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: Disclosed is an apparatus for removing a transmission leakage signal of an RFID system including a reader controller that sends a transmission signal to an RFID tag and receives a receiving signal transmitted from the RFID tag to read tag information, the apparatus including 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 to remove a transmission leakage signal and the portion of the transmission signal, and to remove the transmission leakage signal included in the receiving signal and a controller that continuously determines whether there is a change of an RF environment using an intensity of the receiving signal, the RFID tag being installed in the RF environment, and controls an operation of the leakage signal canceller according to the change of the RF environment.

Abstract: A method for conducting a passive label query in a radio frequency identification system, wherein a query process conducted by a reader for a group of passive labels comprises a first query and a subsequent query. The link frequency used by a reverse link from the passive label to the reader in the subsequent query is smaller than that the link frequency used by the reverse link in the first query. The method improves the reverse link performance of a passive label radio frequency identification system, and increased the reading success rate of the passive label. A reader is also provided to implement the method.

Abstract: The present invention related to methods and systems for simultaneously sensing two or more environmental parameters of a sample. Included is an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) resonator sensor and a pick up coil in operative association with the LCR resonator sensor wherein viscoelastic changes in the sensing film cause displacement of the antenna relative to the pick up coil.

Abstract: When processing repeated operations on the keyboard of a mobile communication device, mainly at direct debits, used is a separate data carrier with a memory in which is stored at least one file with a sequence of keyboard orders of a macro type. Data carrier is energetically supplied contact-free by electromagnetic field of the mobile communication device while receiving the requiring order and, according to this order, chooses from the memory and encodes appropriate file with a sequence of keyboard orders. Data carrier sends the encoded file into the mobile communication device which decodes the received file and performs processes representing the keystrokes according to the sequence of keyboard orders. The invention also describes connection and data carrier to perform above described method where the data carrier consists of a processor, transmitting and receiving unit, block for transforming electromagnetic field and a memory to store a file of orders.

Abstract: An antenna for protecting radio frequency communications includes a masking portion to broadcast a masking signal including a first loop and a second loop connected to the first loop, wherein a current supplied to the masking portion flows in opposite polarity in each of the first and second loops. The antenna includes a reader loop to receive a response signal from a responder and decoupled from the masking signal, wherein the masking signal masks the response signal about the responder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic tag time sharing control system and a method thereof, and the system comprises a server, at least one coordinator and a plurality of wireless electronic tags. The server transmits a time-sharing control signal. The coordinator and the server form a wireless connection for receiving and transmitting the time-sharing control signal. The wireless electronic tags and the coordinators form a wireless connection. After each wireless electronic tag receives the time-sharing control signal, different sleep cycle and wakeup timing are generated to update display information sequentially. A portion of the wireless electronic tag is situated at a sleep status and a portion of the wireless electronic tag is situated at a standby status to receive the update display information, so as to achieve the effects of saving bandwidth, reducing packet collisions and extending the service life of the wireless electronic tag.

Abstract: Disclosed are a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system and method capable of recognizing a great deal of tags at a high speed. A reader of a passive RFID system, including: a processor dividing slots and subchannels to configure a round, recognizing subchannels that are not involved in a collision and interference by the slots, and changing the subchannels that are not involved in a collision and interference, into a sleep state; a transmission unit encoding a command generated through the processor, performing an amplitude jitter modulation on the encoded command, and transmitting the modulated command; and a reception unit acquiring and demodulating tag signals received through a plurality of subchannels by the slots, and providing the demodulated tag signals to the processor.

Abstract: A system for protecting radio frequency (RF) communications and related techniques includes generating masking signals at an RF device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) card.

Abstract: An RFID device utilizing a single antenna for multiple resonant frequency ranges. RFID device that can include an RFID circuit, and a single antenna coupled to the RFID circuit. The antenna can be configured to operate within multiple frequency ranges for communicating with at least one RFID interrogator according to respective protocols associated with each respective frequency range.

Abstract: A system determines the presence or absence of objects by interrogating or exciting transponders coupled to the objects using pulsed signals over a number of wide band frequency bands with dynamic tuning about a center frequency of each band and less sensitivity to noise fluctuation.

Abstract: A tag of an apparatus for simultaneously identifying massive tags according to the present invention may include an analog circuit unit to communicate with a reader through an analog signal and to receive energy via magnetic coupling with the reader. Further, the tag may include a digital circuit unit to be supplied with power from the analog circuit unit. The digital circuit unit may support a sleep mode for the tag to stand by in a low power state after transmitting an identifier (ID) to the reader and a wait mode for controlling random access to the reader.

Abstract: A device includes a processor having a standby state, a control unit coupled to the processor to receive wireless identification information, and a storage device to store a processor wake policy. The control unit applies the policy to received wireless identification information to wake the processor.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag access method and a circuit applied to an RFID tag to determine whether to respond to a command sent by a reader are provided. According to the access method, an extra reference value is used for adjusting a parameter or a count value, so as to increase or decrease the probability of generating a condition matching with a command sent by the reader. Therefore, the probability of the tag being accessed is adjusted, and the tag carrying urgent information shall be accessed prior to the tag without urgent information.

Abstract: A method for card-reading anti-collision with automatic frequency hopping is provided, which is used for a system in which a card reader simultaneously reads a plurality of cards in radio frequency identification technologies. The method comprises: both the card reader and the cards to be read are configured to have an automatic frequency-sweep function and a function of hopping from a current channel to another channel, and to store access addresses and transaction addresses; when the card reader is in a frequency-hopping card-seeking state, it is in an n-channel frequency-hopping working state, in which, the access address of each channel is the same, and the card reader reads the cards by means of hopping frequencies in a sequence iteratively through n channels. When the card reader detects that two or more cards collide, the card reader sends a command of random frequency hopping, making all the conflicting cards to hop to other channels randomly and to wait to access those channels.

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers may transmit one or more encapsulated commands within the payload of an encapsulating command. An encapsulated command includes at least a command code and an instruction. A reader may instruct a tag to store the encapsulated command(s) or instruction(s) for later execution. A sequence of encapsulated commands may be contained within one encapsulating command or spread across multiple encapsulating commands. The sequence of encapsulated commands, or the sequence of instructions associated with the encapsulated commands, may form a program. The reader may cause the tag to execute the instructions or program upon receipt, upon a trigger event, serially or in parallel, and/or may cause the tag to modify the instructions or program by adjusting parameters. The reader may later instruct a tag to execute the instructions or program via another command which, in some cases, may be sent prior to tag singulation.

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 communication processing device includes a control unit for, when receiving an address update request signal including a segment identifier for identifying a segment address of a recording unit from a reader/writer, holding the segment identifier in a RAM, and when receiving a readout request signal including an offset address having the segment as a reference from the reader/writer, transmitting to the reader/writer data recorded in a region specified by an address having the offset address contained in the readout request signal as offset with the segment address identified in the segment identifier as a reference of the regions of the recording unit.

Abstract: Objects of the invention are to provide a semiconductor device including an RFID, which can transmit and receive individual information without a check of remaining capacity of the battery and a change of the battery in accordance with deterioration over time of the battery for a driving power supply; and which maintains a favorable communication state even when electric power, as a power supply for driving, from an external radio wave or electromagnetic wave (carrier wave) is not sufficient. A battery is provided as a power supply for supplying electric power in the RFID, and electric power obtained by a power generation element is charged in the battery.

Abstract: Provided are a terminal having a radio frequency identification (RFID) function and a method of processing information of the terminal for allowing intuitive interaction between a screen manipulation and an RFID manipulation with respect to using an RFID related service. The method of processing the information of the terminal including a screen and an RFID recognition unit, includes detecting a screen area corresponding to a position of the RFID recognition unit disposed at a predetermined position of the screen; displaying an RFID icon at a position of the detected screen area; recording information in an RFID tag based on the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon, and recognizing the information from the RFID tag the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon.

Abstract: RFID tags are used for many purpose including tracking. RFID interrogators are used to retrieve information from tags. In many applications, a plurality of RFID interrogators are required. Synchronization between interrogators in the same theatre of operation is critical to ensure that their broadcasts do not interfere with each other. In fixed RFID interrogator applications, RFID interrogators can be wired together allowing a channel to synchronize the transmissions of the RFID interrogators. Methods described herein can ensure that synchronization is maintained in the event of the failure of a synchronizing master. Furthermore, additional methods for synchronizing RFID interrogators in wireless applications are described allowing synchronization in the absence of wired connections between interrogators.

Abstract: A method of providing a service at a remote terminal including receiving information broadcast by a commercial radio station in a broadcast radio channel; discriminating an identifier of an application within the received broadcast information; initiating an authentication process for authenticating broadcast information received via the broadcast channel; and in response to a positive authentication, enabling use of information received via the broadcast radio channel by the identified application.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for radio frequency identification provides a 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.

Abstract: A dual mode interrogation is carried out by sending narrow band radio frequency interrogation (RFID) signal for narrow band RFID communication units, the narrow band signal comprising substantially continuous periods, and by sending a high data rate RFID interrogation signal during the substantially continuous periods of the narrow band RFID signal so that two different types of RFID communication units are interrogated substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods for activating one or more devices are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the device listens for an activate code, the activate code having a length field and a mask field, the mask field including a mask value, the length field specifying a length of the mask field to a final bit of the mask value. Upon receiving the activate code, the length field is compared to a stored length value for determining whether the length field meets a predefined criterion. If the length field meets the predefined criterion, an address of the activate value is loaded (if an address field is present) and the appropriate bits (mask value) of the mask field are compared to a stored activate value. An activate signal is generated if the mask value matches the stored activate value. The activate signal can be used to activate additional circuitry including the entire device.

Abstract: A control method for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided. The control method includes steps of prompting a plurality of RFID tags to enter a ready state; enabling a first RFID tag from the RFID tags to enter an accessible stage, and providing a first identification code to the first RFID tag; and commanding the first RFID tag to enter a standby state from the accessible stage.

Abstract: A reader and method for adjusting the transmission time of a continuous wave (CW), wherein the method comprises setting an initial value for a response waiting time, sending the CW to a tag after sending a command to the tag and waiting for a response from the tag, judging whether the response from the tag is received within the response waiting time. If the response from the tag is received within the response waiting time, then sending of the CW is stopped and the response waiting time is adjusted. If the response from the tag is still not received beyond the response waiting time, then sending of the CW is stopped. The time for the reader to wait for a response from the tag is far less than 20 ms. Consequently, a command failure can be found early, so as to improve the processing efficiency of an RFID system.

Abstract: Communications methods, methods of forming a reader, wireless communications readers, and wireless communications systems are described in some embodiments. In one embodiment, a communications method includes associating a plurality of remote communications devices with a plurality of objects located within a wireless communications range of a reader having a first configuration, providing one of the remote communications device within a wireless communications range of a reader having a second configuration, wherein the wireless communications range of the reader having the second configuration is less than the wireless communications range of the reader having the first configuration, and during the presence of the one of the remote communications devices within the wireless communications range of the reader having the second configuration, implementing communications between the reader having the second configuration and only the one of the remote communications devices.

Abstract: An RFID tag is capable of storing data, receiving a signal from a reader, determining a response taking into account the tag mode and the data, and transmitting a response to the reader. The data includes a first plurality of bits and a second plurality of bits. The tag mode may be set by a current or a prior command by the reader. Depending on the tag mode, the response may be complete, or the second plurality of bits may be truncated, compressed, or encrypted. In an aspect of the invention, the response includes an implicit indication of whether the response is complete, truncated, encrypted, or compressed. In another aspect of the invention, a command from the reader indicates how many bits should be truncated, compressed, or encrypted.

Abstract: Provided are an RFID reader and a method for suppressing transmission leakage signals thereof. The RFID reader includes a first loop, a second loop, and a digital signal processor. The first loop suppresses a first transmission leakage signal of an RX signal in response to a first leakage control signal. The second loop suppresses a second transmission leakage signal of the RX signal, received through the first loop, in response to a second leakage control signal. The digital signal processor generates the first leakage control signal and the second leakage control signal. The digital signal processor generates the first leakage control signal until the level of the first transmission leakage signal becomes equal to or lower than the level of a first reference transmission leakage signal.

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.

Abstract: A personal digital key (e.g., which can be carried by a human) contains a memory having different service blocks. Each service block is accessible by a corresponding service block access key. As the personal digital key (PDK) moves around, it is detected by sensors. The sensors report position data, thus enabling location tracking of the PDK. The sensors also provide a data path to various applications. An application that has access to a service block access key can therefore access the corresponding service block on the PDK. The sensors themselves may also contain service block access keys.

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

Abstract: An interrogator (Interrog) is additionally provided with a logic circuit (ActCommProt-ImplLCI) for implementing an active communication protocol and with a receiving second antenna (AI2) provided for an active communication. Said antenna is connected through an active receiver (AMActRecI) for receiving amplitude-modulated signals to said logic circuit (ActCommProtlmplLCI). A transmitting and receiving first antenna (AT1) in each transponder (Transp) is connected through an active receiver (AM-ActRecT) for receiving amplitude-modulated signals to a logic circuit (ActCommProt-ImplLCT) for implementing the active communication protocol, an output signal of which logic circuit is conducted through an active transmitter (AMActTransmT) for transmitting amplitude-modulated signals to a transmitting second antenna (AT2) for active communication. The transponder (Transp) is provided with a power supply circuit (SupplC).

Abstract: A wireless event status communication system, device and method are disclosed. In one form, a wireless enabled notification system includes a wireless informer operably associated with an environmental element having more than one operating state and operable to determine a current operating state of the environmental element and to communicate the current operating state via a wireless communication module. The system further includes a remote status notification device operable to receive the communication including the current operating state. The remote status notification device including a processor operable to determine a last current operating state when the remote status notification device is out of range of the wireless informer.

Abstract: A security method that includes defining rules specifying permitted movements of passengers in a transportation terminal. Passengers entering the terminal may be issued a boarding pass having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag attached thereto. The location of the RFID tag may be measured and responsive to the measured location of the RFID tag, a violation of at least one of the rules by the passenger may be detected. An action with respect to the detected violation may be taken. The rules may define a region that is forbidden for access, a region in which the passengers are expected to be in motion, a region in which the passengers are expected not to be stationary for more than a given time period, etc.

Abstract: An RF redirection module incorporated into an RF system already having a receive antenna and a first transmit antenna allows the RF system to be coupled to a second transmit antenna and to provide a transmit signal to the second transmit antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information providing system using a network. The information providing system comprises a tag for transmitting a tag identification code, a mobile communication terminal for receiving the tag identification code through a first network, generating map request data and transmitting the map request data together with the tag identification code, a first computer for transmitting the tag identification code and the map request data, which are received from the mobile communication terminal through a third network, through a second network, a third computer for providing map data through the second network, and a second computer for receiving the tag identification code and the map request data through the second network, receiving the map data from the third computer, and transmitting the map data to the first computer. The first computer transmits the map data to the mobile communication terminal through the third network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving reception of responsive RFID signals is provided. The method includes transmitting a plurality of interrogation signals each having a different polarization to activate one or more RFID tags. Responsive signals from the RFID tags are analyzed for receive symbol quality data to select a transmit polarization subset. These polarizations are then used for transmitting further interrogation signals to the RFID tags. The apparatus includes a dual element orthogonal radiator coupled to a transmitter and receiver. A processor controls the transmitter and receiver to transmit a series of RFID interrogation signals each having a different polarization, and receive a series of responsive signals from one or more RFID tags. The responsive signals are analyzed to select a particular a transmit polarization subset that will improve reception of future responsive signals from the RFID tags.

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.

Abstract: There is provided a signal processing apparatus, including a first antenna to perform non-contact communication with a reader writer, a second antenna installed adjacent to the first antenna to perform the non-contact communication with a non-contact communication apparatus, a metal body that is arranged between the first antenna and the second antenna and blocks a magnetic field between the first antenna and the second antenna, an amplification unit that amplifies a carrier wave by using at least external power supplied from an external power supply, a modulation unit that modulates the carrier wave, and a load modulation unit that changes an impedance of the first antenna.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for a computer with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. A system includes a processor, a store of codes representing goods and services cross-referenced to supplemental information, a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator, an input/output tag (IO), and a memory including a process that matches a received code from the RFID interrogator to a code in the store of codes and to display supplemental information of a good or service on the IO tag.

Abstract: A system that provides notice of a lost signal. A wireless device and a control device employ radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, which uses radio frequency signals to communicate with one another via communication link having a reception range. The control device transmits a signal to the wireless device via the communication link. The wireless device responds by transmitting a return signal via the communication link. The control device processes the return signal to determine if the wireless device is within the reception range, if not, the control device provides an audible, written or visual alarm.

Abstract: A radio frequency identifying reader (RFID) and a method for locating a tag by the RFID includes transmitting, by the RFID reader, signals to the tag on at least two frequencies and receiving a corresponding reflection signal, combining, by the RFID reader, received reflection signals and acquiring the combined signal which is received, and mapping the combined signal that is received to a constellation point in a constellation map to locate the tag such that the tag can be more easily located.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of RFID devices that are arranged closely together and placed on shelving for logistical and storage purposes. Furthermore, the aspects of the present invention relate to an arrangement and/or layout of antenna coils for example in an interrogator. There is disclosed a RFID interrogator and/or method of interrogating comprising an antenna, when activated, being adapted to radiate an interrogation signal in a first area, means adapted to shift the antenna within a second area, the second area being larger than the first area. The antenna may be mechanically moveable.

Abstract: An RFID transponder is provided which includes an automatic gain control (AGC) stage for amplifying a radio frequency (RF) signal and for providing an amplified RF signal. The AGC stage has a control signal indicating an increase of the amplitude of the RF signal. A demodulator is coupled to receive the amplified RF signal for demodulating the amplified RF signal. The demodulator provides a data signal. A burst detector is coupled to receive the control signal of the AGC stage and adapted to provide a start signal in response to a change of the control signal. A wake pattern detector is coupled to receive the data signal and the start signal. The wake pattern detector is adapted to detect a predefined wake pattern in the data signal after having received the start signal and to issue a wake signal if the predefined wake pattern is detected for switching the RFID transponder from a first operating mode into a second operating mode having higher power consumption than the first operating mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating one or more radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are provided. A phase difference of received information signals of illuminated RFID tags is utilized to locate the RFID tags. One or more exciters transmit interrogation signals to illuminate the RFID tags in which the exciters may have a plurality of antenna selectively configured to transmit through two or more antennas and to receive on one antenna. Multiple reads of the same RFID tag can also be performed to generate a probability model of the location of the RFID tag. An enhanced particle filter is applied to probability model to determine the exact location of the RFID.

Abstract: A method and device of power management for a networked radio frequency identification (“RFID”) system are disclosed. The described power management methods reduce the power consumption of battery-operated RFID readers and RFID tags. These power conservation methods increase the RFID system's hours of operation and decrease the cost by allowing the RFID readers and tags to function for a longer period of time before requiring charging or replacement of their batteries.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with contactless IC cards of multiple protocols and power levels includes generating a first alternating magnetic field with an interrogator for energizing a proximate IC card and receiving a data transmission from the IC card. A processor of the interrogator is configured to decode the received data transmission. The interrogator then generates a second alternating magnetic field having a different magnetic field strength than the first alternating magnetic field when failing to decode the data transmission being received from the IC card. The processor then attempts to decode a data transmission received from the IC card in response to the second alternating magnetic field.

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.