Abstract:
An RFID system comprises an RFID reader configured to issue an RF command requesting that RF tags identify themselves, and to issue timing information defining a plurality of timeslots; and a plurality of RF tags in selective communication with the reader, the RF tags having respective IDs, respective tags being configured to randomly select a timeslot in which to reply to the RF command, and to issue an RF reply in response to the RF command in the randomly selected timeslot, the RF reply including a frequency pattern to assist in identifying the tag but not the tag&#39;s entire ID, different tags having different frequency patterns.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The invention relates to a remote communication system. More particularly, the invention relates to a radio frequency (RF) identification system and methods for rapidly identifying RF tags. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Remote communication utilizing wireless equipment typically relies on radio frequency (RF) technology, which is employed in many industries. One application of RF technology is in locating, identifying, and tracking objects, such as animals, inventory, and vehicles. 
   RF identification (RFID) tag systems have been developed to identify, monitor, or control remote objects. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a basic RFID system  10  includes an interrogator  18  and transponders (commonly called RF tags)  16 . The interrogator  18  includes a transceiver  14  and an antenna  12 . The tag  16  includes a transceiver  15  and an antenna  24 . In operation, the antenna  12  emits and receives electromagnetic radio signals generated by the transceiver  14  to activate the tag  16 , and receive signals from the tag. When the tag  16  is activated, data can be read from or written to the tag. 
   In some applications, the transceiver  14  and antenna  12  are components of an interrogator (or reader)  18 , which can be configured either as a hand-held or a fixed-mount device. The interrogator  18  emits the radio signals  20  in range from one inch to one hundred feet or more, depending upon its power output, the radio frequency used, and other radio frequency considerations. When an RF tag  16  passes through the electromagnetic radio waves  20 , the tag detects the signal  20  and is activated. Data encoded in the tag  16  is then transmitted by a modulated data signal  22  through an antenna  24  to the interrogator  18  for subsequent processing. 
   An advantage of RFID systems is the non-contact, non-line-of-sight capability of the technology. Tags can be read through a variety of substances such as snow, fog, ice, paint, dirt, and other visually and environmentally challenging conditions where bar codes or other optically-read technologies would be useless. RF tags can also be read at remarkable speeds, in most cases responding in less than one hundred milliseconds. 
   There are three main categories of RFID tag systems. These are systems that employ beam-powered passive tags, battery-powered semi-passive tags, and active tags. Each operates in fundamentally different ways. The invention described below in the Detailed Description can be embodied in any of these types of systems. 
   The beam-powered RFID tag is often referred to as a passive device because it derives the energy needed for its operation from the radio frequency energy beamed at it. The tag rectifies the field and changes the reflective characteristics of the tag itself, creating a change in reflectivity (RF cross-section) that is seen at the interrogator. A battery-powered semi-passive RFID tag operates in a similar fashion, modulating its RF cross-section in order to change its reflectivity that is seen at the interrogator to develop a communication link. Here, the battery is the only source of the tag&#39;s operational power. Finally, in the active RFID tag, both the tag and reader have transceivers to communicate and are powered by a battery. 
   A typical RF tag system  10  will contain at least one tag  16  and one interrogator  18 . The range of communication for such tags varies according to the transmission power of the interrogator  18  and the tag  16 . Battery-powered tags operating at 2,450 MHz have traditionally been limited to less than ten meters in range. However, devices with sufficient power can reach in excess of 100 meters in range, depending on the frequency and environmental characteristics. 
   Conventional RF tag systems utilize continuous wave backscatter to communicate data from the tag  16  to the interrogator  18 . More specifically, the interrogator  18  transmits a continuous-wave radio signal to the tag  16 , which modulates the signal  20  using modulated backscattering wherein the electrical characteristics of the antenna  24  are altered by a modulating signal from the tag that reflects a modulated signal  22  back to the interrogator  18 . The modulated signal  22  is encoded with information from the tag  16 . The interrogator  18  then demodulates the modulated signal  22  and decodes the information. 
   Conventional continuous wave backscatter RF tag systems utilizing passive (no battery) RF tags require adequate power from the signal  20  to power the internal circuitry in the tag  16  used to modulate the signal back to the interrogator  18 . While this is successful for tags that are located in close proximity to an interrogator, for example less than three meters, this may be insufficient range for some applications, for example greater than 100 meters. 
   A problem in RFID systems is in the rapid identification of an unknown number and identity of tags with long IDs in the field of view of the reader. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention provides An RFID system comprising an RFID reader configured to issue an RF command requesting that RF tags identify themselves, to issue timing information defining a plurality of timeslots; and a plurality of RF tags in selective communication with the reader, the RF tags having respective IDs, respective tags being configured to randomly select a timeslot in which to reply to the RF command, and to issue an RF reply in response to the RF command in the randomly selected timeslot, the RF reply including a frequency pattern to assist in identifying the tag but not the tag&#39;s entire ID, different tags having different frequency patterns. 
   Another aspect of the invention provides an RFID reader, for use with RF tags that have respective IDs, the RFID reader comprising circuitry configured to selectively provide a backscatter RF illumination field, to provide time synchronization information defining timeslots to RF tags, to issue a first RF command requesting that RF tags identify themselves, to store the identity of the timeslot where an RF reply was received by the reader from a tag, to determine if a collision occurred between RF replies, to issue a second RF command indicating the timeslot for which a reply was received from an RF tag and requesting that RF tags reply with their IDs, to receive and store IDs from RF tags, and to re-issue the first RF command response if it was determined that a collision occurred between RF replies. 
   Another aspect of the invention provides an RFID tag for use with a reader that is configured to issue timing signals defining timeslots, the RFID tag comprising circuitry configured to store an ID identifying the tag, to backscatter modulate an RF illumination field from a reader, to randomly select a timeslot in which to reply from a plurality of possible timeslots, to issue an RF reply in the selected timeslot, responsive to receiving a first RF command including a session identifier from the reader, the reply including a signal pattern, the signal pattern identifying the tag but not including the entire ID, the tag being further configured to issue a response to the reader including the tag&#39;s ID in response to receiving a second RF command from the reader indicating that the tag has been found by the reader, and the circuitry being further configured to ignore further receptions of the first RF command which include the session identifier responsive to receiving a third RF command from the reader confirming that the tag&#39;s ID has been received by the reader. 
   Yet another aspect of the invention provides an RFID communications method comprising providing an RF reader; providing a plurality of RF tags in selective communication with the reader, the RF tags having respective IDs; issuing, using an RF reader, an RF command requesting that RF tags identify themselves; issuing, using the RF reader, timing information defining a plurality of timeslots; respective tags randomly selecting a timeslot in which to reply to the RF command; and respective tags issuing an RF reply in response to the RF command, in the randomly selected timeslot, the RF reply including a frequency pattern to assist in identifying the tag but not the tag&#39;s entire ID, different tags having different frequency patterns. 
   Another aspect of the invention provides a method of communicating with RF tags that have respective IDs, the method comprising selectively providing a backscatter RF illumination field, including time synchronization information defining timeslots to RF tags; issuing a first RF command requesting that RF tags identify themselves; storing data identifying the timeslot where an RF reply was received from a tag; determining if a collision occurred between RF replies; issuing a second RF command indicating the timeslot for which a reply was received from an RF tag and requesting that RF tags reply with their IDs; receiving and storing IDs from RF tags; and re-issuing the first RF command response if it was determined that a collision occurred between RF replies received from tags. 
   Still another aspect of the invention provides a method of communicating with an RF reader that is configured to issue timing signals defining timeslots, the method comprising storing an ID; backscatter modulating an RF illumination field from the reader; randomly selecting a timeslot in which to reply from a plurality of possible timeslots; issuing an RF reply in the selected timeslot, responsive to receiving a first RF command, including a session identifier, from the reader, the reply including a signal pattern, the signal pattern identifying the tag but not including the entire ID; issuing a response to the reader including the ID in response to receiving a second RF command from the reader; and ignoring further receptions of the first RF command which include the session identifier responsive to receiving a third RF command from the reader confirming that the ID has been received by the reader. 
   Another aspect of the invention provides a method of using an RFID reader, comprising issuing a first RF command to an RF tag; selectively providing an RF illumination field including time synchronization pulses; monitoring for a reply during a period defined by a predetermined number of timeslots; receiving an RF reply, from a tag, including a signal pattern during the monitoring; issuing a second RF command indicating the timeslot during which a reply was received; receiving an RF reply including a tag&#39;s ID in response to the second RF command; and issuing a third RF command in response to receiving an RF reply including a tag&#39;s ID. 
   Still another aspect of the invention provides an RFID system comprising an RFID reader including means for issuing an RF command requesting that RF tags identify themselves, means for issuing timing information defining a plurality of timeslots, and means for monitoring a plurality of intermediate frequencies for a response; and a plurality of RF tags in selective communication with the reader, the RF tags having respective IDs, respective tags including means for randomly selecting a timeslot in which to reply to the RF command, means for randomly selecting an intermediate frequency on which to issue a reply to the RF command, and means for issuing an RF reply in response to the RF command in the randomly selected timeslot and using the randomly selected intermediate frequency, the RF reply including a frequency pattern to assist in identifying the tag but not the tag&#39;s entire ID, different tags having different frequency patterns. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a conventional RFID communication system, including a tag and reader in which the invention could be incorporated. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an RFID communication system, including a tag and reader, embodying various aspects of the invention. 
       FIGS. 3–3A  provide a flowchart illustrating operation of the reader and tag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating communications between the reader and tag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Attention is directed to the following commonly assigned applications, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/263,826 entitled “Radio Frequency Identification Device Communication Systems, Wireless Communication Devices, Backscatter Communication Methods and Radio Frequency Identification Device Communication Methods” by inventors Mike A. Hughes and Richard M. Pratt; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/263,809, entitled “Method of Simultaneously Reading Multiple Radio Frequency Tags, RF Tag, and RF Reader”, by inventors Emre Ertin, Richard M. Pratt, Mike A. Hughes, Kevin L. Priddy, and Wayne M. Lechelt; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/263,873, entitled “RFID System and Method Including Tag ID Compression”, by inventors Mike A. Hughes and Richard M. Pratt; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/263,940, entitled “Wireless Communication Devices, Radio Frequency Identification Devices, Backscatter Communication Device Wake-Up Methods and Radio Frequency Identification Device Wake-Up Methods”, by inventors Richard Pratt and Mike Hughes; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/263,997, entitled “Wireless Communication Systems, Radio Frequency Identification Devices, Methods of Enhancing a Range of Radio Frequency Device, and Wireless Communication Methods”, by inventors Richard Pratt and Steven B. Thompson; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/263,670, entitled “Wireless Communications Devices, Methods of Processing a Wireless Communication Signal, Wireless Communication. Synchronization Methods and a Radio Frequency Identification Device Communication Method”, by inventors Richard M. Pratt; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/263,656, entitled “Wireless Communications Systems, Radio Frequency Identification Devices, Wireless Communications Methods, and Radio Frequency Identification Device Communications Methods”, by inventors Richard Pratt and Steven B. Thompson; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/263,635, entitled “A Challenged-Based Tag Authentication Model, by inventors Mike A. Hughes” and Richard M. Pratt; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/589,001, filed Jun. 6, 2000, entitled “Remote Communication System and Method”, by inventors R. W. Gilbert, G. A. Anderson, K. D. Steele, and C. L. Carrender; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/802,408; filed Mar. 9, 2001, entitled “Multi-Level RF Identification System”; by inventors R. W. Gilbert, G. A. Anderson, and K. D. Steele; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/833,465, filed Apr. 11, 2001, entitled “System and Method for Controlling Remote Device”, by inventors C. L. Carrender, R. W. Gilbert, J. W. Scott, and D. Clark; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,997, filed Jun. 6, 2000, entitled “Phase Modulation in RF Tag”, by inventors R. W. Gilbert and C. L. Carrender; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/589,000, filed Jun. 6, 2000, entitled “Multi-Frequency Communication System and Method”, by inventors R. W. Gilbert and C. L. Carrender; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,998; filed Jun. 6, 2000, entitled “Distance/Ranging by Determination of RF Phase Delta”, by inventor C. L. Carrender; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/797,539, filed Feb. 28, 2001, entitled “Antenna Matching Circuit”, by inventor C. L. Carrender; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/833,391, filed Apr. 11, 2001, entitled “Frequency Hopping RFID Reader”, by inventor C. L. Carrender. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of the present invention is directed to an RF communication system  30  that employs backscatter signals. The RF communication system  30  includes a reader or interrogator  32  that includes an antenna  34  through which the reader  32  can transmit an interrogation signal  36  to an RF tag  44 . The RF tag modulates the continuous wave interrogation signal  36  to produce a backscatter response signal  40  that is transmitted back to the reader  32 . The signal  40  can include an identification code stored in memory  50 , or other data. While  FIG. 2  shows only two tags  44 , there would typically be multiple tags  44  in use, capable of communicating with the reader  32 . 
   The embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the RF tag  44  includes an antenna  42  coupled to a modulator defined by processor  48 . The tag  44  includes a switch coupled between the antenna  42  and processor  48 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the switch is included in the processor  48 . Alternatively, the switch can be a switch external to the processor  48 , such as an n-channel MOS transistor, a p-channel MOS transistor, a bi-polar transistor, or any of numerous other types of switches. 
   In  FIG. 2 , a modulating signal from the processor  48  is input to the antenna  42  to cause the antenna to alternately reflect or not reflect. One item that can be transmitted from the tag to the reader  32  is an identification code (ID)  52  that is stored in memory  50  of the RF tag  44 . More particularly, each tag  44  includes a unique ID  52 . In one embodiment, the unique ID is a permanent ID. In another embodiment, the ID is temporary, or the tag includes both a permanent and a temporary ID. The ID is defined by a memory, or could be defined by fusible links, for example. In one embodiment, after receiving a command, the reader  32  sends a carrier wave or interrogation signal  36  that is received by the antenna  42 , and that signal is selectively reflected or not reflected back by the antenna  42  by the tag  44  shorting or not shorting dipole halves of the antenna  42  to produce portions of the response signal  40  (backscatter communications). Other communication methods are possible. 
   It will be appreciated that the depiction of the RF tag  44  in  FIG. 2  is one embodiment only; RFID tags are well-known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,075,632 to Baldwin et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, discusses in detail circuit structures that could be used to produce the RF tag  44 , if modified as described below. 
   Similarly, the internal structures of the reader  32  are not shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, the reader  32  can be the receiver described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,810 to Landt, which is incorporated herein by reference, modified as described below. 
   One aspect of the invention provides a method and apparatus to minimize the communications required to identify or discover multiple RFID tags in the reader&#39;s field of view. One aspect of the invention is particularly advantageous, for example, for the case of a significant number of unknown tags in the reader&#39;s field of view and where each tag possesses a long permanent ID number. These long identification numbers cause the tags to have a very large address space, so a linear address search of the address space is not realistic. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, each RFID tag has the capability to reply on any of a number of intermediate frequencies; other embodiments are possible. For example, in one embodiment, the tags can generate replies at intermediate frequencies of 16 KHz, 32 KHz, and 56 KHz. Other alternatives are possible. The method and apparatus does not require, but can benefit from, a read while write reader (reader which can send commands to one tag concurrent with reading a response from another tag). An advantage of this method is that a simple tag response is all that is required for the reader to gain information about a tag&#39;s identity. The tag does not need to present its entire ID. The tag&#39;s response can be very fast—possibly as short as a bit or symbol time. This feature allows the reader to gain important identity information about the tags within its field of view very rapidly. A TONE is any frequency or frequency pattern generated in a tag  44  that the reader  32  can recognize during a timeslot to determine that a tag  44  is responding. A timeslot is an interval controlled by the reader during which the tag responds. A simple tag response is all that is required for the reader  32  to gain information about a tag&#39;s identity—the tag does not need to present its entire ID. The reader  32  is merely looking for the presence or absence of the TONE in a time or frequency slot. In this embodiment, the multiple IF channels can still be used but instead of responding back with an entire ID, a tag responds with a tone that can be correlated to its ID. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates the concept for a reader  32  which cannot simultaneously read and issue commands. A discussion of the improved version of the method for an improved reader  32  design for simultaneous read/write operation appears after the discussion of  FIG. 3 . 
   In step S 1 , the reader  32  issues a command of ENTER TAG DISCOVERY MODE and, in one embodiment, transmits a session ID. 
   In step S 2 , the reader  32  starts monitoring all discrete IF frequencies for presence of replies, such as in the form of On-Off Keyed modulated RF or other modulated RF. 
   In step S 3 , the tag  44  randomly selects a timeslot and IF frequency that it will use during the current discovery session. For example, see commonly assigned U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/263,809, titled “Method of Simultaneously Reading Multiple Radio Frequency Tags, RF Tag, and RF Reader”, by inventors Emre Ertin, Richard M. Pratt, Mike A. Hughes, Kevin L. Priddy, and Wayne M. Lechelt, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
   In step S 4 , the reader  32  issues a sequence of timing pulses (which could be, for example, the brief removal of RF illumination) to provide timeslot synchronization to the individual tags. In one embodiment, the timeslots are 100 milliseconds wide; other embodiments are possible. 
   In step S 5 , the tags  44  which are in communication range present a TONE or very simple modulation of their IF return frequencies during that timeslot. In one embodiment, each tag  44  uses a TONE instead of its entire identification number as described in U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/263,809 incorporated by reference and entitled “Method of Simultaneously Reading Multiple Radio Frequency Tags, RF Tag, and RF Reader”. 
   The reader  32  continues to issue timing pulses and to provide illumination until the final timeslot, and then discontinues illumination, in step S 6 . 
   In step S 7 , the reader  32  identifies (e.g., stores in memory) the timeslots and IF frequencies where TONEs were detected, and sends DISCOVERED YOU messages identifying the timeslots and IF frequencies where the tags&#39; TONEs were discovered. In other words, the reader  32  transmits the timeslot and IF identifier to each discovered tag  44 . There will be cases where TONEs from multiple tags occur within the same timeslot and collide. 
   In step S 8 , each discovered tag  44  responds with a FOUND ME message, which contains the tag&#39;s ID (identification number). 
   In step S 9 , the reader  32  issues a YOU&#39;RE DISCOVERED message to cause the tags to leave discovery mode. 
   More particularly, in step S 10 , the reader determines whether all tags  44  have been identified. If so, the process ends; if not, the process proceeds to step S 11 . 
   In step S 11 , the reader  32  will transmit another ENTER TAG DISCOVERY MODE with the same session ID, and process will repeat at step S 2 . The process is repeated until no TONES remain, meaning that all tags have been identified, and have left DISCOVERY MODE. 
   An embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 3  is illustrated in an alternative format in  FIG. 4 , to better illustrate steps performed by the reader and steps performed by the tags. 
   The use of timeslots alone with the tag  44  presenting a TONE (modulated IF) during a randomly chosen timeslot will allow a fast acquisition. See U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/263,809 incorporated above entitled “Method of Simultaneously Reading Multiple Radio Frequency Tags, RF Tag, and RF Reader”. 
   One embodiment involves the use of a reader which reads while writing. The use of a simultaneous read-write tag system allows overlapping the DISCOVERED YOU messages with the FOUND ME responses from the tags. This speeds up the tag acknowledgment process and thus reduces the time to identify and acknowledge large numbers of tags. 
   Potential applications include applications sensitive to rapidly identifying a large number of RF tags in as short a period of time as possible. To better illustrate how the tags are envisioned for usage, application areas that the inventors envisage, for example, Inventory Management, Process Monitoring, Process Control, Diagnostics, and Security. 
   Inventory management incorporates a wide variety of situations where RFID tags can be used. These situations include the simple inventory/locating task of critical or high value items in storage, transport, or final use locations. Speeding up the process of identifying large numbers of tagged items greatly increases the speed at which the customer&#39;s inventory management system can operate. 
   The addition of authentication and encryption processes to the tags requires that long messages and tag identifiers be used. Any method that reduces the time to identify a given tag will enhance system performance. 
   Thus, a system and method have been provided for rapidly identifying tags in a field. Collisions are also dramatically reduced as a result of using the method and apparatus of the preferred embodiment described above. 
   In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.