Communications: electrical – Selective – Interrogation response
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-30
2002-05-14
Holloway, III, Edwin C. (Department: 2635)
Communications: electrical
Selective
Interrogation response
C340S572100, C340S005900, C340S570000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06388561
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to remote data telemetry and point of sale terminals. The invention also relates to radio frequency identification devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electronic identification systems, such as those including radio frequency identification devices, are known in the art. Most presently available radio frequency identification devices utilize a magnetic coupling system. In some cases, an identification device may be provided with a unique identification code in order to distinguish between a number of different devices. Typically, the devices are entirely passive (have no power supply), which results in a small and portable package. However, such identification systems are only capable of operation over a relatively short range, limited by the size of a magnetic field used to supply power to the devices and to communicate with the devices.
Another wireless electronic identification system utilizes a large, board level, active transponder device affixed to an object to be monitored which receives a signal from an interrogator. The device receives the signal, then generates and transmits a responsive signal. The interrogation signal and the responsive signal are typically radio-frequency (RF) signals produced by an RF transmitter circuit. Because active devices have their own power sources, they do not need to be in close proximity to an interrogator or reader to receive power via magnetic coupling. Therefore, active transponder devices tend to be more suitable for applications requiring tracking of something that may not be in close proximity to an interrogator, such as a railway car.
Electronic identification systems can also be used for remote payment. For example, when a radio frequency identification device passes an interrogator at a toll booth, the toll booth can determine the identity of the radio frequency identification device, and thus of the owner of the device, and debit an account held by the owner for payment of toll or can receive a credit card number against which the toll can be charged. Similarly, remote payment is possible for a variety of other goods or services.
An electronic identification system typically includes two transponders: an interrogator, and a transponder device which replies to the interrogator._An electronic identification system which can be used as a radio frequency identification device, and various applications for such devices are described in detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/705,043, filed Aug. 29, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,602, and incorporated herein by reference.
Point of sale data input devices or terminals are known in the art. Such data input devices usually include keyboards. These input devices are more modern versions of mechanical cash registers. The point of sale devices may still control a cash drawer but are more powerful and customizable than the old cash registers. For example, pushing a key may result in both a calculation of the cost of a certain combination of products as well as transmission of a request that such products be produced. Some systems further attempt to further monitor inventory of either finished products or raw components based on entries at point of sale devices indicating that a finished product has been sold. The keys on point of sale devices or terminals may be spring loaded keys such as those found on computer keyboards, light touch keys or membrane keys, keys on a touch screen interface, etc.
It is desirable in some applications to enter data remotely, in a wireless fashion. This is true, for example, in retail sales order entry, inventorying, and fast food ordering.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a method and apparatus for remote data telemetry device. The apparatus includes a wireless identification device, a tactile input device, and a decoder coupled to the tactile input device and the wireless identification device. The wireless identification device is configured to receive data that is input into the tactile input device and to transmit the data in a wireless manner.
Another aspect of the invention provides a point of sale device comprising a keyboard, a keyboard decoder coupled to the keyboard, and a radio frequency identification device coupled to the keyboard. The radio frequency identification device is configured to transmit, by radio frequency, data entered into the keyboard.
Another aspect of the invention provides a system comprising an interrogator; and a remote data telemetry device. The remote data telemetry device includes a wireless identification device, a data input device, and a decoder coupled to the data input device and the wireless identification device. The wireless identification device is configured to transmit data input into the data input device to the interrogator.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a device for remote data telemetry. The method comprises coupling a decoder to a tactile input device and a wireless identification device, and configuring the wireless identification device to transmit data that is input into the tactile input device. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of remote data telemetry. The method comprises entering data into the data input device and effecting wireless transmission of the data from the remote data telemetry device to the interrogator.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a point of sale terminal. The method comprises coupling a radio frequency identification device to a keyboard and configuring the radio frequency identification device to transmit, by radio frequency, data entered into the keyboard.
In one aspect of the invention, a radio frequency identification device or wireless identification device is modified to act as a telemetry device and is coupled to a keyboard for remote data entry. The keyboard can be a very inexpensive one. The invention can be used in retail sales order entry, inventorying, fast food monitoring, or other applications. Keyboard decoder circuitry can either be added to a radio frequency identification device integrated circuit, or can be separate from the radio frequency identification device integrated circuit. The decoder circuitry is connected between the keyboard and the radio frequency identification device.
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Holloway III Edwin C.
Micro)n Technology, Inc.
Wells St. John P.S.
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