Abstract: Certain aspects involve a powered shelf system that can inductively provide power to electrical components of consumer product packages. The powered shelf system can include a housing, a primary inductor, a controller, and a pusher system. The primary inductor can be coupled to or included in the housing. The controller can apply an electrical current to the primary inductor in accordance with a maximum power requirement for the powered shelf system. The applied electrical current can be sufficient to create a magnetic field from the primary inductor that has a minimum field strength at a specified distance from the primary inductor. The minimum field strength can be sufficient to induce a minimum current in a secondary inductor for powering an emitting device that is electrically coupled to the secondary inductor. The pusher system can position the secondary inductor at the distance from the primary inductor.

Abstract: Certain aspects involve a powered shelf system that can inductively provide power to electrical components of consumer product packages. The powered shelf system can include a housing, a primary inductor, a controller, and a pusher system. The primary inductor can be coupled to or included in the housing. The controller can apply an electrical current to the primary inductor in accordance with a maximum power requirement for the powered shelf system. The applied electrical current can be sufficient to create a magnetic field from the primary inductor that has a minimum field strength at a specified distance from the primary inductor. The minimum field strength can be sufficient to induce a minimum current in a secondary inductor for powering an emitting device that is electrically coupled to the secondary inductor. The pusher system can position the secondary inductor at the distance from the primary inductor.

Abstract: A light-harvesting power supply system is provided that can perform one or more of power management and load identification. The power supply system can include a power harvesting unit and a controller. The power harvesting unit can convert light energy into electrical energy that may be provided to one or more load devices via one or more terminals of the power supply system. In some aspects, the controller can allocate electrical energy among load devices based on their respective power requirements and an available amount of electrical energy from the power harvesting unit. The controller can cause the electrical energy to be provided to the load devices based on the allocation of available energy. In additional or alternative aspects, the power supply system can determine that a device is not authorized to receive power. The controller can prevent the power harvesting unit from providing electrical energy to the unauthorized device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for testing radio frequency identification (RFID) readers are described. A network communications capability of a first reader may be tested. A second reader may be instructed to perform testing of a radio frequency (RF) communications capability of the first reader. The second reader may include a reader test module. The reader test module includes a first logic module configured to test a forward link of the first reader, and a second logic module configured to test a backward link of the first reader.

Abstract: A method for tracking vibrational information for an item via an RFID tag is provided. The method includes interrogating the RFID tag at various points throughout the supply chain to obtain vibrational entries for the RFID tag. The vibrational entries are then individually compared to a set of thresholds. The sum of the one or more vibrational entries may also be compared to a different set of thresholds. A designation for the item (e.g., non-operational, potentially damaged, normal) is then assigned based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for assembling and implementing optically machine readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described. An RFID tag comprises a substrate, an electrical circuit mounted on the substrate, and an antenna that is configured to be machine readable. For example, the antenna may include a plurality of electrically conductive substantially rectangular bars formed on a first surface of the substrate. Bars of the plurality of electrically conductive substantially rectangular bars are positioned in parallel with each other and are configured to be an optically machine readable symbol. Bars of the plurality of electrically conductive substantially rectangular bars form at least one antenna. The electrical circuit is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrically conductive substantially rectangular bars. Alternatively, a plurality of patches are formed on the first surface of the substrate to form a two-dimensional optically machine readable symbol.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing power to a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader on a mobile structure are described. Energy is generated at the mobile structure. A battery or other energy storage device disposed on the mobile structure is charged with the generated energy. The RFID reader is powered with the energy storage device. The energy may be generated in a variety of ways, including using a vibratory energy harvesting device, a magnetic energy harvesting device, an optical energy harvesting device, a heat energy harvesting device, or a mechanical energy harvesting device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for testing radio frequency identification (RFID) readers are described. A network communications capability of a first reader may be tested. A second reader may be instructed to perform testing of a radio frequency (RF) communications capability of the first reader. The second reader may include a reader test module. The reader test module includes a first logic module configured to test a forward link of the first reader, and a second logic module configured to test a backward link of the first reader.

Abstract: A system that tracks and electronically identifies assets from surveillance zone to surveillance zone within a controlled area is provided. A triggering event, which can be the output of an RFID reader, or other event, initiates video tracking of the asset that is associated with the RFID tag or other trigger. The video surveillance continues from zone to zone, as the image of the asset is handed-off from camera to camera. The image of the asset can be selectively displayed and recorded, along with the identity of the asset. The system is flexible and programmable for use in a plurality of different environments and surveillance zones, using a plurality of different triggering sensors and video cameras.

Abstract: A system that tracks and electronically identifies assets from surveillance zone to surveillance zone within a controlled area is provided. A triggering event, which can be the output of an RFID reader, or other event, initiates video tracking of the asset that is associated with the RFID tag or other trigger. The video surveillance continues from zone to zone, as the image of the asset is handed-off from camera to camera. The image of the asset can be selectively displayed and recorded, along with the identity of the asset. The system is flexible and programmable for use in a plurality of different environments and surveillance zones, using a plurality of different triggering sensors and video cameras.

Abstract: A method to power a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to increase multi-tag reading capability and increase the reading range of a passive tag without maximizing the continuous transmitted power level is provided. The RFID reader transmits a pulsed interrogation signal until an RFID tag response is received, and then switches to a continuous and pulsed power scheme. The continuous power emitted maintains the power supplied to the RFID tags so the tags will not reset due to loss of power. The pulsed signal permits reading the tags at longer ranges, especially when there is a plurality of tags in the area.

Abstract: A method to power a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to increase multi-tag reading capability and increase the reading range of a passive tag without maximizing the continuous transmitted power level is provided. The RFID reader transmits a pulsed interrogation signal until an RFID tag response is received, and then switches to a continuous and pulsed power scheme. The continuous power emitted maintains the power supplied to the RFID tags so the tags will not reset due to loss of power. The pulsed signal permits reading the tags at longer ranges, especially when there is a plurality of tags in the area.