Automatic data collection device, method and article

Abstract

A radio frequency identification system comprises a radio-frequency identification substrate and an interrogator. In one embodiment, the radio-frequency identification substrate comprises a plurality of radio-frequency identification devices. In one embodiment, a controller on the substrate controls a first one of the plurality of radio-frequency identification devices based on a state of a second one of the plurality of radio-frequency identification devices. In one embodiment, an antenna system includes an S-shaped portion electrically coupled to an integrated circuit along a central portion of the S-shaped portion. Adjusting the parameters of the segments making up the S-shaped portion controls performance characteristics of a radio-frequency identification device.

1 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method of operating a radio-frequency identification system, comprising:
 receiving a first response signal from a first radio-frequency identification device of a radio-frequency identification tag in response to an interrogation signal;   when the first response signal is received, processing the first response signal;   determining whether a second response signal is received from a second radio-frequency identification device of the radio-frequency identification tag; and   when the first response signal is received and it is determined that the second response signal is not received, initiating error processing.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39  wherein the first response signal is in a first frequency range and the second response signal is in a second frequency range different from the first frequency range. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the first frequency range is lower than the second frequency range. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39  wherein the interrogation signal comprises a first component signal at a first frequency and a second component signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39  wherein determining whether the second response signal is received comprises determining whether the second response signal is received within a defined period of time of receipt of the first response signal. 
     
     
         44 .- 86 . (canceled)