Radio frequency identification device for an object

Abstract

The invention relates to a radio frequency identification device (1) for an object, comprising a flexible band (1a) for encircling the object or a part of the object, a fastener configured to join two portions of the flexible band when it is encircled by the object or the part of the object, and a radio frequency module (4) fully incorporated into the flexible band (1a) and comprising an electrical antenna (2a) associated with a transmit-receive electronic chip (2b). Figure 1a

Description

Title of the invention: Radio frequency identification device for an object. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio frequency identification device for an object. It has applications in numerous sectors, such as the luxury goods sector (fashion, jewelry, watchmaking) for authenticating and tracking high-value items, or the medical sector for authenticating and tracking medical equipment or drug doses. It can also be used in construction or repair workshops to inventory the parts of a complex mechanism during assembly / disassembly, or even to inventory the tools used during these operations, to ensure they are not left behind in the complex mechanism afterward. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In many industrial sectors, the management, identification and tracking of objects are important issues.

[0003] Conventional object identification methods, based on physical labels or barcodes attached to the object, have limitations in their ability to provide remote, contactless, and / or collective identification of a plurality of objects.

[0004] Known radio frequency identification devices, such as RFID tags, are often rigid and bulky, and therefore poorly suited for use with objects of varied, irregular, and / or atypical shapes. This is especially true when it is important to make these devices inconspicuous and non-removable, for example by integrating them into the objects (sometimes aesthetically), for which theft protection is desired. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One object of the invention is to provide a radio frequency transmission and reception device that at least partially overcomes these limitations. More specifically, one object of the invention is to provide an object identification device that is both adaptable to different object shapes, discreet, and that integrates electronic components securely without compromising their transmission capabilities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] With a view to achieving one of these goals, the object of the invention proposes a radio frequency identification device for an object comprising: • a flexible tie, intended to encircle the object or part of the object, the flexible tie having two ends; • a fastener configured to join two portions of the flexible link when it is around the object or part of the object; • a radio frequency module fully incorporated into the flexible link and comprising an electric antenna associated with an electronic transmit-receive chip.

[0007] According to other advantageous and non-limiting features of the invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination: - the flexible link takes the form of a cord; - the radio frequency module has a wire form factor and is associated, for example braided or twisted, with other textile threads; - the flexible link takes the form of a ribbon; - the flexible link includes a protective coating; - the radio frequency module includes at least one cover wire and / or encapsulation resin around the electric antenna and the electronic transmit-receive chip; - the electronic transmit-receive chip is galvanically connected to the electric antenna; - the electronic transmit-receive chip is electrically connected to a primary antenna, the primary antenna being capable of inductively coupling to the electrical antenna; - the electronic transmit-receive chip rests on a support, the primary antenna being formed of at least one conductive track arranged on the support; - the electronic transmit-receive chip and the primary antenna are covered with a protective material; - the antenna extends from one end to the other of the flexible link; - the attachment is configured to join the two portions of the link in a way irreversible; - the attachment is adjustable and allows you to select at least one of the two joined portions; - the fastener is adjustable and allows the flexible link to slide; - the fastener is a clasp consisting of a male part and a female part respectively attached to the flexible link; - the fastener or at least part of the fastener is overmolded onto the flexible link. Brief description of the drawings

[0008] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0009] [Fig.la] [Fig.lb]

[0010] Figures 1a and 1b illustrate two examples of identification devices according to the invention;

[0011] [Fig.2a] [Fig.2b] [Fig.2c]

[0012] Figures 2a, 2b and 2c represent examples of the use of an identification device, respectively associated with a ring, the handle of a bag, and the arm of glasses;

[0013] [Fig.3a] [Fig.3b]

[0014] Figures 3a, 3b illustrate two identification devices on which the radio frequency modules have been made visible;

[0015] [Fig.4a] [Fig.4b]

[0016] Figures 4a, 4b illustrate two radio frequency modules compatible with an identification device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] For the sake of simplicity in the following description, the same references are used for identical elements or elements performing the same function in the different modes of implementation of the invention.

[0018] Figures 1a, 1b show two examples of identification devices 1 according to the invention. In a very general way, such a device consists of a flexible link 1a and a fastener 1b, 1b' configured to join two portions of the flexible link 1a when it is encircled by an object, or a part of that object, that one seeks to identify. The flexible link 1a incorporates a radio frequency module comprising an electrical antenna associated with a transmit-receive electronic chip (not visible in Figures 1a, 1b).

[0019] As is well known, the radio frequency module of an identification device can include a unique identifier and be interrogated remotely by a radio frequency terminal. Such a terminal can collect the identifiers of a plurality of radio frequency modules within its range, and thus identify the objects respectively associated with the identification devices. Under certain circumstances, the terminal can couple with an identification device located at very short range, in near contact.

[0020] An identification device according to the invention may include a radio frequency module conforming to any type of radio frequency communication standard, for example based on RFID or NFC technology using including the radio frequency ranges known as LF (125-134 kHz), HF (13.56 MHz), or UHF (860-960 MHz).

[0021] When the range of the device is relatively long, one meter or several meters, a radio frequency terminal or a plurality of radio frequency terminals can be placed in a room or workshop to cover its entire area. When the range is short, less than one meter or even a few centimeters, the terminal can be placed in a support on which the object rests. In both cases, the radio frequency terminal or the plurality of terminals can be operated on demand to create an inventory of the objects present in the room or on supports placed in the room, as appropriate.

[0022] In applications where it is desired to secure the object against theft, this inventory operation can be repeated regularly, for example every 30 seconds, or continuously to detect any movement of the object or to place terminals at the access points of the room that it is desired to secure, as is very conventional.

[0023] The flexible link incorporating the radio frequency module is not externally visible, thus preventing the identification device 1 from being detected by simple visual observation. This characteristic can prove important when the identification device aims to protect the object to which it is attached against theft.

[0024] The flexible link la can, for example, take the form of a cord as shown in [Fig.laa] or a ribbon (i.e., a narrow and flexible strip of material) as shown in [Fig.lb]. In all cases, this link is flexible, that is to say, it does not have sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape, and it can bend and rebend without breaking or being damaged.

[0025] The flexible link may exhibit elastic deformability, that is, be capable of deforming under tensile stress, but without undergoing permanent deformation. This characteristic, however, remains entirely optional.

[0026] Preferably, the flexible tie, whether in the form of a cord or a ribbon, is textile in nature, that is to say, made from natural or synthetic fibers. It may have been treated to give it specific properties, such as water resistance, a chosen color, or an antimicrobial finish. For this purpose, the flexible tie may include a protective coating, for example, a resin, silicone, or polymer, which may have been formed by any suitable technique: coating, spraying, dipping, extrusion, casting, or calendering.

[0027] Thus, when the flexible link is made of a cord, this cord may be formed from a single textile thread or a plurality of twisted or braided textile threads. When the link The flexible ribbon consists of woven, embroidered, or knitted textile threads. Some of these threads, in specific applications, can be electrically conductive.

[0028] The flexible lanyard is intended to encircle an object or part of an object, thereby physically associating the object with the identification device 1. To this end, the flexible lanyard is arranged to form a loop that closes around the object, thus retaining the identification device to the object or part of the object. The fastener 1b, which is configured to join two portions of the flexible lanyard after it has been placed on the object, allows the loop to be closed and the identification device 1 to be secured to the object.

[0029] The flexible nature of the link allows it to perform this operation for a wide variety of objects, which may have very different and / or atypical shapes.

[0030] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate three examples of the use of an identification device 1 according to the invention. In [Fig. 2a], the object O is a ring, resting on a display stand S. The flexible cord forms a loop passing through the opening of the ring O, this loop being closed by the fastener 1b. It can be seen in this figure that the fastener 1b does not necessarily join the two ends of the flexible cord 1b. It is sufficient for this fastener 1b to join two portions of the flexible cord 1b so as to close it in a loop around the object or a part of the object.

[0031] In [Fig. 2b], the object is a handbag and the identification device 1 is positioned in a loop around one of the bag's handles. In this case, the fastener 1b joins the two ends of the flexible cord 1a and it is therefore not possible to adjust the size of the loop, the perimeter of which is defined by the length of the cord.

[0032] In [Fig. 2c], the object is a pair of glasses, and the flexible strap of the identification device 1 is attached to one arm of this pair of glasses. In this example, the loop formed by the flexible strap 1b is tightened around the arm of the glasses. This adjustment of the loop's size to the shape of the object may require that the fastener 1b allow the flexible strap 1b to slide when the identification device is attached to the object.

[0033] These three examples clearly illustrate the ability of the identification device to be physically associated with a wide variety of objects. These examples also demonstrate that the attachment lb,lb' can take multiple forms.

[0034] Thus, in the example of figures la,lb,2b, the fastener is in the form of a clasp: it consists of two parts lb,lb' respectively attached to the ends of the flexible link la, one forming a male part and the other a female part, these two parts being capable of mechanically coupling to each other. It could naturally be envisaged that these two parts, male and female, could be arranged on portions of the flexible link la other than its ends.

[0035] In the example of [Fig. 2c], the fastener 1b is configured to allow the flexible link to slide, thus tightening the link, in a loop, around the object. This fastener 1b, formed from a single part 1b, can therefore be provided for as fixed to one end of the flexible link 1a, and has a lateral groove or a through channel in which a portion of the flexible link 1b is positioned. The dimensions of the groove or through channel are such that the sliding of the flexible link is dampened.

[0036] As an alternative to this adjustable fastener, the fastener 1b may comprise two lateral grooves or two channels in which two portions of the flexible cord are disposed, the fastener allowing the flexible cord to slide in a controlled manner within each lateral groove or each channel. The size of the loop can thus be adjusted by sliding one or both portions of the flexible cord.

[0037] In the example of [Fig. 2a], the fastener 1b is configured to allow the size of the loop formed by the flexible cord 1b to be defined when it is around the object, without, however, allowing its adjustment once the loop is closed by the fastener. It can thus be envisaged that such an adjustable fastener is formed of two parts that are assembled together, for example by clipping. One part can be attached to the flexible cord, at its end or on a portion of this cord, and the other part can be independent of the flexible cord. The assembly of the two parts of the fastener can be carried out after the loop has been formed to the chosen size. This assembly is such that it permanently joins, without any possibility of slippage, the two portions of the flexible cord 1b that close the loop.

[0038] In general terms, the fastener 1b is therefore configured to join two portions of the flexible link la in order to form a fixed, adjustable, or adjustable loop around the object O or a part of that object. Such fasteners will be referred to respectively as "fixed fastener," "adjustable fastener," and "adjustable fastener" in the remainder of this description.

[0039] When the attachment lb,lb', or at least a part of the attachment, is attached to the flexible link la, the attachment or part of the attachment can be overmolded onto this link.

[0040] In addition to these functions related to loop formation, the fastener 1b can be used to retain the identification device 1 reversibly or irreversibly to the object. Depending on the intended application, it may be desirable to be able to easily remove the identification device 1 from the object or, conversely, preferable to prevent this removal as much as possible. This is particularly the case when the identification device is intended to prevent theft of the object.

[0041] A reversible or irreversible connection can be obtained by configuring the two male and female parts lb,lb', of the fastener to allow or prevent their mechanical decoupling. Alternatively, and whether the fastener 1b is formed of one or two parts, this function can be achieved by forming the fastener 1b from a hot-melt material. which is melted onto itself and / or onto the flexible link by heating it, after the identification device 1 has been properly placed on the object. This heating can, for example, be applied by a heating clamp or any other suitable tool. More generally, the fastener can therefore consist of a single part or a plurality of parts joining two portions of the flexible link and formed by stamping a hot-melt material, for example.

[0042] Returning to the general description of the identification device 1, this includes, in addition to the flexible link la and the attachment lb,lb', a radio frequency module 4 comprising an electric antenna 2a associated with an electronic transmit-receive chip 2b.

[0043] The electric antenna 2a typically has a length between 5 cm and 20 cm. It extends into at least part of the length of the flexible link la.

[0044] Preferably, the electric antenna 2a extends along the entire loop that closes the flexible link la around the object via the fastener le, once the device 1 has been properly attached to that object. In such an advantageous configuration, if the flexible link la is broken at its loop to release the object from the identification device 1, the electric antenna is also broken, rendering the identification device 1 inoperative. The sudden malfunction of the identification device 1 can be detected by a radio frequency terminal when the latter is operated to repeatedly detect identification devices within its range.

[0045] This configuration can be obtained, whether the attachment lb,lb' of the identification device 1 is fixed, adjustable or adjustable, by arranging the antenna 2a in the flexible link la so that it extends from one end of this link to the other.

[0046] Thus, when the identification device includes a fixed attachment lb,lb', the electric antenna preferentially extends from one end of the flexible link la to the other when the male and female parts of the attachment are fixed to these two ends. This embodiment is shown in [Fig. 3a].

[0047] However, the configuration in which the antenna 2a is arranged in the flexible link la so that it extends over the entire length of this link can be restrictive, because it fixes the length of the flexible link la to the length of the antenna 2a, which is itself imposed by the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation used for its coupling to the radio frequency terminal.

[0048] In some cases, it may be possible to choose to make the flexible link longer than the antenna 2a without reducing the tamper-evidence of the identification device 1. Thus, when the identification device includes an adjustable or adjustable attachment lb,lb', and as illustrated in [Fig.2b], the flexible link la can be provided with at least one mark or stop T allowing the user to form a loop, when positioning the identification device 1 on the object O, sufficiently narrow so that it is entirely traversed by the electric antenna 2a.

[0049] The radio frequency module 4 can be constructed in any suitable way so that it can be fully incorporated into the flexible link la of the identification device 1. Of course, this module, fully integrated into the flexible link la, must not make it excessively rigid and must preserve the flexible nature of this link.

[0050] Preferably, the radio frequency module 4 has a wired form factor, particularly when the flexible link takes the form of a cord. Numerous prior art approaches allow for the formation of such a wired radio frequency module 4.

[0051] According to a first approach, the radio frequency module can be obtained by galvanically connecting pads of the electronic transmit-receive chip to the electric antenna, as illustrated for example in document US9953953.

[0052] According to another approach illustrated in [Fig. 4a], the electronic transmit-receive chip 2b can be provided with lateral grooves in which reside pads P electrically connected to a functional circuit C. Portions 2a, 2a' of the electrical antenna are embedded and / or soldered into these grooves to make electrical contact with the pads P and ensure galvanic connection. These portions 2a, 2a' can contact each other to form an impedance matching loop as seen in [Fig. 4a]. Further details on the formation of a wired radio frequency module according to this also well-known approach can be found in documents US8782880, EP2810299 or WO2018193198.

[0053] According to another approach for forming a radio frequency module 4 having a wire form factor, the chip is electrically and galvanically connected to a primary antenna. The chip and the primary antenna form a very small electronic circuit, the chip resting, for example, on a substrate and the primary antenna being formed of at least one conductive track arranged on this substrate. The electronic circuit can be embedded in a protective resin. The electrical antenna is associated with the electronic circuit such that the primary antenna is capable of inductively coupling to the electrical antenna 2a. For example, and as shown in [Fig. 4b], the electrical antenna 2a can be arranged in non-contiguous turns around a textile core wire 5, and the electronic circuit disposed on or in the textile core wire 5. Such an approach is described in document US2024104331A1.The textile core wire can be replaced by a strip on or in which the CE electronic circuit is placed, the strip being wound on itself and held by the electrical antenna 2a in non-contiguous turns.

[0054] In all the approaches described, the electric antenna 2a can be formed from an electrically conductive strand, for example made of steel or copper. It can thus be a strand composed of a plurality of twisted strands of stainless steel or a single strand of copper, possibly mixed with polyester or natural fibers. Alternatively, the electric antenna 2a can be formed from a support wire and at least one conductive ribbon, made of an electrically conductive material, the conductive ribbon being wound in turns around the support wire to cover it at least partially. This support wire can correspond to the textile core wire 5 of the second approach.

[0055] In all the approaches just presented, and to give a textile appearance to the assembly of the electronic transmit-receive chip 2b and the electric antenna 2a, the assembly can be wrapped with one or more layers of textile covering yarns and / or coated with an encapsulating resin. A wired radio frequency module 4 is then obtained.

[0056] Such a wired radio frequency module 4 can constitute the cord la of the identification device 1 or be associated with other textile threads, for example by twisting them, braiding them together or joining them by any other means, to form the cord la.

[0057] When the flexible link la takes the form of a ribbon, the radio frequency module 4 does not necessarily have a wire shape, and its incorporation into the flexible link la is facilitated.

[0058] The radio frequency module can thus be placed between two textile strips sealed together or on a wide strip folded over itself to sandwich the module and form the ribbon of the identification device 1, which fully incorporates the radio frequency module. This radio frequency module can be a wired radio frequency module, as previously described, or be in the form of a label, as is known, for example, from US2023097855 or US20240038043.

[0059] The ribbon is not necessarily of a textile nature, it may be a flexible material extruded or molded in the shape of a ribbon around the radio frequency module 4 to incorporate it entirely.

[0060] Of course the invention is not limited to the modes of implementation described and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Radio frequency identification device (1) for an object comprising: • a flexible band (la), intended to encircle the object or a part of the object, the flexible band (la) having two ends; • a fastener (lb,lb') configured to join two portions of the flexible band when it encircles the object or the part of the object; • a radio frequency module (4) fully incorporated in the flexible band (la) and comprising an electric antenna (2a) associated with a transmit-receive electronic chip (2b).

2. Identification device (1) according to claim 1 wherein the flexible link (the) takes the form of a cord.

3. Identification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the radio frequency module (4) has a wire form factor and is associated, for example braided or twisted, with other textile threads.

4. Identification device (1) according to claim 1 wherein the flexible link (the) takes the form of a ribbon.

5. Identification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible link (the) comprises a protective coating.

6. Identification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the radio frequency module (4) comprises at least one cover wire and / or encapsulation resin around the electric antenna (2a) and the transmit-receive electronic chip (2b).

7. Identification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the transmit-receive electronic chip (2b) is galvanically connected to the electric antenna (2a,2a').

8. Identification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the transmit-receive electronic chip (2b) is electrically connected to a primary antenna, the primary antenna being capable of inductively coupling to the electrical antenna (2a).

9. Identification device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the electronic transmit-receive chip (2b) is based on a support, the primary antenna being formed of at least one conductive track arranged on the support.

10. Identification device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the transmit-receive electronic chip (2b) and the primary antenna are covered with a protective material.

11. Identification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electric antenna (2a) extends from one end to the other of the flexible link (la).

12. Identification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastener (lb,lb') is configured to irreversibly join the two portions of the link.

13. Identification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment (lb,lb') is adjustable and allows selection of at least one of the two joined portions.

14. Identification device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the attachment (lb,lb') is adjustable and allows the flexible link (la) to slide.

15. Identification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the fastener (lb,lb') is a clasp consisting of a male part (1b) and a female part (1b') respectively attached to the flexible link (la).

16. Identification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fastener (lb,lb') or at least part of the fastener (1b, 1b') is overmolded onto the flexible link (la).

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