Abstract: A communication system provided with a plurality of communication devices which communicate with each other, wherein each of the communication devices includes: a storage device which stores a first code for identifying the communication device to the exclusion of others, and a second code defined so as to differ from other communication devices on the basis of the first code and a predetermined reference value; a transmission device which transmits a signal including the first code and the second code to the other communication devices; a reception device which receives the signals transmitted from the transmission devices of the other communication devices; and a control device which performs calculation using the first code and the second code included in the signal received by the reception device, and the first code stored in the storage device, and identifies the signal according to whether or not the value obtained by the above calculation matches with the second code stored in the storage device.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.

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

Abstract: The invention is a resonant-circuit structure for enhancing the interrogation range of a radio-frequency identification system. The resonant circuit structure consists of a coil assembly and a capacitor connected in parallel with a resonance frequency equal to the frequency of the interrogating signal of the radio-frequency identification system with which the resonant circuit structure is to operate. The coil assembly and the capacitor are embedded in a structure which provides physical support for the coil assembly and the capacitor and access to a region near the coil assembly.

Abstract: A method for data transmission between a write/read station of a radio frequency identification system and at least one external functional unit sends at least one data block from the write/read station to the external functional unit. The transmitted data block is received by at least one of the external functional units, and after reception of the transmitted data block, at least one external functional unit evaluates the at least one data block. The transmission of the at least one data block takes place exclusively by way of an RFID communication connection from the write/read station to the at least one functional unit and/or back.

Abstract: A method of and system for acquiring data by a data reader from a transponder in which the data from the transponder does not require a preamble to denote the beginning of the data sequence. A radio frequency signal is continuously transmitted by the card reader to generate a radio frequency field. Once a transponder enters the RF field, then response data is generated by the transponder and received by the card reader. The transmission of the radio frequency signal by the card reader is temporarily stopped on detection of the response data from the transponder, and then reinitiated by the card reader after it stops receiving response data from the transponder in order to regenerate the radio frequency field. The response data subsequently received from the transponder in the radio frequency field is then stored in memory.

Abstract: A mobile portal for RFID applications includes an RFID reader for reading identifications of proximately located RFID tagged items in the environment. A communicator is coupled to the RFID reader to receive the read identifications and then communicate the received read identifications over the wireless interface, through one of the gateways, to the central data processing system. Each mobile portal may be actuated for RFID read operations in response to information sensed concerning operation of the mobile asset/vehicle. Additionally, the central data processing system may issue instructions concerning mobile asset/vehicle operation, with those instructions communicated over the wireless interface to the mobile portal. Responsive to implementation of those instructions, the mobile portal actuates the RFID reader and compares the read identifications to identifications of certain RFID tagged items to be manipulated which were identified in the received instruction.

Abstract: A timing circuit that can function as an accurate persistent node in an RFID tag includes a power capture circuit for capturing power from a power source, and a counter circuit that provides a count representing a progression of time. The count can then be compared to a reference value representing a time constant of the circuit.

Abstract: A system has a read command signal that includes an Address field, Byte Data field, and Starting Address field. If the tag data read from the memory address identified by the Address field is the same as the Byte Data, the tag sends a response signal with Page Data read from the memory location identified by the Starting Address field and the tag ID. A write command signal includes an Address field, Byte Data field, Starting Address field, and Page Data field. If the tag data is the same as the Byte Data, the tag writes the data from the Page Data field to the memory location identified by the Starting Address field. Accordingly, data is read from and written to the tags in a single step, and the reader need not wait for the tag to respond with a tag ID before requesting that data be read from or written to that tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for adapting a portable RFID reader to create a portable RFID reader assembly that includes an extension antenna. In many embodiments, the extension antenna can be added to increase the reach of the portable RFID reader. The extension antenna is inductively coupled to the portable RFID reader and in many embodiments, the extension antenna is retrofit to an existing portable RFID reader. In other embodiments, a portable RFID reader and one or more extension antennas are produced as part of a set.

Abstract: An interrogator autonomously reduces interference of receiving radio waves in a wireless tag. The interrogator transmitting and receiving a signal to and from a wireless tag, comprises a carrier sense unit detecting an idle channel in a plurality of channels used for communications with the wireless tags, a transmitting unit transmitting the signal to the wireless tag by use of the detected idle channel, an abnormality detecting unit detecting communication abnormality in the communications with the wireless tag, and a control unit controlling so as to interrupt, when detecting the communication abnormality, the transmission to the wireless tag, re-detect an idle channel after an elapse of a predetermined transmission halt period, and resume the signal transmission to the wireless tag by using the re-detected idle channel.

Abstract: A method for reading poker chips according to one embodiment includes sending out an interrogation signal; receiving responses from poker chips in response to the interrogation signal, each of the poker chips comprising a circuit and an antenna coupled to the circuit, wherein the antenna minimally affects electromagnetic RF fields surrounding the antenna even in the vicinity of the antenna; and determining a value of the poker chips from which responses are received. A poker chip according to another embodiment includes a circuit on or within a substrate; and an antenna coupled to the circuit, wherein the antenna minimally affects electromagnetic RF fields surrounding the antenna even in the vicinity of the antenna. Additional systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for testing a radio frequency identification reader. The radio frequency identification reader transmits a test signal to a diagnostic tag during a diagnostic period. Responsive to receiving a return signal from the diagnostic tag, the radio frequency identification reader compares the return signal with an expected return signal to form a comparison. The radio frequency identification reader identifies an operational status for the radio frequency identification reader using the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for analysing radio-frequency systems. Such a device comprises means for detecting radio-frequency electromagnetic signals, and means for determining at least one analog property of the radio-frequency signal received form the reader. According to the invention, the device further comprises means for producing an electromagnetic excitation signal in order to excite the radio-frequency tag, and means for determining at least one analog property of the return signal received from the radio-frequency tag. The device permits the effective analysis of RFID systems, for example, in system-installation and error-searching situations.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses an apparatus configured to conduct radio communication with at least one RFID tag having a reversible flag capable of being reversed at response; communication area switching portion capable of sequentially switching and generating a plurality of modes of communication areas from the antenna device; flag unification command transmitting portion configured to transmit a flag unification command for unifying the reversible flag of the RFID tag present within the communication area to a state before reverse to the RFID tag present in each mode of the communication area sequentially generated by the communication area switching portion through the antenna device; and reading command transmitting portion configured to transmit a reading command for obtaining information stored in the RFID tag to the RFID tag after the flag unification command is transmitted to the RFID tag in the plurality of modes of communication area.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reading passive tags affixed to objects to be identified and tracked by a radio frequency identification system are disclosed. An interrogating station sends radio-frequency inquiry signals toward the passive tags through an antenna array and receives the response signals from the tags through the same array. Electronic circuitry for processing such response signals has a phase conjugator submitting each received signal to phase conjugation, and the phase-conjugated signals are back transmitted to the passive tags. Retrodirectivity of the antenna array obtained through the phase conjugation allows a precise object identification and tracking also at relatively long distances.

Abstract: Multi-mode (e.g., EAS and RFID) tags and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The tag generally includes an antenna, an electronic article surveillance (EAS) function block coupled to the antenna, and one or more identification function blocks coupled to the antenna in parallel with the EAS function block. The method of reading the tag generally includes the steps of applying an electric field to the tag, detecting the tag when the electric field has a relatively low power, and detecting an identification signal from the tag when the electric field has a relatively high power. The present invention advantageously enables a single tag to be used for both inventory and anti-theft purposes, thereby improving inventory management and control at reduced system and/or “per-article” costs.

Abstract: An arrangement of logically distinct wireless data communication networks share a gateway for communicating with external networks. Each logically distinct network preferably is a class-based network, the nodes of which include a wireless two-way radio frequency data communication device. Each device filter wireless communications received by it for an identification within the communication of its class designation, or for a class, abstract class, or subclass corresponding to its class designation; and process the communication if found and do not process the communication if not found. The gateway wirelessly communicates with each logically distinct network by including the respective class designation for the network with which the communications are desired. The other class based networks do not process messages that are communicated to the desired class-based network, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption by the wireless devices.

Abstract: A method comprises identifying a known-ID-number set comprising at least two ID numbers of corresponding tags and each ID number comprises a plurality of bit positions; calculating an entropy between each corresponding bit position in the known-ID-number set; identifying the bit position having a greatest entropy; and transmitting a reading query to the tags in a communication range. The reading query includes a differential specific number corresponding to the bit position having the greatest entropy.

Abstract: A wireless display tag, adapted to fit within the C-channel of a shelf-edge, or otherwise usable as a hang tag or small identification device, includes, depending on implementation, an active transceiver, a passive transceiver, or both, with analog and digital control portions for managing communications with a host.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.

Abstract: The Invention, titled the “Split Chip” by the Inventor, contemplates an RFID enabled consumer oriented tracking system which protects consumer privacy by splitting a miniaturized silicon RFID transponder circuit into a retained piece and a detached piece. The two pieces are electrically connected by a fine piece of conductive material. Each piece is dependent upon the other in order to disgorge data. The electrical connection between the two pieces can be severed by the consumer by tearing the fine piece of conductive material at a designated spot on the substrate making the Split Chip moribund. Upon a return or refund of the consumer item the original data can be recovered through a laser guidance system which connects the retained piece and its alpha numeric identifier to a back end host computer administration network.

Abstract: A method for communicating to a recipient transceiver from a plurality of transceivers located within the broadcast range of the recipient transceiver includes: transmitting a communication at a first power level such that only a first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, the communication including a command causing each of the first group of transceivers not to respond to a subsequent broadcast; and subsequent thereto, transmitting a communication at a second power level greater than the first power level such that a second group of transceivers greater than and including the first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, but such that only a limited number of transceivers of the second group respond to the broadcast, the limited number of transceivers excluding the first group of transceivers. Each of the plurality of transceivers is associated with a respective sensor for acquiring data and transmitting the data to the recipient transceiver.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow for dynamic selection and query of different types of RFID tags into a session. Embodiments of the present invention also allow for dynamic activation of different types of RFID tags. In certain embodiments of the invention, an inclusive operation is performed on the RFID tags and in other embodiments an exclusive operation is performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for group tracking wherein at least one individual within a tracked group is provided with an article of footwear equipped with a wireless tracking device. The wireless tracking device is configured for bi-directional communications with a monitoring center, wherein the wireless tracking device is adapted to determine and store absolute location information of the individual wearing the wireless tracking device and the location information of at least one other individual within the tracked group. Each individual's tracking device has a unique identifier for identifying the individual with a monitoring center at a remote location and/or portable monitoring unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting data in a radio frequency identification system, which includes a reader and at least one transponder, is provided. The reader transmits data sequences to the transponder including at least command data, associated check data, and a subsequent return link header data. Upon receiving unrecognized command data and/or unsupported parameter and address data the transponder notifies the reader of this condition. The notification takes place at times when the reader transmits end signals indicating an end of a data sequence, transmits an optional parameter and address data, or transmits the return link header data. Thus, communication between the reader and other transponders is not disrupted when a transponder cannot execute a command.

Abstract: A method and device may comprise receiving a signal from a sensor attached to an object. The signal may represent a characteristic of the object. An activity state of the object may be classified based upon, at least in part, the characteristic. Further, a locomotive rate corresponding to the activity state of the object may be determined. Moreover a ping period based upon, a least in part, the locomotive rate may be calculated. A transmitter may transmit pings based upon, at least in part, the ping period.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying RFID tag data in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes determining whether a UID of the RFID reader is received; when the UID of the RFID reader is received, determining whether RFID tag data corresponding to the received UID exists in an RFID data management database; and when the RFID tag data corresponding to the received UID data exists in the RFID data management database, recording the corresponding data in the RFID tag and transmitting the recorded data. The data recorded in the RFID tag can be dynamically modified according to the RFID readers that are located near the portable terminal and collect the RFID tag data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively facilitating access to RFID data of one more RFID tags within a faraday cage are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, (i) an external RFID interrogation signal is received (for example, by one more external antennae deployed outside of the faraday cage; (ii) a determination is made if access to RFID data of one more RFID tags within the faraday cage is permitted; and (iii) contingent on the determining that access from outside of the faraday cage is permitted, access is provided to RFID data of one or more RFID tag(s) within the faraday cage. This access providing may include the steps of: i) in response to the received external RFID interrogation signal, interrogating inside the faraday the cage one or more RFID tags; ii) receiving an RFID response from one or more of the interrogated RFID tags; and iii) transmitting to outside the faraday cage the received RFID response.

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 active medical device, using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having retrievable information relating to the AIMD, 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.

Abstract: Shielding is associated with RFID tags to achieve new systems and methods having various advantages. These systems include containers configured to store RFID enabled identity documents, the use of RFID tags to monitor the state of a container, and the inclusion of shielding in identity devices. Disclosed are shielded passports, driver's licenses, and the like. Some embodiments further including reading systems for reading identity devices comprising shielding and RFID tags.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for RFID readers forming a reader network are described. In an aspect of the present invention, a plurality of RFID readers are configured to interrogate tags. Furthermore, the readers are configured to communicate with one another by transferring a token, represented by a signal. Possession of the token enables the reader to access a RF communications medium. Readers can be arranged in a ring configuration, and interconnected via wired links. A secondary token may circulate in the ring in addition to the primary token, to ensure redundancy in the system. A reader waits for a predetermined time interval before accessing the RF communications medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for synchronizing data received at a central location that has been collected at plural remote locations and separately transmitted to the central location. A plurality of remote sensors is provided and configured to be simultaneously triggered to begin a data collection sequence and to subsequently transmit the collected data along with remote sensor identification data and timing information to the central location. Timing information may include a specifically transmitted time reference or may be derived based on successive transmissions from the individual remote sensors.

Abstract: An IC tag read-write apparatus includes a control circuit, a transmission link, and a plurality of antenna units. The control circuit controls data relative to an outgoing carrier wave and an incoming carrier wave. The antenna units correspond to a plurality of IC tags. Each of the antenna units includes a modem, a first antenna, and an indication circuit. The modem is connected to the control circuit through the transmission link and modulates the carrier wave based on the data in a data writing operation and demodulates the incoming carrier wave in a data reading operation. The first antenna sends the modulated carrier wave by air to a second antenna of a corresponding one of the IC tags. The indication circuit generates property information with respect to the antenna unit.

Abstract: A vehicle equipment control system locks vehicle doors by any one of auto-lock and trigger lock systems. In the auto-lock system, a wide communication area is set that covers an entire vehicle compartment is set. In the trigger lock system, a narrow communication area is set that disables the communication with a portable unit carried by a user near a vehicle. When no response signal is received from the portable unit in the respective communication areas, the respective vehicle doors are locked. Accordingly, even when any one of the auto-lock and trigger lock systems is used, the portable unit is prevented from being left in the compartment, and the respective vehicle doors can be locked.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to prevent a non-read RFID from remaining even when plural unspecified RFID tags exist in a range where RF waves of a reader-writer arrive. An RFID system includes: a plurality of RFID tags each having a tag antenna unit and a tag circuit unit storing identification information; and a reader-writer including a first transceiver unit reading the identification information of the plurality of RFID tags using an antenna. Here, when the identification information to be read is not read from one of the plurality of RFID tags due to an occurrence of a reading error in the first transceiver unit after a reading command for reading the identification information is transmitted via the antenna from the first transceiver unit, the reader-writer adds reading error information, which states that the reading error occurs, to the reading command to be transmitted next and transmits the resultant command from the first transceiver unit via the antenna.

Abstract: A universal tracking assembly that is capable of supporting more than one protocol used in electronic article surveillance (EAS) labels. The universal tracking assembly includes an acousto-magnetic (AM) EAS portion with a Radio Frequency (RF) EAS portion. The intrinsic characteristics and properties of the components of these individual labels are utilized to enhance the overall performance and utility of the combined EAS universal tracking assembly.

Abstract: In a data reading apparatus performing contactless data communications with IC tags, a multi channel setting section sets a plurality of frequencies to be used for data communication with an IC tag in advance; a multi channel interference detecting section detects radio interference from other data reader in each of the set plurality of frequencies, prior to occurrence of a data communication request with an IC tag; a carrier sense lapse time holding section holds a period of no interference based on an interference detection result from the multi channel interference detecting section; a time comparing section determines whether the carrier sense lapse time held by the carrier sense lapse time holding section is on or above a predetermined carrier sense time upon occurrence of the data communication request with the IC tag, and permits the data communication with the IC tag when the carrier sense lapse time is on or above the carrier sense time; a transmitting section transmits data to the IC tag; and hence

Abstract: A method of upgrading an operation program in an interrogator of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system including the interrogator and a transponder is provided. The method includes transmitting, from the interrogator to the transponder, a first message requesting an operation program upgrade based on information exchanged between the interrogator and the transponder; receiving, at the interrogator from the transponder, a second message that includes a new-version operation program in response to the first message; and installing, at the interrogator, the new-version operation program to upgrade the operation program in the interrogator.

Abstract: A printing system is provided including a plurality of printing devices. Each printing device includes an associated radio frequency identification (RFID) device. The RFID device associated with a first printing device of the plurality of printing devices is operable to sense the presence of an RFID device associated with a second printing device of the plurality of printing devices for sensing the presence of the second printing device.

Abstract: An authenticating method includes enabling a transponder to receive a read request that contains an authentication code, enabling the transponder to extract the authentication code from the read request, enabling the transponder to generate and wirelessly transmit a reply signal that contains the authentication code, and enabling a reader to authenticate the transponder based on the authentication code contained in the reply signal. An identification system, which includes the transponder and the reader is also disclosed.

Abstract: On one side of a passageway for an identification subject 10 with an IC tag 7 to pass, an antenna is provided for reading information stored in the IC tag 7, and a front wave-absorbing wall 2 and a rear wave-absorbing wall 3 are provided protruding from the vicinity of the front and rear edges of the antenna 8 toward the passageway 13 such that the walls narrow the half-power angle ? of the radio wave radiated from the antenna 8 over a horizontal plane. A wave-absorbing side wall 1 is also provided on the other side of the passageway 13. With such a structure, the propagation area of the radio wave can be controlled so that the reading area of the IC tag 7 can be limited, and the influence of the reflected wave is suppressed.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a wireless access system and method that enable the transmission of wireless access signals having a desired power level. In some embodiments, the wireless access system determines the amount of supply current drawn by certain devices and causes adjustment of the wireless access signal power level based on an assessment of the supply current.

Abstract: Methods to autonomously establish and utilize a network of active RF tags can include the steps of providing a plurality of active RF tags within a volume of interest, providing at least one data collection node, registering the active RF tags, populating a routing index stored in each tag's data storage device, and communicating data between the active RF tags and the data collection node according to the routing indices. The method can be implemented on a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A radio IC tag reader comprises: a first variable frequency oscillation section for generating a signal having a frequency meeting a unit radio channel used for transmission/reception to/from a radio IC tag; transmission and reception sections for executing transmission/reception to/from the radio IC tag by using the signal; a second variable frequency oscillation section for changeably generating a signal of a frequency meeting a unit radio channel for measuring the strength of a received electric wave; a carrier sense executing section for measuring strength of a received electric wave in each of the unit radio channels by using the signal; and a main control section for controlling the first variable frequency oscillation section so as to generate a carrier signal having a frequency meeting the next unit radio channel used by the transmission and reception sections based on a result of measurement by the carrier sense executing section, upon passage of a continuous transmittable time after start of transmi

Abstract: In a reader and writer device, a sleep period setter determines an identification in a received response, and a length of a sleep period depending on a number of received identifications, a first transmitter transmits either an information request or an information and sleep request carrying the sleep length and the received identification, and a first receiver receives a response carrying an identification. In each of information storage devices, a second receiver senses a carrier, and receives the information request or the information and sleep request in response to carrier detection, and a second transmitter, in response to the information request or the information and sleep request carrying no identification of that device, transmits a response carrying the identification of that device, and, in response to the information and sleep request carrying the identification of that device, is in an inactive state during the sleep time period.

Abstract: A system provides for remote monitoring using asynchronous code division multiple access (CDMA) communication techniques between a base station and one or more transponders. Each transponder is attached or otherwise associated with an object or an environment to be monitored. Upon receipt of an interrogation signal, a transponder generates and transmits a coded transponder signal containing the monitored data. The coded transponder signal is generated using a spreading code. Each transponder is associated with a unique, mutually exclusive set of spreading codes. Each spreading code is based on a unique transponder address and the monitored data to be sent. A detector asynchronously monitors received signals for any of the available spreading codes. Once the detector detects a particular spreading code, the base station can identify the source transponder and extract the monitored data.

Abstract: A network for locating a wireless tag comprises a plurality of wireless nodes. The nodes are not connected together by a wired network. Each node is included in a floor tile for installation inside a building and configured to be wirelessly connectable to at least one other node. When the floor tiles are installed, the plurality of nodes form a mesh or grid and provide overlapping wireless coverage for locating the tag by reference to the mesh.

Abstract: A multi-mode RFID tag includes a power generating and signal detection module, a baseband processing module, a transmit section, a configurable coupling circuit, and an antenna section. In near field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to a coil or inductor in the configurable coupling circuit to transmit an outbound transmit signal using electromagnetic or inductive coupling to an RFID reader. In far field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to the antenna section, and the multi-mode RFID tag then utilizes a back-scattering RF technology to transmit the outbound transmit signal to RFID readers.