Apparatus for and method of using an intelligent network and RFID signal router
First Claim
1. A method of transporting signals to an RFID reader antenna, the method comprising the steps of:
- selecting a first communication route for transporting at least one RF signal from an RFID reader to at least one RFID antenna;
selecting a second communication route for transporting at least one digital signal from a first controller to a second controller;
transporting the at least one RF signal to the RFID antenna along the first communication route; and
transporting the at least one digital signal to the second controller along the second communication route.
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Abstract
Apparatuses, systems for, and methods of transporting digital signals and radio-frequency (“RF”) signals are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an intelligent network (e.g., a combination router) and corresponding method are provided for transporting RF signals to, for example, an RFID antenna and transporting digital signals to, for example, a controller. In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent network is implemented with a manager unit for controlling a plurality of network devices to facilitate the efficient management of RFID-enabled devices. The network devices may include a combination router/switch, which has the capability of switching both digital data and RF data, RFID readers, RFID reader/writer pads, and other devices. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the intelligent network allows enhanced flexibility in controlling systems for interrogation of RFID antennae.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of transporting signals to an RFID reader antenna, the method comprising the steps of:
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selecting a first communication route for transporting at least one RF signal from an RFID reader to at least one RFID antenna;
selecting a second communication route for transporting at least one digital signal from a first controller to a second controller;
transporting the at least one RF signal to the RFID antenna along the first communication route; and
transporting the at least one digital signal to the second controller along the second communication route. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of transporting signals to an RFID reader antenna through a network, the method comprising the steps of:
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selecting a first communication route for transporting at least one RF signal output from an RFID reader to at least one RFID antenna;
selecting a second communication route for transporting at least one digital signal from a first controller to a second controller;
transporting the at least one RF signal to the RFID antenna along the first communication route;
transporting the at least one digital signal to the second controller along the second communication route;
detecting the at least one RF signal output at at least one location in the network; and
controlling the RFID reader based on the detecting step. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification