Method, system, and apparatus for a radio frequency identification (RFID) waveguide for reading items in a stack
First Claim
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1. A system for identifying objects, comprising:
- a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to an object in a stack of objects; and
a waveguide provided between objects in the stack to facilitate communication between an RFID reader and the tag.
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Abstract
A method, system, and apparatus for reading RFID tags in a stack of objects is described. For example, a pallet may hold a stack of objects, with one or more of the objects coupled to a RFID tag. A RFID reader may be used to read the tags in the stack. However, tagged objects in the middle of the stack may be difficult to read due to the RF signal loss passing through objects in the stack. A waveguide may be used to guide radio waves to locations in the pallet stack. For example, the waveguide can replace a slipsheet that is conventionally placed between horizontal layers of cases in the pallet stack.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A system for identifying objects, comprising:
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a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to an object in a stack of objects; and
a waveguide provided between objects in the stack to facilitate communication between an RFID reader and the tag. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for identifying objects, comprising:
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transmitting a first radio frequency (RF) signal to a waveguide that is provided between objects in a stack of objects; and
receiving a response signal from a tag that is affixed to an object in the stack. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for arranging objects for tracking, comprising:
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(a) positioning a planar waveguide on a surface; and
(b) positioning objects on the planar waveguide to form a stack;
wherein the waveguide is capable of receiving a tracking signal and transmitting the tracking signal to reach the objects. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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Specification