Abstract: Communication between a multi-band RFID tag device that communicates on first and second bands with other devices may be enabled, using a bidirectional communication bridging device that converts first band signals of the RFID tag device to third band signals of another device, and vice-versa. Examples of third band-capable devices that may be bridged for communication with the first band of a RFID tag device include WiFi devices such as smart phone, notebook computer, WLAN router or any other type of WiFi enabled device. In one example, a tag interface control device may be provided in the form of a WiFi-enabled handheld unit that communicates with a multi-band RFID tag through a bridging device using NBFM radio frequency (RF) communications to retrieve or change stored data and/or change the tag operation. Such a WiFi-enabled handheld unit may be configured to be relatively small, portable, and/or battery or wireless-powered.

Abstract: Data from one or more sensors may be collected using a first band of a multi-band RFID tag device and then passed on to a remote receiver from the RFID tag device using a second RF band. This capability may be employed to allow a first band-equipped RFID tag to collect data from local sensors, and then to report that data over a second band link, allowing the RFID tag device to function as an intermediary bridge device or relay between the sensor/s and a remote receiver and/or tag interface device. Such a remote receiver may further be in communication with a remote network so that the RFID tag device acts to bridge local sensor data to a remote network, where it may be further processed aid/or accessed by one or more users. The RFID tag device may also be interactive in nature, meaning that the tag data storage and/or the tag's operation is reprogrammable in the operational environment.

Abstract: A RFID tag system may be configured as a tag having a first band (e.g., multiple channel-based NBFM frequency band) transceiver to allow field programmability of tag behavior and onboard tag data. The RFID tag system may be configured to collect data from one or more local sensors through the first band link and store data points of interest in tag onboard storage. The RFID tag system may be configured to work in conjunction with a remote interrogating unit, and a handheld device or other local interrogating unit may be additionally or alternatively provided to communicate with such aRFID tag. Data that is stored on the RFID tag may be retrieved or changed, and/or the operation of the tag may be modified.