Response Signal Detail Patents (Class 340/10.4)
  • Publication number: 20120001735
    Abstract: A passive wireless tag assembly comprises a plurality of antennas and transmission lines interconnected with circuitry and constructed and arranged in a Van Atta array or configuration to reflect an interrogator signal in the direction from whence it came. The circuitry may comprise at least one surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based circuit that functions as a signal reflector and is operatively connected with an information circuit. In another embodiment, at least one delay circuit and/or at least one passive modulation circuit(s) are utilized. In yet another embodiment, antennas connected to SAW-based devices are mounted to at least one of the orthogonal surfaces of a corner reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Timothy F. Kennedy, Gregory Y. Lin
  • Patent number: 8087577
    Abstract: A system that includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reader, said reader includes a reading section, a processing section, memory and a transmitting section; wherein the reading section is configured to read tag data stored on one or more RFID tags, the processing section is configured to process this data and the transmitting section is configured to transmit the result as transmitted data; such that the transmitting section is also configured to transmit updated tag data to the or each of the RFID tags, said updated tag data replacing some or all of the tag data stored on the RFID tag to be updated. The system further includes one or more RFID tags, an intermediate database and a customer database such that the intermediate database is configured to receive the transmitted data, convert it into intermediate data, which is in a format accepted by the customer database, then transmit this to the customer database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Data Acquisitions Limited
    Inventor: Samuel Richard Davies
  • Publication number: 20110316709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a remaining capacity of an energy source of an agricultural information tag. The method includes adjusting, such as increasing or decreasing, a counter at the occurrence of an event which leads to a consumption of energy from the energy source, and determining a remaining capacity of the energy source from a value of the counter. The event may include the elapsing of a predetermined period of time and a transmission of information by the information tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Johannes Adrianus VAN LIER
  • Publication number: 20110316675
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses an apparatus comprising: an apparatus antenna; a signal transmitting portion configured to transmit a response request signal; an information obtainment portion configured to obtain tag identification information of the RFID tag circuit element; an identification information storage portion configured to store the tag identification information obtained; a calculation portion configured to calculate a duplicated obtainment ratio by the number of redundantly obtained pieces of information of a current obtainment result of the tag identification information to a past obtainment result of the tag identification information stored in the identification information storage portion and by the obtainment result; a comparison portion configured to compare the duplicated obtainment ratio with a threshold value; and a communication control portion configured to execute communication control of widening or narrowing a communication range in the case that the duplicated obtainment ratio is less t
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki TSUJIMOTO, Takuya Nagai
  • Patent number: 8085133
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of RFID interrogators, particularly RFID interrogators that combine low loss with high rates of communication from the interrogator to a tag. We describe a transmitter comprising a resonant circuit and a driver coupled to drive said resonant circuit, wherein said resonant circuit includes a resonance regeneration system such that during amplitude modulation of a resonant signal in said resonant circuit when an amplitude of said resonant signal is reduced energy from said reduction is stored and when said amplitude is increased said stored energy is used to regenerate said resonance signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Cambridge Resonant Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Patrick Roland Hill
  • Patent number: 8081061
    Abstract: A mobile radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader includes a high-frequency front-end unit including an antenna, a circulator, an output amplifier, and a signal processor chip. The signal processor chip includes a high-frequency transceiver, a pseudo-leakage signal generator configured to generate a pseudo-leakage signal based on a transmission high-frequency signal, the transmission high-frequency signal being provided from the high-frequency transceiver and being provided to the high-frequency front-end unit and a subtractor configured to subtract the pseudo-leakage signal from a received high-frequency signal to generate a subtracted signal, the pseudo-leakage signal corresponding to a transmission leakage signal included in the received high-frequency signal, the received high-frequency signal being provided from the high-frequency front-end unit, and the subtracted signal being provided to the high-frequency transceiver. Therefore, the RFID reader may eliminate a transmission leakage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Joungho Kim, Youngwon Kim
  • Publication number: 20110304441
    Abstract: A vehicle tracking system and method of tracking vehicles in multiple traffic lanes is disclosed. One system includes an RFID reader including a plurality of antenna ports. The system also includes a first antenna connected to a first antenna port of the plurality of antenna ports, the first antenna oriented toward a first lane of traffic. The system further includes a second antenna connected to the first antenna port and oriented toward a second lane of traffic. The system also includes a third antenna connected to a second antenna port of the plurality of antenna ports, the third antenna oriented toward the first lane of traffic. In some cases, the RFID reader is configured to detect the existence of a vehicle in a lane based on detection of an RFID device associated with the vehicle at two or more of the plurality of antenna ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bruce B. Roesner
  • Patent number: 8078146
    Abstract: This invention relates to using consumer devices, such as mobile telephones, to identify, authenticate, locate and contact users of security and asset management systems. Such consumer devices can be used not only with the security systems but also for other uses. A device is initially registered with the security system. As needed, the device is presented to the system for authentication, enabling a person access to a secure area. In addition, the system can determine the person's location in the secure area and can send information messages to the person as well as notifying the person in case of emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh N. Jayappa, Marine Drive, Mayur Salgar, Deepakumar Subbian
  • Publication number: 20110298609
    Abstract: A method of conserving energy and natural resources transported in subsurface pipelines and preventing environmental contamination therefrom by identifying the subsurface location of leaks of oil, gas, water or other natural resources transported in these pipelines includes adhering a continuous tape having a plurality of uniquely identified radio frequency identification (RFID) tags mounted thereon axially along the pipeline and use of a mobile robotic device to identify the specific location of a leak in the pipeline, thereby preventing loss of energy and water traveling through pipeline, contamination of these fluids and environmental contamination, and the use of additional fuel to replenish these lost natural resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: SAMIR MEKID, ABDELHAFID BOUHRAOUA
  • Patent number: 8072314
    Abstract: A secondary reader and associated system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a secondary reader obtains and communicates information about a reading of an RFID tag by a primary reader by receiving an RFID signal that is responsive to a signal from the primary reader. In some embodiments, the secondary reader also receives an interrogation signal from the primary reader. In some embodiments, the secondary reader receives information related to the primary reader that may, in some instances, include a security key used to determine whether or not the primary reader is authorized to read the RFID tag. Variations on these and other embodiments are described more fully herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mistal Software Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Kuzma, Charles A. Eldering, Michael J Mauriel
  • Patent number: 8072313
    Abstract: An improved Interrogator for use in a radio frequency identification system wherein at least one tag modulates a radio frequency signal by modulated backscatter operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Vitaly Drucker
  • Publication number: 20110291811
    Abstract: A receiving method includes the steps of: performing contactless communication using a wireless antenna and electromagnetic coupling, subjecting a signal received by the wireless antenna in the communication step to IQ detection, subjecting the signal received by the wireless antenna in the communication step to ASK detection, firstly automatically controlling a gain for the signal subjected to the IQ detection in the IQ detection step, secondly automatically controlling a gain for the signal subjected to the ASK detection in the ASK detection step, performing predetermined demodulation processing on an output of the first AGC step or second AGC step, and receiving information of control voltage levels in the first AGC step and the second AGC step and controlling supply of one of the outputs of the first and second AGC steps to the demodulation step by switching between the outputs of the first and second AGC steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Nakano, Shinichi Fukuda, Kenichi Kabasawa
  • Patent number: 8068009
    Abstract: A tag receives wireless signpost signals that include timing data, determines time information associated with an event as a function of the timing data, and transmits a wireless tag signal that contains the time information. In a another configuration, a signpost transmits wireless signpost signals having a selected transmission range; a reader proximate to the signpost receives wireless tag signals with a reception range that is approximately the same as the selected transmission range; and a tag movable relative to the signpost and reader responds to receipt of a wireless signpost signal by transmitting a wireless tag signal containing a tag code associated with the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Savi Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikola Cargonja, Joseph S. Chan, Albert Nardelli
  • Patent number: 8068011
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interactively interfacing handheld devices and RFID media are described. A method for interactively interfacing HHDs and RFID media. The method includes starting an application on a HHD for interfacing with RFID media, the HHD including a RFID reader, receiving user input relating to the storing of commands or messages of RFID media, creating one or more commands or messages based on the received user input, and storing the one or more commands or messages on a RFID media using the RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Q Street, LLC
    Inventors: Ali M. Sajadi, Mohamad Reza M. Sajadi, David Carrott
  • Patent number: 8068010
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic Bauchot, Jean-Yves Clement, Gerard Marmigere, Pierre Secondo
  • Patent number: 8063743
    Abstract: A method of testing an electronic tag includes: embedding the electronic tag within an elongate carrier strip composed of a material having material properties simulating an end product material within which the tag resides embedded during end product use; positioning the embedded tag substantially within the carrier strip at a mid-portion between opposite end portions of the strip; positioning the mid-portion of the strip and the embedded tag over at least one curved support surface; engaging the end portions of the strip; and positioning a reader in a position operative to receive information from the electronic tag during a testing transmission sequence; reciprocally moving the strip mid-portion in a forward direction and a reverse direction over the curved support surface; and rendering the reader operational to receive information transmitted from the electronic tag as the strip mid-portion reciprocally moves in the forward and reverse directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: John Michael Fenkanyn, Richard Nicholas Crano
  • Patent number: 8063747
    Abstract: An improved RFID Tag, Interrogator, and system wherein at least one tag modulates a radio frequency signal by modulated backscatter operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Vitaly Drucker
  • Patent number: 8063742
    Abstract: A testing apparatus includes an elongate carrier strip encapsulating an electronic device such as an RFID tag therein. The apparatus includes multiple rollers positioned in sequence and defining a serpentine path for receiving and supporting a carrier strip mid-portion. A drive mechanism engages the end portions of the strip and reciprocally moves the strip mid-portion in a forward direction and a reverse direction against curved surfaces of the rollers. A reader is further provided and positioned to detect the presence or absence of transmission error by the electronic device as the strip mid-portion reciprocally moves in the forward and reverse directions over the apparatus support surface during a testing sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: John Michael Fenkanyn, Richard Nicholas Crano
  • Publication number: 20110279246
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to visualize locations of radio frequency identification (RFID) tagged items are described. One example method includes receiving a request from a portable electronic device to access product information associated with an individual radio frequency identification (RFID) tagged item, determining a location of the product information in a database, transmitting the located product information to the portable electronic device for display thereon, receiving modified product information associated with the individual RFID tagged item from the portable electronic device, and storing the modified product information to the location of the product information in the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne Chang
  • Patent number: 8058973
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification system, including: a radio frequency identification tag having an identification code and a set of verifiable data stored therein; and a radio frequency identification reader which sends a reading request to the radio frequency identification tag, requesting to read a first portion of the set of verifiable data, wherein the radio frequency identification tag further comprising control means, which, when the radio frequency identification tag receives the reading request from the radio frequency identification reader, in case of that the set of verifiable data has not been performed a locking operation, performs the locking operation on the set of verifiable data, so that from then on any data of a second portion of the set of verifiable data cannot be read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: NEC (China) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ke Zeng, Tomoyuki Fujita, Min-yu Hsueh
  • Patent number: 8058994
    Abstract: A system and method for providing synchronized transmission in an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is provided. The method includes determining a transmission timing difference between a plurality of units of the EAS system using a communication link of the EAS system and synchronizing transmissions for each of the plurality of units based on the transmission timing difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Gerardo Aguirre, Douglas A. Drew
  • Publication number: 20110273279
    Abstract: A method for querying a vehicle system from a remote wireless device includes receiving an inquiry at a cellular transceiver included in a vehicle. The inquiry is sent from a remote server in communication with the remote wireless device and initiated by the remote wireless device. The method includes accessing one or more vehicle systems in accordance with the inquiry and querying the accessed one or more systems in accordance with the inquiry. The method also includes receiving information in accordance with the query from the one or more systems that were queried and transmitting the received information to the remote server through the cellular transceiver, for further transmission to the remote wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Douglas Vandivier, Robert Bruce Kleve, Paul Aldighieri, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Steven Yellin Schondorf
  • Patent number: 8054160
    Abstract: Active multi-modal RFID tags, illuminator/tag/reader systems, circuit architecture and opera-tional algorithms for battery power conservation that extends tag battery life from a typical 6 months to >5 years. The inventive system is particularly useful in asset and person tracking/inventory systems where power conservation is critical. The tag is configured with a micro-processor operational instruction set algorithm, modifiable on the fly via RF or IR, to synchro-nize a periodic tag awaken/sense envelope that overlaps the illuminator trigger pulse cycle and put the tag into deep, power conservation sleep for N periods of illuminator cycles. When the tag sees an illuminator signal with a different ID, or no illuminator signal at all, it transmits that anomaly via RF to a reader. This means the object or person with which the tag is associated has been moved out of the original illuminator field of view, permitting near real time investigation and tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Innovation Law Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Corrado, Rex T. Logan
  • Patent number: 8054162
    Abstract: A method for communicating between a control unit and a plurality of remote units located in the response area of the control unit is provided. The remote units are prompted to transmit a data sequence to the control unit upon receipt of a command sent by the control unit. The control unit transmits a control signal to the remote units substantially simultaneously with the transmission of the data sequence as a function of a communication state, such as the absence of a transmission of the data sequence by at least one remote unit or an at least partially simultaneous transmission of the data sequence by more than one remote unit. In this way, communication methods can be shortened, in particular in terms of time, without adversely affecting communication reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Ulrich Friedrich
  • Patent number: 8047431
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Anzai, Hiroaki Fukuoka
  • Publication number: 20110260859
    Abstract: A security system uses tags that are able to transmit RF signals to readers located around a college campus. The tags may transmit signals periodically or in the event of an emergency. Certain locations use LF readers with exciters that trigger a signal from the tag. The security system may provide quick identification of individuals in danger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: MGM COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael G. Maurer
  • Publication number: 20110260839
    Abstract: An autonomous battery-free microwave frequency communication device which includes a capacitance, at least one antenna, a microwave energy harvesting system, a microwave frequency transceiver, and a control system. The energy harvesting system is configured to harvest and store microwave energy received via the antenna onto the capacitance. The transceiver is empowered by energy stored on the capacitance, and is configured to autonomously generate a microwave frequency carrier and to autonomously transmit information using the microwave frequency carrier according to a predetermined communications protocol via the antenna. The control system is empowered by energy stored on the capacitance, and is configured to provide information for transmission. Energy may be harvested from various communication forms, such as wireless network protocols or cellular communications. The frequency band from which energy is harvested may differ from the frequency band used for communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: PASSIF SEMICONDUCTOR CORP
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Cook, Axel D. Berny, Jason A. Trachewsky
  • Patent number: 8042743
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Incard SA
    Inventors: Enrico Musella, Umberto Sorbo
  • Patent number: 8040222
    Abstract: A radio-frequency tag communication system including (a) a radio-frequency tag, (b) a radio-frequency tag communication device configured to transmit a transmitted signal toward the radio-frequency tag, and to receive a reply signal transmitted from the radio-frequency tag in response to the transmitted signal, for thereby effecting radio communication with the radio-frequency tag, and (c) at least one reference tag disposed fixedly in an area of communication of the radio-frequency tag communication system and configured to transmit a reply signal in response to the transmitted signal, for thereby effecting radio communication with the radio-frequency tag communication device, and wherein the radio-frequency tag communication device includes a directivity control portion configured to control a directivity of communication with the radio-frequency tag, on the basis of a result of the radio communication of the radio-frequency tag communication device with the at least one reference tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Kuramoto, Shiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8035487
    Abstract: A surgical tool system comprising a control console, a powered surgical device, an intermediate attachment removably connected to the surgical device and a cutting accessory removably connected to the intermediate attachment. Internal to the cutting accessory is an identification device that contains data specific to the operation of the accessory. The control console, through the transfer of signals through the powered surgical device and the intermediate attachment reads the data in the cutting accessory. Based on these data, the control console selectively actuates the powered surgical device. In some versions of the invention, the identification device may be an RFID chip. Signals are exchanged between the surgical device and the intermediate attachment and between the intermediate attachment and cutting accessory by inductive coupling. An identification device internal to the intermediate attachment provides the control console with data describing the intermediate attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Don Malackowski
  • Patent number: 8032116
    Abstract: A communication method, including: sending a response signal including terminal information to a portable terminal upon receiving an identification information request; accepting periodically a connection request from the portable terminal during a period not shorter than a second period and three-fold period not longer than the second period, for each period not shorter than the third period and not longer than three-fold period of the third period; establishing a wireless link with the portable terminal upon receiving the connection request; and controlling an execution apparatus for executing a predetermined operation after the link connection establishment unit has established the wireless link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shingo Tanaka, Akihiko Sugikawa
  • Publication number: 20110234383
    Abstract: An RFID tag assembly for use in tracking or timing of a progress of a user and the method of operating thereof the assembly including an RFID tag having a mounting substrate with an exposed first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface with one adapted for selective attachment to a surface of a carrier and an RFID semiconductor chip having a predetermined operating frequency with an antenna interface mounted on the second planar surface, a conductor, an antenna and a spacer composed of a foam material that is non-conducting and non-absorbing of a substantial amount of energy at the predetermined operating frequency that is attached to the at least one of the first and second planar surfaces of the mounting substrate and is positioned between a surface of the body of the user and the RFID tag for positioning at a minimum spaced apart distance from the surface of the body of the user during operation of the RFID tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE TIMING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt S. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20110234381
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device performs a test on tag chips using a parallel test mode to reduce a test time and improve a test speed. The RFID device includes a plurality of tag chips each configured to perform a test in response to an externally applied test input signal and output a test output signal corresponding to a test result, and a test chip configured to perform a parallel test on the plurality of tag chips simultaneously in response to data, an address and a control signal applied from the outside through a pad in a test mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Hee Bok KANG
  • Publication number: 20110234382
    Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based identification device can comprise first and second RFID antennas. When first and second RFID antennas are in a first arrangement, the resonant frequencies of the antennas can be away from an interrogation frequency such that no identification information is transferred. When the first and second RFID antennas are in a second arrangement, the resonant frequency of the identification device shifts such that identification information, including biometric data, is transferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: RCD TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Robert R. Oberle
  • Patent number: 8026805
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for tracking media history using a mobile device. In some implementations, a method includes receiving a notification indicating that a mobile device is in communication range of a first player device. First media context information specifying media content being played by the first device and capabilities for the first device is received. The capabilities indicate types of media content that can be played by the first device. The first media context information is associated with the first player device. A second notification indicating that the mobile device is in communication range of a second player device is received. Second media context information is received. The second context information is associated with the second device. A history of media content is generated from the first media context information and the second media context information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward R. W. Rowe
  • Patent number: 8028149
    Abstract: A method of reading a group of memory words from an integrated circuit memory of a contactless tag, comprising the sending by a remote interrogation unit to the contactless tag of a specific command for reading the group of memory words from a given start address, the initialization of an address counter for the contactless tag to the value of the given start address, and the sending by the contactless tag of the memory word at the start address, as well as an iterative process comprising in succession a first step of sending by the remote interrogation unit to the contactless tag of an incrementation marker recognizable by the contactless tag, a second step of incrementation of the address counter for the contactless tag in response to the incrementation marker, and a third step of sending by the contactless tag to the remote interrogation unit of a data frame comprising the memory word stored in the memory at the address pointed at by the current value of the address counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventors: Christophe Moreaux, Pierre Rizzo
  • Publication number: 20110227707
    Abstract: A method and RF SIM card communication system using a tag recognition to control the RF communication range, a tag for providing data information is installed on a mobile communication terminal equipped with an RF SIM card, a tag reader module for reading out and transmitting the data information is installed on an RF card reader device, setting a card reading condition for the card reader device as: under the condition that the tag reader module reads out the tag data information, the RF card reader module, based on the data information of the tag, establishes wireless communication link with and transfers data to the RF SIM card in the mobile terminal. The present invention is not affected by the shielding effect of the mobile communication terminal, thereby avoids the cumbersome calibration process for the RF SIM card transceiver power and receiver sensitivity in existing technologies, this both brings convenience to the users, and further facilitates of widespread use of RF SIM cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Shan Zhu
  • Publication number: 20110226853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of conducting a transaction between an NFC device and a contactless integrated circuit of the passive reader type. The method includes providing, in the contactless integrated circuit, at least one reader application emulation program and, by an intermediary unit of the NFC device, establishing a communication with the contactless integrated circuit, receiving from the contactless integrated circuit reader application commands and transferring the commands to the first host processor, and receiving card application responses supplied by the first host processor and transferring the responses to the contactless integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: INSIDE CONTACTLESS
    Inventors: Kian Teck SOH, Jean-Bernard BLANCHET
  • Publication number: 20110227742
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring remaining hydrogen capacity of hydrogen storage canister incorporating tag information. An information identification tag is attached to a hydrogen storage canister. The information identification tag contains therein at least one record of tag information indicating the hydrogen storage quantity of the hydrogen storage canister. Once the hydrogen storage quantity is read from the tag information of the information identification tag and hydrogen consumption quantity supplied from the hydrogen storage canister is detected, the hydrogen storage quantity is operated by subtracting the hydrogen consumption quantity therefrom to calculate a hydrogen residue, which is then used to update the tag information of the information identification tag or is stored for subsequent use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: ASIA PACIFIC FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: JEFFERSON YS YANG, FENG-HSIANG HSIAO, HONG-SHI CHANG, CHIH-HSUEH CHEN
  • Patent number: 8022815
    Abstract: A magnetic coupler arrangement that includes two quarter wave length strip patches, an input signal source, a signal splitter that splits an input signal from the input signal source into two signals and phase-shifts one of the two signals, wherein the phase-shifted signal and the non-phase-shifted signal are fed into the patches of the coupler to achieve a balanced signal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Sato, Kabushiki Kaisha Sato Chishiki Zaisan Kenkyusyo
    Inventor: Markus Frank
  • Patent number: 8022813
    Abstract: In a method of inventorizing a plurality of data carriers (2) with the aid of a communication station (1) communicating in a contact-free way with the data carriers (2), a set (TS(1), TS(2), . . . TS(N), TS(N+1), . . . (TS(K)) of transmission parameters, preferably of time slots (TS) is available, which set comprises a first subset (TS(1) . . . TS(N)) and a second subset (TS(N+1) . . . (TS(K)) wherein inventorizing procedures (MP1, MP2, MP3, . . . ) are performed consecutively and wherein uninventorized data carriers (2) transmit their identification data (ID) to the communication station (1) for the purpose of inventorization only using transmission parameters contained in the first subset and wherein already inventorized data carriers (2) transmit their identification data (ID) to the communication station (1) only using transmission parameters contained in the second subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Franz Amtmann
  • Patent number: 8022814
    Abstract: Systems and methods for inventory round slot classification are described. The method includes transmitting, to zero or more RFID tags, a message during a slot of an inventory round and receiving a response from at least some of the zero or more RFID tags. The method also includes analyzing a received response for the presence of the pilot tone and classifying a respective slot in response to the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Karthik Yogeeswaran, Harinath Reddy, Yael Maguire, Brian Fiegel
  • Publication number: 20110221576
    Abstract: There are provided a reading unit emitting radio waves to a predetermined region and reading information from wireless tags responding to the radio waves; an output level control unit changing output levels of the radio waves emitted by the reading unit to values corresponding to the plural kinds of wireless tags with different response distances; a storage unit storing a table in which the output levels validating the information read from the wireless tags are associated as valid outputs with respective kinds of wireless tag; and a selection unit selecting the information read from the respective wireless tags based on the kinds of wireless tags communicating with the reading unit using the radio waves of the output levels and the valid outputs of the respective kinds of wireless tags stored in the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuya Itagaki
  • Patent number: 8018323
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification device having sensing elements incorporated in the clock generators of its tags, which generate a leading code and an identification code. In the interrogator, the leading code is detected and its pulse width is measured for calculating sensing values and the baud rate in receiving the identification code. No analog to digital converter is needed in digitizing sensing values and only discrete signals exist in sensing signal generation and communication. The tag device is insensitive to variations in its power supply voltage obtained from a continuous wave RF carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Baohua Qi
  • Patent number: 8018344
    Abstract: A wireless communication method utilizing a wireless communication apparatus is provided. The method includes: providing an antenna unit being used by both a first wireless communication circuit and a second wireless communication circuit, using the first wireless communication circuit for RFID communication via the antenna unit in a first mode, and utilizing the second wireless communication circuit for RFID communication via the antenna unit in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Chang, Chien-Sheng Chen, Chih-Yuan Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20110218896
    Abstract: The invention provides various methods and systems for collecting and allocating road use fees. The invention may include receiving funds from a party, wherein the party is responsible for operation of a vehicle. Data indicating where the vehicle has travelled may be received by a computer system. A jurisdiction may be identified where road use fees are due based on where the vehicle has travelled. Fees due to the jurisdiction may be calculated based on the jurisdiction's road use fee schedule. The fee due for road use may be deducted from an account of the vehicle's operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Garry Tonnon, David A. Owen
  • Publication number: 20110215911
    Abstract: A method and system (100) for monitoring productivity of employees in an enterprise. An identification device (102) is associated with an employee of the enterprise. The identification device (102) is configured to send signals to a reader (104). The reader (104) is associated with an area in the enterprise. When the employee enters the area and exits the area, the identification device (102) sends the signals to the reader (104). The reader (104) is configured to send the received signals to a processor (106) through a transmission system. The processor (106) processes the received signals to determine information related to time spent by the employee in the area. The processor (106) stores the information together with a pre-defined workflow schedule. Further, the processor (106) compares the information and the pre-defined workflow schedule to generate a report (208). The processor (106) stores the report (208) for later retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Troy Cassels, William Berry
  • Publication number: 20110205261
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a printer includes a first reading module that reads product information indicating a product from an unspecified product tag located in the vicinity of the first reading module. The printer may further include an acquisition module that acquires related information of a product indicated by the product information, which is read by the first reading module, from a server which stores related information regarding respective products, and a storage module that stores the related information acquired by the acquisition module. Further, the printer may include a second reading module that reads the product information from a particular product tag located in the vicinity of the second reading module, and a read-out module that reads out the related information, from among the related information stored in the storage module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Okiharu Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8004407
    Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Scott T. Trosper
  • Patent number: RE42751
    Abstract: The present invention includes backscatter communication systems, interrogators, methods of communicating in a backscatter system, and backscatter communication methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a backscatter communication system includes an interrogator including a transmitter configured to output a forward link communication and a receiver configured to receive a return link communication having a carrier signal, the receiver being configured to reduce the amplitude of the carrier signal of the return link communication; and a communication device configured to modulate the carrier signal to communicate the return link communication responsive to reception of the forward link communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Greeff, David K. Ovard