Id Code Patents (Class 340/10.52)
  • Patent number: 8098139
    Abstract: There is disclosed a test head device for testing the functionality of a large number of RFID chips arranged in smart labels (17) within a smart label production apparatus by means of a data reading and/or data writing process, wherein the smart labels (17), each comprising a first antenna (10a-10e), are placed next to and behind one another on a common continuously moving strip, wherein the test head device comprises a plurality of test systems which function independently of one another, each of said test systems consisting of a write and/or read unit (12a-e), a second antenna (3, 11a-e; 18) connected thereto which is in each case assigned to one of the first antennas (10a-10e) for simultaneously transmitting read and/or write data between the first and second antennas (10a-10e; 3; 11a-e; 18) by means of ultrahigh frequency waves, and a common table unit which can be displaced at least in the height direction, wherein the second antennas (3; 11a-e; 18) are arranged on a common antenna carrier plate (2) orie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Muehlbauer AG
    Inventor: Henrik Bufe
  • Patent number: 8078146
    Abstract: This invention relates to using consumer devices, such as mobile telephones, to identify, authenticate, locate and contact users of security and asset management systems. Such consumer devices can be used not only with the security systems but also for other uses. A device is initially registered with the security system. As needed, the device is presented to the system for authentication, enabling a person access to a secure area. In addition, the system can determine the person's location in the secure area and can send information messages to the person as well as notifying the person in case of emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh N. Jayappa, Marine Drive, Mayur Salgar, Deepakumar Subbian
  • Patent number: 8073581
    Abstract: An improved method of rail survey deploys feature identification tags along an inner edge of a train track rail. Each tag includes a unique identifier to identify a respective feature along the train track. Each tag includes a reflector to reflect light to a sensor on a track surveyor. The sensor reads track feature tags without the need for stopping at each feature. A track database is provided that is capable of storing tables that associate track features with geo-locations. As each tag is deployed or read during a rail survey, it can be paired with geo-location data and stored in the track database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Charles W. Morris, Matthew A. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8068010
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and a method and system for communicating with the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a first and second structure respectively holding first data and second data that is complementary to the first data. The RFID tag does not include a microchip. An electromagnetic radio frequency signal is transmitted from an interrogator to the RFID tag. The interrogator receives, from the RFID tag, a response signal including third data being the first data or a combination of the first data and the second data. The interrogator extracts the third data from the response signal. A default value equal to the combination of the first data and the second data is stored in the interrogator. If the interrogator determines that the third data is unequal/equal to the default value, then a screen of the interrogator displays that the RFID tag is enabled/not enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic Bauchot, Jean-Yves Clement, Gerard Marmigere, Pierre Secondo
  • Patent number: 8062698
    Abstract: A process for printing conductive metal markings directly on a substrate under an ambient condition, including the steps of synthesizing or providing conductive the ink on a substrate to form conductive metallic nanoparticles into an ink; and printing the ink on a substrate to form conductive metallic markings on the substrate. The printed conductive metallic markings may form wires that behave as resonant RFID antenna applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Naveen Chopra, Peter M. Kazmaier, Dominique J. Lalisse, Paul F. Smith
  • Patent number: 8054160
    Abstract: Active multi-modal RFID tags, illuminator/tag/reader systems, circuit architecture and opera-tional algorithms for battery power conservation that extends tag battery life from a typical 6 months to >5 years. The inventive system is particularly useful in asset and person tracking/inventory systems where power conservation is critical. The tag is configured with a micro-processor operational instruction set algorithm, modifiable on the fly via RF or IR, to synchro-nize a periodic tag awaken/sense envelope that overlaps the illuminator trigger pulse cycle and put the tag into deep, power conservation sleep for N periods of illuminator cycles. When the tag sees an illuminator signal with a different ID, or no illuminator signal at all, it transmits that anomaly via RF to a reader. This means the object or person with which the tag is associated has been moved out of the original illuminator field of view, permitting near real time investigation and tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Innovation Law Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Corrado, Rex T. Logan
  • Patent number: 8040242
    Abstract: An RFID tag is provided including an object ID and a counter. Such an RFID tag may be employed in an RFID tag system including a parent RFID tag having an object ID and a counter, a child RFID tag, and a reader/writer configured to read the object ID and the counter of the parent RFID tag, combine values of the object ID and the counter, and write the combined value to an object ID of the child RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Boaz Carmeli
  • Patent number: 8032253
    Abstract: In an automatic machine system comprising a mechanism unit (1) including at least one driving mechanism, a controller (2) for controlling a driving operation of the mechanism unit (1), and a teaching unit (3) for operating the mechanism unit (1), the teaching unit (3) includes a teaching unit communicating portion for carrying out a wireless communication with the controller (2) and a first field intensity monitoring portion (13) for monitoring a field intensity of communication data in the teaching unit communicating portion, and the controller (2) includes a controller communicating portion for carrying out a wireless communication with the teaching unit (3), a second field intensity monitoring portion (26) for monitoring a field intensity of communication data in the controller communicating portion, and a driving portion for driving the mechanism unit (1) based on an operation signal sent from the teaching unit (3) in the controller communicating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Hideo Nagata, Michiharu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8009019
    Abstract: A portable-terminal holder for holding a portable terminal that has a rechargeable battery and a first radio communication device is constituted by a base and c communication module. The base has a portion on which the portable terminal is placed, and a charging device for charging the rechargeable battery of the portable terminal while said portable terminal is placed on the portion. The communication module has a second radio communication device communicating with the first radio communication device for wireless data transmission between the portable terminal and the communication module, and a cable communication device communicating with an external host computer for cable data transmission between the host computer and the communication module. The communication module is configured to be detachable from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Takahiro Kurobe, Yoshiki Nagai
  • Patent number: 7999659
    Abstract: A method for access control to at least one memory area of a passive and/or backscatter-based transponder is provided. In the method for access control, depending on an identification selection criterion, a first or at least one second identification within the transponder is activated, the activated identification upon an appropriate request by reader unit is transmitted to said unit, the at least one memory area of the transponder is divided into memory blocks with a settable size, access control information is assigned to a respective memory block, and read and/or write access to a specific memory block is released or blocked depending on the associated access control information and the identification selection criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Ulrich Friedrich
  • Patent number: 7994919
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that distribute electronic data, such as Electronic Product Code (EPC) data, obtained from RFID tags by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and/or servers to agents within an agent-based control system. The systems and methods employ a component that collects, filters, processes, and stores electronic product data. The component collects electronic product data through corresponding reader and/or server interfaces. This data can be filtered to accept particular electronic product data, processed to a format suitable to the agents, and stored. Such storage can include delineating the electronic product data across rows of a table by electronic product code and across columns of the table by various types of data. Upon receiving a subscription and/or request from an agent for electronic product data, the component can obtain and convey the information to the agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Vrba, Filip Macurek, Vladimir Marik, Kenwood H. Hall, Pavel Tichy
  • Patent number: 7982608
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying a lost or stolen device is disclosed herein. The system includes: a transmitter, coupled to said device, for transmitting identification information; a receiver for receiving the identification information transmitted by the transmitter, when the transmitter is within a defined distance from the receiver; and a computer, coupled to the receiver for receiving the information from the receiver, and having a database for storing data associated with lost or stolen devices; wherein the computer compares the information with the data, and generates an alarm if the information indicates that the device is lost or stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis D. Elledge
  • Patent number: 7973641
    Abstract: An radio frequency identification (RFID) tag parking system to control a gate to allow a patron in a vehicle to enter and exit a parking facility without stopping, the system comprising: a first antenna for reading an RFID tag in a first area contained within a lane 215 associated with an entrance or an exit of the facility; a second antenna for reading the RFID tag in a second area, separate from the first area, contained within the lane 215 associated with the entrance or exit; an RFID reader 250 connected to the first and second antennae to read an identification (ID) associated with the RFID tag when the RFID tag passes through one of the first and second areas; and a processing device to determine that the read ID is valid and may access the facility and to control the gate to open. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second antennae are sequentially activated as a vehicle enters the first area and the second area, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Yuanlin Huang
  • Patent number: 7973663
    Abstract: A method, system and electronic article surveillance tag deactivator detect the presence of an electronic article surveillance tag within a deactivation zone. Video of an item within the deactivation zone is captured. The video is evaluated using a pattern recognition technique to determine the presence of an electronic article surveillance tag within the deactivation zone. The electronic article surveillance tag is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Sensomatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Stewart E. Hall
  • Patent number: 7973644
    Abstract: An RFID (radio frequency identification device) tag comprising a processor; a memory configured to store an identification number that distinguishes the tag from other tags; a transponder coupled to the memory and the processor, the tag being configured to arbitrate by selecting a random number, in response to an inventory query from a reader, and to respond to the reader depending on the random number selected, the tag being further configured for multiple concurrent inventory session arbitrations with multiple readers by separately storing random numbers for respective inventory session arbitrations. RFID readers, systems, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 7969286
    Abstract: The invention is intended to be used in the technological field of communication and the update of data between electronic equipment (1, 2) capable of inter-communicating using wireless links. The invention relates more particularly to a process and a system to automatically configure and update the data saved in a radio frequency identifier (3). The process and the system enable the update of the data recorded in a radio frequency identifier of a first equipment item (1) equipped with a display screen (5) by displaying on screen a visual code (7) bearing update data of the radio frequency identifier. The visual code is then read using a second equipment item (2) provided with a visual code read device (4) having radio frequency identifier read-write interface. Then, the decoding of the visual code and the conversion and transmission of the update data to the radio frequency identifier by means of the read-write interface are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Santie V. Adelbert
  • Patent number: 7948383
    Abstract: A race management system which includes an RFID tag located between an inner and outer layer and is removably secured to a participant's bib through a mounting film. The inner layer is secured to a second inner layer having at least one fold line and an adhesive portion outward of the at least one fold line. The RFID tag is secured around a portion of the participant's shoe and is activated by at least one antenna to transmit identification data encoded on the tag. The encoded data corresponds to indicia printed on the bib and allows automatic collection of running times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Miller Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Shauna L. Lamp
  • Publication number: 20110095872
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to assuring manifest integrity for a shipping container of objects and provide a method, system and computer program product for manifest integrity management via radio frequency identification (RFID). In an embodiment of the invention, a manifest integrity management method can include scanning different RFID tags affixed to different objects for placement in a container. The method also can include determining both common data for all of the different RFID tags, and unique data for each of the different RFID tags. Finally, the method can include encoding an RFID tag for the container with an entry for the common data for the different RFID tags, and each unique data for each of the different RFID tags. In this way, a manifest can be created for the objects in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vijay K. Bhadriraju, Thomas T. Hanis, Frederick W. Rowe, John K. Senegal, Donnie A. Smith, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110063093
    Abstract: A serialization service module is provided for configuring an asset management system to provide a secure means of generating, assigning to chips (or other electronic objects or devices), and tracking unique serial numbers. To provide this service, a controller is used to define a product model, then to define one or more serialization schemas to be bound to each product model. Each serialization schema contains a range of serial numbers for a particular product. The serial number schemas are sent over a secure, encrypted connection to appliances at the manufacturer's location. Agents can then request serial number values by product name. The serial numbers are generated by the appliance, metered, and provided to the agents. The serial numbers are then injected sequentially into each die in a chip manufacturing process using the agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: CERTICOM CORP.
    Inventors: Eric Fung, Brian Neill, Chi Chiu Tse
  • Patent number: 7902964
    Abstract: Embodiments herein place a product and a programmable device within a shipping package, seal the shipping package, and program the programmable device by transmitting wireless signals to the programmable device, without opening the shipping package. Then, after the device is programmed, the shipping package can be shipped to the end user (consumer). The programmable device is adapted to be connected to the product after the product and the programmable device are removed from the shipping package by the end user to enable different features of the product, depending upon the wireless signals that were transmitted to the programmable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Heiko Rommelmann, Alberto Rodriguez, Theon Sanders
  • Publication number: 20110012750
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for checking and managing the history of movement of equipment, which operates in a target space divided into at least two areas, by using a number of RFID tags. The target space (e.g. warehouse) is divided into at least two areas, and RFID tags are installed on the boundary line between the areas at a short interval. When equipment (e.g. forklift) provided with a RFID reader moves across the boundary line and recognizes the RFID tags installed on the boundary line, the computer system recognizes that the equipment has moved from an area to another and displays the result of recognition to the outside so that the operator can finally recognize in which area of the target space the equipment or the object (cargo) carried by it exists in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Hyun-Chul Jung
  • Patent number: 7872567
    Abstract: A method for transponder access control is disclosed, in which a first identification is stored in the transponder, which is transmitted to a reader unit upon appropriate request by the unit. At least one second identification and an identification selection criterion are stored in the transponder, during a request by the reader unit depending on the identification selection criterion either the first identification or the at least second identification is transmitted and, when the second identification is transmitted, access to the transponder, particularly to the first identification, is released by the transponder when the reader unit transmits a password assigned to the second identification to the transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Friedrich
  • Publication number: 20100277290
    Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20100245058
    Abstract: A printing device capable of detecting an error type, that is, at which step in a printing process an error has occurred and capable of performing a simplified procedure for identifying the cause of the error. The printing device includes a reader/writer for writing information into an RFID tag and for detecting errors at a plurality of steps in a procedure for writing the information into the RFID tag and a ROM for storing each of the error patterns at respective steps at which errors have been detected by the reader/writer. When an error is detected by the reader/writer, a control unit reads, from the ROM, one of the error patterns corresponding to a step at which the error has been detected and prints the detected error on an RFID label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Hiromasa Kojima
  • Publication number: 20100238002
    Abstract: Devices, systems, processes, and articles of manufacture are provided herein. These may include an RFID transponder having a microprocessor, nonvolatile memory, a battery, and an antenna, wherein the microprocessor is configured to operate in a passive mode and a battery operated mode, and wherein, when in the passive mode only a portion of the microprocessor may be powered by energy received from an RFID reader interrogating the RFID transponder. The RFID transponder may further include MEMS sensors coupled to the microprocessor and the microprocessor may be further configured to add physical data, instructions, or a unique identify of the RFID transponder to the nonvolatile memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Irene Ryan, Christian Lee Hunt, Kenneth L. Greenlee, Steven Micheel Miller
  • Publication number: 20100214081
    Abstract: A unidirectional active electronic tag (10) and a method for setting parameters thereof are provided. The electronic tag (10) includes a first memory (22) configured for storing a tag identification code of the electronic tag, a CPU (24) configured for processing instructions and information received by the electronic tag, a second memory (28) configured for storing a plurality of emitting parameters, at least one input unit (14) configured for setting needed parameters in actual need by users, a transmitting and receiving unit (30) and a transceiver antenna (32). When the users set the parameters, the CPU (24) judges the parameters set by the users, selects a corresponding emitting parameter stored in the second memory (28), and transmit signals out through the transmitting and receiving unit (30) and the transceiver antenna (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Shu-Ying Huang, Li-Dar Pang
  • Publication number: 20100201498
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for associating a biometric reference template with a RFID tag embedded in or attached to a physical object. The method includes coupling a RFID tag having a unique tag identifier to a physical object to be associated with an individual, providing a reference template having a unique reference template identifier that uniquely identifies biometric data pertaining to the individual and forming an association between the reference template and the tag, where the association provides a relationship, including a relationship type, between the object and the individual. In an embodiment, the forming step includes creating a biometric attribute in the tag for identifying the template identifier for the reference template or creating a tag attribute in the reference template, where the biometric attribute created in the tag and the tag attribute in the biometric application form an association between the object and the reference template.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip H. Griffin
  • Patent number: 7755505
    Abstract: A wireless lighting control system has a plurality of control devices, some of which may be remotely-located. Each of the control devices is operable to be coupled to a source of power and to be assigned a unique device address. To assign a unique address to the control devices that are remotely-located, power is cycled to those control devices, i.e., by interrupting and restoring power to the control devices. The control device then transmits wirelessly a signal uniquely identifying the control device within a predetermined amount of time after the cycling of power. A list of unaddressed control devices that have recently been power cycled is generated. Each of the control devices on the list is then assigned and transmitted a unique device address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Johnson, Justin Mierta, Brian Michael Courtney, Lawrence R. Carmen, Jr., Daniel Curtis Raneri
  • Patent number: 7741971
    Abstract: The Invention, titled the “Split Chip” by the Inventor, contemplates an RFID enabled consumer oriented tracking system which protects consumer privacy by splitting a miniaturized silicon RFID transponder circuit into a retained piece and a detached piece. The two pieces are electrically connected by a fine piece of conductive material. Each piece is dependent upon the other in order to disgorge data. The electrical connection between the two pieces can be severed by the consumer by tearing the fine piece of conductive material at a designated spot on the substrate making the Split Chip moribund. Upon a return or refund of the consumer item the original data can be recovered through a laser guidance system which connects the retained piece and its alpha numeric identifier to a back end host computer administration network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: James Neil Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7737824
    Abstract: A hierarchical structure is established among a plurality of RFID tags, such that ID numbers can be read only from RFID tags which belong to a particular layer. RFID tag can control whether permission should be given to read its ID number therefrom to protect the ID number. Data held in the RFID tag can be read from the outside. RFID tag comprises a memory circuit having a function of holding data, and a logic circuit having a function of processing a control command received from outside. Memory circuit stores an own ID number for identifying the RFID tag itself, and a parent ID number for identifying a second RFID tag. When RFID tag receives an ID number read command which contains first data as a parameter from outside, the logic circuit outputs the own ID number to outside only when the first data matches the parent ID number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Aikawa, Yutaka Takami, Shinichiro Fukushima, Masumi Moritani, Hashimoto Kazunori
  • Publication number: 20100141405
    Abstract: A radio tag reading device has a target tag storage unit, a non-target storage unit, and an antenna. The target tag storage unit stores the tag data of any radio tag held in a section from which to read data. The non-target storage unit stores at least the identification data of any radio tag existing outside sections and sections that surround the section. The target tag storage unit stores all tag data read from radio tags via the antenna, except the tag data containing the identification data stored in the non-target tag storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuji Iida
  • Patent number: 7696880
    Abstract: An RFID tag is provided including an object ID and a counter. Such an RFID tag may be employed in an RFID tag system including a parent RFID tag having an object ID and a counter, a child RFID tag, and a reader/writer configured to read the object ID and the counter of the parent RFID tag, combine values of the object ID and the counter, and write the combined value to an object ID of the child RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Boaz Carmeli, Yossi Mesika
  • Publication number: 20100052869
    Abstract: Transponders are disclosed that are configurable to operate in an HDX mode and/or an FDX-B mode and that use a switchable load impedance across the transponders' resonant antenna circuit to induce amplitude and/or frequency modulation. An RF level detection circuit determines when the instantaneous activation signal strength is sufficient to support monoplex, multiplex, and diplex operation. A non-volatile memory stores identification data coded in HDX and FDX-B formats. One embodiment of the invention includes an inductive antenna including two terminals connected to tag circuitry, where the inductive antenna forms a resonant antenna circuit tuned to resonate at the frequency of the activation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Stewart
  • Patent number: 7663486
    Abstract: A system and method in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for writing and erasing user memory. A write command is received at the tag to write data into user memory of the tag. Based on receipt of the write command, a user memory flag in a first memory bank of the tag is set, and the data is written into a second memory bank of the tag. An erase command is received at the tag to erase data stored in the user memory of the tag. Based on receipt of the command to erase, the user memory flag in the first memory bank is cleared, and data stored in the second memory bank is erased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Schuessler
  • Publication number: 20100026470
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates detecting and identifying objects within surface computing. An interface component can receive at least one surface input, the surface input relates to at least one of an object, a gesture, or a user. A surface detection component can detect a location of the surface input utilizing a computer vision-based sensing technique. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag can transmit a portion of RFID data, wherein the RFID tag is associated with the surface input. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) fusion component can utilize the portion of RFID data to identify at least one of a source of the surface input or a portion of data to associate to the surface input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Alex Olwal
  • Patent number: 7646330
    Abstract: Communication between a remote locator and a transponder is used to determine the relative position of the transponder. The transponder and locator each include a transmitter and a receiver. The locator transmits an inquiry in the form of a relatively powerful cyclically encoded signal with repetitive elements, uniquely associated with a target transponder. Periodically, each transponder correlates its coded ID against a possible inquiry signal, determining frequency, phase and framing in the process. Upon a match, the transponder transmits a synthesized response coherent with the received signal. The locator integrates multiple cyclical response elements, allowing low-power transmissions from the transponder. The locator correlates the integrated response, determines round-trip Doppler shift, time-of-flight, and then computes the distance and angle to the transponder. The transponder can be wearable, bionically implanted, or attached to, or embedded in, some object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Karr
  • Publication number: 20090315686
    Abstract: A permanent ID can be read off of an RFID chip of an RFID tag. The permanent ID can be combined with a seed value to form a combined value. The combined value can be encrypted to form an encrypted value. This encrypted value can be stored on the RFID chip. Later, the RFID tag can be validated using the encryption value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: RCD TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Robert R. Oberle
  • Patent number: 7636032
    Abstract: A process for tracking an object within an inventory control space is provided. The space is illustratively a medical care delivery setting. An active radiofrequency (RFID) tag is encoded with a single-use code and associated with an inventory item. After a trigger event, the RFID tag transmits a modified broadcast. The single-use code that is a new number with at least one sparse digit or a new secondary number with a retained primary digit. An RFID tag configured to retain such a code scheme is provided. A hospital inventory item labeled with such an RFID tag is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventors: Allen B. Kantrowitz, In Ki Mun
  • Patent number: 7626504
    Abstract: A system and method for silencing communication devices is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a silencing system having a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RF receiver of a mobile communication device. An audible alerting function of the mobile communication device can be adjusted in response to the RF signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Wayne Chang
  • Patent number: 7621448
    Abstract: An information managing apparatus for managing an information display medium is disclosed that includes a reversible display unit that is configured to reversibly display information in visible form and a reversible display storage unit that is configured to store display content data corresponding to the information displayed at the reversible display unit. The apparatus further includes a scanner unit that is configured to read a display of the reversible display unit and acquire display read data of the read display; a reader unit that is configured to acquire first display content data stored in the reversible display storage unit; and a control unit that is configured to compare the display read data acquired by the scanner unit and the first display content data acquired by the reader unit, extract a difference between the display read data and the first display content data based on the comparison, and output the extracted difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Sakurai, Atsushi Kutami, Tetsuo Noji, Yoshihiro Sugiyama, Junpei Sakae, Yoshiaki Nishizaki
  • Patent number: 7606353
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment may include, in response, at least in part, to receipt at a first node of a request issued from a second node to change from one mode of operation to another mode of operation, selecting an amplitude of a signal to be propagated between the first node and the second node during the another mode of operation. The amplitude of the signal may be different from another amplitude of the signal during the one mode of operation. The method of this embodiment also may include, in response, at least in part, to the receipt of the request, selecting a frequency of a clock signal to be supplied in the first node during the another mode of operation. The frequency may be different from another frequency of the clock signal during the one mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Anil K. Kumar
  • Patent number: 7598872
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recognizing identification media in the communication area of a write/read device functioning according to the principle of inductive coupling in the MHz range, wherein an antenna is used for transmitting and receiving HF signals, in addition to a circuit for transmitting HF signals with a standard transmitter power output and a logic circuit for evaluating communication between a write/read device and an identification medium. A short inquiry signal consisting of several fundamental components of the HF field and having a standard transmission power output is periodically transmitted via a transmission path and the antenna and a response signal is detected on the antenna. The response signal is compared to a reference signal and a communication signal is transmitted in order to recognize an identification medium in the event that the response signal is different from the reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Legic Identsystems AG
    Inventors: Marcel Plūss, Andreas Koch, Peter Hausmann
  • Patent number: 7598865
    Abstract: A robust system, apparatus, and method for precise in-house positioning utilizing RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology are described in this invention. The in-house environment is partitioned into separate locations, and a set of RFID tags are scattered in the environment. Reading patterns of RFID tags are collected at each location by an RFID reader as samples. Pattern recognition and classification methods are used, when human, vehicle, or other carrier move around the environment with an RFID reader to estimate its physical location based on the reading pattern. The precision can be within one meter. The method is adaptive to different tag distribution, reader range, defective tags, and other physical constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventors: Kaicheng Zhang, Andrew Leong Chye Lim, Wenbin Zhu, Jiuqing Deng, Chan Hou Che
  • Patent number: 7598864
    Abstract: In order to eliminate limitation upon the frequency of a carrier wave from externally, this IC chip for identification includes: a power supply section which receives this carrier wave from outside and creates an internal power supply; a clock signal generation section for read out which generates an internal clock signal for read out based upon a clock signal pulse which is superimposed upon an optical signal from externally; a memory section; and an output section which serially reads out data in the memory section according to the internal clock signal for read out, and load modulates the carrier wave from outside based thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignees: FEC Co., Ltd., The Government of Malaysia
    Inventors: Shiro Sugimura, Hideki Kobayashi, Shuhei Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20090243814
    Abstract: In a RFID tag information system having a plurality of service servers, a single unified server, an operation terminal, an apparatus for producing RFID tags, and a portable terminal, the unified server has a common database storing a list of unissued tag IDs allocatable to an unproduced RFID tag and further storing the tag ID allocated to the produced RFID tag and registration data corresponding to the tag ID, and the apparatus for producing RFID tags writes the tag ID obtained through an apparatus antenna for radio communication with a RFID circuit element provided at a tag tape, the service server allocated by the unified server, and the operation terminal in an IC circuit part through the apparatus antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Kazutaka Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7589621
    Abstract: A comparator is supplied with a hold visit code and a visit guidance message, which are received by a receiver from a broadcasting device via radio waves. Alternatively, the comparator is supplied with a hold visit code and a visit guidance message, which are received by a communicating unit from a server through a public circuit network, a wireless link, a cellular phone unit, and another wireless link. The comparator then compares the supplied HVC with an HVC that is stored in a message table in a storage unit. If the HVCs compared by the comparator agree with each other, then an information output unit resets the HVC stored in the message table, and outputs the visit guidance message to an output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneo Ohno, Kenichi Mineta, Takumi Shimomura
  • Patent number: 7583180
    Abstract: A semiconductor according to an embodiment of the invention has a supply voltage generator circuit generating a supply voltage based on a received radio signal, a voltage detector circuit detecting a reference voltage dependent on the supply voltage, a memory circuit storing data, and a control circuit executing write operation to the memory circuit according to a reference voltage detected by the voltage detector circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Nec Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kotaro Sato
  • Patent number: 7577497
    Abstract: An industrial robot including a manipulator, a control unit for controlling the manipulator, a portable operating unit for teaching and manually operating the robot, which operating unit is adapted for wireless communication with the control unit, and an emergency stop unit. The emergency stop unit is arranged movable and the portable operating unit includes a first receiving member for receiving the emergency stop unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Svein Johannessen, Jan Endresen, Erik Carlson, Ralph Sjöberg
  • Publication number: 20090201136
    Abstract: A merchandise sales data processing apparatus including a tag reader section that reads information from a memory of a radio tag processes sales data of merchandise attached with the radio tag based on the information read from the memory of the radio tag. Besides, the apparatus generates a password for restricting access to the memory of the radio tag. Then, the apparatus writes the generated password into the radio tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuya Itagaki
  • Patent number: 7573368
    Abstract: An electromagnetic transponder comprising: an oscillating circuit; a first rectifying bridge having its A.C. input terminals connected across the oscillating circuit and having its rectified output terminals connected at least to a voltage regulator in charge of providing a supply voltage; and a second rectifying bridge, of dimension smaller than that of the first bridge, having its two A.C. input terminals connected across the oscillating circuit and having at least one output terminal connected to a demodulator of data sensed by the oscillating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventor: Jérôme Conraux