Abstract: A communication system for workforce management is formed of a system controller managing a plurality of badges associated with workplace devices and employees within the workplace. The controller receives event indicators from the badges. These event indicators are analyzed by the controller to determine whether a task should be created and performed by at least one of the workplace devices and/or at least one of the employees. Task lists and device assignments are dynamically updated in response to current workplace conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for updating an RSSI-based map. A scanning devices notes which tags are seen during a scan and measures a “proxy distance” from the scanning device to each tag. When the scan is initiated, the scanning device measures the RSSIs from the local WAPs. The current location of the scanning device is determined by triangulating from the proxy distances of the scanned tags. That location is then correlated with the contemporaneously measured RSSIs. The correlation is used to update the RSSI-based map. In some embodiments, it is not the scanning device that measures the RSSIs. Instead, the WAPs measure the RSSIs from the scanning device whenever the scanning device transmits the results of a scan. In some embodiments, the operator of the mapped environment places scannable tags at fixed locations. Scans of these fixed-location tags are especially useful when determining the current location of the scanning device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a security tag that contains two parts. The contact (or lack thereof) of the two parts defines the operational state of the security tag. In one state, the security tag responds when a central control station runs a wireless security scan. In the other state, the tag does not respond. Thus the wireless security scan reveals the tag's operational state. If, for example, one part of the tag is affixed to a window, and the other part affixed to a frame of the window, then the two parts can be arranged so that they are in contact when the window is closed but not in contact when the window is open. A wireless scan of the tag thus reveals whether or not the window is open. In one embodiment, one part of the security tag includes an RFID circuit, and the other part includes an antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for a scanning device to tell its user how to best orient the scanning device to scan a target location. The user approaches the target location and initiates a scan. The results of the scan are analyzed and compared to information about the target location. Based on the analysis, the user is told how to re-orient the scanning device, if that is necessary to achieve an acceptable re-scan of the target location. In a preferred embodiment, a screen on the scanning device presents a two-dimensional map based on the scan results and on the known relative locations of the target location and of nearby non-target locations. Locations on the map are highlighted to tell the user the results of the scan and to direct him to re-orient the scanning device if necessary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a range within a wireless communication system is provided herein. The range information can then be used to locate a node (e.g., an asset tag). During operation, the minimum transmission power of a source transceiver (e.g., an RFID reader) that enables a tag to be detected will be used to indicate distance. Changes in transmit power will be used to indicate relative changes in distance to a particular node. The reader will be configured to always operate at a transmission power that will result in a certain percentage (e.g., 50%) detection rate for a target transceiver (e.g., an RFID asset tag). As the reader moves closer to the tag, the minimum detection power will decrease; as it moves farther from the tag, the minimum detection power will increase. This information is displayed to give a general change in range information between the RFID reader and the asset tag (e.g., increasing range or decreasing range).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for facilitation of radio frequency (RF) communication between a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and RFID tags for a conveyer system. The RFID device is positioned in proximity of the conveyor system. At least one conductive surface is coupled to the RFID device. The conveyer system transports articles, at least one which has one or more associated RFID tags. The conveyer system is operated such that the articles are brought in contact with the at least one conductive surface. The RFID device, the at least one conductive surface and one or more of the associated RFID tags are capacitively coupled allowing RF signals to be communicated between RFID device and the one or more associated RFID tags. This enables data to be electronically read from the one or more associated RFID tags.

Abstract: A payload lifter/manipulator module includes a rotatable joint supporting spreader arms angularly spaced with respect to one another. A rigid arm is fixedly coupled to the joint and extends out therefrom to a tip. A tension arm has a first end and a second end with the first end being fixedly coupled to the tip of the rigid arm. The tension arm incorporates pivots along the length thereof. Each pivot can be engaged by or disengaged from the outboard end of a spreader arm based on a position of the spreader arm. A hoist, positioned remotely with respect to the module and coupled to the second end of the tension arm, controls the position of the spreader arms to thereby control the position of the rigid arm's tip. Payload lifter/manipulator assemblies can be constructed with one or more of the modules.

Abstract: A payload lifter/manipulator module includes a rotatable joint supporting spreader arms angularly spaced with respect to one another. A rigid arm is fixedly coupled to the joint and extends out therefrom to a tip. A tension arm has a first end and a second end with the first end being fixedly coupled to the tip of the rigid arm. The tension arm incorporates pivots along the length thereof. Each pivot can be engaged by or disengaged from the outboard end of a spreader arm based on a position of the spreader arm. A hoist, positioned remotely with respect to the module and coupled to the second end of the tension arm, controls the position of the spreader arms to thereby control the position of the rigid arm's tip. Payload lifter/manipulator assemblies can be constructed with one or more of the modules.

Abstract: An identifier of choice is correlated (102) with a predetermined task that potentially comprises a plurality of discrete human-enabled events. At least some of these discrete human-enabled events are then associated (104) with a corresponding capacitively-coupled radio frequency identification tag and the identifier then used (105) to monitor effectuation of the predetermined task. By one approach this monitoring comprises, at least in part, monitoring human-based task effectuation events via the capacitively-coupled radio frequency identification tags.

Abstract: A tray (201) comprises electrically conductive material and has at least one hand-graspable fixture (203). This hand-graspable fixture comprises an electrical conductor (301) disposed in a location that is likely to be operably interacted with by a human who grasps the hand-graspable fixture. A capacitively-coupled RFID tag is then disposed on the hand-graspable fixture with a first antenna plate (303) being electrically coupled to the tray and a second antenna plate (304) that electrically couples to the electrical conductor. A corresponding tray receiving compartment (400) has a front lip (401) over which the tray must pass and upon which the tray will rest when properly disposed within the tray receiving compartment. One or more capacitively-coupled RFID tag reader antennas (402) are disposed proximal to the front lip. These antennas may be positioned to facilitate reading the capacitively-coupled RFID tag when the tray is properly disposed within the tray receiving compartment.

Abstract: Merchandising and marketing data collection systems (100, 400, 500, 700, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500) collect data on shopper's (816) interaction with merchandise samples (106, 414, 1212, 1400, 1502), page store personnel, output promotional vouchers and use the merchandise samples to access information about the capabilities of the merchandise being sold.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electrically excited poster 100 is presented. In a preferred embodiment, the poster 100 comprises a plurality of embedded illumination circuits 104; and a hard-wired Display Code Storage Unit (DCSU) 106, wherein the hard-wired DCSU 106 outputs a display code that controls an illumination pattern that has been pre-determined for the embedded illumination circuits 104.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating radio frequency (RF) communication between a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and RFID tags is disclosed. The method may include associating one or more RFID tags to one or more containers that comprise a container volume, wherein the RF signal communication between the RFID device and one or more of the RFID tags is at least partially obstructed, and integrating at least one conductive surface into the container volume, wherein if the RFID device is coupled to at least one of the conductive surfaces and energized, the RFID device, the at least one conductive surface and one or more of the RFID tags are capacitively coupled allowing RF signals to be communicated between RFID device and the one or more RFID tags in the container volume without being obstructed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that facilitates radio frequency (RF) communication between a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and RFID tags for a conveyer system are disclosed. The method may include positioning an RFID device in proximity of the conveyor system, wherein at least one conductive surface is coupled to the RFID device, the conveyer system being configured to transport a plurality of articles with at least one or more of the plurality of articles having one or more associated RFID tags, and operating the conveyer system such that the plurality of articles are brought in contact with the at least one conductive surface, wherein the RFID device, the at least one conductive surface and the associated RFID tags are capacitively coupled allowing RF signals to be communicated between RFID device and the associated RFID tags and enabling data to be electronically read from the associated RFID tags.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-band, multi-mode RFID tag that uses a single antenna structure and integrated circuit to provide asset location information at any stage of a supply chain. The unified tag design operates at multiple frequencies (or bands) using the antenna structure, for example, 125 kHz, 13.56 MHz, 915 MHz, and 2.45 GHz, and preferably operates electrostatically (at lower frequencies) and electromagnetically (ay higher frequencies). An on-chip frequency monitor in the integrated circuit automatically determines which frequency is present and derives a local clock for the tag's integrated circuit, which can vary in accordance with the frequency or which can be constant. Alternatively, a phase locked loop circuit can be used to derive a local clock signal modulated into the interrogation signal. On-chip matching and power extraction circuits derive power for the tag from the interrogation signal, which is preferably passive.

Abstract: Merchandising and marketing data collection systems (100, 400, 500, 700, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500) collect data on shopper's (816) interaction with merchandise samples (106, 414, 1212, 1400, 1502), page store personnel, output promotional vouchers and use the merchandise samples to access information about the capabilities of the merchandise being sold.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification system comprising a radio reader circuit operable to emit a radio frequency carrier signal modulated with a subcarrier, which has a subcarrier modulation rate. The radio frequency identification tag circuit is operable to extract the subcarrier from the emitted radio frequency carrier signal and the extracted subcarrier then functions as a clock, which operates to assist in the transfer of a modulated backscattered signal to the radio frequency identification reader circuit. The radio frequency identification reader circuit decodes the modulated backscattered signal and the data encoded in the radio frequency identification tag circuit is obtained.

Abstract: A wet and dry towel dispenser contains and dispenses both dry towels and wet towels (also referred to as towelettes or wipes). The dispenser includes coaxially located compartments for containing the dry towels and wet towels, preferably in a nested arrangement to use space most efficiently within the dispenser. One preferred embodiment of the dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape and a removable cover on one end to allow the towels to be loaded into the respective compartments.

Abstract: A wet and dry towel dispenser contains and dispenses both dry towels and wet towels (also referred to as towelettes or wipes). The dispenser includes coaxially located compartments for containing the dry towels and wet towels, preferably in a nested arrangement to use space most efficiently within the dispenser. One preferred embodiment of the dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape and a removable cover on one end to allow the towels to be loaded into the respective compartments.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification system comprising a radio reader circuit operable to emit a radio frequency carrier signal modulated with a subcarrier, which has a subcarrier modulation rate. The radio frequency identification tag circuit is operable to extract the subcarrier from the emitted radio frequency carrier signal and the extracted subcarrier then functions as a clock, which operates to assist in the transfer of a modulated backscattered signal to the radio frequency identification reader circuit. The radio frequency identification reader circuit decodes the modulated backscattered signal and the data encoded in the radio frequency identification tag circuit is obtained.