Abstract: An RFID transponder having an antenna for receiving an RF signal including an amplitude modulated downlink data signal, and a demodulating stage coupled to the antenna for receiving a derived RF signal which is derived from the received RF signal. The demodulating stage has a first filter for extracting a field strength signal component from the derived RF signal and a second filter for extracting the modulated downlink data signal component from the derived RF signal. Further, a demodulator is coupled to the second filter to receive the modulated downlink signal for demodulating the modulated downlink data signal component and coupled to the first filter to receive the field strength signal such that the demodulator is adapted to vary a demodulation sensitivity parameter in response to the field strength signal.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for generating data showing a signal environment experienced by a radio frequency identification (RFID) communication device. A transceiver within the communication device sweeps through a frequency range of interest in order to receive signals within the frequency range. Depending on the nature of the signals of interest, the signals detected may be reflected signals generated in response to a carrier signal produced by the communication device, or active signals produced by active sources. Baseband analysis is performed in order to detect and identify reflective signals, and spectrum analysis is performed in order to detect and identify active signal sources.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader. The tag reader includes a power detection circuit operable to detect power from a plurality of different power sources, and a controller for operating the radio frequency identification tag reader at a power consumption level commensurate with a detected power source.

Abstract: There is provided an interrogator, transponder, and transponder identification method, which shorten processing time for identification. An interrogator that makes wireless communication with a transponder, comprising: a temporary number specify section that transmits a request for transmission of a unit bit string as a bit string having a predetermined length in a bit string expressing a temporary number owned by the transponder, receives a unit bit sting transmitted from the transponder in response to the request, and specifies the temporary number of the transponder, based on the unit bit string; and an identification information obtaining section that transmits, if a temporary number of a transponder is specified by the temporary number specify section, a request for transmission of identification information of the transponder to the transponder, and receives the identification information transmitted from the transponder, in response to the request.

Abstract: A mobile computing device may include an interface device, a near field communication (NFC) device, and a processor coupled with the interface device and the NFC device. The processor may be capable of detecting proximity of an encasement based upon the NFC device, and changing an operational mode of the interface device based upon detecting the proximity of the encasement.

Abstract: An authenticated RFID system is provided that uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to reduce the signature size and read/write times when compared to traditional public key implementations such as RSA. Either ECDSA or ECPVS can be used to reduce the signature size and ECPVS can be used to hide a portion of the RFID tag that contains sensitive product identifying information. As a result, smaller tags can be used or multiple signatures can be written at different stages in a manufacturing or supply chain. A key management system is used to distribute the verification keys and aggregate signature schemes are also provided for adding multiple signatures to the RFID tags, for example in a supply chain.

Abstract: A portable apparatus of the present invention functions as a transmitter and/or a receiver in electric field communication in which communication is performed through a human body by converting an information signal into an electric field signal; is substantially hexahedron-shaped and provided with sides and an display surface allowing information to be viewed; and includes an outer electrode for electric field communication provided on the display surface and a human-body-side electrode for electric field communication provided on at least one of the sides.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes: a receiving unit which receives reception data transmitted from an external apparatus; an acquiring unit which acquires identification information for identifying the external apparatus which transmits the reception data; and a tag writer which wirelessly write the identification information into a wireless tag.

Abstract: A method of providing security and maintenance of a group of devices using a group of tags. Each of the tags is attached to a device and includes a radio frequency transceiver for intercommunicating using ultra-wide band signals. Using the intercommunication, distance between two of the tags is determined and an alarm is triggered when the distance is greater than a previously defined threshold distance. The distance is preferably determined by measuring a round trip delay time between the transmission of a transmitted signal to the other tag and reception of a response signal in response to the transmitted signal from the other tag. The distance is preferably determined by measuring a time delay between transmitting a unicast ultra-wide band message and receiving a unicast response message. The intercommunication preferably uses ultra-wide band signals which relay information regarding completeness of the group between the tags of the group.

Abstract: A method and system for power control for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reading is provided. The system includes a power amplifier for providing an RF transmit signal for the RFID tag reading. The RF transmit signal is provided to an antenna for radiating the transmit signal. The power of the radiated transmit signal defining a read range for the RFID tag reading. The system includes an attenuator provided between the power amplifier and the antenna for controlling the power of the radiated transmit signal to adjust the read range. A handheld RFID reader may include the system. The method includes calibrating the output power of a reader having a power amplifier and an attenuator provided between the power amplifier and an antenna. The step of calibrating includes at least one of controlling power of the power amplifier in its linear region, and controlling attenuation level of the attenuator.

Abstract: Described are integrated active tags in a mobile device. The mobile device may include (a) a transceiver broadcasting a first location beacon when a capacity of a battery of the mobile device is above a predetermined threshold; and (b) a tag broadcasting a second location beacon when the capacity of the battery of the mobile device is below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method adjusts a computing device. The method receives configuration data relating to at least two functionalities of the device. The method adjusts configurations of components of the device as a function of the configuration data so that the device performs as if a first functionality of the at least two functionalities is a primary functionality of the device. The components are at least partially capable of the at least two functionalities.

Abstract: A mobile device, through the use of an NFC subsystem, may determine holster-proximity information, i.e., whether the mobile device is near to (including in) a holster or out of, and away from, the holster. The holster-proximity information may be used by the mobile device to enter into a user-inactive mode. Such entry into a user-inactive mode may involve disabling user interface components, such as input devices and output devices. In particular, the holster-proximity information may be used by the mobile device to disable the keyboard, that is, prevent presses on keys in the keyboard from being recorded. Such disabling may be considered of particular importance when the mobile device is going into and coming out of the holster.

Abstract: A passive tag including a volatile memory is provided. The passive tag includes: a sensing unit which senses or measures information about environmental surroundings of the tag; a volatile memory; a non-volatile memory; and a control unit which firstly stores resultant data sensed or measured by the sensing unit in the volatile memory and then moves the data stored in the volatile memory to the non-volatile memory according to pre-set conditions. Therefore, the life of the tag is prolonged and stability of important data can be secured.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that locates a set of target transmitting mechanism using a mobile sensing infrastructure. During operation, the system determines a reference frame of a sensing mechanism by detecting signals from at least two transmitting mechanisms. The system further determines locations of the target transmitting mechanism relative to the reference frame using the sensing mechanism. In addition, the system produces a result to indicate the locations of the target transmitting mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely configuring and/or provisioning a device that is nonoperational is provided. The device may be, in general, any electronic device that includes at least one setting (“device setting”) that can be programmatically or otherwise established or adjusted to configure and/or provision the device for its operation. The method includes detecting, via a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, a state of a device that is communicatively coupled to the RFID tag; and providing the device setting via the RFID tag when the state signifies that the device is nonoperational.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for processing event streams includes receiving a finite state machine defined in response to a set of processing components, a set of states, and a set of entry points. Event data associated with an event stream is also received. The event data is processes according to the finite state machine to generate an event.

Abstract: A random number generator generates a string of random bits from a received RF signal source. A sample-and-hold circuit is coupled to the received RF signal source. The RF signal is sampled by a jittered clock signal from a source coupled to the sample-and-hold circuit. The frequency of the jittered clock signal is less than frequency of the received RF signal. The random number appears at the output of the sample-and-hold circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader software structure and method. A functionality of a reader engine is extended, enabling it to communicate via an extended standard Application Programming Interface (API) with an application software. The extended functionality supports a Partner Service Module that resides in the reader, thus allowing at least one of its Partner Software Functions to communicate with the application software over a single connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interactively interfacing handheld devices and RFID media are described. A method for interactively interfacing HHDs and RFID media. The method includes starting an application on a HHD for interfacing with RFID media, the HHD including a RFID reader, receiving user input relating to the storing of commands or messages of RFID media, creating one or more commands or messages based on the received user input, and storing the one or more commands or messages on a RFID media using the RFID reader.

Abstract: A system in one embodiment includes an electronic device; and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device in direct electrical communication with the electronic device for selectively setting a voltage or current on the electronic device to one of at least three different levels. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device in another embodiment includes an antenna; a processor in communication with the antenna; and an interface in communication with the processor, the interface being adapted for direct electrical communication with an electronic device for selectively setting a voltage or current on the electronic device to one of at least three different levels. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A remote control device for communicating between a computer system and a plurality of electronic devices. The remote control device includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, a RF receiver, an optical transmitter, a memory unit, and a processor in data communication with the memory unit, the RF transmitter, the RF receiver, and the optical transmitter. The processor includes a first component that instructs the optical transmitter to emit at least one signal in response to information received by the RF receiver from a computer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to content bearing mediums having a capacity to receive additional content and systems and methods for updating and presenting content recorded on a content bearing medium, e.g., video cassette tape, CD or DVD, digital memory, game cartridges. In one aspect of the invention, a content bearing medium is provided. The content bearing medium has a content bearing signal stored thereon and a communication circuit. The communication circuit is adapted to exchange wireless signals with a remote programming device and to store an additional content bearing signal in a memory based upon the signals exchanged. The communication circuit is further adapted to transmit the additional content signals upon request by a player of the content bearing medium so that the player can receive the additional content signals and present an output that is based, at least in part, upon the stored signals.

Abstract: The RFID system of the present invention provides activation of a subscription based device wirelessly using a RFID system. The system for activating of a user for a subscription service comprises a first secure RFID sensor associated with a subscription-based device and a second secure RFID sensor associated with a user device. The first and second secure RFID sensors communicate with one another to establish activation of the user device. For example, the first sensor can receive an authentication value associated with the subscription service from the second RFID sensor. After activation, the subscription-based device can broadcast the subscription service to the user device. Alternatively, the user device can also have a capability to verify its separate or related subscription such as WiFi, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA or other wireless-based connectivity service.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for field administration of a project, such as construction, maintenance, safety inspections or other projects involving the tracking of issues and one or more levels of review or approval in the closure of the issues. One or more radio frequency tags, each having an identifier, can be affixed to a physical component of a project. A storage device can store an issue list, wherein the issue list has one or more work items corresponding to the physical component of the project on which the radio frequency tag is affixed. User interfaces may be provided to allow interaction by stationary or mobile users with the issue list. The issue list on the storage device may provide better organization and/or a more efficient work flow, particularly during a close-out phase, or other phase of a project, involving the tracking of issues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data recognition apparatus for copy protection which recognizes software distributed through a disc in physically different ways through RFID and a USB memory, a method thereof, and storage mediums therefor. The apparatus comprises a disc insertion section for recognizing a first storage medium in the form of a disc with an RFID tag attached; an RFID reading section for reading the RFID tag; a USB port section for recognizing a second storage medium having the shape of a USB memory; a decoding section for decoding data stored in the first storage medium or the second storage medium; and a transmission section for transmitting the decoded data to the system.

Abstract: RFID tag circuits, tags, and methods are provided for backscattering a received RF wave using a controllable admittance difference between the ON state and the OFF state. The admittance difference is controlled responsive to a control signal. In some embodiments, the control signal is generated responsive to a command. In others, the control signal is generated responsive to detecting the power level of the received RF wave. In those, the inherent behavior of the admittance difference can be shaped as desired. For example, it can be such that the backscatters with advantageously more power when it is away from the reader, and with less power when it is close to the reader, so as to meet regulatory requirements.