Method and system for performing a single localized read transaction in which multiple RFID tags are read

• US 10,205,287 B2
• Filed: 07/31/2017
• Issued: 02/12/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CommScope Connectivity UK Limited (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Original Assignee: CommScope Connectivity UK Limited (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Inventors: Standish, Ian Miles, Lambourn, Stephen, Mather, David James
• Primary Examiner(s): Holloway, III, Edwin C
• Application Number:
  US15/664,955
• Publication Number:
  US 20170331234A1
• Time in Patent Office: 561 Days
• Field of Search: 340 101
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3825 with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3895 identification of connection, e.g. right plug to the right socket or full engagement of the mating parts keying element on the plug or adapter G02B6/3831; keying element on the ferrule G02B6/3851; keying element for electrical connection H01R13/64
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4452 Distribution frames
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44524 with frame parts or auxiliary devices mounted on the frame and collectively not covering a whole width of the frame or rack cassettes G02B6/4453
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07794 the record carrier comprising a booster or auxiliary antenna in addition to the antenna connected directly to the integrated circuit
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10009 sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10415 the interrogation device being fixed in its position, such as an access control device for reading wireless access cards, or a wireless ATM banking machines in general G07F19/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/08 Resiliently-mounted rigid pins or blades
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/2421 using coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/44 Means for preventing access to live contacts making use of a switch actuated by engagement of counterpart H01R13/7036
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/52 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/521 Sealing between contact members and housing, e.g. sealing insert
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6683 with built-in sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6691 with built-in signalling means H01R13/717 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/70 with built-in switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7036 the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/4863 Coil spring
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/138 using RFID

Abstract

One embodiment is directed to a method of reading RFID tags in an interconnection system comprising at least one port. The method comprises initiating a localized read transaction to read any RFID tag attached to a first connector and any RFID tag attached to a second connector inserted into the port. The method further comprises, as a part of the localized read transaction, reading any RFID tag configured to respond to a first type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the first connector comprises an attached RFID tag that is configured to respond to the first type of RFID interrogation signal; and, as a part of the localized read transaction, reading any RFID tag configured to respond to a second type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the second connector comprises an attached RFID tag that is configured to respond to the second type of RFID interrogation signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Claims

1. A method of reading RFID tags at a port configured to make a connection between a first cable having a first connector associated with the port and a second cable having a second connector associated with the port, the method comprising:

performing a localized read transaction that is targeted to read a first RFID tag attached to the first connector and that is targeted to read a second RFID tag attached to the second connector;

wherein performing the localized read transaction comprises;

reading the first RFID tag, wherein the first RFID tag is configured to respond to a first RFID interrogation signal that is transmitted; and

reading the second RFID tag, wherein the second RFID tag is configured to respond to a second RFID interrogation signal that is transmitted.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first RFID interrogation signal comprises an RFID interrogation signal that includes a first application family identifier (AFI) value, wherein reading the first RFID tag configured to respond to a first RFID interrogation signal comprises reading the first RFID tag configured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including the first AFI value;

and

wherein the second RFID interrogation signal comprises an RFID interrogation signal that includes a second AFI value, wherein reading the second RFID tag configured to respond to a second RFID interrogation signal comprises reading the second RFID tag configured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including the second AFI value.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, if reading the second RFID tag configured to respond to a second RFID interrogation signal is not successful, reading a third RFID tag configured to respond to a third RFID interrogation signal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein an RFID tag attached to a protective cap is configured to respond to a third RFID interrogation signal that is transmitted, wherein reading the RFID tag attached to the protective cap is used to determine if a first or second side of the port is unused.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the port comprises an adapter comprising a front jack associated with a first side of the port and a rear jack associated with a second side of the port.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the adapter further comprises a coupling circuit to couple an RFID reader to the first and second RFID tags when the first and second connectors, respectively, are inserted into the first and second sides of the port.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the coupling circuit comprises first and second pickup coils;

wherein the first pickup coil is configured so that the first RFID tag will be positioned near the first pickup coil when the first connector is inserted into the first side of the port; and

wherein the second pickup coil is configured so that the second RFID tag will be positioned near the second pickup coil when the second connector is inserted into the second side of the port.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the coupling circuit comprises a reader coil located on a surface of the first side of the port, wherein the reader coil is oriented at an angle with regards to the surface.

9. A system comprising:

a port;

a first cable having a first connector comprising a first RFID tag;

a second cable having a second connector comprising a second RFID tag; and

an RFID reader;

wherein the port is configured so that a connection can be made between the first cable and the second cable by inserting the first connector and by inserting the second connector into the port, wherein the port is configured to communicatively couple the first cable to the second cable; and

wherein the RFID reader is configured so that a single localized read transaction can be initiated by a user that is targeted to read the first RFID tag in response to a first RFID interrogation signal that is transmitted and that is targeted to read the second RFID tag in response to a second RFID interrogation signal that is transmitted.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first RFID interrogation signal comprises an RFID interrogation signal that includes a first application family identifier (AFI) value, wherein the RFID reader is configured to, as a part of the localized read transaction, read any RFID tag configured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including the first AFI value, wherein the first RFID tag is configured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including the first AFI value;

and

wherein the second RFID interrogation signal comprises an RFID interrogation signal that includes a second AFI value, wherein the RFID reader is configured to, as a part of the localized read transaction, read any RFID tag configured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including the second AFI value, wherein the second RFID tag is configured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including the second AFI value.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the RFID reader is configured to, if the RFID reader is not successful in reading the second RFID tag configured to respond to the second type of RFID interrogation signal, read a third RFID tag configured to respond to a third RFID interrogation signal that is transmitted as a part of the localized read transaction.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein an RFID tag attached to a protective cap is configured to respond to the third RFID interrogation signal, wherein reading the RFID tag attached to the protective cap is used to determine if a first or second side of the port is unused.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the port comprises an adapter comprising a front jack associated with a first side of the port and a rear jack associated with a second side of the port.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the adapter further comprises a coupling circuit to couple the RFID reader to the first and second RFID tags when the first and second connectors, respectively, are inserted into the first and second sides of the port.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the coupling circuit comprises first and second pickup coils;

wherein the first pickup coil is configured so that the first RFID tag will be positioned near the first pickup coil when the first connector is inserted into the first side of the port; and

wherein the second pickup coil is configured so that the second RFID tag will be positioned near the second pickup coil when the second connector is inserted into the second side of the port.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the coupling circuit comprises a reader coil located on a surface of the first side of the port, wherein the reader coil is oriented at an angle with regards to the surface.

17. The system of claim 9, wherein the interconnection system comprises an optical patch panel system configured for use in the outside plant of a telecommunications network.