Jewelry ring with RFID transponder and readout device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a jewelry ring, such as a ring for a finger or wedding ring, according to the preamble of claim 1. The jewelry ring has a metal base, which is made, for example, of a precious metal, such as a gold, silver, and / or platinum alloy, and forms a mounting for attaching the jewelry ring to a finger of the wearer. Furthermore, an RFID transponder is provided on the jewelry ring, on which readable data is stored, which serves, for example, to identify the user or includes access rights, such as for opening doors or for accessing computer systems. For this purpose, the RFID transponder is connected to an antenna structure or itself has an integrated antenna structure via which signals can be exchanged with a reading device.

[0002] From EP2597723A1, a jewelry ring is known in which an RFID transponder is received in a recess of a metal base body, which is embedded in an outer surface. The RFID transponder is at least partially covered on the outside by an amorphous decorative element arranged on the metal base body.

[0003] WO 2018 / 020055 A1 describes a ring for near-field communication (NFC) via its outer surface. The ring has an outer shell on the inside of which an annular seal can be inserted. An annular recess is formed between the outer shell and the seal, in which an NFC chip connected to an antenna structure is inserted.

[0004] This type of RFID transponder arrangement allows for easy data transfer between the RFID transponder's chip and an activation / reader located outside the ring. This enables the transponder to store data on the chip and / or read previously stored data. For example, the RFID transponder can store a code for opening an electronic lock on a ring, which can then be read externally by a reader. In this way, a ring worn on a finger can be held against a lock, such as a building or car door, to open it.

[0005] Beyond such uses of jewelry with an easily readable RFID transponder, there is a market demand for jewelry rings that guarantee particularly secure storage of data or codes, such as codes that allow access to a bank account or cryptocurrencies. The existing jewelry rings are unsuitable for such applications, as they are primarily designed for convenient and easy access, and the stored data must be relatively easy to read. In this case, there is a particular risk that simply placing a reader on a piece of jewelry worn by a user could allow unauthorized individuals to read the stored data and thereby gain access to the relevant accounts or cryptocurrencies.

[0006] The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages in a generic jewelry ring and to reliably prevent unauthorized access to the stored data.

[0007] This problem is solved by a jewelry ring with the features of claim 1. The RFID transponder is arranged on the inside of the metal base body, receiving it in a transponder receptacle formed by a blind-shaped bore recessed into the inner surface of the metal base body. The metal base body, with its closed outer surface, completely shields the RFID transponder from the outside, thereby completely blocking data transmission from the RFID transponder to a reader located outside the ring and vice versa. This makes it possible to design the jewelry ring such that the RFID transponder can only be read from its inner surface. As a result, the data stored on the RFID transponder is reliably protected against unauthorized reading while the jewelry ring is being worn on the finger.This reliably prevents both reading and manipulation of the data stored on the RFID transponder while wearing the jewelry ring.

[0008] By embedding the RFID transponder in a transponder recess embedded in the inner surface of the metal base, a stable attachment and secure shielding of the RFID transponder from external interference are achieved. The transponder recess can be integrated during the manufacturing of the jewelry ring or the metal base, or alternatively, it can be incorporated into an existing jewelry ring as needed.

[0009] By creating the transponder recess with a blind-shaped bore, a particularly stable attachment and excellent external shielding can be ensured. Furthermore, this method allows for relatively easy retrofitting of the RFID transponder to a jewelry ring.

[0010] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transponder holder has a groove-like design, which allows the RFID transponder to be attached in any circumferential position on the inside of the ring. In addition, the groove-like design of the transponder holder also allows for the attachment of at least one further RFID transponder if required.

[0011] Advantageously, at least one additional RFID transponder is mounted on the inside of the metal base. This increases the area where reliable data transmission is possible on the inside of the ring, ensuring secure data retrieval. In particular, the groove-shaped design of the transponder mount allows for the internal attachment of at least one additional RFID transponder or the circumferential arrangement of a transponder array. The readable data is advantageously stored redundantly on the RFID transponders, so that if one RFID transponder fails to read, the relevant data can be provided by the at least one additional RFID transponder or by the remaining RFID transponders in the array.

[0012] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one RFID transponder is designed as a passive transponder, meaning it requires no power supply and is therefore available for virtually unlimited periods. This passive RFID transponder can then be activated at any time by the electromagnetic field of an external reader to transmit or make available the readable data.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one RFID transponder has a near-field antenna integrated into a chip housing. Such antennas can be relatively small, making them particularly easy to integrate into a jewelry ring. Moreover, by using a near-field antenna that only allows communication between the RFID transponder and a reader at a maximum distance of 2 cm, unauthorized reading by third parties or the unintentional disclosure of the readable data can be effectively prevented.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the RFID transponder is held at a distance from the metal base without contact, which ensures interference-free data transmission.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the RFID transponder is covered by a non-metallic material that at least partially seals the transponder receptacle. This makes it possible to mount the RFID transponder, or rather its antenna structure, in a way that is largely concealed and protected within the transponder receptacle, without causing significant interference with the reading of the stored data. The non-metallic materials can also be used as an additional design element on the inside of the ring, so that the design and overall high-quality appearance of the ring can be maintained despite the inclusion of at least one RFID transponder.

[0016] It is advantageous if the non-metallic material is at least partially composed of a carbon fiber structure, a coating, or a ceramic. This minimizes the reduction in the transmit and receive performance of the RFID transponders caused by the covering material. Furthermore, the use of these materials provides particularly effective protection for the RFID transponders against mechanical or chemical impacts, such as those caused by shocks, tilting, or the ingress of fluids.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the non-metallic material can advantageously be at least partially formed by a gemstone made of a crystalline or amorphous material. In particular, the gemstones can be made of a monocrystalline material, especially cubic zirconia. By using crystalline or amorphous stones, or cubic zirconia stones, the at least one RFID transponder can be discreetly covered and integrated, even in high-quality jewelry such as precious metal rings set with gemstones.

[0018] Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is solved by a reading arrangement comprising a jewelry ring in one of the embodiments described above and a reading device for data exchange with the RFID transponder of the jewelry ring, wherein the reading device has a reading area with receiver means for reading data from the RFID transponder that can be inserted into the mounting socket. While the data stored on the RFID transponder is securely protected against unauthorized access due to the external shielding and the limited range of the near-field antenna, as long as the jewelry ring is worn on the finger, the jewelry ring can be removed from the finger and attached to the reading area of ​​the reading device to read the data.In this device, the receiving elements are arranged such that the at least one RFID transponder, when attached to the jewelry ring, can be positioned sufficiently close to the receiving elements to enable undisturbed data transmission. In the case of a passive RFID transponder, an activation signal with an activation and reception frequency is sent from the activation elements of the reader to the jewelry, thereby generating an alternating electromagnetic field. The frequency energy of this alternating electromagnetic field serves as the power supply for the passive RFID chip during the communication process, in which the data stored on it is transmitted to the receiving elements of the reader.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the jewelry ring can be attached to the reading area to enable secure positioning of the at least one RFID transponder relative to the activation means and the receiving means of the reading device.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a tapered section is provided in the direction of attachment, preceding the reading area, to facilitate easier attachment to the reading device.

[0021] It is particularly preferred if an alignment arrangement is provided on the jewelry ring and the reading device, by means of which the jewelry ring can be positioned in a predetermined rotational position on the reading area, in which the RFID transponder is arranged adjacent to the receiving elements of the reading area. The alignment arrangement can, for example, include alignment means formed by an inner contour and / or an outer contour of the jewelry ring or its metal base. These alignment means interact with corresponding, in particular complementary, alignment counter-measures formed on the reading device.These alignment means and alignment countermeasures are arranged in such a way that the jewelry ring is deflected by a mounting movement so that, upon reaching an end or stop position on the reading device, it assumes a predetermined rotational position on the reading area in which the RFID transponder is located adjacent to the receiving means.

[0022] It should be noted that all the features of the object according to the invention described above are interchangeable or combinable with each other, provided that such an exchange or combination is not excluded for technical reasons.

[0023] The figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. They show: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a jewelry ring according to the invention with an RFID transponder, Figure 2 shows a section through the jewelry ring according to the invention. Figure 1In plane II-II, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the jewelry ring, Figure 4 shows a section through the jewelry ring according to Figure 3 In level IV-IV, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a selection arrangement with the jewelry ring and a selection device in the separated state, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the selection arrangement in the assembled state.

[0024] The characters Figs. 1 and 2 Figure 2 shows a jewelry ring 2 in the form of a finger ring with a metal base 4 that forms a mounting 6 by means of which the jewelry ring 2 can be placed on a finger F. The metal base 4 is made of a precious metal, such as a gold, silver and / or platinum alloy.

[0025] On an inner surface 8 that borders the mounting receptacle 6, the metal base 4 has a transponder receptacle 10, which serves to attach an RFID transponder 12. The transponder receptacle 10 can be formed, as shown, by a blind-shaped bore 14 recessed into the inner surface 8. This shields the RFID transponder 12 contained therein from the outside by a closed outer surface 16 of the metal base 4.

[0026] The RFID transponder 12 is designed as a passive transponder with a chip housing 18, in which a memory chip 20 and an antenna structure 22 are accommodated. The memory chip 20 serves to store data, such as identification or access data or codes, for example, access codes for bank accounts or cryptocurrencies. The antenna structure 22 preferably forms a near-field antenna, the range of which extends exclusively into the mounting socket 6 and is a maximum of 2 cm.

[0027] As especially from Figure 2As can be seen, the RFID transponder 12 is held in the transponder receptacle 10 at a distance from the metal base body 4, for example by means of an adhesive 24. Furthermore, the RFID transponder 12 is covered towards the mounting receptacle 6 by a non-metallic material M, which seals the transponder receptacle 10. This non-metallic material M can be at least partially formed by a carbon fiber structure, a lacquer, or a ceramic. Alternatively or additionally, the non-metallic material M sealing the transponder receptacle can also be formed by a gemstone 26.

[0028] The Figures 3 and 4Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the jewelry ring 2, in which the transponder receptacle 10 is formed by a groove 28, in particular a circumferential groove, recessed into the inner surface 8. This allows for the receptacle of at least one further RFID transponder 12 or, for example, a transponder array arranged circumferentially. Alternatively, instead of receptacles 12 in the common groove 28, two or more bores 14 can also be recessed into the inner surface 8.

[0029] Both the at least one bore 14 and the groove 28 can already be provided during the manufacture of the jewelry ring 2 or can be added to an existing jewelry ring 2 afterwards, for example by drilling or milling.

[0030] The Figures 5 and 6 Figure 1 shows a readout arrangement 30 with the jewelry ring 2 and a readout device 32, which is intended for communication with the RFID transponder 12.

[0031] The reading device 32 is shaped in one part such that the jewelry ring 2 can be attached to it along an insertion direction R and placed against an end stop E, which is adjacent to a reading area 34. Receiver means 36 are housed in this reading area 34, by means of which the RFID transponder 12 can be read.

[0032] In order to make it easier to attach the jewelry ring 2 in the mounting direction R, a tapered section 38 is also provided on the reading device 32 in front of the reading area.

[0033] Furthermore, alignment means 40, such as contour-defining areas on the outer surface 16, can be provided on the jewelry ring 2. These alignment means can interact with, for example, complementary alignment counter-measures 42 in a predetermined rotational position of the jewelry ring 2 relative to the readout device 32. When the alignment means 40 and alignment counter-measures 42 interact, the jewelry ring 2 can be moved into or held in a predetermined rotational position upon reaching the end stop E. In this position, the at least one RFID transponder 12 is arranged adjacent to the receivers 36, as shown in [reference]. Figure 6 depicted.

[0034] In this predetermined end-stop position, an electromagnetic alternating field can now be generated via activation means 46 of the reader 32, which activates the RFID transponder 12 so that the data stored on it can be transmitted to the adjacent receiver means 36 of the reader 32. The reader 32 can then use the data to grant the user the relevant access, such as to a bank account or a cryptocurrency.

[0035] It should be noted that all elements and features described above of the various embodiments of the object according to the invention are interchangeable or combinable with one another, provided that such an exchange or combination is not excluded for technical reasons; the invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Jewelry ring (2), such as jewelry finger ring worn on the finger (F), with a metal base body (4), which forms a put-on reception (6), and an RFID transponder (12) on which readable data are stored and which has an antenna structure (22) via which signals can be transmitted to a readout device (32), wherein the RFID transponder (12) is arranged on the inside of the metal base body (4), characterized in that the RFID transponder (12) is accommodated in a transponder holder (10), which is formed by a blind hole-shaped hole (14) inserted in an inside (8) of the metal base body (4) and the metal base body (4) thereby shields the RFID transponder (12) from the outside by a closed outside (16).

2. Jewelry ring according to claim 1, characterized in that the transponder holder (10) is groove-shaped.

3. Jewelry ring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one further RFID transponder (12) is taken up on the inside of the metal base body (4).

4. Jewelry ring according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one RFID transponder (12) is designed as a passive transponder.

5. Jewelry ring according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the RFID transponder (12) has a near-field antenna integrated into a chip housing (18).

6. Jewelry ring according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the RFID transponder (12) is kept contact-free at a distance from the metal base body (4).

7. Jewelry ring according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the RFID transponder (12) towards the put-on reception (6) is covered by a non-metallic material (M) which at least partially closes the transponder holder (10).

8. Jewelry ring according to claim 7, characterized in that the non-metallic material (M) is at least partly formed by a carbon fibre structure, varnish or ceramic.

9. Jewelry ring according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the non-metallic material (M) is at least partly formed by a gemstone (26).

10. Readout arrangement comprising a jewelry ring according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a readout apparatus for data exchange with the RFID transponder of the jewelry ring, characterized in that the readout device (32) has a reading area (34) with receiving means (36) for reading data from the RFID transponder (12) which can be inserted into the put-on reception (6).

11. Readout arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the jewelry ring (2) can be attached to the reading area (34).

12. Readout arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that a taper section (38) is provided in the attachment direction of one (R) upstream of the reading area (34).

13. Readout arrangement according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that an alignment arrangement is provided on the jewelry ring (2) and the readout device (32) by means of which the jewelry ring (2) can be positioned in a predetermined rotation position on the reading area (34) in which the RFID transponder (12) is arranged adjacent to the receiving means (36) of the reading area (34).