Methods and apparatus for automatic identification wristband.

(54) Title: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION BRACELETS. (54) Title: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION WRISTBAND.

(57) Summary

An apparatus for automatic radio frequency identification (RFID). In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a flexible strap comprising a plurality of holes and a clasp configured to fasten to any one of the plurality of holes, such that when the clasp is fastened to one of the plurality of holes, the strap form a closed loop. The apparatus further comprises one or more label coatings. Each tag overlay comprises one or more snaps and an RFID tag configured to communicate identification data to a reader device. The snap or clips on each tag overlay are configured to fasten to any of the plurality of strap holes so that the tag overlay can be attached to the strap at any of a plurality of positions on the strap.

(57) Abstract

An apparatus for automatic radio-trequency identification (RFID). In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a flexible strap comprising a plurality of holes and a buckle configured to buckle to any one of the plurality of holes, such that, when the buckle is buckled to one of the plurality of holes, the strap forms a closed loop. The apparatus further comprises one or more tag enclosures. Each tag enclosure comprises one or more buckles and a RFID tag configured to communicate identifying data to a reader device. The one or more buckles of each tag enclosure are each configured to buckle to any one of the plurality of holes on the strap such that the tag enclosure may be attached to the strap at any one of a plurality of positions on the strap.

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ID BRACELETS

AUTOMATIC

The present application claims priority over Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 769,442, filed on February 26, 2013, entitled Methods and Apparatus for Automatic Identification Wristband, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present application relates to the US Patent Application. USA No. 13 / 199,289 (the '289 application), filed on August 25, 2011 and titled UHF RFID Wristband with Wide Read Range, claiming priority over US Provisional Patent. USA No. 61 / 379,172, filed on September 1, 2010 and titled UHF RFID Wristband with Wide Read Range, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The embodiments described herein relate to automatic identification and tracking wristbands, in particular to a multi-purpose wristband apparatus that can incorporate any type or combination of types of automatic identification technology, such as barcode, identification by passive radio frequency (RFID), battery-assisted passive RFID (BAP) and / or active RFID.

Description of related art

The technique of identifying objects using radio frequency communications has been eponymously called radio frequency identification (RFID). RFID systems have been used in a growing range of applications, such as retail supply chains, postal logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, airport baggage tracking, hospitality, social media, travel, theme parks , etc. In retail supply chain applications, RFID has been used to track and track goods throughout the supply chain, automate the receipt of shipping pallets at distribution centers, increase the accuracy of goods shipments from distribution centers (CDs) to stores and manage inventory throughout the supply chain. In postal logistics, RFID has been used to monitor the quality of postal delivery service for international and domestic postal systems. For example, a global postal organization has deployed RFID to more than forty countries around the world (and continues to increase) to measure and monitor the quality of mail service delivered between those countries. In healthcare, RFID is used in asset and resource management and patient and staff tracking to improve patient flow within hospitals. At airports, specifically in baggage tracking, RFID is used as a replacement for barcode systems to make baggage transfer faster, safer and more accurate, in order to improve the overall rate of baggage handling.

Thus, RFID systems have been increasingly used in various applications to facilitate the identification and tracking of merchandise, personnel and other articles and / or people that have to be reliably watched and / or controlled within a particular environment. . The introduction of RFID in these applications has resulted in more secure, efficient and accurate systems.

Typically, a conventional RFID system includes at least one RFID transponder or tag, at least one RFID reader (interchangeably known as an interrogator), and at least one controller or server. The reader takes an inventory of the labels and forwards the data to the server or controller.

In the physical layer of a passive ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID system, RFID tags communicate by backscattering signals that are simultaneous to the reader's transmissions and using a variety of frequencies and encodings under the control of the reader. This is in opposition to the old inductive coupling based high frequency (HF) labels that only provided centimeter reading ranges, and to active labels that need batteries to increase their range. There is a class of labels called passive battery-assisted (BAP) that can also be interesting. In some applications, a greater range or range of bonding may be required than a passive tag, especially in metal and water environments where electromagnetic waves have power shading, destructive interference, or strong attenuation. A higher link margin can increase read reliability and improve interference control in harsh environments. BAP tags can overcome the reading sensitivity constraint of passive tags by adding a battery to power the chip. The radio frequency (RF) signal is then used 2 only to carry the information, not to feed power to the chip. These tags retain the reverse link of the passive tags, that is, they backscatter the response. BAP tags fill the gap between purely passive tags and active (battery) tags that are more expensive.

Each RFID reader generally follows a predefined sequence or protocol to interrogate and search for data from one or more RFID tags within the reader's RF field (also called the reader's interrogation zone). It is noted that the reader's interrogation zone is generally determined by the physical positioning and orientation of the reader relative to the labels, and the configuration of various parameters (eg, transmit power) used by the reader during the interrogation sequence.

In systems that employ passive tags, the interrogation zone is typically defined by the power coupling zone. For example, a typical interrogation sequence carried out by an RFID reader includes transmitting a continuous wave (OC) to one or more passive tags within the reader's interrogation zone to feed the tags, and transmitting a message packet (eg, a request or order) modulating the carrier signal. The passive tag then reads the message packet while taking advantage of some of the OC's power to maintain its power. The message packet typically identifies a tag or a subset of the tags within the interrogation zone as the designated target of the message packet, and provides a request or order that the designated tag is expected to carry out. After the passive tag reads the information carried by the modulated carrier signal, the tag correctly modulates the OC and reflects a portion of the modulated waveform back to the reader by changing the reflection characteristics of its antenna using a technique called backscatter modulation.

The physical and logical layers of communication between the Reader and the tag are defined by the air protocol. Specifically, the air protocol defines the signaling layer of the communication link, the tag's operating procedures and orders, and the collision arbitration scheme (also known as singulation) to identify a specific tag in an environment. of various labels. The worldwide standard air protocol in the UHF band is currently the Class 1 of 2 protocol.^toEPCGlobal generation (ISO 18000-6c) (Protocol 2^to generation). The embodiments disclosed herein may, but are not limited to, use the Protocol of 2^to generation for communication between the reader and the labels.

The collision arbitration algorithm (i.e. the singulation) used in the Protocol of 2^to generation is called Q algorithm and is a variant of the slotted Aloha protocol. At the beginning of a round, the reader transmits the size S of the round to all labels in its field of view. Each label, upon receiving this initial message, generates a pseudo-random number between 1 and S that becomes the target time slot in which the label responds. The reader is the timekeeper and advances the time by sending slot messages to the labels. Each tag reduces its target slot counter, and when the counter reaches zero, the tag responds to the reader. On the receiving side of the reader, the reader is on the lookout for a tag response in each slot. If exactly one tag responds, it starts a state machine to interact with the tag. In the event of a collision or an empty slot, the reader decides whether to adjust S and start a new round or proceed with the current round. That way, a single RFID reader can quickly identify multiple tags. For example, the singulation rate in a dense reader environment is approximately two hundred labels per second.

The communication protocol that is used between the reader and the controller or server is called a reader protocol. The EPCGlobal Low Level Reader Protocol (LLRP) is currently the standard reader protocol used by most conventional readers in the world. The embodiments disclosed herein can make use of, but are not limited to, the LLRP protocol for communication between the reader and the controller or server.

UHF RFID readers operate in the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band and are prone to external interference from cordless phones, wireless headsets, wireless data networks, etc. Also, there may be interference due to other readers placed in the same position. The front end of each reader's RF receiver must be designed to withstand high interference signal levels without introducing distortion that may cause decoding errors in the response of the labels. The receiver noise has to be low so that it has a sufficient dynamic range (transmit the received signal power with the tag power) to allow error-free detection of low level response tag signals.

A direct link-limited system may be limited by the receive sensitivity of the label, and thus, beyond a certain distance, there may not be enough incident of 4 RF energy on the label to energize the label and then backscatter its answer. On the other hand, a limited reverse link system may be limited by the reception sensitivity of the reader, and thus, beyond a certain distance between the tag and the reader, the reader may not be able to decode the tag responses correctly . Passive UHF RFID systems are typically limited direct link. That's because the cutting-edge reader manufacturers have done a great job of designing in dynamic range enough so that a reader never has limitation on backscatter for passive UHF tags. The peak UHF reader dynamic range is approximately 120 dBm and is improving. A dynamic range of 120 dBm gives an RF link budget of 60 dBm in each direction. Thus, starting with a transmit power of 30 dB with a gain of 6 dB, and a direct link budget of 60 dBm, the limiting strength of the receive signal on the label is -24 dB, which is much less than the reception sensitivity of the best label available on the market of -18 dBm. Notably, the FCC limits the maximum radiated power, the combination of transmit power at one reader port (which can be more than 30 dB to compensate for insertion loss), and antenna gain, to 4 watts of isotropic power. radiated equivalent (EIRP). Thus, the bottleneck with conventional UHF readers and passive labels is the direct link to the label.

However, if a passive battery-assisted label (BAP) is used, a different result may be obtained. The receiving sensitivity of the tip BAP tag is -30 dBm. This means that even at and beyond the limit (or the dynamic range of the reader), the BAP tag can be powered and respond to the reader's signal. This means that the system becomes reverse bound limited when interrogating BAP tags. This puts stress on the design and implementation of the reader's receive path.

Certain characteristics of the behavior of electromagnetic fields can dominate at one distance from a transmitting antenna, while completely different behavior can dominate at another distance. At UHF frequencies, the labels mainly use electromagnetic coupling in the far field, which means that the readers couple to the labels mainly with electromagnetic energy that propagates in the far field (eg, distance greater than two wavelengths). ). However, when the tag is in the near field (eg, distance less than one wavelength) from the reader antenna, coupling occurs using inductive coupling. Labels can be designed to pair with a reader antenna primarily using inductive coupling, resulting in near-field UHF labels. The embodiments disclosed herein can make use of, but are not limited to the use of, far-field UHF tags.

A label insert can include a substrate, an antenna, and an integrated chip (Cl). The insert can be incorporated into a label (which can be printed) with a pressure sensitive adhesive or otherwise encapsulated.

The focus of UHF passive labels has been on low-cost designs. This has resulted in very simple antenna designs, primarily ribbon line dipole antennas. Antennas are commonly made of aluminum, copper, silver ink, or other inexpensive materials. Power transfer efficiency is the measure of the impedance mismatch between the antenna (R_TO+ jZ_TO) and Cl (Rchip + jZ_Chip) and is given by τ = (4R¡chíp R | A) / (| Z¿chíp + Z¡A |) ^T2. Antennas are typically designed to maximize the power carried to the Cl, and this typically happens only if the antenna impedance is the complex conjugate of the Cl impedance (also known as impedance matching).

Conventional tag designs are typically passive RFID tags, made for general-purpose supply chain use cases, designed specifically for free space. The performance of such labels can degrade when placed near high dielectrics such as water. The dielectric constant of water is eighty. This loss of performance can occur because the proximity to highly dielectric material can cause a substantial change in the resonance frequency of the antenna, causing it not to work in a resonant mode, thus losing antenna efficiency and causing a change in impedance. antenna that can negatively affect the efficiency of power transfer.

The human body is made up of 60% water. Thus, when a label that is optimized for free space is applied to the human body, the reading distances can be severely affected. For example, a label that reads about six meters in free space may not be readable over distances of more than one meter. Such degraded performance is typically unacceptable for an enterprise scale UHF RFID people tracking solution. This performance is typically equivalent to a proximity HF-based solution that is generally suitable for door access type applications, but not for general-purpose people tracking in indoor 6 environments (eg, inside buildings ) or outdoor environments (eg, in theme parks, ski areas, etc.). One of these indoor people tracking applications is patient tracking in hospitals. Typically, patient tracking requires that RF1D tags be in a bracelet-like factor. One such application for outdoor environments is tracking skiers at a ski resort. The bracelet can act as an access pass or entrance ticket to the ski center and / or to use or access the ski lift or other services available in the center, so that skiers do not have to remove their gloves to present the pass / ticket at an access point.

Conventional patient identification wristbands are generally barcoded or HF tagged. Both technologies can allow readings in proximity or in line of sight. However, such limitations may not allow for patient tracking throughout the hospital. As mentioned, wristband designs based on passive UHF tags can have strongly degraded performance when applied to the patient's wrist.

On the other hand, there are bracelet designs based on active tags. However, bracelets made with active tags are generally bulky. They can also be very expensive (eg, at least ten times more than UHF tag-based solutions). Due to their high cost, customers return to use these bracelets conventionally. This can introduce a new customer workflow for security, cleanliness, identity management, and battery life management.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for automatic RF1D is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a flexible strap comprising a plurality of holes and a clasp configured to fasten to any one of the plurality of holes, so that when the clasp is fastened to one of the plurality of holes, the strap forms a loop closed, and one or more label coatings, where each one or more of the label coatings comprises one or more snaps, where each of the clasp or clasps is configured to fasten to any of the plurality of holes in the strap so that the label overlay can be attached to the strap in any of the plurality of positions on the strap, and a RFID tag configured to transmit identification data to a reader device.

In another embodiment, each of the label coating (s) comprises two or more clips, where each of the two or more clips is configured to fasten to any of the plurality of holes in the strap.

In another embodiment, the label coating (s) comprise a plurality of label coatings. Each of the plurality of label overlays can be fastened to one or more of the plurality of holes so that, when the strap is in a closed loop, two or more spaces between the plurality of tag overlays along the strap are substantially the same length. Additionally or alternately, the strap clip and each of the clip or clips of each of the tag cover (s) may be further configured to unbuckle each of the plurality of holes so that the strap can form closed loops of different diameters and each of the label coating (s) can be repositioned on the strap to accommodate the different diameters of the closed loops.

Furthermore, each of the plurality of label coatings comprises an RFID tag of the same type. Alternately, the plurality of tag coatings may comprise a first tag coat and a second tag coat, where the first tag coat comprises a first RFID tag, where the second tag coat comprises a second RFID tag, and where the First RFID tag is of a different type than the second RFID tag. For example, the first RFID tag can be an active tag and the second RFID tag can be a passive RFID tag. Alternately, the first RFID tag can be a pure passive RFID tag and the second RFID tag can be a battery-assisted passive RFID tag.

In another embodiment, the strap comprises a non-conductive element that separates the strap into two parts that are not conductively connected to each other within the strap and each containing one or more of the plurality of holes. Furthermore, at least one of the label covering or coatings may comprise two or more clips and a conductive material, such that when one of the two or more clips is fastened to a hole in a first of the two parts of the strap and a different one of the two or more clasps is fastened to a hole in a second of the two parts of the strap, the two parts of the strap connect conductively to form a circuit loop. In addition, the apparatus may comprise a power source, where, when the circuit loop is formed, the power source supplies power to one or more of the tag coatings that are fastened to the strap, and where, when not formed the circuit loop, the power source does not feed power to one or more label overlays that are fastened to the strap. In this embodiment, the tag cover (s) that are fastened to the strap may comprise an RFID tag that is configured to: when power is supplied to the RFID tag, function as a battery-assisted passive RFID tag; And, when no power is supplied to the RFID tag, it works as a pure passive RFID tag. In addition, one or more of the tag cover (s) that are fastened to the strap may comprise an RFID tag configured to receive an instruction from a reading device; and a processor configured to, in response to an instruction received from a reading device, turn off a power source to the RFID tag. The power source may comprise a printed battery, a power generating device, one or more of a kinetic power generator, a solar power generator, and a piezoelectric power generator, or a battery (which may or may not be rechargeable).

In another embodiment, the strap comprises a surface acoustic wave sensor. The surface acoustic wave sensor may comprise a first interdigital transducer, a second interdigital transducer, a piezoelectric substrate between the first and second interdigital transducers, and a delay line between the first and second interdigital transducers. Furthermore, the delay line may comprise a coating that changes in at least one characteristic in response to one or more environmental changes. This at least one characteristic can be one or more of conductivity, mass and elasticity. In one embodiment, the first interdigital transducer sends an electrical signal to the second interdigital transducer through the delay line, and where the change in at least one characteristic of the coating changes a length of the delay line, so that changes a delay in sending the electrical signal from the first interdigital transducer to the second interdigital transducer. Furthermore, the strap may comprise a processing circuit electrically coupled to the second interdigital transducer and configured to detect the change in the delay of sending the electrical signal from the first interdigital transducer to the second interdigital transducer or the change in at least one characteristic.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a sensor tag, wherein the sensor tag comprises a sensor configured to collect data representing at least one characteristic of a surrounding environment, and an antenna configured to transmit the collected data to a device. reader. The at least one characteristic of the surrounding environment may comprise one or more of temperature, movement, vibration, humidity, chemicals, radiation, etc.

In another embodiment, the one or more clips on each of the tag cover (s) are further configured to unhook from any of the plurality of holes in the strap to which they are fastened.

In another embodiment, one or more of the label coatings comprise an information area comprising printed or unfolded information identifying a subject to which the apparatus is attached.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises one or more ports for receiving one or more connectors to form one or more physical connections. This or these physical connections may comprise one or more than one universal serial bus (USB) connection, one serial connection, one inter-integrated circuit connection (I²C), a three-wire connection and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of a bracelet, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of a bracelet, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of a bracelet, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a strap portion of a bracelet employing a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor technology, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a sensor tag, according to one embodiment and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of implementing a reporting rule on a sensor tag, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, a bracelet can be attached to a subject, such as a human (eg, patient, staff, theme park visitor, prisoner), animal (eg, pet, bird) for scientific study, a tiger in a wildlife park, a study monkey) or an object (eg, a medical instrument, a mobile communication device, a consumer product), to identify and track it. This bracelet can be equipped with one or more identification labels that have some type of automatic identification and data capture technology (AIDC) that allows data to be collected, processed and / or identified automatically and in real time. AIDC technologies can include, for example, a one-dimensional barcode (linear barcode), a two-dimensional barcode (matrix barcode), a rapid response (QR) barcode, passive RFID (including from low frequency (LF), HF; HHF, microwave, etc.), RFID BAP, active RFID (including LF, HF, UHF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, ultrasound, infrared, ultra-wideband (UWB), etc.), biometric (p. eg, iris and / or facial recognition system), magnetic stripes, optical character recognition (OCR), smart cards, voice recognition, sensor based on surface acoustic waves (SAW), etc.

As used herein, a module may be, for example, any assembly and / or set of operatively coupled electrical components related to the performance of a specific function, and may include, for example, a memory, a processor, electrical sweeps, optical connectors, software (executed in hardware) and / or the like. As used herein, the singular forms a and the include referents in the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term a rule engine module means a single engine module or a combination of engine modules configured to define reporting rules related to optimizing data production.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of a bracelet 100, in accordance with one embodiment. Bracelet 100 may be similar to the bracelet described in app '289.

Bracelet 100 can be attached to a subject, such as a human, animal, or object. For example, bracelet 100 can be worn by a patient on their wrist or other part of the body (eg, neck, ankle). As another example, bracelet 100 can be used on a bird (eg, tied around the bird's foot) in a zoo. As yet another example, the bracelet may be attached to a medical instrument (eg, it may be tied around a cylindrical component of a medical instrument).

As shown in FIG. 1, bracelet 100 includes at least a strap 110, a label overlay 120, and an automatic identification (Auto ID) label 130. Auto ID 130 can implement one or more AIDC technologies. The Auto ID 130 tag can be, for example, an RFID tag. In some embodiments, bracelet 100 may include more components than those shown in FIG. one. For example, bracelet 100 may include two Auto ID tags, each of which is encapsulated within a different tag overlay. As another example, bracelet 100 may include an information area (eg, as described below) that displays information about the subject.

In some instances, each component of bracelet 110 [sic] can be made using any suitable material that is latex free and / or hypoallergenic. In some instances, each material of bracelet 100 may be made of materials that are protected by microbiological or antimicrobial barriers. Alternately or additionally, each material of bracelet 100 may be made of flame, lint, and / or abrasion resistant materials. Alternately or additionally, each material of bracelet 100 may be made of flame, lint, and / or abrasion resistant materials. In some instances, each material in bracelet 100 does not contain strong chemical additives. Also, some or all of the materials of the components of the bracelet 100 may be waterproof and / or resistant to other fluids (eg, oil, soft drink, blood). Thus, a person can wash himself while wearing bracelet 100 or bracelet 100 can be reused using sterilization techniques (eg, autoclaving, disinfection, etc.).

In some instances, the strap 110 and / or other components of the bracelet 100 may include an insulating material to protect the Auto ID 130 tag from being adversely affected by the absorbent effects of human or animal tissue. Said insulating material can be any suitable material that has a relatively low dielectric constant that is substantially close to the dielectric constant of air, for example, porcelain (ceramic), mica, glass, plastics, oxides of various metals, etc. In such instances, when the bracelet 100 is worn on a human or animal, the dielectric material can be placed between the Auto ID 130 tag and the body of the human or animal. As a result, the Auto ID 130 tag antenna can be fine-tuned based, in part, on the dielectric properties of the insulating material, which substantially prevents the Auto ID 130 tag from being affected by the absorbent effects of human tissue or tissue. animal. Thus, the insulating material can fine tune the Auto ID 130 tag antenna to operate at a substantially optimized or maximum transmit power or at a maximized backscatter response, such that said antenna can achieve relatively long data transmission distances. In such instances, the need for special batteries or circuits for bracelet 100 can be eliminated.

Also, the insulating material can be applied to a uniform surface or to a complex structure for the bracelet component (s) 100. For example, the insulating material can be applied uniformly to a lower surface of the Auto ID 130 label (p. For example, the part of the Auto ID 130 tag that is attached to and in contact with the strap 110) or a surface of the strap 110 (eg, the side of the strap 110 that is attached to and is in contact with the Auto ID 130 tag). As another example, the insulation material can be applied to the underside of the Auto ID 130 tag in a non-uniform manner that allows a substantially optimal effect to isolate the Auto ID 130 tag antenna from human or animal tissue.

In some forms of representation, strap 110 may include materials, structures, and / or other subcomponents that can provide power to other components (eg, Auto ID tag 130) of bracelet 100. For example, strap 110 may include one or more printed batteries, piezoelectric energy sources and / or materials, solar energy sources and / or materials, kinetic energy sources and / or materials, and the like. Such materials, structures, and / or other subcomponents may, for example, be attached to the surface of strap 110 or embedded within (eg, become part of) strap 110.

Strap 110 can be used to secure bracelet 100 to the subject. In one embodiment, strap 110 includes a clasp 160 (aligned with a hole 185 as shown in FIG. 1) at one end, and a set of holes 180 arranged in a straight line (or other suitable formation) to the length (eg, centerline, or offset from the centerline, eg, to leave surface area for printed or displayed information) of strap 110. Clasp 160 can be fastened to any hole 180 so that bracelet 100 can be adjusted to the proper size, and fit subjects of various sizes. Clasp 160 can be attached, connected, or buckled to a hole 180, for example, by bending the portion of strap 110 that has hole 185 toward the adjacent portion of strap 110, by positioning target hole 180 between hole 185 and the snap 160, and pressing snap 160 into hole 185 and through the target hole

180 so that the hole 180 and the clasp 160 are connected. Once connected, the portion of strap 110 having hole 185 is disposed between the portion of strap 110 having clasp 160 and the portion of strap 110 having target hole 180, with a portion of clasp 160 provided into hole 185 and a portion of clasp 160 disposed within hole 180. Said connection between clasp 160 and hole 180 can be a permanent connection (i.e., clasp 160 cannot be unfastened from hole 180) or a temporary connection (i.e., clasp 160 can be unbuttoned from hole 180). In some embodiments, although not shown in FIG. 1 nor described herein, another locking mechanism (permanent or temporary) can be used to transform the strap 110 into a loop.

As shown in FIG. 1, the label overlay 120 stores, encapsulates, or hermetically seals the Auto ID 130 label. The label overlay 120 can attach the Auto ID 130 label to the strap 110 using, for example, adhesive, a tab and slot shape, welding ultrasonic, fusion welding and / or the like. In one embodiment, the label overlay 120 can be attached to the strap 110 at a specific position in the strap 110, and not be removable from the strap 110. In other words, once the tag overlay 120 has been removed Attached to strap 110, the position of label overlay 120 relative to strap 110 will not change. Alternately, tag overlay 120 may be removable from strap 110.

In some instances, the label overlay 120 may be made of durable, moisture-proof and / or hypoallergenic material so that the label overlay 120 can function as a barrier to protect the Auto ID 130 label from fluids or other types of damage (eg impact). Other forms of representation related to the strap and label coating of a bracelet are shown and described with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3.

In some instances, the Auto ID 130 tag can be a passive REID tag, for example, a UHF passive RFID tag. Said UHF passive RFID tag can have a relatively large reading range so that a bracelet equipped with this UHF passive RFID tag can be used to continuously monitor humans, animals or other objects that are moving within an environment equipped with zones. RFID reader (eg equipped with RFID readers). In other instances, the Auto ID tag 130 can be any other type of RFID tag and another type of Auto ID tag eg an active RFID tag, a BAP RFID tag, a barcode and / or the like. Also, each Auto ID tag (eg Auto ID 130 tag) can have a variable memory size to suit application needs.

In some instances, the Auto ID 130 tag can be connected to a circuit (eg, an RFID circuit, not shown in FIG. 1) that is attached to or embedded in strap 110. When clasp 160 is fastened In a hole 180, a circuit loop can be formed for the circuit, which then activates the Auto ID 130 tag (eg, turns on the Auto ID 130 tag or changes its state from inactive to active mode). In some instances, after the clasp 160 is fastened to a hole 180, the clasp 160 can be unfastened from said hole 180. Thus, the Auto ID 130 tag can be repeatedly activated and / or deactivated. In other instances, when clasp 160 has been fastened to a hole 180, clasp 160 cannot be unbuckled, therefore bracelet 110 [sic] is permanently or permanently closed. In such instances, the only way to remove the bracelet 110 [sic] from the subject is to cut the strap 110, which renders the circuit unusable and also permanently destroys or renders the bracelet 100 unusable.

In some instances, the bracelet 100 has an information area (not shown in FIG. 1) where information about the subject (eg, human, animal, or object) can be displayed, about which the bracelet 100. Such information may include, for example, the name of a patient, information about the owner of a pet, the serial number of a consumer product, a barcode related to a medical instrument and / or the like. The information can be, for example, printed, pasted, laser engraved, digitally displayed using a programmable display (eg, using electronic ink technology, organic light emitting diode (OLED)), etc. The information area may be on strap 110 (eg, on one or both sides of strap 110), on the front surface of liner 120, on a side surface of liner 120, and / or at any other suitable location on the bracelet 100. Also, in some instances, the label overlay 120 may be made of transparent, anti-glare material so that information displayed on or within the label overlay 120 can be easily read or accessed.

For example, a barcode, including patient identification information, can be printed on the front surface of strap 110 using a standard barcode printer. As another example, a programmable display (eg, an LCD (liquid crystal display), an LED display (light emitting diode), an electronic paper, etc.) can be attached to the surface of the strap 110 and configured to that digitally displays information related to a subject (eg, price of a consumer product, blood glucose level of a patient, type of access pass for a resort (eg, pass of season, day pass for a skier at a ski resort), etc.). In that example, the subject information that appears in the programmable display can be digitally updated using, for example, an Auto ID reader (eg, an RFID scanner, a barcode reader, etc.). Specifically, the Auto ID reader can obtain updated subject information by scanning, for example, an updated barcode related to the subject. The Auto ID reader can then send the updated information, via an RF connection, to a processor (eg, a silicon chip, integrated circuit, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), software defined radio (SDR ), etc.) related to a programmable display attached to the surface of the belt 110. The processor can then process and then display the information received in the programmable display.

In some instances, wristband 100 may include a flash memory for storing data, and a connector (eg, an integrated universal serial bus (USB) interface, a serial connector, integrated circuit connection (I²C), three-wire connection and the like) to read data from flash memory and write data to it. The data stored in the flash memory can be displayed in the information area described above and / or can be associated with the Auto ID 130 tag. The flash memory and / or the connector can be implemented within the label overlay 120 and / or embedded inside strap 110 or attach to it. In one embodiment, wristband 100 can be physically connected to a computing device (eg, a computer, a mobile device) using the connector, so that data can be downloaded from flash memory and uploaded to the it without being transmitted through the air, thus improving the security of data transmission between the wristband 100 and the computing device. For example, the data related to the Auto ID 130 tag can be read by an Auto ID reader through a physical connection using the connector. As another example, the data related to the display of information in a programmable display of the wristband 100 can be loaded into flash memory from a mobile communication device (eg, a tablet, a smartphone) via a physical connection using the connector. As a result, the programmable display can be programmed (using a special program such as LED display software), based on the received data, to display the information that way. Also, in some instances, the data transmission (via physical connection or wireless connection) between wristband 100 and a device (eg, an Auto ID reader, a computing device) can be encoded using a Adequate encryption mechanism, so that there is another improvement to the security for data transmission.

In some Instances, the wristband 100 may be equipped with RFID, and / or one or more automatic identification technologies, for example, a barcode (eg, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode), a QR code, etc. In such instances, a label implementing such automatic identification technology may be displayed (eg, printed, laser engraved, digitally displayed) in the above-described information area or other suitable location on the wristband 100.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of a bracelet 200, in accordance with one embodiment. Bracelet 200 may be structurally and functionally similar to bracelet 100 shown and described with respect to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the bracelet 200 includes at least one strap 210, one or more label coatings 230, and one or more Auto ID tags 280. Similar to the Auto ID tag 130 shown and described with respect to FIG. 1, Auto ID 280 tags can implement one or more AIDC technologies. In some embodiments, bracelet 200 may include more components than those shown in FIG. 2. For example, wristband 200 may include more or less two Auto ID tags, each of which is encapsulated within a different tag overlay. As another example, similar to wristband 100, wristband 200 may include an information area (described above) that displays information on the subject in which wristband 200 is worn.

Strap 210 is structurally and functionally similar to strap 110 of bracelet 100 of FIG. 1. Specifically, strap 210 includes a snap 216 at one end, which is aligned with a hole 212, and a set of holes 214 arranged in a straight line (or other suitable formation) along (eg, in a centerline or out of phase of the centerline) of strap 210. Similar to clasp 160 and holes 180 of strap 110 of FIG. 1, the clasp 216 can be fastened to any hole 214 so that the bracelet 210 can be adjusted to the proper size. In addition, the materials of the strap 210 may be similar or identical to the materials of the strap 110 described with respect to the FIG. one.

Similar to label overlay 120 of bracelet 100 of FIG. 1, label coatings 230, 240 can store, encapsulate, or hermetically seal RF1D labels 270, 280, respectively. Label coatings 230, 240 also affix Auto ID 280, 270 labels, respectively, to strap 210. The materials of the label coatings 230, 240 may be similar or identical to the materials of the label coat 120 described with respect to FIG. 1. Auto ID 270, 280 tags can use the same type or different types of RFID technologies or other automatic identification technologies. For example, Auto ID 270, 280 tags can be both passive RFID tags. As another example, the Auto ID 270 tag can be an active RFID tag and the Auto ID 280 tag can be a BAP RFID tag.

In one embodiment, the label overlay 230 or 240 can be attached and disconnected from the strap 210. Specifically, the label overlay 230 can include two snaps 236 at the two ends of the label overlay 230; label overlay 240 may include two snaps 246 at both ends of label overlay 240. Similar to snap 160 in FIG. one and strap clasp 216 210, each clasp 236 and 246 is aligned with a hole 234 and 244, respectively. Each clasp 236 or 246 may be fastened to a hole 214 in strap 210 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIG. one.

After the two clips 236 or the two clips 246 are fastened to the two holes 214, the corresponding label overlay 230 or 240 is attached to the strap 210 in one position on the strap 210. In addition, the clips 236 or 246 can unbuckle from the holes 214, disconnecting the corresponding label coating 230 or 240 from the strap 210. Thus, the label covering 230 or 240 can be attached to the strap 210 at any position on the strap 210, and can be changed from one position to another position with respect to the strap 210. As a result, Auto ID 270 and 280 labels (encapsulated within label overlays 240 and 230, respectively) can be placed with a space that can be adjusted or selected between them, and the space between the two Auto ID labels can be change based on varied applications, environments and / or uses.

In some instances, two or more Auto ID tags (similar or identical to Auto ID tags 270, 280) can be attached to strap 210 with a certain distance (s) from each other, so that when the bracelet 200 is fastened around a person's wrist, at least one Auto ID tag is visible (i.e. can be read by) a reading device (eg, an RFID reader) within a certain range from the 200 bracelet on any moment, regardless of the relative position of the wristband with such a reading device (eg, when the person's wrist blocks the line of sight between the reading device and another Auto ID tag). For example, Auto ID 270 and 280 tags can be attached to strap 210 in certain positions so that they are opposite each other in the loop that forms strap 210. That is, the distance between the two Auto ID tags along the strap 210 measured on one side of the Auto ID 270 tag is substantially identical to the corresponding distance measured from the other side of the Auto DI 270 tag. As a result, when the wristband 200 is fastened around a person's wrist, at least one of the Auto ID 270, 280 tags is visible, at any time, to an Auto ID reader that has a line of sight (i.e. that is not blocked by an object or a human) to the bracelet 200. Thus, the data can be read from one of the Auto ID tags even if the other Auto ID tag is not visible (eg, it is blocked by the wrist of the person) for the Auto ID reader.

Also, in some instances, a tag overlay (eg, tag overlay 230 or 240) can be attached to strap 210 from either side of strap 210. Thus, when multiple Auto ID tags (encapsulated within the tag overlays) are affixed to strap 210 on both sides of strap 210, the signals (eg, RFID signals) transmitted to either side of strap 210 they can potentially be received by such Auto ID tags, thereby significantly increasing the coverage of the wristband 200 with respect to data transmission and signal detection.

Also, if a user wants to use only other automatic identification technologies (eg, barcode) for identification and not RFID tags, the other technologies can be implemented directly on strap 210 (eg, barcode can be printed on strap 210). In such cases, the RFID tag and tag overlay may not be used, which may reduce the overall cost of the wristband 200.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of a bracelet 300, in accordance with one embodiment. Bracelet 300 may be structurally and functionally similar to bracelet 100 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, bracelet 300 includes at least one strap 310, one or more 330 and 340 tag overlays, and one or more Auto ID 370 and 380 tags. Similar to the Auto ID 130 tag shown and described with respect to FIG. I, Auto ID 330, 340 tags can implement one or more AIDC technologies. In some embodiments, bracelet 300 may include more components than those shown in FIG. 3. For example, wristband 300 may include more or less two Auto ID tags, each of which is encapsulated within a different tag overlay. As another example, structurally and functionally similar to bracelets 100, 200 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, bracelet 300 may include an information area (described above with respect to FIG. 1) that displays information on the subject with which bracelet 300 is worn.

Belt 310 may be structurally and functionally similar to belts 110 and 210 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. For example, strap 310 may include a clasp 316 at one end, which is aligned with a hole 312, and a set of holes 314 arranged in a straight line (or other suitable formation) along (eg, in center line or out of center line) of belt 310. Similar to label overlay 230 and 240 of bracelet 200 of FIG. 2, the label coatings 330, 340 store or encapsulate the Auto ID labels 370, 380, respectively. Similar to the Auto ID 270, 280 tags in FIG. 2, Auto ID 370, 380 tags can use the same type or different types of RFID technologies or other automatic identification technologies for example passive RFID, active RFID, RFID BAP, barcode, etc.

The label coatings 330 and 340 may have the same structure as the label coatings 230 and 240, including snaps 336, 346 which may be structurally and functionally similar to the snaps 236, 246 shown and described with respect to FIG. 2. Thus, tag liners 330, 340 can be attached to and detached from strap 310. As a result, Auto ID 370 and 380 labels (encapsulated within 340 and 330 label overlays, respectively) can be placed with a space that can be adjusted or selected between them, and the space between the two Auto ID labels can be change based on varied applications, environments and / or uses. As a result, in some embodiments, the label coating 330 or 340 can be a conductive label coating as described below.

In one embodiment, strap 310 includes a non-conductive substrate 315 (eg, located between two holes 314 in strap 310 as shown in FIG. 3). Non-conductive substrate 315 separates strap 310 into two parts that are not conductively connected to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the part of the strap 310 that is to the left of the non-conductive substrate 315 (the part that includes the clasp 316) is not conductively connected to the part of the strap 310 that is to the right of the non-conductive substrate 315 (the part that includes most holes 314). Also, in some instances, the two parts of the strap 310 are not conductively connected unless a conductive label coating (eg, label coating 330 or 340) including a conductive material connects the two parts of the strap. 310. For example, label overlay 330 (which is a conductive label overlay that includes a conductive material) can be attached to strap 310, where a clasp 336 can be fastened to a hole 314 within the left side of strap 310, and the other clasp 336 can be fastened to a hole 314 within the right side of strap 310. Thus, the two parts of the strap 310 are conductively connected to each other by the conductive label coating 330 which functions as a conductive bridge.

In one embodiment, strap 310 may be conductive. Alternately, strap 310 may comprise a non-conductive material and a conductive material or a layer that is encapsulated or coated by the non-conductive material (eg, to protect the conductive layer). In both cases, there is conductive flow when conductive clips 316, 336, 346 pass tight or snap through one of holes 314 to form a conductive contact.

In some instances, bracelet 300 may have a circuit (not shown in FIG. 3) attached to or embedded in strap 310, which is similar to the circuit described with respect to FIG. 1. Such a circuit can be connected to an Auto ID tag (eg, Auto ID tag 370 or 380) when said Auto ID tag is attached to strap 310. The circuit can perform a special function related to the automatic identification and tracking operation carried out by the Auto ID tag. Said special function can be, for example, supplying power to the Auto ID tag, allowing an antenna of the Auto ID tag to transmit / receive data, allowing a sensor to monitor a person's pulse or the temperature of the environment and / or the like .

In some instances, when the two parts of strap 320 are conductively connected (eg, by a conductive label overlay) and strap 310 forms a loop (eg, clasp 316 is fastened to a hole 314 ), the circuit is completed (i.e., a circuit loop is formed) and therefore activated. As a result, the special function is performed by the completed circuit, and the automatic identification and trace operation is activated or enabled. When the two parts of strap 320 are conductively disconnected (eg, not connected by a conductive label coating) and / or strap 310 does not form a loop (eg, snap 316 is not fastened to a hole 314), the circuit is not complete (that is, a circuit loop is not formed). Thus, the circuit is deactivated. As a result, the special function is not performed by the circuit, and the automatic identification and tracking operation is disabled or affected.

For example, the circuit may be part of a battery that, upon completion or activation, supplies power to an RFID BAP tag attached to strap 310. When the two parts of strap 310 are conductively disconnected or strap 310 does not form a loop, the circuit is not completed, and is therefore disabled. As a result, the Printed battery is inactive or disconnected from the RFID BAP tag, and thus the RFID BAP tag is not working. This can save battery power, for example, before use (increasing battery life) or between uses (increasing battery life). When the two parts of belt 310 are conductively connected by a conductive label coating and belt 310 forms a loop, the circuit is complete, and therefore activated. As a result, the printed battery is working or connected to the RFID BAP tag, and thus the RFID BAP tag is working. Therefore, when a user of wristband 300 wants to deactivate the RFID BAP tag (eg, to increase the life of the printed battery and / or the RFID BAP tag), the user can remove the coating from the tag 330 or 340 connecting the two parts of belt 310 to belt 310, conductively disconnecting the two parts of belt 310 to deactivate the printed battery.

As another example, the circuit may be part of a printed battery that, upon completion and activation, transforms an RFID tag attached to strap 310 from a pure passive RFID tag to a BAP tag. When the two parts of the strap 310 are conductively disconnected or the strap 310 does not form a loop, the circuit is not complete, and is therefore deactivated. As a result, the Printed battery is inactive or disconnected from the RFID tag, and thus the RFID tag functions as a pure passive RFID tag. When the two parts of strap 310 are conductively connected by a conductive label coating and strap 310 forms a loop, the circuit is complete, and therefore activated. As a result, the printed battery is working or connected to the RFID tag, and thus the RFID tag works like a BAP tag. Furthermore, said RFID tag can have a brand configuration or a digital switch that can be electronically controlled by a control device through, for example, an RF connection. When the mark or switch is turned off (eg, in response to receiving a signal from the control device), the printed battery is disconnected (regardless of the connection of the two parts of strap 310), thus causing The RFID tag works as a pure passive RFID tag. Therefore, when a user of wristband 300 wants to make the RFID tag function as a passive RFID tag (eg, to increase the life of the printed battery and / or the RFID tag), the The user can remove the conductive label coating 330 or 340 connecting the two parts of the strap 310 from the strap 310, (ie, conductively disconnecting the two parts of the strap 310) to deactivate the printed battery. When the user wants to make the RFID tag function as a BAP RFID tag (eg, for better service or better performance), the user can connect the two parts of strap 310, using the tag overlay 330 or 340, to activate the printed battery. Similarly, when an operator of the control device wants to make the RFID tag function as a passive RFID tag, the operator can operate the control device to turn off the mark or switch of the RFID tag remotely to disable the printed battery. When the operator wants to make the RFID tag function as a BAP RFID tag, the operator can operate the control device to turn on the tag or RFID tag switch remotely to activate the printed battery.

In one embodiment, the circuit may be part of an antenna circuit that, upon completion or activation, allows the antenna of an active RFID tag attached to strap 310 to transmit data. When the two parts of the strap 310 are conductively disconnected or the strap 310 does not form a loop, the circuit is not complete, and is therefore deactivated. As a result, the antenna circuitry is disabled, and thus the antenna does not work. When the two parts of strap 310 are conductively connected by a conductive label coating and strap 310 forms a loop, the circuit is complete, and therefore activated. As a result, the antenna circuit is activated, and so the 23 antenna works. Therefore, when a user of wristband 300 wants to deactivate the active RFID tag (eg, to increase the lifespan of the active RFID tag), the user can remove the 330 or 340 tag coating that connects the two parts of strap 310 from strap 310, conductively disconnecting the two parts of strap 310 to deactivate the antenna circuit.

In one embodiment, wristband 300 may include a power source device (not shown in FIG. 3) that is connected to one or more RFID tags through the circuit that is attached to or embedded in the strap. 310 as described before. Each of the RFID tags can function as either a pure passive RFID tag or a BAP RFID tag. Said power source device may include, for example, a built-in battery (eg, a lithium battery cell), an energy generating device (eg, a kinetic energy generator, a solar panel, a piezoelectric power generator, etc.) or other suitable device that can produce power for RFID tags. A built-in battery can be either a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery. In some instances, a rechargeable battery included in the wristband 300 can be recharged by, for example, a physical connection (eg, a USB connector, a serial connector) to an external device (eg, a computing, a mobile communication device, a power source device, another battery, etc.). In some other instances, a rechargeable battery of the bracelet 300 can be recharged by natural sources or energy sources generated by the bracelet 300, for example, solar energy, wind energy, kinetic movement of the bracelet 300, heat differential (e.g. (between human tissue and the environment), electromagnetic induction and / or the like.

As described above, when two parts of the strap 310 are conductively connected by a conductive tag coating, the circuit is complete, and thus, the power source device operates and power is supplied to the RFID tags. As a result, RFID tags can be transformed from pure passive RFID tags to BAP RFID tags.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of strap 400 of a bracelet employing SAW sensor technology, in accordance with one embodiment. Belt 400 may be structurally and functionally similar to belts 110, 210, and 310 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3, respectively. In one embodiment, the belt 400 employs SAW sensor technology. In some instances, the bracelet may include one or more sensors that employ SAW sensor technology and / or other suitable sensor technology.

As shown in FIG. 4, Belt 400 includes piezoelectric substrate 480, which is made of piezoelectric materials, for example, quartz, lithium niobate, lithium tannalate, lanthanum gallium silicate, etc. Piezoelectric substrate 480 can function as an energy source as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3. Belt 400 can contain two sets of Interdigital Transducers (IDT) 410, 420. Belt 400 includes a delay line 450 that is between the two IDT 410 and 420 and connects them together.

Piezoelectric substrate 480 helps convert an electrical signal, generated by input IDT 410, into an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave travels from input IDT 410 to IDT 420 through delay line 450. A coating can be applied to delay line 450 to be able to change the mechanical surface wave, for example by altering the wave characteristics . The particular coating used will depend on the type of sensor that is needed or desired. When the wave reaches output IDT 420, the wave is converted back into an electrical signal (i.e., the piezoelectric effect). The output signal then represents an output from the sensor.

The IDT 420 is connected to an on-board computing and signal processing circuit 440 which can be any type of computing device embedded within or attached to the strap 400, and configured to perform computing and / or processing functions of signs. In some instances, the on-board computing and signal processing circuit 440 may include an RFID circuit. In some instances, although not shown in FIG. 4, belt 400 may include more or less than two IDTs. As discussed above, the IDTs of the strap 400 can be used to convert acoustic waves into electrical signals and vice versa, exploiting the piezo effect of the piezoelectric substrate 480. In addition, the bracelet may include an Auto ID tag (not shown in FIG .4, but is similar or identical to the Auto ID tags shown and described with respect to FIGS. one a 3) which is digitally connected to the portion of belt 400 that employs SAW sensor technology. A reader device 490 (eg, an RFID scanner, a barcode reader) can communicate with and read data from the Auto ID tag through, for example, an RF connection. In this way, the sensor output from output IDT 420 is converted to an RF signal which is then sent by an Auto ID tag to RFID reader device 490. In addition, the bracelet may optionally include a 420 power source (eg, a backup battery) that can power the components of the bracelet (eg, Auto ID tag, IDTs, the on-board computing and signal processing circuit 440, etc.) when, for example, the piezoelectric substrate 480 does not function as a power source to power those components of the bracelet.

Delay line 450 may have a coating that can react to environmental changes (eg, a coating that has a high content of carbon monoxide that reacts in the event of a fire). Various conditions (eg, steam, humidity, temperature, movement, etc. or other chemical or physical conditions) can be detected using SAW sensor technology by coating the portion of belt 400 that implements delay line 450 with material or polymers that undergo changes in their conductivity, mass, or elasticity when exposed to such conditions. For example, the coating may cause delay line 450 to change length along the surface of belt 400 in response to an environmental change (eg, a change in pressure, stress, torque, temperature, and / or or other environmental conditions). Such a change in the length of delay line 450 can affect the gap between the IDT 410 or 420 interdigital electrodes (which in turn alters the pitch of the IDT output electrical signal), and / or affect the gap between the two IDT 410 and 420 (which in turn alters the delay of the IDT output electrical signal). As a result, environmental changes can be detected based on a change (eg, a phase change, a frequency change, a delay in time, etc.) in the electrical output signal (eg, a tag response signal, a signal indicating updates in certain fields of a memory associated with the Auto ID tag), which is sent from the Auto ID tag to the reading device 490.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, a signal processing circuit 440 can assign a binary value or set a mark on the Auto ID tag (eg, on an RFID chip) based on the sensor output of the IDT 420. So when the 490 RFID reader makes an inquiry, the Auto ID tag will send this binary or digital information via RF to the 490 reader. In an alternate embodiment, the RFID antenna (s) (eg, antenna 520 in FIG. 5) can be connected directly to output IDT 420, such that a change in the acoustic wave transmitted through delay line 450 is converted directly into a backscatter response that is transmitted to the reading device 490. At this point, the reading device 490 can convert the backscatter response into measured or detected data using special firmware.

As an illustrative but not limiting example, the piezoelectric substrate 480, input IDT 410, output IDT 420 and delay line 450 can be configured as SAW blood sugar monitoring sensor. In such an embodiment, a coating can be applied to delay line 450 to detect glucose levels in the blood. Specifically, a coating can be selected such that the acoustic wave across the delay line 450 changes in proportion to the level of glucose in the blood. This information can then be converted into an RF signal that the Auto ID tag wirelessly transmits to the 490 reader. The reading device can, in turn, be connected (eg, via a wired or wireless connection) to a system (eg, a server or controller) that can send an automatic alert to either the patient whose level Glucose is monitored (ie, the patient wearing the bracelet that includes the Auto ID tag) and / or medical personnel. In this way, the patient can be given insulin injections or the necessary medications to bring their glucose levels back to a normal or acceptable condition.

In some embodiments, the signal strength sent from an RFID tag (eg, an active RFID tag, a BAP RFID tag, a passive RFID tag) of a bracelet can be related to the environment ( eg, light intensity, temperature, air movement) or with the kinetic or movement activities of the subject in which the bracelet is worn. For example, the signal can be strengthened when the subject's kinetic or movement activities increase, weaken when the movement or kinetic activities decrease, and decrease when the movement or kinetic activities stop. As another example, the signal can be strengthened when the subject's body temperature (eg measured with a temperature sensor included in the bracelet) increases, and weaken when the body temperature decreases. Firmware can be provided on the Auto ID tag to mediate sound waves and convert them to meaningful data. Software (eg, stored in memory and / or operating in a processor on a reading device) can be used to derive the rise or fall in temperature from changes in backscatter and / or signal strengths of tag response. In such embodiments, the RFID tag data reading operations can be related to the signals received from the RFID tag.

In addition, an alert or alarm can be triggered based on the detected temperature change, the kinetic or movement activities of the subject, which are determined based on the backscatter signals and / or the tag response signals received from the RFID tag. For example, it is possible to read or process RFID tag data only when the strength of the signals received from the RFID tag is above a limit. As another example, it is possible to read or process RFID tag data only when the strength of the signals received from the RFID tag has been maintained at a level above a limit for a certain period. As another example, an alert can be triggered when the detected movement (eg, determined based on signals received from the RFID tag) from the subject crosses a limit.

As an example, a patient in a hospital can wear a bracelet that has one or more RFID tags. The RFID tag (s) send signals when the patient moves, and the signal becomes stronger when the patient's speed increases. When the signal strength is above a certain limit, an RFID reader begins to read or process data from the RFID tag (s). In addition, when data determined from signals received from the RFID tag (s) indicates that the patient's movement (eg, speed, duration, distance) crosses a limit, an alert is triggered and a caregiver can be sent to review the patient's condition. Similarly, the wristband may have a temperature sensor that monitors the patient's body temperature, and the signal sent from the wristband's RFID tag (s) is strengthened as the measured body temperature increases. Thus, an alert can be activated when the patient's body temperature indicates that the patient has a fever, so that a caregiver can be sent to check the patient.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a sensor tag 500, in accordance with one embodiment. Sensor tag 500 may be similar or identical to the Auto ID tags shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4. In particular, the sensor tag 500 may be included in a bracelet and attached to a strap of said bracelet in a similar or identical manner to that shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4. In some instances, the sensor tag 500 may be structurally and / or functionally different from the Auto ID tags of FIG. 1 to 4. The sensor tag 500 can be attached to a bracelet using a suitable mechanism, eg adhesive, tab or groove organization, ultrasonic welding, fusion welding, label coating, seal strip, rivet, thyme and / or Similar.

As shown in FIG. 5, sensor tag 500 includes an antenna 520, a power converter 510, a memory 580, a communication module 570, a sensor 540, a transceiver 560, and a processor 550. Each component of sensor tag 500 is operatively coupled to the remaining components of sensor tag 500. In some instances, sensor tag 500 may include more components than those shown in FIG. 5. For example, sensor tag 500 may include more than one sensor and / or more than one antenna. As another example, the sensor tag 500 can be connected to and draw power from an external power source (eg, a battery).

Transceiver 560 can be configured to enable and control antenna 520 to transmit data to and / or receive data from reader devices as a reader device 590 shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, for example, transceiver 560 cannot control antenna 520 to receive, from reading device 590, programming information related to the implementation of reporting rules on sensor tag 500, and send detected data to reading device 590. . The reading device 590 can be any device that can communicate with and collect detected data and / or identifying information (eg, barcode, electronic product code (EPC), tag ID, etc.) from the sensor tag 500. In some instances, reader device 590 may be, for example, an RFID reader.

In some embodiments, the data can be transmitted between the sensor tag 500 and the reading device 590 or other external device using any suitable wireless technology, eg, RF, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, infrared, and / or the like transmission. Alternately or additionally, the sensor tag 500 may comprise a communication module 570 that can be connected to an external device (eg, the reading device 590 or other device) for data transmission using a wire connection or other connection physical. For example, the 570 communication module may comprise or interface with a connector (eg, port, socket, etc.) that provides a physical interface for one or more of a USB connector, a serial connector, a connector one²C, a three wire connector, a data port, etc. As an example, in such instances, sensor tag 500 may receive programming information from a control device (eg, reading device 590, a computing device, a mobile communication device, etc.) using a connection to wire through the connector of communication module 570, and send the data detected by the sensors to reading device 590 using a wireless connection through antenna 520.

In some instances, antenna 520 can be configured to collect power from reader device 590, and then supply the collected power to power converter 510. Using the power provided, power converter 510 can produce power to operate each remaining component of sensor tag 500. Sensor 540 can be any type of sensor configured to monitor the environment or the subject on which the bracelet is worn. Sensor 540 can be, for example, a temperature sensor that monitors the temperature of the environment, a movement sensor that monitors the movement of a person on whom the bracelet is worn, a vibration sensor that monitors the patient's position on which the bracelet and / or the like are used. In some instances, sensor 540 may be a SAW-based sensor similar to the sensor described with respect to FIG. 4. Although not shown in FIG. 5, in some instances, a sensor not included in the sensor tag 500 can be operatively connected to the sensor tag 500. For example, a SAW-based sensor implemented in one part of the strap of the bracelet can be connected to the sensor tag 500 using circuits embedded inside or attached to the strap. The data gathered by said SAW-based sensor can be sent from the SAW-based sensor to sensor tag 500 using the circuits.

Memory 580 can be, for example, random access memory (RAM) (eg, dynamic RAM, static RAM), flash memory, removable memory, etc. In some instances, instructions and / or other information related to carrying out the sensor operation and the operation to report the data detected by the sensor can be stored within memory 580 and executed in processor 550. For example, the programming instruction related to defining a reporting rule can be stored in memory 580. As another example, an implemented reporting rule can be stored in memory 580. As another example, the sensor-detected data received from the sensor 540 can be stored in memory 580 before being sent to reading device 590 through antenna 520.

Processor 550 includes a rule engine module 530. Although not shown in FIG. 5, in some instances, processor 550 may include other modules, for example, a control module configured to control and operate the other components of sensor tag 500, a communication module configured to control data transmission between the sensor tag 500 and reader device 590 and / or the like. In some instances, processor 550 can connect to and receive data from sensor 540 through a communication bus interface (not shown) related to processor 550. Each processor 550 module can be a hardware-based module (eg, an onsite programmable gate array (FPGA), a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP)) , a software based module (eg, a compute code module stored in memory 580 and / or executed in processor 550) and / or a combination of hardware and software based module. In some instances, the modules included and executed in processor 550 may be, for example, a process, application, virtual machine and / or other hardware or software module (stored in memory and / or running on hardware). Processor 550 can be any suitable processor configured to run and / or run those modules.

In some instances, rule engine module 530 can be programmed to define and / or implement one or more reporting rules related to detected reporting data to the reading device 590. Such reporting rule can be defined to actively filter the communication between sensor tag 500 and reader 590 to, for example, optimize data production or improve the efficiency of data exchange. For example, a reporting rule can be defined to report a detected temperature only when the detected temperature is above a certain limit. As another example, you can define a reporting rule to report a detected pulse from a patient when the detected pulse from the patient has been kept below a limit for a certain period. When the reporting rule (s) are implemented in the rule engine 530, the sensor tag 500 will report or exchange data with the reading device 590 only when the rule (s) are satisfied. ) report. In some instances, a sensor tag that implements a reporting rule in that method can be called a programmable active decision sensor (PAD) tag.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 for implementing a reporting rule on a sensor tag, in accordance with one embodiment. The sensor tag may be structurally and functionally similar to sensor tag 500 shown and described with respect to FIG. 5. The code representing instructions for carrying out method 600 may be stored on, for example, a processor-readable non-transient medium (eg, memory 580 of FIG. 5) on the sensor tag, and run on a processor (eg, processor 550 in FIG. 5) of the sensor tag. The code stored on the processor-readable non-transient medium may include self-learning and / or self-healing code related to carrying out method 600 and / or other related operations. In particular, the code stored on the processor-readable non-transient medium includes the code that the processor will execute to cause the sensor tag to carry out the operations illustrated in FIG. 6 and described as follows.

In embodiments that provide self-learning, reference data or values ​​can be programmed into the processor (eg, processor 550 in FIG. 5). The values ​​measured on the wristband (eg by a SAW sensor) can then be compared to these stored reference values ​​to compute a difference or deviation. For example, if the label is a SAW label for blood sugar monitoring, the measured blood glucose levels above and / or below may be compared to the healthy blood glucose levels learned for the patient. In addition, in the forms of representation that provide self-healing, the reference values ​​to be used for comparison can be selected based on temperature, since temperature variations may affect the applicable reference values. Advantageously, this gives more accurate, real-life results.

At 602, the sensor tag can receive a signal that includes a programming instruction from a reading device (eg, reading device 590 of FIG. 5). Such programming instruction can be related to the implementation of a reporting rule in the sensor tag. In particular, said programming instruction may be related to programming in a rule engine module (eg, rule engine module 530 of FIG. 5) of the sensor tag, so that the rule engine module can define and execute the report rule. In some instances, a programming statement can be a code or value that tells the rule engine module to triple a particular predefined rule. For example, a programming instruction may include a code that indicates selecting a limit from a set of predefined limits (eg, 100 ° F (degrees Fahrenheit), 101 ° F, 102 ° F) to report body temperature from a patient. In other instances, a programming instruction may include information related to the definition of a new reporting rule. For example, a programming instruction may include commands and / or data to instruct the rule engine module that defines a new reporting rule that a patient's body temperature is reported when body temperature is detected to rise by 2 ° F. within a period of five minutes.

At 604, the rule engine module can be programmed based on the programming instruction to define a reporting rule. As described with respect to FIG. 5, said reporting rule can be used, for example, to filter data sent from the sensor tag to the reading device. As a result, the bandwidth requirement for data communications between a sensor tag and a reading device can be reduced, thus allowing a reading device to communicate with and collect data from various sensor tags (eg, giving each tag long enough free of interference to successfully communicate your information to the reader device) and / or allowing a sensor tag to communicate with (eg, transmit data to) several reading devices. Furthermore, the precious energy on board the labels can be conserved, thus extending the battery life of each label. In addition or alternatively, a filtering can be carried out in the reading device of the data received from one or more labels. However, filtering data on tags can optimize the entire communication chain from tag to reader to server.

At 606, the defined reporting rule can be stored in a memory (eg, memory 580 of FIG. 5) of the sensor tag. Alternately, the defined report rule can be stored with the rule engine module or other suitable location within the sensor tag. Also, in some instances, the defined reporting rule may be modified, updated, or removed, based on, for example, a new programming instruction received on the sensor tag.

At 608, environment related data can be received from a sensor (eg, sensor 540 in FIG. 5) related to the sensor tag. As described with respect to FIG. 5, said sensor can be included in or be external to the sensor tag. At 610, the sensor tag can determine, in real time, whether to send the data to the reader device based on the reporting rule. Specifically, the sensor tag can determine to send the data to the reading device if the data complies with the reporting rule, or to drop or not send the data if it does not comply with the reporting rule. Later, the data can be sent to the reading device or can be dropped accordingly.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a compute storage product with a computer-readable non-transient medium 33 (may also be known as a processor-readable non-transient medium) having instructions or computational code in it to carry Perform various computer-implemented operations. Computer readable medium (or processor readable medium) is non-transient in the sense that it does not include transient signals that propagate themselves (eg, a propagating electromagnetic wave that carries information in a transmission medium such as a space or a cable). Media and computer code (may also be known as code) may be those designated and created for the specific purpose or purposes. Some examples of non-transient computer-readable media are, but are not limited to, magnetic storage media such as hard drives, floppy drives, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such as compact disc / digital video discs (CD / DVD), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical discs; carrier wave signal processing modules and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as single application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PDLs), read-only memory devices ( ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM). Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer program product, which may include, for example, the instructions and / or the computer code discussed herein.

Some examples of computer code are, but are not limited to, microcode or microinstructions, machine instructions, such as those produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files that contain higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer. using an interpreter. For example, the embodiments can be implemented using Java, C ++, .NET or other programming languages ​​(eg, object-oriented programming languages) and development tools. Other examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and shared code.

While various embodiments have been described, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, without limitation. When the methods and / or schemes described above indicate that certain events and / or flow patterns occur in a certain order, the ordering of certain events and / or flow patterns can be modified.

Although the forms of representation have been shown and described in a particular way, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made.