Printout Or Display Patents (Class 340/10.6)
  • Patent number: 9417714
    Abstract: A method includes steps of: receiving a first energy and a second energy emitted from within close proximity to a computer; powering a portable unit using the first energy; determining a position and status of the portable unit using the second energy; and transmitting a user identifier from the portable unit to the computer for verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Guy M Cohen
  • Patent number: 9183558
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein include systems and methods for delivering secondary content to a plurality of portable devices, the secondary content comprising events synchronized to primary content, the process including delivering an application to a plurality of portable display devices, the application configured to execute events on the portable display devices; and causing the events executed on the portable display devices to be synchronized with primary content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: James K. Davy, Brian Kwan, David M. Jessen, James Madden
  • Patent number: 9081994
    Abstract: An RFID reading terminal can be configured, responsive to receiving a user interface action, to capture an image of at least one part of a physical structure sustaining a plurality of inventory items, locate and decode optical decodable indicia into a message comprising an identifier of the physical structure. The RFID reading terminal can be further configured to retrieve from a database, using the identifier of the physical structure, a reference image and/or a description of the physical structure. The portable RFID reading terminal can be further configured, while being moved to follow an imaginary trajectory within the physical structure, to repetitively capture an image of the physical structure using the imaging device, determine orientation and the current spatial position of the RFID reading terminal relative to the physical structure responsive to identifying one or more objects within each captured image, and displaying the RFID scan trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Philip Zumsteg
  • Patent number: 9041518
    Abstract: A portable radio-frequency identifier (RFID) reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an RFID reading device, and a display. The portable RFID reading terminal can be configured to display a scan trace provided by a line comprising a plurality of time varying points. Each point can be defined by a projection of a radio frequency (RF) signal coverage shape of the RFID reading device onto a chosen plane at a given moment in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Vargas, Tom Plocher, Ynjiun Paul Wang, Sriharsha Putrevu, Philip Zumsteg
  • Patent number: 9035776
    Abstract: The subject disclosure provides a system and method for remote monitoring of a subject wearing a sports helmet. In one aspect, the system includes a safety helmet and a sensor integrated with the helmet for continuously gathering head acceleration force data, the head acceleration force data associated with the head movements of a subject. The system also includes a wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor for transmitting the head acceleration force data and a mobile device for receiving the head acceleration force data from the wireless transceiver. The system further includes a database engine for displaying the head acceleration force data to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert R. Miller, II
  • Patent number: 9035773
    Abstract: A tag includes an integrated circuit thereon, including memory, antenna means for RF transmission of data acquired by the integrated circuit, a sensor sensing environmental conditions to which the sensor is subjected, the sensor providing signals based on the environmental conditions to the integrated circuit, a thermistor device of increasing the accuracy of the tag by confining on-board calculation data to a resistance domain and leaving conversion of the data to a temperature domain for an external device once the data is retrieved from the tag's memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ADVANCED ELECTRONIC TRACKING
    Inventors: Michael Petersen, Alan Wilson, Dean Brotzel
  • Patent number: 9030299
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a RFID system comprising at least one reader (1) and a plurality of wireless data carriers (2), each of which comprise at least one data processing element with slow response (5), wherein the method controls the at least one reader (1) to continuously communicate with one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2), while at least another one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2) is processing data with its at least one slow response element (5). The invention further relates to a RFID system comprising at least one reader (1) and a plurality of wireless data carriers (2), each of which comprises at least one slow response element (5), wherein the system is capable to continuously communicate with at least one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2), while at least another one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2) is processing data with its at least one slow response element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Christian Scherabon, Bernhard Gruber
  • Patent number: 9013278
    Abstract: A method and system for responding to a request received at an object with a radio frequency identification (RFID) device is described. In one embodiment, a method for responding to a request received at an object with an RFID device is described. The method for responding to a request received at an object with an RFID device involves receiving a request at an RFID device, providing the request from the RFID device to a component of the object, and processing the request at the component of the object. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: Kees Gerard Willem Goossens, Lukasz Szostek
  • Patent number: 9013318
    Abstract: An electronic shelf label system is provided. There is provided a method in which an electronic shelf label periodically transmits its remaining battery capacity to a server in a electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, and the server converts the battery level into a remaining battery life (time) and provides the same, so that a manager can check the remaining battery life in a management mode of the server and a terminal, and easily manage an electronic shelf label using a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Hye Kim, Yong Taek Oh
  • Publication number: 20150102914
    Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a system comprising a portable sensor device including a housing having a physical size/shape that is adapted to couple to a user's body, an identification tag including identification data which is associated with the sensor device and an identification tag transmitter to responsively and wirelessly transmit the identification data according to a first communication protocol. The system further includes a portable electronic device including an identification tag receiver to wirelessly receive the identification data of the identification tag according to the first communication protocol, transceiver circuitry to wirelessly and responsively communicate with the sensor device according to a second communication protocol, and processing circuitry to instruct the transceiver circuitry, after receiving the identification data, to wirelessly request, from the sensor device the sensor data and/or data which is representative of the sensor data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: James Park
  • Patent number: 9007183
    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: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    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
  • Publication number: 20150097655
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) display device includes a microprocessor, a first RFID, a second RFID, a sensing module and a passive display unit. The first RFID stores a first RFID data and receives electromagnetic wave emitted from a reader for supply power. The second RFID stores a second RFID data. The first RFID data and the second RFID data are transferred to the microprocessor when the electromagnetic wave is received. The sensing module senses an external environment and generates an environmental sensing signal transferred to the microprocessor. The microprocessor generates a display driving signal to drive the passive display unit based on the received data so as to display the RFID data onto the passive display unit. The microprocessor further adjusts the brightness and the contrast of the passive display unit to achieve better display effect, thereby effectively saving the time of stock take.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Tai-Hwa Liu, Yi-Chun Sung
  • Publication number: 20150091705
    Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for tracking and controlling inventory with a container. A container that defines a cavity may include an access detection system configured to detect when the cavity of the container is accessed, a radio frequency identification reader configured to be activated in response to the access detection system detecting that the cavity has been accessed, and a communications interface configured to transmit a signal identifying the contents of the cavity in response to the radio frequency identification reader identifying a change in contents of the cavity. The container may also include a lid movable between an open position in which the cavity is accessible, and a closed position in which the cavity is inaccessible, where the access detection system is configured to detect when the lid is moved to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: McKesson Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Banegas, Kevin Brown, Greg Moore, William B. Pattison, Amirtha Raman, Jeffrey Thompson, Celine Ramoni
  • Patent number: 8981907
    Abstract: A system to multiplex antennas for radio-frequency communication uses one or more antenna shorting circuits to selectively enable RF communication via one of a plurality of antenna matching networks. The system is cost-efficient compared to alternatives. The RF communication includes read and/or read/write communication with, e.g., radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven David Lavache
  • Patent number: 8952787
    Abstract: An archive apparatus is provided for storing and archiving laboratory samples including radio frequency identification means. The apparatus comprises a support structure or cabinet (4), a drawer (6) translatable in a translation direction (12) into and out of the support structure (4), and sample support means comprising ribs (8) associated with the drawer (6) for supporting an array (10) of samples or slides (20) spaced along the translation direction (12) for movement with the drawer (6). A radio frequency reader antenna (14) is connected to the support structure (4) adjacent to the drawer (6) and recording means (34, 38) are adapted to operatively communicate with the reader antenna (14) to store information obtained from the radio frequency identification means of laboratory samples or slides (20) supported by the drawer (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Fergus Hughes
  • Patent number: 8952792
    Abstract: A tuning circuit in an RFID tag may be used to match antenna and integrated circuit (IC) impedances to maximize the efficiency of IC power extraction from an incident RF wave. The tuning circuit, which requires less power to operate than the IC, adjusts a variable impedance to improve the impedance matching between the IC and the tag antenna and thereby increase the IC power extraction efficiency. The IC may begin operating according to a protocol when it extracts sufficient power from the RF wave or when an optimal impedance matching and power transfer is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Shailendra Srinivas, Jay Kuhn, Ronald A. Oliver, John D. Hyde, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Publication number: 20150035652
    Abstract: A file searching system includes a file storage device and a terminal device. The file storage device defines a plurality of slots for storing files having radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, the file storage device has a plurality of antennas and associated indicators mounted to a corresponding slot one to one. The terminal device wirelessly communicates with a first transceiver of the file storage device. The terminal device includes a user interface (UI) unit. Each antenna receives RFID tag self-identifying information from an RFID tag stored in the corresponding slot and transmit the RFID tag self-identifying information along with antenna self-identifying information to the first transceiver for transmission to the terminal. The first transceiver receives control commands from the terminal and the file storage device actuates one of the plurality of indicators based on a received control command. A file searching method of the file searching device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: ZONG-YUAN SUN, DA-HUA XIAO
  • Patent number: 8941471
    Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) multiplexer, which may be in a network, interprets an RF signal from an RFED reader as RFE) tag interrogation data. A single cable directs an RF signal from the RFID reader and RF control signals and/or RF power through the multiplexer. An RF sampler may be coupled to the cable; and an RF detector detects the RF signal from the cable via the RF sampler. A data decoder decodes and interprets the RF signal as the RFID tag interrogation data and forwards the RFID tag interrogation data to a control logic circuit as a MUX channel-change command. The logic circuit and decoder may be combined in a microcontroller, and an RF backscatter modulator coupled to the cable enables reverse communication with the RFID reader to determine whether another RFID multiplexer is coupled to the RFID multiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Gary Mark Shafer
  • Publication number: 20150022326
    Abstract: A system for measuring and reporting conditions of equipment comprises a sensor to measure a condition of the equipment. The sensor communicates with a processor in communication that receives the signal from the sensor and converts the signal to data. A data storage device in communication with the processor stores the measurement data. Also included is a wireless communication interface in communication with the processor for wireless communicating the measurement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel B. Baxter, John C. Bartos, Everette Johnson, Edward E. Roper, Jack Dowling
  • Patent number: 8937531
    Abstract: An RFID system has an active tag with one antenna inside, and one outside, an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. The RFID reader is located outside the enclosure and uses a selected RF read frequency range. The RFID tag simultaneously transmits on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, so that a respective beat frequency is defined between two of the frequencies. The beat frequency is within the selected RF uplink frequency range. The tag transmits a first signal at a first one of the plurality of frequencies using the interior antenna and a second signal at a second, different one of the plurality of frequencies using the exterior antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Donald Saul Rimai, Mark P. Hinman
  • Patent number: 8917165
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for detecting and re-personalizing are provided herein. In an embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining an ID (i.e., an identification, such as a Dynamic Unique Identifier) from a RFID tag, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to the RFID tag. The ID read from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database. If the write of the new ID to the tag is verified, then database changes are committed to link the new ID to the subject. In an alternative embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining data from a memory of a RFID tag, wherein the memory has a first partition and a second partition, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to either of the first partition or the second partition of the RFID tag. If such write is verified, then the new ID is written to the other partition of the RFID tag. The data from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: The MITRE Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Marques, Steven H. Barry
  • Patent number: 8912892
    Abstract: An autonomous and controllable system of sensors and methods for using such a system of sensors are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Faranak Davoodi, Neil Murphy, Farhooman Davoudi
  • Patent number: 8907787
    Abstract: A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output an alert signal to security server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: FTC-Forward Threat Control LLC
    Inventors: Francis S. Zajac, James Peverill, Tony Bachta
  • Patent number: 8896462
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable medical device and a method for power management for power efficient use of RF telemetry during, for example, conditions where long periods of continuous monitoring of the device and the patient is desired such as during MRI procedures. A protocol module adapted to, at receipt of a low power protocol indication, activate and use a low power protocol for communication between the device and external units. The protocol module is capable of switching between different communication protocols including a low power communication protocol and a default RF communication protocol depending on, for example, whether continuous long-term monitoring of the patient is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical AB
    Inventors: Niklas Skoldengen, Hans Abrahamson, Therese Danielsson
  • Publication number: 20140320269
    Abstract: An RFID transceiver and RFID-tag reader cooperate to convey information from one to the other and further accommodate the RFID-tag reader transmitting information to the RFID transceiver that causes a modification of information presented via the RFID transceiver. By one approach an RFID-tag reader detects a circumstance that evidences a particular status as pertains to a particular item of such information in a given RFID transceivers. An RFID-tag reader can then serve to modify the information at the corresponding RFID transceiver. By one approach, the aforementioned information comprises a to-do list. The aforementioned modification can comprise modifying at least one to-do item in that to-do list. The aforementioned detection of a circumstance can comprise detecting a physical location of the given RFID transceiver. That location information can be compared to locations that correspond to specific to-do items in the list to identify correlations that evidence completion of specific to-do items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholaus A. Jones, Bruce W. Wilkinson, Abu Rasel
  • Patent number: 8860557
    Abstract: A wireless transmitter is configured to transmit compatibly to RFID tags and a control circuit operably couples to that wireless transmitter and is configured to use the wireless transmitter to transmit to those RFID tags a message to cause the RFID tags to have a particular read state without also soliciting a corresponding response from any of those RFID tags. For example, this can comprise causing RFID tags having a B inventory state to switch to an A inventory state (while permitting RFID tags already having an A inventory state to so remain).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce W. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20140266590
    Abstract: This invention provides a smart badge having a processor connected to a viewable display where both the processor and the display are embedded in the smart badge. The embedded components may be powered by an embedded battery or by RF energy generated by a smart badge reader. The badge can be uploaded with a digital image of the badge holder and predetermined criteria uploaded into an embedded memory location in the smart badge. Such predetermined criteria may include the name and contact information of the badge holder as well as the buildings or secure areas the badge holder is authorized to access. The smart badge may also be capable of generating secure codes for the badge holder to use as pass codes for accessing computer networks. The smart badge may also contain embedded location sensors that when merged with maps stored in the smart badge's memory can assist the badge holder in determining location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: NAGRAID SECURITY, INC.
    Inventor: PHILIPPE GUILLAUD
  • Publication number: 20140266632
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a display and one or more user-assertable surfaces. When asserted by a user, such a surface selectively couples a corresponding near-field RFID tag to a far-field component such that information stored by the near-field RFID tag is transmitted via the far-field component. The display, in turn, presents at least some information that the apparatus receives via an RFID transceiver. Depending upon the design this RFID transceiver can be the same as the aforementioned near-field RFID tag or can comprise a different RFID tag (such as but not limited to a far-field RFID tag). By one approach the aforementioned user-assertable surfaces comprise discrete push buttons. When the far-field component comprises a far-field antenna, asserting such a push button can serve to place the corresponding near-field RFID tag into operable proximity to the far-field antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholaus A. Jones, Bruce W. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20140266749
    Abstract: Ink-printed electric circuits including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for validation of items is disclosed. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit includes a pliant substrate, and an ink-printed electric circuit. The ink-printed electric circuit comprises at least one ink-printed LED printed on the pliant substrate. The ink-printed electric circuit is configured to couple to a power source, determine an open circuit condition, and cause the at least one LED to transition from a first state to a second state upon determining the open circuit condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Toby D. Thomas, Steven D. Roper, Becky B. Wallace, Joseph G. Metzger
  • Publication number: 20140253295
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed for a mobile device to wirelessly dock to a device. In some examples, a mobile device may receive an indication to identify a device for wirelessly docking. The mobile device may gather identification for possible devices to wirelessly dock. A ranging technique may be implemented using a given frequency band to identify a device within a shortest distance from the mobile device from among the possible devices. The device having the shortest distance may be selected and a wireless dock may then be established. Other examples are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: RICHARD D. ROBERTS, MATHYS C. WALMA, CARLOS CORDEIRO
  • Publication number: 20140240100
    Abstract: A first embodiment of the invention relates to systems and methods for detecting the orientation of sample carriers using two or more RFID tags. One or two dimensional matrix of equally spaced RFID reader antennas may be positioned beneath or within an area on which racks are placed. The first RFID tag defines the origin of the sample carrier and its geometry. The second and additional RFID tags define the orientations of the sample carrier relative to the matrix of the RFID reader antennas. At least two of the tag antennas on the rack align uniquely with two antennas on the reader matrix. The system energizes each reader antenna and associates the RFID tags aligned with them to the RFID reader antenna's physical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Johns
  • Patent number: 8816822
    Abstract: A system and method of transmitting sensor signals in a waveguide environment are provided. A sensor assembly is configured to wirelessly receive a sensor interrogation signal, determine an input power level of the sensor interrogation signal, and transmit a message including the determined power level. The system also includes a sensor controller configured to transmit a sensor interrogation signal determine an output power of the transmitted sensor interrogation signal at a plurality of frequencies, receive an indication of the received input power level of the sensor interrogation signal from the sensor assembly at the plurality of frequencies, compare the transmitted output power of the sensor interrogation signal to the received power indication, and select a transmit frequency for transmitting messages between the sensor assembly and the sensor controller based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventor: John Stephen Wyler
  • Publication number: 20140225716
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus may have a memory configured to store an identification information of an IC tag in association with a communication profile in a table. The information processing apparatus may also have a first communication unit configured to communicate with the IC tag using a first communication function. The information processing apparatus may also have a second communication unit configured to communicate with an external apparatus using a second communication function different from the first communication function. In addition, the information processing apparatus may have a controller, which may be configured to receive identification information from the IC tag through the first communication unit and to establish a connection with the external apparatus through the second communication unit based on the received identification information and the table stored in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Haruo OBA, Taku SUGAWARA, Takeo INAGAKI, Junichi REKIMOTO, Nobuyuki MATSUSHITA, Yuji AYATSUKA
  • Publication number: 20140218178
    Abstract: A system for onboard supervision, from a portable terminal, of a machine connected to a supervision station, the portable terminal including a mechanism of wireless reading and onboard software, the supervision station including a man/machine interface exhibiting a set of selectable parameters. The system includes a mechanism for selecting a subset of parameters from among the set of selectable parameters and a mechanism for generating a code readable by the portable terminal by wireless mechanism reading, the code including a description of the subset of selected parameters. Moreover, the onboard software of the portable terminal generates an onboard man/machine interface displayed on the screen of the portable terminal, the onboard man/machine interface being dependent on the subset of selected parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Tewfik Meftah
  • Patent number: 8797162
    Abstract: A detection unit positioned on a package includes a magnet, a first magnetic switch, a second magnetic switch, a processor, and a clock. The first magnetic switch outputs a first control signal or a second control signal according to magnetic flux density of the magnet. The second magnetic switch outputs a third control signal or a fourth control signal according to the magnetic flux density of the magnet. The first control signal is the same as the third control signal; the second control signal is the same as the fourth control signal. When the processor receives the first control signal and the third control signal at the same time, the processor reads a first real-time clock (RTC) signal from the clock. When the processor receives the second control signal and the fourth control signal at the same time, the processor reads a second RTC signal from the clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Pei Chang, Zong-Yuan Sun, Da-Hua Xiao
  • Patent number: 8797145
    Abstract: Provided is an RFID system and method for maintaining a constant strength of a signal transmitted from an RFID tag to an RFID reader, regardless of a distance between the reader and tag. The RFID signal strength measuring reader measures a signal strength received from the RFID tag, creates control information used to set an amplification amount of the RFID tag by using a value of the measured strength to include the control information in an output signal, and sends the output signal to the RFID tag. The RFID tag, if the signal sent from the RFID reader is received, extracts internal information from the received signal, sends the information to the RFID reader as an output signal, and extracts the control information included in the signal sent from the RFID reader to adjust a strength of the output signal according to a value of the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-yong Jeon, Chang-seok Yoon, Sung-ho Cho
  • Patent number: 8791794
    Abstract: Methods and devices for enabling a user to obtain item information relating to an item (10), the item having associated therewith an item identification means (12) and an RFID response means (14) arranged to provide a predetermined response on being subjected to a currently applicable trigger signal; the method comprising steps of: establishing from the item identification means (12) item identification information; using the item identification information to determine from an item information source (30) a currently applicable trigger signal for the RFID response means (14); subjecting the RFID response means (14) to the currently applicable trigger signal; receiving a predetermined response from the RFID response means (14); and using the predetermined response to obtain item information from the item information source (30); wherein the RFID response means (14) is arranged to generate a new currently applicable trigger signal and a new predetermined response associated therewith following subjecting of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: British Telecommunications PLC
    Inventors: Andrea Soppera, Trevor Burbridge
  • Patent number: 8791796
    Abstract: A wireless tag device can communicate with an inquiry device includes: a local terminal storage unit storing local terminal identification information which can be discriminated from another wireless tag device; a reception detection unit detecting a signal transmitted from the inquiry device or another wireless tag device; an inquiry signal receiving unit receiving the detected inquiry signal if the inquiry signal is transmitted using a first frequency from the inquiry device; a reply signal transmitting unit transmitting a reply signal in response to the inquiry signal using a second frequency different from the first frequency; and a report signal transmitting unit transmitting a report signal including the local terminal identification information stored in the local terminal storage unit using a third frequency different from the second frequency if the inquiry signal transmitted from the inquiry device cannot be detected continuously in a specified time period in the reception detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Shiotsu, Satoshi Inano, Hideki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20140203917
    Abstract: The system may include a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and a mobile telephone. The RFID tags may be affixed to one or more personal objects, such as a key, a watch, a wallet, a purse, a medicine container, or the like. The mobile telephone may be associated with the plurality of RFID tags. A display of the mobile telephone may indicate whether each of the RFID tags is in communication with an RFID reader. For example, the RFID reader may be embedded in a drawer lining, embedded in the mobile telephone itself, or embedded in a handheld wand. The mobile telephone may generate an alert when at least one of the plurality of RFID tags is not in communication with the RFID reader. For example, a trigger RFID may be affixed to a doorway. The trigger RFID may cause the mobile telephone to alert the user to a missing item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: John E. Lewis, Justin McNamara, Fulvio Cenciarelli, Jeffrey Mikan
  • Publication number: 20140203916
    Abstract: A wireless tag communication device for communicating with a wireless tag through a directional antenna includes a wireless tag communication section configured to communicate with the wireless tag, a calculation section configured to estimate a direction range for communicating with the wireless tag based on transmission output power of the wireless tag communication device and an estimated reading distance to the wireless tag, and a display section configured to display the estimated direction range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kouichi SANO, Jun YAGINUMA, Sunao TSUCHIDA, Yasutsugu SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20140191851
    Abstract: An integral, one-piece, resiliently flexible, planar, reusable, programmable radio frequency identification (RFID) luggage tag has a planar flexible sheet core of microporous polymer material permanently and completely surrounding a first RFID transponder assembly. The first transponder assembly includes a programmable memory portion with space to store information externally programmed into the portion. The tag further includes a programmable bistable visual display and at least a first instruction set in non-volatile memory for loading into programmable memory, near field communication radio data transmitted to the tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: VANGUARD IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Richard O. WARTHER
  • Patent number: 8773244
    Abstract: There is provided a communication apparatus including a voltage detection unit for detecting an antenna end voltage of a reader or a non-contact type IC card when non-contact communicating using a load modulation of the non-contact type IC card with respect to a magnetic field signal from the reader/writer; and a characteristics control unit for changing characteristics of the antenna of the reader/writer or the non-contact type IC card when the antenna end voltage detected by the voltage detection unit reaches a predetermined first threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: FeliCa Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Onozuka, Kiyotada Yokogi
  • Publication number: 20140167924
    Abstract: Biological reagent carrier devices and methods are disclosed, which employ RFID techniques to associate information with biological reagents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Richard MORRIS, Jerome A. MACK
  • Patent number: 8749357
    Abstract: A device for use in electronic article surveillance EAS is disclosed which comprises a resonant circuit, typically designed for 8.2 MHz operation, in addition to a transponder, such as RFID, for non-contact communication with a communication station. The RFID transponder can provide a signal to detune the resonant circuit to disable the EAS and optionally another signal to tune or retune the resonant circuit to enable or re-enable the EAS. The detuning and tuning or retuning may preferably be achieved using phase change memory material, configured as a programmable switch having two states with different resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Franz Amtmann, Mario Steiner, Heinze Elzinga
  • Publication number: 20140152425
    Abstract: A touch sensor and RFID apparatus is described. In one implementation, the apparatus includes a passive RFID module disposed proximate to a touch panel, and a control module configured to receive an electrical signal from the passive RFID module. The apparatus may be configured to determine, based on a characteristic of the electrical signal, whether the passive RFID module has been energized by an RFID reader or, in the alternative, has exhibited an impedance change as a result of contact being made with the touch panel. The apparatus may also be configured to operate in a first mode if the passive RFID module is determined to have been energized by an RFID reader, or, in the alternative, operate in a second mode if the passive RFID module is determined to have been energized as a result of contact being made with the touch panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
    Inventors: Mark F. Valentine, Pavel A. Shostak
  • Patent number: 8742903
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a thermal cycler using readable tags (for example, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)) to simplify the operation and to reduce user interaction requirements. The RFID tag is used to program the thermal cycler unit. This automates process flow and allows single button operation. In general terms, the invention uses RFID tags provided on reaction vessels to identify a particular vessel; while a readable program card contains data associating reaction vessel identities with specific operations (eg, thermal cycling program, detection steps) to be performed on that vessel. The thermal cycler detects the reaction vessel RFID tag, and selects an appropriate operation to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Epistem Limited
    Inventor: Ben Cobb
  • Publication number: 20140139347
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods provide for detecting the proximate placement of an external NFC reader to a specific location on a display surface. The display surface can be intended for viewing indicia and enabling interaction with an NFC communication device embedded within the display. A circuit can control an NFC security system that can scan for unauthorized tags affixed to the surface of a display. The NFC security system may be activated by an NFC enabled mobile phone placed proximate to the indicated region for receiving an NFC coded message from the display. An NFC security scan can be performed prior to the mobile phone reading the message from the intended NFC tag in the display. Enabling interactive display modes can allow for making selections indicated on the display or detecting motion gestures across the face of the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Ian J. FORSTER
  • Publication number: 20140125462
    Abstract: A system and method for providing information about an object. In one embodiment, a system includes a hand held device and a wireless radio frequency (RF) tag. The hand held device is wirelessly coupled to a central computer system, and includes a wireless radio frequency (RF) tag reader, and a display panel. The wireless RF tag is attached to an object offered for sale, and includes an identifier for the object. The hand held device is configured to: wirelessly scan the wireless tag; to extract the identifier from information wirelessly received from the wireless tag via the wireless scan; to wirelessly communicate the identifier to the central computer system as part of a request for information concerning the object; and upon receiving a response to the request for information, to display the information concerning the object via the display panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: BMF MainStreet America, LLC
    Inventors: Michael FEIGIN, Jose BLANCO
  • Patent number: 8704642
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an RFID-based intelligent storage cabinet and its management method, while utilizing the shielding effect enabled by each partitions for allowing any electromagnetic wave in one compartment to transmit only inside the confinement of such compartment without interfering another compartment. Each stock keeping unit (SKU) that is to be stored in the RFID-based intelligent storage cabinet is attached with at least one RFID tag, and different SKUs of different usages are sorted so as to be stored in different compartments. Moreover, each RFID reader can be designed to function according to the command of a control device for scanning the corresponding compartment in a periodic manner or non-periodic manner, by that any SKU that is stored in the corresponding compartment can be detected and identified as each RFID reader is also connected to an inventory database, a database of item list, or a memory database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Claridy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Horng-Ji Chen
  • 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