JP2004534430A - RFID tracking method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The method uses a multi-function RFID tag assembly, a passive repeater system, and a modular antenna system. In one embodiment, the method includes communicating with an RFID tag 64 by providing a passive loop modular antenna system 66, moving the RFID tag 66 past a field associated with the modular antenna system 66, and Transmitting energy via an antenna to communicate with the antenna. The method includes configuring an RFID passive loop modular antenna system 66. The present invention also includes a method of communicating with an RFID tag 64 by providing a passive loop 66 near the RFID tag 64. The RFID tag 64 is also integrated with the carton 120 by attaching RFID labels 116, 112 or embedding the RFID tags. Such cartons 120 can be used to track items throughout the manufacturing, transportation, storage, distribution, and distribution processes.

Description

【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to a U.S. patent application filed on August 8, 2001 (which is based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 239,475, filed October 10, 2000). Patent applications (based on US Provisional Application No. 60 / 224,932 filed August 11, 2000) and US patent applications filed August 8, 2001 (which were filed August 11, 2000) (Based on US Provisional Application No. 60 / 224,855), which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002]
The present invention relates generally to radio frequency identification devices (RFIDs). In particular, the present invention relates to multi-function RFID tag assemblies, passive repeater systems and modular antenna systems for tracking containers and / or products.
[Background Art]
[0003]
RFID systems are well known in the art. Such a system has a relatively large package including a battery-powered transmission / reception circuit, such as the identification system disclosed in Patent Document 1, and a transceiver such as the identification system disclosed in Patent Document 2. Transmit / receive to / from a passive system receiving power from a base station or interrogator.
[Patent Document 1]
U.S. Pat.No. 4,274,083
[Patent Document 2]
U.S. Pat.No. 4,654,658
[0004]
A typical RFID system consists of a reusable tag, an antenna system for interrogating the tag via an RF link, and a controller. The host (or computer) system connects to the controller and directs the interrogation of the tag. RFID systems therefore provide an effective means of identifying, monitoring and controlling materials in a closed room process. In factories, tags have been adopted as a transport mechanism during an "island of automation" (providing a record of each process that can be activated immediately and later downloaded for analysis). In operation, when the tag passes near the RFID antenna unit, the antenna emits an RF signal toward the tag, and the tag sends a response to the antenna. Tags may receive power either by an internal battery (ie, an “active” tag) or by receiving inductive power from RF signals emitted from an antenna and inductively coupling (ie, a “passive” tag). it can. Passive tags require no maintenance and have a virtually unlimited lifetime. The life of an active tag, however, is limited by the life of the battery, if any, with a replaceable battery. RFID tags also have limited applicability due to limitations in the operating range.
[0005]
RFID antenna units are typically employed in a manufacturing environment and are used to read tagged items as they pass. Antennas generally operate in the 2.45GHz, 900MHz or 125KHz range. These frequencies have been employed to achieve a field range with long antennas. However, at 2.45 GHz and 900 MHz, the field created by the antenna is affected by virtually everything (including metals and moisture) passing through it. Metals reflect the field significantly, while moisture absorbs the field significantly. Thus, metallic objects, such as the human body, which contain moisture, can significantly disrupt the field and disrupt communication between the antenna and the tag.
[0006]
A number of reflective shields have been used to eliminate or substantially reduce significant reflections caused by metallic objects passing through the field. This shield reflects the field continuously until sometime in contact with the tag. This, however, has problems in terms of cost and practicality.
[0007]
In contrast, at 125 KHz, better environmental conditions can be implemented, since neither metal nor moisture has little effect on the field. However, there are some significant disadvantages associated with the above operating frequencies. A significant disadvantage is that the cost is very high because more than 100 turns are required in the antenna coil to achieve an operating range of 125 KHz. Alternatively, an operating frequency of 13.56 MHz can be used. Although this frequency achieves environmentally good performance, it is often impossible to achieve the operating range of the frequency.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0008]
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an RFID antenna system using a modular antenna unit that can be connected in various structures for many applications.
[0009]
Accordingly, another object of the present invention is to provide an RFID tag assembly and system for tracking a product or other item during transport, storage and distribution.
[0010]
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an RFID assembly and system that extends the operating range of conventional RFID tags.
[0011]
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an RFID assembly and system that reduces the directional sensitivity of conventional RFID tags.
[0012]
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a carton with an integrated RFID tab that tracks and identifies items during transportation, storage and distribution.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0013]
In accordance with the purposes described above and below or which will become apparent, the method of communicating with an RFID tag of the present invention is to provide a passive loop modular antenna system, and Moving the RFID tag, and transmitting energy via the antenna to communicate with the RFID tag. Preferably, the antenna system includes a plurality of interchangeable parts and a controller in communication with the parts. The method of the present invention for configuring an RFID passive loop modular antenna system also includes designing at least a configuration of the first antenna system, validating the design of the configuration of the first antenna system, and providing a plurality of antennas. Providing at least one assembly drawing including control parameters for the configuration of the part and the first antenna system. The method also includes controlling operation of the first antenna system configuration after assembly, testing the configuration of the assembled first antenna system, and / or configuring a plurality of different antenna portions, a plurality of antenna systems. , And a memory for storing control parameters for the configuration of the plurality of antenna systems.
[0014]
The method of the present invention for communicating with an RFID tag also includes providing an RFID tag attachable to the first item, providing a first passive loop near the RFID tag, and responding to signals through the passive loop. Communication with the RFID tag. Optionally, the RFID tag is removed from the first active loop and attached to a second item. Preferably, communicating with the RFID tag comprises magnetically inducing a current in the first passive loop. The use of passive loops can extend the range of RFID tags. By placing the RFID tag and the passive loop in substantially different planes, the directional sensitivity of the RFID tag is reduced. In one embodiment of the invention, the first loop is located near a plurality of RFID tags, such as a ULD having a plurality of items with the RFID tags. A second passive tag may be placed near the first passive loop to provide additional regeneration for the RF signal.
[0015]
The invention involves combining the RFID tag into a carton to secure the RFID label or embed the RFID tag. Preferably, the RFID tag has a three-dimensional configuration when the carton is in use. These cartons can be used by providing the carton to the user, placing items in the carton, receiving the carton from the user, and communicating with the RFID tag to track the carton. A passive loop can be used to reproduce the signal with the RFID tag. Preferably, a plurality of cartons with integrated RFID tags are collected. Auxiliary tags may be attached to the collected cartons to track the collected cartons.
[0016]
The features and advantages will become apparent from the preferred embodiments of the present invention described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts and elements.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0017]
In accordance with the present invention, modular radio frequency identification device (RFID) antenna systems and tags are used to identify and track goods in product manufacturing, storage, storage, transport, distribution and retail.
[0018]
As an example, the modular RFID antenna system according to the present invention has a plurality of easily assembled modular RFID antenna units, which are arranged on one or more products passing through the field of the antenna system. Can be connected to a variety of structures that enable omnidirectional communication with at least one repeater or tag. The present invention also includes a method for using a configuration system (ie, a computer system) that can design, command, configure, test, and operate a modular RFID antenna system for a particular application.
[0019]
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention includes variations, modifications, and equivalents that may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0020]
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an assembled RFID antenna system 10 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, tags 11 placed on a plurality of goods or containers 12 pass through a field of an antenna system 14. The system 14 has a plurality of modular antenna sections or panels 16, 18, 20, and 22 connected in a desired configuration to enable omnidirectional communication with the tag 11.
[0021]
In FIG. 2, an antenna system 24 having a configuration suitable for the "passing" example on the ground or floor is shown, with the tag moving in the direction of arrow A. The system preferably includes a plurality of lower panels 23 located near the floor or ground of the structure (or building). The panels 23 preferably communicate with each other via a cable system 26. However, in this and other embodiments, the panels 23 are individually available. A controller 28 is also included to control the operation of panel 23. Also preferably, each panel 23 has modular elements 30 and 32 that can be selected to form a panel with the desired characteristics.
[0022]
FIG. 3 shows a conveyor "pass-through" or "gate" type antenna system. The system 34 facilitates effective RF communication with and between the interconnected antenna panel 23 and one or more tags passing by the antenna field (by the conveyor 36) in the direction of arrow B.
[0023]
In FIG. 4, the antenna system 38 can facilitate various paths (ie, directions, widths, etc.) through the field of the antenna, such as the path indicated by arrow C. The system 38 can further enable highly effective omnidirectional RF communication within and between the panel 23 and the one or more tags. The system 38 also includes a plurality of lower panels 23 arranged upright. The panel 23 is mounted upright and in a desired position by the support 40. Alternatively, the panels can be stacked and have the flexibility to adjust the system 38 to facilitate different passages through the antenna field.
[0024]
To increase the read / write operating range of an RFID modular antenna system or configuration, the present invention provides sufficient tag coverage in the increased range, while maintaining emission limits within the range imposed by the FCC / CE , A new antenna switching circuit. In accordance with the present invention, the driving antenna panel (eg, 23) provides full RF communication between the antenna panel and the tag while simultaneously inverting at a rate that allows for average or quasi-peak detection permitted by the FCC / CE. Is switched to
[0025]
To ensure good communication between the individual antenna panels and the tags, the transmitting antenna panels preferably provide continuous power to the passive tags. When the tag is powered, the transmitter modulates the very moment it powers the tag. The tag communicates with the receiver via individual receive antennas and continues to receive power via the transmit antenna.
[0026]
A key feature of the present invention is that the design and configuration of the system is based on PC-Windows® or Macintosh® and has a computer with an interface for the design and configuration of the desired modular RFID antenna system. Is to use. As shown in FIG. 5, software element 42 includes the following subsystems or modularities: memory 44, design 46, design validity 48, material specification 50, and configuration 52. Each subsystem is described in detail below.
[0027]
memory: Each of the subsystems preferably communicates with a memory modular or subsystem 44. In accordance with the present invention, the memory subsystem 44 includes at least the following databases or information: a plurality of available modular antenna systems, mechanical elements or parts of each antenna system, and setup and operating parameters.
[0028]
design: In accordance with the present invention, design subsystem 46 allows a user to select one or more of a plurality of available modular antenna systems. After the desired subsystem has been selected, the design subsystem 46 includes a parts list prompt that ties the user to the design menu (parts list menu that provides a list of mechanical elements or parts comparable to the selected system). )I will provide a. Preferably, as described below, the design subsystem 46 further includes means for producing the drawings.
[0029]
Design validity: In accordance with the present invention, the design validity subsystem 48 includes means for validating the selected antenna system and mechanical elements. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, if one or more of the selected mechanical elements is incorrect and / or is not comparable to the selected antenna system, a design Sexual system 48 provides error messages and details related thereto. The design validity subsystem 48 further restricts the user from printing material descriptions.
[0030]
Material description: In accordance with the present invention, the material description subsystem 50 generates a material description. The material description preferably has a tabular structure and is described in detail below, but includes at least the following fields (Line Item Field (Supplier Part Number, Part Description, Quality, Unit Price, Price Increase): Global Item Field (Customer Name, address and other identifying information, (customer number) project name, PO number, shipping information and special instructions)). The above information is preferably provided in a printable format that can be pasted, if necessary, as an appendix to a purchase order.
[0031]
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the material description subsystem 50 also provides a description of the material that can be exported via electronic media in a manner compatible with the user (or customer) and supplier (or vendor) purchase / receipt system. give. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above features facilitate e-commerce data / information transmission.
[0032]
Constitution: The main subsystem of the software element is the configuration subsystem 52. In accordance with the present invention, configuration subsystem 52 includes means for assembling, configuring, and controlling the antenna system. Thus, the configuration subsystem 52 includes at least three components: assembly, setup, and testing. Preferably, these elements are similarly accessible via a configuration menu. In accordance with the present invention, the assembly element 62 generates an installation assembly drawing. Drawings can be automatically or manually selected from a set of predetermined drawings (recorded in memory modular 44). The drawings are preferably provided in a printable form that can be displayed by the user. The file can also be exported in Auto CAD format. The setup element gives the user the required RF communication parameters. The setup elements are therefore at least: ))including. The test element includes means for testing the assembled antenna system. The test element preferably provides multiple instructions to prove the existence and operational integrity of multiple antenna panels and / or individual panels.
[0033]
The method of the present invention also includes using an RFID tag having a passive loop, preferably in connection with an antenna system as described above. FIG. 6 shows a first embodiment of an RFID tag assembly 60 useful for practicing the present invention. Tag assembly 60 includes a substrate 62, a conventional RFID tag 64, and at least one conductive member (ie, an antenna), such as a passive loop or dipole (loop) 66, for transmitting and receiving RFID signals. . As described below, the tag 64 and the passive loop 66 are preferably located on at least one surface or a portion of the substrate 62. In a preferred embodiment, the tag 64 is located in or near the internal area defined by the loop 66 (hereinafter referred to as the "internal area").
[0034]
For easy attachment of the substrate 62 to a shipping container 68, or other article, the substrate 62 is preferably on at least one side or portion of the substrate 62, more preferably on the opposite side of the tag 64 and the passive loop 66. And conventional adhesive means (for example, double-sided tape) disposed on the surface of In accordance with the present invention, the substrate 62 may also be secured or directly bonded to the container or other article via conventional adhesives (eg, epoxy) or conventional mechanical means.
[0035]
Substrates useful in the practice of the present invention are preferably non-conductive materials, such as paper, synthetic paper, polyamide, polyester, Teflon, ABS, or the like, or non-conductive regions comprising the above materials. It consists of a material containing. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substrate comprises paper.
[0036]
In accordance with the present invention, passive loop 66 communicates (ie, couples) with tag 64. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, loop 66 is coupled to tag 64 by various conventional means. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, loop 66 is magnetically coupled to tag 64. The passive loop 66 has the substantially rectangular shape shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and can be of various sizes. Loop 66 is also substantially larger than tag 64, and is therefore limited only by the size of substrate 62.
[0037]
The passive loop 66 may also be composed of various conductive materials that can be applied to or embedded in the substrate by conventional means. For example, the passive loop 66 may consist of a carbon / graphite bearing conductive ink printed or silk-screened on the substrate 62, a metallized paint applied directly to the substrate 62, May be comprised of a substantially metallized or metallic foil (or wire), or a foil or wire embedded in the substrate 62. In another embodiment of the invention, passive loop 66 comprises a copper foil connected to substrate 62 by conventional means.
[0038]
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, virtually any conventional RFID tag (eg, 2.45 GHz, 125 KHz, 13.5 MHz, 900 MHz) can be used within the scope of the present invention. Such tags are described in many prior art documents such as U.S. Pat.
[Patent Document 3]
U.S. Pat.No. 6,121,878
[Patent Document 4]
U.S. Pat.No. 6,118,379
[Patent Document 5]
U.S. Pat.No. 6,100,804
[0039]
In accordance with the present invention, passive loop 66 has inductance and capacitance (tuned to or near the operating frequency of individual tags 64). In another embodiment of the present invention, the passive loop 66 has a distributed capacitance, or a combination of fixed and distributed capacitance (tuned to or near the operating frequency of the tag 64).
[0040]
Preferably, use of the tag system 60 of the present invention involves removing the tag 64 from the substrate and attaching it to an article, such as a product or product container. Thus, information and data obtained during packaging, inventory, or transport are retained on the article through a continuous process or use. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the article may be a product or item placed in a larger shipping container, a product container transferred to a larger container (eg, a shipping container), or a product container transferred to a pallet. Accordingly, tag 64 is preferably removable from substrate 62. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various means are utilized to facilitate removal of the tag 64 from the substrate 62. In one embodiment of the present invention, substrate 62 includes a substantially continuous dashed line 69 located near tag 64. Thus, the separable substrate section or tag assembly preferably has an adhesive means on the back surface for successively attaching the tags 10 to a product, container or other desired article (described below). However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, tag assembly 60 may also be attached to a product or other article by mechanical means.
[0041]
In use, tag system 60 is first attached to shipping container 70. When a product such as the computer shown in FIG. 7 is carried out of the shipping container 70, the tag 64 is removed from the substrate 62 and attached to the product 68. Thus, the data or information acquired when the product 68 is in the shipping container 70 is with the product 50 during its product life.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 8, another embodiment of the RFID tag system may be used in accordance with the present invention. In addition to increasing the operating range of the associated tag 64, the above embodiments substantially reduce the directional sensitivity generally associated with the tag 64. For example, tag system 72 includes a substantially flat substrate 74 having at least one tag 64 associated with a first passive loop 76 and at least a second passive loop 74 disposed thereon. The first and second passive loops 76 and 78 are preferably located at opposite ends of the substrate 74 and more preferably communicate with each other. More preferably, the substrate 74 preferably includes a fold line 61 to facilitate folding of the substantially "L" shaped substrate 60 so that it can adhere to the edge of the shipping container 70 and have at least two The transmission and reception of RF signals is facilitated on a flat surface. More than one tag system 72 can also be used within the scope of the present invention to mitigate the directional sensitivity of the tag 64, ie, the RFID system (ie, located on different edges of the container 70). Similarly, the tag system 82 may consist of a tag 64 having a first passive loop 84 located on a “plurality of panels” substrate, and two other passive loops 86 and 88. The "plural panels" substrate 90 is flexible enough to bend and attach to the corners of the product container 70 to facilitate optimal RF signal transmission and reception on at least three sides.
[0043]
The method of the present invention also includes the use of an RFID passive transponder system, wherein the RFID passive transponder system includes one or more passive loops (ie, antennas) that are suitably located on a large member (located near each passive loop). Significantly improve the operating range of individual tags. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention is particularly applicable to a method in which a plurality of items are grouped into a larger package, a shipping unit, a load, or a group of tagged products, and each of the items is individually tagged. It can be used in applications that need to be read at longer distances than would be possible with smaller items. Examples include boxes and pallets of goods, carts for packing multiple goods, bins and totes, large boxes for packing many small goods, shipping containers packed with packages and many goods with tags. Yes, in cases where reading and writing between an RFID reader / writer and a specified tag is widespread.
[0044]
In the implementation of a passive repeater system, one large loop (with appropriate resonance capacity) is attached directly to the RFID tag 64, or three resonance loops collect energy from two or three resonance loops, and It is magnetically coupled with another loop to transmit back to the tag 64. As noted above, the mechanism for coupling this collection loop to the RFID tag 64 may be by direct coupling, or by magnetic coupling with another resonant loop attached directly to the RFID tag.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 9, a passive repeater system 92 includes a substrate 94 having first and second surfaces, a conventional RFID tag 64, and at least one passive conductive member or loop for transmitting and receiving RFID signals. Including 96. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, loop 96 can be used with tag system 60, or any other suitable RFID tag system. In accordance with the present invention, loop 96 communicates (couples) with tag 64. The tag 64 is preferably located on the surface of the substrate 96 near the loop 96 and communicates there. In accordance with these embodiments of the present invention, the maximum distance from tag 64 to loop 96 (indicated by arrow D) is about 20 feet (6.1 m), more preferably, the maximum distance is about 15 feet (6.1 m). 4.6m). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the maximum distance (D) from tag 64 to loop 96 ranges from 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 m).
[0046]
In accordance with the present invention, the passive loop 96 is made of a conductive material having various configurations, made in various ways, applied to the substrate 94, or embedded therein. For example, the loop 96 may be composed of a metal ink silk-screened on the substrate 94 and applied directly onto the substrate 94, a metallized or metallic foil bonded to the substrate 94, or a foil embedded in the substrate 94. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, loop 96 comprises a copper foil bonded to the surface of substrate 96 by conventional means. In another embodiment of the present invention, two or more passive loops are used and bonded to one side or one side of a substrate with an insulating layer disposed therebetween.
[0047]
In accordance with the present invention, passive loop 96 preferably has tuned inductance and capacitance at or near individual tags 64 (eg, a common ISM band). In other embodiments of the invention, the loop 64 has a distributed capacitance tuned to or near the operating frequency of the individual tag 64, or a combination of fixed and distributed capacitance.
[0048]
The inventor has found that effective enhancement of the RFID signal can be achieved with a passive repeater system having a loop area ranging from about 1.0 square inches to 400 square feet.
[0049]
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the passive repeater system 98 is preferably located near one tag 64, a collection of tags, or within a collection of goods containing the tags. Or placed or formed on a unitary device (loading pallet 100 or container 102) used for collecting, packing, holding or transporting, or for storing, transporting or delivering tagged goods. In accordance with the present invention, passive repeater system 98 is preferably magnetically coupled to tag 64. Passive repeater system 98 may be substantially flat and may be formed with two or three sides to optimize RF performance.
[0050]
The passive repeater system 98 shown in FIG. 10 is used with a collection of boxes 104 on a pallet. In this embodiment, the passive repeater system 98 is located at the top of the box and / or in a collection of boxes. Alternatively, the passive repeater system 98 may be embedded in the pallet 100. The passive repeater system 98 shown in FIG. 11 is used with a container 102 having at least one box 104. The passive loop 106 of the passive repeater system 98 may be located on or embedded in one side of the container 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, as described below, the passive repeater system 98 further includes an RFID tag 108 suitably located on the outer surface of the container 102, near the passive loop 106, and includes a collection of boxes 104. From this, individual identification and tracking of the container 102 can be performed.
[0051]
The passive repeater system 98 shown in FIG. 12 includes at least one substantially elongated panel 110 disposed within a shipping container 102 having a package 104 and having at least one passive loop 112 thereon. In accordance with the present invention, panel 110 is preferably constructed of plastic, carbon board, wood, or other material and can have various shapes and sizes. In these embodiments, passive repeater system 98 has a loop area surface ranging from about 1.0 square inches to 400 square feet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the loop area surface ranges from 0.25 square feet to 100 square feet.
[0052]
In another embodiment of the present invention, another passive loop, such as passive loop 114 shown in phantom in FIG. 12, is magnetically or electrically coupled to at least one of the panels 110 disposed therein. Used with coils. In accordance with the present invention, the RF field at or near the operating frequency of the RFID system is used to enhance communication with the tags 64 on boxes 104 in the shipping container 102 from the outer surface of the shipping container where the RFID equipment is located. , The inside of the container 112 where the panel 110 is arranged. Also, a separate tag 116 can be placed near the passive loop 114 to obtain and store information about the container and / or its contents. Container content, serial numbers, departure and destination points, transport identifiers (eg, flight numbers), tracking numbers for all shipments and / or data associated with the container 102 can be easily accessed at convenient locations.
[0053]
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of a carton having an integral RFID tag and related methods for integrating the carton with an RFID. For example, FIG. 13 illustrates a method of applying an RFID tag including a label 116 to be applied to a crushed carton 120 by an application device 118. Preferably, the label 116 is applied such that when the carton 120 is assembled, the label has a three-dimensional shape that maximizes FR performance. Instead, the RFID tag 122 is embedded in the carton by the application device 124, as shown in FIG. Also, preferably, when the carton 120 is formed into a use shape, the tag 122 has a three-dimensional shape.
[0054]
Alternatively, the label 116 or tag 122 may be attached or embedded in the carton 120 so as to have a one-dimensional shape. In this embodiment, an antenna system having a three-dimensional field is preferably utilized, such as the system 126 used with the conveyor 128 in FIG.
[0055]
The use of the disclosed antenna and RFID tag system allows for good identification and tracking of goods through all aspects of manufacturing, storage, transportation, distribution and sales. An example of this method is a delivery company that tracks packages for shipping, without limiting the applicability of the present invention. The shipping company can provide the customer with a carton having attached or embedded levels 116 or 122. The customer assembles boxes and uses them to pack the goods for delivery. Optionally, customers can use RFID tags on the carton to track and identify goods within the company. The delivery company can retrieve the carton 120 and use the pass-through antenna or other suitable antenna to read and write information to the carton as it is retrieved. Cartons may, for example, be transported to a local distribution depot, stored there, collected in a shipping container or other ULD, transported to a destination storage location, stored there, locally transported to the destination, recipient Can be tracked throughout the shipping process, including delivery to Preferably, passive transponders and other RFID tags can be used for identification and tracking of the collection of cartons 120. Also optionally, the recipient can utilize an RFID-tagged carton to maintain inventory and tracking. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this is particularly advantageous when the recipient is involved in the retail or wholesale of goods provided by the customer. In addition, shipping companies can use cartons with integrated RFID tags for advertising when the carton is used through manufacturing, distribution and distribution, as described above.
[0056]
Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 16, where the modular RFID antenna system 130 of the present invention is incorporated into a trailer 132 used in a conventional tractor trailer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antenna system 130 has a modular antenna section 134 as described above and receives power from an external battery 136. In another embodiment of the present invention, power is received by an electrical or battery system of the tractor trailer.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 17, the modular RFID antenna system 130 can also be mounted in a transport truck 138. In this embodiment, antenna system 130 preferably receives power from existing vehicle battery 140.
[0058]
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the antenna system 130 communicates with the items having the RFID tags as they enter and exit the trailer 132 or truck 138, thereby allowing the tags to be transported throughout the transportation process. The attached goods can be tracked accurately. In addition to trailers or trucks, the system can be used with a suitable transport vehicle.
[0059]
In another embodiment of the present invention, the modular RFID antenna system 142 of the present invention is installed at the entrance of a building or storage, such as at a shipping center 146. By using such a system, the tagged item can be tracked as it is stored at a shipping center, for example, before being stored or loaded into a vehicle. Similarly, if the antenna system 142 is placed near the entrance of a building or storage, items tagged with an RFID tag can be tracked whenever they leave or enter the building.
[0060]
Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, those skilled in the art will readily be able to modify and modify the invention to suit various uses and conditions. Such modifications and variations are properly and fairly within the scope of the appended claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0061]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a modular RFID antenna system embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an RFID antenna system embodying the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the RFID antenna system embodying the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the RFID antenna system embodying the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a component system modular embodying the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an RFID tag system embodying the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an article having a removable RFID tag embodying the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the RFID tag assembly embodying the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of an embodiment of the passive repeater device embodying the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the passive repeater device embodying the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a passive repeater system showing a passive repeater “container” embodying the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a passive repeater system showing a passive repeater “shopping container” embodying the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying the present invention for integrating an RFID label with a container.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying the present invention for integrating an RFID label with a container.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a method of the invention including communicating with an RFID label using a three-dimensional antenna.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the RFID antenna system of the present invention mounted on a trailer.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the RFID antenna system of the present invention mounted on a transport truck.
FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an RFID antenna system of the present invention used in a commodity unloading place.

Claims (43)

A method of communicating with an RFID tag,
a) providing a passive loop modular antenna system;
b) moving the RFID tag past a field associated with the modular antenna system;
c) transmitting energy via an antenna to communicate with the RFID tag. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the passive loop modular antenna system comprises providing a plurality of replaceable parts. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising providing a controller for communicating with the replaceable part and controlling the replaceable part. A method for configuring an RFID passive loop modular antenna system, comprising:
a) designing at least the configuration of the first antenna system;
b) examining the validity of the design of the configuration of the first antenna system;
c) providing at least one assembly drawing comprising a plurality of antenna parts and control parameters for a first antenna system configuration. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of controlling operation of the first antenna system configuration after assembly. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising testing a configuration of the assembled first antenna system. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising providing a memory for storing a plurality of different antenna portions, a configuration of the plurality of antenna systems, and control parameters for the configuration of the plurality of antenna systems. A method of communicating with an RFID tag,
a) preparing an RFID tag that can be attached to the first item;
b) providing a first passive loop near the RFID tag;
c) communicating with an RFID tag in response to a signal through said passive loop. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising removing an RFID tag from the first passive loop and attaching to a second item. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein communicating with the RFID tag comprises magnetically inducing a current in the first passive loop. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein communicating with the RFID tag further comprises extending a range of the RFID tag with the first passive loop. The step of providing a first passive loop near the RFID tag includes attaching the RFID tag and the first passive loop to the first item such that the RFID tag and the first passive loop are in substantially different planes. 9. The method of claim 8, comprising: The method of claim 8, wherein providing a first passive loop near an RFID tag further comprises placing a first passive loop near a plurality of RFID tags. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein providing a first passive loop near the plurality of RFID tags includes placing the first passive loop on a ULD having a plurality of items each having an RFID tag. Method. Further comprising the step of providing a second passive loop near the first passive loop, wherein the step of communicating with the RFID tag includes responding to signals through the first and second passive loops. 9. The method according to 8. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second passive loops are in substantially different planes. A method of integrating an RFID tag with a carton, comprising the steps of preparing a crushed carton and integrating the RFID tag into the carton. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein integrating the RFID tag into the carton comprises providing an RFID tag label and attaching the label to the carton. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein applying the label to the carton comprises applying the label to the carton such that the label that is to be used as a carton itself has a three-dimensional shape. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein integrating the RFID tag into the carton comprises providing the RFID tag and embedding the RFID tag label in the carton. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein embedding the RFID tag label in the carton comprises embedding the label in the carton such that the label has a three-dimensional shape when the carton is in use. A method of tracking an item,
a) providing a carton having an integrated RFID tag;
b) supplying the carton to a first user;
c) receiving the carton from the first user;
d) communicating with the RFID tag to track the carton. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing a passive loop and communicating with the RFID tag by a response of a signal through the passive loop. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of collecting a plurality of cartons with RFID tags and communicating with the plurality of cartons of RFID tags in response to a signal through a passive loop. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing an auxiliary RFID tag to track the collected cartons and attaching the auxiliary RFID tag to the collected cartons. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising communicating with an auxiliary RFID tag having information related to the plurality of collected cartons. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein collecting the plurality of cartons comprises placing the plurality of cartons on the ULD. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising providing the ULD with a passive loop for communication with the RFID tags of the plurality of cartons. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein collecting the plurality of cartons comprises placing the plurality of cartons in a ULD, and further comprising providing a passive loop in the ULD for communication with an auxiliary RFID tag. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing a pass-through antenna and communicating with the RFID tag with the pass-through antenna. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising transporting the item to a new location and communicating with the RFID tag at the new location. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein communicating with the RFID tag at the new location includes writing the new location to the RFID tag. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein communicating with the RFID tag at the new location comprises reading identification information from the RFID tag. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising delivering the item to a second user at the destination, comprising communicating with the RFID tag having the delivery information. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of the first user communicating with the RFID tag. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of a second user communicating with the RFID tag. A method of tracking an item,
a) configuring a modular passive loop antenna for the transport vehicle;
b) installing a modular passive loop antenna on the transport vehicle;
c) placing the item with the RIFD tag in the transport vehicle;
d) communicating with the RFID tag using a modular RFID antenna. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the transport vehicle comprises a trailer suitable for use with a semi-tractor. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the transport vehicle comprises a transport truck. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising powering the modular passive loop antenna with a battery of the transport vehicle. A method of tracking an item,
a) preparing an article with an RFID tag;
b) placing a modular passive loop antenna at the entrance of the building;
c) moving the article with the RFID tag past the entrance of the building;
d) communicating with the RFID tag with a modular passive loop antenna. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the modular passive loop antenna is located at a distribution center near a building entrance. 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising providing a transport vehicle having a modular passive loop antenna, moving the item between the building and the transport vehicle, and communicating with the RFID tag of the item with the modular passive loop antenna of the transport vehicle. The described method.

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