Abstract: A theft deterring system includes a power tool with a motor connectable to a power source, a switch connected to the motor, a controller controlling to the switch for controlling an amount of power provided to the motor, and a state circuit having a memory for storing a state value. The controller activates the switch to provide power to the motor when the state value stored in the memory equals a desired value. The system may also include a tag programmer for changing the stored value.

Abstract: A laminate sheet is formed from a lamination system that includes a sheet supply, a material supply, and a laminator. The laminator causes a sheet from the sheet supply to be laminated to a sheet from the material supply to establish the laminate sheet. The laminate sheet includes film strips and a web coupled to the film strips.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting potential shrink events via RFID technology are provided. The systems include a point of sale (POS) system that includes an optical scanner, an RFID transceiver arrangement, a user interface and a controller. The controller is configured to perform example methods disclosed herein. For example, the controller may detect that the optical scanner has decoded a barcode, trigger the RFID transceiver arrangement to write a data string to an RFID tag located within the object scanning area, conduct a detection operation to detect the RFID tag with the data string in the bagging area. Responsive to detecting the RFID tag with the data string, the method involves the user interface performing a first operation. Responsive to not detecting the RFID tag with the data string, the method involves the user interface performing a second operation.

Abstract: A theft deterring system includes a power tool with a motor connectable to a power source, a switch connected to the motor, a controller controlling to the switch for controlling an amount of power provided to the motor, and a state circuit having a memory for storing a state value. The controller activates the switch to provide power to the motor when the state value stored in the memory equals a desired value. The system may also include a tag programmer for changing the stored value.

Abstract: A device for transmitting real-time identification of a fashion item for receipt by a portable wireless computing device operated by a consumer located in a non-store location observing the fashion item, the device comprising: a Bluetooth fashion-item identification chip including: a fashion-item-use sensor; a processor operably connected to the fashion-item-use-sensor; a Bluetooth low energy transmitter operably linked to the processor; a battery operably connected to the fashion-item-use sensor, Bluetooth low energy transmitter, and the processor for providing power to operate the device; and a machine washable coating deposited around the periphery of the device for protecting the interior of the device from repeated exposure to water, heat, and chemicals utilized to maintain the fashion item.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base component having an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID module and a high frequency (HF) RFID module. In some embodiments, the detachable component is positioned in close proximity to the base component in a first configuration of the RFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFID module is sufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form an UHF RFID system having a desired performance. The detachable component can also be separated from the base component to obtain a second configuration of the RFID switch tag, and the HF RFID module remains functional within the detached detachable component so that the detachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic tag (10) comprising sensing means (12) for sensing at least one condition, a control module (14), electrically connected to and in data communication with the sensing means (12), for receiving data relating to the at least one sensed condition, a transmitter module (16), electrically connected to and in data communication with the control module (14), for transmitting, for reception by a remote monitoring station (18), a notification signal including the data relating to the at least one sensed condition, and input circuitry (20), electrically connected to and in data communication with the control module (14), for regulating the operation of the control module (14), by providing a limit for the at least one sensed condition depending on the physical configuration thereof.

Abstract: Methods and devices for decommissioning micro-climate sensors for generating product flow data for each of a plurality of items of sale flowing through a supply chain are disclosed. An example device may include an opening for receiving at least one micro-climate sensor and a space for storing the sensor. The device may further include a plurality of sensors operative to detect a presence of the at least one micro-climate sensor, and a sensor decommission circuit to generate a decommission command value in response to detection of the at least one micro-climate sensor.

Abstract: A wearable device receives authentication information from a user. In response to verifying the authentication information, the wearable device provides the user with access to one or more payment capabilities of the wearable device. In response to determining that the wearable device has been switched into an open state, the wearable device removes access to the one or more payment capabilities of the wearable device.

Abstract: An auxiliary antenna is provided that enables communication between a small antenna of an RFID tag and an antenna of a reader device without using a small antenna as the antenna of the reader device. The auxiliary antenna is an auxiliary antenna configured to expand a communication range of an antenna of an RFID tag to enable communication between the small antenna included in the RFID tag and an antenna included in a reader device. The auxiliary antenna includes a resonance loop group in which a plurality of resonance loops having a resonance frequency corresponding to a communication frequency is arranged to be coupled through a magnetic field. Moreover, the resonance loop group has an antenna area larger than the antenna area of the antenna of the RFID tag and equivalent to or larger than the antenna area of the antenna of the reader device.

Abstract: A portable object including a near-field communication device. The communication device includes an antenna, the ends of which are configured to be connected electrically to an electronic chip, forming, together with the chip, an electrical circuit. In an original manner, the portable object includes a control element which is able to be displaced between two predefined positions, i.e. an active position wherein the communication device is activated and a passive position wherein the communication device is deactivated. The portable object includes, furthermore, a mechanical switch which is able to switch between an open state and a closed state in response to a displacement of the control element from one to the other of its predefined positions.

Abstract: A single-use adapter for coupling a single-use container to a reusable sensor transducer includes an attachment region. The single-use adapter includes a deflectable diaphragm sealingly coupling to the attachment region and configured to contact a media sample. The single-use adapter also includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to the single-use adapter and configured to store and transmit data.

Abstract: A personal protection system can comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to a personal protective equipment, a barometric sensor coupled to the RFID tag, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the RFID tag and the barometric sensor. The computing device can comprise a processing unit that can be configured to access radio frequency (RF) data received from the RFID tag and receive, from the barometric sensor, barometric data determined by the barometric sensor. Further, the processing unit can be configured to determine a positioning state of the personal protection equipment. The positioning state can indicate whether the personal protection equipment is being worn correctly or incorrectly by the user.

Abstract: An circuit includes a first inductive coil and a second inductive coil each including a plurality of metal traces. The first and second inductive coils are each configured to receive a first signal from an electromagnetic field and generate respective first and second output voltages. Each of the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil are configured to inductively couple to the electromagnetic field. A first circuit element is configured to receive the first output voltage and generate a first response at a first power level of the first output voltage. A second circuit element is configured to receive the second output voltage and transition to an active state to perform one or more functions when the second output voltage exceeds a second power level. The first and second power levels are related to movement of the first and second inductive coils through the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: The object is provided with a system (1) for measuring at least one given physical quantity. The method comprises a step of measuring, by the measurement system (1), the time evolution of said physical quantity during the transportation of the object along the conveyance path, a step of recognising a plurality of indicia, each indicium corresponding to a path characteristic in the time evolution of the measured physical quantity, a step of determining a timeline of path characteristics corresponding to a sequence of recognised indicia, and a step of locating the object, which involves determining a match between the determined timeline of path characteristics and a predefined spatial representation relative to the conveyor machine.

Abstract: A device may detect location information. The location information may indicate a location of the device. The device may receive product search information that identifies one or more criteria for searching inventory information. The inventory information may be associated with the location, and may include information regarding products. The device may cause a search of the inventory information to be performed, based on the product search information, to determine compatible products. The device may determine one or more selected products of the compatible products. The one or more selected products may be selected for purchasing. The device may locate tag devices associated with the one or more selected products to guide a user to a physical location of the tag devices. The device may provide purchase information associated with the one or more selected products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for detecting an object. The system includes a processor, a capacitive sensor operatively linked to the processor, an RF reader, and an object with an embedded RFID tag. The sensing electrode of the capacitive sensor is made from a conductive paste. The RF reader is placed below the capacitive sensor and operatively linked to the processor. And the object is placed above the capacitive sensor. The detection ranges of the capacitive sensor and the RF reader overlap in space. And once the object enters the overlapped detection space, the capacitive sensor detects the object through capacitive coupling and the RF reader detects the object through reading the RFID tag. The use of conductive paste as touch electrode in the system not only substantially eliminates the bidirectional interference resulting from both capacitive sensing and RF identification, but also is convenient and sometimes cost effective.

Abstract: A laminated coil substrate includes a printed wiring board including a resin substrate, a first conductor layer on first surface of the substrate and including coils, and a second conductor layer formed on second surface of the substrate on the opposite side and including coils. The printed wiring board includes first, second and third coil substrates that are folded such that the second surface of the substrate in the first and second coil substrates oppose each other and that the first surface of the substrate in the second and third coil substrates oppose each other, the second conductor layer of the printed wiring board includes connection wire on the second surface of the substrate and connecting the first and second coil substrates, and the first conductor layer of the printed wiring board includes connection wire on the first surface of the substrate and connecting the second and third coil substrates.

Abstract: RFID ICs sense and indicate changes in their surrounding environment, such as changes in temperature, humidity, chemical presence, RF signals, and similar. An RFID IC indicates when a significant environmental change has occurred, for example by adjusting the value of a flag, writing data to memory, transmitting a message to an external entity, exiting a sleep state, and/or responding repeatedly to an inventorying reader. In some cases, RFID IC actively notifies an external entity that a significant environmental change has been sensed. For example, RFID IC may alert the external entity by participating in a special inventory process meant for RFID ICs sending environmental change. The RFID IC may alert the external entity by interjecting itself into an inventory round, re-participating in an inventory round, refraining from entering a sleep state after inventorying, and/or adjusting timing of a scheduled reply to communicate with an RFID reader ahead of schedule.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for operating a communications device are described. In an embodiment, a method for operating a communications device that communicates via inductive coupling involves adjusting a phase configuration of the communications device in response to at least one system or environmental parameter, modulating a carrier signal with the adjusted phase configuration using active load modulation (ALM), and transmitting the modulated carrier signal from the communications device for inductive coupling.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reading device reads inherent information of a commodity from an attached RFID tag. The device includes antennas arranged at different vertical locations with respect to a table having a placing region. The antennas respectively transmit radio waves from different locations to the placing region. A specifying unit of the reading device can specify a commodity in the placing region based on the inherent information read through the antennas. A selection unit of the reading device can select one commodity to be moved from the placing region from commodities specified by the specifying unit if a container in which the commodities are contained is taken in the placing region. A guide unit of the reading device can display guide information for instructing a movement of the commodity selected by the selection unit from the placing region on a display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a pedestal of an Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) system. The methods comprise: performing tag detection operations by a circuit of a first pedestal to detect an active security tag located in an EAS detection zone of the EAS system; and performing open-look operations by the circuit of the first pedestal simultaneously with the tag detection operations, where the open-look operations cause a portion of the first pedestal that is formed of an opaque material (1) to appear at least partially transparent or (2) to appear as if the portion has at least one aperture formed therethrough.

Abstract: A contactless card is provided. The card in a non-activated state lacks a circuit between a chip on the card and an antenna on the card. When one or more contact points on the card are pressed, the circuit is formed and the chip is powered on through an antenna that receives signals from a card reader. Once powered on, in an embodiment, the chip produces a one-time transaction specific token for authenticating a transaction using the card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing social information signaling in a communication network are disclosed. For example, the method receives an indication that social information associated with a first endpoint device has changed, determines whether the social information is to be forwarded to a second endpoint device in a list of the first endpoint device based upon a behavior parameter, wherein the behavior parameter comprises a strength of relationship, and forwards the social information to the second endpoint device if the behavior parameter is above a pre-defined level.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for finding a direction of a radio tag having a transmitter and at least one antenna for sending signals to the apparatus. The apparatus including a receiver; at least one antenna capable to form at least two directivity fields; and means for determining the direction of the apparatus by a first path signal received from the radio tag by the at least two directivity fields of the at least one antenna of the apparatus. The direction is found by turning the apparatus to a direction of the most intense directivity field of the first path signal until the field intensities of the two directivity fields are equal.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for improving clock synchronization between master and slave devices may include receiving at least one clock-synchronization packet transferred from a master device to a slave device via a network that supports an IP. The method may also include identifying at least one item of IP information added to the clock-synchronization packet during the transfer from the master device to the slave device. The method may further include determining that the clock-synchronization packet experienced a delay that exceeds a predetermined threshold during the transfer based at least in part on the item of IP information. Finally, the method may include discarding the clock-synchronization packet from a set of clock-synchronization packets used to synchronize the slave device with the master device in response to the determination. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for associating a radio frequency identification tag with a participant. In one embodiment, a method is provided for associating an unassociated RF location tag with a participant. The method may include determining an unassociated RF location tag to be associated with the participant, receiving sensor derived data from one or more sensors, determining an identity of the particular participant using the sensor derived data, and associating the identity of the particular participant with the unassociated RF location tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a security tag. The methods involve: receiving, by the security tag, an authorization code comprising a security tag identifier signed using a cryptographic key of a plurality of cryptographic keys that are respectively assigned to a plurality of security tags; performing operations by the security tag to verify a signature of the authorization code; and performing detach operations or deactivation operations by the security tag, responsive to the signature's verification. The detach operations cause a mechanical detachment of the security tag from an item. The deactivation operations cause a disablement of a response by the security tag to an interrogation signal from a Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) system or an Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) system.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for pairing authorized NFC enabled RFID devices with an intended object or product. The method, system and apparatus can include a primary RFID with a radio frequency identification chip, a coil antenna, a bridge and a substrate; an association of the at least primary RFID device with an object; an integration of a material into one of the at least primary RFID device and the object that provides the RFID device with a predetermined resonant frequency; and the detuning of one or more secondary communication devices located proximate the RFID device.

Abstract: A method for managing the reading of a barcode and deactivation of an EAS tag relative to an EAS effective range and a depth of field (DoF) of the scanner is described. A product may comprise a barcode and a co-located EAS tag. The method uses a distance sensing system to sense how far the product is located from the scanner front window. The method only outputs the decoded data of the barcode when the product is inside an EAS effective distance. When the product is inside the EAs effective distance, the EAS tag on the product is deactivated. When a customer leaves a store with the EAS tag deactivated, a store alarm may not sound. When the product is outside of the EAS effective distance, but inside the DoF, the decoded data of the barcode is discarded.

Abstract: This disclosure describes RFID tags configured to fracture when heated, such as when exposed to threshold levels of electromagnetic energy. In some instances, the RFID tags include materials that expand when heated for the purpose of stressing metal antenna traces of the RFID tags. When under stress from these expansion materials that bond to the antennas (e.g., thermoplastics), these antennas may fracture, thus lessening the risk that the dangerous arcing will occur from the electromagnetic energy, such as when an item and corresponding tag are placed in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A wireless detectable diaper contains: a body and a shiftable-frequency RFID tag. The body includes a water-permeable lining layer, a waterproof layer, and an absorption layer. The RFID tag includes a chip and an antenna, wherein the antenna has a main part and an extending part, the extending part is arranged on a water-absorbing substrate, the extending part and the substrate contact with the absorption layer and are arranged on a wetting position of the body, and the main part and the chip are arranged on a non-wetting position of the body. When the body is not wet, a first frequency reading section of the antenna departs from a second frequency reading section of the monitoring equipment. The substrate absorbs urine or water in the absorption layer and is soaked by the urine or the water, such that a dielectric coefficient of the substrate is changed.

Abstract: There is provided a Radio Frequency Identification tag that is sensitive to stress induced in a component to which the tag is coupled. In some embodiments, the RFID tag includes an electrically conductive loop that it configured to retain the RFID tag in a first operational state and upon breakage of the electrically conductive loop the RFID tag changes into a second operational state. By adhering the stress sensitive RFID tag to a particular component or location thereon, the operation state change of the RFID tag can be indicative of a the particular component reaching a known physical change. Moreover, a change in the operational state of the RFID tag can be detected by an appropriate RFID detector or scanner without the need for visual inspection, and thus provides evaluation of components that are positioned in hard to reach locations or hidden behind one or more coverings.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a substrate; and an inductive-capacitive circuit located on the substrate. The circuit includes a corrugated inductive antenna to communicate with a RFID interrogator using radio frequency signals. The circuit further includes a capacitor coupled to the corrugated inductive antenna.

Abstract: A thermal scale radio frequency label which includes a top layer of thermal paper of 20-60 lb weight with an RF antenna mounted on the thermal paper. The RF antenna includes a single turn inductor coil having a width of not less than 5 mm and not more than 13 mm. The inductor coil has a thickness in the range of 30-60 um and covers an area of at least 55×49 mm. A capacitative layer is provided having a thickness in the range of 30-60 um. A dielectric layer is positioned between the capacitative layer and the inductor coil. A plurality of electrical connections are provided between the capacitative layer and the inductor coil. The electrical connections are capable of being deactivated by RF energy.

Abstract: There is provided a non-contact communication antenna including a first antenna pattern that is formed on one surface of a base material, and a second antenna pattern that is formed on a back surface of the one surface of the base material. The first antenna pattern includes a first coil section and a first electrode section. The second antenna pattern includes a second coil section and a second electrode section. Capacitance of the first electrode section and the second electrode section compensates a change in capacitance depending on a formation situation of the first coil section and the second coil section.

Abstract: A cordless indicia reader including a multifunction coil that can be configured to either transmit or receive electromagnetic energy is disclosed. In this way, the multifunction coil facilitates both the wireless charging of a battery and the wireless deactivation of electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags. The multifunction coil and a plurality of modules to perform these functions are integrated within the cordless indicia reader's hand-supportable housing.

Abstract: A checkout-system for retail is disclosed for secure and comfortable checkout of collected articles, whereby the customer scans the articles with a mobile article scanner by itself, and whereby the checkout-system includes a security system with an RFID scanner to scan RFID-transponder placed on the articles to identify whether all articles bought by the customer were scanned.

Abstract: A product inventory sharing system includes a product management device in communication with a server. The product management device is configured to store one or more product units each configured with a corresponding one or more RFID tags, and monitor an inventory of the product units by wirelessly detecting the RFID tags. The server is configured to periodically receive product information from the product management device, the product information comprising inventory data, store the product information, and transmit the product information to a network node associated with at least one vested entity associated with the product units.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for improving clock synchronization between master and slave devices may include receiving at least one clock-synchronization packet transferred from a master device to a slave device via a network that supports an IP. The method may also include identifying at least one item of IP information added to the clock-synchronization packet during the transfer from the master device to the slave device. The method may further include determining that the clock-synchronization packet experienced a delay that exceeds a predetermined threshold during the transfer based at least in part on the item of IP information. Finally, the method may include discarding the clock-synchronization packet from a set of clock-synchronization packets capable of being used to synchronize the slave device with the master device in response to the determination. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A jamming device for inhibiting unauthorized contactless reading of a contactless readable object is disclosed. In one embodiment, the jamming device includes: an antenna for receiving an interrogation signal from a reader device; a touch sensitive interface; and a circuit electrically connected to the antenna and the touch sensitive interface, wherein the circuit is configured to: operate in a first mode to generate and emit a jamming signal, via the antenna, in response to receiving the interrogation signal while the touch sensitive interface fails to indicate a touch event; and operate in a second mode while the touch sensitive interface indicates a touch event, wherein the jamming signal is not emitted via the antenna in response to receiving the interrogation signal while operating in the second mode. A card carrying object, system and method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A communication device designed to operate on any type of surface, when affixed onto that surface, comprising: a magnet having a flat face, said magnet generating a magnetic field perpendicular to said flat face and a RFID on metal tag having a mounting base fixedly assembled on said flat face of the magnet.

Abstract: A utility to determine identity of an electronic device electronically, by running a device attribute collection application that collects key data points of the electronic devices and a device identification application that uses these key data points to link the electronic device to a specific owner or entity. Data points of the device may change over time for reasons such as reconfiguration, repair or normal daily use. The device identification application intelligently and consistently tracks changes in key data points associated with the device, even if the data points change over its lifecycle. The device may be identified remotely with the device identification application (e.g., in the event of theft or loss of the device) based on the collected data points. The device identification application may be deployed in conjunction with services that may include asset tracking, asset recovery, data delete, software deployment, etc.

Abstract: A service providing method of a user terminal device connected to a display apparatus mounted on a moving means includes displaying a stored contact list and guiding one or more routes which displays a route guide screen to selected address information by utilizing a display apparatus if the address information is selected from personal information recorded on the displayed contact list. Accordingly, various services can be provided based on the personal information.

Abstract: A cordless indicia reader including a multifunction coil that can be configured to either transmit or receive electromagnetic energy is disclosed. In this way, the multifunction coil facilitates both the wireless charging of a battery and the wireless deactivation of electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags. The multifunction coil, and a plurality of modules to perform these functions, are integrated within the cordless indicia reader's hand-supportable housing.

Abstract: Provided are an information providing apparatus and a method thereof capable of easily and effectively using information stored in each of a plurality of terminals. The information providing apparatus includes a communication unit configured to establish a communication network with a mobile terminal within a vehicle, a display unit configured to display a vehicle image, and a control unit configured to receive identification information of the mobile terminal and position information of the mobile terminal through the communication unit, and to control the display unit to display the received position information of the mobile terminal in the vehicle image and display a mobile terminal image corresponding to the identification information in the displayed position information of the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of a label, including configuring a member for a label so as to dispose a magnetic member between a base material and a covering material, cutting the magnetic member along with the base material so as to cut a label from the member for a label, removing an unnecessary portion of the base material from the member for a label, and detecting whether or not the label is present in the unnecessary portion of the base material or whether or not the label is present in the member for a label in which the unnecessary portion of the base material has been removed.

Abstract: Techniques that enable a device to advertise its mode of operation using an RFID tag attached to the device. Techniques are provided for programmatically controlling an RFID tag. An RFID tag attached to a device is programmatically enabled or disabled depending upon the mode(s) of operation of the device. The RFID tag is able to transmit a signal when enabled and not able to transmit a signal when disabled. Using such a controllable RFID tag, a device can efficiently indicate or advertise its mode of operation to an RFID reader or sensor.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes an RFID chip positioned between a first die and a second die attached to a support substrate. The RFID chip is free of electrical connections to the dice and the support substrate. The RFID chip is sized to correspond to an interposer board. Data pertaining to operating characteristics of the dice are stored to and read from the RFID chip during back-end processing to determine abnormalities and improve yield. Said data may be stored to a database corresponding to the RFID chip in the package. A method of making a semiconductor package having an RFID chip positioned between dice is provided. The package is traceable by customers via the data stored to the RFID chip and the database.

Abstract: The invention is a radio-frequency identification system consisting of a reader and a tag. The reader comprises a transmit/receive resonant circuit comprising one or more coils, a means for repeatedly driving the transmit/receive resonant circuit with pulses of a periodic signal, a means for obtaining a tag response signal from the transmit/receive resonant circuit, a means for extracting tag information from the tag response signal obtained from the transmit/receive resonant circuit, a receive resonant circuit comprising one or more coils, a means for obtaining a tag response signal from the receive resonant circuit, and a means for extracting tag information from the tag response signal obtained from the receive resonant circuit. The tag comprises a plurality of resonant circuits, a means for recognizing he presence of an interrogating magnetic field, and a means for embedding information to be communicated to the interrogating reader in at least one coil current.