Abstract: Provided are an RFID reader and a method for suppressing transmission leakage signals thereof. The RFID reader includes a first loop, a second loop, and a digital signal processor. The first loop suppresses a first transmission leakage signal of an RX signal in response to a first leakage control signal. The second loop suppresses a second transmission leakage signal of the RX signal, received through the first loop, in response to a second leakage control signal. The digital signal processor generates the first leakage control signal and the second leakage control signal. The digital signal processor generates the first leakage control signal until the level of the first transmission leakage signal becomes equal to or lower than the level of a first reference transmission leakage signal.

Abstract: RFID tags, ICs for RFID tags, and methods are provided. In some embodiments, an RFID tag includes a memory with multiple sections, and a processing block. The processing block may map one of these sections, or another of these sections, for purposes of responding to a first command from an RFID reader. As such, an RFID tag can operate according to the data stored in the section mapped at the time. In some embodiments, a tag can even transition from mapping one of the sections to mapping another of the sections. This can amount to the tag exhibiting alternative behaviors, and permits hiding data on the tag.

Abstract: A tire pressure measuring device is configured with a plurality of communication protocols. Tire pressure information is sensed using the tire pressure measuring device. The tire pressure information is transmitted from the tire pressure measuring device to an external receiver device according to each of the plurality of communication protocols.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a specific RFID tag includes RFID reader circuitry, such as within an RFID reader, configured for sending and receiving RF signals to detect RFID tags and for obtaining signal parameter information associated with the RFID tags. Processing circuitry is configured for using the signal parameter information for one or more tags of the RFID tags and calculating a tag score for the one or more RFID tags. The processing circuitry is further configured for determining a specific RFID tag using the tag scores for the one or more RFID tags.

Abstract: Responsive to intercepting an outbound command, a command interceptor may, upon determining that the command is associated with a particular category of commands, transmit an anticipatory response to the source of the command, for example, to prematurely indicate that the command has met with success. Accordingly, a given application whose further execution is dependent upon the successful completion of the command may further execute earlier than would be the case if the given application was to await the transmission of the command, the generation of a response indicating success and the receipt of the response indicating success.

Abstract: An RFID reader control system and method is provided. A protocol for controlling an RFID reader and an RFID reader control unit of a mobile phone is defined. Messages, information, commands, responses, and notification are constructed and transmitted between the RFID reader and the RFID reader control unit.

Abstract: A security method that includes defining rules specifying permitted movements of passengers in a transportation terminal. Passengers entering the terminal may be issued a boarding pass having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag attached thereto. The location of the RFID tag may be measured and responsive to the measured location of the RFID tag, a violation of at least one of the rules by the passenger may be detected. An action with respect to the detected violation may be taken. The rules may define a region that is forbidden for access, a region in which the passengers are expected to be in motion, a region in which the passengers are expected not to be stationary for more than a given time period, etc.

Abstract: A method and a data carrier for contactless communication of a reading device with at least two communication-ready applications located on a portable data carrier. A first communication-readiness signal is generated for a first application and sent to the reading device, the signal having a first identification number that is assigned to the first application and indicates to the reading device the communication readiness of said first application, and a second communication-readiness signal is generated and sent for a second application, the second signal having a second identification number different from the first identification number, which is assigned to said second application and indicates to the reading device the communication readiness of the second application. The identification numbers simulate for the reading device the communication readiness of a data carrier in each case. The reading device thus has the impression of communicating with applications of two separate data carriers.

Abstract: A device management system includes a device management apparatus and a device managed by the device management apparatus. The device management apparatus includes a positional-information acquiring module configured to acquire positional information on a location of the device; a device-setting information acquiring module configured to acquire device setting information indicative of device setting corresponding to the location indicated in the acquired positional information; and a transmitter configured to transmit the acquired device setting information. The device includes a device control module configured to perform control based on the device setting indicated in the device setting information transmitted from the device management apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that receives a wireless signal containing a message type conforming to an extension of a standard communication protocol and having an extended services segment, the tag then transmitting the extended services segment through an extended services interface. According to a different aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that stores data which includes respective information regarding each of multiple extended services, and that responds to receipt of a wireless signal which is an extension to a standard protocol by transmitting a further wireless signal which is an extension to the protocol and contains at least part of the data. According to yet another aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that responds to receipt of one wireless signal by transmitting a further wireless signal containing information regarding multiple sensors.

Abstract: A bank note processing machine is disclosed that includes a note counter, wherein the note counter counts bank notes in a bundle of bank notes and generates one or more determined characteristics for the bundle of bank notes; and an RFID reader, wherein the RFID reader detects information from an RFID chip associated with the bundle of bank notes, the detected information comprising one or more supplied characteristics of the bundle of bank notes. The one or more determined characteristics can include at least one of number of bank notes in the bundle of bank notes, denomination of bank notes in the bundle of bank notes, and total amount of money in the bundle of bank notes.

Abstract: An RFID system with a plurality of tags and base stations where transmission of information to a specific tag is carried out by one of the base stations, where said one of the base stations is selected based on received signal power of the tag relative to the plurality of the base stations.

Abstract: A remote data acquisition, transmission and analysis system including handheld wireless equipment to obtain operational data and the status of remote machines is disclosed. A plurality of application controllers are interfaced with the remote machines from which operation data is acquired by the application controllers. The application controllers communicate with an application host via a local area network. The application host may communicate with a network operations center using a wide area network. The handheld wireless equipment may be used to obtain operational information for each remote machine from the network operations center.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus has a first storage section configured to store information to be communicated to the processing apparatus and formats for a frame to be transmitted to the processing apparatus, in association with one another. The processing apparatus has a second storage section configured to store information communicated by the portable electronic apparatus and the format of the frame transmitted by the portable electronic apparatus, in association with each other. The portable electronic apparatus select one of the formats stored in the first storage section based on the data to be transmitted to the processing apparatus. The processing apparatus recognize information communicated by the portable electronic apparatus based on the format of the frame received from the portable electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A method and device of power management for a networked radio frequency identification (“RFID”) system are disclosed. The described power management methods reduce the power consumption of battery-operated RFID readers and RFID tags. These power conservation methods increase the RFID system's hours of operation and decrease the cost by allowing the RFID readers and tags to function for a longer period of time before requiring charging or replacement of their batteries.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing personalized information are provided. Based on an identification of a customer through the use of a card, personalized information is selectively produced and wirelessly provided to a display such as a wireless display. The identification of the customer, as well as additional information, can be provided through the use of the card, wherein functions of the card can be enabled or disabled by the customer through the use of on-card switches, buttons, slides and/or bistable domes.

Abstract: An adjustable radio frequency data communications device has a monolithic semiconductor integrated circuit with integrated circuitry, interrogation receiving circuitry provided on the monolithic integrated circuit forming at least part of the integrated circuitry and configured to receive an interrogation signal from the interrogator unit, an antenna electrically coupled to the interrogation receiving circuitry and configured to communicate with the remote interrogator unit, a power source electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry and configured to generate operating power for the communications device, and at least one of the antenna and the interrogation receiving circuitry having reconfigurable electrical characteristics, the electrical characteristics being reconfigurable to selectively tune the at least one of the antenna and the interrogation receiving circuitry within a range of tuned and detuned states to realize a desired receiver sensitivity of the communications device.

Abstract: An RFID reader control system and method is provided. A protocol for controlling an RFID reader and an RFID reader control unit of a mobile phone is defined. Messages, information, commands, responses, and notification are constructed and transmitted between the RFID reader and the RFID reader control unit.

Abstract: A method for remotely accessing a ventilator. The method includes receiving a request to remotely access ventilator data, at the ventilator, from a remote device; transmitting the ventilator data to the remote device from the ventilator; and receiving remote caregiver data, at the ventilator, from the remote device, wherein the remote caregiver data is based on the ventilator data.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for detecting that an object has been accessed. A system may include a first surface carrying a first signaling tag and a second surface carrying a second signaling tag. The first and second signaling tags may be positioned such that when the second surface is in a first position, the first signaling tag and the second signaling tag are sufficiently proximate to each other such that a coupling between the first signaling tag and the second signaling tag results in a first signal state being emitted by at least one of the signaling tags. When the second surface is transitioned from the first position to a second position, a decoupling between the first signaling tag and the second signaling tag may in a second signal state being emitted by at least one of the signaling tags.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a processor mounted on a battery pack and a communication pathway from the processor to an electronic device comprising power battery contacts. The apparatus also includes an antenna mounted on the battery pack and coupled to the processor and adapted to transmit and receive data. A method is provided that includes installing an integrated chip including a processor and an antenna on a battery pack. The method also includes coupling the integrated chip and an electronic device when the battery pack is installed in the electronic device using power battery contacts. A high frequency signal superimposed on a direct current carried through the power battery contacts operates to send data between the processor and the electronic device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for determining the location of a subject is provided.

Abstract: A breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it includes part of a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCB). Thus, the breakaway RFID tag can be used to track the PCB as it migrates through a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the RFID tag can be assembled first and then used to track the PCB as it is populated with components and installed into larger assemblies and ultimately into the end device. Once the PCB is installed into a larger assembly or the end device, the breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it can be broken off and attached to the outside of the larger assembly or end device.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) hybrid packet radio is provided having full duplex operability. The RFID packet radio includes an antenna and a radio that receives and transmits a packet radio signal and a RFID signal. A processor is provided in communication with the radio to perform signal detection and demodulation with respect to the RFID signal. A transmit path is provided to transport the packet radio signal and the RFID signal from the radio to the antenna. The RFID packet radio includes a first receive path for transporting a received packet radio signal from the antenna to the radio and a second receive path, different from the first receive path, to transport a received RFID signal from the antenna to the processor. The first receive path and the second receive path enable simultaneous transmission and reception of RFID signals.

Abstract: The protection device (1) avoids accidental or fraudulent intrusion of at least one contactless communication object (3) with a smart circuit (31, 32) storing sensitive information or information giving access to services, the electronic circuit of the protected object remaining unchanged, notably by means (13) for receiving radio signals (S22) in a range of frequencies of the order of one megahertz to a few tens of megahertz, the received radio signals generating the operating power for enabling a circuit (11) generating a scrambling signal to be emitted by emission means (14) of the protection device as scrambling radio waves (S21) and switching means (12) validating or invalidating the operation of the generator of the scrambling signal of the protection device.

Abstract: Logic is included in a piece of active storage furniture such that the active storage furniture integrates articles stored thereby into a representation of information about those articles. The logic includes (i) sensors to identify individual articles stored by the furniture and respective locations of the articles and (ii) display elements capable of incorporating selected individual ones of the articles as separate and individual components of a collective representation of information about the selected articles. In response to queries about the articles, the articles themselves are integrated into a representation of information about the articles. For example, a wine rack includes RFID and LEDs in each of a number of storage cells or cubbies and illuminates each cubby according to information about the wine stored in the cubby in response to a query for such information (e.g., show me all wine color-coded by region).

Abstract: A non-contact wireless communication apparatus that includes: an antenna section configured to receive a carrier wave; an envelope-curve shaping section configured to shape a falling waveform of an envelope curve of the carrier wave into a gradual falling waveform; and a demodulation section configured to extract the envelope curve shaped by the envelope-curve shaping section and perform envelope-curve detection by binarizing the envelope curve with a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first information processing device, a plurality of processing portions, a storage portion, and a second information processing device. The first information processing device includes a processing command transmission portion that transmits to the second information processing device, by non-contact communication, a processing command that includes one of a plurality of identification information items. Each of the processing portions is uniquely associated with one of the identification information items. The storage portion stores a correspondence information item that indicates a correspondence between one of the identification information items and one of the processing portions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a participant providing audible information during a communication session are disclosed. More particularly, speech localization is utilized to determine a location of the participant providing audible information. An identification device determined to be at a location corresponding to the location of the participant providing audible information is identified. The identity of the participant providing the audible information is then obtained by mapping the identification device to the participant. The information identifying the participant providing audible information can be provided to other endpoints of the communication session.

Abstract: An RFID reader control system and method is provided. A protocol for controlling an RFID reader and an RFID reader control unit of a mobile phone is defined. Messages, information, commands, responses, and notification are constructed and transmitted between the RFID reader and the RFID reader control unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a plurality of RFID tags. A receiver selection signal is sent along a receive path that includes a plurality of serially connected receivers. A receiver relays the receiver selection signal, listens for an RFID response signal, or operates in a standby mode based on the receiver selection signal. A transmitter selection signal is sent along a transmit path that includes a plurality of serially connected transmitters. A transmitter relays the transmitter selection signal, transmits an identification impulses, or operates in a standby mode based on the transmitter selection signal. The identification impulse is transmitted from the selected transmitter and an RFID response signal is received at the selected receiver.

Abstract: An encrypted ID takes as its initial value a tag ID that constitutes an original ID of a wireless tag, and is encrypted using an encryption key each time an ID inquiry is received from a reader/writer. Another encrypted ID also takes the tag ID as its initial value, and is encrypted using an encryption key each time an ID inquiry is received. The wireless tag gives confidential variability to the ID by transmitting a combination of the encrypted ID and the another encrypted ID in reply. The reader/writer can obtain the original ID merely by decoding the two encrypted values until they match, and the decoding load does not increase even if the number of wireless tags that are reading targets increases.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for operating RFID tags on a single-use connector. The system includes: a first single-use connector configured to receive a first RFID tag and a second single-use connector configured to receive a second RFID tag. The invention also includes a reader placed close to the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag. The reader is configured to: determine if the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag are gamma sterilized; determine if the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag were previously used; determine if the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag are authentic; and determine if the first RFID tag matches with the second RFID tag.

Abstract: The wireless information and safety system for mines of the present invention enables continuously tracking and monitoring underground miners and moveable equipment in underground mines using ZigBee-enabled active RFID devices forming a wireless network among them and other static and mobile ZigBee devices placed at strategic locations. The present invention provides a wireless information and safety system for mines comprises in combination of ZigBee-compliant devices (programmable to operate as end devices, routers and coordinators by hardware specific embedded software) and wireless sensor network (WSN) software having various application modules both for underground and opencast mines. Use of the system of the present invention would help in identifying the miners entering in underground mine to keep the track of the miners and maintain computerized attendance. This would help in monitoring equipment locations and their operation to improve productivity and reduce fatal collision accident.

Abstract: An information access system includes a reader/writer device and an information storage device. In the information storage device, a receiver unit senses a carrier of an RF signal at a first frequency for detection, in a first time period occurring at time intervals, and receives an information request signal in response to detection of a carrier of an RF signal at the first frequency, and senses a carrier of an RF signal at a second frequency in response to reception of the information request signal. In the storage device, a control causes the receiver unit to sense a carrier of an RF signal at the first frequency for detection, in a second time period after a sleep time period which is shorter than the time interval, in response to non-detection by the receiver unit of a carrier of an RF signal at the first frequency in the first time period.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for controlling an electronic device. A query is received at a remote control interface. A response to the query is determined. A random response interval of time is determined according to a collision avoidance mechanism. When the random response interval of time expires, then the response to the query is sent.

Abstract: RFID reader systems, readers, components, software and methods cause RFID tags to backscatter a combination made from at least portions of a first code and a second code, without transmitting any commands in the interim. The first and/or second codes may include a tag response to a reader challenge. In a number of embodiments, a separate command does not have to be sent for reading the second code along with the first code, thereby saving time in inventorying the tags. Plus, the combination can enable reading tag codes during tag manufacturing that are not otherwise readily available to read in the field. In some embodiments, the combination may further include one or more error-checking codes.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing relay attack on a passive entry system (PES) or other passive system (PS) included within a vehicle or other entity. The relay attack prevention may be based in part on an assessment of whether the fob is able to distinguish signal strength relative to messages communicated form different antennas within the vehicle and/or amongst different signal amplitude communicated from the same antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an RFID data collection system includes an antenna portion for wirelessly exchanging signals and a memory portion for storing RFID data. A signal processing portion is coupled among the antenna portion and the memory portion. The signal processing portion is configured to receive RFID data and to at least encode or decode the received RFID data via at least two orthogonal modulation signals. Other configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that receives a wireless signal containing a message type conforming to an extension of a standard communication protocol and having an extended services segment, the tag then transmitting the extended services segment through an extended services interface. According to a different aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that stores data which includes respective information regarding each of multiple extended services, and that responds to receipt of a wireless signal which is an extension to a standard protocol by transmitting a further wireless signal which is an extension to the protocol and contains at least part of the data. According to yet another aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that responds to receipt of one wireless signal by transmitting a further wireless signal containing information regarding multiple sensors.

Abstract: A solution for managing information using an identification tag is provided. For example, information relating to an item and/or one or more transfers of the item can be managed using an identification tag associated with the item. The identification tag can store and transmit an item identifier, such as an electronic product code (EPC), corresponding to the item, which can be obtained and stored in a data store. Access information for retrieving the item identifier and identification information for a party to the transfer can be used to generate a custom identifier that can be provided for storage on the identification tag in place of the item identifier. The custom identifier can subsequently be used to acquire information on the item and/or the transfer event.

Abstract: In a method of operating an electronic system (1) a first device (3) of the electronic system (1) sends a message to a second device (6) of the electronic system (1). The second device (6) receives the message, generates a first value utilizing a first function based on at least parts of the history of at least parts of messages previously received at the second device (6), and stores the first value in a memory (8) of the second device (6). The first value is compared 5 with a second value generated at the first device (3), wherein the second value utilizes a second function based on at least parts of the history of at least parts of messages previously sent from the first device (3) to the second device (6). The first and second values are evaluated, and a signal is generated if the evaluating of the first and second values indicates that the history—of the messages previously received at the second device (6) differs from the 10 history of messages previously sent from the first device (3).

Abstract: Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user (200) sends a low power discovery message to devices (201) using a portable programming tool (100). The devices (201) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool (100) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (202), allowing the user (200) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (201), the portable programming tool (100), and/or a central or local controller (1100). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: A method and a data carrier for contactless, in particular parallel, communication of a reading device with at least two communication-ready applications located on a portable data carrier. A first communication-readiness signal is generated for a first application and sent to the reading device, the signal having a first identification number that is assigned to the first application and indicates to the reading device the communication readiness of said first application, and a second communication-readiness signal is generated and sent for a second application, the second signal having a second identification number different from the first identification number, which is assigned to said second application and indicates to the reading device the communication readiness of said second application. The identification numbers simulate for the reading device the communication readiness of a data carrier in each case.

Abstract: An RFID tag assembly for use in tracking or timing of a progress of a user and the method of operating thereof the assembly including an RFID tag having a mounting substrate with an exposed first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface with one adapted for selective attachment to a surface of a carrier and an RFID semiconductor chip having a predetermined operating frequency with an antenna interface mounted on the second planar surface, a conductor, an antenna and a spacer composed of a foam material that is non-conducting and non-absorbing of a substantial amount of energy at the predetermined operating frequency that is attached to the at least one of the first and second planar surfaces of the mounting substrate and is positioned between a surface of the body of the user and the RFID tag for positioning at a minimum spaced apart distance from the surface of the body of the user during operation of the RFID tag.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag assemblies and methods having an RFID semiconductor chip, a conductor and an antenna, the RFID semiconductor chip has an antenna interface mounted on a mounting surface of a mounting substrate and a predetermined operating frequency, the conductor is electrically coupled to the antenna interface of the RFID semiconductor chip, and the antenna is electrically coupled to the conductor and includes a first radiating element lying in a first plane and a second radiating element lying in a second plane that is at an angle relative to the first plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing RFID tags on objects are shown and described. The method includes scanning an object and analyzing one or more reflected signals from the to determine a suggested location for placement of an RFID tag. The scan can be accomplished using a scanning device having an antenna that operates in the near field of the object to measure at least one RF property of the reflected signal from the object.

Abstract: A management system manages use of management object provided in facilities by using an information storage medium of a user. An entrance management apparatus, provided in the vicinity of an entrance of the facilities, stores use permission information for permitting the use of the management object on an information storage medium when the user enters the facilities. In the facilities, a use management apparatus, provided for each management object, controls availability or unavailability of the management object based on the use permission information stored on the information storage medium. Additionally, the use management apparatus stores, in the information storage medium, use information showing that the management object is used. Further, a room leaving management apparatus, provided in the vicinity of an exit of the facilities, manages leaving of the user based on the use information stored on the information storage medium.

Abstract: A wireless sensor reader is provided to interface with a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor reader transmits an excitation pulse to cause the wireless sensor to generate a ring signal. The wireless sensor reader receives and amplifies the ring signal and sends the signal to a phase-locked loop. A voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop locks onto the ring signal frequency and generates a count signal at a frequency related to the ring signal frequency. The voltage-controlled oscillator is placed into a hold mode where the control voltage is maintained constant to allow the count signal frequency to be determined. The reader uses an ambient reading or other information to select a subset of the possible ring signal frequencies, and tunes or adjusts its circuits and algorithms to focus on that subset.

Abstract: A method for configuring a terminal capable of emitting a radio-frequency field for a transponder including, in the presence of a transponder within the range of the terminal, at least one step of adaptation of the series resistance of an oscillating circuit of the terminal, according to an off-load value, which depends on an operation of the terminal while no transponder is in its field.