Apple awarded patent for RFID tag reader in touchscreen devices
A patent recently granted to Apple detailing a method of incorporating a Radio Frequency Identification tag reader into the screen of a portable touchscreen device in order to save space has furthered speculation that Apple plans to add RFID features to the iPhone.
The patent, entitled "Touch Screen RFID Tag Reader," describes "the efficient incorporation of RFID circuitry within touch sensor panel circuitry. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published the filing on Tuesday.
RFID allows devices to sense embedded chips in nearby objects without the requirement of contact or a visible line of sight.
In the filing, Apple documents a process by which the touch sensor panel of a device can be modified to double as an "RFID transponder," thereby eliminating the need for a "space-consuming RFID antenna."
According to the invention, loops for the antenna of the RFID circuit can be formed from "metal on the same layer as metal traces form in the borders of a substrate" without requiring a separate metal layer.
Michael Nathaniel Rosenblatt and Steve Porter Hotelling are listed as inventors of the patent.
Apple's method for employing RFID tag reader technology within a touchscreen joins a growing collection of RFID patent applications, which include the invention of a mobile "ID App" for reading RFID tags and a method of using RFID to sense and connect to WiFi networks.
The proposed "ID App" would utilize an RFID reader, camera and an IR image capture device to identify objects, such as a painting in a museum, and search a set of databases to gather more information.
In August last year, rumors emerged that Apple was planning to bring near field communications technology, such as RFID, to the next-generation iPhone. Further evidence of Apple's alleged plans for an RFID-capable iPhone came in October of last year when reports suggested that an Apple partnership with chip manufacturer Gemalto could pave the way for contactless transactions on the iPhone via RFID.
In January, AppleInsider discovered a job listing for an iPhone hardware engineer with RFID experience. It has been suggested that Apple will implement an e-wallet feature to take advantage of the rumored NFC-capabilities in future iOS devices.
Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities claimed in February that the next iPhone will utilize NFC for a 'unique' twist that would go beyond just e-wallet functionality. After a suprising contrary report suggested that NFC would not make it into the next iPhone, Forbes reported in March that, according to a trustworthy source in the NFC market, the iPhone 5 will indeed have NFC contactless capabilities.
The patent, entitled "Touch Screen RFID Tag Reader," describes "the efficient incorporation of RFID circuitry within touch sensor panel circuitry. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published the filing on Tuesday.
RFID allows devices to sense embedded chips in nearby objects without the requirement of contact or a visible line of sight.
In the filing, Apple documents a process by which the touch sensor panel of a device can be modified to double as an "RFID transponder," thereby eliminating the need for a "space-consuming RFID antenna."
According to the invention, loops for the antenna of the RFID circuit can be formed from "metal on the same layer as metal traces form in the borders of a substrate" without requiring a separate metal layer.
Michael Nathaniel Rosenblatt and Steve Porter Hotelling are listed as inventors of the patent.
Apple's method for employing RFID tag reader technology within a touchscreen joins a growing collection of RFID patent applications, which include the invention of a mobile "ID App" for reading RFID tags and a method of using RFID to sense and connect to WiFi networks.
The proposed "ID App" would utilize an RFID reader, camera and an IR image capture device to identify objects, such as a painting in a museum, and search a set of databases to gather more information.
In August last year, rumors emerged that Apple was planning to bring near field communications technology, such as RFID, to the next-generation iPhone. Further evidence of Apple's alleged plans for an RFID-capable iPhone came in October of last year when reports suggested that an Apple partnership with chip manufacturer Gemalto could pave the way for contactless transactions on the iPhone via RFID.
In January, AppleInsider discovered a job listing for an iPhone hardware engineer with RFID experience. It has been suggested that Apple will implement an e-wallet feature to take advantage of the rumored NFC-capabilities in future iOS devices.
Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities claimed in February that the next iPhone will utilize NFC for a 'unique' twist that would go beyond just e-wallet functionality. After a suprising contrary report suggested that NFC would not make it into the next iPhone, Forbes reported in March that, according to a trustworthy source in the NFC market, the iPhone 5 will indeed have NFC contactless capabilities.
Comments
This patent will be worth gold as no other cell phone will be able to utilize RFID...or am I mistaken?
Other phones already have RFID though I?m not sure how this patent varies form their installation.
This patent will be worth gold as no other cell phone will be able to utilize RFID...or am I mistaken?
I think the main take away from this, is that the RFID antenna/circuit is built around the display in an existing metal layer, something no other manufacturer is doing.
Other manufacturers either are, or will now have to, take up extra space within the device for this dedicated function.
As usual, this is an example of elegant integration of existing technologies in a new and innovative way.
Before all the trolls jump in, remember this is not a patent on RFID in mobile devices, this is a patent on "integration of RFID tech into the touchscreen of a mobile device" (i.e. a specific implementation, rather than a trolling vague concept.
I think the main take away from this, is that the RFID antenna/circuit is built around the display in an existing metal layer, something no other manufacturer is doing.
Other manufacturers either are, or will now have to, take up extra space within the device for this dedicated function.
As usual, this is an example of elegant integration of existing technologies in a new and innovative way.
Before all the trolls jump in, remember this is not a patent on RFID in mobile devices, this is a patent on "integration of RFID tech into the touchscreen of a mobile device" (i.e. a specific implementation, rather than a trolling vague concept.
Very nicely stated.
Very nicely stated.
Why thank you. Rather pround of it, given that it was written at 7AM
I think the main take away from this, is that the RFID antenna/circuit is built around the display in an existing metal layer, something no other manufacturer is doing.
Other manufacturers either are, or will now have to, take up extra space within the device for this dedicated function.
As usual, this is an example of elegant integration of existing technologies in a new and innovative way.
Before all the trolls jump in, remember this is not a patent on RFID in mobile devices, this is a patent on "integration of RFID tech into the touchscreen of a mobile device" (i.e. a specific implementation, rather than a trolling vague concept.
Excellent observation. I am curious about this whole feature. I can see where inventory control would be great. This fits in nicely with product identification and registration as well.
I am a bit concerned about competing with credit cards however ... do we really want the carriers involved more with our bank accounts? I would like feedback on this issue.
Since you haven't seen either the methods that other smartphone manufacturers are/will be using to implement the feature, nor even if Apple will use this patent, it's a bit early for a pat on the back. I think all these guys are into 'space-saving"
I certainly had no intention to imply that others weren't interested in space-savings (can't see how you drew that conclusion). I was merely pointing out that this is one hell of a space-saving advantage that other manufacturers will not be able to pursue. There may be others including the antenna around the motherboards, or integrated as part of the motherboard circuitry.
Apple's idea uses what is currently dead space around the outside of the LCD panel. I certainly haven't seen any other manufacturers awarded patents for ideas even closely resembling this, so the pat on the back is deserved, IMO.
This is how things should be.
This patent will be worth gold as no other cell phone will be able to utilize RFID...or am I mistaken?
Sadly no more than Apple's patents on everything to do with iPhone and iPad protected them. It seems everyone and their dog can copy everything Apple does with impunity.
Hopefully as tawilson's excellent post explained, the advantage will be Apple's through better design.
http://www.slideshare.net/alexglee/c...ysisrfid20091q
I still don't get this whole concept. If your wrist is too weak to run a nearly weightless card through a slot, how is it not too weak to wave a several-ounce phone around?
It is about convenience and durability. I had to replace two debit cards in the last 4 years because the magnetic strip get damaged from usage (I use my visa debit card a lot since I decided to cancel all my credit cards years ago). It is also convenient in that you can have your prepaid and postpaid store cards processed without carrying them all around. I have scanned all of my membership cards to my iPhone. No more bulky wallets.
I still don't get this whole concept. If your wrist is too weak to run a nearly weightless card through a slot, how is it not too weak to wave a several-ounce phone around?
Since so many people are on the phone while standing at the cash register, which I think is incredibly rude to the clerk and other customers, they can't be bothered to get out their credit card. See why this is necessary?
It is about convenience and durability. I had to replace two debit cards in the last 4 years because the magnetic strip get damaged from usage (I use my visa debit card a lot since I decided to cancel all my credit cards years ago). It is also convenient in that you can have your prepaid and postpaid store cards processed without carrying them all around. I have scanned all of my membership cards to my iPhone. No more bulky wallets.
Does this bulky wallet make my butt look fat?
I still don't get this whole concept. If your wrist is too weak to run a nearly weightless card through a slot, how is it not too weak to wave a several-ounce phone around?
Ummm, so how are you planning on running that priceless museum painting through that "slot on your phone"? Or each of those shoulder-fired weapons that you are inventorying? The discussion includes moving beyond a mag strip reader
Does this bulky wallet make my butt look fat?
Maybe. But it will cause back problems
Maybe. But it will cause back problems
Well, when you consult your physician about the back pain, he will perform a walletectomy - same treatment as with any other malady.