Identification Only Patents (Class 340/10.42)
  • Patent number: 8737983
    Abstract: When processing repeated operations on the keyboard of a mobile communication device, mainly at direct debits, used is a separate data carrier with a memory in which is stored at least one file with a sequence of keyboard orders of a macro type. Data carrier is energetically supplied contact-free by electromagnetic field of the mobile communication device while receiving the requiring order and, according to this order, chooses from the memory and encodes appropriate file with a sequence of keyboard orders. Data carrier sends the encoded file into the mobile communication device which decodes the received file and performs processes representing the keystrokes according to the sequence of keyboard orders. The invention also describes connection and data carrier to perform above described method where the data carrier consists of a processor, transmitting and receiving unit, block for transforming electromagnetic field and a memory to store a file of orders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Logomotion, S.R.O.
    Inventors: Emil Hubinak, Miroslav Florek, Michal Masaryk
  • Patent number: 8723652
    Abstract: A device and method for casino chip recognition and accounting. The device includes a box having a slot in which chips can be deposited. The slot is connected to a chute which has a window through which a surface of the chip can be seen as it travels along the slot. A chip recognition device which can be a camera is arranged in a position to observe or detect the chip as it travels past the window, and is connected to a controller which utilizes recognition software programmed to compare the chip that it has detected with known chip images or data stored in memory to determine the chip denomination. The controller then signals a central computer the amount received. The system is useable for tracking and accounting for tips at casino table games. It can also be used for cashing in chips as well as detecting counterfeits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: South Montgomery Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James T. Delaney, David Bakalian
  • Patent number: 8710961
    Abstract: An anti-fake battery pack and an identification system thereof has a casing and multiple battery cells, each of which as a battery body, an inner identifier mounted outside the battery body, a protection layer mounted around outside of the battery body and the outer identifier formed on the protection layer. An external identifying device has to read a first and second identification codes from the inner and outer identifiers to determine whether the battery cell is authentic or not. In addition, the inner identifier is covered by the protection layer, so the inner identifier can not stolen without breaking the protection layer with the outer identifier. Therefore, the identifying system provides double identifying procedures to increase security of identification and decrease the possibility of copying the first and second identification codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Chih-Ang Yao
  • Publication number: 20140111313
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling low-powered RFID communication that includes at an RFID tag listening for a periodic signal containing beacon signals; synchronizing the internal clock to those beacon signals; identifying access points from the beacon signals; selecting an access point; sending a join request to the access point; identifying the tag to the access point; receiving an assigned time slot; and communicating with the access point in that time slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Iotera, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Wild, Rob Barton
  • Patent number: 8698601
    Abstract: A method for card-reading anti-collision with automatic frequency hopping is provided, which is used for a system in which a card reader simultaneously reads a plurality of cards in radio frequency identification technologies. The method comprises: both the card reader and the cards to be read are configured to have an automatic frequency-sweep function and a function of hopping from a current channel to another channel, and to store access addresses and transaction addresses; when the card reader is in a frequency-hopping card-seeking state, it is in an n-channel frequency-hopping working state, in which, the access address of each channel is the same, and the card reader reads the cards by means of hopping frequencies in a sequence iteratively through n channels. When the card reader detects that two or more cards collide, the card reader sends a command of random frequency hopping, making all the conflicting cards to hop to other channels randomly and to wait to access those channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nationz Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yingtong Sun, Jianhui Liu
  • Patent number: 8692905
    Abstract: A communication device including an image capturing device having a RF-ID unit for performing proximity wireless communication with a RF-ID reader/writer connected via an infrared communication path to a TV. The image capturing device includes: an antenna for the proximity wireless communication; a data receiving unit receiving an input signal from the RF-ID reader/writer; a nonvolatile second memory storing at least UID and an execution program; and a data transmission unit transmitting the UID and the execution program to the RF-ID reader/writer via the antenna according to the input signal. The UID is used to identify the communication device, and the execution program is executed by the TV with reference to the UID. The transmitted UID and execution program are transferred to the TV via the RF-ID reader/writer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Ikeda, Mitsuaki Oshima, Masaru Yamaoka, Tsutomu Mukai, Takahiro Sato, Ikuo Fuchigami, Tadanori Tezuka, Shohji Ohtsubo, Yosuke Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20140091911
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
  • Patent number: 8686834
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-jun Han, Dae-hyun Kim, Bo-mi Kim, Bo-hyun Kyung, Myoung-soon Choi, Kuk-hyun Han, Pil-Seung Yang, Hark-joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8680966
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for radio frequency identification provides a modulated illumination signal containing a sequence of bits configured to illuminate a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, The illumination signal is received at the RFID tag, rectified to generate a wake signal for waking a processor which is subsequently powered by a battery. The received illumination signal is sampled and subjected to a thresholding process. Mobile telephone band interference is countered by correlating the sampled illumination signal to determine its bit sequence and then correlating the bit sequence against a predetermined key. An identification signal from the RFID tag is sent in response to a match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: FP Wireless, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore D. Geiszler, Paul G. Saldin, Eric W. Lofstad
  • Patent number: 8680963
    Abstract: A method of providing a service at a remote terminal including receiving information broadcast by a commercial radio station in a broadcast radio channel; discriminating an identifier of an application within the received broadcast information; initiating an authentication process for authenticating broadcast information received via the broadcast channel; and in response to a positive authentication, enabling use of information received via the broadcast radio channel by the identified application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Graham Rowse
  • Publication number: 20140077937
    Abstract: A transmission system includes a transmission management system including: a first receiving unit that receives user identification information from transmission terminals; a user identification information management unit that stores user identification information in association with transmission terminal identification information of transmission terminals serving as transmission sources of the user identification information in the first storage unit; a first extracting unit that refers to, when the first receiving unit receives request for presentation from a certain transmission terminal, the first storage unit and extracts transmission terminal identification information of transmission terminals in transmission and user identification information associated with the transmission terminal identification information; and a second transmitting unit that transmits the extracted transmission terminal identification information and the extracted user identification information in association with each other
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Yoshinaga KATO, Takahiro Asai, Akihiro Mihara, Hiroaki Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 8674808
    Abstract: A dual mode interrogation is carried out by sending narrow band radio frequency interrogation (RFID) signal for narrow band RFID communication units, the narrow band signal comprising substantially continuous periods, and by sending a high data rate RFID interrogation signal during the substantially continuous periods of the narrow band RFID signal so that two different types of RFID communication units are interrogated substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Joni Jorma Marius Jantunen, Jaakko Valtteri Varteva, Juha-Matti Mikael Tuupola
  • Patent number: 8674811
    Abstract: A control method for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided. The control method includes steps of prompting a plurality of RFID tags to enter a ready state; enabling a first RFID tag from the RFID tags to enter an accessible stage, and providing a first identification code to the first RFID tag; and commanding the first RFID tag to enter a standby state from the accessible stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Hua Huang
  • Patent number: 8670711
    Abstract: The invention is a method of managing a NFC transaction between two hosts and a reader device. The two hosts are embedded in NFC devices and are intended to be identified by the reader device during an anti-collision phase through a first identifier and a second identifier respectively. The first identifier comprises a variable part. The method includes the steps of generating the first identifier, the variable part of the first identifier and the second identifier comprising a common pattern, looking for a common pattern into the first and second identifiers on the reader device side, and if a common pattern is found and if the variable part of the first identifier comprises said common pattern, concluding that the first and second hosts are embedded in a unique NFC device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gemalto SA
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Fine, Alain Rhelimi
  • Patent number: 8669850
    Abstract: A reader and method for adjusting the transmission time of a continuous wave (CW), wherein the method comprises setting an initial value for a response waiting time, sending the CW to a tag after sending a command to the tag and waiting for a response from the tag, judging whether the response from the tag is received within the response waiting time. If the response from the tag is received within the response waiting time, then sending of the CW is stopped and the response waiting time is adjusted. If the response from the tag is still not received beyond the response waiting time, then sending of the CW is stopped. The time for the reader to wait for a response from the tag is far less than 20 ms. Consequently, a command failure can be found early, so as to improve the processing efficiency of an RFID system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hui Li, Yong Yuan, Liang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8665074
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Diorio, Theron Stanford, Scott A. Cooper, Chad A. Lindhorst, Kambiz Rahimi, Harley K. Heinrich, Gregory T. Kavounas
  • Patent number: 8659398
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for enrolling wireless security system devices (alarms, detectors, lights) in a security system. A controller is provided and is capable of exchanging wireless signals with the devices. The system has an enroll mode where the wireless devices transmit enroll signals to the controller. The enroll signals contain an identifier associated with each device. An installer uses a keypad or other interface device to review each of the devices that have sent a signal, and to accept them for enrollment or ignore them. After review, the controller sends a signal to the devices instructing them to cease transmitting enroll signals to the controller. If the power of an enrolled device is cycled (battery replacement), another enroll command is sent to the controller. The controller determines whether the device was already enrolled, and if it has the controller sends a signal to the device to stop sending the enroll command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Dwayne A. Bell
  • Patent number: 8653943
    Abstract: An interrogator (Interrog) is additionally provided with a logic circuit (ActCommProt-ImplLCI) for implementing an active communication protocol and with a receiving second antenna (AI2) provided for an active communication. Said antenna is connected through an active receiver (AMActRecI) for receiving amplitude-modulated signals to said logic circuit (ActCommProtlmplLCI). A transmitting and receiving first antenna (AT1) in each transponder (Transp) is connected through an active receiver (AM-ActRecT) for receiving amplitude-modulated signals to a logic circuit (ActCommProt-ImplLCT) for implementing the active communication protocol, an output signal of which logic circuit is conducted through an active transmitter (AMActTransmT) for transmitting amplitude-modulated signals to a transmitting second antenna (AT2) for active communication. The transponder (Transp) is provided with a power supply circuit (SupplC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: IDS Microchip AG
    Inventors: Vinko Kunc, Andrei Vodopivec
  • Patent number: 8653970
    Abstract: A security method that includes defining rules specifying permitted movements of passengers in a transportation terminal. Passengers entering the terminal may be issued a boarding pass having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag attached thereto. The location of the RFID tag may be measured and responsive to the measured location of the RFID tag, a violation of at least one of the rules by the passenger may be detected. An action with respect to the detected violation may be taken. The rules may define a region that is forbidden for access, a region in which the passengers are expected to be in motion, a region in which the passengers are expected not to be stationary for more than a given time period, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Verint Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gideon Hazzani
  • Publication number: 20140043147
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Pyramid Meriden Inc.
    Inventor: George Bucci
  • Patent number: 8643476
    Abstract: A patch panel for a communications patching system includes a plurality of connector ports. Each connector port is configured to detect insertion and removal of a patch cord. A controller is electrically coupled to the connector ports and monitors patch cord interconnections. An electronic display is positioned adjacent the connector ports and displays port identification information and real-time patch cord connection information for each respective connector port. The displayed patch cord connection information is dynamically updated by the controller as a patch cord is inserted or removed from a respective connector port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Gregory Pinn, Chin Choi-Feng, David Beihoff, G. Mabud Choudhury, Michael German, Matias Peluffo, George Brooks
  • Patent number: 8638196
    Abstract: In a data carrier (1) for contactless communication with a base station (2) across an electromagnetic field (HF) generated by the base station (2), coil voltage control means (16) are arranged for controlling the unmodulated coil voltage (US) of the received signal (ES), the coil voltage control means (16) being arranged for control in response to an essentially decreasing coil voltage (US) when the field strength of the electromagnetic field (HF) increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Helmut Kranabenter
  • Publication number: 20130335202
    Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by an RFID tag, the method including: receiving a request for a EPC serial number; determining whether the EPC serial number has a preset value; when the EPC serial number has the preset value, mapping a transponder ID to the EPC serial number; and providing the EPC serial number in response to the RFID read request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Roland BRANDL, Franz AMTMANN
  • Publication number: 20130321133
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a participant providing audible information during a communication session are disclosed. More particularly, speech localization is utilized to determine a location of the participant providing audible information. An identification device determined to be at a location corresponding to the location of the participant providing audible information is identified. The identity of the participant providing the audible information is then obtained by mapping the identification device to the participant. The information identifying the participant providing audible information can be provided to other endpoints of the communication session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Roller Michaelis, David S. Mohler
  • Patent number: 8599023
    Abstract: A portable device receives a particular RFID signal identifying that a particular attribute is associated with a particular item placed proximate to the RFID tag emitting the particular RFID signal, wherein the particular RFID signal is identified from among a plurality of RFID signals, wherein a selection of the plurality of RFID signals are each associated with a separate attribute from among a plurality of attributes. The portable device displays a visual representation depicting that the particular item is associated with the particular attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jacquelle D. Leggett, Jr., Philippa M. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20130314217
    Abstract: A method of verifying the identification of fluid to be supplied through an RFID-tagged fluid-supply hose adapted to connect to a movable, RFID-tagged fluid container includes providing an RFID reading unit including an antenna, so that the respective RFID tags of the container and the hose are within a range of the antenna. The RFID tag of the container is read using the RFID reading unit to determine an identification code of the container. The RFID tag of the fluid-supply hose is read using the RFID reading unit to determine an identification code of the hose. A controller automatically verifies the determined identification code of the container against the determined identification code of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Edward Zogg, Mark P. Hinman
  • Patent number: 8593259
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of authenticating a radio tag by a radio reader, the tag possessing an identifier accessible to the reader via a database of tag identifiers, comprising: dispatching an authentication request by the reader to the tag, dispatching by the tag, a response, calculated by applying a first function to at least the identifier, a calculation by the tag and by the reader of a new identifier, by applying a second function to the identifier, comprising: if the response dispatched by the tag corresponds to a result obtained by applying said first function to an identifier of the base, a dispatching by the reader a first value, calculated by applying a third function to said identifier of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Sébastien Canard, Iwen Coisel
  • Patent number: 8593258
    Abstract: A high-tensile belt-type tag including a belt, a high-tensile transmission line, an antenna and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip is provided, wherein the belt includes a belt body and a retaining ring. The belt body is suitable to slip into an opening of the retaining ring and preventing the belt body from slipping out of the opening. The high-tensile transmission line, the antenna and the RFID chip are disposed in the belt, and the high-tensile transmission line encircles the whole belt in accordance with a shape of the belt. Moreover, the RFID chip is coupled to the antenna through the high-tensile transmission line, wherein when the high-tensile transmission line is split as the belt is cut off, the RFID chip cannot delivers an identification code through the antenna due to split of the high-tensile transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Min-Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 8587414
    Abstract: The wireless information and safety system for mines of the present invention enables continuously tracking and monitoring underground miners and moveable equipment in underground mines using ZigBee-enabled active RFID devices forming a wireless network among them and other static and mobile ZigBee devices placed at strategic locations. The present invention provides a wireless information and safety system for mines comprises in combination of ZigBee-compliant devices (programmable to operate as end devices, routers and coordinators by hardware specific embedded software) and wireless sensor network (WSN) software having various application modules both for underground and opencast mines. Use of the system of the present invention would help in identifying the miners entering in underground mine to keep the track of the miners and maintain computerized attendance. This would help in monitoring equipment locations and their operation to improve productivity and reduce fatal collision accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Lakshmi Kanta Bandyopadhyay, Swades Kumar Chaulya, Pankaj Kumar Mishra
  • Patent number: 8581706
    Abstract: A method and a data carrier for contactless, in particular parallel, 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 said second application. The identification numbers simulate for the reading device the communication readiness of a data carrier in each case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Finkenzeller, Karl Eglof Hartel, Denny Brandl
  • Patent number: 8581692
    Abstract: In a method of operating an electronic system (1) a first device (3) of the electronic system (1) sends a message to a second device (6) of the electronic system (1). The second device (6) receives the message, generates a first value utilizing a first function based on at least parts of the history of at least parts of messages previously received at the second device (6), and stores the first value in a memory (8) of the second device (6). The first value is compared 5 with a second value generated at the first device (3), wherein the second value utilizes a second function based on at least parts of the history of at least parts of messages previously sent from the first device (3) to the second device (6). The first and second values are evaluated, and a signal is generated if the evaluating of the first and second values indicates that the history—of the messages previously received at the second device (6) differs from the 10 history of messages previously sent from the first device (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Slikkerveer, Susanne Burfeind
  • Patent number: 8581705
    Abstract: Transponders are disclosed that are configurable to operate in an HDX mode and/or an FDX-B mode and that use a switchable load impedance across the transponders' resonant antenna circuit to induce amplitude and/or frequency modulation. An RF level detection circuit determines when the instantaneous activation signal strength is sufficient to support monoplex, multiplex, and diplex operation. A non-volatile memory stores identification data coded in HDX and FDX-B formats. One embodiment of the invention includes an inductive antenna including two terminals connected to tag circuitry, where the inductive antenna forms a resonant antenna circuit tuned to resonate at the frequency of the activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Allflex USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Stewart
  • Patent number: 8581707
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Pyramid Meriden Inc.
    Inventor: George Bucci
  • Patent number: 8576053
    Abstract: Near field communication (NFC) device including a processor and a front end unit (FEU) to communicate with an external reader/writer device. The FEU stores, by first memory, a first number of sets of application parameters, each set including first and second identifiers. The processor stores, by second memory, the application and a second number of the sets. The FEU receives a communication request from the external device, including a certain first identifier. The FEU checks, when the request is received, whether the certain first identifier is stored in the first memory. If yes, a response is sent to the external device, including a respective second identifier, which is in the same set of parameters as the certain first identifier. The FEU sends, each time a request is received, a response to the processor. The processor controls which sets of parameters are stored in the first memory based on the response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Meik Buscemi, Stephen Tiedemann, Frank Dawidowsky, Klaus Röhrle, Dietmar Schill
  • Patent number: 8576050
    Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag assemblies and methods having an RFID semiconductor chip, a conductor and an antenna, the RFID semiconductor chip has an antenna interface mounted on a mounting surface of a mounting substrate and a predetermined operating frequency, the conductor is electrically coupled to the antenna interface of the RFID semiconductor chip, and the antenna is electrically coupled to the conductor and includes a first radiating element lying in a first plane and a second radiating element lying in a second plane that is at an angle relative to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Timing Systems, LLC.
    Inventor: Kurt S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8564410
    Abstract: A process for monitoring containers including use of a severable security lock with an radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna adapted sever upon dislocation of the lock. The process utilizes an electronic identification number to ensure security lock integrity. The process includes detecting the security lock in transit by the use of mobile and fixed transmission units at regional boundaries. Updates are provided to an event log associated with the security lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Llewellyn Greene
  • Patent number: 8560012
    Abstract: The communication device can easily serve as an extended user interface such as a remote controller of a target apparatus without causing any complicated operations to a user. The communication device includes the following units. An apparatus information obtainment unit (203) obtains apparatus information from an apparatus. A position information obtainment unit (206) obtains position information of the communication device (102). An operation information obtainment unit (212) obtains operation information based on the apparatus information. A storage unit (213) stores the position information as apparatus position information indicating as a position of the apparatus, in association with the operation information. A direction sensor unit (207) detects direction of the communication device (102). A directional space calculation unit (208) calculates a directional space of the communication device (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ohnishi, Masaru Yamaoka, Mitsuaki Oshima, Michihiro Matsumoto, Tomoaki Ohira, Shohji Ohtsubo, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Hironori Nakae, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 8552839
    Abstract: An approach is provided for managing network addressable radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. A management agent collects data from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that is assigned a network address for visibility within a data network. The agent generates a management message including the data for transmission over the data network to a manager configured to communicate with the agent using a management protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Archer, Francisco A. Dias, Kristopher A. Pate
  • Patent number: 8552840
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a product managing apparatus includes a radio unit, an instruction receiving unit, an area-password storing unit, and a password updating unit. The radio unit performs radio communication with an RFID tag that is attached to a product and can store an identification code of the product and a password. The instruction receiving unit receives an instruction for moving the product from a first area to a second area. The area-password storing unit stores a password corresponding to the second area. When the instruction receiving unit receives the instruction for moving the product from the first area to the second area, the password updating unit causes the radio unit to operate and writes, in the RFID tag attached to the product, the password corresponding to the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Shimazaki
  • Patent number: 8552756
    Abstract: A chip testing apparatus and a chip testing method are provided. The chip testing apparatus includes a command generating module, a transceiving module and a control module. When the command generating module generates a first test command, the transceiving module transmits the first test command to a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and receives a target test result from the RFID chip. The control module determines whether the target test result complies with a reference test result. When the determination result of the control module is no, the control module controls the command generating module to generate a second test command for retesting the RFID chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Mstar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih Hua Huang, Chih Yen Chang
  • Patent number: 8548672
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automatic or semi-automatic acquisition of multiple photographs and VIN-coded information about an automobile. In one embodiment, four height-adjustable, digital cameras are positioned on four corner posts defining a work center. A vehicle is pulled into the center until a stop indicator light is triggered, at which time an attendant scans the bar coded VIN number and reviews the proposed photographs of the vehicle at a work center computer. Once the photographs and data are acceptable, the attendant triggers a download of the information to local and industry databases. Alternate embodiments include Alternate embodiments include work centers with different post configurations, manual entry systems, and completely automated centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Robert W. Suggs, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8547202
    Abstract: An RFID tag and a method of operating the RFID tag are provided. The RFID tag comprises a memory block that stores at least one predetermined authorization code associated with an RFID reader. In this method, according to the predetermined authorization code and an approval request transmitted from the RFID reader, it is determined by the RFID tag whether the RFID reader is authenticated. When the RFID reader is not authenticated, the RFID tag is controlled to not respond to a subsequent request transmitted from the RFID reader. As a result, the risk that data in the RFID tag may be illegally acquired by an unauthorized RFID reader is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Hua Huang
  • Publication number: 20130241709
    Abstract: A near field communication reader device is provided including a transmitter to transmit a request to a near field communication tag device; wherein the request is formed according to a predetermined format including an identifier section for carrying a request identifier; a receiver to receive a response from the near field communication tag device; wherein the response is formed based on the request according to the predetermined format including the identifier section for carrying a response identifier; and a processor to generate the request identifier, to compare the request identifier with the response identifier and to accept the response as a valid response if the response identifier is different from the request identifier. A corresponding near field communication tag device, a near field communication system and a near field communication method are provided as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Tiedemann
  • Publication number: 20130241710
    Abstract: A method of identifying articles, each of which has a data carrier that includes identifying data of the article, the data carriers having an operation frequency, provides a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored, even when the natural resonance frequency of the enclosure differs from the operation frequency of the data carriers. In one case data carriers comprise, RFID tags. The EM energy at the operation frequency that is injected into the enclosure to form the robust EM field is injected at a selected location in the enclosure so that the reflected phase of the EM energy from enclosure walls equals the location of injection thereby producing a robust EM field to activate and/or detect data carriers. Active impedance matching is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: MEPS REAL-TIME, INC.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Patent number: 8536984
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a semi-automatic method of replacing a ballast within a lighting control system, such that the new replacement ballast can operate in the same manner as the ballast that was replaced. If multiple ballasts in a lighting control system are removed from the system and multiple new ballasts are installed to replace those ballasts, any operational configurations such as group configurations or area information associated with each removed (missing) ballast must be assigned to the proper new replacement ballast. The semi-automatic replacement method relies upon the operational configurations of the removed ballast to help a user identify which new ballast should replace each missing ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Frank H. Benetz, John H. Bull, Thomas Richard Hinds, William H. Howe
  • Patent number: 8531273
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a plurality of RFID tags. A system includes a plurality of serially connected transmitters along a transmit path, where each of the serially connected transmitters are configured to relay a received transmitter selection signal when the transmitter selection signal identifies a selected transmitter as being further along the transmit path than the serially connected transmitter and transmit an identification impulse using a transmit antenna when the transmitter selection signal identifies the serially connected transmitter as being the selected transmitter. A system further includes a control unit responsive to a plurality of transmit paths, the control unit being configured to send the transmitter selection signal along a selected transmit path, where the transmitter selection signal identifies one of the plurality of serially connected transmitters along the selected transmit path as the selected transmitter for transmitting the identification impulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: OSA Acquisition, LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Overhultz, John W. Pyne, Gordon E. Hardman
  • Patent number: 8525649
    Abstract: An identification device is configured to be coupled externally to an optoelectronic device to provide connectivity and/or identification information in an optical network in which the optoelectronic device is implemented. The identification device may include an integrated circuit with unique identification information and a plurality of contacts coupled to the integrated circuit and configured to be coupled to an outside identification system. The outside identification system communicates with the identification device via the plurality of contacts to collect unique identification information, the ability to retrieve the unique identification information additionally implicating connectivity in some embodiments. The identification device may include a plurality of clips configured to engage corresponding posts on a latch of the optoelectronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Moore, Greta Light
  • Publication number: 20130222120
    Abstract: A remote control system having an updatable wireless tag, includes: an antenna unit that transmits and receives wireless signals; a plurality of button units, each of which includes a wireless tag unit and a first switch unit, wherein when a corresponding button provided in a remote controller is selected, remote controller signal information for controlling a function of an electronic product stored in the wireless tag unit is transmitted through the antenna unit; and a second switch unit that interconnects the antenna unit and each wireless tag unit provided in the plurality of button units such that information for updating the remote controller may be simultaneously transmitted to each wireless tag unit when a button for updating the remote controller is selected, in which the wireless tag unit of the button unit stores inherent identification information of the wireless tag unit and the remote controller signal information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Yong Dae Jo
  • Publication number: 20130207785
    Abstract: A storage cartridge carrying system is used to store a storage cartridge for storing related semiconductor components, and has a remote host to monitor a storage status of the storage cartridge, and the system includes a sensor module, a storage cartridge ID identification module, having an inflating device with a flow controller, and a gas suction device with a hygrometer, and the modules and devices return measured data to the remote host, so that the storage status and storage environments of the storage cartridge can be monitored accurately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Chyuan-Ruey LIN
  • Publication number: 20130201008
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a data receiving microchip, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a microcontroller and an indication circuit. The data receiving microchip receives an identification code from an RFID reader. The radio frequency (RF) circuit receives an inquiry command from the RFID reader. The microcontroller electronically connects the data receiving microchip, the RF circuit, and the indication circuit. If the inquiry command is identical with the identification code or a predetermined part of the identification code, the microcontroller turns on the indication circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Hsin-Pei CHANG, Zong-Yuan SUN, Da-Hua XIAO