Inventors:
Michael Dearing - Spring Green WI, US
Gediminas Vidugiris - Fitchburg WI, US
William A. Linton - Madison WI, US
John Linton - Redwood City CA, US
Julia E. Krueger - Deerfield WI, US
Assignee:
Promega Corporation - Madison WI
International Classification:
G08B 13/14
US Classification:
3405721, 3405724, 3405681
Abstract:
A method and system for providing point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and/or distribution of products in a restricted access unit near the customer. The method and system utilize products equipped with radio frequency tags and reduce the effects of energy sharing, shadowing, and nulls. In one embodiment, a plurality of RF tagged products are placed within a refrigerator, cabinet, or other micro-warehouse that has a door or opening that can detect access to the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, one or more antennas are positioned within the door. Each antenna may have a transmission line of sight and be configured to emit a signal at predefined frequencies. Each antenna generates an electromagnetic field within the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, the products are positioned in one or more bins, compartments, or similar devices located within the micro-warehouse such that at least two of the plurality of products are spaced a distance from each other to reduce energy sharing. The electromagnetic field is moved or altered within the micro-warehouse through the use of reflectors, devices that move the antennas, or other mechanisms.