Radio frequency transponders embedded in surfaces
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- (1) feeding a plurality of objects having radio frequency transponders contained therein into an indexing device;
(2) controlling the indexing device to cause each of the plurality of objects to come into proximity with an antenna capable of reading from and encoding each radio frequency transponder;
(3) causing to be read from each radio frequency transponder identifying information;
(4) causing each radio frequency transponder to be encoded with new information; and
(5) mixing a plurality of objects encoded in step (4) together with a substance.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Objects containing radio frequency transponders, such as RFID tags, can be encoded with information and mixed with a substance. The mixed objects and substance can be applied to a surface such as a road, such that a vehicle traveling over the surface may later read encoded information stored in the transponders. In one variation, the objects may include spherical marbles that are mixed with asphalt and embedded in a road surface. An apparatus includes components arranged to receive multiple objects, encode transponders contained in the objects, and mix them with a substance such as asphalt or concrete. Objects may include spheres having helical antenna elements or antenna elements formed on an outer surface thereof. A vehicle may be configured with a reader and antennas arranged to read transponders embedded in a roadway surface.
38 Citations
38 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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(1) feeding a plurality of objects having radio frequency transponders contained therein into an indexing device; (2) controlling the indexing device to cause each of the plurality of objects to come into proximity with an antenna capable of reading from and encoding each radio frequency transponder; (3) causing to be read from each radio frequency transponder identifying information; (4) causing each radio frequency transponder to be encoded with new information; and (5) mixing a plurality of objects encoded in step (4) together with a substance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. Apparatus comprising:
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a hopper arranged to hold and dispense objects comprising radio frequency transponders; an indexing device configured to receive objects from the hopper and to bring them in proximity to an antenna; a radio frequency reader/encoder having an output coupled to the antenna; and a computer coupled to the indexing device and the radio frequency reader/encoder, wherein the computer is programmed to cause the indexing device and the radio frequency reader/encoder to cooperatively encode the radio frequency transponders. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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- 20. A generally solid object comprising a radio frequency transponder and two helical antenna elements embedded in the generally solid object.
- 24. A generally spherical object having a first antenna pattern formed around a first portion thereof and a second antenna formed around a second portion thereof, the generally spherical object further including a radio frequency transponder coupled to the first and second antenna patterns, and a protective coating encasing the first and second antenna patterns.
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26. A method comprising:
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(1) forming an antenna element in each of two generally solid hemispheres; (2) coupling a radio frequency transponder to each antenna element; (3) adhering the two hemispheres to form a sphere; and (4) coating the sphere with a protective coating. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
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30. A method comprising:
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(1) inserting two antenna elements and a radio frequency transponder coupled thereto into a mold; (2) injecting a hardening substance into the mold; (3) allowing the hardening substance to harden; and (4) removing the resulting product from the mold. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32)
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- 33. A vehicle comprising a first antenna unit arranged to travel at a generally fixed distance above a surface, a second antenna arranged to travel at the generally fixed distance above the surface, and a computer and reader configured to control the first and second antennas to cause the units to read encoded radio frequency transponders embedded in the surface.
Specification