Abstract: A data reader can read data regardless of the position of a radio IC tag. The data reader reads data at a separate position from a radio IC tag provided with a storage unit storing data and a communicating antenna for transmitting the data stored in the storage unit, and includes a reader/writer for generating a modulated signal by modulating a carrier wave and a plurality of antenna units for transmitting radio waves for a read for communicating data with a storage medium by radiating the modulated signal into the air. The reader/writer includes a phase adjustment circuit for changing the phase of a carrier wave.

Abstract: To provide a server device with which the burden of processing can be reduced during generation of relationship information among multiple terminal devices. The server device can include a communication unit for communicating with a first terminal device having a first touch panel, and with a second terminal device having a second touch panel; and a controller for determining whether an interval of time that is identified on the basis of first operation information received from the first terminal device via the communication unit and corresponding to a first swipe operation performed on the first touch panel, and second operation information received from the second terminal device via the communication unit and corresponding to a second swipe operation performed on the second touch panel, falls within a prescribed range, and for generating prescribed relationship information on the basis of the result of the determination.

Abstract: Method and its enabling device for remote wireless micro-latching for security purposes, comprising at least one user or controller, one mobile communication device, and one secured device, whereas said user is enabled to open or close a micro-latch in said a secured device, for instant a safe box or a medical cabinet, allowing access to secured content, including money, ID card, checks, as well as medicine. Also disclosed is a multiplicity of said devices and their preprogrammed remote control by computer or mobile app. The micro-latching can be amplified to macro-latching, for instance by a micro-solenoid switching a high power electrical switch bank or relay, which in turn initiates industrial processes.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting potentially fraudulent cardholder transactions is implemented by a fraud detection computer system in communication with a memory. The method includes identifying a first home location for a first cardholder, identifying an expected range of travel relative to the first home location for the first cardholder when making a typical financial transaction in at least one merchant category, receiving transaction data associated with a first financial transaction, retrieving the first home location based on the cardholder data and a merchant location for the first merchant based on the merchant data, calculating a distance of travel between the first merchant location and the cardholder home location, comparing the calculated distance of travel to the expected range of travel, and flagging the first financial transaction as potentially fraudulent upon determining that the calculated distance of travel exceeds the expected range of travel.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of barcoded quality indicators, a barcode indicator reader and a product type responsive indication interpreter, each of the barcoded quality indicators including a first barcode including at least one first colorable area, the first barcode being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, at least a second barcode including at least one second colorable area, the second barcode not being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, a coloring agent located at a first location on the indicator and a coloring agent pathway operative to allow the coloring agent to move, from the first location to the first and second colorable areas simultaneously thereby causing the first barcode to become unreadable and at the same time causing the second barcode to become machine-readable.

Abstract: A plant control monitoring system that can reduce communication traffic between a client and server to improve processing speed, and that includes: a server-side storage section provided in a server to store operation right processing information for a machine group on a client operation monitoring screen; client-side storage sections provided in clients to store duplicates of the operation right processing information of the server-side storage section; and operation right processing sections provided in the clients to correspond to each of the operation monitoring screens and that perform operation right processing based on the operation right processing information of the client-side storage sections. Operation right processing information for each client is stored in a global variable storage section of the client-side storage section, and operation right processing information for each operation screen is stored in a local variable storage section of the client-side storage section.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for assisting a user performing a procedure. The method includes capturing, by a camera, images of user activity while the user is performing the procedure. The method further includes converting, by computer processing system, the images of user activity into a text representation of user activity. The method also includes comparing, by the computer processing system, the textual representation of user activity to procedure documentation. The method additionally includes at least one of visually and audibly indicating, by a display and a speaker, a corrective action to the user responsive to a mismatch result from said comparing step.

Abstract: The stages of an interaction between a potential customer (the user) and a sales representative (the agent) during a sales interaction are identified to understand the interaction factors that drive sales and, by doing so, to serve the customer better and thus increase sales. Initially, a user makes contact with an agent via a communications network. During the interaction, a dropping point is reached, i.e. the point in the interaction at which either the user or the agent ends the interaction. The dropping point and other interaction factors is analyzed. Based upon such analysis, various recommendations are made to the agents to improve the user's sales experience.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to statistical and mathematical optimization techniques to predict completion time of parts and subassemblies in one production line. A real-time visibility of products and work-in-process is produced. Optimization techniques are utilized to allow for dynamic modification of a transportation schedule and/or batch size, thereby reducing transportation costs.

Abstract: A collection of techniques allow for the detection of covert malware that attempts to hide its existence on a system by leveraging both trusted hardware event counters and the particular memory addresses (as well as the sequences of such addresses) of the instructions that are generating the suspected malicious activity. By monitoring the address distribution's specific patterns over time, one can build a behavioral model (i.e., “fingerprint”) of a particular process—and later attempt to match suspected malicious processes to the stored behavioral models. Whenever the actual measured behavior of a suspected malicious process fails to match said stored behavioral models, the system or system administrator may attempt to perform rehabilitative actions on the computer system to locate and remove the malware hiding on the system.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of bar coded quality indicators each operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, a barcode indicator reader operative to read the barcoded quality indicators and to provide output indications, the barcoded quality indicators being readable by the barcode indicator reader at all times after first becoming readable, including times prior to, during and immediately following exceedance of the at least one threshold by the at least one product quality affecting parameter, and a product type responsive indication interpreter operative to receive the output indications and to provide human sensible, product quality status outputs.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking/controlling access to transported articles, includes a computing module in signal communication with sending and receiving stations. A first input device at the sending station receives identifying information identifying a carrier (“carrier ID”) and an item (“item ID”) placed within the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the item ID are transmitted to the computing module. A second input device at the receiving station receives the carrier ID for a carrier received at the receiving station and identifying information for an individual (“user ID”) at the receiving station provided access to the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the user ID are transmitted to the computing module, which unlocks the carrier and allows access to the item inside, and records the user ID of the individual provided access and the associated carrier ID and/or item ID to provide chain of custody information for the item.

Abstract: A method for discounting a payment transaction include: storing, in a memory, transaction data for a payment transaction, wherein the transaction data includes at least a transaction amount; receiving, by a receiving device, payment data associated with a payment account, wherein the payment data includes at least a payment account number; receiving, by the receiving device, offer data, wherein the offer data includes an offer identifier associated with the payment account and a transaction modifier; encrypting, using a predetermined encryption key, at least a portion of the payment account number to obtain an encrypted account number; and updating, in the memory, the transaction amount included in the transaction data based on the transaction modifier if the encrypted account number corresponds to the offer identifier.

Abstract: The functionality of a networked physical product is defined as an abstraction, or a virtual product, in such a way that the product functionality can be interpreted and managed by a business enterprise system. A software application and data model spans isolated databases to store and maintain the functional data and contextual information of a networked physical product and the associated business data needed to manage the product. The functional and contextual data is managed by a purpose-built and optimized heterogeneous database environment, and the associated business data is managed separately in another purpose-built and optimized database environment.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for managing hardware components in a cloud computing environment. A mobile device captures an image of a bar code placed on a rack that is associated with an identifier that references an Internet resource of the management software that manages the rack. The mobile device transmits a request to the management software for information regarding a component in the rack, where the request includes a unique identifier (e.g., serial number) associated with the component. The management software uses the unique identifier to identify the component of interest and transmits information regarding the component of interest to the mobile device. In this manner, the client device can conveniently access the management software as well as conveniently acquire information dynamically from the management software about specific hardware components in these racks while the user is on the floor of the data center.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for giving prompt, detailed ratings feedback (e.g., as a purchase is being made or a user is shopping or dining with a merchant) that can be subjected to a controlled delay in sending the actual feedback to merchants. “Merchant” is used in a general sense to include both providers of goods and providers of services, such as dining (e.g., restaurants, coffee shops), car maintenance, carpet cleaning, home remodeling, and plumbing, for example). The feedback may be provided from a consumer mobile device. Embodiments may provide information useable in real time (e.g., as the user is considering the ratings to be given) from the merchant back to the consumer for improving the ratings feedback or that the consumer can use, for example, for making purchasing decisions.

Abstract: A system (100, 102) for remotely controlling a controllable device (110), the controllable device comprising a receiver (112) configured to receive a digital command, the controllable device being configured to modify an aspect of the controllable device in response to receiving the digital command, a mobile controller (120), the mobile controller comprising a tag reader (122) configured to connect directly to an electronic tag over a first wireless channel (152) and to receive information from the tag identifying the controllable device (110), and a sender (124) configured to wirelessly send the digital command to the controllable device over a second wireless channel (154) using the information identifying the controllable device, and an access control module (130) configured to selectively allow or block the mobile controller to control the controllable device through the digital command, the access control module being configured to allow the mobile controller to control the controllable device within a c

Abstract: A barcoded indicator operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, the barcoded indicator including at least a first barcode and at least a second barcode, the at least a second barcode being in a second barcode unreadable state prior to exceedance of the at least one threshold and upon exceedance of the at least one threshold the at least a first barcode becoming unreadable and generally simultaneously the at least a second barcode becoming readable.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of barcoded quality indicators, a barcode indicator reader and a product type responsive indication interpreter, each of the barcoded quality indicators including a first barcode including at least one first colorable area, the first barcode being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, at least a second barcode including at least one second colorable area, the second barcode not being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, a coloring agent located at a first location on the indicator and a coloring agent pathway operative to allow the coloring agent to move, from the first location to the first and second colorable areas simultaneously thereby causing the first barcode to become unreadable and at the same time causing the second barcode to become machine-readable.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to a reseller analysis tool are described. In some embodiments, electronic commerce transaction information associated with a plurality of electronic commerce transactions occurring using an electronic commerce system is received at the electronic commerce system. A set of resale transactions from the plurality of electronic commerce transactions is identified using the electronic commerce transaction information, including identifying the set of resale transactions based on resale criteria capable of indicating a sale of an item by an entity that previously purchased the item using the electronic commerce transaction system. A set of rules associated with resale transactions is generated, including generating the set of rules based on the electronic commerce transaction information associated with the set of resale transactions. Based on the set of rules, user transaction information relevant to a transaction associated with a user is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods use an origin pattern to verify the authenticity of a host object. The origin pattern includes a text-based serial number and a computer-graphics based surface-texture component. The serial number includes a public manufacturer identifier and an object identifier sequence that is based on a hash of a private manufacturer identifier and a private object identifier. The surface-texture component includes a two dimensional texture mapped onto a three dimensional surface, the generation of the surface being based on the hash. In response to an authentication request for an origin pair, the system may verify the serial number component exists in a data store and generate a challenge surface-texture component based on data in the data store. If the challenge surface-texture component matches, the system may use a time-location stamp to determine an authenticity probability and provide an indication of authenticity in response to the verification request.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program are provided for capturing a unique identifier for a merchant used in purchase transaction approval requests. A merchant is able to register with a payment card system via a merchant interface. A payment card number is associated with and provided to the merchant via the interface with instructions to perform a purchase transaction with the payment card number. The system receives requests for approval of payment card transactions, where each request includes a payment card number and a unique identifier for a merchant. For each request, the system determines whether the payment card number includes an indicator that the payment card number is for the purpose of capturing a unique identifier for a merchant. In response to receiving a request with a payment card number that includes the indicator, a unique identifier accompanying the request is automatically associated with the registering merchant.

Abstract: A method for managing power in a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes determining whether residual power indicative of residual battery power of the mobile terminal is less than or equal to predetermined reference power, if a power management mode is run; generating guide data to be provided to a user based on the residual power, if the residual power is less than or equal to the reference power; and displaying the guide data.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for managing hardware components in a cloud computing environment. A mobile device captures an image of a bar code placed on a rack that is associated with an identifier that references an Internet resource of the management software that manages the rack. The mobile device transmits a request to the management software for information regarding a component in the rack, where the request includes a unique identifier (e.g., serial number) associated with the component. The management software uses the unique identifier to identify the component of interest and transmits information regarding the component of interest to the mobile device. In this manner, the client device can conveniently access the management software as well as conveniently acquire information dynamically from the management software about specific hardware components in these racks while the user is on the floor of the data center.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a method can include establishing a contactless communication channel with a contactless transaction terminal and receiving a command from the contactless transaction terminal. The command can include an identifier of an application. The method can also include selecting, in a table in response to the command, an instance identifier corresponding with an instance of the application from a plurality of instance identifiers corresponding, respectively, with different instances of the application. Each instance identifier can be associated with a state indicator, and the state indicator associated with the selected instance identifier can specify that the corresponding instance of the application is in a selectable state.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of bar coded quality indicators each operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, a barcode indicator reader operative to read the barcoded quality indicators and to provide output indications, the barcoded quality indicators being readable by the barcode indicator reader at all times after first becoming readable, including times prior to, during and immediately following exceedance of the at least one threshold by the at least one product quality affecting parameter, and a product type responsive indication interpreter operative to receive the output indications and to provide human sensible, product quality status outputs.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an acquiring party prediction platform may receive transaction information about a plurality of transactions associated with a merchant, and different transactions may be associated with different acquiring parties. The transaction information may be analyzed to generate a prediction that a particular acquiring party may be associated with a transaction volume below a threshold volume in the future. An indication associated with the prediction may then be transmitted.

Abstract: A method, a computer program product, a mobile terminal, and system are provided. For example, the method includes receiving a work plan comprising at least one work item with a mobile terminal, wherein the work item includes an initial location of at least one identification device. The method also includes reading identification information contained on the identification device with the mobile terminal and identifying a deployed location of the identification device. Moreover, the method includes providing the identification information and the deployed location such that the work plan can be updated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return and whether to provide a coupon to the customer. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.

Abstract: There are provided a system and a method for analyzing and/or estimating a state of a banknote processing apparatus. The system includes an information detector configured to detect use information of the banknote processing apparatus in real time, a state estimating apparatus configured to produce statistical information based on the detected use information and produce state estimation information on a state of the banknote processing apparatus and/or an operating environment of the banknote processing apparatus using the statistical information, and a database configured to store one or more of the use information, the statistical information, and the state estimation information.

Abstract: A wireless access control system is provided including an electronic lock, a wireless transport device configured for wireless communication with a network and with the electronic lock and having access privilege to the electronic lock, and wherein the wireless transport device is configured to wirelessly receive data from the network, to wirelessly deliver the data to the electronic lock, and to verify to the network that the data has been successfully transferred to the electronic lock. In one embodiment, the wireless transport device is a cellular phone. A method is also provided including transporting data wirelessly from a network to a plurality of cellular phones having access privileges to an electronic lock, and delivering the data to the electronic lock wirelessly using at least one of the cellular phones.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of barcoded quality indicators, a barcode indicator reader and a product type responsive indication interpreter, each of the barcoded quality indicators including a first barcode including at least one first colorable area, the first barcode being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, at least a second barcode including at least one second colorable area, the second barcode not being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, a coloring agent located at a first location on the indicator and a coloring agent pathway operative to allow the coloring agent to move, from the first location to the first and second colorable areas simultaneously thereby causing the first barcode to become unreadable and at the same time causing the second barcode to become machine-readable.

Abstract: A barcoded indicator operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, the barcoded indicator including at least a first barcode and at least a second barcode, the at least a second barcode being in a second barcode unreadable state prior to exceedance of the at least one threshold and upon exceedance of the at least one threshold the at least a first barcode becoming unreadable and generally simultaneously the at least a second barcode becoming readable.

Abstract: The application discloses systems and methods for physically sharing a hard copy of a document. The systems and methods include presenting to a user a graphical user interface having printing options for printing the document, where the graphical user interface has an input for receiving an indication by the user that the user is willing to share the hard copy of the document; presenting to the user options for defining characteristics of the hard copy of the document in response to receiving the indication; and publishing at least one of the defined characteristics within a profile page of the user.

Abstract: A system and method for example method for displaying enterprise data via a user interface display. An example method includes providing a first user option to select enterprise data to be displayed, yielding selected data in response thereto; employing a capsule to present a visualization or infographic characterizing at least a portion of the selected data; and providing a second user option to flip or rotate the capsule, thereby displaying additional enterprise data that is related to or representative of the selected data or portion thereof. In a specific embodiment, the first user option includes a slider bar that enables a user to specify a time frame to filter the enterprise data.

Abstract: Reference equipment including a reference card and a reference reader is provided for testing electronic payment devices such as cards and card readers. The reference equipment includes reference cards and reference readers that respectively can be used to verify compliance of product cards and product readers with product specifications The product specifications may, for example, be the ISO 14443 Standard specifications which are commonly accepted in the electronic payment industry The reference equipment is designed to enhance interoperability of product payment devices whose functional behaviors may vary because of vendor customization of device specifications or due to manufacturing tolerances In some embodiments, the reference equipment includes a reference card for testing card readers The exemplary reference card can comprise a current mirror to permit an electronically adjustable variable load using an external controller The reference card electronic circuit can exhibit variable load conditions.

Abstract: A tag includes an integrated circuit thereon, including memory, antenna means for RF transmission of data acquired by the integrated circuit, a sensor sensing environmental conditions to which the sensor is subjected, the sensor providing signals based on the environmental conditions to the integrated circuit, a thermistor device of increasing the accuracy of the tag by confining on-board calculation data to a resistance domain and leaving conversion of the data to a temperature domain for an external device once the data is retrieved from the tag's memory.

Abstract: There is provided a production management method for steel tubes and pipes produced through a plurality of production processes, including: a step of machining a matrix code, which encodes tube or pipe information, in a tube or pipe end by a laser beam so that the central angle of width of the matrix code in a circumferential direction of the tube or pipe is 30° or smaller; and a step of reading the matrix code automatically by using a linear sensor type camera, wherein through reading the matrix code, the production history is managed by identifying and recording the production information and quality information corresponding to each steel tube or pipe for each tube or pipe number, and the tube or pipe information is retrievable as necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a RFID system comprising at least one reader (1) and a plurality of wireless data carriers (2), each of which comprise at least one data processing element with slow response (5), wherein the method controls the at least one reader (1) to continuously communicate with one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2), while at least another one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2) is processing data with its at least one slow response element (5). The invention further relates to a RFID system comprising at least one reader (1) and a plurality of wireless data carriers (2), each of which comprises at least one slow response element (5), wherein the system is capable to continuously communicate with at least one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2), while at least another one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2) is processing data with its at least one slow response element (5).

Abstract: A fluid movement tracking system, enabling tracking of fluids moved between a pickup location and a disposal location by tank truck, utilizes identifiers, typically Quick Response or “QR” codes, mounted on fluid containers (commonly tanks) to provide information about fluid type, container capacity and location, etc. The QR codes are scanned by an optical reader on a handheld portable computing device, for example a tablet device, using a wireless mobile operating system such as the Android system. In addition to the QR code information, other information including but not limited to the fluid type, fluid volume, tank truck, the tank truck driver, are all entered. The information is received by a data process, CPU or computer via a wireless data transmission network, either by Wifi or cellular network, via appropriate software, and enters same into spreadsheets for tracking, billing, and other purposes.

Abstract: The Erasable Barcode prevents the sale of products by invalidating the barcode. The invalidation can be based on shelf life, or improper temperature maintenance. The invalidation is also visible to humans so that the consumer knows if the exposure occurs after purchase. Activation brings liquid from the first reservoir in contact with the migration medium. The liquid progressively produces a change in color over time in the migration medium. When the liquid has crossed the migration medium, it will come in contact with the absorptive medium. The absorptive medium will then rapidly change color. The absorptive layer is the substrate for a machine readable barcode such that the color change renders the barcode unreadable.

Abstract: Provided are a terminal having a radio frequency identification (RFID) function and a method of processing information of the terminal for allowing intuitive interaction between a screen manipulation and an RFID manipulation with respect to using an RFID related service. The method of processing the information of the terminal including a screen and an RFID recognition unit, includes detecting a screen area corresponding to a position of the RFID recognition unit disposed at a predetermined position of the screen; displaying an RFID icon at a position of the detected screen area; recording information in an RFID tag based on the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon, and recognizing the information from the RFID tag the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for managing various component information during component lifecycles. The information may be collected and made available starting with fabrication of a component and throughout various operations that the component may be a part of. A component may be associated with an identifier, such as a barcode or a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag, containing identifier information. The identifier information may be used to retrieve additional component information, such as fabrication information, assembly information, installation information, maintenance information, spare part number availability, ordering/expedite systems, digital geometry files, drawings, service history, interdependencies, warranty information, available upgrades or alerts, required regulatory actions or notices for presenting on a user interface of the reader. The component information may be available in the on-board memory of the reader and/or retrieved by the reader from a server.

Abstract: Provided are computer implemented methods and systems for messaging, calling, and one-touch payments via mobile and wearable devices. An exemplary system comprises a processor and a database in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to provide an integrated interface for selection of an activity mode. The activity mode includes a messaging mode, a calling mode, and a one-touch payment mode. The processor is further configured to receive the selection of the activity mode via the integrated interface from a user. If the messaging mode is selected, a message from the user is received and sent to a recipient via a data network. If the calling mode is selected, a data network call is initiated on a call request of the user. If the one-touch payment mode is selected, a payment request is transmitted to a financial organization.

Abstract: A system to multiplex antennas for radio-frequency communication uses one or more antenna shorting circuits to selectively enable RF communication via one of a plurality of antenna matching networks. The system is cost-efficient compared to alternatives. The RF communication includes read and/or read/write communication with, e.g., radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of barcoded quality indicators, a barcode indicator reader and a product type responsive indication interpreter, each of the barcoded quality indicators including a first barcode including at least one first colorable area, the first barcode being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, at least a second barcode including at least one second colorable area, the second barcode not being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, a coloring agent located at a first location on the indicator and a coloring agent pathway operative to allow the coloring agent to move, from the first location to the first and second colorable areas simultaneously thereby causing the first barcode to become unreadable and at the same time causing the second barcode to become machine-readable.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring progress of delivery of a patient-specific medication are disclosed. A patient/medication identification (ID) device is provided on a package containing the medication, the patient/medication ID device comprising medication/patient information indicative of the medication and the patient. At least one location ID device is provided at a location, the at least one location ID device comprising a unique location ID associated with the location. The medication/patient information and the patient/medication ID are read. Delivery progress information indicative of a last-known read location where at least one of the medication/patient ID information and the unique location identifier was read is generated. The delivery progress information is stored in a database. The delivery progress information is accessed from the database in response to the request. A delivery status of the medication is indicated to the user.

Abstract: An archive apparatus is provided for storing and archiving laboratory samples including radio frequency identification means. The apparatus comprises a support structure or cabinet (4), a drawer (6) translatable in a translation direction (12) into and out of the support structure (4), and sample support means comprising ribs (8) associated with the drawer (6) for supporting an array (10) of samples or slides (20) spaced along the translation direction (12) for movement with the drawer (6). A radio frequency reader antenna (14) is connected to the support structure (4) adjacent to the drawer (6) and recording means (34, 38) are adapted to operatively communicate with the reader antenna (14) to store information obtained from the radio frequency identification means of laboratory samples or slides (20) supported by the drawer (6).

Abstract: A system for tracking position and identification of a moving element on a conveyor system having a track, the system including: a machine readable medium provided to one of the moving element or the track, wherein the machine readable medium is configured with at least two channels with a predetermined phase difference therebetween; a sensor provided to the other of the moving element or the track, wherein the sensor is configured to read the at least two channels; and a controller configured to receive data from the sensor and determine a position and/or identification of the moving element on the track based on the phase difference.

Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) multiplexer, which may be in a network, interprets an RF signal from an RFED reader as RFE) tag interrogation data. A single cable directs an RF signal from the RFID reader and RF control signals and/or RF power through the multiplexer. An RF sampler may be coupled to the cable; and an RF detector detects the RF signal from the cable via the RF sampler. A data decoder decodes and interprets the RF signal as the RFID tag interrogation data and forwards the RFID tag interrogation data to a control logic circuit as a MUX channel-change command. The logic circuit and decoder may be combined in a microcontroller, and an RF backscatter modulator coupled to the cable enables reverse communication with the RFID reader to determine whether another RFID multiplexer is coupled to the RFID multiplexer.