Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for storing and managing program data. A service provider ID having both generic and specific components is sent from a terminal to a mobile device. The mobile device determines whether the service provider ID sent from the terminal matches a service provider ID stored on the mobile device. If there is a match, the mobile device transmits, to the terminal, program data stored on the mobile device associated with the matched service provider ID. If no match is determined, the mobile device determines whether the generic component of the service provider ID sent from the terminal matches the generic component of a service provider ID stored on the mobile device. If there is a generic match, the mobile device transmits, to the terminal, program data stored on the mobile device associated with the generically matched service provider ID.

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: An electronic identification package and methods are disclosed. The electronic identification package comprises an electronic identifier operable to provide an identification. A ground conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to conductively couple to a conductive body. An insulator is operable to insulate the electronic identifier from the conductive body, and a reader conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to electronically couple to an electronic identification reader.

Abstract: An antenna is disposed near a route of mobile object. A fixed tag is disposed at a location where a radio wave can be received from the antenna. When receiving a read command from the antenna, a mobile tag attached to the mobile object and the fixed tag send back a response signal at prescribed timing. A signal received from the fixed tag by the antenna is substantially constant. The signal from the fixed tag cannot be read while buried in a signal transmitted from the mobile tag to the antenna while the mobile tag is positioned at a location where communication with the antenna is expected. Conversely, when the mobile tag is at least a prescribed distance away from the antenna, the signal from the mobile tag cannot be read while buried in the signal from the fixed tag.

Abstract: Indoor locationing using radio frequency based tags includes distributing a plurality of radio frequency based tags at mapped locations within the indoor environment. The radio frequency based tags periodically transmit their identity information in a message. A mobile device in proximity to at least one of the radio frequency based tags receives the message. A location of the mobile device is associating to the mapped location of the radio frequency based tag identified in the received message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of four tires on corresponding four wheels in a vehicle. Each wheel has an axis of rotation. Each tire has an embedded Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag. The RFID tags embedded in the four tires have respective identifiers denoted as ID1, ID2, ID3, and ID4. A position to place a reader antenna is determined and the reader antenna is subsequently placed in the determined position. The reader antenna in the determined position emitting N signals to the respective RFID tag in the four tires. A delay is measured for receiving each signal reflected from the RFID tags. Which wheel of the four wheels each tire is on is identified according to the measured delays.

Abstract: A system to multiplex antennas for radio-frequency communication uses one or more antenna shorting circuits to selectively enable RF communication via one of a plurality of antenna matching networks. The system is cost-efficient compared to alternatives. The RF communication includes read and/or read/write communication with, e.g., radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags.

Abstract: A device and method for determining redundancies in near field communication tag detection are provided. A device comprising: a sensor configured to receive NFC tag identifiers from at least one near field communication (NFC) tag; and, a processor configured to: compare a first NFC tag identifier to a second NFC tag identifier, both the first NFC tag identifier and the second NFC tag identifier having been received by the sensor within a given time period; when the first NFC tag identifier and the second NFC tag identifier are the same, infer that the first NFC tag identifier and the second NFC tag identifier are associated with a single NFC tag; and when the first NFC tag identifier and the second NFC tag identifier are not the same, infer that the first NFC tag identifier and the second NFC tag identifier are associated with two different NFC tags.

Abstract: A method of identifying a plurality of transponders, the method comprising receiving at an interrogator one or more data transmission blocks from each transponder, wherein the first data block contains a uniquely detectable transponder identity and zero or more further data blocks defining a set of data blocks making up a transponder transmission. The first data transmission block also contains in transmission block number; one or more further data transmission blocks containing additional block data and a respective transmission block number; the block number being changed, by decrement or increment, automatically as each data block is transmitted.

Abstract: A method for secure cryptographic communication comprises transmitting information that identifies a group key from a first device to a second device. The method further comprises, in the first device, using the group key to encrypt an input vector, transmitting the encrypted input vector, encrypting privacy-sensitive information using a device key, an encryption algorithm, and the input vector, and transmitting the encrypted privacy-sensitive information to the second device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying wireless devices. Information is received from a wireless device that is unidentified. An object associated with the wireless device is identified using a number of types of information in the information and the information.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving sensor data from multiple sensors associated with multiple persons; for each of the sensors, identifying the person associated with the sensor; determining whether the sensor data are valid; and, for the sensor data that are valid, aggregating them based on the associations of their sensors with the persons and routing them to one or more sensor-application-service providers based on associations of the persons with the sensor-application-service providers.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing information relating to damage incurred by a vehicle in an accident. A first plurality of markers with a first set of identifiers is embedded in a coating applied to a component of a first vehicle and a second plurality of markers with a second set of identifiers is embedded in a coating applied to a component of a second vehicle. Markers from the first vehicle are transferred to the second vehicle upon impact during an accident. The transferred markers are read by a marker reader and then processed to determine the identity of the first vehicle.

Abstract: An archive apparatus is provided for storing and archiving laboratory samples including radio frequency identification means. The apparatus comprises a support structure or cabinet (4), a drawer (6) translatable in a translation direction (12) into and out of the support structure (4), and sample support means comprising ribs (8) associated with the drawer (6) for supporting an array (10) of samples or slides (20) spaced along the translation direction (12) for movement with the drawer (6). A radio frequency reader antenna (14) is connected to the support structure (4) adjacent to the drawer (6) and recording means (34, 38) are adapted to operatively communicate with the reader antenna (14) to store information obtained from the radio frequency identification means of laboratory samples or slides (20) supported by the drawer (6).

Abstract: The current invention is a method and system for tracking an RFID tag within a defined 3D space and can be used to identify objects within a live performance and create hotspots with respect to the objects, which allows viewers the ability to select objects that are associated with one of the hotspots, and transmits their interest in the selected object to one or more users. Preferably, the system operates such that hotspots can be created for previously created video, newly created video media, as well as live broadcasts.

Abstract: A method for storing information related to an object. An identification tag for being attached to the object is provided. The identification tag comprises identification data. A database for storing therein information related to the object is provided. The information is associated with the identification data. A reader for retrieving the identification data from the identification tag is provided. The identification tag is attached to the object. Using the reader the identification data are retrieved from the identification tag. The identification data and the information related to the object are provided. The information related to the object is stored in the database.

Abstract: A communication data protection method based on symmetric key encryption, and an apparatus for enabling the method are provided. A communication data protection method using a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, the method including: receiving, from a tag, tag information including security parameter information and an encrypted Unique Item Identifier (UII); extracting the UII based on the security parameter information; transmitting, to the tag, a request message including a challenge value for replay prevention; and performing a tag authentication by receiving, from the tag, a response message including a handle and the challenge value.

Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) multiplexer, which may be in a network, interprets an RF signal from an RFED reader as RFE) tag interrogation data. A single cable directs an RF signal from the RFID reader and RF control signals and/or RF power through the multiplexer. An RF sampler may be coupled to the cable; and an RF detector detects the RF signal from the cable via the RF sampler. A data decoder decodes and interprets the RF signal as the RFID tag interrogation data and forwards the RFID tag interrogation data to a control logic circuit as a MUX channel-change command. The logic circuit and decoder may be combined in a microcontroller, and an RF backscatter modulator coupled to the cable enables reverse communication with the RFID reader to determine whether another RFID multiplexer is coupled to the RFID multiplexer.

Abstract: An RFID system has an active tag with one antenna inside, and one outside, an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. The RFID reader is located outside the enclosure and uses a selected RF read frequency range. The RFID tag simultaneously transmits on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, so that a respective beat frequency is defined between two of the frequencies. The beat frequency is within the selected RF uplink frequency range. The tag transmits a first signal at a first one of the plurality of frequencies using the interior antenna and a second signal at a second, different one of the plurality of frequencies using the exterior antenna.

Abstract: A moving carrier signal transmission method and a signal transmission device using the same are provided. A main moving carrier acquires an identification code of an ambient moving carrier. The main moving carrier adds an identification code of the main moving carrier and the identification code of the ambient moving carrier in a data request and then sends out the data request to the ambient moving carrier according to the identification code of the ambient moving carrier. When the ambient moving carrier obtains the data request, the ambient moving carrier adds the identification code of the main moving carrier in a moving carrier list and transmits the moving carrier list to the main moving carrier.

Abstract: Provided are an RF powder particle, an RF powder, and an RF powder-containing base that can make it difficult to fabricate, for example, forged documents or forged bank notes with respect to sheet-like objects having high proprietary values, such as bank notes, and that allow necessary information to be stored in each of the large number of particles which are each provided with a tank circuit having a predetermined resonant frequency. The RF powder particle includes a coil 24 (inductance element) as a magnetic filed coupling element and a condenser 25 (capacitance element) connected to the both ends of the coil on an insulating surface of a substrate 22 and is configured so as to form a tank circuit 31 by the inductance element and the capacitance element. The tank circuit 31 functions as a circuit in a resonance state or in a non-resonance state in accordance with conditions in response to a high-frequency magnetic field from outside.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for identification of components in an electrical low-voltage switchgear assembly is disclosed. The electrical low-voltage switchgear assembly according to one embodiment of the invention includes at least one truck module, which can be positioned in a truck slot. In at least one embodiment, both the truck slot and the truck module include associated devices for wire-free communication, wherein the communication devices are designed to transmit and/or receive data which is relevant for an automatic identification of the truck slot and/or the truck module, and allow automatic association of these components with one another.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for detecting and re-personalizing are provided herein. In an embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining an ID (i.e., an identification, such as a Dynamic Unique Identifier) from a RFID tag, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to the RFID tag. The ID read from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database. If the write of the new ID to the tag is verified, then database changes are committed to link the new ID to the subject. In an alternative embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining data from a memory of a RFID tag, wherein the memory has a first partition and a second partition, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to either of the first partition or the second partition of the RFID tag. If such write is verified, then the new ID is written to the other partition of the RFID tag. The data from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for controlling and managing medical supplies stored inside medical refrigerator or freezer. The system includes a reader and at least two antenna situated in different locations of the exterior of the refrigerator or freezer and are connected to the reader individually; electronic labels attached on the medical supplies which store identification codes of corresponding medical supplies; processing unit which is connected to the reader for receiving identification codes of medical supplies from reader through the antenna, and determines a general position of the corresponding medical supply in the storage space according to the situated location and beam coverage area of the antenna, thus allowing one to quickly retrieve said medical supply.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods to facilitate reading a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, comprising: receiving, within a RFID tag reader, identification information corresponding to one or more RFID tags of interest; interrogating a plurality of RFID tags while the RFID tag reader is not in communication with a remote processor; receiving multiple corresponding RFID tag responses from the RFID tags; evaluating at the RFID tag reader each of the multiple RFID tag responses relative to the identification information; identifying, as a function of the evaluating, a plurality of RFID tags of interest; and producing, at the RFID tag reader, end user-perceivable indications corresponding to at least one RFID tag response from each of the RFID tags of interest to thereby inform an end user with respect to a corresponding reading state as regards to the plurality of RFID tags.

Abstract: A receptacle for medical instruments comprises a container for holding the medical instruments and comprises an apparatus for capturing and transmitting data from the medical instruments, which apparatus comprises a control unit, a reader and at least one first identification element attached to at least one medical instrument, wherein the control unit is connected to the reader and exchanges data with the reader, and performs a further step with said data, wherein the reader exchanges data with the at least one first identification element and passes said data to the control unit. The apparatus comprises a sensor unit which detects the medical instrument by a measurement performed thereon of a measurement quantity, and exchanges signals with the control unit, wherein the exchanged signals initiate the exchange of data between the reader and the at least one first identification element, wherein the reader transfers the exchanged data to the control unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for verifying a chip having a memory. Remanufacturers of imaging devices, such as inkjet printers or electrostatic printers, often have to use a replacement chip in order to reuse an imaging cartridge. It is desirable to have a system and method for determining if the replacement chip is suitable for use with a specific imaging cartridge. Also, it may be desirable to confirm that the chip was manufactured by a specific manufacturer. The disclosed system and method allow the remanufacturer a reliable and efficient way to verify chips.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile terminal including: a contactless communication unit transmitting an IC identifier to a reader-writer that carries out contactless communication and receiving link information including the IC identifier from the reader-writer; and a wireless communication unit accessing a server based on the link information, transmitting the link information to the server, transmitting the IC identifier to the server separately to the link information, and operable, when the server has judged based on the IC identifier that contactless communication with the reader-writer and access to the server were both carried out using a same mobile terminal owned by a user, to receive information relating to privilege available to the user on a service used by the user from the server apparatus.

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

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader containing a reader key authenticates an RFID tag containing a tag key by receiving a reader challenge from a verification authority; determining a reader response based at least on the reader challenge and the reader key; sending a first message including at least the reader response but not the reader key to the verification authority; receiving a tag identifier from the tag; challenging the tag with a tag challenge; receiving a tag response based at least on the tag challenge and the tag key but not including the tag key; sending a second message including at least the tag identifier and the tag response to the verification authority; and receiving an electronically-signed reply from the verification authority. The reader validates the verification authority reply by checking the signature. The verification authority may notify a designated party if a response is incorrect.

Abstract: A secure identification system is proposed in which a user gets access through an identification device or badge or tag (51) worn on his/her body, which applies the techniques of body coupled communication (BCC) to create a kind of aura around the user. An identification (ID) is communicated to a user interface of the secure identification system through BCC communication, and the user is authenticated by the system through an authentication procedure checking the identity of the user on the basis of an assumed secure BCC communication of the ID.

Abstract: Sensors locate troublesome leaks in pipes or conduits that carry a flowing medium. These sensors, through tailored physical and geometric properties, preferentially seek conduit leaks or breaches due to flow streaming. The sensors can be queried via transceivers outside the conduit or located and interrogated inside by submersible unmanned vehicle to identify and characterize the nature of a leak. The sensors can be functionalized with other capabilities for additional leak and pipeline characterization if needed. Sensors can be recovered from a conduit flow stream and reused for future leak detection activities.

Abstract: A wireless transmitter is configured to transmit compatibly to RFID tags and a control circuit operably couples to that wireless transmitter and is configured to use the wireless transmitter to transmit to those RFID tags a message to cause the RFID tags to have a particular read state without also soliciting a corresponding response from any of those RFID tags. For example, this can comprise causing RFID tags having a B inventory state to switch to an A inventory state (while permitting RFID tags already having an A inventory state to so remain).

Abstract: A system for recognizing animals in a detection zone (4) wherein the animals are provided with a label (6.i) that responds by transmitting a return signal with information when the label is (6.i) introduced into an electromagnetic interrogation field, provided with at least a transmitting and receiving system (2) for transmitting the electromagnetic interrogation field in the detection zone (4) and for receiving a return signal from a label (6.i) located in the detection zone (4), whereby the transmitting and receiving system (2) is provided with a plurality of antennas (8.i) for receiving a return signal from at least one label (6.i) present in the detection zone (4) wherein the antennas (8.i) are designed and arranged to discretely receive electromagnetic signals which come from mutually different subzones (4.i) wherein the subzones (4.i) in combination from the detection (4) zone.

Abstract: A method of automatically programming a new load control device that replaces an old load control device takes advantage of a remote identification tag (e.g., an RFID tag) located in the vicinity of the old device. The remote identification tag stores an identifier that is representative of a location in which the old device is installed. The method includes the steps of: (1) storing a setting of an old device in a memory of a controller; (2) associating the setting with the identifier of the old device in the memory of the controller; (3) the new device retrieving the identifier from the remote identification tag after the new device is installed in the location of the old device; (4) the new device transmitting the identifier to the controller; and (5) the controller transmitting the setting of the old device to the new device in response to receiving the identifier.

Abstract: Biometric authorization is provided for a passive secure data card. An additional layer of security may be provided in the form of a biometric password. Session timing may be enforced to limit opportunities of third parties to snoop transmitted information while providing ample time to complete the card transaction. Biometric retries may be enforced to limit opportunities of third parties to hack the biometric security.

Abstract: A method and a data carrier for contactless communication of a reading device with at least two communication-ready applications located on a portable data carrier. A first communication-readiness signal is generated for a first application and sent to the reading device, the signal having a first identification number that is assigned to the first application and indicates to the reading device the communication readiness of said first application, and a second communication-readiness signal is generated and sent for a second application, the second signal having a second identification number different from the first identification number, which is assigned to said second application and indicates to the reading device the communication readiness of the second application. The identification numbers simulate for the reading device the communication readiness of a data carrier in each case. The reading device thus has the impression of communicating with applications of two separate data carriers.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes: an identification device (1) for receiving a first signal and transmitting a second signal, the device including: a receiving means (35) for receiving the first signal to generate a voltage; an integrated circuit (37) having a state selection means (41) for selecting whether the device (1) is in a first state or a second state; a connection (39) between the receiving means (35) and the integrated circuit (37); a transmission means (45) for generating the second signal. The invention also includes a system (50) that includes an interrogator (43) for interrogating a plurality of the identification devices (1).

Abstract: A system for automated scoring of a golf match for a group of players includes a controller with a memory in communication with a processor. The memory includes program instructions for execution by the processor to load player data including handicap information into a server, load course data into the server, identify team members, automatically assign team pairing based on handicap information of each team member and generate a scorecard for the golf match, the scorecard including the handicap information and team pairing information.

Abstract: When multiple readers for RF transponders have to be placed in close proximity, such as in adjacent lanes of a highway toll barrier, they can be set to operate at different frequencies. When signals from two adjacent ones of the readers interfere, the resulting signal includes interference terms whose frequencies equal the sum of the reader frequencies and the difference between the reader frequencies. To remove such interference terms while passing the desired terms, a tag includes a low-pass or other frequency-selective filter.

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

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

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

Abstract: A method for searching RFID tags and an RFID reader thereof are provided. Each of a plurality of RFID tags awaiting to be accessed has a UID composed of a plurality of bits. The method comprises dividing the plurality of bits of the UID into groups to generate a plurality of groups; selecting a first group and a first value for the first group; obtaining a search result according to a search command and the UIDs of the RFID tags; and analyzing the search result to determine whether at least one RFID tag corresponds to the first group and the first value. Each of the groups has n bits, where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifier sequencing of wireless identification tags are disclosed. According to aspect, a method includes receiving identifiers of wireless identification tags from each of a plurality of wireless identification read cells. The method also includes determining whether identifiers received from one or more of the wireless identification read cells are not contiguous. Further, the method includes communicating, to the wireless identification read cells, other identifiers having a contiguous sequence for re-sequencing identifiers of the wireless identification tags within the communication range of the wireless identification read cells in response to determining that one or more of the wireless identification read cells have identifiers that are not contiguous.

Abstract: A transponder of a contactless data exchange system includes a unit to receive and transmit data provided with at least one first antenna loop and at least one second antenna loop in order to carry out a coupling with a reader. The transponder includes a phase shifter to shift a signal coming from the second loop by a phase shift of K*?, K being an odd integer greater than 0, to produce a phase shifted signal. The transponder includes an adder, to add a signal coming from said first loop and the phase shifted signal to produce a sum signal. The transponder also includes a unit to authorize or prevent a data transmission, depending on the sum signal. A reader of a contactless data exchange system includes a data sending/receiving unit provided with at least one antenna loop, at least one other antenna loop, and a phase shifter.

Abstract: A method of automatically programming a new load control device that replaces an old load control device takes advantage of a remote identification tag (e.g., an RFID tag) located in the vicinity of the old device. The remote identification tag stores an identifier that is representative of a location in which the old device is installed. The method includes the steps of: (1) storing a setting of an old device in a memory of a controller; (2) associating the setting with the identifier of the old device in the memory of the controller; (3) the new device retrieving the identifier from the remote identification tag after the new device is installed in the location of the old device; (4) the new device transmitting the identifier to the controller; and (5) the controller transmitting the setting of the old device to the new device in response to receiving the identifier.

Abstract: An automated system and associated method for storing medical items comprises a medication cabinet having at least one refrigerated drawer having a thermo-electric cooling (TEC) device and a non-refrigerated drawer. The refrigerated drawer design is such that cooling gradients throughout the drawer are minimized. Faraday cages are provided about each drawer to support separate RFID readers to monitor the medical items in each drawer. An automatic RFID data detection system determines the temperature requirements of medical items in the refrigerated drawer and controls the TEC device to maintain the required temperature. A temperature logging system for the refrigerated drawer is provided. A separate RFID reader determines if a temperature-controlled item has been placed in a non-refrigerated drawer and if so, an alert is provided.

Abstract: An integrated document holder and RFID tag device is disclosed herein. The document holder may take the form of a shipping envelope which is affixed to an item and carries documents related to the item such as a packing list or shipping manifest. The device includes an RFID tag integrated into the shipping envelope which allows both the RFID tag and the shipping envelope to be affixed to the item in a single labor effort.

Abstract: Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user (200) sends a low power discovery message to devices (201) using a portable programming tool (100). The devices (201) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool (100) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (202), allowing the user (200) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (201), the portable programming tool (100), and/or a central or local controller (1100). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.