Localized reading of RFID tags located on multiple sides of a port from a single side using RFID coupling circuit and portable RFID reader

• US 9,130,318 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2013
• Issued: 09/08/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CommScope Connectivity UK Limited (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Electronics UK Limited (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Inventors: Standish, Ian Miles, Lambourn, Stephen, Mather, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Prasad, Chandrika
• Application Number:
  US14/080,535
• Publication Number:
  US 20140141649A1
• Time in Patent Office: 663 Days
• Field of Search: 43962001-62034
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3825 with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3895 identification of connection, e.g. right plug to the right socket or full engagement of the mating parts keying element on the plug or adapter G02B6/3831; keying element on the ferrule G02B6/3851; keying element for electrical connection H01R13/64
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4452 Distribution frames
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44524 with frame parts or auxiliary devices mounted on the frame and collectively not covering a whole width of the frame or rack cassettes G02B6/4453
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07794 the record carrier comprising a booster or auxiliary antenna in addition to the antenna connected directly to the integrated circuit
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10009 sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10415 the interrogation device being fixed in its position, such as an access control device for reading wireless access cards, or a wireless ATM banking machines in general G07F19/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/08 Resiliently-mounted rigid pins or blades
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/2421 using coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/44 Means for preventing access to live contacts making use of a switch actuated by engagement of counterpart H01R13/7036
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/52 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/521 Sealing between contact members and housing, e.g. sealing insert
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6683 with built-in sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6691 with built-in signalling means H01R13/717 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/70 with built-in switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7036 the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/4863 Coil spring
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/138 using RFID

Abstract

One embodiment is directed to an adapter comprising a coupling circuit configured so that a portable RFID reader can be positioned near a first part of the coupling circuit associated with a first side of the adapter in order to perform a localized read of both an RFID tag attached to a first connector inserted into a first jack of the adapter and an RFID tag attached to a second connector inserted into a second jack of the adapter, wherein the coupling circuit is used to enhance a read range of the portable RFID reader when performing the localized read. These embodiments can be used in the outside plant of a telecommunications network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Claims

1. An adapter comprising:

a first jack associated with a first side of the adapter and configured so that a first connector can be inserted into the first jack at the first side of the adapter;

a second jack associated with a second side of the adapter and configured so that a second connector can be inserted into the second jack at the second side of the adapter, wherein the adapter is configured to communicatively couple the first connector to the second connector; and

a coupling circuit configured so that a portable RFID reader can be positioned near a first part of the coupling circuit associated with the first side of the adapter in order to perform a localized read of both an RFID tag attached to the first connector inserted into the first jack of the adapter and an RFID tag attached to the second connector inserted into the second jack of the adapter, wherein the coupling circuit is used to enhance a read range of the portable RFID reader when performing the localized read.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the coupling circuit comprises a first pickup coil, a second pickup coil, and a reader coil;

wherein the first coupling coil is configured so that an RFID tag attached to the first connector, when inserted into the first jack, will be positioned near the first pickup coupling structure;

wherein the second coupling coil is configured so that an RFID tag attached to the second connector, when inserted into the second jack, will be positioned near the second pickup coupling structure; and

wherein the first part of the coupling circuit includes the reader pickup coil.

3. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising at least one clip to hold the adapter in a patch panel.

4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter comprises a fiber optic adapter, wherein the first and second connectors comprises fiber optic connectors.

5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to be field removable.

6. A patch panel system comprising:

a panel in which openings are formed; and

a plurality of adapters of claim 1 that are inserted into the openings in the panel.

7. The patch panel system of claim 6, wherein the patch panel system is configured to be used in the outside plant of a telecommunications network.

8. The patch panel system of claim 6, further comprising an enclosure that is at least one of tamper-resistant and weather-resistant.

9. A method comprising:

inserting a first connector into the first jack at a first side of an adapter;

inserting a second connector into the second jack at a second side of an adapter, wherein the adapter is configured to communicatively couple the first connector to the second connector;

positioning a portable RFID reader near a first part of a coupling circuit, the first part of the coupling circuit associated with the first side of the adapter; and

performing a localized read of both an RFID tag attached to the first connector inserted into the first jack of the adapter and an RFID tag attached to the second connector inserted into the second jack of the adapter while the portable RFID reader is positioned near the first part of the coupling circuit and using the coupling circuit to enhance a read range of the portable RFID reader when performing the localized read.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the coupling circuit comprises a first pickup coil, a second pickup coil, and a reader coil;

wherein the first coupling coil is configured so that an RFID tag attached to the first connector, when inserted into the first jack, will be positioned near the first pickup coupling structure;

wherein the second coupling coil is configured so that an RFID tag attached to the second connector, when inserted into the second jack, will be positioned near the second pickup coupling structure; and

wherein the first part of the coupling circuit includes the reader pickup coil.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the adapter further comprises at least one clip to hold the adapter in a patch panel.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the adapter comprises a fiber optic adapter, wherein the first and second connectors comprises fiber optic connectors.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the adapter is configured to be field removable.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the adapter is inserted into an opening in a panel included in a patch panel system.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the method is used in an outside plant of a telecommunications network.