RFID loss-prevention using synthesized-beam readers
First Claim
1. A method for a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) loss-prevention system (LPS) to permit items to exit a facility, the method comprising:
- reading a first identifier from a first RFID tag associated with a first item;
authorizing the first item to exit the facility;
providing the first identifier to a database;
directing, from a synthesized-beam reader, at least two beams along a facility exit path;
reading, in the at least two beams, the first identifier;
determining a first travel direction of the first item using the first identifier read in the at least two beams;
determining that the first item is exiting the facility based on the first travel direction;
accessing the database to determine that the first item is authorized to exit the facility; and
permitting the first item to exit the facility.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An RFID loss-prevention system (LPS) based on synthesized-beam readers (SBRs) permits authorized items to leave a facility and may perform a security action if an unauthorized item leaves the facility. A checkout reader first authorizes an item tagged with an RFID tag to exit a facility by reading an identifier from the tag, obtaining an exit authorization, and sending the identifier to a database. An SBR configured to direct at least two beams along a facility exit path reads tagged items exiting the facility, determines at least one of a travel direction and a tag location, and uses the determination to indicate that a tag is exiting or has exited the facility. The LPS then uses the database to determine if the exiting/exited tag is authorized to leave the facility.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) loss-prevention system (LPS) to permit items to exit a facility, the method comprising:
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reading a first identifier from a first RFID tag associated with a first item; authorizing the first item to exit the facility; providing the first identifier to a database; directing, from a synthesized-beam reader, at least two beams along a facility exit path; reading, in the at least two beams, the first identifier; determining a first travel direction of the first item using the first identifier read in the at least two beams; determining that the first item is exiting the facility based on the first travel direction; accessing the database to determine that the first item is authorized to exit the facility; and permitting the first item to exit the facility. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) loss-prevention system (LPS) configured to permit authorized items to exit a facility, the LPS comprising:
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a first reader configured to; read a first identifier from a first RFID tag associated with a first item; authorize the first item to exit the facility; and provide the first identifier to a database; a synthesized-beam reader configured to; direct at least two beams along a facility exit path; and read, in the at least two beams, the first identifier; and a processor module configured to; determine a first travel direction of the first item using the first identifier read in the at least two beams; determine that the first item is exiting the facility based on the first travel direction; access the database to determine that the first item is authorized to exit the facility; and permit the first item to exit the facility. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A synthesized-beam Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) reader (SBR) configured to permit authorized items to exit a facility, the SBR comprising:
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a synthesized-beam antenna configured to generate a plurality of beams; and a processor block coupled to the antenna and configured to; cause the antenna to direct at least two beams along a facility exit path; read, in the at least two beams, a first identifier from a first RFID tag associated with a first item; determine a first travel direction using the first identifier read in the at least two beams; determine that the first item is exiting the facility based on the first travel direction; access a database to determine that the first item is authorized to exit the facility; and permit the tag to exit the facility. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification