AU2016277706B2

AU2016277706B2 - Integrated circuit button devices and methods

Info

Publication number: AU2016277706B2
Application number: AU2016277706A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Phil Victor Harman; Oliver Mark Lionel; Stephen Ronald Merralls
Original assignee: Romteck Grid Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Romteck Grid Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-22
Filing date: 2016-12-22
Publication date: 2021-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-22
Also published as: AU2016277706A1

Abstract

In one preferred form of the present invention, there is provided an electronics device 10 for an IC button 12, the device 10 comprising a body 22 and a communication arrangement 24, the communication arrangement 24 configured to selectively read or write to the IC button 12 based on the depth to which the IC button 12 is pushed towards or inserted into the communication arrangement 24. 1/17 (Image From EP1260756) 3 110 154 FIG. 6 21 17 20 118 167 ///

Description

1/17

(Image From EP1260756)

3 110

154

FIG. 6

21 17 20

118 ///

INTEGRATED CIRCUIT BUTTON DEVICES AND METHODS INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0001] Australian provisional application 2015905341 filed 22 December 2015 is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to integrated circuit (IC) button devices and methods.

BACKGROUND To THE INVENTION

[0003] The trade mark IButton is a registered US Trade Mark (75085712) to MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, INC. for metal containers for enclosing semiconductor and integrated circuit devices, microprocessors and/or microcomputers. The trademark IButton has become synonymous with 'slave' integrated circuit devices ruggedly housed in a button sized housing. IButton devices are further characterised in that that they are passive devices having no internal power source. IButton devices require a 'conductor to conductor' connection for reading and writing data.

[0004] IC button devices are generally used where an integrated circuit device must travel with or be fixed to a particular object. A Reader 'master device' must generally initiate a read procedure that energises the IButton to allow the transmission of data.

[0005] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0008] According to a first aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a wireless electronics device for an IC button, the device comprising a body and a communication arrangement that includes a processor and a switch, the communication arrangement configured to selectively read or write to the IC button based on a depth to which the IC button is pushed towards or inserted into the communication arrangement, wherein the processor is configured to select a read or a write configuration based on the depth.

[0009] Preferably the communication arrangement is configured to selectively read or write to the IC button based on the depth to which the IC button is pushed towards or inserted into the communication arrangement, at various times, subject to any overrides.

[0010] Preferably the communication arrangement includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact; and the depth to which the IC button is pushed towards the communications arrangement causes movement of the first electrical contact relative to the second electrical contact.

[0011] Preferably the second electrical contact is stationary relative to the body and the communication arrangement includes a spring for biasing the first electrical contact from a first position to at least one other position; the first position corresponding with the communication arrangement being configured to read from the IC button; and the at least one other position corresponding with the communication arrangement being configured to write to the IC button.

[0012] Preferably the body comprises an elongate body having the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact at a first end of the body.

[0013] Preferably the first electrical contact comprises a elongate member; the elongate member having a first end for contacting the IC button and an opposite end for actuating the switch; the switch for being operable by movement of the second end to switch the communication arrangement between a writing configuration and a reading configuration.

[0014] Preferably the electronics device comprises an elongate handheld device providing the first and second electrical contacts at a first end of the device; and a battery compartment at an opposite end of the device.

[0015] According to a second aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a wireless electronics device for an IC button, the device comprising: a body and a communication arrangement; the communication arrangement comprising a processor, a switch, and a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact; the communication arrangement being adapted to provide for relative movement of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact when the IC button contacts the communication arrangement; and the processor configured, based on a position of the IC button in contact with the communication arrangement, to inform the communication arrangement of a writing or reading configuration for communication between the communication arrangement and the IC button.

[0016] Preferably the second electrical contact is stationary relative to the body; and the communication arrangement includes a spring for biasing the first electrical contact away from a first position.

[0017] Preferably the second electrical contact is stationary relative to the body; and the communication arrangement includes a spring for biasing the first electrical contact from a first position to at least one other position; the first position corresponding with the reading configuration; and the at least one other position corresponding with the writing configuration.

[0018] Preferably the electronics device comprises an elongate handheld device having the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact at a first end of the device.

[0019] Preferably the first electrical contact comprises an elongate member; the elongate member having a first end for contacting the IC button and an opposite end for actuating the switch; the switch for being actuated as a result of movement of the second end to inform the communication device of a writing configuration and reading configuration.

[0020] Preferably the electronics device comprises an elongate handheld device providing the first electrical contact at a first end of the device; and a battery compartment at an opposite end of the device.

[0021] According to a third aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a method of communicating with an IC button, the method comprising providing a wireless electronic device having a body and an communication arrangement; and selectively reading or writing to the IC button depending on a depth to which the IC button is inserted into the communication arrangement.

[0022] Preferably the method includes requiring that the user push the IC button towards a first electrical contact to move the first electrical contact from a second position to a first position.

[0023] Preferably the communication arrangement includes a first and a second electrical contact and the method includes biasing the first electrical contact away from a first position.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a method of communicating with an IC button, the method comprising: providing a wireless electronic device having a body and a communication arrangement; with the IC button moving a first electrical contact of the communication arrangement between a first position and a second position, relative to the body of the electronics device; and selectively reading or writing to the IC button device on the basis of the first position and the second position.

[0025] Preferably the method includes biasing the first electrical contact away from the first position.

[0026] Preferably the method includes requiring that the user push the IC button towards the first electrical contact to move the first electrical contact from the second position to the first position.

[0027] Preferred embodiments are considered to provide a number of arrangements including a handheld electronic device that is able to both read from and write to an IC button at a single particular location. Further preferred arrangements provide a handheld electronic device that has a first end for both reading from and writing to an IC button.

[0028] It is to be recognised that other aspects, preferred forms and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the present specification including the detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, several preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 provides a perspective view from EP1260756 for the purposes of illustration only.

[0031] Figure 2 provides a perspective view of an existing system for the purpose of illustration only.

[0032] Figure 3 provides a perspective view of an electronics device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 provides a perspective view of the electronics device shown in Figure 3.

[0034] Figure 5 provides a perspective view of a conventional IC Button used with the electronics device shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0035] Figure 6 provides a top view of the electronics device shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0036] Figure 7 provides an enlarged perspective view of an end of the electronics device shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0037] Figure 8 provides an enlarged perspective view of an end of the electronics device shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0038] Figure 9 provides a side view of an end of the electronics device shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0039] Figures 10 to 15 provides several illustrative cross-sectional views of the electronics device shown in Figures 3 and 4, taken along the plane A-A illustrated in Figure 9.

[0040] Figure 16 provides a perspective view of a spring forming part of the electronics device shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0041] Figure 17 provides a schematic illustration of a method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0042] It is to be appreciated that each of the embodiments is specifically described and that the present invention is not to be construed as being limited to any specific feature or element of any one of the embodiments. Neither is the present invention to be construed as being limited to any feature of a number of the embodiments or variations described in relation to the embodiments.

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates an IC button reader 14' that is used for identifying medical devices. The IC button reader 14' includes a socket 13' in which an IC button 10' is pressure force fitted. Figure 2 illustrates an IC button reader 16' that is able to read an IC button 18' with the use of a computer 20'. The IC button 10' and 18' each provide a passive integrated circuit housed in a 16mm wide stainless steel cylinder. Conventional IC buttons are generally less than 20mm in diameter.

[0044] Referring to Figures 3 and 4 there is shown an electronics device 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The electronics device 10 is provided for reading and writing to an IC button 12 of the form shown in Figure 5.

[0045] The IC button 12 is fixed to a holder 14 and comprises a conventional 'IButton' manufactured under the registered US trade mark IBUTTON. The IC button 12 comprises a rugged steel housing 16 having a side wall terminal 18 and a circular front face terminal 20.

[0046] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the electronics device 10 comprises a body 22 and a communication arrangement 24. The body 22 provides a cylindrical housing 26. The communication arrangement 24 is configured to selectively read or write to the IC button 12, based on the depth 25 to which the IC button 12 is pushed or inserted into the communication arrangement 24.

In the present embodiment the IC button 12 is pushed into a socket portion 28 of the communication arrangement 24. The socket portion 28 comprises a cylindrical hole 30 having side walls 35 for receiving and electrically contacting the side wall terminal 18 of the IC button 12. A first electrical contact 32 is provided for contacting the front face terminal 20 of the IC button 12.

[0047] The side wall 35 provides a second electrical contact 34. The communication arrangement 24 includes the first electrical contact 32 and the second electrical contact 34. Referring to Figure 6, the first electrical contact 32 includes an enlarged circular head 36. The first electrical contact 32 is circumferentially surrounded by the second electrical contact 34 when looking downwardly.

The first electrical contact 32 is depressible along the length of the body 22 of the electronics device 10 as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In order to operate the electronics device 10 a user centrally positions the inner terminal 20 of the IC button 12 on the first electrical contact 32 and pushes downwardly to force the IC button 12 into the cylindrical hole 30. The first electrical contact 32 is forced downwardly into a passage that extends downwardly from the cylindrical hole 30 to operate a switch forming part of the communication arrangement 24.

[0048] As would be apparent, the depth to which the IC button 12 is pushed towards the communication arrangement 24 causes an associated movement of the first electrical contact 32 relative to the second electrical contact 34. The second electrical contact 34 is stationary relative to the body 22 and the first electrical contact 32 actuates a switch.

[0049] Figures 10 to 15 provide a cross-sectional view along line A-A of Figure 9. The Figures illustrate the communications arrangement 24 and a switch 45 that is operated by the first electrical contact 32.

[0050] The switch 45 is used as part of the communication arrangement 24 to selectively determine whether to read or write to the IC button 12 when inserted into the socket 28. The communication arrangement 24 uses a processor 56 to selectively read or write to the IC button 12 based on the depth 25 to which the IC button 12 is pushed towards the communication arrangement 24.

[0051] The communication arrangement 24 is configured to write to the IC button 12 at all positions in which the side wall terminal 18 of the IC button 12 contacts the second electrical contact 34 and the circular inner terminal 20 contacts the first electrical contact 34, except for the fully depressed position illustrated in Figures 8 and 12. In other words, when the IC 12 is in a communicative position forming a circuit, the communication arrangement 24 is configured to write to the IC button 12 only when the IC button 12 is substantially fully inserted into the body 22 of the electronics device to push down (actuate) the switch 45. Although not shown, in order to prevent writing, the write configuration may be disabled by an override button provided on the device 10. This is presently not preferred as an override button is not considered to be specifically required in most instances.

[0052] As would be apparent, the positioning for the write configuration and read configuration could be reversed. In such an arrangement the communication arrangement

24 would be configured to write to the IC button 12 only when the IC button 12 is substantially fully inserted into the body 22 of the electronics device 10 (depressed) to actuate the switch 45 and, otherwise, be configured to read from the IC button 12 when the side wall terminal 17 and front terminal 20 form an electrical circuit with the first electrical contact 32 and the second electrical contact 34.

[0053] Referring again to Figures 10 to 15, the communication arrangement 24 includes a spring 40. The spring 40 is provided for biasing the first electrical contact 32 from a first position 42 (the fully depressed position) shown in Figure 12 to at least one other position 44 shown in Figures 13. The at least one other position 44 comprises a range of positions in which the switch 45 is not fully actuated.

[0054] The switch 45 uses a pivot arm arrangement in which an arm 47 pivots about a point 51. The arm 47 connects the switch 45 at a location 53 to actuate the switch 45. Various forms of switching mechanism and spring mechanism could of course be used. In this embodiment, the spring 40 comprises a plastic cylindrical shaped spring 40 illustrated in Figure 16.

[0055] Referring more particularly to Figures 10 to 15, the body 22 comprises an elongate body 22 having the first electrical contact 32 and the second electrical contact 34 at a first end 48 of the body 22. The opposite end 50 of the body 22 provides a battery compartment 52. The first electrical contact 32 comprises an elongate member 54 having the enlarged circular head 36. The communication arrangement 24 includes a processor 56 and the switch 45. The switch 45 is used to inform the communication arrangement 24 of the position of the first electrical contact 32 relative to the switch 45.

[0056] The elongate member has a first end 58 for contacting the IC button and an opposite second end 60 for actuating the switch 45. The opposite second end 60 includes an insulator 62 for physically contacting the switch 45. The first electrical contact 32 provides the elongate member as an elongate arm 64 that extends downwardly through a passage 65 into the body 22.

[0057] The switch 45 is operable by movement of the second end (the opposite second end 60) to switch the communication arrangement 24 between the writing configuration and the reading configuration. The communication arrangement 24 uses the configuration of the switch 45 to determine whether to selectively read or write to the IC button 12. The decision is made by the processor 56 of the communication arrangement 24 subject to any overrides. The communication arrangement 24 is configured to read from the IC button 12 when the switch 45 is in a first state and write to the IC button 12 when the switch 45 is in an opposite state (on/off).

[0058] In this manner the communication arrangement 24 is configured to selectively read or write to the IC button 12 based on the depth to which the IC button 12 is pushed towards or inserted into the communication arrangement 24, at various times, subject to any overrides.

[0059] The first electrical contact 32 provides the enlarged head 36 for contacting the IC button 12 and the elongate arm 64 that extends from the enlarged head 36, into the body 22 of the electronics device 10, along the length of the body 22. The arm 64 extends to an opposite second end 60 for operating the switch 45.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment the electronics device 10 comprises an elongate handheld device 10 providing the first electrical contact 32 and second electrical contact 34 at the first end 48 of the device 10. The battery compartment 52 is provided at the opposite end 50 of the device 10.

[0061] Referring to Figure 12, in the present embodiment, the fully depressed position of the first electrical contact 32 at position 42 is associated with the communication arrangement 24 obtaining information from the IC button 12. The other positions 44 correspond with the communication arrangement 24 being configured to write to the IC button 12. In each of the writing and reading configurations the side wall terminal 18 of the IC button 12 must contact the second electrical contact 34 and the inner terminal 20 must contact the first electrical contact 32 to provide an electrical loop. For this reason, the fully extended position 67 (biased) shown in Figure 11 is neither a reading nor a writing position as the side wall terminal 18 would not contact the second electrical contact 34.

[0062] Referring to Figure 17 there is shown a method 70 according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The method 70 communicates with an IC button 72. At block 74 the method 70 comprises providing and electronic device 76 having a body 78 and a communication arrangement 80. At block 82 the method 70 includes selectively reading or writing to the IC button 72 depending on the depth to which the IC button 72 is inserted into the communication arrangement 80. At block 82 the method requires that the user push the IC button 72 to move a first electrical contact from a second position to a first position (as illustrated in the previous embodiment) for reading from the first electrical contact.

[0063] The method 70 includes moving a first electrical contact of the communication arrangement between a first position and a second position, relative to the body of the electronics device; and selectively reading or writing to the IC button 72 on the basis of the first position and the second position. The method includes biasing the first electrical contact away from the first position.

[0064] In various embodiments, there is provided an electronics device for an IC button, the device comprising: a body and a communication arrangement; the communication arrangement comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact; the communication arrangement being adapted to provide for relative movement of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to inform the communication arrangement of a writing or reading configuration for communication between the communication arrangement and the IC button.

[0065] As would be apparent, various alterations and equivalent forms may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This includes modifications within the scope of the appended claims along with all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents.

[0066] There is no intention to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is to be construed beneficially to the applicant and the invention given its full scope.

[0067] In the present specification, the presence of particular features does not preclude the existence of further features. The words 'comprising', 'including' and 'having' are to be construed in an inclusive rather than an exclusive sense.

[0068] It is to be recognised that any discussion in the present specification is intended to explain the context of the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that the material discussed formed part of the prior art base or relevant general knowledge in any particular country or region.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A wireless electronics device for an IC button, the device comprising a body and a communication arrangement that includes a processor and a switch, the communication arrangement configured to selectively read or write to the IC button based on a depth to which the IC button is pushed towards or inserted into the communication arrangement, wherein the processor is configured to select a read or a write configuration based on the depth.

2. The electronics device for an IC button as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication arrangement is configured to selectively read or write to the IC button based on the depth to which the IC button is pushed towards or inserted into the communication arrangement, at various times, subject to any overrides.

3. The electronics device for an IC button as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the communication arrangement includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact; and the depth to which the IC button is pushed towards the communications arrangement causes movement of the first electrical contact relative to the second electrical contact.

4. The electronics device for an IC button as claimed in claim 3 wherein the second electrical contact is stationary relative to the body and the communication arrangement includes a spring for biasing the first electrical contact from a first position to at least one other position; the first position corresponding with the communication arrangement being configured to read from the IC button; and the at least one other position corresponding with the communication arrangement being configured to write to the IC button.

5. The electronics device as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein the body comprises an elongate body having the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact at a first end of the body.

6. The electronics device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the first electrical contact comprises an elongate member; the elongate member having a first end for contacting the IC button and an opposite end for actuating the switch; the switch for being operable by movement of the second end to switch the communication arrangement between a writing configuration and a reading configuration.

7. The electronics device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the electronics device comprises an elongate handheld device providing the first and second electrical contacts at a first end of the device; and a battery compartment at an opposite end of the device.

8. A wireless electronics device for an IC button, the device comprising: a body and a communication arrangement; the communication arrangement comprising a processor, a switch, and a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact; the communication arrangement being adapted: to provide for relative movement of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact when the IC button contacts the communication arrangement; and the processor configured, based on a position of the IC button in contact with the communication arrangement, to inform the communication arrangement of a writing or reading configuration for communication between the communication arrangement and the IC button.

9. The electronics device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the second electrical contact is stationary relative to the body; and the communication arrangement includes a spring for biasing the first electrical contact away from a first position.

10. The electronics device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the second electrical contact is stationary relative to the body; and the communication arrangement includes a spring for biasing the first electrical contact from a first position to at least one other position; the first position corresponding with the reading configuration; and the at least one other position corresponding with the writing configuration.

11. The electronics device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the electronics device comprises an elongate handheld device having the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact at a first end of the device.

12. The electronics device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the first electrical contact comprises an elongate member; the elongate member having a first end for contacting the IC button and an opposite end for actuating the switch; the switch for being actuated as a result of movement of the second end to inform the communication device of a writing configuration and reading configuration.

13. The electronics device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the electronics device comprises an elongate handheld device providing the first electrical contact at a first end of the device; and a battery compartment at an opposite end of the device.

14. A method of communicating with an IC button, the method comprising providing a wireless electronic device having a body and a communication arrangement; and selectively reading or writing to the IC button depending on a depth to which the IC button is inserted into the communication arrangement.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14 comprising moving the first electrical contact from a second position to a first position.

16. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the communication arrangement includes a first and a second electrical contact, the first electrical contact biased away from a first position.

17. A method of communicating with an IC button, the method comprising: providing a wireless electronic device having a body and a communication arrangement; with the IC button moving a first electrical contact of the communication arrangement between a first position and a second position, relative to the body of the electronics device; and selectively reading or writing to the IC button device on the basis of the first position and the second position.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the first electrical contact is biased away from the first position.

19. The method as claimed in claim 17 or 18 including pushing the IC button towards the first electrical contact to move the first electrical contact from the second position to the first position.