Abstract: An optical disc has a security feature in the form of an RFID tag that communicates with a voltage controlled optical modifier layer in the optical disc. In the presence of an interrogation signal, the RFID tag allows the optical disc to be used normally by outputting a voltage to the optical modifier layer. In the absence of an interrogation signal, the optical modifier layer prevents a laser from reading from or writing on the optical disc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna may be in the form of a polygonal, elliptical curve and/or coil shape. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its curved structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breakage that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.

Abstract: An optical disc has a security feature in the form of an RFID tag that communicates with a voltage controlled optical modifier layer in the optical disc. In the presence of an interrogation signal, the RFID tag allows the optical disc to be used normally by outputting a voltage to the optical modifier layer. In the absence of an interrogation signal, the optical modifier layer prevents a laser from reading from or writing on the optical disc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrically-conductive pattern includes selectively electroplating the top portions of a substrate that corresponds to the pattern, and separating the conductive pattern from the substrate. The electroplating may also include electrically connecting the conductive pattern to an electrical component. Conductive ink, such as ink including carbon particles, may be selectively placed on the conductive substrate to facilitate plating of the desired pattern and/or to facilitate separation of the pattern from the substrate. An example of a conductive pattern is an antenna for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device such as a label or a tag. One example of an electrical component that may be electrically connected to the antenna, is an RFID strap or chip.

Abstract: A modulator circuit comprises a negative impedance amplifier (6) which is operable such that a signal applied to the amplifier (6) is reflected and amplified. Switching means (14, 16) are provided for switching the impedance of the amplifier (6) between two reflecting states such that the reflected and amplified signal is phase modulated. The impedances of the negative impedance amplifier are selected such that the phase of the reflected and amplified signal switches by substantially 180 degrees. Preferably the impedances of the negative impedance amplifier in the two reflecting states are selected such that the reflection gain of the amplifier in the two reflecting states is substantially the same such that the reflected and amplified signal is a binary phase shift keyed.

Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna is a conductor that is curved in alternating sections. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its curved structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breakage that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a face stock and an RFID device. The face stock has a printable side and an inlay side, with the RFID device mounted to the inlay side. A layer of adhesive is coated on the inlay side of the face stock. A liner is releasably adhered to the layer of adhesive and includes a relief area that accommodates for defection of the RFID device. The accommodation of the thickness of the RFID device results in a tag that has a substantially uniform printable surface. Accordingly, when passing through a printer, the printable surface is maintained substantially flat or linear at the print head of the printer, thereby minimizing jamming and enhancing printability. A pinch roller for a printer also accommodates for deflection of the RFID tag by providing a deformable section along a length thereof the body that has a greater resiliency than the rest of the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide variable test techniques for RFID devices. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) test system includes an RFID reader adapted to provide an RF signal to an RFID device, wherein a signal level of the RF signal changes as the RFID device moves through a test region. The performance level of the RFID device is determined based upon the number of times the RFID device responds to the RF signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide radio frequency identification (RFID) communication techniques for RFID devices. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a RFID communication system includes a transmission system that provides a radio frequency signal to an RFID device and a detector circuit that detects a response to the radio frequency signal from the RFID device. A controller determines whether the RFID device is operational based on whether the response was detected by the detector circuit. The RFID communication system may be implemented within a handheld device, a manufacturing test system, or any device requiring RFID communication functionality, such as a printer or an applicator for RFID devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide RFID communication and testing techniques. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an RFID system includes a radio frequency source adapted to provide radio frequency energy to an RFID device, a short-range coupler adapted to couple with the RFID device, at least one diode coupled to the short-range coupler, and an interface. The interface is coupled to the diodes and adapted to provide via the short-range coupler and the diodes modulation of the radio frequency energy to the RFID device and detection of a signal provided by the RFID device.

Abstract: A wireless communication device and method for identifying a container, or communication information about a container using a slot in the container as an antenna. The device includes a wireless communication device for transmitting information regarding the container. The container includes an outer wall forming rim and a slot between the rim edge and the outer wall that is circular and continues without boundaries. The wireless communication device is coupled to the slot to provide the slot antenna for communications. An impedance matching network is additionally provided to make the operating frequency of the slot substantially the same as the operating frequency of the wireless communication device. Alternatively, shorting posts may be placed in the slot to define boundaries of the slot to match the operating frequency of the slot to the operating frequency of the antenna. Multiple feed points may be provided between the wireless communication device and the slot.

Abstract: An AM receiver incorporates an antenna, a transistor, a current source, and a power supply. The antenna is connected to a gate electrode of the transistor and through a link to a signal earth. In operation, the antenna receives radiation and generates a corresponding input signal which propagates to the gate electrode. The transistor is operable to process the input signal in two steps, namely to reflectively amplify the input signal to generate a correspondingly reflectively amplified input signal at the gate electrode in a first step, and amplitude demodulate the amplified input signal in a second step. The transistor is operable in a non-linear region of its current/voltage characteristic whereas it simultaneously provides reflective amplification and signal demodulation, namely the two steps occur simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide radio frequency identification (RFID) test techniques. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an RFID test system includes a transmission system for providing a radio frequency signal to a plurality of RFID devices and a plurality of radio frequency detectors configured to detect a response to the radio frequency signal from the corresponding RFID devices. A circuit is coupled to the radio frequency detectors and adapted to determine whether each of the plurality of RFID devices is operational based on whether the response was detected by the corresponding radio frequency detector. The RFID devices, for example, that fail the test may be provided with an identifying mark or disabled with a kill command.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide RFID device test techniques. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device test system includes an RFID device tester adapted to test RFID devices that are disposed in a closely spaced configuration. The RFID device tester applies a variable threshold, to each of the RFID devices tested, based on characteristics of at least one of the RFID devices neighboring the RFID device being tested.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide location determination for the application of radio frequency identification (RFID) devices (e.g., performance evaluation of one or more RFID devices for various locations on an object to be associated with an RFID device). For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an RFID test device includes a housing, an RFID device coupled to the housing, and a near field coupler contained at least partially within the housing and configured to communicate in a near field region with the RFID device.

Abstract: An RFID device detection system includes a proximity locator, which generates an electric field for reading an antennaless RFID device, or for reading other, antennaed RFID devices. An antennaless RFID device includes non-antenna conductive leads coupled to a chip. The proximity locator includes one or more conductors forming a transmission line structure arranged to set up a strong RF electric field in proximity to the locator. The strong RF electric field may be a short- range field that provides significant RF energy only over a relatively short distance, when compared with traditional RF fields that are set up over a relatively large distance. The short-range RF field allows coupling to antennaed and antennaless RFID devices that are near to the proximity locator. The RFID device detection system may be employed in a variety of tasks, including inventory control and theft detection.

Abstract: A tire sensor that communicates to a remote interrogator in one of two modes depending on the nature of the interrogation. The interrogator may be distributed throughout a vehicle if needed for design options. Further, the interrogator only interrogates the transponder when the interrogator has reason to believe that the transponder is in range of the interrogator. The interrogator and transponder may be configured to operate in different modes for communication during operation of the tire on a vehicle and during non-operation. The transponder may communicate tire condition information to the interrogator concerning environmental or other information sensed about the tire.

Abstract: A tire sensor that communicates to a remote interrogator in one of two modes depending on the nature of the interrogation. The interrogator may be distributed throughout a vehicle if needed for design options. Further, the interrogator only interrogates the transponder when the interrogator has reason to believe that the transponder is in range of the interrogator. The interrogator and transponder may be configured to operate in different modes for communication during operation of the tire on a vehicle and during non-operation. The transponder may communicate tire condition information to the interrogator concerning environmental or other information sensed about the tire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, such as a transponder, that has a plurality of antennas for multi-frequency usage. The wireless communication device comprises a control system, communication electronics, memory, and the aforementioned antennas. A wireless communication device having a pole antenna may be used with one or more loop conductor antennas to achieve the desired operating frequencies. A wireless communication device having a dipole antenna may be coupled across a loop conductor antenna to provide different loop conductor configurations depending on the frequency.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a plurality of RFID devices disposed on a common carrier. In one embodiment, the RFID devices are evenly spaced along the length of the carrier, and the system comprises a short-range tester, a long-range tester and a computer, the short-range tester being coupled to the computer and having a short-range testing position, the long-range tester being coupled to the computer and having a long-range testing position, the long-range testing position being spaced downstream from the short-range testing position by a known number of device positions. In use, an RFID device of interest is first positioned at the short-range testing position, and the short-range tester reads a unique identifier for that RFID device and communicates the identifier to the computer. The carrier is then advanced so that subsequent RFID devices are read by the short-range tester.