RFID reader with multiple antenna selection and automated antenna matching
First Claim
1. An RFID reader, comprising:
- a) a controller;
b) a transmitter for generating a transmitted RF signal operatively connected to said controller, said transmitter having an output;
c) a receiver for receiving a received RF signal operatively coupled to said controller, said receiver having an input;
d) a coupler operatively connected to said output of said transmitter and said input of said receiver;
e) at least one antenna for alternately radiating said transmitted RF signal and receiving said received RF signal operatively connected to said coupler;
f) means for sensing a loading condition of said at least one antenna and producing an output indicative of said loading condition; and
g) means for selectively altering tuning of said at least one antenna operatively connected thereto and responsive to said output of said means for sensing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention features an RFID smart shelf reader capable of working with a wide range of antenna types and numbers. The smart shelf reader readily accommodates and accurately reads a diverse range of package shapes, sizes, and contents. Multiple tags in close proximity to one another are accurately read by the smart shelf reader. The reader includes features for optimizing its own interface by periodically recalibrating itself to the current antenna load characteristics caused by varying external conditions, primarily in the type, number, and position of merchandise items on the shelf proximate at least one of the antennas. An external I/O interface is provided for communication with a remote controller.
297 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An RFID reader, comprising:
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a) a controller;
b) a transmitter for generating a transmitted RF signal operatively connected to said controller, said transmitter having an output;
c) a receiver for receiving a received RF signal operatively coupled to said controller, said receiver having an input;
d) a coupler operatively connected to said output of said transmitter and said input of said receiver;
e) at least one antenna for alternately radiating said transmitted RF signal and receiving said received RF signal operatively connected to said coupler;
f) means for sensing a loading condition of said at least one antenna and producing an output indicative of said loading condition; and
g) means for selectively altering tuning of said at least one antenna operatively connected thereto and responsive to said output of said means for sensing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification