CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/120,589 filed February 25, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present subject matter relates to the use of radio frequency communications to monitor and track a sequence of events related to the use of a document or object. In particular the subject matter relates to those documents or objects where there is a need to provide a traceable genealogical record or "chain of custody" that can validate an individual's interaction with the document or object. Further the present subject matter relates to the use of mobile near field communications (also known as High Frequency RFID or NFC) as the facilitating method to communicate between the tracking system and the document or object.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to track, identify and locate goods has grown significantly in recent years. RFID tags allow manufacturers, distributors and retailers, amongst others, to regulate products and inventory, quickly determine production, manufacture, distribution or retail needs and efficiently intake and remove items utilizing RFID tags from inventory or other supply chain situations. The RFID tags themselves can provide any desired product data and may be scanned or read in any of a variety of manners through the use of any device that has a reader or scanner.

[0004] Near-field communication (NFC) is a type of radio frequency communication technology, which allows for read-only and read-write communications between a NFC-enabled RF tag reader and a NFC-enabled tag. NFC operation is based on inductive coupling between two loop antennas, which allows for sharing of power and data between NFC-enabled devices.

[0005] Systems using bar codes or RFID devices have been used to track articles such as in parcel delivery or inventory management systems. However, such devices and associated systems are typically proprietary or designed for very specific applications. Although a variety of tracking systems are known in the art, a need still remains for a cost effective method of tracking events associated with documents or objects.

SUMMARY

[0006] The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previously known systems are addressed in the present tracking systems and methods.

[0007] In one aspect, the present subject matter provides a tracking system comprising an object or document having an NFC tag, an NFC-enabled device, and a server configured to communicate with the device. In certain embodiments, the server contains a database of records or other information. The device can interrogate the tag and acquire information concerning the object or document.

[0008] In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a method of transferring information associated with an object or document to a database. The method comprises providing an object or document, and affixing at least one NFC tag to the object or document. The tag includes information associated with the object or document. The method also comprises interrogating the NFC tag affixed to the object or document using an NFC-enabled device. The method additionally comprises transferring the information from the NFC tag to the device. And, the method also comprises transferring the information from the device to at least one server.

[0009] As will be realized, the subject matter described herein is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an object or a document having an NFC tag affixed or incorporated therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a system and related method of embodiments of the present subject matter illustrating communication between an NFC device and a document or object containing an NFC tag.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method of transferring information associated with an object or a document to a tracking system in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present subject matter provides a tracking system for documents and objects using NFC communications. Generally, one or more NFC-enabled tags are incorporated or otherwise affixed to a document or object of interest. A database or other record retention means is updated upon an NFC device or other high frequency-enabled (HF-enabled) device interrogating the NFC tag. In one embodiment of the present subject matter, the NFC tag transmits a directing URL or other information to the device. Upon communication between the device and the database, information regarding the document or object is transferred from the device to the database and the database is updated. Record(s) of the transfer and/or update are optionally established.

[0014] NFC is a set of short range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distance of 20 cm or less. NFC operates at 13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 air interface and at rates ranging from 106 kbit/s to 424 kbit/s. NFC always involves an initiator and a target. The initiator actively generates an RF field that can power a passive target. This enables NFC targets to take very simple form factors such as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not require batteries. NFC peer-to-peer communication is possible, provided both devices are powered.

[0015] NFC tags contain data and are typically read-only, but may be rewriteable. They can be custom encoded by their manufacturers or use the specifications provided by the NFC Forum, an industry association charged with promoting the technology and setting key standards. The tags can securely store personal data such as debit and credit card information, loyalty program data, PINs and networking contacts, among other information. The NFC Forum defines four types of tags that provide different communication speeds and capabilities in terms of configurability, memory, security, data retention and write endurance. Tags currently offer between 96 and 4,096 bytes of memory.

[0016] As with proximity card technology, near-field communication uses magnetic induction between two loop antennas located within each other's near field, effectively forming an air- core transformer. Near-field communication operates within the globally available and unlicensed radio frequency ISM band of 13.56 MHz. Most of the RF energy is concentrated in the allowed ±7 kHz bandwidth range, but the full spectral envelope may be as wide as about 1.8 M Hz when using ASK modulation. Supported data rates include 106, 212 or 424 kbit/s (the bit rate 848 kbit/s is not compliant with the standard ISO/IEC 18092). [0017] There are two modes for NFC. In a passive communication mode, the initiator device provides a carrier field and the target device answers by modulating the existing field. In this mode, the target device may draw its operating power from the initiator-provided electromagnetic field, thus making the target device a transponder. In an active communication mode, both initiator and target device communicate by alternately generating their own fields. A device deactivates its F field while it is waiting for data. In this mode, both devices typically have power supplies. As described herein, the present subject matter typically involves an NFC-enabled (or HF-enabled) device as an initiator, and an unpowered NFC tag incorporated in a document or object as a target. Hence communication occurs via a passive mode. However, the present subject matter also includes systems using an active communication mode.

[0018] The term "document" as used herein refers to a variety of physical items in the form of written specifications, certifications, medical records, certificates of compliance/performance or other records that are sensitive in nature with respect to the status of the approvals or authorities that are required based on the purpose of the document. For example, there are quality assurance documents used in aerospace for testing and approving performance of avionic components that physically accompany the component between the time of manufacture/repair and installation. The specific genealogy of that document can be important to assure that the proper part is being installed or for post installation inquiry. These types of documents may have electronic forms that are also utilized for record keeping though the physical document itself is distinct.

[0019] The term "object" as used herein refers to other types of physical items which must also be monitored and tracked for genealogical or "chain of custody" reasons in similar manner to documents. For example, in law enforcement there are evidence collection bags that are used to document physical evidence at the scene of a crime. Assuring that the "chain of custody" of the collection bags is important to both the investigative and litigation outcomes. Likewise there are additional kinds of packaging that are used to transport items that likewise may need genealogical record keeping.

[0020] Likewise, by way of additional example, the tracking systems of the present subject matter may be used to track and monitor interaction of a series of important interactions of a process nature such as occurs in health care. Patients may be at home during a course of treatment or care. A professional caregiver may be performing the treatment or care. It is important to ensure that the patient's medical record is properly annotated. The caregiver can utilize NFC tags located on or near objects required for treatment, such as infusion devices, pharmaceuticals, blood pressure devices and other items. Interrogating the NCF tag with a mobile phone equipped as an NFC-enabled device, will establish a record that the caregiver performed all the appropriate items and/or the events in the proper order, listed in the patient care document. Further additional information can be obtained by the caregiver such as special instructions for accomplishing the task, instructions to be given to the patient for post treatment purposes, and the caregiver can attach additional records, such as pictures of the patient's wound or dressing or other physical information that would be otherwise difficult to append in real time. In addition to the vital medical and patient care information, the tracking systems also allow the caregiver provider/agency validation of the caregiver's presence at the patient's side for purposes of time keeping along with other administrative validations. A similar system can be used by the patients themselves or other non-professional caregivers related to or otherwise engaged by the patient.

[0021] In yet another example of documenting a series of important events there are supply systems, such as food, that require monitoring in order to assure that critical practices during the chain of events are conducted and documented. The use of NFC can enable the creation of a trail of events, such as taking temperature of frozen food shipping containers, by uploading an interaction between a mobile device and a database established for tracking events. Time and date stamps occurring during the interrogation of the NFC tag along with the user's device identification can be used as an assessment of proper handling. The use of paper trails can be complied at times and locations different than when the temperature should have been taken. Also paper documents can be modified. Once the data tag information, along with the time date and user ID is uploaded to the database such information represents a permanent and unalterable record of a product's history in a supply chain. Further, unlike passive devices that record and store time and temperature information for uploading at the completion of the journey, the mobile device can require that the user input a personal ID code or other secure information that provides active accountability that the proper actions were taken.

[0022] There are currently systems that utilize bar codes, and in some cases FID devices, to track physical items such as is used by the US Postal Service. The readers used for this kind of service are usually special purpose readers that are provided to employees authorized to scan items and record such things as time and date. Although satisfactory in certain aspects, a need remains for a more flexible and user-friendly tracking system.

[0023] The present subject matter enables a broader set of users to interact with objects or documents of interest. In the case of evidence bags for example, it would be impractical and/or expensive for a community to issue special readers to all of law enforcement and legal personnel involved in a particular crime scene. By using near field communications, anyone with an HF-enabled mobile phone can interrogate the document or object thereby reducing the complexity of the reading device.

[0024] In certain embodiments, when interrogated by an enabled phone, such as a smart phone for example, an NFC tag on the document or object uploads a specialized directing URL (Uniform Resource Locator or web address) to the phone. As known, the URL is a specific character string which can be recognized by a web browser program. The connection is established through conventional and known mobile telecommunications network(s) to a secure database. In addition, information about the specific phone being used, its location, time/date, and additional information may optionally be passed along to the site of the URL establishing a record in the database of the point of contact. By using electronic signature technology, such as is available from companies such as DocuSign, a secure linkage can be created between the record contained in a secure database and the physical object which cannot be stored in a secure electronic database.

[0025] Bar code technology could potentially be used as the directing instruction for the mobile phone. This can be accomplished by QR codes for example. The use of bar codes requires that the code be visually acceptable to the phone. However, in many instances, due to lighting or other environmental conditions, the codes may not be effectively read. NFC does not require that any environmental conditions be met and therefore can be more effective. And because the only necessary condition of use is that the mobile device be in close proximity to the NFC tag it can be quicker and easier to use and offers an improvement to bar code technology. In many of the examples, bar code technology may be an appropriate directing instruction but lacks some of the memory storage and other capabilities of electronic NFC technology.

[0026] Referring generally to exemplary Figures 1-3 and the associated descriptions, methods, systems and apparatuses for data transfer and communication may be described. Exemplary embodiments utilizing data transfer may allow for the transmission of data from a device, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or other device capable of transmitting data, for example utilizing near field communication (NFC), such as a NFC RFID tag. In some further exemplary embodiments, a mobile device, which may be a mobile phone, a smart phone, tablet, PC or other device with a scanner or reader, may be capable of reading a NFC RFID tag, collecting information and data from the NFC RFID tag, and redirect a user of the mobile device to a particular server, database, website, or software application. [0027] In one exemplary embodiment and according to Figures 1 and 2, a NFC-enabled smart phone 110 may communicate with a NFC tag or NFC RFID tag 30 associated with an object or document 20. It should however be understood that this is an exemplary embodiment and any other device can be used that has a scanner or reader associated with the device.

[0028] Generally, in accordance with the present subject matter, one or more tags are affixed, incorporated with or within, or otherwise associated with object(s) and/or document(s) to be tracked or interrogated with NFC-enabled devices as described herein. When used herein, the term "tag" can refer to an inlay in which an antenna and chip are placed on a substrate (PET, paper, etc.) and may be covered by a second substrate to encase the antenna and chip or only portions thereof. The inlay may be provided with adhesive or "dry" with no adhesive. In addition, a tag may refer to a hang tag such as found with apparel items, a label which may be applied to a surface, or other structure which may be used to hold, contain or retain the NFC RFID device.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, a user of a mobile phone or portable device 110, who may be a consumer, can "tap" or otherwise position their NFC-enabled phone 110 proximate to an object or document 20 labeled with a NFC RFID tag 30 to access information, as shown in exemplary Figures 1 and 2. Accessing information from the tag 30 or interrogating the tag can be performed via a link 100. It should be understood, that while the present subject matter is directed to consumer or commercial applications, the presently described subject matter may also be used for compliance and monitoring purposes, or any other use where it may be helpful to download data.

[0030] The NFC-enabled phone or device 110 may also have a software application associated with NFC readers, as described in more detail below. Any such information may then be received by the NFC-enabled phone or device 110 and displayed thereon or transmitted via a link 120 to another device or location for display, for example to a database 140 contained on one or more remote servers 130. In certain embodiments, the NFC-enabled device is a smart phone. In many embodiments of the present subject matter, the NFC-enabled device is configured to transfer information acquired from tag(s) associated with objects and/or documents to one or more remote servers or other computing facilities or data storage provisions. Communication can be via the internet, using telephone, satellite, or other networks or modes of communication. Typically, in many embodiments, the information transferred from the NFC-enabled device to the one or more servers is related to the objects and/or documents interrogated by the NFC-enabled device.

[0031] In other exemplary embodiments, NFC FID tag 30 may have a unique identifier (UID) that is related to a specific or individual document or object. Additionally, the ability to use unique identifiers may allow for additional levels of security and authentication, for example allowing a user or consumer to determine if an object or document is authentic. Also, still further exemplary embodiments may allow for NFC RFID tags 30 to have read-write capabilities. For example, NFC RFID tags 30 may be such that they only provide data to a user when read. However, as desired, a tag may allow for writing so that a user can write information to a tag 30.

[0032] A tracking system may function in any of a variety of manners. In one exemplary embodiment, a user or consumer may utilize a tracking system to use a NFC-enabled mobile phone or device to read an NFC RFID tag associated with an object or document and access content linked to that tag using a software application available from a third party and/or for purchase at an application store.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method 200 of transferring information associated with an object or document to a tracking system or other record retention database in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 200 comprises one or more operations of incorporating or affixing one or more NFC tags with an object or document. This operation(s) is collectively shown as 210. The method 200 also comprises an operation of interrogating the NFC tag incorporated in the object or document using one or more HF-enabled or NFC- enabled devices. This operation is shown as 220. The method also comprises one or more operations of the NFC tag transmitting a directing URL or other information to the HF-enabled device. This is depicted as 230. The method 200 also comprises one or more operations of connecting to the site of the URL. Typically, the HF-enabled device will have such capabilities, although the present subject matter includes the use of other devices. These operations are collectively denoted as 240. The method 200 also comprises one or more operations of transferring information from the NFC tag and/or the HF- enabled device to the site or the hosting server. This is shown as 250. And, the method 200 comprises additional operations related to establishing one or more record(s) in a database or other compilation of information accessible at the site. This is denoted in Figure 3 as 260. It will be appreciated that the present subject matter includes additional and/or variant operations and is not limited to the representative method shown in Figure 3.

[0034] In further exemplary embodiments, an object or document tracking system can be developed and set up in any of a variety of manners. NFC RFID tags may be manufactured, assembled into an inlay, written with tag identification data, mapped to or otherwise affixed to a physical object or document, and have the mapping data stored in a database, for example the database associated with events or other data pertaining to the object or document. The tags may be associated or coupled to any desired objects/documents, for example through the use of adhesive, mechanical fasteners (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, rivets, ties, etc.) or otherwise integrating the tag(s) into object/document packaging or the object/document itself, similar to uses of RFID tags, inlays and labels. The NFC RFID tag can be placed adjacent to, beneath or otherwise associated with a bar code label. Also, during this process, object/document content can be uploaded to a database associated with the tracking system from the tag which may also be encoded during the placing or associating with the object or document. This can include populating content templates, customizing content as desired, creating logic to personalize or target the content, map the content to a specific tag and input all content and logic into the tracking. After a NFC RFID tag is read by a mobile device, or other device having a scanner or reader, the appropriate data may be transmitted, encrypted or not, from a server to the mobile device and appropriate data may be transmitted, encrypted or not, from the mobile device or portable reader to a server.

[0035] Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology.

[0036] All patents, published applications, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0037] As described hereinabove, the present subject matter solves many problems associated with previous strategies, systems and/or devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of components, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present subject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the claimed subject matter, as expressed in the appended claims.