Abstract: An enhanced backscatter RF-ID tag reader system and multiprotocol RF tag reader system is provided. In a multiprotocol mode, the system emits a non-stationary interrogation signal, and decodes a phase modulated backscatter signal by detecting a stronger phase component from quadrature phase representations or determining phase transition edges in a phase of a received signal. The RF tag reader system predicts or follows the phase of the backscatter signal, thereby avoiding interference from nulls in the received signal waveform due to the non-stationary interrogation signal, relative movement or environmental effects. An acoustic RF-ID tag detection system detects the reradiated signal corresponding to respective transformation of a signal in the tag. Detection of either type of RF-ID tags therefore is possible, and the absence of any tag or absence of any valid tag also determined.

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 methods, systems, and apparatuses remotely monitor a plurality of field assets. Device discovery is conducted to find a communication path through a master controller to an operations center. A plurality of states are monitored for individual field assets of the plurality of field assets. In response to trigger events, monitored states are selectively included in data sets that may be parsed, compressed, encrypted, and forwarded through a mesh network to an operations center.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that may include memory storage for the RFID tag, the memory storage may include one time programmable (OTP) memory and many time programmable (MTP) memory and the storage of the information may be within the OTP and MTP memory.

Abstract: A location localization method and system. The method includes transmitting by an RFID tag reader, a request for locating a passive RFID tag in a facility. The RFID tag reader receives from active RFID tags, a first date/time associated with first data. The RFID tag reader transmits to the active RFID tags, a request for retrieving the first data. The first data comprises distances between each active RFID tag and the passive RFID tag. The RFID tag reader receives the first data. The RFID tag reader receives a map of the facility and locations on the map for the active RFID tags. The RFID tag reader determines a location within the facility for the passive RFID tag based on the first data, the map, and the locations on the map. The RFID tag reader transmits the first location to a user.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for a network end device configuration system. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed comprising: at least one computing device adapted to configure an end device to an electrical network by performing actions comprising: obtaining an indicator that the end device has entered the electrical network; querying the end device for global positioning data about the end device in response to the obtaining of the indicator; obtaining the global positioning data about the device; and associating an identification of the end device with the global positioning data about the end device.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that provide enhanced memory capabilities, redundant functionality, and multiple frequency capabilities to the RFID tag using an inter-RF network node communication connection. The inter-RF network node communication may allow the coordination of RFID tag memory and functionality.

Abstract: There is provided a physical token for use in a defined venue with a server having communication with the physical token. The physical token may comprise an identification data and a transmitter configured to transmit the identification data. The physical token is configured to transmit the identification data to the server to cause the server to initiate a sensory interaction with a user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may comprise a character in the defined venue interacting with the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may also comprise a display screen in the defined venue displaying information to the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may further comprise an audio speaker in the defined venue announcing information to the user possessing the physical token. The physical token may represent an affinity comprising an experience, entitlement, or characteristic of the user possessing the physical token.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that provide enhanced memory capabilities, redundant functionality, and multiple frequency capabilities to the RFID tag using an inter-RF network node communication connection. The inter-RF network node communication may allow the coordination of RFID tag memory and functionality.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that provide enhanced memory capabilities, redundant functionality, and multiple frequency capabilities to the RFID tag using an inter-RF network node communication connection. The inter-RF network node communication may allow the coordination of RFID tag memory and functionality.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for communicating a privacy policy associated with a RFID tag. The method includes defining in an tag a first identifier for uniquely identifying the object and a second identifier for uniquely identifying a privacy policy that indicates a proper and intended use and level of protection to be afforded data/information transmitted by the identification tag coupled to the object, associating the second identifier with the first identifier, each of the first identifier and the second identifier being coupled to the identification tag, and responsive to detection of a communication signal received from a receptor, transmitting the first identifier and the second identifier, which includes an accept-reject provision for controlling dissemination and usage of the data/information transmitted by the identification tag, where based on a response received to the accept-reject provision, the data/information is either transmitted or not transmitted to the recipient.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that may include memory storage for the RFID tag, the memory storage may include one time programmable (OTP) memory and many time programmable (MTP) memory and the storage of the information may be within the OTP and MTP memory.

Abstract: A structural health management device, system and method are provided for facilitating the inspection of a structure, such as in accordance with a condition-based maintenance strategy. A structural health management device may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and at least one sense line communicably coupled to the RFID tag and configured to extend at least partially along a workpiece. The sense line may be formed of different materials depending upon the objective of the inspection. The RFID tag may include processing circuitry and an antenna configured to facilitate offboard communication. The processing circuitry may be configured to interrogate the at least one sense line to determine a change in continuity which is indicative of a change in the structural health of the workpiece. The structural health management device may therefore detect the onset of structural issues in a timely manner.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, or other type of device that transmits data in response to a broadcast of energy, may have a switch. The switch may allow an operator to signal whether the device will transmit data when energized. The switch could also allow an operator to select a particular item of data, or a combination of items of data, to be transmitted. Receiving data reflected from the device may signify an action to be performed, or may signify the fact that some physical action (e.g., pressing, by a human finger) has occurred with respect to the device. Thus, device that transmit data when energized may be used to direct the operation of other devices (e.g., by turning such other devices on or off), to implement tactilely-sensitive displays, or as part of other applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for tallying tags in a radio frequency identification system. The method comprises: upon receiving a tallying command sent by the reader, the tags reflecting a first response message used for decoding and checking (S402); upon receiving the first response message, the reader sending a decoded random number (RN) if it decodes the first response message correctly; upon receiving the decoded RN, the tags reflecting a second response message containing tag ID information after confirming that the RN is consistent with their own RN (S405); and upon receiving the second response message, the reader confirming that the tallying is completed if the tag ID information contained in the second response message is correct (S407).

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely monitoring trailer or trailers attached to a vehicle is provided. The method includes associating an identification tag or ABS ECU that is configured to broadcast a trailer identification signal with a trailer. The method further includes receiving the trailer identification signal on-board the vehicle, associating the trailer identification signal with the vehicle, transmitting the trailer identification signal to a remote processor and receiving the trailer identification signal at the remote processor. The system comprises a mobile data terminal capable of generating and responding to telematic events comprising at least one processor, a graphical user interface, an input device, a memory and a set of executable instructions which may include a plurality of modules, such as a vehicle location module capable of receiving a GPS signal and transmitting the GPS signal to a remote processor for determining a location of a transportation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus system, and techniques for detecting temperature change are disclosed. The system includes a temperature sensitive antenna that can be included in an RFID tag device. The antenna is associated with a temperature sensitive material that, upon being exposed to a particular temperature level over a time interval, causes at least one of a change in the resonance frequency of the antenna and change in antenna signal strength (e.g., antenna gain). An RFID reader is also provided that sends commands to the tag device and determines the existence of a temperature change based on a comparison of signal strengths received on different frequencies from the antenna.

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 commodity display position alert system includes commodity display shelves set in a selling floor space of a store, an RFID reader provided in each of the commodity display shelves, and a server as a system control unit. The RFID reader reads a commodity code from an RFID tag attached to a commodity. A server compares the commodity code of the commodity and display permission information stored in a database functioning as a shelf-rule storing unit and determines whether the read commodity code is a commodity code of a commodity that should be displayed on the commodity display shelf. When the server determines that a commodity other than the commodity that should be displayed on the commodity display shelf is displayed on the commodity display shelf, the server performs control for outputting a reporting signal for causing the PDA terminal to perform reporting operation.

Abstract: There is described method for using a mobile control device that serves for controlling a machine within an assigned effective range which is only partially delimited by one or more RFID transponders and has protective measures. Control commands of the control device are also executed when it does not receive any valid transponder data, but the controller has received a corresponding signal.

Abstract: A RFID transceiver interrogates RFID tags located on process components and provides identification data stored on the RFID tags to a process measurement device coupled to the process components. Based on the identification data received, the process measurement device configures itself to interpret data provided by the process components. Proper configuration allows the process measurement device to provide meaningful process data to a control room.

Abstract: A method for sensing physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of an environment is provided. The method comprises using a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor component having a predetermined range of power initiation levels and having predetermined resonant circuit parameters comprising the steps of activating the RFID sensor component and determining whether a range of power levels, needed for activating the sensor component, is below the predetermined range of power initiation levels; sensing at least one of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the environment; quantifying the sensed characteristic of the environment using one or more selected resonant parameters, wherein the selection of parameters is based in part on the range of power levels needed to activate the sensor.

Abstract: A hybrid sensor/communication device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) communication device coupled to a sensor device that includes organic and/or amorphous semiconductor material. The organic and/or amorphous semiconductor material may be printed atop a substrate of the device, the same substrate upon which antenna elements of the RFID device are located. The organic and/or amorphous semiconductor material may form an organic/amorphous semiconductor material processor that is coupled to sensor pads of the sensor device. An integrated circuit of the RFID device, which may be a part of an interposer or strap, and which may utilize an inorganic crystalline semiconductor material such as crystalline silicon, is coupled to the organic/amorphous semiconductor material processor. The RFID device provides power to the sensor device, and allows communication between the sensor device and external devices outside of the hybrid sensor/communication device.

Abstract: A system and related methods for dynamically re-configuring a radio frequency identification tag reader, engaging software business processes, or combinations of both, using a radio-frequency-readable configuration tag which physically associated with one or more RFID-tagged articles in a physical handling flow. The configuration tag reader is positioned prior to a radio frequency identification tag reader in said material handling flow, which allows the configuration reader to read the contents of the configuration tags before the articles reach the identification tag reader.

Abstract: An electronic toll collection transponder containing an orientation sensor for measuring the orientation of the transponder is described. The transponder measures its orientation and stores orientation data in memory. The transponder may report the stored orientation data as part of a response signal sent to the ETC system in reply to a trigger or polling signal. The transponder may assess whether it is correctly oriented based on a comparison of the orientation data to ranges or thresholds and may output an indicator of incorrect orientation or may disable communications with the ETC system during incorrect orientation.

Abstract: In a method of processing data, an RFID signal (6) sent by a reader (3,5) via a field generated by the reader (3,5) is received at a passive RFID transponder (2). The transponder (2) comprises a dedicated receiver (28) for receiving a time signal (8), which is wirelessly sent By an external sender (4) and comprises information about the present time. The transponder (2) including the dedicated receiver (28) is powered utilizing the field such that the dedicated receiver (28) detects the time signal (8) and decodes the present time. Utilizing the transponder (2), the first data (7) contained in the RFID signal (6) is decoded and processed. Second data (9) which are time stamped by said transponder (2) utilizing said present time are generated, and a response signal (10) comprising the second data (9) is transmitted from the transponder.

Abstract: RFID tags are configured to adjust their clock frequency in order to meet predefined limits for reply frequencies to conserve tag power. A deviation of computed tag reply frequency from a reader commanded reply frequency is used to determine an adjustment to the tag clock frequency. The tag clock frequency may be adjusted during backscatter and restored once backscattering is completed.

Abstract: A method and a device for power-saving operation of a plurality of RFID data carriers, whereby the RFID data carrier has a transmission and reception antenna, by way of which data are sent to and received from a read/write unit, by means of a radio signal, and the data carrier is configured for reception of an energy-saving signal that puts the data carrier into a so-called sleep mode. The read/write unit sends a so-called conditional sleep command to all the RFID data carriers, and the RFID data carriers receiving these data in the transmission field compare the transmitted condition with a status/data detected in the RFID data carrier, whereby the condition detected in the RFID data carrier depends on a sensor input that is connected with the RFID data carrier.

Abstract: A system including a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is configured to transmit a request. The transmitter is configured to transmit a reply signal that at least partially overlaps the request.

Abstract: A passive tag receiving a reader signal provided by a reader is disclosed. The passive tag includes an antenna, an oscillator circuit, and an internal chip. The antenna receives the reader signal. The reader signal is within an operation frequency band. The oscillator circuit is coupled to the antenna and generates a frequency signal. The internal chip processes the reader signal according to power provided by the reader signal and the frequency signal when the reader signal is received and the frequency signal is generated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely monitoring trailer or trailers attached to a vehicle is provided. The method includes associating an identification tag or ABS ECU that is configured to broadcast a trailer identification signal with a trailer. The method further includes receiving the trailer identification signal on-board the vehicle, associating the trailer identification signal with the vehicle, transmitting the trailer identification signal to a remote processor and receiving the trailer identification signal at the remote processor. The system comprises a mobile data terminal capable of generating and responding to telematic events comprising at least one processor, a graphical user interface, an input device, a memory and a set of executable instructions which may include a plurality of modules, such as a vehicle location module capable of receiving a GPS signal and transmitting the GPS signal to a remote processor for determining a location of a transportation unit.

Abstract: In a protocol for preserving the privacy of communications between a RFID reader and a RFID tag, two distinct actions are taken. First, the reader and the tag must be mutually authenticated as being authorized participants in the communications. After that process is successfully completed, the authenticity of each authorized participant must be validated prior to each subsequent communication between reader and tag.

Abstract: In a circuit (3) for a data carrier (1), which data carrier (1) comprise a sensor (2) that is designed for providing a sensor signal (SS) that represents an environment parameter and a communication element (CM) that is designed for the contact-less communication with an interrogator station, first connection elements for connecting the circuit (3) to the communication element (CM) and second connection elements for establishing an electronic connection of the circuit (3) to the sensor (2) are provided, wherein the second connection elements are realized by the first connection elements and wherein the circuit (3) comprises a sensor signal processing stage (11A) designed for receiving said sensor signal (SS) via the first connection element and for processing said received sensor signal (SS).

Abstract: In an electronic toll collection system, card data of a payment card is stored in an on-board unit mounted in a vehicle. Toll data necessary for a toll collection transaction including the card data is copied from the on-board unit to a cellular phone. A user passes the cellular phone to a tollgate attendant, and the toll data is moved to a toll collection unit installed at a tollgate. The toll collection unit calculates a toll fee based on the toll data and generates a delete command and road use data. When the tollgate attendant passes a portable terminal of the toll collection unit to the user, the delete command and the road use data are copied to the on-board unit. The toll data is deleted from the on-board unit by the delete command, and the road use data is reported to the user.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based configuration detection system for automatically detecting, directing, and/or configuring the physical configuration of a complex system constituted by a set of one or more types of mateable components. The RFID configuration detection system utilizes a set of mateable RFID tags arranged so that each mateable component includes at least one mateable RFID tag. Each RFID tag includes information about its associated component and is arranged so that when the components are mated, their associated RFID tags also are mated. The system uses at least one RFID reader to read RFID tag signals from the RFID tags. The RFID tag signals provide information about mating status of the component, as well as information about components themselves. An information processing system operably connected to the RFID reader receives and process information concerning the number and type of mated connections and thus the configuration.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing data on an intermittently connected sensor. A data management system manages the data on radio frequency identification tags. The data management system comprises a radio frequency identification tag capable of storing the data, program code stored on the radio frequency identification tag, and a reader data processing system. The reader data processing system is capable of receiving the data and the program code from the radio frequency identification tag in a radio frequency signal and capable of executing the program code to read the data.

Abstract: A power-saving wireless input device and an associated system are included. The wireless input device comprises an antenna, an RFID transponder, an energy-storing unit, and a sensing unit. The RFID transponder receives an AC signal via the antenna, and converts the AC signal into a DC signal. The energy-storing unit receives the DC signal for charging. The sensing unit, which is powered by the energy-storing unit, generates an input signal to the RFID transponder. The RFID transponder demodulates the AC signal to generate a request signal, and performs load modulation according to the input signal to generate a reply signal in response to the request signal. The reply signal is then transmitted via the 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: An RFID tag (10), containing at least two independent microscopic RFID chips (16) or microradios is programmed with the same unique identifier for each chip. The unique identifier is used in the RFID chips (16) to key the RFID chip (16) transmitting to produce outputs in the same time slot so that the outputs add coherently, thus to create an output that is identical to that of a conventional tag containing only one such chip.

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 and system for controlling distant equipment. A passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag within a Programmable Secure Remote Controller (PSRC) receives a radio frequency (RF) signal from a transmitter integrated in the distant equipment. The distant equipment is external to and remote from the PSRC. The PRSC does not include an internal source of energy and requires energy from an external source to operate. The PSRC is configured to distribute sufficient energy from the RF signal to components of the PSRC to enable the components to operate. The RFID tag is activated to generate information and the information is decoded to identify the distant equipment. A request to perform an operation that controls the distant equipment is received. After the request is received, a first predefined scenario is activated for performing the operation that controls the distant equipment.

Abstract: A method for performing system administration using radio frequency identification (RFID) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a radio frequency identification device, reading the device for information contained within the card, determining whether the information contains a request to perform a task to administer a computer system, and executing the task in response to the request if the information contains the request.

Abstract: There is disclosed a test head device for testing the functionality of a large number of RFID chips arranged in smart labels (17) within a smart label production apparatus by means of a data reading and/or data writing process, wherein the smart labels (17), each comprising a first antenna (10a-10e), are placed next to and behind one another on a common continuously moving strip, wherein the test head device comprises a plurality of test systems which function independently of one another, each of said test systems consisting of a write and/or read unit (12a-e), a second antenna (3, 11a-e; 18) connected thereto which is in each case assigned to one of the first antennas (10a-10e) for simultaneously transmitting read and/or write data between the first and second antennas (10a-10e; 3; 11a-e; 18) by means of ultrahigh frequency waves, and a common table unit which can be displaced at least in the height direction, wherein the second antennas (3; 11a-e; 18) are arranged on a common antenna carrier plate (2) orie

Abstract: A method and system for remotely configuring and/or provisioning a device that is nonoperational is provided. The device may be, in general, any electronic device that includes at least one setting (“device setting”) that can be programmatically or otherwise established or adjusted to configure and/or provision the device for its operation. The method includes detecting, via a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, a state of a device that is communicatively coupled to the RFID tag; and providing the device setting via the RFID tag when the state signifies that the device is nonoperational.

Abstract: A power consuming device is configured to be electrically connected to a power connection point of a power distribution system of a datacenter. The power distribution system includes a hierarchy of power supply equipment. A first label is associated with the power connection point and includes power supply information that indicates the power connection point's place in the hierarchy of power supply equipment. A second label is associated with the power consuming device and includes identification information that identifies the power consuming device. A reader is configured to read the first label to obtain the power supply information and to read the second label to obtain the identification information.

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

Abstract: Obscured radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are indirectly read by an RFID reader. Other tags operate to relay the information associated with the obscured tags from one tag to another, until the associated information is ultimately received by the RFID reader from a tag in direct communication with the RFID reader. The tags may be adapted to store the received information associated with the obscured tags and then to encode this associated information and resident information in return signal(s) transmitted to the RFID reader and/or to other tag(s). The RFID reader is adapted to decode the received return signals to obtain the information encoded therein, and to process the decoded information to identify irrelevant tags and obscured tags.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and a method and system for communicating with the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a first and second structure respectively holding first data and second data that is complementary to the first data. The RFID tag does not include a microchip. An electromagnetic radio frequency signal is transmitted from an interrogator to the RFID tag. The interrogator receives, from the RFID tag, a response signal including third data being the first data or a combination of the first data and the second data. The interrogator extracts the third data from the response signal. A default value equal to the combination of the first data and the second data is stored in the interrogator. If the interrogator determines that the third data is unequal/equal to the default value, then a screen of the interrogator displays that the RFID tag is enabled/not enabled.

Abstract: Provided is a portable terminal (100) which can perform pseudo push distribution and display of a message obtained in response to a request from a reader/writer from a noncontact IC card by noncontact communication which is difficult to be always connected with. A noncontact IC card, a reader/writer and information distribution method are also provided. The noncontact IC card for receiving a message transmitted from the reader/writer by noncontact communication is mounted on the portable terminal (100). The message transmitted from the reader/writer is provided with an event header wherein setting conditions for specifying a message to be displayed by the portable terminal (100) are indicated.

Abstract: The IC Card includes a main device having a microprocessor and a memory unit, and an I/O contact pad for a connection between the main device and a read write device, also referred to as a main interconnection. The IC card also includes additional device connectable to the main device via a secondary interconnection including the I/O contact pad, and a switch control for selectively switching between the main interconnection, for a transmission of data between the read write device and the main device, and the secondary interconnection, for a transmission of data between the main device and the additional device.