RF point of sale and delivery method and system using communication with remote computer and having features to read a large number of RF tags

Abstract

A method and system for providing point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and / or distribution of products in a restricted access unit near the customer. The method and system utilize products equipped with radio frequency tags and reduce the effects of energy sharing, shadowing, and nulls. In one embodiment, a plurality of RF tagged products are placed within a refrigerator, cabinet, or other micro-warehouse that has a door or opening that can detect access to the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, one or more antennas are positioned within the door. Each antenna may have a transmission line of sight and be configured to emit a signal at predefined frequencies. Each antenna generates an electromagnetic field within the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, the products are positioned in one or more bins, compartments, or similar devices located within the micro-warehouse such that at least two of the plurality of products are spaced a distance from each other to reduce energy sharing. The electromagnetic field is moved or altered within the micro-warehouse through the use of reflectors, devices that move the antennas, or other mechanisms.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods and systems for distributing products to customers. More particularly, the invention relates to a system that tracks the use of products using radio frequency (“RF”) tags and provides information to a central computer to enable automated restocking, inventory, tracking, or reordering of the products. A variety of paper-based, electronic, and Internet ordering systems are available and in use today. In addition, a number of inventory tracking systems, including systems that use bar coding are also in use. Beyond bar codes, it has been proposed that inventory tracking can be accomplished using RF tags. However, commercially acceptable RF systems, particularly systems that are able to track hundreds of items in relatively small areas, have not yet been developed. Furthermore, commercially acceptable integrated systems that allow consumers to order and receive goods at a location proximate to where the goods are used...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a system and method for distributing and tracking RF tagged products. The system includes micro-warehouses, client controllers, and a server that track the identity and location of each RF tag. The system uses RF technology to track the movement and distribution of RF tagged products. The invention allows for easy access to RF tagged products without requiring users to manually input information. The system can track numerous RF tagged items and can be accessed through various means such as radio frequency user badges, magnetic swipe cards, or biometric devices. The system also includes an antenna array and reflectors to alter the electromagnetic field and reduce interference with the RF tags. The RF tags are organized in an orderly fashion to increase the likelihood of successful tag reading and minimize energy sharing. The system can also track the orientation of the RF tags to improve their energy absorbency. The invention provides a more efficient and automated distribution system for RF tagged products.

Problems solved by technology

However, commercially acceptable RF systems, particularly systems that are able to track hundreds of items in relatively small areas, have not yet been developed.

Furthermore, commercially acceptable integrated systems that allow consumers to order and receive goods at a location proximate to where the goods are used and that also automatically, and with limited human intervention, track usage and initiate reordering are also not available.

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