Unmanned space programs are currently used to enable scientists to explore and research the furthest reaches of outer space. Systems and methods for low power communication devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed, describing a wide variety of low power communication devices capable of remotely collecting, processing, and transmitting data from outer space in order to further mankind's goal of exploring the cosmos. Many embodiments of the invention include a Flash-based FPGA, an energy-harvesting power supply module, a sensor module, and a radio module. By utilizing technologies that withstand the harsh environment of outer space, more reliable low power communication devices can be deployed, enhancing the quality and longevity of the low power communication devices, enabling more data to be gathered and aiding in the exploration of outer space.

Universal cards are used in place of all the other traditional cards which a person may want to carry. The universal card can include a short range communications transceiver to communicate with a mobile device. The mobile device can include a user interface and an e-wallet application so that the user can interface with the e-wallet application for programming the universal card via the short range communication link. Once programmed, the universal card emulates a function of a traditional card.

Universal cards are used in place of all the other traditional cards which a person may want to carry. The universal card can include a short range communications transceiver to communicate with a mobile device. The mobile device can include a user interface and an e-wallet application so that the user can interface with the e-wallet application for programming the universal card via the short range communication link. Once programmed, the universal card emulates a function of a traditional card.

A system for tracking a product from origin to destination is disclosed. The system includes a probe that comprises two plates, a power source and a processor. The power source is controlled by the processor to produce an oscillating output at the plates. Using the oscillating voltage, the probe interrogates a device through capacitive coupling. The device includes a control unit, a memory unit, and first and second materials physically associated with the device for communication using capacitive coupling. Information associated with the device is transferred from the device to the probe through capacitive coupling between the first and second materials and the first and second plates, respectively.

The invention relates to blocking fraudulent gathering of credit card and debit card information during a legitimate payment transaction at a credit/debit card reader. The invention includes the installation, preferably in a non-uniform manner, of blockers onto one or more faces or surfaces of the card reader. Properly installed blockers will tend to prevent the easy installation of a flush mounted skimmer device that is designed to overlay the legitimate card reader at a store or point of sale location such as a gasoline pump.

The invention relates to blocking fraudulent gathering of credit card and debit card information during a legitimate payment transaction at a credit/debit card reader. The invention includes the installation, preferably in a non-uniform manner, of blockers onto one or more faces or surfaces of the card reader. Properly installed blockers will tend to prevent the easy installation of a flush mounted skimmer device that is designed to overlay the legitimate card reader at a store or point of sale location such as a gasoline pump.

A system for tracking a product from origin to destination is disclosed. The system includes a probe that comprises two plates, a power source and a processor. The power source is controlled by the processor to produce an oscillating output at the plates. Using the oscillating voltage, the probe interrogates a device through capacitive coupling. The device includes a control unit, a memory unit, and first and second materials physically associated with the device for communication using capacitive coupling. Information associated with the device is transferred from the device to the probe through capacitive coupling between the first and second materials and the first and second plates, respectively.

A system for tracking a product from origin to destination is disclosed. The system includes a probe that comprises two plates, a power source and a processor. The power source is controlled by the processor to produce an oscillating output at the plates. Using the oscillating voltage, the probe interrogates a device through capacitive coupling. The device includes a control unit, a memory unit, and first and second materials physically associated with the device for communication using capacitive coupling. Information associated with the device is transferred from the device to the probe through capacitive coupling between the first and second materials and the first and second plates, respectively.

One aspect of the present invention provides an RFID reader/writer and a diagnosis processing program for outputting correct diagnostic information on communication between the RFID reader/writer and an RF tag. The RFID reader/writer includes a communication unit configured to conduct communication with the RF tag and a communication diagnostic unit configured to diagnose the communication when the communication is successfully conducted. The communication diagnostic unit includes a characteristic acquisition unit configured to acquire a characteristic of the communication from a communication signal with the RF tag, a comparator configured to compare a value indicated by the acquired characteristic to a threshold used to determine a communication margin, and an output control unit configured to cause an output unit to output information on the communication margin from a comparison result.

One aspect of the present invention provides an RFID reader/writer and a diagnosis processing program for outputting correct diagnostic information on communication between the RFID reader/writer and an RF tag. The RFID reader/writer includes a communication unit configured to conduct communication with the RF tag and a communication diagnostic unit configured to diagnose the communication when the communication is successfully conducted. The communication diagnostic unit includes a characteristic acquisition unit configured to acquire a characteristic of the communication from a communication signal with the RF tag, a comparator configured to compare a value indicated by the acquired characteristic to a threshold used to determine a communication margin, and an output control unit configured to cause an output unit to output information on the communication margin from a comparison result.