Abstract: It is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device which operates normally even when a communication distance is extremely short. A semiconductor device which transmits/receives data by wireless communication includes a comparison circuit which compares electric power supplied form outside with electric power serving as a reference; a bias circuit portion which outputs a protection signal and a modulation signal in accordance with output of the comparison circuit; and a protection/modulation circuit which performs protection to prevent degradation and breakdown of elements of the semiconductor device and modulation to transmit data, with one circuit.

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: 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 present disclosure provides a power rectifier for a Radio Frequency Identification tag circuit. The rectifier is constructed from a pair of complementary MOS transistors. Gates of the transistors have predetermined voltages applied to them. The applied voltages bias the transistors to near their active operating region. During the same time additional control signals are applied to the gates of the transistors, the control signals are synchronous, but out of phase, with each other.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator for determining a bandwidth of a backscattering signal to be backscattered by an RFID tag and a method of operating the same are provided. The RFID interrogator senses a predetermined frequency band to determine whether the predetermined frequency band has been occupied and determines a sensing result. The RFID interrogator further controls the bandwidth of the backscattering signal in response to the sensing result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing security in an RFID system and provides a secure active RFID architecture that uses a combination of passive and active RFID circuitry and employs authentication and encryption techniques in the processing of data, at rest and over the air. In the method of communicating securely in an RFID system of the present invention, a random number is generated with the passive RFID circuitry. The random number is forwarded to a reader. The reader is authenticated by comparing a first hash value determined from a hash function of the random number generated at the RFID tag and an Authenticated Facility Group ID stored on the RFID tag with a second hash value determined from the hash function of the forwarded random number and an Authenticated Facility Group ID stored in the reader such that if the first hash value matches the second hash value the reader is authenticated.

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: A positioning system and method are provided to use multiple RFID readers to position a target object with an active RFID tag equipped thereon. The system and method defines a geometric center of the locations of the RFID readers as a first coordinate. When the RFID readers continuously receive RF signals of the active RFID tag, a corresponding signal intensity of each of the RF signals is calculated and compared to obtain an approaching vector corresponding to the location of the RFID reader with the greatest signal intensity of the RF signal. A positioned location of the target object is then approached from the first coordinate to a second coordinate according to the approaching vector. The first coordinate and the positioned location of the target object will be reset as the second coordinate. The reset first coordinate is output as the latest positioned location of the target object.

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: Provided is a method and apparatus for recognizing a radio frequency identification tag reader. In order to obtain protocol addresses of a plurality of radio frequency identification (hereinafter referred to as RFID) tag readers, a request message including a timestamp indicating a generation time is generated and transmitted, and a response message for the request message from one of the plurality of RFID readers is received. When the timestamp included in the response message satisfies a set condition, a hardware address and a protocol address of the RFID reader are extracted from the response message.

Abstract: To improve communication between tags by causing a mobile object having a RFID tag attached to transmit an interrogating wave only when moving in a communication range to reduce power consumption and prevent occurrence of tag confusion. By acquiring two Doppler signals from 2-frequency transmission waves (CW) with different frequencies and respective reflected waves and detecting phase difference from the Doppler signals, a cargo (21A) is detected to be moving in the communication range (A). Only when the movement is detected, a reader-writer (1A) transmits the interrogating wave (RW).

Abstract: A RFID cabinet comprises a cabinet structure and one or more drawers or shelves. Chambers are formed within the cabinet to house the one or more drawers or shelves. An RFID scanner is configured to scan items tagged with RFID tags in the chambers via one or more antennas. The antennas can include transmit and receive antennas or antennas configured to perform both transmit and receive functions. The drawers can have a access cover, or lid that can be controlled so as to control access to the drawer. The scanner can be configured to perform inventory control for the tagged items.

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 recognises 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: Methods and apparatus for providing security for mobile devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes maintaining responsibility for a first item when the first item is in a first range of a first container. Maintaining responsibility for the first item includes monitoring a locator tag associated with the first item when the locator tag is within the first range. The method also includes determining when the first item is in the first range, determining if the first item is in a second range associated with a second container when the first item is not in the first range, and determining if the second container is trusted with respect to the first container if the first item is in the second range. Additionally, the method includes transferring responsibility for the first item to the second container if the second container is trusted with respect to the first container.

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: A convenient handheld locator is provided for locating an item in an urban environment in which the locator is programmed to search for and locate specific items, with the detected item being displayed on the locator as to its identity or name, also displaying where the item is relative to the locator, as to position and range.

Abstract: Detecting whether an article has been loaded or unloaded for example from a ship by tracking the movements of a transducer such as an RFID tag attached to the article in space, and comparing the tracked movements with a trajectory envelope characterizing the movements associated with a load or unload action, and in the case where the movements of the article are found to comply with the trajectory envelope, registering the article as present in the predetermined volume.

Abstract: A radio frequency tag for a radio frequency identification system is provided that includes an antenna and a receiver coupled to the antenna. The receiver receives and demodulates a message received on at least one frequency. A retransmit controller receives the message, determines a retransmit status for the message, and if the retransmit status is positive, initiates retransmission of the message for reception by another radio tag.

Abstract: A method for improving RFID readers includes transmitting an outgoing RF signal to an antenna through a directional device, and generating a demodulated vector signal from an RF signal related to the RF signal received from the receiver. The method also includes setting the impedance of a controllable-variable-reflectance element with control-parameters from a memory circuit. The memory circuit includes a look up table having therein a corresponding relationship between the control-parameters and an error vector related to the demodulated vector signal.

Abstract: A method of detecting a signal in radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder (FIG. 1) is disclosed. The method includes receiving a signal (FIG. 7) having a first time in a first logic state (high) and having a second time in a second logic state (low). A weight (700, 702) is determined in response to the first time and the second time. An output signal (from A2D) is produced in response to the weight and one of the first and second logic states.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for radio frequency identification provides an on-off keyed amplitude-modulated illumination signal containing a sequence of bits configured to illuminate a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, The illumination signal is received at the RFID tag, rectified to generate a wake signal for waking a processor which is subsequently powered by a battery. The received illumination signal is sampled and subjected to a thresholding process. Mobile telephone band interference is countered by correlating the sampled illumination signal to determine its bit sequence and then correlating the bit sequence against a predetermined key. An identification signal from the RFID tag is sent in response to a match.

Abstract: A binary tree method for avoiding collision of multiple tags, comprising: during inventorying tags, a reader sending a re-splitting instruction to the tags and entering a next time slot for reception if the reader does not receive any reply information from the tags in a specified time slot and one of the following conditions is satisfied: the reader received incorrectly reply information from the tags in the former time slot, or a re-splitting instruction was sent in the former time slot; and when the tags receive the re-splitting instruction, for tags whose counter values are not 1, the counter values remaining unchanged, and tags whose counter values are 1 splitting into two subsets 0 and 1, and those counter-0 tags replying to the reader. With the present invention, the inventorying flow of Binary Tree is optimized, the inventorying efficiency is improved, and the whole flow becomes more reasonable.

Abstract: A data logging device tracks the operation of a vehicle or driver actions. The device includes a storage device, which may be removable or portable, having a first memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in a vehicle and a second memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in the vehicle. The second memory portion may retain data attributes associated with the data stored in the first removable storage device. A processor reads data from an automotive bus that transfers data from vehicle sensors to other automotive components. The processor writes data to the first memory portion and the second memory portion that reflect a level of risk or safety. A communication device links the storage device to a network of computers. The communication device may be accessible through software that allows a user to access files.

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: A radio frequency identification (RFID) communication system and method is provided to resolve the power-consuming problems of an active RFID tag while operating at a receiving mode in a long duration. A designated channel is established between the reader and the RFID tag, and also the reader sends a designated message so that the actuated active RFID tag can receive the designated messages and dynamically enter into a receiving mode. Therefore, normal communications may be conducted between the reader and the RFID and the usage period or technical performance can be improved as well.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying implanted medical devices, leads and systems, as well as objects in close proximity to a patient having an implanted medical device (IMD), using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having retrievable information relating to the IMD, lead system and/or patient. An RFID tag communicator includes a circuit for limiting the total continuous transmit time of an interrogation signal, and a time-out circuit for delaying a second and any subsequent interrogation of the RFID tag. An external IMD programmer incorporating a multi-functional RFID reader is capable of identifying and communicating with various types of implanted medical devices, even if such devices are made by different manufacturers.

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 wireless network communications unit is operable to transmit and receive data for a host device. The wireless network communications unit includes a wireless network communications interface configured to transmit and receive data using a wireless network protocol when a host device having the wireless network communications unit is turned on. The wireless communications unit also includes a tag component detecting when the host device is turned off. In response to detecting the host device being turned off, the unit enters a tag operational mode wherein the tag component is configured to transmit data identifying the host device via the wireless network interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable circuit for filtering a transmission channel of an RFID signal and for suppressing a carrier signal in the reception path between an input gate and an output gate, including at least one adjustable oscillator for generating an oscillator signal, at least one input mixing stage cooperating with the oscillator for mixing an input signal by means of the oscillator signal to an intermediate frequency and a blocking device arranged downstream of the input mixing stage or the input mixing stages for suppressing the carrier signal at the intermediate frequency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for providing Quality of service to RFID. In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of providing quality of service in an RFID network comprising storing RFID priority information corresponding to the RFID network, wherein the RFID network comprises one or more tags and one or more readers mapping the RFID priority information into priority information corresponding to a second network.

Abstract: A communication terminal capable of obtaining assist data without making a configuration of an information providing device for transmitting the assist data complicated is provided. Processing performed by a communication terminal includes the steps of: storing an obtained identifier in a buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained and a buffer area for a standby base station; obtaining an identifier of a wireless base station from a received signal and storing the identifier in a RAM; storing an identifier of a wireless base station after change in the buffer area for a standby base station; and storing the identifier stored in the buffer area for a standby base station in the buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained when the identifier stored in the buffer area for a standby base station is not stored in the buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained.

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: Methods, systems, and computer programs for interrogating an authentication device are disclosed. For example, a mobile device can include an interrogator module that interrogates an authentication module in a mobile device accessory, for example, upon installation of the mobile device accessory. In some implementations, challenge-response pairs and a challenge-response distribution are stored in a memory of an interrogator module. The challenge-response distribution defines selection probabilities for the challenge values. In some instances, the interrogator module receives an authentication request from an authentication module, and in response to the authentication request, the interrogator module selects an initial challenge value according to the challenge-response distribution. The interrogator module sends the authentication module an interrogation message that includes the initial challenge value.

Abstract: A technique for simultaneously acquiring vehicle identification information and speed information of an RFID tag-attached vehicle by calculating the vehicle speed by using a Doppler shift value extracted from transmission and reception signals between the RFID tag and the RFID reader is disclosed. A method for measuring a vehicle speed by using an RFID reader installed right up on the road or at the roadside includes: transmitting a continuous wave; receiving a reflected wave with respect to the continuous wave from an RFID tag attached to a vehicle which has received the continuous wave; extracting a Doppler shift value from the continuous wave and the reflected wave; and calculating the speed of the vehicle by using the Doppler shift value.

Abstract: In an RFID system comprising a detection unit for detecting an RFID tag and a control unit for exercising the control concerning the RFID tag, a determination unit determines whether to access a second area of an RFID tag comprising storage area, comprising of a first area for storing ID information and the second area for storing command information. An extraction unit extracts command information from the second area when it is determined to access the second area. An execution unit performs a process corresponding to the command information extracted by the extraction unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synchronization method between a reader and tag according to an example embodiment, the method including: transmitting, by the reader, a first write command message to the tag at a first time; detecting, by the tag, the first write command message from the reader at a second time and transmitting a first response message to the reader in response to the first write message; transmitting, by the reader, a second write command message including first time information of the first time to the tag; and correcting, by the tag, a clock offset using a difference between the first time and the second time.

Abstract: A method for sensing pressure in a pressurized article utilizing an electronic tag includes: calculating the impedance of a tag antenna, the tag antenna being flexible and at least partially composed of a flexible conductive pressure sensitive material including rubber; measuring changes in antenna impedance resulting from changes in pressure exerted on the tag antenna; calculating changes in tag transmission signal strength resulting from changes in antenna impedance; at least partially embedding the electronic tag within a wall portion of the article, the wall portion at least partially defining an article cavity and exerting a compressive force on the tag antenna of a magnitude determined by the magnitude of air pressure within the cavity; measuring the tag transmission signal strength with the tag antenna subjected to pressure from the article wall portion; determining the magnitude of air pressure within the cavity required to effect a compressive force on the tag antenna by the article wall sufficient t

Abstract: A tag can receive first and second wireless signals respectively defining first and second transmission fields that overlap. When the tag moves from the first field to the second field through the region of overlap, the apparatus transitions only once from recognizing the tag is in the first field to recognizing the tag is in the second field. According to another aspect, first and second signposts are supported at spaced locations in the region of a crane, and respectively transmit first and second wireless signals that are different, and that respectively define first and second fields of transmission. According to yet another aspect, a signpost transmits wireless signals having a transmission field, and a system senses positional information regarding a tag movable relative to the signpost, the system using the positional information to determine a location of the tag in relation to the transmission field.

Abstract: An RFID tag is provided. The RFID tag includes an emitting module, a temperature detecting circuit and a tag chip. The temperature detecting circuit produces a time signal according to a surrounding temperature, wherein the time signal changes with the surrounding temperature. The tag chip is electrically connected to the temperature detecting circuit and the emitting module, wherein the time signal is transmitted via the emitting module.

Abstract: A remote starting system for an engine of a vehicle includes a remote start handheld unit. A remote start controller may be positioned at the vehicle for starting the engine based upon the remote start handheld unit and causing the engine to run for a run time period before shutting off the vehicle engine. The remote start controller is resettable based upon the remote start handheld unit to cause the engine to run for an additional run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine. The remote start handheld unit includes a tactile indicator for providing a tactile indication to a user prior to expiration of the run time period to permit a user to use the remote start handheld unit to reset the run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine.

Abstract: A method of reading data (DAT1 . . . DAT4) from transponders (T1 . . . T4) by means of a reader device (RD) during a number (N) of time slots (TS) is disclosed, wherein the seizure of said time slots (TS) by the transponders (T1 . . . T4) is observed in both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4). A reorganization (REORG) is performed in dependence on said seizure, wherein both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4) choose a new number (N) of time slots (TS). In addition, the transponders (T1 . . . T4) select one of the new time slots (TS) in which to send data (DAT1 . . . DAT4) back to the reader device (RD) so as to adapt the system's capacity to the real demands. Preferably, said reorganization (REORG) takes place without communication between the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4). The invention further relates to a transponder (T1 . . . T4) and to a reader device (RD) for implementing the inventive method.

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: The present disclosure includes a method and system for pipelining processes in an RF reader. In some implementations, a method includes receiving, from a transponder, a reply to an initial command. A physical (PHY) layer and a media control access (MAC) layer are pipelined to initiate transmission of a subsequent command during demodulation of the transponder reply.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for transporting deterministic traffic in a gigabit passive optical network. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Optical Line Termination (OLT) for exchanging data traffic in a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) having a controller programmed to generate a timeslot schedule for transport of a desired bandwidth of constant bit rate (CBR) data traffic by selecting one or more timeslots from periodic frame clusters operating according to a GPON Transmission Convergence (GTC) protocol. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses an RFID tag communication apparatus comprising: a housing including a bottom surface; an antenna provided at a distance h from the bottom surface; and a radio frequency circuit including a carrier wave transmitting device that generates a carrier wave of a frequency fc; wherein the correlation as fo<fc<fm is satisfied under the conditions of a resonance frequency fm of the antenna when the bottom surface is fixed in contact with a metal surface, a resonance frequency fo of the antenna when the bottom surface is fixed in contact with a non-metal surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining of at least an order of objects O1,O2 transported by a conveyor 1 along a conveyor path 2, wherein each of the objects O1,O2 carries an assigned transponder T1,T2 having a characterizing code. At least a first radio frequency identification reader R1—having at least a first reader-antenna A1 for generating a first reading field F1—is arranged with respect to the conveyor 1 and built for identifying the transponders T1,T2 of the transported objects O1,O2 passing along or through the first reading field F1.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a composite RFID tag, where the composite RFID tag may include a plurality of individual tags that are arranged to respond to a reader as one tag.

Abstract: A method of configuring an RFID reader includes (1) collecting information related to an operation environment of an RFID reader, and (2) configuring the RFID reader to operate in a mode that is selected for the operation environment of the RFID reader.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. Nodes of the service area may communicate with the communication system using a variety of different communication technologies and/or communication protocols. In some instances, nodes of the communication are capable of two-way communication with the communication system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the status of a container for transporting goods, wherein the container includes sensors includes receiving data at a processing system within the container from at least one sensor within the container, implementing a controller within the processing system for comparing the received sensor data against a predetermined condition stored in a memory of the processing system, initiating a message from the controller in response to comparison between the received sensor data and the predetermined-condition related to the measured sensor data, and transmitting the initiated message as an RF signal from within the container to a satellite transceiver element outside the container, thereby initiating unprompted communication from inside of the container, wherein the RF signal is transmitted outside of the container via a passive antenna system.