WO2015044522A1

WO2015044522A1 - Wearable rfid device and communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2015044522A1
Application number: PCT/FI2014/050727
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jani Mäntyjärvi; Mikko PAAKKOLANVAARA; Tiina Maaninen; Matti VIHRIÄLÄ; Esko Strömmer; Mika HILLUKKALA
Original assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus Vtt
Priority date: 2013-09-24
Filing date: 2014-09-24
Publication date: 2015-04-02

Abstract

There is provided a cylindrical RFID device including a multilayer cylindrical coil having layers including; a non-conductive body, a ferrite core and a conductor having a predetermined length,a read/write memory chip and connector terminals connecting the conductor of the multilayer cylindrical coil to the memory chip. Additionally, there is provided an electronic device including a display,a processor,a means for detecting a spatial input of a user on the display,a power source for wirelessly powering a remote RFID device, an antenna for wireless communication with and powering of the remote RFID device,and a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer implementable instructions capable of causing the processor to detect the presence of the remote RFID device in relation to the electronic device, and in response to a detected predetermined spatial input of the user on the display to retrieve and/or transmit data from the remote RFID device while said remote RFID device is within a predetermined range from the display.

Description

WEARABLE RFID DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Data security and portability are growing issues in the ever increasing digital age. Two- factor authentication is becoming increasingly desirable and innovative ways to increase the usability of two-factor authentication are required. For most people, a phone can be a source of a second factor of authentication for logging into a bank account online. However, to open the phone itself still remains in most cases a one factor authentication, e.g. swipe or passcode. Therefore, there exists an easy, reliable and secure second factor source for authentication which can be easily used with electronic devices, such as touch screen phones and tablets.

Additionally, it is ever more desirable to have a way of securely transferring data from one source to another. Zip drives and thumb drives are common for devices having a USB port but can be bulky. Additionally, less and less portable devices which people rely on daily, phones and tablets, have a USB port. Therefore, there exists a need for a system which allows for secure and easy data transfer between two devices without the need for a common port on either of the devices themselves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to certain embodiments, there is provided a cylindrical RFID device including a multilayer cylindrical coil having layers including; a non-conductive body, a ferrite core and a conductor having a predetermined length, a read/write memory chip and connector terminals connecting the conductor of the multilayer cylindrical coil to the memory chip.

The predetermined length can be predetermined or chosen based on and/or to achieve a desired frequency of the coil. The multilayer cylindrical coil can be formed by folding the layers around themselves more than one time to form a coil. The multilayer cylindrical coil can also be formed by folding the layers around themselves several times to form a coil.

According to certain embodiments, there is provided an electronic device including a display, a processor, a means for detecting a spatial input of a user on the display, a power source for wirelessly powering a remote RFID device, an antenna for wireless communication with and powering of the remote RFID device, and a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer implementable instructions capable of causing the processor to detect the presence of the remote RFID device in relation to the electronic device, and in response to a detected predetermined spatial input of the user on the display to retrieve and/or transmit data from the remote RFID device while said remote RFID device is within a predetermined range from the display.

The antenna can be arranged around an outer perimeter of a display. Additionally, there can be a ferrite layer between an antenna and a display. The antenna can be a read/write antenna or an antenna which can be or is connected to a read and/or write device. The antenna may also include a transparent matrix covering at least a portion of the display area. Furthermore, the antenna can be directly or indirectly integrated within the display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an example illustration of a system. Figure 2 shows an example of system SW architecture.

Figure 3a shows an example structure of an integrated antenna and a transparent antenna matrix of an electronic device. Figure 3b shows an example structure of a touch screen foil of an electronic device.

Figure 4a shows an example structure of a cylindrical wearable tag from a cutaway view.

Figure 4b shows the tag of figure 4a from an external view

Figure 5 shows an example usage of the tag of figures 4a and 4b.

Figure 6 shows an example of a ring with a 3D printed casing. Figure 7 shows an example of a schematic of a wearable tag including an LED.

Figure 8 shows a structure of an example wearable tag.

Figures 9a-9d show different views and configurations of the wearable tag of figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

An example of a system includes an RFID writer/reader integrated to an electronic device, such as a tablet or mobile phone. The electronic device has a read/write antenna integrated therein. The read/write antenna can be integrated around a touch screen of the electronic device. However, the electronic device does not need to include a touch screen, nor is it limited to electronic communications device. Other electronic devices which are capable of, or have a means which is capable of detecting the position of a touch or indication relating to the position of a wearable tag and/or user's input can be used. The system can also include a wearable tag which can be passive.

A wearable tag can be powered by the RFID writer/reader. Though referred to herein as a writer/reader, multiple separate components may be used, e.g. a reader and a writer, or a single read/write component can be used. Additionally, the RFID writer/reader can be used to interrogate the wearable tag to, for example, transfer ID sequences or even entire data sets. This can be aided by advanced memory chips integrated with and/or accessible to the wearable tag. The transfer ID sequences or even entire data sets can be linked into a user ID and/or a data ID. Memory of the tag can be writable, which means data can be altered by the reader.

ID's can be compared to a user- specific data table which can be maintained by a server. If the server holds a current user ID, a pre-defined user interface UI can be displayed to user on tablet screen. Data transfer between a device and an accessory can be triggered by, for example, a unique interaction stroke, e.g. by touching the tablet with two fingers, while the wearable tag is in close proximity to the read antenna.

As an example, a user can be given two options, either to take specific content off an electronic device, such as a tablet, to the wearable tag or to give a portion or all of the content of the wearable tag to the electronic device. The wearable tag can be in the form of an accessory, e.g. ring, necklace, bracelet, watch, watch band, etc. When a user touches the take option with the wearable tag in close proximity of a read antenna of the electronic device, a data table of the corresponding user can be fetched from a server. If the user is currently in a gallery, a currently displayed image can be sent to the server and its URI can be written into the data table. Data can be bound, for example simultaneously, into an ID sequence which can be written to the wearable tag by the RFID writer/reader. If a user moves to another tablet or electronic device with the wearable tag and interacts therewith, e.g. by touching the tablet screen with two fingers, the same two-option UI can be displayed. If the user now chooses the give-option, the RFID writer/reader can read the data ID of the wearable tag. The Data ID can be compared to the data table fetched from the server. If the data ID is bound to the picture, a gallery can be launched and display the specific image. If the data is bound to a URL for example, it can launch a browser and show the web page.

An example of System SW architecture is show in Figure 2. System SW application interface can handle read/write operations, hash generation, service synchronization in device, application launches on a device or a combination thereof. System SW can control the communication, memory operations, and security in and between devices, which can be trigged for example from a touch control menu.

Using small wearable tag antennas, e.g. ring sized antennas, can create a challenge in operating distance with reader antennas integrated into touch screen devices. The challenges can be addressed in three ways, either separately or in combination. A ferrite core in a wearable tag can be used to create more directed magnetic flux, allowing for a shortening of the antenna's length to lower the total wire resistance, and to diminish undesired effects caused by a user/wearer of the wearable tag, e.g. a finger if the wearable tag is a ring. Ferrite can also be used on the electronic device between a reader antenna and an interface surface to suppress noises from metal in the environment. An antenna matrix in larger touch screen devices can also be used, as shown in Figures 3 a and 3b.

Figure 4a shows an example of a cylindrical wearable tag 400, e.g. a ring for a finger. The wearable tag 400 includes a memory chip 401 which can be located on the outer surface or near the outer surface of the wearable tag. In other embodiments the memory chip can be protected within the wearable tag or have an additional protective layer covering the tag.

The memory chip 401 is electrically coupled to an insulated coil 403. An example of an insulated coil material is copper. An optional metal layer 404 can separate the insulated coil 403 from a substrate/insulator 405, e.g. a plastic layer. The substrate/insulator 405 separates the insulated coil 403 from a ferrite core 406. The diameter of the ring can be varied based off of the thickness 402 of an inner insulator/protective foil layer 407. Figure 4b shows external views of example wearable tags as shown in figure 4a. Example 408a shows a wide ring with a large number of coil windings 403. Additionally, there is shown a magnified portion where the memory chip 401 is located. Example 408b shows a ring with fewer coil windings, e.g. 4 and example 408c shows with only 2 coil windings. Figure 5 shows an example usage of a wearable tag as a ring, such as that shown with example 408a in figure 4b. Additionally, the wearable tag may have one or more LED or other optical, auditory indicators or combination thereof. Such indicators can show power and data control information, among other information.

The antenna reader of the electronic device can act as a transmitter and the wearable tag as a receiver. A reader antenna provides power to the receiver tag and transfers data between the two. The antenna reader of the electronic device can be powered by and communicate with the electronic device.

Wearable tags can be in the form of, for example, a ring, a wristband or a nail accessory. A ring structure is described above and may be made of a 3D printed body having inside of it a wrapped insulated copper coil which is connected to the terminals of a memory IC. A ring can also have a ferrite core beneath the body material, e.g. printed material body, which can help to improve the operating range of the wearable tag. A wristband can be similarly made. The wristband will typically have larger dimensions than the ring example and have a connector buckle, which can be used to take the wristband off/put on. A nail accessory can be made of thin PCB board antenna connected to a memory IC. Such an antenna type can be made from flexible PCB in order to be less visible.

A wearable tag can be powered and interrogated by the reader antenna to transfer ID sequences, which can be linked into user ID and data ID. Memory of the wearable tag can be writable which means data ID can be altered by the reader. ID's can be compared to a user-specific data table which is maintained by a server. If the server holds current user ID, a UI can be displayed to user on device screen. A UI can be triggered by touching a tablet in a predefined manner, e.g. with two fingers, while the tag is in close proximity to the reader antenna. Different wearable tags can be used, which included rings, wristbands and nails. A wearable ring can be made, for example, of a 3D printed plastic cylinder with furrows to fit 0.5 mm copper wire and IC. The cylinder can be augmented with a ferrite core which can be covered with a printed plastic case from outside as shown in example figure 6. Other known manufacturing techniques can be used. Test examples of the present disclosed wearable tags and rings can be seen on pages 6-13 of the specification in U.S. Provisional application 61/881,460 filed September 24, 2013 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

Figure 7 shows an example schematic of a wearable tag, which includes an indicator LED. The LED can indicate to a user, for example, 1) when the cylindrical RFID communicates with a reader device e.g. copies data to the cylindrical RFID, 2) when cylindrical RFID is in reading distance to reader, 3) cylindrical RFID holds data, potentially changing colour of LED by data type. The cylindrical RFID schematic also includes an optional external switch control, which the user may use to make the cylindrical RFID unreadable temporarily, or for other secondary functions.

The means for detecting a spatial input of a user can be a touch screen display. Additionally, the means can be another device which is capable of detecting a spatial input of a user either on a screen or in space.

The non-transitory computer readable medium may further include instructions for causing the processor to retrieve and display information from a server in response to received data from the antenna from the remote RFID device. Additionally, it may include instructions for causing the processor to transmit data for modifying data on the remote RFID device. As an example, data retrieved from a remote RFID device can be identification data.

Figure 8 shows the structure of an example wearable tag from the top and with cross sections A, B and C. The wearable tag 801 can be a printed wearable memory. The wearable tag 801 comprises, or may consist of, three distinct portions having different structures, as shown by the cross sections A, B and C.

Cross section A can include a body layer, e.g. PET 802, a ferrite bottom layer 808, a conductive layer 807 and a component 806. An example component 806 is a memory chip as discussed in the examples above. The conductor layer 807 can be, for example, a copper or silver etc. conductive layer. The conductor layer 807 can also include a conductive adhesive such as a conductive glue or tape. The conductive adhesive can be arranged on top of the body layer 802 and/or below the components.

Cross section B can include the body layer e.g. PET 802, the ferrite bottom layer 808 and the conductive layer 807. Cross section C can include the conductive layer 807 and a tape type bottom material 804.

The structure can belayed out essentially linearly as shown in the whole view of figure 8 and figure 9a. The essentially linear structure can have a conductor 803 which runs at least a portion of the length of the essentially linear structure. The conductor 803 can continue from the tape-type bottom material 804 to the body layer 802 and on to the conductor layer 807, either linearly or with a bend/deviation as shown in the figures. An end portion 805 of the conductor 803 can be widened to allow for better connections when wound.

The essentially linear structure including the body layer 802 and tape-type bottom material 804 can be wrapped around several turns to form a multilayer cylindrical coil object, as shown for example in figure 9d. A conductive tape/glue can be used to close the circuit. The conductor layer 807 can be left out of the winding as shown by figure 9b. The conductor layer 807 can then be folded over the conductor 803 and/or the widened end portion 905 of the conductor 803 as shown between figures 9b and 9c in order to form a ring as shown in figure 9d.

The coil can be tuned to a proper frequency for example by adjusting the length of the conductor coil 803 which is attached to connector terminals of an electrical component 806, e.g. memory IC. A multilayer structure can include, or may not include, a ferrite core, which can improve the operating range of the wearable memory as discussed above. Tuning components and other passive components may also be added to the device.

Examples can also be implement as, for example, an open cylindrical coil structure in which there is a row connector (male and female at both ends of the structure) that closes the coil circuit. In such an example there can be an additional ferrite layer below the connector.

According to certain embodiments, there is provided a cylindrical RFID device including a multilayer cylindrical coil having layers including; a non-conductive body, a ferrite core and a conductor having a predetermined length, a read/write memory chip and connector terminals connecting the conductor of the multilayer cylindrical coil to the memory chip.

The predetermined length can be predetermined or chosen based on and/or to achieve a desired frequency of the coil. The multilayer cylindrical coil can be formed by folding the layers around themselves more than one time to form a coil. The multilayer cylindrical coil can also be formed by folding the layers around themselves several times to form a coil. A cylindrical RFID device can include at least one passive tuning component connected to the conductor, an external switch, an LED or a combination thereof. It may also not include an internal power source. It may further include a body portion encasing the multilayer cylindrical coil which includes an insulator and whose size determines the inner ring size of the ring. The multilayer cylindrical coil can be comprised of three parts which are folded around more than one turn to form the multilayer cylindrical coil, wherein the first part comprises or consists of a body layer having a conductive glue or tape, a conductive layer and a ferrite bottom layer, wherein the second part comprises or consists of a body layer, a conductive layer and a ferrite bottom layer, and wherein the third part comprises or consists of a conductive layer with conductive glue or tape. The layers can be stacked in order and then folded around several turns. The body layer can be a PET.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

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Claims

1 An electronic device comprising;

a display,

a processor,

a means for detecting a spatial input of a user on the display,

a power source for wirelessly powering a remote RFID device

an antenna for wireless communication with and powering of the remote RFID device,

a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer implementable instructions capable of causing the processor to detect the presence of the remote RFID device in relation to the electronic device, and in response to a detected predetermined spatial input of the user on the display to retrieve and/or transmit data from the remote RFID device while said remote RFID device is within a predetermined range from the display.

An electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the antenna is arrange around an outer perimeter of the display.

An electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising a ferrite between the antenna and the display of the device.

4. An electronic device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna comprises a transparent matrix covering at least a portion of the display area.

5. An electronic device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna is integrated within the display.

6. An electronic device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for detecting a spatial input of a user is a touch screen display.

7. An electronic device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the non- transitory computer readable medium further comprises instructions for causing the processor to retrieve and display information from a server in response to received data from the antenna from the remote RFID device.

8. An electronic device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the non- transitory computer readable medium further comprises instructions for causing the processor to transmit data for modifying data on the remote RFID device.

9. An electronic device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the data retrieved from the remote RFID device is identification data.

10. A cylindrical RFID device 801 comprising; a multilayer cylindrical coil having layers including; a non-conductive body 802, and a conductor 803 having a predetermined length,

a read/write memory chip 806,

connector terminals connecting the conductor 803 of the multilayer cylindrical coil to the memory chip 806.

11. A cylindrical RFID device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined length is predetermined based on a desired frequency of the coil.

12. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-11, wherein the multilayer cylindrical coil is formed by folding the layers around themselves more than one time to form a coil.

13. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the multilayer cylindrical coil is formed by folding the layers around themselves several times to form a coil.

14. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-13, further comprising at least one passive tuning component connected to the conductor.

15. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-14, further comprising a ferrite core 808.

16. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-15, further comprising an LED or an external switch.

17. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-16, which does not include an internal power source.

18. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-17, wherein the device is a ring.

19. A cylindrical RFID device according to claim 18, further comprising a body portion encasing the multilayer cylindrical coil which includes an insulator and whose size determines the inner ring size of the ring.

20. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-17, wherein the device is a wristband.

21. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-20, wherein the multilayer cylindrical coil comprises a row connector.

22. A cylindrical RFID device according to claim 21 , further comprising a ferrite layer below the connector.

23. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-22, wherein the multilayer cylindrical coil is comprised of three parts which are folded around more than one turn to form the multilayer cylindrical coil,

wherein the first part has a body layer 802, a conductive layer 807 and a ferrite bottom layer 808,

wherein the second part has a body layer 802, a conductive layer 807 and a ferrite bottom layer 808, and

wherein the third part has a conductive layer 807 with bottom layer 804.

24. A cylindrical RFID device according to claim 23, wherein the layers are stacked in order and then folded around several turns.

25. A cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 23-24, wherein the body layer 802 is a PET.

26. An electronic device according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the remote RFID device is a cylindrical RFID device according to any of claims 10-25.

27. An electronic device according to any of claims 1-9 or 26, wherein the electronic device is a tablet computer or smart phone.

28. A system for wirelessly powering and communicating data between an electronic device and an RFID device comprising; an electronic device according to any of claims 1-9 or 26-27, and

an RFID device according to any of claims 10-25.