Abstract: An automated attendance monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes (i) identification tags, with wireless communication capabilities, for each potential attendee, (ii) scanners for detecting the attendees' tags as they enter a given room, (iii) at least one server in communication with the scanners, (iv) handheld computing devices for use by attendance trackers, such as teachers, to verify a provisional attendance report generated by the scanners and server, and (v) software running on the server for receiving and managing the attendance data received from the scanners, and for generating attendance reports. Although particularly well-suited for tracking attendance in schools, the present invention can also be used in a variety of other settings where there is a need to track the whereabouts of a number of individuals.

Abstract: Shielding of a particular material and geometry is interposed between a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) antenna transceiver and a zone to be monitored by the antenna. The shielding has an aperture therein that to some extent defines a degree of focusing of the radio frequency (“RF”) field associated with the antenna. RFID tags having appropriate RFID circuitry are only detected by the antenna when they pass within the focused RF field. The shielding is formed of a thin metalized plastic material, such as film used in forming anti-static material for storage of sensitive electronics. One particular formulation is primarily polyethylene film with an aluminum coating or layer thereon.

Abstract: Shielding of a particular material and geometry is interposed between a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) antenna transceiver and a zone to be monitored by the antenna. The shielding has an aperture therein that to some extent defines a degree of focusing of the radio frequency (“RF”) field associated with the antenna. RFID tags having appropriate RFID circuitry are only detected by the antenna when they pass within the focused RF field. The shielding is formed of a thin metalized plastic material, such as film used in forming anti-static material for storage of sensitive electronics. One particular formulation is primarily polyethylene film with an aluminum coating or layer thereon.

Abstract: A combination ID/tag holder is disclosed. The holder comprises (i) a holder body, (ii) a first pouch for holding a traditional ID card, (iii) a second pouch for holding a tag container, (iv) a tag container, for placement in the second pouch, and (v) a tag, such as a RFID tag, for placement in the tag container. The present invention can be used in conjunction with an automated attendance monitoring system to monitor attendance of students or other individuals whose whereabouts need to be tracked.

Abstract: A combination ID/tag holder is disclosed. The holder comprises (i) a holder body, (ii) a first pouch for holding a traditional ID card, (iii) a second pouch for holding a tag container, (iv) a tag container, for placement in the second pouch, and (v) a tag, such as a RFID tag, for placement in the tag container. The present invention can be used in conjunction with an automated attendance monitoring system to monitor attendance of students or other individuals whose whereabouts need to be tracked.

Abstract: An automated attendance monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes (i) identification tags, with wireless communication capabilities, for each potential attendee, (ii) scanners for detecting the attendees' tags as they enter a given room, (iii) at least one server in communication with the scanners, (iv) handheld computing devices for use by attendance trackers, such as teachers, to verify a provisional attendance report generated by the scanners and server, and (v) software running on the server for receiving and managing the attendance data received from the scanners, and for generating attendance reports. Although particularly well-suited for tracking attendance in schools, the present invention can also be used in variety of other setting where there is a need to track the whereabouts of a number of individuals.