Radio-frequency identification reader

An RFID reader system for determining a section location of an electronically tagged item in a container with a plurality of sections and at the same time reducing a far field magnetic field strength, the system comprising:

• an RF antenna array comprising an arrangement of overlapping antenna coils configured to create continuous reading zones individually associated with at least one section of the container;
• and
• an RFID reader comprising:
• an antenna controller configured to individually activate each antenna coil;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• receive, from the RF antenna array, a plurality of response signals associated with an activated combination of antenna coils,
• identify at least one reading zone responsive to the activated combination of antenna coils, and
• based on the identified at least one reading zone, identify a container section as the location of the item,
• wherein the arrangement of overlapping antenna coils comprises:
• a first loop arrangement comprising at least one first loop having a first current flow that causes a first magnetic field for detecting electronic tags in the near field;
• and
• a second loop arrangement conductively connected to the first loop arrangement, the second loop arrangement comprising at least one second loop having a second current flow in a rotationally opposite direction to the first current flow, the second current flow causing a second magnetic field for detecting electronic tags in the near field,
• wherein the first loop arrangement is configured to have a first inner area and the second loop arrangement is configured to have a second inner area so that the first magnetic field reduces the second magnetic field in the far field.