RFID tunnel reader

Abstract

A portable RFID tunnel reader (100) includes an electronic reader (102) and a collapsible antenna (104) in communication with the electronic reader (102). An electronic reader (102) is configured to read a plurality of electronic indicia. The antenna includes a hollow tube antenna body (106) defining an antenna reading area (108) for receiving a plurality of electronic indicia. The antenna body comprises two or more antenna portions (110) movably connected to each other such that the antenna body is collapsible. The two or more antenna portions may include metal antenna plates (112) foldably connected to each other such that the antenna body is foldable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to RFID readers, and more particularly to portable RFID tunnel readers. Background Art

[0002] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a wireless identification method in which data is stored electronically on a tag and the data can be read by an RFID reader to identify, locate and / or track the tagged item.

[0003] One example of RFID tags being used to tag items is in healthcare, where RFID tags can be used for inventory tracking of a variety of items ranging from medications to blood bags. In situations where many tagged items are stacked together, batch reading of RFID tags is required.

[0004] One type of RFID reader that can be used for batch reading is a tunnel reader. A tunnel reader includes a tunnel through which tagged items move, such as on a conveyor belt, while the tunnel reader scans the area inside the tunnel to detect RFID tags.

[0005] The advantage offered by tunnel readers is that batch readings can be performed, such as where a box with multiple tagged items can be moved through a tunnel and all item tags can be easily read. However, tunnel readers are large and bulky, and they are also expensive due to the size and complexity of the tunnel antenna and associated electronics.

[0006] For some applications, such as tracking orthopedic implants stored in shipping boxes at a hospital as consignment inventory, tunnel readers are too expensive and too large. Therefore, the use of tunnel readers is not feasible either for large-scale deployment across many hospitals or for reading relatively small numbers of consignment items (e.g., a few hundred or less).

[0007] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles of manufacture or the like included in this specification is not to be construed as an admission that any or all of these form part of the prior art base or were general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure by virtue of their existence before the priority date of each claim of this application. Summary of the invention

[0008] To date, the use of tunnel readers for relatively small numbers of items (e.g., a few hundred or less) and for large-scale deployment across multiple locations has not been practical due to the cost and bulk of such machines. However, it would be useful to be able to use a less expensive and less bulky tunnel reader to scan multiple tagged items simultaneously.

[0009] In one aspect, a portable RFID tunnel reader is provided, comprising: an electronic reader configured to read a plurality of electronic labels; and a telescopic antenna communicating with the electronic reader, the antenna comprising: a hollow tube antenna body defining an antenna reading area for receiving the plurality of electronic labels, the antenna body comprising two or more antenna portions, the antenna portions being movably connected to each other so that the antenna body is telescopic.

[0010] The two or more antenna parts may include metal antenna plates, wherein the metal antenna plates are foldably connected to each other such that the antenna body is foldable.

[0011] The hollow tube may have a cubic shape and include four or more sections, each section being hingedly attached to two adjacent sections. Two opposing sides of the hollow tube may include two sections folded inwardly to telescope the tube.

[0012] The antenna may be movably attached to the electronic reader such that the antenna can telescope toward the electronic reader.

[0013] The RFID tunnel reader may be configurable to be in an extended configuration or a telescoping configuration. The RFID tunnel reader may be portable in the telescoping configuration.

[0014] The telescoping antenna may include at least one current feed point and at least one current return point, the feed point and the return point being electrically connected to the antenna body so that current flowing through the antenna body generates a magnetic field within a reading region for reading an RFID tag.

[0015] The antenna body may include an electrical disconnect such that at least one current feed point provides current to the antenna body on a first side of the electrical disconnect and at least one current return point provides a current return path on a second, opposing side of the disconnect. The electrical disconnect may include a dielectric gap in the antenna body.

[0016] These and other aspects and features will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific non-limiting embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The detailed description of illustrative (non-limiting) embodiments will be more fully appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable RFID tunnel reader in an expanded configuration;

[0019] Figure 2 Is in extended configuration Figure 1 Front view of the RFID tunnel reader;

[0020] Figure 3 Is in extended configuration Figure 1 A side view of an RFID tunnel reader;

[0021] Figure 4 Is in telescoping configuration Figure 1 Front view of the RFID tunnel reader;

[0022] Figure 5 Is in telescoping configuration Figure 1 Side view of an RFID tunnel reader.

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a cylindrical implementation of an RFID antenna.

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a cubic implementation of an RFID antenna.

[0025] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of another cubic implementation of an RFID antenna.

[0026] In the drawings, like reference numerals denote similar parts.

[0027] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations, and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of these embodiments or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to various non-limiting embodiments of RFID readers. It should be understood that in view of the non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein, other non-limiting embodiments, modifications, and equivalents will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and such variations should be considered within the scope of the appended claims.

[0029] In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain structural and operational details of the non-limiting embodiments discussed below may be modified or omitted entirely (ie, not required). In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, and components are not described in detail.

[0030] In the attached figure Figure 1A portable RFID tunnel reader 100 is shown, which includes an electronic reader 102 configured to read multiple electronic tags, and a telescopic antenna 104 that communicates with the electronic reader 102. The antenna 100 includes a hollow tube 106 that defines an antenna reading area 108 for receiving multiple electronic tags. The tube 106 includes two or more antenna sections 110. In some embodiments, the sections can be in the form of curved panels and / or flat panels. The antenna sections 110 are movably connected to each other so that the tube 106 is telescopic. In the drawings Figure 2 A front view of the read region 108 (having a rectangular cross-section in this embodiment) is shown in FIG. 1 , which shows the RFID tunnel reader in an expanded configuration.

[0031] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the drawings, two or more antenna portions 110 include metal antenna plates 112, and the metal antenna plates 112 are foldably connected to each other, so that the tube body 106 is foldable.

[0032] The hollow tube body can have a cubic shape and include four or more parts, each part being hingedly attached to two adjacent parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube body of the antenna 104 is in the shape of a square or rectangular box with an open end, so that the tube body 106 has a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) cross-section. In this embodiment, the antenna box is configured to lie on its side so that a box of items can be placed inside the antenna box from the side. In other embodiments, the antenna box can be configured to be placed upright so that a box of items can be placed inside the antenna box from the top. The antenna is movably attached to the electronic reader so that the antenna can be telescoped toward the electronic reader, for example, via a hinge connecting the parts of the antenna and / or via a hinge attaching the antenna to the reader.

[0033] In other embodiments, the tube body 106 may include Figure 1 More or fewer than the six antenna sections shown in , and the sections may be shaped and sized to form a tube configuration having a non-rectangular cross-section (e.g., triangular cross-section, circular, hexagonal, etc.).

[0034] The RFID tunnel reader can be configured to be in an extended configuration or a telescoping configuration. The RFID tunnel reader is easily portable in the telescoping configuration. The antenna sections 110 are movably connected to each other so that the tube 106 is telescoping. The antenna is configured to be telescoping so that it can be folded down to be flat and compact, or at least smaller than in the operational extended configuration. The antenna sections 110 are movably connected together via section connection means 114.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna portion 110 includes metal antenna panels 112 hinged together along adjacent edges of each panel 112. In this embodiment, the portion connecting means 114 includes one or more hinges 116 extending along the length of the adjoining edges of the adjacent panels. The hinges are conductive (or include conductive portions), such as metal, so that the antenna 104 has an uninterrupted conductive path around the metal tube body 106.

[0036] The two opposite sides of the hollow tube 106 may include two parts that fold inwardly to make the tube telescopic. In the embodiment shown, the two side panels 118 are each divided into two sub-panels 120, which are also attached to each other in a hinged manner. Figure 3 A side view of the RFID tunnel reader is shown in an expanded configuration, and the two sub-panels 120 and the connecting means 114 are visible. Figure 4 As shown, when the top panel 122 moves toward the base panel 124 in the telescoping configuration, the sub-panels fold inwardly. Figure 5 A side view of the RFID tunnel reader 100 is shown in a telescoping configuration. In an alternative arrangement, the sub-panels may be folded outwardly.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, one or more hinges may connect adjacent sections, such hinges not extending along the entire length of each adjacent panel edge. For example, a hinge may be provided approximately in the middle of the edge of the adjacent panel sections (shorter than the length of the section edge), or two hinges may be provided, one on each side of the boundary between the two sections. In an alternative embodiment, the antenna sections 110 are movably connected by other means, such as by an elastic member such as one or more rubber strips that are fixed to adjacent antenna sections 110 and thereby connect the adjacent antenna sections 110. Such a connecting strip may include a conductive portion, such as a metal wire.

[0038] In alternative embodiments, the antenna portions may not be flat or planar, but may include curved surfaces. For example, the antenna body may have an elliptical shape including two or more antenna portions. In some embodiments, the portion connection means (e.g., a hinge) may include one or more releasable connectors such as a detachable joint so that two adjacent portions are releasably connected. In this way, two such adjacent portions may be separated when the antenna body is telescoped; in some embodiments (e.g., where each portion includes one or more curved components), the releasable connectors may allow for a more compact telescoping configuration.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the antenna portions can be configured to form a telescopic antenna body such that the portions form retractable concentric tubular portions such that the portions slide into each other when the antenna is telescoped. The portions can be any suitable shape, such as cylindrical or cubic. In other embodiments, the antenna body can be telescopic in a concertina configuration by using flexible conductive materials and / or by using multiple hingedly attached portions.

[0040] The antenna portions are made of a conductive material such as metal. The portions can be made light and cost effective, for example, by using thin metal plates. With such thin and light plates forming the antenna, for example, when telescoped, the tunnel reader does not require a container that is larger than the footprint of a shipping or storage box containing the tagged items. With a thin antenna plate, the telescoped configuration of the antenna can have a thickness of 5 mm to 10 mm (for the embodiment shown, as shown). Figure 4 This consists of four stacked antenna panels).

[0041] In the telescoping configuration, the tunnel reader is easy to carry. In some configurations, the portable RFID tunnel reader may also include a handle, such as a handle connected to the electronic reader box and the base. The RFID tunnel reader may then be carried by its handle like a suitcase.

[0042] The RFID antenna is configured to read a tag placed within the reading area 108 in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the portion 110 of the tube 106 that constitutes the tunnel reader. In order for the tunnel reader to detect the electronic tag, magnetic coupling occurs between the antenna 104 of the RFID tunnel reader and the coil antenna that forms part of the electronic tag. In the case where the tag orientation is known, such as when the tagged items are packaged inside a container with a specified orientation, the container is placed within the reading area 108 in an orientation that will achieve coupling between the reader antenna and the coil antenna. For such a scenario with a single known tag orientation, the tunnel reader requires a single read. Alternatively, if the item is placed in the container in a random orientation, the user places the container in the reader three times (for a cubic container), and the reader is configured to read the contents of the container three times in order to detect the tag in any orientation.

[0043] The electronic reader 102 includes a power source and other electronics required for an RFID reader. In some embodiments, the electronic reader 102 includes a user interface configured to display read results to a user and / or input settings or user configurations. In situations where multiple reads are required (e.g., for random tag orientations), the user can specify a multiple read configuration that combines the read results of multiple scans. In this way, three-dimensional (3D) reading is possible when one or more tagged items are placed in a tunnel reader in more than one orientation.

[0044] RFID antenna 100 has an antenna body 106 having a continuous conductive surface including a portion of a connection device 114. Antenna body 106 is shaped to define an antenna volume for receiving one or more RFID-tagged items, the antenna volume including an antenna reading area 108. Antenna body 106 is shaped to form a hollow prism, such as a hollow cube. The hollow prism can have any hollow cross-sectional shape, wherein the interior volume is used to accommodate an item. The hollow prism has one or more walls with a surface area, so that the hollow prism can be, for example, as shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 6 The hollow cylinder 600 shown may alternatively be a hollow polyhedral prism.

[0045] Reference Figure 6 , the antenna body forms a single-turn solenoid 602 with an air core. The current flowing on the conductive surface 604 of the antenna body 606 forms a current sheet, which generates electromagnetic waves that propagate radially inward and outward from the two surfaces of the sheet. The inward traveling waves establish standing waves inside the antenna volume 608, thereby generating a uniformly distributed magnetic field H.

[0046] exist Figure 6 In an embodiment where the antenna body 606 is in the form of a hollow cylinder 600 as shown, the inductance L of the solenoid 602 is given by L = μ0A / l, where μ0 is the magnetic permeability of free space equal to 4π10-7, A is the area of ​​the loop given by πr2, and l is the length of the cylinder 600 (i.e., the longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the general direction of current flow).

[0047] Referring to the attached drawings Figure 7 , an RFID antenna system 700 for reading multiple RFID tags has an RFID antenna 704. The RFID antenna 704 includes an antenna body 706 formed of a conductive surface. The RFID antenna 704 includes an electrical gap 708 in the conductive surface, and at least one current feed point 710 and at least one current return point 712 on each of two sides of the electrical gap 708. The antenna body 706 is shaped to form a single turn solenoid that defines an antenna volume 714 for accommodating an item to which an RFID tag is added. The conductive surface is shaped and positioned in two of the three dimensions, and in Figure 7 706 , with the ends open so that the internal magnetic field can be transferred from the inside of the antenna body 706 to the outside to create a magnetic return path.

[0048] For the hollow (rectangular) cube 716 forming the antenna body 706 of the antenna 704, the area A is the width W of the antenna body 706 multiplied by the depth D. The inductance of the rectangular solenoid 718 is given by L = μOD W / l. The internal magnetic field H is aligned along the axis of the solenoid 718 in a direction perpendicular to the general direction of current flow along the longitudinal dimension and is given by Ampere's law: H = I / l, where I is the total current flowing in the solenoid segment.

[0049] An RFID antenna is a conductive structure having terminals connected to an RFID reader. The RFID reader controls the operation of the RFID antenna (e.g., via an antenna controller) and receives information about the RFID tag from the RFID antenna. The RFID reader provides a signal source to the RFID antenna to activate the RFID antenna in order to interrogate the RFID tag.

[0050] Again, refer to the accompanying drawings Figure 7 , the cross section of the antenna 704 is substantially square. The terminals of the RFID antenna 704 are a current feed point 710 and a current return point 712. The feed point 710 and the return point 712 are electrically connected to the antenna body 706 so that the current flowing through the antenna body 706 generates a magnetic field H within the antenna volume 714 for reading the RFID tag.

[0051] The antenna body 706 has an electrical breaker 722 such that a current feed point 710 provides current to the antenna body 706 on a first side 720 of the electrical breaker 722, and a current return point 712 provides a current return path on a second, opposite side 724 of the breaker 722. The electrical breaker is formed by a longitudinal gap 708 in the antenna body, wherein air or another dielectric separates the two sides 720, 724 so that current can be applied to the antenna 704. The gap 708 can be small (e.g., 1 mm or less) as long as there is no electrical connection to short-circuit a signal source applied across the gap. The gap can be larger (e.g., 5 mm to 20 mm), however, if the gap is too large (e.g., the spacing between the first side 720 and the second, opposite side 724 of the electrical breaker 722 is greater than 20 mm), the magnetic field inside the antenna volume 714 may be impaired when the magnetic field H leaks through the gap.

[0052] In some embodiments, the electrical circuit breaker 722 is in the form of a longitudinal gap 708. The smaller the gap 708, the less magnetic field leakage occurs. By adjusting the form of the longitudinal gap 708, such that there is Figure 8The overlap of the two sides 720 and 724 shown in the cross section in , can reduce or even eliminate leakage through the electrical circuit breaker 722. In the case where there is sufficient overlap, the magnetic field is forced to extend parallel to the liner surface and cannot pass through the gap 708. An overlap width of five to twenty times (e.g., about ten times) the gap width results in appropriate confinement of the magnetic field lines. For example, if the first side 720 overlaps the second side 724 by 10 mm, and there will be a 1 mm gap 800 between the first side 720 and the second side 724, there will be little or essentially no leakage of the magnetic field from the gap. Methods of achieving overlap to prevent magnetic field leakage are described in WO2016038897, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] In some embodiments, the non-conductive "gap" may be provided by a non-conductive portion of the connector 114. In other embodiments, a gap may be provided in the base panel 124 or along a portion of the connector of the base panel. An electrical disconnect along a panel or between two panels located near or adjacent to the electronic reader 102 provides the advantage of being close to the reader 102 so that the electrical connection between the antenna and the reader is simple.

[0054] The portable RFID tunnel reader described herein has several advantages. The reader can quickly read the contents of a container such as a shipping box or storage box without pouring out the items in the box (i.e., opening the box). Several items, even hundreds of items, can be read at once. If the box needs to be opened and the items poured out, there is no advantage to using RFID over a normal barcode scanning system. However, in the case where an RFID reader can be used to scan the items, reading is faster and more efficient than using a barcode scanner.

[0055] In a portable RFID tunnel reader, the reader's read range extends across the entire length of a container placed in the read area 108. This is not possible with a flat 3D shelf antenna, but is simple and easy with a tunnel type antenna.

[0056] A portable reader may be carried by a user (eg, by an orthopedic company sales representative who regularly visits a hospital) and may be used to quickly count or check items (eg, to check consignment inventory).

[0057] Due to the ease of use, the container or item can be easily rotated within the antenna's reading area. In this way, 3D tag reading is possible even when only one tag is used per item (i.e., one tag per orientation). In addition, the tunnel reader can be used to scan single or scattered items, as well as packaged items in containers such as boxes.

[0058] The portable RFID tunnel reader has a cost-effective design and is robust and easily portable in a telescoping configuration.

[0059] Note that some more relevant non-limiting embodiments have been outlined above. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the disclosed non-limiting embodiments can be modified without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the described non-limiting embodiments should be considered as merely an illustration of some more prominent features and applications. By applying the non-limiting embodiments in different ways or modifying them in a manner known to those skilled in the art, other beneficial results can be achieved. The mixing and matching of features, elements and / or functions between various non-limiting embodiments is clearly contemplated herein, so that one of those skilled in the art will recognize from this disclosure that, unless otherwise described above, the features, elements and / or functions of an embodiment can be appropriately incorporated into another embodiment. Although the description is carried out for a specific arrangement and method, its intention and concept can be applicable to and applied to other arrangements and applications.

[0060] In the following claims and in the foregoing description, unless the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of stated features but not to exclude the presence or addition of other features in various embodiments.

Claims

1. A portable RFID tunnel reader (100), comprising: an electronic reader (102) configured to read a plurality of electronic tags; as well as a telescoping antenna (104) in communication with the electronic reader (102), the antenna comprising: a hollow tube antenna body (106), the hollow tube antenna body defining an antenna reading area (108) for receiving the plurality of electronic tags, The antenna body includes two or more antenna sections (110) that are movably connected to each other so that the antenna body is telescopic.

2. The portable RFID tunnel reader according to claim 1, wherein: The two or more antenna parts include metal antenna plates (112), and wherein the metal antenna plates are foldably connected to each other so that the antenna body is foldable.

3. The portable RFID tunnel reader according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The hollow tube antenna body has a cubic shape and includes four or more parts, each part being hingedly attached to two adjacent parts.

4. The portable RFID tunnel reader according to claim 3, wherein: Two opposite sides of the hollow tube antenna body include two portions folded inwardly to allow the antenna body to telescope.

5. A portable RFID tunnel reader according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The antenna is movably attached to the electronic reader such that the antenna can telescope toward the electronic reader.

6. A portable RFID tunnel reader according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The RFID tunnel reader can be configured in an expanded configuration or a telescoping configuration.

7. The portable RFID tunnel reader of claim 6, wherein: The RFID tunnel reader is portable in the telescoping configuration.

8. A portable RFID tunnel reader according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The telescoping antenna includes at least one current feed point and at least one current return point, the feed point and the return point being electrically connected to the antenna body so that current flowing through the antenna body generates a magnetic field within the reading region for reading RFID tags. wherein the antenna body comprises an electrical circuit breaker, such that the at least one current feed point provides current to the antenna body on a first side of the electrical circuit breaker and the at least one current return point provides a current return path on a second, opposite side of the circuit breaker, and Wherein the electrical disconnector comprises a dielectric gap in the antenna body.

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