Abstract:
A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) hybrid packet radio is provided having full duplex operability. The RFID packet radio includes an antenna and a radio that receives and transmits a packet radio signal and a RFID signal. A processor is provided in communication with the radio to perform signal detection and demodulation with respect to the RFID signal. A transmit path is provided to transport the packet radio signal and the RFID signal from the radio to the antenna. The RFID packet radio includes a first receive path for transporting a received packet radio signal from the antenna to the radio and a second receive path, different from the first receive path, to transport a received RFID signal from the antenna to the processor. The first receive path and the second receive path enable simultaneous transmission and reception of RFID signals.
Abstract:
A product information system including a server having an item database that stores at least one item identifier and corresponding item data for at least one item. Also, the item database is associated with a predetermined vendor. The server also includes a receiver that receives a message including tag data captured from a tag by a portable wireless device. The tag data includes an item identifier. Also, the server includes a processor that operates, in response to the received message, to select item data from the item database that corresponds to the received item identifier. The server also includes a transmitter that transmits the selected item data to the portable wireless device.
Abstract:
A method and computer for responding to an assistance request message. An assistance request message from a requester mobile device associated with a requester is received at a response computer. The assistance request message includes at least one input parameter. A responder is determined, from multiple potential responders, to respond to the assistance request message. The responder is associated with responder data corresponding to the at least one input parameter. An availability inquiry message to a responder device associated with the responder is transmitted. A response to the availability inquiry message is received from the responder device. When the response to the availability inquiry message indicates that the responder is available to respond to the assistance request message, the requester mobile device is notified that the responder is available.
Abstract:
A wireless access point communicates messages in an electronic article surveillance (EAS) network. The EAS network includes at least one EAS sensor hard-wired to at least one wireless device node. The wireless access point includes a wired communication interface, a wireless communication interface and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to the wired communication interface and to the wireless communication interface. The wired communication interface operates to receive a message. The message includes a sub-layer address corresponding to an EAS sensor. The wireless communication interface operates to broadcast the message and to receive an acknowledgement of the broadcast message. The acknowledgment originates from the EAS sensor corresponding to the sub-layer address. The controller operates to transfer the message between the wired communication interface and the wireless communication interface.
Abstract:
A method and computer for responding to an assistance request message. An assistance request message from a requester mobile device associated with a requester is received at a response computer. The assistance request message includes at least one input parameter. A responder is determined, from multiple potential responders, to respond to the assistance request message. The responder is associated with responder data corresponding to the at least one input parameter. An availability inquiry message to a responder device associated with the responder is transmitted. A response to the availability inquiry message is received from the responder device. When the response to the availability inquiry message indicates that the responder is available to respond to the assistance request message, the requester mobile device is notified that the responder is available.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) hybrid packet radio is provided having full duplex operability. The RFID packet radio includes an antenna and a radio that receives and transmits a packet radio signal and a RFID signal. A processor is provided in communication with the radio to perform signal detection and demodulation with respect to the RFID signal. A transmit path is provided to transport the packet radio signal and the RFID signal from the radio to the antenna. The RFID packet radio includes a first receive path for transporting a received packet radio signal from the antenna to the radio and a second receive path, different from the first receive path, to transport a received RFID signal from the antenna to the processor. The first receive path and the second receive path enable simultaneous transmission and reception of RFID signals.
Abstract:
A wireless access point communicates messages in an electronic article surveillance (EAS) network. The EAS network includes at least one EAS sensor hard-wired to at least one wireless device node. The wireless access point includes a wired communication interface, a wireless communication interface and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to the wired communication interface and to the wireless communication interface. The wired communication interface operates to receive a message. The message includes a sub-layer address corresponding to an EAS sensor. The wireless communication interface operates to broadcast the message and to receive an acknowledgement of the broadcast message. The acknowledgment originates from the EAS sensor corresponding to the sub-layer address. The controller operates to transfer the message between the wired communication interface and the wireless communication interface.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification (RFID) method, reader and circuit for generating RFID command signals. The reader and circuit include at least one command register, the at least one command register storing at least one command bit, the at least one command register storing at least one command bit, the at least one command bit corresponding to a portion of a command to be transmitted to at least one remote communication device, at least one table, the at least one table storing wave-shaping transition values for shaping the at least one command bit prior to transmission, and at least one control register, the at least one control register storing at least one configuration value.
Abstract:
A product information system including a server having an item database that stores at least one item identifier and corresponding item data for at least one item. Also, the item database is associated with a predetermined vendor. The server also includes a receiver that receives a message including tag data captured from a tag by a portable wireless device. The tag data includes an item identifier. Also, the server includes a processor that operates, in response to the received message, to select item data from the item database that corresponds to the received item identifier. The server also includes a transmitter that transmits the selected item data to the portable wireless device.
Abstract:
A system and method for monitoring the status of wireless node devices in a network. A network controller polls one or more sensor devices for status information. The sensor devices are in communication with at least one wireless node device. More than one sensor device may be associated with a single wireless node device. The wireless node device appends its own status information to the transmission frame of the sensor device's response message, and the transmission frame, containing the address and status information for both the sensor device and the wireless node device, is transmitted to the network controller. The inclusion of the wireless node device address and status information is done without the knowledge of the sensor device.