Methods and apparatus are described for improved delivery notification using a wireless node network having an ID node related to an item being shipped, a courier master node, a mobile delivery point master node related to a mobile delivery point (e.g., a vehicle), and a server. The mobile delivery point master node detects a signal from the ID node as the ID node approaches the mobile delivery point master node, and responsively determines shipping information related to the ID node, an intended recipient of the shipped item, and the courier master node currently associated with the ID node. The mobile delivery point master node then transmits information on the mobile delivery point master node's current location at the mobile delivery point to the courier master node, and transmits a notification to the identified recipient to inform the intended recipient about the item being substantially near the mobile delivery point.

A wearable payment device, such as a finger ring worn by a user, communicates payment data to a payment reader that uses the payment data in order to request a payment transaction. Such wearable payment device may be conveniently carried by and accessible to the user such that utilization of the payment device for the payment transaction is less burdensome for the user, thereby encouraging use of the payment device for payments. Indeed, in some cases, such as when the payment device is implemented as a finger ring or other type of jewelry, the user may be encouraged to carry the payment device in an exposed manner such that it is readily available for the payment transaction without the user having to search in a wallet, pocket, or purse.

A wearable payment device, such as a finger ring worn by a user, communicates payment data to a payment reader that uses the payment data in order to request a payment transaction. Such wearable payment device may be conveniently carried by and accessible to the user such that utilization of the payment device for the payment transaction is less burdensome for the user, thereby encouraging use of the payment device for payments. Indeed, in some cases, such as when the payment device is implemented as a finger ring or other type of jewelry, the user may be encouraged to carry the payment device in an exposed manner such that it is readily available for the payment transaction without the user having to search in a wallet, pocket, or purse.

Disclosed is a method of gathering data from a hybrid RFID chip to determine usage of an item or article of clothing using a mobile device like a phone, laptop, or tablet. The hybrid RFID chip consists of a processor, a memory, a radio transceiver, a power harvesting antenna, and an impedance circuit that converts ambient radio frequency (RF) energy to electrical energy. The RFID chip receives a first power level from ambient RF energy and periodically broadcasts an identity. The mobile device can receive the broadcast identity, store the identity, transmit the identity and location to a remote server, and receive a notification message from the remote server. The remote serve can determine usage of the item or article of clothing by comparing current records to previous records of RFID chip identity, location, and mobile device application identity.

A first element and a second element of a same device communicate with each other. The first element sends the second element a first piece of information representative of energy supplied by an electromagnetic field supplying power the device. The second element adapts its operating frequency as a function of the first piece of information.

An circuit includes a first inductive coil and a second inductive coil each including a plurality of metal traces. The first and second inductive coils are each configured to receive a first signal from an electromagnetic field and generate respective first and second output voltages. Each of the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil are configured to inductively couple to the electromagnetic field. A first circuit element is configured to receive the first output voltage and generate a first response at a first power level of the first output voltage. A second circuit element is configured to receive the second output voltage and transition to an active state to perform one or more functions when the second output voltage exceeds a second power level. The first and second power levels are related to movement of the first and second inductive coils through the electromagnetic field.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder includes a current control module for controlling a current consumption of a memory based on an amount of available power, and a control logic for controlling a memory operation in response to the control of the current consumption by the current control module. The RFID transponder further includes a power detector that is configured to continuously monitor and detect the amount of available power and output a power-dependent control signal. The power-dependent control signal is used by the RFID transponder to control the current consumption of the memory in dependence on the available power.

A controller of a transaction card may cause the transaction card to be in a first state. The transaction card may include a battery and at least one other component. In the first state, the battery does not provide power to the at least one other component of the transaction card. The transaction card may receive a signal from a near-field communication (NFC) device and may cause the transaction card to be in a second state based on receiving the signal. In the second state, the battery provides power to the at least one other component of the transaction card. The transaction card may perform a transaction based on the transaction card being in the second state.

An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit storing sheets each including a wireless tag, a printer, a communication device, and a controller for controlling the printer to convey a first sheet, acquiring first strengths of signals from a first tag on a first sheet during the conveyance of the first sheet and second strengths from tags not sheets being conveyed. Based on the acquired strengths, the controller determines a threshold value for distinguishing between sheets being conveyed and not being conveyed. The controller then controls the communication device to write information to a tag on a sheet being conveyed based on the threshold value.

According to one embodiment, a radio tag communication device includes an antenna configured to transmit an interrogation signal and receive a response signal from a radio tag transmitting the response signal in response to the interrogation signal. A radio tag communication control unit of the device is configured to cause the antenna to repeatedly transmit the interrogation signal from a start time of an object conveyance until a reception strength of the response signal received by the antenna is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and then perform writing on the radio tag via the antenna once the reception strength of the response signal received by the antenna is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.