Abstract: A method to deactivate a security measure includes applying a first covert optically active security marker to a product or document; completing a transaction for the product or document; and applying a second optically active security marker to the product or document which indicates completion of the transaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to acquisition of data from RFID devices (132-136), such as sensor data. Prior art systems of active RFID devices have a problem of high average power consumption, and therefore, the energy source of the RFID devices needs to be replaced or charged frequently. The present invention provides a new solution wherein the RFID device has a power saving mode in which the receiver of the RFID device has a decreased ability to receive/detect RF signals. The RFID device may include a timer which is functional during the power saving mode, and the receiver of the RFID device will turn into active mode at a point of time based on the time value of the timer. Signal strength of an RF channel is indicated with a receiver, and transmission of data is dependent on the indication of the signal strength.

Abstract: A tracking device and system for tracking containers, in particular, containers and their contents, is disclosed. The tracking device utilizes AGPS/GPS/GSM/CDMA/LTE/EVDO/WiFi/RFID/Bluetooth®/TDMA technology to enable an individual to locate and monitor the movement of a Container at any given time and for any desired period of time. The tracking system utilizes virtual geo-fences to identify buildings or specific addresses to assist in determining the specific location of the containers in relation to these buildings or specific addresses. The tracking devices can also be activated by motion sensors to alert the tracking system of a possible theft of the container or sudden movement. The tracking system incorporates software which enables an individual to determine the location of the containers, determine the contents of the containers, and schedule the use of the containers by specific persons and at specific locations.

Abstract: An integrated electronic article surveillance (“EAS”)/metal detection system. The system includes a transmitter operable to transmit an EAS interrogation signal, where the EAS interrogation signal establishes an interrogation zone and is used to detect EAS markers and metal objects within the interrogation zone. The EAS interrogation signal is transmitted at a first frequency during an EAS detection cycle and at a second frequency during a metal detection cycle. The system includes a receiver operable to detect a signal received from an EAS marker, and a metal detector module operable to detect a metal object in proximity to the integrated EAS/metal detection system, where the metal detector module includes a filter tuned to substantially filter out the first transmission frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus provides environmental monitoring of an item and includes an RFID tag, and a passive switch for sensing an environmental parameter to which the item is subjected, and coupled to the RFID tag so that a measurement of the sensed environmental parameter can be stored, the RFID tag for providing remote readout of the sensed environmental parameter. A method provides environmental monitoring of an item and includes the steps of sensing an environmental parameter to which the item is subjected with activation of a passive switch, storing a measurement of the sensed environmental parameter upon the event of activation of the passive switch, and providing remote readout of the measurement of the sensed environmental parameter with an RFID tag.

Abstract: A patient care coordination system that includes a plurality of hand-held computers in communication with a cloud computing network or a remote server that has an accessible database of all patients and the health care information of each. The cloud computing network or remote server synchronizes, in real time, patient health care information input in any one of the plurality of hand-held computers with all the others of the plurality of hand-held computers. The hand-held computers are able to download and view the patient health care information in the database in a user friendly graphic user interface equipped with a touch screen for ease of user data navigation. The cloud computing network or remote server also receives, as input, data from patient care devices that are used to monitor patient condition periodically or continuously and store these in the database for the appropriate patient.

Abstract: A checkout station includes an optional scale for weighing items; a composite cover or weigh platter supported by the scale, wherein the cover has a lower surface with a lower window having a horizontal perimeter, an upper surface including an upper window positioned transversely to the lower surface, a metallic plate surrounding a portion of the horizontal perimeter of the lower window, the metallic plate spaced apart proximal end sections, and a nonmetallic bezel positioned between the lower window and the upper surface and positioned between the spaced apart proximal end sections of the metallic plate; one or more imagers for obtaining views of an item within a viewing volume bounded by the lower and upper surfaces; and a surveillance tag deactivation system for deactivating an electronic surveillance tag in proximity to the viewing volume.

Abstract: Logic is included in a piece of active storage furniture such that the active storage furniture integrates articles stored thereby into a representation of information about those articles. The logic includes (i) sensors to identify individual articles stored by the furniture and respective locations of the articles and (ii) display elements capable of incorporating selected individual ones of the articles as separate and individual components of a collective representation of information about the selected articles. In response to queries about the articles, the articles themselves are integrated into a representation of information about the articles. For example, a wine rack includes RFID and LEDs in each of a number of storage cells or cubbies and illuminates each cubby according to information about the wine stored in the cubby in response to a query for such information (e.g., show me all wine color-coded by region).

Abstract: A communication system includes a first information processing device, a plurality of processing portions, a storage portion, and a second information processing device. The first information processing device includes a processing command transmission portion that transmits to the second information processing device, by non-contact communication, a processing command that includes one of a plurality of identification information items. Each of the processing portions is uniquely associated with one of the identification information items. The storage portion stores a correspondence information item that indicates a correspondence between one of the identification information items and one of the processing portions.

Abstract: An EAS device with a housing. In one embodiment, the EAS housing is a one-piece tray-shaped device with the edges contoured so that the monitored object snaps into the tray or is slid into the tray. Other embodiments may include but are not limited to a two piece housing where one piece of the housing has a protrusion which, when closed together and fitted with the other piece of the housing, engages with a releasable clutch located within the back piece. A clutch within the housing prevents the two pieces of the housing from being disengaged until the clutch is released. The EAS devices carry at least a passive EAS element. More advanced EAS electronic elements may also be carried in the housing.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit has a rectifying circuit, a switched capacitor, a switched-capacitor drive circuit, a demodulator, and an internal circuit. The switched capacitor executes series charging and parallel discharging to/from a plurality of capacitors using an output rectified voltage. When the current driving performance at the time of supplying a power source voltage is set to a high state, so that a receiving operation in a card is executed reliably even at a long communication distance. Transmission signal data from a card is supplied to a switched-capacitor current driving performance increase disable circuit, and the current driving performance at the time of supplying the power source voltage in the switched capacitor is changed to be low. The change is detected as a magnetic field change in an antenna by an apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic lock box system includes a wireless portable transponder that communicates with an electronic lock box using a low power radio link. The portable transponder includes: a wide area network radio to communicate to a central clearinghouse computer, a motion sensor to activate its wide area network radio, and a connector to communicate with a secure memory device. The electronic lock box sends a hail message that is intercepted by the portable transponder; the hail message includes identification information. The portable transponder responds with a message that includes a time sensitive encryption key; the lock box authenticates this response message using its own time sensitive encryption key. If the messages are authenticated, the lock box sends an access event record to the portable transponder, and this access event record is stored in the secure memory device. If a wide area network is available, the portable transponder sends the access event record to the central clearinghouse computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying the eligibility of players attempting to participate in gaming events are disclosed. Communication objects having RFID tags and closed electrical circuits are individually assigned to and worn by players within a gaming player verification system, which can be administered by a casino desk, hotel concierge, or other operating entity. These RFID tags are adapted to communicate with associated player tracking units attached to gaming machines and other devices via radio frequency waves, and each communication object is adapted to alter its communication pattern in response to any break of its closed electrical circuit. In some embodiments, a communications object may emit a signal that conveys a privilege of the player wearing the communications object. Such a privilege may include a privilege to bypass a line at a restaurant or to otherwise receive priority seating.

Abstract: Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user (200) sends a low power discovery message to devices (201) using a portable programming tool (100). The devices (201) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool (100) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (202), allowing the user (200) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (201), the portable programming tool (100), and/or a central or local controller (1100). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RF tag reader and writer including: a communication unit which communicates with an RF tag as a target from which information is obtained and obtains the information held in the RF tag; and a communication stability determination unit which determines that stable communication with a specific RF tag is being established when the same information is obtained over a predetermined plural number of times from the RF tag communicating with the communication unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a point of sale (POS) structure that is includes an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system.

Abstract: A process for monitoring containers including use of a severable security lock with an radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna adapted sever upon dislocation of the lock. The process utilizes an electronic identification number to ensure security lock integrity. The process includes detecting the security lock in transit by the use of mobile and fixed transmission units at regional boundaries. Updates are provided to an event log associated with the security lock.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for tracking the status and use of packaged goods are provided. The systems of the invention coordinate various stakeholders, hardware devices, computer software systems, standards, methods, procedures, practices and their interconnection in ways that lead to greater efficiency, safety, and efficacy, along with potentially lower cost, and less waste in the delivery of packaged goods and their use. In one aspect a Medication Management System (“MMS”) that tracks the status of packaged medications and patient compliance is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a contactless portable object (10, 30, 60) featuring a main radiofrequency device made up of a main chip (18, 38, 68) and a main antenna (16, 36, 66) connected together so that, when the portable object enters the magnetic field of a suitable reader, the main radiofrequency device provides power to the chip and ensures communication between the chip and the reader. According to the main characteristic of the invention, the portable object includes a secondary contactless device featuring a secondary antenna (12, 32, 62) and an electric circuit set up in such a way that, when the two antennas enter the magnetic field of a suitable reader at the same time, the amount of energy required to power the electric circuit and have it operational being less than the amount of energy required to power the main chip (18, 38, 68) and have it operational, the electric circuit is powered and makes the reading of data of the main chip impossible.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for deactivating EAS markers. The device utilizes deactivating magnetic fields created by energizing electrical coils to deactivate electronic article surveillance markers. It consists of housing having an internal structure holding an electrical coil arrangement. The coil arrangement comprises two electrical coils that are arranged essentially coplanar, arranged side-by-side. A third electrical coil is arranged such that each of its windings wraps around both the first and said second electrical coils. Current flowing through the coils generates a composite deactivating magnetic field above the housing. This deactivating magnetic field allows deactivation of a tag swept in any orientation, and does not require the tag to come into physical contact with the deactivating device. Flush mounting conserves space, allowing for ease of merchandise movement over the counter. A distinctive sound indicates the presence and deactivation of the label.

Abstract: An RFID tag and a method of operating the RFID tag are provided. The RFID tag comprises a memory block that stores at least one predetermined authorization code associated with an RFID reader. In this method, according to the predetermined authorization code and an approval request transmitted from the RFID reader, it is determined by the RFID tag whether the RFID reader is authenticated. When the RFID reader is not authenticated, the RFID tag is controlled to not respond to a subsequent request transmitted from the RFID reader. As a result, the risk that data in the RFID tag may be illegally acquired by an unauthorized RFID reader is reduced.

Abstract: A method for entering information regarding monitored items into a database in a security tag system includes reading barcode item information from a barcode associated with a monitored item, determining whether a tag is present with the monitored item to provide tag presence information, and storing the barcode item information and the tag presence information into the database. The barcode item information and the tag presence information are associated with each other in the database to provide item association information. A rule regarding whether a tag should be present when the barcode associated with the monitored item is read is determined in accordance with the item association information and the tag is deactivated in accordance with the rule. An alarm condition is raised in accordance with the rule. The alarm condition is raised if the tag is present and the rule indicates that the tag should not be present.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an RFID data collection system includes an antenna portion for wirelessly exchanging signals and a memory portion for storing RFID data. A signal processing portion is coupled among the antenna portion and the memory portion. The signal processing portion is configured to receive RFID data and to at least encode or decode the received RFID data via space-time block codes (STBC). For example, an RFID tag employs two spatially separated antennas and circuitry for transmitting to an RFID reader data stored in tag memory as STBC encoded data. Other configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable consumer device is disclosed. One or more contact regions in the portable consumer device may be provided on the contactless portable consumer device. The user may be required to place a finger on the one or more contact regions while holding the portable consumer device proximate to the interrogation device to enable it to be interrogated. The user's fingers may be used to electrically bridge an open portion of a circuit so as to enable operation of the portable consumer 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: Provided is a non-contact IC card communication controller of a simple configuration which can easily be manufactured at a reasonable cost. The non-contact IC card communication controller (100) includes: a copper plate frame (101) having a cut-off portion (20); and a copper plate piece (30a) which arbitrarily closes the cut-off portion (20). When the controller (100) is arranged so as to be overlapped with a non-contact IC card, the copper plate frame (101) and a coil antenna built in the non-contact IC card are partially or entirely overlapped. If the cut-off portion (20) is in the open state, it is possible to read information recorded on the non-contact IC card. If the cut-off portion (20) is in the closed state, it is impossible to read the information recorded on the non-contact IC card.

Abstract: An optical article comprising a first file encoded on the optical article comprising data structure information; a second file encoded on the optical article comprising a backup of the first file; wherein at least one of the first file or the second file must be fully readable for the player to read the data on the optical article; and a mark disposed on at least a portion of the optical article where the first file is encoded and at least a portion of the optical article where the second file is encoded; wherein the mark comprises an optical state change material; wherein the optical state change material undergoes a change in its optical state when exposed to an activation signal selected from one or more of a laser, thermal energy, infrared rays, X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet light, ultrasound waves, radio frequency waves, electrical energy, chemical energy, magnetic energy, and mechanical energy; wherein the optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activ

Abstract: Reversibly activating or deactivating a radio frequency identification (RFID) data tag comprising a circuit responsive to an environmental factor. An RFID tag includes an RFID chip for storing an RFID code, an antenna for communicating a radio frequency (RF) signal, and an environmentally sensitive switch.

Abstract: A rotation-activated electronic component, preferably a RFID tag mounted on or incorporated in a support that is rotated when read, e.g. a CD or DVD. The RFID tag comprises an antenna, a rotational switch, a component, advantageously a processor, and a time usage limiter. The antenna is adapted to transform received RFID signals to electric energy that powers the component and the rotational switch is adapted to cut the circuit unless the support does not rotate at or above a certain rotational speed. The time usage limiter counts down a timer when it is powered via the rotational switch and disables the RFID tag when the timer expires. Supports equipped with the RFID tag of the invention will thus respond until the timer expires, and preferably only if they rotate sufficiently.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for utilizing a communication channel of a mobile device by a vehicular assembly. In operation, a vehicular assembly communicates with a mobile device having a wireless communication channel. Additionally, at least one vehicular assembly function is performed utilizing the wireless communication channel of the mobile device.

Abstract: A server rack includes a main body, an electronic scale, and an alarm. The main body is used for receiving a number of servers. The electronic scale includes a pressure sensor and a microcontroller. The main body presses on the pressure sensor so that the pressure sensor can measure the pressure from the main body to obtain a pressure signal. The microcontroller analyzes the pressure signal to calculating the total weight of the main body and the servers. The alarm stores a predetermined weight threshold, which is the total weight of the main body and the maximum servers that the main body can bear. The alarm also compares the measured total weight with the predetermined weight threshold. When the measured total weight is larger than the predetermined weight threshold, the alarm alarms.

Abstract: A method of adjusting operation of an RFID tag for an environment is described. The method includes sensing an aspect of the environment. The method also includes sending an instruction, based on the sensed aspect of the environment, to the RFID tag. The instruction encoded in a TUNE command. The instruction causes the RFID tag to perform a specific act. The specific act includes one of the following: turning a sub-circuit of the RFID tag's semiconductor chip on; turning a sub-circuit of the RFID tag's semiconductor chip off; altering a bias current within a sub-circuit of the RFID tag's semiconductor chip; altering a bias voltage within a sub-circuit of the RFID tag's semiconductor chip; and, adjusting a threshold within a sub-circuit of the RFID tag's semiconductor chip.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described which are useful for determining a location characteristic between an RFID tag and an RFID tag reader or a second RFID tag. In various embodiments, signals backscattered from a singulated tag over a range of frequencies are evaluated for in-phase I and in-quadrature Q signal components. The I-Q data is processed to determine phase delay angles associated with each signal frequency. The phase delay data can be processed by a sum of squared errors method or Fourier transform method to determine a distance to the singulated tag. The methods can also be used to determine any of a location, a radial velocity, a directional velocity of the singulated tag, and proximity of the singulated tag to a second tag.

Abstract: A portable, cordless hand-held device for locating an active electronic article surveillance (EAS) device, managing the activation/deactivation status of the EAS device and logging information relating to alarm events triggered by the EAS device. The device includes an EAS detector for detecting the presence of an EAS tag or label, a state manipulator for manipulating the activation/deactivation state of the detected active EAS label, at least one data capture device for capturing data related to the alarm event, and a memory for storage of the captured data.

Abstract: A rotation-activated electronic component, preferably a RFID tag mounted on or incorporated in a support that is rotated when read, e.g. a CD or DVD. The RFID tag comprises an antenna, a rotational switch and a component, advantageously a processor. The antenna is adapted to transform received RFID signals to electric energy that powers the component. In a preferred embodiment, the rotational switch is adapted to cut the circuit unless the support does not rotate at or above a certain rotational speed. Supports equipped with the RFID tag of the invention will thus respond only if they rotate sufficiently. This can avoid collisions in case more than one such RFID tag is within communication range of an antenna of a reader. In a preferred embodiment, the information returned by the component is needed for full use of the content on the support.

Abstract: A label printer for handling labels with RFID tags includes one or more advantageous features such as locating an RF encoder unit antenna in position to read and/or write to label antennas after the label antennas have exited a label output slot of the printer, providing light elements to indicate status of a read and/or write operation to a label RFID tag or a voiding step to void labels when a read and/or write operation is unsuccessful.

Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying the eligibility of players attempting to participate in gaming events are disclosed. Communication objects having RFID tags and closed electrical circuits are individually assigned to and worn by players within a gaming player verification system, which can be administered by a casino desk, hotel concierge, or other operating entity. These RFID tags are adapted to communicate with associated player tracking units attached to gaming machines and other devices via radio frequency waves, and each communication object is adapted to alter its communication pattern in response to any break of its closed electrical circuit. Bracelets, wristwatches or collars can be used as communication objects, such that the removal of such an object from a player cannot be accomplished without breaking the closed electrical circuit contained therein, thereby disabling or de-authenticating the device. A computer server having a player verification program and database may also be used.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for tracking tampered with RFID tags. In some implementations, an RFID tag includes a tearable substrate including at least a portion of an RFID circuit. The portion of the RFID circuit is substantially destroyable in response to at least an attempt to remove the tag from a surface. In addition, the RFID includes an adhesive layer adjacent at least a portion of the tearable substrate and configured to affix the tag to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making capacitors for use in surveillance/identification tags or devices, and methods of using such surveillance/identification devices. The capacitors manufactured according to the methods of the present invention and used in the surveillance/identification devices described herein comprise printed conductive and dielectric layers. The methods and devices of the present invention improve the manufacturing tolerances associated with conventional metal-plastic-metal capacitor, as well as the deactivation reliability of the capacitor used in a surveillance/identification tag or device.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide apparatus and method for failure management of a RFID middleware management system for providing optimum failure detection and restoring technologies to the RFID middleware management system for supporting more exquisite and faster failure detection and restoration. The apparatus for failure management of a RFID middleware management system includes a plurality of readers each for sensing and reading in a tag data, a plurality of RFID middlewares each for processing the tag data from the readers through processing steps of collection, classification, and transferring a result of the processing to an application in a fixed format, and an MMS (middleware management system) for detecting a failure taken place at the RFID middlewares, and performing at least one of re-starting and work shifting to restore the RFID middleware from the failure detected thus.

Abstract: An IC label for prevention of forgery includes: a label substrate which has an adhesive agent for affixing the same to an object; a non-contact IC medium which is provided on the label substrate and has an IC chip for storing predetermined identification information and an antenna for wireless transmission of the identification information; and a security function portion which is provided on the label substrate and prevents replication.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to wireless detection systems. In one illustrative embodiment, a wireless detection system includes a plurality of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, and an electronic reader for interrogating the plurality of SAW sensors. In some instances, each of the surface acoustic wave based sensors includes an integrated sensor coil. The electronic reader may include a plurality of reader coils and a controller. The controller may be configured to interrogate the plurality of surface acoustic wave based sensors using a time division interrogation. In some cases, each of the plurality of reader coils is inductively coupled to only one of the integrated coils of the SAW sensors at any given time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in either an active mode or a semi-active mode (604). The data tag device includes tag circuitry including a interface element (104), a controller element (102), and a memory (106) in which tag data (116) is stored. A battery is provided which is initially coupled to the tag circuitry. A decoupling feature (402) is used to destructively decouple the battery from the tag circuitry when it is desired to disable the data tag device and reduce the ability of third parties to obtain the tag data. The data tag device is configured to detect the destructive decoupling (606, 608), and disable the data tag in response.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method of operating the device. The device receives a first signal having a first frequency and a predetermined signal strength and retransmits a signal after a latency period and during a time period. The device comprises an oscillation circuit operating in a sub-threshold area in a meta-stable, first mode of operation. When the first signal is received, the oscillation circuit is trigged and passes to an active mode in a second mode of operation, wherein the circuit oscillates. Finally, the device is reset to the first mode of operation. The device may have an identity, which is used for the purpose of the system, which may be an RFID system.

Abstract: An RFID label and optional secondary security label ensures the authenticity of a beverage contained in a beverage container. The RFID label cannot be removed without destroying the RFID label or rendering it inoperable. A secondary security label may be placed over the closure of the beverage container to provide a secondary measure against tampering as well as a visual indicator of authenticity. It is placed on a portion of the bottle, a portion of the beverage container's closure, and the RFID label. An attempt to remove the secondary security label will also render the RFID label unusable.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide an RFID locking apparatus including an RFID tag, a locking member, and a disabling member. The RFID tag is disposed inside a housing and has a chip and an antenna that emits a signal. The locking member extends outwardly from within the housing and is configured to compress a spring into a loaded state. The disabling member is disposed near the spring inside the housing and is configured to destroy the antenna and/or the chip, such that the signal cannot be emitted, upon release of the spring from the loaded state. The RFID locking apparatus is configured to release the spring when the locking member is damaged.

Abstract: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. Several configurations are also disclosed for alternate deactivation coil designs and mounting schemes.

Abstract: A card comprises an antenna configured to generate and receive radio frequency signals, a chip coupled with the antenna, the chip configured to store sensitive information and communicate the information to an authorized reader via the antenna, and a switching mechanism configured to tune and detune the antenna relative to the chip to enable and disable respectively, the chips ability to communicate the sensitive information via the antenna.

Abstract: A holder for a contactless payment card includes a substrate that has a first side and a second side that is opposite to the first side. There is an adhesive material on the first side of the substrate. The holder also includes at least one sheet that is joined to the substrate to form a pouch. The second side of the substrate faces the pouch. The pouch is shaped and sized to securely hold a contactless integrated circuit identification card that has no more than half of a planar extent defined for the standard ID-1 identification card.

Abstract: A RFID cabinet comprises a cabinet structure and one or more drawers or shelves. Chambers are formed within the cabinet to house the one or more drawers or shelves. An RFID scanner is configured to scan items tagged with RFID tags in the chambers via one or more antennas. The antennas can include transmit and receive antennas or antennas configured to perform both transmit and receive functions. The drawers can have a access cover, or lid that can be controlled so as to control access to the drawer. The scanner can be configured to perform inventory control for the tagged items.