Rfid tracking method and system

The present invention is a US patent application filed on August 8, 2001.<u style="single">09 / 925,129 (US Pat. No. 6,445,297)</u>(This is based on US Provisional Application No. 60 / 239,975 filed October 10, 2000), US Patent Application filed August 8, 2001.<u style="single">No. 09 / 925,228</u>(This is based on US Provisional Application No. 60 / 224,932 filed August 11, 2000), and a US patent application filed August 8, 2001.<u style="single">09 / 925,229 (US Pat. No. 6,563,425)</u>It relates to a partial continuation application (based on US Provisional Application No. 60 / 224,855 filed on August 11, 2000) (these applications are incorporated herein by reference).

The present invention generally relates to radio frequency identification devices (RFIDs). In particular, the present invention relates to multifunction RFID tag assemblies, passive repeater systems and modular antenna systems for tracking containers and / or products.

RFID systems are well known in the industry. Such a system has a relatively large package including a battery-powered transmit / receive circuit, such as the identification system disclosed in Patent Document 1, and a transmitter / receiver, such as the identification system disclosed in Patent Document 2. Sends and receives power to and from passive systems receiving power from base stations or interrogators.<patcit num="1"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,083</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,658</text></patcit>

A typical RFID system consists of a reusable tag, an antenna system that asks the tag via an RF link, and a controller. This host (ie computer) system connects to the control and directs the tag question. RFID systems therefore provide an effective means of identifying, monitoring and controlling materials in closed room processes. In the factory, tags are adopted as a transport mechanism between "automated islands" (which give a record of each process that can be started immediately and can be downloaded later for analysis). During operation, when the tag passes near the RFID antenna unit, the antenna emits an RF signal towards the tag and the tag sends a response to the antenna. The tag can receive power by an internal battery (ie, "active" tag) or by receiving and inductively coupling (ie, "passive" tag) the induced power from the RF signal emitted from the antenna. it can. Passive tags are maintenance-free and have a virtually unlimited lifespan. The life of the active tag, however, is limited by the life of the battery, even if there are replaceable batteries. RFID tags are also subject to limited scope due to limited operating range.

RFID antenna units are typically used in manufacturing environments to read tagged items as they pass. Antennas typically operate in the 2.45GHz, 900MHz or 125KHz range. These frequencies have been adopted to achieve field range with long antennas. However, at 2.45 GHz and 900 MHz, the field formed by the antenna is affected by virtually anything (including metal and moisture) that passes through the field. Metals reflect the field significantly, while moisture absorbs the field significantly. Therefore, metal objects, such as the human body, which contain moisture, significantly confuse the field and spoil the communication between the antenna and the tag.

Numerous reflective shields have been used to eliminate or substantially reduce the significant reflections caused by metal objects passing through the field. This shield continuously reflects the field until it touches the tag someday. This, however, is problematic both in terms of cost and practicality.

In contrast, at 125 KHz, neither metal nor moisture have much effect on the field, so better environmental conditions can be implemented. However, there are some serious drawbacks related to the above operating frequencies. A serious drawback is that the cost is very high because more than 100 turns are required in the antenna coil to achieve the 125KHz operating range. Instead, an operating frequency of 13.56 MHz can be used. Although this frequency achieves good environmental performance, it is often impossible to achieve the operating range of the above frequencies.

<p> Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an RFID antenna system using a modular antenna unit that can be connected in various structures for many application examples.</p><p> Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide RFID tag assemblies and systems for tracking products or other articles during transportation, storage and distribution.</p><p> Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide RFID assemblies and systems that extend the operating range of conventional RFID tags.</p><p> Furthermore, another object of the present invention is the conventional RFID tag.<u style="single">Directional selectivity</u>Is to provide RFID assemblies and systems that reduce.</p><p> In addition, 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.</p>

<p> The method of communicating with RFID tags of the present invention, according to the purposes described above and below, or which may be clarified, is to provide a passive loop modular antenna system, in the context of the modular antenna system. Includes moving RFID tags and transmitting energy through antennas to communicate with RFID tags. Preferably, the antenna system includes a plurality of interchangeable parts and a controller that communicates with those parts. The methods of the present invention for constructing an RFID passive loop modular antenna system also include designing at least the configuration of the first antenna system, examining the validity of the design of the configuration of the first antenna system, and multiple antennas. Includes preparing at least one assembly drawing, including control parameters for the configuration of the part and the first antenna system. The method also controls the operation of the first antenna system configuration after assembly, tests the configuration of the assembled first antenna system, and / multiple different antenna parts, multiple antenna system configurations. , And to provide memory for storing control parameters for the configuration of multiple antenna systems.</p><p> The method of the present invention for communicating with an RFID tag also provides an RFID tag that can be attached to the first item, a first passive loop in the vicinity of the RFID tag, and the response of the signal through the passive loop. Includes communicating with RFID tags by. Optional, but RFID tag is the first<u style="single">Vedanā</u>It is removed from the dynamic loop and attached to a second item. Preferably, the step of communicating with the RFID tag involves magnetically inducing a current into the first passive loop. The use of passive loops can extend the scope of RFID tags. By arranging RFID tags and passive loops in substantially different planes,<u style="single">Directional selectivity</u>Decreases. In one embodiment of the invention, the first loop is placed in the vicinity of multiple RFID tags, such as a ULD with multiple items with RFID tags. Second passive<u style="single">loop</u>However, it is additional to the RF signal<u style="single">relay</u>Can be placed near the first passive loop to give.</p><p> The present invention involves merging RFID tags into cartons to secure RFID labels or embed RFID tags. 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 the goods in the carton, receiving the carton from the user, and communicating with the RFID tag to track the carton. Passive loops can be used to reproduce the signal with RFID tags. Preferably, multiple cartons with integrated RFID tags are collected. Auxiliary tags may be attached to the collected cartons to track the collected cartons.</p><p> In the following, the features and advantages will be clarified by the preferred embodiments of the present invention described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same parts and elements are given the same reference numerals.</p>

According to the present invention, modular radio frequency identification device (RFID) antenna systems and tags are used to identify and track goods in goods manufacturing, goods storage, storage, transportation, distribution and retail sales.

As an embodiment, the modular RFID antenna system according to the present invention has a plurality of easy-to-assemble modular RFID antenna units, and the modular RFID antenna units are arranged in one or more products that pass through the field of the antenna system. Can be connected to various structures that enable omnidirectional communication with at least one repeater or tag. The present invention also includes methods of using a configuration system (ie, a computer system) capable of designing, commanding, forming, testing, and operating a modular RFID antenna system for a particular application.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. Although the invention is described in the context of preferred examples, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these examples. In contrast, the present invention includes modifications, modifications and equivalents that can be made within the ideas and scope of the invention defined by the claims.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an RFID antenna system 10 assembled according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, tags 11 placed in a plurality of commodities or containers 12 pass through the field of the antenna system 14. The system 14 has a plurality of modular antenna sections or panels 16, 18, 20 and 22 connected to the tag 11 in a desired configuration that enables omnidirectional communication.

Figure 2 shows an antenna system 24 with a configuration suitable for a ground or floor-standing passing example, with the tag moving in the direction of arrow A. The system preferably includes a plurality of underside panels 23 located near the floor or ground of the structure (or building). Panels 23 preferably communicate with each other via the cable system 26. However, in this and other embodiments as well, panel 23 is available individually. The controller 28 is also included to control the operation of the 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.

FIG. 3 shows a conveyor passing or gate antenna system 34. The system 34 facilitates effective RF communication with and between the internally connected antenna panel 23 and one or more tags passing through the antenna field (by the conveyor 36) in the direction of arrow B.

In FIG. 4, the antenna system 38 can easily take various paths (ie, directions, widths, etc.) through the field of the antenna, such as the path indicated by the arrow C. System 38 can also enable highly effective omnidirectional RF communication within the antenna field, by means of panel 23 and one or more tags, and between them. System 38 also includes a plurality of underside 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 various passages through the antenna field.

To increase the read / write operating range of an RFID modular antenna system or configuration, the present invention provides sufficient tag coverage with the increased range while maintaining radiation limits within the range imposed by the FCC / CE. Includes a new antenna switching circuit. According to the present invention, the drive antenna panel (eg 23) provides full RF communication between the antenna panel and the tag, while at the same time inverting at a rate that allows for mean or quasi-peak detection allowed by the FCC / CE. It is switched so that it does.

For good communication between the individual antenna panels and the tag, the transmitting antenna panel preferably continuously powers the passive tag. When the tag is powered, the transmitter modulates the very place that powers the tag. The tag communicates with the receiver via the individual receiving antennas and continues to receive power from the transmitting antennas.

A major feature of the present invention is a computer in which the design and configuration of the system is based on PC-Windows® or Macintosh® and has an interface for designing and configuring the desired modular RFID antenna system. Is to use. As shown in FIG. 5, the software element 42 includes the following subsystems or modulars: memory 44, design 46, design validity 48, material specification 50, and configuration 52. Each subsystem is described in detail below.

<u style="single">memory:</u>Each of the subsystems preferably communicates with the memory modular or subsystem 44. According to 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.

<u style="single">design:</u>According to the present invention, the design subsystem 46 allows the user to select one or more of the plurality of available modular antenna systems. After the desired subsystem is selected, the design subsystem 46 includes a parts list prompt that connects the user to the design menu (a parts list menu that gives the user 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 making drawings.

<u style="single">Design validity:</u>According to the present invention, the design validity subsystem 48 includes means for examining the validity of the selected antenna system and mechanical elements. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, if one or more of the selected mechanical elements are incorrect and / or are not comparable to the selected antenna system, the design is valid. The sex system 48 gives an error message and related details. The design validity subsystem 48 further restricts the user from printing material details.

<u style="single">Material details:</u>According to the present invention, the material specification subsystem 50 produces a material specification. The material details have a preferred table structure and are detailed below, but include at least the following areas (line item areas (supplier part number, part items, quality, unit price, price increase): global item areas (customers). First name, address and other identification 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.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the material specification subsystem 50 also provides a material specification that can be exported via electronic media in a manner compatible with the purchase / receipt system of the user (or customer) and supplier (or vendor). give. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above features facilitate the transmission of e-commerce data / information.

<u style="single">Constitution:</u>The main subsystem of the software element is the configuration subsystem 52. According to the present invention, the configuration subsystem 52 includes means of assembling, configuring and controlling the antenna system. Therefore, the configuration subsystem 52 includes at least three components: assembly, setup and testing. Preferably, these elements are similarly accessible via the configuration menu. According to the present invention, the assembly element 62 produces an installation assembly drawing. Drawings can be selected automatically or manually from a predetermined set of drawings (recorded in Memory Modular 44). The drawings are preferably provided in a user-viewable and printable format. The file is also Auto Can be exported in CAD format. The setup element gives the user the required RF communication parameters. Setup elements are therefore at least the following (multiple baud rates, interface options (eg hard wafer protocol), operating modes (eg test and run) and reading parameters (eg continuous, discontinuous, starting address, etc.) ))including. The test elements include means for testing the assembled antenna system. The test element preferably gives multiple instructions to prove the presence and operational integrity of multiple antenna panels and / or individual panels.

The methods of the present invention also include the use of RFID tags with passive loops, preferably in connection with the antenna system as described above. FIG. 6 shows a first example of an RFID tag assembly 60 useful for carrying out the present invention. The 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, to allow transmission and reception of RFID signals. .. As described below, the tag 64 and the passive loop 66 are preferably located on at least one or a portion of the substrate 62. In a preferred embodiment, tag 64 is an internal region defined by loop 66 (hereinafter ""<u style="single">loop</u>Area "<u style="single">Say</u>) Or near loop 66.

For easy attachment of the substrate 62 to the shipping container 68, or other article, the substrate 62 is preferably on at least one or a portion of the substrate 62, more preferably on the opposite side of the tag 64 and the passive loop 66. Includes conventional adhesive means (eg double-sided tape) that are placed on the surface of the. According to the present invention, the substrate 62 can also be fixed or directly bonded to a container or other article via a conventional adhesive (eg, epoxy) or conventional mechanical means.

Substrates useful in the practice of the present invention are preferably non-conductive materials such as paper, synthetic paper, polyamide, polyester, Teflon®, ABS®, etc., or non-conductive regions made of the above materials. Consists of materials containing. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substrate is made of paper.

According to the present invention, the passive loop 66 communicates (ie, binds) with the 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 invention, the loop 66 magnetically binds to the tag 64. The passive loop 66 has a substantially rectangular shape as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and can have various sizes. Loop 66 is also substantially larger than tag 64 and is therefore limited only to the size of substrate 62.

The passive loop 66 can also be composed of a variety of conductive materials that can be applied or embedded in the substrate by conventional means. For example, the passive loop 66 may consist of carbon / graphite bearing conductive ink printed or silk-screened on the substrate 62, a metallized paint applied directly to the substrate 62, substrate 62. It may consist of a substantially metallized or metal foil (or wire) coupled to, or a foil or wire embedded in the substrate 62. In another embodiment of the invention, the passive loop 66 consists of a copper foil connected to the substrate 62 by conventional means.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, virtually all conventional RFID tags (eg, 2.45GHz, 125KHz, 13.5MHz, 900MHz) can be used within the scope of the present invention. Such tags are described in many prior art documents such as Patent Document 3, Patent Document 4, Patent Document 5 (incorporated herein as references).<patcit num="3"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,878</text></patcit><patcit num="4"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,379</text></patcit><patcit num="5"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,804</text></patcit>

According to the present invention, the passive loop 66 has inductance and electrical capacitance (tuned to or near the operating frequency of the individual tags 64). In another embodiment of the 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).

Preferably, the 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. Therefore, the information and data acquired during packaging, inventory, or transportation is retained in the goods through a continuous process or use. Goods, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art<u style="single">When</u>Put in a larger shipping container<u style="single">Be</u>Product or goods, larger container (eg shipping container)<u style="single">so</u>transfer<u style="single">Be done</u>Product container, or pallet<u style="single">so</u>transfer<u style="single">Be done</u>It may be a product container. Therefore, the tag 64 is preferably removable from the substrate 62. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various means are used to facilitate the removal of the tag 64 from the substrate 62. In one embodiment of the invention, the substrate 62 includes a portion of a substantially continuous dashed line 69 located in the vicinity of the tag 64. Therefore, separable substrate compartments or tag assemblies are preferably tags to products, containers or other desired articles (described below).<u style="single">64</u>It has an adhesive means on the back side so that it can be attached one after another. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the tag assembly 60 can also be attached to a product or other article by mechanical means.

In use, the tag system 60 is first attached to the shipping container 70. When a product such as the computer shown in FIG. 7 is unloaded from the shipping container 70, the tag 64 is removed from the board 62 and attached to the product 68. Therefore, the data or information acquired when product 68 is in the shipping container 70 is the product lifespan.<u style="single">of</u>Between, products<u style="single">68</u>With.

As shown in FIG. 8, other examples of RFID tag systems can be used according to the present invention. In addition to increasing the operating range of the associated tag 64, the above embodiment is substantially associated with the tag 64 in general.<u style="single">Directional selectivity</u>Is substantially alleviated. For example, tag system 72 has at least one tag 64 and at least a second passive loop 7 associated with the first passive loop 76.<u style="single">8 is placed on it</u>Includes a substantially flat substrate 74. The first and second passive loops 76 and 78 are preferably located at both ends of the substrate 74 and more preferably communicate with each other. More preferably, the substrate 74 preferably facilitates bending of the substantially "L" shaped substrate 60. Therefore, it includes a folding line 61, which can be attached to the edge of the shipping container 70, facilitating the transmission and reception of RF signals on at least two planes. Two or more tag systems 72 are also tags 64, i.e. RFID systems.<u style="single">Directional selectivity</u>Can be used within the scope of the present invention to alleviate<u style="single">(Ie, placed on different edges of container 70)</u>.. Similarly, the tag system 82 is a "multiple panel" board.<u style="single">90</u>Placed in<u style="single">With tag 64</u>It may consist of a first passive loop 84, as well as two other passive loops 86 and 88. The "multi-panel" substrate 90 is flexible enough to be bent and attached to the corners of the product container 70 to facilitate optimal transmission and reception of RF signals on at least three sides.

The methods of the present invention also include the use of RFID passive repeater systems, which are located in the vicinity of one or more passive loops (ie antennas) (ie antennas), which are suitable for large members. Includes (significantly improves the operating range of individual tags). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention is in particular, in which multiple items are grouped into larger packages, shipping units, loads, or tagged product groups, and individually tagged, relatively. It can be used in applications where readings need to be read at longer distances than possible with smaller sized items. Examples of this are boxes and pallets of goods, carts for packing multiple items, large boxes, totes, large boxes for packing many small items, packages, shipping containers packed with many items tagged. Yes, this is the case for a wide range of reading and writing between the RFID reader / writer and the specified tag.

In the implementation of passive repeater systems, one large loop (with appropriate resonant capacitance) is attached directly to RFID tag 64, or three resonant loops collect energy from two or three resonant loops and RFID. Magnetically couple with other loops to convey back to tag 64. As mentioned above, the mechanism for connecting this collection loop to the RFID tag 64 may be direct coupling or magnetic coupling with other resonant loops attached directly to the RFID tag.

As shown in FIG. 9, the passive repeater system 92 transmits and receives a substrate 94 with first and second surfaces, a conventional RFID tag 64, and an RFID signal, at least one passive conductive member or loop. Includes 96. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, loop 96 can be used with the tag system 60, or any other suitable RFID tag system. According to the present invention, the loop 96 communicates (combines) with the tag 64. Tag 64 is suitable, substrate<u style="single">94</u>It is placed near loop 96 on the surface of and communicates there. According to these examples of the invention, the maximum distance from tag 64 to loop 96 is about 20 feet (6.1 m), more preferably the maximum distance is about 15 feet (4.6 m). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum distance (D) from tag 64 to loop 96 ranges from 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 m).

According to the present invention, the passive loop 96 is made of a conductive material having various configurations, which is made by various methods and applied to or embedded in the substrate 94. For example, the loop 96 consists of a metal ink, silkscreened on the substrate 94 and applied directly onto the substrate 94, a metallized or metal foil bonded to the substrate 94, or a foil embedded in the substrate 94. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the loop 96 consists of a copper foil bonded to the surface of the substrate 96 by conventional means. In another embodiment of the invention, two or more passive loops are used and joined to one or one side of a substrate with an insulating layer in between.

According to the present invention, the passive loop 96 is preferably an individual tag 64.<u style="single">Operating frequency</u>Has tuned inductance and electrical capacitance to or near (eg, common ISM band). In another embodiment of the invention, a loop<u style="single">96</u>Has a distributed electrical capacity tuned to or near the operating frequency of each tag 64, or a combination of fixed and distributed electrical capacities.

The inventor has found that effective enhancement of RFID signals is achieved in passive repeater systems with loop regions ranging from about 1.0 square inches to 400 square feet.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the passive repeater system 98 is preferably placed near one tag 64, the collected tags, or within a collection of goods containing the tags. Or placed or formed in a unit-type device (loading pallet 100 or container 102) used for collecting, packing, holding or transporting, or for storing, transporting, and delivering tagged goods. According to the present invention, the passive repeater system 98 is preferably magnetically coupled to the tag 64. The passive repeater system 98 may be substantially flat and may be formed to have two or three sides for optimum RF performance.

The passive repeater system 98 shown in FIG. 10 is used with a set of palletized boxes 104. In this embodiment, the passive repeater system 98 is located at the top of the box and / or in a set 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 placed on one side of the container 102 or embedded therein. In another embodiment of the invention, as described below, the passive repeater system 98 further includes an RFID tag 108 preferably placed on the outer surface of the container 102 in the vicinity of the passive loop 106 and is a set of boxes 104. From, the container 102 can be individually identified and tracked.

The passive repeater system 98 shown in Figure 12<u style="single">box</u>Includes at least one substantially extended panel 110, located within a shipping container 102 having 104 and having at least one passive loop 112 on top. According to the present invention, the panel 110 is preferably made of plastic, carbon board, wood or other material and can have various shapes and sizes. In these examples, the passive repeater system 98 has a loop area ranging from about 1.0 square inches to 400 square feet. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the loop region ranges from 0.25 sq ft to 100 sq ft.

In another embodiment of the invention, another passive loop, such as the passive loop 114 shown by the dashed line in FIG. 12, was magnetically or electrically coupled to at least one of the internally placed panels 110. Used with coils. According to the present invention, the operating frequency of the RFID system or the RF field in the vicinity thereof is used to enhance communication with the tag 64 on the box 104 in the shipping container 102 from the outer surface of the shipping container in which the RFID device is placed. , Container 1 where panel 110 is placed<u style="single">0</u>Move to the inside of 2. Also, a separate tag 116 can be placed near the passive loop 114 to acquire and store information about the container and / or its contents. The contents of the container, serial number, departure and destination, transportation identifier (eg, flight number), tracking number of all shipments and / or data associated with container 102 can be easily accessed at convenient points.

Other embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of a carton with an integral RFID tag and related methods for the integration of this carton with RFID. For example, FIG. 13 shows how an application device 118 attaches an RFID tag containing a label 116 attached to a crushed carton 120. Preferably, the label 116 is attached so that when the carton 120 is assembled, the label has a three-dimensional shape that maximizes FR performance. Instead, RFID tag 122 is embedded in the carton by the applicable device 124, as shown in FIG. Also, preferably, when the carton 120 is in the used shape, the tag 122 has a three-dimensional shape.

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, it is desirable to utilize an antenna system with a three-dimensional field, such as the system 126 used with the conveyor 128 in FIG.

The use of the disclosed antennas and RFID tag systems allows for excellent identification and tracking of goods through all aspects of manufacturing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale. An example of this method is a shipping company that tracks packages for shipping, but does not limit the applicability of the invention. The shipping company can provide the customer with a carton with attached or embedded level 116 or 122. Customers assemble boxes and use them to pack goods for delivery. Optionally, the customer can use RFID tags on the carton to track and identify the goods internally. The delivery company can retrieve the carton 120 and use a pass-through antenna or other suitable antenna to read and write information to the carton at the time of retrieval. Cartons are, for example, transport to a local distribution depot, storage there, collection to a shipping container or other ULD, transport to a destination storage location, storage there, regional transport to a destination, recipient. Can be tracked through the shipping process, including delivery to. Preferably, passive transponders and other RFID tags can be used to identify and track the collection of carton 120. Optionally, the recipient may utilize RFID-tagged cartons 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 offered by the customer. In addition, the shipping company may use the carton with an integral RFID tag for advertising when the carton is used through manufacturing, delivery and distribution as described above.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 16, where the modular RFID antenna system 130 of the invention is incorporated into a trailer 132 used in conventional tractor trailers. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antenna system 130 has a modular antenna unit 134 as described above and receives power from an external battery 136. In another embodiment of the invention, power is received by the electrical or battery system of the tractor trailer.

As shown in FIG. 17, the modular RFID antenna system 130 can also be mounted within the transport truck 138. In this embodiment, the antenna system 130 preferably receives power from the existing vehicle battery 140.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the antenna system 130 communicates with items having RFID tags as they are loaded and unloaded into trailer 132 or truck 138, thereby allowing the tags to be delivered throughout the transport process. Accurate tracking of attached items. In addition to trailers or trucks, the system can be used with suitable transport vehicles.

In another embodiment of the invention, the modular RFID antenna system 142 of the invention is installed at the entrance of a building or storage, such as at shipping center 146. By using such a system, the tagged item can be tracked, for example, when it is stored at the shipping center before it is stored or loaded in the means of transportation. Similarly, if the antenna system 142 is placed near the entrance to a building or storage, RFID-tagged items can be tracked whenever they leave or enter the building.

Those skilled in the art will be able to easily modify and modify the invention to suit various uses and conditions without departing from the ideas and scope of the invention. Such amendments and modifications fall within the scope of the claims in a proper and impartial manner.

<figref num="1">FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a modular RFID antenna system according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the RFID antenna system according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the RFID antenna system according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the RFID antenna system according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a configuration system modular in which the present invention is implemented.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the RFID tag system in which the present invention is carried out.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an article having a removable RFID tag according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the RFID tag assembly in which the present invention is carried out.</figref><figref num="9">FIG. 9 is a plan view of an embodiment of the passive repeater device according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="10">FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the passive repeater device according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the passive repeater system showing a passive repeater container in which the present invention has been implemented.</figref><figref num="12">FIG. 12 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the passive repeater system, showing the passive repeater shopping container in which the present invention has been implemented.</figref><figref num="13">FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for integrating an RFID label with a container according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="14">FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an apparatus for integrating an RFID label with a container according to the present invention.</figref><figref num="15">FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the method of the invention, including communicating with an RFID label using a three-dimensional antenna.</figref><figref num="16">FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the RFID antenna system of the present invention mounted on a trailer.</figref><figref num="17">FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the RFID antenna system of the present invention mounted on a transport truck.</figref><figref num="18">FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the RFID antenna system of the present invention used in the product loading / unloading area.</figref>