RFID passive repeater system and apparatus

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/224,855, filed Aug. 11, 2000.

[0003] The present invention relates in general to radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, and more particularly to an RFID passive repeater system and apparatus.

[0004] RFID systems are well known in the art. Such systems include relatively large packages containing battery powered transmission/receiving circuitry, such as the identification system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,083, to passive systems in which the transceiver receives its power from the base station or interrogator, such as the identification system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,658.

[0005] A typical RFID system is made up of reusable tags fixed to or embedded in product carriers, antennas that interrogate the tags via a RF link and a controller. The host (or computer) system interfaces with the controller and directs the interrogation of the tags.

[0006] RFID tags provide effective means of identifying, monitoring and controlling materials in a closed loop process. In the factory, tags are employed as the transport mechanism between “islands of automation,” providing a record of each process which can be acted upon immediately or downloaded later for analysis.

[0007] The tags can be powered by an internal battery (i.e., an “active” tag) or by inductive coupling (i.e., a “passive” tag). Passive tags have zero maintenance and virtually unlimited life. The life span of an active tag is, however, limited by the lifetime of the battery, although some tags offer replaceable batteries. RFID tags also have limited applicability due to limitations on the operating range.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a passive repeater system and apparatus having a least one passive loop (i.e., antenna) that effectively and efficiently extends the operating range of a conventional RFID tag.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide passive repeater system and apparatus that reduces orientation sensitivity of a conventional RFID tag.

[0010] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be mentioned and will become apparent below, the RFID passive repeater system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention preferably comprises a RFID reader having a magnetic flux field, at least one RFID tag and at least one passive repeater member having at least one substantially continuous passive loop, the passive loop being adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and, tag to couple the reader and tag, the passive repeater member being further adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag to redirect the magnetic flux field. In an alternative embodiment, the passive repeater member also extends the range of the magnetic flux field.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the RFID passive repeater system comprises a RFID reader having a magnetic flux field, at least one RFID tag and at least one passive repeater member having at least one substantially continuous passive loop, the passive loop being adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag to couple the reader and tag, the passive repeater member being further adapted and positionable wit respect to the RFID reader and tag to extend the range of the magnetic flux field.

[0012] The passive repeater “product container” system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a RFID reader having a magnetic flux field, at least one RFID tag disposed on at least one item contained in a product container, and at least one passive repeater member disposed on one of the product container panels having at least one substantially continuous passive loop, the passive loop being adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag to couple the reader and tag, the passive repeater member being further adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag redirect the magnetic flux field. In an alternative embodiment the passive repeater member also extends the range of the magnetic flux field.

[0013] In additional embodiments of the passive repeater “product container” system, a passive loop is disposed directly on or embedded in at least one of the product container panels.

[0014] The passive repeater “product carrier” system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a RFID reader having a magnetic flux field, at least one RFID tag disposed on at least one product container or product contained in or disposed on a product carrier, and at least one passive repeater member, the passive repeater member having at least one substantially continuous passive loop, the passive loop being adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag to couple the reader and tag, the passive repeater member being further adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag redirect the magnetic flux field. In an alternative embodiment, the passive repeater member also extends the range of the magnetic flux field.

[0015] In additional embodiments of the passive repeater “product carrier” system a plurality of passive repeater members are disposed in the product carrier. In yet another embodiment of the passive repeater “product carrier” system a second passive loop is disposed on a wall of the product carrier.

[0016] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and in which like referenced characters generally refer to the same parts or elements throughout the views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the passive repeater apparatus accordingly to the invention;

[0018] FIGS. 2A and 2B are partial sectional views of additional embodiments of the invention, illustrating the placement of dual passive loops according to the invention;

[0019] FIG. 2C is a partial sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an additional embodiment of the passive repeater apparatus according to the invention;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the bottom surface of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of an additional embodiment of the passive loop according to the invention;

[0023] FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of the passive repeater system according to the invention;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the passive repeater system according to the invention;

[0025] FIGS. 8A-8C are perspective views of further embodiments of the passive repeater system, illustrating a passive repeater “container” system according to the invention; and

[0026] FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of yet further embodiments of the passive repeater system, illustrating a passive repeater “shipping container” system according to the invention.

[0027] The present invention substantially reduces or eliminates the drawbacks and shortcomings associated with prior art RFID tags and related systems. As discussed in detail herein, the RFID passive repeater system and apparatus comprises one or more passive loops (i.e., antenna means) preferably disposed on a larger member that significantly enhances the operating range of individual tags positioned proximate a respective passive loop.

[0028] As will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the invention is particularly useful in applications where multiple items are grouped together into a larger package, shipping unit, load, or other grouping of tagged items and need to be read at a distance greater than that which would be allowed by the relatively smaller size of the individually tagged items. Examples would be a pallet of boxes or items (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7), a cart or bin or tote used to contain multiple items, a large box or packaging containing multiple small items (see, e.g., FIG. 8A), a shipping container with multiple Lagged items (see, e.g., FIG. 9A), or, as illustrated in FIG. 9A as a method of extending the read/write range between an RFID reader/writer 2 and a designated tag 14.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of the passive repeater apparatus 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes a substrate 12 having first and second surfaces, a conventional RFID tag 14 and at least one passive conductive member or loop 16 adapted to transmit and receive RFID signals. According to the invention, the loop 16 is adapted and positionable with respect to the reader 5 and the tag 14 to couple the reader 2 and tag 14. According to the invention, the passive repeater apparatus 10 is further adapted and positionable with respect to the reader 2 and tag 14 to redirect the magnetic flux field (indicated generally “6”) of the reader 2.

[0030] According to the invention, the substrate can comprise various non-conductive materials, such as paper, synthetic paper, cardboard, polyamide, polyester, Teflon™, ABS™, and like materials, or a material having a non-conductive area comprising the noted materials. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the substrate comprises paper.

[0031] As will be appreciated by one having skill in the art, a number of conventional RFID tags can be employed within the scope of the present invention. Such tags are described in detail in numerous prior art references, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,121,878, 6,118,379 and 6,100,804, which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tag 14 is preferably disposed on a surface of the substrate 12 proximate the loop 16 and is in communication therewith. More preferably, the tag 14 is disposed in the interior region 17 defined by the loop 12 (hereinafter referred to as the “loop region”). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tag 14 is disposed proximate the center of the loop region 17.

[0033] According to the invention, the maximum distance from the tag 14 to a point on the loop 16 (designated by Arrow D) is approximately 20 ft, more preferably, the maximum distance is approximately 15 ft. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum distance (D) from the tag 14 to the loop 16 is in the range of approximately 8 -12 ft.

[0034] According to the invention, the passive loop 16 can comprise various configurations and conductive materials that can be produced, applied to or embedded in the substrate 12 in various manners. For example, the loop 16 can be silk-screened on the substrate 12, comprise a metalized paint directly applied to the substrate 12, a substantially metalized or metallic foil bonded to the substrate 12 or a foil embedded in the substrate 12. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the loop 16 comprises a copper foil that is bonded to a surface of the substrate 12 by conventional means (see FIG. 2C).

[0035] In additional envisioned embodiments of the invention, two passive loops 20, 22 are employed. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the loops 20, 22 can either be bonded to one surface or side of the substrate 12 with an insulating layer 26, such as polyester, disposed therebetween (FIG. 2A) or disposed on opposing sides of the substrate 12 (FIG. 2B).

[0036] According to the invention, the passive loop 16 (or loops 20, 22) preferably has an inductance and a capacitance that is tuned to or close to the operating frequency of the respective tag (s) 14 (e.g., common ISM bands). In additional envisioned embodiments of the invention, the loop 16 has distributed capacitance, or a combination of fixed and distributed capacitance that is tuned to or close to the operating frequency of the respective tag(s) 14.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, communication by and between a “discontinuous” passive loop 30 and a respective tag 14 can further be achieved by virtue of a metalicized substrate segment 13 disposed on the opposing surface of the substrate 12. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a conventional capacitor 32 can also be employed.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an additional embodiment of the invention. In the noted embodiment, the passive repeater apparatus, designated generally 40, comprises a substrate 12ahaving a passive loop 16athereon.

[0039] According to the invention, the substrate 12aand loop 16acan comprise various configurations, such as the substantially square shaped loop 16ashown in FIG. 6. In additional envisioned embodiments, a plurality of loops or a single, multi-wound loop can be employed.

[0040] In additional envisioned embodiments of the invention, not shown, the substrate and passive loop comprise an integral unit, such as an injection molded loop with impregnated ink. In yet further invisioned embodiments, a substantially rigid loop (e.g., wire) is employed without a supporting substrate.

[0041] Referring back to FIG. 6, in a single loop 16asystem Applicant has found that effective enhancement of RFID signals can be achieved with a passive repeater apparatus 40 having a loop region area in the range of approximately 1.0 sq. in. to 400 sq. ft. Thus, as discussed below, the passive repeater apparatus 40 is readily adaptable to multiple applications.

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, to passive repeater apparatus 40 is preferably disposed proximate a single tag 14, a group of tags, or placed within an aggregate grouping of items containing tags 14 or placed on or built into a device used to group, contain, hold, transport, or otherwise group for storage, transport, or delivery a group of items tat are tagged (e.g., container 48b, shipping pallet 42). According to the invention, the passive repeater apparatus 40 preferably magnetically coupled the RFID reader and the tag(s) 14.

[0043] FIGS. 6 and 7 further illustrate several embodiments of passive repeater systems according to the invention. Referring first to FIG. 6, there is shown a passive repeater system, designated generally 5, comprising the passive repeater apparatus 40 and a palletized group of boxes 46 (at least one of the boxes 46 having a tag thereon) where the apparatus 40 is disposed between the pallet 42 and the boxes 46.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 7, there are shown additional embodiments of the passive repeater system comprising the passive repeater apparatus 40 and the same palletized group of boxes 46. In the noted embodiments, the passive repeater apparatus 40 is disposed on top of the boxes and/or within the group of boxes 46. In an additional envisioned embodiment of the invention, not shown, the passive repeater apparatus 40 or a separate passive loop 16 is embedded in the pallet 42.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B there are shown further embodiments of passive repeater systems 6, 7. Referring first to FIG. 8A, the passive repeater system 6 comprises a container 48ahaving at least one product container 49 disposed therein and at least one passive repeater apparatus 40 disposed on at least one outer surface of the container 48a.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 8B, the passive repeater system 7 comprises a container 48bhaving at least one product container 49 disposed therein and at least one passive loop 16 disposed on or embedded in (not shown) at least one surface of the container 48b. In an additional embodiment of the invention, discussed below, the passive repeater system 7 includes a further tag 15 preferably disposed on an outer surface of the container 48bproximate the passive loop 16.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 9A, there is shown a further passive repeater system 59a. In this embodiment, the passive repeater system 59aincludes at least one substantially elongated panel 52 having at least one passive loop (e.g., 51a) thereon that is positioned in a shipping container 60 with packages 62. According to the invention, the panel 52 is preferably constructed of plastic, cardboard, wood and other like materials, and can comprise various shapes and sizes.

[0048] As stated, according to the invention, the panel 52 includes at least one passive loop (e.g., 51a) disposed on one surface of the panel 52. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel 52 includes a plurality of passive loops 51a, 51b, 51cpreferably disposed on one side of the panel 52. In additional envisioned embodiments of the invention, not shown, the loops 51a, 51b, 51care disposed on both sides of the panel—e.g., loops 51band 51con one side and loop 51aon the opposing side—or additional loops are employed and disposed on the opposite side.

[0049] According to the invention, the passive loops 51a, 51b, 51cwould similarly have a loop region area in the range of approximately 1.0 sq. in. to 400 sq. ft. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the loop region area is in the range of approximately 0.25 sq. ft to 100 sq. ft.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the passive repeater system 59apreferably includes a plurality of panels 52, 54, 36. According to the invention, the panels 52, 54, 56 are preferably magnetically coupled to the tag(s) 14 which allows the individual tags 14 on the packages 62 to be read by a RFID reader 2 from a greater distance, preferably outside of the shipping container 60.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 8B-8D, to further enhance the receipt and transmission of RF signals to a respective one (or more) of the packages 62 in the shipping container 60, the package 62 can comprise a container 48bhaving at least one further loop 16 disposed on at least one surface the container 48b(see FIGS. 8B and 8C) or a container 48chaving a larger substantially continuous loop 16adisposed on at least two surfaces of the container 48c(see FIG. 8D). The package 62 can further comprise the container 48a(i.e., passive repeater system 6) shown in FIG. 8A.

[0052] According to the invention, the containers 48a, 48b, 48ccan further include an additional tag 15 disposed on or embedded in the exterior of the container 48a, 48b, 48cproximate a respective loop 16, 16a(see FIGS. 8B-8D) or a passive repeater apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tag 15 is disposed within the loop region area 17 (see FIG. 8B).

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 8B-8D, the tag 15 further includes means for detaching the tag 15 from the container 48b, 48c(denoted generally 15a) and, in a preferred embodiment, means for reattaching the tag 15 to a respective one of the product containers 49 or the product contained therein. Thus, any data or information acquired while the product (or product container 49) is in the container 48b, 48cremains with the product throughout its lifetime.

[0054] Further details regarding the noted “Tag-in-Tag” (or removable tag) concept is set forth in Co-pending Application Ser. No. 09/925,225, which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0055] In further envisioned embodiments of the invention, an additional passive loop, such as passive loop 65 shown in phantom in FIG. 9B, is employed with coils magnetically or electrically coupled to at least one internally disposed panel (e.g., 52). According to the invention, the RF field at or around the frequency of operation of the RFID system is translated from the area outside of the shipping container 60 where the RFID equipment is located to the inside of the container 60 where the panel 52 or panels 52, 54, 56 are positioned to further enhance communication with the tags 14 on packages 62 (or product containers 49) inside the shipping container 60.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 9B, in yet another envisioned embodiment of the invention, a separate tag 14 is similarly disposed within (or proximate) a container loop 65 in order to acquire and store information about the container 60 and/or it's contents. Information such as the container contents, serial number, origin and destination points, transport identification (e.g., flight number), tracking number for the entire shipment and/or any data related to the container 60 can thus be readily accessed at one convenient point.

[0057] According to the invention, the tag 14 can also include detachment means similar to the detachment means 15adisclosed in App'l Ser. No. 09/925,225 and discussed above to facilitate subsequent placement of the tag 14 (with the noted information) on a respective one of the packages 62 or product containers 49 or products contained therein. The tag 14 can also be placed in a central location or depository.

[0058] As will be appreciated by one having skill in the art, the container loop 65 can be disposed on the interior portion of the shipping container 60 or embedded in a wall thereof. The noted container loop 65 can also be employed as a stand-alone system (i.e., without panels 52, 54, 56).

[0059] Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, one of ordinary skill can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence of the following claims.