RF point of sale and delivery method and system using communication with remote computer and having features to read a large number of RF tags
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Abstract
A method and system for providing point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and/or distribution of products in a restricted access unit near the customer. The method and system utilize products equipped with radio frequency tags and reduce the effects of energy sharing, shadowing, and nulls. In one embodiment, a plurality of RF tagged products are placed within a refrigerator, cabinet, or other micro-warehouse that has a door or opening that can detect access to the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, one or more antennas are positioned within the door. Each antenna may have a transmission line of sight and be configured to emit a signal at predefined frequencies. Each antenna generates an electromagnetic field within the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, the products are positioned in one or more bins, compartments, or similar devices located within the micro-warehouse such that at least two of the plurality of products are spaced a distance from each other to reduce energy sharing. The electromagnetic field is moved or altered within the micro-warehouse through the use of reflectors, devices that move the antennas, or other mechanisms.
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Citations
102 Claims
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1-73. -73. (Cancelled)
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74. An apparatus comprising:
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an antenna for performing RFID scanning, said antenna being movably mounted on a portion of said apparatus; and
an antenna moving unit that is configured to move said antenna. - View Dependent Claims (75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81)
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82. An apparatus comprising:
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an RFID scanning unit mounted on a portion of said apparatus, said RFID scanning unit being configured to perform RFID scanning of an area within said apparatus, wherein said RFID scanning unit comprises (a) a movable part configured to change an arrangement of an electromagnetic field in the area, and (b) means for controlling the motion of said movable part. - View Dependent Claims (83, 84, 85, 86, 87)
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88. A method comprising:
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providing an apparatus having an RFID scanning unit mounted on a portion thereof, the RFID scanning unit being configured to perform RFID scanning of an area within the apparatus, wherein the RFID scanning unit comprises (a) a movable part configured to change an arrangement of an electromagnetic field in the area, and (b) means for controlling the motion of the movable part; and
moving the movable part to change an arrangement of the electromagnetic field in the area.
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89. An apparatus comprising:
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a first antenna;
a second antenna, said first antenna and said second antenna being used to perform RFID scanning; and
means for activating said first antenna and said second antenna at different times to perform the RFID scanning.
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90. A method comprising:
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providing plural antennae for performing RFID scanning; and
activating a first antenna of the plural antennae and a second antenna of the plural antennae at different times to perform the RFID scanning.
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91. A method comprising:
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performing a RFID scan of an area, the RFID scan generating a result;
comparing the result to a predetermined integrity level; and
performing a subsequent RFID scan in accordance with the comparison. - View Dependent Claims (92, 93)
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94. An apparatus comprising:
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means for performing an RFID scan and obtaining a result;
means for comparing the result to a predetermined integrity level; and
means for performing a subsequent RFID scan in accordance with the comparison.
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95. A method of distributing a plurality of products from an area, the method comprising:
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providing each product with a radio frequency identification tag;
positioning at least one antenna within the area, the at least one antenna configured to emit a signal at at least one predefined frequency and generate at least one electromagnetic field within the area;
positioning the plurality of products within the area;
performing a first scan of the area using the at least one antenna, the scan generating a first result;
comparing the first result to a predetermined integrity level; and
performing one or more subsequent scans if the first result does not equal or exceed the predetermined integrity level. - View Dependent Claims (96, 97)
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98. An apparatus comprising:
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an RFID scanning unit that is configured to perform an RFID scan of a space within said apparatus, wherein said apparatus has a non-flat reflective surface disposed on an interior wall of said apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (99, 100, 101, 102)
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Specification