Abstract: The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are used to permanently disable or destruct an RFID so that it is no longer possible to read some or all of the data encoded on the RFID tag. In one method for disabling data on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID tag is identified and its identity is confirmed. Verification that a prerequisite event has occurred is obtained, occurrence of which is required prior to disablement of the data. A destruct instruction is transmitted to the RFID tag. The RFID tag verifies that the destruct instruction is valid and disables the data upon verifying validity of the destruct instruction. The tag may disable the data by erasing the data, disabling the data, auto-destructing, or performing any operation that makes the data unreadable.

Abstract: A system and method of inventorying multiple objects utilizing a multi-level or a chained radio frequency identification system. The system includes a master tag and a plurality of upper level tags and lower level tags associated with respective objects. The upper and lower level tags communicate with each other and the master tag so that reading of the master tag reveals the presence and absence of upper and lower level tags. In the chained RF system, the upper and lower level tags communicate locally with each other in a manner so that more remote tags that are out of range of some of the upper and lower level tags have their information relayed through adjacent tags to the master tag and thence to a controller.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for configuring antennae of radio frequency identification reader systems. In one aspect of an embodiment, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader system, includes: a receiver: a radio frequency (RF) source for signal transmission; and a switch matrix coupled with the receiver and the radio frequency sources to selectively couple the receiver and the radio frequency source to a plurality of non-collocated antennae. When in a first mode, the switch matrix connects the radio frequency source to a first one of the antennae for signal transmission and the receiver to a second one of the antennae for signal reception; and when in a second mode, the switch matrix connects the first one of the antennae for signal reception and, in one example, the second one or another one of the antennae to the RF source for signal transmission.

Abstract: Techniques for RFID communication adaptive to an environment are provided. An RFID reader includes a processor and a reconfigurable hardware element. The reconfigurable hardware element is reconfigurable by the processor in response to a predetermined condition. Non-volatile memory stores configuration code for the reconfigurable hardware element. In specific embodiments, the predetermined condition can be the presence of a mixed tag population, proximity to an interferer, historical read rates, RF noise level, and reader location, as well as other factors.

Abstract: Techniques for an RFID device with improved multi-axis performance are provided. The device includes a flexible substrate with an antenna pattern formed thereon. A fold in the flexible substrate results in the antenna pattern crossing over itself and disposes a distal region of the antenna pattern away from a proximal region at about a predetermined angle. An integrated circuit is electrically coupled to the antenna pattern. In a specific embodiment, the antenna pattern is slit along a major axis to allow folding a segment of an antenna pattern.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are used to permanently disable or destruct an RFID so that it is no longer possible to read some or all of the data encoded on the RFID tag. In one method for disabling data on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID tag is identified and its identity is confirmed. Verification that a prerequisite event has occurred is obtained, occurrence of which is required prior to disablement of the data. A destruct instruction is transmitted to the RFID tag. The RFID tag verifies that the destruct instruction is valid and disables the data upon verifying validity of the destruct instruction. The tag may disable the data by erasing the data, disabling the data, auto-destructing, or performing any operation that makes the data unreadable.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are used to permanently disable or destruct an RFID so that it is no longer possible to read some or all of the data encoded on the RFID tag. In one method for disabling data on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID tag is identified and its identity is confirmed. Verification that a prerequisite event has occurred is obtained, occurrence of which is required prior to disablement of the data. A destruct instruction is transmitted to the RFID tag. The RFID tag verifies that the destruct instruction is valid and disables the data upon verifying validity of the destruct instruction. The tag may disable the data by erasing the data, disabling the data, auto-destructing, or performing any operation that makes the data unreadable.

Abstract: Techniques for a radio frequency identification (RFID) device are provided. The device includes a slot antenna having at least one slot disposed in a first substrate. A strap is disposed across the slot. The strap includes a second substrate and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is electrically coupled to the slot antenna. In a specific embodiment, a thickness of a metal slot antenna is at least ¼th an inch. The RFID device can also be associated with a location, and be attached to a pallet rack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing RFID straps. Arrays of RFID straps in a roll-to-roll process are coupled to an array of test elements. RF programming and interrogation signals are frequency and time multiplexed to the RFID array. Return signals are detected to determine sensitivity and programmability parameters of the RFID straps.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatuses for RFID with Huffman encoded commands are provided. Each command of a plurality of commands is Huffman encoded. A rarely used command of the plurality of commands has more command bits than another command of the plurality of commands. The plurality of commands includes QueryA, QueryB, QueryRep, ACK, and NAK.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatuses for RFID handshaking are provided. A first number is received by a reader from a tag. The first number is a random number. In response, a handshake command and a second number is transmitted to the tag by the reader. If the first number matches the second number, then handshaking is successful and tag data is received.

Abstract: A system and related device for converting encoded data from one format into one or more formats, including barcode and radio frequency identification tag formats, the system including a programmer configured to read a barcode and using the barcode data encoded thereon automatically write the data to a radio frequency (RF) tag and to read the contents of a RF tag and automatically generate a barcode with the information contained in the tag or information related thereto, preferably without decoding the encoded data.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling a tool that includes a communication circuit associated with the tool and configured to store data regarding the status of the tool and to sense a condition of the tool for quality assurance and quality control. An actuator can be included for altering the operational status of the tool in response to a change in status or a change in condition.

Abstract: A method and system for locating an RF transponder based on phase differences between signals received from the RF transponder. The method includes receiving a signal from the transponder and calculating distance, relative movement, and position by comparing I-Q phase angle vectors of the signals. Global scroll commands can be used following receipt of signals at first and second frequencies to quickly determine distance.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are used to permanently disable or destruct an RFID so that it is no longer possible to read some or all of the data encoded on the RFID tag. In one method for disabling data on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID tag is identified and its identity is confirmed. Verification that a prerequisite event has occurred is obtained, occurrence of which is required prior to disablement of the data. A destruct instruction is transmitted to the RFID tag. The RFID tag verifies that the destruct instruction is valid and disables the data upon verifying validity of the destruct instruction. The tag may disable the data by erasing the data, disabling the data, auto-destructing, or performing any operation that makes the data unreadable.

Abstract: A transponder device having multiple modes of operation, such as an active mode and a passive mode, wherein the modes of operation are selected in response to the strength of a received radio frequency signal. A communication system is also provided having a transceiver configured to transmit a radio frequency signal and to receive a responsive signal, and a transponder configured to operate in a plurality of modes and to activate modes of operation in response to the radio frequency signal. Ideally, each mode of operation is activated and deactivated independent of the other modes, although two or more modes may be concurrently operational.

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers with a directional coupler. At least one embodiment of the present invention provides an RFID reader designed to use a directional coupler to receive signals from an antenna which is connected to a radio frequency source of the reader to transmit signals. The directional coupler samples the signals received at the antenna and provides the received signal to a receiver of the RFID reader. In one example, the receiver of the RFID reader compares a portion of the signals from the radio frequency source with the received signal from the directional coupler to receive data from RF tags.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems with Readers and Tags in which a Reader queries the Tags with a parameter that includes a level of probability of reply according to which the Tags individually and randomly decide whether or not to reply. In one embodiment, the Tags can switch between two states: A and B. The query command also specifies a state (A or B) so that only the Tags in the specified state can reply. After successfully sending the Tag identification data from a Tag to the Reader, the Tag switches to the other state from the specified state. In one embodiment, the operations about the two states are symmetric. In one embodiment, the Tags can remember the parameters used in a query so that a short form of query command can be used to repeat the query with the same query parameters.

Abstract: A communication device having radio frequency identification capabilities including an adapter of existing transmission and reception circuitry for transmitting an interrogation signal and receiving a backscatter modulated return signal. The device can be further modified to retransmit the backscatter modulated return signal, display the same to a user through an interface, or process the same in the device, or a combination of the foregoing. A communication device is also provided having RFID and other communication capabilities and software drivers are utilized to control operation of the device in an RFID interrogation mode.

Abstract: A system for routing and tracking deliverables, the system including a flexible label having a flexible transponder associated therewith or formed therein for association with a respective deliverable, at least one transceiver configured to communicate with the transceivers to receive control signals; and a routing device coupled to the transceiver and configured to route and sort deliverables in response to control signals received at the transceiver from the transponder.