Abstract: A method and system for extracting information from a surface coated with a coating containing quantum dots are disclosed. In embodiments, the method comprises charging the quantum dots in the surface coating, scanning the surface to retrieve information from the quantum dots, and processing the retrieved information to identify data encoded in the quantum dots. In embodiments of the invention, the processing includes filtering the retrieved information to adjust the received information based on defined effects of the coating. In embodiments of the invention, the filtering includes filtering the retrieved information to account for chromatic deviation due to the color of the coated surface. In embodiments of the invention, the quantum dots include a plurality of different types of quantum dots, and the processing the retrieved information includes processing the retrieved information to distinguish between the information retrieved from the different types of quantum dots.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tray for use with a cloud application platform is described. A cloud application, operatively coupled to the RFID tray via the cloud application platform, issues a command to the RFID tray. The issued command is received by an embedded agent of the RFID tray. Based on the received command, the RFID tray performs an RFID scan of one or more RFID-tagged items placed on or in the RFID tray, and the embedded agent sends the tag information from the one or more RFID-tagged items to a cloud application of the cloud network that tracks an inventory of the RFID-tagged items.

Abstract: A system for identifying which electromagnetic energy cable outlets are connected to a particular source of electromagnetic energy, including an electromagnetic energy cable outlet faceplate cover having at least one electromagnetic energy cable outlet opening such that the electromagnetic energy cable outlet faceplate cover is located over an electromagnetic energy cable outlet connector, an electromagnetic energy cable operatively connected to at least one source of electromagnetic energy and the electromagnetic energy cable outlet connector; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to, embedded within, or located adjacent to the back side of the electromagnetic energy cable outlet faceplate cover, such that the radio frequency identification tag contains information related to which of the at least one source of electromagnetic energy is connected to the electromagnetic energy cable outlet.

Abstract: A method of detection of the presence, by a first NFC device, of a second NFC device, during periodic field emission bursts, where detection thresholds are adjusted according to results obtained during one or a plurality of previous bursts.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for energy harvest from a proximity coupling device (PCD) by a proximity integrated circuit card. In one embodiment, the PICC includes an integrated BLE. The BLE may be exclusively charged by the external magnetic field received from the PCD. The PCD may be configured to detect when the PICC is nearby and increase its duty cycle to thereby increase the magnetic field imposed on the PICC. The PICC may include circuitry to receive and convert the magnetic field to electric potential or voltage. The voltage may be store at a capacitor for BLE's usage.

Abstract: A communication device includes a first processing unit that detects a target and receives a first command for activating an interface upon a detection of the target. The communication device also includes a second processing unit that exchanges data with the target through the first processing unit. Further, the communication device includes an interface between the first processing unit and the second processing unit. The first processing unit selects a predetermined interface level from among a plurality of interface levels based on the first command and exchanges data with the second processing unit based on the predetermined interface level.

Abstract: A system for cataloguing items disposed within a predefined volume; each item of the items having associated therewith a tag; each tag having a unique identifier; each tag including: a tag radio transmitter having a predefined tag transmission range a tag radio receiver having a predefined tag reception range a response logic device; the system further including a tag interrogator; the tag interrogator including: a database an interrogation logic device a tag interrogator transmitter having a predefined tag interrogator transmission range a tag interrogator radio receiver having a predefined tag interrogator reception range; the tag radio receiver of a first tag receiving communication from the tag radio transmitter of a second tag when the tag radio receiver of the first tag is within the predefined tag transmission range of the second tag and when the second tag is within the predefined tag reception range of the first tag.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a configurable electronic credential reader. The electronic credential reader defaults to a first communication mode utilizing a unidirectional communication interface. A bidirectional communication interface is monitored. If data is detected on the bidirectional communication interface, the electronic credential reader switches to a bidirectional communication mode. Circuitry within the electronic credential reader switches between the unidirectional communication interface and bidirectional communication interface such that the same external communication lines are used for both the unidirectional mode and the bidirectional mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to closable containers and a method for retrieving a shut state and/or a location of a closable container, wherein the container has at least one RFID chip having a connected near field antenna and a far field antenna. The RFID chip is arranged at the first or at the second container part and the far field antenna is arranged at the other one of the first and second container part, respectively. In the closed position of the container, a noncontact electromagnetic coupling takes place between the near field antenna and the far field antenna. Due to the interaction of a sending unit and a receiving unit, a response signal can by generated by RFID chip and transmitted. The range of said response signal depending on the shut position of the container.

Abstract: An RFID device includes an antenna and an RFID strap. The RFID strap is coupled to the antenna by a combination of magnetic and electric fields. The RFID strap includes an RFID chip and a strap conductor coupling the RFID chip to the antenna. The strap conductor has a loop section positioned generally adjacent to the antenna to magnetically couple the RFID strap to the antenna. The strap conductor also has an extension section overlapping and crossing the antenna to electrically couple the RFID strap to the antenna. By adjusting the size of the RFID strap, the configuration of the RFID strap, the degree of overlap between the extension section and the antenna, and/or the angular orientation of the RFID strap with respect to the antenna, the impedance transformation between the RFID chip and the antenna may be varied to better match the RFID chip and the antenna.

Abstract: A network-attached storage system and method includes a network-attached storage apparatus and removable storage medium installed in sockets in that apparatus. The storage medium includes an RF receiver and circuitry for erasing or disabling access to memory thereon. A host controller determines when a removable storage medium has been installed in or removed from a socket. A network interface controller is provided for coupling to an external network. An RF transmitter is coupled to a controller. The controller is coupled to each socket via the host controller and to the network interface controller. The controller determines, based on signals from the host controller, when the removal of a removable storage medium from the socket is unauthorized and sends a signal to the RF transmitter for transmission to the RF receiver in the removed removable storage medium to cause the memory therein to be erased or access thereto to be disabled.

Abstract: Techniques for enabling a use of one or more signals in a Near Field Communication (NFC) device for NFC communication are described. In an aspect, the methods and apparatus include receiving, at a NFC controller, a stay quiet command from a device host, wherein the stay quiet command includes one or more unique identifiers (UIDs) corresponding to one or more remote NFC endpoints. Further, in an aspect, the methods and apparatus include transmitting, by the NFC controller, a stay quiet response to the device host based at least in part on the stay quiet command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a bulk quantity of RFID tags in a presentation area such as a point-of-sale device. Bulk quantity of RFID tags may be detected according to input to the point-of-sale device including through input from a symbolic barcode scanner, a conveyor belt, a weight scale, and/or via an RF antenna driven at a first power level. After the bulk quantity of RFID tags is detected, the RF antenna is driven at a second, higher power level temporarily to increase bulk RFID tag detection accuracy. “Fringe” tags may be detected by the RF antenna when it is driven at the higher power level that are in the environment but not presented at the point-of-sale device. Fringe tags may be filtered based on RF characterization of the presentation area including driving the RF antenna outside of presentation sessions and/or filtering RFID tags detected across multiple presentation sessions.

Abstract: An asset tag apparatus and methods of monitoring assets with an asset tag are provided. The asset tag apparatus includes a housing and a wireless transmitter located within the housing. A processor is located within the housing, wherein the processor is in communication with the wireless transmitter. An accelerometer is positioned within the housing, wherein the accelerometer is in communication with the processor, wherein a wake-up signal is transmitted from the accelerometer to the processor in response to an activation of the accelerometer, and wherein the wireless transmitter transmits a signal externally from the housing in response to the wake-up signal received by the processor.

Abstract: A system for tracking a product from origin to destination is disclosed. The system includes a probe that comprises two plates, a power source and a processor. The power source is controlled by the processor to produce an oscillating output at the plates. Using the oscillating voltage, the probe interrogates a device through capacitive coupling. The device includes a control unit, a memory unit, and first and second materials physically associated with the device for communication using capacitive coupling. Information associated with the device is transferred from the device to the probe through capacitive coupling between the first and second materials and the first and second plates, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card-reading device (1), comprising a housing (2) of a card retainer (4), into which a card (5) can be inserted, and locking means (6) which prevent the card (5) from moving out of the card retainer (4) when the card (5) is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wireless power supplies adapted to supply power and communicate with one or more remote devices. The systems and methods of the present invention generally relate to a communication timing system that may ensure information being communicated does not overlap with that of another device, preventing data collisions and information from going undetected. With information being communicated in a way that addresses or avoids potential communication issues in multiple device systems, the wireless power supply may control operation to effectively supply wireless power.

Abstract: A communication device according to the disclosure includes: a signal generator that generates, on the basis of the first signal received from a communication partner through a coil, a second signal that synchronizes with the first signal; a first modulator configured to be able to modulate the first signal on the basis of the second signal; a second modulator configured to be able to modulate the first signal; and a communication controller that selects, on the basis of the first signal, whichever modulator is to be operated, from the first modulator and the second modulator.

Abstract: A first near-field communication device is configured according to a modulation type transmitted by a second device. A decoder of the first device decodes a received signal using type-A modulation during a first time slot corresponding to the duration of a first type-A symbol. The first device determines the modulation type transmitted by the second device according to the value of the decoded symbol.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting information from a surface coated with a coating containing quantum dots are disclosed. In embodiments, the method comprises charging the quantum dots in the surface coating, scanning the surface to retrieve information from the quantum dots, and processing the retrieved information to identify data encoded in the quantum dots. In embodiments of the invention, the processing includes filtering the retrieved information to adjust the received information based on defined effects of the coating. In embodiments of the invention, the filtering includes filtering the retrieved information to account for chromatic deviation due to the color of the coated surface. In embodiments of the invention, the quantum dots include a plurality of different types of quantum dots, and the processing the retrieved information includes processing the retrieved information to distinguish between the information retrieved from the different types of quantum dots.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reading apparatus for reading a wireless tag includes a housing having a chamber and an opening providing an entrance to the chamber, a door attached to the housing and covering the opening when closed and permitting access to the chamber when opened, and an antenna within the housing and configured to emit a radio wave to read information from a wireless tag inside the chamber, a radiation surface of the antenna being parallel to a first inner wall surface and a second inner wall surface of the housing facing each other. The distance between the first and second inner wall surfaces is at least one half of a wavelength of a radio wave emitted from the antenna, and is a length based on an odd number multiple of a quarter of the wavelength.

Abstract: A method comprising interposing an interface device in communication with both a terminal and a meter; and using the interface device for, exchanging data with the terminal and the meter using a first protocol and a second protocol, respectively, at least one of which utilizes an RF field; identifying an originating device using the data from each of the terminal and the meter; and generating an output for use over the first protocol or the second protocol in response to the originating device.

Abstract: Assemblies and related methods for maximizing scanning accuracy of a RFID desktop card reader utilize a housing to which the RFID desktop card reader is mounted to control the position and orientation of an identification device read by the card reader relative to the card reader. An identification assembly for reading an identification device includes a desktop card reader and a housing. The desktop card reader is configured to read an RFID tag included in the identification device and communicate data read from the RFID tag to a computer. The desktop card reader is detachably mounted to the housing. The housing includes a slot into which the identification device is inserted to restrain the identification device spaced apart from the desktop card reader by a gap.

Abstract: A card that includes an electrically non-conductive substrate and a plurality of conductive points disposed on a bottom surface of the non-conductive substrate. The conductive points are connected with a coupling point disposed on a top surface of the substrate through vias that extend through the substrate. The conductive points form a pattern that represents an identification of the card and activate locations on a touchscreen of an electronic device. At least three of the conductive points form a predetermined shape such that the electronic device determines a location and an orientation of the card when the card is placed on the touchscreen of the electronic device.

Abstract: Systems, and associated methods, involving both a trusted and an untrusted device where sensitive data or keys are shared between those devices are disclosed. A disclosed method includes storing a key in a secure memory on a first device, receiving sensitive data via a user interface on a second device, generating a set of white box encryption instructions based on the key using a white box encryption generator on the first device, generating a complete data representation of the set of white box encryption instructions using a secure processor on the first device, transmitting the complete data representation from the first device to the second device, and encrypting the sensitive data using the complete data representation on the second device. The complete data representation is not Turing complete and is not executable with respect to the second device.

Abstract: In a smart card having an antenna structure and a metal layer, an insulator layer is formed between the antenna structure and the metal layer to compensate for the attenuation due to the metal layer. The thickness of the insulator layer affects the capacitive coupling between the antenna structure and the metal layer and is selected to have a value which optimizes the transmission/reception of signals between the card and a card reader.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) antenna includes a first antenna electrode and a second antenna electrode, and a loop coil. The first and second antenna electrodes are formed on a first surface of a substrate. The loop coil is formed on the first surface of the substrate, is directly coupled between the first antenna electrode and the second antenna electrode, and includes a first plurality of turns. The first antenna electrode is located inside each of the plurality of turns of the loop coil, and the second antenna electrode is located outside each of the plurality of turns of the loop coil. An imaginary line passing through the first antenna electrode and the second antenna electrode is parallel to one of edges of the substrate. Each of the first plurality of turns of the loop coil does not overlap each other.

Abstract: A data medium stores a group of data and comprises i) at least a first element suitable for interacting magnetically with a second element, located in the vicinity of a contactless reader comprising a second near field communicator and coupled to an electronic device having at least two predefined configurations, for coupling to this contactless reader, and ii) a first near field communicator arranged for cooperating with the second near field communicator to transfer some data of this group into the contactless reader, so that the electronic device uses the transferred data to configure itself in a predefined configuration corresponding to these transferred data.

Abstract: A signal output circuit includes a signal conversion element, a signal output transistor, a first resistor element, a second resistor element, a diode, a malfunction-prevention transistor, and a capacitance-compensating capacitor. The signal output transistor establishes electrical conduction between two conductive terminals when an on signal is supplied to a conduction control terminal via the signal conversion element. The diode is connected in parallel to the second resistor element in a direction in which current flows between a signal output terminal of the signal conversion element and the conduction control terminal of the signal output transistor when an on signal is outputted to the signal output terminal. The malfunction-prevention transistor establishes electrical conduction between two conductive terminals when a current flows through the second resistor element in a direction opposite the direction of the diode.

Abstract: A wireless device that performs an operation based on setting information includes a wireless communicator configured to perform wireless communication over a wireless network, a near field communicator comprising a memory storing the setting information and configured to perform transmission and reception of the setting information stored in the memory by near field communication, and a controller configured to control at least the wireless communicator.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tray for use with a cloud application platform is described. A cloud application, operatively coupled to the RFID tray via the cloud application platform, issues a command to the RFID tray. The issued command is received by an embedded agent of the RFID tray. Based on the received command, the RFID tray performs an RFID scan of one or more RFID-tagged items placed on or in the RFID tray, and the embedded agent sends the tag information from the one or more RFID-tagged items to a cloud application of the cloud network that tracks an inventory of the RFID-tagged items.

Abstract: A communication device having a function for supplying electric power to a communication partner may include a non-contact control section configured to balanced-output transmission power, an antenna circuit configured to transmit the transmission power as an electromagnetic wave, and a matching circuit which is disposed between an output of the non-contact control section and an input of the antenna circuit and is configured to perform impedance matching. The matching circuit and the antenna circuit are respectively provided with two systems and circuit structures from the output of the non-contact control section to the antenna circuits via the matching circuits of the two systems are formed symmetrically.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) integrated circuit (IC) having a first circuit block electrically coupled to first and second antenna contacts. The first antenna contact is disposed on a first surface of the IC and the second antenna contact is disposed on a second surface of the IC different from the first surface. The first and second antenna contacts are electrically disconnected from each other.

Abstract: An image processing system comprises a generating unit that reads documents and generates a read image including document images; an extracting unit that extracts each of the document images; a character recognizing unit that performs character recognition processing on each the document images; a determining unit that determines whether first information and second information have a pair relationship, the first information being any one of recognition results obtained on one side of the document images, and the second information being any one of recognition results obtained on the other side of the document images; and a registering unit that registers pieces of information for the recognition results corresponding to the one side and to the other side respectively including the first information and the second information which are determined that both pieces of information have the pair relationship, as information for a piece of the documents, in a storage unit.

Abstract: A vehicle identification means (10) that has an at least partially electrically conductive film (12) and a hologram (36) and/or a reflective film. In addition, at least one data carrier (26), which can be read out in a contactless manner, having an antenna is provided. The hologram (36) is implemented as an antenna for the data carrier (26). A separate antenna is therefore no longer necessary. In addition, multiple antennas can be provided in parallel.

Abstract: An electric power transmitting apparatus and a method for controlling electric power transmission that switches a connection state of a coupling electrode in accordance with the shape and the size of an electric power receiving apparatus, and a position where the electric power receiving apparatus is placed.

Abstract: A method is described. The method includes enabling and configuring poll mode for a near field communication (NFC) data exchange format (NDEF) radio frequency (RF) interface configuration. The method also includes determining that a remote NFC endpoint includes an NFC forum tag once an NFC controller (NFCC) has successfully completed protocol activation. The method further includes performing activation operations based on an RF protocol of the NFC forum tag.

Abstract: An apparatus (such as but not limited to an RFID tag) includes an RFID transceiver that is configured to automatically switch from a readable state to a quiescent read state upon being read and to remain in the quiescent read state at least while provisioned with reader-based power. The apparatus further includes a read-state changer disposed locally with respect to the RFID transceiver and configured to switch the RFID transceiver from the quiescent read state to the readable state notwithstanding current availability of the reader-based power.

Abstract: A system for identifying ID (identity) and an ID card using the same are provided in the present invention. The ID card includes a card case, a first conducting electrode and a plurality of second conducting electrodes. The first conducting electrode and the second conducting electrodes are disposed in the card case. At least a specific second conducting electrode is electrically connected to the first conducting electrode to represent a specific ID. A card reader for reading the ID card includes a transmitting unit, a plurality of receiving units and a control circuit. The transmitting unit is disposed at the position corresponding to the first conducting electrode, and the receiving units are disposed at the position corresponding to the second conducting electrodes when the ID card is disposed on the card reader. The control circuit is coupled to the transmitting unit and the receiving units. When the ID card is close to the card reader, the transmitting unit transmits a wireless signal.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder tag is contained in and electrically connected to a mechanically rugged metallic tag housing slotted to define a radio frequency antenna, such as a half turn antenna, and sealed with an epoxy filling.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for efficiently interconnecting RFID interrogator elements. Each interrogator element is configured to function as both an RFID interrogator and an RFID tag. The RFID interrogator function enables one interrogator element to perform a read or write data operation to a second interrogator element functioning as an RFID tag. Two-way communications between interrogator elements is facilitated by read and write operations. A data backhaul network may be advantageously implemented as a wireless mesh network, comprising a plurality of interrogator elements, to transmit data from each interrogator element to a server for processing.

Abstract: A communication device may establish at least one type of connection among a first type of connection and a second type of connection which are according to a particular protocol defined in an NFC standard based on a current state of the communication device and a current state of an external device. The first type of connection may be a connection in which the communication device operates as a server and the external device operates as a client. The second type of connection may be a connection in which the communication device operates as a client and the external device operates as a server. The communication device may communicate the target data with the external device by using the established connection. The contents of the communication may be different in response to which type of connection is established.

Abstract: An antenna device includes a first coil antenna and a second coil antenna. The first coil antenna includes a coil conductor having a rectangular or substantially rectangular spiral shape and located on a non-magnetic insulating base member. The second coil antenna includes two coil conductors located on a non-magnetic insulating base member. The two coil conductors are disposed and wound such that loops of a magnetic field that is generated by applying a current to the two coil conductors are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a coil axis of the coil conductors.

Abstract: A passive RFID tag that provides long-range reception, even when mounted on a conductive material or a human body. The antenna of the RFID tag is a loop antenna perpendicular to the mounting surface; it may be formed from a tubular sheet of conductive material to reduce conductive losses. An illustrative rectangular loop 1 inch wide by 0.15 inches high by 0.625 inches deep provides a high effective antenna aperture in a compact RFID tag. Multiple mounting positions may be provided for an RFID chip and for a resonating capacitor. Selection of different mounting positions for these components may allow tuning of impedance and resonant frequency without changing components, providing for simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing. The loop antenna may be formed for example from a stamped metal part with a hollow air core, from a double-sided thick PCB, or from an overlay of conductive ink onto a flexible material.

Abstract: A near-field coupling device that may facilitate communications with a transponder is provided. The near-field coupling device may include a ground plane, a dielectric substrate, one or more conductive strips and a terminating load. The conductive strips together with the ground planes form coupling elements. The near-field coupling device further includes one or more switching elements for selectively connecting and disconnecting the coupling elements with a transceiver. The connected coupling elements define a total characteristic impedance. Using the switching element, the ratio between the total characteristic impedance of the connected coupling elements and the terminating load may be changed in order to adjust the distribution of an electromagnetic field along the coupling elements according to the type and position of the transponder to be processed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving by a capacitive touch screen an object code pattern being associated with an object, the object code pattern including at least one conductive part, so that, upon receiving, electric field changes within an area of the capacitive touch screen that interacts with the at least one conductive part. The method further includes detecting the changes in the electric field to produce a virtual object code including an identifier code relating to the object, recognizing the object by comparing the identifier code to a list of identifier codes, providing application data based on the object, and performing using the capacitive touch screen at least one application based on the application data. In addition, a system, an apparatus and a computer program related to the method are presented.

Abstract: A microelectronic package can include a substrate having first and second opposed surfaces, and first and second microelectronic elements having front surfaces facing the first surface. The substrate can have a plurality of substrate contacts at the first surface and a plurality of terminals at the second surface. Each microelectronic element can have a plurality of element contacts at the front surface thereof. The element contacts can be joined with corresponding ones of the substrate contacts. The front surface of the second microelectronic element can partially overlie a rear surface of the first microelectronic element and can be attached thereto. The element contacts of the first microelectronic element can be arranged in an area array and are flip-chip bonded with a first set of the substrate contacts. The element contacts of the second microelectronic element can be joined with a second set of the substrate contacts by conductive masses.

Abstract: An RFID tag device is associated with a mobile device to facilitate wireless transactions and identification. The RFID tag device includes two RF interfaces; one can communicate with RF tag readers, and one can communicate with the mobile device. The RFID tag device can be operated in a passive mode and stores transaction information for later retrieval by the mobile device, or it can be operated in an active mode where it is powered by the mobile device through the RF interface for communicating with the mobile device so that it can be read via the RFID interface. The RFID tag device can further detect and ignore communications between the mobile device and another device using the same communications mode and used by the RFID tag device to communicate with the mobile device.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates the accurate and uncomplicated placement of an adhesive circuit structure onto an integrated circuit card is described. The apparatus is configured to hold the adhesive circuit structure and an integrated circuit card such that the two components can be aligned for proper placement.

Abstract: An antenna coil includes a first conductor pattern defining a first side, a second conductor pattern defining a second side, a third conductor pattern defining a third side, and a fourth conductor pattern defining a fourth side in each turn when viewed from a laminating direction of insulation layers, the first conductor pattern is provided on a first layer, the second conductor pattern is provided on a second layer, which differs from the first layer, and the third conductor pattern and the fourth conductor pattern extend across the first layer and the second layer, and the first through fourth conductor patterns are disposed on the respective insulation layers so that the direction of a line obtained by sequentially connecting, on a turn-by-turn basis, centers of gravity of winding shapes each of which is configured by the conductor patterns defining one turn is slanted relative to the laminating direction of the insulation layers.