Method and System for Obtaining Information about RFID-Equipped Objects
First Claim
1. A method for obtaining information about an object on which a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device is mounted when the RFID device is in a space defined by a frame, comprising:
- arranging a plurality of antennas on the frame to enable transmission of signals into the space and reception of signals from the space;
controlling transmission of radio frequency signals by the antennas by means of at least one interrogator;
directing radio frequency signals from at least one of the antennas, controlled by the at least one interrogator, into the space to cause a RFID device in the space, when present, to return a signal if and when it receives any signal from any of the antennas;
receiving any return signals from the RFID device; and
deriving information about the object on which the RFID device is mounted based on the return signals, the information being a location of the object, motion of the object and/or identification of the object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Method and arrangement for obtaining information about a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device or an object on which the RFID device is mounted when the RFID device is in a space defined by a frame includes arranging a plurality of antennas on the frame to enable transmission of signals into the space and reception of signals from the space, controlling transmission of signals by the antennas by means of an interrogator, and directing radio frequency signals from at least one of the antennas into the space to cause a RFID device in the space to return a signal if it receives any signal from any of the antennas. The return signals from the RFID device are received, e.g., by the interrogator or an associated receiver, and information about the RFID device or object to which the RFID device is attached is derived based on the return signals.
64 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for obtaining information about an object on which a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device is mounted when the RFID device is in a space defined by a frame, comprising:
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arranging a plurality of antennas on the frame to enable transmission of signals into the space and reception of signals from the space;
controlling transmission of radio frequency signals by the antennas by means of at least one interrogator;
directing radio frequency signals from at least one of the antennas, controlled by the at least one interrogator, into the space to cause a RFID device in the space, when present, to return a signal if and when it receives any signal from any of the antennas;
receiving any return signals from the RFID device; and
deriving information about the object on which the RFID device is mounted based on the return signals, the information being a location of the object, motion of the object and/or identification of the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An asset with an integral system for obtaining information about a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device or an object on which the RFID device is mounted when the RFID device or object is in or in connection with the asset, comprising:
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a frame defining an interior space of the asset;
a plurality of antennas arranged on said frame and enabling transmission of radio frequency signals into the space and reception of signals from the space;
an interrogator coupled to said antennas and arranged to control transmission of signals by said antennas whereby when a RFID device in the space receives a transmitted signal, it generates a return signal, said antennas being arranged to receive the return signals generated by any RFID devices in the space; and
a processor coupled to said antennas and said interrogator for receiving and analyzing the return signals received by said antennas to derive information about the RFID device or object on which the RFID device is mounted based on the return signals. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A monitoring system for monitoring objects in an asset, comprising:
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a frame defining an interior space of the asset;
a plurality of antennas arranged on said frame and enabling transmission of radio frequency signals into the space and reception of signals from the space;
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device arranged in connection with each object to be monitored;
at least one interrogator coupled to said antennas and arranged to control transmission of signals by said antennas whereby when one of said RFID devices present in the space receives a transmitted signal from said at least one interrogator, it generates a return signal, said antennas being arranged to receive the return signals generated by any of said RFID devices in the space; and
a processor coupled to said antennas and said at least one interrogator for coordinating transmission of signals by said antennas under control of said at least one interrogator, and for receiving and analyzing the return signals received by said antennas to derive information about said RFID device or object on which said RFID device is mounted based on the return signals. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification