Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to radio frequency identification (RFID). The present invention relates more particularly to a method and system for aiming an RFID reader in a manner that enhances the likelihood of reading a desired RFID tag rather than a nearby RFID tag. 
     BACKGROUND 
     RFID tags for identifying goods are well known. They can be applied to either the goods themselves or to packaging for the goods. RFID tags typically comprise an integrated circuit or chip and an antenna coupled to the chip. Information regarding the goods is stored upon the chip. For example, this information can include identification information, manufacturing information (such as what manufacturing processes have already been performed and/or what manufacturing process is to be performed next), customer information, or shipping information. RFID tags can be formed upon labels to facilitate their application to the goods or packaging. 
     The antenna typically comprises a plurality of conductive traces formed upon a substrate, such as the label. The antenna facilitates communication between the chip and an RFID reader and/or writer. Information is read from an RFID chip by first interrogating the chip with a reader. The reader transmits a signal that is picked up by the antenna and is then communicated to the chip. The chip subsequently responds by communicating a signal to the antenna that is then transmitted to the RFID reader. 
     The information can be read by either a hand-held RFID reader or a stationary RFID reader. Hand-held RFID readers can be used in warehouses, for example. In a warehouse, an RFID reader can be used to locate a desired item (having an RFID tag) from among many similar items. 
     Stationary RFID readers can be used in manufacturing processes. For example, they can be used to determine what manufacturing process is to be performed next on an item passing along a conveyor. Thus, an RFID reader can be used to determine what color an item is to be painted or what accessories are to be added thereto. Such information can be used to determine where in a manufacturing plant the item goes next and thus facilitates automation of the manufacturing process. 
     One problem with contemporary RFID readers is that they tend to be undesirably indiscriminate with regard to which RFID tag is being read. Although they are somewhat directional with respect to how the beam is transmitted therefrom, they are not completely directional. The transmitted beam has some amount of spread and is thus capable of reading other RFID tags that are proximate the desired RFID tag. Generally, if an RFID reader is pointed directly at the desired RFID tag, it is much more likely to read only that particular RFID tag. However, if the RFID reader is slightly off (not well aimed), then it may read a nearby RFID tag instead. Thus, it is sometimes difficult to know which item&#39;s RFID tag is being read. 
     For example, if a person is looking for an item in a warehouse, the RFID reader may indicate the presence of the desired item on a shelf. However, if there are other similar items nearby, then the user may have difficulty determining which of the items is the desired one. As such, it is desirable to provide a way to better aim RFID readers or otherwise determine when they are pointed at a selected RFID tag. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide an RFID reader that is capable of enhanced discrimination among nearby RFID tags. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an RFID reader is combined with an imaging device. The imaging device is configured to facilitate aiming of the RFID reader such that inadvertently obtaining readings from RFID tags other than the desired RFID tag is less likely. 
     More specifically, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention an RFID reader has a built-in imaging device and display. The display shows where the RFID reader is pointed, so that it can more accurately be pointed only at a desired RFID tag, while avoiding pointing it at other nearby RFID tags. This embodiment is well suited for hand-held use. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an RFID reader is associated with an imaging device and machine vision is used to determine when the RFID reader is aimed at a desired RFID tag. In this manner, manufacturing processes are enhanced. This embodiment is well suited for stationary use. 
     This invention will be more fully understood in conjunction with the following detailed description taken together with the following drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a semi-schematic side view of an exemplary hand-held RFID reader, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is enlarged front view of the display of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a representative manufacturing process that uses a stationary RFID reader, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing the sequence of operation for the manufacturing process of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This exemplary embodiment is a hand-held RFID reader assembly  20  that can be carried by a person and used to identify goods and/or retrieve information relating to the goods. For example, hand-held RFID reader assembly  20  can be carried about a warehouse and used to locate goods that are to be shipped out. 
     With particular respect to  FIG. 1 , hand-held RFID reader assembly  20  can comprise a reader  21  having a handle  23  extending downwardly therefrom. An imaging device  22  can be formed to reader  21  such it that images scenes in the direction that the hand-held RFID reader assembly  20  is pointing. A display  24  can be formed to the body such that it is readily viewable by a person holding hand-held RFID reader  20 . 
     Imaging device  22  can be an electronic imaging device, such as a CCD imager. Imaging device  22  provides an output to display  24 . Imaging device  22  and display  24  cooperate to define an aiming device for hand-held RFID reader  20 . Thus, by viewing display  24 , a user can determine what item reader  21  is pointed toward. It is the RFID tag of this item that reader  21  is most likely to read. 
     Imaging device  22  can alternatively be an all-optical (non-electronic) imaging device. For example, imaging device  22  can be similar to an optical viewfinder device of a film camera. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 2 , display  24  optionally comprises indicia formed thereon to facilitate more accurate aiming of reader  21 . For example, display  24  can comprise crosshairs  25  and/or circular bulls eye target which is comprised of concentric circles  26  and  27 . 
     Optionally, the indicia can comprise a gradient, such that display  24  becomes either lighter or darker from the center to the outer edges thereof. For example, a dark dot can be formed at the center of the display (such as between cross hairs  25 ). The dot can define the center of a gradient that becomes lighter as the gradient is further from the dot. 
     In each instance, the indicia are used to aim hand-held RFID reader assembly  20  by helping the user to center the desired RFID tag to be read in display  24 . Thus, cross-hairs  25  may be placed over the RFID tag and/or the RFID tag may be positioned within inner circle  27 . Such aiming of reader  21  helps to assure that hand-held RFID reader assembly  20  is pointed at the desired item and thus tends to mitigate the likelihood of obtaining a reading from a nearby RFID tag. 
     Optionally, a range finder  28  ( FIG. 1 ) can be used to determine the range from imaging device  22  to the RFID tag to be read. Range finder  28  facilitates the use of indicia that better indicate the likelihood that a desired RFID tag will be read and that nearby RFID tags will not be read. For example, range finder  28  can be configured to cooperate with display  24  such that indicia formed thereon delineate a predetermined threshold of the output power of the excitation beam of RFID reader  21 . 
     Range finder  28  can be an active range finder, such as an ultrasonic range finder, a microwave range finder, or a laser range finder. Alternatively, range finder  2 &amp; can be a passive range finder such as a split view range finder. Such passive range finders are particularly suitable for use with all-optical imaging devices. 
     More particularly, range finder  28  can cooperate with display  24  to position cross-hairs  25 , one of the circles  26  or  27 , and/or a desired portion of a gradient at the 3 dB power boundary of a cross-section the excitation beam of RFID reader  21  in the plane of the image (in the area of the RFID tag). That is, display  24  can provide a visual representation of the power of the excitation beam of RFID reader  22 . 
     For example, inner ring  26  can represent the 3 dB boundary. Inner ring  26  would then vary in size as the distance between imaging device  22  and the RFID tag changes, to reflect the changing size of the 3 dB boundary. An RFID tag within this boundary is much more likely to be read than an RFID tag outside of this boundary. Thus, in use the goal is to aim the RFID reader assembly  20  such that the desired RFID tag is within the boundary and all other RFID tags are outside of the boundary. 
     It is worthwhile to appreciate that the use of a 3 dB power boundary is by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Other power or non-power boundaries may similarly be used. The level and/or pattern of the particular boundary used may be based upon the readability of a tag. The readability of a tag can depend upon the type of tag. For example, different types of tags typically have different antennas that can affect the readability thereof. Optionally, the user can select the level and/or pattern of the boundary to be displayed, such as by selecting the type of tag to be read. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, a stationary RFID reader assembly  50  is configured for stationary use, such as in an assembly or test line. Stationary RFID reader assembly  50  comprises a reader  46  having an imaging device  47  formed thereto. However, imaging device  47  can alternatively be separate from reader  46 . Indeed, imaging device  47  can be disposed away from reader  46 . For example, imaging device  47  can be several inches, or even several feet, away from reader  46 . Imaging device  47  can generally be located anywhere that facilitates imaging of the RFID tags in a manner that enhances the ability of reader  46  to discriminate among adjacent RFID tags. 
     In this instance, stationary RFID reader assembly  50  is used in a manufacturing process to test RFID tags after bar codes have been printed onto labels that contain the RFID tags. Optionally, a bar code reader  42  can similarly be used to verify the printing process by checking the bar codes that were printed upon the labels. The use of imaging device  46  assures that both the proper RFID tag and the proper bar code are being read. 
     According to this exemplary manufacturing process, a printer/RFID writer  41  prints bar codes upon label stock  45  from supply reel  44 . The printed labels are then wound onto take-up reel  48 . Label stock  45  comprises a plurality of labels. Each label comprises an RFID tag. One or more bar codes can be printed upon each label. The labels can be placed upon the packages of goods that are to be shipped from a warehouse. For example, the RFID tag can contain a unique serial number, a product or model number, information regarding the product (such as its size, color, and included options), and an address to which it is to be shipped. The bar code(s), if used, can contain similar, though typically less, information. Alpha-numeric information (text) of at least an address can also be printed upon the label. 
     It is important to verify the accuracy and integrity of the RFID tags and/or the bar codes. The RFID tags and/or the bar codes are frequently used to route the package to its intended recipient. Thus, verifying the accuracy and integrity of the RFID tag and/or the bar codes can assure, among other things, that the printer/RFID writer  41  is functioning properly and that the package is likely to arrive at the intended location. 
     A printer/RFID writer  41  prints the bar codes upon the labels and programs the RFID tags. More particularly, a print head  43  of printer/RFID writer  41  prints the bar codes and any alpha-numeric information, while an RFID writer  40  writes the desired information to the RFID tag of the label. 
     Bar code reader  42  verifies the accuracy and integrity of bar codes printed upon the labels. Similarly, RFID reader  46  verifies the accuracy and integrity of RFID tags associated with the labels. 
     When verifying the accuracy and integrity of the bar codes and RFID tags, it is important to know which bar codes/RFID tags are being checked. Because the individual labels are close to one another on the label stock, it is possible to make mistakes regarding which labels are being read. This is particularly true for the RFID tags, since RFID reader  46  will typically be less directional than bar code reader  42 . 
     Imaging device  47  images the labels that pass from supply reel  44  to take-up reel  48 . A signal representative of the images made by imaging device  47  can be provided to machine vision controller  49 . Machine vision controller  49  can be configured to recognize when a label is disposed beneath RFID reader  46  in a manner that mitigates the likelihood of inadvertently reading the RFID tag of an adjacent label. 
     Thus, machine vision controller  49  can determine when RFID reader  46  is to read a label. Machine vision controller  49  thus can provide a signal to RFID reader  46  that determines when RFID reader is to read an RFID tag. Similarly, machine vision controller  49  can provide a signal to bar code reader  42  that determines when bar code reader  42  is to read a bar code. Optionally, machine vision controller  49  can provide a control signal to a drive controller  48  of printer/RFID/writer  41  so as to control the movement of label stock  45  with respect to bar code reader  42  and/or RFID reader  46 . Thus, according to one or more aspects of the present invention a way is provided for determining when an RFID reader is pointed toward a selected RFID tag, so as to mitigate the likelihood of inadvertently reading a wrong RFID tag. 
     Generally, a range finder is not needed in such industrial process applications because the distance between RFID reader  46  and the RFID tags is usually fixed. However, in applications where this distance is not fixed, a range finder may cooperate with machine vision controller to assure that the desired RFID tag is within a predetermined boundary, as discussed above. For example, a range finder may be used when scanning different sized boxes as they move on a conveyer belt, since the different sizes can define different ranges. 
     Embodiments described above illustrate, but do not limit, the invention. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.

Technology Category: 3