Techniques are provided to estimate the location of an RFID tag using tag read information, such as a tag read count or a tag read rate, and an opportunity metric, such as an inventory cycle duration, inventory cycle rate, or inventory cycle count. A tag tracking system determines read information for a tag in a zone and an opportunity metric associated with the tag and the zone. The tag tracking system then computes a success rate based on the tag read information and opportunity metric, and uses the success rate to estimate the location of the tag.

A system that exploits collaboration between a plurality of spatially distributed RFID readers to enhance the range of commercial passive RFID tags, without alteration to the tags. The system uses distributed MIMO to coherently combine signals across geographically separated RFID readers. It is capable of inferring the optimal beamforming parameters to beam energy to a tag without any initial knowledge of the location or orientation of the tags.

High density read chambers are provided for scanning and/or encoding a plurality of RFID tagged items. Such chambers may include an enclosure with an interior defined by upper and lower surfaces, with a sidewall extending therebetween. An access (such as a door) may be associated with at least one of the surfaces or the sidewall, with the access being at least partially opened to access the interior of the enclosure from an outside location. The chamber further includes an antenna positioned within the interior of the enclosure and an RFID reader associated with the antenna. The RFID reader receives signals from and/or transmits signals to the antenna, while the antenna emits a scanning or encoding signal within the interior of the enclosure, with at least a portion of at least one of the surfaces or the sidewall including a signal-reflective material facing the interior of the enclosure.

Techniques are provided to estimate the location of an RFID tag using tag read information, such as a tag read count or a tag read rate, and an opportunity metric, such as an inventory cycle duration, inventory cycle rate, or inventory cycle count. A tag tracking system determines read information for a tag in a zone and an opportunity metric associated with the tag and the zone. The tag tracking system then computes a success rate based on the tag read information and opportunity metric, and uses the success rate to estimate the location of the tag.

Improved RFID devices and manufacturing methods that utilize more efficient RFID designs, result in less manufacturing material waste and increased recycling opportunities, all without sacrificing RFID device performance, are disclosed herein. Some exemplary embodiments of the improved RFID device may make use of a thinner foil, a hollowed-out foil, a “no-strip” design, or a tessellated design that may reduce material usage. Other exemplary embodiments may use a lower-impact and/or biodegradable adhesive so as to improve aluminum recycling and lessen risks to the environment.

Improved RFID devices and manufacturing methods that utilize more efficient RFID designs, result in less manufacturing material waste and increased recycling opportunities, all without sacrificing RFID device performance, are disclosed herein. Some exemplary embodiments of the improved RFID device may make use of a thinner foil, a hollowed-out foil, a “no-strip” design, or a tessellated design that may reduce material usage. Other exemplary embodiments may use a lower-impact and/or biodegradable adhesive so as to improve aluminum recycling and lessen risks to the environment.

Improved RFID devices and manufacturing methods that utilize more efficient RFID designs, result in less manufacturing material waste and increased recycling opportunities, all without sacrificing RFID device performance, are disclosed herein. Some exemplary embodiments of the improved RFID device may make use of a thinner foil, a hollowed-out foil, a “no-strip” design, or a tessellated design that may reduce material usage. Other exemplary embodiments may use a lower-impact and/or biodegradable adhesive so as to improve aluminum recycling and lessen risks to the environment.

An RF module and method include a base with a probe, a reader unit, a communications unit, and a control unit that establish tracking activation EM field into a container having electrically-conductive walls. RFID tags attached to medical articles located within the container are activated and produce identification signals. The probe and base receive the identification signals and provide identification data related to medical articles located within the container. The RF module is self-contained excepting power and a data connection with which to operate. Where an Ethernet is used, power is obtained by PoE. The RF module is used to retrofit existing medication containers and may be used during the construction of a new medication container.

A conductor layer (100) is electrically conductive and includes a first mesh region where apertures (120) are formed in a mesh shape. A conductor layer (200) is electrically conductive and includes a second mesh region where apertures (220) are formed in a mesh shape. An insulator layer (300) is insulative and is disposed between the conductor layer (100) and the conductor layer (200). A communication sheet (1000) allows electromagnetic waves supplied from a first communication device to percolate from the apertures (120) to form a first percolation region on the surface of the conductor layer (100) and allows the electromagnetic waves to percolate from the apertures (220) to form a second percolation region on the surface of the conductor layer (200). The communication sheet (1000) relays communication between the first communication device and a second communication device that is placed in the first or second percolation region.

An RF module includes a base with a probe, a reader unit, a communications unit, and a control unit that establish an EM field into a container having electrically-conductive walls. RFID tags attached to medical articles located within the container are activated and produce identification signals. The probe and base receive the identification signals and provide identification data related to medical articles located within the container. The RF module is self-contained in that it needs only power and a data connection with which to operate. Where an Ethernet is used, power is obtained by PoE. The RF module is used to retrofit existing medication containers or may be used during the construction of a new medication container.