Patents by Inventor Franz Amtmann

Franz Amtmann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20100085158
    Abstract: In a method of transmitting data, a low or high frequency transponder (4) receives a first data stream (12) via a field emitted by a reader (1), decodes the first data stream (12) utilizing an internal clock signal (13) generated by the transponder (4), and generates and emits a second data stream (14) to the reader (1) in response to the first data stream (12). The second data stream (14) is generated and transmitted utilizing a clock information transmitted via the field emitted by the reader (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: NXP, B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Publication number: 20100045434
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of communication between a communication station (1) and data carriers (2), and furthermore to such a communication station (1) and to such data carriers (2). According to the invention the communication station (1) is adapted to receive and identify response signals (RDB) of different lengths (L) supplied by the data carriers (2). Said length (L) of the response signals (RDB) provided by the data carriers (2), which data carriers (2) are adapted to generate response signals (2) with different lengths (L), is determined in or before an interrogation cycle (IPER) before the response signals (RDB) with said length (L) are supplied by the data carriers (2) in response to the interrogation signal (IDB). In a specific solution the length (L) is determined in each interrogation cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Publication number: 20090262866
    Abstract: In a data carrier (1) which includes receiving means (5) for receiving a modulated carrier signal (MTS) which contains a data signal (DS1) encoded in conformity with an encoding method (MA, PW, MI, RTZ, FSK, PSK), demodulation means (9) for demodulating the received modulated carrier signal (MTS) and for outputting the encoded data signal (DS1) contained therein, decoding means (10, 20) for decoding the encoded data signal (DS1) and for outputting data (D1, D2), and data processing means (11) for processing the data (D1, D2) output by the decoding means (10, 20), the decoding means (10, 20) are provided with at least a first decoding stage (12) and a second decoding stage (13), the first decoding stage (12) being arranged to decode a data signal (DS1) encoded in conformity with a first method (RTZ) whereas the second decoding stage (13) is arranged to decode a data signal (DS1) encoded in conformity with a second method (MI).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Franz Amtmann, Dominik J. Berger, Wolfgang Eber, Stefan Posch, Robert Rechberger
  • Patent number: 7604170
    Abstract: A portable device includes an active device (communication station) configuration for contactless communication with at least one external data carrier and a passive device (data carrier) configuration for contactless communication with at least one external communication station. A detection circuit is provided to detect the presence of an external data carrier and/or the presence of an external communication station in a communication zone of the internal active device configuration and/or the internal passive device configuration. An activation circuit is coupled to the detection circuit to enable one of the two configurations based on the detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Franz Amtmann, Klemens Breitfuss, Holger Kunkat, Reinhard Meindl, Stefan Posch
  • Patent number: 7603090
    Abstract: In a circuit (2) for a communication partner appliance (1) designed for contactless communication having two activatable send modes (ABM, PBM), which send modes (ABM, PBM) differ from one another with regard to their energy requirement, a determination stage (15) is provided, which is designed to determine first energy source information (SI1), which first energy source information (SI1) is characteristic of at least one parameter of at least one energy source (11, 12) serving to supply the circuit with electrical energy, and a decision stage (26) is additionally provided, which is designed to form a decision result taking account of the first energy source information (SI1) determined with the determination stage (15), which decision result influences which send mode (ABM, PBM) is to be activated in the circuit (2) of the communication appliance (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Franz Amtmann, Markus Harnisch, Holger Kunkat, Stefan Posch
  • Publication number: 20090251289
    Abstract: In an RFID system a method for communication between a reader (1) and a tag (2) comprises: at the reader (1), switching on an electromagnetic signal (SS) for energizing the RFID tag (2) and/or transmitting an instruction (INST, RNREQ) or first data (D1) to the tag (2); at the tag (2), generating a random number (RN), converting said random number (RN) into a random time period (tx) and transmitting a response to the reader (1) after a delay time that corresponds to the random time period (tx); at the reader (1), measuring the random time period between transmitting the instruction (INST, RNREQ) or first data (D1) to the tag (2), receiving the response (RESP) from the tag (2), reconverting the measured random time period (tx) into the random number (RN), encrypting second data (D2) with the random number (RN) and transmitting said encrypted data (ED) to the tag (2); at the tag (2), decrypting the encrypted data (ED) by the use of the random number (RN).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Patent number: 7599661
    Abstract: In a method for the determination of disconnection time information (DTI) significant for an inadequate power supply of an integrated circuit (2) of a data carrier (1) such as an RFID-tag. The disconnection time information (DTI) is determined on the basis of the discharge behavior of a first storage capacitor (C1), which is affected by the IC material and by radiation, and the determined disconnection time information (DTI) is corrected in dependence on the effects of the IC material and/or on at least one radiation effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Franz Amtmann, Hubert Watzinger, Roland Brandl, Ewald Bergler
  • Patent number: 7584322
    Abstract: In a method for storing and/or changing state information in a memory (2) containing a plurality of memory cells (3), wherein the memory cells (3) assume an irreversible memory state as a result of a programming step, wherein the state information is represented by a number and/or position of memory cells (3) that are in an irreversible memory state or are programmed, the state information (S3, S13) is determined by checking the memory state of the memory, and then, after selecting (S4, S14) an unprogrammed memory cell (3) the selected memory cell is programmed during or for changing the state information of the memory (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Patent number: 7574350
    Abstract: A data carrier (2) that is developed for contactless receiving of a signal, wherein the data carrier (2) can be supplied with energy and information by the signal, provides data carrier transmission means (12) for transmitting the signal and signal evaluation means (17), which, with energy input, are developed to evaluate the signal occurring at the data carrier transmission means (12) with regard to information that can be transmitted by the signal, and energy supply means (16), which, using the signal occurring at the data carrier transmission means (12), are developed to supply the signal evaluation means (17) with energy, wherein the signal evaluation means (17) are developed to evaluate a self-clocking signal (S), which self-clocking signal (S) forms the signal that can be fed to the circuit (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Patent number: 7570716
    Abstract: In a data carrier (1) which includes receiving means (5) for receiving a modulated carrier signal (MTS) which contains a data signal (DS1) encoded in conformity with an encoding method (MA, PW, MI, RTZ, FSK, PSK), demodulation means (9) for demodulating the received modulated carrier signal (MTS) and for outputting the encoded data signal (DS1) contained therein, decoding means (10, 20) for decoding the encoded data signal (DS1) and for outputting data (D1, D2), and data processing means (11) for processing the data (D1, D2) output by the decoding means (10, 20), the decoding means (10, 20) are provided with at least a first decoding stage (12) and a second decoding stage (13), the first decoding stage (12) being arranged to decode a data signal (DS1) encoded in conformity with a first method (RTZ) whereas the second decoding stage (13) is arranged to decode a data signal (DS1) encoded in conformity with a second method (MI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Franz Amtmann, Dominik J. Berger, Wolfgang Eber, Stefan Posch, Robert Rechberger
  • Publication number: 20090179743
    Abstract: An electric circuit for a transponder (110) for communication with a base station (120), the electric circuit comprising a memory unit (111) adapted for storing communication related information, and a processor unit (112) adapted for altering an authentification code necessary for the base station (120) to get access to the memory (111) in accordance with a pseudo-random authentification code altering scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Publication number: 20080272891
    Abstract: A method of reading data (DAT1 . . . DAT4) from transponders (T1 . . . T4) by means of a reader device (RD) during a number (N) of time slots (TS) is disclosed, wherein the seizure of said time slots (TS) by the transponders (T1 . . . T4) is observed in both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4). A reorganization (REORG) is performed in dependence on said seizure, wherein both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4) choose a new number (N) of time slots (TS). In addition, the transponders (T1 . . . T4) select one of the new time slots (TS) in which to send data (DAT1 . . . DAT4) back to the reader device (RD) so as to adapt the system's capacity to the real demands. Preferably, said reorganization (REORG) takes place without communication between the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4). The invention further relates to a transponder (T1 . . . T4) and to a reader device (RD) for implementing the inventive method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Publication number: 20080211635
    Abstract: An RFID reader (1, 1?) comprises a signal generator (2) for generating high frequency electrical signals (ES) and an antenna (3) to which the high frequency electrical signals (ES) are feedable in a symmetric mode. The RFID reader (1) further comprises tuning means (4, 4?) for maintaining the antenna (3) in a symmetric operating mode, wherein the tuning means (4, 4?) are controllable in dependency of varying coupling impedances (CG) occurring between the antenna (3) and its environment (G).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Rauber, Hubert Watzinger, Franz Amtmann
  • Patent number: 7412230
    Abstract: In a method of releasing communication between at least two communication devices (4, 5, 6, 7, 8), a data carrier (36), that is able to be read from in a non-contacting manner and that contains an authorization code (AUC), is brought into the vicinity of communication devices (4, 5, 8) that are to be released, and the authorization code (AUC) is read out in a non-contacting manner by a reading device (21, 22, 25) contained in the relevant communication device (4, 5, 8) and is fed by the reading device (21, 22, 25) to a releasing device (40, 41, 44) that, after analyzing the authorization code (AUC), is responsible for releasing communication between the communication devices (4, 5, 8) to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Holger Kunkat, Reinhard Meindl, Stefan Posch, Klemens Breitfuss, Franz Amtmann, Peter Thueringer
  • Publication number: 20080096499
    Abstract: In a circuit (2) for a communication partner appliance (1) designed for contactless communication having two activatable send modes (ABM, PBM), which send modes (ABM, PBM) differ from one another with regard to their energy requirement, a determination stage (15) is provided, which is designed to determine first energy source information (SI1), which first energy source information (SI1) is characteristic of at least one parameter of at least one energy source (11, 12) serving to supply the circuit with electrical energy, and a decision stage (26) is additionally provided, which is designed to form a decision result taking account of the first energy source information (SI1) determined with the determination stage (15), which decision result influences which send mode (ABM, PBM) is to be activated in the circuit (2) of the communication appliance (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Franz Amtmann, Markus Harnisch, Holger Kunkat, Stefan Posch
  • Publication number: 20070273482
    Abstract: In a receiving method for the contactless reception of identification information (11,12), which is stored in a data carrier (3,3?) and which can be received from the data carrier (3, 3) in a contactless manner in the form of information units (IU, IU?) with a communication device (2), it is envisaged that firstly an information unit (R.IU) is received and that secondly it is detected that the received information unit (R.IU) represents a collision of two different information units (IU, IU?) occurring essentially simultaneously, of which two different information units (IU, IU?) the one information unit (IU) originates from a first data carrier (3) and the other information unit (IU) originates from a second data carrier (3), and that thirdly a received information unit (R.IU) that represents a collision is replaced with a first replacement information unit (R.IU1) established by the communication device (2), which is used instead of the information unit (R.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Franz Amtmann, Roland Brandl, Christian Scherabon, Hubert Watzinger
  • Patent number: 7295629
    Abstract: A data carrier (DC) has a receiving-means configuration (RC) which includes a switching means (S) and a first transmission coil (L1), which can be short-circuited with the aid of the switching means (S), and at least one second transmission coil (L2), which is arranged in series with the first transmission coil (L1), and capacitor configuration (CC), which is arranged in parallel with at least the second transmission coil (L2), the receiving means configuration (RC) being configured to be controllable as regards the value of at least one of its elements comprising the at least one second transmission coil (L2) and the capacitor configuration (CC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Patent number: 7257092
    Abstract: In a method of communicating between a communication station (1) and at least one data carrier (2 (DC)) comprising an information data block (IDB) and useful data (UD=N×UDB), an inventorization procedure with successive procedure runs is carried out at least one part of a block region (NKP-IDB) of the identification data block (IDB) not yet known in the communication station (1) and, in addition, specific useful data (n×UDB) are transmitted from each data carrier (2 (DC)) to the communication station (1) in the implementation of the inventorization procedure, such that after termination of the inventorization procedure at least one part of the identification data block (IDB) of each data carrier (2 (DC)) and the associated specific useful data (n×UDB) are known in the communication station (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Publication number: 20070176753
    Abstract: In a method for the determination of disconnection time information (DTI) significant for an inadequate power supply of an integrated circuit (2) of a data carrier (1) such as an RFID-tag. The disconnection time information (DTI) is determined on the basis of the discharge behavior of a first storage capacitor (C1), which is affected by the IC material and by radiation, and the determined disconnection time information (DTI) is corrected in dependence on the effects of the IC material and/or on at least one radiation effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Franz Amtmann, Hubert Watzinger, Roland Brandl, Ewald Bergler
  • Publication number: 20070168623
    Abstract: In a method for storing and/or changing state information in a memory (2) containing a plurality of memory cells (3), wherein the memory cells (3) assume an irreversible memory state as a result of a programming step, wherein the state information is represented by a number and/or position of memory cells (3) that are in an irreversible memory state or are programmed, the state information (S3, S13) is determined by checking the memory state of the memory, and then, after selecting (S4, S14) an unprogrammed memory cell (3) the selected memory cell is programmed during or for changing the state information (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann