Power Up Patents (Class 340/10.34)
  • Patent number: 8446256
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for multiplexing radio frequency signals. In some implementations, a system includes a host coupling module, a plurality of antennas, and a processing module. The host coupling module is configured to receive and transmit RF signals through a wired connection. The plurality of antennas are configured to wirelessly transmit RF signals and receive RF signals from RFID tags. The processing module is configured to selectively switch between the plurality of antennas for communication with the RFID tags using the host coupling module and backscatter at least a portion of the received RF signals through the wired connection to communicate information independent of an internal power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Sirit Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Pinkham
  • Patent number: 8446257
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) charging system is capable of charging an RF device on a display panel to increase charging efficiency. The RF device generates a response signal upon receiving an RF signal. The RF charging system includes an antenna set having a plurality of antennas, a switch unit, an RF module and a microcontroller unit (MCU). The MCU controls the switch unit to select one antenna from the antenna set. The antenna is able to receive the response signal and is used for transmitting the RF signal, thereby charging the RF device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng-Jian Chou, Chih-Yuan Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8446260
    Abstract: A group proving method includes the following steps. First, a query command is broadcasted to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, each of which responds the query command with tag identification data. Next, a first round parameter is generated and broadcasted according to the tag identification data, and each RFID tag responds the first round parameter with a first response parameter. Then, a second round parameter is generated and broadcasted according to the first response parameter, and each RFID tag determines whether the second round parameter is received in a predetermined period after the first round parameter was received and whether the first and second round parameters correspond to each other. If so, each RFID tag updates its tag key according to a random number parameter and outputs a second response parameter. Thereafter, group proving data are generated according to the above-mentioned data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Wei-Chih Ting
  • Publication number: 20130113611
    Abstract: This invention relates to a data transmission method in a passive communication system being wirelessly powered up and being passively operable, without using its own power, for data transmission and reception, such as in a passive RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) communication system, which is capable of effectively configuring a message transmitted by a passive device, thereby providing improved transmission efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Seon Wook Kim, Jong-Ok Kim, Seok Joong Hwang
  • Patent number: 8436714
    Abstract: Specialized battery assisted command set design methods are disclosed that provide for interference rejection using highly sensitive but relatively broadband RFID tags. The command set design also supports RFID system RF power control for further interference control. The command set design also allows for convenient expansion to active transmitters and receivers in tags operating within the same system. Embodiments of the present invention provide RFID systems having battery-assisted, Semi-Passive RFID tags that operate with sensitive transistor based square law tag receivers utilizing a plurality of tag receiver dynamic range states. Additional enhancement attained via power leveling methods that optimize the amount of transmitted power and interference from a reader in relation to the sensitivity of the RFID tags, their ranges from the reader, and the unique physics of the backscatter RFID radio link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Intelleflex Corporation
    Inventors: Alfonso Rodriguez, Farron Dacus, Johannes Albertus van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 8416063
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for stopping power supply to a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The apparatus includes: a power supplier supplying power to a high RFID tag; an input unit rectifying and boosting an input predetermined frequency band signal and outputting a direct-current (DC) voltage signal; a wake-up determiner comparing a voltage of the DC voltage signal output from the input unit with a predetermined reference voltage and outputting a HIGH signal or a LOW signal; and a switch stopping power supply to the high RFID tag if the wake-up determiner outputs the LOW signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jae-Young Jung, Hae Won Son, Jun Ho Yeo, Jong Hyun Seo, Su Na Choi, Gil Young Choi, Cheol Sig Pyo
  • Patent number: 8405486
    Abstract: In wireless electric power transmission and reception, the efficiency of transmission and reception is improved and a device to which electric power can be supplied is specified to improve security. Two antennas with different resonance frequencies are provided, and the resonance frequencies of a reception loop and a reception coil of a receiver are corrected in accordance with a reception status of a carrier transmitted from a transmitter to improve the efficiency of transmission and reception. Further, data transmitted from the transmitter are demodulated on the basis of the reception levels of two antennas with different resonance frequencies, and the data are transmitted to the transmitter using a reflective wave to perform data transmission and reception. By using this, device authentication is performed, and security is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Yamada, Taku Takaki, Yuhei Niwa
  • Patent number: 8400297
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for a power conserving active RFID label. A system for performing radio frequency (RF) communications includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to one or more items to be tracked, the RFID tag configured to receive a request and a time interval indicating a time for determining a temperature and a battery voltage, and to adjust the time interval at a time of determining the temperature and the battery voltage if the detected voltage is less than a predetermined voltage, and an interrogator communicatively coupled to one or more antennas to transmit one or more requests to the RFID tag and to receive one or more responses, at least one response including a time, temperature and battery voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Mark E. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8400278
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply circuit provided with a battery as a power source for supplying power to an RFID, and the battery of the power supply circuit is charged with a wireless signal. Then, a switching circuit is provided in the power supply circuit that supplies power to a signal control circuit which transmits and receives individual information to and from the outside to intermittently control supply of power to the signal control circuit by a signal from a low-frequency signal generation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Koyama
  • Patent number: 8400276
    Abstract: By pushing the registration switch of a main controller, a radio signal for requesting the transmission of a terminal-device ID number is transmitted (SP1, SP2). A wireless sensor sends back the terminal-device ID number (SP11, SP12), and the main controller stores the received terminal-device ID number in its storage unit and transmits a main-controller device ID number (SP4, SP5). The wireless sensor stores the main-controller device ID number in its storage unit. From then on, communications between devices whose device ID numbers have been registered are permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihei Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8395487
    Abstract: In a circuit for a data carrier, which data carrier comprise a sensor that is designed for providing a sensor signal that represents an environment parameter and a communication element that is designed for the contact-less communication with an interrogator station, first connection elements for connecting the circuit to the communication element and second connection elements for establishing an electronic connection of the circuit to the sensor are provided, wherein the second connection elements are realized by the first connection elements and wherein the circuit comprises a sensor signal processing stage designed for receiving said sensor signal via the first connection element and for processing said received sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Achim Hilgers
  • Patent number: 8395483
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the power of an electronic reader device is provided. The system for controlling the power of an electronic reader device may comprise a computing apparatus that may receive a command from a host system to change the power state a power controller. The system may also comprise a computing apparatus that may adjust the power state of the power controller by using one or more registers. The system may further comprise a computing apparatus that may adjust the power of one or more power supplies. The system may additionally comprise a computing apparatus that may instruct a display controller to perform an operation based on the change of the power state of the power controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventors: Garth Conboy, Mark Foster, Vincent Le Chevalier, John Rivlin, Khin Zaw
  • Patent number: 8384523
    Abstract: Specialized battery assisted command set design methods are disclosed that provide for interference rejection using highly sensitive but relatively broadband RFID tags. The command set design also supports RFID system RF power control for further interference control. The command set design also allows for convenient expansion to active transmitters and receivers in tags operating within the same system. Embodiments of the present invention provide RFID systems having battery-assisted, Semi-Passive RFID tags that operate with sensitive transistor based square law tag receivers utilizing a plurality of tag receiver dynamic range states. Embodiments of the present invention are also enhanced with receiver training and synchronizing methods suited to the high tag sensitivity and need for dynamic range state switching. These enhancements may employ pseudo-random sequence based receiver training, activation signaling, and frame synchronizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intelleflex Corporation
    Inventors: Alfonso Rodriquez, Farron Dacus, Johannes Albertus van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 8378787
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in either an active mode or a semi-active mode (604). The data tag device includes tag circuitry including a interface element (104), a controller element (102), and a memory (106) in which tag data (116) is stored. A battery is provided which is initially coupled to the tag circuitry. A decoupling feature (402) is used to destructively decouple the battery from the tag circuitry when it is desired to disable the data tag device and reduce the ability of third parties to obtain the tag data. The data tag device is configured to detect the destructive decoupling (606, 608), and disable the data tag in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Greenlee, Christian L. Hunt, Steven M. Miller, Anne I. Ryan
  • Patent number: 8344857
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power rectifier for a Radio Frequency Identification tag circuit. The rectifier is constructed from a pair of complementary MOS transistors. Gates of the transistors have predetermined voltages applied to them. The applied voltages bias the transistors to near their active operating region. During the same time additional control signals are applied to the gates of the transistors, the control signals are synchronous, but out of phase, with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Oliver, John D. Hyde, Charles J. T. Peach
  • Patent number: 8319611
    Abstract: An ID tag has a stable internal supply voltage and extends the range of communication with the reader/writer during back scattering communication. An ASK-modulated signal pre-boost circuit to which antenna terminals are coupled is coupled in parallel with a rectifying circuit. In the ASK-modulated signal pre-boost circuit, a switch for back scattering, working as a modulator element, is provided. During back scattering communication, when a back scattering signal “1” is transmitted, only the current flowing in the signal receiving path of the modulation/demodulation unit is wasted by turning the switch for back scattering on. Additional current loss other than the loss for impedance matching can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Tsukamoto, Mutsuya Motojima
  • Patent number: 8319612
    Abstract: A transponder detector is provided with capabilities for detecting the presence and type of a transponder in its read range while operating at low power. The transponder detector includes an antenna assembly and a detection signal generator circuit coupled to the antenna assembly. The detection signal generator circuit is capable of generating a progression of detection signals on the antenna assembly across a range of frequencies. The transponder detector further includes a response signal receiver circuit coupled to the antenna assembly to receive a progression of response signals from the antenna assembly resulting from the progression of detection signals. A controller is coupled to the response signal receiver circuit which determines the presence and type of the transponder based on an evaluation of a transponder detection parameter in the progression of response signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Assa Abloy AB
    Inventor: Eric J. Borcherding
  • Patent number: 8314687
    Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Amtech System, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
  • Patent number: 8311476
    Abstract: A transponder and method for operating a transponder, which has a capacitor (Cbuf) for storing power transmitted via an air interface and an arithmetic logic unit (10) that can be supplied with the stored power, in which a capacitor voltage (VC) of the capacitor (Cbuf) is compared with a first threshold (V1), in which the capacitor voltage (VC) is compared with a second threshold (V2), whereby the first threshold (V1) and the second threshold (V2) are different, in which in a first operating mode (M1), when the capacitor voltage (VC) is above the first threshold (V1), the arithmetic logic unit (10) performs a number of routines with a different priority, in which in a second operating mode (M2), when the capacitor voltage (VC) is between the first threshold (V1) and the second threshold (V2), a number of low-priority routines are stopped and a number of high-priority routines are continued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Lepek
  • Patent number: 8310344
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for radio frequency identification provides an on-off keyed amplitude-modulated illumination signal containing a sequence of bits configured to illuminate a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, The illumination signal is received at the RFID tag, rectified to generate a wake signal for waking a processor which is subsequently powered by a battery. The received illumination signal is sampled and subjected to a thresholding process. Mobile telephone band interference is countered by correlating the sampled illumination signal to determine its bit sequence and then correlating the bit sequence against a predetermined key. An identification signal from the RFID tag is sent in response to a match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: FP Wireless, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore D. Geiszler, Paul G. Saldin, Eric W. Lofstad
  • Patent number: 8305195
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) communication system and method is provided to resolve the power-consuming problems of an active RFID tag while operating at a receiving mode in a long duration. A designated channel is established between the reader and the RFID tag, and also the reader sends a designated message so that the actuated active RFID tag can receive the designated messages and dynamically enter into a receiving mode. Therefore, normal communications may be conducted between the reader and the RFID and the usage period or technical performance can be improved as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Shin-Yao Perng, Ta-Yung Lee, Chih-Wen Cheng, Yuan-Ning Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8299899
    Abstract: A system is provided for identifying implanted medical devices, leads and systems, as well as objects in close proximity to a patient having an implanted medical device (IMD), using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having retrievable information relating to the IMD, lead system and/or patient. An RFID tag communicator includes a circuit for limiting the total continuous transmit time of an interrogation signal, and a time-out circuit for delaying a second and any subsequent interrogation of the RFID tag. An external IMD programmer incorporating a multi-functional RFID reader is capable of identifying and communicating with various types of implanted medical devices, even if such devices are made by different manufacturers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Christine A. Frysz, Robert A. Stevenson, Geddes Frank Tyers
  • Patent number: 8294555
    Abstract: A return communication system and method for an Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) System allows a pick-up device (3) to receive an instruction and supply a load (36) in such a way that a predetermined variation occurs in current in the primary conductive path (2) of the system The variation may be detected and decoded to determine a response from the pick-up to the instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Auckland UniServices Limited
    Inventor: Stephen D. Tetlow
  • Patent number: 8289138
    Abstract: A wireless network communications unit is operable to transmit and receive data for a host device. The wireless network communications unit includes a wireless network communications interface configured to transmit and receive data using a wireless network protocol when a host device having the wireless network communications unit is turned on. The wireless communications unit also includes a tag component detecting when the host device is turned off. In response to detecting the host device being turned off, the unit enters a tag operational mode wherein the tag component is configured to transmit data identifying the host device via the wireless network interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Guillaume Oget
  • Patent number: 8284035
    Abstract: Systems and methods convey information from a controller to at least one slave unit using a single wire referenced to an alternating current (AC) power supply. A control signal has a high voltage and a low voltage. The high voltage is greater than a voltage midpoint of the AC power supply and the low voltage is less than the voltage midpoint. The control signal is conveyed through the single wire to each of the at least one slave unit. At each slave unit, a comparison voltage, representative of the voltage midpoint, is generated by dividing substantially midway the potentials between the power lines of the AC power supply and the control signal is compared to the comparison voltage to determine low and high states of the control signal; the low and high states represent the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Albeo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Van Laanen
  • Patent number: 8274369
    Abstract: A RFID device having a nonvolatile ferroelectric memory includes an analog block. A power-on reset unit configured to sense a power voltage and output a power sensing signal is included in the analog block. A radio frequency signal sensing unit is configured to sense the level of a detecting signal corresponding to a radio frequency signal received by the antenna of the RFID device and outputs a radio frequency sensing signal. A power-on reset mixer is configured to synthesize the power sensing signal and the radio frequency sensing signal and outputs a power-on reset signal according to the voltage levels of the power sensing signal and the radio frequency sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Bok Kang, Jin Hong An, Suk Kyoung Hong
  • Patent number: 8274367
    Abstract: In an RFID system comprising a detection unit for detecting an RFID tag and a control unit for exercising the control concerning the RFID tag, a determination unit determines whether to access a second area of an RFID tag comprising storage area, comprising of a first area for storing ID information and the second area for storing command information. An extraction unit extracts command information from the second area when it is determined to access the second area. An execution unit performs a process corresponding to the command information extracted by the extraction unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tomohiko Maeda, Kazuo Sato, Yoshitaka Muraoka, Hidehiko Fuchida, Shuko Saito
  • Patent number: 8258922
    Abstract: A receiving module, checking module, and a controller are provided. The receiving module is configured for receiving external wireless signals. The checking module is configured for checking whether a current wireless signal comprises checking codes of a control signal which is configured for controlling the electronic device and, if yes, generating an activation signal. The controller is configured for switching the electronic device into a power-saving mode if no external wireless signal is received after a predetermined time period and switching the electronic device into a normal mode if the activation signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen Shu, Ching-Chih Lin, Te-Hua Lee
  • Patent number: 8260201
    Abstract: RFID tag designs and sensors are disclosed that include a dispersive antenna and exhibit greater detection ranges relative to conventional designs. The designs include, for example a transponder having including a rectifier, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuit for receiving and responding to interrogation signals, and a frequency dispersion element for receiving a multi-phase input signal and creating a pulse therefrom for input to the rectifier. Frequency-dispersive elements (e.g., antennas) and compatible interrogation waveforms can be used so that the rectifying diodes receive high peak voltage levels relative to the average voltage levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Court Rossman, John T. Apostolos, Karl D. Brommer
  • Patent number: 8248242
    Abstract: A wireless tracking system and method for real-time location tracking of a extreme-temperature sterilizable object is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to the extreme-temperature sterilizable object which includes a housing, a processor, a temperature sensor and a transceiver. If an internal temperature of the tag is detected by the temperature sensor, the tag enters a sleep mode. The temperature sensor periodically activates to determine if the internal temperature of the tag is within an acceptable operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Awarepoint Corporation
    Inventors: Dyami Caliri, Derek Smith
  • Patent number: 8242889
    Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a battery that stores therein electricity and supplies the electricity to the RFID tag, an antenna that receives radio waves transmitted from a reader/writer, an electricity generating unit that generates electricity based on the radio waves received by the antenna, and supplies the electricity to the RFID tag, an electricity storage determining unit that determines whether electricity is stored in the battery, an electricity supply switching control unit that, when the electricity storage determining unit determines that electricity is stored, selects a connection of a circuit to operate the RFID tag with the electricity supplied from the battery, and an electricity generating unit switching control unit that, when the electricity storage determining unit determines that electricity is stored, selects a connection of a circuit not to input the radio waves received by the antenna to the electricity generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Shigekazu Kimura
  • Patent number: 8242890
    Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
  • Patent number: 8228193
    Abstract: An application specific integrated circuit chip includes capacitors and antennas. The antennas receive energy from an outside source, and charge capacitors on the chip in order to provide power to the chip itself. The chip in turn communicates by antenna to outside receivers for the purposes of identification of the chip and hence a bag or article to which it is attached. The chip is attached to its article by means of glue which is in turn applied by an applicator which shoots the chip and the glue against the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Tümay O. Tümer
  • Patent number: 8228175
    Abstract: RFID tags, ICs for RFID tags, and methods are provided. In some embodiments, an RFID tag includes a memory with multiple sections, and a processing block. The processing block may map one of these sections, or another of these sections, for purposes of responding to a first command from an RFID reader. As such, an RFID tag can operate according to the data stored in the section mapped at the time. In some embodiments, a tag can even transition from mapping one of the sections to mapping another of the sections. This can amount to the tag exhibiting alternative behaviors, and permits hiding data on the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Diorio, Theron Stanford, Scott A. Cooper, Chad A. Lindhorst, Kambiz Rahimi, Harley K. Heinrich, Gregory T. Kavounas
  • Patent number: 8223000
    Abstract: An information access system includes: a passive contactless information storage device (500) capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a fixed-station information processing device (100) having an information processing unit, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting, in a contactless manner, a command signal for requesting transmission of information stored in the information storage device and supplying power in a contactless manner to the information storage device; and a mobile-station information processing device (200) having an information processing unit, an information presenting unit, a battery, and a wireless receiver for receiving a response signal for response to the command signal, from the information storage device in a contactless manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Shiotsu, Isamu Yamada, Akira Itasaki
  • Patent number: 8222998
    Abstract: In an arrangement and the associated method for the acquisition of data between at least one detection unit E1, E2, En and at least one means RFID1, RFID2, . . . RFIDn arranged in the electromagnetic alternating field EMF1, EMF2, . . . EMFn of the detection unit E1, E2, . . . En, for example an electronic data carrier, the means RFID1, RFID2, . . . RFIDn only submits data of a field intensity threshold value Emax of the electromagnetic alternating field EMF1, EMF2, . . . EMFn is exceeded. The data is received by the detection unit E1, E2, . . . E3. The field intensity of the electromagnetic alternating field EMF1, EMF2, . . . EMFn is designed such that within a predetermined unit of volume VE the field intensity threshold value Emax is exceeded for a predetermined amount of time t.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Nikolaus Fuchs, Peter Hagl
  • Patent number: 8222996
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) that is controlled by the RFID's logic and powered by the RFID's power harvesting circuit, wherein the RFID tag is capable of being interrogated by an RFID reader and reporting its unique identification number by RF backscatter and/or controlling the illumination state of the at least one LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua R. Smith, Daniel Yeager, Ali Rahimi
  • Patent number: 8222999
    Abstract: A commodity display position alert system includes commodity display shelves set in a selling floor space of a store, an RFID reader provided in each of the commodity display shelves, and a server as a system control unit. The RFID reader reads a commodity code from an RFID tag attached to a commodity. A server compares the commodity code of the commodity and display permission information stored in a database functioning as a shelf-rule storing unit and determines whether the read commodity code is a commodity code of a commodity that should be displayed on the commodity display shelf. When the server determines that a commodity other than the commodity that should be displayed on the commodity display shelf is displayed on the commodity display shelf, the server performs control for outputting a reporting signal for causing the PDA terminal to perform reporting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenya Hiramatsu, Akio Hiruma, Kenji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8219025
    Abstract: A stand alone sensor apparatus includes a moveable chassis and, mounted to the chassis, a wireless power receiver, a sensor, and a wireless transceiver. The wireless power receiver receives power wirelessly, converts the wireless power to electrical power, and provides the electrical power to the sensor and the wireless transceiver. The sensor measures a characteristic of a continuous web material. The wireless transceiver is coupled to the sensor and wirelessly sends a signal that is based upon the measured characteristic. An air source and/or a temperature control device may be mounted to the moveable chassis and receive electrical power from the wireless power receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Cristian Andronic
  • Patent number: 8217782
    Abstract: A field device for use in monitoring or controlling an industrial process includes two wire process control loop electrical connections. Digital communications monitoring circuitry coupled to the electrical connections and is configured to control power to the field device electrical circuitry in response to a digital signal on the two wire process control loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Nelson, Eric R. Lovegren, James A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8203434
    Abstract: A wireless power feeding system is provided, which achieves a configuration enabling effective reception of electrical energy wirelessly transmitted from a wireless power feeding device, and which contributes to the improvement of the power reception efficiency. For the above purpose, the wireless power feeding system includes a power transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting the electrical energy, a power supply connected to the power transmitting coil, a control unit for controlling the power supply, a power receiving coil portion for receiving the electrical energy transmitted from the power transmitting coil, a power receiving circuit for supplying a load member with the electrical energy received by a power receiving coil, and a magnetic member for collecting a magnetic flux generated by the power transmitting operation of the power transmitting coil to the power receiving coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8199022
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for coordinating the installation and removal a motor control center subunit with the power connection and interruption thereof. A system of interlocks and indicators causes an operator to install a motor control center subunit into a motor control center, and connect supply and control power thereto, in a particular order. Once installed, a test module system included with the subunit provides for pass-through connection of signals from equipment test points. The test module can thus relay internal conditions of the subunit to the operator without a need for disengaging or opening the subunit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Morris, Scott E. McPherren, Edgar Yee
  • Patent number: 8193912
    Abstract: RFID tags are configured to adjust their clock frequency in order to meet predefined limits for reply frequencies to conserve tag power. A deviation of computed tag reply frequency from a reader commanded reply frequency is used to determine an adjustment to the tag clock frequency. The tag clock frequency may be adjusted during backscatter and restored once backscattering is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Vadim Gutnik, Scott A. Cooper, John D. Hyde
  • Patent number: 8193915
    Abstract: A vehicle transceiver module is provided for use in a synchronous communication system including the vehicle transceiver module and one or more key fobs, each of the key fobs including a key fob transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The vehicle transceiver module includes transceiver circuitry, a controller, a storage device and power control circuitry. The transceiver circuitry receives the signal transmitted by the key fob transceiver and provides it to the controller. The controller is coupled to the transceiver for determining an offset value associated with one of the key fobs in response to an offset time duration between a reception time of the signal from the key fob and a first expected reception time of the signal from the key fob. The storage device is coupled to the controller for receiving the offset value associated with the key fob from the controller and stores the offset value along with information identifying the key fob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Clark E. McCall, David T. Proefke, William A. Biondo
  • Patent number: 8188841
    Abstract: A new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), tracking, powering apparatus/system and method using coded Ultra-wideband (UWB) signaling is introduced. The proposed hardware and techniques disclosed herein utilize a plurality of passive UWB transponders in a field of an RFID-radar system. The radar system itself enables multiple passive tags to be remotely powered (activated) at about the same time frame via predetermined frequency UWB pulsed formats. Once such tags are in an activated state, an UWB radar transmits specific “interrogating codes” to put predetermined tags in an awakened status. Such predetermined tags can then communicate by a unique “response code” so as to be detected by an UWB system using radar methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Farid U. Dowla, Faranak Nekoogar, David M. Benzel, Gregory E. Dallum, Alex Spiridon
  • Publication number: 20120126955
    Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention provide approaches for providing power to RFID transponders. In one embodiment, the RFID transponder is powered using a magnetic field generated by power lines. In another embodiment, the RFID transponder is powered using a field generated by a wireless network. In the case of the latter, the RFID transponder acts as a member of the wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Moon J. Kim, Bonwoong Koo
  • Patent number: 8183985
    Abstract: A method and a device for power-saving operation of RFID data carriers, whereby the RFID data carrier has a transmission and reception antenna, by way of which data are sent to or received from a transmission/read unit, by means of a radio signal, within a transmission field, whereby the data carrier is configured for a power-saving sleep mode, and switches over to the reception mode by means of a wake-up signal. With the transmission of the wake-up signal, at the same time, a time datum is transmitted to the data carrier, whereby the time datum shows the time that indicates how much time must still elapse until transmission of a command. The data carrier configured with the sleep mode switches over to a reception mode by means of a wake-up signal, whereby the wake-up signal additionally has a time datum that forms a countdown time, and switches the data carrier into the reception mode briefly, after this time has elapsed, thereby causing the data carrier to receive a command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Identec Solutions AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Gantner, Karl-Heinz Feierle
  • Patent number: 8183984
    Abstract: A method and a device for power-saving operation of a plurality of RFID data carriers, whereby the RFID data carrier has a transmission and reception antenna, by way of which data are sent to and received from a read/write unit, by means of a radio signal, and the data carrier is configured for reception of an energy-saving signal that puts the data carrier into a so-called sleep mode. The read/write unit sends a so-called conditional sleep command to all the RFID data carriers, and the RFID data carriers receiving these data in the transmission field compare the transmitted condition with a status/data detected in the RFID data carrier, whereby the condition detected in the RFID data carrier depends on a sensor input that is connected with the RFID data carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Identec Solutions AG
    Inventor: Reinhold Gantner
  • Publication number: 20120081213
    Abstract: Active packaging for supplying power, data, or both power and data to an electronic media device while the device is housed within the active packaging is provided. The active packaging may include one or more electrical traces in-molded or printed onto the packaging that couple to a suitable connector on the device. Power may also be provided via one or more wireless power techniques. Multiple active packages may be conductively stacked to transmit power, data, or both power and data to a row or stack or devices. POM sensors integrated with or attached to the device (or the active packaging itself) may detect various movement events. Coordinated and synchronized display effects may be presented while the devices are housed within the active packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 8149108
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more medical devices by a remote console. The remote console communicates wirelessly with a central control unit that connects to one or more of the medical devices. To conserve battery power and simplify operation, the remote console is configured to automatically power on and initiate a wireless connection in response to being brought into proximity of the central control unit. According to another embodiment, the remote console automatically powers on and terminates any previously established wireless connections when brought into proximity of the central control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hamel, Michael G. Hilldoerfer, Brannon P. Wells