Monitoring for radio frequency enabled items based on activity profiles

A method, wireless communication device, and radio frequency ID reader are provided for monitoring radio-frequency identification enabled items. The method includes receiving a set of radio frequency IDs (1104) representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items (110) to be monitored. An identifier representing a user activity and its relationship with at least one radio frequency ID in the set of radio frequency IDs and at least one radio frequency ID reader is received (1106). The method also includes determining if at least one condition associated with the user activity has occurred indicating that the user activity is occurring (1108). The set of radio frequency IDs representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items (110) to be monitored by the at least one radio frequency ID reader are monitored (1110) in response to the determining that the at least one condition is occurring.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to applications entitled “Dynamic Updating Of Product Profiles For Active Lifestyles,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/616,645, and “Active Lifestyle Management”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/616,636, which were filed on the same day as the present application and commonly assigned herewith to Motorola, Inc. These related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of radio frequency identification, and more particularly relates to monitoring for radio frequency enabled items and activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Radio frequency identification (“RFID”) is used to automatically identify and track RFID enabled items. RFID systems utilize RFID tags that are placed on the object to be monitored. For example, a shipping company can place RFID tags on its boxes to monitor and identify each box. One problem with some current RFID systems is that the RFID reader, the device that receives radio frequency (“RF”) signals from the RFID tags, needs to be carried by the user. If a user forgets the RFID reader, the tracking benefits of the RFID system are lost.

Other RFID systems utilize stationary RFID readers. In these systems the readers are generally setup to generate an audible alarm when a reader detects an RFID tag. These systems cannot notify a user if an item has be forgotten or left behind. Furthermore, current RFID systems are constantly monitoring for RFID enabled items. In other words, current RFID systems do not allow a user to customize the monitoring of RFID. The constant monitoring unnecessarily wastes battery life of the RFID reader.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, disclosed are a method, wireless communication device, and RFID reader for monitoring radio-frequency identification enabled items. The method includes receiving a set of radio frequency IDs representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items to be monitored. An identifier representing a user activity and its relationship with at least one radio frequency ID in the set of radio frequency IDs and at least one radio frequency ID reader is received. The method also includes determining if at least one condition associated with the user activity has occurred indicating that the user activity is occurring. The set of radio frequency IDs representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items to be monitored by the at least one radio frequency ID reader are monitored in response to the determining that the at least one condition is occurring.

In another embodiment, a wireless communication device for monitoring radio-frequency identification enabled items is disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a memory and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the memory. The wireless communication device also includes a radio frequency ID monitoring module that is communicatively coupled to the memory and the processor. The radio frequency ID monitoring module is for receiving a set of radio frequency IDs representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items to be monitored. An identifier representing a user activity and its relationship with at least one radio frequency ID in the set of radio frequency IDs and at least one radio frequency ID reader is received. The radio frequency ID monitoring module is also for determining if at least one condition associated with the user activity has occurred indicating that the user activity is occurring. The set of radio frequency IDs representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items to be monitored by the at least one radio frequency ID reader are monitored in response to the determining that the at least one condition is occurring.

In yet another embodiment, a radio frequency ID reader for monitoring radio-frequency identification enabled items is disclosed. The radio frequency ID reader includes a memory and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the memory. The radio frequency ID reader also includes a radio frequency ID monitoring module that is communicatively coupled to the memory and the processor. The radio frequency ID monitoring module is for receiving a set of radio frequency IDs representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items to be monitored. An identifier representing a user activity and its relationship with at least one radio frequency ID in the set of radio frequency IDs and at least one radio frequency ID reader is received. The radio frequency ID monitoring module is also for determining if at least one condition associated with the user activity has occurred indicating that the user activity is occurring. The set of radio frequency IDs representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items to be monitored by the at least one radio frequency ID reader are monitored in response to the determining that the at least one condition is occurring.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that a user is notified on his/her wireless communication device when one or more radio frequency enabled items is missing or has been detected. The present invention allows a user to create activity profiles that are associated with one or more radio frequency enabled items. When the start of an activity has been detected one or more RFID readers associated with the activity begin monitoring for associated radio frequency enabled items. This allows a user to track radio frequency enabled items based on associated activities. In other words, only the radio frequency enabled items that a user wants monitored are monitored, as compared to monitoring every radio frequency enabled item that is detected. This provides a more customizable monitoring environment for a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

The term wireless device is intended to broadly cover many different types of devices that can wirelessly receive signals, and optionally can wirelessly transmit signals, and may also operate in a wireless communication system. For example, and not for any limitation, a wireless communication device can include any one or a combination of the following: a cellular telephone, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a two-way radio, a two-way pager, a wireless messaging device, a laptop/computer, automotive gateway, residential gateway, and the like.

Wireless Communications System

FIG. 1illustrates one example of an RFID system100for tracking RFID enabled items according to an embodiment of the present invention. The RFID system100includes one or more RFID readers102,104,106communicatively coupled to one or more wireless devices108. The RFID readers102detect the presence of one or more RFID enabled items110, which is any item coupled to an RFID tag. In one embodiment, the RFID readers102comprise a distributed network112of RFID readers. In other words, the RFID readers102communicate information relating to RFID enabled items110, activity profiles126,128, and the like between one another. In another embodiment, each RFID reader102acts independent of other RFID readers102.

The RFID readers102, in one example, are communicatively coupled to each other via a network114, which can either be wired (e.g., Ethernet or the like) or wireless (e.g., 802.11, 802.16 or the like). In another embodiment, the RFID readers102communicate directly with each other through a direct communication technology such as Bluetooth, Infrared Data Access (“IrDA”) technologies, RF, or the like. The RFID readers102can be fixed at any location desired by a user. For example, a user may have an RFID reader110situated at doorway, in a car, in an office, in a briefcase, or any other place that a user desires.

The wireless device108, in one example, is communicatively coupled to the RFID readers102via the network114. In another example, the wireless device108communicates directly with each RFID reader102through a direct communication technology such as Bluetooth, Infrared Data Access (“IrDA”) technologies, RF, or the like.

A wireless device, for example, and not for any limitation, can include any one or a combination of the following: mobile telephones, smart phones, text messaging devices, handheld computers, pagers, beepers, wireless communication cards, or the like. A smart phone is a combination of 1) a pocket PC, handheld PC, palm top PC, or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and 2) a mobile telephone. More generally, a smartphone. It should be noted that other electronic devices such as an information center (e.g., car radio) within a car can also be communicatively coupled to the RFID readers102for displaying information related to RFID enabled items110.

The RFID system100allows for the tracking and monitoring of RFID enabled items110with respect to various activities. For example, RFID enabled items110can be associated with an activity, wherein the RFID readers102detect if all items associated with that activity are present. In one embodiment, each RFID reader102includes an RFID monitoring module124, activity profile database120, and a communication interface122. The RFID monitoring module124includes an RFID receiver116, which includes all hardware and software components for detecting RFID enabled items110as should be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The RFID monitoring module124also includes a GUI118that provides a user interface for displaying information associated with detected RFID enabled items110. For example, the GUI118can display an identifier associated with the detected item. The GUI118also allows a user to enter information associated with RFID enabled items110at the RFID reader102. For example, a user can associate RFID items110with specific activities such as leaving for work, vacation, camping, a sporting event, and the like through the GUI118. Also, a single event can have more than one profile associated with it. It should be noted that the GUI118is optional and not every RFID reader102needs to include a GUI. The GUI118is discussed in greater detail below.

The activity profile database120includes one or more profiles126,128associated with an activity for which RFID enable items110are to be monitored. For example, a user can define a profile for an activity such as camping that includes various items such as a tent, canteen, lantern, and the like. As the RFID reader102begins monitoring items for the “camping” activity, it cross references the profile with detected items to determine if all items are present.

The RFID reader102can then alert a user if all items associated with the activity are present or if items are missing. This information can be displayed to a user through the GUI118of the RFID reader102or sent to the wireless device108via the communication interface122. Additionally, a profile126can also include an identifier for one or more RFID readers102that are to monitor a particular activity and/or items. For example, a user can designate an RFID reader102situated in a trunk of a car or in a garage to monitor for “camping” activity items.

The wireless device108, in one embodiment, includes an RFID information module130comprising an RFID information receiver136for receiving RFID related information from a RFID reader102. For example, a wireless device108can receive activity profiles126from the RFID reader102, item list updates, prompts, and the like. The information is received via a communication interface134such as Bluetooth of IrDA, as discussed above. The received information is displayed to the user via a GUI132. The user can also enter information associated with RFID enabled items110through the GUI132. For example, a user can enter profile information, RFID identifier information and the like through the wireless device GUI132. Any information displayed to a user at an RFID reader102can also be displayed to a user at the wireless device through the wireless device GUI132.

The wireless device108can also include an RFID monitoring module that monitors for RFID enabled items similar to that discussed above with respect to the RFID reader102. The RFID monitoring module, in this example, can also include the RFID information module130. It should be noted that the activity profile database120can reside on a remote system (not shown) instead of at the RFID reader102. In this example, the RFID reader102syncs with the remote system to retrieve activity profiles. Also, each RFID reader102in the RFID system100can include an activity profile database120or a single RFID reader102can include a central activity profile database120used by all coupled RFID readers102. In yet another example, the activity profiles126can reside on the wireless device108and be transmitted to any of the RFID readers102. The activity profiles126are discussed in greater detail below.

In another example, an activity profile126does not need to be predefined. For example, an RFID reader102can detect one or more RFID enabled items110and prompt a user to create an activity profile with the detected items. This prompting can occur at the RFID reader102or the RFID reader102can prompt the user through the GUI132of the wireless device108.

The following is one example illustrating RFID monitoring according to the present invention. It should be noted that these example are only illustrative and do not limit the present invention in any way. The present invention is applicable to any environment where a user desires to monitor for RFID enabled items.

In this example, a user has an RFID reader102located in the trunk of his/her automobile. The monitoring of RFID enabled items110can be triggered in various ways. For example, the RFID reader102can continually monitor for RFID enabled items110or a user can manually start the monitoring at an RFID reader102. Alternatively, the RFID reader102can start monitoring based on an external event such as the car moving, ignition starting, or a calendar event occurring. For example, the RFID reader102can include an internal clock which is monitored by the RFID monitoring module124. An activity profile126can be associated with specific dates and/or time intervals, and based on this information, the RFID reader102can start monitoring. For example, if a user has setup a “camping” profile associated with Oct. 10, 2006 at 7:00 am, the RFID reader102can starting monitoring for the items110associated with the “camping” profile on Oct. 10, 2006 at 7:00 am.

As the user packs the car, the RFID reader102detects the RFID enabled items110and updates a detection list, which is a list of items that has entered and/or exited the trunk of the car. The RFID reader102can also update a detection list at the wireless device108. For example, as items are detected entering or exiting the trunk, a list on the RFID reader102and/or the wireless device can display the name of the item entering or exiting. This list can be displayed in real-time or displayed at given intervals.

Also, if the RFID reader102detects an RFID enabled item110that is not associated with a currently monitored for activity profile or if a profile is currently not being for, the RFID reader102cross-references its profile database120to determine if an activity profile126is associated with the detected item(s)110. If an activity profile126is associated with the detected item(s)110, the RFID reader102can automatically start monitoring for all the items in the profile126. In another embodiment, the RFID reader102can prompt the user either though its own interface118of the interface132of the wireless device108to determine if it should start monitoring for all the items in the profile126.

Additionally, the user can query the RFID reader102either through the wireless device108or the RFID reader102for a status update of the detected items110. For example, the list of detected items can be displayed to the user. Alternatively, with respect to the above example, a list of items that have exited the trunk can also be displayed. After the RFID reader102has completed monitoring RFID enabled items110, a final list of detected items can be displayed to the user. It should be noted that this list can display all detected items and/or missing items (when a profile was being monitored for). The RFID reader102can determine when to finish monitoring either by determining that all items in a profile have been detected, by being manually stopped by a user, or detecting an external event such as the trunk closing or the car ignition starting (in the above example). These external events can also trigger a status update to be sent to the wireless device108or displayed at the RFID reader102. For example, in the above example, if the RFID reader102detects that the car has been started, the list of detected or missing items can be displayed to the user.

As stated above, the activity profile does not have to be predefined. For example, a user may not have created a camping profile, but wants the RFID reader102to keep track of what items the user is bringing on the camping trip. The user can have the RFID reader102keep track of the items placed in the trunk and define an activity profile based on those items. The user can interact with the RFID reader102via the GUI118of the RFID reader102of through the GUI132of the wireless device108. The RFID reader102can also determine that an activity profile is not associated with the detected items110and prompt the user to determine whether or not to pace these detected items into an activity profile. If the user creates a profile at the RFID reader102as compared to using the wireless device108, the newly created profile along with associated item identifiers are sent to the wireless device108. When the user leaves the camp site, the RFID reader102determines if all of the items within the activity profile are present and alerts the user accordingly. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to notifying the user via the RFID reader102or the wireless device108. For example, other electronic devices such as a car information center (e.g., car radio, dashboard display), PDA, watch, and the like can also be configured to display the RFID related information.

Additional non-limiting examples are as follows. An RFID reader102can be located at a front door of a house and/or at a door leading into a garage. A user can create an activity profile126called “LEAVE FOR WORK” at each reader102including the items “wallet” and “keys”. In one embodiment, the profile126can be created at one RFID reader102, which then communicates the profile126to the other RFID reader. As a user walks through each door either to garage or outside the house, the corresponding RFID reader102determines if the user has his/her wallet/purse and keys. The RFID reader102can then update the wireless device108of the user to notify the user if he/she has all of the items. Alternatively, each RFID reader102can include profiles for different users or profiles associated with different time intervals. For example, one profile126can state that between the hours of 6:00 am and 9:00 a.m., monitor for wallet, keys, and briefcase. Another profile or the same profile can state between the hours of 9:01 a.m. and 5:59 a.m. monitor for wallet and keys.

User Interfaces

FIGS. 2-5are block diagrams illustrating graphical user interfaces118,132according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In particular,FIGS. 2-5show the GUI118of the RFID reader102. However, the following discussion is also applicable to the GUI132of the wireless device108.FIG. 2shows the GUI118having a display area202comprising detected RFID enabled items110. For example,FIG. 2shows that an RFID enabled item204labeled “grill” has, an RFID item206labeled “tent”, an RFID enabled item208labeled “canteen”, and an RFID enabled item210labeled “keys to cabin” have been detected. The GUI118also displays to activity212associated with these items. In this example ofFIG. 2the activity is “Camping”.

FIG. 3illustrates another example of the GUI118displaying detected RFID enabled items110associated with a different activity.FIG. 3shows the GUI118having a display area302comprising detected RFID enabled items110. For example,FIG. 3shows that an RFID enabled item304labeled “skis” has, an RFID item306labeled “ski suit”, an RFID enabled item308labeled “goggles”, and an RFID enabled item310labeled “keys to ski chalet” have been detected. The GUI118also displays to activity312associated with these items. In this example ofFIG. 2the activity is “Skiing”.

In the example ofFIG. 3, the RFID reader102has not started monitoring for the activity “Skiing”. When the first item, skis304, in the activity “Skiing” has been detected, the RFID reader102cross references the item skis304to determine the activity it is associated with.FIG. 4shows the GUI118as prompting the user that the item “skis”304has been detected and it is associated with the activity “Skiing”. The GUI118ofFIG. 4asks the user if monitoring for the activity “Skiing” should begin. The user is presented with the option of starting the monitoring process or declining monitoring for the activity. The user can also be prompted via the GUI132of the wireless device. In one embodiment, the monitoring starts automatically once the first item or a given number of items associated with an activity has been detected.

FIG. 5shows another example of the GUI118of the RFID reader102. In particular, the GUI118of FIG. includes a display area502that shows a user a detection or status list504. In the example ofFIG. 5, a user can enter an activity into an input box506. The corresponding list504is then displayed. In another embodiment the list504is displayed after a monitoring event has occurred or an external trigger has been detected, as discussed above.FIG. 5shows that the items “skis”304, “ski suit”306, and “goggles”308have been detected. The items “keys to the ski chalet”310have not been detected. Therefore, a message508is displayed alerting the user that the keys to the chalet are missing. It should be noted that the above GUI examples are only illustrative and can be displayed either on the RFID reader GUI118or the wireless device GUI132.

It should be noted that audible information associated with an activity, RFID enabled items, and the like can also be provided to a user separately or in conjunction with information displayed on a user interface. An RFID reader102and/or a wireless communication device108can each present audible information associated with the monitoring of RFID enabled items.

Exemplary Wireless Device

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating a detailed view of the wireless device108according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication device can either be a single mode or dual mode phone (i.e., can communicate either on a circuit services network or a packet data network). The wireless device108operates under the control of a device controller/processor602, that controls the sending and receiving of wireless communication signals. In receive mode, the device controller602electrically couples an antenna604through a transmit/receive switch606to a receiver608. The receiver608decodes the received signals and provides those decoded signals to the device controller602.

In transmit mode, the device controller602electrically couples the antenna604, through the transmit/receive switch606, to a transmitter610. The device controller602operates the transmitter and receiver according to instructions stored in the memory612. These instructions include, for example, a neighbor cell measurement-scheduling algorithm. The memory612also includes the RFID information module130, which includes the RFID information receiver136and the GUI132as shown inFIG. 1. The memory612can also include an activity profile database as shown inFIG. 1. As discussed above, the RFID information receiver136receives information from the RFID reader102associated with RFID enabled items110or activity profiles126. In one embodiment, the receiver608and the transmitter610are also capable of communicating with an RFID reader102for communicating and receiving RFID enabled item information, activity profiles, and the like. For example, the receiver608and the transmitter610can receive and send 802.11, 802.16 communications.

The GUI132allows a user to interact with an RFID reader102, create activity profiles126, and visually display RFID enabled item information via the display644. The main memory612, in one embodiment, also includes one or more activity profiles126. Although shown as residing in the memory612, one or more of these components can be implemented as hardware within the wireless device108. The wireless device108, also includes non-volatile storage memory614for storing, for example, an application waiting to be executed (not shown) on the wireless device108.

The wireless device108, in this example, also includes a local wireless link616that allows the wireless device108to directly communicate with another wireless device without using a wireless network (not shown). The local wireless link616, for example, is provided by Bluetooth, Infrared Data Access (IrDA) technologies, or the like. The local wireless link616also includes a local wireless link transmit/receive module618that allows the wireless device108to directly communicate with another wireless communication device such as wireless communication devices communicatively coupled to personal computers, workstations, and the like. The local wireless link616, in one embodiment, also allows the wireless device108to communicate with an RFID reader102for communicating and receiving RFID enabled item information, activity profiles, and the like

The wireless device108ofFIG. 6further includes an audio output controller620that receives decoded audio output signals from the receiver608or the local wireless link transmit/receive module618. The audio controller620sends the received decoded audio signals to the audio output conditioning circuits622that perform various conditioning functions. For example, the audio output conditioning circuits622may reduce noise or amplify the signal. A speaker624receives the conditioned audio signals and allows audio output for listening by a user. The audio output controller620, audio output conditioning circuits622, and the speaker624also allow for an audible alert to be generated notifying the user of a missed call, received messages, or the like. The wireless device108further includes additional user output interfaces626, for example, a head phone jack (not shown) or a hands-free speaker (not shown).

The wireless device108also includes a microphone628for allowing a user to input audio signals into the wireless device108. Sound waves are received by the microphone628and are converted into an electrical audio signal. Audio input conditioning circuits630receive the audio signal and perform various conditioning functions on the audio signal, for example, noise reduction. An audio input controller632receives the conditioned audio signal and sends a representation of the audio signal to the device controller602.

The wireless device108also comprises a keyboard634for allowing a user to enter information into the wireless device108. The wireless device108further comprises a camera636for allowing a user to capture still images or video images into memory612. Furthermore, the wireless device108includes additional user input interfaces638, for example, touch screen technology (not shown), a joystick (not shown), or a scroll wheel (not shown). In one embodiment, a peripheral interface (not shown) is also included for allowing the connection of a data cable to the wireless device108. In one embodiment of the present invention, the connection of a data cable allows the wireless device108to be connected to a computer or a printer.

A visual notification (or indication) interface640is also included on the wireless device108for rendering a visual notification (or visual indication), for example, a sequence of colored lights on the display644or flashing one ore more LEDs (not shown), to the user of the wireless device108. For example, a received multimedia message may include a sequence of colored lights to be displayed to the user as part of the message. Alternatively, the visual notification interface640can be used as an alert by displaying a sequence of colored lights or a single flashing light on the display644or LEDs (not shown) when the wireless communication device104receives a message, or the user missed a call.

The wireless device108also includes a tactile interface642for delivering a vibrating media component, tactile alert, or the like. For example, a multimedia message received by the wireless device108, may include a video media component that provides a vibration during playback of the multimedia message. The tactile interface642, in one embodiment, is used during a silent mode of the wireless device108to alert the user of an incoming call or message, missed call, or the like. The tactile interface642allows this vibration to occur, for example, through a vibrating motor or the like.

The wireless device108also includes a display640for displaying information to the user of the wireless communication device104and an optional Global Positioning System (GPS) module646. The optional GPS module346determines the location and/or velocity information of the wireless device108. This module646uses the GPS satellite system to determine the location and/or velocity of the wireless device108. Alternative to the GPS module646, the wireless device108may include alternative modules for determining the location and/or velocity of wireless device108, for example, using cell tower triangulation and assisted GPS.

Exemplary RFID Reader

FIG. 7is a block diagram illustrating a detailed view of the RFID reader102according to an embodiment of the present invention. The RFID reader102includes a processor702that is communicatively connected to a main memory704(e.g., volatile memory), a terminal interface706, the communication interface122, and the RFID receiver116. A system bus708interconnects these system components. The main memory704, in one embodiment, includes portions of the RFID monitoring module124such as the118. As discussed above, the RFID receiver116comprises part of the RFID monitoring module124and detects the presence of RFID enabled items110.

The GUI118allows for a user to interact with the RFID reader102. For example, a user can be notified of detected/missing RFID enabled items; a user can create activity policies126; make various selections; and the like through the GUI118. The GUI is communicatively coupled to display hardware (not shown). It should be noted that the RFID reader102does not need to include a display or the GUI118. The main memory704, in one example, also includes an activity profile database120for storing one or more activity profiles126, as discussed above. Although shown as residing in the memory706, one or more of these components can be implemented as hardware within the RFID reader102.

Terminal interface706is used to directly connect one or more devices such as an information processing system to the RFID reader102. The communication interface122provides a communication mechanism between other RFID readers104,106, the wireless device108, and the network114. The communication interface122can be wired and/or wireless comprising Ethernet, 802.11, 802.16, Bluetooth, IrDA, or the like. Embodiments of the present invention are able to be adapted to work with any data communications connections including present day analog and/or digital techniques or via a future networking mechanism.

It should be noted that a user can designate one or more RFID readers102in a set of RFID readers to monitor for certain items or activities. For example, an RFID reader102in a trunk of a car can be assigned to monitor for RFID enabled items associated with a “camping” activity, while an RFID reader at a front door of a hose can be assigned to a “leave for work” activity. Also, one or more RFID readers102can be communicatively coupled to one another, thereby creating an RFID reader network. These RFID readers102can then pass information to one another.

Process of Detecting an RFID Enabled Item

FIG. 8is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process of detecting RFID enabled items110. The operational flow diagram ofFIG. 8begins at step802and flows directly to step804. The RFID reader102, at step804, monitors for an RFID enabled item110. In one example, the RFID reader102is powered on and is continuously monitoring for RFID enabled items110. The RFID reader102, at step806, determines if an RFID reader102has been detected. If the result of this determination negative, the RFID reader102continues monitoring. If the result of this determination is positive, the RFID reader102cross-references, at step808, its activity profile database120to determine, at step810, if the detected item110is associated with an activity profile126.

If the result of this determination is negative, the RFID reader102, at step812, prompts the user to determine, at step814, if the user wants to create an activity profile126for this item or associate the item with an already existing profile. If the result of this determination is positive, the control flows to entry point A ofFIG. 9. If the result of this determination is negative, the RFID reader102, at step816, continues to monitor for RFID enabled items110. The control flow exits at step818.102. If the result at step810is positive, the user, at step820, is prompted to determine, at step822, if the user wants to begin monitoring for items associated with the activity. If the result of this determination is negative, the RFID reader102, at step824, continues monitoring for RFID enabled items110. The control flow exits at step826. If the result of this determination is positive, the control flows to entry point B ofFIG. 10.

Process for Creating an Activity Profile

FIG. 9is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process creating an activity profile126. The operational flow diagram ofFIG. 9begins at step902and flows directly to step904. It should be noted even though the following process is discussed with respect to the RFID reader102, it can also performed on the wireless device108. The RFID reader102, at step902, presents a user interface to the user for creating an activity profile126. The RFID reader102, at step904, receives the user input. For example, the user can enter text directly into the RFID reader102. Also, the RFID read102can also include speech recognition technology for capturing information spoken by a user.

The RFID reader102, at step906, creates an activity profile126based on the entered information. The RFID reader102, at step908, updates the activity profile database120to include the new activity profile126. The RFID reader102, at step910, can optionally communicate the new activity profile126to other RFID readers or the wireless device108. The control flow exits at step910.

Process of Monitoring RFID Enabled Items Based on an Activity Profile

FIG. 10is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process of monitoring RFID enabled items110based on an activity profile. The operational flow diagram ofFIG. 10begins at step1002and flows directly to step1004. The RFID reader102, at step1002, receives a user's selection for monitoring items associated with an activity.

A detection list, at step1004, is updated to include the first detected item. The RFID reader102, at step1006, determines if another item has been detected. If the result of this determination is negative, the RFID reader102continues to monitor for items. If the result of this determination is positive, the RFID reader102, at step1008, updates the detection list is update to include the newly detected item. The RFID reader102, at step1010, determines if the monitoring has been completed. For example, the RFID reader102can determine that the last item in the activity profile has been detected. Also, a user can manually stop the monitoring. The RFID reader102can also stop the monitoring if after a given period of time no items have been detected.

If the result of this determination is negative, the RFID reader102continues to determine if new items have been detected. If the result of this determination is positive, the RFID reader102, at step1012notifies the user detected and/or missing items. It should be noted that a list of detected/missing items can be dynamically displayed to a user through the monitoring process. Also, the list can be displayed at the RFID reader102or on the wireless device108. The RFID reader102can also update the list on the wireless device and display the list on other RFID readers.

Process of Determining when to Monitor for RFID Enabled Items

FIG. 11is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process of determining when to monitor for RFID enabled items110. The operational flow diagram ofFIG. 11begins at step1102and flows directly to step1104. The RFID reader102, at step1104, receives a set of radio frequency IDs representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items110to be monitored. The RFID reader102, at step1106, receives and identifier representing a user activity. The identifier also represents the user activity's relationship with at least one radio frequency ID in the set of radio frequency IDs and at least one radio frequency ID reader.

The RFID reader102, at step1108, determines that at least one condition associated with the user activity has occurred, which indicates that the user activity is occurring. The RFID reader102, at step1110, monitors the set of radio frequency IDs, which represents a set of radio frequency ID enabled items to be monitored by the at least one radio frequency ID reader in response to the determining that the at least one condition is occurring. The control flow then exits at step1112.