Abstract: An automatic analyzer transmits information about stock articles used in automatic analyzers provided in a plurality of facilities, respectively, to a management station through a network. The management station manages the stock articles in the plurality of facilities. Each facility includes an information exchanger on which stock articles each appended with an RFID tag are arranged; a first reader/writer exchanging, with the RFID tag, information about the stock articles, when the stock articles are arranged on the information exchanger; a second reader/writer provided in the automatic analyzer, wherein the second reader/writer exchanges, with the RFID tag, information about the stock articles, shares, with the first reader/writer, the information about the stock articles, when the stock articles are mounted on the automatic analyzer; and a processor that processes the information about the stock articles. The management station collectively manages in real time the stock articles in the facilities.

Abstract: A system and method for searching physical objects. The system comprises one or more tags, each tag being disposed on one associated object; one or more substations, each substation arranged for communication with tags located within a range around each substation; one or more base stations, each base station arranged for communication with substations located within a range around each base station; an interrogation engine residing in each base station for interrogating, in response to a search query, the substations within the range around each base station, to determine whether a search object of the search query is within the range around the respective substations.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system, apparatus and method for incorporating radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into a printing device that may provide an assortment of functional performance capabilities. This may include the ability to scan media information such as text and/or images along with RFID identifier information and process, copy and/or forward such text media and/or identifier information to a remote location.

Abstract: Information to identify a single operation is stored in the nonvolatile memory of a storage in response to a predetermined operation at an operating part, and price data stored in the nonvolatile memory of the storage is read in response to the predetermined operation at the operating part and a price based on the read price data is displayed on a display for a predetermined time.

Abstract: An audio and/or video media content providing device includes a controller, such as a server, that is responsive to RFID tag based information obtained from a remote RFID enabled media object. The controller is operative to facilitate access to media content associated with a stored periodically changing media content list. For example, a content registry database may be periodically updated through a suitable user interface to change a link between content identification information read from a remote RFID enabled media object, with media application information so that the same RFID tag may allow the downloading of different media. The link between the content ID and the media ID may be dynamically changed through the controller. This may be advantageous, to provide for example, a Top 10 song card or other RFID enabled object that stays the same but can be used to securely download different media over time.

Abstract: This invention discloses a RF sensing system, a RF display device and a puzzle system using the same. The RF sensing system includes a platform, at least one RF reader and a RF display device. The RF reader is installed at the platform for generating a radio signal. The RF display device includes a display panel and a flat panel. If the RF display device receives the radio signal, the display panel can change a display state. The flat panel has a text or an image. If the display panel is at an opaque state, at least a portion of the text or the image is blocked by the display panel. If the display panel is at a transparent state, the text or the image is exposed. If the flat panel has a puzzle pattern, several RF display devices can be used for forming a puzzle.

Abstract: There is described a method for operating a device comprising a display device, a communication device and a communication system. According to said method, the display device is activated once a user enters a near field of the device, and the display device is deactivated once a user leaves the near field of the device. The display device comprises OLEDs or other components that have a short service life and/or a high power requirement. Activation and/or deactivation are controlled by a transponder, e.g. an RFID-TAG to be carried by the user, which responder is detected in the near field of the device. Temporary deactivation of the display device can prolong the service life of the display device and/or save power and the use of contactless RFID-TAGs increases ease of operation. The technology can also be used for other purposes, e.g. user authorization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.

Abstract: A tag has circuitry with a communication portion that can transmit and receive wireless signals, including wireless transmission of data blocks that each have a predefined configuration with a plurality of data slots. The circuitry includes a further portion that, in response to receipt through the communication portion of a wireless communication containing a request identifying a set of plural data items, populates respective data slots in one data block with respective data items from the set, and then causes the communication portion to effect wireless transmission of that data block.

Abstract: A read-write processing apparatus communicates with an RFID tag provided with a semiconductor memory to exchange commands and responses through antenna coils. A condition under which only a carrier wave is transmitted is set prior to a communication with the RFID tag and a level from a reception signal obtained under this condition is extracted as noise level. The extracted noise level is displayed or outputted to an output host apparatus.

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.

Abstract: An electronic product code information service (EPCIS) interface is provided, where the EPCIS interface is capable of allowing one or more accessing applications residing on a variety of systems and associated with a plurality of enterprises/organizations to receive EPC-related data. One or more roles of an entity attempting to receive EPC-related data through the interface may be identified. A query may be performed to generate a result set within an extent permitted by access authorization associated with the identified roles of the entity.

Abstract: An electronic product code information service (EPCIS) interface is provided, where the EPCIS interface is capable of allowing one or more accessing applications residing on a variety of systems and associated with a plurality of enterprises to receive EPC-related data. Also provided is an enterprise profile for each enterprise that is allowed to receive the EPC-related data. An enterprise is authenticated based on its enterprise profile. A query is performed to generate a result set that is within an extent permitted by access authorization associated with the authenticated enterprise. The result set is then provided to the EPCIS accessing application of that enterprise.

Abstract: An electronic product code information service (EPCIS) interface is provided, where the EPCIS interface allows accessing applications residing on a variety of systems and associated with a plurality of enterprises/organizations to receive EPC-related data. Also provided is a consumer security profile in which access authorization governing the extent of data collection and/or access by an entity to EPC-related consumer data is specified. Access by an accessing application may be allowed within an extent permitted by access authorization specified in the consumer security profile.

Abstract: An RFID system for selectively communicating with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders is provided. The RFID system may include a transponder conveyance system adapted to transport at least one targeted transponder from a group of multiple adjacent transponders through a transponder encoding area along a feeding direction and an antenna having a resonant inductor and a ferrite material, wherein the ferrite material at least partially covers the resonant inductor and defines an exposed portion of the resonant inductor. In one antenna-transponder alignment, the exposed portion extends substantially parallel to the feeding direction.

Abstract: A remote control for operation of functions of a motor vehicle, including a multimedia data memory; and means for managing the multimedia data memory by a user for performing operation of functions of a motor vehicle. The functions of the motor vehicle the operation of which are controlled include at least one of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, interlock, antitheft protection, and interrogation of vehicle states and characteristics, including at least one of temperatures and electrical system voltages.

Abstract: During an inspection discrete checkpoints provide data to a portable reader, enabling a record to be generated identifying each checkpoint visited during an inspection. At least one checkpoint associated with the inspection will convey ancillary data to the portable device, either in lieu of, or in addition to, a checkpoint ID uniquely identifying a location or component inspected. The ID is not ancillary data, because the only function of the ID is to verify that an inspector was present at a particular location or component. In contrast, ancillary data are data that have an additional utility. For example, a sensor may be disposed in proximity of the component or location to be inspected. Data collected by such a sensor represents ancillary data, because such data does more than uniquely identify a particular location or component that was visited during an inspection.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for generating data showing a signal environment experienced by a radio frequency identification (RFID) communication device. A transceiver within the communication device sweeps through a frequency range of interest in order to receive signals within the frequency range. Depending on the nature of the signals of interest, the signals detected may be reflected signals generated in response to a carrier signal produced by the communication device, or active signals produced by active sources. Baseband analysis is performed in order to detect and identify reflective signals, and spectrum analysis is performed in order to detect and identify active signal sources.

Abstract: A communication apparatus, including: an identification information request receiver configured to conduct wireless communication a plurality of times without interruption with a portable device; a response transmitter configured to send a response signal including terminal information to the portable terminal when the identification information request receiver has received the identification information request; a connection request receiver configured to periodically accept a connection request from the portable terminal; a link connection establishment unit configured to establish a wireless link with the portable terminal when the connection request receiver has received the connection request; and an execution controller configured to control an execution apparatus for executing a prescribed operation after the link connection establishment unit has established the wireless link.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing pulses in ATCRBS/Mode S interrogations includes an antenna for receiving a radio frequency interrogation signal. The radio frequency interrogation signal is downconverted by a downconverter to an intermediate frequency signal. The intermediate frequency signal is converted to a digitized interrogation signal by an analog-to-digital converter. A processing unit, coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, detects a pulse peak in the digitized interrogation signal using a moving threshold to locate the peak pulse between a first fixed threshold and a second fixed threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing and displaying information generated with a bar code and stored within a mobile communication terminal for easy recognition is provided. The method of providing intrinsic information in a mobile communication terminal includes verifying whether intrinsic information about the mobile communication terminal is stored; and displaying the intrinsic information on a screen when the intrinsic information is stored. Therefore, when a user wants to verify information for a mobile communication terminal, information about the terminal is displayed on a screen with a bar code, so that it is easy to verify and recognize the information about the terminal. Further, even if the mobile communication terminal is turned off, information about the terminal stored in the RFID tag is read by an RFID reader, so that it is easy to verify and recognize the information about the terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for providing enhanced display capability for mobile phones and handheld devices, such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), when such devices are within range of external display devices equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and display data receivers. The mobile phone searches for RFID tag-equipped external display devices, and upon locating such a device sends a request to the external device for connection and configuration information. Once the connection and configuration information from the external display device is received by the mobile phone or handheld device, a process of automatic synchronization between the mobile phone and the external display device occurs. The output images of the mobile phone are then transmitted to the external display device, which includes the functionality or mechanisms to receive and regenerate the output images.

Abstract: According to an information display apparatus of the present invention, the unique information optically transmitted from the instrument is acquired by the image pickup device. Of the acquired unique information, if there is information conforming to the specific unique information, the information corresponding thereto is extracted and displayed. To be more specific, the instrument is mounted on a specific object and the information on the object is stored so that the information on the object can be displayed as the unique information is acquired from the instrument mounted on the object by the image pickup device.

Abstract: A master controller for managing items tagged with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags includes a transceiver to transmit interrogation signals to the RFID tags and to receive response signals from the RFID tags. The master controller may also include a processor to determine the proximity of tagged items based on signal levels of the response signals, and to notify a user when certain ones of the tagged items are in a predetermined relation to a proximity threshold.

Abstract: A disclosed system includes electronic tags and a communication apparatus that communicates with the electronic tags and includes management information to manage the electronic tags. In the disclosed system, each of the electronic tags contains an ID a part of which represents one of group IDs identifying groups among the electronic tags and is configured to send a response when a request sent from the communication apparatus contains a corresponding one of the group IDs; and the communication apparatus is configured to send requests one by one each of which requests contains one of the group IDs, thereby to request the electronic tags group by group to send responses to the communication apparatus, and to recreate the management information based on the responses.

Abstract: An electronic inventory tag system including an electronic inventory tag, a management apparatus using a management database for managing the electronic inventory tag, and a relay apparatus for relaying communications between the electronic inventory tag and the management apparatus is disclosed. The relay apparatus transmits a non-registration call. The electronic inventory tag determines whether the electronic inventory tag is registered when receiving the non-registration call. The electronic inventory tag transmits a non-registration response to the relay apparatus when determining that the electronic inventory tag is unregistered. The relay apparatus transmits non-registration detection data to the management apparatus when receiving the non-registration response. The management apparatus registers electronic inventory tag data corresponding to the electronic inventory tag in the management database based on the non-registration detection data.

Abstract: A portable printer includes a number of input devices mounted in the printer housing including a barcode scanner, keypad, communication interface in a receive mode and an RFID read/write module in a read mode. The portable printer also includes a number of output devices including a printing system, the communication interface in a transmit mode and the RFID read/write module in a write mode for writing to an external RFID chip. A processor selects received data from one or more of the input devices, manipulates the data and/or combines it with other data for an output device wherein the data selected for one output device may be different then the data selected for another output device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.

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.

Abstract: A locating and monitoring system includes transmitters worn by a person, animal, or equipment to transmit an unique identification code while moving about a facility. The code is transmitted by pulse bursts at diverse times during predetermined time intervals to prevent synchronization with resident signals in the facility. Receivers in the walls or ceilings of the facility respond to the infrared radiation of the pulse bursts and validate the identification code by a checksum of the code through a comparison with a checksum transmitted with the code. The receivers deliver validated codes to arbitrators and receive back signals indicative of the level of an individual assigned to a class wearing the transmitters. Signals from the receivers are received by arbitrators which forward the codes to a CPU for recording start and stop events indicative of movement by transmitters into and out of the reception range of the various receivers.

Abstract: A remote control device that is combined with a modified RFID circuit that allows an individual to enter information into different types of equipment. When an individual touches graphite contacts on the modified RFID circuit with his/her finger, the circuit will activate a RFID reader causing an action on another device.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering packages using a vehicle such as a truck. The packages contain RFIDs that can be electronically queried when the truck is at a destination. A computer communicates to the driver which packages are to be provided at the destination, and the RFIDs can be electronically queried so that the driver can identify those packages. The truck can have an RFID affixed thereto, so that when the driver arrives at the destination, a computer system is informed and can communicate said instructions to the driver. The instructions can be generated using a data base at a remote location coupled to a system within the truck (or within the destination).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system including a mobile switching center, a base station communicating with the mobile switching center, a mobile station including a radio transmitter and a radio receiver for setting up a connection to the base station via the base station, an object including an identification mechanism, and a data processing device in which data relating to said object is maintained. For identifying the object, the mobile station reads the object's identification data from the identification mechanism, and mechanism for transmitting the read identification data by the mobile station's radio transmitter over the radio path via the base station further to the data processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of identifying a vehicle that may present safety threats to security areas are provided. When a vehicle is approaching a security zone, a request for identification (ID) is issued to the vehicle's on-board computer system (OBCS). Upon receiving the ID, a comparison is made between the ID of the vehicle and a list of suspect vehicle IDs. It there is a match, the vehicle is considered to be suspect and the OBCS is instructed to take control over the vehicle.

Abstract: A commercially viable calling apparatus which is placed on all tables of a restaurant, tavern or other establishment which serves food and/or drink so that if someone is waiting for a waiter or if someone has not been served, then there is a method to signal a central area such as a maitre d' or other person who is in charge of the waiters to advise a waiter to wait on the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of appliances in a home network, in which each appliance in the network has an associated descriptor comprising information for controlling the appliance. A control device for controlling the plurality of appliances includes a microprocessor for loading and processing descriptors associated with the appliances and a graphics generator for generating a display of markup language pages or page parts based on the descriptor information. The control device uses descriptors of a plurality of appliances to aggregate appliance control functions of the same type for a plurality of appliances in order to display aggregated functions on a single page.

Abstract: A configurable computer input device. A base is operable to generate and detect a radio frequency carrier signal. A plurality independently positionable input members are each operatively positioned in the vicinity of the base and individually operable to modulate the carrier signal responsive to its identity and status.

Abstract: The invention concerns a radio-frequency transponder (12) for contact-free identification with a reader (10), comprising: an antenna (24), an analog circuit (25) including a capacitor (32) an AC-DC converter (34), a modulator (40) and a demodulator (38), a logic control circuit (26), a storage unit (27). Said transponder (12) is designed such that: the antenna (24) and the capacitor (32) form together a resonant circuit, the clock extractor (36) processes the first signal (Tx) to extract therefrom a clock signal addressed to said modulator (38) as long as the voltage of said signal (Tx) exceeds a first threshold value, the converter (34) transforms the first signal (Tx) into a rectified signal, to power the transponder (12). The performances of the transponder, and more particularly energy recuperation and data transmission rate, are improved by the fact that the analog circuit comprises two clock extractors, one of low level type (35), the other of the high level type (36).

Abstract: Method for segmented message transmission wherein each message is first divided into segments and the segments are fragmented. A segment parameter is applied to each segment, and a segment identifier to each fragment. The fragments are provided to a lower level for preparation into frames for transmission. One embodiment is applied to the transmission of short duration messages, such as control messages. On receipt of a frame within a segment, a timer is initiated having an expiration period. Receipt of a next frame in the segment stops the timer. Expiration of the expiration period for a timer indicates that a next sequential frame is lost.

Abstract: The response of an object to a single time-varying magnetic field is sensed to determine object position and/or manipulation on a horizontal or vertical surface. A time-varying interrogation signal, which interacts with tags disposed on the surface, is read by an array of sensing coils. Control circuitry receives signals from the sensing coils representing this interaction and, based thereon, determines the identity, position, and manipulation of each of the objects based on the sensed signals and the known positions of the sensing coils. Feedback to the user can be provided in the form of a localized output (e.g. light, sound, heat, etc.) physically coincident with the object.

Abstract: It is constructed so that combinations of display colors or lighting patterns can be set from the outside by incoming notification means by light of a portable telephone apparatus. That is, incoming notification pattern data by a change in lighting colors and data of the tempo are stored in RAM 3, and data from the RAM 3 is held in an FIFO 8 and is outputted every tempo according to a read signal from an FIFO read signal generator 9, and also by generating an interruption at the time when a predetermined amount of data is outputted, a CPU 1 writes subsequent data from the RAM 3 to the FIFO 8 according to the interruption. Then, data read from the FIFO 8 is once held in an output port register 5 and an LED driver 6 independently drives plural LEDs according to data outputted from the output port register 5. In this case, it is constructed so that the data from the RAM 3 can be set from the outside.

Abstract: An RFID tag verifier includes an RF interrogator that transmits a first and second interrogation signal each having a first operational characteristic that differs from the other by a known amount. The RF interrogator receives a first and second return signal corresponding to the respective interrogation signals. A processor determines a response of the RFID tag as defined by a second operational characteristic of the first and second return signals. The verifier can determine the signal strength of the return signal for varying strengths of the interrogation signal. Typically, a flat response is desired Additionally, or alternatively, the verifier can determine the response in terms of signal strength of the response signals for interrogation signals having different frequencies. In some applications frequency selectivity may be desirable. Additionally, or alternatively, the verifier can determine the response in terms of frequency for interrogation signals having varying strengths.

Abstract: A car locator system includes a hand held locator which receives information with regard to the location of a vehicle and then stores that information for display on the hand held locator. The hand held locator could be a key fob having buttons to command operation to the vehicle. When a command signal is transmitted to the vehicle, the vehicle then transmits its position location to the hand held location for storage. In this way, an operator will be able to have an indication of the location of the vehicle. The vehicle can communicate with GPS satellites to determine its location, or may communicate with ground based local transmitters. The ground based local transmitters can be programmed to provide an indication of the location of the vehicle within a parking lot.

Abstract: A method for identifying a person authorized to enter into a secured transaction, including implementing a security system to receive a coded signal that purports to identify as an authorized person the wearer of a device generating the coded signal through a transmission link constituting the body of the wearer, upon physical contact between an input terminal of the security system and the body of the wearer. After purported identification of the wearer as an authorized person for the transaction, data stored in a memory of the device is delivered to assist in processing the transaction by access through the security system. Data stemming from the transaction is retrieved for updating data stored in the memory, usable in a subsequent transaction by the wearer.

Abstract: A storage device and method stores tuning-frequency data, and extracts a tuning frequency from a received signal. Based on the stored tuning-frequency data, the tuning frequency extracted by the first extracting unit is adjusted. The storage device is accessed by an information processing apparatus, and data from the storage device are processed by an information processing method.

Abstract: A smart interrogator can communicate with RF tags on multiple frequencies and bandwidths and can communicate with tags from various manufacturers and thus permits assets if to be tracked even if the assets are being tracked using tags from different manufacturers. The smart interrogators communicate with a logistics server via the Internet using transferable agents that forward tag information from the interrogator to the logistics server via a Java data base connection (JDBC). The logistics server communicates with a logistic server database where transaction information from the tags is logged. The information from the interrogator is forwarded to appropriate external server and networks over the Internet. A client can query the logistics server to determine the whereabouts and status of a particular asset. The logistics server can spawn a transferable agent to locate the asset.

Abstract: An RFID tag verifier includes an RF interrogator that transmits a first and second interrogation signal each having a first operational characteristic that differs from the other by a known amount. The RF interrogator receives a first and second return signal corresponding to the respective interrogation signals. A processor determines a response of the RFID tag as defined by a second operational characteristic of the first and second return signals. The verifier can determine the signal strength of the return signal for varying strengths of the interrogation signal. Typically, a flat response is desired Additionally, or alternatively, the verifier can determine the response in terms of signal strength of the response signals for interrogation signals having different frequencies. In some applications frequency selectivity may be desirable. Additionally, or alternatively, the verifier can determine the response in terms of frequency for interrogation signals having varying strengths.

Abstract: A tire pressure display device for a vehicle having several wheels provides each monitored tire with an electronic module including, for example, an integrated pressure sensor with measuring and control electronics which are coupled to a high-frequency transmitter/receiver. Away from the wheels, there is at least another high-frequency transmitter/receiver that is coupled to a microprocessor that exchanges high-frequency radiograms with each wheel's electronic module in an interrogation-response mode. In addition, a remote control locking arrangement activates a locking system on the vehicle. The triggering of a control command effectuated on the remote control locking arrangement also activates the microprocessor, which then initializes the electronic module for each monitored tire.

Abstract: A pager configured for storing and displaying a plurality of messages, each of the plurality of messages having associated therewith a message slot number, wherein the pager displays each one of the plurality of messages and the message slot number associated therewith and flashes the associated message slot number when the respective message that is displayed has not been read.