Abstract: Methods, systems, and media to improve employee productivity using radio frequency identification (RFID) are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a method of transmitting information from RFID tags, receiving the information in an RFID tag reader, analyzing the information to select a number of employees to work in a work area, and dispatching one or more employees to or from the work area according to the selected number of employees. Some embodiments select employees with certain skills, based on the RFID tag information. In other embodiments, an RFID tag reader monitors the movement of employees to ensure that they are moving according to the dispatch and potentially dispatching alternate employees. Some embodiments involve reading information from RFID tags attached to goods, whereas other embodiments involve reading information from RFID tags in cards carried by employees and customers, and RFID tags fastened to shopping carts and shopping baskets.

Abstract: A network usage optimization method for minimizing the total network usage fee. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a network and a data processing apparatus, wherein the data processing apparatus communicates via a PVC of the network; (b) obtaining past network traffic data for traffic over the PVC; (c) predicting future network traffic data for traffic over the PVC for a future time period based on the past network traffic data; and (d) based on the predicted future network traffic data, specifying a CIR for the PVC for the future time period that will result in a minimum predicted total network usage fee for the future time period.

Abstract: A electrical structure and associated method for collimating a wireless signal between a RFID transceiver and a RFID tag. The electrical structure comprises a RFID tag and an enclosure structure. The enclosure structure comprises a radio frequency opaque material. The RFID tag is located within the enclosure structure. The enclosure structure is adapted to collimate, a first radio frequency signal from the RFID transceiver to the RFID tag.

Abstract: A level of liquid of pulverent solids in a container (or volume of a liquid in the absence of gravity) is detected by using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or similar transponders located inside or outside the container. The interrogation signal and/or the return signal is attenuated by the material and the signal strength of the return signal, if any, is evaluated either directed or in a binary fashion by imposing a threshold to determine whether or not material in contained in a portion of the container corresponding to the location of a particular RFID tag or transponder. Volume, pressure and container orientation can also be derived in accordance with one or more return signals.