METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRACKING INVENTORY USING AN RFID TAG TAPE
First Claim
1. A method of tracking an inventory, comprising:
- associating a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) values corresponding to a plurality of RFID tags with an inventory item;
affixing the plurality of RFID tags to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item such that antenna axes of the plurality of RFID tags are oriented in a plurality of directions;
wirelessly sensing RFID tags affixed to items in the inventory using an antenna array comprising one or more antennae; and
deciding, if one or more of the plurality of RFID values associated with the inventory item is sensed, that the inventory item is present in the inventory, otherwise deciding that the inventory item is not present in the inventory.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of tracking an inventory comprises associating a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) values corresponding to a plurality of RFID tags with an inventory item, affixing the plurality of RFID tags to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item such that antenna axes of the plurality of RFID tags are oriented in a plurality of directions, wirelessly sensing RFID tags affixed to items in the inventory using an antenna array comprising one or more antennae, and deciding, if one or more of the plurality of RFID values associated with the inventory item is sensed, that the inventory item is present in the inventory, otherwise deciding that the inventory item is not present in the inventory.
50 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of tracking an inventory, comprising:
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associating a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) values corresponding to a plurality of RFID tags with an inventory item; affixing the plurality of RFID tags to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item such that antenna axes of the plurality of RFID tags are oriented in a plurality of directions; wirelessly sensing RFID tags affixed to items in the inventory using an antenna array comprising one or more antennae; and deciding, if one or more of the plurality of RFID values associated with the inventory item is sensed, that the inventory item is present in the inventory, otherwise deciding that the inventory item is not present in the inventory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An inventory tracking system, comprising:
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an RFID tape comprising a plurality of RFID tags mounted on a substrate, the RFID tape affixable to an inventory item using an adhesive bottom surface of the substrate; an antenna array comprising one or more antennae configured to sense RFID tags; and a computer coupled to the antenna array and configured to track a plurality of inventory items. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An RFID tag tape for use in an inventory tracking system, the tape comprising:
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a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of RFID tags mounted on the top surface of the substrate, each RFID tag comprising an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals; an adhesive layer covering the bottom surface of the substrate, the adhesive layer provided for affixation of the RFID tag tape to an inventory item. wherein each of the plurality of RFID tags has an associated unique identifier; wherein the RFID tag tape is capable of being rolled into a roll. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification