Abstract: An RFID system has an active tag with one antenna inside, and one outside, an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. The RFID reader is located outside the enclosure and uses a selected RF read frequency range. The RFID tag simultaneously transmits on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, so that a respective beat frequency is defined between two of the frequencies. The beat frequency is within the selected RF uplink frequency range. The tag transmits a first signal at a first one of the plurality of frequencies using the interior antenna and a second signal at a second, different one of the plurality of frequencies using the exterior antenna.

Abstract: A method of measuring the times taken for carrying mail through a network of postal sorting machines between at least a mail departure point and a mail arrival point, which method comprises the following steps, a) using first dummy mailpieces to measure first mail carrying times taken to carry said first dummy mailpieces from the departure point to a certain postal sorting machine of the network; b) using real mailpieces to measure second mail carrying times taken to carry said real mailpieces from said certain sorting machine of the network to another postal sorting machine of the network; and c) using second dummy mailpieces to measure third mail carrying times taken to carry said second dummy mailpieces from said other postal sorting machine to the arrival point.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for servicing a self-service device (“SSD”) such as an ATM. The SSD may include a customer service module that may perform part of a transaction or provide a service in support of the transaction. For example, the customer service module may be a currency acceptor, a printer, EPROM or any other device or circuit that is present in the SSD. The SSD may include a component map that may be stored in machine readable memory. An element of the map may correspond to the component. The SSD may include a central processing unit that may revise the map based on input from a service technician or machine-generated information. The map may be used to track the presence of the component in the SSD.

Abstract: An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic access apparatus, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic access apparatus provides a wireless power signal and a wireless digital data signal to the electronic lock. The wireless power signal can be the only source of power used by the electronic lock to actuate an electronic lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism includes a piezoelectric latch.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the process method of transferring/linking/binding specimen tube label barcode information (such as unique accession number along with other useful laboratory information such as test code information, testing department, specimen temperature) using an RFID Specimen Transport Puck moving continuously on a continuously moving conveyor belt and an RFID Reader/Writer that writes the information onto the RFID chip on the RFID Specimen Transport Puck.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for managing various component information during component lifecycles. The information may be collected and made available starting with fabrication of a component and throughout various operations that the component may be a part of. A component may be associated with an identifier, such as a barcode or a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag, containing identifier information. The identifier information may be used to retrieve additional component information, such as fabrication information, assembly information, installation information, maintenance information, spare part number availability, ordering/expedite systems, digital geometry files, drawings, service history, interdependencies, warranty information, available upgrades or alerts, required regulatory actions or notices for presenting on a user interface of the reader. The component information may be available in the on-board memory of the reader and/or retrieved by the reader from a server.

Abstract: A system for transferring medical data includes a computer network upon which an electronic medical record of a patient is stored. A mobile computer presents a bar code on a graphical display. A medical device is communicatively connected to a bar code scanner and receives patient information and mobile computer information from the bar code scanner. The medical device further performs a medical test to generate test result data. The test result data is transmitted to the mobile computer based upon the received mobile computer information. A method of medical data transfer includes receiving a medical data transfer request. A bar code is scanned to input the patient information and mobile computer information into the medical device. A medical test is performed with the medical device to produce test result data that is transmitted to the mobile computer based upon the mobile computer information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assisting patients in the taking of medication, and to assisting third parties in accumulating information regarding patient medication intake. The invention may be embodied a system including a portable medication monitor used in association with an instrumented medication package to provide intake data acquisition and patient support functions. The system may further be connected to a computer or computer network allowing information distribution between the medication monitor and third parties, such as physicians or pharmacists.

Abstract: A wide area radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes: a first RFID cell and a second RFID cell. The first RFID cell and the second RFID cell each include a reader and tags. The readers access the tags using ultra-wide band signaling. The RFID cells each include: a communications interface operable to communicate with a network operations center, and a communications gateway which supports direct communications between RFID cells. The method includes accessing the second RFID cell from the first RFID cell, and the accessing is performed using the communications gateway that can cover a range of at least five hundred meters.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes locating a barcode applied to a part of a complex system. The barcode may encode links to respective system-related resources for the part, which may include software-based systems and/or electronic documents. At one or more instances during a lifecycle of the part, then, the method may include scanning the barcode, and decoding the links from the barcode. The method may include displaying the links in a graphical user interface, and affecting navigation of at least one of the links through the graphical user interface to access a respective at least one of the system-related resources for the respective part.

Abstract: There is provided a production management method for steel tubes and pipes produced through a plurality of production processes, including: a step of machining a matrix code, which encodes tube or pipe information, in a tube or pipe end by a laser beam so that the central angle of width of the matrix code in a circumferential direction of the tube or pipe is 30° or smaller; and a step of reading the matrix code automatically by using a linear sensor type camera, wherein through reading the matrix code, the production history is managed by identifying and recording the production information and quality information corresponding to each steel tube or pipe for each tube or pipe number, and the tube or pipe information is retrievable as necessary.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring progress of delivery of a patient-specific medication are disclosed. A patient/medication identification (ID) device is provided on a package containing the medication, the patient/medication ID device comprising medication/patient information indicative of the medication and the patient. At least one location ID device is provided at a location, the at least one location ID device comprising a unique location ID associated with the location. The medication/patient information and the patient/medication ID are read. Delivery progress information indicative of a last-known read location where at least one of the medication/patient ID information and the unique location identifier was read is generated. The delivery progress information is stored in a database. The delivery progress information is accessed from the database in response to the request. A delivery status of the medication is indicated to the user.

Abstract: This system can capture information about conditions or events that may have impacted goods which had been stored for shipment or warehousing. This may include time-of-departure, geo-position, in-transit temperature ranges and time the shipment may have been maintained outside required temperature levels. Information may also include motion or acceleration data which may correlate to driving incidents or mishaps. This information is harvested from sensors that are fixed inside the storage crates or shipping cases, captured wirelessly, analyzed and reported out through the internet to a secure server. Additional time and date stamped data is obtained from warehouse attendants, drivers or receiving personnel who can file photographic evidence of signed receipts, damaged goods or crushed crates to the same secure servers. This information can be made available before the goods are received. This data could suggest a particular shipment should be closely inspected.

Abstract: Joint pricing and replenishment of freshness inventory or products having different qualities determines the joint pricing and inventory strategies to optimize the retailer's benefits from product freshness, employing a dynamic programming formulation that incorporates a demand model that captures consumer choice based on both the freshness and price.

Abstract: Inspection data is accessed, the inspection data including data related to an object of inspection, the object data having been scanned from a machine-readable label that is associated with the object and that uniquely identifies the object. The inspection data further includes identification data that uniquely identifies an individual, and time data that identifies a time at which the individual scanned the machine-readable label. An inspection record that identifies the object, the individual, and the time is generated based on the accessed data, and a compliance report that includes the inspection record is generated.

Abstract: Cash demand for a cash dispensing device is forecasted for individual days, weeks and multi-day load periods. In one embodiment, an expected value of withdrawal for any particular period, as well as an upper limit on expected withdrawals for a given confidence level, are computed. The technique facilitates the creation of a daily and multi-day withdrawal forecast for a given ATM. The forecasts are also used to compute an optimum load amount for a given load period (the period between loading operations) for a given ATM, subject to given parameters (such as courier cost, interest rate, transit time, desired confidence level, cost of run-out, and the like) and given constraints (bundle size, maximum capacity, possible delivery days, and the like). The forecasts are also used to determine an optimal load period length and schedule.

Abstract: A system, which can make possible to record the management data of construction materials without separating said data from the construction materials themselves and to check those data at any time, is provided. For achieving the foresaid object, a system is constituted such that it comprising an IC tag 3 of the non-contacting type to be attached to a construction material 1, 4 and a reader-writer 10 for writing data to and read data from said IC tag 3, wherein at least the management data of said construction material is written to or red from said IC tag 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for tracking items of interest using one or more signal tags, configured to receive information and transmit information using a longwave frequency in the magnetic field. Additional components include one or more data entry devices; one or more tag readers; and one or more database components, configured to transmit information to and receive information from the one or more data entry devices and the one or more tag readers.

Abstract: A process management system uses a radio frequency identification (RFID) detection system in the form of, for example, a phased array antenna based RFID detection system to track and manage material storage and flow in a manufacturing process or plant. The process management system operates in conjunction with the various machines that implement manufacturing stages or steps of the manufacturing process to assure that the correct materials and processing procedures are used at or on the various production machines of the process to produce a particular product as defined by a job number or job order. The process management system is thereby able to increase the efficiencies of the plant and to increase the quality of the plant production by reducing or eliminating waste, manufacturing errors and shipping errors in the production facility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-component device Z to document processes R comprising at least one step wherein a device Y collects information from all components Cij used to make the product Di of an individual process step i, a device X calculates a hash code for each component Cij, a device W calculates a hash code Ji from all hash codes components used in process step i, and a device T provides the product Di with a mark MDi comprising a visual representation of the hash code Ji, and to the use of this process in control and documentation of product or service quality, logistics, or manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plurality of at least 1000 plant pots for use in cultivating plants. Each plant pot has a side wall and bottom which delimit an interior space for substrate which is open at the top, in which the bottom has a bottom side which is turned away from the interior space. Each plant pot is provided with a tag which has an optically readable code. The tag is arranged on the bottom side of the bottom, and the optically readable code is turned away from the bottom so that it can read from below when the plant pot is upright. The invention furthermore relates to an assembly with these plant pots as well as to a method for cultivating plants.

Abstract: Computer-based methods, computer readable media, and computer program products for offering upsell items to conferees accessing a conferencing platform utilizing, for example, an electronic communications device. Various aspects of the methods can include conducting one or more conferee-initiated primary transactions related to accessing the conferencing platform. The method then obtains data relating to the primary transaction, which data can include data representing the identity of the conferee and the subject matter of the primary transaction. The method then selects the upsell item as a result of or in response to the conferee-initiated primary transaction by, first, utilizing the data representing the identity of the conferee to obtain at least a second data element relating to the conferee.

Abstract: A detection unit positioned on a package includes a magnet, a first magnetic switch, a second magnetic switch, a processor, and a clock. The first magnetic switch outputs a first control signal or a second control signal according to magnetic flux density of the magnet. The second magnetic switch outputs a third control signal or a fourth control signal according to the magnetic flux density of the magnet. The first control signal is the same as the third control signal; the second control signal is the same as the fourth control signal. When the processor receives the first control signal and the third control signal at the same time, the processor reads a first real-time clock (RTC) signal from the clock. When the processor receives the second control signal and the fourth control signal at the same time, the processor reads a second RTC signal from the clock.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for applying two-dimensional codes are provided herein. The method includes: obtaining two-dimensional code data; resolving the two-dimensional code data to obtain an operation procedure specified in the two-dimensional code data; and using an application to execute the operation procedure specified in the two-dimensional code data. In the embodiments of the present invention, a local application of the terminal may be executed to perform the service procedure according to the action sequence specified in the two-dimensional code. In this way, users have a friendly service operation guide, the information fed back by the users is standardized, and the processing of the service platform is simplified.

Abstract: Methods and devices for enabling a user to obtain item information relating to an item (10), the item having associated therewith an item identification means (12) and an RFID response means (14) arranged to provide a predetermined response on being subjected to a currently applicable trigger signal; the method comprising steps of: establishing from the item identification means (12) item identification information; using the item identification information to determine from an item information source (30) a currently applicable trigger signal for the RFID response means (14); subjecting the RFID response means (14) to the currently applicable trigger signal; receiving a predetermined response from the RFID response means (14); and using the predetermined response to obtain item information from the item information source (30); wherein the RFID response means (14) is arranged to generate a new currently applicable trigger signal and a new predetermined response associated therewith following subjecting of th

Abstract: Devices and methods for tracking a print job using an assignable electronic device on a print service provider (PSP) production floor are provided. One such method includes scanning a barcode-enabled job ticket assigned to a print job using a mobile electronic device assigned to a location on a print service provider production floor and sending barcode data from the barcode-enabled job ticket from to a PSP controller. The mobile electronic device may receive workflow instructions associated with the print job from the PSP controller. In addition, the mobile electronic device may display a representation of the workflow instructions.

Abstract: A method of producing location information relating to articles (e.g. 9o) utilizes tag devices (10, 1112, • • •)• The method comprises the steps of: • the tag devices (e.g. I0), when in each other's proximity, exchanging identification data and storing the time and date of the exchange together with the identification data of the other tag device, and also storing data relating to previous exchanges, • the tag devices, when in the proximity of an information collection device (e.g. 2o), communicating the stored times and dates together with the stored identification data to an information collection device, • the information collection device (20) transmitting the times and dates and the identification data received from the tag devices to a central processing device (3), and • the central processing device (3) deriving location information from the times and dates and the identification data. Each tag device (e.g. 1o), during each encounter with another tag device (e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intrusion detection. The systems and methods may include receiving transaction information related to one or more current transactions between a client entity and a resource server, accessing a database storing a plurality of transaction groups, analyzing the received transaction information with respect to information related to at least one of the plurality of transaction groups, and based on said analyzing, determining a possibility of an occurrence of an intrusion act at the resource server. The transaction groups may be formed based on a plurality of past transactions between a plurality of client entities and the resource server. Identity information of a user associated with the one or more current transactions may also be received along with the transaction information. The user may be associated with at least one of the plurality of transaction groups.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles for automating the process of registering a product purchased by a consumer from a merchant in a purchase transaction. Product data including product identification data is obtained from a merchant electronic point of sale system as the consumer checks out. The product data is then automatically transmitted to a product registration system, such as via a consumer's mobile communication device having a product registration app. An auto-registration database is accessed to see if auto-registration is available for the product. If auto-registration is available for the product, then a request is made to the consumer to authorize auto-registration for the product. If the consumer accepts the auto-registration, then consumer data, such as the consumer name and contact information, is sent to the product registration system. The product registration system then creates a product registration record using the product data and the consumer data.

Abstract: A centrally tracked artificial currency is provided within the context of an enterprise. This currency serves as a unit of account, medium of exchange, and store of value in a corporate “attention economy.” Users (typically coworkers) in the enterprise are allotted a base number of currency units, which they can earn, exchange, and spend in a variety of ways to signal importance and “purchase” attention of others, or priority for other organization resources. In one aspect, senders of messages can specify an amount of currency to be associated with the message, so that recipients can see the specified amount before deciding whether to read the message. Once such a system is in use, it facilitates exchange of value based on user-created transactions regarding behavior, communication, resources, incentives, and priorities.

Abstract: Devices and methods for tracking the status of a print job using electronic devices on a print service provider (PSP) production floor are provided. One such method includes reading a radio frequency identification (RFID) code from an RFID badge assigned to, attached to, and traveling with a print job through production using an electronic device and sending an indication of the RFID code a PSP controller. In response, workflow instructions may be received from the PSP controller. The electronic device may display a representation of the workflow instructions and a user-selectable representation of job status information. When the representation of the job status information is selected, the electronic device may send an indication of the job status information to the print service provider controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a workpiece carrier with respect to a workstation can include a workpiece carrier movable relative to the workstation and having an encoder strip, at least one encoder reader located at the workstation for generating a signal in response to interaction with at least one encoder strip, and a drive engaging the workpiece carrier for moving the carrier relative to the workstation, the drive responsive to the signal from the encoder reader. A closed loop feedback control system can be provided for receiving the signal from the encoder reader, and for generating an output signal in response to the signal from the encoder reader in accordance with a program stored in memory.

Abstract: Methods for generating tracing information for gas cylinders are provided comprising a metal cylinder body manufactured from an unrefined metal piece, wherein such a method comprises the steps of equipping the metal piece with an individual marking, identifying, during at least one transformation or control step of the piece, an identification code of the piece by reading the individual marking and associating one or more process parameters of the transformation step or control results with the identification code, and storing the process parameters and the association with the identification code in a database. Systems for generating tracing information for gas cylinders are also provided.

Abstract: A method for managing drilling rods, drilling tools, well—tubing and the like for ground drilling, particularly for exploring deposits of fossil fuels or geothermal reservoirs. An electronic data processing system stores information regarding the inventory and the present storage location of parts to be inserted into the well, such as drilling rods, drilling pipes, lining tubing, intermediate parts, drill bits, and the like, with additional information being saved in the computing system regarding the installation position and/or installation sequence of all parts inserted into the well so that the computing system can indicate to a user when and from where which part shall be fed to the well hole—supply system and/or to what location which part shall be returned to for storage when it must be removed from the well, and/or the computing system controls an automatic storage, supply, and restorage device.

Abstract: A system and method for securing articles of commerce passing through points along a supply chain against theft, diversion, product overruns, counterfeiting and like unauthorized activity, capture authentication information and identification information associated with the articles with an interrogation device at one or more points in the supply chain. The articles may be authenticated from the captured authentication information as being authorized or unauthorized at each point, and may be identified from the captured identification information at each point. Transactional information about the article, e.g., authorized/unauthorized status and a time and place of the authentication, is reported to a brand manager/law enforcement.

Abstract: To expedite electronic delivery and return of a document, the document is sent to an electronic mail system and stored in an electronic form thereat. The recipient is informed that the document is available thereto at any of a plurality of merchants where the document may be retrieved. The recipient visits one of the plurality of merchants and at the visited merchant retrieves the document in the electronic form from the mail system to a computing device at the visited merchant. The recipient then reviews and executes the document at the visited merchant, and sends the executed document in an electronic form to the organization by way of the visited merchant and the computing device thereat.

Abstract: The invention concerns deployments of RFID antennas (105, 305), used for the tracking of running equipment used in hydrocarbon exploration and production. A diverter housing (101) is provided with an RFID antenna (105, 305) disposed proximal an upper end. Accordingly, the antenna will only detect an asset (323) as it is actually run, whilst being protected by virtue of residing underneath the drill floor but above the substructure. Once a riser has been run and the riser spider (401) is removed, the antenna remain in place allowing subsequent assets such as drill pipes or tubulars to be tracked. A tension ring is also provided with an RFID antenna disposed thereon, providing similar benefits. An associated asset tracking system and a tracking method are also provided which benefit from the above-mentioned advantages over known asset tracking systems and methods.

Abstract: A method of preventing fraud at a self-service terminal is described. The method comprises: receiving a signal from an electromagnetic sensor located in the vicinity of an electromagnetic signal transmitter; monitoring a drive signal being delivered to the electromagnetic signal transmitter; and comparing the drive signal with the electromagnetic sensor signal. The method then ascertains if a state of the electromagnetic sensor signal is inconsistent with a state of the drive signal; and triggers an alarm when the state of the electromagnetic sensor signal is inconsistent with a state of the drive signal.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for implementing such method, the method comprising establishing a card payment instrument account for an approved customer and an investment account for the benefit of the approved customer. A rebate is calculated periodically based on credit card usage and the rebate is applied to fund the investment account periodically. The rebate is the only funding of the investment account accomplished through the card payment instrument account.

Abstract: A method for card-reading anti-collision with automatic frequency hopping is provided, which is used for a system in which a card reader simultaneously reads a plurality of cards in radio frequency identification technologies. The method comprises: both the card reader and the cards to be read are configured to have an automatic frequency-sweep function and a function of hopping from a current channel to another channel, and to store access addresses and transaction addresses; when the card reader is in a frequency-hopping card-seeking state, it is in an n-channel frequency-hopping working state, in which, the access address of each channel is the same, and the card reader reads the cards by means of hopping frequencies in a sequence iteratively through n channels. When the card reader detects that two or more cards collide, the card reader sends a command of random frequency hopping, making all the conflicting cards to hop to other channels randomly and to wait to access those channels.

Abstract: Systems, software, and methods for improved monitoring and identification systems for items and units to be serviced and reported, such as seal tags and other information from items or units to be serviced.

Abstract: Provided are a terminal having a radio frequency identification (RFID) function and a method of processing information of the terminal for allowing intuitive interaction between a screen manipulation and an RFID manipulation with respect to using an RFID related service. The method of processing the information of the terminal including a screen and an RFID recognition unit, includes detecting a screen area corresponding to a position of the RFID recognition unit disposed at a predetermined position of the screen; displaying an RFID icon at a position of the detected screen area; recording information in an RFID tag based on the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon, and recognizing the information from the RFID tag the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon.

Abstract: A tracking system for food products includes labeled food product packages and labeled containers for transporting the labeled packages to harvest sites. A data-clearing center receives mobile phone communications from the harvest sites for uploading the container codes. Ancillary information collected from the mobile phone communications including the time, date, location, and phone identification is associated with the container codes for linking the labeled food product packages to details of their harvest.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for radio frequency identification provides a modulated illumination signal containing a sequence of bits configured to illuminate a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, The illumination signal is received at the RFID tag, rectified to generate a wake signal for waking a processor which is subsequently powered by a battery. The received illumination signal is sampled and subjected to a thresholding process. Mobile telephone band interference is countered by correlating the sampled illumination signal to determine its bit sequence and then correlating the bit sequence against a predetermined key. An identification signal from the RFID tag is sent in response to a match.

Abstract: A method of providing a service at a remote terminal including receiving information broadcast by a commercial radio station in a broadcast radio channel; discriminating an identifier of an application within the received broadcast information; initiating an authentication process for authenticating broadcast information received via the broadcast channel; and in response to a positive authentication, enabling use of information received via the broadcast radio channel by the identified application.

Abstract: A dual mode interrogation is carried out by sending narrow band radio frequency interrogation (RFID) signal for narrow band RFID communication units, the narrow band signal comprising substantially continuous periods, and by sending a high data rate RFID interrogation signal during the substantially continuous periods of the narrow band RFID signal so that two different types of RFID communication units are interrogated substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A reader and method for adjusting the transmission time of a continuous wave (CW), wherein the method comprises setting an initial value for a response waiting time, sending the CW to a tag after sending a command to the tag and waiting for a response from the tag, judging whether the response from the tag is received within the response waiting time. If the response from the tag is received within the response waiting time, then sending of the CW is stopped and the response waiting time is adjusted. If the response from the tag is still not received beyond the response waiting time, then sending of the CW is stopped. The time for the reader to wait for a response from the tag is far less than 20 ms. Consequently, a command failure can be found early, so as to improve the processing efficiency of an RFID system.

Abstract: RFID tags, ICs for RFID tags, and methods are provided. In some embodiments, an RFID tag includes a memory with multiple sections, and a processing block. The processing block may map one of these sections, or another of these sections, for purposes of responding to a first command from an RFID reader. As such, an RFID tag can operate according to the data stored in the section mapped at the time. In some embodiments, a tag can even transition from mapping one of the sections to mapping another of the sections. This can amount to the tag exhibiting alternative behaviors, and permits hiding data on the tag.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for use in generating a chain of custody (COC) record using different machine readable identification systems. Aspects of the presented inventions are directed to an identification device that incorporates a dual mode identification marking or tag that allows the device to be utilized by at least first and second identification systems that utilize differing identification modalities.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and apparatus that is able to authenticate and prevent illegal manufacturing and unauthorized operation of disposable bioprocess components. This invention utilizes a ferro-electric random access memory chip (FRAM) chip to store error-correctable information on a RFID tag attached to the disposable bioprocess components, where the error-correctable information is written in sequence into the memory chip, so that the redundant information can remain in the chip when the RFID tag and disposable bioprocess component is gamma-sterilized. Also, this invention includes a method for authenticating the disposable bioprocess component that reduces liability in that a counterfeit poor quality disposable component is not used on the hardware so the user will not file an unjustified complaint.