Abstract: Embodiments include methods and systems by which an object can be located within an area. The system includes a moveable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader and multiple RFID tags, which are positioned at known locations. The RFID tag reader is associated with the object, and is adapted to interrogate the RFID tags, to receive unique identifiers from responding RFID tags, to correlate the unique identifiers with tag location information stored in memory to determine fixed positions for the responding RFID tags, and to mathematically determine at least one location solution for the RFID tag reader using the fixed positions. A responding RFID tag is adapted to respond to an interrogation signal from the RFID tag reader by transmitting a unique identifier.

Abstract: A system for communicating data through a network is disclosed. The system includes at least one access point and at least one mobile unit. The access point includes an access point processor, a wireless transceiver and an RFID transceiver. The wireless transceiver is coupled to the access point processor and the wireless transceiver is configured to receive and transmit data to a wireless device in the wireless local area network. The RFID transceiver is coupled to the access point processor and the RFID transceiver is configured to receive data from at least one mobile unit in the wireless local area network when the wireless transceiver is unavailable. The mobile unit includes a mobile unit processor, a mobile unit wireless transceiver and a mobile unit RFID transceiver. The mobile unit wireless transceiver is coupled to the mobile unit processor and the mobile unit wireless transceiver is configured to receive and transmit data to the access point.

Abstract: A dual mode mobile unit is arranged to communicate in either a first or second data communications standard, such as combined Bluetooth and 802.11 operation. An interface unit converts received Bluetooth or 802.11 format signals into 802.11 frame format data signals to be provided to a digital signal processor which is programmed to process signals in either standard. The dual mode mobile unit can operate in the 802.11 standard to reserve a time interval for Bluetooth activity during which other 802.11 units will avoid transmissions to avoid interference.

Abstract: Multi-tier system for digital radio communication. The multi-tier system has a first-tier base station with relatively long-range radio and has a second-tier base station with relatively short-range, low power and cheaper radios. The system can be more versatilely configured to meet demands of various applications. The application may include data capture using bar code readers, radio frequency readers and other automatic data capture devices. The system may also be used to control hotel door locks, individual room temperature control, remote video monitoring—all without having to wire and with much flexibility given the two types of radios employed.

Abstract: Monolithic circuit chips are disclosed which are particularly adapted for use with barcode reading, video and photographic systems. The monolithic circuit chip can include a sensor array, digitizer and decoder. The monolithic circuit chip can alternatively include an imager circuit, radio frequency circuit and memory. The memory can be one of ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), E2PROM, or Flash memory. The monolithic circuit chip can be formed using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) techniques.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for extracting information from a database based on tag data are provided. One method includes interrogating a plurality of RFID tags coupled with objects within in an area to obtain tag data. The contextual environment of the area is determined based on the tag data. A search of a database relating to an item in the area is conducted. Relevance rankings of search results are adjusted based upon the determined contextual environment. Search results can be displayed in order of relevance rankings.

Abstract: The location of unmodified wireless assets in a wireless communication network may be identified using time differences of arrivals of a communication sequence at different network receivers. Time-stamping devices may include correlator circuits in parallel with signal decoders to time-stamp communication sequences. Cellular wireless networks may be frequency-multiplexed to increase spatial time-stamping density. Tags may be attached to passive assets to provide location identification information to network devices. Locations of assets broadcasting standard 802.11 radio frequency structures may be identified. Noise inherent in correlating a communication sequence may be reduced by using a selected correlation function.

Abstract: Techniques for RFID communication adaptive to an environment are provided. An RFID reader includes a processor and a reconfigurable hardware element. The reconfigurable hardware element is reconfigurable by the processor in response to a predetermined condition. Non-volatile memory stores configuration code for the reconfigurable hardware element. In specific embodiments, the predetermined condition can be the presence of a mixed tag population, proximity to an interferer, historical read rates, RF noise level, and reader location, as well as other factors.

Abstract: A directional antenna array is provided that includes a driven element and a first parasitic element separated from the driven element with the first parasitic element and/or the driven element having a width that is greater than about one-half a percent (0.5%) of an free-space wavelength of the directional antenna array. Alternatively or in conjunction, the directional antenna array includes a balun structure that is configured to couple the driven element to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source and an electromagnetic sink, and the balun structure includes a dipole structure, a first feed point extending from the dipole structure and a second feed point extending from the first parasitic element.

Abstract: Multi-tier system for digital radio communication. The multi-tier system has a first-tier base station with relatively long-range radio and has a second-tier base station with relatively short-range, low power and cheaper radios. The system can be more versatilely configured to meet demands of various applications. The application may include data capture using bar code readers, radio frequency readers and other automatic data capture devices. The system may also be used to control hotel door locks, individual room temperature control, remote video monitoring—all without having to wire and with much flexibility given the two types of radios employed.

Abstract: A mobile computer and a reader are provided that may be constructed as a standard modular attachment (e.g. sled) for the computer that may be used only when RFID interrogation is desired. The sled may carry an antenna loop, integrated RFID reader electronics, and a dedicated battery that are separate from the actual mobile computer.

Abstract: An object location system and method is provided for locating objects. The system includes an RFID reader, an angle calculator, and a distance calculator to determine which of a plurality of zones an object is located in or passing through. An RFID tag is affixed with the object that is to be located. The RFID reader transmits signals to the RFID tag and receives backscatter-modulated signals from the RFID tag at one or more RFID antennas. From those received signals, the angle calculator determines an angle of position of the RFID tag relative to the RFID antenna. From the angle of position the zone in which the object is located is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal shopping system for combined use in both the home of a user and a shopping establishment. The system includes a host computer which is coupled to a host modem and, optionally, to at least one wireless multi-access point. At least one shopping establishment kiosk cradle is employed to interface with a portable terminal which is also part of the system. The portable terminal can be used in both the shopping establishment and the home of the user. It is configured to read bar codes associated with items related to shopping, and includes a memory, a bar code reader, a wireless transceiver, and a data interface. The data interface of the terminal communicates with a data interface of the shopping establishment kiosk cradle. A home cradle for the portable terminal is also provided and is adapted to remain in the home of the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for locating one among many items equipped with RFID tags. The apparatus comprises a portable system interrogating the RFID tags and receiving responses therefrom that depend at least on their bearing angle. A comparator selects responses from the one item and ignores others. An annunciator indicates the presence of the one item in the interrogator field of view and, desirably but not essentially, its relative proximity. A directional antenna whose beam pattern is limited in azimuth and/or elevation provides bearing angle information. Its field of view becomes progressively smaller as the antenna approaches the one item so that a user can substantially pinpoint its location without needing any of the usual RFID infrastructure. Tag response hit rate and/or signal strength provides range related information to the interrogator. Optionally, the presence of each new tag is announced until all new tags have been identified.

Abstract: Multi-tier system for digital radio communication. The multi-tier system has a first-tier base station with relatively long-range radio and has a second-tier base station with relatively short-range, low power and cheaper radios. The system can be more versatilely configured to meet demands of various applications. The application may include data capture using bar code readers, radio frequency readers and other automatic data capture devices. The system may also be used to control hotel door locks, individual room temperature control, remote video monitoring—all without having to wire and with much flexibility given the two types of radios employed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for locating objects using RFID tags. The system and method uses an RFID reader and a distance calculator to efficiently and accurately determine the location of objects that include an RFID tag. The RFID reader transmits a plurality of signals to the RFID tag, with the plurality of signals having different fundamental frequencies. In response, the RFID tag backscatter modulates the plurality of transmitted signals to create a plurality of backscatter modulated signals. The RFID reader receives and demodulates the plurality of backscatter modulated signals. The distance calculator determines the phase of the plurality of backscatter modulated signals and determines a rate of change of the phase in the backscatter modulated signals with respect to the rate of change in the fundamental frequency of the transmitted signals and uses this information to calculate the distance to the RFID tag.

Abstract: Containers for holding goods are provided with a relay conductive structure for relaying RFID tags signals from one side of the container to another. The conductive structure includes a first antenna on the first side of the container, a second antenna on a second side of the container and a transmission line connecting the antennas. When the containers are arranged in a stack, the relay of RFID signals past each row of containers enables the interrogation toward the rear of the stack without disassembling the stack of containers.

Abstract: A locating and tracking system is provided in which the assets are desired to be located and tracked are associated with either radio frequency (RF) tags or radio frequency identification and radio frequency data communication (RFID/RFDC) devices. Depending on which device is attached to the asset, the other device is located at known locations. The RFID/RFDC devices interrogate and receive signals from the RF tags. The received information is sent to the host computer. With the location of either the RF tags or the RFID/RFDC devices known, the assets may be located and tracked. An improved RF tag antenna design is also provided by using a switching mechanism connected to at least two antennas.

Abstract: The location of unmodified wireless assets in a wireless communication network may be identified using time differences of arrivals of a communication sequence at different network receivers. Time-stamping devices may include correlator circuits in parallel with signal decoders to time-stamp communication sequences. Cellular wireless networks may be frequency-multiplexed to increase spatial time-stamping density. Tags may be attached to passive assets to provide location identification information to network devices. Locations of assets broadcasting standard 802.11 radio frequency structures may be identified. Noise inherent in correlating a communication sequence may be reduced by using a selected correlation function.

Abstract: An RFID relay device for an RFID transponder and methods are provided for relaying an RFID signal. The RFID relay device comprises at least two antenna and a transmission line coupling the at least two antenna. In addition to the two antenna and the transmission line, the RFID relay device comprises an impedance adjusting circuit coupled to the transmission line and configured for coupling to the RFID transponder.