(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. N0.: US 2003/0163287 A1
`(43) Pub. Date: Aug. 28, 2003
`
`Vock et al.
`
`US 20030163287A1
`
`(54) MOVEMENT AND EVENT SYSTEMS AND
`ASSOCIATED METHODS RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Boulder, CO (US);
`Adrian F. Larkin, Essex (GB); Robert
`Muir Holme, Boulder, CO (US); Burl
`W. Amsbury, Boulder, CO (US); Eric
`R. Edstrom, Colorado Springs, CO
`(US); Perry Youngs, Longmont, CO
`(US); Paul Jonjak, Lafayette, CO (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`LATHROP & GAGE LC
`4845 PEARL EAST CIRCLE
`SUITE 300
`BOULDER, CO 80301 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/297,270
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Dec. 17, 2001
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/US01/51620
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/256,069, filed on Dec.
`15, 2000.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ..................................................... G06F 17/40
`(51)
`(52) U.S.Cl.
`.............................................................. 702/187
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The invention provides a smart sensor (10) in the form of an
`adhesive bandage (32). The sensor (12) sticks to people and
`objects and Wirelessly communicates With remote receivers
`(24). Internal detectors (12) sense conditions associated with
`movement or the environment of the sensor. Typically,
`sensors of the invention communicate by an RF transmitter
`or transceiver (16). Groups of sensors may be combined
`Within a common canister that imparts date and time infor-
`mation and “power on” When dispensed.
`
`PIEZOELECTHIC STRIP
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`RECEIVER
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`1
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`APPLE 1018
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 1 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 12 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 18 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 19 0f 50
`
`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 20 0f 50
`
`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 21 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 22 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 24 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 25 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 26 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 27 0f 50
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 28 0f 50
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 29 of 50
`
`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`FIG. 33
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 30 of 50
`
`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 31 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 33 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 34 0f 50
`
`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 35 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 36 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 37 of 50
`
`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 38 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 39 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`EELS—3
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`FIG. 54
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`Movement Monitor Device 840
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 40 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`FIG. 55
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 41 0f 50
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 42 0f 50
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 44 0f 50
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 45 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`
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`46
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`46
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 46 of 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`1300
`
`Cell Phone 1302
`
`Indicator 13021)
`
`
`Car Keys 1304
`
`Indicator 1304b
`
`M
`
`
`
`
`
`Network
`
`Transceiver 1302a
`
`
`
`Network
`Transceiver 1304a
`
`
`Digital Watch 1309
`
`Wallet/Purse 1306
`
`
` Indicator 1 3 06b
`
`
` Network
`
`Indicator 1309b
`
`Network
`Transceiver 1309a
`
`Transceiver 130621
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Personal Data Assistant
`1308
`
`
`Computer 13 10
`
`Indicator 13081)
`
`Indicator 1302b
`
`Network
`Transceiver 13 10a
`
`
`Network
`Transceiver 1308a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`- \
`
`
`FIG. 68
`
`1321
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`Personal Computer 1312
`
`i ........................................ __
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`1 Representative Networktransceiver
`
`1 3 16a
`
`E
`i
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`'
`
`'
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`Transceiver Controller 1314
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`47
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 47 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`FIG. 69
`
`Transceiver 13403
`
`LED or LCD Data Interface 1340b
`
`Cookie Memory 1340d
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`User interface 13400
`
`Real time clock 1330
`
`48
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 48 of 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`FIG. 70
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`Receiver 2M3
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`1412 fl
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`‘49
`
`1406
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`Elecuonic Coaster 1400 142
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`1402
`
`
`
`Coaster 1&2
`
`1406
`
`Communications Port
`1422
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`Processor 1424
`‘
`
`1426
`
`49
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`49
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 49 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`1 51 2
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` Comm. Tower
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`
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`15028
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`50
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`50
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2003 Sheet 50 0f 50
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
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`FIG. 73
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`1 600
`
`N
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`1610
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`1612
`
`
`
`1602
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`1604
`
`1604
`Handheld
`
`
`
`1619
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`1622
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`‘5.
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`1630
`
`1620
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`51
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`US 2003/0163287 A1
`
`Aug. 28, 2003
`
`MOVEMENT AND EVENT SYSTEMS AND
`ASSOCIATED METHODS RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims priority to the following six
`US. provisional applications, each of which is expressly
`incorporated herein by reference: US. Provisional Applica-
`tion No. 60/256,069, filed Dec. 15, 2000; US. Provisional
`Application No. 60/257,386,
`filed Dec. 22, 2000; US.
`Provisional Application No. 60/259,271,
`filed Dec. 29,
`2000; US. Provisional Application No. 60/261,359, filed
`Jan. 13, 2001; US. Provisional Application No. 60/285,032,
`filed Apr. 19, 2001; and US. Application No. 60/323,601,
`filed Sep. 20, 2001.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The invention relates to sensing systems monitor-
`ing applications in sports, shipping,
`training, medicine,
`fitness, wellness and industrial production. The invention
`specifically relates to sensing and reporting events associ-
`ated with movement, environmental factors such as tem-
`perature, health functions, fitness effects, and changing
`conditions.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003] The movement of objects and persons occurs con-
`tinuously but is hardly quantified. Rather, typically only the
`result of the movement is known (i.e., object X moved from
`point A to point B; or, person Y ran to the store). Advances
`in technology have provided some quantification of move-
`ment. For example, GPS products now assist in determining
`the location of golf carts, vehicles and persons.
`
`the detail of movement, minute to
`[0004] However,
`minute, second to second, is still not generally determinable
`in the prior art. For example,
`the movement of tangible
`objects typically involves (a) the shipment or carrying of
`goods and (b) electromechanical or motorized apparatus
`(e.g., planes, trains, automobiles, robots). The exact move-
`ments of such objects, and the conditions that they are
`subjected to, from point
`to point, are only qualitatively
`known. By way of example, a package is moved from
`location to location through delivery services like FED-
`ERAL EXPRESS or UPS; however what occurred during
`transportation, and what transpired to the package, is any-
`one’s guess. Occasionally, an object within the package is
`broken, indicating that the package experienced excessive
`abuse; but whose fault it is, or how or when it happened, are
`not known. What environments the package experienced is
`also not readily known.
`
`[0005] The movement of persons, on the other hand,
`typically involves human-powered transportation,
`e.g.,
`facilitated by biking, a wheelchair, or a motorized vehicle,
`e.g., a car. Body movement involved in transportation is
`subjected to many forces, some of which are dangerous. But
`the prior art does not provide for this knowledge; there is no
`effective way, currently, to efficiently quantify human move-
`ment. In sports, physical fitness, and training, precise infor-
`mation about movement would assist in many ways. By way
`of example, how effective a hand strike is in karate or boxing
`is, today, only qualitatively known. Quantitative feedback
`would be beneficial.
`
`It is, accordingly, one feature of the invention to
`[0006]
`provide systems and methods addressing the afore-men-
`tioned difficulties. A further feature of the invention is to
`
`provide methods and devices to quantify movement in a
`number of applications. Another feature of the invention is
`to monitor and report meaningful environment information
`such as temperature and humidity. These and other features
`will be apparent in the description that follows.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0007] Movement Monitoring Devices
`
`In one aspect, the invention provides a movement
`[0008]
`monitor device (“MMD”) including an adhesive strip, a
`processor, a detector, and a communications port. In another
`aspect, two or more of the processor, port and detector are
`combined in a single application specific integrated circuit
`(“ASIC”). In one aspect the detector is an accelerometer, and
`preferably an accelerometer embedded into silicon within
`the ASIC. In other aspects, the detector is one of a strain
`gauge, force-sensing resistor, and piezoelectric strip. In still
`another aspect, the MMD includes a battery. In the preferred
`aspect of the invention, the MMD and battery are packaged
`in a protective wrapper. Preferably, the battery is packaged
`with the MMD in such a way that it does not “power” the
`MMD until the wrapper is removed. Preferably, the MMD
`includes a real time clock so that the MMD tags “events” (as
`hereinafter defined) with time and/or date information.
`
`In yet another aspect, the MMD with adhesive strip
`[0009]
`collectively take a form similar to an adhesive bandage.
`More particularly,
`the adhesive strip of the invention is
`preferably like or similar to the adhesive of the adhesive
`bandage; and the processor
`(or protective wrapper)
`is
`embedded with the strip much the way the cotton is with the
`adhesive bandage. Preferably, a soft material (e.g., cotton or
`cloth) is included to surround the processor so as to (a)
`soften contact of rigid MMD components with a person
`and/or (b) protect the processor (and/or other components of
`the MMD). In still another aspect, the battery is also coupled
`with the soft material. In still another aspect, the processor
`and other elements of the MMD are combined into a single
`system-on-chip integrated circuit. A protective cover may
`surround the chip to protect the MMD from breakage.
`
`In one aspect, one MMD of the invention takes a
`[0010]
`form similar to a smart label, with an adhesive substantially
`disposed with the label, e.g., on one side of the label. The
`adhesive strip of this MMD includes all or part of the back
`of the label with adhesive or glue permitting attachment of
`the label to other objects (or to a person).
`
`In still another aspect, the MMD of the invention
`[0011]
`takes the form of a rigid monolithic that attaches to objects
`through one of known techniques. In this aspect, the device
`has a processor, communications port, and detector. A bat-
`tery is typically included with the MMD. The MMD is
`attached to objects or persons by one of several techniques,
`including by glue or mechanical attachment (e.g., a pin or
`clip). An MMD of this aspect can for example exist in the
`form of a credit card, wherein the communications port is
`either a contact transponder or a contactless transponder.
`The MMD of one aspect includes a magnetic element that
`facilitates easily attaching the MMD to metal objects.
`
`In operation, the MMD of the invention is typically
`[0012]
`interrogated by an interrogation device (“ID”). The MMD is
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`Aug. 28, 2003
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`responsive to the ID to communicate information within the
`MMD and, preferably, over secure communications proto-
`cols. By way of example, one MMD of the invention
`releases internal data only to an ID with the correct pass-
`words and/or data protocols. The ID can take many forms,
`including a cell phone or other electronic device (e.g., a MP3
`player, pager, watch, or PDA) providing communications
`with the MMD transmitter
`
`[0013] However, in another aspect, the MMD communi-
`cates externally to a remote receiver (“RR”). The RR listens
`for data from the MMD and collects that data for subsequent
`relay or use. In one aspect, the MMD’s communications port
`is a one-way transmitter. Preferably, the MMD communi-
`cates data from the MMD to the RR either (a) upon the
`occurrence of an “event” or (b) in repeated time intervals,
`e.g., once every ten minutes. Alternatively,
`the MMD’s
`communication port is a transceiver that handshakes with
`the RR to communicate data from the MMD to the RR.
`
`Accordingly, the MMD responds to data requests from the
`RR, in this aspect. In still another aspect, the RR radiates the
`MMD with transponder
`frequencies;
`and the MMD
`“reflects” movement data to the RR.
`
`the communications port of one
`[0014] Accordingly,
`aspect is a transponder responsive to one or more frequen-
`cies to relay data back to an ID. By way of example, these
`frequencies can be one of 125 kHz and 13.56 MHZ, the
`frequencies common with “contactless” RFID tags known in
`the art. In other aspects, communications frequencies are
`used with emission power and frequencies that fall within
`the permissible “unlicensed” emission spectrum of part 15
`of FCC regulations, Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regu-
`lations. In particular, one desirable feature of the invention
`is to emit low power,
`to conserve battery power and to
`facilitate use of the MMD in various environments; and
`therefore an ID is placed close to the MMD to read the data.
`In other words, in one aspect, wireless communications from
`the MMD to the ID occurs over a short distance of a fraction
`
`of an inch to no more than a few feet. By way of example,
`as described herein, one ID of the invention takes the form
`of a cell phone, which communicates with the MMD via one
`or more secure communications techniques. Data acquired
`from the MMD is then communicated through cellular
`networks, if desired, to relay MMD data to end-users.
`
`[0015] Or, in another aspect, the ID has a larger antenna to
`pick up weak transmission signals from a MMD at further
`distances separation.
`
`In another aspect, the communications port is an
`[0016]
`infrared communications port. Such a port, in one aspect,
`communicates with the cell phone in secure communication
`protocols. In other aspects, an ID communicates with the
`infrared port to obtain the data within the MMD.
`
`the communications port
`In yet another aspect,
`[0017]
`includes a transceiver. The MMD listens for interrogating
`signals from the RR and, in turn, relays movement “event”
`data from the MMD to the RR. Alternatively, the MMD
`relays movement “event” data at set time intervals or when
`the MMD accumulates data close to an internal storage limit.
`In one aspect, thereby, the MMD include internal memory;
`and the MMD stores one or more “event” data, preferably
`with time-tag information,
`in the memory. When the
`memory is nearly full, the MMD transmits the stored data
`wirelessly to a RR. Alternatively, stored data is transmitted
`
`to an IR when interrogated. In a third alternative, the MMD
`transmits stored data at set intervals, e.g., once per 1/2 hour
`or once per hour,
`to relay stored data to a RR. Other
`transmission protocols can be used without departing from
`the scope of the invention.
`
`In still another aspect, data from the MMD is
`[0018]
`relayed to an ID through “contact” communication between
`the ID and the communications port. In one aspect,
`the
`MMD includes a small conductive plate (e.g., a gold plate)
`that contacts with the ID to facilitate data transfer. Smart
`
`cards from the manufacturer GEMPLUS may be used in
`such aspects of the invention.
`
`In one aspect, the MMD includes a printed circuit
`[0019]
`board “PCB”). Abattery—e.g., a 2032 or 1025 Lithium coin
`cell—is also included, in another aspect of the invention. To
`make the device small, the PCB preferably has multilay-
`ers—and two of the internal layers have a substantial area of
`conducting material forming two terminals for the battery.
`Specifically, the PCB is pried apart at one edge, between the
`terminals, and the battery is inserted within the PCB making
`contact and providing voltage to the device. This advanta-
`geously removes then need for a separate and weighty
`battery holder.
`
`In another aspect, the PCB has first and second
`[0020]
`terminals on either side of the PCB, and a first side of the
`battery couples to the first terminal, while a clip connects the
`second side of the battery to the second terminal, making the
`powered connection. This aspect advantageously removes
`the need for a separate and weighty battery holder.
`
`In still another aspect, a terminal is imprinted on
`[0021]
`one side of the PCB, and a first side of the battery couples
`to that terminal. A conductive force terminal connects to the
`
`PCB and the second side of the battery, forming a circuit
`between the battery and the PCB.
`
`[0022] By way of background for transponder technology,
`the following US. patents are incorporated herein by refer-
`ence: US. Pat. No. 6,091,342 and US. Pat. No. 5,541,604.
`
`[0023] By way of background for smart card and smart tag
`technology,
`the following US. patents are incorporated
`herein by reference: US. Pat. No. 6,151,647; US. Pat. No.
`5,901,303. US. Pat. No. 5,767,503; US. Pat. No. 5,690,773;
`US. Pat. No. 5,671,525; US. Pat. No. 6,043,747; US. Pat.
`No. 5,977,877; and US. Pat. No. 5,745,037.
`
`[0024] By way of background for adhesive bandages, the
`following US. patents are incorporated herein by reference:
`US. Pat. No. 5,045,035; US. Pat. No. 5,947,917; US. Pat.
`No. 5,633,070; US. Pat. No. 4,812,541; and US. Pat. No.
`3,612,265.
`
`[0025] By way of background for pressure and altitude
`sensing, the following US. patents are incorporated herein
`by reference: US. Pat. No. 5,178,016; US. Pat. No. 4,317,
`126; US. Pat. No. 4,813,272; US. Pat. No. 4,911,016; US.
`Pat. No. 4,694,694; US. Pat. No. 4,911,016; US. Pat. No.
`3,958,459.
`
`[0026] By way of background for rotation sensors, the
`following US. Patents are incorporated herein by reference:
`US. Pat. No. 5,442,221; US. Pat. No. 6,089,098; and US.
`Pat. No. 5,339,699. Magnetorestrictive elements are further
`discussed in the following patents, also incorporated herein
`by reference: US. Pat. No. 5,983,724 and US. Pat. No.
`5,621,316.
`
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`
`the
`In accord with one aspect of the invention,
`[0027]
`communications port is one of a transponder (including a
`smart tag or RFID tag), transceiver, or one-way transmitter.
`In other aspects, data from the MMD is communicated
`off-board (i.e., away from the MMD) by one of several
`techniques, including: streaming the data continuously off-
`board to get a real-time signature of data experienced by the
`MMD;
`transmission triggered by the occurrence of an
`“event” as defined herein; transmission triggered by inter-
`rogation, such as interrogation by an ID with a transponder;
`transmission staggered in “bursts” or “batches,” such as
`when internal storage memory is full; and transmission at
`predetermined intervals of time, such as every minute or
`houn
`
`In one preferred aspect of the invention, the above-
`[0028]
`described MMDs are packaged like an adhesive bandage.
`Specifically, in one aspect, one or more protective strips rest
`over the adhesive portion of the device so as to protect the
`adhesive until the protective strips are removed. The strips
`are substantially stick-free so that they are easily removed
`from the adhesive prior to use. In another aspect, a “wrap-
`per” is used to surround the MMD; the wrapper for example
`similar to wrappers of adhesive bandages. In accord with
`one preferred aspect, the battery electrically couples with the
`electronics of the MMD when the wrapper is opened and/or
`when the protective strips are removed. In this way,
`the
`MMD can be “single use” with the battery energizing the
`electronics only when the MMD is opened and applied to an
`object or person; the battery power being conserved prior to
`use by a decoupling element associated with the wrapper or
`protective strips. Those skilled in the art should appreciate
`that other techniques can be used without departing from the
`scope of the invention.
`
`[0029] The MMDs of the invention are preferably used to
`detect movement “metrics,” including one or more of air-
`time, speed, power, impact, drop distance, jarring and spin.
`WO9854581A2 is incorporated herein by reference as back-
`ground to measuring speed, drop distance, jarring, impact
`and airtime. US. Pat. Nos. 6,157,898, 6,151,563, 6,148,271
`and 6,073,086, relating to spin and speed measurement, are
`incorporated herein by reference. In one aspect, the detector
`and processor of the MMD collectively detect and determine
`“airtime,” such as set forth in US. Pat. No. 5,960,380,
`incorporated herein by reference. By way of example, one
`detector is an accelerometer, and the processor analyzes
`acceleration data from the accelerometer as a spectrum of
`information and then detects the absence of acceleration data
`
`(typically in one or more frequency bands of the spectrum of
`information) to determine airtime. In another aspect,
`the
`detector and processor of the MMD collectively detect and
`determine drop distance. By way of example, one drop
`distance detector is a pressure sensor, and the processor
`analyzes data from the pressure sensor to determine changes
`in pressure indicating altitude variations (a) over a prese-
`lected time interval, (b) between a maximum and minimum
`altitude to assess overall vertical travel, and/or (c) between
`local minimums and maximums to determine jump distance.
`By way of a further example, a drop distance detector is an
`accelerometer, and the processor analyzes data from the
`accelerometer to determine distance, or changes in distance,
`in a direction perpendicular to ground, or perpendicular to
`forward movement, to determine drop distance.
`
`In one preferred aspect, the accelerometer has “free
`[0030]
`fall” capability (e g., with near zero hertz detection) to
`determine drop distance (or other metrics described herein)
`based, at least on part, on free fall physics. This aspect is for
`example useful in detecting dropping events of packages in
`shipment.
`
`In another aspect, the detector and processor of the
`[0031]
`MMD collectively detect and determine spin. By way of
`example, one detector
`is a magnetorestrictive element
`(“MRE”), and the processor analyzes data from the MRE to
`determine spin (rotation per second, number of degrees,
`and/or degrees per second) based upon the MME’s rotation
`through the earth’s magnetic fields. By way of a further
`example, another detector is a rotational accelerometer, and
`the processor analyzes data from the rotational accelerom-
`eter to determine spin. In another aspect, the detector and
`processor of the MMD collectively detect and determine
`jarring, power and/or impact. By way of example, one
`detector is an accelerometer, and the processor analyzes data
`from the accelerometer to determine the jarring,
`impact
`and/or power. As used herein, jarring is a function a higher
`power of velocity in a direction approximately perpendicular
`to forward movement (typically in a direction perpendicular
`to ground, a road, or a floor). As used herein, power is an
`integral of filtered (and preferably rectified) acceleration
`over some preselected time interval, typically greater than
`about 1/2 second. As used herein, impact is an integral of
`filtered (and preferably rectified) acceleration over a time
`interval less than about 1/2 second. Impact is often defined as
`immediately following an “airtime” event (i.e., the “thump”
`of a landing).
`
`the MMD continuously relays a
`In one aspect,
`[0032]
`movement metric by continuous transmission of data from
`the detector to a RR. In this way, a MMD attached to a
`person may beneficially track movement, in real time, of that
`person by recombination of the movement metrics at a
`remote computer. In one aspect, multiple MMDs attached to
`a person quantify movement of a plurality of body parts or
`movements, for example to assist in athletic training (e.g.,
`for boxing or karate). In another aspect, multiple MMDs
`attached to an object quantify movement of a plurality of
`object parts or movements, for example to monitor or assess
`different components or sensitive parts of an object. For
`example, multiple MMDs can be attached to an expensive
`medical device to monitor various critical components dur-
`ing shipment; when the device arrives at the customer, these
`MMDs are interrogated to determine whether any of the
`critical components experienced undesirable conditions—
`e.g., a high impact or temperature or humidity.
`
`[0033] By way of background for moisture sensing, the
`following US. patents are incorporated herein by reference:
`US. Pat. No. 5,486,815; US. Pat.