Locations and conditions of objects within a working environment may be tracked using RFID signals. A working surface within the environment may include a plurality of RFID antennas, and the objects to be tracked may include RFID tags. When one of the objects passes within an operational range of one of the antennas, an RFID signal is transmitted from the tag on the object to the antenna, and the location of the object may be determined based on the location of the antenna. Additionally, where a plurality of tags that are specially associated with a different aspect of a condition of an object are provided thereon, the condition of the object may be determined based on a number of the tags from which RFID signals are received, and the aspects of the condition with which each of such tags is associated.

A toll transponder may receive transaction card data identifying a transaction card associated with a transaction account. The toll transponder may provide to a toll server device, and via a toll antenna of a toll collection system, a request for a transaction amount for a vehicle toll, and may receive a response requesting authorization for payment of the transaction amount. The toll transponder may determine, based on the response, an authorization request cryptogram for payment of the transaction amount, and generate an encrypted signal identifying the authorization request cryptogram, the transaction card data, and a toll transponder identifier identifying the toll transponder. The toll transponder may provide the encrypted signal to the toll server device via the toll antenna, and may receive from the toll server device, via the toll antenna, data indicating whether the transaction amount for the vehicle toll is approved.

Multiple stationary radio frequency (RF) identification (RFID) readers are deployed overhead in a venue and are operated to read RFID tags. A mobile RFID reader is also operated in the venue for reading the RFID tags. The mobile reader is located in the venue, and a host server synchronizes the operation of the stationary readers with the operation of the mobile reader, determines when the mobile reader is in substantially simultaneous, synchronous operation with the stationary readers, and responsively modifies the operation of the stationary and mobile RFID readers to optimize the RFID reading performance.

A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.

An interactive item display system, having a display structure adapted to removably support at least one item, said item having at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) tag affixed thereto, an RFID reader, said RFID tag in a first identifying signal state detected by said RFID reader when the item is in a first configuration in removable support by said display structure, said RFID tag in a second identifying signal state detected by said RFID reader when the item is in a second configuration unsupported by said display structure, and an I/O device adapted to transmit information about said item upon detection of said second identifying signal state.

A toll transponder may receive transaction card data identifying a transaction card associated with a transaction account. The toll transponder may provide to a toll server device, and via a toll antenna of a toll collection system, a request for a transaction amount for a vehicle toll, and may receive a response requesting authorization for payment of the transaction amount. The toll transponder may determine, based on the response, an authorization request cryptogram for payment of the transaction amount, and generate an encrypted signal identifying the authorization request cryptogram, the transaction card data, and a toll transponder identifier identifying the toll transponder. The toll transponder may provide the encrypted signal to the toll server device via the toll antenna, and may receive from the toll server device, via the toll antenna, data indicating whether the transaction amount for the vehicle toll is approved.

A racing tracking system and process includes one or more RFID-based tower units connected to a computer. Pairs of tower units may be positioned to provide redundancy of detection so that the front of a participant and the rear of a participant (where bibs may be worn) are detected. The redundancy of RFID-based tower unit detection of front and rear worn bibs assures that all bibs will be read, and improves on the accuracy of a participant's position being confirmed.

An RFID tag reading system affixed to a machine bearing housing is provided. The reading system includes a mobile data collector having an RFID reader for reading a unique identity of the RFID tag, an magnet electro-mechanically connected to the mobile data collector and a magnet mounting pad fixed to the machine housing. The magnet mounting pad having a ferromagnetic contact body for housing the magnet mounting pad and an RFID antenna disposed within the RFID tag for transmitting a unique identity of the RFID tag. The RFID tag is disposed within the ferromagnetic contact body. The magnet is magnetically connected to the magnet mounting pad. The mobile data collector automatically reads the unique RFID tag identity transmitted from the antenna of the RFID tag when the combination mobile data collector and magnet are placed onto the RFID mounting pad.

An assistant guiding system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, a server, and an earphone assembly. The plurality of RFID tags is located at a predetermined area, and each RFID tag pre-stores an identification number of the predetermined area. The server stores scenic spot introduction information of the predetermined area. The earphone assembly communicates with a portable electronic device of tourists, and the portable electronic device downloads the scenic spot introduction information from the server. The earphone assembly includes a reading module and a transmission module. The reading module reads the identification number from the RFID tag. The transmission module sends the identification number to the portable electronic device. The scenic spot introduction information corresponding to the identification number of the predetermined area is played or displayed on the portable electronic device.

Systems and methods for determining a time of a passing at a reference line of an RFID tag traveling along a route and a time of lapsing of the tracked RFID tag on the route, the system have a plurality of spaced apart tag reader systems for wirelessly obtaining tag reads, wherein at least one of the tag reader systems is space apart from the reference line. The timing system receives a plurality of tag reads and determines the time of passing of the RFID at the reference line responsive to the plurality of received tag read messages received from the plurality of tag reader systems.