Abstract: A system (200) and method (400) for determining the location of an object is provided. A plurality of radio transceivers (101,201,203,205) are disposed about a location of interest (221). One or more tags (102) are coupled to an object. The radio transceivers (101,201,203,205) transmit radio frequency signals (115,215,217,219) to the tag (102), which backscatters a return signal (116,216,218,220) having a unique identifier modulated therein due to a switch (108) switching between two or more loads (110,112) in accordance with a unique identification code (118). A location determination module (107) then determines the location of the tag (102) by using a course location estimate (502), a fine location estimate (503), or combinations thereof. A object modeling module (109) can create multidimensional models using the locations of the tags (102).

Abstract: A multi-antenna signaling scheme, system and method for passive or low-powered RF devices, such as a radio frequency identification tag, are herein described. In one embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter discloses a Retrodirective Array Phase Modulator which is configured to allow RFID tags to return higher-powered signals with higher data rates back to an RFID interrogator or reader unit. In some configurations, pattern strobing is used which is an array-based transmission technique for stepping or sweeping an RF waveform through space so that passive radio devices may more efficiently harvest energy without increasing transmit power. In some configurations, the presently disclosed subject matter may also use a Staggered Pattern Charge Collector to boost the collection of microwave power.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring device (100) is configured as a mouth guard (101). The mouth guard includes a biometric sensor (106) and a communication device (107). The communication module includes an antenna (406), a controller (404); and a switch (408) operative to change a radar cross section of the antenna by selectively altering a load impedance of the antenna. The controller backscatters received radio frequency signals (415) by modulating the received radio frequency signal by controlling the switch to encode output from the biometric sensor therein. In a method (800), a coach, trainer, or parent can monitor biometric activity of a user by receiving backscattered return signals having output of the biometric sensor encoded therein. Detection of location, other biometric information, and user identification is also possible.

Abstract: A multi-antenna signaling scheme, system and method for passive or low-powered RF devices, such as a radio frequency identification tag, are herein described. In one embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter discloses a Retrodirective Array Phase Modulator which is configured to allow RFID tags to return higher-powered signals with higher data rates back to an RFID interrogator or reader unit. In some configurations, pattern strobing is used which is an array-based transmission technique for stepping or sweeping an RF waveform through space so that passive radio devices may more efficiently harvest energy without increasing transmit power. In some configurations, the presently disclosed subject matter may also use a Staggered Pattern Charge Collector to boost the collection of microwave power.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic signals. In one aspect, the apparatus is an antenna. The antenna comprises a dielectric substrate and a non-metallic conducting layer substantially overlying the substrate. In one aspect, the non-metallic conducting layer is an intrinsic conducting polymer (“ICP”). In one exemplary method of manufacturing the antenna, the desired outline of the antenna may be first printed out on a substantially flexible substrate. In one example, a substrate made from polyethylene terephthalate may be used.

Abstract: A system (200) and method (400) for determining the location of an object is provided. A plurality of radio transceivers (101,201,203,205) are disposed about a location of interest (221). One or more tags (102) are coupled to an object. The radio transceivers (101,201,203,205) transmit radio frequency signals (115,215,217,219) to the tag (102), which backscatters a return signal (116,216,218,220) having a unique identifier modulated therein due to a switch (108) switching between two or more loads (110,112) in accordance with a unique identification code (118). A location determination module (107) then determines the location of the tag (102) by using a course location estimate (502), a fine location estimate (503), or combinations thereof. A object modeling module (109) can create multidimensional models using the locations of the tags (102).

Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention comprised RFID tags comprised of components disposed on a flexible conformal substrate. The substrate may be substantially transparent or opaque and the components may be comprised of organic electronic components. Components and circuits may be manufactured using thin-film deposition processes or by deposition of metal-containing inks using inkjet technology. Exemplary use of an embodiment according to the present invention is as a component in an on-vehicle radio-frequency (RF) automated toll system.

Abstract: A generalized framework is disclosed in which a wide variety of propagation models can be cast in a matrix-based format using arbitrary matrix coefficients. Casting propagation models in the matrix-based framework enables efficient computer implementation and calculation, ease of tuning, admissibility, and aggregating multiple propagation models into a single matrix-based model. Matrix-based propagation models based on transmitter-receiver azimuth orientation, transmitter antenna height, terrain elevation, and clutter are also disclosed. The propagation models can be used in conjunction with automated data acquisition from information sources such as topographic maps, clutter maps, etc.