Patent · US Active

RFID markers and systems and methods for identifying and locating them

US10660542B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
20References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 30, 2018
Grant dateMay 26, 2020
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 21, 2038

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2090/3991
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for identifying or locating a tag within a patient's body that include a probe that transmits synchronized electromagnetic signals, e.g., RF energy, and optical signals, e.g., infrared light pulses into the patient's body, whereupon the tag converts the optical signals into electrical energy to open and close a switch in the tag to modulate signals, e.g., backscatter signals, transmitted by the tag in response to the electromagnetic signals. For example, the tag may include photodiodes coupled to the switch that transforms the optical signals to alternately short the antenna to modulate the backscatter signals. Alternatively, the tag may include a smart circuit that harvests electrical energy from the optical signals to power the smart circuit and/or modulate the backscatter signals, e.g., to include data related to the tag and/or alternate the tag between an information mode and a distance mode.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.