Systems and methods for RFID tag arbitration where RFID tags generate multiple random numbers for different arbitration sessions
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An RFID (radio frequency identification) tag comprising:
- a processor configured to;
in response to an inventory query from a reader, arbitrate by selecting a random number; and
respond to the reader depending on the random number selected,wherein the tag is configured for multiple concurrent inventory session arbitrations with multiple readers by separately storing random numbers for respective inventory session arbitrations.
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Abstract
A radio frequency identification device (RFID) tag includes a processor, a memory configured to store an identification number that distinguishes the tag from other tags, and a transponder coupled to the memory and the processor. The tag arbitrates by selecting a random number in response to an inventory query from a reader. The tag responds to the reader depending on the random number selected. The tag is configured for multiple concurrent inventory session arbitrations with multiple readers by separately storing random numbers for respective inventory session arbitrations.
121 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An RFID (radio frequency identification) tag comprising:
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a processor configured to; in response to an inventory query from a reader, arbitrate by selecting a random number; and respond to the reader depending on the random number selected, wherein the tag is configured for multiple concurrent inventory session arbitrations with multiple readers by separately storing random numbers for respective inventory session arbitrations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An RFID reader comprising:
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a memory configured to store, for respective inventory session arbitrations, handles for previously singulated tags, wherein each handle is a nickname for a tag and is different from an electronic product code associated with the tag; and a processor configured to resume an arbitration to singulate unknown radio frequency identification tags in a field after the arbitration is interrupted, wherein the arbitration is resumed without causing singulated tags to generate new handles, even if a different RFID reader performs another arbitration session and causes tags to generate handles. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A processor configured to:
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begin a first RFID inventory session using a first RFID reader, wherein the first RFID reader is configured to store random numbers for tags that have been singulated; interrupt the first RFID inventory session; begin a second RFID inventory session using a second RFID reader; cause RFID tags to generate new random numbers for the second RFID inventory session, wherein the RFID tags are configured to store the random numbers from the first inventory session during the second RFID inventory session; and resume the first RFID inventory session by the first RFID reader using the stored random numbers from the first RFID inventory session. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. An RFID reader comprising:
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memory configured to store a session number, a last size of a slot counter, and a last handle received from a tag in an arbitration session; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to selectively send a command to the tag to resume an interrupted arbitration session, wherein the command includes parameters for the session number, the last size of a slot counter, and the last handle received from a tag.
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Specification