Wristband reader apparatus for human-implanted radio frequency identification device

• US 7,385,498 B2
• Filed: 05/19/2006
• Issued: 06/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: Dobosz, Paul J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pope, Daryl C
• Application Number:
  US11/437,161
• Publication Number:
  US 20070268144A1
• Time in Patent Office: 753 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.12, 340/539.11, 340/539.1, 340/539.13, 340/539.23, 340/572.8, 340/572.1, 340/573.1
• US Class Current: 340/539.12
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/076 Permanent implantations telemetry using implanted circuitry A61B5/0031; implanted stimulators for therapy A61N1/3605, A61N1/362, A61N1/372
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/117 Identification of persons methods or arrangements for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints, G06F18/00, G06V40/00; identification of persons by analysing their voice or speech G10L17/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10386 the interrogation device being of the portable or hand-handheld type, e.g. incorporated in ubiquitous hand-held devices such as PDA or mobile phone, or in the form of a portable dedicated RFID reader

Abstract

A reader apparatus for an RFID-implanted human user is incorporated into a wristband such as a bracelet or a watchstrap worn by the user. The RFID device is subcutaneously implanted in the vicinity of the user'"'"'s wrist, ensuring close proximity of the reader apparatus to the RFID device to support reliable near-field RF communications at low power levels. The wristband includes a reader coil having a plurality of turns, a reader circuit, and a rechargeable battery for powering the reader circuit. The same reader coil is used to simplify recharging of the battery by inductively coupling the reader coil to a charging coil disposed in a small charging stand or storage case. In watch strap applications, the reader circuitry and battery are disposed in a watch case affixed to the strap, and the watch case includes an alphanumeric display for communicating information from the RFID device to the user.

Claims

1. Apparatus for communicating with a passive radio frequency device implanted in a forearm of a human subject, comprising:

a wristband encircling the forearm of the subject in proximity to the implanted radio frequency device during a communication mode of operation;

a multi-turn reader coil embedded in said wristband;

reader circuitry supported by said wristband and coupled to said reader coil for communicating with the implanted radio frequency device and acquiring data therefrom;

a rechargeable battery supported by said wristband for powering said reader circuitry; and

a charging platform on which said wristband is positioned during a charging mode of operation, said charging platform including a charging coil inductively coupled to said reader coil to provide charging current to said rechargeable battery during said charging mode of operation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a watchcase secured to said wristband, and housing said reader circuitry and said rechargeable battery, said watchcase including a digital display for displaying data acquired by said reader circuitry.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, where said charging platform comprises:

a ferromagnetic post on which said charging coil is wound, and a power supply for exciting said charging coil with alternating current, said wristband being positioned to encircle said ferromagnetic post during said charging mode of operation.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, where said charging platform further comprises a housing that supports said ferromagnetic post, and where said ferromagnetic post protrudes from said housing to define a docking station for said wristband during said charging mode of operation.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, where said reader circuitry includes conversion circuitry for converting current inductively coupled into said reader coil during said charging mode of operation into charging current for said rechargeable battery.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, where said reader circuitry includes wireless communication circuitry to allow the data acquired from said implanted radio frequency device to be wirelessly monitored at a location remote from said subject.