Additional Control Patents (Class 340/10.5)
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Publication number: 20150029001Abstract: A transportable container is enabled with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technologies to maintain automated inventory levels of those items that are inside the container. The inventory data is communicated via wireless methods, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, to a remote device such as enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The ERP system may use the inventory data received from the remote device to automatically update appropriately and generate appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, restocking, invoicing, etc.). In some embodiments, automated RFID scans are triggered when the container is opened and subsequently closed. The container may include RF containment/screening to prevent inadvertent scanning of RFID tags outside of the container. The container may also include a location device to allow the location of the container to be readily determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Joseph Pleshek, Brian George, Travis Phillips, Mark Sehmer
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Patent number: 8941493Abstract: Systems and methods are provided relating to utilizing a plurality of RFID tags in conjunction with a circuit comprising at least one reed switch to facilitate determination of operational states and actions based thereon. A magnet can activate the reed switch causing a first RFID tag to be activated and transmit an associated RFID identifier from which a position/operation associated with the first RFID can be determined. The magnet can be removed to activate a second RFID tag whereupon a second RFID identifier is transmitted from which a second position/operation can be determined. The circuit comprising the reed switch and RFID tags can have an induction coil enabling the circuit to be activated when the induction coil is brought into proximity of a second induction coil and inductively coupled.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Foster, Anatoly Grinberg, Dennis Mackey, Michael Burdenko
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Patent number: 8941469Abstract: An authentication method includes RFID readers authenticating RFID tags using public-key cryptography. A tag manufacturer or other legitimate authority produces a tag private-public key pair and stores the tag private key in externally unreadable tag memory and the tag public key in externally readable tag memory. The authority produces a master private-public key pair and distributes the master public key to readers in the field. The authority generates a tag-specific electronic signature based on at least the tag public key and the master private key and stores this signature in externally readable tag memory. A reader authenticates the tag by retrieving the tag public key and electronic signature from the tag, verifying the authenticity of the tag public key using the master public key and the electronic signature, challenging the tag, receiving a response from the tag to the challenge, and verifying the response using the tag public key.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Impinj, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Diorio, Scott A. Cooper
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Patent number: 8941471Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) multiplexer, which may be in a network, interprets an RF signal from an RFED reader as RFE) tag interrogation data. A single cable directs an RF signal from the RFID reader and RF control signals and/or RF power through the multiplexer. An RF sampler may be coupled to the cable; and an RF detector detects the RF signal from the cable via the RF sampler. A data decoder decodes and interprets the RF signal as the RFID tag interrogation data and forwards the RFID tag interrogation data to a control logic circuit as a MUX channel-change command. The logic circuit and decoder may be combined in a microcontroller, and an RF backscatter modulator coupled to the cable enables reverse communication with the RFID reader to determine whether another RFID multiplexer is coupled to the RFID multiplexer.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbHInventor: Gary Mark Shafer
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Publication number: 20150022325Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Johan Cornelis TALSTRA, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria PENNING DE VRIES, George Frederic YIANNI, James Joseph Anthony MCCORMACK
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Patent number: 8938198Abstract: A wireless communication device according to embodiments includes a position detection unit configured to detect the position of the wireless communication medium in a moving path, and a control unit configured to control communication based on the detection signal from the position detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Atsushi Nakagawa
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Patent number: 8937531Abstract: An RFID system has an active tag with one antenna inside, and one outside, an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. The RFID reader is located outside the enclosure and uses a selected RF read frequency range. The RFID tag simultaneously transmits on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, so that a respective beat frequency is defined between two of the frequencies. The beat frequency is within the selected RF uplink frequency range. The tag transmits a first signal at a first one of the plurality of frequencies using the interior antenna and a second signal at a second, different one of the plurality of frequencies using the exterior antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Donald Saul Rimai, Mark P. Hinman
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Publication number: 20150015366Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for measuring and tracking radio-frequency (RFID) tags. Inlay data, converting data, and tag scan data can be received from entities in the supply chain and stored in a database. The tag scan data, including measurement and performance data, can be stored and used for applications such as determining whether RFID tags are defective. The tag scan data, inlay data, and converting data can be analyzed to produce analytic data for reporting and failure prediction purposes. Inlay-SKU combinations of RFID tags can be validated to ensure that the correct inlays are being utilized for RFID tags intended for particular products. More accurate inventory data may be obtained and costs for re-tagging products that have defective RFID tags may be reduced. Entities in the supply chain can also be assisted to comply with various quality control, licensing, and tracking requirements related to the RFID tags.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventor: George Kevin Hoffman
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Patent number: 8933787Abstract: An active RFID tag has an antenna inside RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. An RFID reader located outside the enclosure at a reader position transmits a downlink RF signal through the port as a directional RF signal on a downlink carrier frequency corresponding to a downlink wavelength smaller than the selected shortest dimension. The port is selectively configured so that the directional downlink RF signal can pass through the port in an access mode during a selected access time interval and are attenuated by at least 60 dB in a restricted mode during a selected restricted time interval that does not overlap with the access time interval.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Mark P. Hinman, Edward Zogg, Abhishek Sharma
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Patent number: 8933793Abstract: An active contactless information storage device includes: an operation controller that determines whether mode information of the active contactless information storage device indicates a mode in which the device communicates with a reader/writer device; a carrier-sense controller that determines whether a first frequency in a first period and determines whether a second frequency in a second period, when the mode information of the active contactless information storage device indicates the mode in which the device communicates with the reader/writer device; and a command processor that performs communication with the reader/writer device when the carrier sense controller determines that the first frequency is sensed; wherein, when the mode information of the active contactless information storage device does not indicate the mode in which the active contactless information storage device communicates with the reader/writer device, the carrier-sense controller waits for a predetermined amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Daisuke Yamashita, Shinichi Shiotsu, Hiroyasu Sugano, Hideki Tanaka
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Patent number: 8928462Abstract: A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is disclosed. An example is shown for an eight antenna system. A first four antennas arranged side-by-side are sequentially energized to interrogate RFID transponders. A second set of four antennas arranged side-by-side, the first of which is adjacent to the last of the first set of antennas. A four-antenna sequence is performed for the first four antennas and a second four antenna sequence is performed for the second set of antennas. The first and second four antenna sequences are offset by only a marginal amount, sufficient to ensure that a transponder signal received four antennas away from an active antenna is not acknowledged because the receive window for the non-active antenna is delayed.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Patent number: 8928456Abstract: Cash drawers that are operated by wireless devices are disclosed. A cash drawer illustratively includes a communication interface that receives commands from a wireless device, and a controller that process the command received from the wireless device. The cash drawer may optionally include a reader that reads an identifier associated with the wireless device. The reader is illustratively an RFID reader and the identifier is an RFID tag associated with the wireless device. Alternatively, the reader is an NFC reader and the identifier is an NFC chip associated with the wireless device. In another embodiment, the cash drawer includes an identifier that is configured to be read by a wireless device. The identifier is illustratively either barcode, an RFID tag, or an NFC chip. The cash drawer may also include an indicator that identifies when the wireless device is authorized to operate the cash drawer.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: APG Cash Drawer, LLCInventors: Paul St. George, Patrick Vue
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Publication number: 20150002273Abstract: Methods and systems of blocking transponder signals is provided. A jamming signal received from at least one jamming transponder, where the at least one jamming transponder may be located in an area proximate to a transmitting transponder. An RFID reader is unable to read data contained in the transponder signal in response to receiving the jamming signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Edward C. BREMER, Stephen Patrick DELOGE
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Patent number: 8922338Abstract: A method of evaluation, by an electromagnetic transponder in the field of a terminal generating a magnetic field, of power that can be extracted from this field, including the steps of: evaluating the current coupling between the transponder and the terminal; and deducing therefrom information relative to the power available in this coupling position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SASInventor: Luc Wuidart
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Patent number: 8922350Abstract: Techniques are presented for adaptively increasing power delivered to an RF tag. In one embodiment, a tag reader uses multiple transmit antennas to increase the power delivered to an RF tag without increasing the transmission power. The tag reader may perform transmit diversity (or a related antenna diversity schema) to ensure that transmitted signals from the multiple transmit antennas constructively interfere at the location of the RF tag. The tag reader may transmit a pilot signal and measure a phase associated with a received signal from the RF tag. The tag reader may then use the phase to determine a phase shift for each of the plurality of antennas. The phase shift may then be applied to any subsequent signals transmitted by the antennas to ensure that the signals interfere at the RF tag's location.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Joshua D. Griffin, Azhar Hasan, Chenming Zhou
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Patent number: 8922349Abstract: A control circuit and system for controlling operation of a device is provided. The control circuit includes a storage means for storing a group identifier associated with a group of devices to be controlled. The control circuit further includes a control communication interface circuit for communicating with at least one other control circuit thereby enabling one or more the control circuits to be programmed as belonging to the group. The system comprises a master control circuit for transmitting a control command, and a slave control circuit for receiving the control command. The slave control circuit is coupled to the device for controlling the device in accordance with the control command.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Phiips N.V.Inventor: Marcel Beij
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Patent number: 8917163Abstract: An active electronic tag for a memory card is disclosed herein. The active electronic tag includes an antenna, a first amplifier, an automatic gain control circuit, a phase synchronization locking circuit, a decoding and TX/RX control unit and a second amplifier. The antenna receives a detecting signal transmitted from a card reader, in which the detecting signal is carried on a first carrier. The phase synchronization locking circuit generates a positive carrier and a negative carrier with a phase difference of 180 degree. The decoding and TX/RX control unit generates a response signal, which is carried on the negative carrier. By utilizing the phase difference of the first carrier and the negative carrier, the response signal cancels the first carrier on the card reader, so as to transmit the information saved inside the active electronic tag.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Being Tech Electronics Corp.Inventor: Chiung-Ching Ku
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Patent number: 8917165Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for detecting and re-personalizing are provided herein. In an embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining an ID (i.e., an identification, such as a Dynamic Unique Identifier) from a RFID tag, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to the RFID tag. The ID read from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database. If the write of the new ID to the tag is verified, then database changes are committed to link the new ID to the subject. In an alternative embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining data from a memory of a RFID tag, wherein the memory has a first partition and a second partition, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to either of the first partition or the second partition of the RFID tag. If such write is verified, then the new ID is written to the other partition of the RFID tag. The data from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: The MITRE CorporationInventors: Joseph P. Marques, Steven H. Barry
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Publication number: 20140368321Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses are described for location tracking in which each tag used to track an asset or person in an indoor environment transmits ranging waveforms used to estimate a location of the tag. Multiple tags may concurrently transmit without interfering with each other by having each tag use a distinct frequency shift for the ranging waveforms. Access points may be deployed throughout the indoor environment as part of a wireless network (e.g., ultra-wideband or UWB network) that tracks the assets. The access points may receive the ranging waveforms transmitted by the tags and may perform measurements based on the ranging waveforms. The measurements may be sent to a tracking management server to estimate the location of the tags. The server may also determine and assign the distinct frequency shifts used by the tags and may modify the assignment when the number of tags being tracked changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: June NAMGOONG, Srikant JAYARAMAN
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Patent number: 8912887Abstract: An RFID tag comprising a coil and an RFID chip having two inputs/outputs, each input/output being connected to the coil. The tag further comprises an electrical circuit connected to the inputs/outputs, the circuit being adapted to operate in one of two modes, one mode outputting substantially no signal whereby the RFID chip is allowed to operate and a second mode being a mode wherein a signal is output so that the operation of the RFID-chip is interrupted. Alternatively, the circuit may have a lower operating voltage than the RFID-chip and may thus starve the RFID-chip and prevent its operation when desired.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Cardlab APSInventor: Finn Nielsen
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Patent number: 8912917Abstract: A method for operating a monitoring module in a monitoring system. A monitoring module is configured with means for detecting impulse signals from sensors of the monitoring module and from other monitoring modules of the monitoring system, and with one or more groups of functions. A function defines a relation between an impulse signal detected by a monitoring module and a monitoring response of the monitoring module, and each group of functions corresponds with one level of hierarchy of monitoring modules of the monitoring system. One or more impulse signals from a sensor of the monitoring module and/or from another monitoring module of the monitoring system are detected; and a prevailing set of functions in a group of functions is determined. One or more monitoring responses are then determined with the prevailing set of functions.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Vibsolas OyInventors: Ykä Marjanen, Janne Göös
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Patent number: 8896420Abstract: An RFID tag including a transmitting/receiving unit, a memory and a control unit. A first identification code, a second identification code, a password, and a set of data are stored in the memory. If the set of data is under protection, the set of data is accessible only when a verification procedure corresponding to the password is successfully performed. If the transmitting/receiving unit receives a request for accessing the second identification code, the control unit shall check whether the request includes the first identification code. As long as the checking result of the control unit is yes, even if the set of data is under protection and the verification procedure fails or the verification procedure is not successfully performed, the control unit shall still transmit the second identification code via the transmitting/receiving unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Mstar Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Wei Chang, Feng-Jian Chou
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Patent number: 8896424Abstract: A dosing system and a method for dosing a medium, having a dosing control unit (4), at least one exchangeable container (2) containing a medium to be dosed, and a dosing valve (3, 3?) that can be connected to the container (2), wherein at least one part of the dosing valve (3, 3?) that comes into contact with the medium is designed as an exchangeable system component (7, 10) and has a machine-readable code for identification purposes, wherein at least one container (2), as an exchangeable system component (2), has a machine-readable code for identification purposes, wherein the exchangeable parts (2, 7, 10, 19) that come into contact with the medium are designed as disposable parts, and wherein the dosing control unit (4) is connected with a communication unit (5) to read the codes, and wherein the communication unit (5) has a unique read connection (22) to each exchangeable system component (2, 7, 10, 19) or its code.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignees: Sartorius Lab Instruments GmbH & KG, Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbHInventors: Oscar-Werner Reif, Reinhard Baumfalk, Dieter Schmidt, Christian Oldendorf, Swen Weitemeier
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Method, apparatus and computer program product for invoking local communication application services
Patent number: 8890661Abstract: It is presented a method for invoking an application service in response to a tag reading by a mobile terminal. The method comprises the steps of: receiving an input message, the input message comprising data being associated with a tag read by the mobile terminal using local communication, the input message further comprising a recipient identifier linked to the mobile terminal; determining, using a plurality of parameters associated with the tag reading, a plurality of matching application servers, wherein conditions of a tag reading subscription for each of the matching application servers matches the plurality of parameters; and sending an invocation message to each of the matching application servers to invoke a respective application service of each of the matching application servers, the invocation message comprising the recipient identifier enabling each of the application services to send content to the user equipment and the tag data.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)Inventors: Jakob Saros, Mattias Eld -
Patent number: 8890662Abstract: An EPC provisioning system comprising an EPC server can dynamically provide EPC code blocks for one product to multiple client sites. The EPC server can use business rules to determine the EPC codes for the multiple client sites.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Kenneth R Traub, Manju James, Marina Y Popova
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Publication number: 20140333419Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for mapping multiple applications or services from a single tag. A tag is deployed in a product that stores multiple intent records, the first of which maps to a client multiplexing component. The client multiplexing component, resident on a user device, is automatically initiated upon establishment of a communications link between the user device and the tag. The client multiplexing component then reads each subsequent record on the tag and selectively launches the application or service on the user device. Any data to be written back to the tag is communicated from the corresponding application or service through the client multiplexing component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventor: Peter J. Zehler
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Patent number: 8884737Abstract: This invention eliminates unnecessary beacon transmission by a DBD and suppresses the power consumption of each device included in a wireless communication network. This invention provides a communication control method in a host which wirelessly communicates with a DBD via a wireless USB. The method includes the steps of transmitting a capture packet command to a DBD when it is activated, analyzing a received captured signal and determining the presence/absence of another Wimedia device unrecognized by the host, and upon determining that the other Wimedia device unrecognized by the host exists, instructing the activated DBD to transmit a beacon to implement wireless communication synchronized with the host.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tadashi Eguchi
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Publication number: 20140327523Abstract: An electronic device includes a processor, a memory, an embedded element storing information, and a short-range radio controller. The embedded element is readable by an external reader. The short-range radio controller is configured to receive a radio communication. If the short-range radio controller is being powered by a primary battery that powers the processor, the short-range radio controller is configured to route the radio communication to the embedded element if the radio communication is for accessing the embedded element, or route the radio communication to a component of the electronic device different from the embedded element if the radio communication is not for accessing the embedded element. If the short-range radio controller is not being powered by the primary battery, the short-range radio controller is configured to route the radio communication to the embedded element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2013Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: CELLCO PARTNERSHIP D/B/A VERIZON WIRELESSInventors: Tom DANIEL, Yuk Lun LI, Nanjun QIAN, Manuel E. CACERES
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Patent number: 8878649Abstract: A control circuit that operably couples to an RFID tag reader can cause the latter to automatically utilize more than a single RFID tag interrogation mode. By one approach this can comprise automatically toggling back and forth between at least two different RFID tag interrogation modes. If desired, and by one approach, such a control circuit can facilitate using a first interrogation mode to read RFID tags and then, in response to a first pre-determined condition, automatically switch to using a second interrogation mode that is different from the first interrogation mode. By one approach, this first pre-determined condition can comprise an RFID tag read rate value. By another approach, alone or in combination with the foregoing, this first pre-determined condition can comprise, at least in part, a pre-determined period of time.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.Inventors: Bruce W. Wilkinson, Nicholaus A. Jones
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Patent number: 8874036Abstract: There is provided a mobile terminal including: a contactless communication unit transmitting an IC identifier to a reader-writer that carries out contactless communication and receiving link information including the IC identifier from the reader-writer; and a wireless communication unit accessing a server based on the link information, transmitting the link information to the server, transmitting the IC identifier to the server separately to the link information, and operable, when the server has judged based on the IC identifier that contactless communication with the reader-writer and access to the server were both carried out using a same mobile terminal owned by a user, to receive information relating to privilege available to the user on a service used by the user from the server apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: FeliCa Networks, Inc.Inventors: Takahiro Sakai, Jun Tada, Hiroyuki Nagasawa, Hiroshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 8872630Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Weifeng Duan, Qingyin Fang, Zhen Luo, Shen Tian
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Patent number: 8872619Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a fob including a transponder, and a RFID reader for interrogating the transponder. The system may further include a personalization system for populating onto the fob and RFID reader identifying information and security and authentication keys which may be used during mutual authentication of the fob and the reader and for completing a transaction. In exemplary operation, the fob and RFID reader may be personalized, the fob may be presented to the RFID reader for interrogation, the fob and reader may engage in mutual authentication, and fob identifying information may be provided to the reader for transaction completion. In another exemplary embodiment, operation of the transponder-reader payment system may be controlled by an activation circuit. Further, the fob may be responsive to multiple interrogation signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Xatra Fund MX, LLCInventors: Michael J. Berardi, Michal Bliman, David S. Bonalle, Jennifer Anne Elwood, Matthew C. Hood, Susan E. Isenberg, Alexandra Mayers, Peter D. Saunders, Kathryn D. Scheding, Sejal Ajit Shah, John R. Williamson
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Publication number: 20140313016Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to adapt RFID tags in a master-slave configuration and to connect them by a connector. Upon a request from a reader, the slave RFID tag will transmit via the connector data to the master RFID tag which will concatenate the latter with its own data and transmit a concatenated series of data to the reader. Such RFID tags are presented in use in a system for managing a plurality of equipment stored in a plurality of housings, as is the case for a room of IT servers. Each such slave RFID tag is fastened preferably onto a housing, contains information on the housing, and is connected to the master RFID tag preferably fastened onto the equipment stored in the housing and containing information on the equipment. A user thereby knows in a single reading information about the equipment and the housing that it occupies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Carlo NIZAM, Farid HASSANI
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Patent number: 8860554Abstract: Methods for efficiently querying and identifying multiple items on a communication channel are disclosed. The methods preferably use radio frequency identification with interrogation devices and systems that identify radio frequency identification transponders. A depth-first tree traversal protocol algorithm, including commands and symbols, preferably is used to more efficiently interrogate a plurality of transponders in a short amount of time. The communication channel may be an RFID communication channel or a wired communication channel. The time required to obtain the identification numbers of the objects may be made deterministic. The objects to be identified may be clothing, luggage, furniture, computers, parcels, vehicles, warehouse inventory, components on an assembly line or documents.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: ETAG Systems, Inc.Inventor: Norman E. Moyer
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Patent number: 8860551Abstract: Included are network devices, systems, methods, and computer readable medium. These may employ a microcontroller with access to computer readable memory and computer readable storage wherein the microcontroller operates at a first network component of a local area network. The microcontroller may be configured to spatially locate one or more fiducial network components of a local area network in which the microcontroller is a member. The spatial location may be determined by receiving a unique identifier for a first fiducial network component, receiving a wireless signal from the first fiducial network component, determining a physical distance between the first network component and the first fiducial network component, and updating a registry with the determined physical distance. In certain embodiments, the network component may be an RFID reader and the unique identifier may be an IP or MAC address.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Theodore Robert Carraher, Bruce Henry Hyre, David Kenneth Lavin
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Publication number: 20140300450Abstract: A home appliance, a home appliance system, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The home appliance includes a display unit that outputs an operation setting and an operation state. The home appliance further includes a tag unit that performs Near Field Communication (NFC) with a terminal. The home appliance further includes a controller that (i) stores product information at the tag unit, (ii) receives data stored at the tag unit, (iii) changes the operation setting, (iv) controls the operation state, and (v) outputs the changed operation setting to the display unit. The controller (i) determines network connection information that is stored at the tag unit by the terminal, (ii) stores the network connection information in a communication unit, and (iii) transmits and receives data wirelessly by connecting, through the communication unit, to a network that is associated with the network connection information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Mikyung Ha, Junpil Park, Bokyung Cho
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Patent number: 8847738Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a contactless communication unit configured to conduct contactless communication with an external communication apparatus, a plurality of memory units configured to store information to be transmitted to the communication apparatus, and a controller configured to control communication with the communication apparatus and set a priority order for the plurality of memory units when transmitting information from the plurality of memory units to the communication apparatus. The controller sets the priority order depending on the current time.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Norihiro Ichimaru, Takashi Suzuki, Tetsunoshin Anzai, Toshimitsu Higashikawa
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Publication number: 20140285325Abstract: A generation unit generates a command based on operation history information read from a storage unit and operation status information obtained by an obtainment unit when power is supplied from a first power source unit to a communication apparatus, and generates the command based on the operation history information read from the storage unit when the power is not supplied from the first power source unit to the communication apparatus, when power is supplied from a second power source unit to each of the storage unit, the generation unit, and a proximity wireless communication unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideo Umetani, Masaru Yamaoka, Gantetsu Matsui, Mahbub Rashid
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Publication number: 20140266630Abstract: New consumption and inventory recording, tracking, analysis and control techniques are provided. In some aspects of the invention, multiple master tags and signal control elements manage the communication of unique signals indicating and managing inventory status and consumption activity. A master tag may bridge communication from a computer hardware and software control system to smaller, more shielded inventory tags, to assess unique identifying information and control actuation of various functions. In other aspects, drugs and other agents may be variably released and/or applied by a new form of actuable, consumable tag with multiple signal elements. A computer display with specialized software may comprise part of the control system, and may reflect, provide, and/or receive modified data signals to and from such tags and signal elements. In other aspects of the invention, an administrative user may use a GUI to access information concerning, and control, consumption by a consumer user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Christopher V. Beckman
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Publication number: 20140266631Abstract: A wireless communication protocol may be utilized to authenticate a protected device. If the device is not properly authenticated, the device may be rendered inoperable. Thus, a limited range RF communication between the protected device and a base station may be utilized to automatically determine whether or not the device may be utilized. If the base station is not in-range, operation of the device may be defeated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Kelan C. Silvester
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Publication number: 20140253296Abstract: The invention relates to a method for locating an RFID tag (1) using at least one RFID reading device (2). The invention is characterized in that the RFID reading device (2) transmits a query signal (3) which comprises a broadband signal (4); the RFID tag (1) modulates the query signal (3) with a code signal (5) by varying the antenna impedance of the RFID tag and reflects said signal as a reflected signal (6); the RFID reading device (2) receives the reflected signal (6) and obtains the code signal (5) and a scattered broadband signal (7) from the reflected signal; the RFID reading device (2) determines a travel time of the broadband signal (4) by comparing the broadband signal (4) with the scattered broadband signal (7); the RFID reading device (2) determines the distance between the RFID reading device (2) and the RFID tag (1) from the travel time difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT WIENInventor: Holger Arthaber
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Publication number: 20140253295Abstract: Examples are disclosed for a mobile device to wirelessly dock to a device. In some examples, a mobile device may receive an indication to identify a device for wirelessly docking. The mobile device may gather identification for possible devices to wirelessly dock. A ranging technique may be implemented using a given frequency band to identify a device within a shortest distance from the mobile device from among the possible devices. The device having the shortest distance may be selected and a wireless dock may then be established. Other examples are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: RICHARD D. ROBERTS, MATHYS C. WALMA, CARLOS CORDEIRO
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Patent number: 8830038Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags may receive one or more encapsulated commands within the payload of an encapsulating command. An encapsulated command includes at least a command code and an instruction. A tag may store the encapsulated command(s) or the instruction portion of the encapsulated command(s) for later execution. A sequence of encapsulated commands may be contained within one encapsulating command or spread across multiple encapsulating commands. The sequence of encapsulated commands, or the sequence of instructions associated with the encapsulated commands, may form a program. The tag may execute the instructions or program upon receipt, upon a trigger event, serially or in parallel, and/or may modify the instructions or program by adjusting parameters. The tag may later be told by a reader to execute the instructions or program via another command which, in some cases, may be sent prior to tag singulation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Impinj Inc.Inventors: Theron Stanford, Christopher J. Diorio, Harley Heinrich
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Patent number: 8820639Abstract: A reader and method to allow verification or access to an RFID component of a device using analog optical properties of the RFID device. In the method, a reader analyzes optical properties of the device, obtains information on these properties from the reader or from data on the device. These optical analog properties are required to be verified prior to access to the RFID data from the RFID component.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: ASSA Abloy ABInventor: Richard M. Haddock
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Patent number: 8823493Abstract: In one embodiment, a RFID reader circuit includes a RF source input in a transmitting path, a RF modulator in parallel with a bypass, the RF modulator and the bypass being selectively coupled to the RF source input, at least one switch for selectively coupling an output of the RF modulator to the transmitting path, and a RF power amplifier in the transmitting path. In another embodiment, a RFID system includes a plurality of RFID tags, and a RFID reader, the RFID reader comprising a RFID reader circuit. The circuit includes a RF source input in a transmitting path, a RF modulator in parallel with a bypass, the RF modulator and the bypass being selectively coupled to the RF source input, at least one switch for selectively coupling an output of the RF modulator to the transmitting path, and a RF power amplifier in the transmitting path.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Intelleflex CorporationInventors: Prasad Panchalan, Edward M. Farrell
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Publication number: 20140240099Abstract: A circuit for signal decoding in RFID or wireless power charging is provided in the present invention. The implement of the present invention is to add a current sense resistor connected to an upper switch or a lower switch the up arm switch or low arm switch to decode the signal on the current sense resistor. Since the error would occur in the original voltage decoder of the wireless power or RFID when the load is heavy and voltage signal swing is large, such that the charge status and then the off-line status cyclically occur and then the charge status . . . occurs in cycle when the mobile device is charging under charge. Since the present invention uses the voltage and current for decoding at the same time, the decoding would be succeed whenever the load is light or heavy.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Generalplus Technology Inc.Inventor: Down Xu CHUANG
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Publication number: 20140240098Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of meeting room resources. The method includes initiating, via a host information handling system, an application, creating, via the application, a plurality of preferences, and establishing, by the host information handling system, a connection with a configuration device via a first close range communication path. The method also includes transferring at least one of the plurality of preferences, via the first close range communication path to the configuration device. The configuration device transmits, via a second close range communication path, a control message based on at least one of the plurality of preferences, to control at least one of the plurality of meeting room resources.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Yuan-Chang Lo, Jason A. Shepherd
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Patent number: 8816822Abstract: A system and method of transmitting sensor signals in a waveguide environment are provided. A sensor assembly is configured to wirelessly receive a sensor interrogation signal, determine an input power level of the sensor interrogation signal, and transmit a message including the determined power level. The system also includes a sensor controller configured to transmit a sensor interrogation signal determine an output power of the transmitted sensor interrogation signal at a plurality of frequencies, receive an indication of the received input power level of the sensor interrogation signal from the sensor assembly at the plurality of frequencies, compare the transmitted output power of the sensor interrogation signal to the received power indication, and select a transmit frequency for transmitting messages between the sensor assembly and the sensor controller based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLCInventor: John Stephen Wyler
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Publication number: 20140232532Abstract: An RFID tag inspection method includes the steps of transmitting a measurement signal from a reader/writer simultaneously to a plurality of RFID tags arrayed on a collective base member and configured to process radio signals, receiving response waves from the individual RFID tags in a batch by the reader/writer, and determining, based on strengths and a number of received signals read by the reader/writer, whether or not the individual RFID tags are acceptable. Thus, acceptance/rejection inspection can be performed on the plural RFID tags, which are arrayed on the collective base member, in a batch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuyoshi MUKAI, Yuya DOKAI
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Publication number: 20140232531Abstract: A detacher for unlocking a security tag having a locking mechanism is provided. The detacher includes a detaching element in which the detaching element is configured to unlock the locking mechanism if the detaching element is activated. The detacher includes a reader in which the reader is configured to receive a user identifier associated with at least one user. The detacher includes a memory. The memory is configured to store at least one user rule. The detacher includes a processor in which the processor is configured to determine whether the received user identifier meets the at least one user rule. The processor is further configured activate the detaching element if the received user identifier meets the at least one user rule. The detaching element remains deactivated if the received user identifier does not meet the at least one user rule.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLCInventors: Justin STEWART, Charlie TURGEON