Abstract: In certain embodiments, an RFID tag comprises a memory module and one or more processing units. The memory module stores a subscriber identification number shared by the tag and one or more other tags for accessing a WWAN. Each tag is operable to access the WWAN using the subscriber identification number at a corresponding unique timeslot, the corresponding unique timeslot for a tag being distinct from the timeslots at which the other tags can access the WWAN using the subscriber identification number. The one or more processing units access the WWAN using the subscriber identification number to initiate a tag session at the corresponding unique timeslot for the tag. The corresponding unique timeslot for the tag is distinct from timeslots at which the other tags may access the WWAN using the subscriber identification number. The one or more processing units are operable to communicate tag information during the tag session at the corresponding unique timeslot for the tag.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a hybrid radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes circuitry, a battery, and a first antenna. The circuitry includes one or more passive RFID elements and one or more semi-active RFID elements operable to transmit and receive communications to and from one or more RFID tag tracking systems. The battery is coupled to the one or more semi-active elements. The first antenna is coupled to the passive RFID elements and to the semi-active RFID elements, the first antenna comprising a shape that defines a first open area and a second open area. The circuitry is positioned within one of the first and second open areas defined by the shape of the first antenna, and the battery is positioned within the other of the first and second open areas defined by the shape of the first antenna.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an RFID tag comprises a memory module and one or more processing units. The memory module stores a subscriber identification number shared by the tag and one or more other tags for accessing a WWAN. Each tag is operable to access the WWAN using the subscriber identification number at a corresponding unique timeslot, the corresponding unique timeslot for a tag being distinct from the timeslots at which the other tags can access the WWAN using the subscriber identification number. The one or more processing units access the WWAN using the subscriber identification number to initiate a tag session at the corresponding unique timeslot for the tag. The corresponding unique timeslot for the tag is distinct from timeslots at which the other tags may access the WWAN using the subscriber identification number. The one or more processing units are operable to communicate tag information during the tag session at the corresponding unique timeslot for the tag.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a hybrid radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes circuitry, a battery, and a first antenna. The circuitry includes one or more passive RFID elements and one or more semi-active RFID elements operable to transmit and receive communications to and from one or more RFID tag tracking systems. The battery is coupled to the one or more semi-active elements. The first antenna is coupled to the passive RFID elements and to the semi-active RFID elements, the first antenna comprising a shape that defines a first open area and a second open area. The circuitry is positioned within one of the first and second open areas defined by the shape of the first antenna, and the battery is positioned within the other of the first and second open areas defined by the shape of the first antenna.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a tag tracking system includes one or more asset radio frequency identification (RFID) tags each associated with an asset, one or more asset aggregation RFID tags each associated with an aggregation of assets, and one or more personnel RFID tags each associated with a person. The system also includes one or more receivers operable to receive tag information from the one or more asset tags, the one or more asset aggregation tags, and the one or more personnel tags. The system also includes control software operable to receive at least a portion of the tag information from the one or more receivers and to integrate the received tag information to track the one or more asset tags, one or more asset aggregation tags, and one or more personnel tags in association with one another.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for tracking tags includes transmitting wake-up signals from a number of activation antennas located throughout an environment. Each wake-up signal includes an antenna ID of the antenna that transmitted the wake-up signal. A plurality of identification signals are received from a tag, each identification signal generated in response to receipt by the tag of a wake-up signal from a corresponding antenna and including a tag ID of the tag and the antenna ID included in the wake-up signal of the antenna that transmitted the wake-up signal. A directionality of the tag is determined based on the sequence in which the plurality of identification signals are received from the tag.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a hybrid radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, includes one or more backscattering RFID elements operable to transmit and receive communications to and from a first tag tracking system at a first frequency range, the one or more backscattering RFID elements operable to transmit communications to the first tag tracking system using backscattering of a particular communication received from the first tag tracking system. The hybrid RFID tag further includes one or more active RFID elements operable to transmit and receive communications to and from a second tag tracking system at a second frequency range and operable to transmit communications to the second tag tracking system at the second frequency range with the use of a local power supply. A local power supply is coupled to the one or more active RFID elements.