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

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

Abstract: In an RFID system with existing reader and tags communicating with each other, appliqués derive information by listening to this communication to yield significant performance benefits, while not affecting the communication between the existing nodes. For example, an appliqué capable of receiving beamforming can estimate the angle of arrival of the signal emitted by a tag, thereby providing information that can be used to localize the tag. An appliqué may be connected to an existing reader by means of an existing port, such as to an antenna port or to an Ethernet port. The information from appliqués can be integrated with that obtained from existing nodes at either the appliqués, or further up the hierarchy in middleware.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device, particularly a lighting tile (100, 100?) for paving e.g. a floor area (1), comprising a light emitting unit and an associated control unit. The control unit is adapted to detect the presence of a first nearby object (3) and to receive wireless signals from a second nearby object, for example from an RFID-tag (2) and/or an NFC-based device, carried by the first object (3). The lighting device may for instance be used in a method for guiding passengers through a public space like an airport.

Abstract: A stand alone sensor apparatus includes a moveable chassis and, mounted to the chassis, a wireless power receiver, a sensor, and a wireless transceiver. The wireless power receiver receives power wirelessly, converts the wireless power to electrical power, and provides the electrical power to the sensor and the wireless transceiver. The sensor measures a characteristic of a continuous web material. The wireless transceiver is coupled to the sensor and wirelessly sends a signal that is based upon the measured characteristic. An air source and/or a temperature control device may be mounted to the moveable chassis and receive electrical power from the wireless power receiver.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus in which a sheet having an RFID tag is transported, the transport speed is changed or the sheet is stopped to enable data to be communicated to or from the RFID tag without the need for setting a fixed speed in advance. Common communication standards are identified between the RFID tag and an RFID reader/writer, and common communication speeds are identified. Among the common communication speeds, the maximum common communication speed is identified. Based on the size of the data that needs to be communicated and the maximum common communication speed, a read/write required time is calculated. Based on the access range of the RFID reader/writer and the read/write required time, the maximum transport speed is calculated. When the maximum transport speed is lower than the minimum transport speed at which the sheet can be transported stably, the sheet is stopped.

Abstract: A communication device includes an analog unit that processes an analog signal received from an antenna unit which performs a contactless communication with an external device. The communication device also includes a wired interface that connects to an information processing terminal through a wire. In addition, the communication device includes a digital control unit that manages a communication mode set between the external device and the information processing terminal and controls a communication path between the external device and the information processing terminal according to a present communication mode.

Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a protected zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a protected zone designator and a wearable device. The protected zone designator establishes the protected zone. The protected zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the protected zone is desired. The wearable device is separate and distal from the protected zone designator. The wearable device includes a protected zone recognition component configured to recognize the protected zone and identify pre-defined interaction criteria for the protected zone. Upon the wearable device entering the protected zone, the protected zone recognition component recognizes the protected zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the protected zone. Based on the interaction criteria the wearable device determines and records compliance with the interaction criteria.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes: an antenna receiving an RF signal from a reader; an AFE (analog front end) generating voltage using the RF signal; and one or more switches interposed between the antenna and the AFE and controlling the connection between the antenna and the AFE through the switch operation.

Abstract: An RFID transponder having an analog front end receiver having an attenuator coupled to receive an RF-signal from an antenna and to attenuate the RF-signal, an amplifier having a fixed amplifier gain and being coupled to receive and to amplify the attenuated RF-signal and a control unit coupled to control a gain of the attenuator, wherein the control unit is configured to control the attenuator gain in response to a level of the amplified RF-signal, the control unit is configured to have a plurality of predetermined states causing the attenuator to increase (step-up) or to decrease (step-down), its gain by a predefined step size.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device (RFID) tag includes a processor, a memory configured to store an identification number that distinguishes the tag from other tags, and a transponder coupled to the memory and the processor. The tag arbitrates by selecting a random number in response to an inventory query from a reader. The tag responds to the reader depending on the random number selected. The tag is configured for multiple concurrent inventory session arbitrations with multiple readers by separately storing random numbers for respective inventory session arbitrations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of radio frequency (RF) testing are provided. The present method includes the following steps. A receiver and a transmitting antenna of a transmitter are controlled to move towards a direction, wherein the transmitter transmits a wireless signal to the receiver through the transmitting antenna. A specific power is measured every time when one of a plurality of predetermined sampling points is reached. In the foregoing moving and measuring steps, the relative distance and relative azimuth angle between the receiver and the transmitting antenna remain unchanged, and the frequency of the wireless signal also remains unchanged.

Abstract: A security system architecture including bidirectional communication between a sensor control device and one or more sensor devices coupled to the controller is provided. Such functionality is provided by virtue of a bidirectional wireless transceiver and processor in each sensor device. Embodiments of the present invention further provide this functionality by virtue of a coordinating transceiver coupled to the security system controller for communication with the sensor devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to identify devices including a first set of commands to identify devices in a first state and a second set of commands to identify devices in a second state, wherein devices identified in the first state are placed in the second state and devices identified in the second state are placed in the first state.

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

Abstract: Provided is a RFID tag with enhanced security. The tag includes a tag memory to store thereto pre-determined password information and tag data, an antenna to receive a tag data transmission request signal from an outer reader, and a tag controller to request the reader to transmit the password if the tag data transmission request signal is received, and then to transmit the tag data if the password received from the reader is identical with the pre-determined password. Accordingly, it can be prevented for a third-party, who does not know the password, to check the tag data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for controlling a range of a radio frequency identification tag signal. The process identifies an operative range for the radio frequency identification tag signal of a radio identification tag. The process then selects a set of conductive paths in the radio frequency identification tag corresponding to the desired operative range. The set of conductive paths controls the range of the radio frequency identification tag signal in the radio identification frequency tag.

Abstract: A radio tag reading device has a target tag storage unit, a non-target storage unit, and an antenna. The target tag storage unit stores the tag data of any radio tag held in a section from which to read data. The non-target storage unit stores at least the identification data of any radio tag existing outside sections and sections that surround the section. The target tag storage unit stores all tag data read from radio tags via the antenna, except the tag data containing the identification data stored in the non-target tag storage unit.

Abstract: A hybrid switch includes a plurality of antenna ports, a switching module for setting up a path so that a signal received from a reader passes through a designated antenna port from among the plurality of antenna ports, an antenna sense module for determining whether antennas have been attached to the plurality of antenna ports, and a communication module for processing a communication signal with the reader or a communication signal with other switch. According to the present invention, an electric wave fading zone can be obviated and RFID tags can be more efficiently recognized by increasing the number of antenna ports, without generating problems, such as the attenuation of transmission output of a reader and a reduction of the recognition ratio due to a collision between tags resulting from the constant transmission of power of the reader.

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

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an RFID tag position detection apparatus includes a transmission antenna, at least four reception antennas, and a measurement unit. The transmission antenna transmits a command to an RFID tag. At least four reception antennas receive a response from the RFID tag and output a reception signal. The measurement unit measures time differences between timings at which the reception signals are output from the respective reception antennas and calculates relative coordinates of the RFID tag with respect to a position of the RFID tag position detection apparatus based on the respective measured time differences.

Abstract: In a memory cell, the drive current capabilities of the transistors may be adjusted by locally providing an increased gate dielectric thickness and/or gate length of one or more of the transistors of the memory cell. That is, the gate length and/or the gate dielectric thickness may vary along the transistor width direction, thereby providing an efficient mechanism for adjusting the effective drive current capability while at the same time allowing the usage of a simplified geometry of the active region, which may result in enhanced production yield due to enhanced process uniformity. In particular, the probability of creating short circuits caused by nickel silicide portions may be reduced.

Abstract: When regulation information set in a communication terminal such as a portable terminal is changed, the changed content can be efficiently acquired and set in the communication terminal. A term of validity is set in the regulation information used for a portable terminal (110) to wirelessly communicate with an RFID tag (130). When the term of validity has elapsed, the portable terminal (110) acquires new regulation information from a management server (140).

Abstract: A transponder of an interrogator and toll highway system has a non-electronically activated switch for a first state in which the transponder is in an “active” mode and a second state in which the transponder to be in an “inactive” mode. A non-electronic hanging device hangs the transponder in a vehicle for receiving interrogating signals and a non-electronic activator causes the switch to be in the first state only when the transponder is placed within the hanging device, and to be in an “inactive” mode when the transponder is not placed within the hanging device.

Abstract: A method for the at least temporary activation of bidirectional communication between a transponder having a nonvolatile memory area and a base station, whereby the transponder in an at least partial mute state receives messages, but no information-related data from the nonvolatile memory area are transmitted and for activation a data stream is transmitted to the transponder by the base station, wherein the data stream for a transmission is linked with a symmetric password, the enable signal is extracted by the transponder with the symmetric password from the received data stream, and the transponder is activated at least temporarily after the enable signal has been verified as valid. The invention relates further to a transponder having means for carrying out this type of procedure.

Abstract: A method of operating a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader device is presented. The method begins by operating the RFID reader device in a read-only mode, during which the RFID reader device does not generate tag interrogation signals. The method continues by receiving a tag response signal generated from an RFID tag being interrogated by an interrogator device that is distinct and separate from the RFID reader device. The tag response signal is received by the RFID reader device while it is operating in the read-only mode. The method continues by determining a location of the RFID tag, wherein the location is determined based at least in part on information associated with the received tag response signal.

Abstract: A participatory athletic event timing system based on backscattering modulation in the UHF band and including wirelessly encoding writable data tags with participant's bib numbers or a calculated derivative thereof for timing participants in a participative athletic event, and attaching the data tags to the participant's bibs for distribution of the bibs and data tags to participants so as to eliminate the need for matching data tags with bibs and maintaining the sequenced order of the matched data tags and bibs. In a preferred embodiment, when participants register for the event, they are assigned an ID number and a bib printed with that number and having attached to the bib one or more data tag encoded in the tags memory the ID number or a calculated derivative thereof. Before the start of the event, the athlete pulls the data tag from the bib and attaches it to their shoe.

Abstract: RFID reader systems, readers, components, software and methods for causing RFID tags to backscatter a combination made from at least portions of a first code and a second code stored in tag memory, without transmitting any commands in the interim. In a number of embodiments, therefore, a separate command does not have to be sent for also reading the second code, thereby saving time in inventorying the tags. Plus, the combination can enable reading tag codes during tag manufacturing that are not otherwise readily available to read in the field.

Abstract: A wearable identification token includes a housing, a transmitter for transmitting user identification data to a proximity reader, a switch for switching the identification token between an enabled state and a disabled state, and a sensor for detecting removal of the housing from the user's body. The switch is responsive to the sensor to switch the identification token from the enabled state to the disabled state in response to the housing being removed from the user's body, and is responsive to a signal received from a trusted electronic device to switch the identification token from the disabled state to the enabled state.

Abstract: Control systems and methods are disclosed for controlling operation of movable systems in an automated process with a stationary system having a first control system component and at least one movable system having a second control system component, in which optical or other non-contacting signaling between the stationary and movable systems is used to ascertain whether a movable system is proximate the stationary system, and wireless communications is used to transfer control data between the systems while the non-contacting signal link is maintained.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses an RFID tag information communicating apparatus, comprising an apparatus antenna device; a command transmission portion that generates and transmits a command signal for reading information from an RFID circuit element; an information acquisition portion that attempts a reception of a reply signal transmitted from said RFID circuit element in response to said command signal; and an electrostatic-safe communication control portion that controls at least said command transmission portion and repeatedly transmit a plurality of times said command signal to said RFID circuit element so that information substantially unaffected by static electricity is acquired by said information acquisition portion.

Abstract: A method of providing security and maintenance of a group of devices using a group of tags. Each of the tags is attached to a device and includes a radio frequency transceiver for intercommunicating using ultra-wide band signals. Using the intercommunication, distance between two of the tags is determined and an alarm is triggered when the distance is greater than a previously defined threshold distance. The distance is preferably determined by measuring a round trip delay time between the transmission of a transmitted signal to the other tag and reception of a response signal in response to the transmitted signal from the other tag. The distance is preferably determined by measuring a time delay between transmitting a unicast ultra-wide band message and receiving a unicast response message. The intercommunication preferably uses ultra-wide band signals which relay information regarding completeness of the group between the tags of the group.

Abstract: A method for optimization in an RFID location recognition system is developed to use in a blueprint in which an optimum location for installing an RFID reader is determined for using a blueprint so as to improve location recognition. The method includes the steps of inputting a blueprint and dividing a location recognition unit space from the blueprint; establishing a building interior space analysis model and an interior radio propagation space analysis model and deriving a building spatial significance and a radio propagation spatial significance; analyzing correlation between a building space and a radio propagation space and deriving a correlation coefficient; and defining an objective function for determining a location of a RFID reader based on the building spatial significance, the radio propagation spatial significance, and the correlation coefficient between the building space and the radio propagation space and performing optimization.

Abstract: A RF MOS- or nonlinear device-based surveillance and/or identification tag, and methods for its manufacture and use. The tag generally includes (a) an inductor, (b) a first capacitor plate coupled to the inductor, (c) a dielectric film on the first capacitor plate, (d) a semiconductor component on the dielectric film, and (e) a conductor that provides electrical communication between the semiconductor component and the inductor. The method of manufacture generally includes (1) depositing a semiconductor material (or precursor) on a dielectric film; (2) forming a semiconductor component from the semiconductor material/precursor; (3) forming a conductive structure at least partly on the semiconductor component; and (4) etching the electrically functional substrate to form (i) an inductor and/or (ii) a second capacitor plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a distance output of a phase ranging RFID location system, based upon the phase readings included in data sets obtained from monitoring reply signals corresponding to interrogation signals at multiple frequencies and a common interrogation signal beam direction; by comparison of measured phase and frequency data sets with theoretical phases calculated with respect to the same frequencies over a range of positions corresponding to a beam extent of the interrogation signal. The distance output validated by comparison with theoretical threshold data processed to generate an extreme values distribution from which a cumulative distribution function is extracted and against which a confidence level is applied.

Abstract: A method and system for power control for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reading is provided. The system includes a power amplifier for providing an RF transmit signal for the RFID tag reading. The RF transmit signal is provided to an antenna for radiating the transmit signal. The power of the radiated transmit signal defining a read range for the RFID tag reading. The system includes an attenuator provided between the power amplifier and the antenna for controlling the power of the radiated transmit signal to adjust the read range. A handheld RFID reader may include the system. The method includes calibrating the output power of a reader having a power amplifier and an attenuator provided between the power amplifier and an antenna. The step of calibrating includes at least one of controlling power of the power amplifier in its linear region, and controlling attenuation level of the attenuator.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification transponder including a power supply and a dynamic memory array which stores data. When power from the power supply ceases, the data in the dynamic memory array is validly maintained for a predetermined period of time. The dynamic memory array is responsive to an interrogating signal for selectively updating the data. A signal processor extracts an identifier from the interrogation signal and is responsive to the identifier and the stored data to determine whether some or all of the identifier is stored in the dynamic memory array.

Abstract: A method of reducing power consumption of a radio badge in a localization system is disclosed, in which the radio badge is carried by a tracked target and is provided with a pedometer for detecting a footstep count of the tracked target. The method includes: estimating a velocity of the radio badge according to the footstep count detected by the pedometer; calculating a sleep time from the velocity of the radio badge; and controlling the radio badge to discontinue emitting radio signals during the sleep time. An indoor localization system that performs the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for Service provisioning in a communications system that comprises a plurality of communications devices, each including a tag reader for reading a tag-identifier from a tag attached to an object and for forwarding this tag-identifier to a service provisioning server. This service provisioning server is coupled to the communications devices over a communications network and the tag having a unique tag-identification. The service provisioning method further includes the steps of forwarding by a communications device of the plurality of communications devices a trigger message including trigger-information at reading the tag-identification of the tag towards the service provisioning server. Subsequently, a service-description of a service based on the trigger-information associated with the service stored in a service-list is determined followed by the executing of the service determined by the service provisioning server based on the retrieved service description.

Abstract: An electronic tag is configured to be responsive to a TTO or TTF protocol energizing signal from a reader, but to suspend transmission when receiving an RTF protocol communication signal from a reader. The tag typically includes a protocol detector 120 which is operable to detect receipt of an RTF protocol communication signal and to suspend transmission when the electronic tag receives an RTF protocol communication signal from a reader.

Abstract: A method of detecting position of a moving RFID tag relative to an antenna, includes continually receiving a signal from the RFID tag at the antenna. The phase of the received signal over a time period is detected and, based on a maximum detected phase, the position of the RFID tag relative to the antenna is detected.

Abstract: A radio-frequency tag communication device permitting a radio-frequency tag communication system to have a sufficiently large area of communication, with a minimum required number of interrogators. The radio-frequency tag communication device includes a transmission control portion operable to control transmission of a transmitted signal, so as to prevent overlapping an area of communication of the radio-frequency tag communication device and an area of communication of another radio-frequency tag communication device, making it possible to maximize a spacing distance between the adjacent radio-frequency tag communication devices, and to effectively prevent concurrent receptions of the transmitted signals by the plurality of radio-frequency tags. Namely, the radio-frequency tag communication device permits the radio-frequency tag communication system to have a sufficiently large area of communication with a minimum required number of interrogators.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag may have a non-responsive mode, triggered by a command from an RFID reader, that temporarily prevents the RFID tag from responding to a query from any RFID reader for a period of time. In some embodiments this non-responsive mode may automatically end after a certain period of time without further action by the RFID reader. In other embodiments this non-responsive mode may end when directed to by another command addressed specifically to the RFID tag.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device includes: a radio frequency interface, a core control unit and a universal storage interface; the core control unit is adapted to receive radio frequency identification instruction from another radio frequency identification device within predetermined range or portable terminal apparatus through the universal storage interface or the radio frequency interface, to perform corresponding radio frequency identification processing according to the radio frequency identification instruction and the current operation status of the devices, and to switch the operation status of the device when the instruction is operation status switching instruction; the radio frequency interface is adapted to realize information interaction between the core control unit and the another radio frequency identification devices within predetermined range; the universal storage interface is adapted to realize information interaction between the portable terminal apparatus and the core control uni

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

Abstract: In an IC tag, when a semiconductor integrated circuit device is activated, an operation control unit sets existence/nonexistence of a communication distance limitation for reducing a communication distance to a state management unit. If the communication distance limitation is not set, a switch unit is turned ON and a demodulated command is inputted from a command demodulation circuit to a command decode unit. If the communication distance limitation is set, a power intensity monitor unit judges whether the power of a rectification circuit is greater than or equal to a predetermined arbitrary field intensity. If the power is less than the predetermined arbitrary field intensity, the switch unit is turned OFF and various commands demodulated by the command demodulation circuit are not inputted to the command decode unit. As a result, the semiconductor integrated circuit device does not operate.

Abstract: RFID tags and chips for RFID tags store a first code and a second code in memory. They are capable of backscattering a combination made from at least portions of the first code and the second code, without receiving any commands in the interim. In a number of embodiments, therefore, a separate command does not have to be sent for also reading the second code, thereby saving time in inventorying the tags. Plus, the combination can enable reading tag codes during tag manufacturing that are not otherwise readily available to read in the field.

Abstract: An RFID-tag communication device including (a) an antenna from which a transmission signal is transmitted toward an RFID tag and through which a reply signal transmitted from the RFID tag in response to the transmission signal is received, for radio communication with the RFID tag, (b) a first-cancel-signal output portion operable to generate a digital first cancel signal for suppressing a leakage signal from a received signal which is received through the antenna and which contains the leakage signal as well as the rely signal, the leakage signal being a part of the transmission signal which is transmitted from the antenna and which is returned to and received by the antenna, (c) a first-cancel-signal control portion operable to control an amplitude and/or a phase of the first cancel signal generated by the first-cancel-signal output portion, (d) a first-cancel-signal D/A converting portion operable to convert the first cancel signal generated by the first-cancel-signal output portion, into an analog signal,

Abstract: An RF communications system including a controlled apparatus configured to receive a RF signal transmitted from a remote control transmitter on a channel that the controlled apparatus can receive, without providing a response signal to the remote control transmitter. The RF transmitting circuit unit of the remote control transmitter transmits RF signals on all of a number of selected transmission channels in a wireless frequency band, while the RF receiving circuit unit of the controlled apparatus stands by to receive an RF signal on a channel of the selected channels that has a relatively low electric field intensity.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to using wireless identification tags (e.g., RFID tags) with backup media. In aspects, a wireless identification tag may be attached to, incorporated into, or otherwise associated with backup media, a container holding the backup media, or a location (e.g., a shelf) associated with the backup media. In response to a signal, this wireless identification tag may provide an identifier that uniquely identifies the wireless identification tag. This identifier may be associated with a data set that is stored or to be stored on the backup media. The wireless identification tag may be used to locate the backup media and to identify what is on particular backup media. In some embodiments, the wireless identification tag may store backup information thereon that may be subsequently retrieved and used identify what is on its associated backup media.