Abstract: An RFID device is provided with a substrate and a plurality of RFID components associated to the substrate. The substrate is initially provided in a substantially planar configuration, with the RFID components being associated to the substantially planar substrate. After the RFID components have been associated to the substrate, the substrate is folded at at least one fold line to give the substrate and resulting RFID device a non-planar structure. All or portions of at least two of the RFID components are associated to portions of the substrate that are present in different planes, which may include portions of the substrate that are oriented in generally parallel planes or at an angle to each other. By such a non-planar, three-dimensional configuration, an RFID device may be provided with enhanced functionality, including increased bandwidth, ability to receive and radiate signals in a plurality of distinct frequency bands, and directivity.

Abstract: An RFID device is provided with an RFID component such as a chip, a signal device, and an antenna, which are all electrically coupled together. The antenna is configured to deliver energy to the signal device upon receiving a near-field communication. The signal device is configured to generate, upon receiving the energy from the antenna, a response that is indicative of the antenna receiving the near-field communication. The response is not a near-field communication, but may be an emission (e.g., emission of light) or a change in a characteristic of the signal device, for example. A system may employ the RFID device in combination with a receiver, which wirelessly detects the response. The receiver may deliver a signal to a host system which, upon receiving the signal, generates its own response, with the signal and the response of the host system being in some form other than a near-field communication.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag system includes a first strap mounting pad of an RFID antenna component, and a second strap mounting pad of the RFID antenna component, the second strap mounting pad being electrically coupled to the first RFID strap mounting pad. At least one of the first strap mounting pad and the second strap mounting pad may extend diagonally with respect to a wide edge direction of the antenna component, thus making the RFID antenna component configured to receive both a strap that is parallel to a wide edge direction of the antenna component and a strap that is perpendicular to a wide edge direction of the antenna component.

Abstract: A self-tuning RFID device having an input capacitance that is adjustable in response to a detected signal. The self-tuning RFID device preferably comprises a variable capacitance RFID chip coupled to an inductor, and an input circuit driven by the detected signal from the variable capacitance RFID chip. A change in capacitance with the detected signal is delayed by a specific amount of time, thereby allowing the self-tuning RFID device to function as a dual mode EAS and RFID tag. The ESA functionality can be deactivated by a high field at or near its resonance frequency without disabling the RFID functionality. The effect of the high field may change the input capacitance permanently changing its resonance.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an RFID device includes an RFID assembly that includes an RFID antenna and an RFID chip electrically coupled to the RFID antenna, the RFID assembly having a first side and a second side. The RFID device may further include a first layer including a visual element and having a first side and a second side, the first side of the first layer contacting a first side of the RFID assembly. The RFID device may further include a second layer having a first side and a second side, the first side of the second layer contacting at least one of the first visual element and the RFID assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for testing and/or programming a thread-type string of RFID tags or devices. A thread-type RFID tag is formed on a length or thread having an RFID chip, a first antenna section and a second antenna section, the first and second antenna sections being positioned on the length of thread on opposite sides of the RFID chip. An RFID reader is positioned in electronic communication with a first coupler and a second coupler lying along a path, and the RFID tag and couplers are in relative motion with respect to each other such that the first and second couplers are on opposite sides of the RFID chip. A differential electric field is applied between the first coupler and the second coupler and across the RFID chip whereby the RFID reader couples to the RFID chip and interacts with the RFID tag to carry out testing and/or programming tasks with respect to the RFID tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for labeling a piece of merchandise with a wireless communication device. In addition to a wireless communication device, the merchandise tag includes an associated label made of a washable fabric material. The wireless communication device is incorporated into the label and includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna, with the antenna including a conductor sheet that defines a slot. The label is secured to a piece of merchandise at a sew line, with the sew line dividing the label into an upper portion and a lower portion. The RFID chip and the slot of the antenna are positioned within the upper portion of the label, which may itself be positioned within a seam or neckline or waistband of the piece of merchandise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive advertising system and method of using the system. A plurality of removable RFID devices are disposed on a panel which is separate from an advertising graphic that is supported in an illuminated frame. Activation of one of the RFID devices illuminates a portion of the advertising graphic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertising system and method of using the same. The advertising system includes a light source which may be activated by near field communication devices in order to extract information from the system.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods provide for detecting the proximate placement of an external NFC reader to a specific location on a display surface. The display surface can be intended for viewing indicia and enabling interaction with an NFC communication device embedded within the display. A circuit can control an NFC security system that can scan for unauthorized tags affixed to the surface of a display. The NFC security system may be activated by an NFC enabled mobile phone placed proximate to the indicated region for receiving an NFC coded message from the display. An NFC security scan can be performed prior to the mobile phone reading the message from the intended NFC tag in the display. Enabling interactive display modes can allow for making selections indicated on the display or detecting motion gestures across the face of the display.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a RFID reader system to increase the percentage of RFID tags successfully inventoried in a container comprising a relatively large number of RFID tagged items in close proximity to one another. To achieve the greater percentage of successfully inventoried RFID tagged items, a transmitting system capable of reading an RFID tag and a receiving system capable of determining how much of the transmitted power propagates through the volume of RFID tagged items is positioned on either side of the container. A host system in communication with both the transmitting and receiving systems then utilizes one or more parameters of the transmitting system to maximize propagation of the RFID signal through the container and, therefore, increase the percentage of RFID tags successfully inventoried with the ultimate goal being 100%.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a security device constructed from a material having a skin depth that is greater than about 10 times the normal skin depth for radio frequency identification device functioning in one of UHF, HF and LF frequencies. The security device of the present invention provides a more durable and robust security device that can be used in facilitating brand identification and awareness. In one embodiment the antenna material of the present invention may illustrate a wide variety of visual information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a metal foil laminate which may be used for example to produce an antenna for a radio frequency (RFID) tag, electronic circuit, photovoltaic module or the like. A web of material is provided to at least one cutting station in which a first pattern is generated in the web of material. A further cutting may occur to create additional modifications in order to provide additional features for the intended end use of the product. The cutting may be performed by a laser either alone or in combinations with other cutting technologies.

Abstract: A combined EAS and RFID circuit includes an HF coil antenna, a UHF tuning loop, and an RFID chip coupled to a strap that includes a first coupling area and a second coupling area. The coil ends of the HF coil antenna are configured to capacitively and/or conductively couple to one or both of the first coupling area or second coupling area of the strap. The HF coil antenna can include a gap between turns for non-interfering placement of the UHF tuning loop. The EAS circuit can be deactivating upon application of a field at the resonant frequency of sufficient intensity to cause the breakdown voltage to be exceeded between a coil end and coupling area. The threshold breakdown voltage between a coil end and a coupling area can be reduced by laser ablation treatment of a conductive surface of one or both of the coil end or coupling area.

Abstract: An RFID tag is provided with an RFID chip and an antenna and interactive switch electrically coupled to the RFID chip. When a user physically interacts with the switch (such as by pressing the switch with a finger), the antenna transmits an input signal to an RFID reader of an RFID-based control system. The RFID reader, in turn, transmits a control signal to an electronic device for controlling the device. The RFID tag may be incorporated into any of a number of devices, such as a keyboard or article of clothing, and can function to operate a variety of electronic devices, including audio-visual devices and gaming systems.

Abstract: A circuit device formed from a functional substrate. The circuit device comprises a functional substrate component and printed electronic elements formed on the functional substrate component. The printed electronic elements formed on the functional substrate component interact with the substrate component to perform a function and to modify the functional substrate component. The circuit device typically needs a passive base material that takes no functional part in the device operation except mechanical support.

Abstract: A packaging system that is manufactured entirely out of recyclable materials and that allows consumers to view the items, such as food items, within the package container is disclosed. Specifically, the packaging system comprises a package container manufactured entirely out of recyclable materials, and a code identifier component positioned thereon which is linked to an image or other information of the product contained within the package container. The code identifier component is typically a 2D bar code or an RFID tag. Further, the image linked to the code identifier component can be generic, or the actual individual image of the product in the container, and the image can be associated with the product during its manufacture, or when it is packaged. The image can be viewed with a tablet, mobile phone, virtual reality headset, a provided terminal, or other suitable device.