Abstract: An RF electronic identification system (10) is disclosed and claimed. The system includes at least one transponder encoder (14.1) for writing data into a memory arrangement (52) of a selected transponder (1.1) of a plurality of transponders (1.1 to 1.n) adapted to receive data from the at least one encoder. The system further includes at least one verifier (16) for interrogating a selected transponder (1.1) and to read data stored in the transponder. The encoder includes a controller (42) for providing an identification code characteristic of the encoder to form part of the data to be written into the transponder. The verifier includes computing means (56) for extracting the identification code from the data read thereby and for comparing the code to authorized codes. An indicator (18) provides an indication whether the identification code corresponds to any of the authorized codes or not. A method of verifying the authenticity of a transponder is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An RF electronic identification system (10) is disclosed and claimed. The system includes at least one transponder encoder (14.1) for writing data into a memory arrangement (52) of a selected transponder (1.1) of a plurality of transponders (1.1 to 1.n) adapted to receive data from the at least one encoder. The system further includes at least one verifier (16) for interrogating a selected transponder (1.1) and to read data stored in the transponder. The encoder includes a controller (42) for providing an identification code characteristic of the encoder to form part of the data to be written into the transponder. The verifier includes computing means (56) for extracting the identification code from the data read thereby and for comparing the code to authorized codes. An indicator (18) provides an indication whether the identification code corresponds to any of the authorized codes or not. A method of verifying the authenticity of a transponder is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An RF electronic identification system (10) is disclosed and claimed. The system includes at least one transponder encoder (14.1) for writing data into a memory arrangement (52) of a selected transponder (1.1) of a plurality of transponders (1.1 to 1.n) adapted to receive data from the at least one encoder. The system further includes at least one verifier (16) for interrogating a selected transponder (1.1) and to read data stored in the transponder. The encoder includes a controller (42) for providing an identification code characteristic of the encoder to form part of the data to be written into the transponder. The verifier includes computing means (56) for extracting the identification code from the data read thereby and for comparing the code to authorized codes. An indicator (18) provides an indication whether the identification code corresponds to any of the authorized codes or not. A method of verifying the authenticity of a transponder is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An RF electronic identification system (10) is disclosed and claimed. The system includes at least one transponder encoder (14.1) for writing data into a memory arrangement (52) of a selected transponder (1.1) of a plurality of transponders (1.1 to 1.n) adapted to receive data from the at least one encoder. The system further includes at least one verifier (16) for interrogating a selected transponder (1.1) and to read data stored in the transponder. The encoder includes a controller (42) for providing an identification code characteristic of the encoder to form part of the data to be written into the transponder. The verifier includes computing means (56) for extracting the identification code from the data read thereby and for comparing the code to authorized codes. An indicator (18) provides an indication whether the identification code corresponds to any of the authorized codes or not. A method of verifying the authenticity of a transponder is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An electronic identification system 100 comprises an interrogator 10 and a plurality of transponders 12, 14 and 16. The interrogator comprises a transmitter 11 for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders; a receiver 13 for receiving response signals from the transponders; and a controller 19 for processing response signals received, to identify the transponders by their respective response signals. Each transponder comprises a signature generator 35, 32 for generating a unique signature characteristic of the transponder and intermittently transmits, in responses to the interrogation signal, a response signal including the signature. The interrogator further comprises an acknowledgement signal generator 21 for generating upon reception of a response signal from one of the transponders, an acknowledgement signal to be transmitted by the transmitter 11. The acknowledgement signal comprises the signature, thereby to acknowledge reception of the response signal.

Abstract: A spacer for items includes a waveguide 28.1 for radio frequency signals and a crate 16.1 or pallet. When items 16.1 to 16.9 in an array are spaced with such waveguides, signals from an interrogator 12 of an RF electronic identification system 10 are guided via the waveguide to transponders 14.1 to 14.9 of the system mounted on the items. Response signals from the transponders are similarly guided in the reverse direction, so that the transponders may be read. The spacer, arrangement and methods according to the invention alleviate the problems presented by an RF barrier in prior art systems.

Abstract: A reader arrangement 22 for an electronic identification system includes a plurality of reader heads 22.1 to 22.4 for energizing transponders 28.1 to 28.n to be read, and a controller 29 therefor. The controller 29 switches activation of the reader heads in a multi-phase sequential pattern including a first phase for activating a first set 22.1 and 22.3 of the reader heads and at least one further phase for activating a further set 22.2 and 22.4 of the reader heads. The switching is such that a complete cycle plus at least the first phase of a subsequent cycle is completed within a time period not longer than a reset period of the transponders. The reset period is the period between removal of an energizing signal from a transponder and the transponder re-entering a normal operational mode.

Abstract: A system 10 for monitoring the load on a load carrying vehicle comprises an electronic radio frequency (RF) identification system 22 comprising a reader 24 and a plurality of RF transponders 28.1 to 28.n. Each transponder is associated with a respective load item 36.1 to 36.n, and the items collectively constitute the load located in a load carrying region of the vehicle. The reader is operative in use to interrogate the transponders, to read response data received from the transponders and to generate data relating to a load change event. A controller 34 and a vehicle position data generating device 38 are connected to the controller. The controller is sensitive to a load change event and operative to record vehicle position related data corresponding to the load change event.

Abstract: There is disclosed and claimed an electronic identification system including at east one reader and a plurality of transponders to be read by the reader. Each transponder has a normal operational mode 32 wherein it, in response to an interrogation signal from the reader transmits a code 36 to the reader, and a monitor mode 40 wherein it is still sensitive and responsive to signals from the reader, but wherein it does not transmit the code. The reader is adapted to cause a transponder of which the code has been read, to switch from the normal operational mode to the monitor mode, by transmitting a first signal S1 to the transponder. The transponder, while being in the monitor mode, is sensitive to a second signal S2 and responsive upon receipt of the second signal, to reset to the normal operational mode.