Abstract:
A radio frequency identification (RFID) system (100) includes an RFID chip (202) and a photo-active material (212) disposed in proximity to the RFID chip. The photo-active material (212) provides energy - in the form of optical frequency radiation - to the RFID chip that affects (e.g., enhances or inhibits) the performance of the RFID chip (202) and its sensitivity to a reader signal. An infrared (IR) light (111) illuminating a polished backside (211) of an RFID chip enhances or inhibits a read rate of the RFID chip according to an intensity of the IR light. A method for controlling operation of RFID devices includes illuminating a number (402) of RFID devices (102) by a radio frequency (RF) reader field, the reader field being below an operational threshold of the RFID devices, and optically illuminating a selected one of the RFID devices so that the selected RFID device becomes operational and communicates to the RFID reader (106).
Abstract:
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided that comprises an RFID inlay having a read range. The RFID tag also comprises a facestock or substrate affixed to the RFID inlay. The RFID tag further comprises a radio frequency (RF) altering material affixed to the facestock or substrate that is configured to permanently reduce the read range of the RFID inlay.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification (RFID) device (10) is capable of operating in multiple passive modes, in either a fully passive mode or a boosted passive mode. The device includes an RFID chip (12) that is suitable for operation of passive RFID devices. An antenna (14) is coupled to the chip for receiving radio frequency signals, such as those sent by a reader/detector device. In addition, the RFID device has an energy booster (40) which may be used to boost the energy of signals received by the device, in order to enable operation at a reduced level of RF signal. The energy boost may be selectively applied in order to transform the passive RFID device into operating in a boosted passive mode. The energy booster may include a one-port transistor (42) and an energy source (44) that is used to power the transistor. The energy source may be a rechargeable energy source.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification (RFID) device detection system includes an RFID device reader configured to detect RFID devices within a predetermined designated area, and two or more jamming signal transmitters configured to prevent the RFID device reader from detecting and reading devices outside of the designated area. The jamming signal transmitters may include a pair of low-frequency field generator loops driven out of phase with one another. RFID devices for use with the detection system may have a pair of antennas, one for detection by the RFID reading system, and another antenna for use in receiving signals from the jamming signal transmitters, in order to prevent communication with a wireless communication device such as an RFID chip, to which the antennas are coupled. The two antennas may be coupled to the RFID chip in parallel, with the antennas each coupled to the same contacts of the RFID chip.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification (RFID) device (10) includes a conductive antenna structure (12) having an elongated slot (30) therein. Parts of the antenna structure on both sides of one end of the elongated slot are coupled to a wireless communication device, such as an RFID chip (14) or interposer. On the opposite end (36) of the elongated slot, parts of the antenna structure at both sides of the elongated slot are electrically coupled together, for instance by being coupled together by other conductive parts (38) of the antenna structure (12). All of the parts of the antenna structure may be parts of a continuous unitary layer of conductive material. The antenna structure with the elongated slot therein may facilitate increased readability of the RFID device, particularly in directions out from the edges of the RFID device.
Abstract:
An RFID device includes a first, relatively permanent portion and a second alterable or inactivatable portion. Upon the occurrence of some predetermined event, the second portion and/or its coupling to the first portion is physically altered, inactivating it. The first portion may itself be an antennaless RFID device that may be read at short range, and the second portion may be an antenna that, when coupled to the first portion, substantially increases the range at which the first portion may be read. The second portion may be configured to be altered or inactivated by any of a variety of predetermined events, such as involving physical, chemical or electrical forces, performed either on the RFID device, or upon an object to which the RFID device is coupled.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for discs such as CDs, DVDs or minidiscs includes a special RFID transponder and antenna configuration. The discs normally include an outer metallized annular zone (20) where information is stored, a central hole (28), and an inner annular zone (26) between the hole and the outer annular zone. The transponder (24) may be located in the inner annular zone, with antenna elements (32, 34) coupled to the transponder extending in opposite directions part way across the outer annular zone. Multilayer labels with a recess for the transponder chip, and antenna elements formed by conductive material may be employed to apply the RFID assembly to the discs. A monopole or dipole mode of antenna operation, prominently involving the metallized disc layer, results from the antenna configuration, and serves to more than double the range of the system.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes an antenna configuration coupled to an RFID chip, such as in an RFID strap. The antenna configuration is mounted on one face (major surface) of a dielectric material, and includes compensation elements to compensate at least to some extent for various types of dielectric material upon which the antenna configuration may be mounted. In addition, a conductive structure, such as a ground plane or other layer of conductive material, may be placed on a second major surface of the dielectric layer, on an opposite side of the dielectric layer from the antenna structure.
Abstract:
A portable radio-frequency repeater includes a housing and a transceiver. The transceiver is disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to alternatively operate in a transmitting mode and a sleep mode. The transceiver includes an antenna and a control unit. The control unit is in electrical communication with the antenna. When the transceiver operates in the transmitting mode, the control unit is configured to receive an RFID signal from the antenna, convert the RFID signal into a converted RFID signal, and transmit the converted RFID signal to the antenna. When the transceiver operates in the sleep mode, the control unit is configured to detect an interrogation signal from the antenna and not to transmit any converted RFID signal to the antenna.
Abstract:
According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus and method for displaying graphic media (108) are disclosed. The apparatus and method can contain and secure graphic media (108) and provide illumination. The apparatus and method may also contain electronic communication devices (106).