Resonant frequency-based band tightness / looseness detection device

Abstract

A system includes a belt adjustable between a fixed state in which there is at least a threshold level of tension on the belt and a non-fixed state in which there is less than the threshold level of tension on the belt. The system also includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and an alert. A first antenna is disposed at the band, is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications, and is operable at a resonant frequency if the band is in a fixed state, and is not operable at the resonant frequency if the band is in an unfixed state. The second antenna is disposed remote from the band and is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications at a resonant frequency. When the resonant frequency is reached, an alert is generated indicating that the tape is in a fixed state based on receiving wireless communication from the first antenna at the second antenna.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent the described is not common heritage, is not to be taken as an admission that the described contributions are prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to straps, such as safety belts in vehicles, ropes for securing cargo, and harnesses used in rock climbing. BACKGROUND

[0003] In many situations, it is desirable to verify and monitor that a strap is properly and sufficiently tensioned. For example, during transportation of cargo secured with one or more straps or harnesses, or when a child is secured in a car seat using a safety belt, the proper tightness of the straps is critical to ensure that they function in the most effective manner. That is, the effectiveness of the straps depends on the straps being tightly secured to the cargo or user wearing the strap. However, it is often difficult to determine whether the strap is properly tensioned when initially installed, leaving the user to guess that the tension applied to the strap is sufficient. Furthermore, throughout the duration of use of the strap, the user is traditionally unaware of whether the strap has inadvertently loosened to the point that it no longer functions properly. Alternatively, conventional methods make it difficult for the user to determine whether the strap is too tight for its application. SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a system. The system includes a strap, a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor configured to issue an alert. The strap is adjustable between a secured state in which at least a threshold level of tension exists on the strap and an unsecured state in which less than the threshold level of tension exists on the strap. The first antenna is disposed at the strap and is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications, the first antenna being operable at a resonant frequency when the strap is in the secured state and not operable at the resonant frequency when the strap is in the unsecured state. The second antenna is disposed remotely from the strap, the second antenna being operable to transmit and receive wireless communications at the resonant frequency. The alert is generated based on receiving a wireless communication at the second antenna from the first antenna, the wireless communication being transmitted from the first antenna at the resonant frequency and indicating that the strap is adjusted to the secured state.

[0005] Implementations of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the first antenna includes a meandered dipole antenna. In some further examples, the meandered dipole antenna stretches to become operable at the resonant frequency when the strap is adjusted from the unsecured state to the secured state.

[0006] In some implementations, the system further includes an energy harvester disposed at the strap that generates electrical power based on wireless communications received at the first antenna at the resonant frequency. The generated electrical power powers transmission of the wireless communication signals from the first antenna. In some further implementations, the generated electrical power powers a sensor disposed at the strap. In some still further implementations, the sensor includes a tension sensor that generates sensor data representative of tension on the strap.

[0007] In some aspects, the system further includes a power source disposed at the strap that powers the first antenna.

[0008] In some examples, the strap includes a seatbelt of a vehicle. In some further examples, a power source of the vehicle powers the first antenna.

[0009] In some implementations, the generated alert includes at least one of the group consisting of (i) an audible alert, (ii) a visual alert, and (iii) a haptic alert.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a verification system. The verification system includes a strap including a buckle, a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor configured to issue an alert. The strap is adjustable between a secured state in which the buckle is received by a receiver and there is at least a threshold level of tension on the strap and an unsecured state in which there is less than the threshold level of tension on the strap. The first antenna is disposed at the strap and is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications, the first antenna being operable at a resonant frequency when the strap is in the secured state and not operable at the resonant frequency when the strap is in the unsecured state. The second antenna is disposed away from the strap, the second antenna being operable to transmit and receive wireless communications at the resonant frequency. The alert is generated based on receiving a wireless communication at the second antenna from the first antenna, the wireless communication being transmitted from the first antenna at the resonant frequency and indicating that the strap is adjusted to the secured state.

[0011] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the first antenna includes a meandered dipole antenna. In some further examples, the meandered dipole antenna is stretched to become operable at the resonant frequency when the strap is adjusted from the unsecured state to the secured state.

[0012] In some implementations, the verification system further includes an energy harvester disposed at the strap that generates electrical power based on wireless communications received at the first antenna at the resonant frequency, and the generated electrical power powers transmission of the wireless communication signals from the first antenna.

[0013] In some aspects, the verifying further includes a power source disposed at the strap, the power source powering the first antenna.

[0014] In some examples, the generated alert includes at least one of the group consisting of (i) an audible alert, (ii) a visual alert, and (iii) a haptic alert.

[0015] Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a strap including a buckle, a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor configured to issue an alert. The strap is adjustable between a secured state in which the buckle is received by a receiver and there is at least a threshold level of tension on the strap and an unsecured state in which there is less than the threshold level of tension on the strap. The first antenna is disposed at the strap and is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications, the first antenna being operable at a resonant frequency when the strap is in the secured state and not operable at the resonant frequency when the strap is in the unsecured state. The second antenna is disposed away from the strap, the second antenna being operable to transmit and receive wireless communications at the resonant frequency. The alert is generated based on receiving a wireless communication at the second antenna from the first antenna, the wireless communication being transmitted from the first antenna at the resonant frequency and indicating that the strap is adjusted to the secured state.

[0016] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the first antenna includes a meandered dipole antenna. In some further examples, the meandered dipole antenna stretches to become operable at the resonant frequency when the strap is adjusted from the unsecured state to the secured state.

[0017] In some implementations, the vehicle further includes an energy harvester disposed at the strap, the energy harvester generating electrical power based on the wireless communication received at the first antenna at the resonant frequency, and the generated electrical power powers transmission of the wireless communication signal from the first antenna. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 is a side view of the vehicle.

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an interior of the vehicle of Figure 1

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first antenna of a strap tightness verification system of the vehicle.

[0022] Figure 4A ​is a perspective view of the strap in a non-fixed or relaxed state, with the first antenna disposed at the strap.

[0023] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the strap in a fixed or tensioned state.

[0024] Figure 5A is a graphical representation of the first antenna operating at a different resonant frequency than the second antenna when the strap is in a non-fixed state.

[0025] Figure 5B is a graphical representation of the first antenna operating at the same resonant frequency as the second antenna when the strap is in a fixed state.

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a strap tightness verification system.

[0027] In all of the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the relevant arts will recognize that example configurations can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and / or operations are not shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" can be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their occurrence in the particular order

[0030] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to”, “attached to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to”, “directly attached to”, or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between”, “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent”, etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] The terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by the terms. These terms can be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms such as “first”, “second” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or an order. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0032] In this application, including the following claims, the term “module” can be replaced by the term “circuit.” The term “module” can refer to, be part of, or include: an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combination of combinations of any of the above; or a combination of one or more of the above with one or more of the following: a processor based on a shared, dedicated, or group of processors not specifically mentioned above; a processor executing one or more instructions; a processor configured by one or more instructions; a processor configured by one or more instructions to perform any of the foregoing; or a combination of any of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-chip.

[0033] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes processors that, in combination with additional processors, execute some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through the medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0034] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, partially or entirely, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0035] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and game applications.

[0036] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used in firmware, such as boot programs). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0037] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented using high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0038] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, which includes at least one programmable processor, which may be dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0039] The processes and logical flows described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors (also known as data processing hardware) that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. The processes and logical flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry (e.g., FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or operatively coupled to receive data from or send data to, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0040] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen) for displaying information to the user and optionally a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user provides input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. Additionally, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending a webpage to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0041] A band tension verification system includes two antennas that wirelessly communicate with each other to provide feedback to a user related to the band tension. A first antenna attached to the band has a zigzag dipole type, so its resonant frequency varies based on the amount of stretch the antenna experiences. That is, the frequency at which the antenna transmits and receives wireless communication signals changes as the antenna stretches. When tension is applied to the band, the antenna stretches. A second antenna is positioned away from the band and is used to transmit and receive wireless communication signals at a preset frequency. Communication between the two antennas can occur when the first and second antennas operate at the same or near-the same frequency. The first and second antennas are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other when a threshold level of tension is present on the band, causing the first antenna to stretch to a point where it operates at or near the frequency of the second antenna. Based on the communication between the first and second antennas, an alarm is generated, providing the user with auditory, visual, and / or tactile feedback to notify the user of sufficient band tension. If the two antennas do not operate at the same or near-the same frequency, there will be no communication between them, indicating that the band is not properly tensioned.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 Vehicle 10 includes a belt tension verification system 12 associated with one or more seat belts of vehicle 10. System 12 is housed in an electronic control module or ECU 13 at vehicle 10, which has electronic circuitry and associated software for operating system 12. Although described herein as being integrated into the seat belts of vehicle 10, it should be understood that the characteristics of belt tension verification system 12 can be adapted for use with other belts or ropes of vehicle 10, such as child car seat belts, belts for securing cargo transported by vehicle 10, etc. Furthermore, the characteristics of belt tension verification system 12 can be adapted for non-vehicle applications, such as safety harnesses used by individuals during rock climbing, construction work, etc.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figure 1 And also refer to Figures 2-4B System 12 includes a first antenna 14 and a second antenna 16. The first antenna 14 is located at a belt 18 (e.g., a seatbelt) in vehicle 10, and the second antenna 16 is located away from the belt 18, such as within the center-stack 20 or in the dashboard of vehicle 10. Although Figure 2The second antenna 16 is shown positioned at the center console 20 of vehicle 10, but it can be positioned anywhere within vehicle 10 that allows wireless communication between the second antenna 16 and the first antenna 14, such as a seat headrest, B-pillar, overhead console module, etc. The second antenna 16 can receive power from the vehicle 10's power supply 21, such as via a wired connection to the vehicle 10's wiring harness. As discussed further below, the strap 18 is adjustable between a non-fixed state 24 and a fixed state 26, in which there is no tension or limited tension in the strap 18 (e.g., when the seatbelt buckle is not received at the receiver and the seatbelt is not secured around the occupant), and in the fixed state 26, there is tension in the strap 18 at least at a threshold level (e.g., when the seatbelt buckle is received at the receiver and the seatbelt is secured around the occupant). Wireless communication is transmitted between the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16 to determine when the strap 18 is in the fixed state. If system 12 is used in a location outside the vehicle environment, such as when it is incorporated into a strap for individual use, then the second antenna 16 can be powered by the battery pack included in system 12.

[0044] The power supplied to the first antenna 14 can be achieved in various ways. The power supply method also varies based on the communication method occurring between the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16. For example, wireless communication 23 between the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16 can be accomplished via Bluetooth™. In this example, the first antenna 14 draws power from a power source (such as a battery 25) located on or near the first antenna 14 or at the location of the first antenna 14 on or near the belt 18. Alternatively, the first antenna 14 receives power from the power source of the vehicle 10, such as via an electrical connection to the wiring harness of the vehicle 10.

[0045] In some examples, wireless communication between the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16 is achieved via radio frequency identification (RFID), and therefore, the first antenna 14 can draw power from the battery 25 and / or the power source of the vehicle 10 at the belt 18. Furthermore, RFID communication allows the first antenna 14 to receive power from the energy harvesting mechanism 120, such as due to the low power consumption of transmitting and receiving RFID signals. For example, a solar panel disposed at the belt 18 can generate power to power the first antenna 14. Additionally, the energy harvesting mechanism 120 can generate power by harvesting energy generated by movement, such as when the belt 18 moves from a non-stationary state to a stationary state.

[0046] Optionally, energy can be generated based on RFID signals received at the first antenna 14. Since wireless communication signals are transmitted between the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16 when their resonant frequencies are equal, the first antenna 14 can receive signals from the second antenna 16 to generate power when the two antennas experience a matching frequency. In other words, the energy harvesting mechanism 120 is located at the strip 18 and generates power based on wireless communication received at the first antenna 14. The generated power can then power the transmission of wireless communication signals from the first antenna 14.

[0047] The first antenna 14 can be of the zigzag dipole type, wherein the resonant frequency of the first antenna 14 varies based on the amount of stretch experienced by the first antenna 14. That is, the first antenna 14 receives and transmits wireless communications at different resonant frequencies based on its current length. Because the first antenna 14 is mounted on the strip 18, the operating frequency of the first antenna 14 varies depending on the level of tension experienced by the strip 18. To convert the tension of the strip 18 into the stretch of the first antenna 14, the strip 18 may include a tension-responsive portion 22 that is subjected to physical changes in any form, such as stretching, twisting, unfolding, or changing shape based on the tightness of the strip 18. The first antenna 14 is positioned at the tension-responsive portion 22 of the strip 18 to facilitate the stretching and contraction of the first antenna 14, which ultimately allows the first antenna 14 to achieve a shape capable of communication transmission. It is important to note that the tension-responsive portion 22 may form part of the strip 18 or may be attached parallel to the strip 18. Figure 4A In the non-fixed state 24, the belt 18 is subjected to very little or no tension, such as when the buckle of the seatbelt is released from its receiver. In the non-fixed state 24, both the tension-responsive portion 22 of the belt 18 and the first antenna 14 are in a contracted state. When a force is applied to the belt 18 in a manner that increases its tension, the belt will be in a fixed state 26. Figure 4B The presence of, for example, when the buckle of the seatbelt of vehicle 10 is securely held in its receiver. In the fixed state, the increased tension experienced by the belt 18 allows the tension-response portion 22 to extend. Since the first antenna 14 is positioned at the tension-response portion 22 of the belt 18, the fixed state 26 of the belt 18 allows the first antenna 14 to extend in conjunction with the tension-response portion 22.

[0048] The first antenna 14 can be attached and secured to the strip 18 in various ways. When the first antenna 14 is of the zigzag dipole type, it can be mounted to the strip 18 at the tension-responsive portion 22 using adhesive. In some examples, the first antenna 14 can be sewn to the strip 18 at the tension-responsive portion 22. Alternatively, a tension sensor 36 can be positioned at the strip 18 to measure the tension of the strip 18, allowing the first antenna 14 to be digitized and sewn onto the top or inside of the strip 18 at any suitable location.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figures 1-4B And also refer to Figure 5A and 5B The second antenna 16 can operate at a second antenna frequency 28, which is a constant and unchanging first frequency 30. That is, the second antenna 16 is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications at the first frequency 30. The first frequency 30 can be calibrated by the user of system 12, or it can be calibrated before the second antenna 16 is installed in vehicle 10. When the strip 18 is in a non-fixed state 24, the first antenna frequency 32 is at a second frequency 34 that is not equal to the first frequency 30. In other words, the first antenna 14 operates at the second frequency 34 when the strip 18 is in a non-fixed state 24, and does not operate at the first frequency 30 when the strip 18 is in a non-fixed state 24. This is because the first antenna 14 is in a contracted state associated with the tension-responsive portion 22 of the strip 18. Furthermore, if the first antenna 14 is powered based on receiving RFID communications from the second antenna 16, the first antenna 14 will not receive any power because the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16 operate at different frequencies in the non-fixed state 24. The second antenna 16 will only be able to communicate with the first antenna 14 when the first antenna 14 is at the first frequency 30. This means that when the strip 18 is in the non-fixed state 24, no communication occurs between the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16. However, when the strip 18 is in the fixed state 26 due to the threshold level of tension experienced by the strip, the tension-responsive portion 22 of the strip 18 will stretch, forcing the first antenna 14 to stretch in tandem. Due to the zigzag dipole type, the stretching of the first antenna 14 will adjust its communication frequency, and with the strip 18 in the fixed state 26, the first antenna frequency 32 will now exist at the first frequency 30. That is, the first antenna 14 operates at the first frequency 30 when the strip 18 is in the fixed state 26. At this time, the first antenna frequency 32 will match the second antenna frequency 28 at the first frequency 30, which allows communication between the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16. In addition, power can be generated based on the RFID signal received from the second antenna 16 at the first antenna 14, since the first antenna frequency 32 and the second antenna frequency 28 are equivalent.

[0050] In some examples, the first antenna 14 may operate at a different communication frequency not based on changes in the tension level of the band 18, and the tension sensor 36 measures the tension of the band 18, enabling communication to be transmitted between the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16 based on the measured tension. In these examples, when the tension sensor 36 detects a tension greater than a threshold on the band 18, wireless communication may be transmitted only from the first antenna 14 to the second antenna 16. The sensor 36 can provide a more accurate measurement of the tension experienced by the band 18. The system 12 may also include, but is not limited to, a humidity sensor 108 and a temperature sensor 106.

[0051] Based on wireless communication received from the first antenna 14 at the second antenna 16 indicating that the strap 18 is adjusted to a fixed state, the system 12 generates an alarm or feedback signal 38. For example, when the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16 operate at the same frequency and thus transmit wireless communication to each other, the system 12 determines that the strap 18 is at a threshold tension. The wireless communication may include information from other sensors communicating with the first antenna 14. The alarm 38 may include visual alarms, such as illuminated icons or messages displayed on a screen, audible alarms or tones, tactile alarms, etc. For example, when the system 12 is installed at the vehicle 10 and the system 12 is used to measure the tension of the strap 18, the system 12 may not be active until the vehicle 10 determines that the buckle 39 of the strap 18 is inserted into the buckle receiver 41. This prevents the user from being warned that the strap 18 is not fixed when it is not being used at all. When the vehicle 10 recognizes that the strap 18 is being used based on the determination that the buckle 39 is inserted into the buckle receiver 41, the system 12 will be activated to begin transmitting wireless communication from the second antenna 16 to receive return wireless communication from the first antenna 14. When the first antenna frequency 32 is not equal to the second antenna frequency 28, an alarm 38 can be provided on the instrument panel 40 of the vehicle 10. That is, because the system 12 sends communication from the second antenna 16 and does not receive a return communication from the first antenna 14, the system 12 determines that the band 18 is in a non-fixed state 24 and is not providing an appropriate level of tension. The alarm 38 can appear, for example, as a symbol on the instrument panel 40, which, in conjunction with audible and tactile alarms, indicates that the band 18 is not sufficiently tightened. When the first antenna frequency 32 is equal to the second antenna frequency 28, the system 12 recognizes that the band 18 is in a fixed state 26 and is sufficiently tightened because the first antenna 14 is communicating with the second antenna 16. In this case, the alarm 38 can appear, for example, as a symbol on the instrument panel 40, indicating that the band 18 is sufficiently tightened. The alarm can be generated by a controller / processor (such as ECU 13) associated with the system 12 and / or the vehicle 10.

[0052] When multiple straps 18 are used within a single system, such as when goods are secured via multiple straps 18 on a truck, system 12 can determine the tension at each strap 18. If only one of the multiple straps used to secure the goods is in a non-secured state 24, the user needs to be able to determine which specific strap is non-secured. To address this, sensors 36 included on the first antenna 14 will be uniquely identified by system 12. Each sensor 36 may include a chip or data chip incorporated within the sensor 36, allowing the system to differentiate among multiple sensors 36, thereby enabling differentiation among multiple first antennas 14. If a strap 18 is in a non-secured state 24, system 12 will be able to identify which specific strap 18 is non-secured 24 and provide an alert 38 to the user, allowing the user to quickly identify the strap 18 that needs increased tension for proper securing.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 6 The diagram illustrates system 12 and how each component within system 12 operates and connects to each other. Optional sensors 102 may be included in a first antenna 14, and these sensors may include a tension sensor 36, a temperature sensor 106, and a humidity sensor 108. These sensors are integrated with control and communication 110 of the first antenna 14, which includes a microcontroller 112 and wireless communication 23. Control and communication 110 is connected to the first antenna 14, which provides communication within system 12. Control and communication 110 receives power from energy harvesting circuitry 118, which is directly connected to energy harvesting mechanism 120, which facilitates the reception of power from energy harvesting circuitry 118 to control and communication 110 of the first antenna 14.

[0054] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0055] The foregoing description is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. They can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system comprising: The belt is adjustable between the following states: A fixed state, wherein there is at least a threshold level of tension on the belt, and In a non-fixed state, tension less than the threshold level exists on the belt; A first antenna is disposed at the band and is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications. The first antenna is operable at the resonant frequency when the band is in the fixed state and is not operable at the resonant frequency when the band is in the non-fixed state. A second antenna is positioned away from the band and is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications at the resonant frequency. as well as A processor configured to generate an alarm based on receiving wireless communication from the first antenna at the second antenna, the wireless communication being transmitted from the first antenna at the resonant frequency and indicating that the band is adjusted to the fixed state.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first antenna includes a zigzag dipole antenna that extends to become operable at the resonant frequency when the band is adjusted from the non-fixed state to the fixed state.

3. The system of claim 1 further includes an energy harvester disposed at the strip, the energy harvester generating power based on wireless communication received at the first antenna at the resonant frequency, and the generated power supplying power for the transmission of the wireless communication signal from the first antenna.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The generated power supplies the sensors located on the belt.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The sensor includes a tension sensor that generates sensor data representing the tension on the belt.

6. The system according to claim 1 further includes a power supply disposed at the strip, the power supply supplying power to the first antenna.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The belt includes a vehicle's seatbelt, and the vehicle includes a power source for powering the first antenna.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The generated alarms include at least one of the group consisting of (i) auditory alarms, (ii) visual alarms and (iii) tactile alarms.

9. A verification system, comprising: The belt, including a buckle, is adjustable between the following: In a fixed state, wherein the buckle is received by the receiver and there is at least a threshold level of tension on the belt, and In a non-fixed state, tension less than the threshold level exists on the belt; A first antenna is disposed at the strip and operable to transmit and receive wireless communications. The first antenna is operable at a resonant frequency when the strip is in the fixed state and not operable at the resonant frequency when the strip is in the non-fixed state. The first antenna also includes a zigzag dipole antenna that extends to become operable at the resonant frequency when the strip is adjusted from the non-fixed state to the fixed state. A second antenna is disposed away from the band, and the second antenna is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications at the resonant frequency; A processor configured to generate an alarm based on receiving wireless communication from the first antenna at the second antenna, the wireless communication being transmitted from the first antenna at the resonant frequency and indicating that the band is adjusted to the fixed state, the generated alarm including at least one of the group consisting of (i) an auditory alarm, (ii) a visual alarm and (iii) a tactile alarm; as well as An energy harvester, disposed at the strip, generates power based on receiving wireless communication at the resonant frequency at the first antenna, and the generated power supplies the transmission of the wireless communication signal from the first antenna.

10. A vehicle comprising: The belt, including a buckle, is adjustable between the following states: In a fixed state, wherein the buckle is received by a receiver and there is tension on the belt at least at a threshold level; as well as In a non-fixed state, tension less than the threshold level exists on the belt; A first antenna is disposed at the strip and operable to transmit and receive wireless communications. The first antenna is operable at a resonant frequency when the strip is in the fixed state and not operable at the resonant frequency when the strip is in the non-fixed state. The first antenna also includes a zigzag dipole antenna that extends to become operable at the resonant frequency when the strip is adjusted from the non-fixed state to the fixed state. A second antenna is positioned away from the band and is operable to transmit and receive wireless communications at the resonant frequency. A processor configured to generate an alarm based on receiving wireless communication from the first antenna at the second antenna, the wireless communication being transmitted from the first antenna at the resonant frequency and indicating that the band is adjusted to the fixed state; as well as An energy harvester is disposed at the strip, the energy harvester generating power based on wireless communication received at the first antenna at the resonant frequency, and the generated power supplies the transmission of the wireless communication signal from the first antenna.

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