Particular Sensor Structure Patents (Class 235/439)
  • Publication number: 20130119132
    Abstract: When multiple readers for RF transponders have to be placed in close proximity, such as in adjacent lanes of a highway toll barrier, they can be set to operate at different frequencies. When signals from two adjacent ones of the readers interfere, the resulting signal includes interference terms whose frequencies equal the sum of the reader frequencies and the difference between the reader frequencies. To remove such interference terms while passing the desired terms, a reader includes a low-pass or other frequency-selective filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Robert TIERNAY
  • Publication number: 20130119135
    Abstract: There is described herein an active bidirectional tag for use in an RF signaling system for real-time and non-real time localization. The tag has a first antenna that operates at a first frequency and a second antenna that operates at a second frequency. The two antennas allow the tag to perform more than one function concurrently, and to provide different ranges of communication between the two antennas. The tag is low cost, low power, and multi-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: POLYVALOR, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Jules Gauthier, Anthony Ghiotto, Ke Wu
  • Publication number: 20130112747
    Abstract: The present application relates to a near field communications (NFC) reader which includes an amplifier that drives an antenna. Capacitors of fixed value are connected in series between differential outputs of the amplifier and inputs of the antenna and form a series resonant circuit with the impedance of the antenna. Variable capacitances are provided in series with the fixed value capacitors, and the capacitance of these variable capacitances can be adjusted to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the fixed value capacitors which cause a frequency offset between a desired resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit its actual resonant frequency, and to compensate for changes in the input impedance of the antenna that occur as the distance between the antenna of the reader and an antenna of an NFC tag changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Cambridge Silicon Radio Limited
    Inventor: Anthony L. McFarthing
  • Publication number: 20130105580
    Abstract: A method for storing or reading data in a memory array of a transponder and a corresponding transponder, read/write device and program element is described. Therein, a data structure for storing data within the memory array is defined by a predetermined protocol. The data structure comprises: a header data block including predefined header data; an application data block for storing application data; a memory control data block including a reservation indicator for indicating a reserved partial memory area of the memory array where, in accordance with the predetermined protocol, application data cannot be read or written by a protocol compliant reader device. The method for storing data comprises storing additional application data in the reserved partial memory area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: NXP B.V.
  • Patent number: 8432567
    Abstract: A label printer for handling labels with RFID tags includes one or more advantageous features such as locating an RF encoder unit antenna in position to read and/or write to label antennas after the label antennas have exited a label output slot of the printer, providing light elements to indicate status of a read and/or write operation to a label RFID tag or a voiding step to void labels when a read and/or write operation is unsuccessful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark E. Eberhardt, Jr., Nigel G. Mills, Randall L. Redman, Kinred Bowling
  • Publication number: 20130098996
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recognition of encoded information on documents are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a document reader configured to read encoded information from a document, and to output an electrical signal representative of the encoded information. The system also includes signal conditioning modules that are each configured to receive the electrical signal, and to condition the received electrical signal differently for outputting a plurality of conditioned electrical signals. Further, the system includes an information recognition module configured to analyze each of the conditioned electrical signals and to select one of the conditioned electrical signals for use in recognizing the encoded information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tuyen Bui, Sharon C. Freedman, Dean F. Herring, Duane S. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130099994
    Abstract: In an antenna apparatus, a first current is induced in a first booster conductor by a current flowing through a coil conductor of a power feed antenna, and the first current circulates along a circumference of the first booster conductor. A second current is induced in a second booster conductor by the current flowing through the coil conductor of the power feed antenna, and the second current circulates along a circumference of the second booster conductor. A third current is induced in the first booster conductor by the second current flowing through the second booster conductor, and the third current circulates along the circumference of the first booster conductor. Thus, the antenna apparatus is much less influenced by nearby metallic objects and a shape of an included radiation plate may be more freely determined without requiring a highly accurate positional relationship between the radiation plate and the coil conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130093568
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits are described. According to one embodiment, a radio frequency identification circuit includes an antenna network, including an antenna and an antenna interface coupled to the antenna, wherein the antenna interface includes first and second capacitors, which are coupled in series with the antenna. An integrated circuit includes a first pin and a second pin coupled respectively to a first node and a second node of the second capacitor and configured to operate as a reader and a tag in combination with the antenna network, and an amplifier embedded in the integrated circuit and configured to provide an output admittance determined by a ratio of current and voltage negative feedback signals such that a frequency response of the combined integrated circuit and antenna network is adjustable without increasing power consumption of the RFID when operating as a reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD.
    Inventor: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130093574
    Abstract: A communication device for managing a key necessary for secure near field communication includes an IC card function executing unit, a reader/writer function executing unit, a receiving unit, a determining unit, and a function execution controlling unit. The IC card function executing unit executes a function of an IC card. The reader/writer function executing unit executes a function of a reader/writer. The receiving unit receives a command. The determining unit determines whether the receiving command is intended for the IC card function or the reader/writer function. The function execution controlling unit controls the IC card function executing unit to execute the IC card function or the reader/writer function executing unit to execute the reader/writer function according to a result determined by the determining unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Sony Corporation
  • Patent number: 8418923
    Abstract: An non-contact reading device for reducing a loading effect connects with a host to sense a non-contact card. The non-contact reading device includes an antenna carrier board and an electromagnetic-wave absorption barrier. The antenna carrier board includes an antenna to receive a first analog signal from the non-contact card and send a second analog signal to the non-contact card. The electromagnetic-wave absorption barrier includes an electromagnetic-wave absorption material and an insulation board. The electromagnetic-wave absorption material is adapted to attach onto the antenna carrier board and absorbs the electromagnetic wave. The insulation board is attached to the electromagnetic-wave absorption material to cover on the antenna carrier board and maintain a magnetic-field interference at a fixed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Uniform Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Jason Hsieh, Chun-Wei Huang
  • Publication number: 20130087613
    Abstract: The present invention provides an identification information access device configured to read identification information stored in an RFID tag even if the RFID tag is located at a position at which identification information of the RFID tag has been difficult to read. An identification information access device includes: a first antenna unit configured to read identification information stored in an RFID IC tag included in a storage medium; a control device configured to be electrically connected to the first antenna unit and to drive the first antenna unit so as to acquire the identification information in accordance with an electromagnetic wave transmitted from the first antenna unit; and a second antenna unit configured to be independent from the first antenna unit, to be disposed at a position separated from the first antenna unit, and not to be electrically connected to the first antenna unit and to the control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Toshimi KOYAMA
  • Patent number: 8403218
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting data from an ultrasonic tag to an ultrasonic reader. The method comprises generating and transmitting an ultrasonic sound pressure wave, receiving the ultrasonic sound pressure wave at a first ultrasonic repeater, determining that the received ultrasonic sound pressure wave was not processed at the ultrasonic reader, retransmitting the ultrasonic sound pressure wave from the first ultrasonic repeater, and processing the retransmitted ultrasonic sound pressure wave at the ultrasonic reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy B. Austin, Mark W. Duron, Daniella N. Strat
  • Patent number: 8397997
    Abstract: A removable spindle for use in a thermal transfer printer houses dual RFID reader antennas that are used to read an RFID tag attached to the core of the print media. The information provided by the RFID tag enables the printer to self-calibrate based on the type of media loaded. The antenna design eliminates “null” areas at which the tag cannot be read, and enables the tag to be read around and across the entire length of the printer spindle. The design also allows the media holder to be easily removed from the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Ross, William D. Tischer, Robert F. Behlmer, Peter G. Scharpf
  • Publication number: 20130062413
    Abstract: A method of operating a reader system includes: providing a reader for reading information data carriers; an operator loading a configuration overlay onto the configuration settings of the reader upon successful logging, wherein the configuration overlay is specific to the operator; and reading information data carriers utilizing the configuration overlay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: James Nahill, John A. Furlong, David Wilz, Thomas Amundsen, Sarah Gloeckner, Mark Hernandez, Dwight Franz, Shane Michael Edmonds, John Beiler, James A. Cairns, Glenn Alan Cavanaugh
  • Publication number: 20130062409
    Abstract: An indicia reader system includes an indicia reader provided at a point of transaction; a controller for controlling power to the indicia reader; a detector for detecting a customer, item or shopping cart at the point of transaction and providing an indication signal to the controller of the presence of customer, item or shopping cart at the point of transaction; wherein the controller interrupts power to the indicia reader during a power save mode and resumes power to the indicia reader upon receiving the indication signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: James Nahill, David Wilz, Thomas Amundsen, Dwight Franz, Mark Hernandez, Shane Michael Edmonds, Sarah Gloeckner, John Beiler, Mark Meagher, James A. Cairns, Glenn Alan Cavanaugh
  • Patent number: 8387879
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic sensor for checking documents of value and an apparatus and a method, wherein there are used a magnetization device for magnetizing a document of value and the magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic signals of the document of value. The magnetic sensor has two sensor lines which have several magneto-sensitive elements with different main sensitivity directions which are oriented in particular perpendicular to each other. The first sensor line selectively detects first magnetic areas of the document of value of a first coercive field strength and the second sensor line selectively detects second magnetic areas of the document of value of a second coercive field strength. Since the differently coercive magnetic areas of the document of value are detected independently of each other, there can be ascertained reliably and independently of each other two magnetic codings from differently coercive magnetic areas, which are arranged on the same document of value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Schutzmann, Elisabeth Paul
  • Patent number: 8387872
    Abstract: A memory key and/or card reader, which can be fitted to an outer casing of a vending machine, and has a memory key and/or card electronic read circuit, in turn having an internal electric connector connectable to an external electric connector of a communication cable. The reader also has a housing housing the electronic read circuit; and a cable-clamping device which has a click-on fastening mechanism for fixing the cable clamping device firmly, but in easily removable manner, to the housing to maintain connection between the external connector and the internal connector, and a semicylindrical portion for housing an end portion of the communication cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: N&W Innovative Solutions S.r.l. con Unico Socio
    Inventor: Rinaldo Buffa
  • Publication number: 20130048734
    Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, a communication interface, and an EIR device, all communicatively coupled to a system bus. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and/or a card reading device. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to reading an encoded message by the EIR device, to produce a decoded message string by decoding the encoded message. The EIR terminal can be further configured to produce an output string by formatting the decoded message string according to one or more formatting commands. The formatting can comprise excluding from the output string a symbol of a specified encoding type according to a Discard Data formatting command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Bianconi, Bill Field, Matthew Pankow
  • Patent number: 8381979
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for incorporating primary components of an EAS system into hand-supportable and countertop-supportable bar code symbol reading systems having a housing with a light transmission window covered by an optically transparent faceplate having outer dimensions closely matched to the light transmission window. About the optically transparent faceplate, a faceplate bezel is mounted embodying a coil of electrically conductive wire having terminals connected to an electrical interface circuit, which is connected to a flexible EAS cable extending from the electrical interface circuit. The flexible EAS cable extends towards electrical drive circuitry associated with the EAS subsystem, for powering the coil during EAS tag deactivation operations controlled by the host computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight L. Franz
  • Patent number: 8381981
    Abstract: A lighting system is disclosed wherein each fixture in the lighting system includes a permanently attached radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Each fixture also includes either a matching hardwired identification chip or an RFID reader capable of reading the RFID tag. The tags can be used for commissioning the lighting system by reading the tags with a portable reader and assigning or removing fixtures from groups. The tags can also be used for other tasks requiring identification and tracking of specific fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Redwood Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Fowler, Mark Covaro
  • Publication number: 20130043308
    Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices for use in RFID-based sensors and related methods are described herein. In one implementation, an RFID sensor system includes an RFID device having a near field only RFID tag and a conductive element which functions as a far field antenna. The near field only RFID tag and the conductive element are located in at least a first position and a second position relative to each other; wherein in the first position, the RFID device only operates in a near field, and in the second position, the RFID device operates in both the near field and a far field. The system may also include an RFID reader and controller located within the far field to read the RFID device only when the components are located in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.
    Inventor: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130043309
    Abstract: An EIR terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, and a radio frequency identifier (RFID) reading device including an antenna having a composite right- and left-handed (CRLH) structure. The antenna can comprise one or more spatially separated conductive cell patches mounted on a dielectric substrate, a feed pad mounted on the dielectric substrate, one or more conductive feed lines connected to the feed pad, and one or more ground planes mounted on the dielectric substrate. One or more conductive feed lines can be spatially separated from one or more conductive cell patches. One or more conductive cell patches can be connected by one or more vias to one or more conductive via lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Huyu Qu, Chen Feng, Ynjiun Paul Wang
  • Patent number: 8380336
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the individual tracking of metallic hollow bodies, in particular hot-fabricated steel tubes, wherein following a final step of hot-work the individual tube is provided with a distinctive identification on the tube circumference, which is read in the feed region to the subsequent manufacturing or test stations automatically as a video image during transport and independently from the direction of transport. According to the invention, the labeling of the tube circumference is carried out in at least two segment-like sections, the tube circumference being divided, wherein the labeling is carried out in segments with a rotation of less than 360 DEG of the numbering unit and the segments comprise an axial offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which is greater than the width of the data matrix code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: V & M Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Van Well, Manfred Achterkamp, Michael Eichler
  • Patent number: 8376231
    Abstract: A payment item having a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)-line on its front is handled by generating, using visible light, a front image of the front of the payment item, generating, using infrared light, an infrared image of the front of the payment item or of a portion of the front of the payment item containing its MICR-line, and performing optical character recognition on the infrared image to identify data encoded in the MICR-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Document Capture Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jung-Chih Huang
  • Patent number: 8376230
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: SST Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Rock
  • Publication number: 20130037611
    Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Siva G. Narendra, Thomas N. Spitzer, Prabhakar Tadepalli
  • Publication number: 20130041524
    Abstract: A smart trailer RFID system includes a vehicle such as a trailer or cargo van having one or more RFID tag readers configured to acquire load-specific data from RFID tags attached to a load. The load-specific data is collected by a computer and conveyed wirelessly to a tow vehicle. Depending on the nature of the load, the load data can be used to control or change operation of the tow vehicle or be displayed to a vehicle operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Brey
  • Patent number: 8365998
    Abstract: A convertible barcode reader which includes different configurations for self-service operation and assisted-service operation. An example convertible barcode reader includes a first housing portion including a first barcode reader engine, a second housing portion including a second barcode reader engine, and a hinge for coupling the second housing portion to the first housing portion between the first and second barcode reader engines. The second housing portion is moveable between a first position for self-service operation and a second position for assisted service operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Dave L. Gregerson, Steven J. Hammer
  • Publication number: 20130020392
    Abstract: Systems and methods for data reading, which in one example configuration is directed to an automated optical code data reader in the form of a tunnel or portal scanner having an open architecture configured with front and rear inverted U-shaped arches, a plurality of cameras (some or most of which have multiple fields of view) in each of the arches for reading the top five sides of an item being passed by a conveyor through a read region formed by the arches, and a bottom reader including one or more cameras under the conveyor for reading a bottom side of the item through a gap in the conveyors as the item is passed over the gap. Also disclosed are specific imaging schemes for providing effective views of the items with a minimum number of cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Olmstead, Alan Shearin, Michael P. Svetal
  • Patent number: 8356749
    Abstract: An integrated scanner and scale is provided having a thin profile and incorporating imaging technology to scan and read optical codes. The scanner-scale is sufficiently thin to allow a cash drawer to fit beneath the scanner-scale in a check stand. Side imagers are positioned and configured to scan multiple sides of an item. The field of view (FOV) of each imager defines at least a portion of a scan volume, wherein scanning is nearest to optimal. One or more imagers can be positioned on the checker side and the customer side, such that an optical path (or a portion thereof) from the scan volume to the one or more imagers is positioned entirely above a platter of the scanner. Mirrors fold and direct the optical path to direct the FOV of a bottom imager such that the bottom imager is positioned sufficiently close to the platter to allow the scanner-scale to have a thin profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Olmstead, Benjamin K. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130009752
    Abstract: A system for recognizing the presence of a second portable data carrier by a first portable data carrier, wherein the data carriers have respectively a contactless interface with an antenna and an electronic circuit for storing and/or processing data. An RFID reading device supplies the data carriers with energy and for the respective communication of the data carriers with the reading device. In the first and the second data carrier there is respectively provided a further communication device, via which an additional, direct communication channel, independent of the field of the reading device, is made available between the first and the second data carrier, to thereby check the immediate presence of the second data carrier in the field of the reading device by the first data carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Klaus Finkenzeller, Gisela Meister
  • Publication number: 20130009755
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an antenna system, and more particularly, to an RFID antenna system capable of improving a tag recognition rate of a shelf antenna system by generating energy of electromagnetic waves on a shelf, and a method for controlling the same. An antenna system according to an embodiment includes a first antenna configured to operate in response to a first control signal, a second antenna configured to operate in response to a second control signal and receive information from an RFID tag, and a reader unit configured to generate the first or second control signal and obtain the RFID tag information received through the second antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Kuk HONG, Hyung Jun JEON
  • Patent number: 8351095
    Abstract: Image scan device, comprising a platen, and a carriage, the carriage comprising a scan head, and a support structure arranged to move the scan head with respect to the platen, wherein a resilient element is provided that is arranged to bias the scan head in the direction of the platen, and resilient element fully extends between the platen and the bottom of the carriage, as seen from a direction parallel to the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Edward A Hill, Kevin Bokelman, Glenn W Gaarder, Ryan Smith
  • Patent number: 8348163
    Abstract: An antenna device includes a first conductive plate, a second conductive plate, arranged in parallel with the first conductive plate, which has at least one slot formed thereon, a power feeding element located between the first and second conductive plates to feed power to the first conductive plate, and a shutter configured to be movable to close/open the slot of the second conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sadatoshi Oishi
  • Patent number: 8348162
    Abstract: A foreign substance detection device for a card reader includes an emitting module (1), a receiving module (2) and a control processing module (3). The emitting module (1) is embedded on a wall surface of a card reader insertion opening (101) for emitting detection waves to a detection area (103) in front of the card reader insertion opening (101). The receiving module (2) is embedded on the wall surface of the card reader insertion opening (101) for receiving the detection waves emitted by the emitted the emitting module (1). The control processing module (3) identifies whether the receiving module (2) receives the detection wave reflected by the foreign substance in the detection area (103), and determines whether the foreign substance exists in the detection area (103) according to the determination result. A card reader socket which includes a case (100) and the foreign substance detection device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dahai Xiao
  • Publication number: 20130001292
    Abstract: A method of archiving media includes replacement of non-RFID labels with RFID labels without the risk of misplacing media items or mislabeling the same. The method includes receiving a work order and a plurality of media items identified by the work order. Then, on a one-by-one basis, each media item is scanned, with a scanning device, such that information from a non-RFID label, e.g., a bar code label, attached to one of the media items can be delivered to a control device. The control device then creates, with an RFID label printer, a unique encoded RFID label corresponding to the non-RFID label scanned by the scanning device. The unique encoded RFID label can include a data field having a cart identifier to which the scanning device and the RFID label printer are attached and a serial number. An operator or machine then removes the non-RFID label and attaches the RFID label where the non-RFID label was previously located. The media item can then be archived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathan Poole
  • Publication number: 20120326844
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag event occurrence detection, generation, and monitoring. Related components, RFID readers, systems, and methods are also disclosed. The RFID tags are configured to sense an event(s) that occurred in the RFID tag or in proximity thereto. In response, the RFID tags are configured to set an event occurrence indicator(s) in a memory of the RFID tag indicating the occurrence of the sensed event(s). A RFID reader is configured to perform a query of a population of RFID tags in communication range to detect which RFID tags have a set event occurrence indicator(s), so a RFID reader can then specifically communiate with RFID tags that experienced an event(s) to request and service the event(s) type without having to perform those same operations for the entire RFID tag population. The RFID reader can be configured to take desired actions based on detection of events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent B. Blaignan, James Patrick Trice, Richard Edward Wagner, Dale Alan Webb, Matthew Scott Whiting
  • Patent number: 8340883
    Abstract: In order to be able to undertake a reliable prediction of a movement trajectory of an object moving in road traffic even for relatively long prediction periods, a method is proposed in which there is firstly determined (203) with the aid of an evaluation of a determined movement variable of the object a driving maneuver that is executed by the object. A model (2051; . . . ; 205N) of the movement of the object is then selected as a function of the determined driving maneuver, and the movement trajectory of the object is calculated with the aid of the selected model. There is also proposed an apparatus for predicting the movement trajectory of an object that is suitable for carrying out the method. The object can be both a motor vehicle and an object in the surroundings of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Maxim Arbitmann, Matthias Schorn, Rolf Isermann, Ulrich Stählin
  • Patent number: 8328096
    Abstract: A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase product displayed in a vending area and carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The customer exits the vending area through a security portal. The kiosk, a bill acceptor, and a computer monitor, either adjacent the portal or separated there from, enables the patron to complete a purchase transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The portal includes RFID reading antennas for detecting product being transferred through the portal. A security system responds to transfer of product through the portal without a patron completing a purchase transaction using the self-checkout station. The security system itself is also usable in conventional retail environments when an attendant is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Freedom Shopping, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Daily
  • Patent number: 8328103
    Abstract: A transponder circuit includes an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals and an extraction unit for extracting therefrom energy for the transponder circuit, a non volatile memory unit, a control logic unit that activates a received energy evaluation unit when a write operation is received. The evaluation unit is arranged directly at the antenna to provide the control logic unit with a signal representative of the status of energy available in the antenna indicating whether the available energy is greater than a minimum level for ensuring a proper write operation or not, wherein the control logic unit is arranged for performing, or not performing, the write operation. The evaluation unit includes a resistive divider including a set of resistors or a programmable current source and rectifier means on each connector of the antenna for simulating a write operation in the memory and energy recoverable by the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin S.A.
    Inventor: Christian Lamothe
  • Publication number: 20120305647
    Abstract: A device for identifying a metal substrate present in a strongly metallic environment that may also be dusty. The device includes a passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) label, a label carrier suitable for being attached to the metal substrate and to position the label at a distance therefrom, and a RFID reader having an antenna that includes, as an induction loop, two sections of a coaxial cable having a substantially identical length and each including a metal core and a metal pleat surrounding the core, the two sections being linked together, on the one hand, at one end thereof by connecting the core of one to the pleat of the other and conversely and, on the other hand, at the other end thereof by connecting only the pleats together, the cores thereof being separated at said other end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Noël Lantheaume, Jean-Jacques Marchal
  • Publication number: 20120305649
    Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory an EIR device, and a wireless communication. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and/or a card reading device. The wireless communication interface can comprise a first logical communication interface operating on a first frequency channel and a second logical communication interface operating on a second frequency channel. The wireless communication interface can be configured to transmit infrastructure mode beacons. The infrastructure mode beacons can include a service set identifier. The wireless communication interface can be further configured to transmit ad-hoc mode beacons on the second frequency channel. The ad-hoc mode beacons can include an identifier of a mesh path selection protocol. The EIR terminal can be further configured to route MAC frames between the first logical communication interface and the second logical communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Huyu Qu, Ynjiun P. Wang
  • Publication number: 20120305648
    Abstract: A hybrid terminal device includes a payment card reader and smart phone and is configured to facilitate financial transactions. The hybrid terminal device is configured to secure the payment card reader, such as from bugging devices, etc. The payment card reader may be secured by a portion of a body of the hybrid terminal device configured to block access to a card slot of the payment card reader when in a closed position. The payment card reader may be secured by a security screen enclosing all or part of the card reader, which includes tamper detection systems, such as traces and blind switches. The payment card reader includes a module configured to detect tamping with the card reader, for example by detecting shorting or breaking of traces or triggering of blind switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: LIQUID PAYMENT SOLUTIONS PTE LTD
    Inventors: Sanjay Sondhi, Robert Todd Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20120299705
    Abstract: One feature of the present invention is a product management system that includes a package body for packing a product attached with an ID tag, and a reader/writer. The ID tag includes a thin film integrated circuit portion and an antenna, the package body includes a resonance circuit portion having an antenna coil and a capacitor, and the resonance circuit portion can communicate with the reader/writer and the ID tag. Accordingly, the stability of communication between an ID tag attached to a product and an R/W can be secured, and management of products can be conducted simply and efficiently, even if a product is packed by a package body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki ARAI, Mai AKIBA, Yuko TACHIMURA, Yohei KANNO
  • Patent number: 8317102
    Abstract: A multi-mode ring scanner (MMRS) has a ring unit for wearing on a finger. The MMRS optionally has a wrist unit coupled to the ring unit, such as via a cable. The MMRS optionally communicates wirelessly with a computing device. The ring unit has one or more scanners (such as an optical scanner or an RFID tag reader). The ring unit optionally has two paddle switches for activation by inward pressure from fingers adjacent to the finger. The two switches enable specifying operation of the MMRS in a plurality of modes and/or to communicate a plurality of information codes to the computing device. The computing device is optionally enabled to assign a function to each combination of activation of the two switches. A scanning system including the MMRS optionally provides feedback to a user based on feedback from a host processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Socket Mobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert John Miller, Allan Leafblad, Thomas J. Newman, Leonard Ott, John E. Brandon, Charles E. Ader, Timothy Miller
  • Patent number: 8317101
    Abstract: A produce data collector which collects internal produce information. The produce data collector includes a sonograph for directing acoustic energy in the form of sound waves into a produce item, for receiving return sound waves from the produce item, for converting the return sound waves into electrical signals, and for sending the electrical signals to a computer that identifies the produce item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Christopher Herwig
  • Publication number: 20120292393
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to devices, methods and systems for managing access to a memory card, such as a smart card, by a plurality of accessing devices. Certain embodiments relate to a smart card reader (SCR) for managing concurrent access to a smart card by a plurality of accessing devices, the SCR comprising: a processor; a channel manager responsive to the processor for interfacing with the smart card; a communication interface responsive to the channel manager for communicating with the plurality of accessing devices; and wherein, when a session is open on a first channel between a first accessing device and the smart card and the channel manager is configured to issue an open channel command to the smart card to cause the smart card to open a second channel between the smart card and the second accessing device in response to the session request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Neil P. Adams, Michael E. McCallum
  • Patent number: 8313027
    Abstract: A card reader may include a card insertion port, a card feeding passage along which a card is carried, a card surface abutting member such as a shutter member capable of abutting with a surface of the card, an abutting member sensor for detecting a position of the shutter member, a card insertion detection mechanism, and a control section for discriminating whether the card is a special shaped card or not on a basis of detection results of the abutting member sensor and the card insertion detection mechanism. A control method may include a shutter opening step, a feeding and stop step in which the card is carried by a first feeding distance in a taking-in direction and stopped, a shutter closing step in which the shutter member is moved in a direction for closing the card feeding passage, and a discrimination step in which the card is discriminated whether the card is a special shaped card or not on the basis of a detection result by the open-and-close sensor after the shutter closing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Ishikawa, Yasuhiro Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 8313028
    Abstract: A multiple antenna reading system suitable for use with contactless transaction devices, the system including at least one reader, at least first and second antennas having at least some inductive coupling therebetween and being coupled to the at least one reader and antenna function disabling circuitry automatically operative upon activation of at least a first one of the at least first and second antennas to disable antenna function of at least a second one of the at least first and second antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: On Track Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Nehemya Itay, Ronnie Gilboa, Oded Bashan
  • Publication number: 20120286044
    Abstract: A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: MEI, INC.
    Inventors: Evan J. Cost, Peter Bullard, Robert Martin