Radio Frequency Identification Sensor Assembly

• US 20130284905A1
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Published: 10/31/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Avery Dennison Retail Information Services LLC (Avery Dennison Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
• Inventors: FORSTER, Ian J.
• Granted Patent: US 10,416,073 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/214.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/255 Details, e.g. use of specially adapted sources, lighting or optical systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0717 the sensor being capable of sensing environmental conditions such as temperature history or pressure
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0723 the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0728 the arrangement being an optical or sound-based communication interface
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07749 the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card

Abstract

An RFID sensor comprises an RFID chip, an antenna, and sensing material. The RFID chip is in electrical communication with the antenna and comprises an optical sensor. The sensing material overlies an upper surface of the RFID chip and is configured as a variable light filter that filters light differently depending upon certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor. A light source is configured to selectively illuminate the sensing material to facilitate detection of certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor.

Claims

1. An RFID sensor comprising:

an RFID chip with an upper surface;

a substrate having an antenna disposed thereon; and

sensing material overlying at least a portion of the upper surface of the RFID chip;

wherein the RFID chip is in electrical communication with the antenna and is arranged to function as an optical sensor; and

wherein the sensing material is configured as a variable light filter to filter light differently depending upon certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor.

2. The RFID sensor of claim 1, wherein the RFID sensor is configured to detect certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor.

3. The RFID sensor of claim 2, wherein the certain properties or conditions is at least one of the group including changes in humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and pH.

4. The RFID sensor of claim 1, wherein the RFID chip is configured as an optical sensor that can be used to determine environmental conditions or parameters based on its interaction with light.

5. The RFID sensor of claim 2, wherein the sensing material is a variable filter that filters light differently depending on the environmental condition surrounding the RFID sensor.

6. The RFID sensor of claim 2, wherein the environmental conditions or properties alter or modify the sensing material.

7. The RFID sensor claim of claim 5, wherein the sensing material is a variable near infrared light filter that changes at least one of its color or opacity in response to the sensed condition or parameter.

8. An RFID sensor apparatus comprising:

the RFID sensor of claim 1;

a light source; and

an RFID reader.

9. The RFID sensor assembly of claim 8, wherein the light source is selectively operated by the RFID reader based upon the communication status

10. A method for detecting properties or conditions of an environment comprising:

overlaying a sensing material onto a surface of an RFID chip to form a RFID sensor.

configuring the RFID chip to function as an optical sensor;

configuring the sensing material to function as a variable light filter that filters light differently depending upon the properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor;

directing light from a light source towards the RFID sensor; and

detecting the response of the RFID sensor.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further includes:

introducing a second RFID chip; and

looking at the difference between the first and second chip in response to the light.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second RFID chip is part of the same structure as the first chip.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second RFID chip has an inert material.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the second RFID chip has the same sensing material isolated from the environment.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the light source is selectively operated by an RFID reader.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the RFID reader periodically activates the light source to monitor the change in a condition or parameter over time.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the light source can remain on during the operation of the RFID reader.