Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing a network connection in a portable terminal. The apparatus includes a controller, an image acquisition unit, and a code image analyzer. The controller establishes a network connection with a peripheral terminal using network information acquired through a code image. The image acquisition unit captures the code image generated by the peripheral terminal. The code image analyzer analyzes the code image acquired by the image acquisition unit and acquires the network information of the peripheral terminal. The code image includes at least any one of network information of the peripheral terminal, code image generation information, and information on an automatic execution program to be automatically executed after code image recognition.

Abstract: A biometric scanner comprising a fingerprint module, a first plurality of fingerprint sensors, and a sensor circuit within the fingerprint module. The first plurality of fingerprint sensors is ergonomically positioned on the fingerprint module to accommodate a second plurality of fingertips of a human hand. The sensor circuit is coupled to the first plurality of fingerprint sensors wherein fingerprints of the second plurality are captured simultaneously by the sensor circuit. A biometric scanner system and a method of manufacturing a biometric scanner are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system supply energy to at least one mobile component in a wireless communications system, in particular to RFID tags of an RFID system. In the method for supplying energy to at least one mobile component in a wireless communications system with two or more base stations, coherent electromagnetic waves are transmitted by at least two of the base stations. In the system of base stations of a wireless communications system, at least two of the base stations are designed for transmitting coherent electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: An electronic communication device includes an antenna configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and generate a differential current signal at a first tag pin and a second tag pin. A first variable resistor is coupled to the first tag pin and a second variable resistor is coupled to the second tag pin. A mixer circuit is coupled across the first variable resistor and the second variable resistor and is configured to generate an output voltage. The output voltage is used for RF signal detection at all RF signal levels.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the invention relates to systems and methods for detecting the orientation of sample carriers using two or more RFID tags. One or two dimensional matrix of equally spaced RFID reader antennas may be positioned beneath or within an area on which racks are placed. The first RFID tag defines the origin of the sample carrier and its geometry. The second and additional RFID tags define the orientations of the sample carrier relative to the matrix of the RFID reader antennas. At least two of the tag antennas on the rack align uniquely with two antennas on the reader matrix. The system energizes each reader antenna and associates the RFID tags aligned with them to the RFID reader antenna's physical position.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus configured for use with one or more directional antennas. The one or more directional antennas each have a respective directional axis, a first sensitivity region being proximal to the directional axis and associated with a first variation in sensitivity across the first region, and a second sensitivity region being distal to the directional axis and associated with a second variation in sensitivity across the second region. The second variation in sensitivity is greater than the first variation in sensitivity. The apparatus is configured to discriminate one source of radio frequency identification signalling at a particular angular position from other neighbouring sources of radio frequency identification signalling by using the alignment of one or more second sensitivity regions with respect to the particular angular position.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to systems and methods for detecting the orientation of sample carriers using two or more RFID tags. One or two dimensional matrix of equally spaced RFID reader antennas may be positioned beneath or within an area on which racks are placed. The first RFID tag defines the origin of the sample carrier and its geometry. The second and additional RFID tags define the orientations of the sample carrier relative to the matrix of the RFID reader antennas. At least two of the tag antennas on the rack align uniquely with two antennas on the reader matrix. The system energizes each reader antenna and associates the RFID tags aligned with them to the RFID reader antenna's physical position.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system. A described system includes a set of at least two biocompatible and ultrasound-differentiable micro-objects suitable for implantation in a vertebrate subject. Each micro-object of the set of micro-objects while implanted respectively returning an echo response to an applied ultrasound energy having a machine recognizable feature differentiating the micro-object over each other micro-object of the set of micro-objects (hereafter “set of micro-objects”). The system includes a conversion table correlating each digit of the conversion table base system with a respective machine recognizable feature in an echo response to an ultrasound energy applied to a micro-object of the set of micro-objects. In an embodiment, the system includes a packaging material carrying the set of micro-objects and the conversion table.

Abstract: A wireless radio frequency identification receiving facility having antenna net includes a receiving apparatus with receiving spaces for receiving objects, a leaking-waved antenna net unit, and a first antenna. The leaking-waved antenna net unit includes an inner main antenna and extension antennas extended to the regions adjacent to the receiving spaces. The first antenna receives the detecting signal from a reader unit and generates a current. The EM wave is generated while the current flows through the leaking-waved antenna net unit, and is transmitted along extension antennas. The radio frequency identification electronic tags on the objects are triggered by the electromagnetic field built up by the EM wave, and information of all objects in the receiving apparatus is read at one time, so that the checking time is greatly reduced and the possibility of lost and position mistake of object can be excluded.

Abstract: A system obtains and transmits and stores information, including location information of an article associated with a chip. The system may contain at least: an article intimately associated with an electromagnetically interrogatable chip; a hand-held information receiving and transmitting device that can interrogate the chip, the hand-held information receiving and transmitting device comprising an RFID and/or NFC reader to electromagnetically interrogate the chip; the chip containing communicable information relating to the article; a distal server in wireless two-way communication with the hand-held information receiving and transmitting device, the distal server capable of receiving, storing and transmitting information from the chip transmitted through the hand-held device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently communicating information to/from an RFID reader are provided. According to one embodiment, a command is received by a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) reader from a handheld computer via an audio connection of the handheld computer. Responsive to the command, a tag scanning process is initiated by the RFID reader to cause all RFID tags within range of the RFID reader to communicate their unique IDs to the RFID reader. A unique ID of an RFID tag is received by an RFID transceiver of the RFID reader. Responsive to receipt of the unique ID, the RFID reader: (i) assigns a short tag ID to the RFID tag and creates an entry in a table having stored therein the short tag ID and the unique ID; and (ii) reports detection of the RFID tag by transmitting to the handheld computer the short tag ID and the unique ID.

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a resistive-element-including RFIC and an antenna coil. The resistive-element-including RFIC includes an RFIC, a capacitive element, and resistive elements. The resistive elements and a portion of a circuit in the RFIC define a variable impedance circuit. The RFIC controls the impedance of a resistive circuit added to an antenna circuit in accordance with certain IO terminals set as output ports or input ports, thus obtaining a Q value of the antenna circuit in accordance with a communication speed.

Abstract: A portable encoded information reading (EIR) terminal for incorporation in a data collection system can comprise a terminal module communicatively coupled to a wireless interface module via a wired interface. The terminal module can include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and an encoded information reading (EIR) device. The wireless interface module can include a microcontroller, a memory, and at least one wireless communication interface. The wireless interface module can establish one or more wireless links with one or more peer EIR terminals, to join a wireless network which is collectively formed by the peer EIR terminals. The wireless interface module can receive or transmit beacons containing at least an identifier of a path selection protocol which is used for unicast, multicast and broadcast frame transmission within the wireless network.

Abstract: An NFC device according to the present invention includes the following units. An antenna unit receives radio waves from a reader/writer by NFC. A first power source unit generates power from the radio waves. A second power source unit is a drive power source. A power-supply state holding unit holds information indicating a power-supply state of the second power source unit. An NFC unit performs NFC via the antenna unit to transmit the information indicating the power-supply state of the second power source unit. A power source switch unit switches the second power source unit to the first power source unit according to the power-supply state of the second power source unit, in order to supply power to activate at least the NFC unit and the power-supply state holding unit.

Abstract: A high-frequency device includes an antenna coil, a variable capacitance element, and an RFIC. The variable capacitance element is configured by capacitor units in each of which a ferroelectric film is sandwiched between capacitor electrodes, and a capacitance value changes according to a control voltage applied between the capacitor electrodes. A control voltage application circuit configured by a plurality of resistance elements of different resistance values, and a resistance element of the variable capacitance element unit configured to apply a control voltage to the variable capacitance element are arranged in a layered manner above the capacitor unit. Thus, a variable capacitance element and a high-frequency device that includes a control voltage application circuit eliminating problems such as distortion due to active elements and growing IC size along with complication of circuit architecture, and ensuring reliability on impact due to falling or the like, are provided.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) assembly includes an RFID reader/writer having a first micro-USB (Universal-Serial-Bus) connector and a mobile phone having a second micro-USB connector configured to electrically connect to the first micro-USB connector. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the RFID reader/writer includes a circuit board having a first processor and a first USB controller, and an antenna board stacked on the circuit board, wherein the first USB controller electrically connects the first processor and the first micro-USB connector, and the antenna board includes a reverse F-shaped antenna. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mobile phone includes a second processor, and a second USB controller electrically connecting the second processor and the second micro-USB connector.

Abstract: A RFID tag or label comprises a RFID tag module (comprising an electronic identification circuit and a coupling means) and an antenna structure coupled to the coupling means. The RFID tag module is separate from, separable or arranged to be severable from, the antenna structure. The tag module can be placed in or on an object and the antenna structure in or on packaging material for use with the object. A patch antenna type RFID tag antenna structure has a ground plane spaced from the patch antenna so as to increase the range of the tag. The ground plane is not substantially larger than, and electrically insulated from, the patch antenna. The ground plane is flexible, so the RFID tag structure can be worn by a human, and can be incorporated into a piece of clothing. A RFID antenna structure for use with a tag reader is made flat and robust so that it can be mounted on the ground to be walked upon or driven over.

Abstract: A POS-based checkout/scale system having (i) a bar code symbol reading subsystem for reading bar code symbols on products being purchased at a retail POS station, and (ii) a produce weigh scale having a weigh scale assembly for weighing one or more produce items on a weigh platter during produce weighing operations carried out at the time of checkout at said retail POS station. The system also includes an automatic produce weighing interference detection subsystem, supporting an IR-based light curtain about the weigh platter, automatically detects when any object is overhanging the weigh platter during produce weighing operations, and generates an alert signal when such conditions are automatically detected.

Abstract: A code that stores a history of what has been done to it and where it has been. The history can be stored in a local memory. The code can be changed based on that history.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) transmission circuit includes an antenna connection terminal, a plurality of amplifiers connected to the antenna connection terminal in parallel, a plurality of drivers for driving the plurality of amplifiers, and a control circuit configured to control operation of the plurality of drivers based on information indicating a characteristic of a RF signal to be transmitted through the antenna connection terminal.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a protection mechanism, a first circuit board having a first electronic loop, and a second circuit board having a second electronic loop. The protection mechanism is disposed between the first circuit board and the second circuit board, and includes a frame and a first flexible board. The first flexible board includes a first connector, and a first wire mesh used for forming a third electronic loop. When trace breaking occurs to any one, any two, or all of the electronic loops, the first, the second, and the third electronic loops are forced to break, thereby protecting data saved in the electronic device from being read inappropriately, so as to avoid data to be stolen.

Abstract: A card reader device using a mobile and the method thereof is introduced. The mobile is adopted to supply electric power through audio output jack, and to transmit card data applied from the card reader device via microphone input jack. The card reader unit is connected to the audio jack of the mobile, and offers card data read by the card reader units via microphone input of the mobile. The card reader device comprises a contact type card reader unit to read cards with magnetic strips, and a contactless type card reader unit for contactless smart cards. The card reader device of the present invention enables and simplifies card transaction through mobile devices, and the reader is combinable with any mobiles with audio jack only.

Abstract: A wireless laser detection system for use in a military training environment and method of implementing the same are described. The wireless laser detection system includes at least one laser detector module characterized by a sensor, a decoder, and a network adapter. The laser detection system also includes a control module and a status indicator. The sensor detects an information bearing laser signal and communicates it to the decoder. The decoder extracts event data from the laser signal and sends it to the network adapter. The network adapter wirelessly transmits the event data over a personal area network to the control module. The control module processes the event data and stores it in a memory. The control module also optionally downloads the stored event data to an external device.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor electrically coupled to a system/data bus, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, an EIR device, a multi-band antenna, and a wireless communication interface. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, or a card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to output raw message data containing an encoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can comprise a radio frequency (RF) front end electrically coupled to the multi-band antenna. The RF front end can comprise a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) filter array including one or more band-pass filter. Each band-pass filter of the MEMS filter array can be electrically coupled to a bias voltage source or an oscillating signal source.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided. The case includes a battery, an interface to receive electrical power from an external power source, a payment device reader, a product information input device, and a computer processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions. The computer processor executes the instructions to conduct communications with the electronic device, limit an amount of current of the received electrical power consumed by the case, allocate the amount of current among the battery and the electronic device based on the communications, read product information from a product using the product information input device, and read a payment device using the payment device reader, where the payment device is used to pay for the product.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided. The case can include a front shell attachable to a back shell, a flexible insert disposed between the front shell and the back shell and configured to at least partially surround an electronic device when installed in the case, a payment device reader attached to the case and configured to be electrically connected to the electronic device, a product information input device attached to the case and configured to be electrically connected to the electronic device, and a battery configured to be electrically connected to the electronic device. The case can also include a rotatable mount that is removably attachable to an outer surface of the case and a hand strap attached to the rotatable mount.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods thereof to administer and manage a base unit for a handheld medical device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a base unit of the invention is in communication with a handheld medical device. The base unit is configured to provide an electrical connection to a power source to charge a battery of the handheld medical device. The base unit is also configured to perform an update to the operation of the base unit, wherein the update is initiated by the base unit upon receiving from the handheld medical device a data stream with information indicating that an update is contained in the data stream.

Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) device includes an active RFID tag that includes a power source and a passive RFID tag reader, the passive RFID tag reader electrically coupled to the power source of the active RFID tag.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: a memory that stores a program including a procedure; and a processor that executes the program, the procedure including: acquiring an image including a plurality of pixels, and changing luminance of the pixel that is included in either a high luminance part of a barcode region or a low luminance part the barcode region, the barcode region being set on the image, based on a luminance difference between the high luminance part and the low luminance part.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for detecting skimming devices are provided. The present disclosure provides for a card reader assembly including a face plate having a slot for receiving a card in a direction of entry into the slot; an array of infrared proximity detectors disposed on the face plate; and a controller configured to selectively activate the array of infrared proximity detectors to determine if an object, for example, a skimming device, is placed over the slot of the face plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data encoding and optical recognition of encoded data includes generating symbols that represent data using angles (rather than linear dimensions as used for conventional bar codes). One embodiment uses spirals isocurves. Another uses parabolas isocurves. Methods for visually depicting such symbols, including symbols having gray values are disclosed. Methods for machine-based detection and decoding of such symbols regardless of their orientation relative to the machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of tagging an article is disclosed. Data that identifies the article is encoded into at least one stress value. A stress region having a stress that corresponds to the at least one stress value is created in a surface of the article to the tag the article. The at least one stress value is read by a measurement device to read the data and identify the article.

Abstract: A method of tagging an article is disclosed. Data that identifies the article is encoded into at least one stress value. A stress region having a stress that corresponds to the at least one stress value is created in a surface of the article to the tag the article. The at least one stress value is read by a measurement device to read the data and identify the article.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a specific RFID tag includes RFID reader circuitry, such as within an RFID reader, configured for sending and receiving RF signals to detect RFID tags and for obtaining signal parameter information associated with the RFID tags. Processing circuitry is configured for using the signal parameter information for one or more tags of the RFID tags and calculating a tag score for the one or more RFID tags. The processing circuitry is further configured for determining a specific RFID tag using the tag scores for the one or more RFID tags.

Abstract: A method and system for locationing of a mobile device (100) within an environment includes light sources (116) disposed within the environment and modified to provide a plurality of unique identity patterns (202) associated with particular locations within the environment. A camera (106) and image processor (102) of the mobile device can obtain images of a modified light source (200) and recognize the unique identity patterns in the image and a horizontal and vertical angle of a position of the light source in the image from a center position. An accelerometer (300) can capture the gravity vectors of the camera. A locationing engine (102, 130) can determine a location of the mobile device using the unique optical pattern, gravity vectors, and the horizontal and vertical angles.

Abstract: A display unit comprising a plurality of display modules arranged in a row and having an upper display section and a lower display section. One of the display modules includes an interactive Kiosk, and a second of the display modules includes at least one computer controlled card reading video station. A consumer may pass a coded paint color sample card past a code reader in the video station and is thereafter presented with a display of a color present on the sample card followed by a selectable sequence of video display screens, which may comprise part of a color selection application program.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification automatic detecting system with an antenna net includes a radio frequency identification module, an enhancing surface wave-guide coaxial cable structure including a coaxial cable having at least one aperture region without an outer conducting layer, a receiving apparatus having a plurality of receiving spaces and a plurality of extension wires disposed adjacent to the receiving spaces and coupled or connected to the outer conducting layer of the coaxial cable. The electromagnetic field is formed in nearby regions adjacent to the receiving spaces because the electromagnetic wave caused by the current generated from the radio frequency identification module is transmitted by the outer conducting layer and extension wires. The radio frequency identification electronic tag on the object is triggered automatically when the object is moved toward or moved out from the respective receiving space such that the automatic detecting effect is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to an RFID reading tunnel for identifying objects by means of RFID having a screen for electromagnetic radiation which forms the tunnel and has side walls and a cover part, a cover device or conveying device for the object in or through the tunnel and at least one RFID reader having at least one RFID antenna. To provide an improved RFID reading tunnel which is less expensive and can be installed more easily, it is proposed that the screen is formed by modules which can be variably and releasably connected to one another and that the modules are selected from a kit of predefined modules.

Abstract: A controlled area containing items associated with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags is monitored with an RFID tag reader having a phased antenna array for generating a multitude of beams to interrogate the tags in the controlled area, and with a controller for collecting data from the interrogated tags, for automatically configuring the beams based on the collected data, and for processing the configured beams to optimize the monitoring of the controlled area.

Abstract: A laser scanning module employing a laser scanning assembly mounted within a module housing using a mechanism that allows the laser scanning assembly to be rotated to an angular position within the engine housing so that light collection, beam folding and light collection mirrors in the module housing are optically aligned. A PC board is mounted on a side of the housing and has a configuration of elongated apertures of open-ended and/or closed geometry, arranged in a non-parallel manner. An electromagnetic coil structure, associated with the laser scanning assembly, has a linear array of electrically-conductive pins that project through the configuration of elongated holes, at locations along the elongated holes that are determined by the angular rotation of the laser scanning assembly attained during optical alignment conditions during manufacture.

Abstract: A system in one embodiment is operative to attempt to decode decodable indicia. The system can include an imaging assembly and a display. The display can be operative to display image data output utilizing the imaging assembly.

Abstract: A liquid crystal panel includes an iris unit for limiting the incident range of light from an object to be shot, and a filter unit for assigning a exposure energy distribution varying with the position to incident light whose incident range is limited by the iris unit. The control unit controls the ON time and the OFF time of each pixel of the liquid crystal panel, and then a low pass filter operation on the captured image as an image processing can be optically replaced.

Abstract: A point-of-service device includes a point-of-service display, a first reading sensor, and a second reading sensor. The point-of-service display includes a modular slot. The first reading sensor includes a first modular plug matching the modular slot. The second reading sensor includes a second modular plug matching the modular slot. Moreover, either the first modular plug or the second modular plug is allowed to be inserted into the modular slot at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying an RFID component with energy includes an antenna and an energy store. The energy store stores energy induced into the antenna by an alternating electromagnetic field during a first time interval. In addition, the energy store supplies the RFID component with stored energy in order to maintain its functionality during a later, second time interval if an energy induced by an alternating electromagnetic field during the later, second time interval is not sufficient for supplying the RFID component.

Abstract: A card reader device has a card entrance for receiving a card, such as an ATM card, a card enclosure in registration with the card entrance and defining an area in which the card is read, and a shutter for controlling access to the card enclosure from the card entrance. The card reader device also has a read head located in the card entrance for reading data from the card, and a controller for controlling the operation of the card reader device. The controller is operable to: (i) open the shutter in response to reading data from the card, and (ii) disable the read head when the shutter is opened.

Abstract: An NFC tag includes a storage unit that stores instructions including two or more functions received from an NFC writer or an input device, and a data exchange unit that transfers the instructions to an NFC reader. A smart device includes an NFC writer configured to input instructions including two or more functions into an NFC tag and an NFC reader configured to receive the instructions from the NFC tag. A method for inputting instructions into an NFC tag using a smart device.

Abstract: A test device for a magnetic stripe decoder chip includes a signal generator, a chip slot, a signal conversion circuit and a control unit. The signal generator sequentially outputs a plurality of test waveform signals. The signal conversion circuit includes at least one transformer, the transformer is used for converting the test waveform signals into a plurality of false track signals, and correspondingly outputting the false track signals to one of track signal receiving ends of the magnetic stripe decoder chip. The control unit receives at least one decoding string generated respectively by decoding the false track signals through the magnetic stripe decoder chip, and compares the at least one decoding string with a test string represented by the basic track signal, thereby determining a decoding function of the magnetic stripe decoder chip.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a workstation having a first workstation window located in a generally horizontal plane and a second workstation window located in a generally upright plane. The workstation includes a data capture arrangement for capturing through at least one of the workstation windows target data of targets associated with the products. The workstation also includes a rear cover having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening and the second opening are located on opposite side-walls of the rear cover and substantially identical in size. The first opening allows light from additional targets entering an accessory reader from an accessory window facing the bagging area, but the second opening is covered by a side cover.

Abstract: An electronic card (e.g., an electronic payment card) or another device (e.g., a wireless telephonic device) is provided that may communicate dynamic magnetic stripe data to a magnetic stripe reader. Information may be embedded into a magnetic track of data representative of additional information such as, for example, a unique identification number or an additional track of magnetic stripe data.

Abstract: A method of detecting a signal in radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder (FIG. 1) is disclosed. The method includes receiving a signal (FIG. 7) having a first time in a first logic state (high) and having a second time in a second logic state (low). A weight (700, 702) is determined in response to the first time and the second time. An output signal (from A2D) is produced in response to the weight and one of the first and second logic states.