SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING RFID TAG READING PERFORMANCE

• US 20090002163A1
• Filed: 05/25/2007
• Published: 01/01/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: PINC Solutions Incorporated
• Original Assignee: PINC Solutions Incorporated
• Inventors: Farrington, Carl Coleman, Klerman, Adrian Sean, Fullmer, Bradley Alan
• Application Number:
  US11/754,072
• Publication Number:
  US 20090002163A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.100
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2402 Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting mechanical aspects of the tags, e.g. related to locking E05B73/0017; RFID readers G06K7/00; RFID tags G06K19/00; access control systems G07C9/00; anti-theft control in point of sale systems G07G3/003; security seals G09F3/03

Abstract

A system and a method for improving the reading range of RFID tags and detecting objects without placing RFID tags on them, through placement of the tags in optimal positions with respect to other elements responsive to electromagnetic waves that are naturally present in the environment of use of the RFID tags. RFID tags are placed in optimal positions with respect to metal surfaces on an object to be detected to enhance their readability based on reflective contributions of the RFID signal from the metal surfaces. Detection of objects possessing metal surfaces without RFID tags placed on them are achieved by placing an RFID tag behind a reader in a reader assembly and relying on the RF energy reflected from the metal surface of the object.

Claims

1. A system for improving the reading range of an RFID tag comprising:

means for estimating an optimal position with respect to elements naturally present in the environment of intended use of the RFID tag; and

means for placing the tag at or near the optimal position

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for estimating the optimal position include calculation of reflective contributions from metal surfaces

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for estimating the optimal position include measurements of reflective contributions from metal surfaces

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for placing the tag include use of a package holding the tag in or near optimal relative position when said package is affixed to the object being tracked

5. A method for improving the reading range of an RFID tag comprising:

means for estimating an optimal position with respect to elements naturally present in the environment of intended use of the RFID tag; and

means for placing the tag at or near the optimal position

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the means for estimating the optimal position include calculation of reflective contributions from metal surfaces

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the means for estimating the optimal position include measurements of reflective contributions from metal surfaces

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the means for placing the tag include designing of a package holding the tag that place the tag in or near optimal relative position when affixed to an object tracked using the tag

9. A system for detecting presence of objects comprising,

means for placing and RFID tag and an RFID reader in a detector assembly;

means for identifying the RFID tag in the assembly using the reader within the same assembly,

means for inferring presence of another object in the vicinity using said identification of said RFID tag

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the means for placing the RFID tag and the RFID reader include placing the RFID tag behind the reader in the direction of aiming the reader

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the means for identifying the RFID tag in the assembly using the reader within the same assembly includes benefiting from reflective contributions from metal surfaces on the object of claim 9

12. A method for detecting presence of objects comprising,

means for placing and RFID tag and an RFID reader in a detector assembly;

means for identifying the RFID tag in the assembly using the reader within the same assembly,

means for inferring presence of another object in the vicinity using said identification of the said RFID tag

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the means for placing the RFID tag and the RFID reader include placing the RFID tag behind the reader in the direction of aiming the reader

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the means for identifying the RFID tag in the assembly using the reader within the same assembly includes benefiting from reflective contributions from metal surfaces on the object of claim 12