초록

In a method and apparatus for encoding a tag with an n-bit binary code one or more predetermined frequency sources are associated with the tag that produce known different respective characteristic frequencies, each of which is associated with a known unique position in the n-bit binary code.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A method for encoding a tag with an n-bit binary code (n>1) the method comprising: (a) associating with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources that produce known different respective characteristic frequencies the one or more predetermined frequency sour

The invention claimed is: 1. A method for encoding a tag with an n-bit binary code (n>1) the method comprising: (a) associating with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources that produce known different respective characteristic frequencies the one or more predetermined frequency sources being other, than an integrated circuit; and (b) associating with each of said characteristic. frequencies a known unique position in the n-bit binary code. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein associating with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources includes associating with the tag at least one passive frequency source. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein associating with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources includes associating at least one resonant element with the tag. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristic frequencies are resonant frequencies. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristic frequencies constitute acoustic signals. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein associating with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources includes associating with the tag at least one spatially unconstrained predetermined frequency source. 7. A tag encoded with one or more predetermined frequency sources that produce known different respective characteristic frequencies and that are associated with a known unique position in an n-bit binary code (n>1), wherein the one or more predetermined frequency sources is other than an integrated circuit. 8. The tag of claim 7, wherein the one or more predetermined frequency sources are spatially unconstrained. 9. The tag of claim 8, wherein at least one of the frequency sources is a passive frequency source. 10. The tag of claim 8, wherein the one or more predetermined frequency sources is a resonant element. 11. The tag of claim 8, wherein the characteristic frequencies are resonant frequencies. 12. An encoder for encoding a tag with an n-bit binary code (n>1), said encoder comprising: a frequency source unit that is responsive to the n-bit binary code for depositing in association with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources that produce known different respective characteristic frequencies and that are associated with a known unique position in the n-bit binary code, wherein the one or more predetermined frequency sources is other than an integrated circuit. 13. The encoder of claim 12, wherein the one or more predetermined frequency sources are spatially unconstrained predetermined frequency sources. 14. A method for encoding a tag with an n-bit binary code, the method comprising: (a) printing on or in association with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources that produce known different respective characteristic frequencies, wherein the one or more predetermined frequency sources is other than an integrated circuit; and (b) associating with each of said characteristic frequencies a known unique position in the n-bit binary code. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein associating with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources includes associating with the tag at least one passive frequency source. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein associating with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources includes associating at least one resonant element with the tag. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein at least some of the characteristic frequencies are resonant frequencies. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein at least some of the characteristic frequencies constitute acoustic signals. 19. A tag encoded with one or more predetermined frequency sources that are printed on or in association with the tag and that produce known different respective characteristic frequencies that are associated with a known unique position in an n-bit binary code, the one or more predetermined frequency sources is other than an integrated circuit. 20. The tag of claim 19, wherein at least one of the frequency sources is a passive frequency source. 21. The tag of claim 19, wherein at least one of the frequency sources is a resonant element. 22. The tag of claim 19, wherein the characteristic frequencies are resonant frequencies. 23. The tag of claim 19, wherein the characteristic frequencies constitute acoustic signals. 24. A method for processing a tag associated with an n-bit binary code (n>1), the method comprising: encoding the tag with the n-bit binary code, including: (a) associating with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources that produce known different respective characteristic frequencies; (b) associating with each of said characteristic frequencies a known unique position in the n-bit binary code; and decoding the tag, including: (c) detecting the characteristic frequencies emitted by the tag; (d) substituting at respective positions of said n-bit binary code respective binary values according to a presence or absence of the respective characteristic frequency associated with the respective position in the n-bit binary code. 25. A system for processing a tag associated with an n-bit binary code (n>1), the system comprising: an encoder for encoding the tag with the n-bit binary code, the encoder including: a frequency source unit that is responsive to the n-bit binary code for depositing in association with the tag one or more predetermined frequency sources that produce known different respective characteristic frequencies and that are associated with a known unique position in the n-bit binary code; and a decoder for decoding the tag, the decoder including: a decoding unit responsive to one or more different characteristic frequencies each of which is associated with a known unique position in the n-bit binary code and for substituting at respective positions of said n-bit binary code respective binary values according to a presence or absence of the respective characteristic frequency associated with the respective position in the n-bit binary code.