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: 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: A system is provided for communication and sensory monitoring. The system comprises a plurality of nodes installed as a network in a structure. Each of the plurality of nodes comprises an internode transceiver for wireless communication between nodes, a wireless network transceiver for wireless communication with one or more wireless devices, one or more sensors for monitoring the environment of the structure and a processor coupled to the internode transceiver, the wireless network transceiver and the one or more sensors to exchange data with the internode transceiver, the wireless network transceiver and the one or more sensors devices coupled to the processor and process the data. The system also includes a wide area network bridge coupled to the plurality of network nodes. The network bridge receives data from the plurality of network nodes and passes the information to a computer network for processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for opportunistically charging a rechargeable power source of a portable electronic unit are provided. The system includes a primary inductance assembly energized by a main power source for inducing an electro-magnetic flux in a secondary coil assembly associated with a power source of the portable unit. Such electro-magnetic flux creates an electric current that is subsequently employed for charging the power source of the portable unit. A controller of the charging system can monitor state of charge, and notify a user when a recharge is required. Scavenging modes may also be employed for recharging the main power source and the rechargeable source of the portable unit.

Abstract: Described are RF tracking system and method. The RF system may include a shell for holding a plurality of containers which store a material that interferes with RF communications. The shell includes a bottom container supporting surface and a plurality of leg extensions attached thereto; the shell extends away from the bottom surface. The tracking system also includes at least one RF tag attached to a first one of the leg extensions. The tag has a memory arrangement storing data relating to at least one of an identity of the shell, an identity of the containers held in the shell and a material stored in the containers. Furthermore, the tracking system includes at least one RF scanner communicating with the tag to collect the data and a computing arrangement which includes a database and communicating with the scanner to update the database as a function of the collected data.

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: An auto ID reader and one or two radio frequency transceivers are supported on a common support having a predetermined form factor, such as that of a scan engine module commonly utilized in hand-held bar code symbol scanners. Common digital processing circuitry is used for processing the signal from the auto ID sensor and an RF transceiver baseband signal, making a highly integrated and compact arrangement. A single Fast Fourier Transform circuit is utilized for each transceiver.

Abstract: A system comprising a transmitter element creating an interrogation signal and transmitting the interrogation signal and a receiver element receiving a reflection signal of the interrogation signal and combining the reflection signal and a feedback signal to cancel at least a portion of radio frequency echo signals in the reflection signal.

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: A RFID tag for use in an RFID system is disclosed. The RFID tag comprises an antenna operable to receive a carrier wave from an RFID reader. A state machine is coupled to the antenna and receives a backscattering command comprising a backscattering parameter for the RFID tag to use for backscattering the carrier wave. A modulator is coupled between the antenna and the state machine. The modulator produces a modulated backscatter signal, based at least partially dependent on the backscattering command.

Abstract: Asset tags for use in a WLAN/RFID system are provided. The asset tag comprises a processor, an RFID antenna coupled to the processor and configured to receive interrogations from an RFID reader and send replies to the RFID reader; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor, the wireless transceiver configured to receive information from and send information to a wireless access port of a wireless local area network.

Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing the design parameters of a RFID tag for use with a RFID reader in a RFID system. In the method, a desired frequency band that the RFID tag will operate in is chosen. Additionally, a maximum acceptable cost for the RFID tag, a minimum acceptable data range for the RFID tag and a minimum operating voltage for the RFID tag are chosen. For a given cost, an optimal data rate is calculated by varying a carrier modulation period of an interrogation signal generated by the RFID reader and antenna capacitance of the RFID tag. Next, an optimal range for a given operating voltage is calculated using the optimal data rate.

Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

Abstract: A logical relationship is established among peripherals in a wireless local area network managed by a system manager. A readable identifier is associated with each peripheral. A reader for reading the identifiers is respectively associated with selected peripherals during a set-up mode of system operation. A transceiver is in wireless communication with the system manager for identifying the reader and the selected peripherals to advise the system manager of the establishment of the logical relationship.

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.

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: An auto ID reader and a radio frequency transceiver are supported on a common support having a predetermined form factor, such as that of a scan engine module commonly utilized in hand-held bar code symbol scanners. Common digital processing circuitry is used for processing the signal from the auto ID sensor, and the RF transceiver baseband signal, making a highly integrated and compact arrangement.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode omnidirectionally is formed an a common substrate. The scanner may include a mirror assembly or scan module, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror.

Abstract: Devices having either wireless data communication capability or RFID tags can be located using dual function fixed devices which are distributed throughout a facility. The devices will identify those units with which they are communicating using a wireless radio data communications protocol and also identify items within the local area using RFID tags on the units.

Abstract: A circuit that combines the functionality of a biometric reader and an RFID circuit is provided. This circuit uses certain functional blocks for processing both t h e biometric signals and the RFID signals. As a result, the space and power consumed by the circuit are substantially reduced such that the circuit can be formed to fit a free-standing, hand-held reader device. The circuit also may use a single interface from a hand-held device to central processing unit to process digital signals from both the biometric reader and the RFID circuit. In addition, in one embodiment, the circuit may also simultaneously process biometric data signals and RFID signals.