US5726630A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Detection of multiple articles
Assignee: BTG International Ltd
•
Filing: 1995-12-29
•
Granted: 1998-03-10
•
Expires: 2015-12-29
Abstract
Abstract An identification system comprises an interrogator and a plurality of transponders. The interrogator includes a transmitter which transmits at least two independent interrogation signals to the transponders, and a receiver for receiving response signals from the transponders. The interrogator also includes processor means for identifying the transponders from data in the received response signals. Each transponder comprises receiving means, a code generator, and transmitter means connected to the code generator. On receipt of at least one of the transmitted interrogation signals the transponder transmits a response signal containing data which identifies it. The interrogation signals may be transmitted continuously or intermittently. In a preferred embodiment, the interrogation signals are relatively narrow bandwidth signals at different frequencies. The receiving means of each transponder has a relatively broad reception bandwidth so that the transponder is responsive to one or more of the interrogation signals.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael John Camille Marsh
- 👤 Andrzej Lenarcik
- 👤 Clinton Aiden Van Zyl
- 👤 Andries Christoffel Van Schalkwyk
- 👤 Marthinus Jacobus Rudolph Oosthuizen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:46
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/12; H01Q1/22; H01Q1/2208; H01Q1/2216; G; G06; G06F; G06F17/00; A; A47; A47F; A47F9/00; A47F9/02; A47F9/04; A47F9/046; A47F9/047; A47F9/048; G01; G01S; G01S13/00; G01S13/02; G01S13/06; G01S13/08; G01S13/10; G01S13/24; G01S13/74; G01S13/75; G01S13/751; G01S13/758; G06K; G06K17/00; G06K17/0022; G06K7/00; G06K7/0008; G06K7/10; G06K7/10009; G06K7/10019; G06K7/10029; G06K7/10059; G06K7/10316; G06K7/10336; G06K7/10346; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/20; G07C9/28; G07G; G07G1/00; G07G1/0036; G07G1/0045; G07G1/0054; G07G3/00; G07G3/003; G07G3/006; G08; G08B; G08B13/00; G08B13/22; G08B13/24; G08B13/2402; G08B13/2405; G08B13/2422; G08B13/2451; G08B13/246; G08B13/2465; G08B13/2468; G08B13/2471; G08B13/2474; G08B13/2485; G08B13/2488; H01Q21/00; H01Q21/06; H01Q21/061; H01Q21/065; G01S13/87
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 152
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
An identification system comprising: an interrogator; and a plurality of transponders; the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to a plurality of transponders, receiver means for receiving a respective plurality of response signals from the plurality of transponders, and means for identifying the plurality of transponders from the respective plurality of response signals, the interrogator being capable of disabling any of the plurality of transponders; each of the plurality of transponders comprising: receiving means, and transmitting means, whereby, on receipt of the transmitted interrogation signal, the transponder transmits a response signal; wherein the interrogator transmits at least two intermittent interrogation signals, with an interval between successive interrogation signals which is less than a minimum period within which transponders which have been disabled reset themselves automatically.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
An identification system comprising: an interrogator; and a plurality of transponders; the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to a plurality of transponders, receiver means for receiving a respective plurality of response signals from the plurality of transponders, and means for identifying the plurality of transponders from the respective plurality of response signals, the interrogator being capable of disabling any of the plurality of transponders; each of the plurality of transponders comprising: receiving means, and transmitting means, whereby, on receipt of the transmitted interrogation signal, the transponder transmits a response signal; wherein the interrogator transmits at least two intermittent interrogation signals, with an interval between successive interrogation signals which is less than a minimum period within which transponders which have been disabled reset themselves automatically.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An identification system according to claim 1, wherein: the interrogation signals have respective different frequencies which are selected to fall within a reception bandwidth of the receiving means of the transponders.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
An identification system according to claim 2, wherein: the interrogation signals are relatively narrow bandwidth signals; and the receiving means of each transponder has a relatively broad reception bandwidth within which the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals fall; whereby the respective transponder is responsive to any one or more of the at least two intermittent interrogation signals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
An identification system according to claim 3, wherein: each of the interrogation signals is modulated with data, a data modulation bandwidth of each interrogation signal being less than a spacing between the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
An identification system according to any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein the transmitting means of the transponder comprises: an antenna; and means for modulating the reflectivity of the antenna; the response signal of the transponder comprising at least one interrogation signal carrier modulated with data which identifies the transponder.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
An identification system according to any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein: the transmitter means of the interrogator comprises at least two spaced apart transmitting antenna elements; and the receiver means comprises at least two spaced apart receiving antenna elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
An identification system according to any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means comprise at least two spaced apart antenna units, each of the at least two spaced apart antenna units comprising: a transmitting antenna element, and an adjacent receiving antenna element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
An identification system according to claim 7, wherein: each antenna element comprises a patch array designed to operate at a frequency between 800 MHz and 1 GHz.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
An identification system according to claim 7, wherein: at least two of the respective transmitting and receiving antenna elements are polarized differently from one another.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
An identification system according to claim 7, wherein the transmitting means of the interrogator comprises: a transmitting antenna element; at least first and second transmitters for generating interrogation signals at respective different frequencies; and switch means for switching the outputs of the transmitters alternately to the transmitting antenna element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means of the interrogator are mounted on or adjacent to a structure which defines an interrogation zone through which the transponders to be identified may be passed.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
An identification system according to claim 11, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means of the interrogator are supported by a frame defining a passage through which a conveyance containing articles to which respective transponders are attached can pass.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
52 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the at least two interrogation signals have respective different frequencies which are selected so that there are no overlapping nulls in the electric fields of the interrogation signals within a predetermined distance of the transmitter means of the interrogator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: processor means for recording data received from each identified transponder, and for relating the received data to stored data corresponding to the received data.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
An identification system according to claim 14, wherein: the processor means stores at least one of price data and identification data of articles to which different transponders are attached, and relates the identification codes of identified transponders thereto.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
An identification system according to claim 15, further comprising: display means for generating a display in which descriptions of the articles to which respective transponders are attached are associated with price data.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
An identification system according to claim 16, further comprising: printer means for generating a printout of the display.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of identifying a plurality of transponders, comprising: transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders, each transponder receiving the interrogation and transmitting a response signal in response; receiving the response signals from the transponders; identifying a particular transponder from the response signals; and disabling the particular transponder; wherein at least two intermittent interrogation signals are transmitted, with an interval between successive interrogation signals which is less than a minimum period within which transponders which have been disabled reset themselves automatically.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of identifying a plurality of transponders, comprising: transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders, each transponder receiving the interrogation and transmitting a response signal in response; receiving the response signals from the transponders; identifying a particular transponder from the response signals; and disabling the particular transponder; wherein at least two intermittent interrogation signals are transmitted, with an interval between successive interrogation signals which is less than a minimum period within which transponders which have been disabled reset themselves automatically.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 18, further comprising: selecting the respective different frequencies of the at least two interrogation signals to fall within the reception bandwidth of the transponders.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 19, wherein: the at least two interrogation signals have a relatively narrow bandwidth and the transponders have a relatively broad reception bandwidth within which the respective different frequencies of the at least two interrogation signals fall.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 20, wherein: each interrogation signal is modulated with data, the data modulation bandwidth of each interrogation signal being less than the spacing between the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
32 words
A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein: the response signal from a transponder comprises one or more interrogation signal carriers modulated with data which identifies the transponder.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
21 words
A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising: switching between the at least two interrogation signals.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
51 words
A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising: selecting the at least two interrogation signals to have respective different frequencies so that there are no overlapping nulls in the electric fields of the interrogation signals within a predetermined distance of the transmitter means of the interrogator.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
33 words
A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising: recording data received from each identified transponder; and relating the received data to stored data corresponding to the received data.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 25, further comprising: storing at least one of price data and identification data of articles to which different transponders are attached; and relating thereto the identification codes of identified transponders.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 26, further comprising: displaying descriptions of the articles to which respective transponders are attached; and associating the articles with the price data.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 27, further comprising: printing a printout of the display.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
123 words
An identification system comprising: an interrogator; and a plurality of transponders; the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders, receiver means for receiving response signals from the transponders, and means for identifying the transponders from the response signals; each of the plurality of transponders comprising: receiving means, and transmitting means, whereby, on receipt of the transmitted interrogation signal, the transponder transmits a response signal; wherein the interrogator transmitter transmits a plurality of simultanteous interrogation signals at a plurality of frequencies, each transponder transmiting a response signal on receipt of at least one of whichever of the interrogation signals, and the interrogator identifying response signals from the same transponder which are transmitted at some or all of the frequencies.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
123 words
An identification system comprising: an interrogator; and a plurality of transponders; the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders, receiver means for receiving response signals from the transponders, and means for identifying the transponders from the response signals; each of the plurality of transponders comprising: receiving means, and transmitting means, whereby, on receipt of the transmitted interrogation signal, the transponder transmits a response signal; wherein the interrogator transmitter transmits a plurality of simultanteous interrogation signals at a plurality of frequencies, each transponder transmiting a response signal on receipt of at least one of whichever of the interrogation signals, and the interrogator identifying response signals from the same transponder which are transmitted at some or all of the frequencies.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
An identification system according to claim 29, wherein: the transmitter means transmits the plurality of interrogation signals continuously.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
34 words
An identification system according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein: the interrogation signals have respective different frequencies which are selected to fall within the reception bandwidth of the receiving means of the transponders.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
53 words
An identification system according to claim 31, wherein: the interrogation signals are relatively narrow bandwidth signals; and the receiving means of each transponder have a relatively broad reception bandwidth within which the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals fall; whereby the transponder is responsive to at least one of the interrogation signals.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
37 words
An identification system according to claim 32, wherein: each interrogation signal is modulated with data, the data modulation bandwidth of each interrogation signal being less than the spacing between the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
52 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the transmitting means of the transponder comprises: an antenna; and means for modulating the reflectivity of the antenna; whereby the response signal of the transponder comprises one or more interrogation signal carriers modulated with data which identifies the transponder.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
42 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means comprise at least two spaced apart antenna units, each antenna unit comprising a transmitting antenna element and an adjacent receiving antenna element.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
49 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein: the interrogation signals have respective different frequencies which are selected so that there are no overlapping nulls in the electric fields of the interrogation signals within a predetermined distance of the transmitter means of the interrogator.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
46 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means of the interrogator are mounted on or adjacent to a structure which defines an interrogation zone through which the transponders to be identified may be passed.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
40 words
An identification system according to claim 37, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means of the interrogator are supported by a frame defining a passage through which a conveyance containing articles to which respective transponders are attached can pass.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
41 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein: the transmitter means of the interrogator comprises at least two spaced apart transmitting antenna elements; and the receiver means comprises at least two spaced apart receiving antenna elements.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
An identification system according to claim 39, wherein: each antenna element comprises a patch array designed to operate at a frequency between 800 MHz and 1 GHz.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
An identification system according to claim 39, wherein: at least two of the respective transmitting and receiving antenna elements are polarized differently from one another.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
An identification system according to claim 39, wherein: the receiver means distinguishes response signals from transponders in response to interrogation signals transmitted at the respective different frequencies of the at least first and second transmitters.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
An identification system according to claim 42, further comprising: processor means to detect duplicate transponder response signals transmitted on two or more of the respective different frequencies.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
An identification system according to claim 42, further comprising: processor means for disregarding transponder response signals transmitted on two or more of the respective different frequencies.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
38 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 29 to 32, further comprising: processor means for recording data received from each identified transponder, and for relating the received data to stored data corresponding to the received data.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
38 words
An identification system according to claim 45, wherein: the processor means stores at least one of price data and identification data of articles to which different transponders are attached, and relates the identification codes of identified transponders thereto.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
An identification system according to claim 46, further comprising: display means for generating a display in which descriptions of the articles to which respective transponders are attached are associated with price data.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
An identification system according to claim 47, further comprising: printer means for generating a printout of the display.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
81 words
An interrogator for identifying a plurality of transponders, the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders; receiver means for receiving response signals from the transponders; and means for identifying transponders from the response signals; wherein the interrogator transmitter transmits a plurality of simultaneous interrogation signals at a respective plurality of frequencies, and the interrogator identifies a plurality of respectively distinguishable response signals from the same transponder which are transmitted at some or all of the frequencies.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
81 words
An interrogator for identifying a plurality of transponders, the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders; receiver means for receiving response signals from the transponders; and means for identifying transponders from the response signals; wherein the interrogator transmitter transmits a plurality of simultaneous interrogation signals at a respective plurality of frequencies, and the interrogator identifies a plurality of respectively distinguishable response signals from the same transponder which are transmitted at some or all of the frequencies.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
26 words
An interrogator according to claim 49, further comprising: processor means for detecting duplicate transponder response signals transmitted on two or more of the respective different frequencies.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
25 words
An interrogator according to claim 49, further comprising: processor means for disregarding transponder response signals transmitted on two or more of the respective different frequencies.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
20 words
An interrogator according to claim 49, wherein: the transmitter means of the interrogator transmits the plurality of interrogation signals continuously.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
39 words
An interrogator according to claim 49 or claim 52, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means comprise at least two spaced apart antenna units, each antenna unit comprising: a transmitting antenna element, and an adjacent receiving antenna element.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
46 words
An interrogator according to claim 49 or claim 52, wherein: the interrogation signals have respective different frequencies which are selected so that there are no overlapping nulls in the electric fields of the interrogation signals within a predetermined distance of the transmitter means of the interrogator.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
38 words
An interrogator according to claim 49 or claim 52, wherein the transmitter means of the interrogator comprises: at least two spaced apart transmitting antenna elements; and the receiver means comprises at least two spaced apart receiving antenna elements.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
26 words
An interrogator according to claim 55, wherein each antenna element comprises: a patch array designed to operate at a frequency between 800 MHz and 1 GHz.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
An interrogator according to claim 55, wherein: at least two of the respective transmitting and receiving antenna elements are polarized differently from one another.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
29 words
An interrogator according to claim 55, wherein: the receiver means distinguishes response signals from transponders transmitted at the respective different frequencies of the at least first and second transmitters.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
33 words
An interrogator according to claim 49 or claim 52, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means of the interrogator are mounted on or adjacent to a structure which defines an interrogation zone.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
An interrogator according to claim 59, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means of the interrogation are supported by a frame defining a passage through which a conveyance containing articles can pass.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
17 words
An interrogator according to claims 49 or claim 52, wherein: the interrogation signals have respective different frequencies.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
An interrogator according to claim 61, wherein: the interrogation signals are relatively narrow bandwidth signals.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
36 words
An interrogator according to claim 62, wherein: each interrogation signal is modulated with data, the data modulation bandwidth of each interrogation signal being less than the spacing between the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
81 words
An interrogator for identifying a plurality of transponders, comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders; receiver means for receiving response signals from the transponders; and means for identifying the transponders from the response signals; the interrogator being capable of disabling any transponder; and the interrogator transmitter transmiting at least two intermittent interrogation signals, with an interval between successive interrogation signals which is less than a minimum period within which transponders which have been disabled reset themselves automatically.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
81 words
An interrogator for identifying a plurality of transponders, comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders; receiver means for receiving response signals from the transponders; and means for identifying the transponders from the response signals; the interrogator being capable of disabling any transponder; and the interrogator transmitter transmiting at least two intermittent interrogation signals, with an interval between successive interrogation signals which is less than a minimum period within which transponders which have been disabled reset themselves automatically.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
36 words
An interrogator according to claim 64, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means comprise at least two spaced apart antenna units, each antenna unit comprising a transmitting antenna element and an adjacent receiving antenna element.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
48 words
An interrogator according to claim 64, wherein the transmitting means of the interrogator comprises: a transmitting antenna element; at least first and second transmitters for generating interrogation signals at respective different frequencies; and switch means for switching the outputs of the transmitters alternately to the transmitting antenna element.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
46 words
An interrogator according to claim 64, wherein: the at least two interrogation signals have respective different frequencies which are selected so that there are no overlapping nulls in the electric fields of the interrogation signals within a predetermined distance of the transmitter means of the interrogator.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
35 words
An interrogator according to claim 64, wherein: the transmitter means of the interrogator comprises at least two spaced apart transmitting antenna elements; and the receiver means comprises at least two spaced apart receiving antenna elements.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
26 words
An interrogator according to claim 68, wherein: each antenna element comprises a patch array designed to operate at a frequency between 800 MHz and 1 GHz.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
24 words
An interrogator according to claim 68, wherein: at least two of the respective transmitting and receiving antenna elements are polarized differently from one another.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
30 words
An interrogator according to claim 64, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means of the interrogator are mounted on or adjacent to a structure which defines an interrogation zone.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
33 words
An interrogator according to claim 71, wherein: the transmitter means and the receiver means of the interrogator are supported by a frame defining a passage through which a conveyance containing articles can pass.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
17 words
An interrogator according to claim 64, wherein: the at least two interrogation signals have respective different frequencies.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
18 words
An interrogator according to claim 73, wherein: the at least two interrogation signals are relatively narrow bandwidth signals.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
36 words
An interrogator according to claim 74, wherein: each interrogation signal is modulated with data, a data modulation bandwidth of each interrogation signal being less than a spacing between the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of identifying a plurality of transponders, comprising: transmitting an interrogation signal to the plurality of transponders, each of the plurality of transponders receiving the interrogation signal and transmitting a signal in response; receiving the response signals from the transponders; and identifying transponders from the response signals; wherein a plurality of simultanteous interrogation signals at a plurality of frequencies are transmitted, a response signal is transmitted by each transmitter on receipt of at least one of whichever of the interrogation signals, and response signals from the same transponder which are transmitted at some or all of the frequencies are identified.
Claim 82
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of identifying a plurality of transponders, comprising: transmitting an interrogation signal to the plurality of transponders, each of the plurality of transponders receiving the interrogation signal and transmitting a signal in response; receiving the response signals from the transponders; and identifying transponders from the response signals; wherein a plurality of simultanteous interrogation signals at a plurality of frequencies are transmitted, a response signal is transmitted by each transmitter on receipt of at least one of whichever of the interrogation signals, and response signals from the same transponder which are transmitted at some or all of the frequencies are identified.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 76, further comprising: detecting duplicate transponder response signals transmitted on at least two of the respective different frequencies.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 76, further comprising: disregarding transponder response signals transmitted on at least two of the respective different frequencies.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 76, wherein: a plurality of interrogation signals are transmitted continuously.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 76 or claim 79, wherein: the response signal of a transponder comprises at least one interrogation signal carrier modulated with data which identifies the transponder.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 76 or claim 79, further comprising: selecting the interrogation signals to have respective different frequencies so that there are no overlapping nulls in the electric fields of the interrogation signals within a predetermined distance of the transmitter means of the interrogator.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 79, wherein: respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals are selected to fall within the reception bandwidth of the transponders.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 82, wherein: the interrogation signals have relatively narrow bandwidth; and the transponders have a relatively broad reception bandwidth within which the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals fall.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 83, wherein: each interrogation signal is modulated with data, the data modulation bandwidth of each interrogation signal being less than a spacing between respective different frequencies of the interrogation signals.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 76 or claim 79, further comprising: recording data received from each identified transponder; and relating the received data to stored data corresponding to the received data.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 85, further comprising: storing at least one of price data and identification data of articles to which different transponders are attached; and relating thereto the identification codes of identified transponders.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 86, further comprising: displaying descriptions of the articles to which respective transponders are attached; and associating the articles with price data.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 87, further comprising: printing a printout of the display.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of identifying a plurality of transponders, comprising: transmitting an interrogation signal to the plurality of transponders, each of the plurality of transponders receiving the interrogation signal; and disabling any one of the plurality of transponders; whereby the interrogation signal and an inhibiting signal are transmitted; and a disabled transponder remains disabled while the disabled transponder continues receiving the inhibiting signal.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of identifying a plurality of transponders, comprising: transmitting an interrogation signal to the plurality of transponders, each of the plurality of transponders receiving the interrogation signal; and disabling any one of the plurality of transponders; whereby the interrogation signal and an inhibiting signal are transmitted; and a disabled transponder remains disabled while the disabled transponder continues receiving the inhibiting signal.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 89, wherein: the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal have relatively narrow bandwidth; and the transponders have a relatively broad reception bandwidth within which the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal fall.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 90, further comprising: modulating the interrogation signal with data, the data modulation bandwidth of the interrogation signal being less than a spacing between the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 89, wherein: the interrogation signal is relatively directional; and the inhibiting signal is relatively widely dispersed.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 89, wherein: a width of the inhibiting signal is at least 5 times greater than a width of the interrogating signal.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
27 words
A method according to any one of claims 89 to 93, wherein: the interrogation signal is relatively high power; and the inhibiting signal is relatively low power.
Claim 102
Independent Claim
26 words
A method according to any one of claims 89 to 93, further comprising: transmitting a turn-off instruction in both the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal.
Claim 103
Independent Claim
34 words
A method according to any one of claims 89 to 93, further comprising: selecting respective different frequencies of the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal to fall within the reception bandwidth of the transponders.
Claim 104
Independent Claim
30 words
A method according to any one of claims 89 to 93, wherein: the response signal of a transponder comprises a interrogation signal carrier modulated with data which identifies the transponder.
Claim 105
Independent Claim
52 words
A method according to any one of claims 89 to 93, further comprising: selecting the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal to have respective different frequencies so that there are no overlapping nulls in the electric fields of the interrogation signals within a predetermined distance of the transmitter means of the interrogator.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
25 words
A method according to any one of claims 89 to 93, further comprising: disregarding transponder response signals transmitted on the frequency of the inhibiting beam.
Claim 107
Independent Claim
33 words
A method according to any one of claims 89 to 93, further comprising: recording data received from each identified transponder; and relating the received data to stored data corresponding to the received data.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 100, further comprising: storing at least one of price data and identification data of articles to which different transponders are attached; and relating thereto the identification codes of identified transponders.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 101, further comprising: displaying descriptions of the articles to which respective transponders are attached; and associating the articles with the price data.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 102, further comprising: printing a printout of the display.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
72 words
A transponder comprising: receiving means for receiving an interrogation signal; a code generator; and transmitting means connected to the code generator, the transponder transmitting a response signal which identifies the transponder on receipt of the interrogation signal, and being disabled by an instruction in the interrogation signal; the transponder receiving the interrogation signal and an inhibiting signal; and a disabled transponder remaining disabled while the disabled transponder continues receiving the inhibiting signal.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
72 words
A transponder comprising: receiving means for receiving an interrogation signal; a code generator; and transmitting means connected to the code generator, the transponder transmitting a response signal which identifies the transponder on receipt of the interrogation signal, and being disabled by an instruction in the interrogation signal; the transponder receiving the interrogation signal and an inhibiting signal; and a disabled transponder remaining disabled while the disabled transponder continues receiving the inhibiting signal.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
43 words
A transponder according to claim 104, wherein the transmitting means of the transponder comprises: an antenna; and means for modulating reflectivity of the antenna; whereby the response signal of the transponder comprises an interrogation signal carrier modulated with data which identifies the transponder.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
116 words
An identification system comprising: a plurality of transponders, each transponder comprising receiving means, a code generator, and transmitting means connected to the code generator, wherein in each transponder the transmitting means transmits a response signal containing data from the code generator which identifies the transponder in response to whichever of two independent interrogation signals the receiving means of the transponder receives; and an interrogator comprising transmitter means for transmitting two independent interrogation signals to the transponders wherein each independent interrogation signal being adapted to independently activate any one or more of the transponders, receiver means for receiving the response signals from the transponders, and processor means for identifying the transponders from data in the response signals.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
116 words
An identification system comprising: a plurality of transponders, each transponder comprising receiving means, a code generator, and transmitting means connected to the code generator, wherein in each transponder the transmitting means transmits a response signal containing data from the code generator which identifies the transponder in response to whichever of two independent interrogation signals the receiving means of the transponder receives; and an interrogator comprising transmitter means for transmitting two independent interrogation signals to the transponders wherein each independent interrogation signal being adapted to independently activate any one or more of the transponders, receiver means for receiving the response signals from the transponders, and processor means for identifying the transponders from data in the response signals.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as in claim 106, wherein the transmitter means of the interrogator transmits the two independent interrogation signals simultaneously.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
51 words
A system as in claim 106, wherein the transmitter means of the interrogator transmits the two interrogation signals intermittently, with an interval between successive interrogation signals which is less than a minimum period within which transponders which have been disabled by a disable instruction in an interrogation signal reset themselves automatically.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as in claim 106, wherein the two interrogation signals have respective different frequencies which fall within the reception bandwidth of the transponders.
Claim 119
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for identifying one of a plurality of transponders, the method comprising: transmitting two independent interrogation signals to the transponders, each independent interrogation signal being adapted to independently activate any one or more of the transponders; activating one of the transponders in response to whichever of the two independent interrogation signals the one transponder receives, such that the one transponder transmits a response signal containing code data which identifies the transponder and at least some signal energy from whichever of the two independent interrogation signals the one transponder receives; receiving the response signal from the one transponder; and identifying the one transponder from the code data in the response signal.
Claim 120
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for identifying one of a plurality of transponders, the method comprising: transmitting two independent interrogation signals to the transponders, each independent interrogation signal being adapted to independently activate any one or more of the transponders; activating one of the transponders in response to whichever of the two independent interrogation signals the one transponder receives, such that the one transponder transmits a response signal containing code data which identifies the transponder and at least some signal energy from whichever of the two independent interrogation signals the one transponder receives; receiving the response signal from the one transponder; and identifying the one transponder from the code data in the response signal.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 110, wherein the step of transmitting two independent interrogation signals comprises simultaneously transmitting the two independent interrogation signals.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as in claim 110, wherein the step of transmitting two independent interrogation signals comprises transmitting the two independent interrogation signals intermittently, with an interval between successive interrogation signals which is less than a minimum period within which transponders remain disabled responsive to a disable instruction before an automatic reset.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 110, wherein the two independent interrogation signals have respective different frequencies which fall within a reception bandwidth of the transponders.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as in claim 113, wherein the frequencies of the two independent interrogation signals are such that electric fields of the two transmitted independent interrogation signals have no overlapping nulls in an area encompassing the transponders.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
85 words
An identification system comprising: an interrogator; and a plurality of transponders; the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders, receiver means for receiving response signals from the transponders, and means for identifying the transponders from the response signals; each of the plurality of transponders comprising: receiving means responsive to a disabling instruction from the interrogator; the interrogator transmiting the interrogation signal and an inhibiting signal; and a disabled transponder remains disabled while the disabled transponder continues receiving the inhibiting signal.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
85 words
An identification system comprising: an interrogator; and a plurality of transponders; the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponders, receiver means for receiving response signals from the transponders, and means for identifying the transponders from the response signals; each of the plurality of transponders comprising: receiving means responsive to a disabling instruction from the interrogator; the interrogator transmiting the interrogation signal and an inhibiting signal; and a disabled transponder remains disabled while the disabled transponder continues receiving the inhibiting signal.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
48 words
An identification system according to claim 115, wherein: the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal are relatively narrow bandwidth signals; and the receiving means of each transponder has a relatively broad reception bandwidth within which the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal fall.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
40 words
An identification system according to claim 116, wherein: the interrogation signal is modulated with data, the data modulation bandwidth of the interrogation signal being less than a spacing between respective different frequencies of the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
26 words
An identification system according to claim 115, wherein: the interrogation signal is a relatively directional signal; and the inhibiting signal is a relatively widely dispersed signal.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
28 words
An identification system according to claim 118, wherein: the inhibiting signal has a beam width which is at least 5 times greater than that of the interrogating signal.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
32 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 115 to 119, wherein: the interrogation signal is a relatively high power signal; and the inhibiting signal is a relatively low power signal.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
30 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 115 to 119, wherein: a turn-off instruction to the transponder is transmitted in both the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
40 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 115 to 119, wherein: the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal have respective different frequencies which are selected to fall within the reception bandwidth of the receiving means of the transponders.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
50 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 115 to 119, wherein the transmitting means of the transponder comprises: an antenna; and means for modulating the reflectivity of the antenna; whereby the response signal of the transponder comprises the interrogation signal carrier modulated with data which identifies the transponder.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
33 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 115 to 119, wherein: the interrogator detects transponder response signals transmitted on a frequency of the inhibiting beam and disregards such transponder response signals.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
38 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 115 to 119, further comprising: processor means for recording data received from each identified transponder, and for relating the received data to stored data corresponding to the received data.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
39 words
An identification system according to claim 125, wherein: the processor means stores at least one of price data and identification data of articles to which different transponders are attached, and to relate the identification codes of identified transponders thereto.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
51 words
An identification system according to any one of claims 115 to 119, wherein: the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal have respective different frequencies selected so that there are no overlapping nulls in the electric fields of the interrogation signals within a predetermined distance of the transmitter means of the interrogator.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
32 words
An identification system according to claim 127, further comprising: display means for generating a display in which descriptions of the articles to which respective transponders are attached are associated with price data.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
18 words
An identification system according to claim 128, further comprising: printer means for generating a printout of the display.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
92 words
An interrogator for identifying a plurality of transponders, the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the plurality of transponders, wherein, transponders which identified themselves from the interrogation signal are capable of being disabled by an instruction in the interrogation signal; receiver means for receiving response signals from the plurality of transponders; and means for identifying the plurality of transponders from the response signals; the interrogator transmitting the interrogation signal and an inhibiting signal, wherein a disabled transponder remains disabled while the disabled transponder continued receiving the inhibiting signal.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
92 words
An interrogator for identifying a plurality of transponders, the interrogator comprising: transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the plurality of transponders, wherein, transponders which identified themselves from the interrogation signal are capable of being disabled by an instruction in the interrogation signal; receiver means for receiving response signals from the plurality of transponders; and means for identifying the plurality of transponders from the response signals; the interrogator transmitting the interrogation signal and an inhibiting signal, wherein a disabled transponder remains disabled while the disabled transponder continued receiving the inhibiting signal.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
19 words
An interrogator according to claim 130, wherein: the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal are relatively narrow bandwidth signals.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
40 words
An interrogator according to claim 131, wherein: the interrogation signal is modulated with data, the data modulation bandwidth of the interrogation signal being less than a spacing between the respective different frequencies of the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
25 words
An interrogator according to claim 130, wherein: the interrogation signal is a relatively directional signal; and the inhibiting signal is a relatively widely dispersed signal.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
27 words
An interrogator according to claim 133, wherein: the inhibiting signal has a beam width which is at least 5 times greater than that of the interrogating signal.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
31 words
An interrogator according to any one of claims 130 to 134, wherein: the interrogation signal is a relatively high power signal; and the inhibiting signal is a relatively low power signal.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
27 words
An interrogator according to any one of the claims 130 to 134, wherein: a turn-off instruction is transmitted in both the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
23 words
An interrogator according to any one of claims 130 to 134, wherein: the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal have respective different frequencies.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
52 words
An interrogator according to any one of claims 130 to 134, wherein: the interrogation signal and the inhibiting signal have respective different frequencies which are selected so that there are no overlapping nulls in the electric fields of the interrogation signals within a predetermined distance of the transmitter means of the interrogator.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
32 words
An interrogator according to any one of claims 130 to 134, wherein: the interrogator detects transponder response signals transmitted on a frequency of the inhibiting beam and disregards such transponder response signals.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
19 words
An interrogator according to any one of claims 130 to 134, wherein: the interrogator is a hand-held type interrogator.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-03-09 | 2001-09-08 | 2002-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-03-09 | 2005-09-08 | 2006-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-03-09 | 2009-09-08 | 2010-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |