Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g. – Directive – Including a satellite
Reexamination Certificate
2001-12-07
2003-09-02
Phan, Dao (Department: 3662)
Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g.,
Directive
Including a satellite
C342S357490
Reexamination Certificate
active
06614392
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to tracking a letter, package, or other movable object, and more particularly to a global positioning receiver, a memory device, and a radio frequency transponder embedded in a label or other thin object.
There is a desire on the part of both individuals and corporations to be able to track or locate packages, letters, and other movable objects placed in the stream of commerce, as well as household goods and valuables that become lost or stolen. In many cases, these items tend to have a high dollar and or a high sentimental value, or are extremely time-sensitive. The incidences of lost or misplaced cargo can detract significantly from the bottom line of both transportation companies and the uninsured owners of the goods. Keeping track of where a particular package is located is a labor intensive task for the transportation company handling the goods, and the consumer must rely on the shipping company to actively inform him or her of the past whereabouts of the package, which tends to consist of posting the information on the shipper's web site. Usually, the information known to the shipper is restricted to the location where the package handler physically obtained the package and actively identified the package using, for example, an optical scanner. While radio frequency identification has been implemented in an effort to automate the process (i.e. eliminate the human package handler), the basic problem still remains: information cannot be easily obtained concerning the whereabouts of the package between the active identification locations. Because of this, a low cost, uncumbersome, and unobtrusive means is needed to provide accurate tracking information of a package or other moveable object.
Radio frequency identification systems rely on radio frequency transponders to transfer information to interrogation stations. Unlike other information communication systems, radio frequency transponder systems are not restricted to line of sight or hard wire communications, and are most desirable where wireless communications are a necessity. Information transferred by a radio frequency transponder system typically comprises identification data, but can also include messages, depending on the sophistication of the electronics used in the system.
Radio frequency identification systems include an interrogator, which typically employ an exciter that transmits a radio frequency excitation signal, and a transponder. The transponder is energized by the excitation signal to transmit a signal, including an identification code or other information, back to the interrogator. The transponder receives a radio frequency signal, or, more specifically, is energized by the radio frequency magnetic field and forms a response signal that will identify the transponder and which may provide additional information, and then transmits the response signal to the interrogator. The interrogator includes a receiver that receives the response signal and processes the information it contains. This information is then recorded by a data management system for access by the end user.
One method of radio frequency identification works on an inductive principle. Here, an interrogation station generates a magnetic field at a predetermined frequency. When the transponder enters the field, a small electric current forms in the transponder, providing power to the radio frequency identification electronic control components which then modulate the magnetic field in order to transmit the transponder's programmed data back to the interrogator. The interrogator receives the signal transmission, demodulates and decodes the transmission, and sends the data on to a host computer for further processing.
Radio frequency transponders are classified as either passive or active. Passive radio frequency transponders extract their power from the electromagnetic field provided by the interrogator, while an active radio frequency transponder includes a radio transceiver and a battery power source to enable it to transmit a signal to a remote receiver. The advantage to using active transponders is that they typically have increased range over passive transponders, but the disadvantage is that they require a battery power source to achieve that increased range.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention comprises an intelligent label comprising, in one embodiment, a radio frequency transponder coupled to a global positioning system and a substrate, the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system being attached to the substrate.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the radio frequency transponder comprises at least one antenna and at least one integrated circuit chip.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the global positioning system comprises at least one antenna, at least one receiver, and at least one processor.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the global positioning system comprises at least one antenna and at least one integrated circuit chip.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the radio frequency transponder includes a memory for storing data.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the global positioning system includes a memory for storing data.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the invention further comprises at least one memory chip coupled to at least one of the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the invention further comprises a computer connected to at least one of the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the invention further comprises a power source connected to at least one of the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the power source comprises a printed battery.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system are embedded in the substrate.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the substrate is at least part of one of a label, a badge, a package, a container, an envelope, a box, a piece of cardboard and a piece of paper.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the substrate is made from at least one of paper, synthetic paper, plastic, metal, cloth and glass.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the substrate is a label, the label comprising a front side and a back side, the back side being provided with adhesive.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the intelligent label is dimensioned to fit into a standard 4.125 inch by 9.5 inch U.S. mail envelope.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the invention further comprises at least one antenna shared by the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the invention further comprises at least one power source shared by the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the power source comprises a printed battery.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the invention further comprises a memory for storing data, the memory being shared by the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system share a common processor.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the filler material is provided around the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system to provide a label of uniform thickness.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the intelligent label comprises a radio frequency transponder coupled to a global positioning system, and
a substrate, where the substrate comprising a liner and a face stock, wherein the radio frequency transponder and the global positioning system are positioned between the liner and the face stock,
Delaware Capital Formation Inc.
Foley & Lardner
Phan Dao
LandOfFree
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