Abstract: Methods and apparatus for visually authenticating an entity which displays a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a locator that determines when a radio frequency (RF) receiver is present within a vicinity. The apparatus also includes a server configured to identify a security element and configured to obtain an information element associated with the RF receiver when the RF receiver is present within the vicinity, as well as a transmitter. The transmitter transmits a first representation of the security element to a display arrangement, a second representation of the security element to the RF receiver, and the information element to the RF receiver. The second representation of the security element is arranged to overlay the information element when the second representation of the security element and the information element are displayed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for visually authenticating an entity which displays a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a locator that determines when a radio frequency (RF) receiver is present within a vicinity. The apparatus also includes a server configured to identify a security element and configured to obtain an information element associated with the RF receiver when the RF receiver is present within the vicinity, as well as a transmitter. The transmitter transmits a first representation of the security element to a display arrangement, a second representation of the security element to the RF receiver, and the information element to the RF receiver. The second representation of the security element is arranged to overlay the information element when the second representation of the security element and the information element are displayed.

Abstract: By providing control logic for initiating a predetermined test sequence depending upon the known state of a relay, a unique testing circuit is attained whereby the relay drivers connected to the opposed sides of the relay coil are fully evaluated without causing the relay to be activated. In the preferred embodiment, the relay comprises a latching-type relay and the relay drivers comprise separate high-power CMOS devices. In this configuration, the control logic separately activates each transistor of each of the high-power CMOS devices without causing the relay to be switched between its two alternate configurations. Furthermore, the control logic originally sets the latching-type relay into one of its two configurations and then shuts off the power until activated for initiating the test sequence. In addition, the control logic is employed to check each transistor during the test sequence and assure its operation.