Power source system for RF location/identification tags

Abstract

A radio frequency identification (RFID) device includes a communication arrangement which receives data from and/or sending data to a data processing unit via a wireless communication. In addition, the RFID device includes a solar cell/panel which provides power for the RFID device.

1 . A radio frequency identification (RFID) device, comprising: 
 a communication arrangement at least one of receiving data from and sending data to a data processing unit via a wireless communication; and    a solar cell/panel providing power to the communication arrangement.    
   
   
       2 . The RFID device according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a rechargeable battery providing power to the RFID device, the battery being recharged by power from the solar/cell panel.    
   
   
       3 . The RFID device according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a memory storing the data.    
   
   
       4 . The RFID device according to  claim 1 , wherein the RFID device is removably coupled to a target device.  
   
   
       5 . The RFID device according to  claim 4 , wherein the data is sent independent of any operation of the target device.  
   
   
       6 . The RFID device according to  claim 1 , wherein the data processing unit is included in an RFID reader.  
   
   
       7 . The RFID device according to  claim 1 , wherein the data processing unit is separate from an RFID reader and receives the data via a connection to the RFID reader.  
   
   
       8 . The RFID device according to  claim 7 , wherein the connection is a wired connection.  
   
   
       9 . The RFID device according to  claim 7 , wherein the data processing unit is a server.  
   
   
       10 . The RFID device according to  claim 1 , wherein the data identifies at least one of itself and the target device.  
   
   
       11 . The RFID device according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 an input device coupled to a power supply of a target device separate from the RFID device, wherein the RFID device obtains power from the power supply through the input arrangement.    
   
   
       12 . A system, comprising: 
 a data processing unit;    a radio frequency identification (RFID) device separate from the data processing unit, the RFID device including a communication arrangement and a solar cell/panel, the RFID device at least one of sending data to and receiving data from the data processing unit via the communication arrangement, the RFID device obtaining power from the solar cell/panel.    
   
   
       13 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the RFID device includes a rechargeable battery providing power to the RFID device and being recharged by power from the solar/cell panel.  
   
   
       14 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the RFID device includes a memory arrangement storing the data.  
   
   
       15 . A radio frequency identification (RFID) device, comprising: 
 a power supply means for supplying power to the RFID device; and    a communication means for wirelessly sending data to a data processing means.    
   
   
       16 . The RFID device according to  claim 15 , wherein the power supply means includes a scavenging means for scavenging power from a power supply of a separate device.  
   
   
       17 . The RFID device according to  claim 15 , wherein the power supply means includes a generator means for generating power from light energy.  
   
   
       18 . The RFID device according to  claim 15 , further comprising: 
 a power storage means.    
   
   
       19 . The RFID device according to  claim 15 , further comprising: 
 a memory means for storing the data.    
   
   
       20 . The RFID device according to  claim 15 , further comprising: 
 a processing means for one of generating the data and altering the data.