Registers – Records – Fluorescent – phosphorescent – radiation emitting
Patent
1996-02-14
1998-03-03
Evans, F. L.
Registers
Records
Fluorescent, phosphorescent, radiation emitting
G06K 1906
Patent
active
057238545
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
At present, there are numerous electronic labels in the marketplace, allowing a memorization of information in relation to an object or to a product. The most simple labels comprise nothing but a memory being only dedicated to reading purposes (ROM) and having e.g. an identification number. More developed systems provide a reading/writing of stored information. Said reading/writing permits modification of stored information as a function of the time evolution of the product, enabling therefore, a traceability. The most simple systems make use of a static memory or read-only memory (ROM) powered by a long-life battery, being e.g. a lithium battery. More sophisticated systems make use of erasable and programmable memories or electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROM), providing the advantage to keep the information without needing external energy, allowing a omission of the battery. Access to the information is possible by establishing one or more contacts, as it is done for chip cards. However, more and more systems can be read, written or read/written at a distance, without needing any contacts. For doing so, all actually known contactless systems make use of a magnetic coupling, which make use of at least one coil. This method involves several disadvantages.
It is, for example, impossible to mount such a label on a metallic object, representing a magnetic short-circuit, affecting the energy intended to the label. It is, moreover, impossible to place a multitude of labels next to each other, because of the danger of interference. Finally, such a coil represents a relatively voluminous and fragile component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns an electronic label for a contactless reading/writing at a distance without having the above disadvantages. Said label comprises at least one electronic memory device being able to retain its status in the absence of power supply. Said label comprises further a command circuit for instructing said memory device. Said label is characterized by a combination of cells alike electro-optical cells being mounted in such a way, to supply said memory device and said command circuit with power, when hit by light on a cell surface. Said label is further characterized by transmission means being connected to said command circuit and transmitting light signals to the exterior, which light signals relate to the content of said memory device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an exemplified functional diagram of the label according to the invention.
FIG. 2 shows a more detailed exemplified functional diagram of the memory device and its command circuit.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are respectively a bottom view, a cross-sectional side view, and a top view of a preferred embodiment of the electronic label according to the invention.
FIG. 4 shows an exemplified label according to the invention being combined with a bar code.
FIG. 5 shows an exemplified label according to the invention being combined with a crosshair for optical pointing purposes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
According to FIG. 1 are shown four electro-optical cells 1, being e.g. photo-voltaic cells based amorphous silicon or GaAs cells based on crystalline silicon said cells deliver an electric voltage when hit by light. Said voltage allows to supply the memory device and the command circuit 2 with power via a pair of terminals 16, 14. A diode 3 and a capacitor 4, being arranged in between said cells 1 and said memory device and command circuit 2, allow to filter said supply voltage. Preferentially, said command circuit 2 comprises a limitation circuit, allowing to limit said supply voltage in the case of too violent cell illumination. The command circuit 2 is connected to the base contact of a transistor 5. Said transistor 5 supplies transmission means, e.g., two electroluminescence diodes 6. A resistor 7 is arranged in between said transistor 5 and said diodes 6. By means of said electroluminescence diodes 6 it is, theref
REFERENCES:
patent: 5354979 (1994-10-01), Adelson et al.
Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 12, No. 233 (P-724), Jul. 5, 1988, abstracting JP 63-025792-A, Urata/Oki Electric of Feb. 3, 1988.
Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 11, No. 216 (P-595), Jul. 14, 1987, abstracting JP 62-034291-A, Yamada+/Koito Ind. Co. of Feb. 14, 1987.
Patent Abstracts of Japan vol. 11, No. 216 (P-595), Jul. 14, 1987, abstracting JP 62-034292-A, Yamada/Koito Ind. Co. of Feb. 14, 1987.
Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 17, No. 491 (P-1607), Sep. 6, 1993, abstracting JP 51-26570-A, Takada+/Matsushita of May 21, 1993.
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Evans F. L.
Gay Freres S.A.
Oliver Milton
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