Method and apparatus for tag with adjustable read distance
AssigneeSupply Focus
InventorPraveen Limbachiya
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A RFID tag may be configured to selectively emit a signal including information, such as the identity of the tag and/or an associated item, that is detectable by a tag reader or other interrogator at different distances. The RFID tag may include hardware and/or software for changing the range of the RFID tag. For example, a tag may include more than one antenna. One antenna may be constructed and arranged to send a signal a greater distance than another antenna. The range may be changed by disabling an antenna and/or switching the antenna that is used to send a signal.
Claims25
A method of communicating with a RFID tag, the method comprising:
- providing a RFID tag associated with an item, the RFID tag being constructed and arranged to send a response signal in response to receiving an interrogation signal from a RFID reader, the response signal being readable by the RFID reader when positioned no further than a maximum distance from the RFID tag;
- and
- altering the RFID tag to reduce the maximum distance from the RFID tag at which the RFID reader can read the response signal sent from the RFID tag in response to receiving the interrogation signal.
A method of communicating with a RFID tag, the method comprising:
- providing a RFID tag associated with an item, the RFID tag comprising at least two antennae adapted to be electrically connected to RFID tag electronics, the at least two antennae being constructed and arranged to send a response signal in response to receiving an interrogation signal;
- and
- reducing the distance the RFID tag can send a response signal detectable by an interrogator in response to receiving the interrogation signal by disabling at least one of the antennae.
A method of communicating with a RFID tag, the method comprising:
- providing a RFID tag associated with an item, the RFID tag being constructed and arranged to send a response signal in response to receiving an interrogation signal, the RFID tag comprising at least two antennae;
- sending, in response to receiving an interrogation signal, a response signal from the RFID tag using a first antenna, the response signal being readable by a receiver at a first maximum distance from the RFID tag;
- and
- sending, in response to receiving an interrogation signal, a response signal from the RFID tag using a second antenna, the response signal being readable by a receiver at a second maximum distance from the RFID tag.
A RFID tag, comprising:
- a first antenna constructed and arranged to send a response signal in response to receiving an interrogation signal;
- and
- a second antenna constructed and arranged to send a response signal a greater distance than the first antenna in response to receiving an interrogation signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.