Power Up Patents (Class 340/10.34)
  • Patent number: 10261562
    Abstract: Sleeping device(s) may be changed from a sleeping state to an awake state using a multicast packet that sent to a multicast address of a multicast wake-up group. The packet may include an identifier for one or more particular device(s) in the multicast group, which, when received by the device(s), causes the device(s) to wake up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Sumit Garg, Murari Sridharan
  • Patent number: 10255541
    Abstract: The utility model discloses a vehicle RFID tag comprising a first glue layer, IR/UV protective layers, an INLAY layer, a second glue layer and a print layer, and the first glue layer, the INLAY layer, the second glue layer and the print layer are sequentially arranged in a stacked mode; the INLAY layer comprises a fragile layer, an RFID antenna layer and an RFID chip, and the fragile layer, the RFID antenna layer and the RFID chip are sequentially arranged in a stacked mode; the areas of the IR/UV protective layers are larger than the area of the RFID chip, and the viscosity of the first glue layer is larger than that of the second glue layer. The utility model has the beneficial effects that the anti-dismantling function is achieved, and the RFID chip can be protected against damage caused by ultraviolet rays and infrared rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN INNOV INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Wenzhong Li
  • Patent number: 10207591
    Abstract: The mobile vehicle charging system is applied to a mobile vehicle and includes a docking platform and a charging device. The docking platform provides parking to the mobile vehicle. The charging device includes an electricity transmission interface and an electricity measurement module. When the mobile vehicle is parked on the docking platform, the electricity transmission interface charges a battery module through an electricity reception interface of the mobile vehicle. As such, when an operator of the mobile vehicle parks the mobile vehicle onto the docking platform, the mobile vehicle can be automatically charged by the mobile vehicle charging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: AMKO SOLARA LIGHTING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Michael Ng
  • Patent number: 10204246
    Abstract: An Integrated Circuit (IC) for an RFID tag includes at least two antenna ports for coupling to at least two antennas. The IC may be configured to determine the port from which it receives an input signal, and provide a first functionality if it receives the input from a first port and a second functionality if it receives the input from a second port. The IC may be configured to determine and/or offer a functionality based on the receiving port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Yael Maguire, Ronald A. Oliver, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Patent number: 10192087
    Abstract: In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modelled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce L. Davis, Tony F. Rodriguez, Geoffrey B. Rhoads, John D. Lord, Eric D. Evans, Rebecca L. Gerlach, Yang Bai, John Stach
  • Patent number: 10157340
    Abstract: A method of detecting a stimulus can include detecting an output from a radio frequency identification tag including a sensor. A smartphone-based sensing strategy can use chemiresponsive nanomaterials integrated into the circuitry of commercial Near Field Communication tags to achieve non-line-of-sight, portable, and inexpensive detection and discrimination of gas phase chemicals (e.g., ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, cyclohexanone, and water) at part-per-thousand and part-per-million concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Timothy Manning Swager, Joseph Michael Azzarelli, Jens Bomholdt Ravnsbæk, Katherine Andrea Mirica
  • Patent number: 10149177
    Abstract: A wireless sensor includes an antenna structure, an RF signal circuit, a sensing element, memory and a processing module. In a calibration mode, the sensing element is exposed to a known condition and causes a first change of an operating characteristic of the antenna structure while receiving the RF signal. The processing module generates a first digital value based on the first change and writes it into the memory. In a sense mode, the sensing element is exposed to an unknown condition and causes a second change of an operating characteristic of the antenna structure while receiving the RF signal. The processing module generates a second digital value based on the second change and writes it into the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: RFMicron, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar Rokhsaz
  • Patent number: 10129889
    Abstract: In a wireless network comprising a plurality of carriers available for carrier aggregation transmissions between a base station and UE, the base station: (i) determines whether a requirement exists to transmit data between the UE and the base station via a carrier aggregation transmission; (ii) in response to determining that the carrier aggregation transmission requirement exists, selects a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers from the plurality of carriers for the carrier aggregation transmission based on one or more of each carrier's receive power at the UE, transmit power at the base station, and frequency; (iii) allocates the selected primary and secondary component carriers to the carrier aggregation transmission; (iv) informs the UE of the allocation; and (v) executes the carrier aggregation transmission according to the allocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Sreekar Marupaduga, Andrew M. Wurtenberger, John W. Prock
  • Patent number: 10129009
    Abstract: An electronic device and method for half duplex data transmission in a long range keyless entry and go system, and more specifically to an RFID transponder, a corresponding read/write (R/W) unit and methods for operating the RFID transponder and the R/W-unit. There is a first coil, a second coil and a third coil, being arranged as a three-dimensional antenna, a first capacitor, a second capacitor and a third capacitor couplable in parallel to the first coil, the second coil and the third coil, respectively, for selectively forming a first, a second and a third parallel-resonant circuit for receiving radio signals, a series-resonant circuit for transmitting radio signals and a control stage configured to either use one of the first, second or third parallel-resonant circuits for receiving radio signals or the series-resonant circuit for transmitting signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Herbert Meier, Andreas Hagl, Jim Childers
  • Patent number: 10095894
    Abstract: A system and method for density-based RFID network configuration. In various aspects, an RFID reader executes a read cycle defined by dwell times for a low RFID tag density and a high RFID tag density setting. Accordingly, a controller may cause the RFID reader to implement one or more RFID protocols. The controller may then receive data corresponding to the RFID tags from the RFID reader to determine a number of RFID tags within read range of the RFID reader. Based on the number of RFID tags, the controller may determine an adjustment to the read cycle executed by the RFID reader. The controller may then configure the RFID reader to execute the adjusted read cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Bellows, Timothy B. Austin
  • Patent number: 10079438
    Abstract: A radio-frequency power receiving device has RF antennas connected to multiple controllable rectifying circuits to produce corresponding DC signals which are combined in a controllable switching network to produce a combined DC output. A control unit determines an amplitude control signal that controls each rectifying circuit and also determines switch control signals that control a switching network. The switching network controllably combines the direct-current signals to combine the multiple corresponding direct-current signals in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: NVoLogic Inc
    Inventors: Yuji Tanabe, Ada Shuk Yan Poon, Siu-Weng Simon Wong
  • Patent number: 10049241
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader identifies in which room among several rooms the RFID reader is more likely to be located. The RFID reader includes a transmitter for transmitting an interrogating radio frequency (RF) signal. It includes a receiver for receiving RF signals generated in corresponding pairs of RFID tags. The RFID tag pairs are attached to corresponding regions of each of the rooms. Each of said RFID tag pair including a first RFID tag and a second RFID tag that are spaced from each other by a distance that is larger or equal to ?/4 and smaller than or equal to ?/2 with respect to a frequency of a responding RF signal originated in the pair of RFID tags. A processor selects a larger RSSI of the RSSI's of the signal pair. The processor determines a corresponding sum of the RSSI's selected from each signal pair associated with each room. The processor evaluates in accordance with determined sums, the location in which said RFID reader is more likely to be located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: THOMSON Licensing
    Inventors: Luis Montalvo, Ali Louzir, Guillaume Bichot, Philippe Gilberton
  • Patent number: 10044226
    Abstract: A first oscillator is configured to be switchable between a disabled state and an oscillation state in which a first clock signal CLK1 having a first frequency is generated. A second oscillator oscillates at a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency, so as to generate a second clock signal. In (i) a power transfer phase in which electric power is transmitted to a wireless power receiving apparatus, a controller instructs the first oscillator to oscillate, and generates a first pulse signal for controlling a driver according to the first clock signal. In (ii) a selection phase in which the presence or absence of the wireless power receiving apparatus is detected, the controller generates a second pulse signal for controlling the driver at a predetermined time interval, which is measured based on the second clock signal, and during which the first oscillator is set to the disabled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD
    Inventors: Masatoshi Watanabe, Takeshi Nozawa, Tatsuya Iwasaki, Manabu Miyata
  • Patent number: 10033426
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides an antenna module includes an antenna, a circuit configured to transmit and receive wireless signals by using the antenna, a housing that stores the circuit to cover circumference of the circuit, an antenna casing that stores the antenna to enable the antenna to transmit and receive wireless signals, and a first connector that is connected to the housing, the first connector being configured to input and output signals which are transmitted and received by the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 9996715
    Abstract: A multi-mode, preferably dual mode, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is adapted for automatic detection of whether a RFID reader located within communication range of the RFID tag is transmitting a continuous wave (CW) or modulated wave types of RF signal, and accordingly, mandating a response from the tag in read-only (RO) mode or read/write (R/W) mode, respectively. The tag includes means for designating one of the RO and R/W operating modes as a default mode of the tag, and for switching the tag from its default mode to its other operating mode, and vice versa, according to a rule for determining the frequency of occurrence of a selected event related to signal type of the reader. A device-implemented method of this automatic detection, and a method of fabricating the tag, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
  • Patent number: 9984321
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a chip card is described including a chip, an antenna, a coupling structure configured to transmit energy from the antenna to the chip and a control element configured to control, depending on a field strength of a magnetic field to which the chip card is exposed, at least one of the resonance frequency of the antenna, the quality factor of the antenna and an energy transmission efficiency of the coupling structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Stephan Rampetzreiter, Martin Buchsbaum, Jakob Jongsma, Georg Skacel, Bernhard Wedl, Andreas Woerle
  • Patent number: 9923406
    Abstract: One innovation includes a system for reducing magnetic flux of a wireless charging field in a wireless power charging system. The system comprises a wireless power transmitter configured to generate the wireless charging field, the field comprising the magnetic flux and a collector comprising a ferromagnetic material and configured to reduce the magnetic flux. The collector is positioned between a first distance and a second distance at a third distance from the transmitter. The collector is configured to reduce the magnetic flux at a first level at the first distance, at a second level at the second distance, and at a third level at the third distance, the third level greater than each of the first and second levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Leandro Percebon, Michael Werner, Daniel Kuerschner, Wojciech Chlebosz
  • Patent number: 9870660
    Abstract: In a tag identification system, active tags are configured to emulate at least one passive tag so that existing passive identifications systems, such as passive radio-frequency (RFID) systems or near field communication (NFC) systems, can be retrofitted to operate with the active tag without having to make expensive hardware updates to the readers within the system. The active tag permits continuous monitoring of its movement or status, as may be desired, regardless of its proximity relative to the readers thereby allowing a system to capture more data regarding the tag's location and use. In addition, the active tag may be compatible with different passive identification systems thereby permitting it to operate with disparate passive identification systems and obviating the need of the user to carry multiple passive tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Synapse Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Wade C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 9848291
    Abstract: A mobile computing device, including: a first memory device having first computer-readable instructions tangibly recorded thereon; a first hardware processor configured to execute the first computer-readable instructions recorded on the first memory device; and an RFID component that includes a transceiver configured to receive a proximity signal from at least one RFID reader when the RFID component is within a predetermined range of the at least one RFID reader, and a second memory device configured to store the proximity signal, wherein the first hardware processor is configured to, upon executing the instructions recorded on the first memory device, control at least one operation of the mobile computing device in accordance with the proximity signal received by the transceiver of the RFID component from the at least one RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.
    Inventors: Gary Jason Myers, Matthias Welsh, Robert Wayne Knight, II, Timothy Schaefer
  • Patent number: 9837857
    Abstract: A rectenna includes an antenna configured to receive a radio wave, a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the radio wave received by the antenna, a transmission line connected to the antenna and the rectifier circuit, and a modulation input circuit including a variable capacitance element. The variable capacitance element is connected at one end to a portion of the transmission line between an antenna connecting portion at which the antenna is connected to the transmission line and a rectifier circuit connecting portion at which the rectifier circuit is connected to the transmission line, and is configured such that the capacitance thereof varies in accordance with the voltage of a modulated signal wave input to the other end of the variable capacitance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: IHI AEROSPACE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiichiro Fujiwara, Masaru Aoki
  • Patent number: 9825490
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes: a transmission means including at least an oscillation means and a resonant means and for transmitting power to a power reception device by using a magnetic resonance-type power transmission technique; and a control means for controlling the reception power of the power reception device so as to be at a maximum by changing at least one of an oscillation frequency of the oscillation means and a resonant frequency of the resonant means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Sato
  • Patent number: 9798014
    Abstract: A satellite signal receiving device having a receiver circuit that receives a satellite signal transmitted from a positioning information satellite further includes a solar cell that converts light energy to electrical energy; a generating state detection circuit that detects a generating state of the solar cell to obtain a detection value, which is a power generating evaluation time, which is a time during which the solar cell output is continuously in a high illuminance state; and a control circuit that controls the receiver circuit and the generating state detection circuit, sets a threshold value for the power generating evaluation time, and compares the detection value with the threshold value and operates the receiver circuit when the detection value is greater than or equal to the threshold value. The control circuit changes the threshold value for the power generating evaluation time when satellite signal reception failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Norimitsu Baba
  • Patent number: 9792475
    Abstract: An RF tag for sending data to a tag reader is described. The tag comprises an antenna to couple to an RF field of the tag reader and first and second resonant circuits, the first comprising a non-linear, adaptive resonator configured to automatically self-tune to a frequency of the RF field, the second a linear resonator. The tag also has a local power store. The tag powers up using the non-linear, adaptive resonator, which can automatically self-tune without an external power supply, and this resonator is used to charge the local power store. Once operational the tag switches to using a linear resonator for communicating with the tag reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Cambridge Resonant Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Patrick Roland Hill
  • Patent number: 9754483
    Abstract: Disconnected from the powerline, a battery-powered receiver is configured to conserve power. The receiver communicates information between a local controller and a communication network that uses the powerline and a radio frequency (RF) band to propagate messages. An antenna wirelessly detects the presence of the powerline carrier signal that radiates into free space, which indicates a first message encoded onto the powerline. A computer processor wakes up from an inactive state based on the presence of the carrier signal and receives a second message via a second RF signal having a different frequency than the powerline carrier signal, and determines whether the device address in the second message is the assigned address of the receiver. If the message is not addressed to the receiver, the receiver returns to an inactive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SmartLabs, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Brian Cregg, Marcus Paul Escobosa
  • Patent number: 9705570
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for configuring a gas detector using near-field communication (NFC). A gas detector may be equipped with an NFC reader that will allow the gas detector to scan and read NFC tags. Compatible NFC tags may be acquired and programmed with the configuration settings information. The NFC tag may then be attached to a poster with instructions that show where to place the detector in order to confirm their device's configuration. When the detector is placed in the appropriate location near the tag on the poster, the detector may receive information from the NFC tag, implement the configuration settings, and possibly display a confirmation message to the user. The NFC tag may also be attached to a card carried by a monitor for that work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Mroszczak, Kirk William Johnson, Kelly Englot, Mahdi Javer
  • Patent number: 9684862
    Abstract: A smart tag comprises a processor, a non-volatile memory, at least one of an internal power source and an external power source, and a transceiver configured for two-way communication with a reader external to the smart tag. The smart tag is formed as an integrated circuit chip less than 10 cubic millimeters in size to less than 0.000125 cubic millimeters in size. An apparatus comprising the smart tag may further include an antenna connect to the smart tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul S. Andry, Monty Montague Denneau, John U. Knickerbocker, Robert L. Wisnieff
  • Patent number: 9673870
    Abstract: Near-field communications (NFC) with NFC reader devices are facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a NFC circuit that wirelessly communicates with different types of local NFC readers using an NFC protocol, a host circuit having one or more modules that communicate with one of the types of local NFC readers via the NFC circuit, and second (e.g., secure) modules that respectively communicate with a specific one of the different types of local NFC readers, also via the NFC circuit, using secure data stored within the second module. A routing circuit is responsive to an NFC communication received from a specific one of the NFC readers, by identifying one of the first and second modules that communicates with the specific one of the NFC readers, and routing NFC communications between the specific one of the NFC readers and the identified one of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Jeremy Geslin, Julien Marie, Xavier Kerdreux
  • Patent number: 9673871
    Abstract: A wireless mobile device using a battery as an antenna is provided. The wireless mobile device includes a battery, a system circuit, a RF choke and a DC blocker. The battery has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The system circuit has a voltage terminal and a RF terminal. The RF choke is connected between the positive terminal of the battery and the voltage terminal of the system circuit. The DC blocker is connected between the positive terminal of the battery and the RF terminal of the system circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SOUTH SILICON VALLEY MICROELECTRONICS CO., LIMITED
    Inventor: Ming-Hao Yeh
  • Patent number: 9658644
    Abstract: A customer replacement unit monitor (CRUM) unit that can be mounted in an image forming apparatus includes a decoder which receives first clock signals from the image forming apparatus and converts the first clock signals into second clock signals, a memory which stores data related with a consumable unit, and a controller which manages the memory based on data signals transmitted from the image forming apparatus and the second clock signals. The first clock signals are divided into a data section in which the data signals are transmitted and received and an idle section in which the data signals are not transmitted and received. The first clock signals have a first frequency on the data section while having a second frequency on the idle section, and the second clock signals are clock signals maintaining a high value or a low value on the idle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-keun Seo, Jin-boo Kim, Youn-jae Kim
  • Patent number: 9654184
    Abstract: A method and system for establishing a communication link in a wireless power system from a wireless power transmitter (WPT) to a wireless power receiver (WPR) is provided. A flux modulator is operably disposed in the WPT for dynamically changing the WPT's impedance so as to modulate a magnetic field produced on the transmitter coil when a primary voltage applied to the WPT. A flux demodulator is operably disposed in the WPR for receiving and demodulating a secondary voltage induced on a receiver coil due to the modulated magnetic field on the transmitter coil. The induction of the secondary voltage on the receiver coil due to the modulated magnetic field on the transmitter coil establishes the communication link from the WPT to the WPR. The flux demodulator is configured as an analog signal processing chain or a digital signal processing block for decoding information obtained from the WPT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: WIPQTUS INC.
    Inventors: Ganapathy Sankar, Manjit Singh
  • Patent number: 9646239
    Abstract: Transponders are disclosed that are configurable to operate in an HDX mode and/or an FDX-B mode and that use a switchable load impedance across the transponders' resonant antenna circuit to induce amplitude and/or frequency modulation. One embodiment of the invention includes an inductive antenna including two terminals connected to tag circuitry, where the inductive antenna forms a resonant antenna circuit tuned to resonate at the frequency of the activation signal. The tag circuitry and the resonant antenna circuitry are configurable as an oscillator, the tag circuitry is configured to be powered by electric current induced in the resonant antenna circuit, includes at least one switchable load impedance connected across the antenna resonant circuit, configured to amplitude modulate the activation signal appearing at the resonant antenna circuit terminals using a switchable load impedance, and to frequency shift key modulate the oscillator signal appearing at the resonant antenna circuit terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Allflex USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Stewart
  • Patent number: 9582837
    Abstract: A communication terminal receives acceptance data for gas cock opening created by a server, performs selection based on the received acceptance data, reads a two-dimensional barcode, and compares two-dimensional barcode data and target data stored in a storage device of the communication terminal; the sever sends the communication terminal a gas inspection item in which the target data is reflected; the communication terminal receives the inspection item in which the target data is reflected, checks an inspection result item created for the inspection item, and sends the checked inspection result item to the server; and the server gives permission for the gas cock opening based on the sent inspection result item, and sends a result of the permission to the communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nippon Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Wada, Shingo Dekamo
  • Patent number: 9563833
    Abstract: A method of detecting a stimulus can include detecting an output from a radio frequency identification tag including a sensor. A smartphone-based sensing strategy can use chemiresponsive nanomaterials integrated into the circuitry of commercial Near Field Communication tags to achieve non-line-of-sight, portable, and inexpensive detection and discrimination of gas phase chemicals (e.g., ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, cyclohexanone, and water) at part-per-thousand and part-per-million concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Timothy Manning Swager, Joseph Michael Azzarelli, Jens Bomholdt Ravnsbæk, Katherine Andrea Mirica
  • Patent number: 9553869
    Abstract: A method for initializing a memory area associated with a smart meter, establishing a first communication channel between a first computer system and a security module, the security module being associated with a memory area, and the first computer system being associated with a set of computer systems interconnected via a network; authenticating the first computer system with respect to the security module; once the first computer system has been successfully authenticated, the security module receiving data from the first computer system by secure transmission and storage of the data in the memory area in order to initialize the memory area, communication between a second computer system of a utility company and/or operator of the measuring system and the security module being only possible while bypassing the first computer system, owing to the stored data, the second computer system being a computer system of the set of computer systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Dietrich, Manfred Paeschke
  • Patent number: 9542631
    Abstract: The dual frequency RF identification device comprises an HF antenna for receiving an HF electromagnetic field, an HF interface, an UHF antenna for receiving an UHF electromagnetic field, an UHF interface, non-volatile memory means formed by a first non-volatile memory and a second non-volatile memory. The first non-volatile memory can be in an active state without the second non-volatile memory being powered and consumes substantially more power than this second non-volatile memory. The first non-volatile memory comprises all data needed for a device configuration allowing this device to carry out at least a communication mode of an UHF protocol, this communication mode having access to the first non-volatile memory but not to the second non-volatile memory. The first non-volatile memory further comprises all attributes needed for a configuration of this communication mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin S.A.
    Inventors: Jiri Kolman, Goran Stojanovic, Tomas Marek
  • Patent number: 9509178
    Abstract: A system attached to an object for communicating the object information to communication devices. The system includes an electronic circuitry to communicate an identification-information, and a hub section coupled to the communication device to power the electronic circuitry and further receives the identification-information transmitted from the electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry may be embedded in a single chip/printed decal/flexible polymer foil. The hub section includes a generator, a first converter, a first switching unit, a first electrode, a first detection unit, and a hub controller. The electronic circuitry includes a second electrode, a floating electrode, a second converter, a buffer, a second detection unit, a modulation unit, and an analog processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Wolfgang Richter, Faranak Zadeh
  • Patent number: 9495816
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a first communication device that transmits a first transmission signal to a vehicle side, a second communication device that transmits a second transmission signal in response to an electromagnetic field received from the vehicle side, a control unit that controls the first communication device and second communication device, and a circuit board. The first communication device includes a loop antenna that is formed by a conductive wire formed on the circuit board. The second communication device includes a transponder coil, which is substantially rectangular, on the circuit board. One shorter edge of the transponder coil is placed near an edge, of the circuit board, that faces the vehicle. The conductive wire is configured so as to enter a projected area, on the circuit board, of the transponder coil from one longer edge of the projected area and exit the projected area from the other longer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Kishimoto, Shinichi Yamamoto, Satoshi Kanbayashi, Ryuta Kawasaki, Naoto Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 9479631
    Abstract: A mobile system includes a Near-Field Communication (NFC) reader, a sensor, a memory arrangement, and a processor. The NFC reader is configured to communicate with an electronic device within a predetermined range. The sensor obtaining data related to a state of the mobile system and external conditions of the mobile system. The memory arrangement storing a mode application configured to determine when a mode of the NFC reader is to be changed as a function of the data. The processor executing the mode application and changing the mode when at least one of the state and the external conditions changes beyond a respective predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Benedict Kennedy, James Morley-Smith
  • Patent number: 9471813
    Abstract: A system and method of adjusting the transmission strength emitted by an integrated RFID reader. The system may stores the location of the RFID when moved proximate to an object as a point of origin. When the RFID reader moves relative to the point of origin, the system may determine the distance of the RFID reader from the point of origin and may adjust the power level of the RFID reader relative to this distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Philip Zumsteg
  • Patent number: 9457821
    Abstract: A method and system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote train control system. The system comprises at least one sensor for providing trackside conditions electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad, said sensor being powered by voltage applied to the circuit such that the sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged. The system and method further comprises a method and system which is failsafe and which enables the control system to independently verify signals from each sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francois Pretorius, David L. Hill, Charles A. Wisniewski, Lawrence Deloss Lowe, III
  • Patent number: 9461852
    Abstract: A signal demodulation apparatus includes: a clock generation device arranged to generate a clock signal according to an inputting modulation signal; and a demodulation device arranged to demodulate the inputting modulation signal to generate a demodulation signal according to the clock signal; wherein a signal edge of the clock signal substantially aligns to a turning point of the inputting modulation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Uday Dasgupta
  • Patent number: 9449265
    Abstract: An Integrated Circuit (IC) for an RFID tag includes at least two antenna ports for coupling to at least two antennas. The IC may be configured to determine the port from which it receives an input signal, and provide a first functionality if it receives the input from a first port and a second functionality if it receives the input from a second port. The IC may be configured to determine and/or offer a functionality based on the receiving port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: IMPINJ INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Yael Maguire, Ronald A. Oliver, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Patent number: 9430728
    Abstract: The electronic identification system provides two-way communications between reader and tags using alternating magnetic fields established by the reader and tag. Communication is accomplished by utilizing either a one-step or a two-step modulation process in which the information to be communicated either modulates an alternating magnetic field directly or modulates a periodic signal which modulates an alternating magnetic field. The coil in the reader that is used to establish an alternating magnetic field is transformer-coupled through capacitors to a push-pull driving circuit consisting of four field-effect transistors connected in a bridge arrangement. The coil, capacitors, and coupling circuitry are maintained in a tuned condition by continually adjusting either the driving frequency, the coil inductance, or the capacitor capacitance during communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventors: Michael L. Beigel, Nathaniel Polish, Steven R. Frank, Robert E. Malm
  • Patent number: 9415689
    Abstract: In a device and a method to produce a user recognition signal upon an actuation by a user in a vehicle using a control unit linked with a transmitter and receiver which are disposed relative to one another to set up a user-specific high frequency transmission path therebetween upon actuation by the the user, at least one HF signal is provided and transferred through the body of the user, the HF transfer is evaluated to determine the user-specific transmission path to identify the user, and a user recognition signal is produced that identifies the user, wherein using at least one detection unit an action of the user is detected or an action presence is monitored, and in the detection of the action an action signal is produced, and the transmitter only provides the one HF transmission signal after or upon the existence of an action signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Christoph Wäller, Lennart Bendewald, Katharina Bachfischer, Lorenz Bohrer
  • Patent number: 9411992
    Abstract: The protocol management method concerns a RFID transponder which comprises first and second field detectors respectively for first and second interrogation fields in order to watch for the reception of these first or second interrogation fields at least respectively during executions of corresponding first and second communication protocols. If during the execution of a communication protocol the reception of the corresponding interrogation field is no more detected by the corresponding field detector while the power provided by the power generator remains equal or superior to the requested power level, then this communication protocol is stopped and the RFID transponder enters a Standby state. When the transponder is in this Standby state, the corresponding field detector continues to watch for the reception of the corresponding interrogation field in order to detect if it is again received and, if this is the case, to trigger a restart of this corresponding communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin SA
    Inventors: Tomas Marek, Jan Bicak, Jiri Kolman, Petr Bily
  • Patent number: 9412213
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of RFID (radio frequency identification). Some particularly preferred embodiments relate to a high-Q, so-called “full duplex” (FDX) RFID Reader. An RFID tag reader, the reader comprising: an electromagnetic (EM) field generator for generating an electromagnetic (EM) field for modulation by said tag, said modulation comprising modulated load of said EM field by said tag; a detector system responsive to fluctuations in strength of said EM field at said reader; a negative feedback system responsive to said detector system to provide a control signal for said EM field generator for controlling said EM field generator to reduce said detected fluctuations; and a demodulator responsive to said control of said EM field to demodulate said EM field modulation by said tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Cambridge Resonant Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Patrick Roland Hill
  • Patent number: 9368273
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for multicoil telemetry are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an intermediate coil disposed between a driving coil and a receiving coil, where the intermediate coil is configured to act on magnetic fields between the driving coil and receiving coil in order to provide improved coupling efficiency. The improved coupling may assist in providing efficient power transfer and/or data transfer utilizing the magnetic fields. In some embodiments the receiving coil may be in direct communication with the intermediate coil, without any other intermediate coils. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a second intermediate coil disposed between the driving coil and receiving coil to improve the transfer efficiency between the driving and receiving coils. The intermediate coils may have a high quality factor and be configured to decouple the resistance between the driving and receiving coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Anil K. Ram Rakhyani, Gianluca Lazzi
  • Patent number: 9361798
    Abstract: Approaches for classifying vehicles include generating a signal waveform from a signal in a single inductive loop generated by a passing vehicle. The signal waveform is compared to a first plurality of model waveforms. Each model waveform is associated with a respective class of vehicle. A first model waveform of the first plurality of model waveforms that matches the signal waveform is determined, and data indicating the respective class of vehicle associated with the first model waveform is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jeremy William Neuman
  • Patent number: 9319225
    Abstract: Sleeping device(s) may be changed from a sleeping state to an awake state using a multicast packet that sent to a multicast address of a multicast wake-up group. The packet may include an identifier for one or more particular device(s) in the multicast group, which, when received by the device(s), causes the device(s) to wake up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Sumit Garg, Murari Sridharan
  • Patent number: 9299232
    Abstract: A security device may include an attachment assembly configured to affix the security device to an object, a locking assembly configured to lockably secure the attachment assembly and configured to transition between at least a locked state and an unlocked state, a transformer configured to drive an alarm assembly to generate an alarm, and processing circuitry. The transformer may be further configured to operate as a wireless receiver to receive a remotely transmitted wireless signal. The processing circuitry may be configured to monitor an output of the transformer to determine whether the wireless signal has been received via the transformer, and selectively activate the transformer to drive the alarm assembly to generate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Christianson, Donald Matthew Johnson