Jewelry ring with RFID transponder and reading placement

Abstract

The invention relates to a jewellery ring (2), in particular a jewellery ring to be worn on a finger (F), comprising a metal body (4) forming a mounting part (6), an RFID transponder (12) storing readable data and an antenna structure (22) capable of transmitting a signal to a reading device (32), the RFID transponder (12) being arranged inside the metal body (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a jewelry ring according to claim 1, such as a jewelry ring for a gemstone ring or a wedding ring. In this case, the jewelry ring has a metal body formed of a noble metal such as a gold alloy, a silver alloy and / or a platinum alloy, and an attachment portion for fixing the jewelry ring to the finger of the wearer. Further, the jewelry ring is equipped with an RFID transponder that stores readable data, and such data is used to identify the user, for example, to open a door or to access a computer system, or includes rights to enter and exit or access. For this purpose, the RFID transponder is connected to an antenna structure or has an antenna structure incorporated therein, and signals of a reading device can be exchanged through the antenna structure.

[0002] From EP2597723A1, a jewelry ring in which an RFID transponder is housed in a recess of a metal body embedded on the outside is well known. In this case, at least a part of the outside of the RFID transponder is covered by an amorphous decorative element disposed on the metal body.

[0003] With such an arrangement of the RFID transponder, simple data transmission can be performed between the chip of the RFID transponder and an activation device / reader disposed outside the jewelry ring, so that storage of the relevant data in the chip and / or reading of the stored data become possible. Thereby, using the RFID transponder, for example, a code for opening an electronic key can be stored in the jewelry ring and read by a reading device from the outside. In this way, by holding the jewelry ring on the finger over a key such as a building or car door, the door can be opened.

[0004] Beyond these applications of jewelry rings equipped with easily readable RFID transponders, there is a market demand for jewelry rings that can securely store data and codes, such as codes that grant access to bank accounts or cryptocurrencies. However, well-known jewelry rings are primarily designed for comfort and ease of access, which requires the stored data to be relatively easy to read, making them unsuitable for such applications. The particular danger here is that, with the reader exposed and positioned on the jewelry worn by the user, the stored data could be read by an unauthorized person, potentially granting access to the relevant account or cryptocurrency.

[0005] The objective of this invention is to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks in typical jewelry rings and to reliably prevent unauthorized access to stored data.

[0006] This problem is solved by a jewelry ring having the features of claim 1. In this case, the RFID transponder is located inside the metal body, and the metal body provides a closed protection of the RFID transponder from the outside, so that data transmission from the RFID transponder to a reader located outside the ring, and conversely, transmission from a transmitter located outside the ring to the RFID transponder, can be completely blocked. This makes it possible to form a jewelry ring in which the RFID transponder can only be read from the inside. Therefore, while the jewelry ring is worn on the finger, the data stored in the RFID transponder is reliably protected and cannot be read. In this case, while the jewelry ring is worn, it is possible to reliably prevent both reading and manipulation of the data stored in the RFID transponder.

[0008] In this case, it is advantageous if the RFID transponder is housed in a transponder housing embedded inside the metal body. This allows for stable fixation of the RFID transponder and more secure protection from external elements. In this case, the transponder housing can be pre-installed during the manufacturing of the jewelry ring or metal body, or it can be incorporated into an existing jewelry ring as needed.

[0009] Advantageously, the transponder housing is formed by a hole. This ensures particularly stable fixation and excellent protection from the outside. Furthermore, arranging the RFID transponder internally in this way is relatively easy to implement and can even be retrofitted to a jewelry ring.

[0010] In addition, it is advantageous if the transponder storage section is formed in a groove shape, as this allows the RFID transponder to be fixed at any circumferential position inside the ring. Furthermore, by forming the transponder storage section in a groove shape, it is also possible to store at least one other RFID transponder as needed.

[0011] Advantageously, at least one additional RFID transponder is housed inside the metal body. In this way, the area inside the jewelry ring where reliable data transmission is possible is expanded, allowing the stored data to be read securely. Specifically, by forming the transponder housing in a groove shape, it becomes possible to fix at least one additional RFID transponder inside or to arrange a transponder array circumferentially. The advantage here is that, since the readable data is redundantly stored in the provided RFID transponders, even if one RFID transponder cannot read the data, at least one additional RFID transponder or the remaining RFID transponders in the transponder array can provide the corresponding data.

[0012] Furthermore, it is even more advantageous if at least one RFID transponder is configured as a passive transponder, and this transponder can be used without a dedicated power supply, and therefore virtually indefinitely. Thus, the passive RFID transponder can be activated at any time by the electromagnetic field of an external reader, making it possible to transmit or provide readable data.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one RFID transponder has a near-field antenna integrated into the chip housing. Because this type of antenna is available in a relatively small size, it can be easily integrated, especially into jewelry rings. Additionally, using a near-field antenna that allows communication between the RFID transponder and the reader at a distance of up to 2 cm effectively prevents unauthorized third parties from reading readable data or providing unintended data.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the RFID transponder is held separately from the metal body in a contactless manner, thereby ensuring uninterrupted data transmission.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the side facing the mounting portion of the RFID transponder is covered with a non-metallic material that at least partially encloses the transponder housing. This allows the RFID transponder or its antenna structure to be housed in the transponder housing in a protected state, with at least a large portion of it hidden from view, and without causing significant interference when reading stored data. In this case, the non-metallic material can be used as an additional design element on the inside of the jewelry ring, so that the design and high-value overall impression of the jewelry ring can be maintained even when housing at least one RFID transponder.

[0016] In this case, it is advantageous if the non-metallic material is formed at least partially by a carbon fiber structure, enamel, or ceramic. This minimizes the degradation of the RFID transponder's transmission and reception performance due to the coating material. Furthermore, the use of these materials makes it possible to provide particularly effective protection for the RFID transponder against impacts involving mechanical or chemical effects, such as collisions, twisting, or liquid inflow.

[0017] As an alternative or addition, advantageously, this nonmetallic material may be formed at least partially by a gemstone made of a crystalline or amorphous material. In particular, the gemstone may be made of a single-crystalline material, more specifically zirconia. By using crystalline or amorphous or zirconia stones, it is possible to conceal and incorporate at least one RFID transponder particularly discreetly into high-end jewelry, such as a precious metal ring studded with gemstones.

[0018] Furthermore, the above problems are solved by a reading arrangement comprising a jewelry ring according to one of the embodiments described above, and a reader for exchanging data with the RFID transponder of the jewelry ring, the reader having a reading area that can be inserted into the mounting portion, along with receiving means for reading data from the RFID transponder. Data stored in the RFID transponder is securely protected from unauthorized access by external protection and limitations on the receiving range of an internal near-field antenna, and when the jewelry ring is worn on a finger, the jewelry ring can be removed from the finger and placed on the reading area of ​​the reader in order to read the data. In this reader, the receiving means is positioned so that at least one RFID transponder is positioned close enough to the receiving means when the jewelry ring is attached, in order to enable fault-free data transmission. In the case of a passive RFID transponder, the activation means of the reader transmits an activation signal having an operating frequency and a receiving frequency to the jewelry, generating an AC electromagnetic field. The frequency energy of this AC electromagnetic field acts as a power source for the passive RFID chip and is used in a communication process in which data stored in this chip is transmitted to the receiving means of the reader.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, a jewelry ring can be mounted on the reading area, allowing for more reliable positioning of at least one RFID transponder relative to the activation and receiving means of the reading device.

[0020] Furthermore, it is even more advantageous if a tapered portion is provided upstream of the reading area in the mounting direction, allowing for easier attachment to the reading device.

[0021] In this case, it is particularly preferable that the jewelry ring and the reader are provided with alignment arrangements, thereby positioning the jewelry ring at a predetermined rotational position in the reading area, where the RFID transponder is positioned adjacent to the receiving means in the reading area. In this case, the alignment arrangement may have alignment means formed, for example, by the internal and / or external contours of the jewelry ring, or by the metal body of the jewelry ring. This alignment means works together with a corresponding, more specifically complementary, alignment-responding means formed in the reader. In this case, these alignment means and alignment-responding means are arranged such that when the jewelry ring changes orientation during the mounting operation and reaches the terminal or stop position of the reader, it takes a predetermined rotational position in the reading area, where the RFID transponder is positioned adjacent to the receiving means.

[0022] It should be noted that all of the above-described features of the object based on the present invention are interchangeable or can be combined with each other, unless such interchangeability or combination is excluded for technical reasons. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] The figure shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a jewelry ring based on the present invention, which is equipped with an RFID transponder. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry ring shown in Figure 1, cut along plane II-II. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of an alternative example of a jewelry ring. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the jewelry ring when cut along plane IV-IV. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a reading arrangement where the jewelry ring and the reading device are located separately. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the reading position in the installed state.

[0024] Figures 1 and 2 show a jewelry ring 2 as a precious jewelry ring, and this jewelry ring 2 includes a metal body 4 forming an attachment portion 6 that can be attached to a finger F. At this time, the metal body 4 is formed of precious metals such as gold alloys, silver alloys and / or platinum alloys in particular.

[0025] The metal body 4 has a transponder storage portion 10 for fixing an RFID transponder 12 on the inner side 8 that borders the attachment portion 6. As shown in the drawing, the transponder storage portion 10 may be formed by a hole 14 in the shape of a stop hole embedded in the inner side 8. Thereby, the RFID transponder 12 stored therein is protected from the outside by the closed outer side 16 of the metal body 4.

[0026] At this time, the RFID transponder 12 is formed as a passive transponder including a chip housing 18 in which a memory chip 20 and an antenna structure 22 are stored. This memory chip 20 is used to store data, and examples thereof include identification data, access data, or codes such as access codes for bank accounts and cryptocurrency. The antenna structure 22 is preferably a near-field antenna, and its reception range extends only in the direction of the attachment portion 6 and is at most 2 cm.

[0027] Particularly as can be seen from FIG. 2, the RFID transponder 12 is held in the transponder storage portion 10 separated from the metal body 4 by, for example, an adhesive 24. Further, the side of the RFID transponder 12 facing the attachment portion 6 is covered by a non-metallic material M that closes the transponder storage portion 10. In this case, the non-metallic material M may be formed at least partially of a carbon fiber structure, enamel or ceramic. As an alternative or addition to this, the non-metallic material M closing the transponder storage portion may be formed of a gemstone 26.

[0028] Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of the jewelry ring 2, in which the transponder housing 10 is formed by a groove 28 embedded in the inner surface 8, particularly in the circumferential direction. This allows for the housing of at least one other RFID transponder 12, or, for example, a transponder array arranged circumferentially. Instead of housing at least two RFID transponders 12 in a common groove 28, two or more holes 14 could also be embedded in the inner surface 8.

[0029] In this case, at least one hole 14 and groove 28 can both be provided in advance during the manufacture of the jewelry ring 2, or they can be added to an existing jewelry ring 2 by drilling or milling.

[0030] Figures 5 and 6 show a reading arrangement 30 comprising a jewelry ring 2 and a reader 32 provided for communication with an RFID transponder 12.

[0031] At this time, a portion of the reading device 32 is formed to contact the end stopper E, which is formed adjacent to the reading area 34 and on which the jewelry ring 2 is mounted along the mounting direction R. A receiving means 36 capable of reading the RFID transponder 12 is housed in this reading area 34.

[0032] To facilitate easier attachment of the jewelry ring 2 in the mounting direction R, the reading device 32 is further provided with a tapered portion 38 upstream of the reading area.

[0033] In addition, the jewelry ring 2 may have an alignment means 40 on its outer surface 16, such as a contour forming region, which can interact with an alignment-responding means 42, for example, that is complementary to the reading device 32, at a predetermined rotational position of the jewelry ring 2. When the alignment means 40 and the alignment-responding means 42 are interacting, the jewelry ring 2 can reach or be held at a predetermined rotational position when it reaches the end stop E, where at least one RFID transponder 12 is positioned adjacent to the receiving means 36, as shown in Figure 6.

[0034] At this specified endstop position, an alternating current electromagnetic field is generated via the activation means 46 of the reader 32 to activate the RFID transponder 12, making it possible to transmit the data stored there to the receiving means 36 of an adjacent reader 32. This data can then be further used to grant the user appropriate access, for example, to bank accounts or cryptocurrencies, via this reader 32.

[0035] It should be noted that all of the elements and features described above in the various embodiments of the object according to the present invention are interchangeable or combined with one another, unless such interchangeability or combination is excluded for technical reasons.

Claims

1. In particular, a reading arrangement comprising a jewelry ring (2) such as a jewelry ring worn on a finger (F), and a reading device (32), The aforementioned jewelry ring (2) is A metal body (4) that forms an attachment part (6) for securing the jewelry ring to the wearer's finger, The RFID transponder (12) stores readable data and includes an antenna structure (22) capable of transmitting signals to the reader (32), The RFID transponder (12) is located inside the metal body (4), At this time, the metal body (4) protects the RFID transponder (12) from the outside. The reading device (32) is for exchanging data with the RFID transponder (12) of the jewelry ring (2). The reading device (32) has a reading area (34) that can be inserted into the mounting portion (6), and a receiving means (36) for reading data from the RFID transponder (12). The reading arrangement is characterized in that the jewelry ring (2) can be attached to the reading area (34).

2. The reading arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the RFID transponder (12) is housed in a transponder housing (10) embedded inside (8) of the metal body (4).

3. The reading arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the side of the RFID transponder (12) facing the mounting portion (6) is covered with a non-metallic material (M) that at least partially closes the transponder housing portion (10).

4. The reading arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transponder housing (10) is formed by a hole (14).

5. The reading arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transponder storage section (10) is formed in a groove shape.

6. The reading arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one other RFID transponder (12) is housed inside the metal body (4).

7. The reading arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one RFID transponder (12) is formed as a passive transponder.

8. The reading arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the RFID transponder (12) has a near-field antenna incorporated in the chip housing (18).

9. The reading arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the RFID transponder (12) is held in a non-contact state, separated from the metal body (4).

10. The reading arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the nonmetallic material (M) is at least partially formed of a carbon fiber structure, enamel, or ceramic.

11. The reading arrangement according to claim 3 or 10, characterized in that the nonmetallic material (M) is at least partially formed of a gemstone (26).

12. The reading arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a tapered portion (38) is provided upstream of the reading area (34) in the mounting direction (R).

13. The reading arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the jewelry ring (3) and the reading device (32) are provided with an alignment arrangement, the jewelry ring (2) can be positioned at a predetermined rotational position in the reading area (34) by the alignment arrangement, and at the rotational position, the RFID transponder (12) is positioned adjacent to the receiving means (36) in the reading area (34).

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