Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each items having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. A plurality of antennas is disposed proximate the path of travel so that each antenna radiates a gain pattern that carries radio frequency signals into a respective predetermined first area through which the items pass and receives responses to the radio frequency signals from the respective radio frequency identification tags on the items in the path of travel. At least one radio frequency transmitter drives the antennas to emit the gain patterns. At least one radio frequency receiver receives signals from the antennas corresponding to the responses and outputs first signals corresponding to the responses. A processor receives the first signals. The processor associates a first signal with a first item if the processor receives the first signal from the at least one receiver while at least a portion of the first item is within any respective predetermined first area. The antennas are disposed with respect to the path of travel so that the respective predetermined first areas at least partially overlap with each other. A first antenna and a second antenna of the plurality of antennas are disposed so that the gain pattern of the first antenna generally does not interfere with reception of responses by the second antenna, and the gain pattern of the second antenna generally does not interfere with reception of responses by the first antenna. The processor controls the at least transmitter to drive respective antennas, including driving the first antenna and the second antenna simultaneously with each other.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim