Patent Description:
The retail environment is going through a dramatic transformation. Traditional brick and mortar operations are having to innovate to retain or capture market share, which can be improved through frictionless or faster checkout.

Barcode scanning, which remains in primary use for individual item scanning at checkout, typically involves limitations that increase time and reduce efficiency. For example, each item is typically handled individually by the cashier, a customer, or both. Each item may be picked up by a person from a basket, cart, or bag, displayed visually one or more times to a barcode scanner, and then placed into a bag for removal from the store. The more items there are to process, the more time it takes for the cashier or customer to pick up each item, successfully perform a visual scan, and collect the scanned items for bagging.

In some other conventional systems, an RFID reader may be used to identify nearby RFID transponders. However, such systems may have a substantial risk of incurring false reads from nearby unrelated RFID transponders. For example, if additional power is used to energize all transponders within a container, conventional systems may cause nearby RFID transponders to be energized and read, resulting in false charges. These in turn may cause a loss of goodwill for the business. Thus, a continuing need exists for systems and methods that enable faster and more efficient identification of products. <CIT> discloses a wireless reading system includes a goods path and a reader device. The goods path allows one or more goods held by a customer passing through a customer path to be moved along. The reader device is configured to perform wireless communication, whose medium is radio waves, with one or more electronic tags attached to the one or more goods while the one or more goods are moved along the goods path, thereby reading one or more pieces of goods information on the one or more goods, respectively.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for using RFID technology to identify products, and more specifically, to systems and methods that enable faster identification of multiple products, as defined by independent claims <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an RFID system for product identification may include a compartment having a first wall and a second wall that extend toward each other and that together define at least part of a cavity and a channel. The cavity may extend laterally along a first direction and may be configured to contain a suspended package and having a first width may extend along a second direction. The channel may extend laterally along the first direction and having a second width may extend along a second direction, the channel being in fluid communication with the cavity, the channel may be configured to limit movement along the second direction of a support that extends downward through the channel and into the cavity to support the suspended package, the second width of the channel being narrower than the first width of the cavity.

In some embodiments, at least one RFID antenna may be configured to transmit a signal to be received by the at least one RFID transponder of the suspended package. An RFID reader may be configured to interpret an output from the at least one RFID transponder disposed in the cavity. The width of the channel is less than <NUM> inches (<NUM> meters).

In some embodiments, the first wall may include a first lower edge that may be distal to the first edge, and the second wall may include a second lower edge that may be distal to the second edge. The system may include a base connected to the first lower edge and the second lower edge. The at least one RFID antenna may be an NFC antenna. The first wall and the second wall may define a first lateral opening that permits lateral movement of the suspended package between the cavity and space external to the compartment. The first wall and the second wall may define a second lateral opening that permits lateral movement of the suspended package between the cavity and space external to the compartment.

In some embodiments, the system may include a third wall that may be separated from the first and second wall and positioned to at least partially block lateral line of sight to the RFID reader from outside the compartment and through the first lateral opening. The third wall may be formed from at least one of a door and a cloth. The system may include a third wall that may be separated from the first and second wall and positioned to at least partially block lateral line of sight to the RFID reader from outside the compartment and through the first lateral opening, and a fourth wall that may be separated from the first and second wall and positioned to at least partially block lateral line of sight to the RFID reader from outside the compartment and through the second lateral opening. The third wall and the fourth wall may be each formed from at least one of a door and a cloth.

In some embodiments, the first lateral opening and the second lateral opening may be disposed opposite each other. One or more of the second opening and the third opening may enable the suspended package to move along the first lateral direction into the cavity. One or more of the second opening and the third opening may enable the suspended package to move along a second lateral direction into the cavity. At least one of the first wall and the second wall may be curved.

In some embodiments, the system may include a first reflector disposed within the cavity and facing the RFID antenna and the RFID reader. The system may include a second reflector disposed within the cavity and facing the RFID antenna. The system may include a sensor configured to trigger operation of at least one of the RFID reader and the RFID antenna. The system may include a display. The second wall may be taller than the first wall. The RFID reader and the RFID antenna may be mounted in the second wall.

In some embodiments, the system may include a first reflector mounted on the first wall and facing the cavity. The system may include a second reflector mounted on the second wall and facing the cavity. Each of the first wall and the second wall may include a protrusion that may extend laterally along a second direction toward the opposite wall, the channel being defined by the pair of protrusions.

In some embodiments, a method of identifying products using an RFID system may include a compartment having a first wall and a second wall that together define at least part of a cavity and a channel, may include receiving a suspended package in the cavity of the compartment of the RFID system, using the first wall and the second wall that define the channel, guiding lateral movement of a support that extends downward through the channel and into the cavity to support the suspended package, transmitting a signal to be received by at least one RFID transponder of the suspended package using at least one RFID antenna and using an RFID reader, interpreting an output from the at least one RFID transponder disposed in the cavity. The cavity may extend laterally along a first direction and may be configured to contain a suspended package, and the channel may extend laterally along the first direction and may be in fluid communication with the cavity. The width of the channel is less than <NUM>,<NUM> meters.

In some embodiments, the first wall may include a first lower edge that may be distal to the first edge, and the second wall may include a second lower edge that may be distal to the second edge. The compartment further may include a base connected to the first lower edge and the second lower edge. The at least one RFID antenna may be an NFC antenna. The first wall and the second wall may define a first lateral opening that permits lateral movement of the suspended package between the cavity and space external to the compartment. The first wall and the second wall define a second lateral opening that permits lateral movement of the suspended package between the cavity and space external to the compartment. The compartment may include a third wall that may be separated from the first and second wall and positioned to at least partially block lateral line of sight to the RFID reader from outside the compartment and through the first lateral opening. The third wall may be formed from at least one of a door and a cloth.

In some embodiments, the compartment further may include a third wall that may be separated from the first and second wall and positioned to at least partially block lateral line of sight to the RFID reader from outside the compartment and through the first lateral opening and a fourth wall that may be separated from the first and second wall and positioned to at least partially block lateral line of sight to the RFID reader from outside the compartment and through the second lateral opening. The third wall and the fourth wall may be each formed from at least one of a door and a cloth.

In some embodiments, the first lateral opening and the second lateral opening may be disposed opposite each other. One or more of the second opening and the third opening may enable the suspended package to move along the first lateral direction into the cavity. One or more of the second opening and the third opening enable the suspended package to move along a second lateral direction into the cavity. At least one of the first wall and the second wall may be curved. A first reflector may be disposed within the cavity and facing the RFID antenna and the RFID reader. A second reflector may be disposed within the cavity and facing the RFID antenna. The system may include a sensor configured to trigger operation of at least one of the RFID reader and the RFID antenna. The compartment further may include a display.

In some embodiments, the second wall may be taller than the first wall. The RFID reader and the RFID antenna may be mounted in the second wall. The compartment may include a first reflector mounted on the first wall and facing the cavity. The compartment may include a second reflector mounted on the second wall and facing the cavity. Each of the first wall and the second wall may include a protrusion that may extend laterally along a second direction toward the opposite wall, the channel being defined by the pair of protrusions.

In some embodiments, a method of forming an RFID system for product identification may include forming a compartment having a first wall and a second wall that together define at least part of a cavity and a channel. The cavity may extend laterally along a first direction and may be configured to contain a suspended package. The channel may extend laterally along the first direction and being in fluid communication with the cavity, the channel may be configured to guide lateral movement of a support that extends downward through the channel and into the cavity to support the suspended package. The method may include configuring at least one RFID antenna to transmit a signal to be received by the at least one RFID transponder of the suspended package and configuring an RFID reader to interpret an output from the at least one RFID transponder disposed in the cavity, and the width of the channel is less than <NUM> inches (<NUM> meters).

The objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for using RFID technology to identify products, and more specifically, to systems and methods that enable faster identification of multiple products.

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of aspects. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein, in accordance with the scope of the appended claims.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Before describing the invention in detail, an introduction provides the reader with a general understanding of some exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Next, specific details of various exemplary embodiments are provided to give an understanding of some specific aspects of the disclosure. Finally, a description is provided of exemplary computer systems capable of performing operations described in this disclosure.

This disclosure includes systems and methods associated with identification of products, such as for frictionless or faster checkout systems for purchasing goods, produce, or services. For example, systems and methods disclosed here may be used for purchasing groceries, cosmetics, tools, hardware, electronics, clothing, and other items. In some embodiments, items to be purchased may be loosely placed in a bag while shopping and carried out through an identification system that rapidly identifies all of the items within the bag. Feedback regarding the identification and transaction may be provided to a user through one or more of a display screen, indicator lights, and auditory tones. The system can then process the transaction and allow the user to continue walking out of a store or other facility.

Various embodiments disclosed here are intended to allow projection of RF energy within an RFID system while preventing errant and unintended reads of nearby transponders. For example, multiple embodiments enable a user to pass a bag or container once through a read zone to achieve identification of all contained transponders in a single movement. As a result of the loose placement of products within the bag, RFID transponders associated with the products within the bag may have random and/or different orientations and positions. This may facilitate easier RFID transponder activation. For this reason, the embodiments disclosed here have advantages in improved effectiveness and/or reduced cost based on the specific shape of the structures disclosed as well as the use of one or more antennas, readers, absorbers, and reflectors.

In the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, an RFID system <NUM> can be used to facilitate frictionless or faster shopping experiences. A user <NUM> can walk along a walkway <NUM> next to the RFID system <NUM> while carrying a suspended package <NUM> (see <FIG>) and moving the suspended package <NUM> through the RFID system <NUM>. The RFID system <NUM> may read multiple RFID transponders <NUM> within the package <NUM> and process a transaction, such as purchasing items that are contained within the suspended package <NUM>. In some embodiments, the user <NUM> may stop to interact with input devices <NUM> or output devices. In other embodiments, the user <NUM> may simply continue walking on the walkway <NUM> without stopping while a purchase transaction for all products associated with the package <NUM> is processed.

In various embodiments, the RFID system <NUM> includes a compartment <NUM> having a first wall <NUM>, a second wall <NUM>, and a base <NUM> that together define a cavity <NUM> (e.g., a slot), a channel <NUM>, a first lateral opening <NUM>, and a second lateral opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, the RFID system <NUM> may further include one or more of a third wall <NUM>, a fourth wall <NUM>, and additional walls. (See <FIG>). Each of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, and the fourth wall <NUM> may include a lower edge <NUM>, an upper edge <NUM>, lateral edges <NUM>, and surfaces <NUM>. The base <NUM> may include lateral edges <NUM> and surfaces <NUM>. In some embodiments, the compartment <NUM> further includes one or more protrusions <NUM> (see <FIG>) that extend from one or more of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, and the fourth wall <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the RFID system <NUM> includes a display <NUM>, the input device <NUM>, and indicator lights <NUM>. In various embodiments, a plurality of the display <NUM>, the input device <NUM>, and the indicator lights <NUM> may be included on either a part of the RFID system <NUM>, mounted to a wall or other structure near or within line-of-sight to the RFID system <NUM>, or may be part of a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The mobile device may include a computer system <NUM>, described below in greater detail in connection with <FIG>. Additional examples of input devices <NUM> may include the input device <NUM> and cursor control device <NUM> discussed below in connection with <FIG>.

In addition, the devices may be of any appropriate size. For example, multiple displays <NUM> may be included on the second wall <NUM> and may range in size from <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches diagonally. Additional displays <NUM> may be included on locations such as one or more of the base <NUM>, the first wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, and the fourth wall <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be used to provide transaction information or advertising relating to the transaction or the user <NUM>.

The indicator lights <NUM> may be used to let users <NUM> know that the system is ready for operation, such as with a green light. The indicator lights <NUM> may also indicate that there is a problem with the RFID system <NUM> using a red light.

In some embodiments, the first wall <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) high, with some being up to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>) high (e.g., as measured along the Z-axis). In some embodiments, the second wall is between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) high, with some being up to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>) high. In some embodiments the cavity is between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) wide, between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) wide, between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) wide, and between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) wide (e.g., as measured along the Y-axis). In some embodiments, the cavity is up to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>) wide. In some embodiments, the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the cavity <NUM> are between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) long, between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) long, between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) long, or up to approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM>) long (e.g., as measured along the X-axis).

The first wall <NUM> may be sufficiently narrow to allow a user <NUM> to stand on one side while suspending a package <NUM> on the other side of the wall by allowing their arm to hang naturally at their side. The first wall may be between <NUM> inches (<NUM>) and <NUM> inches (<NUM>) wide.

The input device <NUM> may include one or more of a touchscreen, a card reader, a camera for image recognition or security recordings, a keypad, a touchpad, a Bluetooth transceiver, an NFC reader, or other input devices. The input device may be used to accept payment, to identify the user <NUM>, to associate the transaction with a user account, or for any other purposes associated with shopping.

In the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> is defined by the surfaces of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the base <NUM>. In addition, the cavity <NUM> extends between the first lateral opening <NUM> and the second lateral opening <NUM>, and the cavity <NUM> extends beneath the channel <NUM>. In some embodiments, the RFID system <NUM> does not include a base <NUM>, and the cavity <NUM> is defined by the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is sized, shaped, and configured to permit a suspended package <NUM> to be moved through the cavity <NUM>, such as along a first lateral direction (e.g., an X-axis). The suspended package <NUM>, for example, may be a bag, basket, box, or other container.

In various embodiments, the cavity <NUM> and/or channel <NUM> may have a variety of shapes and configurations, and may be curved, straight, or include some combination of shapes and orientations. The cavity <NUM> may thus be configured to guide or bias movement of a suspended package <NUM> along different paths or directions. Exemplary embodiments may be seen in <FIG> and will be discussed in greater detail below.

The channel <NUM> is an opening defined by the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> and that permits access to the cavity <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may be defined as the uppermost opening or the narrowest upper opening into the cavity <NUM> between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. The channel <NUM> is in fluid communication with the cavity <NUM>. As shown, the channel <NUM> opens upward (e.g., as defined by the Z-axis), but it may have other orientations in various embodiments. The channel <NUM> extends laterally along the first direction (e.g., the X-axis), and is configured to guide lateral movement of a support for a suspended package, such as a bag, basket, or box for a product. In operation, the support may simply be a user's arm and hand that holds the handles of the package, such as a bag or basket. Alternatively, the support may include the handles or straps of a bag, basket, or other package, or may include the structure of a package or product itself. For example, an elongated product such as a mop may be moved through the cavity <NUM> while extending partially out of the RFID system <NUM> through the channel <NUM>.

The first lateral opening <NUM> and the second lateral opening <NUM> are defined by corresponding lateral edges <NUM> of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. Where a base <NUM> is included as part of the RFID system <NUM>, the first lateral opening <NUM> and the second lateral opening may further be defined by the corresponding lateral edges of the base <NUM>. Additional lateral openings may be formed between one or more of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, and the fourth wall <NUM>.

Although the embodiment of <FIG> has been described in connection with a user continuously carrying a suspended package, various embodiments of the RFID system <NUM> may allow the user <NUM> to perform one or more of carrying, dragging, swinging, and tossing the suspended package through the cavity <NUM>. Various embodiments may also allow the user <NUM> to intermittently rest the suspended package on the floor of the cavity <NUM>.

The channel <NUM> may be defined by the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> to be the same size, wider, or narrower than the width of the cavity <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may also be shaped by other structures, such as the third wall <NUM> and the fourth wall <NUM>. Additional exemplary embodiments may be seen in <FIG> and <FIG> and will be described in greater detail below in connection with the figures.

A narrower channel <NUM> may help reduce emission of signals from the RFID system <NUM>. Narrower channels <NUM> may also help block entrance of stray RFID tag signals into the RFID system <NUM>. On the other hand, wider channels <NUM> may allow for greater ease of insertion and removal of suspended packages <NUM> into and out of the RFID system <NUM>, and may permit vertical insertion and removal of packages <NUM> into and from the cavity <NUM> (e.g., along the Z-axis). In addition, combination of sizes and use of different shapes for the channel <NUM> may help guide the movement of suspended packages <NUM> for different purposes (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the RFID system <NUM> further includes at least one RFID antenna <NUM>, at least one RFID reader <NUM>, and at least one sensor <NUM>. The RFID system <NUM> may further include one or more reflectors <NUM> and absorbers <NUM>.

The RFID antenna <NUM> is configured to energize or interrogate at least one RFID transponder <NUM>, such as an RFID tag or inlay (e.g., a non-NFC tag, an NFC tag). In some embodiments, the RFID antenna <NUM> interrogation and RFID reader are triggered based on detection of a package <NUM> or RFID transponder <NUM> by one or more of the sensors <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an RFID antenna <NUM> is mounted on the second wall <NUM>. In other embodiments, the RFID antenna <NUM> may be mounted on one or more of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM>, and the base <NUM>. For example, in various embodiments, a single RFID antenna <NUM> may be mounted on the base <NUM>. In other embodiments, RFID antennas <NUM> may be mounted on the base <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, and the first wall <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the antenna is a single four port antenna that occupies a space between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches square (<NUM> and <NUM> square), between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches square (<NUM> and <NUM> square), between <NUM> inches and
<NUM> inches square (<NUM> and <NUM> square) between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches square (<NUM> and <NUM> square) and up to approximately <NUM> inches square (<NUM> square). The antenna <NUM> may be bordered on its lateral and upper edges by <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> or more inches (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>) of wall
surface that may incorporate an absorber <NUM>. In other embodiments, the antenna <NUM> may be of larger or smaller dimensions. The antenna may have GPIO (general input and output) capability, ability to communicate via serial or Ethernet connections, ability to operate lights, and/or ability to control sound emitting devices.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the RFID reader <NUM> is mounted above the antenna <NUM> on the second wall <NUM>. The RFID reader <NUM> is spaced apart from the antenna <NUM> by a wall section having an absorber <NUM>. In other embodiments, the RFID reader <NUM> may be mounted on a wall that is opposite or adjacent to the wall that the RFID antenna <NUM> is mounted on. In other embodiments, multiple RFID readers <NUM> may be used and mounted on one or more of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM>, and the base <NUM>.

Reflectors <NUM> may be disposed on walls, curtains, doors, flaps, or other objects having surfaces. Alternatively, the walls, curtains, doors, flaps, or other objects may be composed all or in part from the reflectors <NUM>. For example, the reflector <NUM> of the embodiment in <FIG> and <FIG> is disposed on, may form, or be encapsulated beneath an interior surface <NUM> of the first wall <NUM> facing the RFID antenna <NUM> and the RFID reader <NUM>. In other embodiments, one or more reflectors may be disposed on one or more of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM>, and the base <NUM>. Some examples of materials that may be used to form the reflector <NUM> include metal components such as sheet metal, metal support structures, and metallic films.

Absorbers <NUM> may be disposed on walls, curtains, doors, flaps, or other objects having surfaces. Alternatively, the walls, curtains, doors, flaps, or other objects may be composed all or in part from the absorbers <NUM>. For example, the absorbers <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> are disposed on, may form, or be encapsulated beneath the interior surfaces <NUM> of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> on locations not already occupied by RFID antennas <NUM>, RFID readers <NUM>, or other devices. In other embodiments, absorbers <NUM> may be placed in more limited areas to reduce cost, such as only on areas where direct reflection towards an RFID reader <NUM> may occur. In other embodiments, absorbers <NUM> may be placed on additional surfaces and structures to further reduce the likelihood of stray signals being received by the RFID readers <NUM>. One or more absorbers <NUM> may be placed on one or more of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM>, and the base <NUM>. Example materials or structures that may be used to form an absorber <NUM> include metal hardware cloth, screen, RF fabrics, and/or a Salsbury screen.

<FIG> is a side view illustrating operation of an embodiment of the disclosure. As part of the transaction operations, the user <NUM> may be recognized by the RFID system <NUM> in various ways. For example, the user <NUM> may be recognized by using cameras and known techniques for performing facial recognition and associated with a particular user account. In other embodiments, a facility may use Bluetooth communication with a user's phone to identify the user <NUM> and the associated account to be charged. In other embodiments, a user <NUM> is identified via QR code that the user <NUM> presents on their phone after registering for an account with the owner of the RFID system <NUM> or a transaction processing company.

As shown in <FIG>, a user <NUM> may walk past the RFID system <NUM> while carrying a suspended package <NUM> containing multiple RFID transponders <NUM> corresponding to multiple products. The items and their corresponding RFID transponders <NUM> are shown to have various orientations and positions within the package <NUM>.

As shown, the RFID system <NUM> includes an RFID antenna <NUM>, an RFID reader <NUM>, and a display <NUM> mounted on the second wall <NUM>. A reflector <NUM> is mounted on each of the first wall <NUM> and the base <NUM>. In an example, sensors <NUM> (not shown) are used to trigger an interrogation signal from the RFID antenna <NUM> based on detection of the bag, a product, or the user. At least part of the interrogation signal may be reflected off one or more of the reflectors <NUM> and received by the RFID transponders <NUM>. The RFID transponders <NUM> then in turn generate a signal (e.g., backscatter) that is received by the RFID antenna <NUM> and used to identify each of the products in the package <NUM>. For example, the RFID reader <NUM> may interpret the output from at least one of the RFID transponders <NUM>.

The user may be provided with information from the RFID system <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be used to provide the user <NUM> with a list of the identified products and the amount to be charged to the user <NUM>. The display <NUM> may also be used to present the user <NUM> with advertisements based on information known about the user <NUM> and the transaction.

<FIG> include multiple views of an embodiment of the disclosure that includes protrusions <NUM> extending toward each other from each of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG> include a perspective, top, and side view, respectively. The protrusions <NUM> of <FIG> may allow passage of a user's arm or bag handles as a supported package <NUM> is carried down the length of the compartment <NUM>. These protrusions <NUM> may also help shield the compartment <NUM> and the RFID antenna <NUM> from emitting or receiving stray RFID signals.

As shown, each of the protrusions <NUM> extend laterally along the first direction (e.g. the X-axis) and extend from their respective walls laterally along the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis) to form the channel <NUM>. Each of the protrusions <NUM> are shown as being substantially the same length, thickness, and form, but other embodiments may use unequal, non-symmetric, and/or non-corresponding protrusions <NUM> having varying forms, including with respect to straight or curved sections as well as thickness and sharpness.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the protrusions <NUM> are formed as ledges or fins, but in other embodiments they may be formed as bumps, cloth curtains, sliding or rotating panels, or other structures. In addition, the protrusions <NUM> may be integrally formed as part of one or both of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>, or they may be mounted or otherwise attached to each of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>.

The protrusions <NUM> may be permanently attached or removeable. In addition, the protrusions <NUM> may be fixed in position, or they may be moveable. For example, the protrusions <NUM> may move towards and/or away from the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> along the second lateral direction (e.g., the Y-axis) to facilitate adjustment of the channel <NUM> width from <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to the full width
of the cavity <NUM>. Alternatively, some or all of the protrusions <NUM> may be rotatable (e.g., around the X or Z axis), such as to facilitate wider bag handles, different user arms, different package widths, or cavity insertion methods.

The protrusions <NUM> may have a constant width in a middle section that tapers along the first lateral direction to the ends of the protrusions, which may be disposed at the ends of the first wall <NUM> and/or the second wall <NUM>. The tapering may facilitate insertion and removal of a user's arms or a supported package's <NUM> bag handles at the beginning or end of the channel <NUM> and/or the cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> are top views of various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, <FIG> illustrate embodiments with concave and convex walls, respectively. The concave walls of <FIG> may assist with focusing reflected signals back towards one or more of the RFID antenna <NUM> and the package <NUM>. The convex walls of <FIG> may help to guide the package <NUM> into the cavity <NUM> for more rapid product identification.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment in which the first lateral opening <NUM> and the second lateral opening <NUM> open in the same direction rather than opposite directions. This arrangement may allow the RFID system <NUM> to better contain signals and to better prevent or reduce external signals from being read by the antenna.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment with a single lateral opening <NUM> facing the cavity <NUM> and the antenna <NUM>, but with a first wall <NUM> disposed inside the cavity <NUM> acting as a barrier to prevent or reduce signals from moving outside the RFID system <NUM> or being received by the antenna <NUM> from outside the RFID system <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment in which the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> are curved in the same direction to reduce the potential for receiving stray signals by the antenna <NUM>. The curved walls and path of the cavity <NUM> may also induce rotation in the package <NUM>, which may further improve the likelihood and speed of reading all RFID tags contained in the package <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG> each include a third wall <NUM> and a fourth wall <NUM> placed outside the first lateral opening <NUM> and the second lateral opening <NUM>. These may help prevent stray signals from being received by the antenna <NUM>. One or more of the third wall <NUM> and the fourth wall <NUM> may be separated from or abutted against the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. The third wall <NUM> and the fourth wall <NUM> may also be placed within the cavity <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In each embodiment, the third wall <NUM> and the fourth wall <NUM> may be solid and immovable, moveable, and/or formed from a curtain or other flexible material. Being moveable may mean the walls act as a single door, a double door, a sliding door, or are otherwise moveable to allow access to the cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment of <FIG>, but with extended walls that further reduce the likelihood that stray signals will be received by the antenna <NUM>.

<FIG> are side views of various embodiments of the disclosure that demonstrate how the walls of the RFID system <NUM> may have different shapes, angles, and orientation. These various structures may help to prevent stray signals from being read, may help keep the package <NUM> in a preferred location within the cavity <NUM>, and/or may help focus signals in a preferred manner. For example, the interiors of the embodiments of <FIG> include a cavity <NUM> with a triangular cross section. The interior of <FIG> have a rectangular and a rounded or oval cross-section, respectively.

A block diagram depicting an example of a system (i.e., computer system <NUM>) that may be used to process signals and/or perform operations described in this disclosure is provided in <FIG>. The computer system <NUM> is configured to perform calculations, processes, operations, and/or functions associated with a program or algorithm. In one aspect, certain processes and steps discussed herein are realized as a series of instructions (e.g., software program) that reside within computer readable memory units and are executed by one or more processors of the computer system <NUM>. When executed, the instructions cause the computer system <NUM> to perform specific actions and exhibit specific behavior, such as described herein.

The computer system <NUM> may include an address/data bus <NUM> that is configured to communicate information. Additionally, one or more data processing units, such as a processor <NUM> (or processors), are coupled with the address/data bus <NUM>. The processor <NUM> is configured to process information and instructions. In an aspect, the processor <NUM> is a microprocessor. Alternatively, the processor <NUM> may be a different type of processor such as a parallel processor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic array (PLA), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

The computer system <NUM> is configured to utilize one or more data storage units. The computer system <NUM> may include a volatile memory unit <NUM> (e.g., random access memory ("RAM"), static RAM, dynamic RAM, etc.) coupled with the address/data bus <NUM>, wherein a volatile memory unit <NUM> is configured to store information and instructions for the processor <NUM>. The computer system <NUM> further may include a non-volatile memory unit <NUM> (e.g., read-only memory ("ROM"), programmable ROM ("PROM"), erasable programmable ROM ("EPROM"), electrically erasable programmable ROM "EEPROM"), flash memory, etc.) coupled with the address/data bus <NUM>, wherein the non-volatile memory unit <NUM> is configured to store static information and instructions for the processor <NUM>. Alternatively, the computer system <NUM> may execute instructions retrieved from an online data storage unit such as in "Cloud" computing. In an aspect, the computer system <NUM> also may include one or more interfaces, such as an interface <NUM>, coupled with the address/data bus <NUM>. The one or more interfaces are configured to enable the computer system <NUM> to interface with other electronic devices and computer systems. The communication interfaces implemented by the one or more interfaces may include wireline (e.g., serial cables, modems, network adaptors, etc.) and/or wireless (e.g., wireless modems, wireless network adaptors, etc.) communication technology.

In one aspect, the computer system <NUM> may include an input device <NUM> coupled with the address/data bus <NUM>, wherein the input device <NUM> is configured to communicate information and command selections to the processor <NUM>. In accordance with one aspect, the input device <NUM> is an alphanumeric input device, such as a keyboard, that may include alphanumeric and/or function keys. Alternatively, the input device <NUM> may be an input device other than an alphanumeric input device. In an aspect, the computer system <NUM> may include a cursor control device <NUM> coupled with the address/data bus <NUM>, wherein the cursor control device <NUM> is configured to communicate user input information and/or command selections to the processor <NUM>. In an aspect, the cursor control device <NUM> is implemented using a device such as a mouse, a track-ball, a track-pad, an optical tracking device, or a touch screen. The foregoing notwithstanding, in an aspect, the cursor control device <NUM> is directed and/or activated via input from the input device <NUM>, such as in response to the use of special keys and key sequence commands associated with the input device <NUM>. In an alternative aspect, the cursor control device <NUM> is configured to be directed or guided by voice commands.

In an aspect, the computer system <NUM> further may include one or more optional computer usable data storage devices, such as a storage device <NUM>, coupled with the address/data bus <NUM>. The storage device <NUM> is configured to store information and/or computer executable instructions. In one aspect, the storage device <NUM> is a storage device such as a magnetic or optical disk drive (e.g., hard disk drive ("HDD"), floppy diskette, compact disk read only memory ("CD-ROM"), digital versatile disk ("DVD")). Pursuant to one aspect, a display device <NUM> is coupled with the address/data bus <NUM>, wherein the display device <NUM> is configured to display video and/or graphics. In an aspect, the display device <NUM> may include a cathode ray tube ("CRT"), liquid crystal display ("LCD"), field emission display ("FED"), plasma display, or any other display device suitable for displaying video and/or graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to a user.

The computer system <NUM> presented herein is an example computing environment in accordance with an aspect. However, the non-limiting example of the computer system <NUM> is not strictly limited to being a computer system. For example, an aspect provides that the computer system <NUM> represents a type of data processing analysis that may be used in accordance with various aspects described herein. Moreover, other computing systems may also be implemented. Indeed, the spirit and scope of the present technology is not limited to any single data processing environment. Thus, in an aspect, one or more operations of various aspects of the present technology are controlled or implemented using computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. In one implementation, such program modules include routines, programs, objects, components and/or data structures that are configured to perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In addition, an aspect provides that one or more aspects of the present technology are implemented by utilizing one or more distributed computing environments, such as where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network, or such as where various program modules are located in both local and remote computer-storage media including memory-storage devices.

An illustrative diagram of a computer program product (i.e., storage device) is depicted in <FIG>. The computer program product is depicted as floppy disk <NUM> or an optical disk <NUM> such as a CD or DVD. However, as mentioned previously, the computer program product generally represents computer-readable instructions stored on any compatible non-transitory computer-readable medium. The term "instructions" as used with respect to this invention generally indicates a set of operations to be performed on a computer, and may represent pieces of a whole program or individual, separable, software modules. Non-limiting examples of "instruction" include computer program code (source or object code) and "hard-coded" electronics (i.e. computer operations coded into a computer chip). The "instruction" is stored on any non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as in the memory of a computer or on a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, and a flash drive. In either event, the instructions are encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

<FIG> illustrate additional embodiments of RFID systems <NUM>, which in some embodiments are NFC-only systems. As shown in <FIG>, an RFID system may include a first wall <NUM>, a second wall <NUM>, and a third wall <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> may include a first RFID device <NUM>, the second wall <NUM> may include a second RFID device <NUM>, and the third wall <NUM> may include a third RFID device <NUM>. The first RFID device <NUM>, the second RFID device <NUM>, and the third RFID device <NUM> may have, respectively, a first range <NUM>, a second range <NUM>, and a third range <NUM>, and respectively, a first field <NUM>, a second field <NUM>, and a third field <NUM>.

The first field <NUM> and the second field <NUM> may overlap to create a first overlap <NUM> having a first width <NUM> as measured along a Y-axis direction, a third width <NUM> as measured along a Z-axis direction, and a fourth width <NUM> as measured along an X-axis direction. The first field <NUM>, the second field <NUM>, and the third field <NUM> may overlap to form a second overlap <NUM> having a second width <NUM> as measured along a Z-axis direction.

The inner surface of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the third wall <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, a fourth wall <NUM> and a fifth wall <NUM> may have surfaces that help to define the cavity <NUM>. The inner surface the first wall <NUM> and/or the second wall <NUM> may have a first length <NUM> as measured along the Z-axis. The inner surface of the third wall <NUM> may have a second length <NUM> as measured along the Y-axis, and a third length <NUM> as measured along the X-axis. The inner surface of the fourth wall <NUM> and the fifth wall <NUM> may have a fourth length <NUM> and a fifth length <NUM>, respectively.

The first RFID device <NUM> and/or the second RFID device <NUM> may be positioned at a first distance <NUM> from an inner surface of the third wall <NUM> as measured along the Z-axis and a fourth distance <NUM> from a front edge of the third wall <NUM> as measured along the X-axis. The third RFID device <NUM> may be positioned at a second distance <NUM> from an inner surface of the first wall <NUM> as measured along the Y-axis, and at a third distance <NUM> from a front edge of the third wall <NUM> as measured along the X-axis.

As shown in <FIG>, an RFID system may include a fourth wall <NUM> and a fifth wall <NUM> extending towards each other along the Y-axis direction from the first wall <NUM> and the second wall, <NUM>, respectively. The fourth wall <NUM> may include a fourth RFID device <NUM>, and the fifth wall <NUM> may include a fifth RFID device <NUM>. The fourth RFID device <NUM> may have a fourth range <NUM> and a corresponding fourth field <NUM>, and the fifth RFID device <NUM> may have a fifth range <NUM> and a fifth field <NUM>.

The first field <NUM>, the second field <NUM>, the fourth field <NUM>, and the fifth field <NUM> may overlap to form a third overlap <NUM> having a fifth width <NUM> as measured along the Z-axis and a sixth width <NUM> as measured along the Y-axis.

The fourth RFID device <NUM> and the fifth RFID device <NUM> may be spaced apart from a midpoint of the cavity <NUM> as measured along the Y-axis by a fifth distance <NUM> and a sixth distance <NUM>, respectively.

One, some, or each of the first RFID device <NUM>, the second RFID device <NUM>, the third RFID device <NUM>, the fourth RFID device <NUM>, and the fifth RFID device <NUM> may be an NFC device rather than a longer range RFID device.

In various embodiments, the RFID system <NUM> may use one or more NFC devices that are mounted to and/or embedded within one or more of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM>, and/or the fifth wall <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> may be sized and shaped to keep packages that are placed within and/or slid through the cavity <NUM> within close proximity to the one or more NFC devices. For example, in some embodiments, NFC devices may operate at a preferred range between a lower threshold and a larger threshold. The lower threshold may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM>. The larger threshold may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the preferred range may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more of the first length <NUM>, the second length <NUM>, the third length <NUM> may be configured to be sized in accordance with greater than or equal to twice the length of the larger threshold, such as being at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or larger.

The combined lengths of the channel <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM>, and the fifth wall <NUM> as measured along the Y-axis may be greater than, equal to, or less than the length of the inner surface of the third wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the channel <NUM> may provide a narrower aperture than the cavity <NUM> that can help guide a package through the shorter range fields of one or more NFC devices. In some embodiments, the fields of the one or more NFC devices may be sized to remain within the cavity <NUM>.

In various embodiments, one or more of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, the third wall <NUM>, the fourth wall <NUM>, and the fifth wall <NUM> may be sized, shaped, and/or positioned to confine a shopping bag to an area where it will encounter at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more separate fields (e.g., the first field <NUM>, the second field <NUM>, the third field <NUM>, the fourth field <NUM>, the fifth field <NUM>). In various embodiments, the channel <NUM> defined by the fourth wall <NUM> and the fifth wall <NUM> may be positioned to guide a center of a package or bag being suspended by a user <NUM>'s hand (e.g., using bag or package straps and/or a flexible part of the bag) to be guided through <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> fields generated by different NFC devices.

In various embodiments, the RFID system may have a cavity <NUM> that is sized to permit passage of a bag that is <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> inches (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) wide. In other words, the cavity <NUM> width along the Y-axis
direction may be within <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> inches (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the maximum width of the desired shopping bag
or other package to be read. In various embodiments, the channel <NUM> may have a width that is up to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> inches (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) wide. Other embodiments may have wider or shorter widths,.

In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the RFID devices (e.g., the first RFID device <NUM>, the second RFID device <NUM>, the third RFID device <NUM>, the fourth RFID device <NUM>, the fifth RFID device <NUM>) may have dimensions of up to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> inches (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) as a greatest dimension, which may correspond to the outer dimensions for a coil or loop of conductor (e.g., an antenna) that may be used by the RFID device (e.g., an NFC device, a non-NFC device).

In some embodiments, one or more of the RFID devices may be configured to suppress communication by transponders that have been successfully read, allowing signals from weaker transponders to be read when there are multiple transponders within a package or bag.

In various embodiments, each of the RFID devices may represent a set of one or more RFID devices. For example, the first RFID device <NUM> may represent <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more RFID devices (e.g., NFC readers, non-NFC readers).

By using NFC devices, the RFID system <NUM> may use one or more magnetic fields to couple with NFC antennas for transponders contained within a user's shopping bag. In various embodiments, using NFC devices may dramatically reduce read ranges when compared with other non-NFC devices. However, by using NFC devices, improved performance may be obtained with respect to liquids, metals, powders for packages and/or their contents. For example, cosmetics, beauty products, bottles, cans, or objects filled with one or more of liquids, powders, and/or metals, may cause greater interference with non-NFC tags and readers, but may be more successfully read for purchases or other purposes by NFC devices and/or readers.

Finally, while the present invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present invention may have other applications in other environments. It should be noted that many embodiments and implementations are possible.

Claim 1:
An RFID system (<NUM>) for product identification, the system comprising:
a compartment (<NUM>) having a first wall (<NUM>) and a second wall (<NUM>) that extend toward each other and that together define at least part of a cavity (<NUM>) and a channel (<NUM>),
the cavity extending laterally along a first direction and being configured to contain a suspended package and having a first width extending along a second direction,
the channel extending laterally along the first direction and having a second width extending along the second direction, the channel being in fluid communication with the cavity, the channel being configured to limit movement along the second direction of a support that extends downward through the channel and into the cavity to support the suspended package, the second width of the channel being narrower than the first width of the cavity;
at least one RFID antenna (<NUM>) configured to transmit a signal to be received by the at least one RFID transponder of the suspended package; and
an RFID reader (<NUM>) configured to interpret an output from the at least one RFID transponder disposed in the cavity,
wherein the width of the channel is less than <NUM> meters.