RFID transceiver sensitivity focusing system

A method for enhancing the reliability of an RFID tag presence monitoring system, the method including the steps of:

• positioning an RFID transceiver antenna proximate to, but spaced from a zone to be monitored;
• configuring the RFID transceiver to establish an electromagnetic field at the zone;
• and
• locating shielding between the antenna and the zone, the shielding having an aperture therein.

An RFID transceiver antenna featuring a focused RF field pattern, comprising in combination:

• an antenna body;
• shielding proximate to but spaced from said body;
• an aperture in said shielding;
• and
• said shielding formed at least partially of anti-static film.

An attendance monitoring method, including the steps of:

• identifying at least one door into a room where attendance is to be tracked;
• having attendees wear an RFID badge including an RFID circuit therein;
• placing an RFID transceiver antenna adjacent the door and inside the room;
• configuring the RFID transceiver antenna to generate an electromagnetic field within a monitoring zone inside the door;
• interposing shielding between the antenna and the monitoring zone, the shielding having an aperture therein;
• detecting the presence of particular attendees by sensing the particular RFID badges of particular attendees as they enter the room through the door;
• and
• substantially avoiding sensing of RFID badges located outside of the door.