Abstract: An apparatus for use in an RFID data collection system includes an antenna portion for wirelessly exchanging signals and a memory portion for storing RFID data. A signal processing portion is coupled among the antenna portion and the memory portion. The signal processing portion is configured to receive RFID data and to at least encode or decode the received RFID data via at least one spreading code, such as a mutually orthogonal code. Other configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an RFID data collection system includes an antenna portion for wirelessly exchanging signals and a memory portion for storing RFID data. A signal processing portion is coupled among the antenna portion and the memory portion. The signal processing portion is configured to receive RFID data and to at least encode or decode the received RFID data via at least one spreading code, such as a mutually orthogonal code. Other configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an RFID data collection system includes an antenna portion for wirelessly exchanging signals and a memory portion for storing RFID data. A signal processing portion is coupled among the antenna portion and the memory portion. The signal processing portion is configured to receive RFID data and to at least encode or decode the received RFID data via at least one spreading code, such as a mutually orthogonal code. Other configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of autofocusing an optical system uses transforms of images or portions of images formed by the optical system. A detector is used to capture images at different positions relative to the optical system. Transforms and blur spread parameters are calculated for the images for use in determining a position to which the detector should be moved to autofocus the system.

Abstract: A carrier structure has a plurality of cells. A corresponding plurality of objects having data carriers, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, is placed in each cell. Each cell has an indicator associated therewith and is defined by walls that substantially prevent waves (such as RF waves) from propagating between cells. A control module is coupled to the carrier structure and is operative to selectively activate individual ones of the indicators. An automatic data collection device (such as an RFID reader) interrogates the data carriers of the objects placed in the cells, and the data carriers can provide response signals to the data collection device. The control module also monitors the response signals using an antenna present in each cell. If the data collection device selects a particular one of the responsive data carriers, the data collection device provides a notification signal to the control module to notify the control module of the selection.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an RFID data collection system includes an antenna portion for wirelessly exchanging signals and a memory portion for storing RFID data. A signal processing portion is coupled among the antenna portion and the memory portion. The signal processing portion is configured to receive RFID data and to at least encode or decode the received RFID data via at least one spreading code, such as a mutually orthogonal code. Other configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of autofocusing an optical system uses transforms of images or portions of images formed by the optical system. A detector is used to capture images at different positions relative to the optical system. Transforms and blur spread parameters are calculated for the images for use in determining a position to which the detector should be moved to autofocus the system.

Abstract: A carrier structure has a plurality of cells. A corresponding plurality of objects having data carriers, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, is placed in each cell. Each cell has an indicator associated therewith and is defined by walls that substantially prevent waves (such as RF waves) from propagating between cells. A control module is coupled to the carrier structure and is operative to selectively activate individual ones of the indicators. An automatic data collection device (such as an RFID reader) interrogates the data carriers of the objects placed in the cells, and the data carriers can provide response signals to the data collection device. The control module also monitors the response signals using an antenna present in each cell. If the data collection device selects a particular one of the responsive data carriers, the data collection device provides a notification signal to the control module to notify the control module of the selection.

Abstract: A lab-on-chip system comprises an antenna and a communications subsystem to wirelessly transmit information from the lab-on-chip system. The communications subsystem may also receive information, data or instructions from an off-chip system or device. The lab-on-chip system may comprise a passive power subsystem coupled to an antenna to wirelessly receive power in the form of an electromagnetic field, which provides electrical power derived therefrom to at least one other subsystem of the lab-on-chip system.

Abstract: A microchip system comprises a self check subsystem operable to perform a self test of at least one subsystem of the microchip system, and/or on the interoperability of subsystems. An antenna and a communications subsystem wirelessly transmit self check information from the microchip system. The communications subsystem may also receive information, data or instructions from an off-chip system or device. Self check tests may occur during manufacture of the microchip system and/or during operation. The microchip system may comprise a passive power subsystem coupled to an antenna to receive power in the form of an electromagnetic field, and which provides electrical power derived therefrom to at least one other subsystem of the microchip system.

Abstract: A monolithic micro scanning device comprising multiple substrates; source of light for generating a light beam disposed on one of said substrates; and micro mirror disposed on one of said substrates for repetitively and cyclically moving light beam to scan insignia impregnated on a surface of different articles is described. More particularly, the scanning device comprises a combination of stacked dies in suitable form factor to optimize a system configuration and packaging.

Abstract: A monolithic micro scanning device comprising multiple substrates; source of light for generating a light beam disposed on one of said substrates; and micro mirror disposed on one of said substrates for repetitively and cyclically moving light beam to scan insignia impregnated on a surface of different articles is described. More particularly, the scanning device comprises a combination of stacked dies in suitable form factor to optimize a system configuration and packaging.

Abstract: Crimped fibres of solvent-spun cellulose are made and checked for damage in a method in which:i) cellulose is dissolved in an amine oxide solvent to form a hot cellulose solution,ii) the hot cellulose solution is extruded through a die assembly to form a tow of continuous filaments,iii) the tow is passed through a water bath to leach out the amine oxideiv) the tow is crimped by passing through a stuffer box in which it is compressed to apply crimp,v) dry steam being injected into the stuffer box during the crimping process, andvi) the crimped tow leaving the stuffer box is passed through detection means in whichvii) a beam is projected across the path of travel of the tow and is received by receiving means on the opposite side of the tow, the receiving means being calibrated to initiate a signal if obscurement of the beam by the tow varies beyond a predetermined amount.