Efficient memoryless protocol for tag identification
First Claim
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1. A method of identifying a plurality of tags, said method comprising:
- (a) maintaining a set of query strings;
(b) selecting a string from the set of query strings;
(c) removing the selected string from the set of query strings;
(d) broadcasting to the plurality of tags a query message containing at least a portion of the selected string;
(e) receiving a response from the plurality of tags; and
(f) if the plurality of tags includes any unidentified tags, repeating steps (b) through (f).
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Abstract
The invention features a method and system for identifying a plurality of tags using an efficient memoryless protocol. The system includes a reader and a plurality of tags. The reader is adapted to maintain an ordered set of query strings; select a string from the set of query strings; broadcast a query message containing the selected string or a portion of the selected string to the tags; and receive a response from one of the tags. The tags operate without batteries and are adapted to respond to the selected string broadcast by the reader. Accordingly, the tag identification methods are efficient in terms of both time and communication complexities.
42 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of identifying a plurality of tags, said method comprising:
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(a) maintaining a set of query strings;
(b) selecting a string from the set of query strings;
(c) removing the selected string from the set of query strings;
(d) broadcasting to the plurality of tags a query message containing at least a portion of the selected string;
(e) receiving a response from the plurality of tags; and
(f) if the plurality of tags includes any unidentified tags, repeating steps (b) through (f). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 28)
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17. A system for identifying a plurality of tags, said system comprising:
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a transceiver;
storage; and
a controller, said controller programmed to perform the functions of;
(a) maintaining a set of query strings;
(b) selecting a string from the set of query strings;
(c) removing the selected string from the set of query strings;
(d) causing the transmitter to broadcast to the plurality of tags a query message containing at least a portion of the selected string;
(e) receiving through the transceiver a response from the plurality of tags; and
(f) if the plurality of tags includes any unidentified tags, repeating steps (b) through (f). - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30)
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Specification