Interface antenna
US7504951B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 17, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/10178
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An interface antenna is positioned between a tag antenna associated with a tag and a reader antenna associated with a reader. The interface antenna receives an electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna and causes an increase in intensity of the electromagnetic carrier signal at the location of the tag antenna, thereby increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the interface antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader external to the package. For example, the interface antenna may be attached to a label on the package. At least a portion of the interface antenna may be formed from a conductive ink applied to the label and/or the container. The object may be a module, also known as a customer replaceable unit (CRU), and the tag may be configured as a customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.