Date: 3202201 1
`
`
`Ecology RFID Switch Tag
`
`|
`
`Inventors:
`
`Joe Mullis
`
`Citizenship: USA
`Address:
`1152 Breakaway Dr.
`Oceanside, CA 92057
`
`Inventors:
`Citizenship:
`Address:
`
`Sheshi Nyalamadugu
`Indian
`
`Entry onto a toll road requires an RFID tag that is typically mounted to the vehicle
`Windshield and is automatically identified and billed accordingly.
`In some instances the
`toll road serves includes a car-pool lane and is therefore free of charge when more than
`
`two passengers are present. However, the RFID tag is interrogated as it enters the toll
`road portal system and unless disabled will be billed automatically.
`
`RFID IC devices make ohmic contact to the conductive traces of the antenna in order to
`
`gather energy from the RF field to enable the device circuit to function. The antenna
`used to gather the RF energy may or may not be in the same plane as the RFID IC. If the
`antenna resides in a plane separate from the RFID IC, there still must be ohmic contact,
`usually with a through via, from the RFID IC plane to the antenna plane.
`
`Mufti—Plane Construction
`
`In one embodiment, a tag is provided that includes an RF module, strap, or interposer.
`
`This RF module comprises an RFID IC in an ohmic connection to impedance matched
`conductive trace pattern in the same plane as the IC. This RFID module is fully
`functional and testable, although only for a limited range of operation due to small
`surface area of the conductive trace pattern.
`
`According to one embodiment, the operational range of the RFID module can be
`increased by conductive or inductive coupling. For example, an impedance matched
`booster antenna can be attached to the RFID module. In one embodiment, this booster
`
`In this example, there is no
`antenna consists of a conductive trace pattern on a substrate.
`RF device on the booster antenna. Rather, the RFID module and booster antenna are
`
`provided with an area where they can overlap so that the capacitive or inductive coupling
`of energy occurs. The RF energy gathered from the booster antenna is transferred
`
`through the RFID module substrate and conducted into the RFID module. This is
`illustrated in Fig. 1A. As shown, the RFID module 120 is positioned relative to the
`booster antenna 1 10 such that RF energy gathered via the booster antenna 1 10 is
`transferred to the RF module 120.
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 1 of 17
`Page 1 of 17
`
`

`

`While not shown, RF module 120 will typically comprise the RFID IC and the
`conductive trace pattern. These trace patterns can then be either inductively or
`capacitively coupled with booster antenna 1 10.
`In order for this arrangement to work
`properly, the booster antenna 1 10 must be matched with the RFID IC inputs. Thus, the
`booster antenna 110, conductive trace patterns, and matching circuits must all be
`carefully designed and the tags must be manufactured appropriately in order to ensure
`proper operation. If module 120 is displaced or not sufficiently coupled with antenna
`1 10, then the operational range of the tag will be significantly reduced.
`
`Thus, the placement of the RFID module 120 with respect to the booster antenna 110
`alters the operational range and performance of the RFID tag. This is illustrated in Fig.
`1B.
`In Fig. 13, the relative positions of the RFID module 120 and the booster antenna
`1 10 are different than the arrangement shown in Fig. 1A. In the arrangement of Pi g. 1B,
`
`a smaller portion, 01' none, of the RF energy collected by the booster antenna 110 is
`transferred to the RF module 120.
`In this manner, the effective operational range of the
`RFID tag is reduced in as compared to the arrangement of Fig. 1A.
`In fact, because
`module 120 is completely shielded by a portion of antenna 110, it may be completely
`
`non-operational. While optimal perf01mance of the RFID tag is desirable in some cases,
`it may also be desired to render the RFID tag unresponsive or perform to a lesser degree.
`For example, as noted above, when no toll is due on a toll road due to the number of
`passengers in the car, it is desirable for the RFID tag to be unresponsive to a toll road
`
`portal system.
`
`In one embodiment, a mechanism is provided for selectively altering the relative position
`of RF module 120 and the booster antenna 110. Advantageously, this embodiment
`
`allows a user to selectively displace the RF module 120 from an optimized position over
`the booster l 10 rendering it unresponsive or detuned such that it will not respond at a
`sufficient measurement or perform adequately. Thus, for example, when taking a toll
`road that is free for car-pools, a user can manipulate the mechanism in order to
`
`effectively deactivate the RFID tag and avoid paying the toll. In various embodiments,
`the mechanism may include a switch, lever, or any other device or construction which
`serves this purpose.
`
`One embodiment of this selectively activatable RFID tag is shown in Fig. 1C. The tag
`130 comprises a slider mechanism 140 and an indicator area 150. The RF module 120 is
`then mechanically coupled to the slider 140. By manipulating the slider, a user modifies
`the relative positions of the RF module 120 and the booster antenna 110. The indicator
`
`area 150 provides a visual indication of the status of the RFID tag. For example, if the
`RF module 120 and booster antenna 1 10 are positioned for effective transfer of RF
`power, the indicator area 150 presents a first visual indication such as a green color.
`Further, if the RF module 120 and booster antenna 1 10 are not positioned for effective
`transfer of RF power, the indicator area provides a second visual indication such as a red
`color. In this manner, the user can be alerted of the effective operability of the RFID tag.
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 2 of 17
`Page 2 of 17
`
`

`

`The additional figures illustrate other embodiments of an RFID tag as described herein
`
`including mechanisms for adjusting the relative position of the RFID module 120 and the
`booster antenna 1 10 including switches, knobs, sliders, and other devices.
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 3 of 17
`Page 3 of 17
`
`

`

`We claim:
`
`1. The systems and methods substantially as described herein.
`
`CLAIMS
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 4 of 17
`Page 4 of 17
`
`

`

`
`
`1353
`
`Fifi}. 1A
`
`“ m3
`
`
`
`HG. 1C
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 5 of 17
`Page 5 of 17
`
`

`

`anmfigwmmmsn.
`
`
`
`Mmaven“.mmww
`
`
`
`
`
`um;.33.am33mg?335Emma3amen.firm”fix;3%GM?ufivfimcnfi.we“
`
`
`
` m‘mm
`
`
`
`
`
`003%qu0mg5mmmwmmqnemmficxmmg
`
`
`
`$3a«guacaonHymnafimfimma3a:
`
`
`
`@333me9;.M33%mam.033%33;.
`
`_
`
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhlblt 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 6 of 17
`Page 6 of 17
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`2:5222342;;Ea
`
`{\Z'iiifi'é‘fai
`
`: NéOIogy, lr'I'é'L
`Neology, Inc.
`|PR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 7 of 17
`Page 7 of 17
`
`

`

`'.511'???i1i’.‘i1Vari'ai'r?i'PPPPPPFK!!f/IEIA'K!!KA'!H #4,.
`
`(I .6
`
`1‘7 a
`
`
`
`my:aid-Wizeéwwgmm
`
`c._..,.lEdgar/39‘
`
`
`
`,-s. 5
`
`
`
`k:wflaw/array“(Harm-3:4“''
`
`I,r-WdzI’ll/MW»«(InIII/nwan.-"1/4”.Tug/"AWJ‘FJI‘FFEF/
`
`”"frWIN/111459»;anrm.
`
`
`
`a,'H:...-flh.wflflyflflflt/nmlr/l
`-
`
`//
`4‘./
`74
`
` //
`
`
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 8 of 17
`Page 8 of 17
`
`

`

`$3
`
`:33? !fi
`
`ugfiwflcflwfiwon.
`
`.u.on.
`
`ufim
`Eflma:
`
`fin
`
`mflm33.3am.
`
`~quH
`
`
`
`scam.rmfim
`
`sang
`
`as.3%
`
`“1%
`«mm
`mm.m.Jla.
`
`«fineweM.
`
`o:me
`um.
`
`0{.1
`as.
`J._
`
`1...$2r.3
`
`{.13
`mm;
`
`m5
`
`m
`
`wimamm
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 9 of 17
`Page 9 of 17
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`mmawflmw
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 10 of 17
`Page 10 of 17
`
`

`

`mm
`
`(a?)3
`maggaagg
`.1315a?En
`I'ZQZ
`
`153'?
`
`
`
`Magma;
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016-01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 11 of 17
`Page 11 of 17
`
`

`

`kw"
`"3 .
`i‘w
`mm
`
`if}m
`an}
`3
`PK
`
`as
`
`
`
`Phi-,3...
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016-01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 12 of 17
`Page 12 of 17
`
`W
`.
`fiii$i§
`
`3‘
`
`m“
`{3
`
`:3
`
`‘N:
`3%”
`‘33
`:3.
`
`ENM
`
`EI“;
`
`a “
`
`H
`
`

`

`
`
`93;.“Emgunmxwmmm.mWm.33%;.5fixES35,Q8%mg9memmagma
`
`mwflwfi3wEng?
`
`
`
`mwnm‘fimxflmmwH.“Fm“mewan“.
`
`
`
`Ema”.6mm».
`
`003.8qumafiammmmamegmmcmnfin
`
`5.x:m$39.?a:3%“swag.mam$3
`
` manMwaxmmg
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 13 of 17
`Page 13 of 17
`
`

`

`{xxExtttt
`
`.....‘_..‘_\‘_..‘_\‘__{\\\
`
`hcxttxuctunu
`
`
`
`.335.)\\\....t..‘_\.
`
`‘2:xx}
`...‘_‘_.....:
`
`mum.
`\xmunm
`
`fiamnm
`MK_.
`
`
`
`-..mm
`\_
`
`\
`
`Emaamw
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 14 of 17
`Page 14 of 17
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`H
`
`33
`mm.a.J.a“ram.353.
`«mm.W«Maxm3.»
`
`Emarwmw
`
`
`
`
`
`x.Qmm
`sufiwm_uniwr
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 15 of 17
`Page 15 of 17
`
`

`

`
`
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 16 of 17
`
`

`

`
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`|PR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2023
`Exhibit 2023
`Page 17 of 17
`Page 17 of 17
`
`