Abstract: A RFID tag to be attached to an object to identify the object or a characteristic or feature thereof from data stored in the tag accessible by a RFID reader includes a relatively flat structure having a small aperture antenna positioned on or proximate the tag in the form of a polygon having electrically conductive sides. The flat structure, which may be fabricated as a sticker or label, incorporates a small aperture antenna, such as a slot antenna, in the form of a polygon having electrically conductive sides. The polygon may be triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, or other polygonal figure depending on number of its plurality of sides. A constitutes the aperture of the antenna.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining sensitivity of a homodyne receiver over varying transmitter power levels is disclosed. The method includes adjusting output power levels of a transmitter driver. A bias supply voltage to the transmitter driver may be adjusted to adjust the output power levels. A control voltage to the transmitter driver may be adjusted to adjust the output power levels of the transmitter driver. A homodyne radio frequency tag reader may include the method.

Abstract: In a protocol for preserving the privacy of communications between a RFID reader and a RFID tag, two distinct actions are taken. First, the reader and the tag must be mutually authenticated as being authorized participants in the communications. After that process is successfully completed, the authenticity of each authorized participant must be validated prior to each subsequent communication between reader and tag.

Abstract: A method of enrolling in an electronic toll or payment collection system including the steps of providing a kiosk that has a programmed computer with an interactive program for enrolling a user in the electronic toll or payment collection system including a user interface and inputting the user's information into the programmed computer through the user interface. The method also includes the step of dispensing a transponder for the electronic toll or payment collection system from the kiosk, the transponder being associated with the user based on the user's information inputted into the programmed computer.

Abstract: A tamper resistant electronic tag that wirelessly receives and transmits unique subscriber information to and from a transceiver so that financial transactions can occur quickly and seamlessly. In a preferred embodiment, the tag works in conjunction with a roadway toll booth and is mounted onto a flat interior surface of a vehicle, where it can receive and transmit electronic information to and from a toll booth. That allows a driver to pay the toll fee without having to stop his vehicle. The electronic tag includes a hard plastic support case for carrying a circuit. The circuit includes an integrated circuit that is adhesively attached to the support case. The support case and circuit are then attached to the flat surface. When the support case is removed, the integrated circuit is pulled off with the support case while the rest of the circuit remains attached to the flat surface, thereby severing the circuit, and rendering it inoperable.

Abstract: A method for decoding data from multiple channels by predicting future symbol periods is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving data symbols on two channels, detecting data symbol level transitions for each channel, predicting a future symbol level transition, verifying the validity of data symbols on each channel, and selecting the best data symbol from one of the two channels.