Abstract: Various RFID based blister pack embodiments are provided for improving the ability to detect and prevent tampering and counterfeiting of blister packs and/or facilitating the chain of custody tracking of blister packs during manufacture. Some embodiments employ an RFID chip network on the blister pack and some embodiments employ an RFID strap network on the blister pack, wherein the integrity of the network (or lack thereof) is used to indicate the possibility of tampering. Other embodiments determine the possibility of tampering based on the frequency of an RF signal that is received from a chip provided on the blister pack, which will vary depending on whether the associated antenna has been detuned as a result of some type of tampering.

Abstract: An antenna assembly is provided suitable for use with a remote communications module such as, for example, a keyless entry module, a tire pressure monitoring module, etc. The antenna assembly generally includes a support, a folded metallic antenna element mounted on the support, an amplifier coupled to the folded antenna element, and a transmission line coupled to the amplifier.

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 radio-frequency identification (RFID) and an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag includes an RFID device and an EAS device. The RFID device may operate in a plurality of states including an activated state in which communication with a reader is enabled and a deactivated state in which communication with a reader is disabled. The EAS device may operate in a plurality of states including an activated state in which activation of an alarm is enabled and a deactivated state in which activation of an alarm is disable. The RFID device may be deactivated when the EAS device is deactivated. For example, the same piece of equipment that deactivates the EAS device also deactivates the RFID device at the same time. The RFID device may include an antenna, an RFID chip connected to the antenna for communicating with a reader, and an active element operatively disposed with respect to the antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed are deactivatable RFID labels and tags in individual and web form, and methods of making same. When it is desired to deactivate the label or tag, the tag or label is subjected to tearing. One arrangement involves providing the label or tag with a tear strip by which the RFID transponder in the label or tag is destroyed, and in another arrangement a tag can be torn along a weakening line to destroy the RFID transponder.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and a method and system for communicating with the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a first and second structure respectively holding first data and second data that is complementary to the first data. The RFID tag does not include a microchip. An electromagnetic radio frequency signal is transmitted from an interrogator to the RFID tag. The interrogator receives, from the RFID tag, a response signal including third data being the first data or a combination of the first data and the second data. The interrogator extracts the third data from the response signal. A default value equal to the combination of the first data and the second data is stored in the interrogator. If the interrogator determines that the third data is unequal/equal to the default value, then a screen of the interrogator displays that the RFID tag is enabled/not enabled.

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 radio frequency identification system, including: a radio frequency identification tag having an identification code and a set of verifiable data stored therein; and a radio frequency identification reader which sends a reading request to the radio frequency identification tag, requesting to read a first portion of the set of verifiable data, wherein the radio frequency identification tag further comprising control means, which, when the radio frequency identification tag receives the reading request from the radio frequency identification reader, in case of that the set of verifiable data has not been performed a locking operation, performs the locking operation on the set of verifiable data, so that from then on any data of a second portion of the set of verifiable data cannot be read.

Abstract: An article sales data processing apparatus comprises a wireless tag reading unit configured to read data in a wireless tag attached to an article, a processing unit configured to process sales data for the article sold as one transaction, on the basis of the data in the wireless tag read in the wireless tag reading unit, a judgment unit configured to judge whether to invalidate each of the wireless tags whose data has been read in the wireless tag reading unit, and an invalidation unit configured to invalidate the wireless tag judged to be invalidated by the judgment unit.

Abstract: An RFID or NFC reader is associated via a data link with a tag module such that when the reader transmits an interrogation signal the tag module responds with a random, or constrained random, information signal. The information signal masks a signal transmitted by an RFID or NFC tag which the reader is interrogating, making fraudulently obtaining details contained in the tag transmission more difficult.

Abstract: A transponder that may be used as an RFID tag includes a passive circuit to eliminate the need for an “always on” active RF receiving element to anticipate a wake-up signal for the balance of the transponder electronics. This solution allows the entire active transponder to have all circuit elements in a sleep (standby) state, thus drastically extending battery life or other charge storage device life. Also, a wake-up solution that reduces total energy consumption of an active transponder system by allowing all non-addressed transponders to remain in a sleep (standby) state, thereby reducing total system or collection energy. Also, the transponder and wake-up solution are employed in an asset tracking system.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically sorting, cleaning, testing and counting reusable visible source tags (VSTs) and for detecting and rejecting tags that are not functioning within predetermined parameters. The system includes a first sub-system that stores and feeds the VSTs to a vibratory bowl where they are initialized. A second sub-system transfers the tags from the vibratory bowl and sorts the tags assuring the tags are reusable rather than disposable tags. A third sub-system tests the reusable tags to assure compliance with select parameters such as frequency and amplitude. If the reusable tags comply with the parameters then they are deemed activatable. The system may also automatically sort and count the accepted and rejected tags. The system disclosed herein is capable of testing VSTs at a high speeds, e.g., up to 150 units per minute, with the required quality level and reliability.

Abstract: An Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) tag and method and system for deactivating EAS tags without the need to physically contact the tag with a deactivation device. The EAS tag replaces the conventional diode with a non-linear device such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor (“MOS”) capacitor with a given breakdown voltage threshold. Inducing a predetermined voltage across the MOS capacitor results in destruction of the MOS capacitor rendering the EAS tag undetectable in the EAS interrogation system.

Abstract: RFID tags and chips for RFID tags are capable of replying using changed reply timing. In a number of embodiments, this timing change is achieved when a tag receives a custom timing command from an RFID reader. In some embodiments, the changed reply timing affects an amount of delay before a tag backscatters a reply.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disabling transponders used in electronic toll collection or other RFID systems, wherein the transponders include an antenna and RFID circuitry. The transponders can be selectively disabled by releasably securing a disabling device having a metallic portion at an operative position over the antenna of the RFID system, whereupon the metallic portion is coupled to the antenna in such a manner as to disable the RFID circuitry so long as the disabling device is at the operative position. The RFID circuitry is arranged to be automatically enabled upon removal of the disabling device from the operative position.

Abstract: An RFID tag and an RFID access card configured to reduce detuning effects from a typical RFID environment. The present invention provides an RFID tag that is specifically configured to reduce the detuning effects caused by initiating communication between an RFID tag and an RFID tag reader in the presence of materials such as metal, liquid, and the human body. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an RFID tag comprising an electronic circuit portion attached to a main antenna body portion, the main antenna body portion having two opposite side portions, which are substantially symmetrical with respect to one another, wherein each side portion extends outwardly to form a generally side-oriented v-shape.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) security in an RFID-enabled medium, the RFID-enabled medium including an RFID tag coupled to an antenna, and a touch sensing switch, the touch sensing switch coupled to an electrode and a power source, the touch sensing switch adapting the RFID tag to the power source, the RFID security including: sensing, by the touch sensing switch, human contact with the electrode; and providing, by the touch sensing switch only during human contact with the electrode, operating power from the power source to the RFID tag.

Abstract: A contactless electronic device comprises a semiconductor integrated circuit device, a plurality of antennas (or antenna coils) for receiving high-frequency signals supplied by radio waves or electromagnetic waves having different frequencies. An interface judgment circuit judges which antenna the high-frequency signals are inputted through, and according to a result of the judgment, the operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit device is changed. In this manner, the contactless electronic device becomes possible to respond to a plurality of communication protocols using high-frequency signals having different frequencies, while contactless electronic devices have been impossible to respond to communication protocols using various high-frequency signals.

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.

Abstract: Rogue RFID readers are detected by listening to communication between rogue reader and a tag, capturing a time stamp and/or a channel associated with the communication, and checking the captured time stamp/channel to determine whether it is a result of a command from another legitimate reader. Audible or visible alerts may be issued, flags may be set, or messages transmitted to an administrator upon determining the operation of the rogue RFID reader. Based on the alert(s) affected tags or the rogue reader may be jammed or an effect of the illegal transmission by the rogue reader may be reversed or tags replaced.

Abstract: A method, system and electronic article surveillance tag deactivator detect the presence of an electronic article surveillance tag within a deactivation zone. Video of an item within the deactivation zone is captured. The video is evaluated using a pattern recognition technique to determine the presence of an electronic article surveillance tag within the deactivation zone. The electronic article surveillance tag is deactivated.

Abstract: Remote communication devices, radio frequency identification devices, wireless communication systems, wireless communication methods, radio frequency identification device communication methods, and methods of forming a remote intelligent communication device are provided. According to one aspect, a remote intelligent communication device includes communication circuitry configured to at least one of receive communication signals and generate communication signals; and an antenna coupled with the communication circuitry and substantially tuned to a plurality of frequencies, the antenna being configured to communicate wireless signals corresponding to the communication signals including at least one of receiving wireless signals and outputting wireless signals.

Abstract: A system for detecting electronic article surveillance marker shielding includes electronic article surveillance (“EAS”), metal detection and video analysis subsystems communicatively coupled to a system controller. The EAS subsystem detects EAS markers within a detection zone. The metal detection subsystem detects metallic objects within the detection zone. The video analysis subsystem captures a video image of the metallic object. The system controller determines a probable classification for the metallic object and calculates a confidence weight for the probable classification. If the metallic object is identified as EAS marker shielding according to the probable classification and the corresponding confidence weight, an alert is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for silencing communication devices is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a silencing system having a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RF receiver of a mobile communication device. An audible alerting function of the mobile communication device can be adjusted in response to the RF signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to data contained within a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with an item includes reading the RFID tag; receiving a first value from a personal communication device associated with a purchaser of the item; creating a key using the first value received from the personal communication device and a second value associated with the item; and initially transmitting the key to both the RFID tag and the personal communication device. The RFID tag is configured to automatically program one or more electrically programmable fuse devices therein so as to prevent subsequent reading of data therein by an RFID reading device, upon receipt of a valid key initially transmitted thereto. The RFID tag is further configured to automatically program one or more additional fuse devices therein so as to restore read access to the data therein, upon receipt of a valid key subsequently transmitted thereto.

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: Product availability can be determined using radio frequency identification (RFID) by determining whether a RFID tag is detectable by a RFID reader and setting a product availability condition, where the RFID tag is not attached to the product, and where distance between the RFID tag and the RFID reader changes as quantity of the product changes. A system for determining availability of products using RFID can comprise a product display unit, a RFID reader, a RFID tag associated with the product display unit, and a computing device configured to set product availability conditions. In the system, distance between the RFID tag and the RFID reader changes as quantity of the product changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer structure such as a cover paper for a booklet, in particular a passport. The structure includes a radiofrequency identification device having a chip which is received in the thickness of the multilayer structure without generating extra thickness, the materials constituting the various layers of the multilayer structure are selected, as are the thicknesses of said layers, in such a manner that the cover withstands mechanical and thermal shocks, and in particular is capable of being subjected to graining treatment, and/or to decoration treatment by depositing a film by hot transfer under pressure, and/or to lamination treatment while depositing security films.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in a passive mode where the tag responds to queries (412). While operating passively, an expiration event occurs (512, 514) which causes the tag to disable a battery (110), preventing subsequent operation in the passive mode, resulting in the tag disabling access to the tag data.

Abstract: A wide area object tracking system comprises a primary and two secondary base stations. Each secondary base station is coupled to the primary base station to define a tag detecting cell. Each station receives a signal from a tag attached to a tracked object, yielding three signals indicative of the tag location within the cell. Many overlapping cells in a given space allow tracking objects within that space. The system comprises a central server coupled to the primary base station, and may include at least one tag recording unit and a tag recovery apparatus both coupled to the central server. The primary base station uses three channels to communicate with the tag, the central server, and with at least one other primary base station, the secondary base stations, and a portable control unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in an active mode where the tag occasionally transmits an unsolicited beacon (412). While operating, an expiration event occurs (512, 514) which causes the tag to disable a battery (110), preventing subsequent operation in an active mode, but may continue operating in a passive mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a tag identification system, a tag reading apparatus, and a method for determining sequence of tags. According to an aspect of the invention, a tag identification system comprises a tag reading apparatus and a plurality of tags, wherein: the tag reading apparatus has at least two antennas, wherein the apparatus transmits an interrogation signal within the coverage of each of the antennas; the plurality of tags sequentially pass by the coverage of each of the at least two antennas, each of the plurality of tags returning a reply to the at least two antennas in response to a received interrogation signal; and the tag reading apparatus includes a sequence determination unit which determines the sequence in which the plurality of tags pass by based on replies returned from the plurality of tags and received by the at least two antennas.

Abstract: A system and method for recognition of incoming call to a voicemail system is disclosed. A radio frequency identification (RFID) authenticates a user of a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device enables a one-button dialing of a voicemail system based on the RFID signal. The voicemail system recognizes the incoming call as the owner of the voicemail system and presents a plurality of options for accessing the voicemail system without playing the outgoing message.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates utilizing an RFID printer within a radio frequency identification (RFID) network. A radio frequency identification (RFID) network can include at least one RFID printer. A standardized print component can abstract a model-specific implementation of the RFID printer to enable uniform and standard exposure of a printing feature of the RFID printer independent of the RFID printer model.

Abstract: An authenticity tag includes a carrier for attachment to an object, a plurality of electrically conductive areas and a controller attached to the carrier. The controller includes a detector for detecting an electrically detectable quantity at the electrically conductive area, a memory for storing a comparative quantity and a communicator for communicating at least one of the comparative quantity, the electrically detectable quantity detected and a result of a comparison of the electrically detectable quantity detected and the comparative quantity to the outside.

Abstract: Disclosed are deactivatable RFID labels and tags in individual and web form, and methods of making same. When it is desired to deactivate the label or tag, the tag or label is subjected to tearing. One arrangement involves providing the label or tag with a tear strip by which the RFID transponder in the label or tag is destroyed, and in another arrangement a tag can be torn along a weakening line to destroy the RFID transponder.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, combinations, devices and methods of enhanced Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) protection are provided. An embodiment of a combination of a separate RFID device and a separate RFID blocking device each adapted to be positioned separately into a container includes a separate RFID device adapted to be positioned in the container a separate RFID blocking device adapted to be positioned adjacent the separate RFID device and in the container so that when an unauthorized RFID interrogation device attempts to read the separate RFID device from within the container the separate RFID blocking device positioned adjacent the separate RFID device blocks the attempted read and so that when an authorized user desires to use the separate RFID device for an authorized read the authorized user selectively removes either the separate RFID device or the separate RFID blocking device and presents the separate RFID device for the authorized read.

Abstract: An improved solution for radio frequency identification (RFID) systems is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, the RFID tag includes: a power source; a data storage repository; a radio frequency (RF) transmitting element configured to transmit data from the data storage repository, and electrically attached to the power source; and a thermal to electrical energy converter electrically attached to the power source.

Abstract: A data carrier (2) comprises a data circuit (4) arranged on a substrate (3) and data transmission unit (10) being connected to the data circuit (4). The data carrier (2) further comprises at least one strain gauge unit (7) being adapted to measure strains exerted on the substrate (3) and to transmit a deactivating signal (DE) to the data circuit (4) if the measured strains exceed a defined deactivating strain threshold. If the data circuit (4) receives the deactivating signal (DE), the data circuit (4) interrupts a data exchange with an external data reader/writer (1) via the data transmission unit (10).

Abstract: There is provided according to some embodiments of the invention a wireless identification device (‘WIDD’) with tamper protection. According to some embodiments of the invention, the WIDD may include a tamper protection sensor and a processing module. The tamper protection sensor may be configured for sensing a physical property related to at least one essential functional component of the WIDD, the physical property is affected by an attempt to physically remove the at least one essential functional component of the WIDD from a surface to which it is attached during initialization. The processing module is adapted to receive or obtain, at a substantially high frequency, data corresponding to readings from the tamper protection sensor. The processing module is responsive to a relatively sharp and abrupt non-transient change in the level of the physical property for initiating a disablement action or procedure.

Abstract: A contact-free data communication system includes a data communications device located in a predetermined place and a contact-free identification tag. The data communications device includes a first data controller and a data global positioning system that acquires positional information of the data communications device and a transmitter that transmits an electromagnetic wave for providing power and transmits the positional information of the data communications device to the contact-free identification tag in a surrounding area of the data communications device.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for supporting multiple reader-tag configurations and reader-tag distances using a single multi-mode tag. A multi-mode radio frequency (RF) transponder is provided, which includes operational tag circuitry configured to provide information in response to being activated by a reader device(s). Multiple antenna circuits are coupled to the operational tag circuitry, where each of the antenna circuits is configured to operate at a different reader-tag distance. At least one disabling circuit is coupled to the operational tag circuitry and to at least one of the antenna circuits, where the disabling circuit is configured to disable operation of at least one of the antenna circuits to which it is coupled.

Abstract: A quasi-passive wake-up function for an electronic device that employs a continuous low power standby mode compares a received signal to a predetermined signal and wakes up the device when the received signal is the same as the predetermined signal. An electronic device having a quasi-passive wakeup function includes a receiver for receiving at least one stimulus signal, a comparator for comparing the received signal to a predetermined signal, and at least one logic gate for waking up the electronic device when the received stimulus signal is the predetermined signal. In one application, identification tags are used to distinguish a unique tagged item from among a plurality of items with a similar appearance. When an interrogation signal is not present, the tags sleep at a very low power level.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus which allows even a visually-handicapped user to perceive the function or state related to an operating element in advance. When an operator makes a RF tag mounted in a predetermined portion of the human body operating an operating element approach the operating element and then a RFID reader reads an ID stored in the RF tag, the function of the operating element or the state corresponding to the operating element is notified to the operator through voice in accordance with the read ID.

Abstract: A universal tracking assembly that is capable of supporting more than one protocol used in electronic article surveillance (EAS) labels. The universal tracking assembly includes an acousto-magnetic (AM) EAS label with a Radio Frequency (RF) EAS label. The intrinsic characteristics and properties of the components of the individual labels are utilized to enhance the overall performance and utility of the combined EAS universal tracking assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle identification tag and methods of verifying the validity of a vehicle identification tag. One embodiment provides a vehicle identification tag including a first portion having a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag and a second portion, where information on the first portion and information on the second portion assist a user in verifying that the vehicle identification tag is a valid vehicle identification tag.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in an active mode (304). 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 (110) is provided which is initially coupled to the tag circuitry by a connector means (130) which allows non-destructive removal and replacement of the battery. The data tag device is configured to detect the removal of the battery (306, 308), and disable the data tag in response (310).

Abstract: The invention refers to a magnetic tag that can be activated/deactivated, formed by at least two components based on magnetic microwire, characterized in that: the first component comprises a first array of soft magnetic microwire segments (1) with a bistable magnetic behaviour, said segments arranged in a substantially aligned manner in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the microwire, and the second component comprises a second array of hard magnetic microwire segments (2), said hard magnetic microwire segments preferably being of substantially the same length, and are arranged equidistantly from each other and substantially aligned in a direction parallel to that of the first component. The invention also refers to a method for obtaining a tag that can be activated/deactivated based on magnetic microwire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer structure such as a cover paper for a booklet, in particular a passport. The structure includes a radiofrequency identification device (31, 32) having a chip (31) which is received in the thickness of the multilayer structure without generating extra thickness, the materials constituting the various layers of the multilayer structure are selected, as are the thicknesses of said layers, in such a manner that the cover (20) withstands mechanical and thermal shocks, and in particular is capable of being subjected to graining treatment, and/or to decoration treatment by depositing a film by hot transfer under pressure, and/or to lamination treatment while depositing security films.

Abstract: Data falsification or the like is prevented and security is enhanced in an IC tag. The IC tag consists of three portions: separable portions A1 and A2, and a non-separable portion B (tag main body). The portions A1, A2, and B include IC1, IC2, and IC3, and antenna 1, antenna 2, and antenna 3, respectively, the antennas being an interface between the tag and the outside (a reader/writer device for the exchange of data with the tag). IC1 (10) and IC2 (20) are connected by a signal line L1 for signal transmission between IC1 (10) and IC2 (20). IC2 (20) and IC3 (30) are connected by a signal line L2 for signal transmission between IC2 (20) and IC3 (30). Upon separation of A1 from the tag main body, the signal line L1 is also severed. Similarly, upon separation of A2 from the tag main body, the signal line L2 is severed.