Date: 3f20f2011
`
`
`lNeology RFlD Switch Tag
`
`l
`
`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 1C 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 1C. 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 [C plane to the antenna plane.
`
`Mufti-Pious Construction
`
`In one embodiment, a tag is provided that includes an RF module, strap, or interposer.
`This RF module comprises an RFID 1C 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 RF 1D 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 110 is
`transferred to the RF module 120.
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2024
`Exhibit 2024
`Page 1 of 20
`Page 1 of 20
`
`

`

`While not shown, RF module 120 will typically comprise the RFID [C and the
`conductive trace pattem. These trace patterns can then be either inductively or
`capacitiver coupled with booster antenna 1 10.
`In order for this arrangement to work
`properly, the booster antenna 110 must be matched with the RFID IC inputs. Thus, the
`booster antenna 1 l0, conductive tracc 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
`110, then the operational range of the tag will be significantly reduced.
`
`Thus, the placement ofthe RFID module l20 with respect to the booster antenna l 10
`alters the operational range and perfom‘iance of the RFID tag. This is illustrated in Fig.
`1B. In Fig. 1B, 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 anangemcnt of Fig. 1B,
`a smaller portion, or none, of the RF energy collected by the booster antenna 1 10 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 conipletely shielded by a portion of antenna 1 10, it may be completely
`non-operational. While optimal performance 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 1 10. 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 ofthe RF module I20 and the booster antenna 1 l0. 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 110 are positioned for elI‘ective 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.
`
`Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment. As shown, a single booster antenna 210 is
`provided. However, in this embodiment, two RF modules, 222 and 224, are shown. In
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2024
`Exhibit 2024
`Page 2 of 20
`Page 2 of 20
`
`

`

`one embodiment, the booster antenna 210 and RF modules 222 and 224 are positioned
`such that only one of the two modules is effectively coupled to the booster antenna 210 at
`any one time. For example, as illustrated, module 222 is coupled to the booster antenna
`210 while module 224 is shielded. Thus, RF module 222 is effectively tuned and
`responsive while RF module 224 is effectively detuned and unresponsive.
`
`While not shown, in this embodiment, both RF modules 222 and 224 can be
`mechanically coupled to a single mechanism for altering the relative positions of the
`antenna 210 and the modules, 222 and 224.
`In one embodiment, a slider like the slider
`
`In this manner, the positioning altering mechanism can be
`140 of Fig. IC is used.
`manipulated to selectively cause one of the two modules to be coupled to the antenna.
`Advantageously, this allows a single RFID tag to be used for multiple services. For
`example, one RF module, e.g. module 222, in the tag can be associated with toll road
`portal system. The other RF module, e.g., module 224 can be associated with a system
`for tracking car-pool lane use. The user can manipulate the position altering mechanism
`in order to couple the booster antenna to the RF module that is appropriate for the current
`usage.
`In one embodiment, a visual indicator is provided to indicate which RF module is
`currently coupled to the booster antenna.
`In another embodiment, the positioning altering
`mechanism can be manipulated to place the RF modules into positions such that either
`both or neither of the RF modules is coupled to the booster antenna. In other
`embodiments, three or more RF modules may be configured for use with a single booster
`antenna in a similar manner.
`
`In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the RF modules 222 and 224 are aligned horizontally and
`the direction of movement caused by manipulation of the position altering mechanism is
`likewise horizontal.
`In other embodiments, the RF modules 222 and 224 may be aligned
`vertically and the direction of movement may be vertical.
`In other embodiments, the RF
`modules 222, 224 may be arranged in an arcuate manner and the direction of motion may
`also be arcuate.
`
`Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment. As shown, two booster antennas, 312 and 314,
`and two RF modules, 322 and 324, are provided.
`In one embodiment, as described above
`with respect to Fig. 2, each RF module, 322 and 324, is associated with a different system
`or service. In one embodiment, each antenna, 312 and 314, has different physical
`properties such as size or shape. These differences in physical properties result in
`different properties for gathering RF energy.
`In one example, the antennas 312 and 314
`are tuned for different frequencies.
`In another embodiment, the two antennas 3l2 and
`314 have similar physical properties. As with the other embodiments described herein,
`the RF modules 322 and 324 are configured to be selectively coupled to the booster
`antennas 312 and 314.
`
`In one embodiment, both of the RF modules, 322 and 324, are attached to single position
`altering mechanism (not shown). In this manner, a user can manipulate the single
`mechanism such that only one of the two RF modules is couple to its respective boost
`antenna at any one time.
`In one embodiment, a visual indicator is provided to indicate
`which RF module is currently coupled to its respective booster antenna.
`In another
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`|PR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2024
`Exhibit 2024
`Page 3 of 20
`Page 3 of 20
`
`

`

`embodiment, the position altering mechanism can be manipulated such that both or
`neither of the RF modules is coupled to the respective boost antennas at the same time.
`
`In another embodiment, each of the RF modules, 322 and 324, is attached to a separate
`position altering mechanism (not shown).
`In this embodiment, both, neither, or only one
`of the RF modules can be coupled to the respective boost antennas at the same time.
`
`In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the booster antennas are arranged along a vertical
`axis and the direction of motion of the RF module caused by manipulation ofthe position
`altering mechanism is horizontal.
`In other embodiments, the booster antennas may be
`arranged horizontally, along an arc, in different planes, or in another manner and the
`direction of motion is adapted to switch the RF modules between coupled and uncoupled
`positions for the respective booster antennas.
`
`Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment. As shown, a single RF module 420 is provided.
`Further, two booster antennas, 412 and 414, are shown. In one embodiment, as described
`above with respect to Fig. 3, the booster antennas 412 and 414 are configured with
`different physical properties. For example, the antennas may be tuned to different
`frequencies. While not shown, the RF module 420 is mechanically coupled to a position
`altering mechanism such as the switch 140 of Fig. 1C. In this manner, a user can
`manipulate the position altering mechanism in order to switch the RF module 420 from
`being coupled to the antenna 412 to being coupled to the antenna 414.
`
`In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the booster antennas are arranged along a vertical
`axis and the direction of motion of the RF module caused by manipulation of the position
`altering mechanism is vertical.
`In other embodiments, the booster antennas may be
`arranged horizontally, along an arc, in different planes, or in another manner and the
`direction of motion is adapted to switch the RF module between the booster antennas.
`
`The additional figures illustrate other embodiments ofan RFID tag as described herein
`including mechanisms for adjusting the relative position of the RFID modules and the
`booster antennas including switches, knobs, sliders, and other devices.
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2024
`Exhibit 2024
`Page 4 of 20
`Page 4 of 20
`
`

`

`We claim:
`
`1. The systems and methods substantially as described herein.
`
`CLAIMS
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2024
`Exhibit 2024
`Page 5 of 20
`Page 5 of 20
`
`

`

`120
`
`110
`
`120
`
`140
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`110
`
`FIG. 1B
`
`130
`
`FIG. 1C
`
`150
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`|PR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2024
`Exhibit 2024
`Page 6 of 20
`Page 6 of 20
`
`

`

`224
`
`222
`
`322
`
`FK3.2
`
`FK3.3
`
`324
`
`210
`
`312
`
`314
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2024
`Exhibit 2024
`Page 7 of 20
`Page 7 of 20
`
`

`

`420
`
`FIG. 4
`
`412
`
`414
`
`Neology, Inc.
`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2024
`Exhibit 2024
`Page 8 of 20
`Page 8 of 20
`
`

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`IPR2016-01763
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`Page 9 of 20
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`Neology, Inc.
`Néblogy, l'
`|PR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
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`Neology, Inc.
`IPR2016—01763
`IPR2016-01763
`Exhibit 2024
`Exhibit 2024
`Page 20 of 20
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