Abstract: A method for generating an alert on a mobile device in an absence of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag in proximity to the mobile device is provided herein. The method comprises defining an event. A profile list for storing RFID tag identifiers is related to the event. The method also comprises sharing the event data together with the profile list using a social media network, storing all received RFID tag identifiers at a time within the duration of the event after an event start time in the profile list if the profile list was empty before the event start time, and generating the alert under alert conditions. The alert conditions comprise a determination that the profile list was not empty before the event start time, and that one RFID tag identifier stored in the profile list is not among the received RFID tag identifiers during the event duration after the event time.

Abstract: An example system includes a patch defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface is removably attachable to skin of a subject. The patch includes a conductor associated with the first surface, a first sensor configured to determine a temperature of the conductor, and a second sensor configured to determine an additional temperature. The first sensor is separated from the second sensor by material having a known thermal resistance. The patch also includes a transmitter operably connected to the first and second sensors.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for product storage location identification. Reconfigurable lights can be mounted to product storage locations and one or more of the lights can be illuminated to identify a particular storage location, such as for placement or pick up of a product. The system described herein can utilize radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips or tags to identify products and storage locations. So configured, the system can identify which storage location a particular product is in or can identify where a particular product should be placed.

Abstract: A positioning determination method using an improved RFID location tag is described the tag including an RFID controller; memory; a power management module; and an accelerometer. The position determination method including the steps of periodically polling the RFID tags for information; receiving information from a plurality of reference RFID tags at a known location; receiving information from the non reference RFID tags, the information including the tag id and sensor data; calculating for each non reference and referenced RFID tag a received signal strength indication; and calculating an initial position for each non reference RFID tag based on the received signal strength indications and the positions of the reference RFID tags.

Abstract: Approaches herein provide protection for an identification chip of a contactless device using a transmission blocking element. In some approaches, a contactless card may include a body having first and second main sides. An identification chip may be coupled to the first main side, and the transmission blocking element may be slidably coupled to the body. The identification chip is covered by the transmission blocking element in a first position, and uncovered by the transmission blocking element when the transmission blocking element is in a second position. The transmission blocking element may include a first section extending along the first main side of the body, and a second section extending parallel to the first section. The transmission blocking element may further include a tab coupling together the first and second sections, wherein the tab is positioned within an internal slot embedded within the body.

Abstract: A monitoring and response system is provided for monitoring and responding to environmental conditions at one or more sites. The monitoring system includes a plurality of base units, each base unit including at least a processor and a plurality of sensors configured to monitor environmental conditions at the site(s). A central controller is in communication with the base processors at the plurality of base units and is configured to receive and process sensor information from the base units. Base units are configured to be modular and contain customizable, swappable combinations of sensors, sensor arrays, and/or other connected peripherals, and are further configured to be mountable and/or attachable to a wide variety of surfaces and objects disposed around a site such as a construction site. The system further comprises a backend, analytic system for making predictions, taking action, and generating reports responsive to the information received from the base units.

Abstract: An item management system using tag information includes a wireless tag provided to each of a plurality of products; first to nth (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) readers provided at different locations to receive tag information from the wireless tag; and a control module configured to control the first to nth readers, wherein the control module includes a receiving unit configured to receive the tag information; an information generating unit configured to generate the received tag information and response frequency information representing receipt of the tag information for each of the first to nth readers; and a location information generating unit configured to generate location information of the wireless tag by using the response frequency information and the location information of the first to nth readers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for communicating data representative of information associated with a radio frequency peripheral to a mobile terminal, comprising the following steps: —the mobile terminal acquires a radio frequency peripheral identifier, —the mobile terminal emits a primary request comprising first characteristic information derived from said radio frequency peripheral identifier to a primary server, —the mobile terminal receives sign information associated with said first characteristic information from the primary server in response to the primary request, —the mobile terminal emits a secondary request comprising second characteristic information derived from said radio frequency peripheral identifier to a secondary server, —the mobile terminal receives data representative of information associated with said radio frequency peripheral from the secondary server in response to the secondary request.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to mapping a space. In some embodiments, a system for mapping a space comprises a communication device configured to receive location data from a portable user device in a user space, a device location database configured to store location data, and a control circuit. The control circuit being configured to aggregate, over time, the location data in the user space from the portable user device and store the location data in the device location database, the location data comprising coordinates and timestamps associated with a plurality of locations, determine a plurality of dwell locations in the user space corresponding to locations where the portable user device rests based on the timestamps of the location data, and identify one or more objects in the user space based at least on the coordinates of the plurality of dwell locations.

Abstract: A context-aware method and system for facilitating the delivery of healthcare to patients within a clinical environment monitored by real-time locating apparatus including auto-ID patient tags where patients having tags are located within the environment in real time by the apparatus are provided. The system includes a plurality of self-service units where one or more of the units is configured to store a plurality of auto-ID patient tags and where the one or more of the units includes a dispensing mechanism to dispense stored tags. The system further includes a control computer subsystem coupled to the at least one of the units and including at least one user interface. The subsystem still further includes a processor operable to execute software instructions and a memory operable to store software instructions accessible by the processor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and retrofit method for integrating a safe into a security system, the apparatus comprising a wireless transmitter that transmits the condition of the safe to the receiver of a security system. The apparatus comprises at least one battery-operated transmitter in wireless communication with at least one receiver through an antenna concealed on the exterior surface of the safe and sensors connected to the transmitter. The design of the safe body and the integration with a wireless interface allows for flexibility and portability of the safe while maintaining strong security.

Abstract: An image of a code on a shopping cart is captured with a mobile computing device having a camera and GPS functionality. The mobile device extracts an identifier associated with the cart from the code and transmits this information to a server, which associates the mobile device with the cart. A user returns the cart to a designated return area while carrying or wearing the mobile computing device. The mobile device sends GPS data to the server, which can determine the starting position, the distance travelled, and whether the designated return area has been reached. The cart code can then be rescanned at the designated return area to confirm that the user has actually moved the cart to the return area, without any special hardware on the cart or in the return area. A computer system may provide a credit, code, coupon, or other incentive to a user account.

Abstract: An acquisition unit acquires a photographed image data which is photographed by a user at a first position in a space. The photographed image includes at least any of the multiple markers. An identification unit identifies the first position, on which user have photographed an image, based on the markers included in the photographed image. An informing unit identifies second position relative to the first position identified by the identification unit, and informs the user of the second position relative to the first position.

Abstract: Provided are a devices, systems and methods for performing communication using wireless power. According to one general aspect, a communication device using wireless power may include: a controller configured to control mutual resonance between a target resonator and a source resonator; a demodulator configured to demodulate information transmitted from the source resonator based on an amount of energy received from the source resonator; and a modulator configured to modulate information based on the mutual resonance.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to facilitate proximity detection and location tracking. An example method includes receiving messages collected by a badge in an environment, the messages including signal strength and a timestamp. The example method also includes assigning a location in the environment to the badge based on a first subset of the messages. The example method also includes identifying an asset in a second subset of the messages. The example method also includes updating a current location associated with the asset based on a relative proximity of the asset to the badge, wherein the current location corresponds to a first time and the updated location corresponds to a second time, and wherein a change in location between the current location and the updated location indicates movement of the asset in the environment.

Abstract: Examples of systems and method track a location of an asset within a space using an asset tag location estimation system, track movement of a selected user, or user's mobile device, using a positioning system, and associate the tracked asset with the selected user, or user's mobile device, based on a determination of a trajectory of the asset and the mobile device. Trajectories of the user/mobile device and the asset tag may be determined by a backend server. The trajectory of the selected user/mobile device and the trajectory of the asset tag are compared by the backend server to determine a correspondence between the respective trajectories based on a predetermined correspondence criteria. The determined correspondence indicates that a user of the corresponding mobile device is moving the asset. In response to the determined correspondence, the backend server associates the asset tag to the selected user/mobile device in a database.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for monitoring personal protection equipment compliance. A method comprises receiving, by a user identification mobile device, information from a sensor attached to a personal protection equipment (PPE) associated with a user, determining whether the PPE is in use or not based on the received information, sending a communication from the user identification mobile device to a supervisor console, and displaying information included in the communication by a supervisor console. When it is determined that a required PPE device is inactive, corrective action is taken by a supervisor.

Abstract: A last known location of a tracking device can be determined by using location information received at a tracking system. A disconnection event is received at the tracking system indicating that a tracking device has disconnected from a mobile device. In response, the tracking system can generate a last known location for the tracking device. Other relevant location updates, such as recent locations of the mobile device or locations of other mobile devices that connect to the tracking device are collected and associated with the disconnection event. Based on the location updates, a last known location of the tracking device can be computed and stored.

Abstract: An electronic device is operated by detecting a tag having a sensor associated therewith and being configured to transmit information over a defined distance using a short range wireless protocol, and receiving sensor information transmitted by the tag over the communication link.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an RFID tag capable of improving antenna efficiency with a simple configuration. Such an RFID tag includes: an antenna configured with a reader/writer; an IC chip to which the antenna is connected; a plurality of connection terminals inside outer peripheral edges of an insulating layer on which the antenna is formed; and an annular antenna-forming area on the entire periphery or substantially the entire periphery of the insulating layer. The antenna is formed into a loop in the antenna-forming area, with one of the plurality of connection terminals serving as a starting point and with one of the remaining connection terminals serving as an endpoint.

Abstract: A signal generating system is provided. The signal generating system provides a microwave signal to a plurality of qubits. The signal generating system includes a generator, an oscillator, a mixer, and a splitter. The oscillator generates an oscillator signal including a constant frequency. The generator generates a generator signal including an initial frequency. The mixer is electrically coupled to the generator and the oscillator. The mixer combines the generator and oscillator signals to produce the microwave signal. The splitter is electrically coupled to the mixer. The splitter fans-out the microwave signal to a plurality of physical lines. Each of the plurality of physical lines is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of qubits.

Abstract: A system may include a data processor and a memory storing instructions. The instructions may result in operations when executed by the data processor. The operations may include determining, based on location data from a positioning system, a presence of a cartridge at a location. The cartridge may include a substance. A quantity of the substance may be determined based on content data from a content meter at the location. Diversion of the substance may be detected based on the cartridge being present at the location and/or the quantity of the substance. Related methods and articles of manufacture, including apparatuses and computer program products, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include devices configured for wireless communication with a mobile computing device having GPS capability that allow a user to record the user's current location with the user's mobile computing device without having to physically access the mobile computing device. Such devices can allow a user to mark or record a location or waypoint to a mobile computing device, such as a GPS-enabled mobile phone, using a wireless remote and software configured to enable communication with the mobile computing device. Such devices can enable a user to mark and record locations for navigation without having to physically touch and operate the mobile computing device.

Abstract: An RFID loss-prevention system (LPS) may monitor RFID-tagged items in a facility. An RFID reader transmits a first inventory command configured to cause tags in a first state to respond, receive a reply from a first tag, determine that the first tag has a low transition risk, and cause the first tag to switch to a second state. The reader may also receive a reply from a second tag, determine that the second tag has a high transition risk, and cause the second tag to remain in the first state. The reader may then transmit a second inventory command configured to cause tags in the first state to respond, receive a reply from the second tag in response to the second inventory command, determine that the second tag has inappropriately exited the facility, and issue an alert.

Abstract: A power transmission device includes a communication unit that transmits a power capability information transmission request via a communication channel and receives power capability information in response to the power capability information transmission request. The power transmission device also includes a processing unit that sets a parameter based on the power capability information. Further, the power transmission device includes a power transmission unit that wirelessly transmits power using the parameter. The communication unit transmits the power capability information transmission request before the power transmission unit wirelessly transmits the power.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an information transmitter having an electronics circuit, said electronics circuit has a transmitter; an antenna operably connected to said transmitter. Memory storage elements are also included having unique identification data with at least one activation element capable of activating said electronics circuit to transmit said unique identification data to external receivers. The present disclosure also relates to a medicament delivery device utilizing the information transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for activating remote monitoring functionality of a personal wireless device associated with a released individual. After incarceration, former inmates are released under a variety of different circumstances, many of which require follow-up check-ins with case managers or other individuals. As part of their release, inmates often agree to multiple restrictions and requirements. In order to better monitor compliance with those requirements, a personal wireless device assigned to the released individual can be programmed with certain rules and automatically trigger when a violation is detected. As a result of a detected violation, the personal wireless device activates certain devices, such as a camera, microphone, etc., to capture data in order to remotely monitor the released individual. A case manager can also manually activate monitoring.

Abstract: In some examples, an enclosure can include a lever to interact with an asset wall when the enclosure is coupled to the asset wall, an actuator coupled to a switch to interact with the lever, and an aperture to allow the actuator to move with the lever when the enclosure is removed from the asset wall, wherein the actuator provides a signal to the switch when the actuator moves beyond a threshold angle.

Abstract: A system comprising synchronization circuitry, a first interrogator, and a second interrogator. The first interrogator includes a transmit antenna; a first receive antenna, and circuitry configured to generate, using radio-frequency (RF) signal synthesis information received from the synchronization circuitry, a first RF signal for transmission by the transmit antenna, and generate, using the first RF signal and a second RF signal received from a target device by the first receive antenna, a first mixed RF signal indicative of a distance between the first interrogator and the target device. The second interrogator includes a second receive antenna, and circuitry configured to generate, using the RF signal synthesis information, a third RF signal; and generate, using the third RF signal and a fourth RF signal received from the target device by the second receive antenna, a second mixed RF signal indicative of a distance between the second interrogator and the target device.

Abstract: A method of testing a first circuit, including: a) applying a first signal between two terminals of the first circuit, the first circuit being powered off; and b) verifying that radio frequency waves transmitted by the first circuit correspond to an expected transmission.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the sorting of assets to sort locations. In various embodiments, a sort employee scans an asset indicia using a user device, which stores asset data corresponding to the stored asset. As the sort employee nears a sort location (e.g., a delivery vehicle) with the asset and the user device, the user device automatically communicates wirelessly with a sort location receiver to associate the asset data with data indicative of the sort location where the user deposits the asset. In various embodiments, a device may determine whether the user device is proximate the appropriate sort location for the item, and may generate an alert upon a determination that the user device is proximate an incorrect sort location.

Abstract: A holistic hospital patient care and management system comprises a data store to receive and store patient data including clinical and non-clinical data; a plurality of RFID sensors to detect a plurality of RFID tags associated with patients to enable real-time tracking of location; at least one predictive model including a plurality of weighted risk variables and risk thresholds in consideration of the clinical and non-clinical data and configured to identify at least one medical condition associated with the patients; a risk logic module configured to apply at least one predictive model to the clinical and non-clinical data to determine at least one risk score associated with each patient; a patient monitoring logic module configured to receive location data of the patients and determine patient real-time location and status; and a user interface module configured to display patient medical condition, risk score, location, and status information to authorized personnel.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for assessing whether a personnel has complied with sanitation protocols. The system may incorporate wearable tags on each personnel which can communicate with a mesh network to confirm presence of the personnel. In an embodiment, a soap dispenser may be part of the mesh network such that, when the dispenser is activated, a personnel's presence is detected and recorded.

Abstract: A network functions virtualization (NFV) network can be configured to operate according to NFV protocols that decouple software functionality from specific hardware elements. A referent system can be provided that identifies a precise physical location of devices associated with the NFV network relative to other equipment or devices associated with the NFV network.

Abstract: The invention provides an RFID circuit for use with new or pre-existing antitheft tags. An RFID pin replaces the current pin on antitheft tags that retailers already own. The RFID circuit is incorporated into or secured to, the pin structure. By replacing the current pin used on antitheft tags with a low cost RFID pin, existing antitheft tags can be inexpensively upgraded to antitheft tags that are also capable of use as inventory management and/or enhanced theft control devices.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a frequency-scalable high-gain dual-polarization radio beam application platform for private, public, government, or military radio applications such as RFID (radio frequency identification), aerial and robotic inventory scanning, radio communications, telemetry, telecommand, aeronautical radionavigation, radiolocation, earth exploration, space research for terrestrial, air-to-ground, space-to-earth, or space-to-space uses.

Abstract: A music-based social networking application for computers and mobile devices displayed on a user interface that provides users with a variety of social networking tools and functions. The user interface displays media content shared by associated users on the user interface. The application allows users to pair their own video/photos to musical works available on any streaming source to share within the app or on external media outlets. The application connects data through the use of a server and media is either streamed from server-held content or an external streaming source. A user's social activity is stored in the server and music listening history in app or on external streaming source is made available to said user for later use. The application utilizes a proprietary algorithm that suggests music and users based on actual in app activity and music/media play history.

Abstract: A method for workplace management is provided. The method includes determining a plurality of goals associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed at a workplace, from a database. The method also includes dynamically obtaining task-related information based on a plurality of monitoring parameters associated with the tasks. The method further includes comparing the task-related information with the plurality of goals for monitoring a status of each of the plurality of tasks. The method includes dynamically rendering the status of each of the plurality of tasks on a user interface. The method also includes managing the plurality of tasks to be performed by a plurality of workers based on the status.

Abstract: A device for near-field communication (NFC) and wireless power reception (WPR) using a magnetic field. The device has an antenna resonant circuit. The antenna resonant circuit includes an antenna for magnetic flux of the magnetic field to flow therethrough, to thereby receive a NFC signal during the NFC and receive wireless power during the WPR, and a multi-Q antenna matching circuit configured to adjust an impedance of the antenna to thereby adjust a quality factor (Q-factor) of the antenna resonant circuit. The multi-Q antenna matching circuit is configured to switch between a high-Q mode for the WPR and a low-Q mode for the NFC, based on whether strength of the magnetic field is larger than a predetermined threshold. The device may also include two separate antenna resonant circuits, of which the Q-factors are respectively no higher than 25 and no lower than 50.

Abstract: An assembly includes a housing having a receptacle defining a chamber and an opening on a top side of the receptacle providing access to the chamber, such that the receptacle receives an electronic module within the chamber. First and second contact members have first and second contact pads, respectively, positioned outside the chamber on an underside of the receptacle opposite the top side and first and second arms, respectively extending from the first and second contact pads through a wall of the receptacle to form first and second electrical contacts exposed within the chamber. The first and second contact pads each have widths that are enlarged relative to the first and second arms, respectively. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact form an interface exposed within the chamber and configured for removable electronic connection to a connector of the module when the module is received in the chamber.

Abstract: Backscatter communication offers the potential for significant energy savings compared to conventional wireless links such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiFi, etc. However, backscatter communication requires the presence of a carrier source in the environment at an appropriate frequency. If such a carrier source is not available in the environment, backscatter communication may not be practical. Examples are presented for a radio frequency communication device having the option to use either backscatter communication, or non-backscatter communication, with the re-use of at least portions of the hardware components between the backscatter and non-backscatter communication modes.

Abstract: Container top assemblies and methods of fabrication thereof are provided. Product management and tracking of data for customizable data points is further provided. A container top assembly can include a cap comprising a central hole and a plurality of openings, a liner, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedded at least partially within the container top assembly.

Abstract: A system for identifying, tagging, and displaying one or more assets within an audio visual (AV) file includes an asset tagging server, an asset tag acquisition device, and a database, wherein the asset tag acquisition device includes an asset identification engine configured to receive an asset identification data set and generate an asset tag data file that includes an asset tag corresponding to each asset. The asset tagging server is configured to receive, from an AV capture device, an AV file that includes an AV representation of each asset and corresponding timestamp data, and store, in the database, an AV asset tag data file comprising the beginning timestamp, the ending time stamp, and the set of asset tags.

Abstract: A retail merchandising system includes a plurality of gondolas positioned in a retail space, a plurality of visible light communication (VLC) sources positioned in the retail space, and at least one VLC sensor disposed at a fixed location relative to each of the plurality of gondolas. The plurality of VLC sources and the at least one VLC sensor are configured to cooperatively identify a location of the gondolas in the retail space. With pre-stored planograms and the locations of the store gondolas, product locations can be readily determined. Additionally, the system can determine customer locations and communicate with customers and/or track customer activity.

Abstract: A device comprises a coupling configured to couple signals to and from a communications path including at least a part of a human or animal body; a data transmitter coupled to the coupling and configured to transmit, from time to time, a data signal of at least a predetermined temporal duration via the communications path; and a data receiver coupled to the coupling and configured to detect the presence of a signal on the communications path at sets of one or more successive detection instances disposed between successive transmissions of the data signal by the data transmitter, the data receiver being configured so that the successive detection instances of a set are temporally separated by no more than the predetermined temporal duration; the device being configured to initiate a processing operation in response to a detection by the data receiver of the presence of a signal on the communications path.

Abstract: A personal cloud contained in a case for a portable computing device such as a tablet personal computer (PC), mobile phones, portable media players, or the like. The personal cloud case may be fitted with memory, a network connection, two-way wireless charging, external memory slots, external connections and other components for portable personal cloud computing. The case may further include an antenna array for millimeter wave communications with a base station, user equipment devices and/or other cases having antenna arrays.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a near field communication (NFC) controller is provided, comprising a load modulation amplitude control unit configured to control a load modulation amplitude of one or more signals transmitted through an NFC antenna, wherein said load modulation amplitude control unit is further configured to change said load modulation amplitude in dependence on a supply voltage. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of operating a near field communication (NFC) controller is conceived. In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding computer program is provided.

Abstract: A system manages handling and disposition of environmentally sensitive items. The disposition management system presents one or more environmentally sensitive questions indicative of the condition of an environmentally sensitive item, the disposition of which is to be managed and tracked. Based on answers to the environmentally sensitive questions, the system determines a disposition procedure for the item and generates a disposition label uniquely identifying the item so that it may be tracked from its entry into the waste stream to its disposition with an outbound disposition provider.

Abstract: An object tracking system including an RFID reader having at least one antenna positioned along an entranceway of an object storage facility. A processor communicates with RFID reader and runs software to perform the steps of: (i) monitoring the phase angle of a target RFID tag; and (iii) returning an indicator of whether the target RFID tag is or is not moving based at least in part on whether the phase angle has changed.

Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to measuring a signal generated by a die-based test circuit incorporated into an IC, and utilizing the measured signal to authenticate the IC. The signal can be based upon a sensor response generated by the test circuit fabricated into the die, wherein the sensor response is based upon a property of the die material. The signal can be compared with a reference value obtained from one or more test circuit(s) respectively located on one or more reference dies, wherein the reference dies are respectively cut from different wafers, and the location at which the reference dies were cut is known. If the measured signal matches the reference value, the die is deemed to be from the same cut location as the dies from which the reference value was obtained. If the measured signal does not match the reference value, the die is not authenticated.