Mikael Gulliksson

System Integration of Electronic Functions in Smart Packaging Applications

A system integration scheme relevant for smart packaging applications is presented. Recent advances in printed electronics, radio frequency identification tag production, and standardization of communication protocols are factors that increase the design freedom for new applications. As in all new technology fields, the first products are expected to appear in the high-cost segment attracting early adopters in the form of niche products. A reasonable assumption is that these products will come from hybridization of different types of technologies. Such a scenario is likely since no technology solution available can provide all features that these types of applications demand. There is a need of standard solutions for hybridization of silicon devices and printed (or foil-type) components. Conductive ink technology is a powerful tool for hybridization and customization of large-area electronics, providing 3-D integration and large-area customization. However, high-performance communication and advanced processing demand the use of silicon. Smart hybridization solutions allow combination of the best from both worlds. This paper analyzes the requirements on hybridization technologies suitable for smart packaging applications and provides design examples on integration of intrusion surveillance solutions for cellulose-based packaging applications. It shows that even though the current hybridization technologies are far from optimal, they can provide a considerable design freedom and system performance.

The "smart" diaper moisture detection system

Smart diaper moisture detection system described is a paper-based disposable moisture-activated RFID system that could be incorporated into the traditional cellulose-based diaper. The tag is semi-passive in the sense that it has no internal battery but incorporates a built-in energy conversion sensor (Action-Activated Tag). The tag with sensor unit is optimized for low-cost manufacturing, utilizes screen-printing with electrically conductive ink on paper-based substrates and inherits very low EM radiation. A discussion on the manufacturability and cost efficiency of the system is presented. A prototype system is shown and other possible application areas of the system are mentioned.

Printed Write Once and Read Many Sensor Memories in Smart Packaging Applications

A horizontal printed Write-Once-Read-Many (WORM) resistive memory has been developed for use in wireless sensor tags targeting single-event detection in smart packaging applications. The WORM memory can be programmed using a 1.5-V printed battery. An alternative programming method is to use chemical sintering which allows the development of exposure-time triggered single event tags that can be accessed wirelessly. The new WORM memory has very low losses in the ON-state which allows direct integration into antenna structures. A sensor tag that utilizes the WORM memory functionality and the well established Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) communication standard has been outlined. Both active and fully passive sensor tag solutions have been proposed. The role of printed electronics in smart packaging applications has been reviewed and discussed. Important enabling factors for the future development have been highlighted, such as the need for hierarchical design and test tools, better printed interconnect technologies as well as better components that allow communication with existing information and communication technology (ICT) standards. This is illustrated and underlined by the presented smart packaging concept demonstrators.

An incontinence alarm solution utilizing RFID based sensor technology

The current work addresses the challenge of measuring urine volume in diapers primarily targeting geriatric care applications. There are number of incontinence alarm innovations suggested and described in patents and scientific reports. However, there are hardly any reports of such systems in permanent use in the hospital care market. One reason might be the challenging system requirements of such applications. According to our own experiences and requirements reported in the literature those are truly demanding. We need meter long communication range, passive sensor functionality, robust and safe measurement, unobtrusive sensor device design (patient) and a convenient reader and user interface (care personal). The list of specifications can be added to, a very low price adding only a small fraction to the over all diaper cost. Finally the system should improve the comfort of the patient and increase diaper management efficiency, reducing the costs of the care provider. The recent progress and usage of RFID technology have reduced the cost levels for inlays and readers. Thus, standard RFID inlays may be a candidate providing the targeted functionality in a smart diaper. In this work we evaluate the possibility to use the RFID antenna as the sensor element when detecting when a diaper has reached a certain degree of urine saturation. The evaluation has been done in a laboratory setup, with real test persons providing authentic readout scenarios.

Home care with NFC sensors and a smart phone

The worlds aging population and limited hospital resources together with advancements in information technology provides a thorough basis for further development of tele-healthcare and assisted living. For ordinary people, and especially elderly people, to be diagnosed and treated in their homes there is a definite need for technical equipment that is extremely easy to handle. One way to facilitate tele-healthcare is to take advantage of modern cell phone technology and the infrastructure surrounding these units. Many elderly people are today comfortable with using cell phones and even advanced smart phones can be purchased to a cost that is low compared to corresponding specialized medical equipment. The concept presented in this work is based upon Near Field Communication (NFC), a wireless feature that is currently being widely launched in cell phones. Amongst other capabilities, NFC technology allows a phone to act as a 13.56 MHz RFID reader. This work shows how NFC-equipped phones can be used to read passive NFC tags that in turn are equipped with general resistive sensors and how sensor data are read and communicated to a web server without the need to push a single button.

An Action Activated and Self Powered Wireless Forest Fire Detector

Placing fire detectors in a forest is usually associated with powering problems since the sensors do not have access to external power supply and a periodical change of internal batteries is an undesired option. This paper presents an approach where the fire sensor itself, when heated by nearby fire, generates electrical energy to power a radio transmitter. Presented energizing fire sensor is environmentally friendly and can be mass produced at a very low cost. Upon activation the sensor produces enough power necessary to operate most standard radio transmitters depending on what communication system is chosen for operation. The fire detector unit can be deployed from either helicopter or manually from the ground. The sensor can be designed to activate itself at different temperatures to suit different climate zones. Rough guidelines are given for estimation of attenuation of radio wave propagation in forest areas in order to predict maximum transmit distance.

Characterization of moisture sensor based on printed Carbon-Zinc energy cell

In this work we present a simple printed moisture sensor fabricated using electronic inks on a multilayer paper structure. The sensor is based on a Carbon-Zinc type energy cell and provides power to a readout electronic circuit when activated by moisture. The sensors are based on a number of our filed patents according to which the sensor is used for both event detection and as a power source for the processing electronics. Typical applications are moisture and leakage detection in buildings, water pipe lines, smart packages and health care systems such as smart incontinence sensors. As the detector is triggered, it powers up an electronic circuit (polymer based or silicon based) that starts communication with the alarm server. In the simplest systems a sound or a light alarm is started to alert the user. In this work we present a characterization of some critical parameters of the sensor such as power driving capability, linearity, internal memory effects and saturation. In addition, we examine a specific application, when sensor is used as defrosting alarm for surveillance of frozen articles during transport.

A new thermally activated battery cell-based forest fire detection and monitoring system

Detection of forest wildfires at early stages can significantly improve the success of fire fighting and thus it contributes to the damage and cost reduction. Surface deployed sensor networks linke ...

Electric and electromagnetic coupled sensor components for passive RFID

This work discuss the possibilities of integrating passive sensor components to passive UHF RFID tags. The sensor system works by degrading a tags communication performance in proportion to a sensed quantity. Two approaches are studied, sensors directly integrated to tag antenna structures and sensors electromagnetically coupled to tag antennas. The em coupled sensors provide the possibility to produce small sensor components as easily applied add-ons to ordinary commercial RFID tags.