Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SHORT RANGE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
The invention relates to short-range data communication.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, for example, typically include
a reader or interrogator, a transponder and a data processor. The reader may
include
an internal microcontroller, a transmitter. a receiver, and an antenna. The
transponder
is usually a passive device (having no power source) embedded in a card or key
tag,
and may include an antenna and a RFID application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC). The interrogator transmits an electromagnetic wave defining a
surveillance
zone. When a transponder enters the zone, the electromagnetic energy from the
interrogator begins to energize the ASIC in the transponder. which initializes
and then
broadcasts an identity signal.
A RFID system may use a low-energy, back-scattering technology that
selectively reflects or back-scatters the electromagnetic energy from the
transponder
back to the interrogator. Receiving circuitry in the interrogator senses and
decodes
the back-scattered signal to determine the identity of the transponder. Such a
system
may be used to identify, track and/or locate people or objects.
In a typical application, when an acceptable identity signal has been
received.
an interrogator generates a signal to unlock a door for entry of the carrier
of a key tag
transponder. Another application uses button transponders attached to an
article of
clothing to communicate with an interrogator in a washing machine or the like.
The
button transponders communicate data to the interrogator that are used to
alter the
water temperature and/or the cleaning cycle for the clothing.
RFID systems typically offer a single communication path between a reader
and the transponders, and have short read ranges between the interrogator and
a
transponder, which may be measured in centimeters. Greater ranges, very often
the
goal of RFID systems, require use of higher power levels and/or increased
antenna
size, and produce less confined radio frequency fields.
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SUMMARY
Presented is a method of radiating an interrogation field over a first
distance
from a radiator, and extending the effective reach of the interrogation field
to an array
of locations that are more distant from the radiator than the first distance
by
conducting the energy of the field non-radiatively to the array of locations.
The method may include one or more of the following features. An
interrogator may radiate an interrogation field in a transponder status
reporting mode,
or in a transponder locating mode, or in a transponder position mode. The
interrogation field may be a radio frequency field. A transponder may be
located
within a predetermined second distance of at least one of the locations. The
energy of
the interrogation field may be conducted to the array of locations by
conductive
elements, and conductive elements may be insulated conducting wires or
insulated
conductive fibers.
In another implementation, a method includes carrying signals associated with
an interrogator and transponders in conductive elements in at least two
different
articles of clothing or personal effects, and transferring the signals between
the at least
two articles of clothing or personal effects radiatively.
This implementation may include one or more of the following features. The
conductive elements may be electrical conductors, and may be insulated wires
or
insulated conductive fibers. The articles of clothing or personal effects may
include at
least one of pants, shirts, jackets, coats, earphones, glasses, listening
devices,
necklaces, rings, watches, bracelets, hats, walking sticks, hockey sticks,
guns, cups,
and other fashion and everyday accessories and items, hats, socks, shoes,
ties,
underwear, outerwear, pens, pencils, personal digital assistant devices,
laptop
computers, desktop computers, bags, backpacks, luggage, wallets, money clips,
timepieces, wristwatches, cell phones, desk phones, pedometers, temperature
sensors,
global positioning devices, environmental sensors, biological sensors whether
worn
on the garments or below the epidermal skin layer of the human body or
embedded or
mobile within the human body, fitness devices, and other appliances and
equipment.
In yet another implementation, a short-range communication system includes
an interrogator, a first network of coupling ports in a first material, a web
of
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communication lines in the first material connecting the first network, a
second
network of coupling ports in a second material, and a web of communication
lines in
the second material connected to the second network. Transponders are also
included
for establishing communications with the first and second networks and with
the
interrogator.
The short-range communication system may include one or more of the
following features. Electronic components and circuitry may be included to
increase
the sensitivity of the coupling ports. In addition, at least a third network
of coupling
ports in a third material and a web of communication lines connecting the
third
network, wherein the transponders are operable to communicate with any of the
networks and with the interrogator may be included.
An alternate method for extending the range of a short-range communication
system is described. The method includes installing a first network of
coupling ports
in a first material, installing a second network of coupling ports in a second
material,
and installing a plurality of communication lines in the first and second
materials such
that communications are possible between coupling ports of the first and
second
networks.
The alternate method may include one or more of the following features. The
method may include installing at least one electronic component to increase
the
sensitivity of at least one coupling port. In addition, the method may include
utilizin g
transponders to communicate with the coupling poets, wherein at least one of
the
transponders may be configured to transmit activation signals.
A short range communications system according to the invention can be
advantageously used in a wide variety of applications. For example, an
implementation of the invention enables clothes worn by a person to
communicate
with a plurality of items and obtain useful information. In addition, a
network system
according to the invention may be configured so that transponders may
communicate
with other transponders or devices to activate functions, cause actions or
otherwise
share data and/or information. Other advantages and features will become
apparent
from the following description and from the claims.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an implementation of a low-power, short-range communication
system according to the invention.
Figs. 2A and 2B are simplified block diagrams of transponders of a type that
may be used in the system of Fig. 1.
Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C are flowcharts illustrating interrogator status reporting
mode, location mode and position mode implementations according to the
invention.
Figs. 3D, 3E and 3F are flowcharts illustrating transponder function
implementations.
Figs. 4A and 4B are front and rear views of a clothing implementation of a
communication system according to the invention.
Fig. 4C is an example of a clothing implementation of a communications
system including transponders according to the invention.
Fig. 5 is another implementation of a communication system according to the
invention.
Fig. 6 illustrates a clothing implementation of the communication system of
Fig. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 shows an implementation of a low-power, short-range communication
system 10 for communicating with one or more transponders. The communication
system 10 includes a wireless interrogator 12, communication lines 14a to 14n.
which
may be pairs of conductive wires or conductive fibers, and coupling ports 16a
to 16n.
The coupling ports may be circular loops (coils) and operate as antennas to
transmit
the interrogation signals wirelessly. In particular, each coupling coil may be
designed
to behave like an inductor. Thus, each of the coils may have a number of turns
and
produce a magnetic field that varies with the interrogation signal generated
by the
interrogator.
The interrogator 12 includes a microcontroller 2 connected to a frequency
modulator 4 and to a receiver/transmitter G. The receiver/transmitter module
may
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include a form of suitable modulation and demodulation circuitry to
condition/modulate the interrogation signals with the correct amount of power
and
security and within a certain bandwidth around a particular center frequency
for
transmission over the media, and to receive using demodulation techniques the
transponder response signals with an acceptable level of signal accuracy and
integrity.
In addition, error correction features may be used. A power source 7 may be
connected to each of the other circuit elements and to a switch 5 that may be
utilized
by a user to activate the interrogator 12. The intewogator may also include or
be
connected to an output device 8 that may be used to indicate information to
the user,
such as the presence of transponders or to store data received from a
particular
transponder for later analysis, or to process the data. The output device may
also be a
means for providing Internet access to the interrogator so that data may be
transmitted
via e-mail, for example, to enable e-commerce. In addition, the output device
may
enable the interrogator 12 to transmit data or information via a cell phone
using
transmission protocols such as GSM or CDMA. Bluetooth, Home RF, or any current
or future wireless protocols, for example, 3G (3rd Generation wireless
cellular
standards), or to transmit data via standard line telephones or via other
communication devices. The interrogator 12 may also include, or be connected
to, a
data input device 9 that may be used to enter data or information to the
interrogator.
or to send data or information to a transponder, or both. Thus, the input
device may
be used for various purposes, such as updating information, or loading a new
version
of software or for data transmission and/or to request data retrieval.
Some of the communication lines, such as line 14U. may terminate in a socket
15 or other connector for direct connection to a transponder or may be
directly wired
to a transponder or actuator or other types of electronic devices. In
addition, the
system may include one or more coupling connectors I 1 a and 11 b. The
coupling
connector 11 a includes a coupling port I 6d for wireless connection to the
interrogator
12, a communication line 14e, and a coupling port I 6e for establishing
communication with a transponder 18c or with another coupling connector 1 I b.
The
coupling connector 11 b includes a coupling poet 16f, a communication line I
4f and a
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coupling port 16g. Thus, cou191ing connectors may wirelessly connect to each
other,
to an interrogator or to one or more transponders.
The interrogator 12 generates interrogation signals 17 that may be wirelessly
broadcast directly from the interrogator (from an antenna not shown), and that
are
carried on the communication lines to the coupling ports for communication
with
various transponders. The diameter, size or geometry of the coupling coils and
the
number of turns used in each are determined such that communication with a
transponder or interrogator is possible in the manner described below.
Further, the
communication system may include power-boosting electronic circuitry, highly-
ferromagnetic disks or similar materials (not shown) on the coupling ports or
matching networks between the coupling ports to increase the power or
concentration
of the signals that are distributed in the system. The result is increased
range and
reading sensitivity of the interrogator. For example, a power booster 19 may
be used
on communication line 14e that could include a network of resistors-
inductors,
capacitors, active devices like diodes, transistors, or other electronic
components
and/or other integrated circuit chips like voltage doubters. Such power
booster
devices could also be connected to one or more coupling ports.
Different types of interrogation signal schemes or modes may be used. For
example, in a status reporting mode, the interrogator broadcasts
interro;~ation signals
using a certain frequency to each of the coupling ports 16a to 16n in a
predetermined
or sequential manner. The goal of the status mode is to have all of the
transponders in
the system respond so that the system can report how many and what types of
transponders are available. For example, interrogation signals using frequency
X,
may be transmitted to all or a certain configuration of coupling ports at time
t,. then
interrogation signals using frequency X~ may be transmitted to all or a
certain
configuration of coupling ports at time t2, and so forth. Consequently. each
transponder within range of the interrogator 12 or a coupling port 16a to 16n
would
respond when it senses a predetermined frequency signal. When multiple
transponders of the same type are in a range of one or more coupling ports,
they will
respond by way of anti-collision protocols. Each transponder is identified by
a
distinct identification signal or ID code that it transmits to the
interrogator according
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to an anti-collision protocol that may give priority to certain identification
signals or
ID codes in relation to others.
Next, a location mode of operation may be implemented. The interrogator
may generate and transmit an interrogation signal that includes components
intended
for different transponders. The goal of the location mode is to locate where
all of the
transponders are in the system. The components may be transmitted in a
predetermined and/or sequential manner. Each of the components of the signal
is
carried on all of the communication lines 14a to 14n in an arbitrary pattern
and
transmitted from all or an arbitrary number of the coupling coils, but is
intended to
communicate with only one of the transponders, say transponder 18a.
Consequently.
when the coupling port 16a broadcasts the interrogation signal 17a one of the
components of the signal will be intended for transponder 18a. The signal will
cause
the transponder to initialize and send an identification signal or ID code
and/or data
back to the interrogator through the coupling port 16a and communication line
14a.
The other coupling ports will simultaneously broadcast or transmit in an
arbitrary
pattern the same component of the interrogation signal 17a to the other
transponders
18b and 18n but those transponders will not respond. If the transponder 18a
had been
placed within range of coupling port 16c, instead of near coupling port l Oa,
then the
transponder 18a would still have responded, resulting in an identification
signal or ID
code and/or data being sent to the interrogator via port 16c and the
communication
line 14d. Consequently, transponder 18a would be known to be in the vicinity
of at
least one of the coupling ports. If multiple transponders of the same type are
within
range of the coupling port 16a in this example, then each of them would
respond
using an anti-collision protocol which gives priority to one transponder
response over
another. Thus, in the locating mode the interrogator may use different RF
modulation
modes in a sequential or predetermined manner, and each type of transponder is
configured to respond to a particular one of the frequencies no matter where
in the
system it is located.
In addition, a position mode of operation may be implemented. The
interrogator may be configured to recognize that a particular transponder is
in a
particular position with respect to the user when a response is received from
a
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particular communication line or from a particular coupling port. Thus, the
goal of
the position mode is to query a specific area to see if a transponder is in
the correct
position. In order to function in this manner, an interrogator may be mapped
to a
particular network configuration of signal lines and coupling ports. For
example, the
interrogator may transmit an interrogation signal on one of the communication
lines
having signal components for locating a particular one or type of transponder.
When
a response is received, the interrogator recognizes that the response came
from a rear
pocket of a pair of pants, for example. Such information may then be displayed
or
otherwise communicated to a user. If two or more transponders are in the same
pocket, then an anti-collision protocol would be used and the user informed of
the
presence of each one. Alternately, the interrogator may be configured to
serially
transmit an interrogation signal on the communication lines, or may be
configured to
address a particular group of communication lines, in a predetermined manner
or
sequence to locate a particular transponder or groups of transponders.
The status mode, location mode and position mode of operation may be
implemented in that order as a communication protocol for the system.
Alternately, a
user may implement one or more of such modes. For example, the user may be
provided with a keypad or other output device for punching in a code to
instruct the
interrogator to implement one or more of the operating modes.
The interrogator 12 may be a low-power device, and the power source 7 may
be a battery, solar device or other source of power. Power consumption of
interrogators used in such systems may be on the order of a few milk-watts or
a few
watts, and the range of the electromagnetic fields generated by such
interrogators may
vary depending on operating frequency and power consumption. For example,
interrogators operating at 125 lcHz may have maximum read ranges of from 5 to
20
centimeters or more depending on the size of the antenna and the current input
to the
antenna. The read range, r, of RFID systems is directly proportional to the
size or
radius a of the antenna, thus raa. Consequently, the bigger the antenna the
further the
range, and a larger antenna requires input of larger amounts of current.
Interrogators
operating at 13.5 MHz or 433 MHz or other frequencies would have different
read
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ranges. Interrogators operating at different frequencies may be suitable for
use in the
short-range communication system 10.
Referring again to Fig. 1, the microcontroller may be a microprocessor or an
application-specific control circuit. Further, the microcontroller, frequency
modulator, and the receiver/transmitter module could be fabricated as an
application-
specific integrated circuit (ASIC) on a single chip. The output device 8 may
be a
liquid crystal diode (LCD) display, a light-emitting diode array (LED array),
an
audible indicator, a microprocessor system, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a
desktop computer, a laptop or any portable computer, or any other type of
display,
processing device, or storage device. The output device could also include a
microcomputer for storing, processing, displaying and/or analyzing data
gathered
from one or more transponders. The input device 9 may be a keypad, a keyboard.
a
touch screen, a microphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a desktop
computer, a
portable laptop computer or other input means for inputting data and/or
information to
the interrogator and/or to one or more transponders.
Figs. 2A and 2B are simplified block diagrams of implementations of
transponders 18 and 25 of a type that may be used in the communication system
10 0l~
Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 2A, the transponder may include a microcontroller 20
connected to a memory 22 and to a receiver/transmitter 24 which may contain
modulation and demodulation circuitry. The transponder 18 may alternately be
fabricated as an ASIC on a single silicon chip including a
receiver/transmitter and
controller circuitry along with a memory element. The memory may store an
identification code, or other data related to a particular object to which it
corresponds.
The transponder is typically a passive device, but may include a battery
source. A
passive transponder absorbs energy to power its circuitry ti-om the received
interrogation signals. The transponder may also be configured to collect data
from the
object or item that it is associated with for later transmission to the
interrogator.
Thus, the transponder may be a read-only or a read/write type. The
receiver/transmitter 24 rectifies the energizing RF field into direct current
(DC) and
powers up the microcontroller 20. The microcontroller then initializes and
transmits
an identification code and/or other data from its memory to the interrogator.
In
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addition, the transponder may be configured to send an "action'' signal to
another
transponder or other devices tcl perform certain functions, such as
initializing a
microactuator or micromotor, energizing a LED array or other visual display,
generating sounds or other actions. Further, the transponder may include a
plug or
socket or other connector (not shown) for physical connection to other devices
to
permit signaling of action signals or to exchange data and/or information.
Fig. 2B is a simplified block diagram of an implementation of a transponder
25. The transponder may include a receiver/transmitter 27 which may contain
modulation and demodulation circuitry, a microcontroller 29, a memory 31 and a
sensor 33. A battery (not shown) or other source of power may be included. The
transponder 25 may be fabricated as an ASIC. The transponder may utilize
sensor 33
to sense the environment, sense motion, temperature, acceleration, light.
biological
conditions or some other condition and store data in memory 31 for later
transmission
to an integrator or other transponder. The sensor 33 may also be configured to
cause
the transponder to send a signal to the interrogator or to activate some
1L117Ct1o11S 111
other devices that may be connected to it, or to send a signal to another
transponder
when a predetermined condition or conditions are met. For example, if the
temperature rises past a certain level, the transponder may be configured to
send a
warning signal to an interrogator for communication to a user or to activate
some
cooling devices. Further, the transponder may include a plug or socket or
other
connector (not shown) for physical connection to other devices to permit
signaling oi~
action signals or to exchange data and/or information.
Figs. 3A to 3C are flowcharts 70, 50, 90 illustrating implementations of a
status reporting mode, a locating mode and a position mode respectively, of
interrogator functions. Referring to Fig. 3A, the flowchart 70 illustrates an
interrogator status reporting mode. The interrogator is turned on 72 and sends
74 an
interrogation signal on all of the communication lines to all of the coupling
ports,
sequentially or in another manner, in an attempt to find out which
transponders are
present. If no response is received 76 then, after a delay 78 the
interrogation signal is
again broadcast 74 in the communication system. If there is a response 76 then
the
interrogator determines 80 if data from more than one transponder has been
received.
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This can be accomplished because each transponder may have a unique identity
code.
If only one transponder responded, then the data is processed 82 and after a
delay 78
an interrogation signal is again broadcast 74.
If it is determined 80 that more than one transponder responded, then a
collision condition exists, which could cause the received message to be
corrupted
and indecipherable. Therefore, an anti-collision protocol may be used 84 and
the
transponder will respond in accordance with a priority scheme that may be
based on
the identification codes of the transponders. For example, data from a
transponder
associated with a money holder such as a wallet may have priority over data
from a
transponder associated with a backpack. As described above, information
regarding
how many and which types of transponders may be displayed to the user and/or
transmitted to an output device for processing. The interrogator in this
implementation continuously generates and transmits an interrogation signal to
every
coupling port or communication line until the user turns the interrogator otf.
The
interrogator may alternately generate and transmit interrogation signals in a
predetermined pattern or according to an algorithm which may be suitable to a
particular system. The interrogator may be configured to ~~enerate an alarm
message
to the user if no responses were received from a particular transponder. or if
no
responses were received from a particular group of transponders, or firc~m any
transponders.
Following the status mode of operation, a locating mode of Fig. 3B may be
used. In the locating mode, the user turns on 52 the interrogator and a
variable m is
set equal to 1 in step 54. The interrogator then generates and transmits 56 an
interrogation signal m. In this scheme, each interrogation signal may differ
from
another to distinguish between transponders. The goal is to locate where each
transponder is in the system. For example. the interrogator may generate
signals of
different radio frequencies, signals having different amplitudes, signals of
different
power strengths, or other signal types including signals that include
different
combinations of characteristics, such as using modulation schemes like
Amplitude
1110dLllatloll (AM), Manchester Coding, or any other modulation schemes. Each
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different interrogation signal corresponds to a particular transponder of the
system,
and each transponder may correspond to a different object or device. The
interrogation signals for the different transponders are sent in sequence or
in some
other manner that permits them to be distinguished from one another. Next, the
interrogator determines 58 whether or not the transponder associated with the
m=1
interrogation signal has responded. If so, then the interrogator processes,
through a
suitable demodulation scheme, the data 60, and the user may be notified. or
the data
may be displayed to the user and/or otherwise transmitted to an output device
for
processing. The variable m is then incremented 62. and the interrogator checks
64 to
see if m is greater than x. where x is equal to the total number of
transponders that
may be separately addressed by the system. If m is greater than x, then m is
reset
equal to 1 in 54, and the process starts again. If m is not greater than x.
then the
interrogator generates and transmits the m + 1 interrogation signal in 56 to
check for
the next transponder and the process starts again.
If in 58 no transponder response was received, then the variable m is
incremented 66 and m is checked 68 to see if it is greater than x. if m is
<~reater than
x, then m is set equal to 1 in step 54, and the process starts again. If m is
not ~~reater
than x, then the interrogator generates and transmits the m + 1 interrogation
signal in
56 and the process starts again. In this implementation, once the interrogator
is turned
on then interrogation signals are serially generated and transmitted
continuously until
the user turns off the interrogator. Further, the interrogator may be
conti~~ured to
display a warning message or generate an alarm if no response is received from
a
particular transponder or if no response is received from a particular group
of
transponders. or from any transponders. This process is repeated for every
coupling
port or communication line in a system, or for a certain number of
predetermined coil
ports addressed by the interrogator.
Fig. 3C is a flowchart 90 illustrating an interrogator position mode of
operation. This mode of operation may be used to find out the position of a
particular
transponder. The interrogator is turned on 91 and transmits 92 an
interrogation signal
targeted to a particular type of transponder. The interrogation signal may be
broadcast over each communication line in the system, or over one or a
preselected
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group of lines depending on how the interrogator is configured. If a response
is
received within a predetermined time limit in step 93 then the user is
informed of the
position of the transponder. The interrogator may be configured to recognize
the
transponder position because it has been mapped to the communication lines of
the
system. If in step 93 no response is received within the predetermined time
period,
then the user is informed that the transponder is not present in the system.
This
technique may be used to determine the position of one or more types of
transponders
in a system. As explained above, if two or more transponders respond at the
same
time, then an anti-collision protocol is implemented so that the user will be
accurately
informed of all such transponders.
Figs. 3D, 3E and 3F are flowcharts 100. 110 and 130 of implementations of
transponder functions that depend upon whether a transponder is a read-only
type or a
read/write type or a read/write/action type. In Fig. 3D, a read-only type
transponder
receives an interrogation signal 102, powers up and initializes 104 its
microcontroller.
The transponder then transmits data 106, such as an identification code and/or
other
data, to the interrogator, and then powers down 108. This method may be used
with
either interrogation scheme described above.
Fig. 3E illustrates the operation 110 of an implementation of a read/write
type
transponder. In step 112 an interrogation signal is received which causes the
transponder to power up and initialize 114 its microcontroller. Next, the
microcontroller determines 116 if the interrogator issued a write instruction.
If so.
then the data or information associated with the write instruction is stored 1
18 in an
EEPROM or other memory of the transponder, and the transponder then powers
down
120. If no write instruction has been issued in 116, then the transponder
transmits
data 122 to the interrogator and powers down 120.
The flowchart of Fig. 3F illustrates a read/write/action type of transponder.
Ln
this implementation, a transponder is configured to send an action signal to
cause
another device to perform an act, such as to energize a micro-motor or to
illuminate a
display. In particular, the interrogation signal is received 126 and the
transponder
powers up and initializes 128 its microcontroller. Next, if a write
instruction is
received 130 then data is stored 132 and the transponder powers down 1 34. If
a write
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instruction is not received in 130 then a check is made for an action
instruction 136.
If an action signal is received then an action signal is transmitted 138 and
the
transponder powers down 134. If no action instruction is received, then the
transponder transmits data 140 and powers down 134. It should be understood
that
the action instruction can come from various sources, such as an interrogator,
a
sensor, other transponders or other devices, and the action signal that is
transmitted
may result in various actions being performed. For example, an action signal
may
cause a device to give a visual or audio indication, start a micro-motor,
cause a device
to produce heat or to cool a surface, or any other imagined action.
Many more types of transponder configurations and functions are
contemplated. For example, a transponder may be configured to receive data
from all
types of other sources. such as the object or item with which it is associated
or from
another transponder of object through various means. Such transponders could
first
store, and then later communicate data or other information to an
interro~~ator or to
another transponder at a later time.
Figs. 4A and 4B are front and rear views of a possible clothing
implementation of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder
communication system 150. Fig. 4A is a front view of a human model 152 wearing
a
bodysuit 154 that includes a short-range communication system. For ease of
understanding, the coupling ports and communication lines are drawn as solid
lines on
front, and dashed lines to indicate their location on the reverse side of the
model. In
this example, a wireless interrogator 156 is strapped to the waist of the
model, but
may be located in other regions. and may be attached to the garment by known
means
such as a belt or by other types of fasteners. The interrogator is directly or
wirelessly
connected to a network of coupling ports 158a to 158j by communication lines
160a
to 160j. The coupling ports are strategically placed for communicating with
transponders, and may be sewn or otherwise incorporated into locations such as
a
pocket, for example. The communication lines may be pairs of copper wire
conductors sewn into the material of the garment, or may be pairs of
conductive fibers
that are woven into the garment during manufacture to create a web of
communication lines. For safety purposes, the conductive fibers or wires may
be
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insulated so that they do not dissipate any power. The rear view of Fig. 4B
similarly
depicts various strategic coupling ports 158h to 158j located in various
regions. One
or more communication lines having termination points that may include
connectors
for direct connection to transponders, such as communication line 160k with
connector 161, could also be used. The communication system thus permits the
short-
range interrogator to communicate with transponders that ordinarily would be
out of
range of a typical wireless RFID system. Such a system enables the clothes
worn by a
person to communicate with a plurality of items and obtain useful information
for the
wearer, as explained below.
Fig. 4C illustrates how the communication system 150 adapted for
communication with a plurality of transponders may appear. The interrogator 1
~6
may use different RF modulation modes or different frequencies or other
interrogation
schemes to attempt to establish communications with transponders associated
with a
fountain pen 162, a comb 163, a glasses case 164, or any other object that may
be
inserted into a breast pocket. The transponders are monitored by coupling
ports 158a
and 158b (see Fig. 4A). Alternately, the interrogator may use a single li-
equency
signal but identify particular items by the identification codes transmitted
by any
transponders that respond to an interrogation signal. The coupling port I 58d
may
establish communication with a transponder associated with a wristwatch 165.
and the
coupling port 158e may establish communication with a transponder associated
with a
wallet 166 or money clip or house keys or electronic keys. The coupling ports
158f
and 1588 may establish communications with a transponder or transponders
associated with a pedometer or other sensor that may be located in a shoe 167
or sock.
and the coupling port 158h may establish communications with one or more
transponders associated with one or more items in a backpack 168 or other bag
169
that may be slung over the back or shoulders of the user.
The interrogator 156 may have the capability to communicate with the entire
set of remote locales using low power and a range of RF modes, and inform the
wearer that all or some of the items listed above are inclu ded in a pocket of
the
garment, or are within a bag, backpack or some other form of luggage 170.
Communication with transponders associated with items in a bag or other
container
CA 02363717 2001-09-18
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may be possible when the bag is placed on her lap near coupling port, say,
158e or
within the wireless range of the interrogator 156. Further, the interrogator
may be
able to provide data to the wearer via a display. For example, the display may
be able
to continuously update a mileage figure of the distance that the wearer has
walked
how fast the wearer is traveling, how many calories the wearer has burned, the
location and/or orientation of the wearer, the temperature and other
information that
may be useful, for example, in developing a training program. These readings
may be
based on data received from the transponders in the vicinity of the coupling
ports 158f
and 1588, which are associated with sensors and a pedometer in the user's
shoes 167,
171.
Many other applications of such a short range communications network are
possible. For example, a transponder associated with a pen 162 may be
configured to
collect pen data such as how many signatures have been signed with the pen in
a day.
a month or some other time period, and transmit such data upon demand of an
interrogator. Similarly, the wearer's clothes may communicate with other
clothing
items such as hats 172, gloves 173, belts 174, shirts 175, ties 176, pants 177
or
fasteners such as zippers 178 and buttons 179, and transmit data to an
interrogator 156
which can then determine if the pieces of clothing are color coordinated or
not, and if
the fasteners are closed or open, and display a message to the user. The
interrogator
of such a system may also be capable of communicating data to a personal
digital
assistant (PDA) device, a laptop computer, a cell phone 176, a desk phone. or
other
data processing device. The short-range interrogator system may also Ue able
to
communicate data to a computer mouse, a keyboard, or other input device. In
addition, transponders associated with objects such as tables, chairs,
automobile
steering wheels, dashboards, and other items that can provide valuable
feedback to a
user. Furthermore, two or more transponders associated with different items
may
communicate with each other via the communications network. For example, a
transponder in a bag could communicate with a sensor in the shoe of a person
to
determine the temperature so that an item can be used by the person at an
optimal
setting, or could communicate with a transponder associated with a cell phone
to
place a call to acquire or send data.
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The network system 150 may be implemented such that the placement of the
coupling ports and the power radiated by them confines their radiation field
patterns,
and those of the transponders, to small spaces to minimize undesirable
interference.
Further, the maximum range and coverage of a short-range, low-power
interrogator is
extended to multiple locales for communication with multiple transponders by
the
network of communication lines and coupling ports. In addition, the network
system
enables the localized and systematic interrogations of transponders attached
to items
confined in predetermined locations such as shirt and pants pockets, sleeves,
shoes,
back and other possible areas or regions distributed throughout a continuous
piece of
material or garment. Yet further, the network system may be configured so that
any
particular transponder can communicate with another transponder or group of
transponders of other locales to actuate functions, cause actions. or
otherwise share
data and/or information.
Fig. 5 illustrates another implementation of a low-power, short-range
communication system 200. The system 200 includes an interrogator 202 and a
network of coupling repeater ports 204a to 204h that are connected to separate
items
206 to 209, such as different pieces of material, fabric or textiles. The
coupling
repeater ports are operable to inductively couple with each other to extend
the range
of the interrogator to span across multiple items, and are operable to
communicate
with transponders. The interrogator 202 operates as described above to
transmit
interrogation signals to the repeater ports and coupling ports to attempt
communication with one or more transponders 210a to 21 On. The system may use
multiple frequencies and signal strengths to enable communications between the
interrogator and multiple transponders associated with multiple items across
gaps or
discontinuities in material. The configuration enables the interrogation of
transponders that are within the range of the coupling ports, which are
distributed
throughout two or more pieces of discontinuous material such as textiles,
fabrics and
garments. Thus, the RFID coverage can be conveniently localized to any piece
of
material and the maximum range extended by routing at least one coupling
repeater
port across the materials to arbitrary locations resulting in each piece being
wirelessly
connected to the other pieces.
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Fig. 6 illustrates a cloth ing implementation of a low-power, short-range
communication system 250 of a type described with regard to Fig. 5. The system
includes trousers 252 and a shirt ''S4. The trousers include an interrogator
256
connected to a coupling ports 260a and 260b and repeater ports 260c and 260d
via
communication lines 258a to 258d. The interrogator 256 is shown having direct
connections to the communication lines 258a to 258d for ease of reference, but
a
wireless connection could easily be implemented by using one or more coupling
ports
in the vicinity of the interrogator. One advantage of a wireless connection is
that
different types of interrogators can easily be removed from and attached to
the
system. The repeater ports 260c and 260d of the pants are configured to
communicate
with repeater ports 262a and 262b associated with the shirt 254 when the shirt
and
pants are worn together such that they overlap. The repeater ports 262a and
262b are
connected to coupling ports 266a and 266b via communication lines 264a and
264b.
When the shirt and trousers are worn together by a user, a tight coupling is
achieved
and the interrogator transmits interrogation signals to. and receives
transponder data
from; the coupling ports 266a and 266b through the repeater ports 260c, 260d.
262a
and 262b. The coupling port 266a may be used to monitor a handbag containing
items with an associated transponder, while the coupling port 266b may be used
to
monitor items placed into a breast pocket. Similarly. the coupling port 260b
may
monitor a pants pocket, while the coupling port 260a may be used to monitor a
shoe
that may contain, for example. a pedometer and associated transponder. In
addition, a
transponder 268 could be sewn into the shirt within range of the coupling poet
262a or
any of the other coupling ports for reporting data characteristics of the
shirt, such as
manufacturer, style, size, color, texture and material composition. Another
transponder may be sewn into or otherwise connected to the pants 252 to report
the
same or similar characteristics that may be reported for the shirt. Further,
it is
contemplated that such a communication system could be implemented in all
types of
garments such as shorts, jackets, coats. scarves, bikinis, swim trunks,
lingerie, sports
clothing such as football and soccer jerseys, other sportswear, dresses,
skirts, gowns,
jumpsuits and all other types of clothing and/or fashion accessories.
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The communication system 250 could be used to communicate with a plurality
of transponders associated with a wide variety of items, each item generating
all types
of item characteristic data as explained above. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that
various specialized transponders may be fabricated to store all types of data
for
communication with such RFID systems. For example, a coffee shop may have a
transponder in the entryway for communication with patrons so that when a
person
passes within range of that transponder, the person can be notified that the
coffee shop
is open and that his friend is inside. Other transponder implementations could
be used
with earphones, listening devices, necklaces, rings, earrings, watches,
bracelets,
walking sticks, hockey sticks or other athletic gear, firearms, cups and other
everyday
accessories or items.
With regard to the communication system implementations described above in
Figs. 5 and 6, the number of turns of each of the two coupling loops of the
coupling
repeaters, such as coupling repeaters 260c, 262a and coupling port 266x, must
be
properly determined to permit semi-duplex or full duplex communications
between a
transponder and the interrogator. Thus, the first loop 260c can have a turn
ratio of l:n,
while the second loop 262a may have a turn ration of m:p and the third loop
266a may
have a turn ratio of q:r. In addition, as described above, such systems can
use
electronic circuitry, highly-ferromagnetic disks or other materials connected
to the
coupling ports or to the communications lines connecting the coupling ports or
repeater ports to increase power and sensitivity to more easily communicate
with
transponders.
It is important to note that a RFID communication system of the types
described herein are highly suitable for communicating information in all
forms of
systems. For example, a home system may include an interrogator and
transponders
associated with walls, floors, ceilings, windows, shutters, outside walls,
roofs, gutters,
chimneys, wallpaper, wood paneling, carpeting, other floor coverings,
furnaces, hot
water heaters, water pipes, gas pipes, and other home devices. Further, the
system
may include transponders associated with household furniture and appliances,
including lamps and other fixtures. The transponders may report on the
condition or
status of such objects and/or devices, so that for example. renovations,
cleaning
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and/or replacement can be recommended. A creative person would understand that
the applications of such a system are virtually limitless, including being
associated
with biological sensors that may be worn in clothing or embedded below the
epidermal layer of skin of the human body, or even mobile inside an animal
body or
the human body.
Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
