NFC/RF Mechanism with Multiple Valid States for Detecting an Open Container, and Methods of Making and Using the Same

摘要

A wireless (e.g., near field or RF) communication device, and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a receiver and/or transmitter, a substrate with an antenna thereon, an integrated circuit, and one or more protection lines. The antenna receives and/or transmits or broadcasts a wireless signal. The integrated circuit processes the wireless signal and/or information therefrom, and/or generates the wireless signal and/or information therefor. The integrated circuit has a first set of terminals electrically connected to the antenna. The protection line(s) are on a common or different substrate as the antenna. The protection line(s) sense or determine a continuity state of a package or container on which the communication device is placed or to which the communication device is fixed or adhered, and are electrically connected to a second set of terminals of the integrated circuit different from the first set of terminals.

主权项

1. A wireless communication device, comprising:
a) a receiver and a transmitter; b) a substrate with an antenna thereon, the antenna receiving a first wireless signal and transmitting or broadcasting a second wireless signal; c) an integrated circuit comprising (i) a continuity sensor and (ii) a memory and having a first set of terminals electrically connected to the antenna, the integrated circuit configured to (i) process the first wireless signal and/or information therefrom, and (ii) generate the second wireless signal and/or information therefor; and d) one or more protection lines on a common or different substrate, the protection line(s) being (i) configured to sense or determine a continuity state of a package or container on which the communication device is placed or to which the communication device is fixed or adhered, and (ii) electrically connected to the continuity sensor through a second set of terminals of the integrated circuit different from the first set of terminals,wherein the memory includes a first plurality of bits storing a value corresponding to the continuity state of the container or package, breaking at least one of the one or more protection lines causes the first plurality of the bits of data to change, and the second wireless signal communicates the value corresponding to the continuity state of the container or package.