Example systems and methods for controlling communication protocols for multi-protocol interrogators are provided herein. In various implementations a multi-protocol interrogator is provided that is capable of exchanging data with a transponder according to a plurality of protocols and is configured to transmit a control signal indicating a preferred protocol from the plurality of protocols over a radio interface. Multi-protocol transponders are also provided that are configured to receive and recognize the control signal, and respond only on the signaled, preferred protocol.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
H04W 88/06 - Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode terminals
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
2.
AUTOMATIC LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION (ALPR) AND VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION PROFILE METHODS AND SYSTEMS
Embodiments herein provide various systems and methods for automated classification of vehicle reads to build vehicle identification profile and for automated vehicle identification using content extracted from an image frame of a vehicle to identify a most probable vehicle identification profile. An example method comprises capturing, by a camera, a read comprising an image frame including a portion of a vehicle; identifying at least one of a license plate number and a descriptor of the vehicle using image processing on the read; determining a probability value that the read includes the vehicle based on the identified at least one of the license plate number and the descriptor; when the probability value exceeds a threshold value, identifying a vehicle identification profile in a database using the identified at least one of the license plate number and the descriptor; and updating the vehicle identification profile to include the captured read.
A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base component having an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID module and a high frequency (HF) RFID module. In some embodiments, the detachable component is positioned in close proximity to the base component in a first configuration of the RFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFID module is sufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form an UHF RFID system having a desired performance. The detachable component can also be separated from the base component to obtain a second configuration of the RFID switch tag, and the HF RFID module remains functional within the detached detachable component so that the detachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag.
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
4.
EMBEDDED ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE
Embodiments described herein provide various examples of a low cost, low power, fully automated, unobtrusive, and vehicle-independent radio frequency (RF) communication device to be plugged into a standard on-board diagnostic (OBD) port inside a vehicle to access OBD diagnostic data. According to one aspect, an OBD device for a vehicle is disclosed. This OBD device includes: an OBD adapter configured to be plugged into an OBD port of a vehicle and a first RFID module electrically coupled to the OBD adapter. The first RFID module is further configured to receive OBD data of a vehicle from an associated OBD port via the OBD adapter and communicate at least a portion of the received OBD data to a first RFID reader when the first RFID module is queried by the first RFID reader.
B60W 50/02 - Ensuring safety in case of control system failures, e.g. by diagnosing, circumventing or fixing failures
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
A self-declaring electronic license plate (e-plate) system for a vehicle is disclosed. This self-declaring e-plate system includes: an input service; a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader coupled to the input device; and an RFID-enabled license plate. In some embodiments, the input device is configured to receive vehicle occupancyinformation and triggers the RFID reader to write the received vehicle occupancyinformation to the RFID-enabled license plate in response to receiving the vehicle occupancy information. The RFID reader is configured to write at least a portion of the received vehicle occupancy information to the RFID-enabled license plate. The RFIDenabled license plate is configured to provide at least a portion of the received vehicle occupancy information to an electronic toll collection (ETC) reader. In some embodiments, the received vehicle occupancy information includes a current number of occupants self-declared by a user, such as a driver or a passenger inside the vehicle.
B60R 13/10 - Registration, licensing, or like devices
B60R 21/015 - Electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, e.g. for disabling triggering
B60R 25/10 - Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
6.
DETACHABLE RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION SWITCH TAG
A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base component having an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID module and a high frequency (HF) RFID module. In some embodiments, the detachable component is positioned in close proximity to the base component in a first configuration of the RFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFID module is sufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form an UHF RFID system having a desired performance. The detachable component can also be separated from the base component to obtain a second configuration of the RFID switch tag, and the HF RFID module remains functional within the detached detachable component so that the detachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag.
A license plate validation system for a vehicle is disclosed. This license plate validation system includes: a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader located inside the vehicle and configured to read from an RFID-enabled license plate on the vehicle upon detecting an attempt to start the vehicle; and a microcontroller coupled to the RFID reader and configured to receive, from the RFID reader, information obtained from the RFID-enabled license plate and subsequently determine, based at least on the received information, whether the vehicle is properly registered. In some embodiments, the microcontroller and the RFID reader are integrated as a single electronic module.
B60R 25/102 - Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
B60R 25/20 - Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
8.
SELF DECLARING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE USING RESTRICT TRAFFIC LANES
The present disclosure provides various examples of a self-declaring wireless device installed on a vehicle operable to automatically detect, determine and declare occupancy information of the vehicle traveling on a restricted traffic lane to an electronic toll collection (ETC) system. According to one aspect, a process for performing self-declaration by a vehicle traveling on a restricted traffic lane includes the steps of: receiving sensor data collected by one or more sensors installed on the vehicle; determining occupancy data of the vehicle based on the received sensor data; and controlling a wireless transceiver installed on the vehicle to communicate with an electronic toll collection (ETC) system associated with the restricted traffic lane based on the determined occupancy data.
Embodiments described herein provide various designs of multi-frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) tags which are compact in size and tamper-proofing. In one aspect, a proposed multi-frequency RFID tag includes both a high frequency (HF) subsystem and an ultra high frequency (UHF) subsystem. The HF subsystem and the UHF subsystem share a common integrated circuit (IC) chip and a common substrate. The HF subsystem further includes a HF loop antenna coupled to the IC chip. The UHF subsystem further includes a coupling antenna electrically coupled to the IC chip but electrically isolated from the HF loop antenna. The UHF subsystem also includes an UHF antenna having a region for receiving the RFID module. When the RFID module is positioned within the receiving region of the UHF antenna, the UHF antenna is coupled to the IC chip in the RFID module via the coupling antenna, thereby forming the UHFsubsystem
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
An account is managed using information read from a dual frequency transponder. Information stored on the dual frequency transponder can be read by a NFC-enabled device and by a UHF RFID reader. The information links, corresponds, or otherwise provides access to account information stored at a remote server. For example, a NFC-enabled device can read the information from the dual frequency transponder and use that information to enable instant and on-the-spot recharging of a toll account. In addition, a UHF RFID toll reader can scan information from the dual frequency transponder and use that information to debit toll charges from the correct toll account. The dual frequency transponder can be embedded in a license plate and read using a reader placed in the road. Additionally, the transponder can be configured to function at the correct frequency only when a valid vehicle registration sticker is applied to the license plate.
Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for the design and manufacturing of a radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enabled license plate. In one aspect, a proposed RFID-enabled license plate includes a metal plate and a RFID assembly integrated with the metal plate. The RFID assembly further includes a front cover attached to a first side of the metal plate and a back cover attached to a back side of the metal plate opposite to the front cover, and the front cover and the back cover substantially overlap with each other. The RFID assembly additionally includes a RFID tag sandwiched between the front cover and the back cover and is affixed to at least one of the front cover and the back cover. As such, the RFID tag is substantially tamper-proof.
A radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled mirror includes a mirror comprising a reflective layer. The reflective layer comprises at least one layer of a metallic material. At least one portion of the reflective layer is removed to form a booster antenna from a remaining portion of the reflective layer. A dielectric coating is applied to the mirror where the reflective layer was removed. The RFID-enabled mirror further includes an RFID chip coupled to the booster antenna.
B60R 1/00 - Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
B60R 1/12 - Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
An account is managed using information read from a dual frequency transponder. Information stored on the dual frequency transponder can be read by a NFC-enabled device and by a UHF RFID reader. The information links, corresponds, or otherwise provides access to account information stored at a remote server. For example, a NFC-enabled device can read the information from the dual frequency transponder and use that information to enable instant and on-the-spot recharging of a toll account. In addition, a UHF RFID toll reader can scan information from the dual frequency transponder and use that information to debit toll charges from the correct toll account. The dual frequency transponder can be embedded in a license plate and read using a reader placed in the road. Additionally, the transponder can be configured to function at the correct frequency only when a valid vehicle registration sticker is applied to the license plate.
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
14.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PRODUCT INFORMATION
A system for providing item information includes: a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to an item; and a mobile device comprising an RFID reader. The RFID tag includes stored information related to the item, and the RFID reader is configured to access the RFID tag, obtain the item information, and communicate the item information to a user.
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
Systems and methods for a tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock are disclosed herein. The device can include a receiving member, a conductive bolt member adapted to be snap- locked into the receiving member, and a plastic encapsulant which tethers the bolt member to the receiving member. The encapsulant can contain an electrically conductive medium, such as a wire, which runs from the receiving member to the second end the bolt. A sensory circuit disposed within the receiving member can be configured to sense whether the circuit has been interrupted (e.g., if the bolt has been cut). In the event of an interruption, the circuit can record the present time and/or date in memory. An RFID transponder disposed within the encapsulant or the receiving member can then transmit the recorded date/time to an RFID interrogator if a dispute subsequently arises as to when the lock had been broken.
Systems and methods for a tamper-evident cargo container seal bolt lock are disclosed herein. The device can include a bolt member having a conductive medium running the axial length of the bolt, and a receiving member for locking the bolt into place. A battery-driven sensory circuit including a memory means, a processor, and a timing circuit can be disposed within the receiving member such that a continuous circuit is formed from one circuit pin over the conductive medium through the length of the bolt and back to a second pin. The sensory circuit is configured to sense whether the circuit has been interrupted (e.g., if the bolt has been cut). In the event of an interruption, the circuit can record the time and/or date in memory. This information can then be transmitted to an RFID reader/interrogator if a dispute arises as to when the lock had been broken.
Various embodiments of RFID switch devices are disclosed herein. Such RFID switch devices advantageously enable manual activation/deactivation of the RF module. The RFID switch device may include a RF module with an integrated circuit adapted to ohmically connect to a substantially coplanar conductive trace pattern, as well as booster antenna for extending the operational range of the RFID device. The operational range of the RFID switch device may be extended when a region of the booster antenna overlaps a region of the conductive trace pattern on the RF module via inductive or capacitive coupling. The RFID switch device may further include a visual indicator displaying a first color if the RFID switch device is in an active state and/or a second color if the RFID switch device is in an inactive state.
A card comprises an antenna configured to generate and receive radio frequency signals, a chip coupled with the antenna, the chip configured to store sensitive information and communicate the information to an authorized reader via the antenna, and a switching mechanism configured to tune and detune the antenna relative to the chip to enable and disable respectively, the chips ability to communicate the sensitive information via the antenna.
A method for mutual authentication in an RFID system comprising an RFID reader and an RFID tag, the method comprising requesting an identification from the tag, receiving the identification, using the received identification to select a password associated with the identification, generating a password key based on the selected password, encrypting the selected password using the password key, and transmitting the encrypted password to the tag.
A method for secure cryptographic communication comprises transmitting information that identifies a group key from a first device to a second device. The method further comprises, in the first device, using the group key to encrypt an input vector, transmitting the encrypted input vector, encrypting privacy-sensitive information using a device key, an encryption algorithm, and the input vector, and transmitting the encrypted privacy-sensitive information to the second device.
In the embodiments described herein, a RFID enabled license plate is constructed by using the license plate, or a retro-reflective layer formed thereon as part of the resonator configured to transmit signals generated by and RFID chip integrated with the license plate. Such an RFID enabled license plate can include a metal license plate with a slot formed in the metal license plate, and a RFID tag module positioned in the slot. The RFID tag module can include a chip and a loop, and the loop can be coupled with the metal license plate, e.g., via inductive or conductive coupling. In this manner, the metal license plate can be configured to act as a resonator providing increased performance.
An integrated circuit, comprises an antenna configured to receive Radio Frequency (RF) signal that include data, including permanent data, a non-volatile memory configured to store the permanent data, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuit coupled with the non-volatile memory and the antenna, the RFID circuit comprising RFID memory configured to store a unique identifier and other data, the RFID circuit configured to receive the permanent data via the antenna, store the permanent data in the RFID memory, and transfer the permanent data to the non- volatile memory.
A multi-document read-write station provides the ability to read/write to a stack of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags within a small area. Specifically, the station provides the ability to read from and write to a tall stack of RFID tagged sheets with the RFID tags stacked one on top of the other. The station and capability described herein is the result of and comprises several components including a closed chamber comprising a document slot, an antenna system, and a power management system.
A RFID cabinet comprises a cabinet structure and one or more drawers or shelves. Chambers are formed within the cabinet (102) to house the one or more drawers (104) or shelves. An RFID scanner is configured to scan items tagged with RFlD tags in the chambers via one or more antennas. The antennas can include transmit and receive antennas or antennas configured to perform both transmit and receive functions. The drawers (104) can have a access cover, or lid (106) that can be controlled so as to control access to the drawer (104). The scanner can be configured to perform inventory control for the tagged items.
G08B 13/14 - Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
H04Q 5/22 - Selecting arrangements wherein two or more subscriber stations are connected by the same line to the exchange with indirect connection, i.e. through subordinate switching centre the subordinate centre not permitting interconnection of subscribers connected thereto
Systems and methods for an RF nulling scheme are provided. An RF nulling scheme can minimize the level of unwanted RF signal reflections entering the receiver without attenuating the desired signal response from an RFID tag. In one aspect of the RF nulling scheme a synthesizer signal can be split between a main path and a nulling path. In the nulling path the signal from the splitter can be routed through an electronically variable phase shifter and variable gain amplifier to create a nulling signal. The nulling signal can cancel the unwanted reflected signal. The phase or amplitude of the nulling signal can then be adjusted to improve cancellation as necessary.
H04Q 5/22 - Selecting arrangements wherein two or more subscriber stations are connected by the same line to the exchange with indirect connection, i.e. through subordinate switching centre the subordinate centre not permitting interconnection of subscribers connected thereto
A locking system can include an RFID lock that can include a shackle and a body that can, for example, be steel, or other materials commonly used to produce locks, such as metal alloys, etc. The shackle can be pressed into the body and locked into place by an electronic piston. When the RFID lock is to be unlocked, an electronic piston can release the shackle allowing the lock to be opened. Unlike conventional locks, however, the electronic piston can be controlled by an RFID reader. The electronic piston can be opened when the RFID reader reads an RFID enabled key that is configured to unlock the RFID lock. In other words, specific RFID enabled keys can be configured to open the RFID lock analogously to the way that specific keys can be cut to configure the key to open a specific lock.
RFID tags can be deployed in such a manner as to deter, or even prevent loss of inventory. For example, by associating an RFID tag with each container of a certain alcoholic beverage, pharmaceutical, etc. each container can be tracked for a variety of purposes over the life of the container; including, e.g., tracking each container in the warehouse to prevent loss of inventory, verifying that containers have been imported properly, and verifying that requisite taxes have been paid. A tag can be associated with a container using various techniques, including, e.g., affixing the tag to the surface of the container, imbedded it in the material of the container, embedding the tag in a label affixed to the container, or affixing or embedding it in a bottle cap. The RFID Tag can be used with metal when a dielectric is selected to isolate the RFID tag from the metal.
G08B 13/14 - Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
H04Q 5/22 - Selecting arrangements wherein two or more subscriber stations are connected by the same line to the exchange with indirect connection, i.e. through subordinate switching centre the subordinate centre not permitting interconnection of subscribers connected thereto
patents
