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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0 Petitions
Accused Products
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
94 Claims
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1-73. -73. (canceled)
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74. A method of distributing a plurality of products from an access restricted area, the method comprising:
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providing each product with a radio frequency identification tag;
positioning at least one antenna within the access restricted 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 access restricted area;
positioning the plurality of products within the access restricted area;
reading identification information from a key;
permitting ingress to the access restricted area if the identification information read from the key is authenticated;
detecting egress from the access restricted area;
performing a first scan of the restricted 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 (75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87)
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88. 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;
providing at least one antenna, the at least one antenna being 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;
reading identification information;
permitting access to the area if the identification information read is authenticated;
detecting an end of access to 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 (89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94)
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Specification