Abstract: Methods and systems of tagging objects and reading tags coupled to objects. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a reading antenna, a tag reader coupled to the reading antenna, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising a tag antenna electromagnetically coupled to the reading antenna. The RFID tag couples to an object such as the body of a living organism or a metallic article. Moreover, the tag antenna has a far-field radiation pattern in a direction away from the object that is substantially unaffected by proximity of the RFID tag to the object, and substantially unaffected by which surface of the RFID tag faces the object.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) system and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the RFID system includes a portable structure including a frame with a base supported by a plurality of wheels, an antenna tower and at least one removable shelf therein. The RFID system also includes an RFID reader located on the at least one removable shelf and at least one antenna mounted on the antenna tower and coupled to the RFID reader. The RFID system still further includes a computer system located on the at least one removable shelf and coupled to the RFID reader, and a power subsystem located on the at least one removable shelf and coupled to the RFID reader and the computer system.

Abstract: A passive wireless tag assembly comprises a plurality of antennas and transmission lines interconnected with circuitry and constructed and arranged in a Van Atta array or configuration to reflect an interrogator signal in the direction from where it came. The circuitry may comprise at least one surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based circuit that functions as a signal reflector and is operatively connected with an information circuit. In another embodiment, at least one delay circuit and/or at least one passive modulation circuit(s) are utilized. In yet another embodiment, antennas connected to SAW-based devices are mounted to at least one of the orthogonal surfaces of a corner reflector.

Abstract: A communication device includes a conductor plane, a first loop antenna disposed on one surface of the conductor plane via a first magnetic sheet, a second loop antenna being in a loop direction opposite to a loop direction of the first loop antenna and having an opening structure approximately identical in shape to the first loop antenna, the second loop antenna being disposed on another surface of the conductor plane via a second magnetic sheet so as to be roughly superposed on the first loop antenna, and a communication circuit processing a communication signal transmitted and received by the first and second loop antennas.

Abstract: An RFID tagged implement assembly includes a metallic implement, and a wireless RFID transponder. The RFID transponder includes a housing; an inductive coupler within the housing, and an RFID chip coupled with the inductive coupler. The inductive coupler is inductively coupled with the metallic implement.

Abstract: A storage container assembly includes a container having a metal side wall, and a passive wireless repeater mounted on the side wall. The repeater includes a first antenna on one side of the side wall, a second antenna on an opposite side of the side wall, and an electrical connection between the first antenna and the second antenna. The electrical connection may be in the form of a first connector mounted to the first antenna and a second connector mounted to the second antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for providing an RFID device for integration into a tire. A printed circuit board (PCB) is provided with notches in opposed ends of the PCB that are provided with guide portions as a part of the notches that function as threads to guide an end portion of a matching single pitch helical antenna into appropriately placed vias on the PCB. Threading of the helical antenna is assisted by use of an assembly jig having antenna guiding channels and PCB retaining positioning elements.

Abstract: An RFID tag having a tag antenna and an LSI chip, comprising: a power-supply pattern on which the LSI chip is mounted; a patch antenna that functions as the tag antenna; and a high-frequency connection section that makes a high-frequency connection between the power-supply pattern and the patch antenna. The high-frequency connection section is formed, for example, by forming a slot in the patch antenna, layering one end of a small dipole antenna that functions as the power-supply pattern over the slot so that it crosses over the slot, and supplying power from the small dipole antenna to the patch antenna.

Abstract: A means and method to connect multiple IC chips to a single apparatus where the IC chips may function as a passive system or network in space. The collection of antennae and coupled near field devices form a pool of energy in which multiple devices may be introduced so as to provide a pool of energy and/or to function as a network or networks of devices including IC chips.

Abstract: Communications patching systems may include one or more patch panels, each of which has plurality of connector ports. A plurality of antennas are provided. Each antenna may be associated with a specific connector port. A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) transceiver and a controller are also provided. A switching circuit is coupled between an output of the RFID transceiver and the plurality of antennas. This switching circuit includes a plurality of switches that are configured to selectively couple one of the plurality of antennas to the output of the RFID transceiver under the control of the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and techniques for determining a location of an RFID tag among a population of tags are disclosed. The system includes an RFID reader with at least one antenna port and a population of RFID tags. The population of tags can be homogenous or heterogeneous. The RFID reader varies its transmit power through one or more antenna ports resulting in a grouping of the RFID tags into clusters. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes multiple antennas to further define RFID tag clusters among the population. Each read tag is then uniquely associated with a defined cluster. Tag agents also can be provided among the population of tags facilitating definition of the clusters.

Abstract: A combination EAS/RFID antenna for use in an EAS/RFID surveillance system. The antenna includes an EAS antenna element and an RFID antenna element. The EAS antenna element includes an EAS loop antenna defining an interior area. The RFID antenna element is positioned within the interior area defined by the EAS loop antenna and includes a ground plane and RFID patch antenna. The ground plane and/or the RFID patch antenna have a segmented conductor pattern etched thereon. The segmented conductor pattern minimizes eddy currents in the ground plane produced by current flow through EAS loop antenna. The RFID antenna element is situated proximate the EAS loop antenna in such a fashion that the overall size of the antenna is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an RFID-based reader configured to allow a UHF band RFID reader unit to recognize an RFID tag in a short distance, and to minimize an erroneous recognition, the reader including a gate frame discretely installed at both sides of an entrance and exit, a parabolic surface type reflective plate perpendicularly installed inside of the gate frame, an array antenna arranged on the reflective plate for receiving a tag information transmitted from an RFID tag, and an RFID reader unit for controlling an operation of the array antenna and converting the tag information received from the array antenna to a tag data.

Abstract: A plurality of readers (antennas ANT1 through ANT3) that are each disposed at each of a plurality of laying positions (betting positions) provided on a game table 2 and are used to read the identification information (RFID) from game media (game chips Pa through Pi) placed at any of the laying positions (betting positions), controller (an antenna controller 4) that performs the process of reading the identification information from the game medium by individually driving and controlling the readers and causing predetermined electromagnetic waves radiated from the readers in the direction passing through the laying position while changing the power level thereof, storage unit (antenna controller) that stores the identification information that has been read as the data of each reader while relating the data to the power level of the electromagnetic wave, and collating unit (antenna controller) that identifies the game medium by using the data of the different readers stored in the storage unit in order to coll

Abstract: An article (100) has a device (122), and a radio frequency identification (RFID) module (102) coupled to the device. The RFID module is programmed to receive (210) provisioning instructions from a wireless source (142), and transfer (212) to the device the provisioning instructions when said device is enabled.

Abstract: A nameplate for power capping a computer including a mounting surface; a module integrated in the mounting surface for providing a machine-readable designation of a power cap for a particular computer; a human readable designation of a power cap for the particular computer integrated in the mounting surface; and a mount for attaching the mounting surface to a chassis of the particular computer such that the human readable designation of a power cap is exposed.

Abstract: A contactless tag reader device comprises upper and lower electrodes which together define a tag location zone between them in which multiple tags can be placed. The lower electrode and the upper electrode are offset from each other such that they substantially do not overlap. This structure is used to sandwich tags vertically between two horizontally (laterally) offset reader electrodes. This enables power coupling and data transfer using capacitive coupling.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for using a PCB component as an antenna to allow for RFID communication in the UHF band. The present invention enables supply chain management of a PCB and products containing the PCB by enabling tracking of a PCB at the assembly level such that at each production stage of the board production it is known exactly where the product is and what is its present state of test. One embodiment uses an existing ground plane of a PCB, splitting the ground plane of all the layers of the PCB, allowing for a dipole structure that provides an adequate received energy level to power the circuit to the “on” state thereby allowing RFID/Electronic Product Code transactions. In alternative embodiments, existing or added traces are used in place of the split ground plane as an antenna for the RFID IC.

Abstract: A host article and electronic tag assembly includes an article portion of rubber-based material composition. The electronic device and antenna attach to or are embedded within the article portion. The antenna is constructed to be flexible and at least partially composed of a flexible conductive material such as conductive rubber. The flexible antenna conductive material is selected to provide material composition properties substantially equivalent to the rubber-based article portion, whereby rendering the antenna mechanically compatible for incorporation into the article portion. A change in compression within the rubber-based article portion changes compression forces exerted from the article portion on the antenna arms which, in turn, results in a detectable change in signal strength from the tag.

Abstract: An “RFID-Based Inference Platform” provides various techniques for using RFID tags in combination with other enterprise sensors to track users and objects, infer their interactions, and provide these inferences for enabling further applications. Specifically, observations are collected from combinations of RFID tag reads and other enterprise sensors including electronic calendars, user presence identifiers, cardkey access logs, computer logins, etc. Given sufficient observations, the RFID-Based Inference Platform automatically differentiates between tags associated with or affixed to people and tags affixed to objects. The RFID-Based Inference Platform then infers additional information including identities of people, ownership of specific objects, the nature of different “zones” in a workspace (e.g., private office versus conference room).

Abstract: A multi-mode RFID tag includes a power generating and signal detection module, a baseband processing module, a transmit section, a configurable coupling circuit, and an antenna section. In near field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to a coil or inductor in the configurable coupling circuit to transmit an outbound transmit signal using electromagnetic or inductive coupling to an RFID reader. In far field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to the antenna section, and the multi-mode RFID tag then utilizes a back-scattering RF technology to transmit the outbound transmit signal to RFID readers.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes an RFID gaming token with a ferrite core. When the RFID gaming tokens are stacked, the ferrite cores steer the flux field from the excitation antenna through the center of the annular antennas in each token. The resulting flux field increases the efficiency of the energy transfer from the excitation antenna to the passive tags. This increased efficiency also improves the data transfer to and from the passive tags. This increased efficiency allows for reading RFID gaming tokens at a higher stack height (or at a better error rate for a given stack height) as compared to existing air core gaming tokens.

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: Methods and systems of attaching a radio transceiver to an antenna. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising an antenna and an integrated circuit configured to operate as a radio transceiver. The antenna comprises a ground plane having a first edge surface, and an active element having a second edge surface. The ground plane and the active element are retained together such that the first and second edge surfaces are substantially coplanar and form an antenna edge. The integrated circuit is configured to operate as a radio transceiver, and the integrated circuit is mechanically coupled to the edge of the antenna and electrically coupled to the active element.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating a rectified output signal in a RFID tag from first and second alternating signals. A dual-terminal rectifier device has first and second input terminals to which the first and second alternating signals are applied, and further has a gate configured to form a conductive channel to electrically couple the first and second input terminals to the output terminal in response to a gate voltage. The dual-terminal rectifier device is configured to rectify a combination of the alternating input signals applied to the input terminals of the semiconductor device to generate a rectified output signal at an output terminal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an RFID device that includes a motion sensing mechanism. The motion sensing mechanism is adapted to sense motion of the RFID device and then selectively allow or restrict the RFID device's ability to transmit messages, which may include sensitive data, when the RFID device is placed in an RF field. Thus, the motion sensing mechanism is utilized to control access to data on the RFID device to only instances when the holder of the RFID device moves the RFID device in a predefined sequence of motion(s).

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: This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tamper detection, memorization, and indication for packaging. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: detecting when the package is opened and closed; and generating an alarm if the package is opened more than once after it is initially closed to indicate that the package has been tampered with.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smartcard, particularly an electronic prepayment card, identification card or similar, with at least one transponder unit, and to a method for producing such a smartcard, wherein the transponder unit has at least one chip and at least one antenna connected to the chip, wherein the antenna is made from a conductor that is arranged on an antenna substrate, wherein the extension of the antenna is limited to a patch of the antenna substrate and the antenna has a plurality of conducting lead with at least two windings separated from each other, which windings are arranged so that their axes are at least partly parallel to an axis of symmetry of the smartcard.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the read zone of an RFID reader. The apparatus includes a supporting sheet, a reader-position mark on the supporting sheet to indicate a recommended location to position an RFID reader, and a zone-boundary mark on the supporting sheet to indicate a read zone of the RFID reader with a predetermined field strength.

Abstract: A separated tracking device includes a first portion including a location determining device operative to receive signals from a positioning system, a wireless communication device operative to communicate the location data from the first portion to a second portion of the tracking device, the second portion including a wireless data transceiver operable to transmit the location data to a remote server. In a particular embodiment, the first portion of the tracking device is attached to a first shoe and the second portion of the tracking device is incorporated in a second shoe. In another embodiment, the second portion of the tracking device is incorporated in a hand-held device. A method for manufacturing a separated tracking device and a method of operating a separated tracking device are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a bidirectional transmission coil capable of miniaturizing a structure and carrying out reliable transmission of a data signal. A transmitting coil L1 generates a magnetic flux of a transmission signal by a high frequency signal applied thereto. A receiving coil L2 is arranged to be positioned concentrically with the transmitting coil L1, for inducing a reception signal by the magnetic flux from outside. A first cancel coil Lac is connected to the transmitting coil L1 in series so as to be led-out from a middle of the transmitting coil L and is led-in to the lead-out part. The first cancel coil Lac is arranged so as to sandwich the receiving coil L2 between the first cancel coil Lac and the transmitting coil L1, wherein the magnetic flux in a direction opposite to the magnetic flux from the transmitting coil L1 is generated in the receiving coil L2.

Abstract: A radio frequency signal acquisition and source location system, including a first signal acquisition and source location module comprising an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna, the antenna provided with a electronic steering circuit. The antenna operative to launch an interrogation signal, the interrogation signal steerable by an electronic steering circuit. A processor operatively coupled to the RF transceiver and the electronic steering circuit, the processor provided with a data storage for storing a signal data record for each of at least one response signal(s) received by the RF transceiver(s). The signal data record including a signal identification, a received signal strength indicator and an RF signal direction along which respective signal(s) are received by the antenna, the RF signal direction derived from the electronic steering circuit. A position logic operative upon the data record(s) deriving a three dimensional signal origin location of each response signal.

Abstract: An RFID cabinet for monitoring items having an RFID tag includes a cabinet having at least one locking front door. An RFID detector is used for monitoring each item placed within the cabinet and is located within the interior of the cabinet. A computer is coupled to the RFID cabinet and controls opening and closing of the front door and is configured to receive an input that identifies the user. In this way, the computer is configured to periodically record data read from the RFID tags by the RFID detector.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled security tag and accompanying security system is described. The tag generally includes a housing having external contacts to interface with elongated contacts on a connecting band. The band forms a complex impedance circuit with a patient's limb that allows detection features such as removal and band compromise. A microprocessor and related circuitry as well as a transmitter and receivers are enclosed in the housing. The tag is adapted to communicate inductively with an activator/deactivator unit as well as a tag programmer that updates and changes tag features in the tag firmware. The overall system further includes a hub to receive the data from a plurality of tags in the system. The tag can also communicate with a phased multiple antenna that sends signals to the tag.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for controlling a range of a radio frequency identification tag signal. The process identifies an operative range for the radio frequency identification tag signal of a radio identification tag. The process then selects a set of conductive paths in the radio frequency identification tag corresponding to the desired operative range. The set of conductive paths controls the range of the radio frequency identification tag signal in the radio identification frequency tag.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes a first antenna on which an IC chip is mounted and a second antenna extending from an end of the first antenna in a direction at right angles to the first antenna. The first antenna has an arbitrarily electrical length and the second antenna has an electrical length of ?/2 or an integral multiple of ?/2. A resin base film having a thickness of approximately 50 ?m is disposed on the back side of the first antenna and the second antenna. With this configuration of a tag antenna, the second antenna resonates with the first antenna to exhibit a radio wave amplifying effect. Therefore, a long communication distance can be achieved even if the electrical length of the first antenna is chosen to be short or the thickness of the base film is chosen to be thin.

Abstract: A security tag contains two parts. The contact (or lack thereof) of the two parts defines the operational state of the security tag. In one state, the security tag responds when a central control station runs a wireless security scan. In the other state, the tag does not respond. Thus the wireless security scan reveals the tag's operational state. If, for example, one part of the tag is affixed to a window, and the other part affixed to a flame of the window, then the two parts can be arranged so that they are in contact when the window is closed but not in contact when the window is open. A wireless scan of the tag thus reveals whether or not the window is open. In one embodiment, one part of the security tag includes an RFID circuit, and the other part includes an antenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device which is formed at low cost and has a great versatility, a manufacturing method thereof, and further a semiconductor device with an improved yield, and a manufacturing method thereof. A structure, which has a base including a plurality of depressions having different shapes or sizes, and a plurality of IC chips which are disposed in the depressions and which fit the depressions, is formed. A semiconductor device which selectively includes a function in accordance with an application, by using the base including the plurality of depressions and the IC chips which fit the depressions, can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal apparatus includes a non-contact communication section configured to perform non-contact communication with an external terminal apparatus. The non-contact communication section includes a main unit having a controller configured to control communication with the external terminal apparatus and a main antenna, and a sub-unit having a sub-antenna having a coil whose number of windings is smaller than the number of windings of a coil of the main antenna and an adjuster configured to adjust a resonance frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods to selectively attach and control antennas via diodes and current sources. In one embodiment, a system includes: an RFID reader having a plurality of reader antennas of different polarizations to transmit radio frequency signals; and at least one RFID tag. The RFID tag includes: a plurality of tag antennas of different polarizations; a plurality of diodes coupled to the plurality of tag antennas respectively; a receiver coupled to the plurality of diodes to receive the radio frequency signals from the tag antennas when the diodes are forward biased; and a set of one or more current controllers coupled to the plurality of diodes. In a receiving mode the controllers selectively forward bias the diodes to receive the signals from the RFID reader. In a transmitting mode the controllers selectively change the state of the tag antennas to transmit data via backscattering the radio frequency signals.

Abstract: A radio frequency IC device includes a radio frequency IC chip arranged to process a transmitted/received signal, a printed circuit board on which the radio frequency IC chip is mounted, an electrode arrange on the circuit board, and a loop electrode that is arranged on the circuit board so that the loop electrode is electrically connected to the radio frequency IC chip and is coupled to the electrode by electromagnetic coupling. The electrode is coupled to the radio frequency IC chip via the loop electrode so as to transmit or receive a high-frequency signal. A power supply circuit board including a resonance circuit and/or a matching circuit may be disposed between the radio frequency IC chip and the loop electrode.

Abstract: Device for reading radio frequency identifiers (RFID) ensuring volumetric confinement at UHF of the detection of RFID tags to a desired volume above a reading surface, which includes one or more metallic transmission lines (6) printed on a dielectric substrate (8), on a metallic reference ground plane (7), an RFID reader or interrogator (3) at one end and a load (10) at the other end whereby a structure (19,21,22,23), that comprises the reading surface, in which the one or more transmission lines (6), the dielectric substrate (8) and the metallic reference ground plane (7) are embedded or attached, and the electric fields (11) are contained in planes perpendicular to the one or more transmission lines (6) with one to five wavelengths that extend over all or part of the length of the reading surface, and wherein the dielectric substrate (8) has a low permittivity, less than 1.5 and the width of the transmission line (6) is comprised between 8 and 15% of the wavelength.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack having a RFID chip, and including an antenna structure elements for wireless coupling with the RFID chip, such that the location of the RFID chip determines the orientation of the test tube rack and the position of the test tube, and coupling of the RFID chips attached to the test tube racks is independent of the direction of insertion of the test tube rack.

Abstract: A wireless communication tag according to the present invention includes a first antenna 8 previously set with predetermined identification information, and for wirelessly communicating various types of data with a reader/writer 6; a controller (IC chip 14) for controlling the data communicated through the first antenna; a second antenna 10 for receiving an electromotive radio wave 4e for causing electric power by a radio wave; and a charging unit (rectifying circuit 16 and a capacitor 18) for causing electric power by the electromotive radio wave received from the second antenna as well as for storing the caused electric power. With use of the electric power stored in the charging unit, the first antenna supplies data relating to the identification information to the reader/writer. The second antenna also can provide the reader/writer with the identification information.

Abstract: Signal transmission and/or reception device, by contactless inductive coupling comprising at least one structure forming one or several antennas, said structure comprising a plurality of conducting links (102, 106) in at least two parallel and distinct planes, a first plurality of said conducting links forming a first conducting circuit (104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) through which a current (I1) will circulate, and a second plurality of said conducting links forms at least one second conducting circuit (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708), distinct from said first circuit, and through which a current (I2) will circulate, the links being arranged such that the coefficient coupling between pairs of said circuits is zero or at least less than 5% or less than 1%.

Abstract: An antenna device includes a feeding member including a coil pattern and an emitting member to emit a transmit signal supplied from the feeding member and to receive a receive signal and supplying it to the feeding member. The emitting member includes an opening portion and a slit portion communicating with the opening portion. When seen in plan view from the direction of the winding axis of the coil pattern, the opening portion of the emitting member and the inner region of the coil pattern overlap each other, and the emitting member and the coil pattern overlap each other at least partially.

Abstract: Methods and systems using polarization modulated electromagnetic waves. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, and a RFID tag (the RFID tag communicatively coupled to the RFID reader),. The RFID tag is configured to transmit data to the RFID reader with data encoded in polarization of electromagnetic waves transmitted from the RFID tag.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transmitting and receiving information from a radio frequency (RF) transponder. A conductive adhesive connects an antenna in a non-metallized region to a metallized region. This feature transforms the entire metallized region of the radio frequency device (i.e., the remainder of the metallized material outside the non-metallized region) into an antenna.