, and in particular provides for a system that works through the tag positioned inside the ring or jewel, which works like a tag on a credit or prepaid card, and is ? configured to interact with special tools, called ?readers?, which are then able to read the information contained in the tag. The reading takes place via radio frequency, thanks to which the apparatus? capable of receiving the information from the tag it is interrogating in an instant (according to per se known radio frequency communication methods, for example short or medium range radio frequency communication).

According to one embodiment of the ring or jewel assembly, the aforementioned predefined operating distance ? of the order of a few centimetres, so that the commands and functions of the transponder or passive tag can only be carried out in the vicinity? of the aforementioned external antenna or of the aforementioned active RFID device.

The transponder or passive tag? configured to allow the propagation of the radiofrequency electromagnetic signal in a limited space outside the ring or jewel assembly with dimensions comparable to those of the aforementioned predefined operating distance.

According to one embodiment, the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device therefore belongs to the category of short-range wireless transceiver devices.

How can you? note, the objects of the present invention, as previously indicated, are fully achieved by the ring or jewel assembly described above, by virtue of of the characteristics described above in detail.

In fact, the ring or jewel assembly described above makes it possible to integrate remote controls or radio frequency transceivers and/or RFID tags or transponders in rings or jewels, allowing easy and effective use for the user, and also guaranteeing high levels of security with respect to interception and duplication of the radio signal.

The technical problem determined by the shielding made by the metal of the ring or jewel with respect to electromagnetic waves generated in the vicinity is also solved. of it, or in recesses obtained in it, not allowing its propagation towards the outside, and precluding a wireless transceiver.

In fact, as illustrated above, the ring or jewel assembly described above allows the propagation of the radiofrequency electromagnetic signals, generated by the transceiver device integrated therein, towards the outside, and thus allowing wireless transceiver.

The fact that the structure of the metal ring continues to at least partially shield the electromagnetic signals generated is even a further advantage, since does not allow a propagation beyond by a few centimetres, or in unwanted directions, and therefore reduces, and substantially cancels, the risk of possible interceptions or duplications of the radio signal.

To the embodiments of the assembly described above, a person skilled in the art, in order to satisfy contingent needs, will be able to make modifications, adaptations and replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones, without departing from the scope of the following claims. Each of the characteristics described as belonging to a possible embodiment can? be made independently of the other described embodiments.

Claims (19)

1. Ring or jewel assembly (1) with functionality? radio frequency transceiver, including: - a ring or jewel body (2), in metal; - a cavity? (3) obtained in said body of ring or jewel (2), filled at least in part by one or more? portions (4, 5) made of at least one dielectric material; - a microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device (6), configured to transmit and receive radiofrequency signals (SRF), with a spectrum belonging to a predefined radiofrequency range, said microelectronic device (6) being fixed to the ring or necklace, at least partially inserted in this cavity? (3), and at least partially surrounded by said at least one dielectric material, wherein said at least one dielectric material ? placed between the metal (7) of the body of the ring or jewel and the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device (6), so as to prevent the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device (6) from coming into contact with the metal (7) of the ring or jewel, and to form a space of dielectric material, capable of allowing the propagation of electromagnetic signals (SRF) having a spectrum in said radio frequency range. 2. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the dimensions of said dielectric material space and the properties? dielectric characteristics of the dielectric material or dielectric materials used are such as to cancel or significantly reduce the shielding effect of the radiofrequency electromagnetic waves by the metal of the body of the ring or jewel, and therefore allow the propagation, in said space, of dielectric material , of electromagnetic waves having a spectrum in said used radiofrequency range, and allow the propagation in the space surrounding the ring of said radiofrequency electromagnetic signals (SRF) transmitted or destined to be received by the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device (6). 3. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said ring or jewel (1) ? a precious metal ring (1), containing at least one stone (4), for example a precious stone, to which ? fixed the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device (6), said stone (4) being fixed to the body (2) of the ring or jewel and contained in said cavity? (3) obtained in the body (2) of the ring, so as to only partially fill the cavity? (3), which remains partially filled only with air, constituting an air chamber (5) interposed between the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device (6) and the metal body of the ring (2), in which said portions of dielectric material comprise two portions, a first portion (4) formed by a first dielectric material, ie? stone, and a second portion (5) formed by a second dielectric material, ie? air. 4. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said ring or jewel (1) ? a precious metal ring, containing two stone portions (4, 4?), for example precious stone, among which ? interlocking the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device (6), said two stone portions being fixed to the body (2) of the ring or jewel and contained in said cavity? (3) obtained in the body (2) of the ring, in which said two portions of stone (4, 4?) constitute the two portions of dielectric material, composed of a single dielectric material, ie? stone. 5. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said ring or jewel (1) is a ring in precious metal, containing two portions of carbon fiber between which? interlocking the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device, said carbon portions being fixed to the body (2) of the ring or jewel and contained in said cavity? obtained in the body of the ring, wherein said two portions of carbon fiber constitute the two portions of dielectric material, composed of a single dielectric material, i.e. carbon fiber. 6. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said ring or jewel ? a ring in precious metal, containing at least a portion of carbon fiber, to which ? is the microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device fixed, said at least one carbon fiber portion being fixed to the body (2) of the ring or jewel contained in said cavity? obtained in the body of the ring, so as to only partially fill the cavity, which remains partially filled only with air, constituting an air chamber interposed between the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device and the metal body of the ring, wherein said portions of dielectric material comprise two portions, a first portion formed from a first dielectric material, i.e. carbon fiber, and a second portion formed by a second dielectric material, cio? air. 7. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimension of the dielectric material space which separates the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device (6) from the metal of the ring or jewel is ? comprised in the range between 2mm and 5mm, and preferably between 2mm and 3mm, and more? preferably 2mm or 2.5mm or 3mm. 8. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the relative dielectric constant of said at least one dielectric material which separates the microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device (6) from the metal of the ring or jewel (7) ? less than 50 and preferably less than 10 and preferably less than 5. 9. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device (6)? a passive transponder or tag, operating on radio frequency. The ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein said microelectronic radio frequency transceiver device (6) is a passive RFID transponder or tag, operating on RF-ID radio frequency. 11. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said microelectronic radiofrequency transceiver device (6) is? configured to operate at LF or HF or UHF frequencies. 12. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein said transponder or passive tag ? configured to interact with an external RF antenna, capable of emitting an activation signal, so that when the ring or jewel assembly approaches said antenna below a predefined operating distance, the transponder or tag activates after having received the activation signal, and in which the transponder or tag, once activated, ? configured to issue one or more? predefined radio frequency signals corresponding to one or more? pre-set commands. 13. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein the transponder or tag ? configured to perform the functions of a car remote control, and ? capable of interoperating, in order to carry out one or more? commands or functions, with one or more? active RFID devices, arranged in respective positions within the automobile, each active RFID device comprising an RF antenna connected to a respective active reader. 14. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein said one or more? commands or functions include: - opening and closing the doors and boot of the car; and/or - automatic adjustment of the driver's driving settings, and/or switching the engine on and off and/or changing the engine power and/or switching on and settings of the climate control system, and/or switching on and managing the audio system. 15. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein said one or more? commands or functions are performed when the ring or jewel assembly approaches a respective active RFID device located near the of the handles, in the case of opening and closing the doors and trunk of the car; and/or when the ring or jewel approaches a respective active RFID device located inside the passenger compartment, in the case of the other commands or functions. 16. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein the transponder or tag ? configured to perform the contactless operation functions of a credit or debit card. 17. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein said predefined operating distance ? of the order of a few centimetres, so that the commands and functions of the transponder or passive tag can only be carried out in the vicinity? of said external antenna or of said active RFID device, and in which the transponder or passive tag ? configured to allow the propagation of the radiofrequency electromagnetic signal in a limited space external to the ring or jewel assembly with dimensions comparable to those of said predefined operating distance. 18. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to any one of the claims, in which said cavity? (3) ? obtained by carving or engraving in the metal body (2) of the ring or jewel (1), and/or in which said precious stone (3) ? worked with a notch or an internal excavation to allow the passage of radio frequencies. 19. Ring or jewel assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said precious metal is gold, or in which said precious metal? platinum, or titanium, or silver.