Method and apparatus for selectively activating radio frequency identification tags that are in close proximity
US6392544B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/10316
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A radio frequency identification exciter (200) includes a plurality of antenna elements (122a-i) that are spaced to define active areas (130a-e). A matrix switch (202) flexibly connects the plurality of antenna elements to an exciter circuit (203). Independent switches (204a-i) are selectively switched such that an electric field is generated between at least two antenna elements whereby radio frequency identification tags (132) in the vicinity of the two antenna elements are capacitively powered to exchange data with the exciter. Antenna elements other than the at least two antenna elements may be selectively coupled to a signal from the exciter circuit that inhibits activation of radio frequency identification tags in the vicinity of those antenna elements. The matrix switch preferably comprises polymer-based circuits.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.