Abstract: Described herein are RFID structures and methods of manufacturing RFID structures. An antenna substrate is provided. A first stack layer is provided. An antenna assembly including an antenna track, and at least two contact pads, are formed on a first surface of the antenna substrate. An integrated circuit unit is coupled to the at least two contact pads. A first surface of the first stack layer, the first surface of the antenna substrate, or both are coated with a unidirectional thermally expansive coating material. The first surface of the antenna substrate is positioned to be adjacent to the first surface of the first stack layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chip card, particularly a smart card, having an operating system which is implemented on the chip card and which controls the functions of the chip card, and having a first operating system kernel level which represents the core of the operating system and in which the process and data organization of the operating system is established, for which a second, uniform operating system kernel level is provided in which those functions of the first operating system kernel level are defined that can be addressed from outside the operating system, and that an interface is provided for accessing the second, uniform operating system kernel level from outside the operating system. Further, the invention relates to a method for the software-based modification of a chip card of this type.

Abstract: A portable electronic system includes a movable structure, a protective structure and an electronic device. The movable structure is disposed on the protective structure. The movable structure includes a wireless communication tag thereon. The electronic device is accommodated in the protective structure, and includes a signal detection unit and an application activation unit. The movable structure is movable on the protective structure to approach or leave the electronic device. The signal detection unit is used for detecting a signal wirelessly transmitted by the wireless communication tag when the distance between the movable structure and the electronic device is less than a predetermined value. The application activation unit is used for activating an application in response to the signal detected by the signal detection unit.

Abstract: A method for encoding information in structured illumination pattern (120) includes selecting information to be encoded; characterizing a relief pattern (130) of an object's (115) surface; selecting at least one portion of the object's surface including the surface relief pattern; creating at least one structured illumination pattern responsive to the selected surface relief pattern and the selected information; and storing the structured illumination pattern.

Abstract: A content tagging and management capability is provided for enabling automatic tagging of content and management of tagged content. A method includes receiving content including an object, and automatically associating an information structure with the object included within the content to form thereby tagged content. The content may be received locally at a content capture device, and the information structure may be automatically associated with the object by the content capture device. The automatic tagging may be performed at the content capture device when the content is captured by the content capture device. The content may be received at a computer, and the information structure may be automatically associated with the object by the computer. The information structure may be available locally or retrieved from one or more remote devices.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for prioritizing tasks associated with a group of first users based on number of times the first users have monitored the status of a task. In addition to the general system, systems, methods and computer readable media for task prioritizing, the tasks may be prioritized based on the number of first users associated with a task, the importance of each first user associated with a task, and the way the task was identified.

Abstract: A system includes a wireless-enabled peripheral device configured to be coupled to a personalized security device. The wireless-enabled peripheral device has a wireless communication interface. The system also includes a mobile device configured to establish a wireless connection with the wireless-enabled peripheral device via the wireless communication interface. Upon establishment of the wireless connection, the mobile device is further configured to control establishment of at least one contemporaneous connection of the wireless-enabled peripheral device to one or more other devices attempting to access the personalized security device.

Abstract: A product information system including a server having an item database that stores at least one item identifier and corresponding item data for at least one item. Also, the item database is associated with a predetermined vendor. The server also includes a receiver that receives a message including tag data captured from a tag by a portable wireless device. The tag data includes an item identifier. Also, the server includes a processor that operates, in response to the received message, to select item data from the item database that corresponds to the received item identifier. The server also includes a transmitter that transmits the selected item data to the portable wireless device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a RFID reader circuit includes a RF source input in a transmitting path, a RF modulator in parallel with a bypass, the RF modulator and the bypass being selectively coupled to the RF source input, at least one switch for selectively coupling an output of the RF modulator to the transmitting path, and a RF power amplifier in the transmitting path. In another embodiment, a RFID system includes a plurality of RFID tags, and a RFID reader, the RFID reader comprising a RFID reader circuit. The circuit includes a RF source input in a transmitting path, a RF modulator in parallel with a bypass, the RF modulator and the bypass being selectively coupled to the RF source input, at least one switch for selectively coupling an output of the RF modulator to the transmitting path, and a RF power amplifier in the transmitting path.

Abstract: A magnetic read device including: a magnetic read head including a first conductive winding; and a second conductive winding connected in phase opposition to the first winding.

Abstract: The present invention improves the environment resistance performance of a magnetic card reader, and also improves the operation stability of a system including a higher-level device. Specifically to describe, the magnetic card reader 1, for reading magnetic data recorded in a card 4 by using a magnetic head 5, includes: a storage section (a part of a RAM 104) for storing the magnetic data read and acquired by using the magnetic head 5; a first comparing section for comparing the total number of data in the magnetic data with a prescribed first threshold; and a first judgment section for judging that the magnetic data is effective data when the total number of data in the magnetic data is less than or equal to the prescribed first threshold in the first comparing section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chip card with at least one application for which an implementation (4) and an entry (5) referring to the implementation (4) are present on the chip card (1). The inventive chip card is characterized in that a plurality of entries (5) referring to the same implementation (4) are present.

Abstract: A card processing unit that enables increasing a degree of freedom of a location of a communication antenna between pad rollers and simplifying a structure of the card processing unit itself. Specifically, a card processing unit equipped with a communication antenna for communicating with a non-contact IC card. The processing unit includes: two transfer rollers for transferring the non-contact IC card through contacting a surface of the non-contact IC card; pad rollers so placed as to face and bias themselves to the transfer rollers; fixed shafts protruding at both sides of each of the pad rollers in the axial direction for supporting the pad roller so as to be rotatable; and coil springs for biasing the fixed shafts at both the sides of the pad roller 16 in the axial direction so as to press the pad roller toward a corresponding one of the transfer rollers.

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: A method of surveying may include determining a location of a surveying tool, determining a location of a position of interest, detecting an RFID tag associated with the position of interest, and decoding information stored in the RFID tag. The information stored in the RFID tag may include a reference to information stored remote from the RFID tag.

Abstract: A method is provided for interaction of a portable data carrier with an end device. The data carrier comprises a transducer arrangement having at least one or a set of capacitive transducer elements which are arranged on or in the data carrier at defined positions in relation to the geometry of the data carrier, at least one contactless interface, and a dedicated energy supply. The end device comprises a capacitive display screen having a touch-sensitive display, wherein the data carrier generates via the capacitive transducer elements signals which, when the data carrier is placed onto the display screen, are picked up by the display screen of the end device and evaluated as input signals through the end device.

Abstract: Provided is an RFID system and method for maintaining a constant strength of a signal transmitted from an RFID tag to an RFID reader, regardless of a distance between the reader and tag. The RFID signal strength measuring reader measures a signal strength received from the RFID tag, creates control information used to set an amplification amount of the RFID tag by using a value of the measured strength to include the control information in an output signal, and sends the output signal to the RFID tag. The RFID tag, if the signal sent from the RFID reader is received, extracts internal information from the received signal, sends the information to the RFID reader as an output signal, and extracts the control information included in the signal sent from the RFID reader to adjust a strength of the output signal according to a value of the control information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of assembly, labeling and programming decoupled EM tags used in the tagging and tracking of items wherein the tags including a printable label portion and a decoupler portion which are combined after printing on the surface of and programming a programmable device associated with the label portion.

Abstract: In a method for using and maintaining user data stored on a smart card, a smart card receives a user data request for the user data stored on the smart card. The smart card determines whether the user data request is a data maintenance request or a data use request. A data maintenance request is for modifying user data stored on the smart card. A data use request is for read only access to user data stored on the smart card. The smart card uses a first process to determine whether to allow the user data request when the user data request is determined to be a data maintenance request. The smart card uses a second process, different from the first method, to determine whether to allow the user data request when the user data request is determined to be a data use request.

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: There is set forth herein a terminal having a mount for supporting a mechanical component. The terminal in one embodiment can be hand held and in one embodiment the mechanical component can comprise a hand strap. In one embodiment a terminal can include a pocket for receiving a mount.

Abstract: A dual interface module comprises a substrate layer having at least two first through-holes, two contact pads on a first side of the substrate, at least two connection pads on a second side of the substrate, at least one electronic element on the second side of the substrate, an antenna pad comprising an antenna on the second side of the substrate, at least two first connection elements in the first through-holes, each first element electrically connecting one of the contact pads with one of the connection pads, at least two second connection elements, each second element electrically connecting one of the connection pads with the electronic element, and two third connection elements, each third element electrically connecting the electronic element with the antenna pad. The module can be arranged on a plastic card body or in a cavity in a plastic card body to form a dual interface card.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a reading device for identifying a tag or an object adapted to be identified, said reading device including a first reading element for reading a first set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified. The first reading element is a magneto-optical reading element; wherein the first reading element is adapted to conform to the tag or object adapted to be identified when brought into contact with the tag or object adapted to be identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for identification and/or marking of objects (6) by means of RFID having a read or write/read unit (1) for wire-free reading from and/or writing to a memory unit (8a) of an RFID transponder (8) which is connected to the object (6) to be identified and/or to be marked, wherein the read or write/read unit (1) has a transmitting/receiving module (3), which has at least one antenna (4, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45). According to the invention, the apparatus is characterized in that the at least one antenna (4, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45) is arranged such that it can move. The invention also relates to a method for identification and/or marking of an object (6) by means of RFID.

Abstract: A medical-technical identification device for identifying a sterile product and a method of identifying such a product are provided. The product may be intended for one-time-use only, when connected to a piece of medical equipment. A fixedly mounted information carrier is adapted to deliver or to offer specific product information in a contactless fashion to a reading element connected to the medical equipment. The function of the identification device is improved so that even specific data can be forwarded to the medical equipment such as an infusion-type fluid pump. Thus operation of the pump may be reprogrammed, for example, to change the calibration factor or the operation mode or to change irrigation depending on the patient group to undergo surgery.

Abstract: Systems, devices, admixtures, and methods are described including transponder devices (e.g., a palatable transponder, an edible transponder, a palatable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an edible RFID tag, etc.) for admixing with a food product.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for storing and redeeming an electronic certificate on a wireless smart card are disclosed. According to one aspect, the method includes storing tag data on a wireless smart card that is inductively powered when brought into the proximity of an electromagnetic field and is unpowered when outside of the proximity of the field. Tag data is received from a wireless smart card at a wireless smart device reader during an electronic transaction, wherein the card is powered by an electromagnetic field generated by the device reader. The method also includes sending, from the wireless smart device reader, transaction data, which includes at least the tag data and a vendor identifier, to a back-end server. At the wireless smart device reader, an electronic certificate is received from the server, the electronic certificate being obtained by the server using the tag data and the vendor identifier.

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: A system for and method of tracking and locating RFID tags, including where at least one steerable phase array antenna may locate the tags associated with items in three dimensions in real time, through the use of a beam steering unit and controller therewith to control the direction of a beam launched by the at least one steerable phase array antenna.

Abstract: A system has a storage bin used to hold a product and a product storage rack intended to hold the storage bin. The storage bin is provided with a near field communication (NFC) tag device and the product storage rack is provided with a NFC antenna device cooperable with the NFC tag device. The NFC antenna device and the NFC tag device are used to determine a relative position of or orientation of the storage bin relative to the product storage rack for the purpose of automatically determining if replenishment of the product within the product storage rack is required.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile subscriber unit for a financial transaction token. The subscriber unit interfaces with a financial token or card that is in communication with the subscriber unit. The financial token or card has an onboard energy source so that the card token may operate away from proximity to a merchant terminal (e.g.; a POS terminal). In one implementation, the onboard power storage device includes a rechargeable battery or capacitor such as a thin-film capacitor that stores sufficient energy to power the subscriber unit's onboard electronics and/or the electronics of a financial token in communication with the subscriber unit. The subscriber unit may be a component of another consumer device such as a computing device, communications device, an item of clothing, an item of jewelry, a cell phone, a PDA, an identification card, a money holder, a wallet, a purse, a briefcase, or a personal organizer.

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: An electronic system and method to enable a market participant to identify potential trading counterparties while avoiding disadvantages associated with disclosure of the participant's trading intentions. In one embodiment, the system provides camouflage items that disguise the intent of a participant to trade an initial item. Camouflage items differ from the initial item but share with the initial item one or more attributes, e.g. a market, risk profile, price range, or other characteristic of the original item. Camouflage items are combined with the original item in a unified notification to prospective counterparties, so as to reduce the ability of the prospective counterparties to determine the trading intentions of the original participant.

Abstract: A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC element, a power supply circuit substrate including a laminate of a plurality of base layers and a power supply circuit connected to the wireless IC element, and a radiating element connected to the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit includes a first coil element connected in series with the wireless IC element, and a second coil element connected in parallel with the wireless IC element. The first coil element and the second coil element are wound and arranged such that winding axes of the first and second coil elements coincide or substantially coincide with each other and directions of magnetic fields generated in the respective first and second coil elements are opposite to each other.

Abstract: A method for a municipality to control, track, and monitor waste or refuse receptacles requires a permit for use of a waste receptacle. An issuing organization issues a permit associated with a discreet receptacle identifier. An RFID tag is provided with the permit and attached to a discreet receptacle. The RFID tag transmits a signal carrying data associated with the discreet receptacle identifier. The signal may be read by a portable reader carried by municipal personnel to record violations of municipal code associated with the use of the discreet receptacle.

Abstract: An RFID transponder chip includes at least one antenna to pick-up and transmit radio-frequency signals, a rectifier to store charge on at least one capacitor at a rectified voltage from the picked-up radio-frequency signals, a power-on reset circuit to maintain a logic unit in a reset state if the rectified voltage level is less than a power-on reset or wake-up voltage of the power-on reset circuit for operating the logic unit. The RFID transponder chip further includes a non-volatile memory, in which are stored one or several trim values. Said non-volatile memory is directly connected to the power-on reset circuit to be able to provide at least one trim value to trim the power-on reset circuit at a rectified voltage level below a wake-up voltage level.

Abstract: It is possible to read from and write in an RFID tag, and also to operate other devices. A non-contact control device is provided which is formed to have no electrical contact with the electromagnetic wave generating antenna part and integrally with the electromagnetic wave generating antenna part. The non-contact control device receives an electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating antenna part to generate electric power, and controls a controlled device based on the generated electric power.

Abstract: Systems, devices, admixtures, and methods are described including transponder devices (e.g., a palatable transponder, an edible transponder, a palatable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an edible RFID tag, etc.) for admixing with a food product.

Abstract: A transponder comprising an antenna, such as an antenna coil, is provided for inductively coupling the transponder to a reader, transferring energy from the reader to the transponder, the electromagnetic field alternating with a carrier frequency, a rectifier having an antenna side coupled to the antenna for receiving an alternating current from the antenna and a transponder side for supplying the transponder with a direct current, and optionally a subcarrier modulator for modulating a subcarrier wave with a data signal to obtain a transmit signal. The rectifier modulates the electromagnetic field with the transmit signal so that the transmit signal is transmitted to the reader. By using a rectifier both for converting alternating current to direct current and as an analog mixer, increased range of the transponder is achieved without the need of generation and synchronization of a carrier wave.

Abstract: A tag, such as an RFID tag, and system including an RFID tag configured for installation into an object are provided. The tag is configured for use in high temperature and/or high pressure environments such as downhole and subsea applications. The tag includes an electronics module contained within a bead, which is housed in a cavity of a carrier. The bead is surrounded by a protective fluid-like fill material to provide protection to the electronics module and bead and provide fluid-like properties to the electronics module to reduce or eliminate point stresses on the electronics module. The geometry of the tag is such that the entire outline of the tag is contained within the geometry of the object to provide structural protection of the tag.

Abstract: A card reader payment terminal including an electronic circuit including at least one printed circuit board, to which are connected electronic components, including a microcontroller designed to control different peripherals, where the microcontroller is connected to an associated microprocessor, where the card reader payment terminal is configured to receive a smart card comprising the associated microprocessor, where the associated microprocessor comprises a connector compatible with the standardized connector of smart cards for connection with the microcontroller, where the microcontroller and the associated microprocessor operate in parallel for executing a task, and where the associated microprocessor is adapted to calculate a security operation.

Abstract: Method for broadcasting a magnetic stripe data packet from an electronic card by measuring a swipe speed of the electronic card past a magnetic reader head during a swipe of the electronic card past the magnetic reader head and then adjusting a broadcast signal containing the magnetic stripe data packet according to the measured swipe speed so that the magnetic stripe data packet in the broadcast signal is read by the magnetic reader head during said swipe.

Abstract: An electronic transaction device with a microprocessor generates digital signals that are converted into at least two tracks of analog signal wave form and two waveform signals are driven on two analog tracks such that the two waveform signals cancel each other out and a simulated magnetic field is generated along a target area located on the transaction device that can contain a transaction specific data packet readable by a magnetic stripe read head.

Abstract: An automatic identification system for communicating identifying information by coupling signals through the human body is provided. The system includes a battery powered identification device that transmits an identifying signal via a modulated carrier. The identification device is coupled to the body of the user via a coupling plate. The signal from the identification device is received by a reading device that is also coupled to the body of the user via a coupling plate. The reading device may display and/or enunciates the identifying information to the user. The coupling technique, carrier frequency, and construction of the devices are such that the identification information is not inadvertently radiated or coupled to unintentional users or receivers.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Gift cards may be inputted by a user into such a payment card or other device such that a user can combine gift cards. Similarly, a user be provided with a global payment account that can be utilized in multiple countries that have different standards for formatting data. A user may be provided with a default country (e.g., United States) but may have a way to select that the user is in a different country (e.g., Japan). Accordingly, a user may select that a Japanese data structure be transmitted through a magnetic stripe reader when the user is in Japan.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a chip tray for storing casino currency. By way of example, one chip tray is a dual chip tray having a lower housing assembly having an interior configured for receiving at least one removable chip tray for holding gaming currency. A top tray sub assembly is hinged relative to the lower housing assembly to pivot between a closed position and an open position. A chip tray lid is provided to cover the lower housing assembly in a covered position. In another example, RFID antennas are positioned within the lower housing assembly and the top tray sub assembly. The RFID antennas are configured to read and communicate with RFID-enabled gaming currency in the lower housing assembly and the top tray sub assembly.

Abstract: A wireless IC device improves radiation characteristics or directivity of signals and reliably communicates with a reader/writer. The wireless IC device includes an electromagnetically coupled module includes a wireless IC device and a feed circuit substrate, a protective layer, a first radiation plate, and a second radiation plate. The feed circuit substrate includes a feed circuit including inductance elements. The feed circuit is electrically connected to the wireless IC chip and coupled to the radiation plates. Signals received by the radiation plates are provided to the wireless IC chip via the feed circuit. Signals from the wireless IC chip are provided to the radiation plates via the feed circuit and then radiated to the outside.

Abstract: A contactless device having an energy antenna configured to transmit/receive an energy signal; and a data antenna configured to transmit a data signal. Also, a method for transmitting a contactless signal including transmitting/receiving an energy signal from an energy antenna of a contactless device; and transmitting a data signal from a data antenna of the contactless device.

Abstract: Directional albedo of a particular article, such as an identity card, is measured and stored. When the article is later presented, it can be confirmed to be the same particular article by re-measuring the albedo function, and checking for correspondence against the earlier-stored data. The re-measuring can be performed through us of a handheld optical device, such as a camera-equipped cell phone. The albedo function can serve as random key data in a variety of cryptographic applications. The function can be changed during the life of the article through use of a variety of different card constructions (e.g., involving quantum dots, phase change materials, MEMS structures, etc.). A variety of other arrangements and features are also detailed.