Printout Or Display Patents (Class 340/10.6)
  • Publication number: 20110254666
    Abstract: An information processing terminal defines a data transfer state for permitting a contactless data communication through an IC card and a data not transfer state for not permitting the contactless data communication so that the IC card manages the communication state of the information processing terminal. The IC card can transfer data to the terminal side depending on whether it is in any of the data transfer state and the data not transfer state without depending on the notification from the information processing terminal, synchronization can be easily established, a transfer speed can be increased, and a large amount of data can be transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: FeliCa Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Toyokazu OTA, Yasumasa Nakatsugawa
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7994923
    Abstract: A contactless electronic device comprises a semiconductor integrated circuit device, a plurality of antennas (or antenna coils) for receiving high-frequency signals supplied by radio waves or electromagnetic waves having different frequencies. An interface judgment circuit judges which antenna the high-frequency signals are inputted through, and according to a result of the judgment, the operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit device is changed. In this manner, the contactless electronic device becomes possible to respond to a plurality of communication protocols using high-frequency signals having different frequencies, while contactless electronic devices have been impossible to respond to communication protocols using various high-frequency signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Watanabe, Takanori Yamazoe
  • Patent number: 7994918
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring one or more objects by an electronic device are provided. The method includes defining a distance threshold between the electronic device and an object having a RFID tag, calculating a distance between the electronic device and the object, and generating alerts upon detecting that the distance is greater than the distance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jia-Jiang Lai, Chih-Lung Tsan
  • Patent number: 7982611
    Abstract: Rogue RFID readers are detected by listening to communication between rogue reader and a tag, capturing a time stamp and/or a channel associated with the communication, and checking the captured time stamp/channel to determine whether it is a result of a command from another legitimate reader. Audible or visible alerts may be issued, flags may be set, or messages transmitted to an administrator upon determining the operation of the rogue RFID reader. Based on the alert(s) affected tags or the rogue reader may be jammed or an effect of the illegal transmission by the rogue reader may be reversed or tags replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Picasso, Paul Dietrich, Michael J. Dacquisto, Joseph Baird, Christopher J. Diorio, Harley K. Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20110169616
    Abstract: Described is a device comprising a dosimeter reader including an RFID tag reader for retrieving and/or updating all or a portion of the data stored in the non-volatile memory of an RFID tag on a dosimeter sled that is part of a radiation dosimeter. Also described is a method retrieving and/or updating the data stored in the non-volatile memory of the RFID tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Landauer, Inc.
    Inventor: R. CRAIG YODER
  • Patent number: 7978095
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an output pad, an alarm output pad, and a test mode output pad. A first multi-bit register is programmable to store programmable data such as data that identifies a customer for whom the integrated circuit has been manufactured. A second multi-bit register is programmable to store customer specified threshold data. A first circuit selectively couples the first and second multi-bit registers to the output pad. The first circuit is operable responsive to the integrated circuit being placed into a test mode to perform parallel-to-serial conversion of either the customer identification data stored in the first multi-bit register or the customer specified threshold data stored in the second multi-bit register and drive the converted data for output through the output pad. The integrated circuit further includes a tamper detection circuit operable responsive to the customer specified threshold data to generate a tamper alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. McClure, Sooping Saw, Robert Wadsworth
  • Publication number: 20110148598
    Abstract: An RFID system includes: an input unit configured to generate a command signal according to a radio signal applied through an antenna; a digital unit configured to control the command signal and generate an address, data, and a control signal; a memory unit configured to perform a data read or write operation according to the control signal applied from the digital unit; a coupling unit coupled to an external driving device; and a driving controller configured to output a driving signal, which controls the driving device according to data stored in the memory unit, to the coupling unit, wherein the memory unit includes a first address area which stores data for transmitting and receiving the radio signal, and a second address area which stores data for controlling the driving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Hee Bok KANG
  • Publication number: 20110140863
    Abstract: A non-contact IC card system includes a non-contact IC card having a display element and an IC card reader/writer communicating with the non-contact IC card. The IC card reader/writer disables detection of a load modulated signal from the non-contact IC card when the non-contact IC card displays data on the display element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Tomohisa SHINGAI
  • Publication number: 20110102156
    Abstract: An RFID tag for use in a vehicle for use in an electronic toll collecting system. The tag is capable of transmitting data to a tag interrogator indicating the occupancy status of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the tag has a user input and a visual and audible tag status indicator. The user input is used to change the occupancy status of the tag, wherein the occupancy status is a portion of a message sent by radio frequency to the interrogator when the vehicle passes through a toll area. In an embodiment the tag has memory for storage of said tag status and the user input can be used to cause the tag to indicate a stored tag status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: TC License Ltd.
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Charles A. Johnson, Matthew K. Burnett, Dale L. Scott
  • Publication number: 20110102155
    Abstract: Disclosed is a digital price displayer and an ESL system comprising the same, wherein the displayer includes a power supplier mounted on a product-displayed shelf for supplying a power; a display main body attachable to and detachable from the shelf and receiving power supplied from the power supplier, and outputting a price, a specification and an advertisement image of a product displayed on the shelf; an accommodator provided at the shelf, formed at one side with an anode and formed at the other side with a cathode for the display main body to be electrically connected to the power supplier if the display main body is fixed to the accommodator; and a coupler provided at the display main body to be slidingly coupled with the accommodator for electrical connection with the anode and the cathode and to prevent from being separated from the accommodator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jaeyeon Choi, Yongtaek Oh, Jubong Park
  • Publication number: 20110095871
    Abstract: A forklift RFID system on a forklift for a stack of pallets comprising: a forklift comprising a body, a mast mounted to the body and a fork assembly including forks moveably mounted on the mast. A RFID antenna is secured in a fixed position on the fork assembly above the forks of the forklift and a RFID reader is positioned on the fork assembly a fixed vertical distance above the RFID antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin J. Kail, Jason Kummerl
  • Patent number: 7924162
    Abstract: The invention provides a tag identification system, a tag reading apparatus, and a method for determining sequence of tags. According to an aspect of the invention, a tag identification system comprises a tag reading apparatus and a plurality of tags, wherein: the tag reading apparatus has at least two antennas, wherein the apparatus transmits an interrogation signal within the coverage of each of the antennas; the plurality of tags sequentially pass by the coverage of each of the at least two antennas, each of the plurality of tags returning a reply to the at least two antennas in response to a received interrogation signal; and the tag reading apparatus includes a sequence determination unit which determines the sequence in which the plurality of tags pass by based on replies returned from the plurality of tags and received by the at least two antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: NEC (China) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Song, Bo Zhou, Yabo Wang, Xiaowei Liu
  • Publication number: 20110001611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical system (1) with a monitoring station (3) and at least one medical work station (5, 7). The medical work station (5, 7) is designed to gather physiological data of a patient (4). The invention is characterized in that the at least one medical work station (5, 7) comprises a respiratory device (43, 60) with a connection (49, 51, 72, 74) for a respiratory hose (53, 57). The medical work station (5, 7) comprises a radio frequency detection unit (45, 68), which is designed for detecting a radio frequency marking (55) connected with a respiratory hose in the region of the connection for a respiratory hose, and to create a marking signal, representing the marking information. The medical system (1) is designed to associated the physiological data and the patient data, particularly the data set representing the physiological data and the patient data set, with each other, as a function of the marking signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Olaf Schermeier, Gerd Wotha, Andreas Otto
  • Publication number: 20100273140
    Abstract: An apparel dressing system includes a display, a RFID configured for identifying a RFID tag proximate thereto and retrieving data from the RFID tag, a sensor for taking an image and/or physical parameters of the user, and a processing unit connected with the display, the RFID reader and the sensor. The RFID tag is attached to an apparel item selected by a user and contains product identification information of the apparel item. The processing unit is configured for processing the product identification information retrieved from the RFID tag and the image and/or the physical parameters of the user taken by the sensor. The processing unit is also configured for showing information related to the apparel item and the user on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Chun Sing Matthew Man
  • Publication number: 20100225453
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for obtaining information about a product or service offering having an associated receiver responsive to an information request or query. The method comprise providing a portable subscriber device linked with a communication network, presenting at least one selectable query for information to a subscriber via the subscriber device, selecting the at least one query for information, providing a desired privacy status of the subscriber utilizing the subscriber device, transmitting the query and the privacy status and, at the associated receiver, processing the privacy status and responding to the query by providing the requested information to the subscriber. A corresponding apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventor: Robert Engelhart
  • Patent number: 7786869
    Abstract: There is provided a radio communication system including a first transceiver equipped with an antenna circuit and a transmitting-receiving unit and for transmitting a data signal by an electromagnetic wave, and a second transceiver equipped with an antenna circuit, a transmitting-receiving unit, a memory unit for storing the data signal, a display unit having display memory property, and a power source unit for obtaining an operation voltage for each unit from the electromagnetic wave. The first transceiver relatively varies the transmission output of the data signal to a high level or a low level, and the second transceiver receives the data signal and stores the data signal in the memory unit when the level of the transmission output of the data signal is low, and sends the data signal from the memory unit to the display unit when the level of the transmission output of the data signal is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshimichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7782176
    Abstract: A mobile information apparatus 10 acquires the display information which is stored in the display area 72, which is secured for using at the time of displaying on the display section by the mobile information apparatus 10, in the storage section 34 of the contactless communication device 30. In this case, in the display area 72, display information which can improve convenience for a user is stored. The display information which is stored includes information such as a result of editing a content of communication performed by the contactless communication, a function performed by the contactless communication by the contactless communication device 30, and an issuer of such function. Then, based on the display information which is acquired, the information of the contactless communication device 30 is displayed on the display section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Vodafone Group PLC
    Inventors: Yukihiro Mitani, Atsushi Wada, Akinori Ohno, Hideki Nagayanagi, Shoji Kezuka
  • Publication number: 20100181376
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes receiving, in a proximity coupling system, holder consent to provide a human understandable indication of an account balance associated with a payment account; and providing a human understandable indication of the account balance associated with the payment account via an output device, in response at least in part to the consent; wherein receiving holder consent comprises receiving holder consent provided via a proximity payment device associated with the payment account. In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes storing account data and preference data in a proximity payment device, the preference data indicative of a preferred method to provide a human understandable indication of an account balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Richard Burdett, Colin Tanner, Chris Leech
  • Patent number: 7747479
    Abstract: A device for managing inventory, such as tools and equipment, includes a user interface in operable communication with a processor and a storage medium; a transceiver in operable communication with an antenna and the processor, the transceiver operable for communicating with a tool or a piece of equipment; and a notification device in operable communication with the processor. The processor determines if the tool or the piece of equipment is within a specified range of the device for managing tool and equipment inventory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P.
    Inventor: Joseph E. Page, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100156613
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses an apparatus for communicating with an RFID tag comprising: a radio communicating device configured to conduct radio communication with a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements respectively having an IC circuit part storing information and a tag antenna capable of transmission and reception of information; and a mode setting portion capable of switching and setting from a plurality of application modes with use forms of said radio communication different from each other according to status information indicating a status with respect to an obtainment of identification information of the plurality of said RFID tag circuit elements in communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hironori Hirata, Yasuhisa Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20100156605
    Abstract: A wireless display tag, adapted to fit within the C-channel of a shelf-edge, or otherwise usable as a hang tag or small identification device, includes, depending on implementation, an active transceiver, a passive transceiver, or both, with analog and digital control portions for managing communications with a host.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: ALTIERRE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunit Saxena, Anurag Goel, Mark Douglas McDonald
  • Publication number: 20100148937
    Abstract: A system and method of tracking salvaged vehicles using RFID tags is disclosed. The method includes creating a record of a vehicle, where the record includes information associated with the vehicle. The method further includes assigning an RFID tag to the record associated with the vehicle, attaching the RFID tag to the vehicle, detecting the RFID tag using a first interrogator, and determining a new geographic location of the first interrogator contemporaneously with detecting the RFID tag. In addition, the method may include recording video of the vehicle, where the video includes a video record of each time when the vehicle is moved. The method includes assigning the new geographic location of the RFID tag when the RFID tag is no longer detected by the first interrogator and updating the record with the new geographic location of the RFID tag and the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Barry Howard
  • Publication number: 20100148934
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for tracking and monitoring high-value goods by scanning RFID tags associated with the goods. A central monitoring service verifies both the RFID tags and the devices used to scan the tags against a database of known and trusted tags and scanning devices. Local and centralized security protocols provide improved security and data integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: The Jewellery Store
    Inventor: Gabriel G. Nasser
  • Publication number: 20100148938
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for designating a particular model vehicle for a command function without punching in the ID of the model vehicle. A remote control device is positioned near one of the model vehicles. A limited field transmission occurs between the model vehicle and the remote control device. The device may be a train engine transmitting its train ID periodically via an infrared (IR) transmission. The remote near the train automatically receives the IR transmission of the train ID, so that the next press of a command button will automatically go to that train ID without needing to punch in the ID number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: NEIL YOUNG, Louis G. Kovach, II
  • Publication number: 20100141398
    Abstract: A wearable electronic tag for displaying graphics and text images and for communicating with other similar tags. Each tag includes a visible, graphical display adapted to be worn by a user. The tag also includes a short range, substantially unidirectional electronic communication channel, such as an infrared transmitter-receiver, located on the display unit so that, when the display unit is worn, the interface faces in a direction of the desired communication with another person who also is wearing a similar tag. This arrangement makes possible automatic data exchange and comparison of the interchanged data and display of the results of the comparison on the tags worn by the two wearers. The tags also have a longer range wireless communication system to receive and transmit data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Richard D. Borovoy, George A. Eberstadt
  • Publication number: 20100141471
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a handheld apparatus for reading RFID tag information comprising: a radio communicating device configured to conduct radio communication with a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements; a display device configured to display display information corresponding to said RFID tag circuit elements; an information obtainment device configured to specify identification information of said RFID tag circuit elements selected by said operator among said RFID tag circuit elements whose display information is displayed on said display device, to conduct communication, and to obtain information from the RFID tag circuit element specified; and a display control portion configured, when said information obtainment device obtains the information from said RFID tag circuit element, to make a display mode of said display information corresponding to the RFID tag circuit element on said display device different at least partially from a display mode before the obtainment of information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Katsumi Toda, Yuta Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20100127824
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and appropriate devices for safely, unequivocally and exclusively, temporarily assigning the command authority of an operator (1) to a controllable technical system (60) using a mobile control device (2) which is technically suitable for periodically controlling a plurality of controllable technical systems (60), which is equipped as standard with safety switch elements (38, 39) such as an emergency stop switch, ok key and operating mode selection switches and for a data coupling with the controllable technical system (60) in spite of having only normal transmission means (6) or network technologies without any particular features specific to safety function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Manfred Möschl, Manfred Schininger
  • Publication number: 20100123562
    Abstract: In a state in which a list generated by arranging a large number of records including at least identification information, which are stored by radio IC tags, for individually identifying objects and information derived from the identification information is acquired and displayed, the information stored by the radio IC tags is read. Then, the list is updated to and displayed in a state in which the records of the list including the read information stored by the radio IC tags are moved to the top of the list in order of the reading. Therefore, even when inventory of a large quantity of commodities is performed, it is possible to provide a customer with information concerning inventory check in an accurate and comprehensible form. As a result, it is possible to improve work efficiency of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenya Hiramatu, Masanori Sanbe
  • Publication number: 20100117794
    Abstract: A method and system used to integrate and control multiple secure credentialing approaches including magnetic stripes, bar codes, contact and contactless SmartCard chips, Short Message Systems (SMS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), vicinity type Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID), and proximity type RFID, into compact, self-powered, biometrically-protected devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: William Mark Adams, John Robert Coyne, Christopher Andrew Coyne, Raymond Munson Wallace
  • Publication number: 20100102928
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus and the associated method are provided. The monitoring apparatus includes a tag reading module and a control module. The tag reading module accesses a target tag attached to a target object to generate an access signal. The control module is coupled to the tag reading module and receives the access signal. When the control module operates in an alert mode, the control module selectively generates a control signal according to a reading condition of the access signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: MSTAR SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventor: Chih Yen Chang
  • Publication number: 20100097195
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method and apparatus for reducing time expended on non-value added tasks during assembly of an aircraft is provided. A RFID tag reading function of a RFID tag reader integrated into user apparel is enabled. The RFID tag reader comprises a set of touch activation components integrated into the user apparel. A touch activation component in the set of touch activation components is pressed against a surface in proximity of a RFID tag associated with an aircraft component. The RFID tag reader transmits an interrogate signal to an RFID tag associated with the aircraft component. The user observes a display device coupled to the RFID tag reader integrated into the user apparel, wherein the display device displays RFID tag information received from the RFID tag in response to the interrogate signal. The RFID tag information comprises data describing the aircraft component. The user receives the RFID tag information without interrupting an assembly task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Anthony E. Majoros, Brian C. Fredgren, Paul Robert Davies, Robert Daniel Kalinowski
  • Publication number: 20100097196
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for visually locating short distance emission RFID tags to locate items in a container. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: initiating a reading sequence of a plurality of first RFID tags, wherein each first RFID tag is associated with a respective item located in the container, and wherein each first RFID tag emits an identification (ID); capturing the ID emitted by each first RFID tag using a plurality of second RFID tags located in the container, wherein each second RFID tag is coupled to a respective illumination source; addressing one of the first RFID tags; and activating the illumination source coupled to each second RFID tag that captured the ID of the addressed first RFID tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Frederic Bauchot, Gerard Marmigere, Joaquin Picon, Xavier Rey-Robert, Pierre Secondo
  • Publication number: 20100090808
    Abstract: Described is the use of a transponder in a commercial installation, particularly a power plant, which allows problems and dangerous situations existing in this context to be avoided and the attainable occupational safety in a commercial installation, particularly a power plant, to be increased. The transponder includes a reception element, a transmission element, a visual display unit and a memory element and also a control element which is operatively connected to these, in a commercial installation, particularly a power plant, in an arrangement or positioning on or in proximity to a component or at a switching or measuring point associated with the component for the purpose of visually displaying an operating state for the component or the switching or measuring point associated therewith using the visual display unit of the transponder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Wolfgang Offermann, Martin Stephan
  • Patent number: 7657468
    Abstract: A method for continuous asset verification using at least one radio frequency identification tag for at least one piece of well equipment comprising: writing information about the well equipment into a transportable data storage device; engaging the transportable data storage device with a controller forming a smart controller; encoding the information onto at least one radio frequency identification tag; removably attaching the radio frequency identification tag to the well equipment; transporting the well equipment with the smart controller to a site and scanning the well equipment with the smart controller during at least one predefined interval during transport; and writing the stored scanned radio frequency identification tag information from the transportable data storage device to data storage in communication with a third processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: PPI Technology Services, LP
    Inventors: Thomas G. Whiteley, Wilson S. Wimberley, Bryan Lane
  • Publication number: 20100013603
    Abstract: The RFID reader 20 reads out an RFID stored in an RFID tag in the vicinity through wireless communication. The clock 28 acquires an RFID readout time. The location sensor 24 acquires an RFID readout location. The memory 16 stores the RFID in association with the readout time and the readout location. The communication I/F 22 acquires RFID-related information from a server asynchronously with readout of the RFID. The processor 10 generates in the memory 16 an RFID aggregate structure, which is a data structure of RFID aggregates constructed by classifying a plurality of RFIDs stored in the memory 16 based on the readout time and the readout location and in which RFID-related information is stored in association with the constructed RFIDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Masayuki Chatani, Chisato Numaoka
  • Publication number: 20100007472
    Abstract: A system and method includes an RFID tag that is associated with an object or person. The object or person can actuate a call signal to summon a responder, who would be a person fitted with a BODYWARE™ electronic device that is compatible with electromagnetic signals from the RFID tag. As the responder moves into proximity to the RFID tag, initial information is acquired by a BODYWARE™ electronic device from the signals being emitted by the RFID tag. This cues the responder appropriately for the next step of inputting additional event information or data, which information or data is collected, stored, analyzed and reported as is desired or required by the particular system with which the invention is used. Means are also provided to actuate training methodology to maximize the likelihood of acquiring accurate event data, with feedback being provided to the responder for teaching proper data collection methodology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Linda H. Kunz
  • Patent number: 7646284
    Abstract: Print media (28) having a plurality of radio frequency data storage devices (88) passes through a print media pathway (110) of a printer assembly (14). The devices (88) can be programmed using groups (142, 144) of antennas which are arranged about the print media pathway (110) such the simultaneous programming of multiple devices (88) can be achieved. A data programming device (94) consisting of multiple reader/programmers (94a, 94b, 94c) can be utilized in combination with one or more RF multiplexers (152, 154) to reduce the time necessary to program the devices (88) separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Michael Marowski, Mark Stephen Underwood
  • Publication number: 20090315684
    Abstract: A hand-held scanner appliance is employed to capture and display status of various types of catheter devices that have been inserted in hospital patients. The nurse scans his or her staff ID coded device, then scans the patient's ID wrist bracelets, and scans a catheter-unique identification coded tag on the catheter device. When the nurse performs a catheter insertion, and the catheter is scanned, a data entry is recorded with the patient identity, presence of catheter, and time of insertion. An intelligent rules engine computes the target removal time for the catheter device, which is also displayed. An alert for each catheterization occurs prior to the target removal time. The appliance is synchronized to the hospital server, and the catheterization status of the hospital patients is displayed for the medical practitioner. This process aids in preventing hospital-acquired infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: John J. Sacco, Brett B. Greenky
  • Publication number: 20090303018
    Abstract: An electronic label of a system for displaying, in particular prices at a sales area. A display screen, a memory for storing displayable data items, an interface provided with a central server of the display system and a processing unit for controlling the storage of data items transmitted from the central server to the memory through the interface and for controlling the display of the data items stored in the memory on the display screen are utilized. The label also includes reader for reading the information items contained in an identification chip by RFID radio frequency. The processing unit is also used for controlling the reading of the information items contained in the RFID chip by the reader and for storing the read information items in the memory in such a way that the information items of the RFID chip are displayable on the display screen of the electronic label by the instruction of the processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Phillippe Catteau
  • Publication number: 20090289775
    Abstract: A notifying unit performs notifying operation on the outside of a fitting room. A display unit displays information in the fitting room. An operation input unit receives operation input of the information in the fitting room. An RFID reader writer performs radio communication with an RFID tag, which is attached to a commodity and stores data of a commodity ID for identifying the commodity, and sets a radio communication range in the inside of the fitting room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahide Kubota, Kenya Hiramatsu, Akio Hiruma, Kenji Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20090273449
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator housed in a portable platform that includes at least one antenna, a transceiver for transmitting and receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal through the antenna, and a controller in communication with the transceiver for adjusting power and direction of the transmitted RF signal. The controller can be configured to adjust the antenna orientation, and can also selectively activate and deactivate one or more antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: KEYSTONE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Mark E. Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20090256672
    Abstract: An article management system 1 comprising a handheld reader having a reader antenna for transmitting and receiving information with RFID tags and configured to search for a plurality of article tags respectively provided to a plurality of printers, and a database connected in an information transmittable and receivable manner to the handheld reader, wherein: the database stores in association the article name of each printer, management status information, and corresponding article tag ID; and the handheld reader performs a step of scanning an article tag ID from the article tag, a step of issuing a primary notification based on vibration to a user when the article tag ID is received, and a step of issuing a secondary notification based on sound generation to the user when a cross-check of the scanned tag ID and the article tag ID that is the search target results in a match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yamamoto, Yasuhisa Ichikawa, Mitsuru Nakamura, Hiroshi Oida
  • Publication number: 20090237219
    Abstract: Methodologies and mechanisms are provided that enable implementation of a system and methodologies for detachment of a security tag (e.g., an identification tag) from an article only upon the sale of the article, wherein the identification data indicating the personnel detaching the security tag is logged in connection with data specific to the article sale transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Bradley M. BERLIN, Margaret O. Nyswonger
  • Patent number: 7586397
    Abstract: Interactive radio frequency tags that are responsive to external stimuli to change state are disclosed. The tags preferably include a passive radio frequency transponder, having an antenna, an interface for receiving an external stimulus, and one or more integrated circuits responsive to the external stimulus received at the interface to change the state of the transponder. Also disclosed is a “sensor tag” which changes state in response to a particular environmental stimulus. In addition, either of these “button” or “sensor” features may be combined with an output feature which visually, audibly, tactilely or otherwise signals the state or change of state of an RF tag, or the tag may be designed to produce an output in response to the external stimulus of the RF signal received at the tag's antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Vulcan Patents LLC
    Inventors: Oliver T. Bayley, Bernard J. Kerr, Geoffrey M. Smith, James E. Dishman, Mark A. McCabe, John M. Ananny
  • Publication number: 20090212922
    Abstract: A system of electronic tag has developed for integrated processing by utilizing RFID technology, which comprises a reader for collecting information, processor for processing success failure, unsure state of instruction, and a terminal for submitting transaction and receiving the result of transaction to identify.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Bong-Hee Hong, Ryuan Choi, Woo-Seok Ryu, Sung-Woo Ahn
  • Publication number: 20090201178
    Abstract: A marking system may hold a container from which markers are dispensed to mark the presence or absence of an underground facility in a dig area. The container may identify a marker characteristic regarding the markers in the container. The marking system may receive activation of a trigger, dispense a marker from the container when the trigger is activated, and store the marker characteristic and time data when the trigger is activated. In other embodiments, the marking system may dispense a marker, determine location data and/or time data, and substantially simultaneously trigger the dispensing of the marker and logging of the location data and/or the time data. The location data identifies a geographic location where the marker is dispensed and the time data identifies the time when the marker is dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Steven E. Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr, Mark A. Conner, Rene A. Vazquez
  • Patent number: 7570151
    Abstract: A reservation system includes a database configured to store information identifying customers who have purchased tickets for an event, information about the scheduled time for the event, and information identifying customers who have arrived; a controller configured to operate on the database; and an interrogator in communication with the controller, and an antenna coupled to the interrogator, the interrogator being configured to send wireless commands requesting wireless responses from portable identification devices, the portable identification devices being configured to transmit identifying data in response to receiving a command, the interrogator having a predetermined communications range and being configured to communicate with portable identification devices within the predetermined communications range, the controller being configured to modify the database to indicate that one of the customers who purchased a ticket has arrived, responsive to the interrogator receiving a response from the portable
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Keystone Technology Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 7567173
    Abstract: An MPF (Multi Function Peripheral) obtains a BD address and a device name from a communication partner search response when it receives the communication partner search response from a cellular phone. When the MFP successfully obtains the BD address and the BD address is stored in a device management database in a RAM of the MFP, the MFP obtains a user name corresponding to the BD address from the device management database. The MFP obtains settings associated with the user name from an environment database in the RAM of the MFP and stores the same in an environment storage area in the RAM. A display process, etc. in the MFP are performed according to the settings stored in the environment storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Takahashi, Makoto Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7564346
    Abstract: An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) obtains a BD address and a device name from a communication partner search response when it receives the communication partner search response from a cellular phone. When the MFP successfully obtains the BD address and the BD address is stored in a device management database in a RAM of the MFP, the MFP obtains a user name corresponding to the BD address from the device management database. The MFP obtains settings associated with the user name from an environment database in the RAM of the MFP and stores the same in an environment storage area in the RAM. A display process, etc. in the MFP are performed according to the settings stored in the environment storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Takahashi, Makoto Matsuda