Radio frequency identification tag

• US 20050253725A1
• Filed: 05/05/2005
• Published: 11/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: TrenStar, Inc.
• Inventors: Wilkins, Mark, Turner, Jeffrey, Neuwirth, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US11/121,953
• Publication Number:
  US 20050253725A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.800
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2457 Lending systems using EAS tags wherein the tags are reusable, e.g. they can be activated and deactivated more than once, e.g. for a library
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00

Abstract

A radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking system to track and manage assets. Each asset to be tracked is tagged with an RFID tag, and tracked using RFID readers located throughout a facility. Based on the tracking information, the system allows users to manage assets and generate reports regarding the various tagged assets.

Claims

1. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to be attached to an asset to be tracked with an RFID tag tracking system, comprising:

a housing having a three-dimensional shape with a top surface being of substantially the same area as each of four side surfaces;

a cover configured to cover and seal a bottom of the housing;

a transponder configured to transmit and receive an RF signal to and from a RFID tag reader, the transponder located within the housing, wherein

the transponder emits an RF field with a substantially uniform three-dimensional pattern, that is not a substantially directional pattern.

2. The RFID tag of claim 1, further comprising:

a tuning circuit that includes a processor configured to exchange data protocol communications with a RFID tag reader.

3. The RFID tag of claim 1, further comprising:

a memory configured to store a unique code identifying the RFID tag.

4. The RFID tag of claim 1, further comprising:

a first pattern of projections on at least one of the four side surfaces, the top surface and the cover of the housing, the pattern configured to allow the RFID tag to be anchored on a base.

5. The RFID tag of claim 4, further comprising

a base which includes another pattern of projections configured to receive the first pattern, and the base is configured to be attached to an asset which is tracked.

6. The RFID tag of claim 5, wherein

the base is coupled to the asset to be tracked by at least one of an adhesive, cable, and a power cable source.

7. The RFID tag of claim 1, wherein

the housing and cover comprise a plastic material.

8. The RFID tag of claim 1, wherein

the tuning circuit is configured to control an output power of the transponder and to alter a shape of a radiation pattern emitted by the RFID tag.

9. The RFID tag of claim 1, further comprising:

a foam pad placed between the transponder and the tuning circuit of the RFID tag.

10. The RFID tag of claim 9, wherein

the transponder is placed near the top surface of the housing;

the foam pad is placed under the transponder; and

the tuning circuit is placed under the foam pad in close proximity to the cover of the housing.

11. The RFID tag of claim 1, further comprising:

a tamper indicator pin that protrudes from the RFID tag which is depressed when the RFID tag is affixed to an asset to be tracked.

12. The RFID tag of claim 11, wherein

when the tag is removed from the asset, the tamper indicator pin is released.

13. The RFID tag of claim 12, wherein

when the tamper indicator pin is released, a message is send from the RFID tag to an RFID tag reader indicating that the tag was removed.

14. The RFID tag of claim 1, further comprising:

a battery configured to provide power to the tuning circuit and transponder.

15. The RFID tag of claim 1, wherein

the power source for the RFID tag includes a connection to the asset to which the RFID tag is attached.

16. The RFID tag of claim 1, wherein

the uniform three-dimensional shape is in the shape of a sphere.

17. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to be attached to an asset to be tracked with an RFID tag tracking system, comprising:

a housing having a three-dimensional shape with a top surface being of substantially the same area as each of four side surfaces;

means for covering and sealing a bottom of the housing;

means for transmitting and receiving an RF signal to and from a RFID tag reader, the means for transmitting and receiving located within the housing, wherein

the means for transmitting and receiving emits an RF field with a substantially uniform three-dimensional pattern, that is not a substantially directional pattern.