Abstract: A system and method for improving the read distance of a transponder. The transponder comprises an antenna receiving energy from an interrogation signal, a resonant capacitor coupling with the antenna to form a tuned circuit, a charge-pump circuit to multiply voltage derived from the tuned circuit and a storage capacitor to store the voltage which has been multiplied by the charge-pump circuit.

Abstract: Provided are a radio frequency identification (RFID) system including an RFID reading apparatus and a passive RFID tag and a method of transferring and/or processing data using the same. An RFID reading apparatus includes a data input unit which receives data to be transferred to a passive RFID tag, a control unit which generates a transmission packet containing the data and a command directing data transfer, and a communication unit which converts the generated transmission packet into an RF signal and transfers the converted RF signal to the passive RFID tag.

Abstract: A dosing system and a method for dosing a medium, having a dosing control unit (4), at least one exchangeable container (2) containing a medium to be dosed, and a dosing valve (3, 3?) that can be connected to the container (2), wherein at least one part of the dosing valve (3, 3?) that comes into contact with the medium is designed as an exchangeable system component (7, 10) and has a machine-readable code for identification purposes, wherein at least one container (2), as an exchangeable system component (2), has a machine-readable code for identification purposes, wherein the exchangeable parts (2, 7, 10, 19) that come into contact with the medium are designed as disposable parts, and wherein the dosing control unit (4) is connected with a communication unit (5) to read the codes, and wherein the communication unit (5) has a unique read connection (22) to each exchangeable system component (2, 7, 10, 19) or its code.

Abstract: A wide area radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes: a first RFID cell and a second RFID cell. The first RFID cell and the second RFID cell each include a reader and tags. The readers access the tags using ultra-wide band signaling. The RFID cells each include: a communications interface operable to communicate with a network operations center, and a communications gateway which supports direct communications between RFID cells. The method includes accessing the second RFID cell from the first RFID cell, and the accessing is performed using the communications gateway that can cover a range of at least five hundred meters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for saving power especially for tag talks first data transmission in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems including a tag containing a non-volatile memory, a digital block and an analogue block and a static random access, wherein the data of the non-volatile memory are prefetched from the non-volatile memory into the digital block and the tag talks first data will be stored in the static random access memory embedded in the digital block.

Abstract: A method of transmitting radiofrequency identification (RFID) interrogation signals is disclosed. The method comprises detecting a first movement of a user in a first direction, determining a command from the first movement, and transmitting a RFID interrogation signal in response to the command.

Abstract: An RFID memory device includes two arrays of resonant members. A first array extends in a first member direction and a second array extends in a second member direction. The device includes one or more elements for transforming energy associated with vibration of the resonant members into a change in impedance of an electrical equivalent circuit of the memory device. The magnitude of impedance change caused by resonance of the first resonant members is maximized at a different magnetic field direction to that at which the magnitude of the impedance change caused by resonance of the second resonant members is maximized. Thus, different data may be encoded on each array and separately read. The resonant members may form part of a common electrical conductor that forms a coupling element for coupling with an applied excitation signal and causing vibration of the resonant members.

Abstract: A portable data tag method, device and system for identifying a location of a data tag. The method comprises reading the data tag by a portable data tag reader device; determining, by a processor in operative communication with the reader device, a location of the portable data tag reader device; determining, by the processor, a read zone of the portable data tag reader device, relative to the location of the portable data tag reader device; and determining, by the processor, the location of the data tag using the location of the portable data tag reader device and the read zone of the portable data tag reader device.

Abstract: The performance of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system is improved by a protocol that eliminates collisions between signals generated by a) RFID tags that the RFID reader has already identified as being in its interrogation zone and b) RFID tags that are newly arrived and thus that the reader has not yet identified. This is illustratively accomplished by the use of separate identification and access frames. It is during the identification frame that newly arrived tags become identified by the reader. Although there may be collisions during the identification frame, those collisions are only among newly arrived tags. The already-identified tags communicate with the reader during respective time slots of the access frame, so that they neither collide with each other nor with the newly arrived tags.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and a method for cabinet asset management and a cabinet system. The apparatus for cabinet asset management includes a management unit and at least one antenna board unit. The management unit sends a read signal to the antenna board unit. After receiving the read signal, the antenna board unit sends the read signal in a form of an electromagnetic wave, so that after sensing a magnetic field signal, a label within a radiation range of the electromagnetic wave sends, using an induction current, configuration information of a physical component stored in the label to the antenna board unit. After receiving the configuration information, the antenna board unit reports the configuration information to the management unit. After receiving the configuration information reported by the antenna board unit, the management unit performs data analysis processing.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a plurality of radio frequency (RF) devices includes transmitting a first signal at a first power level, interrogating RF devices responding to the first signal, instructing the responding RF devices to change state, and transmitting a second signal at a second power level higher than the first power level. The RF devices responding to the first signal do not respond to the second signal upon changing state.

Abstract: A tag reader system, method and timing system for determining a time of detection of a passive RFID tag relative to a detection line located along a route traveled by the RFID tag.

Abstract: A method and an identification system used for communicating between a reader and a plurality of transponders are disclosed. The reader has a transmitter for transmitting a signal and each transponder includes a receiver for receiving the reader signal and a transmitter for generating a transponder signal. When the reader recognizes a transponder signal from one of the transponders it immediately issues a mute instruction, muting all other active transponders and passing control to the said transponder, without the need for a specifically timed acknowledgement to the said controlling transponder. The reader may issue a single disable/wakeup instruction which disables the controlling transponder returning control to the reader and reactivated all muted (but not disabled) transponders.

Abstract: A multiuse system for use with Wireless Display Tags (WDTs) includes, in one or more exemplary arrangements, techniques for automatically maintaining synchronicity between pricing data for a product and advertising, marketing or promotional data associated with that product, and for detecting the proximity and location of a customer within a category of goods displayed within a managed environment. A messaging format suitable for such low power operation among a large number of peers is also disclosed, as is a technique for integrating a plurality of smaller displays to yield a single large display. An access point capable of serving as a communications hub within such a network, while at the same time offering visual and audio surveillance capabilities, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Defining a radio frequency identification read area includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader operable to read RFID tags within a specified read area. An RFID transmitter is coupled with the RFID reader and is operable to radiating a modulated carrier in an area adjacent to the specified read area. The RFID reader controls the RFID transmitter to transmit the modulated carrier during a preamble transmission of the RFID reader to prevent any RFID tags in the adjacent area from recognizing an interrogation signal from the RFID reader.

Abstract: A wireless sensor reader is provided to interface with a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor reader transmits a narrowband, fixed frequency excitation pulse to cause the wireless sensor to generate a ring signal. The ring signal corresponds to the value of the physical parameter being sensed. The wireless sensor reader receives and amplifies the ring signal and sends the signal to a phase-locked loop. A voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop locks onto the ring signal frequency and generates a count signal at a frequency related to the ring signal frequency. The voltage-controlled oscillator is placed into a hold mode where the control voltage is maintained constant to allow the count signal frequency to be determined. The low power, simple circuitry required to generate the excitation pulse allows the reader to be a small, battery operated unit. Alternative methods of frequency determination are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for the secure detection of an RFID electronic tag (ET1). This detection system comprises a read/write station (1), said station (1) comprising first processing means (12) and second processing means (13), the first processing means (12) and the second processing means (13) making it possible to read in parallel control data (CD) previously written in the RFID electronic tag (ET1) when the RFID electronic tag (ET1) is located within range of the station. The station controls the state of the machine according to the processing performed.

Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.

Abstract: Determining movement of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag first establishes a phase difference/frequency model comprising a set of phase-wrapped local rates-of-change and an intercept point. RFID tag readings are then made to measure phase differences between the interrogation signal and the tag response at different frequencies. A correlation is determined between the measured phase differences versus frequency and the phase-wrapped local phase rates-of-change of the phase difference/frequency model. If the correlation is better than or equal to a predetermined limit, the tag is stationary, or if the correlation is worse than the predetermined limit, the tag is moving.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for providing an interrogation signal from a handheld deactivation device for identifying a security tag. Identifying the security tag includes initiating an interrogation signal, wherein the interrogation signal includes plurality of transmission bursts and a plurality of random time periods to wait between transmission bursts such that a unique time period elapses between each of the plurality of transmission bursts. The interrogation signal is then transmitted by transmitting each of the plurality of transmission bursts for a portion of a duty cycle and interrupting transmission between each of the plurality of transmission bursts for one of the plurality of random time periods such that a unique and random time period elapses between each of the plurality of transmission bursts. The period transmission of the interrogation signal provides for improved battery life of a handheld scanning and deactivation device.

Abstract: A method of forming ad hoc RSI hierarchical communication networks among pluralities of wireless transceivers includes assigning to each of the transceivers one or more common designations. A network organization routine of the transceivers operates to establish hierarchical networks based on the transceivers' common designations, resulting in a logical network organization that provides efficiencies for acquiring information from particular transceivers that share a common designation. Each transceiver's common designation is used by a digital processor of the transceiver to selectively receive data packets that are intended for receipt by transceivers sharing the particular common designation. Such a “common designation” network reduces power consumption and signal interference thereby increasing battery life.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operational parameters of a wireless reader device and/or one or more other devices based on proximity of the wireless reader device to a wireless electronic circuit. At a first location, the wireless reader device and/or the one or more other devices are controlled based on a first operational parameter. At a second location, interrogation signals are transmitted from the wireless reader device, and response signals are received at the wireless reader device. The response signals are transmitted from the wireless electronic circuit in response to receiving the interrogation signals from the wireless reader device. The response signals convey a control parameter to the wireless reader device that is associated with a second operational parameter. Thereafter, the wireless reader device and/or the one or more other devices are controlled based on the second operational parameter.

Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags may receive one or more run commands, prior to being singulated, that specify one or more programs for the tag to execute. A run command may encapsulate the programs, in which case the tag may execute or store and execute the program(s). A run command may alternatively specify programs stored on the tag. The tag may execute the program(s) upon receipt, upon a trigger event, serially or in parallel, and/or may modify the instructions or program(s) by adjusting parameters. A reader may tell the tag to execute the instructions or program(s) via the run command or another command which, in some cases, may be sent prior to tag singulation. A tag may, based on a result of the executed program(s), determine whether to participate in a subsequent inventory round, modify a behavior during a subsequent inventory round, or store the result in tag memory.

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers may transmit one or more run commands specifying one or more programs for tag execution prior to tag singulation. A run command may encapsulate the program(s), in which case a tag may store or store and execute the program(s). A run command may alternatively specify programs stored on a tag. The reader may instruct a tag to execute the program(s) upon receipt, upon a trigger event, serially or in parallel, and/or may cause the tag to modify the program(s) by adjusting parameters. The reader may instruct tags to execute the program(s) via the run command or another command, which may be sent prior to tag singulation. A reader may cause a tag to determine whether to participate in a subsequent inventory round, modify a behavior during a subsequent inventory round, or store a result in a tag memory, based on the executed program(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless device connection and pairing are provided. Embodiments relate to automatic device connection or pairing by accessing or acquiring a machine-readable feature. Machine-readable features may include printed or displayed machine-readable indicia, such as linear (e.g., one-dimensional) barcodes, matrix (e.g., two-dimensional) barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, characters, symbols, labels, pictorial icons, graphics, images, watermarks, holograms, or any other printed or displayed indicia that may be used to encode, represent, or lookup information. Machine-readable features may also include non-printed features, such as magnetic strips, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, various other types of sensors and tags embedded or attached to electronic devices, and audio and visual signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated system for asset tracking and management and utilizes near field Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology. RFID tags are attached to the assets, and RFID antennas (and corresponding readers) are strategically located in close proximity to read the tags. As applied to a rack or cabinet, near-field antennas are mounted along one of the mounting posts at each rack unit location such that when a piece of equipment (rack mounted or rail mounted) is installed at a particular rack unit space, the tag will be read and registered in an RFID management system. A magnetic field shaping arrangement ensures that crosstalk between adjacent rack positions is prevented. Ferrite elements are used to control the magnetic field.

Abstract: [Problems to be Solved] It is an object to provide a tag associating system that, when a plurality of RFID tags are collected to move as a tag group, associates the RFID tags belonging to the tag group with a representative RFID tag ranked as a representative of the tag group; its associating method; etc. [Means for Solving the Problems] The present system associates an RFID tag (2A) ranked as a representative of the tag group (2). A communication area (J) of a first antenna (4A) to read out data from the representative tag group (2A) is arranged to partially overlap with a communication area (K) of a second antenna (4B) to read out data from each RFID tag (2B) of the tag group (2).

Abstract: A system and method of transmitting sensor signals in a waveguide environment are provided. A sensor assembly is configured to wirelessly receive a sensor interrogation signal, determine an input power level of the sensor interrogation signal, and transmit a message including the determined power level. The system also includes a sensor controller configured to transmit a sensor interrogation signal determine an output power of the transmitted sensor interrogation signal at a plurality of frequencies, receive an indication of the received input power level of the sensor interrogation signal from the sensor assembly at the plurality of frequencies, compare the transmitted output power of the sensor interrogation signal to the received power indication, and select a transmit frequency for transmitting messages between the sensor assembly and the sensor controller based on the comparison.

Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.

Abstract: A RFID printer for printing and determining the quality of RFID record members having transponders is provided. The RFID printer may be used to print RFID record members utilizing a continuous moving web. In particular, a RFID printer includes an integrated RFID data collector such that identifying RFID transponder information may be recorded and associated with a barcode for inventory tracking purposes. An association file created by the RFID printer may be transferred to a manufacturer or retailer brand owner. The association file may be deleted from the RFID printer upon acknowledgment of receipt of the transmitted association file to the manufacturer or retail brand owner. The RFID printer provides methods for determining quality of RFID printed record members.

Abstract: A detection unit positioned on a package includes a magnet, a first magnetic switch, a second magnetic switch, a processor, and a clock. The first magnetic switch outputs a first control signal or a second control signal according to magnetic flux density of the magnet. The second magnetic switch outputs a third control signal or a fourth control signal according to the magnetic flux density of the magnet. The first control signal is the same as the third control signal; the second control signal is the same as the fourth control signal. When the processor receives the first control signal and the third control signal at the same time, the processor reads a first real-time clock (RTC) signal from the clock. When the processor receives the second control signal and the fourth control signal at the same time, the processor reads a second RTC signal from the clock.

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

Abstract: An object is to provide a data processing device which achieves multiple functions or easy additional providing of a function while suppressing adverse influence on a communication distance or to improve resistance to electrostatic discharge in the data processing device. The data processing device includes an antenna which transmits and receives a first signal to/from a first terminal device through wireless communication, an integrated circuit which executes a process in accordance with the first signal, and a terminal portion which transmits and receives a second signal to/from a second terminal device and has an exposed conductive portion on its surface. A protection circuit is provided between at least one terminal of terminals of the terminal portion and a power supply terminal of a high potential and between the one terminal and a power supply terminal of a low potential.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a communication control unit controlling communication of a radio communication device with a data carrier transmitting a signal including communication distance information regarding a communication distance; an output variable control unit varying transmission output of the radio communication device; and a data carrier determination unit determining that the data carrier having a short communication distance is valid as the transmission output is large, and determining that the data carrier having a long communication distance is valid as the transmission output is small.

Abstract: Methods and devices for enabling a user to obtain item information relating to an item (10), the item having associated therewith an item identification means (12) and an RFID response means (14) arranged to provide a predetermined response on being subjected to a currently applicable trigger signal; the method comprising steps of: establishing from the item identification means (12) item identification information; using the item identification information to determine from an item information source (30) a currently applicable trigger signal for the RFID response means (14); subjecting the RFID response means (14) to the currently applicable trigger signal; receiving a predetermined response from the RFID response means (14); and using the predetermined response to obtain item information from the item information source (30); wherein the RFID response means (14) is arranged to generate a new currently applicable trigger signal and a new predetermined response associated therewith following subjecting of th

Abstract: A wireless tag device can communicate with an inquiry device includes: a local terminal storage unit storing local terminal identification information which can be discriminated from another wireless tag device; a reception detection unit detecting a signal transmitted from the inquiry device or another wireless tag device; an inquiry signal receiving unit receiving the detected inquiry signal if the inquiry signal is transmitted using a first frequency from the inquiry device; a reply signal transmitting unit transmitting a reply signal in response to the inquiry signal using a second frequency different from the first frequency; and a report signal transmitting unit transmitting a report signal including the local terminal identification information stored in the local terminal storage unit using a third frequency different from the second frequency if the inquiry signal transmitted from the inquiry device cannot be detected continuously in a specified time period in the reception detection unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a privacy method for responding to read request. The present invention further relates to a device for generating a response signal and a computer program product. Methods and systems in accordance with embodiments of the invention validate, whether a read request is directed at a target tag to be protected, and, upon a match, respond to the read request by sending a response signal.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reading system having a phased antenna array accurately locates RFID tags in a controlled area, by steering an interrogating beam over the controlled area to interrogate the tags and generate return modulated RF signals. A primary receiver steers a primary receive beam at a primary steering angle that is fixed during each tag interrogation. A primary demodulator demodulates and reconstructs the received return modulated signals. A secondary receiver, independently of the primary receiver, steers a secondary receive beam at a plurality of secondary steering angles. A secondary correlator/demodulator demodulates the combined return modulated signals, and utilizes the reconstructed signal reconstructed by the primary demodulator at each of the secondary steering angles. Both the primary and the secondary receivers cooperate to accurately locate the same tag.

Abstract: Data associated with supply chain events for a manufactured assembly is automatically stored. In preferred embodiments the supply chain events for the manufactured assembly are stored on an RFID tag attached to the assembly as it travels through the supply chain to insure the data concerning the assembly is readily available and not separated from the assembly. In other embodiments, the supply chain events or characteristic data is stored on the RFID tag in a hierarchical structure beginning with the original state of the assembly and with additional entries for each step in the assembly process. In other embodiments, as the product undergoes rework, conversion to a different assembly, or personalizations, the new state of the assembly is stored in the RFID tag. In other preferred embodiments, other information is also stored on the RFID tag such as country of origin, failure data, cycle times and a quality status indicator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for enhanced RFID tag receiver training and synchronizing methods suited to the high tag sensitivity that results from use of transistor detector based square law tag receivers and tag hibernation to maximize battery life. These enhancements may employ pseudo-random sequence based receiver training, activation signaling, and frame synchronizing. Embodiments of the present invention also provide RFID systems having battery-assisted, Semi-Passive RFID tags that operate with sensitive tag receivers utilizing a plurality of tag receiver dynamic range states. Further enhancement is achieved via design of system command sets and tag state machine behavior that control system interference and allow maximum usage of high sensitivity. Command set design also allows for convenient expansion to active transmitters and receivers in tags operating within the same system.

Abstract: There is provided a communication apparatus including a voltage detection unit for detecting an antenna end voltage of a reader or a non-contact type IC card when non-contact communicating using a load modulation of the non-contact type IC card with respect to a magnetic field signal from the reader/writer; and a characteristics control unit for changing characteristics of the antenna of the reader/writer or the non-contact type IC card when the antenna end voltage detected by the voltage detection unit reaches a predetermined first threshold value.

Abstract: A tag includes a processor, a radio frequency transmitter coupled to the processor, and a capacitively driven communication circuitry coupled to the processor. The processor is to energize the capacitively driven communication circuitry to receive a serial set of binary bits via the capacitively driven communication circuitry.

Abstract: A multi-protocol, multi-band array antenna system may be used in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system reader and sensory networks. The antenna array may include array elements with an integrated low noise amplifier. The system may employ digital beam forming techniques for transmission and steering of a beam to a specific sensor tag or group of tags in a cell. The receive beam forming network is optimized for detecting signals from each sensor tag. Narrow and wideband interferences may be excised by an interference nulling algorithm. Space division multiplexing may be used by the antenna system to enhance system processing capacity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader circuit includes a Radio Frequency (RF) source, a RF power amplifier coupled to an output of the RF source in a transmitting path, a first RF bandpass filter coupled between the output of the RF source and a mixer module, and a low noise amplifier in a receiving path being coupled to an input of a second RF bandpass filter. The mixer module receives a signal from the first RF bandpass filter and a signal from the second RF bandpass filter, the mixer module multiplies the signal from the first RF bandpass filter with the signal from the second RF bandpass filter to recover the backscatter sidebands in the signal from the second RF bandpass filter, and the first and second RF bandpass filters provide identical or nearly identical delay of signals. Other systems, methods and circuits are also described.

Abstract: The selection of at least one back-modulation element of an electromagnetic transponder from among a plurality of resistive and/or capacitive modulation elements of the load of an oscillating circuit of the transponder, including selecting the modulation element(s) according to a binary message received from a read/write terminal.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of radio-frequency communication between a contactless transponder and a reader, in which at least one sideband of the carrier frequency is used for communicating a response from the transponder by modulation of the amplitude of this carrier frequency. The method is distinguished in that the modulation at least partly applies a modulation level greater than 100%, which causes a negative modulation. The invention also concerns a corresponding communication circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an RFID system that includes a controller that outputs the transmission signal to be transmitted to an RFID tag and reads a receiving signal transmitted from the RFID tag; a leakage signal canceller that receives a portion of the transmission signal and the receiving signal, and performs an adjustment task to generate a cancellation signal according to an adjustment value and the portion of the transmission signal to remove a transmission leakage signal and to remove the transmission leakage signal included in the receiving signal; and a reader controller that determines whether there is a change of an RF environment using an intensity of the receiving signal according in a period set in advance, controls an operation of the leakage signal canceller according to the change of the RF environment, and controls an operation of the controller to read the receiving signal transmitted from the RFID tag.

Abstract: An RFID reader control system and method is provided. A protocol for controlling an RFID reader and an RFID reader control unit of a mobile phone is defined. Messages, information, commands, responses, and notification are constructed and transmitted between the RFID reader and the RFID reader control unit.

Abstract: A method in a network element of a packet data network classifies a data packet for application of a packet data network policy. A root node compound bit mask is applied to bits of a received data packet. The data packet has data in a plurality of fields. The compound bit mask has a plurality of bit masks each having bits in a different data packet field. The masked bits of the compound bit mask are applied to root node bit tables, one for each bit mask of the compound bit mask. A branch node from the root node is selected based on a bit table look up.