Abstract: A chip antenna includes: a hexahedral-shaped body portion having a permittivity, and including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a hexahedral-shaped radiation portion coupled to the first surface of the body portion; and a hexahedral-shaped ground portion coupled to the second surface of the body portion, wherein a width of each of the radiation portion and the ground portion is in a range of 100 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A flexible asset tracking tag according to various aspects of the present technology include a self-powered tracking device on a flexible substrate. The flexible asset tracking tag may be configured to transmit data in response to sensed conditions. The flexible asset tracking tag may also be configured to conserve battery power in response to programmed intervals or sensed conditions.

Abstract: An object is capable of contactless communication with a reader by active charge modulation. The object includes an antenna, an impedance matching circuit, a memory, and a controller connected to the antenna through the impedance matching circuit. The antenna, the an impedance matching circuit and the controller together form a resonant circuit having a resonant frequency. The controller is configured to cause the object to transmit, in the absence of a signal received from a reader, a signal at the resonant frequency, to determine a characteristic obtained from the signal uniquely transmitted by the object, and to perform an adjustment of a phase shift within the object based on the characteristic and an indication stored in the memory, the indication linking values of phase shifts with values of the characteristic.

Abstract: A near field communication ring that can be read by nearby NFC-enabled devices. The ring comprises an annular shell and a near field communication transponder mounted on the annular shell. The near field communication transponder has a coil antenna that has a plurality of turns that each extend around the entire circumference of the annular shell. The rings has various potential applications including, for example, contactless payment, ticketing on mass transit systems, operation of NFC door locks or other access systems, identity authentication, venue or event entry/ticketing and the sharing of information with NFC-enabled smartphones.

Abstract: A chip-based card is provided with on-card security. The card in a non-activated state is fully resistant to any power received from a card reader, such that a chip in the card is unable to be powered on by the card reader when the card is inserted to the card reader for a transaction. A plurality of pressure contact points are provided on the card. When a correct number of correct pressure points are pinched by a card holder before insertion of the card into the card reader, a custom amount of resistance is removed such that a custom amount of voltage is capable of being received from the card reader for powering up the chip. In an embodiment, the customized voltage drives firmware execution on a processor of the chip to produce customized output for the transaction.

Abstract: A server, which is capable of communicating with a printer or printers, each performing radio frequency identification (RFID) communication with a RFID tag, contains: a record unit configured to record, in a memory device, printer identification information for identifying a printer, tag identification information for identifying a RFID tag, and communication parameters with which the printer performs RFID communication, in an associated manner; a first obtaining unit configured to obtain, from a printer, printer identification information and tag identification information read by the printer; an identifying unit configured to identify communication parameters associated with the printer identification information and the tag identification information obtained by the first obtaining unit; and a first transmission unit configured to transmit the communication parameters identified by the identifying unit, to the printer.

Abstract: An RFID-enabled storage container and systems and methods for assembly and use thereof. The RFID-enabled storage container may include adjustable shelving with built-in antennas, such that the shelving may be customized as may be needed. The system may include a storage container, an inventory management system, and one or more point of use terminals. The storage container may identify and check inventory stored thereon, and provide such information to the inventory management system. The storage container may notify the inventory management system when a product is no longer detected within its inventory, and the inventory management system may monitor the one or more point of use terminals to determine if the undetected product has been used at one of the point of use terminals. The inventory management system may also predict inventory needs as well as maintain age and other data for inventory and provide feedback via an illumination indication.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for integration of disparate systems uses multi-UID RFID encoding whereby all systems have a place to store their unique identifier without having to have knowledge of the other systems' requirements while at the same time allowing each system to communicate with the other systems by utilizing the other systems' unique identifier. Modules comprise an NFC Reader 405; an NFC Reader Manager 410; an NFC Reader Read Thread 415; a Tag module 420; a Tag Message 425; and a Tag Update Process 430.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing operations of incompatible systems. The methods comprise: programming receiver operations of a Power Supply (“PS”) so that PS is interoperable with a first system of the incompatible systems; receiving by PS a wireless universal synchronization signal from a beacon of the first system; determining, by PS, a value for a phase offset setting of an internal signal conditioner circuit based on information contained in the wireless universal synchronization signal; generating a phase shifted Alternating Current (“AC”) signal by applying a phase offset to an input AC power signal in accordance with the determined value for the phase offset setting; buffering the phase shifted AC signal to generate an output AC power signal; and using a zero crossing of the output AC power signal to synchronize transmit and receive operations of a second system of the incompatible systems with the first system's transmit and receive operations.

Abstract: An edge enabled void antenna (EEVA) apparatus is provided. The EEVA apparatus includes a conductive plane and a void is created on a geometric perimeter of the conductive plane to form an EEVA. A radio frequency (RF) port is coupled to the void to receive an RF signal. The RF signal excites the conductive plane to induce an electrical current along the geometric perimeter of the conductive plane. The void can cause the electrical current to increase and decrease on the geometric perimeter of the conductive plane, thus causing an electromagnetic wave corresponding to the RF signal being radiated from the EEVA. By forming the EEVA on the geometric perimeter of the conductive plane, it may be possible to enable a well-functioning antenna apparatus with a small effective footprint, thus allowing multiple EEVAs to be provided in a space confined wireless device with sufficient isolation for improved RF performance.

Abstract: An antenna includes two planar coils that are mechanically disposed face to face and electrically connected in series. The antenna is mounted to a disposable consumer product (for example, a cartridge for use with an electronic cigarette). The antenna is configured to support near field communications with a reader circuit for purposes of authenticating use of the disposable consumer product.

Abstract: An RFID system includes an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system. The product module assembly is configured to releasably engage at least one product container. A first RFID tag assembly configured to be positioned on the at least one product container. The at least one product container is configured to position the first RFID tag assembly within a detection zone of the RFID antenna assembly whenever the product module assembly releasably engages the at least one product container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sales data processing apparatus has a first and a second antennas, and a processor. The first antenna receives, from a wireless tag attached to a commodity, tag information to uniquely identify the relevant commodity. The second antenna receives the tag information from the wireless tag recovered by a recovery device. The processor judges whether the wireless tag attached to the commodity is a wireless tag required to be detached from the commodity, based on the tag information received by the first antenna. The processor judges whether the second antenna has received the tag information of the wireless tag which is judged to be the wireless tag required to be detached from the commodity.

Abstract: The cell phone proximity alarm system is a proximity alarm system. The cell phone proximity alarm system is configured for use with a personal data device. The cell phone proximity alarm system tracks the personal data device by detecting the presence of the personal data device. When the cell phone proximity alarm system fails to detect the personal data device, the cell phone proximity alarm system generates an audible alarm and a tactile alarm. The cell phone proximity alarm system comprises a jewelry item, a PDD tag, and a control circuit. The PDD tag attaches to the personal data device. The jewelry item contains the control circuit. The control circuit generates a radio frequency transmission that detects the presence of the PDD tag. If the control circuit does not detect the PDD tag, the control circuit generates the audible alarm and the tactile alarm.

Abstract: A device for receiving and re-radiating electromagnetic signals. The device is configured to be attached with a construction supply. The device includes an electromagnetically floating group of resonating sections to form a propagation path to guide electromagnetic energy of the electromagnetic signals from one side of the construction supply to another side of the construction supply. The electromagnetically floating group of resonating sections includes at least a first resonating section and a second resonating section positioned in a near field of the adjacent, first resonating section in the direction of the propagation path. The disclosed embodiments also relates to a method for receiving and re-radiating electromagnetic signals by a device attached with a construction supply.

Abstract: A wireless power generating unit, includes, in part, a multitude of transmitting elements transmitting a multitude of RF signals to a wireless device, a backscatter RF receiver configured to receive the backscattered RF signal from the wireless device in response to the transmission of the RF signals, and a processor adapted to change the phases of the multitude of RF signals values in accordance with the strength of the received backscattered signal. The phases are changed to maximize the strength of the backscattered signal which may be modulated by varying a resistive load at the wireless device. The modulated backscattered signal may be encoded to carry information. The modulation frequency may be representative of the identity of the wireless device. The information may define the amount of RF power received by the wireless device.

Abstract: A remote frequency communication device and method of embedding the device into a physical product build from carbon fiber materials whereby the communication device can interact with an interrogation device such as a mobile phone or tablet. The method provides steps to layer the communication device in a way that prevents the conductive carbon fiber material from short-circuiting the electro-magnetic field of the interrogating device by integrating insulating and protective layers around the communication device.

Abstract: Provided is a dynamic label for a product. Data that is generated at different nodes in the supply chain can be linked to a unique identifier associated with the product. At a particular node, the dynamic label may be added to the product, container, or package. The dynamic label may include a Near Field Communication (“NFC”) tag with a value that can be read using a user device. The dynamic label may be connected to the unique identifier. When the product reaches a consumer, the consumer may use a device to read the dynamic label, and pass the value from the dynamic label to a host. The host may identify the connection between the dynamic label and the unique identifier, and may provide the data, that is generated by different nodes in the supply chain and that is associated with the unique identifier, to the user device.

Abstract: An example embodiment provides a method, including: transmitting, from a hub, a request for information stored by at least one receiver, the request for information requesting information related to at least one tag affixed to a moveable object; receiving, at the hub from the at least one receiver, (i) presence information from the at least one tag affixed to a moveable object and (ii) identifying information of the at least one tag identifying the at least one tag and the moveable object corresponding to the at least one tag, wherein the presence information is received by the at least one receiver when the at least one tag is within a defined perimeter of the at least one receiver; receiving, at the hub from at least one receiver, use state information identifying a current use state of the moveable object received from the at least one tag; and storing, within a database associated with the hub, the presence information, identifying information, and use state information for the at least one tag and the mo

Abstract: A fiber for incorporation into a textile has an electronic device, and an electrical conductor connected to the electronic device is provided. The electrical conductor extends along a longitudinal axis of the fiber, and the electronic device and the electrical conductor are encapsulated by a unitary body of at least a first material.

Abstract: An integrated antenna package structure including a circuit board, a chip, an encapsulant and an antenna is provided. The chip is disposed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The encapsulant encapsulates the chip. The encapsulant has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the normal vector of the first surface is different from the normal vector of the second surface. The antenna is disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the encapsulant. A manufacturing method of an integrated antenna package structure is also provided.

Abstract: An RFID integrated circuit, in addition to having conductive pads to electrically couple to an antenna, may also include a conductive bridge configured to electrically connect different portions of the antenna together. In some embodiments, the conductive bridge may be used to form a multi-turn antenna segment.

Abstract: An unclonable chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and corresponding cross-registration methods of determining an identity and/or tag signature of an RFID tag are described. In an example embodiment, an unclonable chipless RFID tag comprises a first tag portion comprising one or more first conductive members unremovably secured to a dielectric item; and a second tag portion comprising packaging conductive pattern. The first tag portion and the second tag portion are in a static or fixed physical relationship with respect to one another.

Abstract: An antenna device includes: a balanced transmission line to which an unbalanced transmission line is connected at one end; and antenna elements respectively provided on both sides of the balanced transmission line, in which at least one of the antenna elements, in a case where a first point and a second point are set, the first point being separated from a position on one end side of the balanced transmission line in a direction substantially orthogonal to the balanced transmission line, the second point being separated from a position on another end side of the balanced transmission line in a direction substantially orthogonal to the balanced transmission line, has a shape including the second point and an oblique line or side connecting the other end side of the balanced transmission line with the first point, the other end side of the balanced transmission line is connected to a vertex portion of the antenna element, a linear element is provided extending from a position of the first point of the antenna e

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method of detecting a spatial orientation of a transducer by a handheld optical scanning device. The method comprises steps of providing a first spatial orientation feature on at least a first outer housing surface of the transducer and arranging a handheld optical scanning device in a sightline of the first spatial orientation feature at a selected spatial orientation relative to the first outer surface of the transducer housing. The method comprises further steps of identifying the first spatial orientation feature, detecting a spatial orientation of the handheld scanning device in a predetermined coordinate reference system and determining a spatial orientation of the transducer in the predetermined coordinate reference system.

Abstract: An article management system includes multiple reader devices that read the RFID tags attached to the articles. Moreover, a central terminal partitions an article management area into multiple middle areas that are in turn partitioned into small areas, and then causes reader devices arranged in two or more small areas to work in a predetermined order for each small area, to read information of the RFID tags. The range of radio wave interference distance assumed for a reader device in a first middle area partially overlaps with a second middle area. Thus, when causing the reader devices arranged in the first middle area to work in order, the central terminal controls a reader device in the second middle area that lies outside the range of radio wave interference distance from a reader device working in the first middle area.

Abstract: A sticker with IC tag comprises: an antenna portion; and an IC chip coupled to the antenna portion and having a function of communicating through the antenna portion. The sticker with IC tag is installed on a covered container. The sticker with IC tag comprises a single-stroke line portion, which is coupled to the IC chip and adhered to an upper surface of a cover portion of the covered container. The IC chip detects disconnection of the single-stroke line portion.

Abstract: Examples described herein include devices and systems utilizing backscatter communication to directly generate transmissions in accordance with wireless communication protocols that can be decoded existing devices. Examples include devices that generate 802.11b transmissions using backscatter communication. Examples of network stacks are described which may facilitate backscatter devices to coexist with other devices (e.g. in the ISM band), without incurring, or reducing a need for, the power consumption or carrier sense and medium access control operations.

Abstract: A package structure includes a sub-package, a conductive structure, and at least one first antenna. The sub-package includes at least one chip. The conductive structure is bonded onto and electrically connected to the sub-package. The at least one first antenna has a vertical polarization and is electrically connected to the at least one chip, wherein the at least one first antenna is partially located in the sub-package, and the at least one first antenna is extended within the sub-package into the conductive structure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interposer circuit is attachable to an article that is also equipped with an anti-counterfeit and anti-theft/tracking electromagnetic marker. The interposer circuit includes a first interface for exchanging electrical signals with the marker at a first, shorter, communication range and a second interface coupled to the first interface for exchanging electromagnetic signals with a reader at a second, longer, communication range. The first and second interfaces exchange signals with the marker and the reader, respectively, over a radiofrequency bandwidth that includes a first frequency band and a second frequency band. A filter circuit block within the interposer circuit between the first interface and the second interface operates to block the transfer of signals between the first interface and the second interface over the first frequency band.

Abstract: A smartphone case that enables millimeter-wave band communication to be robust in terms of connection stability is provided. The smartphone case is to be removably attached to a smartphone and includes one or more millimeter-wave band communication antennas associated with a communication circuit for carrying out millimeter-wave band communication. This configuration offers a high degree of flexibility in the layout of the one or more millimeter-wave band communication antennas, with the performance of a 5G communication system being fully exploited.

Abstract: A method of compensating for curvature effects to resonant frequency on pre-tuned planar-shaped EAS and RFID labels to apply to curve surfaces of Items. The method comprises obtaining width measurements of planar-shaped labels and radius measurements of Objects having curved external surfaces to which to apply the labels, and determines a subtending angle of a labels when applied to a curved external surface of an objects based on a quotient result of dividing the width measurement of a label along a perimeter of a curved external surface of the object and the radius measurement of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing one or more inventories of RFID tagged articles for one or more compounds in which the tagged articles are stored in storage units therein. The system in each compound comprises a plurality of reader units each configured to be located inside or in proximity to a storage unit of the compound, wherein each reader unit comprises: at least one RF antenna for receiving signals data from the RFID tags of articles in the storage unit thereof; and a communication unit configured at least for transmitting the received data through at least one communication link; and a local management module adapted to receive data from the reader units. In certain embodiments, each local management module is configured for communicating with a central remote managing unit configured for managing inventories of a plurality of compounds.

Abstract: An intelligent tracking system generally includes one or more tracking devices, some of which may be passive tracking devices. Each passive tracking device includes one or more transceivers and is energized by an energizing signal. Some of these passive tracking devices may operate in a first communication mode or a second communication mode based on the energizing signal. Some tracking devices may include encryption modules or authentication modules. Some of these devices may incorporate a bulk acoustic wave oscillator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating tags with items. The methods comprise: turning a reel by an amount that allows a portion of an elongate narrow substrate that includes a first tag of a plurality of tags to be paid out (where each of the plurality of tags comprises at least one antenna formed of a trace or wire disposed on the elongate narrow substrate and a communication enabled device coupled to the elongate narrow substrate so as to have an electrical coupling or connection with the at least one antenna); dynamically tuning the first tag to optimize tag performance in view of dielectric and tuning properties of a first item being fabricated; cutting the elongate narrow substrate so as to cause the first tag to be placed on the first item being fabricated; and coupling the first tag to the item being fabricated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing vibration transduction and radio-frequency communication in proximity to an electrically conductive structure. The system may comprise an antenna element, an electrically conductive structure in proximity to the antenna element, and a vibration transducer comprising a material. The material may comprise a ferromagnetic material with piezoelectric properties. The vibration transducer may be positioned between the antenna element and the conductive structure.

Abstract: A shield, when coupled to a tracker device that is worn by an individual, reduces interfering signals originating from the human body that can adversely impact the detection of signals transmitted by the tracker device. The shield can include multiple layers of components. Specifically, the shield includes a base component that is attached to an adhesive element on the first side of the base and covered by a removable backing. Furthermore, the base, through a second side of the base, is attached to a first non-conductive element, which is further coupled to a second non-conductive element. Each of the non-conductive elements attenuates interfering signals that originate from the human body and therefore, enables the detection of signals transmitted by the patient tracking system. For example, in view of the reduced interference signals, a RF signal transmitted by the patient tracking system can be detected at remote distances.

Abstract: A life vest inspection system includes a plurality of NFC readers positioned to communicate with at least one NFC tag associated with a life vest or its packaging. The NFC readers are integrated with an in-flight entertainment system, such that the inspection of all life vests can be conducted simultaneously and without a crew member moving throughout the cabin to individually inspect each life vest or row-by row/section by section.

Abstract: A power receiving circuit, a power transmitting circuit, an apparatus, and a feed system are disclosed. The power receiving circuit receives power in a noncontact manner, and comprises an LC parallel resonant circuit and a reactance element that is electrically connected in series to the LC parallel resonant circuit. The reactive element may be a capacitive or inductive element. In effect, a coil or capacitor in the LC parallel resonant circuit and the reactance element define another LC resonant circuit, namely, an LC series resonant circuit. The power transmitting circuit transmits power in a noncontact manner, and in one example, may also include a similar configuration.

Abstract: A loop antenna is described herein that is suitable for operation in free space or in proximity to a ground plane. The loop antenna comprises a looped conductive element with a gap formed therein and a tab extending toward the gap. A length of the tab of the loop antenna is selected such that a detuning loss of the loop antenna from operation in free space to operation in proximity to a ground plane is low. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the tab is selected such that a reactance of the loop antenna in free space is within a threshold level of a reactance of the loop antenna when the antenna is in proximity to a ground plane.

Abstract: An information terminal apparatus includes a flat plate-shaped conductive housing including a first principal surface, a second principal surface, and a side surface that connects the principal surfaces, and a display provided on the first principal surface. The conductive housing includes a slit extending from the first principal surface to the second principal surface. Near the slit, a power feeding coil coupled to an IC element for an HF-band RFID system is disposed. The power feeding coil is magnetically coupled to the conductive housing via the slit. Thus, the conductive housing is utilized as a radiation element of the HF-band RFID system.

Abstract: Provided is a technique for preventing the occurrence of damage, such as breaking of an antenna, due to bending, in an IC tag in which an IC chip is protected with a reinforcing member. An IC tag according to an aspect of the present invention is an IC tag attachable to an article, and includes an inlay including an IC chip and an antenna electrically connected to the IC chip; at least one reinforcing member that is disposed on at least one face of the inlay so as to protect the IC chip; and at least one sheet-like cover member that is disposed on at least one face side of the inlay and that covers the reinforcing member. The cover member is not adhesively joined in a region around the reinforcing member and is adhesively joined to at least one of the inlay and the reinforcing member in another region.

Abstract: An RFID tag manufacturing method is provided that includes arranging a plurality of RFIC elements in a housing tool at a first arrangement density; and extracting an RFIC element group out of the plurality of RFIC elements arranged in the housing tool. Moreover, the extracted RFIC element group has a second arrangement density that is lower than the first arrangement density and that corresponds to an arrangement density of a plurality of antenna patterns arranged on an antenna substrate. The method includes disposing the RFIC element group onto the plurality of antenna patterns of the antenna substrate while maintaining the second arrangement density.

Abstract: An RFID tag having an initial range may be modified to have a reduced or increased range by printing a modification element over the antenna of the RFID tag. The modification element may function as an extension of the antenna or may function to shield the antenna. To allow for cost-efficient modification of RFID tags, multiple RFID tags may be secured on a substrate and modified together.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to track objects on a moving conveyor system. In some embodiments, an RFID based tracking system comprises a conveyor system to move and transport objects along a conveyance path, wherein each object includes a near field only RFID tag associated therewith and identifying the object. Each near field only RFID tag is not coupled to a far field antenna such that it is not readable in a far field of RFID communication and communicates only in a near field of RFID communication. An RFID tag reader is positioned to attempt to read the near field only RFID tag of each object. And a control circuit processes reads of the near field only RFID tags by the first RFID reader to determine an order of the objects being conveyed.

Abstract: A method includes: transmitting, from a reader device, a first set of wireless signals, in a first frequency band, detectable by RFID transponder devices; transmitting, from the reader device, a second set of wireless signals, at a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, detectable by the RFID transponder devices; detecting, at the reader device, a set of reply wireless signals transmitted by one or more of the RFID transponder devices in response to the first set of wireless signals, the set of reply signals comprising identification data associated with the one or more of the RFID transponder devices, and orientation information representative of relative orientation of the respective one or more of the RFID transponder devices to the reader device; and deriving location information for at least one of the one or more of the RFID transponder devices based on the detected set of reply wireless signals.

Abstract: Tamper detection on an article is performed by reading data from an RFID tag having an antenna with segments designed to break apart. The RFID tag is secured to the article in such a way that, when the article is tampered with, the antenna segments will break apart. Detachment would decrease the reading range of the RFID tag. An RFID reader may be used to read the data from the RFID tag. The predefined reading range (Rp) of the RFID tag, with antenna segments entact, is obtained from the data which was read by the RFID reader. The RFID reader obtains the data while located at an actual reading range (Ra) relative to the RFID tag. By comparing Ra with Rp, it is determined whether the antenna is still entact. If Ra<Rp, the antenna is likely to be broken apart, thereby indicating that the article has been tampered with.

Abstract: Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. Some of these one or more switches are optionally wireless. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include cellular phones, security devices, identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. The switchable RFID devices are optionally disposed in a passport. The passport may include radio frequency shielding.

Abstract: A chip antenna includes: a hexahedral-shaped body portion having a permittivity, and including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a hexahedral-shaped radiation portion coupled to the first surface of the body portion; and a hexahedral-shaped ground portion coupled to the second surface of the body portion, wherein a width of each of the radiation portion and the ground portion is in a range of 100 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag including a stretchable substrate folded along a fold line to form top and bottom stretchable fold portions is described. Each fold portion has major top and bottom surfaces with the major top surface of the bottom fold portion facing the major bottom surface of the top fold portion. An antenna having a spiral form is disposed on the major top surface of the top fold portion. First and second terminals are disposed on the major top surface of the top fold portion and are in electrical communication with respective first and second ends of the antenna. A meandering electrode is disposed on the major bottom surface of the bottom fold portion and has first and second electrode ends making crimp connections with the respective first and second terminals.