Abstract: A system for automation of laboratory analyzers that utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and radio frequency identification (RFID) readers to identify containers and vessels, and the contents thereof, that are employed in the system. Radio frequency identification tags, conforming to the guidelines of ISO 18000 and either of ISO 14443 or ISO 15693, are positioned on the items of interest, such as, for example, reagent containers, sample containers, and microplates. These tags can be read by and written to by a stationary antenna connected to a radio frequency identification reader. Reading of radio frequency identification tags and writing to radio frequency identification tags are controlled by software.

Abstract: A consolidated RF switch includes a cell controller configured to process data packets received from an access port communicatively coupled to a plurality of mobile units via a wireless network, and an RFID network controller configured to process tag information received from an RFID reader communicatively coupled to a plurality of RFID tags. The cell controller and the RFID network controller are configured to transmit the tag information and the data packets to one or more enterprise applications.

Abstract: An improved RFID tag reader is provided. More specifically, an RFID tag reader is provided that includes a plurality of antenna panels arranged to form a sensing volume in which RFID tags are read. Additionally, the RFID tag reader includes a novel switching mechanism that activates the antenna panels in sequence while minimizing cross coupling between the antenna panels. Furthermore, a novel antenna geometry also reduces antenna cross coupling.

Abstract: Multi-Antenna element systems and related methods. At least some of the illustrative embodiments comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising an antenna system. The antenna system comprises a ground plane, a first antenna element on a first side of the ground plane, and a second antenna element on a second side of the ground plane opposite first antenna element. The illustrative RFID tag further comprises a first radio frequency identification circuit coupled to the first antenna element.

Abstract: An IC tag label 1A includes an inlet substrate 11; an antenna pattern 2 and an IC chip 3 which are provided on one surface of the inlet substrate 11; and an adhesive layer 6 which is mounted on the other surface of the inlet substrate 11. A release paper 7 is attached to the adhesive layer 6. An opening 12 which serves as a clearance for the IC chip 3 is provided in a portion of the release paper 7 and adhesive layer 6, the portion corresponding to the IC chip 3.

Abstract: A container includes an electromagnetic coupling module on an inner surface of a container main body and a radiator made of a metal material on an outer surface of the container main body. The electromagnetic coupling module includes a feeder circuit board, on which a radio IC chip is mounted and in which a feeder circuit including a resonant circuit that has a predetermined resonant frequency and includes an inductance element is provided. The electromagnetic coupling module and the radiator preferably transmit and receive high-frequency signals through electromagnetic coupling. The container thus has an electromagnetic coupling module that includes a radio IC chip that is resistant to a shock applied from the outside and an environmental change, realizes an easy arrangement of a radiator and the electromagnetic coupling module, provides a preferable radiation characteristic, and is suitably used in an RFID system.

Abstract: A combination EAS and UHF security tag that adds the ability to add item level UHF functionality to a retail tag and maintain the integrity of the EAS systems installed in the business and whereby the EAS and UHF security elements are substantially formed from a common conductive layer. This combination tag also includes the ability to change a tag from a “far-field read” tag to a “near-field read” tag.

Abstract: Passive tags use two antennas with only limited mutual coupling, one of which receives a power/clock field and the other of which receives a data signal. An area-reading antenna, or two or more antennas, are deployed to generate the power/clock field, from a base station. The base station, or active tags, or both, generate the data signals from time to time. This topology together with the use of low frequencies permits area reads, and permits small and economical passive tags, and further permits localization of a particular passive tag as being nearby to a particular active tag.

Abstract: A magnetic coupler arrangement that includes two quarter wave length strip patches, an input signal source, a signal splitter that splits an input signal from the input signal source into two signals and phase-shifts one of the two signals, wherein the phase-shifted signal and the non-phase-shifted signal are fed into the patches of the coupler to achieve a balanced signal configuration.

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: This disclosure discloses a RFID-tag structure body comprising an affixed portion to be affixed onto an affixed face; a self-supporting portion self-supported with respect to the affixed face; at least one RFID circuit element having an IC circuit part provided at the self-supporting portion and configured to store information, and a tag antenna connected to the IC circuit part; and a stereo-structure preparation portion configured to realize a three-dimensional structure when being affixed onto the affixed face.

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: The invention relates to a device and a method for reading and/or writing data from and/or to a multiplicity of RFID chips arranged in smart labels within a smart label production device, wherein the smart labels each comprising a first antenna are applied next to and behind one another on a common continuous film-like strip, wherein each smart label from a selected set of smart labels arranged next to and/or behind one another is respectively assigned a second antenna for the simultaneous transmission of read and/or write data between the first and second antennas by means of ultrahigh frequency waves, wherein the second antennas are arranged in a planar manner within at least one common antenna carrier.

Abstract: Antennas (50) for RFID tags are made to exhibit circular polarization to give the tag an omnidirectional characteristic. The antennas are crossed dipoles (52,54) with respective feed points (56,58). The signal source (60) is coupled to a splitter (62) having output leads (64) directly coupled to the feed point (56) of dipole (52). The other output leads (66) from splitter (62) are coupled to a delay line (68) with the delayed output coupled to a feed point (58) of dipole (54).

Abstract: Initialization of a semiconductor device can be efficiently performed, which transmits and receives data through wireless communication. The semiconductor device includes an antenna, a power source circuit, a circuit which uses a DC voltage generated by the power source circuit as a power source voltage, and a resistor. The antenna includes a pair of terminals and receives a wireless signal (a modulated carrier wave). The power source circuit includes a first terminal and a second terminal and generates a DC voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal by using a received wireless signal (the modulated carrier wave). The resistor is connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. In this manner, the semiconductor device and the wireless communication system can transmit and receive data accurately.

Abstract: A baggage management gate including an exciting coil, a detecting coil and signal processing unit. The exciting coil forms an alternating magnetic field in a passage to an area from which manages objects to be carried in or carried out. The detecting coil detects a variation in the alternating magnetic field when magnetization of a magnetic material showing a large Barkhausen effect is reversed in the alternating magnetic field. The signal processing unit determines as to whether the magnetization reversal occurs in the alternating magnetic field due to the large Barkhausen effect or not, based on a signal detected by the detecting coil. The signal processing unit includes amplifier that amplifies the signal detected by the detecting coil with plural different amplification factors and output the amplified signals with each of the plural different amplification factors.

Abstract: A system is provided, which may alternatively be implemented as a method. According to one embodiment, the system comprises an article to be tracked; a flexible radio frequency identification (RFID) device coupled to the article, the RFID device comprising a first thin flexible sheet having a first surface, a dipole antenna disposed on the first sheet, and a single integrated circuit (IC) having stored therein an identification code associated with the article. The system further comprises an article tracking system configured to receive the identification code from an interrogation system, wherein the interrogation system includes a first interrogator located at a point of origin of the article, a second interrogator located at a point of destination of the article, and a third interrogator located on a route between the point of origin and the point of destination, and wherein the first, second, and third interrogators are configured to communicate with the RFID device to determine the identification code.

Abstract: An electronic toll collection system, reader, method and transponder for communicating occupancy status. The vehicle-mounted transponder includes a selection device that permits a user to select between a normal and high occupancy state. The transponder reports its occupancy status to a reader. If the electronic toll collection system processes a toll transaction and the transponder claims high occupancy status during the toll transaction, the fact that high occupancy status was claimed during the transaction is recorded in memory within the transponder for later enforcement and verification purposes.

Abstract: For protecting information stored in an RFID chip and ensuring its authenticity, radio communication between the RFID chip and an external terminal is positively interrupted when a seal type RFID tag including the RFID chip is peeled from an adherend, while ensuring solidity integrity when the RFID tag is put on the adherend. In the seal type RFID tag which includes the RFID chip fixed on a mounting surface of a base member having an adhesive layer applied thereto and which is put on the adherend by using the adhesive layer, an antenna formed on a main surface of the RFID chip is embedded in adhesive layers together with the RFID chip and an adhesive bonding strength between the antenna and the adhesive layer is made greater than a joining strength between the antenna and the RFID chip.

Abstract: A method to wirelessly control an entity having an attached transponder is disclosed. A geographical zone is defined. The geographical zone can be defined by allowing a user to define and load to a transponder a plurality of waypoints, each waypoint defined by a geographical coordinate and a radius originating from the geographical coordinate. The geographical zone can also be defined by selecting a plurality of coordinates that are loaded to a transponder and mapped on a pixilated image. The microprocessor in the transponder is programmed to determine the occurrence of an event associated with the status of the entity in relation to the geographical zone. Finally, the microprocessor is configured to execute a configurable operation if the event occurs.

Abstract: A RFID antenna etched on a printed circuit board defined a first edge and a second edge includes a first antenna radiator, a second antenna radiator and a tag chip. The first antenna radiator located at the second edge has a first radiating portion. A first connecting portion bends outwards from an end of the first radiating portion. A second radiating portion extends from an end of the first connecting portion. A third radiating portion bends inwards from an end of the second radiating portion. The second antenna radiator has a fourth radiating portion extended along the first edge. A second connecting portion bends outwards and towards the first radiating portion from an end of the fourth radiating portion. A fifth radiating portion extends along the second edge from an end of the second connecting portion. The tag chip locates between the third radiating portion and the fifth radiating portion.

Abstract: A package for at least two objects includes RFID bridge antennas, having RF antenna elements, for wirelessly communicating data between a tag associated with each object and a reader. An electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna is received by one of the RF antenna element and retransmitted to the tag antenna by the other RF antenna element, increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the RFID bridge antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader. The reader may also be located external to the package. For example, one of the RF antenna elements may be attached to a label on the package, allowing data stored in the tag to be extracted by the external reader.

Abstract: A wireless IC tag includes an IC chip with a response circuit for receiving a signal sent from an interrogator and transmitting a response signal in response to the received signal, a rectangular antenna connected to the response circuit, a first protective material hard in nature for covering the IC chip, and a second protective material, softer than the first protective material, for covering at least a part of the antenna, and the antenna is formed in a laminated structure of a plurality of flat members different in toughness so as not to fracture even when the antenna is bent by external forces.

Abstract: An electronic device with external antenna identification function includes a plurality of external antenna modules, each of which includes an antenna and an identification tag unit for generating a specific identification signal to identify the external antenna module according to a query signal, a connection port, a identification tag authorizing module, coupled to the connection port, for outputting the query signal when one of the plurality of external antenna modules is connected to the connection port and for generating a identification result according to the specific identification signal generated by the external antenna module, and a radio transceiver module, coupled to the connection port and the identification tag authorizing module, for transmitting and receiving corresponding radio signals according to the identification result.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for verifying and tracking identification information. In an embodiment of the invention, a system for delivering security solutions is provided that includes at least one of the following: a radio frequency (RF) identification device, an identification mechanism (e.g., a card, sticker), and an RF reader.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag includes: a plate-shaped sealing piece made of an elastic material. An inlet is enclosed within the sealing piece. The inlet includes an electronic component and an antenna connected to the electronic component. A pair of reinforcing pieces are located respectively on the front and back surfaces of the sealing piece so as to sandwich the electronic component. The reinforcing pieces are made of a first material harder than the elastic material. A joint piece configured to couple the reinforcing pieces to each other. The joint piece is made of a second material harder than the elastic material.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for use in an RFID tag includes an integrated circuit die having a circuit, a radio frequency identification (RFID) interface for providing communication between the circuit and a remote RFID reader via RF signaling between the RFID interface and the remote RFID reader. An antenna section facilitates the RF signaling between the RFID and the remote RFID reader. A substrate is coupled to support the first integrated circuit die and at least a portion of the antenna section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article tracking and control system that records articles when they are entered into or removed from a case. Each article is tagged with an RFID tag and is identified individually by the system. The system comprises: wireless identification means attached to each article; a case for containing the tagged articles; an antenna mounted close to the cover of the case so that the antenna is able to read the tagged articles entering or being removed from the case, while tagged articles inside the case are not detected by said antenna; processing means for tracking each entry and removal of a tagged article into or out of the case; and means for visualizing reports and/or alerts regarding the status of tagged articles inside the case.

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: A test fixture and electronic tag assembly includes an electronic tag comprising an electronic device and a half wave dipole antenna of antenna length L. The antenna is configured as first and second coiled dipole antenna segments connecting with and extending in opposite directions from the electronic device. The assembly further includes a support frame; first and second electrically conductive pads positioned in spaced apart relationship within the support frame; and apparatus for fixedly holding end segments of the first and second coiled dipole antenna segments respectively against the first and second conductive pads in an overlapping relationship.

Abstract: Presented are wireless apparatuses, systems, and methods for locating items. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor module and an indicator module capable of wireless communication.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a pattern of conductive elements on a substrate is provided. The method includes applying a coating layer of electrically conductive transparent compounds onto a substrate; depositing in a vacuum deposition chamber an electrically conductive material onto the coating layer to form an electrically conductive layer; applying an etch-resist material on selective areas of the electrically conductive layer, wherein the selective areas are substantially areas pre-designed to carry the conductive objects; and chemically etching the electrically conductive material from exposed areas of the electrically conductive layer that are not covered by the etch-resist material.

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 for wireless data transmission, for example for RFID systems, between a base station and a transponder is provided. For wireless data transmission between a base station and a transponder, data are wirelessly and bidirectionally transmitted between the base station and the transponder through a first interface of a first interface type using a first data transmission protocol, and data are wirelessly and bidirectionally transmitted between the base station and the transponder through at least one second interface of a second interface type using a second data transmission protocol. The first data transmission protocol and the second data transmission protocol correspond at least in part.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring one or more objects by an electronic device are provided. The method includes defining a distance threshold between the electronic device and an object having a RFID tag, calculating a distance between the electronic device and the object, and generating alerts upon detecting that the distance is greater than the distance threshold.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microelectronic device with contactless operation, mainly for electronic passports. An antenna is made on a thin, flexible substrate. A perforated sheet that is thin and calibrated, and that has at least one cavity in its thickness, is placed on the substrate. A microelectronic chip is placed in each cavity of the perforated sheet and the output contacts of the microelectronic chip are connected to corresponding terminals of the antenna. The microelectronic chip is protected by sealing off the cavity that contains the chip. The method is particularly adapted for manufacturing electronic radiofrequency identification devices, in particular for electronic passports.

Abstract: An RF based state indicator for indicating the state of a control device is provided. The RF-based state indicator indicates the position of a control mechanism by using the position of the control mechanism to enable or disable an RF tag. An RF reader acquires RF transmitted data from enabled RF tags and uses the data to indicate or control an operation aspect of a device.

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: An RFID tag that has a tag antenna and a tag LSI comprising: a power-supply element in which the tag LSI is mounted on a power-supply section; a plurality of patch antennas that function as tag antennas and sizes differs; and a high-frequency coupling section that couples the power-supply element with each of the patch antennas by high-frequency coupling.

Abstract: An antenna array and method of operation are disclosed for providing a very thin antenna arrangement with large coverage area for RFID applications and long distance sensitivity. The antenna arrangement comprises two or more antenna elements, each element comprises a planar spiral of conductive material with a feed terminal at one end of the spiral and preferably at its outer end. Each adjacent couple of antenna elements may be arranged with the direction of rotation of their spiral being in opposite directions. Each antenna element may be fed with RFID signal independently from the other antenna elements and preferably the antenna elements are fed one at a time.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag using multiple microradios and inkjet printing techniques together with a method and system for manufacturing and applying the tag to an end item are disclosed.

Abstract: A security tag and system for securing objects, the system and security tag includes an acousto magnetic (“AM”) electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) component that has a housing with a defined surface area. The housing of the EAS component includes a perimeter boundary that defines an EAS component plane. The system and security tag further include a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) component that includes an integrated circuit and a dipole antenna defining an RFID component plane that is substantially coplanar with the EAS component plane. The integrated circuit and the dipole antenna are positioned externally along the perimeter boundary of the EAS component.

Abstract: Antennas 21 generate electromagnetic waves that cause an RFID tag to generate electricity, the RFID tag being provided in a game chip placed on an upper surface of a betting board 4. A plurality of the antennas 21 are provided in association with each bet portion 3 on the betting board 4. Antennas 31 receive a signal from the RFID tag. Each of the antennas 31 is provided in association with the plurality of antennas 21. A set of the plurality of antennas 21 associated with the respective antennas 31 is driven while successively being changed over among the antennas 21, for each set of the antennas 21 associated with each antenna 31. Further, each antenna 31 is driven at least while any of the plurality of antennas 21 associated with this antenna 31 generates electromagnetic waves.

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: 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: An interactive clothing system includes a control unit having a processor and an antenna, and an item of clothing having a controller and a antenna. The antenna at the item of clothing communicates signals to the antenna at the control unit, the signals containing information about the item of clothing.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that includes a three-dimensional (3D) loop antenna. The 3D loop antenna includes a first conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the first conductive portion substantially lie in a first plane. The 3D loop antenna includes a second conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the second conductive portion substantially lie in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. An RFID circuit electrically connected to the loop antenna excites a current through the first and second conductive portions in a current loop that lies in a third plane that is not substantially parallel to the first and second planes. In some instances the third plane may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes.

Abstract: A dual interface inlay having a bottom sheet; an antenna wire mounted to the top surface of the bottom sheet; end portions of the antenna wire formed with squiggles or meanders forming contact areas of increased surface area for subsequent attachment of a chip or chip module to the antenna wire; conductive material applied to the end portions of the antenna wire; a top sheet disposed over the bottom sheet for lamination thereto; and recesses formed in a bottom surface of the top sheet, at positions corresponding to the contact area. The antenna wire may be insulated wire, and insulation may be removed from the end portions of the antenna wire. Silicon cushions may be disposed in the bottom sheet under the contact areas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control installation (1) of a turbo-machine, comprising: a regulation device (2), a unit (4) located remotely from the device (2) by which it is controlled, a verification system (6) of the unit, comprising: an emitting/receiving antenna (8) connected to the device (2), a passive radiofrequency identification chip (12) mounted on the unit and incorporating information concerning this unit, wherein the chip (12) is designed to emit to the antenna (8) a radiofrequency signal comprising the information, in response to a radiofrequency signal sent by the antenna (8) to verify the unit, The installation is such that the antenna (8) is mounted on the unit (4).

Abstract: A simple trip-wire or magnetic circuit associated with a shipping container provides continuity, which is detected electrically. Simply, if continuity is disabled by a forced entry of the container, electrical detection means, such as a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) tag, will alert the owner or monitoring station. The trip-wire concept would require the replacing of a broken trip wire (resulting from forced entry), while the magnetic circuit concept can be reused repetitively. In a second embodiment a magnetic circuit and the detection device (RFID tag) are embedded into the shipping article during manufacturing. The preferred detection device, an RFID tag, could also be a battery backed transceiver type on which a replaceable or rechargeable battery could be mounted on the inside of the shipping container during manufacturing. The RFID tag would communicate with an interrogator unit, which could be connected to a host computer.