Location management for radio frequency identification readers

Abstract

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system for managing and identifying locations for an RFID reader is disclosed. An expected location of a fixed radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is determined. A first signal is transmitted from the reader to a first RFID tag to determine whether the reader is at the expected location. The first tag is a fiducial RFID tag fixed at a first location. In one aspect, the reader receives a first response to the first signal from the first tag. The first response identifies the first location of the first tag. The first location is compared to the expected location. If the first location and the expected location are different, an alarm is triggered.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This disclosure relates generally it Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, and in particular but not exclusively, relates to location management for RFID readers.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0002]Goods and other items may be tracked, and identified using a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The RFID system includes an RFID tag, which is typically placed on the item to be tracked. The RFID tag is a small transponder that can be read by an RFID reader (also referred to as an RFID interrogator). The reader includes a transceiver and an antenna. The antenna emits electromagnetic (EM) waves generated by the transceiver, which, when received by the tag, activate the tag. Once the tag has been activated, the tag communicates using radio waves back to the reader, thereby identifying the item to which the tag is attached or is otherwise associated with. In one form of RFID, the tag modifies and reflects the waves emitted by the reader, using the modified an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution ensures that RFID readers are accurately positioned and functioning correctly, preventing false location reporting and missed detections, thereby enhancing the reliability of inventory tracking and anti-theft applications.

Problems solved by technology

If the reader location is uncertain, some applications of RFID can be compromised.

In such an application, if the reader is unexpectedly moved, or if the reader malfunctions, there may be adverse results.

For example, the reader owner may falsely assume that a particular doorway is being covered by the reader, or the reader may report an incorrect location for an object.

In another situation, the reader may become shielded or damaged in some way, so that the coverage area of the reader becomes greatly diminished without notification to the network, and all or some tags pass by the reader without being detected, either intermittently or for an extended period of time.

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