MX2015003346A - Radio frequency identification tag. - Google Patents

Abstract

A sensor system (1000) comprising a tag (100) which comprises a removable radio-frequency chip (130), an antenna (140) disposed in electrical communication with the chip (130) and a non-conductive coating (115) disposed upon a surface of the tag (100). The chip (130) comprises a memory element providing electrical storage of binary coded data, and output terminals. The antenna (140) is in electrical communication with the output terminals. The non-conductive coating covers the chip and defines a perimeter (125). The perimeter (125) is disposed over and exposes a portion of the antenna (140).

Description

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION LABEL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to systems and methods for determining information about a product. The invention relates, in particular, to the remote interrogation of the product information and the subsequent use of the acquired information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Consumer products that have a defined useful life in terms of the consumption of the products are known. The shelf life can be considered as one or more events associated with the consumption of at least a portion of the useful quantity of the products. Information associated with the environment of use of the products and / or the quantity of products used and which remain available may exist, but may also be generally inaccessible to the typical consumer of products. What is needed is a system and method for extracting relevant information from the product in a way that the information is easily accessible and usable by the consumer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, a sensor system comprises a label. The label comprises at least one radiofrequency chip, a first antenna arranged in electrical communication with the chip and a non-conductive coating disposed on the surface of the label. The chip comprises a memory element that provides electrical storage of a binary coded word comprising at least one bit and output terminals. The antenna is in electrical communication with the output terminals. The non-conductive coating covers the chip and defines a perimeter. The perimeter is arranged on top and exposes a portion of the antenna.

In one aspect, a method for determining the information of a product includes the steps of: providing a product comprising a tag, and an interrogator adapted to detect the radiation associated with the tag data; interrogate the state of the tag; interpret the status of the label; and provide an output associated with the interpreted state of the tag. The tag comprises a digital memory that stores the data associated with the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other features and benefits of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon consideration of the figures.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions: The following text presents a broad description of numerous and different embodiments of the present invention. The description is only illustrative and does not describe each possible modality since that would not be practical, or perhaps it would be impossible, and it is understood that each characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described in the present description can be suppressed , combine or substitute, in whole or in part, for any other characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described in the present description. Several alternative modalities could be implemented through the use of current or developed technology with date subsequent to the date of presentation of this patent, which will also be included within the scope of the claims.

Furthermore, it should be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent with the phrase "As used in the present description, the term '_' is herein defined to refer to ...", or a phrase similar, it is not intended to limit the meaning of that term, either explicitly or implicitly, beyond its literal and evident meaning, and that term shall not be construed as limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the wording of the claims). No term is essential to the present invention unless indicated in that manner. To the extent that any term cited in the claims included at the end of this patent is mentioned in this patent so that it agrees with a single meaning, this is done only for clarity so as not to confuse the reader and it is not intended that the term of that claim be limited, implied or in any other way have that unique meaning. Finally, unless an element of the claims is defined by mention of the word "signifies / refers to" and a function without the mention of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any element of the claims is interpreted in accordance with the application of Title 35 of the U.S.C., Article 112, sixth paragraph.

A "chip" as described in the present description can be impersonated by a chipless RFID element as is known in the art. A resonant LC tag LC or a multi-resonant element may be used in place of the chip in the described embodiments.

In one aspect, a sensor system comprises a label. The label may comprise one or more layers of conductive inks printed on a substrate. Exemplary substrate materials include: polyester, paper, high-permittivity dielectric materials and FR-4 material, multilayer structures may further comprise partial layers of non-conductive material that separate at least portions of the conductive layers. Exemplary conductive layers include copper and silver inks. The tag comprises a radiofrequency chip and a first antenna arranged as a circuit in a card, coin or insert. The chip can be an active or passive chip. The illustrative chip / first antenna combinations include the model numbers: Rl-103-112A-03 (13.56 MHz), and RI-INL-R9QM (134.2 kHz), or model TRF7970A, each available from Texas Instruments, Dallas, TX. The antenna can be in the physical form of a coil or a dipole. The chip / first antenna combination can be integrated into a single card available from Kovio, San José, CA.

The label also comprises an outer non-conductive coating.

Exemplary non-conductive coating materials include polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. The coating is arranged on a surface of the label, so that a portion of the label is not coated and exposed to the environment of the label. The uncoated area is defined by a perimeter of the non-conductive coating. The exposed portion of the label may comprise a portion of the antenna up to and including the entire antenna.

In one embodiment, the circuit configuration of the chip and the antenna includes a space so that the circuit is incomplete. In this mode, the space is kept exposed to the environment instead of being protected by the non-conductive coating. The circuit of the label can be completed by exposing the label to a conductive environment, so that the conductive material provides the necessary electrical conductivity throughout the space. Conductive environments include conductive gels, powders or liquids, where the space is filled by the conductive substance. Urine, blood and salt water are each drivers. Gels or powders comprising electrolytes also constitute conductive materials.

The label can be read through the use of a radio frequency protocol such as the Near Field Communications (NFC) protocol. When the label is interrogated, or read, the label circuit will be energized. Afterwards, the memory of the label is read by an interrogator.

The sensor system may also comprise an interrogator. The interrogator comprises a power source and a second antenna adapted to generate electromagnetic radiation comprising a resonance frequency of the first antenna, and a receiver adapted to detect electromagnetic radiation and demodulate the detected radiation that extracts the incorporated data from the detected radiation. The Bluetooth ™ RFID reader, model no. 223012, available from GAO RFID, of Toronto, Canada, illustrates a form of interrogator. The model interrogator 223012 has the ability to interrogate the radio frequency tag and determine the memory status of the tag and, therefore, extract the information associated with the output of the sensor or sensors related to the environment of the tag. The 223012 also includes a secondary network communications link that uses the protocol of Bluetooth ™ communications to transmit the information extracted from the label to a secondary device or secondary interrogator, such as a computer or smartphone enabled with Bluetooth ™. The secondary interrogator may further analyze the information related to the status of the label and / or the environment of the labels and provide an output associated with a particular label and / or environmental state of the label. The interrogator may further comprise a display element such as an LCD or LED display to display an output associated with the tag information analyzed. The interrogator may further comprise one or more sensors to determine the information associated with the interrogator's environment. Sensors may include: temperature, humidity and acceleration sensors. The interrogator may further comprise one or more cameras that allow the capture of images associated with a product, the label or the environment. The interrogator may comprise a global positioning capability that allows the interrogator to determine and share information related to the geographic location of the interrogator.

In one respect, the smartphone can serve as the sole interrogator. In this aspect the smartphone can interrogate the label and, in that way, determine the memory information of the label. The interrogator can analyze or, in any other way, interpret the information and can create an exit. The output can be provided to a user of the system through an audio output, visual output, haptic output or combinations of these. The interrogator can use sensor inputs or smart phone systems in addition to the label information when creating the output. Illustrative smartphones properly configured to function as an interrogator include: the Acer ™ E320 ™ Express, Blackberry ™ Bold ™ 970, available from Research In Motion; Casio IT-800; Google Nexus 7 ™, available from Google, Inc. Mountain View Ca .; HTC Desire C ™, available from HTC's; the LG Optimus Elite; Motorola Droid ™ Razr ™, available from Motorola; the Nokia 700; Panasonic BizPad ™; and Samsung Galaxy S Advance ™.

In one aspect, the sensor system may include a product. The term "product (s)" is used in the broadest sense and refers to any product, group of products, services, communications, entertainment, environments, organizations, systems, tools, and similar products. For example, an example of a group of products are products for personal use and for domestic use, such as those used by a person, family or home. Examples of a representative and non-limiting list of product categories within the group of products for personal and household use include antiperspirants, baby care products, colognes, commercial products (which include analog consumer-oriented consumer products). commercial, industrial and wholesale markets), cosmetics, deodorants, tableware care products, feminine protection products, hair care products, hair color, health care products, household cleaning products , laundry products, oral care products, paper products, personal hygiene products, disposable absorbent articles, products for animal nutrition and health, prescription drugs, prestigious fragrances, products for the care of the skin, food, snacks and beverages, products for the care of special fabrics, products for shaving and other products for the management of hair growth, small appliances, devices and batteries, services such as haircut, beauty treatments, spa treatments, medical, dental and ophthalmological services, entertainment venues such as theaters, stadiums, as well as entertainment services such as cinema, or film shows, theater plays and sporting events. Several product forms can be included within each of these product categories.

Some product forms and illustrative brands are described on the website www.pg.com of The Procter & Gamble Company, and the linked sites found in this. It should be understood that the present invention also contemplates consumer products that are part of product categories different from those listed above and that alternative product forms and brands other than those described in the aforementioned website are also included in the present invention.

Illustrative products in the laundry category include detergents (which include powder, liquid, tablet, and other forms), bleach, conditioner, fabric softener, antistatic products, and garment renovators (including liquid garment and leaf renovators that they are added in the clothes dryer). Illustrative examples in the oral care category include dentifrices, dental floss, toothbrushes (which include hand brushes and electric brushes), mouth rinses, gum care products, teeth whitening products, and other products. for the care of the teeth. Illustrative feminine protection products include protectors, tampons, interlabial and panty-protective products. Illustrative baby care products include diapers, guards, bibs, baby and bedding protectors, and hand soap and bath foam.

Exemplary health care products include laxatives, fiber supplements, oral and topical analgesics, gastrointestinal treatment products, respiratory and cough / cold products, products for supplying heat and water purification products. Illustrative paper products include toilet paper, paper towel, and face towels. Illustrative hair care products include shampoos, conditioners (including forms for rinsing and without rinse), and styling aids. Illustrative products for home care include sweeping products, floor cleaning products, wood floor cleaning products, antibacterial floor cleaning products, fabric and room flavorings, and laundry products of cars. Skin care products include, but are not limited to, body cleansers, facial cleansers, hand lotion, moisturizers, conditioners, astringents, exfoliating products, microdermabrasion and peeling products, skin rejuvenating products, anti-aging products , masks, UV protection products, and cottons for skin care, wipes, discs, clothes, sheets, implements and devices (with or without skin care compositions).

Other product groups include, among others, the following: sporting goods, entertainment (books, movies, music, etc.), ophthalmology, and medical and first aid products for home consumption, among others.

The label can be attached to the product package, such as the primary package of a liquid product or a granulated product. The label can be immersed or floated on the surface of a packaged liquid or a granulated product. The label may be incorporated within the product, such as within a disposable absorbent article such as inside a diaper for the purpose of detecting a discharge in the absorbent core of the diaper. The label can be placed on the surface of the product itself.

It is believed that the adjustment of the antenna of the label to the shape of the external surface of the product produces a system where the communication between the interrogator and the label can be omnidirectional and achievable at various angles between the interrogator and the label.

One of the problems associated with the creation of a device Communication for several products occurs when the communication device is used in conductive bodies. The principles of free space radio propagation do not apply near high conductivity bodies. Additionally, the performance of the antenna is greatly degraded when the antennas are placed near metal. Therefore, simple placement of an RFID tag in a battery or in an object with a conductive body may not achieve the desired effect, e.g., data transfer. In particular, this problem is not limited to rechargeable / disposable batteries. For example, a can of shaving gel, foam, etc., or a container comprising a metallized film, could experience the same problems due to the conductivity of the container. Generally, an RFID tag next to a metal body decreases the signal coupling between the reader and the label by 10x.

One way to avoid the effects derived from the proximity of the metal to the antenna is to prevent the electromagnetic field from entering the metal. For example, by placing a material with suitable electromagnetic properties 5 and with dimensions between the antenna and the metal surface, the electromagnetic field can be deflected around the metallic body / conductor of the product. The properties of the deviator material depend on the exact metal used and the frequency of RFID. The magnetic diverter effectively insulates the label of the can.

In one aspect, a method for determining information of a product comprises the steps of: providing a product comprising a label as described above. The tag comprises at least one sensor adapted to provide an output analogous to a change in a sensor environment. The sensor has at least one output terminal. The tag further includes a radiofrequency chip comprising a memory element, input terminals and output terminals and a first antenna arranged in electrical communication with the output terminals of the chip.

The method further includes providing an interrogator adapted to detect the radiation associated with the tag data. The interrogator may be an RF or NFC protocol reader coupled with a Bluetooth ™ capability, as described above, or a smart phone or other computerized device comprising an RF capacity reader, possibly NFC.

The interrogator can be used to determine the current state of the tag by using an RF communication protocol such as the NFC protocol. The interrogator can interpret the data received from the tag by using a software application written for that purpose.

In one aspect, the method can be minimized to provide products that include labels and that provide software compatible with the devices available in the market or in the possession of consumers. A consumer may choose to take advantage of the software of the application that will enable his device to functions such as the described interrogator.

In one embodiment, the label can be used to transmit the amount of a remaining product inside a package. In this embodiment, the label can be configured with a portion of the antenna exposed so that exposure to a conductive product will cause a short circuit to the label, rendering it inoperable until the exposed portion of the label is free of the product due to a reduction of the level of the product with respect to the label. Alternatively, the label can be configured so that the perimeter of the non-conductive coating exposes a space in the circuit. In this mode, the label can be readable while the space is filled by the presence of a conductive product and will not be readable in the absence of product.

In one embodiment, a dipole antenna can be coated with a non-conductive polymer. The coating may include a series of spaces that expose the cables of the antenna to the environment of the label. In this mode, the conductivity of the label antenna will change as more or fewer spaces are covered with a conductive fluid. The change in conductivity can be predetermined and the purpose of the interrogation can be to determine the current state of the antenna conductivity as an indicator of the contact with the fluid, ie the level with respect to the label / antenna.

An absorbent article may include a label so that the interrogator will receive only one outlet when the product / label changes by use and the exposed portion of the label circuit is in contact with a conductive fluid such as blood or urine. Alternatively, the product label can be configured to provide an exit to the interrogator until the product is used / changed and a short circuit is caused on the label by the exposure.

In one embodiment, the tag may comprise a combination of the two configurations described above. In this mode, a first chip will be readable only in the absence of the product while a second chip will be readable only in the presence of the product. This mode provides the benefit of always providing an exit to the interrogator regardless of the status of the product quantity.

A label comprising a dual reading configuration described above may be included within a diaper or other absorbent product. In this example, the tag will provide an output to the interrogator in a changed state and in an unchanged state. The user will receive information about the status of the product and will not be in doubt, if the status of the product changed or if there is a problem with the label.

In one aspect, the interrogator may incorporate a secondary network communication module that generates in the device the ability to send and receive data through a cellular telephone or other networks that include a local area or wifi networks. In this regard, the Interrogator can transmit the data received from the tag and / or an analysis of the tag data. The interrogator's software application can analyze the label data to determine if replenishment of the product associated with the label is needed or to project when replenishment will be needed in light of the history of product use established through a series of tag interrogations. In this aspect the application can be used to consummate the purchase of the additional product through the network. The application can also be used to offer the user related products to buy or offer other products that are not directly related to the product.

In one embodiment, the system label can be subdivided into portions. One portion may contain at least a portion of the antenna and the chip, the other portion may contain the conductive polymer system and any remaining portion of the antenna. The two portions of the label can be arranged with the antenna and the non-conductive coating exposed to the functional environment of an absorbent article, and the portion of the chip removed from exposure to the functional environment of the article. The portion of the chip can be made to be removable and, therefore, reusable. The sensor can be disassembled, in addition, while the portion of the antenna and the chip are kept in the product. In one embodiment, a removable detector element may be coupled to a resident chip / antenna element. As an example, a personal care device, such as a razor or buccal care implement, can be manufactured with a resident antenna and a chip with contacts that allow inserting and removing a detector element. The sensing element can be removed for reasons of removal or replacement, or cleaning and reinstallation. In one embodiment, the hook and loop clip fasteners, such as those available from APLIX Inc., Charlotte, NC, may be used to create an interface between the functional environment of the article and the exterior of the article. The fixing mechanism between the article, the sensor and the detachable label that allows the conductivity can being a hook and loop element, compression (eg, elastic band, garter), adhesion (eg, adhesive strip), magnetic element or a combination of these elements. In this embodiment, the antenna and non-conductive coating system can be manufactured as a unit in electrical contact with the hook pads and conductive clip which, in turn, are arranged on an exterior surface of the article, while the antenna and the cladding No driver are arranged inside the article. Matching pads can be incorporated as part of the unit of the chip unit and the two respective units can be joined by using matching pads with hook and loop for operational use of the label. In this way, the most expensive chip unit can become reusable and, in that way, the overall cost associated with using the system with a number of respective disposable items is reduced. The respective units can be formed by the use of conductive adhesive, such as that available from MG Chemicals, Surrcy, B.C., Canada, to attach the electrical ends of the respective portions of the labels to the corresponding hook and loop fastening pads.

As shown in Figure 1, a system 1000, comprises an absorbent article 300, and an interrogator 200. The absorbent article 300 comprises a label 100. The label 100 comprises a removable chip 130, a non-conductive coating 115, which defines a perimeter 125 and an antenna 140. Interrogator 200 comprises a sensor 210, a power source 220, an antenna 230, an analysis element 240, a display element 250, and a network link 260. As shown in the Figure 2, the absorbent article 300 comprises a label 100. The label 100 comprises a removable chip 130, a non-conductive coating 115, which defines a perimeter 125 and an antenna 140. As shown in Figure 3, the absorbent article 300 comprises a label 100. Label 100 comprises a removable chip 130, a non-conductive coating 115, cables conductors 150 and an antenna 140.

The dimensions and values described in the present description should not be understood as strictly limited to the exact numerical values mentioned. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each of these dimensions will refer to both the aforementioned value and a functionally equivalent range comprising that value. For example, a dimension described as "40 mm" refers to "approximately 40 mm." All documents mentioned in the present description, including any cross reference or patent or related application, are incorporated in the present description in their entirety as a reference, unless expressly excluded or limited in any other way. The citation of any document is not an admission that it constitutes a prior subject matter with respect to any invention described or claimed in the present description or that, by itself or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or describes such invention . In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document contradicts any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all those modifications and changes that fall within the scope of this invention.

Claims (13)

1. A sensor system that contains a label, the label comprises: to. at least one removable radio frequency chip and output terminals; b. a first antenna arranged in electrical communication with the output terminals of the chip, c. a non-conductive coating arranged on a surface of the label, the coating covers the chip and defines a perimeter, the perimeter is arranged on top and exposes a portion of the antenna, d. an interrogator comprising an energy source and a second antenna adapted to generate electromagnetic radiation comprising a resonance frequency of the first antenna, and a receiver adapted to detect electromagnetic radiation and demodulate the detected radiation that extracts the incorporated data from the detected radiation and. characterized in that the interrogator comprises a network communication link.

2. The sensor system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the interrogator further comprises: an analysis element adapted to interpret the extracted extracted data, and a display element adapted to display the results of the interpretation.

3. The sensor system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the interrogator further comprises a sensor.

4. The sensor system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first antenna comprises an omnidirectional antenna.

5. The sensor system according to claim 1, the system characterized in that it also comprises a product, wherein the label comprises part of a product.

6. The sensor system according to claim 5, further characterized in that the product comprises a disposable absorbent article.

7. The sensor system according to claim 5, further characterized in that the product comprises a portable energy source.

8. The sensor system according to claim 5, characterized the system because it also comprises an electrical protector arranged between the antenna and the product.

9. The sensor system according to claim 8, further characterized in that the protector comprises part of the label.

10. A method to determine product information; characterized the method because it comprises the steps: to. providing a product comprising a label, the label comprising a partially exposed antenna and a removable chip; b. providing an interrogator adapted to detect the radiation associated with an environmental state of the tag; c. modify the environmental status of the label in relation to the environment of the exposed portion of the antenna; d. interrogate the state of the tag after the environment of the exposed portion of the antenna is modified; and. interpret the status of the label; F. provide an output associated with the interpreted state of the label.

11. The method according to claim 10, further characterized in that the step of providing an interrogator further comprises providing an interrogator comprising a network communications link; the method further comprises a step of sharing data associated with the status of the tag through a network.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises the step of sharing data of the interfering sensor through the network.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises the step of purchasing a unit of the product through the use of the network.