Abstract: Defining a radio frequency identification read area includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader operable to read RFID tags within a specified read area. An RFID transmitter is coupled with the RFID reader and is operable to radiating a modulated carrier in an area adjacent to the specified read area. The RFID reader controls the RFID transmitter to transmit the modulated carrier during a preamble transmission of the RFID reader to prevent any RFID tags in the adjacent area from recognizing an interrogation signal from the RFID reader.

Abstract: A multi-protocol, multi-band array antenna system may be used in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system reader and sensory networks. The antenna array may include array elements with an integrated low noise amplifier. The system may employ digital beam forming techniques for transmission and steering of a beam to a specific sensor tag or group of tags in a cell. The receive beam forming network is optimized for detecting signals from each sensor tag. Narrow and wideband interferences may be excised by an interference nulling algorithm. Space division multiplexing may be used by the antenna system to enhance system processing capacity.

Abstract: Provided are an anti-collision system and method which address the mobility of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. An RFID reader may transmit an identification start command to identify a plurality of RFID tags in an identification area of the RFID reader. The RFID tags compare the number of collisions of each RFID tag receiving the identification start command with a collision threshold Cth and attempt to be identified in a binary tree section of a frame or in a framed slotted ALOHA (FSA) section of the frame based on the comparison.

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: A system and method for monitoring the status of wireless node devices in a network. A network controller polls one or more sensor devices for status information. The sensor devices are in communication with at least one wireless node device. More than one sensor device may be associated with a single wireless node device. The wireless node device appends its own status information to the transmission frame of the sensor device's response message, and the transmission frame, containing the address and status information for both the sensor device and the wireless node device, is transmitted to the network controller. The inclusion of the wireless node device address and status information is done without the knowledge of the sensor device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for system control includes inputs for an input device which may take the form of switches or sensors. Input device states are related to identification keys. The identification keys are communicated wirelessly or through hard-wired means to a system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an interface device to control an appliance through a network. The interface device can be device-agnostic and can be incorporated into any suitable appliance. Upon initialization, the interface device can determine the capabilities of the attached appliance and send out update information that can be received by a controller. The controller can send commands designated to control the appliance, which are received by the interface device and translated into appropriate commands that are transmitted to the appliance. The interface device can turn the appliance into a network device, such as a home automation network device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving reception of responsive RFID signals is provided. The method includes transmitting a plurality of interrogation signals each having a different polarization to activate one or more RFID tags. Responsive signals from the RFID tags are analyzed for receive symbol quality data to select a transmit polarization subset. These polarizations are then used for transmitting further interrogation signals to the RFID tags. The apparatus includes a dual element orthogonal radiator coupled to a transmitter and receiver. A processor controls the transmitter and receiver to transmit a series of RFID interrogation signals each having a different polarization, and receive a series of responsive signals from one or more RFID tags. The responsive signals are analyzed to select a particular a transmit polarization subset that will improve reception of future responsive signals from the RFID tags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively reading radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags by an RFID reader includes the RFID reader transmitting an interrogation signal at each of a plurality of power levels beginning with a lowest power level and sequentially increasing power of the transmitted interrogation signal to a highest power level. The RFID reader receives, in response to transmitting the interrogation for at least one of the power levels, at least one data signal from each RFID tag within a read zone of the RFID reader, wherein each of the data signals contains stored data corresponding to the RFID tag responding to the transmission of the interrogation signal. The RFID reader selectively reads the stored data contained in the data signals received from the responding RFID tags.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow for dynamic selection and query of different types of RFID tags into a session. Embodiments of the present invention also allow for dynamic activation of different types of RFID tags. In certain embodiments of the invention, an inclusive operation is performed on the RFID tags and in other embodiments an exclusive operation is performed.

Abstract: An RFID evaluation system which evaluates an RFID system is disclosed, the RFID evaluation system including a tag position and posture varying unit which accepts a manual operation from an operator to vary a position of an RFID tag and automatically varies a posture of the RFID tag; an antenna unit which transmits a radio signal for testing to the RFID tag and which receives the radio signal transmitted from the RFID tag; and a control unit which, for each combination of the position and the posture of the RFID tag, controls the antenna unit to measure a response radio wave strength of the RFID tag, wherein the control unit includes a position measuring unit which measures the position of the RFID tag; and an information providing unit which provides information for moving the RFID tag to a target position.

Abstract: A system may include a mobile device comprising an antenna system. The antenna system may include a first antenna to determine a presence of a transponder within an area and a second antenna comprising a directional radiation pattern and that is configured to sweep the area to determine a direction of the transponder. The first antenna may be separate from the second antenna.

Abstract: A misplaced article recovery system utilizing an application operating on a computing device, such as a point of sale system, a Smartphone, a tablet, and the like. A unique article registration identifier (numeric or alphanumeric) is associated with a registrant. A tag, label, or other identifying element is attached or permanently applied onto (etched, printed, etc.) each desired article. An application operating on an application hosting device obtains the unique article registration number and a current location of the misplaced article. The article registration identifier and reported article location are forwarded to an article return service provider. The article return service provider determines the rightful owner and associated contact information, then informs the owner that the article has been reported at the current article location. The owner returns to the reported location and retrieves the misplaced article. The system maintains privacy and anonymity between parties.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system uses read difficulty factors (RDFs) to improve tag-parameter estimation. During inventory, a reader can obtain a tag's item identifier (II), determine a read metric such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), retrieve an RDF associated with the II, and adjust the RSSI using the RDF to more accurately estimate a tag parameter such as distance from the reader antenna. The system can then use the estimated distance to categorize the tag.

Abstract: A method of power recovery by an electromagnetic transponder in the field of a terminal, wherein: a ratio of the current coupling factor of the transponder with the terminal to an optimum coupling position with a resistive load value is evaluated; and a detuning of the oscillating circuit is caused if the ratio is greater than a first threshold greater than or equal to one.

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: Systems and methods for decoding data transmitted by RFID tags are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes an analyzer and equalizer configured to filter an input signal, an estimation block configured to obtain a baseband representation of the modulated data signal by mixing the filtered input signal with the carrier wave, and a coherent detector configured to perform phase and timing recovery on the modulated data signal in the presence of noise and to determine a sequence of data symbols.

Abstract: An RFID transponder comprising a manual switch is disclosed for use in close proximity with a mobile electronic device having an RFID transceiver, such as a telephone or a table computer. Actuating the manual switch causes the mobile device to perform a predetermined action. The predetermined action can be programed in the mobile device such that the effect on the mobile device of closing the manual switch depends on the programed state of the mobile device. The transponder acts as an additional programmable manual input and can be used, for example, to initiate a telephone call in a mobile phone or an application program in a phone or tablet computer.

Abstract: A wireless tag communication device which communicates with wireless tags storing identification information, includes a wireless tag communication unit that performs a reading of wireless tags by a first read function that does not designate the wireless tags and a second read function that designates the wireless tags, a comparison unit that compares information of the wireless tags that are stored in a storage unit with read information of the wireless tags and outputs a read result, a route information setting unit that sets designation order values of wireless tags present in a list of read objects but not read by the first read function, when the wireless tags are designated and read by the second read function, and an unread list generation unit that generates an unread list using at least a result read by the second read function.

Abstract: Systems and/or Methods are disclosed for acquiring data from a transceiver responsive to one or more signals that are received at the transceiver from one or more devices. In one embodiment, a transceiver is configured to transmit a signal responsive to having received a first signal from a first device, wherein the signal that is transmitted by the transceiver is configured to trigger a second device to transmit a second signal. The transceiver is further configured to transmit data responsive to having received the second signal that is transmitted by the second device. In other embodiments, a transceiver is configured to receive a signal from a first device over frequencies of a predetermined frequency band that the first device is authorized to use, to receive a signal from a second device over frequencies of the predetermined frequency band and to transmit data responsive to having received both the signal from the first device and the signal from the second device.

Abstract: An object management system that includes at least one object identification device to be secured to an associated object. The object identification devices provide radio frequency signals containing object identification codes. The system includes at least one user identification device providing a radio frequency signal containing a user identification code and a control unit having a reader for receiving and reading the signals provided by the user identification devices and the object identification devices. One aspect provides a remote unit that communicates directly with the control unit to receive information associated with a condition of the object management system at a location remote from the control unit. The remote unit is further configured to be carried by a user and configured to communicate information and/or an alert to the user, wherein the information and/or the alert is associated with the condition of the object management system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing a plurality of radiofrequency communication streams by way of an integrated circuit card, the streams originating from at least two terminals, and the card being connected to a device equipped with a radiofrequency communication interface which is suitable for the connection of a plurality of host terminals. The method includes monitoring the reception and/or transmission at and/or to the card of a first and second stream of data originating respectively from a first and second host terminal. The monitoring step includes a step of checking the availability of the card before the second stream of data is transmitted to the card. The invention also relates to the corresponding monitoring system and device.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device antenna has a feed region of interdigitated fingers. The interdigitated fingers have parallel centerlines and are spaced one from another. A chip having opposing ends overlays opposing interdigitated fingers. A coupling is established between the chip and the antenna at the interdigitated fingers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for verifying a chip having a memory. Remanufacturers of imaging devices, such as inkjet printers or electrostatic printers, often have to use a replacement chip in order to reuse an imaging cartridge. It is desirable to have a system and method for determining if the replacement chip is suitable for use with a specific imaging cartridge. Also, it may be desirable to confirm that the chip was manufactured by a specific manufacturer. The disclosed system and method allow the remanufacturer a reliable and efficient way to verify chips.

Abstract: A method for controlling RF power within an RFID system according to one embodiment includes returning a first set of RFID tags that were successfully accessed at a first reader forward mode power level to a hibernate state; initiating a timer operation in each of the RFID tags within the first set of RFID tags, the timer operation defining a period of time; and preventing the first set of RFID tags from responding to an activation command at a second reader forward power level during the period of time, the second reader forward power level being higher than the first reader forward power level; and wherein a flag state stored in each of the RFID tags within the first set of RFID tags indicates whether the timer operation is active to prevent undesired activation at the second reader forward power level.

Abstract: A method for communication in ultra-wide bandwidth RFID systems comprising generating through a transceiver device an interrogated signal, composed of at least a sequence of equally time spaced pulses with period (T3), transmitting said signal to at least one RFID identification device which generates a response signal and transmits it back to said transceiver device, said method further comprising coding said interrogation signal according to a numerical coding sequence, generating said response signal by varying, in each period (T3) of said pulse sequence of the interrogation signal, the polarity of pulses using said numerical coding sequence. An apparatus for communication in ultra-wide bandwidth RFID systems comprising a transceiver device (1,101) and a RFID identification device (11), suitable for communicating each other, said RFID identification device (11) comprises a backscatter modulator (12) suitable for modulating a signal reflected by an antenna (18) of the identification device RFID.

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: Disclosed is a near field radio frequency communication system. The near field radio frequency communication system comprising: a master RFID/USN device which comprises a plurality of antennas to sequentially shower an energy signal through the antennas; and a slave RFID/USN device which generates a first power using the energy signal, detects a power level of the first power, and transmits information created based on the power level to the master RFID/USN device, wherein the master RFID/USN device creates a first position information of the slave RFID/USN device related to a direction by determining an antenna used to communicate with the slave RFID/USN device, and a second position information of the slave RFID/USN device related to a distance using the information created based on the power level.

Abstract: A control and processing system for use with an interrogator and an interrogation system employing the same. In one embodiment, the control and processing system includes a correlation subsystem having a correlator that correlates a reference code with a reply code from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and provides a correlation signal therefrom. The control and processing system also includes a decision subsystem that verifies a presence of the RFID tag as a function of the correlation signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first assembly, a second assembly, and a coupling element coupled to the first assembly and the second assembly. The first assembly includes a processor, a memory, and a radiator module, the processor operatively coupled to the memory and the radiator module. The second assembly includes a radiator operatively coupled to the radiator module. The second assembly is movable relative to the first assembly about the coupling element between a first configuration and a second configuration. The processor is configured to interrogate a radio-frequency identification module via the radiator module and the radiator when the second assembly is in the second configuration.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of a modulation circuit. The modulation circuit includes a load, a diode, and a transistor. An anode of the diode is electrically connected to one terminal of an antenna via the load; a cathode of the diode is electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the transistor; the other of the source and the drain of the transistor is electrically connected to the other terminal of the antenna; and the transistor is controlled to be turned on or off in accordance with a signal input to a gate of the transistor.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system employs multiple band transmission to prevent signal collision. The system includes a plurality of RFID tag groups and at least one RFID reader. Each RFID tag group includes at least one RFID tag. The RFID tags of the same RFID tag group are operated for radio frequency transmission in the same transmission frequency band, and those of different RFID tag groups are operated for radio frequency transmission in different transmission frequency bands. When the RFID reader simultaneously receives radio frequency signals issued from RFID tags of different RFID tag groups, since they are transmitted in different transmission frequency bands, signal collision among the RFID tags of the RFID tag groups can be avoided.

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.

Abstract: RFID data signals from RFID tags may be recovered by determining the probabilities of transitions between data states between a series of a pairs of signal samples using a set of predetermined probabilities related to data, timing, baud rate and/or phase variables affecting the received signal and processing those determined probabilities to determine the sequence of such transitions that has the highest probability of occurrence. A second set of predetermined probabilities related to transitions in the opposite direction may be used to sequence in a reverse direction. The determination of the sequence representing the RFID tag data may be iterated in both directions until further iterations do not change the determined probabilities.

Abstract: A multi-mode RFID tag includes a power generating and signal detection module, a baseband processing module, a transmit section, a configurable coupling circuit, and an antenna section. In near field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to a coil or inductor in the configurable coupling circuit to transmit an outbound transmit signal using electromagnetic or inductive coupling to an RFID reader. In far field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to the antenna section, and the multi-mode RFID tag then utilizes a back-scattering RF technology to transmit the outbound transmit signal to RFID readers.

Abstract: An authentication method includes RFID readers authenticating RFID tags using public-key cryptography. A tag manufacturer or other legitimate authority produces a tag private-public key pair and stores the tag private key in externally unreadable tag memory and the tag public key in externally readable tag memory. The authority produces a master private-public key pair and distributes the master public key to readers in the field. The authority generates a tag-specific electronic signature based on at least the tag public key and the master private key and stores this signature in externally readable tag memory. A reader authenticates the tag by retrieving the tag public key and electronic signature from the tag, verifying the authenticity of the tag public key using the master public key and the electronic signature, challenging the tag, receiving a response from the tag to the challenge, and verifying the response using the tag public key.

Abstract: A method for providing customized content to an electronic device. The method may include activating the electronic device through a packaging that substantially surrounds the electronic device, without substantially damaging or removing the packaging. Once the device is activating, connecting the electronic device to a content and providing the content to the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging.

Abstract: An RFID system has an active tag with one antenna inside, and one outside, an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. The RFID reader is located outside the enclosure and uses a selected RF read frequency range. The RFID tag simultaneously transmits on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, so that a respective beat frequency is defined between two of the frequencies. The beat frequency is within the selected RF uplink frequency range. The tag transmits a first signal at a first one of the plurality of frequencies using the interior antenna and a second signal at a second, different one of the plurality of frequencies using the exterior antenna.

Abstract: A contactless IC card reader and a data reading method which are capable of improving data reading accuracy while preventing a decrease in processing speed. Specifically, in a contactless IC card reader which transmits signals composed of amplitude modulated carrier signals to a contactless IC card, the contactless IC card and reader communicate by means of an NRZ encoding method and an ASK modulating method for which the modulation depth has an arbitrary value. The contactless IC card reader is provided with a contactless control means which modulates/demodulates signals transmitted to/received from the contactless IC card, and a main control means which is electrically connected to the contactless control means and that controls the entire card reader. The modulation depth that is varied by the contactless control means based on the command sent from the main control means has multiple range widths with an arbitral value as the standard.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to a system, method, computer program and data signal for the collection of information. The system comprises at least one computing system arranged to receive information from one or more unique identifying devices, wherein the computing system receives the information from the one or more unique identifying devices and processes the information in real time to determine whether an action should be taken.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an IC card includes a communication module, a first command processing module, a determining module, a second command processing module, a response processing module. The first command processing module performs a process corresponding to a first command received from the external device. The determining module determines whether a second command is contained in a data portion of the first command. The second command processing module performs a process corresponding to the second command if the determining module determines that the second command is contained in the data portion of the first command. The response processing module sets a processing result of the second command executed by the second command processing module in the data portion of the response indicating a processing result of the first command executed by the first command processing module and transmit the same to the external device.

Abstract: A controller unit is configured to transmit a request signal. A sensor is configured to transmit a reply signal in response to the request signal, the reply signal including a synchronization signal and a data signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for detecting and re-personalizing are provided herein. In an embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining an ID (i.e., an identification, such as a Dynamic Unique Identifier) from a RFID tag, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to the RFID tag. The ID read from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database. If the write of the new ID to the tag is verified, then database changes are committed to link the new ID to the subject. In an alternative embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining data from a memory of a RFID tag, wherein the memory has a first partition and a second partition, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to either of the first partition or the second partition of the RFID tag. If such write is verified, then the new ID is written to the other partition of the RFID tag. The data from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database.

Abstract: An RFID tag comprising a coil and an RFID chip having two inputs/outputs, each input/output being connected to the coil. The tag further comprises an electrical circuit connected to the inputs/outputs, the circuit being adapted to operate in one of two modes, one mode outputting substantially no signal whereby the RFID chip is allowed to operate and a second mode being a mode wherein a signal is output so that the operation of the RFID-chip is interrupted. Alternatively, the circuit may have a lower operating voltage than the RFID-chip and may thus starve the RFID-chip and prevent its operation when desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liner assembly for repairing the wall of a pipe that includes a transmitter or transmitters capable of transmitting information, such as identification information and physical characteristics of the area around the transmitter. Embedded in the liner is a transmitter, which includes a radio-frequency identification and at least one sensor. The RFID transmits identification information about the repaired wall, while the sensor provides physical characteristics of the environment in and around the pipe. Examples of physical characteristics may include temperature, pressure, flow, chemical reactions, velocity of the pipe, and the like. Additional transmitters may be used along the length of the pipe to determine characteristics at multiple locations, with each additional transmitter including the same or different sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, apparatuses and methods for using a mobile device with an accelerometer to gain access into a secured or restricted area. A first device and a second device interact by making physical contact with each other thereby generating interaction data that is representative of the physical interaction between the first and second device. The first and second device may be mobile phones. The second device may be a point of sale terminal, access point device, or any other stationary (i.e., in a fixed position) device positioned at a line, door, gate, or entrance. A server computer determines, based on interaction data, that the first device and the second device made physical contact. After determining that the first device and the second device made contact, communications may be initiated between the devices.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device responsive to an interrogation signal for producing a return signal. The surface acoustic wave device comprises an antenna for receiving the interrogation signal, a piezoelectric substrate, one or more frequency-selective reflective arrays disposed on the piezoelectric substrate, an interdigital transducer for launching an incident surface acoustic wave on the substrate in response to the interrogation signal, the incident surface acoustic wave propagating to the one or more frequency-selective reflective arrays, a reflected surface acoustic wave reflected from each one of the reflective arrays, the interdigital transducer receiving the reflected surface acoustic waves, and the return signal, responsive to each reflected surface acoustic waves.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for reading radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and determining the distance between a reader and a tag being read. A plurality of interrogation signals are transmitted to an RFID tag, with signals at a first frequency being transmitted at a plurality of antenna polarizations and signals at a second frequency being transmitted at a plurality of antenna polarizations. The antenna polarizations are chosen such that return signals resulting from the signals and traveling along reflective paths will sum to zero. Return signals received from the tag are averaged, and phase shift information exhibited by the return signals is determined. The phase shift information for the return signals and frequency information for the interrogation signals is used to compute the distance between the reader and the tag.

Abstract: A method of reading an RFID tag (30) including receiving, from the tag, a signal (50) including a structural mode (54) and an antenna mode (56), and selectively analysing a time period of the received signal corresponding to the antenna mode.

Abstract: A data transmission/reception method in Near Field Communications (NFC) for enhancing data throughput between at least an initiator device and a target device. The data transmission/reception method typically includes initiating a communication between an initiator and a target that perform NFC, aggregating a plurality of data packet units to be transmitted in order to form an aggregated frame, and transmitting the aggregated frame to a counterpart NFC device.