Specified Antenna Structure Patents (Class 340/572.7)
  • Patent number: 8690678
    Abstract: A gaming table with an upper surface that includes a gaming chip placement area and a lower surface opposite the upper surface is provided. The gaming table also includes a housing coupled to one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the gaming table, an antenna coupled to the housing, wherein the antenna is configured to form an electromagnetic field that defines a zone of communication in which a gaming chip including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael Ernest Thorson, John Laurence Minck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8688554
    Abstract: An architecture for a contactless smart card or payment device, where the smart card is intended for use in both commerce transaction payment and transit fare payment (or other venue access) environments. The payment device may function as both an electronic wallet for commerce transactions and as a transit system card, for access to and fare payment of transit services. Implementation of both functions may be achieved by use of a dynamic memory management system that permits data for both the payment and transit applications to be stored on the card, with the transit data and storage locations isolated from those used to store data intended for use in paying for commerce transactions. The transit application specific data may include access control data (keys, passwords, identification data) or data required for fare calculations (rates, historical data on system use), for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Visa U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Ayman Hammad, Phil Dixon, Brian Triplett
  • Patent number: 8686856
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for containers of fluid products comprising: a support element (3) connected to a container (2) to be monitored and attached to the inside of a neck (6) of container (2), between the neck (6) itself and a closure member (11) which is irremovably attached to container (2); and a circuit (7) at least partially housed in said support element (3) to receive an enquiry signal (S1) and to generate a corresponding response signal (S2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Paolo Stefanelli
  • Patent number: 8686857
    Abstract: A wireless tag collective reading device of this invention comprises a rack to store the wireless-tag-equipped articles which are mounted on the wireless-tag-equipped article by printing a chip portion and an antenna portion connected to the chip portion, the chip portion emitting tag information in response to electromagnetic waves, and an antenna unit which applies, to the wireless-tag-equipped articles stored in the rack, electromagnetic waves for the emission of the tag information, and receives electromagnetic waves for the tag information emitted from the wireless tag, wherein the device controls the directivity, intensity, and phase of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna unit to apply the electromagnetic waves to the wireless-tag-equipped article at a given position stored in the rack, controls the relative positions of the antenna unit and the rack, and reads the tag information from a signal received by the antenna unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Hideaki Harada
  • Patent number: 8674805
    Abstract: The invention provides an access control system and method for ski areas or similar facilities which uses a combination of RFID enabled tags and video-image derived biometric information to control access through an access gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mountain Pass Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Harold Charych
  • Patent number: 8677383
    Abstract: A radio frequency transponder for use with a disc, such as a CD or DVD has an antenna formed by depositing a conductive solution on a surface of disc outside at adjacent to its outer periphery outside of the disc storage area to yield at least one conductive region. A transponder circuit is coupled to the antenna for supplying an RF signal to the antenna in response to a signal received from the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: William John Zehner
  • Patent number: 8674825
    Abstract: Compositions, systems and methods that allow for the detection of the actual physical delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to a body are provided. Embodiments of the compositions include an identifier and an active agent. The invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including but not limited to, monitoring of therapeutic regimen compliance, tracking the history of pharmaceutical agents, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Proteus Digital Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Zdeblick, Andrew Thompson, Aleksandr Pikelny, Timothy Robertson
  • Patent number: 8670715
    Abstract: Communications methods, methods of forming a reader, wireless communications readers, and wireless communications systems are described in some embodiments. In one embodiment, a communications method includes associating a plurality of remote communications devices with a plurality of objects located within a wireless communications range of a reader having a first configuration, providing one of the remote communications device within a wireless communications range of a reader having a second configuration, wherein the wireless communications range of the reader having the second configuration is less than the wireless communications range of the reader having the first configuration, and during the presence of the one of the remote communications devices within the wireless communications range of the reader having the second configuration, implementing communications between the reader having the second configuration and only the one of the remote communications devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8669874
    Abstract: RFID tags are used for many purpose including tracking. RFID interrogators are used to retrieve information from tags. In many applications, RFID interrogators and RFID tags remain stationary during interrogation. Regions of low energy due to interference from either additional antenna or reflections from RFID tags and objects can impede or prohibit the reading of RFID tags residing in such regions. Stirring of the generated electromagnetic field is a method of moving around the regions of low energy, where tags can not be read, during the interrogation process. Mechanical stirring is accomplished by introducing a conductor into the electromagnetic field and moving it about in the field. Solid state stirring is accomplished by introducing a variable conductor into the field and varying the conductivity of the variable conductor. Mathematical stirring is accomplished by use of a plurality of antenna and controlling the phase difference between the antenna in a configuration known as phased antenna arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Neology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Robert Kruest, Gary Bann
  • Patent number: 8669847
    Abstract: The directions of at least two fibers arranged at a tag are detected to identify the tag and an item intended to be attached thereto. The fibers have an impedance for high frequency electromagnetic waves, which impedance is dependent on a magnetic field at the fiber. Electromagnets generate a modulation magnetic field having an amplitude modulated magnetic component with a first frequency; and a bias magnetic field for counterbalancing any constant magnetic fields parallel to the direction of the fiber. A microwave transmitter directs a frequency modulated microwave signal towards the fiber via a transmitting antenna. The microwave reflected by the microfibers is received by a receiving antenna coaxial with the transmitting antenna and is used to identify tag by determining the orientation of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Carl Tyrén
  • Patent number: 8669910
    Abstract: An antenna arrangement for a chip card includes an antenna conductor structure that is formed from a surface conductor. The antenna conductor structure includes a dipole arrangement arranged on a card substrate and that has a first antenna strand and a second antenna strand. The antenna conductor structure includes a terminal arrangement connecting the antenna conductor structure to a chip and for forming a transponder including the antenna conductor structure and the chip. A surface of the card substrate is divided into a grasping zone for handling the chip card and a transponder zone for arranging the transponder in such a manner that the grasping zone extends beyond a center region of the substrate surface and at least one lateral edge of the grasping zone is formed by a lateral edge of the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Smartrac IP B.V.
    Inventors: Manfred Rietzler, Raymond Freeman
  • Patent number: 8665094
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag-embedded casino chip. The RFID tag-embedded casino chip includes an Integrated Circuit (IC) and an antennae connected to the IC. The RFID tag has a frequency which is equal to or greater than 20 MHz and is equal to or less than 25 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: System Integration Technology Korea Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Won Lee
  • Patent number: 8665093
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a main apparatus portion, a unique identification device for attachment in close proximity to the main apparatus portion and an interrogation system provided as part of the main apparatus portion for wirelessly interrogating the identification device such that the main apparatus portion function is enabled only when in close proximity to the identification device. The identification device is adapted to be made disfunctional by detachment or attempted detachment. In this arrangement, the main apparatus portion is the normal electronic apparatus to be protected from theft. It is provided with an interrogation system so that it can be made to cease functioning if not in close proximity to the identification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Michael M. P. Peeters, Jan L. R. M. Taelman, Frank C. H. Daems, Veroni Ballet
  • Patent number: 8665172
    Abstract: A chip carrier for contacting with a chip and an antenna is disposed on an antenna substrate. The chip carrier features a carrier substrate having a chip contact arrangement located at a distance from longitudinal ends of the carrier substrate for electrical contacting with a chip. The carrier substrate includes two antenna contact surfaces having the chip contact arrangement therebetween for electrical contacting with the antenna. The chip contact arrangement and the antenna contact surfaces are located on an application surface of the chip carrier. At least one insulation surface-is formed on the application surface between the chip contact arrangement and the antenna contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Smartrac IP B.V.
    Inventors: Manfred Rietzler, Raymond Freeman
  • Patent number: 8665072
    Abstract: A shipping container has passive radio antenna element having internal and external antennas. A connector spanning the wall joins the two antennas. An internal communications device is disposed within the container and an external communications device is disposed external to the container. Another shipping container has a repeater element having internal and external antennas. A repeater unit spans the wall joining the two antennas. A communications device is disposed within the container and another communications device is disposed externally. RF signals are re-radiated by the antennas. Methodology includes inputting PF signals from a communication device disposed at a first location, receiving the signals through an antenna comprised by an antenna element, and re-radiating the signal from a second antenna comprised by the element, where the element spans the wall of a shipping container. The re-radiated signal is received by a second communications device disposed at a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8659430
    Abstract: A radio frequency signal acquistion 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 postion logic operative upon the data record(s) derives a three dimensional signal origin location of each response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: RF Controls, LLC
    Inventors: Graham P. Bloy, Matthew E. Pierce, Russell Hofer
  • Patent number: 8659428
    Abstract: An integrated electronic article surveillance (“EAS”)/metal detection system. The system includes a transmitter operable to transmit an EAS interrogation signal, where the EAS interrogation signal establishes an interrogation zone and is used to detect EAS markers and metal objects within the interrogation zone. The EAS interrogation signal is transmitted at a first frequency during an EAS detection cycle and at a second frequency during a metal detection cycle. The system includes a receiver operable to detect a signal received from an EAS marker, and a metal detector module operable to detect a metal object in proximity to the integrated EAS/metal detection system, where the metal detector module includes a filter tuned to substantially filter out the first transmission frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventors: Manuel A. Soto, Erik Lee Dinh, Adam S. Bergman
  • Patent number: 8653947
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) system and a tag counting ending method for anti-collision thereof. The RFID system comprises a reader-writer and tags. The tag counting ending method comprises: in the counting process, when the reader-writer does not receive a response signal from a tag and the value of a register is not greater than a pre-determined counting ending register threshold value, the reader-writer transmits a Finish command to each of the tags and waits for responses; after receiving the Finish command, the tag determines whether the tag itself is counted successfully, if so, makes no response; if not, sets the counter of tag itself as 0 and transmits a response signal to the reader-writer; if the reader-writer receives the response signal, then determines that counting is not finished and continues to count the tag which makes response; if the reader-writer does not receive the response signal, then determines that counting is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Yongzhi Zhang, Li Wang
  • Patent number: 8653975
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses an antenna (12) for use with a radio-frequency identification transponder (10) that performs optimally in free space and near optimally when near a conductive surface. The radio-frequency identification transponder (10) broadly comprises an antenna (12); an integrated circuit (14); a matching circuit (16) interposed between the antenna (12) and integrated circuit (14); and a substrate (18). The antenna (12) is designed with a length so the antenna (12) as a microstrip resonates at a starting frequency and a matching circuit is constructed. The antenna (12) is placed near a conductive surface and the length of the antenna is adjusted until the antenna reactance is approximately the opposite of the integrated circuit reactance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Kansas
    Inventor: Daniel D. Deavours
  • Patent number: 8648767
    Abstract: There is provided a communication device that includes an antenna section including a plurality of loop coils that are combined in a polygonal pyramid shape, and a communication section configured to perform contactless communication with another communication device using the antenna section. The plurality of loop coils may include two adjacent loop coils, and magnetic fields generated by the two loop coils may have mutually opposite phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8648732
    Abstract: A locating and tracking system is provided. The locating and tracking system includes plural pressure sensing modules, each of which includes at least one pressure sensing unit detecting a pressure source and generating a signal; a data processing unit connected with the at least one pressure sensing unit, and processing the signal to generate a module information; a storage unit connected with the data processing unit, and storing the module information and an user information; a communication unit connected with the data processing unit, transmitting the module information, and receiving an outer information; and a power managing unit managing a power needed by the at least one pressure sensing unit, the data processing unit, the storage unit and the communication unit; a bottom board configured on a floor, and bearing the mentioned units; and a top board covering the mentioned units, and transferring the pressure source to the pressure sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Ching-Hu Lu, Li-Chen Fu
  • Patent number: 8643490
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran, Amin Shameli
  • Patent number: 8644197
    Abstract: Architectures and implementations of a transceiver system for wireless communications are presented, the system including one or more antennas supporting a single frequency band or multiple frequency bands, a transmit circuit, a receive circuit, and an isolation circuit that is coupled to the one or more antennas and the transmit and receive circuits and provides adequate isolation between the transmit circuit and the receive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hollinworth Fund, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Cheng-Jung Lee, Woo Yong Lee, Ajay Gummalla, Nhan Duc Nguyen, Vladimir Penev, Maha Achour, Gregory Poilasne
  • Patent number: 8643473
    Abstract: There is provided a signal processing apparatus, including a first antenna to perform non-contact communication with a reader writer, a second antenna installed adjacent to the first antenna to perform the non-contact communication with a non-contact communication apparatus, a metal body that is arranged between the first antenna and the second antenna and blocks a magnetic field between the first antenna and the second antenna, an amplification unit that amplifies a carrier wave by using at least external power supplied from an external power supply, a modulation unit that modulates the carrier wave, and a load modulation unit that changes an impedance of the first antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8635762
    Abstract: A method for attaching antennae to RFID tags is disclosed. Included is the use of RFID tags having asymmetrical interconnect system for one or more antennae, such that virtually any rotational orientation of the RFID tag will result in a successful antennae attachment. Two oversized and “L” shaped gold-bumped holes can be arranged on the same side of the ship in an opposing action, such that at least one axis of symmetry is formed. Accordingly, virtually all rotational orientations of the chip are then acceptable when attaching a pair of opposing pole antenna leads. Alternatively, a pair of poles can be located on opposing chips surfaces, such that antenna substrates can be attached to both the top and bottom of the chip to form a product “sandwich”, whereby the rotational orientation of the chip is irrelevant at an antenna attachment step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil V. Kelkar, Sadanand R. Patil, Cheol Hyun Han
  • Patent number: 8635761
    Abstract: A method for printing an electrical conductor on a substrate has been developed. In the method, a reverse image of the electrical conductor pattern is printed on a substrate with an electrically non-conductive material to form a second pattern that exposes a portion of the surface area of the substrate. The entire surface area of the substrate is then covered with an electrically conductive material. The non-conductive material of the reverse image electrically isolates the electrically conductive material covering the reverse image from the electrically conductive material covering the second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Yiliang Wu
  • Patent number: 8638193
    Abstract: The invention relates to electronic radiofrequency identification in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range for marking an article (4) that is to be identified in a constraining environment. For this purpose, an electronic device (2) comprises: a dielectric substrate (12) having a peripheral edge face (13) and a ground face (15); an electronic chip (16); and a curved and short-circuited antenna (9) (PIFA) that presents a radiating area defined by at least two dipoles (19, 20). The antenna (9) on a transmission surface (14) of the substrate (12) is connected by a short-circuiting element (17) presenting a short-circuiting area presenting an area in projection on the edge face (13) that is of the order of 3% to 5% of the radiating area of the curved antenna (PIFA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Systemes et Technologies Identification
    Inventors: Aurelie Margalef, Sylvain Poitrat, Guy Pluvinage
  • Patent number: 8632009
    Abstract: A near field magnetic coupling antenna may include a plurality of annularly arranged radiators and an annular conductive portion. The annular conductive portion may include a plurality of conductive segments. A first gap may be formed between any two adjacent radiators. Each conductive segment may partially overlap two adjacent radiators and any two adjacent conductive segments may be separated by a second gap. Two adjacent radiators may be associated with a feed point and a ground point, respectively, and the feed point and the ground point may be disposed in the proximity of the first gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Auden Techno Corp.
    Inventor: Chun-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8624740
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing personalized information are provided. Based on an identification of a customer through the use of a card, personalized information is selectively produced and wirelessly provided to a display such as a wireless display. The identification of the customer, as well as additional information, can be provided through the use of the card, wherein functions of the card can be enabled or disabled by the customer through the use of on-card switches, buttons, slides and/or bistable domes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8618914
    Abstract: An apparatus provides environmental monitoring of an item and includes an RFID tag, and a passive switch for sensing an environmental parameter to which the item is subjected, and coupled to the RFID tag so that a measurement of the sensed environmental parameter can be stored, the RFID tag for providing remote readout of the sensed environmental parameter. A method provides environmental monitoring of an item and includes the steps of sensing an environmental parameter to which the item is subjected with activation of a passive switch, storing a measurement of the sensed environmental parameter upon the event of activation of the passive switch, and providing remote readout of the measurement of the sensed environmental parameter with an RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark Bachman, Yang Zhang, Scott McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8618937
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling cavity height of a leaky wave antenna for RFID communications are disclosed. In this regard, an RFID transponder may receive RF signals via a leaky wave antenna and modulate a frequency of a backscattered signal by controlling a height of a resonant cavity of the leaky wave antenna. The height of the resonant cavity may be controlled via a micro-electromechanical system. The RFID transponder may modulate an amplitude of the backscattered signal by controlling an input impedance of the RFID transponder. The input impedance may be controlled by switching a load in and out of a receive path of the RFID transponder. The input impedance of the RFID transponder may be controlled by switching between a plurality of feed points of the leaky wave antenna. Each of the plurality of feed points may be located in a different position in the resonant cavity of the leaky wave antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8610577
    Abstract: A magnetic field focusing assembly includes a magnetic field generating device configured to generate a magnetic field, and a split ring resonator assembly configured to be magnetically coupled to the magnetic field generating device and configured to focus the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: David Blumberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8610578
    Abstract: An electronic substrate including: a base substrate having an active face and a rear face; and a plurality of inductor elements formed on or above the active face, or formed on or above the rear face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8608087
    Abstract: A smart card capable of independently displaying information is wirelessly connectable to an external interface. The smart card includes a main body, an antenna module, an electronic paper, a drive member and a radio frequency identification chip isolated from the drive member. The antenna module includes a first antenna for receiving first electromagnetic wave and a second antenna for receiving/transmitting second electromagnetic wave. The first and second antennas are respectively connected to the drive member and the radio frequency identification chip. The information can be independently displayed on the smart card to ensure confidence of the data. Moreover, the smart card can be more conveniently used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dasheng Lee
  • Patent number: 8610579
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8607261
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing digital media utilizes an electrically conductive element, which is for reading stored digital media, and multiple electrically conductive resonant circuits as an antenna for radio frequency communications. Each of the resonant circuits is electrically isolated from the other resonant circuits and the electrically conductive element is electrically isolated from each of the resonant circuits. As a result, the apparatus for storing digital media has a relatively wide operating frequency range and a relatively long communications range, which allows worldwide usage in various applications. For example, an optically readable compact disk (CD) utilizes a metal layer configured as a reflective surface for reading stored digital media in the CD, an electrically conductive component that is not in contact with a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit (IC), and an electrically conductive component that is in contact with the RFID IC, as an antenna for the RFID IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Anton Salfelner
  • Patent number: 8604902
    Abstract: A communication system includes a first information processing device, a plurality of processing portions, a storage portion, and a second information processing device. The first information processing device includes a processing command transmission portion that transmits to the second information processing device, by non-contact communication, a processing command that includes one of a plurality of identification information items. Each of the processing portions is uniquely associated with one of the identification information items. The storage portion stores a correspondence information item that indicates a correspondence between one of the identification information items and one of the processing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: FeliCa Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsugi Iwahashi, Taro Kurita, Jinichi Morimura
  • Patent number: 8598985
    Abstract: A communications system configured to execute data transmission between a transponder having no radio wave generating source thereof and a reader/writer is provided. The communications system includes, a service permission level notifier configured to tell a service permission level for associated with a received signal level for permitting service acceptance from the reader/writer to the transponder, and an access controller configured to determine in the transponder whether the received signal level from the reader/writer is at the notified service permission level to determine accessibility to the transponder from the reader/writer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kunio Fukuda
  • Patent number: 8598988
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a plurality of RFID tags. A receiver selection signal is sent along a receive path that includes a plurality of serially connected receivers. A receiver relays the receiver selection signal, listens for an RFID response signal, or operates in a standby mode based on the receiver selection signal. A transmitter selection signal is sent along a transmit path that includes a plurality of serially connected transmitters. A transmitter relays the transmitter selection signal, transmits an identification impulses, or operates in a standby mode based on the transmitter selection signal. The identification impulse is transmitted from the selected transmitter and an RFID response signal is received at the selected receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: OSA Acquisition, LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Overhultz, John W. Pyne, Gordon E. Hardman
  • Patent number: 8598983
    Abstract: A transceiver is disclosed. The transceiver includes: a circuit board; a receiving antenna mounted to the circuit board; and a transmitting antenna mounted to the receiving antenna. The receiving antenna includes: a supporter; a coil antenna having a coil wound around the supporter; a first terminal arranged on the supporter and connected with the coil antenna; and a second terminals arranged on the supporter. The transmitting antenna includes: a horizontal part extending in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the circuit board; and a vertical part extending in the thickness direction of the circuit board. The vertical part is connected with the horizontal part and the second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Hattori
  • Patent number: 8596533
    Abstract: An EIR terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, and a radio frequency identifier (RFID) reading device including an antenna having a composite right- and left-handed (CRLH) structure. The antenna can comprise one or more spatially separated conductive cell patches mounted on a dielectric substrate, a feed pad mounted on the dielectric substrate, one or more conductive feed lines connected to the feed pad, and one or more ground planes mounted on the dielectric substrate. One or more conductive feed lines can be spatially separated from one or more conductive cell patches. One or more conductive cell patches can be connected by one or more vias to one or more conductive via lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Huyu Qu, Chen Feng, Ynjiun Paul Wang
  • Patent number: 8593254
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit has a rectifying circuit, a switched capacitor, a switched-capacitor drive circuit, a demodulator, and an internal circuit. The switched capacitor executes series charging and parallel discharging to/from a plurality of capacitors using an output rectified voltage. When the current driving performance at the time of supplying a power source voltage is set to a high state, so that a receiving operation in a card is executed reliably even at a long communication distance. Transmission signal data from a card is supplied to a switched-capacitor current driving performance increase disable circuit, and the current driving performance at the time of supplying the power source voltage in the switched capacitor is changed to be low. The change is detected as a magnetic field change in an antenna by an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Okuda
  • Patent number: 8593283
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention pertain to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) method and system using an antenna array, an array controller, and control algorithms. Embodiments of the invention can induce strong radio-frequency (RF) excitation, for a given level of radiated RF power, at any point within an arbitrary inhomogeneous medium. For RFID applications, one typical inhomogeneous medium is an ensemble of cases on a pallet. Another typical medium is a warehouse environment having stored goods together with shelving and other material present. An embodiment of the invention is applicable to the process of reading battery-less, or “passive” RFID tags, which rely on incident RF electromagnetic fields established by RFID readers to power the electronic circuitry within the tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Mark H. Smith
  • Patent number: 8593297
    Abstract: A walking guidance apparatus using human body communication, including: a first human body communication device acquiring a walking guidance information signal, converting the acquired walking guidance information signal into a signal available for human body communication, and transmitting the converted signal through a user's body; and a second human body communication device receiving the signal transmitted through the user's body from the first human body communication device, converting the received signal into a signal that can be recognized by the user, and outputting the converted signal. Walking guidance information having a high privacy function and high stability and accuracy can be provided to enhance user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jung Bum Kim, Jung Hwan Hwang, Tae Young Kang, Tae Wook Kang, Kyung Soo Kim, Sung Eun Kim, Kyung Hwan Park, Hyung Il Park, In Gi Lim, Byoung Gun Choi, Seok Bong Hyun, Chang Hee Hyoung, Sung Weon Kang, Jin Kyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8587411
    Abstract: RFID reader systems, readers, components, software and methods cause RFID tags to backscatter a combination made from at least portions of a first code and a second code, without transmitting any commands in the interim. The first and/or second codes may include a tag response to a reader challenge. In a number of embodiments, a separate command does not have to be sent for reading the second code along with the first code, thereby saving time in inventorying the tags. Plus, the combination can enable reading tag codes during tag manufacturing that are not otherwise readily available to read in the field. In some embodiments, the combination may further include one or more error-checking codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Diorio
  • Patent number: 8587431
    Abstract: A method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that receives a wireless signal containing a message type conforming to an extension of a standard communication protocol and having an extended services segment, the tag then transmitting the extended services segment through an extended services interface. According to a different aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that stores data which includes respective information regarding each of multiple extended services, and that responds to receipt of a wireless signal which is an extension to a standard protocol by transmitting a further wireless signal which is an extension to the protocol and contains at least part of the data. According to yet another aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that responds to receipt of one wireless signal by transmitting a further wireless signal containing information regarding multiple sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Savi Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Schnell, David B. Koons
  • Patent number: 8587489
    Abstract: This invention relates to dynamically controlled, electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems whereby an array of antenna elements is digitally phased and actively driven for concurrent transmission, and digitally phased and combined in the receiver unit to improve security tag detection. In particular, the individual frequency and phase of the plurality of the transmit/receive signals are rapidly varied to allow for automated manipulation (steering) of the transmit field pattern and receive field sensitivity. It is the object of this invention to achieve the following features via means of digital phasing and dynamic computer control: sufficient far-field cancellation, null-free detection and uncompromised detection performance regardless of tag's orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Oung, Kefeng Zeng
  • Patent number: 8587432
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for detecting proximity of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag. A proximity detection system (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader) detects a presence of an object within a first area. In response to detecting the proximity of the object, an EAS tag reader alters characteristics of an EAS tag detection signal that is produced by the EAS tag reader in order to detect an EAS tag within range of the EAS tag reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Altaf Mulla
  • Patent number: 8588686
    Abstract: A Method and system for remote power distribution and networking for passive devices is provided. In this regard, a sensor comprising a leaky wave antenna may be powered utilizing energy from a radio frequency signal received via the leaky wave antenna. The sensor may be operable to recover a baseband signal from the received radio frequency signal. The sensor may be operable to generate one or more sensor readings in response to the received baseband signal. The sensor may be operable to communicate the sensor reading to a source of the received radio frequency signal via a backscattered signal. The backscattered signal may be generated by controlling spacing between surfaces of the leaky wave antenna. The backscattered signal may be generated by switching a load in and out of a receive path of the sensor and/or by switching between a plurality of feed points of the leaky wave antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: RE44645
    Abstract: A location-based multi-media information delivery system and control for pedestrian use is disclosed, designed especially for use in areas where it is not possible to determine a user's precise location. The system automatically provides a selection list of relevant information based on the user's calculated location. The system then delivers information via the appropriate output method, based on the user's selection. Also disclosed is a system that receives location information from various systems, including global positioning satellite systems and wireless local area network systems. The system may provide video, audio and visual information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Holding 69 LLC
    Inventor: Brian L. Teasley