Package-integrated RF relay

• US 20040135691A1
• Filed: 01/13/2003
• Published: 07/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc. (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc. (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Inventors: Bridgelall, Raj, Duron, Mark, Charych, Hal, Nudelman, Avi
• Granted Patent: US 7,091,859 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.7
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 71/0088 Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07796 arrangements on the record carrier to allow stacking of a plurality of similar record carriers, e.g. to avoid interference between the non-contact communication of the plurality of record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10019 resolving collision on the communication channels between simultaneously or concurrently interrogated record carriers. collision between the communication channels used by wireless communication devices, where the solution is not particularly adapted for RFIDs or the like, H04W74/08
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10178 including auxiliary means for focusing, repeating or boosting the electromagnetic interrogation field comparable booster antennas integrated on the record carrier itself G06K19/07794
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10336 the antenna being of the near field type, inductive coil
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2417 having a radio frequency identification chip
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2445 Tag integrated into item to be protected, e.g. source tagging
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2474 Antenna or antenna activator geometry, arrangement or layout loop antennae H01Q1/22
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2485 Simultaneous detection of multiple EAS tags

Abstract

Containers for holding goods are provided with a relay conductive structure for relaying RFID tags signals from one side of the container to another. The conductive structure includes a first antenna on the first side of the container, a second antenna on a second side of the container and a transmission line connecting the antennas. When the containers are arranged in a stack, the relay of RFID signals past each row of containers enables the interrogation toward the rear of the stack without disassembling the stack of containers.

Claims

1. In packaging for goods, wherein goods are arranged in containers having RFID tags, the improvement comprising a first antenna on a first side of a container for receiving RFID signals, a second antenna on a second side of said container for radiating RFID signals and a transmission line interconnecting said first and second antennas.

2. The improvement specified in claim 1 wherein said second side of said container is opposite said first side.

3. The improvement specified in claim 1 wherein said transmission line comprises conductors printed on said container.

4. The improvement specified in claim 3 wherein said antennas comprise conductors printed on said container.

5. The improvement specified in claim 1 wherein said container includes four side walls, and wherein there are provided two of said first antennas, one on each of adjacent front and side walls and two of said second antennas on adjacent rear and opposite side walls, and wherein there are provided two of said transmission lines, one interconnecting antennas on said front and rear walls and one interconnecting antennas on side and opposite side walls.

6. The improvement specified in claim 5 wherein there is provided an RFID tag coupled to one of said antennas and said transmission lines.

7. The improvement specified in claim 1 wherein there is provided an RFID tag coupled to one of said antennas and said transmission line.

8. The improvement specified in claim 1 wherein said transmission line is tuned to a frequency corresponding to the operating frequency of said RFID signals.

9. The improvement specified in claim 1 wherein said transmission lines are lossy transmission lines.

10. A method for interrogating RFID tags provided on containers arranged in a stack, comprising:

providing on said containers conductive structures arranged to couple RFID signals from a first side of each of said containers to a second side of said containers;

radiating an RFID interrogation signal toward said stack;

coupling said RFID signals to RFID tags on containers within said stack using said conductive structures on said containers;

coupling RFID response signals from RFID tags on containers within said stack to the exterior of said stack using said conductive structures on said containers; and

receiving said RFID response signals.

11. A container comprising:

sides arranged to horizontally surround goods;

at least two antennas on said sides for radiating and receiving RFID signals in different horizontal directions from said container; and

a transmission line interconnecting said antennas.

12. A container as specified in claim 11 wherein said horizontal directions are opposite directions.

13. A container as specified in claim 11 wherein said sides are fabricated from dielectric material and wherein said antennas and said transmission line are printed on said material.

14. A container as specified in claim 13 wherein said material is plastic.

15. A container as specified in claim 13 wherein said material is fiberboard.