Abstract: A computer program stored in a memory unit of an electronic near field communication (NFC) module for near field communication devices in environments with different data formats according to different protocols is able to carry out a first initiation operation using a first data format according to a protocol of a first standard, a second initiation operation using a second data format according to a protocol of a second standard, a delay operation, and is able to repeat these operations in a repetitive process. Such devices can search their environment periodically for available RFID tags, RFID readers, NFC multifunctional devices, or the like. The delay can be fixed, variable in length, or both fixed and variable delays can be used. The invention enables for instance a mobile phone to act as an RFID reader of multiple tag formats, to emulate a tag, or to communicate with other NFC devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a server for an RFID reader by using both an SNMP command language and an RM/RP command language, and a method for operating an RFID reader are provided. The method for operating a server for an RFID reader includes: generating a mapping table including an object of an RFID reader, a management target, and an object identifier (OID) which are mapped to each other; checking and configuring the object of the RFID reader by using an simple network management protocol (SNMP) command language; and checking and configuring the object of the RFID reader by using a reader management/reader protocol (RM/RP) command language.

Abstract: A process for monitoring containers including use of a severable security lock with an radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna adapted sever upon dislocation of the lock. The process utilizes an electronic identification number to ensure security lock integrity. The process includes detecting the security lock in transit by the use of mobile and fixed transmission units at regional boundaries. Updates are provided to an event log associated with the security lock.

Abstract: Methods and systems for location detection are disclosed. One method includes a plurality of base stations of a location system obtaining information about at least one tag associated with the location system. One of the plurality of base stations is designated as a master base station for each tag. Each master base station electro-magnetically transmits beacons to each tag that the master base station has been designated as the master of. Each tag responds to the electro-magnetically transmitted beacons with an acoustic signal that identifies the tag. Multiple of the plurality of base stations, receive the acoustic signal of each tag. A location of each tag is estimated based on times of arrival of each acoustic signal of each tag at each of the multiple base stations, and based on location information of each of the multiple base stations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for providing Quality of service to RFID. In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of providing quality of service in an RFID network comprising storing RFID priority information corresponding to the RFID network, wherein the RFID network comprises one or more tags and one or more readers mapping the RFID priority information into priority information corresponding to a second network.

Abstract: A method, communication terminal and system for processing a communication call are provided, the communication terminal including a reader configured to obtain tag information by reading a tag attached to an object the tag information comprising a terminating number; a communication unit configured to transmit a request for an originating call based on the terminating number; and a control unit configured to control the communication terminal to display termination display information corresponding to one of the obtained tag information and the transmitting of the request for originating the call, wherein the termination display information excludes the terminating number.

Abstract: A communication method in a system having a reader and at least one transceiver, the method including the reader selecting a response signal strength level from a plurality of response signal strength levels; and establishing communication between the reader and the at least one transceiver at the selected response signal strength level.

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: The invention concerns a contactless portable object (10, 30, 60) featuring a main radiofrequency device made up of a main chip (18, 38, 68) and a main antenna (16, 36, 66) connected together so that, when the portable object enters the magnetic field of a suitable reader, the main radiofrequency device provides power to the chip and ensures communication between the chip and the reader. According to the main characteristic of the invention, the portable object includes a secondary contactless device featuring a secondary antenna (12, 32, 62) and an electric circuit set up in such a way that, when the two antennas enter the magnetic field of a suitable reader at the same time, the amount of energy required to power the electric circuit and have it operational being less than the amount of energy required to power the main chip (18, 38, 68) and have it operational, the electric circuit is powered and makes the reading of data of the main chip impossible.

Abstract: An anonymous authentication method based on a pre-shared key, a reader-writer, an electronic tag and an anonymous bidirectional authentication system are disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: 1) a reader-writer sends an accessing authentication requirement group to the electronic tag; 2) after the electronic tag receives the accessing authentication requirement group, an accessing authentication response group is constructed and sent to the reader-writer; 3) after the reader-writer receives the accessing authentication response group, an accessing authentication confirmation group is constructed and sent to the electronic tag; 4) the electronic tag carries out confirmation according to the accessing authentication confirmation group.

Abstract: There is described a device (100) for communicating with RFID-tags, the device (100) comprising (a) an antenna unit comprising a first antenna (110; 200) and a second antenna (120; 200), and (b) a controller (130) connected to the antenna unit. The controller (130) is adapted to sequentially feed different polling signals to the antenna unit such that corresponding signals are individually and simultaneously radiated by each of the first antenna (110; 200) and second antenna (120; 200). There is also described a home appliance comprising the aforementioned device (100). Furthermore, there is described a method for communicating with RFID-tags by an antenna unit comprising a first antenna (110; 200) and a second antenna (120; 200). The described method comprises sequentially feeding different polling signals to the antenna unit such that corresponding signals are individually radiated by each of the first antenna (110; 200) and second antenna (120; 200).

Abstract: A method and a system are described for improved reading of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags using correcting codes on sets of electronic tags. A reading device requests information from each of a set of electronic tags. The information includes an identification code and a portion of a codeword, the codeword contains a coded message with identification codes of all tags in the set. The information is received from a subset of the set of tags. Portions of the codeword from the received tag information of the subset of tags are assembled. A decoding component to decode the assembled portions and to construct the coded message from the assembled portions of the codeword. Information is individually received from a remaining set of the tags in the set of tags. An enterprise system processes the received information from all tags in the set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an RFID network consisting of a number of read-write stations (1, 2, 3, 11, N0-N17), for which a reader service signal (9, 105) is modulated onto a read-write signal that is required to process a number of electronic labels (6). According to the invention, the following steps are carried out: at least one read-write station (1 2, 3, 11, N0-N17) is entrusted with the function of a master (100) that has stored a network structure (110) comprising structure data and a co-ordination plan containing co-ordination data; the master or masters transmit(s) (100) at least corresponding data for an organized synchronous network operation to the read-write stations (1, 2, 3, 11, N0-N17) periodically and/or on demand, so that the read-write stations (1, 2, 3, 11, N0-N17) do not interfere with one another during the read-write operation.

Abstract: A method and system for location determination and guidance using radio frequency identification (RFID) are disclosed. A location of a mobile RFID reader can be determined by detecting stationary RFID tags located at fixed locations. Each RFID tag stores location information associated with its position as well as location information of at least one other RFID tag. The location information stored by each RFID tag can be used to direct a user from one RFID tag to another. Thus, RFID technology is also used to guide mobile RFID reader between the fixed locations of the stationary RFID tags.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine kinematical parameters of physical objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to the objects. In one embodiment, one of a population of RFID tags is selectively instructed by an RFID reader to backscatter the interrogating electromagnetic wave and thus allow the RFID reader to measure the position, speed, acceleration, jerk of the object to which the tag is attached. The RFID reader combines the signal representing the backscattered interrogating electromagnetic wave and the signal representing the interrogating electromagnetic wave transmitted by the RFID reader to determine or monitor one or more of the kinematical parameters of the object.

Abstract: A system for enabling test data resulting from an analytic determination carried out on a clinical analytic device (20-1) to be communicated to an electronic patient information management system (80), the system comprising: a computer module (120-1) communicatively connectable to the clinical analytic device (20-1), a user operable control unit (140) communicatively connectable to the computer module (120-1), and an instrument tag (22-1) readable by the user operable control unit (140) and associated with the clinical analytic device (20-1).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an IC card includes a communication unit, a controller, a data storage unit, a command processor, and a response unit. The controller performs data communication of the communication unit by using a logical channel. The command processor performs access to data specified by a command on a logical channel specified by the command. The response unit outputs a response message in response to the command, with the response message added with information indicating that the specified data is inaccessible because the data is used on an other logical channel, if the data specified by the command is inaccessible because the data is used on a channel other than the logical channel of the command.

Abstract: A control associated with a label printer and RF unit is operable to carry out an RFID frequency selection process in which: (a) a given label is moved into the certain location along the label path; (b) for each of a plurality of frequencies: (i) the RF unit is operated to attempt to read and/or write to the label RFID tag of the given label multiple times; and (ii) the control records success data for attempts made in (b)(i); and (c) the control identifies and selects for subsequent use in operation of the RFID unit a multiplicity of the plurality of frequencies based upon results obtained in steps (b)(i) and (b)(ii).

Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.

Abstract: A reader for reading a memory tag comprises a resonant circuit part, a frequency source, a tuning detector and a tuning controller. The resonant circuit part has a resonant frequency. The frequency source is operable to generate a driving signal and is connected to the resonant circuit part to provide inductive coupling to a tag. The tuning detector is responsive to the relative resonant frequencies of the resonant circuit part and a memory tag resonant circuit part of the memory tag to generate a tuning signal. The tuning controller is responsive to the tuning signal to control the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit part.

Abstract: A method for establishing a wireless communication connection between an automation component and a mobile operating terminal is provided. The automation component reads out a first request from a tag, wherein the operating terminal has stored the first request on the tag using a read/write device, the operating terminal requesting information from the automation component by the first request via wireless communication connections provided by the automation component. The automation component stores the information via the wireless communication connection on the tag and then reads out a second request from the tag, wherein the operating terminal has stored the second request on the tag, the establishment of a first communication connection being requested in the second request. Further, a first communication module of the automation component intended for the first communication connection is activated, the operating terminal then establishing the first communication connection to the automation component.

Abstract: An application specific integrated circuit chip includes capacitors and antennas. The antennas receive energy from an outside source, and charge capacitors on the chip in order to provide power to the chip itself. The chip in turn communicates by antenna to outside receivers for the purposes of identification of the chip and hence a bag or article to which it is attached. The chip is attached to its article by means of glue which is in turn applied by an applicator which shoots the chip and the glue against the article.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a wireless identification tag which can save information with high reliability that is free from the possibility of being lost or falsified, is not broken or melt in the concrete, can expand directionality of an antenna, be distributed in a cement product to be in an appropriate condition for radio communication, and has good adhesion and affinity with cement or the like. A wireless identification tag 1 mixed in a cement product in the manufacturing procedure thereof in which cement, an aggregate, water, or the like are mixed including a protection body 2 incorporating the wireless identification tag 1 having an antenna portion which can write/read information by radio communication, wherein a concave portion 3 is provided on the surface of the protection body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and a method for cabinet asset management and a cabinet system. The apparatus for cabinet asset management includes a management unit and at least one antenna board unit. The management unit sends a read signal to the antenna board unit. After receiving the read signal, the antenna board unit sends the read signal in a form of an electromagnetic wave, so that after sensing a magnetic field signal, a label within a radiation range of the electromagnetic wave sends, using an induction current, configuration information of a physical component stored in the label to the antenna board unit. After receiving the configuration information, the antenna board unit reports the configuration information to the management unit. After receiving the configuration information reported by the antenna board unit, the management unit performs data analysis processing.

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 space-time block codes (STBC). For example, an RFID tag employs two spatially separated antennas and circuitry for transmitting to an RFID reader data stored in tag memory as STBC encoded data. Other configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A corrosion sensing system includes a reader, a radiation receiving device, a sensing transponder, and a member. The sensing transponder includes a communications device, a processor, and a sensor. The member is subject to corrosion. The sensor is located to detect corrosion of the member. The communications device is connected for transmitting sensor data. The transponder is powered by electricity derived from electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the reader that is received by the radiation receiving device.

Abstract: A process monitoring system comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag disposed on a position corresponding to the component for receiving a radio-frequency (RF) signal and responding a corresponding feedback signal during a stage of the manufacturing process, an RFID reader transmitting the RF signal and receiving the feedback signal during the stage of the manufacturing process, and a determination module coupled to the RFID reader for determining a duration of the stage according to reception of the feedback signal.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for communicating with an RFID tag: including a radio communication device; a tag number estimation portion configured to estimate the number of RFID tag circuit elements in a peripheral area of the apparatus; a storage device configured to store a list of identification information of each of a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements; and a mode switching portion configured to switch a mode into a plural tag detection mode in which identification information is sequentially specified in the list stored in the storage device before the RFID tag circuit element corresponding to the specified identification information is detected through the radio communication device, or a response determination mode in which identification information is obtained from each of all the RFID tag circuit elements in the peripheral area through the radio communication device.

Abstract: A wireless bidirectional communication system and method for tracking smart tags affixed to assets located within a defined area. Asset tracking is provided by a central processor operated by a user. The central processor combined with communication modules communicates with the system tags for deriving corresponding assets' locations. Communication is synchronized by way of broadcasting a clock generator signal over the communication link. The broadcasted clock signal is further used by the system for generating distinct time slots assigned to a tag by demand. Synchronizing the communication between the tags and the central processor is beneficial for maintaining reliable and short messages across the data link and maintaining low power draw from the tag battery.

Abstract: A wireless sensor reader is provided to interface with a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor reader transmits a narrowband, fixed frequency excitation pulse to cause the wireless sensor to generate a ring signal. The ring signal corresponds to the value of the physical parameter being sensed. 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 low power, simple circuitry required to generate the excitation pulse allows the reader to be a small, battery operated unit. Alternative methods of frequency determination are also disclosed.

Abstract: The reader/writer repeatedly reads data, which is stored in an IC tag existing in an area where communication with the reader/writer can be established, from the IC tag in a noncontact method. The reader/writer transmits the read data to the administrative device. The administrative device generates read data which shows the result of reading in chronologic order and generates feature data indicative of the feature of the result of reading on the basis of the generated time series data. An IC tag is sorted as a target tag or an unnecessary tag by sorting the read data as necessary data or unnecessary data on the basis of the generated feature data.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor tag device capable of detecting event data by a sensor tag all the time even when no radio wave is received, saving power supply for a microprocessor, and enlarging the radio communication distance. The sensor tag device includes generation means 6 and 7 using one or more environmental changes, power supply voltage rise control means 8, and power supply synthesis means 9, and power is supplied to a microprocessor 12 and event data is stored in the microprocessor 12 when an event, i.e., an environmental change has occurred. A power receiving circuit having a transmission/reception antenna, a built-in power receiving circuit, and the microprocessor and capable of bi-directional communication by radio waves is combined with a stab resonance RF boost circuit and a ladder boost rectification circuit.

Abstract: System for remote measuring a physical variable comprising an RF transceiver arranged for transmitting an RF signal and for receiving a reflection signal derived from the transmitted signal. An RF transponder comprises a dielectric material having a dielectric property which is dependent on the physical variable according to a first function. The dielectric material is exposed to the physical variable to be measured. The transponder is arranged to receive the signal transmitted by the transceiver and to reflect a reflection signal, or the second and/or higher harmonics of it, which is dependent on the actual dielectric property. Processing means are provided for comparing the signal transmitted by the transceiver and the reflection signal received from the transponder and for converting the comparison result, e.g. the phase shift, into a value which is representative for the physical variable to be measured. The transponder may be e.g. a patch antenna.

Abstract: In a communication partner device (1) intended for the contactless transmission of digital data to be transmitted having a transmission circuit (2), the transmission circuit (2) comprises a modulation circuit (17) for the amplitude modulation of a carrier signal (CS), which modulation circuit (17) comprises a circuit stage (20, 20?) for producing a plurality of different resistance values (RW 1, RW 1?) that act on a signal output (TX1, TX2), which resistance values (RW1, RW1?) can be transformed, by means of a signal processing circuit (3) arranged to transform resistance values that belongs to the communication partner device (1), into transformed resistance values (RW2, RW2?), which transformed resistance values (RW2, RW2?) are responsible for damping a transmission coil (7) of the communication partner device (1) when modulated low-level carrier signal sections are generated in a modulated carrier signal.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention improves the efficiency of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and helps to extend the effective read range for certain configurations of closely spaced RFID tags. Specifically, an embodiment helps to minimize energy losses that result when there is excess energy from the excitation source. Various embodiments are directed toward using only as much of the excitation energy as necessary to power the RFID circuitry. An embodiment may have the benefit of making more of the excitation energy available to power other RFID tags nearby—thereby improving system performance and read range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically subscribing to a web-based service or resource based on reading a physical tag (e.g., an RFID tag) placed within range of a network device (e.g., a home network router) in a smart home network. The tag may store basic information about the web-based service or resource. When the tag is read, the network device may automatically contact the service or resource provider in an effort to subscribe a user to that service or resource, such that the service or resource may be enabled at that network device. In this manner, the user may quickly and easily subscribe to web-based services and/or resources, without having to configure anything, select any menu choices, type in any information, etc.

Abstract: A method of authentication of a terminal generating a magnetic field by a transponder including an oscillating circuit from which a D.C. voltage is generated, wherein at least one quantity depending on the coupling between the transponder and the terminal is compared with at least one reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for judging a movement direction of an RFID tag in a case where read information acquired from a first region and read information acquired in a second region which overlap the first region indicate that the RFID tag has moved out of a part of the first region which part does not overlap the second region. The described embodiments include a movement direction judging section, a detection frequency information acquisition section, a movement judging section, an output judging section, and an output section.

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: The RFID system includes an RFID reader for sending information selected from among collision type information, idle type information, and readable type information, to all of the RFID tags depending on the number of signals in the corresponding time slot, and RFID tags for performing functions, in which, when information, indicating that a current time slot is a collision type, is fed back from the RFID reader, each of RFID tags selects one arbitrary value of either 0 or 1 and is assigned a time slot, in which a corresponding RFID tag will send a signal to the RFID reader, based on the selected value, a single tag group that caused a collision is divided into two sub-groups depending on the assigned time slots, and tags of the sub-groups send signals, including IDs thereof, to the RFID reader in different time slots for the respective sub-groups.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a disposition of an electronic device as installed, in-need-of-repair, or in-storage are provided, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices on the electronic devices and a sensor which detects disposition. Diagnostic test results and locations of installed devices may also be communicated to the RFID associated with the device and provided in a response to an interrogation. Shared memory on the device is integrated with the RFID device to store utilization and health history on the device for later retrieval. The disposition data is provided in a response to an interrogation of each device. Optionally, a communications device (e.g., RFID, or wireless interconnection) on a chassis housing electronic devices provides the disposition and location of all installed devices in response to an interrogation. The device disposition and location information is communicated to the communications device upon installation via a processing unit integral to the chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system and method of tracking vehicles in multiple traffic lanes is disclosed. One system includes an RFID reader including a plurality of antenna ports. The system also includes a first antenna connected to a first antenna port of the plurality of antenna ports, the first antenna oriented toward a first lane of traffic. The system further includes a second antenna connected to the first antenna port and oriented toward a second lane of traffic. The system also includes a third antenna connected to a second antenna port of the plurality of antenna ports, the third antenna oriented toward the first lane of traffic. In some cases, the RFID reader is configured to detect the existence of a vehicle in a lane based on detection of an RFID device associated with the vehicle at two or more of the plurality of antenna ports.

Abstract: A call button attached to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag may be activated to send an alert to appropriate personnel. Direct current voltage is received at an input of a RFID tag. Responsive to a query of an RFID reader, the RFID tag detects a state of the call button based on a level of the direct current voltage present at the input of the RFID tag. The RFID tag sends the detected state of the call button to the reader. A signal is sent from a server based on a reported state of the call button.

Abstract: A passive wireless tag assembly comprises a plurality of antennas and transmission lines interconnected with circuitry and constructed and arranged in a Van Atta array or configuration to reflect an interrogator signal in the direction from where it came. The circuitry may comprise at least one surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based circuit that functions as a signal reflector and is operatively connected with an information circuit. In another embodiment, at least one delay circuit and/or at least one passive modulation circuit(s) are utilized. In yet another embodiment, antennas connected to SAW-based devices are mounted to at least one of the orthogonal surfaces of a corner reflector.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine kinematical parameters of physical objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to the objects. In one embodiment, one of a population of RFID tags is selectively instructed by an RFID reader to backscatter the interrogating electromagnetic wave and thus allow the RFID reader to measure the position, speed, acceleration, jerk of the object to which the tag is attached. The RFID reader combines the signal representing the backscattered interrogating electromagnetic wave and the signal representing the interrogating electromagnetic wave transmitted by the RFID reader to determine or monitor one or more of the kinematical parameters of the object.

Abstract: The described system and method enable user health monitoring and alerting by providing an arm-mounted sensor wirelessly linked to a wrist-mounted transponder, although the wrist-mounted transponder may be omitted in favor of a user-carried cellular device. In either embodiment of the invention, a remote server is included to receive user health data and alerts, and to log received data and, when necessary, to alert health service providers. Health service providers may include physicians and emergency services providers.

Abstract: A control unit for tracking articles is positioned approximate to a package and communicates with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. The control unit includes a RFID tag, a storage, a switch, and a microcontroller. The switch outputs a first control signal to the microcontroller if the package is opened, the microcontroller outputs an open status signal and a corresponding real-time clock (RTC) signal to the storage according to the first control signal, the RFID tag sends the open status signal and the corresponding RTC signal from the storage to the RFID reader in due course.

Abstract: An RFID read/write station includes read/write equipment with a transmitter, a receiver, a processor unit, and at least one read/write antenna. A first passive electronic tag is coupled via a first coupling element to an output from the transmitter and an input to the receiver with a pre-set coefficient of coupling, while a second passive electronic tag is coupled to a read/write antenna through a second coupling element with a pre-set coefficient of coupling. For the purpose of periodically or aperiodically monitoring the RFID read/write station, an identification of the first and second tags can be made and/or the data content of which can be read.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel-cell-based cogeneration system with radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors. The fuel-cell-based cogeneration system with RFID sensors includes the fuel-cell-based cogeneration system and an RFID data processing system. The RFID data processing system captures data of the temperature and flow rate from the RFID sensors, while the system data are in turn converted into RFID signals. The RFID data processing system transmits a control signal generated from the RFID signal to control the operation of the fuel-cell-based cogeneration system. Since the RFID transmission technology, the sensor error caused by wires is consequently reduced. Furthermore, overall sensitivity and accuracy of the RFID sensors are increased, which leads to an accompanying increase in the stability of the operating system.

Abstract: An improved Interrogator (and method of operation) for use in a radio frequency identification system wherein at least one tag modulates a radio frequency signal by modulated backscatter operations.