RFID systems - antenna system and software method to spatially locate transponders
OwnerBernard Barinkinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for locating an RFID transponder in space is described. The invention includes an RFID transponder for broadcasting identification data and a plurality of antenna for receiving identification data broadcast by the RFID transponder. The plurality of antenna are associated with the plurality of support members or shelves and control circuitry connected to the plurality of antenna determines which of the plurality of antenna receives identification information broadcast from the RFID transponder to determine the location of the transponder.
Claims12
Apparatus for locating an RFID transponder vertical location comprising:
- an RFID transponder for broadcasting identification data;
- a plurality of antennae for recovering said identification data broadcast by said RFID transponder;
- a plurality of support members at spaced apart vertical locations suitable for supporting said RFID transponder, and each of said spaced apart support members associated with at least one of said plurality of antennae;
- and
- control circuitry connected to said plurality of antenna for determining which of said plurality of antenna receives said identification broadcast from said RFID transponder and for determining the location of said RFID transponder as a function of the antenna receiving said broadcast data and the support members associated with the antennae receiving said identification data.
A method of locating an RFID transponder in space comprising the steps of:
- broadcasting identification data from an RFID transponder;
- receiving said broadcast identification data at a plurality of antenna;
- providing a plurality of spaced apart support members at known vertical locations suitable for supporting said RFID transponders, and each of said spaced apart support members associated with at least one of said plurality of antennas;
- determining which antenna receive identification data broadcast from said RFID transponder;
- and
- determining the three-dimensional location of said transponder broadcasting said identification data as a function of the antennas receiving said information data and the support members associated with the antennas receiving said identification data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.