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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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.
121 Citations
118 Claims
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1-94. -94. (canceled)
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95. A system comprising:
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RFID scanning means for using RFID to scan an access-controlled area, wherein said RFID scanning means comprises an antenna and means for automatically physically moving the antenna using an electrical actuator that is mechanically coupled to the antenna; inventory determining means for determining an inventory in accordance with a result of scanning by said RFID scanning means; and access control means for controlling access of a user to the access-controlled area in accordance with reading of a RFID badge of the user. - View Dependent Claims (96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104)
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105. A system comprising:
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RFID scanning means for using RFID to scan an access-controlled area, wherein said RFID scanning means comprises an antenna, means for automatically physically moving the antenna to change an orientation of the antenna, another antenna, and means for activating the antenna and the another antenna at different times when performing RFID scanning; inventory determining means for determining an inventory in accordance with a result of scanning by said RFID scanning means; and access control means for controlling access of a user to the access-controlled area in accordance with reading of a RFID badge of the user. - View Dependent Claims (106, 107, 108)
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109. A method comprising:
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using RFID to scan an access-controlled area, wherein a plurality of RFID antennae activated at different times are used to effect the RFID scanning; automatically physically moving an antenna of the plurality of RFID antennae to change its orientation; determining an inventory in accordance with a result of the RFID scanning; and controlling access to the access-controlled area of a user in accordance with an authentication procedure. - View Dependent Claims (110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118)
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Specification