SG181203A1

SG181203A1 - Rfid feet

Info

Publication number: SG181203A1
Application number: SG2010089282A
Authority: SG
Inventors: Boon Hwee Bernette Ng
Original assignee: Boon Hwee Bernette Ng
Priority date: 2010-12-03
Filing date: 2010-12-03
Publication date: 2012-06-28

Abstract

RFID Feet AbstractThe inventive step converts any or all of the feet under the System Unit into Radio Frequency Identification Feet (RFID Feet). A System Unit is any equipment that uses feet underneath for support. A System Unit can be a computer related equipments, office equipments, industrial equipments, retail equipments, sports equipment, kitchen equipments, house equipments, practical any equipment that uses feet.The RFID Feet fastens itself as a foot to the System Unit by securing itself to the underside of a System Unit. No standard Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag does this. The RFID Feet is a generic name to mean: any one foot under the System Unit that is converted to become a Passive RFID Feet or an Active RFID Feet with the radio frequency Identification or magnetic signal communicating function and capability.The RFID Feet housing contains an identification tag which consists of at least two parts. One is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. The other is an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal. The identification tag inside the RFID Feet communicate via radio frequency and electromagnetic waves to exchange data to an interrogator also known as readers.The RFID Feet can be used on every System Unit because every System Unit needs supporting feet structure. The RFID Feet also mean one fix consistent tag location on a System Unit; for example consistently tagging the front left bottom foot of the System Unit. Being under the bottom of the System Unit also mean the radio frequency or magnetic signal tag will be easily located for reading. Figure 1

Description

RFID Feet

Descriptions

The inventive step converts any or all of the feet under the System Unit into Radio

Frequency Identification Feet (RFID Feet). A System Unit is any equipment that uses feet underneath for support.

A System Unit can be a computer related equipments such as laptop and printer, office equipments such as desktop telephone and projectors, industrial equipments such as bar code printing machine and industrial machines, retail equipments such as cash register and display stand, sports equipments such as golf bag and pools table, kitchen equipments such as microwave oven and wine refrigerator, house equipments such as cabinet, sofa, and lamps, practically any equipment and item that uses feet. Laptop and computers equipments are use for the purpose of illustrating the patent.

The RFID Feet is an integrated part of the System Unit that goes together with the

System Unit as one single piece equipment and stays underneath the System Unit as a permanent fixture. It is an integral part of the System Unit because of has key contributing functions of vital significance to the System Unit.

RFID Feet operate as a vital feet support structure between the System Unit and the base platform of which the System Unit is to resting on and protects the underneath of the System Unit by acting as a protection piece between the System Unit and the platform it is resting on for support.

The RFID Feet fastens itself as a foot to the System Unit by securing itself to the underside of a System Unit. No standard Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag does this. The RFID Feet is a generic name to mean: any one foot under the System

Unit that is converted to become a Passive RFID Feet or an Active RFID Feet with the radio frequency Identification or magnetic signal communicating function and capability.

The RFID Feet housing contains an identification tag which consists of at least two parts. One is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. The other is an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal. The identification tag inside the RFID Feet communicate via radio frequency and electromagnetic waves to exchange data to an interrogator also known as readers.

The RFID Feet can be used on every System Unit because every System Unit needs supporting feet structure. The RFID Feet also mean one fix consistent tag location on a

System Unit; for example, consistently tagging the front left bottom foot of the System

Unit. Being under the bottom of the System Unit also mean the radio frequency or magnetic signal tag will be easily located for reading.

The RFID Feet can be used to record employees through their office equipment such as a Laptop leaving in and out of the office for business appointment and home. As an integral part of the System Unit, the RFID Feet travels with the System Unit and therefore can be used as a monitoring tool to locate employee location and movement inside the office.

The RFID Feet inside the System Unit feet has the advantage of being a permanent fixture that stays with the System Unit throughout its product life span. The inventory cycle starts when the RFID Feet is fitted at the point of the production assembly. As a permanent fixture under the System Unit, the RFID Feet cannot be easily removed.

RIFD Feet

Brief Description of the drawings

Fig 1. A RFID Feet

Fig 2. Exploded isometric view of a RFID Feet

Fig 3. Exploded section view of a RFID Feet

Fig 4. A Passive Radio-Frequency Identification (RIFD)

Fig 5. An Active Radio-Frequency Identification (RIFD) module with antenna

Fig 6. An WiFi RIFD Feet use under a Printer

Fig 7. A RFID Feet use under a Tablet

Fig 8. A RFID Feet use under a Laptop

Fig9. A RFID Feet use under a Scanner

Fig 10. A RFID Feet use under a Projector

Fig 11. A RFID Feet use under a Hi-Fi sound System

Fig 12. A RFID data interface diagram

Fig 13. RFID Feet being use in the Household

Fig 14. RFID Feet being use in the Kitchen

Fig 15. RFID Feet being use in the Office

Claims

1. The inventive step converts any or all of the feet (fig1, figéb, fig6c, figbe, fig7a, fig8a, fig8b) under the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8, fig9, fig10, fig11) into Radio Frequency Identification Feet (RFID Feet) (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b, figc, fig10b, fig11b).

2. The System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) is any equipment that uses feet underneath (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) for support.

3. Some examples of System Unit are computer related equipments such as laptop and printer, office equipments such as desktop telephone and projectors (fig10, fig15e), industrial equipments such as bar code printing machine and industrial machines, retail equipments such as cash register and display stand, sports equipments such as golf bag and pools table, kitchen equipments such as microwave oven and wine refrigerator (fig14a), house equipments such as cabinet, table (fig13e), chair (fig13c), sofa, and lamps (fig13a), practically any equipment and item that uses feet.

4. Laptop and computers related equipments are use for the purpose of illustrating this patent.

5. The RFID Feet (fig1, fig6e, fig7a, fig8b, fig9c, fig10b, fig11b) is an integrated part of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8). It goes together with the System Unit as one single piece equipment and stays underneath (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) the System Unit as a permanent fixture.

6. It is an integral part of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) because of its key vital contributing function of protecting the underneath (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8), and to provide support to the System Unit structure (fig6, fig7, fig8), for the System Unit to function usefully, as a fully and wholly functional stand alone, and complete System Unit.

7. One of the RFID Feet function is to operate as an identification tag.

8. Another function is to operate as a vital component piece between the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) and the base platform (fig6a).

9. The RFID Feet protects the underneath (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) by acting as a end terminal point contact between the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) and the platform (fig6a) that it is resting.

10.The RFID Feet (fig1, fig6e, fig7a, fig8b) fastens itself as a foot to the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8). No other Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) does this.

11. The RFID Feet (fig1, fig6e, fig7a, fig8b) is a generic name to mean: any one foot under the System Unit that is converted to become a RFID Feet.

12. The RFID Feet housing (fig2n, fig3h) contains an identification tag (fig2h, fig3f, fig4, figs).

13. The Identification Tag is a transponder or transceiver and communicates by radio frequency or the magnetic signal, and consists of at least two parts. One is an integrated circuit (fig2h, fig3f, figbb) for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. The other is an antenna (figif, fig2g, fighd, figef) for receiving and transmitting the signal

14. The identification tag inside the RFID Feet (fig1, fig6e, fig7a, fig8b) housing (fig2n, fig8h) communicates via radio frequency and electromagnetic waves to exchange data to an interrogator also known as readers.

15.0ne preferred example of RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) is the Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID) which consists of the Generation 1 RFID Tag or the Generation 2 RFID Tag. Compared to Generation 1 RFID Tag, Generation 2 RFID Tag provides expanded data functionality and better performance, is designed to support EPC codes up to 256 bits long, and has the provision for extra data to be carried in the tag based on a single RFID protocol. In addition, G2 tags should be comparable with regard to radio frequencies (from 860 MHz to 960 MHz) globally, allowing tags to work consistently in different countries under differing emissions standards.

16. The Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) has three types of RFID tags: passive RFID tags (fig4), which have no power source and require an external electromagnetic field to initiate a signal transmission, active RFID tags (fig5), which contain a battery and can transmit signals once an external source (‘Interrogator’) has been successfully identified, and battery assisted passive (BAP) RFID tags (figh), which require an external source to wake up but have significant higher forward link capability providing greater range. There are a variety of groups defining standards and regulating the use of RFID, including: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), ASTM International, DASH7 Alliance, EPC global. (Refer to Regulation and standardization below.)

a. The Passive Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags (fig4) receive enough power from the interrogating reader device to power up the tag allowing it to transmit a unique identification number and some extra optionally information are called passive tags. Passive Tags are powered from electromagnetic generated by reader antenna to transmit enough power to provide enough energy to the Tag so it could transmit back the necessary data. Passive tags have no battery. Instead, they draw power from the reader, which sends out electromagnetic waves that induce a current in the tag's antenna. The read range is relatively short from fraction of an inch to 30 feet depending on tag frequency, antenna size, and power of the interrogator field. There are low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and micro-wave tags available. Passive tags are operating below 100MHz frequencies (most common frequencies are 125kHz — 134.2kHz and 13.56MHz) and main transfer energy is carried by magnetic field. Magnetic field generated voltage in the coil which is used as power supply also as data signal. There are also HF passive tags that operate at 900MHz and 2.45GHz. These tags have dipole antenna (1/8 wave length) construction. With these tags distance may reach more than 3 meters.

i. The following are examples of passive RFID applications:

1. Low Frequency a. 125 KHz Access Control b. 134 KHz Ear tags used for dairy cows and pets

2. High Frequency a. 13.56 MHz Access Control b. Pharmaceutical item tracking

3. Ultra-High Frequency a. 868 MHz Europe b. 915MHz North America c. 950 MHz Asia b. The Active Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags (fig5) are powered by batteries, either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Active RFID tags consist of a transmitter and their own power source (typically a battery). The power source is used to run the microchip's circuitry and to broadcast signal to a reader (the way a cell phone transmits signals to a base station). This allows the tag to transmit “at will” and typically does not have to be in close proximity to the interrogator. Because active tags have an on-board power source, its transmit range is much greater than passive tags and can be 35-1,000 feet and further. Active tags can also interface with sensors for collecting, temporary data logging, and reporting sensor data along with its identification (ID) numbers. Active tags can incorporate a passive wake-up antenna to allow it to conserve power until it receive a wake up signal typically at a door way or other choke point. Active tags operate at micro-wave frequencies typically at 2.4GHz. LF and HF tags have typical read distances less than 3 feet c. The Semi-Active or Semi-Passive Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags (figh) have an on-board battery to boast the transmit power, thereby extending the read range from 10-30 feet to 100-150 feet. Semi-Passive tags are more similar to passive transponders than active ones. These tags are powered from battery, or so-called battery assisted tags, but radio transmission depends on antenna activity. As data processor had it own power source. Thus, the received power can be used for transmitting back the signal which is stronger than passive transducer. This allows an increase in communication distance with quite a cheap solution. Semi- passive tags use a battery to run the chip's circuitry, and communicate by drawing power from the reader.

17. Another preferred RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) operates as WiFi RFID Tag. WiFi RFID Tag integrates RFID tagging with IEEE 802.11 access points; providing ways for central managers to locate and control assets. WiFi RFID uses the wireless local networks Wi-Fi based on the Instrument Society of Electrical Engineers (IEEE)

802.11x specifications. If there is an existing Wi-Fi network used to interconnect computers or Voice-Over-Internet Protocol phones, then the reader infra-structure may be already in place to read the WiFi RFID tags on assets and transmit sensor information. The WiFi RFID tags come with a in-built battery and they periodically send 802.11 WLAN based information to the access points, which communicate the same to the Location Engine (which is generally a server with RTLS software) over the Wi-Fi / IP Network to locate moving and stationary objects within a warehouse that have been tagged with the Wi-Fi RFID Tags. These Wi-Fi based RFID Tags are battery operated devices which may be an inch long, and their battery life is expected to be around 4 years.

18. Another RFID Feet (fig1, fig6e, fig7a, fig8b) operate as Peer-to-Peer RuBee IEEE 1902.1 radio tag. RuBee is a packet based wireless protocol that operates at 131 KHz in the "near field", which that means 99.999% of the signal is magnetic. A Rubee radio tag is typically about 1 x 1 by 0.07 inches. It has a 4 bit CPU, 1 to 5 kB of SRAM, a clock, and a lithium battery with a life expectancy of five years. It could optionally have sensors, displays and buttons. RuBee IEEE 1902.1 (IEEE P1902.1) is a two way, active wireless protocol that uses Long Wave (LW) magnetic signals to send and receive short (128 byte) data packets in a local regional network. RuBee is bidirectional, on-demand, and peer-to-peer. It can operate at other frequencies (e.g. 450 kHz), but 131 kHz is optimal. The RuBee protocol uses an IP Address (Internet Protocol Address). A tag may hold data in its own memory (instead or in addition to having data stored on a server). RuBee functions successfully with networks of many thousands of tags, and has a range of 1 to 30 m (3 to 100 ft) depending on the antenna configuration.

19. Another RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) integrated with ZigBee-Enabled RFID IEEE 802.15.4 standard and overlays a high level mesh networking protocol Star, Point-to-Point sensor networks reader network. RFID reader networkThe RFID reader network. The network is managed by a central node, created by attaching an unmodified ZigBee coordinator to a computer and controlled by a PC-based application. Also included in the network are ZigBee-enabled RFID readers. The ZigBee technology allows these devices to act as routers or end devices. The firmware that resides on the microcontrollers of the ZigBee modules has the capability for the devices to operate as either. The hardware for each of these nodes is the same, as well. ZigBee wireless mesh network consists of ZigBee coordinator, ZigBee router, and the ZigBee end device.

20.The inventive step places any of the above mentioned tags inside (fig2j, fig3j) the Identification Feet (IFD) housing (figfig2n, fig3h). The above mentioned tags are Passive RFID (fig4), Active RFID (fig5), Semi-Active or Semi-Passive RFID (fig5), Active WiFi RFID (fig5), Rubee Tag, or ZigBee Microcontroller Chip or chip set, a flash memory, and all the necessary electrical and electronic components to fully function as Identification Tag using either Radio Frequency or Magnetic Signal to communicate between Reader and a Tag, or Peer-to-Peer wireless mesh networking.

21. The preferred Passive, Active, and Semi-Active or Semi-Passive RFID transponders and inlays are manufactured by Texas Instruments Corporations, the world's largest integrated supplier in radio frequency identification (RFID), with over 500 million TI- RFid tags and smart Labels.

22.Some of Texas Instruments Corporation Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags a. TMS37157 Passive Low Frequency Interface Device (PaLFl) With EEPROM and 134.2 kHz Transponder Interface manufacturer by Texas Instrument Inc b. Active RFID RI-I03-112A-03 Tag-it (TM) HF-1 Plus Transponder Inlays Miniature Rectangle manufactured by Texas Instrument. Radio-Frequency Identification (RiFD) Feet Device microcontroller chip or chipset with all its necessary electronic and electrical components in a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is house in the Identification Foot (IDF) housing c. MSP430 Ultra-Low-Power MCUs and TI-RFid Devices. The Texas Instruments (Tl) portfolio of MSP430 microcontrollers and TI-RFid devices is an ideal fit for low-power, robust RFID reader and transponder solutions.

23.The preferred Wi-Fi RFID tags module is from Redpines Signals, Inc Find-iT™

802.11n Wi-Fi® CCX Tag for RTLS and RFID, designated as RS9110-N-11-51, is a complete IEEE 802.11bgn client device that forms the core of RFID tags and RTLS solutions over WLAN.

24. The preferred ZigBee Microchip solutions are from Texas Instruments Incorporated Product Number CC2430, CC2431, CC2520 and ZigBee Modules Product Number CC2420MSP430ZDK, CC2530ZDK, EZ430-RF2480.

25.The RFID Feet housing acts as a protective housing to the radio frequency or magnetic signal tags.

26.The RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) can be use on every System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) because every System Unit needs supporting feet (fig1, figéb, fig6c, figbe, fig7a, fig8a, fig8b) structure.

27.Using RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) also mean one having a fix consistent identification tag location on a System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8); example consistently tagging the front left bottom foot of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8).

28.Being under the bottom of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) also means the radio frequency or magnetic signal tag will be easily located for reading.

29.As an integral part of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8), the RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) travels with the System Unit. Therefore if the system unit is a laptop, the company can record the movement of each employee by monitoring the movement of their laptop in the office.

30.RFID feet are effective for inventory management control from manufacturing to the product End-Of-Life. The inventory cycle starts when the RFID Feet (fig1, fig6e, fig7a, fig8b) is fitted at the point of the production assembly

31.The inventive RFID Feet can be assembled together with the System Unit during the production of the System Unit, and remain with the System Unit for its entire Product Life

32.RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) can manufactured as a Standard RFID feet with standard build-in-identification-tag in its housing for assembly during the production stage.

33.As a permanent fixture under the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8), the RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) cannot be removed easily.

34.The RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) is conceal inside the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) feet (fig1, figbb, figbc, figbe, fig7a, fig8a, fig8b) and therefore can be used as a conceal identification tag.

35.As a conceal identification tag inside the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) feet (fig1, figeb, figbc, figbe, fig7a, fig8a, fig8b), it is not visible to anyone and therefore cannot be easily located and removed by unauthorized personnel.

36.The radio frequency or magnetic signal tag in the RFID Feet can be configured to keep inventory within a fix distance from designated area. With the right configuration, the tag can give off an alarm when the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) attached with a RFID Feet leaves the predetermined radius range from a reference point.

37.As a conceal identification tag inside the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) feet (fig1, figeb, fig6c, figbe, fig7a, fig8a, fig8b) will prevent theft of unauthorized goods leaving the building reader detector.

38.The embodiment of the RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) can be made in various shapes and sizes to complement the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) physical appearance to fit its shape, size, and weight.

39.An example is to create a longer and wider (figig) RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) to fit a larger and wider (fig9c) System unit.

40. Another embodiment of a RFID Feet (fig1, figée, fig7a, fig8b) is a roller feet like a roller use under travel luggage, executive chair, and trolley.

41.A preferred RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) housing embodiment but not the only embodiment is the shape of a hemisphere.

42. The preferred hemisphere embodiment of the RFID Feet is a five piece assembly: Top Cap (fig2a, fig3a), RFID Feet Housing Cover (fig2c, fig3c), radio frequency or magnetic signal tag or PCBA Module (fig2h, fig3f, fig4, figs), RFID Feet Housing (fig2n, fig3h), and a Bottom Protective Layer (fig2t, fig3k)

43.The top (fig3b) of the Top Cap (fig2a, fig3a) attaches to the underneath (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) and the bottom (fig2b) of the Top Cap (fig2a, fig2a) attaches to the top (fig2f, fig3d) of the RFID Feet Housing Cover (fig2c, fig3c)

44. The radio frequency or magnetic signal tag (fig2h, fig3f, fig4, fig5) is placed inside (fig2j, fig3j) the RFID Feet Housing (fig2n, fig3h)

45.The RFID Feet Housing Cover (fig2c, fig3c) covers the top of the RFID Feet Housing (fig2n, fig3h)

46.The top (fig2s, fig 3m) of the Bottom Protective Layer (fig2t, fig3k) attached to the bottom (fig2q, fig3n) of the RFID Feet housing (fig2n, fig3h)

47.The Top Cap (fig2a, fig3a) is attached permanently to the underneath (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) by either double-sided permanent adhesive tape, a screw fastener, or bolt fastener

48. Another preferred Top Cap (fig2a, fig3a) attachment to the underneath (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) is to use a Post Adhesive which is a strong post-on and easy peel-off adhesive.

49.The Post Adhesive sticks very strongly under the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) without falling off. The Post Adhesive can peel-off easily and posted again

50.0ne side of the adhesive is Post-permanently to the underneath (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) of the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) and the opposite side of the Post Adhesive stick- permanently to the top of the RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b)

51.The advantage of using the Post Adhesive is for allow easy peel-off to change the internal battery inside the RFID Feet when necessary.

52.The attachment between the five part assembly of the RFID Feet (fig1, fig6e, fig7a, fig8b) by using of internal and external thread method or tight fit snap join method

53.The inventive step of a taller (fig1j) and bigger (fig1g) shape and size of the RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) adds various ergonomic advantages

54.The taller (fig1j) and bigger (fig1g) shape and size of the RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) creates a higher and larger air gap (fig1j) that allows sufficient naturally air from its surrounding environment to circulate underneath (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) for the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) to operate at a lower heat temperature

55. With the higher and larger (fig1j) air gap, the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) can be easily lifted up and carried about with a better grip by inserting ones fingers comfortably underneath, (figéd, fig7b, fig8c) into the larger air gap (fig1j), between the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) and the platform (fig6a).

56. The inventive step to add a coating layer on the bottom surface (fig2u, fig3p) of the Bottom Protective Layer (fig2t, fig3k) of the RFID Feet adds further ergonomic advantages

57.The preferred coating on the bottom surface (fig2u, fig3p) of the RFID Feet Bottom Protective Layer (fig2t, fig3k) is a smooth layer of coating to allow the System Unit (fig6, fig7, fig8) to slide about easily on a table top or floor for improved handling

58.An optional coating on the bottom surface (fig2u, fig3p) of an RFID Feet Bottom Protective Layer (fig2t, fig3k) is a high friction layer of coat to prevent the System Unit from moving. Useful for System Unit that is placed on high and tight shelving.

59.The preferred material of the RFID Feet (fig1, figbe, fig7a, fig8b) embodiment is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ABS plastic. Other type of material includes rubber with ABS and metal, or a combination of the three.