An object is to provide a semiconductor device of which a manufacturing process is not complicated and by which cost can be suppressed, by forming a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film typified by zinc oxide, and a manufacturing method thereof. For the semiconductor device, a gate electrode is formed over a substrate; a gate insulating film is formed covering the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film; and a first conductive film and a second conductive film are formed over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film has at least a crystallized region in a channel region.

Semiconductor device, and manufacturing method thereof

Deactivating a data tag attached to packaging for user privacy or tamper-evident reasons. Each of a plurality of data tags stores identification information. At least one of the data tags is removable and capable of wireless signal transmission at a first range such that removal of the data tag substantially prevents communication of the identification information via the removed data tag and permits communication of the identification information via another data tag at a second range relatively smaller than the first range.

Deactivating a data tag for user privacy or tamper-evident packaging

The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.

Applications for radio frequency identification systems

An object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tags is disclosed. Objects to be moved between locations are outfitted with RFID tags having information relating to the identities of the objects. The locations are also marked by RFID tags containing information on the locations. A transport vehicle for moving the objects is equipped with an RFID interrogator capable of detecting signals from the RFID tags. An onboard processor provides the operator of the vehicle with instructions on the movement of objects. The processor also determines the identities of the objects and locations from the detected signals and provides the operator with feedback as to the identity of an object being moved, the location of the vehicle and any error in carrying out the instructions. Numerous variations of the basic system and method using RFID tags are also described.

Object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification tags

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for receiving data from a giver at a first time, the data being used to identify a merchant at which a gift from the giver to a recipient is redeemable. The system presents a group of merchants associated with the data to the giver, each merchant of the group of merchants offering a promotion in connection with the gift. The system receives from the giver a selection of a chosen merchant from the group of merchants, the chosen merchant having an associated promotion. The system then generates a policy comprising the gift, the chosen merchant, and the associated promotion such that upon receiving an indication of a triggering event caused by the recipient, the system can apply the gift and the associated promotion according to the policy.

System and method for processing financial transactions

Methods and apparatus applying RFID technology to identify electronic components, devices, and systems to provide functions such as, for example, security of the assets, inventory tracking of the assets, identification of the assets, and short distance communication between the assets are disclosed. RFID transponders are integrated into electronic components, devices and systems at the component level (i.e., circuit chip, circuit board, etc.), the asset level (i.e., box, computer, etc.), or system level (i.e., network system, computer system, etc.).

RFID integrated in electronic assets

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for testing RFID tags using wireless radio frequency (RF) communication. The method and apparatus allow RFID tags to be tested individually or in groups while they are in close proximity to each other (e.g., within the read range of the tag).

Method and apparatus for testing RFID tags

A method and apparatus for wireless radio frequency (RF) testing of radio frequency identification integrated circuits (RFID IC) is disclosed. A fixture is provided for physically and electrically contacting the RFID IC to feed an RF interrogating signal into the RFID IC and receive an RF return signal generated in response thereto. The fixture is coupled to a tester via first and second couplers (interconnected to the fixture and tester, respectively) which establish a wireless link for transmitting and receiving the RF interrogation signal and the RF return signal thereby allowing full and accurate RF characterization of the RFID IC.

Method and apparatus for wireless radio frequency testing of RFID integrated circuits

A radio frequency identification transponder has a high gain antenna for increased range. In an embodiment, the radio frequency transponder has a reflector to increase its operative range. A system of one or more reflectors is operatively associated with a transponder and may be formed out of any sort of radio frequency reflective material. The reflector system can enhance reception or transmission of radio waves by or from the transponder. The reflector system may also be used to provide for selective coupling of the radio frequency transponder with a base station, user- or vehicle-supported reader, or the like based on relative orientation. In addition, the reflector system may be used to selectively reflect particular radio waves. In another embodiment, the radio frequency transponder has a horn antenna providing increased gain and directivity. In yet another embodiment, the radio frequency transponder has a patch antenna providing increased gain and circular polarization. The patch antenna may further comprise a patch antenna array, a multi-layer patch or a dipole comprised of patch elements.

Radio frequency identification transponder having a high gain antenna configuration

An RF transponder is provided with a miniature resonant antenna that can fit on a small form factor the size of a button or coin. More particularly, the RF transponder comprises a substrate and an RF integrated circuit disposed thereon. An antenna is provided on the substrate and is electrically connected to the RF integrated circuit. The antenna has a contorted shape that permits it to fit into the limited available space on the substrate, while having an electrical length that is greater than a maximum length dimension of the substrate. Possible shapes for the antenna may include a meander antenna, a non-uniform meander antenna, a bent dipole antenna, a spiral antenna, a z-shaped dipole, a squeezed dipole antenna, or a combination of any of the antenna types. The RF transponder may further include at least one loading bar spaced from the antenna and/or at least one tuning stub coupled to the antenna.

Dah-Weih Duan

Papers

RFID integrated in electronic assets

Method and apparatus for testing RFID tags

Method and apparatus for wireless radio frequency testing of RFID integrated circuits

Radio frequency identification transponder having a high gain antenna configuration

Radio frequency tag with miniaturized resonant antenna