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Abstract

The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for locating items using passive transponders called radio frequency identification devices or 'RFIDs.' In a first embodiment of the invention, a small business like a law firm or doctor's office can use self-adhesive RFID labels to keep track of files and important papers. In a second embodiment, items purchased from a retailer which are already attached to an RFID label are automatically detected and tracked by a wireless sniffer when the purchases are brought home. In a third embodiment, a retailer uses the RFID labels to conduct an automatic wireless inventory. In a fourth embodiment, the retailer uses the same system to reduce losses due to theft of merchandise. In a fifth embodiment, the retailer uses the RFID labels to provide automatic wireless check-out. In a sixth embodiment, the retailer analyzes the inventory of goods within a customer's home to enhance sales and marketing strategies. In a seventh embodiment, the retailer uses the home inventory data to furnish automatic order fulfillment. In an eighth embodiment, the customer uses the portable sniffer to retrieve information about a product stored in an RFID.

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First Claim