Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-13
2001-12-25
Mullen, Thomas (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S572800, C343S7000MS, C455S090300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06333693
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to wireless communication and identification packages, communication systems, methods of communicating, and methods of forming a communication device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electronic identification systems typically comprise two devices which are configured to communicate with one another. Preferred configurations of the electronic identification systems are operable to provide such communications via a wireless medium.
One such configuration is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/705,043, filed Aug. 29, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,602, issued Oct. 10, 2000, assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference. This application discloses the use of a radio frequency (RF) communication system including communication devices. The disclosed communication devices include an interrogator and a transponder, such as a tag or card.
Such communication systems can be used in various identification functions and other applications. The interrogator is configured to output a polling or interrogation signal which may comprise a radio frequency signal including a predefined code. The transponders of such a communication system are operable to transmit an identification signal responsive to receiving an appropriate polling or interrogation signal. More specifically, the appropriate transponders are configured to recognize the predefined code. The transponders receiving the code subsequently output a particular identification signal which is associated with the transmitting transponder. Following transmission of the polling signal, the interrogator is configured to receive identification signals enabling detection of the presence of corresponding transponders.
Such communication systems are useable in identification applications such as inventory or other object monitoring. For example, a remote identification device is attached to an object of interest. Responsive to receiving the appropriate polling signal, the identification device is equipped to output an identification signal. Generating the identification signal identifies the presence or location of the identification device and the article or object attached thereto.
It is preferred in most applications to maximize the communications range of the identification devices. Enabling is communications at increased distances or ranges increases the number of applications for which the identification system may be utilized. Further, expanding the range of communications provides robust communications at decreased ranges.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a wireless communication package is provided. The wireless communication package comprises a communication device and an appendage. The communication device includes a substrate and communication circuitry borne by the substrate. The communication circuitry is configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals. At least one antenna is electrically coupled with the communication circuitry and is configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals. The appendage is coupled with the communication device and is configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Another aspect of the invention provides a wireless identification package. The wireless identification package includes a housing and at least one antenna borne by the housing. The antenna is configured to at least one of receive wireless interrogation signals and output wireless identification signals. Communication circuitry is electrically coupled with the antenna and is configured to process received wireless interrogation signals and form wireless identification signals. An appendage is coupled with a surface of the housing. The appendage is configured to enhance at least one of receiving wireless interrogation signals and outputting wireless identification signals.
A communication system is provided in another aspect of the invention. The communication system includes an interrogator configured to output and receive wireless communication signals and a wireless communication package configured to communicate with the interrogator. The wireless communication package includes a communication device and an appendage configured to enhance wireless communications of the communication device.
The present invention also provides methods of communicating. Methods according to one aspect include steps of coupling an appendage with the identification device and increasing radio frequency energy of a wireless interrogation signal at the antenna using the appendage.
Methods of forming a wireless communication package are disclosed in another aspect of the invention. The methods of forming include steps of forming a housing and coupling an appendage configured to enhance wireless communications with the housing.
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Micro)n Technology, Inc.
Mullen Thomas
Wells, St. John, Roberts Gregory & Matkin P.S.
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