Abstract: A system and method selectively reads radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags within an RFID interrogation zone. A portion of the RFID tags have a first operating range and a portion of the RFID tags have a second operating range that is different from the first operating range. Each RFID tag is programmed with an identifier associated with the operating range of the RFID tag. A first interrogation signal is transmitted which has sufficient power to activate RFID tags that are located within the RFID interrogation zone and have the first operating range. A response signal is received from each RFID tag capable of receiving the first interrogation signal. Each response signal indicates the identifier of the associated RFID tag. Each RFID tag that has an identifier associated with the first operating range is selected.

Abstract: An alarming electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) tag for securing an item of merchandise includes an EAS sensor, a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) logic block, an alarm transducer, and an alarming tag processor. The RFID logic block includes a transceiver, a memory and a processor. The transceiver operates to receive a first interrogation signal. The memory includes a first identifier associated with the alarming EAS tag and a second identifier associated with the item of merchandise. The processor is operable to send a first trigger signal responsive to the transceiver receiving the first interrogation signal. The alarming tag processor is electrically coupled to the RFID logic block and the EAS sensor. The alarm transducer is operable to produce at least one of a visual indicator and an audible indicator based on the EAS sensor and the alarming tag processor.

Abstract: An alarming electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) tag for securing an item of merchandise includes an EAS sensor, a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) logic block, an alarm transducer, and an alarming tag processor. The RFID logic block includes a transceiver, a memory and a processor. The transceiver operates to receive a first interrogation signal. The memory includes a first identifier associated with the alarming EAS tag and a second identifier associated with the item of merchandise. The processor is operable to send a first trigger signal responsive to the transceiver receiving the first interrogation signal. The alarming tag processor is electrically coupled to the RFID logic block and the EAS sensor. The alarm transducer is operable to produce at least one of a visual indicator and an audible indicator based on the EAS sensor and the alarming tag processor.

Abstract: A system and method selectively reads radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags within an RFID interrogation zone. A portion of the RFID tags have a first operating range and a portion of the RFID tags have a second operating range that is different from the first operating range. Each RFID tag is programmed with an identifier associated with the operating range of the RFID tag. A first interrogation signal is transmitted which has sufficient power to activate RFID tags that are located within the RFID interrogation zone and have the first operating range. A response signal is received from each RFID tag capable of receiving the first interrogation signal. Each response signal indicates the identifier of the associated RFID tag. Each RFID tag that has an identifier associated with the first operating range is selected.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a hard tag, the hard tag including a programmable RFID element, the system comprising a platform defining at least one hard tag locating area; a feeder for feeding the hard tag into one of the at least one hard tag locating areas; an antenna positioned at a hard tag programming area, each of the at least one hard tag locating areas being positionable within the hard tag programming area; and a RFID processor causing the hard tag to be programmed by the antenna when the hard tag is positioned within the hard tag programming area.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the read range of a security tag by supplying an additional antenna system to the tag in order to provide power to a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) chip without the need to rely solely on power from the RFID reader. The security tag includes an RFID chip and a first antenna circuit coupled to the RFID chip where the first antenna circuit is adapted to decode interrogation signals from an RFID reader. The security tag also includes a second antenna circuit coupled to the RFID chip. The second antenna circuit is adapted to induce power from signals received from at least an alternate power source, such as an EAS transmitter, so that the RFID chip can be powered up and activated during an RFID interrogation round.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for item level inventory and a method for performing an RFID item level inventory may be provided. The method may include selectively controlling with an RF signal each of a plurality of multiplexers connected to a plurality of local antennas and selectively enabling with an RF signal the plurality of local antennas using the plurality of multiplexers to perform RFID interrogation on a plurality of RFID tags. The method further may include acquiring inventory information based on the RFID interrogation.

Abstract: A method and system for exchanging data between one or more RFID readers and one or more non-tag devices in an RFID system using RFID air interface protocol. An RFID system includes one or more non-tag devices in data communication with one or more RFID readers over an interrogation zone. Non-tag devices utilize RFID air interface protocol to transmit and receive wireless data signals to and from the RFID readers, obviating the need to implement a separate communication infrastructure. The RFID readers may forward the data to an RFID backscatter enabled host computer for processing the received signals. Non-tag devices acting as readpoints communicate with other non-tag devices to establish a parent/child readpoint hierarchy. One or more multiplexers may facilitate the data exchange between RFID readers and the non-tag devices in order to provide an even more robust communication network.

Abstract: A method and system for exchanging data between one or more RFID readers and one or more EAS system devices in an RFID system using RFID air interface protocol. An RFID system includes one or more EAS system devices in data communication with one or more RFID readers over an interrogation zone. EAS system devices utilize RFID air interface protocol to transmit wireless data signals, which may include alarm event data, to the RFID readers, obviating the need to implement a separate communication infrastructure. The RFID readers may forward the alarm event data to an RFID backscatter enabled host computer for processing the received signals. The host computer may then schedule further interrogation of inventory items at locations where an alarm event has occurred. One or more multiplexers may facilitate the data exchange between RFID readers and the EAS system devices in order to provide an even more robust communication network.

Abstract: A method, device and system for radio frequency identification (“RFID”) performance analysis. An analyzer for analyzing the performance of an RFID reader is provided. The analyzer has an interface in communication with the reader. A processor is in communication with the interface. The processor operates to use the interface to monitor communication with the reader and/or simulate one or more RFID tags.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for item level inventory may be provided. The RFID system may include an RFID interrogator, at least one interrogator antenna and at least one local antenna configured to communicate with RFID tags. The RFID system further may include a multiplexer connected to the at least one local antenna and configured to receive power from an RF signal generated by the RFID interrogator and transmitted wirelessly from the interrogator antenna.

Abstract: A video/computer game machine maps external images onto animated game players in a game program. An image of a person's face may be mapped onto the head of an animated game player. The person may then play the game using the animated game player having a face that appears to be that of the person. Similarly, images of other persons can be mapped on other animated game players that appear in the video game program. Improved realism of video games is obtained by enabling individuals to create animated game players that have features, e.g., a facial image, of the individual or that were selected and imported by the individual.

Abstract: A video/computer game machine is disclosed that maps external images onto animated game players in a game program. An image of a person's face may be mapped onto the head of an animated game player. The person may then play the game using the animated game player having a face that appears to be that of the person. Similarly, images of other persons can be mapped on other animated game players that appear in the video game program. Accordingly, the invention improves the realism of video games by enabling individuals to create animated game players that have features, e.g., a facial image, of the individual or that were selected and imported by the individual.