System and method for converting wireless device signals

Abstract

In some embodiments, a wireless electronic device translation system includes a translator including a first antenna, a second antenna, and a control unit coupled to the first antenna and the second antenna. The translator can be configured to receive a wireless communication signal transmitted at a first frequency from a first electronic device, interpret communication content from the wireless communication signal using a first communication protocol, translate the first communication content for transmission as a wireless translation signal using a second communication protocol, and transmit the wireless translation signal at a second frequency for receipt by a second electronic device.

Description

[0001] Cross-References to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 936,447, filed November 16, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to wireless device signaling. More specifically, the present invention relates to using translation to facilitate wireless communication between at least two different devices. BACKGROUND

[0004] Various wireless devices, such as RFID devices, can include an integrated circuit or chip and an antenna, and can be used to associate an object with an identification code. Wireless devices can only operate using a particular frequency and / or a particular communication protocol. Some access devices, such as RFID readers, can not be able to communicate with the wireless devices due to a lack of wireless communication capabilities using the particular frequency and / or the particular communication protocol. Although some access devices can have the ability to communicate using multiple frequencies and / or communication protocols, such access devices can lack the capabilities of devices purchased by consumers and can be costly. Accordingly, improvements can be made to existing systems. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention has several aspects, which can be embodied alone or in combination with one another in the devices and systems described and claimed below. These aspects can be used individually or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to preclude separate use of these aspects, or protection under a separate or different combination of aspects, as can be listed in the claims as filed.

[0006] In some embodiments, a wireless electronic device translation system includes a translator. The translator includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and a control unit coupled to the first antenna and the second antenna. The translator is configured to receive a wireless communication signal transmitted from a first electronic device at a first frequency, interpret communication content from the wireless communication signal using a first communication protocol, translate the first communication content for transmission as a wireless translated signal using a second communication protocol, and transmit the wireless translated signal at a second frequency for receipt by a second electronic device.

[0007] In various embodiments, the first frequency can be different than the second frequency. The system can further include an access device configured to transmit the wireless communication signal having a first frequency using the first communication protocol. The frequency of the wireless communication signal can be within an ultra-high frequency band, while the frequency of the wireless conversion signal is within a high frequency band. The control unit can include at least one of an RFID chip and a microcontroller. The first antenna can be configured to receive signals of the same frequency band as the wireless communication signal, and the second antenna can be configured to transmit the wireless conversion signal.

[0008] In various embodiments, the system further includes a power source configured to place the converter in an active state when an access device is in an active state. Some systems include a power source configured to place the converter in an active state when the converter receives the wireless communication signal. The power source can include a battery.

[0009] In various embodiments, the wireless communication signal can be configured to encode a first portion of a dual frequency RFID tag, and the wireless conversion signal is configured to encode a second portion of the dual frequency RFID tag. The access device can be an RFID printer including a print head that can be configured to render an RFID tag unreadable in the event of an error in encoding the RFID tag.

[0010] In various embodiments, a method includes receiving, using a converter, a wireless communication signal transmitted from a first electronic device at a first frequency; interpreting communication content from the wireless communication signal using a first communication protocol; converting the first communication content for transmission as a wireless conversion signal using a second communication protocol; and transmitting the wireless conversion signal at a second frequency for receipt by a second electronic device.

[0011] The first frequency can be different than the second frequency. The method can further include transmitting, using an access device, the wireless communication signal having a first frequency according to a first communication protocol. The frequency of the wireless communication signal can be within an ultra-high frequency band, and the frequency of the wireless conversion signal can be within a high frequency band.

[0012] The converter can include a control unit including at least one of an RFID chip and a microcontroller; a first antenna electrically coupled to the control unit and configured to receive signals in a frequency band compatible with the communication signal; and a second antenna electrically coupled to the control unit and configured to transmit a conversion signal.

[0013] The method can include placing the transducer in an active state when the access device is in an active state. The method can include placing the transducer in an active state when the transducer receives the communication signal. The transducer can include a power source including a battery. The method can include encoding a first portion of a dual frequency RFID tag using the communication signal and encoding a second portion of the dual frequency RFID tag using the transducer signal. The access device can be an RFID printer including a print head, and the method can include using the print head to render the RFID tag unreadable in the event of an error in encoding the RFID tag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example access device in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example system for programming RFID tags or devices in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an example transducer in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example transducer in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example communication unit in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 is a flow diagram of wireless communication in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of wireless communication in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an example computer system in accordance with various embodiments.

[0022] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a computer program product in accordance with various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The embodiments disclosed herein are only examples, and the subject matter described herein can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the subject matter defined in the appended claims.

[0024] In various embodiments, a user of a device, such as an RFID printer, an RFID reader, a smartphone, or other device, can wish to interact with one or more target electronic devices via wireless communication. By using one or more of the transducers and / or other systems and methods disclosed herein, the user can be enabled to perform various operations with the target electronic devices that would otherwise not be possible, such as communicating with the target electronic devices, reading from the target electronic devices, writing to the target electronic devices, programming and / or controlling the target electronic devices, as discussed in greater detail below with respect to various embodiments.

[0025] Access device

[0026] Figure 1 An access device 10 is included in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the access device 10 can include, or consist of, or consist of at least a portion of, an RFID printer, an RFID reader, a mobile device, a computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a computer system 400, or other device. (See Figure 8 and related description). Figure 2 The access device 14 of FIG. 1 can be the same as the access device 10, except that it can not include the transducer 16.

[0027] The access device 10 can be configured to communicate with one or more target wireless devices 46, such as an RFID tag, an RFID label, an RFID inlay, an NFC tag, an NFC device, a Bluetooth device, an infrared tag, a WIFI transponder, a terminal, a card reader, or other tag, chip, or device. The access device 10 can communicate with such target wireless devices for various purposes, such as reading data associated with the target wireless devices, writing data to the target wireless devices, identifying the target wireless devices, and / or tracking the location of the target wireless devices.

[0028] The access device 10 can lack the proper antenna, software, firmware, or other hardware needed to communicate with a particular target wireless device 46 based on applicable specific parameters. The parameters can include a communication frequency, a communication protocol, or other software or hardware requirements or limitations. For example, the access device 10 can have components (e.g., antennas, firmware, processors, integrated circuits, circuitry) configured to communicate only within a first frequency range, while the target wireless device 46 can only communicate within a second frequency range that does not overlap the first frequency range. Additionally, the access device 10 and the target wireless device 46 can have one or more frequency ranges that they can both transmit and / or receive, but they can have other incompatible parameters, such as incompatible communication protocols, programming, hardware, or other issues.

[0029] In various embodiments, the access device 10 can include a communication unit 18. The access device 10 can further include a transducer 16 (e.g., transducer 52, transducer 204), and in some embodiments, the access device 10 can include a print head 20. The communication unit 18 can be the same as the communication unit 54 of Figure 5 As shown, the communication unit 54 (e.g., communication unit 18) can include one or more of a processor 56, a memory 58, an antenna 60, and a power source 32. In various embodiments, the communication unit 54 can include 1, 2, 3, or more antennas 60, which can each be configured to operate at different frequency ranges and / or different communication protocols. In other embodiments, multiple antennas 60 can operate at overlapping frequency ranges for various purposes, such as for tracking or enhancing communications. Figure 5

[0030] Print Head

[0031] In various embodiments, the print head 20 (if included) can be capable of applying a print (e.g., ink in a bar code pattern) to the RFID tag. In some embodiments, the RFID printer 10, 14 is configured to control the print head 20 to alter the RFID tag so as to render the RFID tag unreadable in the event of an error in encoding the RFID tag. This can include applying a print in a pattern to the RFID tag that prevents the RFID tag from being used.

[0032] After the RFID tag is encoded or programmed, the access device 10, 14 can check to ensure that there were no errors, such as by attempting to communicate with the RFID tag via the transducer 16. If there was an error in encoding or programming the RFID tag, the print head 20 can be used to render the RFID tag unreadable. For some embodiments in which the access device 10 of Figure 1 the system 12 of Figure 2 is or includes an RFID printer, the access device 10 can be configured so that the target wireless device 46 (such as an RFID tag) is fully encoded before being processed by the print head 20 (using the communication-only signal 42, the transduction-only signal 44, or both signals 42 and 44, as appropriate).

[0033] Communication Unit

[0034] In various embodiments, the communication unit 18 (e.g., communication unit 54) can include one or more processors 36, a memory 38, and / or one or more antennas 40, as shown in Figure 4 ​The communication unit 18 and one or more components thereof can be configured to transmit a programming communication signal or other communication signal 42 having a first frequency within a particular frequency band and / or using a first communication protocol. The communication unit 18 and one or more components thereof can be further configured to receive a converted wireless device signal 50 having the first frequency within the particular frequency band and / or using the first communication protocol. As discussed in more detail below, the converter 16 can be configured to receive a communication signal 42 and / or transmit a wireless device signal 48 using the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. The converter 16 can also be configured to transmit a converted signal 44 or receive a wireless device signal 48 using a second frequency and / or a second communication protocol.

[0035] In various embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency can each belong to one or more frequency bands, such as low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), microwave, or other frequencies. The following table discusses some example frequencies:

[0036] Table 1. Communication Frequencies

[0037]

[0038] In various embodiments, the high frequency (HF) band can be between 3 MHz and 30 MHz. In other embodiments, HF can be or be approximately 13.56 MHz. In some embodiments, the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band can be between 300 MHz and 3000 MHz. In some embodiments, as shown in the table above, UHF can be between approximately 865 MHz and 915 MHz, or between approximately 865 and 868 MHz, such as in Europe. In some embodiments, UHF can be between 902 MHz and 928 MHz, for example in North America. In various embodiments, the characteristics regarding frequencies, ranges, and costs described above can vary by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or more from the numbers provided above.

[0039] The communication signals 42, wireless device signals, and / or converted wireless device signals 50 can be transmitted or received by the communication unit 18 and / or the converter 16 using one or more of the following communication protocols: Bluetooth, RFID, WiFi, ZigBee, BLE, Z-Wave, 6L0WPAN, Thread, WiFi-ah, 2G, 3G, 4G, (LTE Cat 0, 1, or 3), NB-IoT, 5G, NFC, SigFox, LoRaWAN, Ingenu, Weightless-N, Weightless-P, Weightless-W, ANT, ANT+, DigiMesh, MiWi, EnOcean, Dash7, WirelessHART, ISO / IEC 18000-2, ISO / IEC 18000-3, ISO / IEC 18000-4, ISO / IEC 18000-5, ISO / IEC 18000-6, ISO / IEC 18000-7, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, ISO 11784 / 11785, ISO 14223, ISO / IEC 18092, ISO 18185, ISO / IEC 21481, ASTM D7434, ASTM D7435, ASTM D7580, ISO 28560-2, EPC Class 1 Generation 2 (EPC Gen2).

[0040] In some embodiments, a protocol can organize communication between one or more of the access devices 10, 14, the converter 16, and / or the target wireless device 46. The protocol can define what signals are defined as binary one or binary zero, the speed of the signals, and the organization of data packets, if any. The protocol can also dictate how to handle conflicts between the communicating devices.

[0041] In various embodiments, the communication unit 18 can be configured to transmit a communication signal 42 that can then be received by the target wireless device 46 (e.g., an RFID tag, a Bluetooth transponder, or other wireless device) and / or the converter 16. The communication signal 42 can be incompatible with the hardware or other parameters of the target wireless device 46. For example, the communication signal 42 can be incompatible with the operating frequency of the target wireless device 46, or the transmission of the communication signal 42 can use a communication protocol that is incompatible with the communication protocol of the target wireless device 46. The communication signal 42 can be compatible with one or more of the hardware, software, or other parameters of the converter 16. In some embodiments, the communication signal 42 can be used to power the target wireless device 46 even if the target wireless device is incompatible with the communication signal 42.

[0042] Transducer

[0043] To communicate with the target wireless device 46, the access device 10 (e.g., the access device 14) can use the transducer 16. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 shown in FIG. 1, the transducer 16 can be incorporated as part of the access device 10. In other embodiments, such as Figure 2 shown in FIG. 2, the transducer 16 can be a separate device from the access device 14. By using the transducer 16, the access device 10, 14 can be enabled to communicate with the target wireless device 46. In this way, the transducer 16 can enable the communication unit 18 to perform various uses, which can include one or more of the following: reading from, writing to, programming, receiving programming from, or tracking the target wireless device 46. In various embodiments, the transducer 16 can be the same as the transducer 52 of Figure 4 FIG. 3.

[0044] In some embodiments, where the transducer 16 is incorporated into the access device 10, the access device 10 can have available ports, and the transducer 16 can include mating plugs received by the ports. The corresponding ports and plugs can be used to associate the transducer 16 with the access device 10, and / or to power the transducer 16 from the access device 10. In various embodiments, the access device 10 can include a housing 34 that at least partially covers or encloses one or more of the following: the communication unit 18, the printhead 20, and / or the transducer 16. In some embodiments, the transducer 16 is composed of a semiconductor element that is placed on the same substrate as the communication unit 18. For example, the substrate can be a circuit board or motherboard that includes multiple components of the access device 10.

[0045] In various embodiments, where the transducer 16 is or includes a separate device from the access device 10, the transducer 16 can include its own housing. For example, various embodiments can include the transducer 52 shown in Figure 4 FIG. 3, which can be the same as the transducer 16 or the computer system 400. The transducer 52 can include one or more of the following: the processor 36, the memory 38, the power source 32, and / or the antenna 40. The transducer 52 can include 1, 2, 3, or more antennas 40, which can each be configured to operate at different frequency ranges and / or with different communication protocols. In other embodiments, multiple antennas 40 can operate in overlapping frequency ranges for various uses (e.g., for tracking or enhancing communications).

[0046] In various embodiments, the transducer 16 (e.g., transducer 52) can be configured to receive the communication signal 42 from the communication unit 18, such as using at least one of its antennas 40. The transducer 16 can be configured to then extract the data carried by the communication signal 42 and generate one or more transduced signals 44, each of which includes data based at least in part on the data of the communication signal 42. For example, in some embodiments, if the data carried by the communication signal 42 includes a unique identifier to be encoded into an RFID tag, the one or more transduced signals 44 can also be configured to carry the same unique identifier. The number of transduced signals 44 can be one, two, three, four, or more, depending on the hardware configuration of the transducer 16, and each of the transduced signals 44 can differ from the others in one or both of its transmission frequency or its communication protocol.

[0047] In various embodiments, the transducing can be performed by identifying the type of message (e.g., command, query, or other communication), finding a corresponding or identical message for the target frequency and / or communication protocol, and transmitting the corresponding message using the target frequency and / or communication protocol. In some embodiments, the transducing can include reformatting the message to be transmitted using the target frequency and / or communication protocol. In some embodiments, this can include truncating empty bits in the message, spanning the message across multiple data packets, re-encoding the message from one binary representation to a different binary representation, or other methods. The transducing can be performed using a look up table or equivalent lookup method (e.g., database access, corresponding memory location, list of commands).

[0048] In some embodiments, the transduced signals 44 have a frequency that is different from the frequency of the communication signal 42, the transduced signals 44 being in a different frequency band than the communication signal 42. In some example embodiments, the communication signal 42 has a frequency in the UHF frequency band, and the transduced signals 44 have a frequency in a different frequency band. Other example frequency bands can include one or more of the following: low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), Bluetooth, WiFi, microwave, or other portions of the UHF frequency band. In various example embodiments, the communication signal 42 has a frequency in one or more of the following frequency bands: low frequency, high frequency, ultra-high frequency, Bluetooth, WiFi, and microwave frequency bands, and the transduced signals 44 have non-overlapping frequencies in one or more of the following frequency bands: low frequency, high frequency, ultra-high frequency, Bluetooth, WiFi, microwave frequency bands.

[0049] In some embodiments, the communication signal 42 has a frequency within one or more of the following frequency bands: low frequency, high frequency, ultra-high frequency, Bluetooth, WiFi, and microwave frequency bands, while the conversion signal 44 operates within a frequency range that overlaps with the communication signal 42, but has a different protocol than the communication signal 42. Regardless of the particular frequency, frequency band, or protocol, the conversion signal 44 can be used to perform one or more of the following: program, encode, or read an RFID tag (e.g., the target wireless device 46) that is configured to receive and / or interpret the conversion signal.

[0050] In various embodiments, Figure 1 The access device 10 and Figure 2 The system 12 can be used to encode wireless devices 46 that operate in a different frequency band than the communication unit 18 of the access device 10, 14. This can include encoding an RFID tag that operates in a single frequency band that is different from the operating frequency band of the communication unit 18 of the access device 10, 14, or encoding a dual frequency RFID tag that has one radio frequency interface in a different frequency band than the operating frequency band of the communication unit 18.

[0051] In some embodiments, the wireless device 46 can be within range of the communication unit 18 and the converter 16, and can be in a location to receive both the communication signal 42 (which is also received by the converter 16) and the conversion signal 44. If the wireless device 46 is a multi-frequency device (e.g., a dual, tri-, quad-, or more frequency RFID tag or label) that has at least one chip and multiple antennas that operate in different frequency bands, the wireless device 46 can receive and be encoded by either or both of the communication signal 42 and the conversion signal 44, without the need to use a second access device 10 that operates in a different frequency band than the first access device 10. For example, the access device 10 and the converter 16 can simultaneously encode the wireless device 46 with both signals. For example, the access device 10 can transmit the communication signal 42, which is received by the wireless device 46 at a first frequency using a first protocol, and the converter 16 can transmit the conversion signal 44, which is received by the wireless device 46 at a second frequency using a second protocol, while the first communication signal 42 is still received, interpreted, and / or acted upon by the wireless device 46.

[0052] In some embodiments, the access device 10 and the converter 16 can sequentially encode a multi-frequency wireless device 46 with two or more signals (e.g., first using the communication signal 42, and then using one or more conversion signals 44 to encode the wireless device 46). On the other hand, if the wireless device 46 is not a multi-frequency device, it can only receive and be encoded by one of the signals 42, 44.

[0053] The particular configuration of the converter 16 can vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, as Figure 3As shown, the transducer 16 can include a control unit 62 that includes at least one of the RFID chip 22 and a microcontroller 24 (e.g., the processor 304). In various embodiments, the microcontroller 24 is electrically coupled to the RFID chip 22 (e.g., through a serial data interface 26). The transducer 16 can further include a first antenna 28, a second antenna 30, and a power source 32. One of the antennas 28 can be electrically coupled to the RFID chip 22, while the other antenna 30 is electrically coupled to the microcontroller 24. In various embodiments, both of the antennas 28, 30 can be coupled to the RFID chip 22 or the microcontroller 24. In some embodiments, the antenna 40 can replace the antenna 28 or the antenna 30, i.e., multiple antennas 40 can be attached at designated locations of the antenna 28 or the antenna 30 for designated purposes, while providing the same or additional capabilities.

[0054] One of the antennas 28 (e.g., a first antenna) and the antenna 30 (e.g., a second antenna) can be configured to communicate with the access device 10. The remaining one of the antenna 28 or the antenna 30 can be configured to transmit the transduced signal 44 after data is extracted from the communication signal 42. For example, the antenna 28 can be configured to receive the communication signal 42 from the communication unit 18 and transmit the transduced wireless signal 50 to the communication unit 18. The antenna 30 can be used to transmit the transduced signal 44 to the wireless device 46 and receive the wireless device signal 48 from the wireless device 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the first antenna 28 is shown as a high frequency antenna, while the second antenna 30 is shown as an ultra-high frequency antenna, although the antennas 28 and 30 can be configured differently without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] The RFID chip 22 and the microcontroller 24 can be variously configured without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the RFID chip 22 and the microcontroller 24 are capable (in combination) of extracting data from the communication signal 42 and placing it in a state to be transmitted by the transduced signal 44. In some embodiments, the RFID chip 22 is a programmable chip provided as a UHF Gen2 chip (such as the Monza X-2K chip manufactured by Impinj Inc. of Seattle, Washington) equipped with a suitable digital interface, such as an I 2 C. In such example embodiments, the microcontroller 24 is configured as a combined near field communication reader / writer and microcontroller, such as the PN7462 microcontroller manufactured by NXP Semiconductors N.V. of Eindhoven, Netherlands.

[0056] In some embodiments, the transducer 16 (e.g., Figure 4The transducer 52) can employ a separate power source 32, such as a battery and / or an AC adapter for drawing power from an AC power source. In some embodiments, the transducer 16 can draw power from the access device 10 via a plug, or as in Figure 1 embodiments, be hardwired into the access device 10. In some embodiments, the transducer 16 (as in Figure 1 ) incorporated into the access device 10 can have its own battery as the power source 32. In some embodiments, the transducer 16 (as in Figure 2 ) separate from the access device 10 (as in the RFID printer 14) can employ an external power source 32, rather than a built-in battery. Figure 2

[0057] Regardless of the nature of the power source 32, it can be configured to place the transducer 16 in an active state when the access device 10, 14 is also in an active state, or to selectively place the transducer 16 in an active state and a standby or low-engergy state when the access device 10, 14 is not in an active state. In some embodiments, in which the transducer 16 is configured to be manually or automatically switched between an active state and a standby state, the transducer 16 is in the standby state by default, and the transducer 16 is placed in the active state upon receipt of a communication signal 42 from the access device 10, 14. The transducer 16 can then be placed back into the standby state after the transduction signal 44 has been transmitted.

[0058] Some dual-frequency RFID tags can be capable of communicating in multiple frequency bands, such as high frequency and ultra-high frequency. Some examples of dual- frequency devices can be found in U.S. Patent No. 9,871,294, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Dual-frequency RFID tags can be configured to communicate with a printer in either or both of its dual modes.

[0059] Example Operation

[0060] Figure 6 An example operation is included that includes a system that includes an access device 202, a transducer 204, and a wireless device 206. In various embodiments, the access device 202 can be the same as the access device 10, the access device 14, or the computer system 400. In various embodiments, the transducer 204 can be the same as the transducer 16, the transducer 52, or the computer system 400. In various embodiments, the wireless device 206 can be the same as the wireless device 46 or the computer system 400.

[0061] ​The access device 202 can not be able to communicate with the wireless device 206 due to incompatibility issues involving one or both of frequency conflicts and communication protocol conflicts. In various embodiments, the transducer 204 can facilitate communication by converting various wireless signals from the access device 202 into a format compatible with the wireless device. The transducer 204 can also convert signals from the wireless device 206 into a format compatible with the access device 202.

[0062] In some embodiments, the wireless device 206 (e.g., an active or passive RFID tag) can be powered and activated by receiving radio frequency signals, such as radio frequency signals from the access device 202, the transducer 204, and / or other environmental sources. In this case, the wireless device 206 can initiate communication with the transducer 204 and / or the access device 202.

[0063] In operation 208, the access device 202 can transmit or emit a query to be received by the transducer 204 and / or the wireless device 46 using the communication signal 42 and at least a first frequency and at least a first communication protocol. In some embodiments, the access device 202 can transmit the query using additional frequencies and / or communication protocols.

[0064] In operation 210, the transducer 204 can receive the query from the wireless device signal 48 using at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. In operation 212, the transducer 204 can convert the query into at least a second frequency and / or a second communication protocol. In operation 214, the transducer 204 can transmit the converted query using the transduced signal 44 and the second frequency and the second protocol. In various embodiments, the first frequency and the second frequency can be the same, different, overlapping, or non-overlapping. In various embodiments, the first protocol and the second protocol can be the same or different. In some embodiments, the transducer 204 can transmit the converted query using additional frequencies and / or communication protocols.

[0065] In operation 216, the wireless device 206 can receive and process the query transmitted at the second frequency and / or using the second communication protocol. In operation 218, the wireless device 206 can respond to the query using the wireless device signal 48 and at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol. The response can include a first identifier (e.g., a random 16-bit number).

[0066] In operation 220, the transducer 204 can receive the response using at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol via the wireless device signal 48. In operation 222, the transducer 204 can convert the response to at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. In operation 224, the transducer can transmit the response using the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. In some embodiments, the transducer 204 can transmit the response using additional frequencies and / or communication protocols, allowing the information to be shared in a manner compatible with additional devices. This can improve reception by the original access device 202, or allow communication with other access devices 202.

[0067] In operation 226, the access device 202 can receive the response including the first identifier using at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. In operation 228, the access device 202 can send an acknowledgement using at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol, the acknowledgement echoing the first identifier.

[0068] In operation 230, the transducer 204 can receive the acknowledgement echoing the first identifier from the wireless device signal 48 using at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol. In operation 232, the transducer 204 can convert the acknowledgement echoing the first identifier to at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol. In operation 234, the transducer 204 can transmit the converted acknowledgement using the converted signal 44 and the second frequency and second protocol, which will be received by the wireless device 206 in operation 236. In some embodiments, the transducer 204 can transmit the acknowledgement using additional frequencies and / or communication protocols.

[0069] After receiving the same first identifier originally provided by the wireless device 206, the wireless device 206 can respond to the acknowledgement using the wireless device signal 48 and at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol in operation 238. The response can include an identifier of the wireless device 206. For example, the identifier can include an Electronic Product Code (EPC) number, such as an EPC number for an RFID tag. The response can further include an error check and / or some protocol control bits (PC). The PC bits can provide one or more of the following: a length of the EPC stored in the wireless device 206, and / or a type of object (application family identifier (AFI)) to which the tag is attached.

[0070] In operation 240, the transducer 204 can receive a response including the EPC, the control bit PC, and / or the AFI from the wireless device signal 48 using at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol. In operation 242, the transducer 204 can convert the response including the EPC, the control bit PC, and / or the AFI to at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. In operation 244, the transducer can transmit the converted response including the EPC, the control bit, PC, and / or the AFI through the converted wireless device signal 50 (e.g., using the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol). In some embodiments, the transducer 204 can transmit the converted response using additional frequencies and / or communication protocols.

[0071] In operation 246, the access device 202 can receive the converted response including the EPC, the control bit, PC, and / or the AFI using at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. In operation 248, the access device 202 can issue a command to the wireless device 206 to generate or provide a stored second identifier using the communication signal 42 and at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. The command can include reading from or writing to the wireless device 206.

[0072] In operation 250, the transducer 204 can receive the command to the wireless device 206 to generate or provide a stored second identifier. The command can be received and / or interpreted using at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. In operation 252, the transducer 204 can convert the command to at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol. In operation 254, the transducer 204 can transmit the command using the conversion signal 44 and at least the second frequency and at least the second protocol, which will be received by the wireless device 206 in operation 256. In some embodiments, the transducer 204 can transmit the command using additional frequencies and / or communication protocols.

[0073] In operation 256, the wireless device 206 can receive and process the command sent at the second frequency and / or using the second communication protocol. After receiving the command, in operation 258, the wireless device 206 can respond by generating or providing a stored version of the second identifier and transmitting the second identifier using the wireless device signal 48 and at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol.

[0074] In operation 260, the transducer 204 can receive the second identifier from the wireless device signal 48 using at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol. In operation 262, the transducer 204 can convert the second identifier to at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. In operation 264, the transducer can transmit the converted second identifier via the converted wireless device signal 50 (e.g., using the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol). In some embodiments, the transducer 204 can transmit the second identifier using additional frequencies and / or communication protocols.

[0075] In operation 266, the access device 202 can receive a response including the second identifier using at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol. In operation 268, the access device 202 can issue a command, such as a read, write, lock, or kill, using at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol.

[0076] A read or write command from the access device 10 can read or write any of the following information from or to the RFID tag or other wireless device 46 accordingly: 1) all or a portion or specified portion of the EPC data, such as the number of bits of the EPC size specified by the protocol bits of the RFID tag, which can be up to 160 bits; 2) all or a portion of the TID (Tag ID), such as the first 32 bits or less of the TID; 3) the access and / or kill password of the RFID tag or other wireless device 46; 4) the protocol bits of the EPC memory banks.

[0077] After reading the protocol bits from the EPC memory banks, the size of the EPC can be identified based on the read protocol bits. A read command can read the size of the EPC, the TID, and / or the size of the user memory banks.

[0078] A lock command is a command that the RFID reader or other access device 10 can transmit to the RFID tag or other wireless device 46 to prevent access to certain information on the RFID tag or other wireless device 46. A lock command can prevent further modification of data in the RFID tag or other wireless device 46 memory or can prevent access to data in the RFID tag or other wireless device 46 memory. In some cases, the lock command is permanent, while in other cases, the reader or other access device 10 can "unlock" the memory.

[0079] A kill command can be a command that the RFID reader or other access device 10 can transmit to the RFID tag or other wireless device 46 that uses electronic disabling mechanisms to prevent the RFID tag or other wireless device 46 from responding to any additional commands. The primary purpose of the kill command can be to protect personal privacy. When the RFID tag or other wireless device 46 is no longer needed for its intended purpose, such as to expedite checkout or inventory, the RFID tag or other wireless device 46 can be used to track the individual carrying the tagged item or wearing the tagged clothing. The ability to disable the RFID tag or other wireless device 46 with the kill command provides a mechanism to prevent unauthorized access and misuse of the product information stored in the RFID tag or other wireless device 46.

[0080] In operation 270, the transducer 204 can receive a command from the wireless device signal 48 using at least the first frequency and / or the first communication protocol, which can be a read, write, lock, kill, or other command. In operation 272, the transducer 204 can convert the command to at least the second frequency and / or the second communication protocol. In operation 274, the transducer 204 can transmit the converted command using the converted signal 44 and the second frequency and second protocol, which will be received by the wireless device 206 in operation 276. In some embodiments, the transducer 204 can use additional frequencies and / or communication protocols to transmit the converted command.

[0081] In operation 276, the wireless device 206 can receive and process the command transmitted at the second frequency and / or using the second communication protocol. In operation 278, the wireless device 206 can execute the command according to its programming. In some embodiments, a correct password must be provided with the command, such as for some lock commands and / or kill commands.

[0082] Figure 7 An example operation according to some embodiments is provided by a flowchart that includes operation 302, which includes receiving a wireless communication signal (e.g., communication signal 42, wireless device signal 48) transmitted from a first electronic device (e.g., access device 10, 14, wireless device 46) at a first frequency (e.g., HF, LF, UHF, microwave, Bluetooth) using a transducer (e.g., transducer 16, 52, 204).

[0083] Operation 304 includes interpreting the communication content from the wireless communication signal using a first communication protocol.

[0084] Operation 306 includes converting the first communication content for transmission as a wireless converted signal using a second communication protocol.

[0085] Operation 308 includes transmitting the wireless conversion signal at the second frequency for receipt by a second electronic device (e.g., a different access device 10, 14, or wireless device 46). Some embodiments can stop at operation 308, while other embodiments continue with operation 310 and / or other operations.

[0086] Some embodiments can perform operation 310, which includes transmitting, using the access device 10, a programming signal having the first frequency according to the first communication protocol. Some embodiments can perform operation 312, which includes placing the transducer (e.g., transducer 16, 52, 204) in an active state when the transducer receives the communication signal. Some embodiments can perform operation 314, which includes encoding, using the communication signal, a first portion of the dual-frequency RFID tag and encoding, using the conversion signal, a second portion of the dual-frequency RFID tag.

[0087] Example System

[0088] Figure 8 An architectural diagram is provided in FIG. 4 that depicts an example of a system (i.e., computer system 400) that can be used to process signals and / or perform operations described in this disclosure. The computer system 400 is configured to perform calculations, processes, operations, and / or functions associated with programs or algorithms. In one aspect, certain processes and steps discussed herein are implemented as a series of instructions (e.g., software program) that reside within computer-readable storage units and are executed by one or more processors of the computer system 400. The instructions, when executed, cause the computer system 400 to perform particular actions and exhibit particular behavior, as described herein.

[0089] In various embodiments, the computer system 400 can include or form at least a portion of a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, an RFID reader, an RFID printer, a desktop printer, a desktop computer, a manufacturing system, a smartwatch, an activity tracker, an RFID tag, a Bluetooth reader, a Bluetooth beacon, an access device 202, a wireless device 206, a transducer 204, or other electronic device, some of which can include at least one processor.

[0090] The computer system 400 can include an address / data bus 402 that is configured to communicate information. Additionally, one or more data processing units, such as a processor 404 (or processors), can be coupled with the address / data bus 402. The processor 404 is configured to process information and instructions. In an aspect, the processor 404 is a microprocessor. Additionally, the processor 404 can be a different type of processor, such as a parallel processor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic array (PLA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0091] The computer system 400 is configured to utilize one or more data storage units. The computer system 400 can include a volatile memory unit 406 (e.g., random access memory (RAM), static RAM, dynamic RAM, etc.) coupled with the address / data bus 402, wherein a volatile memory unit 406 is configured to store information and instructions for the processor 404. The computer system 400 further can include a non-volatile memory unit 408 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, etc.) coupled with the address / data bus 402, wherein the non-volatile memory unit 408 is configured to store static information and instructions for the processor 404. Alternatively, the computer system 400 can execute instructions retrieved from an online data storage unit (e.g., in“cloud” computing). In an aspect, the computer system 400 also can include one or more interfaces, such as an interface 410, coupled with the address / data bus 402. The one or more interfaces are configured to enable the computer system 400 to interface with other electronic and / or computing devices. The communication interface(s) can enable a user to use the computer system 400 in conjunction with other electronic and / or computing devices. The communication interface(s) can enable peripheral devices to be attached to the computer system 400. The

[0092] In one aspect, computer system 400 can include an input device 412 coupled with the address / data bus 402, wherein input device 412 is configured to communicate information and command selections to the processor 100. According to one aspect, input device 412 is an alphanumeric input device, such as a keyboard, that can include alphanumeric and / or function keys. Alternatively, input device 412 can be an input device other than an alphanumeric input device. In one aspect, computer system 400 can include a cursor control device 414 coupled with the address / data bus 402, wherein cursor control device 414 is configured to communicate user input information and / or command selections to the processor 100. According to one aspect, cursor control device 414 is implemented using a device such as a mouse, a track-ball, a track-pad, an optical tracking device, or a touch screen. Although the aforementioned input devices are preferable, in one aspect, cursor control device 414 is directed and / or activated by input from input device 412, such as in response to the use of special keys and key sequence commands associated with input device 412. In another aspect, cursor control device 414 is configured to be directed or guided by voice commands.

[0093] In one aspect, computer system 400 further can include one or more optional computer usable data storage devices, such as a storage device 416, coupled with the address / data bus 402. Storage device 416 is configured to store information and / or computer executable instructions. In one aspect, storage device 416 is a storage device such as a magnetic or optical disk drive (e.g., hard disk drive (HDD), floppy drive, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.). According to one aspect, a display device 418 is coupled with the address / data bus 402, wherein display device 418 is configured to display video and / or graphics. In one aspect, display device 418 can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), field emission display (FED), light-emitting diode (LED), plasma display, or any other display device suitable for displaying video and / or graphics images to a user.

[0094] The computer system 400 presented herein is an example computing environment according to one aspect. However, the non-limiting example of the computer system 400 is not strictly limited to being a computer system. For example, one aspect presents the computer system 400 as representing a type of data processing analysis that can be used in accordance with various aspects described herein. Moreover, other computing systems can also be implemented. Indeed, the spirit and scope of the present technology is not limited to any single data processing environment. Thus, in an aspect, one or more operations of various aspects of the present technology are controlled or implemented using computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. In an implementation, such program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, and / or data structures that are configured to perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In addition, one aspect presents one or more aspects of the present technology as being implemented by utilizing one or more distributed computing environments. Such distributed computing environments include processing devices that are arranged to be coupled to each other over a communication network, such as the Internet. Accordingly, multiple processing devices can be employed to execute program modules.

[0095] Figure 9 A diagrammatic representation of a computer program product (i.e., a memory device) is depicted therein. The computer program product is depicted as soft discs 500 or an optical disc 502, such as a CD or DVD. However, as mentioned previously, the computer program product is generally representative of computer-readable instructions stored on any compatible non-transitory computer-readable medium. The term "instructions" as used with respect to this application generally means a set of operations to be performed on a computer, and can represent pieces of a whole program or a complete program. Non-limiting examples of "instructions" include computer program code (source or object), and "hard-coded" electronics (i.e., computer operations embedded in a computer chip). The "instructions" are stored on any non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, or a flash drive. In the case of a floppy disk or a flash drive, the instructions are read from the floppy disk or the flash drive and loaded into the computer's memory. In the case of a computer disk or a CD-ROM, the instructions are read from the computer disk or the CD-ROM and loaded into the computer's memory.

[0096] The terms "one or more of a, b, and c," "at least one of a, b, and c," and "at least one of a, b, or c" mean a, b, c, or a combination thereof, including: 1) one or more of a, and one or more of b, 2) one or more of b, and one or more of c, 3) one or more of a, and one or more of c, 4) one or more of a, 5) one or more of b, or 6) one or more of c.

[0097] It is understood that the embodiments described above are merely illustrative of some applications of the principles of the subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, including what is claimed alone or in combination in this document. For these reasons, the scope of the application is not limited to the above description, but is instead as set forth in the appended claims, and it is understood that the claims can be directed to features of the application, including what is claimed alone or in combination in this document.

Claims

1. A wireless electronic device conversion system, comprising a converter, the converter comprising: a first antenna; a second antenna; and a control unit coupled to the first antenna and the second antenna, the converter configured to: receive a wireless communication signal transmitted at a first frequency by a first electronic device; interpret communication content from the wireless communication signal using a first communication protocol; convert the first communication content for transmission as a wireless converted signal using a second communication protocol; and transmit the wireless converted signal at a second frequency for receipt by a second electronic device; further comprising an access device configured to transmit the wireless communication signal having the first frequency using the first communication protocol; wherein the access device is an RFID printer comprising a print head, and the print head is configured to render an RFID label unreadable in the event of an error in encoding the RFID label. the first frequency is different than the second frequency. the wireless communication signal is in an ultra-high frequency band, and the wireless converted signal is in a high frequency band.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, 4. The system of any of claims 1-2, wherein, 3. The system of any of claims 1-2, wherein, the control unit comprises at least one of an RFID chip and a microcontroller, wherein the first antenna is configured to receive signals in the same frequency band as the wireless communication signal, wherein the second antenna is configured to transmit the wireless converted signal. a power source configured to place the converter in an active state when an access device is in an active state. a power source configured to place the converter in an active state when the wireless communication signal is received by the converter.

5. The system of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: a power source comprising a battery.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: the wireless communication signal is configured to encode a first portion of a dual frequency RFID label, and the wireless converted signal is configured to encode a second portion of the dual frequency RFID label.

7. The system of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising:

9. A method of converting wireless device signals, comprising:

8. The system of any one of claims 1-2, wherein, receiving, using a converter, a wireless communication signal transmitted at a first frequency from a first electronic device; interpreting communication content from the wireless communication signal using a first communication protocol; converting the first communication content for transmission as a wireless converted signal using a second communication protocol; and transmitting the wireless converted signal at a second frequency for receipt by a second electronic device; further comprising transmitting, using an access device, the wireless communication signal having the first frequency according to the first communication protocol; wherein the access device is an RFID printer comprising a print head, and the method further comprises rendering, using the print head, an RFID label unreadable in the event of an error in encoding the RFID label. the first frequency is different than the second frequency. the wireless communication signal is in an ultra-high frequency band, and the wireless converted signal is in a high frequency band. the converter comprising:

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, a control unit comprising at least one of an RFID chip and a microcontroller; 11. The method of any one of claims 9-10, wherein, a first antenna electrically coupled to the control unit, the first antenna configured to receive signals in a frequency band compatible with the communication signal; and 12. The method of any one of claims 9-10, wherein, a second antenna electrically coupled to the control unit, the second antenna configured to transmit the wireless converted signal. ​ ​ a second antenna electrically coupled to the control unit, the second antenna configured to transmit a conversion signal.

13. The method of any of claims 9-10, further comprising: placing the transducer in an active state when the access device is in an active state.

14. The method of any of claims 9-10, further comprising: placing the transducer in an active state when the transducer receives the communication signal.

15. The method of any one of claims 9-10, wherein, the transducer further comprising a power source comprising a battery.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: encoding a first portion of the dual frequency RFID tag using the communication signal; and encoding a second portion of the dual frequency RFID tag using the conversion signal. ​

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