Abstract: A radio frequency identification device comprises an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.

Abstract: A system for locating an individual in a facility, the system including a portable wireless transponder device borne by the individual; an interrogator; and a plurality of antennas distributed in the facility, the antennas being selectively separately connected to the interrogator, the interrogator when connected to any of the antennas having a communications range covering less than the area of the entire facility, the interrogator being configured to repeatedly transmit a wireless command to the portable wireless transponder device using alternating antennas, the portable wireless transponder device being configured to transmit data identifying the portable wireless transponder device in response to a command if the portable wireless transponder device is within communications range of the antenna sending the command, the individual being locatable by determining with which antenna the interrogator was able to establish communications with the portable wireless transponder device.

Abstract: An antenna circuit configured for use in a radio frequency data communications device has an antenna constructed and arranged to transfer electromagnetic waves, the electromagnetic waves corresponding to a signal carried by the antenna and generated from a signal source. A Schottky diode is electrically coupled in serial relation with the antenna, and in operation the signal is applied serially across the antenna and the diode in direct relation with electromagnetic waves transferred by the antenna. A bias current supply is also electrically coupled to the Schottky diode and is configurable to deliver a desired bias current across the current. The diode is responsive to the bias current to realize a desired diode impedance such that a desired impedance match/mis-match is provided between impedance of the diode and impedance of the antenna when the signal is applied across the antenna circuit, which selectively tunes the antenna circuit by imparting a desired power transfer therein.

Abstract: A system comprising a vehicle on-board computer; and a wireless transponder device coupled to the vehicle on-board computer. The system performs a variety of functions because of its ability to transmit and receive data from other transponders which may be remote from the vehicle or located in the vehicle at a location spaced apart from the system. Remote transponders are spaced apart from the vehicle. The remote transponders can be positioned, for example, at a gas station, toll booth, service center, dealership, parking lot, or along a roadside.

Abstract: A method for reducing the dynamic range required of an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit in a remote transceiver in 2-way communication between local and remote transceivers. By repeatedly transmitting a signal with successively increasing power from one transceiver until a response is received from the other transceiver, the dynamic range and hence complexity of the receiving circuit may be greatly reduced. The operating power of the remote transmitter can then be adjusted according to the level used by the local transmitter, thereby promoting the efficent use of the remote's power supply.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the 2-way communication range of an RFID system to assist a human operator to individually handle and interrogate a plurality of tagged objects, such as suitcases, that each include an RFID tag transceiver. An RFID interrogator transceiver is mounted on the human operator. The 2-way communication range between the interrogator transceiver and the tag transceivers is adjusted to only slightly exceed the closest distance between the interrogator and the tag while the operator is handling the tagged object. Preferably, the 2-way communication range is short enough that other tagged objects will remain outside the communication range and will not respond to messages from the interrogator. Another aspect of the invention is a method of verifying whether an object to be transported has reached its intended destination.

Abstract: An enclosed transceiver includes an integrated circuit and a battery together laminated between two films. Printed conductors on each film couple operative power to the integrated circuit. Other printed conductors form an antenna coupled to the transceiver for sending and receiving signals. In a preferred embodiment, the integrated circuit has three terminals. The first terminal is connected to a first side of a thin film battery. The second terminal is connected to a first side of a printed loop antenna. The third terminal serves two purposes being connected to the second side of the battery and to the second side of the loop antenna. The enclosing films are treated with silicon nitride for hermeticity. Enclosed transceivers of the present invention are suitable for mass production in web, sheet, and tape formats. Such transceivers are useful as stamps, labels, and tags in object tracking systems including systems for mail delivery, airline baggage tracking, and inventory control.

Abstract: A method of protecting data in a smart card from unauthorized access, the method comprising providing a housing defined by first and second housing portions; employing a volatile memory in the smart card for storing the data, and supporting the volatile memory from the first housing portion; providing a power supply in the housing, the power supply maintaining the data in the volatile memory while the power supply is connected to the volatile memory; and connecting the power supply to the volatile memory using a conductor supported by and movable with the second housing portion.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.

Abstract: The present application describes an electronically powered postage stamp or mailing label and including a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and system mounted between the opposing and facing major surfaces thereof. The RFID device and system includes an integrated circuit transceiver chip which is connected to and powered by a thin flat battery cell and is operated with a thin film RF antenna, all of which are mounted in side-by-side relationship on a thin base or support layer. These thin flat components are mounted in an essentially two dimensional planar configuration well suited for incorporation into the planar structure of a postage stamp or a mailing label. In addition, the RFID transceiver chip may be replaced with an electro-optically operated IC chip using, for example, LEDs or laser diodes for the propagation of light signals to an interrogator.

Abstract: A system comprising a vehicle on-board computer; and a wireless transponder device coupled to the vehicle on-board computer. The system performs a variety of functions because of its ability to transmit and receive data from other transponders which may be remote from the vehicle or located in the vehicle at a location spaced apart from the system. Remote transponders are spaced apart from the vehicle. The remote transponders can be positioned, for example, at a gas station, toll booth, service center, dealership, parking lot, or along a roadside.

Abstract: A method of protecting data in a smart card from unauthorized access, the method comprising providing a housing defined by first and second housing portions; employing a volatile memory in the smart card for storing the data, and supporting the volatile memory from the first housing portion; providing a power supply in the housing, the power supply maintaining the data in the volatile memory while the power supply is connected to the volatile memory; and connecting the power supply to the volatile memory using a conductor supported by and movable with the second housing portion.

Abstract: In one aspect, a radio frequency identification system includes a) a radio frequency identification device having a receiver, a transmitter and a microprocessor; b) a pocket containing the radio frequency identification device, the pocket having a front panel and a rear panel joined with the front panel; c) an adhesive layer adhered to the rear panel of the pocket; and d) a release backing material removably adhered to the adhesive layer. In another aspect, a radio frequency identification device package includes a pocket configured for receipt of a radio frequency identification device. The pocket has a front panel and a rear panel joined with the front panel. The front panel has a break-away portion. The device package also includes a pull tab joined with the break-away portion and configured to be grasped by a human hand.

Abstract: A plurality of battery-operated transceivers encapsulated by lamination to form a sheet of independent transceivers is tested in a two piece fixture that forms an enclosure surrounding each in-sheet transceiver. Each enclosure has an antenna for transmitting a command signal to the transceiver at a known power level and for receiving a reply message from the transceiver containing a power level measurement made by the transceiver. Test methods using the fixture of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A method for RF communication between transceivers in a radio frequency identification system that improves range, decreases multipath errors and reduces the effect of outside RF source interference by employing spread spectrum techniques. By pulse amplitude modulating a spread spectrum carrier before transmission, the receiver can be designed for simple AM detection, suppressing the spread spectrum carrier and recovering the original data pulse code waveform. The data pulse code waveform has been further encrypted by a direct sequence pseudo-random pulse code. This additional conditioning prevents the original carrier frequency components from appearing in the broadcast power spectra and provides the basis for the clock and transmit carrier of the transceiver aboard an RFID tag. Other advantages include high resolution ranging, hiding transmissions from eavesdroppers, and selective addressing.

Abstract: An antenna circuit configured for use in a radio frequency data communications device has an antenna constructed and arranged to transfer electromagnetic waves, the electromagnetic waves corresponding to a signal carried by the antenna and generated from a signal source. A Schottky diode is electrically coupled in serial relation with the antenna, and in operation the signal is applied serially across the antenna and the diode in direct relation with electromagnetic waves transferred by the antenna. A bias current supply is also electrically coupled to the Schottky diode and is configurable to deliver a desired bias current across the current. The diode is responsive to the bias current to realize a desired diode impedance such that a desired impedance matched/mis-matched is provided between impedance of the diode and impedance of the antenna when the signal is applied across the antenna circuit, which selectively tunes the antenna circuit by imparting a desired power transfer therein.

Abstract: A system for locating an individual in a facility, the system including a portable wireless transponder device borne by the individual; an interrogator; and a plurality of antennas distributed in the facility, the antennas being selectively separately connected to the interrogator, the interrogator when connected to any of the antennas having a communications range covering less than the area of the entire facility, the interrogator being configured to repeatedly transmit a wireless command to the portable wireless transponder device using alternating antennas, the portable wireless transponder device being configured to transmit data identifying the portable wireless transponder device in response to a command if the portable wireless transponder device is within communications range of the antenna sending the command, the individual being locatable by determining with which antenna the interrogator was able to establish communications with the portable wireless transponder device.

Abstract: A remote intelligent communications device includes a primary RF communications port and an alternative modem communications port. The remote intelligent communications device receives configuration data for configuring the alternative modem communications port. The remote intelligent communications device obtains information data concerning a select attribute of an associated object. The information data is stored within internal memory of the remote intelligent communications device. Thereafter, the stored information data is retrieved, per one embodiment via the alternative modem port, from the remote intelligent communications device and analyzed for drawing conclusions regarding the select attribute of the associated object. Preferably, the remote intelligent communications device also includes a navigation (e.g. GPS) receiver that obtains navigation data, which navigation data is also stored within the internal memory of the remote intelligent communications device.

Abstract: One or more interrogating commander stations and an unknown plurality of responding responder stations coordinate use of a common communication medium. Each commander station and each responder station is equipped to broadcast messages and to check for error in received messages. When more than one station attempts to broadcast simultaneously, an erroneous message is received and communication is interrupted. To establish uninterrupted communication, a commander station broadcasts a command causing each responder station of a potentially large first number of responder stations to each select a random number from a known range and retain it as its arbitration number. After receipt of such a command, each addressed responder station transmits a response message containing its arbitration number. Zero, one, or several responses may occur simultaneously.

Abstract: Improved polymer batteries and improved methods of manufacturing such polymer batteries are provided. One improved method of manufacture involves the formation of a laminated array structure that includes a number of individual battery cells. After formation of the laminated array the individual batteries are singulated from the array by cutting, shearing or stamping. Other manufacturing improvements include the use of a printing process (e.g. stenciling) to form the cathodes, the use of permanent mask layers to contain and insulate the cathodes and anodes, and the use of a molten lithium deposition process for forming the anodes.