U.S. patent application number 12/643721 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-23 for configuration rfid circuit.
Invention is credited to Christian Weidinger.
Application Number | 20110148570 12/643721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43602888 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110148570 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weidinger; Christian |
June 23, 2011 |
Configuration RFID Circuit
Abstract
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader circuit includes
a transceiver configured to communicate with a plurality of
different types of RFID transponders using radio frequency signals.
The RFID reader circuit includes a processor circuit that is
configured to detect and communicate with the plurality of
different types of RFID transponders via the transceiver,
respectively using a command set for the type of RFID transponder
that the processor circuit is communicating with. The processor
circuit is further configured to, in response to detecting an RFID
transponder having configuration data for a new command set, access
and use the configuration data for the new command set to update a
configuration of the RFID reader circuit to enable communication
with a new type of RFID transponder.
Inventors: |
Weidinger; Christian; (Graz,
AT) |
Family ID: |
43602888 |
Appl. No.: |
12/643721 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/5.8 ;
340/10.51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/0723 20130101;
G06K 7/10366 20130101; G06K 7/0008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/5.8 ;
340/10.51 |
International
Class: |
G06F 7/04 20060101
G06F007/04; G06K 7/01 20060101 G06K007/01 |
Claims
1. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader circuit
comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a
plurality of different types of RFID transponders using radio
frequency signals; and a processor circuit configured to detect and
communicate with the plurality of different types of RFID
transponders via the transceiver, respectively using a command set
for the type of RFID transponder that the processor circuit is
communicating with, in response to detecting an RFID transponder
having configuration data for a new command set, access and use the
configuration data for the new command set to update a
configuration of the RFID reader circuit to enable communication
with a new type of RFID transponder, and in response to detecting
an RFID transponder of the new type, communicate with the RFID
transponder of the new type using the new command set.
2. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the new command set
is an updated version of an existing command set, and the processor
circuit accesses and uses the configuration data to update at least
one aspect of the existing command set.
3. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the new command set
is a new command set that is independent from command sets for
which the RFID reader has been previously configured, and the
processor circuit accesses and uses the configuration data to
update the reader with an entirely new command set.
4. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the processor
circuit is factory-configured with a single command set for reading
a configuration RFID transponder, and prior to communicating with
RFID transponders that do not include configuration data,
configured to access at least one configuration RFID transponder to
field-configure the RFID reader circuit with a command set for each
of the plurality of different types of RFID transponders.
5. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the processor
circuit is further configured to in response to detecting an RFID
transponder having configuration data for a new command set,
authenticate at least one of the configuration data and the RFID
transponder, and in response to the authentication, access and use
the configuration data for the new command set to update the
configuration of the RFID reader circuit.
6. The RFID reader circuit of claim 5, wherein the processor
circuit is further configured to authenticate at least one of the
configuration data and the detected RFID transponder responsive to
password data provided to the RFID reader circuit by the detected
RFID transponder.
7. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, further comprising a memory
circuit configured to store a plurality of command sets, each of
the commend sets for communicating with one of the different types
of RFID transponders, wherein the RFID reader is configured to
update a configuration of the RFID reader circuit by storing the
accessed configuration data in the memory circuit.
8. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, further comprising a memory
circuit configured to store a plurality of command sets in a lookup
table having an entry for each type of RFID transponder with which
the RFID reader circuit is configured to communicate, each of the
command sets for communicating with one of the different types of
RFID transponders, wherein the RFID reader is configured to update
a configuration of the RFID reader circuit by storing the accessed
configuration data in the lookup table.
9. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein each of the command
sets identifies commands and features supported by one of the
different types of RFID transponders.
10. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the processor
circuit is further configured to enter a firmware update mechanism
responsive to data received from the detected RFID transponder in
which firmware of the RFID reader circuit is updated using the
configuration data.
11. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) system comprising: an
RFID transponder configured to operate in accordance with a
particular command set and to store configuration data for
configuring an RFID reader circuit for communicating with a new
type of RFID transponder; and an RFID reader circuit configured to
communicate with RFID transponders that operate according to a
plurality of different command sets, in response to detecting the
RFID transponder that stores the configuration data, access and use
the configuration data to establish a new command set in the RFID
reader circuit for communicating with the new type of RFID
transponder, and in response to detecting an RFID transponder of
the new type, communicate with the RFID transponder of the new type
using the new command set.
12. The RFID system of claim 11, wherein the RFID reader circuit is
further configured to in response to detecting an RFID transponder
having configuration data for a new command set, authenticate at
least one of the configuration data and the RFID transponder, and
in response to the authentication, access and use the configuration
data for the new command set to update the configuration of the
RFID reader circuit.
13. The RFID system of claim 11, wherein the RFID reader circuit is
further configured to authenticate at least one of the
configuration data and the detected RFID transponder responsive to
password data provided to the RFID reader circuit by the detected
RFID transponder.
14. The RFID system of claim 11, wherein the RFID reader circuit is
further configured to store a plurality of command sets, each of
the commend sets for communicating with one of the different types
of RFID transponders, and to store the new command set in
association with an identification for a new type of RFID
transponder, for access and use in communicating with the new type
of RFID transponder.
15. The RFID system of claim 9, wherein each of the command sets
identifies the commands and features supported by one of the
different types of RFID transponders.
16. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder for
updating an RFID reader circuit, the RFID transponder comprising: a
transceiver configured to communicate with the RFID reader circuit
using radio frequency signals according to a command set; a memory
circuit configured to store configuration data for a new command
set; and a control circuit configured to communicate with the RFID
reader circuit via the transceiver using the command set for the
RFID transponder, and provide the configuration data to the RFID
reader circuit to update a configuration of the RFID reader circuit
to enable the RFID reader circuit to communicate with a new type of
RFID transponder that uses the new command set.
17. The RFID transponder of claim 16, wherein the RFID transponder
circuit is configured to authenticate the RFID reader using
authentication data stored in the memory and authentication data
provided by the RFID reader, and to provide the configuration data
to the RFID reader circuit in response to the authentication.
18. The RFID transponder of claim 16, wherein the memory circuit is
further configured to store password data for accessing a firmware
update mechanism of the RFID reader circuit, and to provide the
password data to control the RFID reader circuit to execute the
firmware update mechanism.
19. The RFID transponder of claim 16, wherein the configuration
data stored in the memory circuit is encrypted.
20. The RFID transponder of claim 16, wherein the RFID transponder
is configured to provide data to the RFID reader circuit to
authenticate at least one of the RFID transponder and the
configuration data.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates generally to wireless
communications, and more specifically to radio-frequency (RF)
communications.
[0002] Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is used in a variety
of applications. Generally, RFID communications are effected
between a reader and a transponder, with the transponder providing
identification (or other) data in response to communications from
the reader. For instance, the transponder can be part of a tag
(RFID tag) or other object affixed to a subject or object to be
identified.
[0003] Accordingly, RFID systems often include at least one RFID
reader and at least one RFID transponder. The RFID reader generates
an electromagnetic field that is used for transmitting data between
the RFID reader and the RFID transponder. There are multiple
different types of RFID transponders that each implement different
sets of commands and features for communicating with an RFID
reader. An RFID reader needs to be aware of the commands and
features that are implemented by a specific type of RFID
transponder in order to effectively communicate with that type of
RFID reader. As such, when new types of RFID transponders are
introduced, the RFID readers need to be updated to be able to
communicate with the new types of RFID transponders.
[0004] Updating RFID readers has been generally difficult and/or
burdensome. For example, a customer may need to access appropriate
software or firmware from an RFID reader/transponder supplier, and
then install the software or firmware on each one of the customer's
RFID readers. Such a process can take a significant amount of time
before all the RFID readers are updated to support a new type of
RFID transponder. Moreover, many RFID readers, such as portable
readers, are not networked or are otherwise incapable of reading
software or firmware. This makes updating the readers even more
challenging.
[0005] These and other issues continue to present challenges to the
utilization of RFID tags and other related circuits.
[0006] The present invention is exemplified in a number of
implementations and applications, some of which are summarized
below.
[0007] Consistent with an example embodiment of the present
invention, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader circuit
includes a transceiver configured to communicate with a plurality
of different types of RFID transponders using radio frequency
signals. The RFID reader circuit includes a processor circuit that
is configured to detect and communicate with the plurality of
different types of RFID transponders via the transceiver,
respectively using a command set for the type of RFID transponder
that the processor circuit is communicating with. The processor
circuit is also configured to detect an RFID transponder having
configuration data for a new and/or altered command set, and to
access and use the configuration data for the new/altered command
set to update a configuration of the RFID reader circuit to enable
communication with a new type of RFID transponder that uses the
new/altered command set. In response to detecting an RFID
transponder of the new type, the processor communicates with the
detected RFID transponder using the new command set.
[0008] The above summary is not intended to describe each
embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The
figures and detailed description that follow more particularly
exemplify various embodiments.
[0009] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows an RFID circuit arrangement, in accordance with
an example embodiment of the present invention; and
[0011] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram for RFID communications and
configuration, according to another example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the scope of the invention including
aspects defined in the claims.
[0013] The present invention is believed to be applicable to a
variety of different types of processes, devices and arrangements
for use with RFID applications. While the present invention is not
necessarily so limited, various aspects of the invention may be
appreciated through a discussion of examples using this
context.
[0014] According to an example embodiment of the present invention,
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader is configured to
wirelessly communicate with a plurality of different types of RFID
transponders. In response to detecting a configuration transponder,
the RFID reader reads configuration data from the configuration
transponder and reconfigures itself to operate with a new command
set, which may be an existing command set with one or more aspects
thereof updated and/or added (e.g., a new command, security feature
or communications protocol), or may include an entirely new command
set. In response to detecting an RFID transponder using the new
command and/or command set, the RFID reader uses the reconfigured
command/command set to communicate with the RFID reader.
[0015] In connection with another example embodiment, an RFID
system includes a reader and a transponder, where the RFID reader
is configured with information identifying a command set and data
structure of the transponder to enable the reader to access the
transponder. Transponders of the same type behave in the same
manner with respect to command set and data structure. Accordingly,
the RFID reader stores command sets that identify the features
supported by each of the different types of RFID transponders and
uses the stored command sets to make proper use of the feature sets
supported by a particular type of RFID transponder. In one
implementation, the command sets supported by the RFID reader are
stored in a lookup table that lists the features supported by each
specific type of RFID transponder, and the RFID reader retrieves an
appropriate command set from the lookup table when encountering an
RFID transponder.
[0016] The RFID reader is further configured to detect
configuration RFID transponders that include new configuration data
for reconfiguring the RFID reader, and reads the new configuration
data to update the RFID reader (e.g., by updating firmware,
software and/or storing configuration data in a lookup table). This
new configuration data may, for example, include an entirely new
command set for communicating with a new type of RFID transponder,
or a new command for a derivative type of RFID transponder that
uses a new command as part of an existing command set. When the
RFID reader subsequently detects a new type or derivative type of
an RFID transponder that uses the new configuration data (e.g., a
new command or command set), the RFID reader uses the new
configuration data to communicate with the new/derivative RFID
transponder.
[0017] The configuration RFID transponder is of a type that is
already supported by the RFID reader, or at least operates using a
sufficient subset of features required for the RFID reader to
access the configuration data that are supported by the RFID
reader. In some instances, the RFID reader is configured with a
separate command set for communicating with a configuration RFID
transponder. This command set may, for example, be updated and/or
completely replaced with new configuration RFID transponder command
sets as appropriate, using a configuration RFID transponder with
new configuration data as discussed above.
[0018] In another embodiment, a configuration RFID transponder is
configured to access a firmware update mechanism of an RFID reader.
The configuration RFID transponder contains configuration data for
enabling the RFID reader to communicate with a new type of RFID
transponder. The configuration RFID transponder provides a command
to the RFID reader to run a firmware update in the reader. The
configuration RFID transponder then provides configuration data to
the RFID reader. The RFID reader uses the configuration data to
establish a new command set for communicating with the new type of
RFID transponder. In one implementation, the configuration RFID
transponder contains authentication data such as a password which
is provided to the RFID reader to access the firmware update
mechanism.
[0019] According to another example embodiment of the present
invention, an RFID reader is configured to support all possible
commands and features of an RFID transponder/tag platform IC
(integrated circuit). In one implementation, the commands and
features supported by specific types of RFID tags are stored in the
RFID reader in the form of a lookup table. The tag platform IC is
the IC hardware comprising the sum of the functionality of all
members (tag derivatives) of the product family. The tag
derivatives support subsets of the platform IC functionality (e.g.,
different commands and features). The RFID reader is configured to
support all of the different commands and features of the platform
IC. The RFID reader also stores information regarding which
commands and features of the platform IC are implemented by the
different types of RFID tags. The RFID reader uses this stored
information to communicate with the different types of RFID tags.
When a new RFID tag derivative is introduced, RFID reader is
updated to include information specifying the commands and features
of the platform IC that are implemented by the new RFID tag
derivative. The RFID reader then uses such information when
communicating with tag derivatives of the new type.
[0020] New types of RFID tag derivatives can include commercial
derivatives and physical derivatives. Commercial derivatives have
different configurations (e.g., they implement a different set of
commands and features of the platform IC) than existing tags in the
production test without changing the production mask set. Physical
derivatives involve changes to the production mask set. Commercial
derivatives are flexible and tend to have a shorter time to market,
whereas physical derivatives allow for smaller die sizes. For each
new derivative of RFID tag that is brought to the market, a further
entry needs to be added to the lookup table of the RFID reader to
enable the reader to communicate with the new type of RFID tag.
Configuration data for the new entry in the lookup table is stored
in a configuration RFID tag of a type that is already supported by
the RFID reader. The firmware of the RFID reader is updated by
accessing the configuration data and storing the new entry in the
lookup table for the new RFID tag derivative.
[0021] Other embodiments are directed to using RFID tags for
initial configuration of RFID readers. For instance, before a
particular reader is used to read RFID tags (e.g., after initial
delivery to a customer), a configuration RFID tag is used to define
the type of RFID tags that the reader can access. Such a reader may
be programmed to read RFID configuration tags at the factory, and
tailored in the field to read a predefined set of RFID tags. This
approach permits the use of a common manufacturing process across
readers to be used in completely different implementations and with
completely different platforms, and subsequent in-field programming
of the readers to tailor them to their specific applications.
[0022] Table 1 contains an example command and feature set of an
RFID tag platform IC, in accordance with one or more example
embodiments. RFID tags can implement one or more RFID standards
including, but not limited to, the ISO15693 standard provided by
the International Organization for Standardization (Geneva,
Switzerland), and EPC AutoID and EPC G2 standards available from
the EPCglobal standards group. The command set of an RFID standard
includes mandatory, optional and custom commands. Mandatory
commands are commands that shall be supported, optional commands
are commands that may be supported and custom commands are
additional commands that may be defined by the IC vendor. RFID tags
can also implement a variety of features including, but not limited
to, data coding, data transmission rates, memory size and
structure, security features and sensors.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Configuration Option Supported Example
feature 1 yes EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) feature 2 yes
User memory password protection optional command 1 yes optional
command 2 yes custom command 1 yes high speed anti-collision custom
command 2 yes user memory available 8 kbit RFID standard 1 yes
ISO15693 RFID standard 2 yes EPC AutoID custom command yes
selective EAS extension 1
Tables 2-4 show example command and feature sets of different types
of RFID tags, as used in accordance with various example
embodiments. RFID tags each have a number that uniquely identifies
each RFID tag, for example, in the ISO15693 standard the number is
referred to as a UID (Unique identifier). No two RFID tags have the
same UID. The UID number is programmed during production of the
RFID tag by the IC manufacturer. Table 2 shows the commands and
features supported by a first low end, low cost, UID only tag
derivative. Table 3 shows the commands and features supported by a
second high end tag derivative having dual standard support. Table
4 shows the commands and features supported by a third high end
memory tag derivative.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Configuration Option Supported Example
feature 1 no EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) feature 2 no
User memory password protection optional command 1 no optional
command 2 no custom command 1 no high speed anti-collision custom
command 2 no user memory available 0 kbit max: 8 kbit RFID standard
1 yes ISO15693 RFID standard 2 no EPC AutoID custom command no
selective EAS extension 1
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Configuration Option Supported Example
feature 1 yes EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) feature 2 no
User memory password protection optional command 1 yes optional
command 2 yes custom command 1 yes high speed anti-collision custom
command 2 yes user memory available 2 kbit max: 8 kbit RFID
standard 1 yes ISO15693 RFID standard 2 yes EPC AutoID custom
command yes selective EAS extension 1
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Configuration Option Supported Example
feature 1 no EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) feature 2 yes
User memory password protection optional command 1 no optional
command 2 no custom command 1 no high speed anti-collision custom
command 2 no user memory available 8 kbit max: 8 kbit RFID standard
1 yes ISO15693 RFID standard 2 no EPC AutoID custom command no
selective EAS extension 1
[0023] FIG. 1 shows an RFID circuit arrangement 100, in accordance
with another example embodiment of the present invention. The
circuit arrangement 100 includes an RFID transponder 110 and an
RFID reader 120. The RFID transponder 110 and the RFID reader 120
wirelessly communicate with each other via RF interfaces 111 and
121. The RFID reader 120 includes a transceiver 122 for
communicating with the RFID transponder 110, a processor circuit
123 and memory circuit 124 that stores command set data specifying
the commands and features supported by different types of RFID
transponder. As such, the RFID reader 120 is configured with
feature sets of a plurality of different types of RFID transponders
or transponder derivatives. In one implementation, the command set
data is stored in a lookup table that lists the features supported
by specific types of RFID transponders.
[0024] The RFID transponder 110 includes a transceiver 112 for
communicating with the RFID reader 120, control circuitry 113 and a
memory 114 that stores configuration data for updating the command
set data of the RFID reader 120. The memory 114 includes both
system memory and user memory as discussed in relation to Table 5.
In one implementation, the control circuitry 113 is a finite state
machine.
[0025] The RFID reader 120 generates an electromagnetic field that
is used for communications between RFID reader 120 and the RFID
transponder 110. In one implementation, the electromagnetic field
is also used to supply power to the RFID transponder 110. In
another implementation, the RFID transponder 110 includes a power
source such as a battery. Further details regarding methods of
communications between RFID readers and transponders and regarding
power supplied to RFID transponders is found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
7,633,392, 7,417,599 and 5,995,019, each of which is hereby fully
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0026] The RFID reader 120 is configured to use an appropriate
command set for communicating with the RFID transponder 110, based
upon the type of the RFID transponder, to make proper use of the
features supported by the RFID transponder. Accordingly, when the
RFID reader 120 detects the RFID transponder 110, the RFID reader
120 determines the type of the RFID transponder 110 and accesses
appropriate command set data for the identified type of RFID
transponder. Using the accessed command set, the RFID reader 120
communicates with the RFID transponder 110. For example, if memory
in the RFID transponder 110 is password protected, the RFID reader
120 needs to be aware of the password protection and uses the
appropriate commands to access data in the memory. In one
implementation, the RFID reader 120 automatically uses optional
features and commands that are supported by a specific type of RFID
transponder, such as a faster anti-collision command, when
communicating with that type of RFID transponder.
[0027] In one implementation, the RFID reader 120 is reconfigured
to communicate with a new RFID transponder derivative, using the
RFID transponder 110 as a configuration transponder to update and
reconfigure the RFID reader 120 to be capable of communicating with
a new transponder derivative. For example, the RFID transponder 110
may include a new command for use with an existing command set or
communication protocol. The RFID transponder 110 can thus be used
to add an additional feature or command to those used by the RFID
reader 120 to be implemented by an existing type of RFID tag.
[0028] In another implementation, the RFID reader 120 is
reconfigured to communicate with a new RFID transponder using an
entirely new command set, using the RFID transponder 110 as a
configuration transponder to reconfigure the RFID reader with a new
command set. Such a command set may include, for example, a tag
type identifier, a communications standard/protocol, a feature set,
data coding, data rates, memory size and structure, security
features, sensors and one or more of mandatory, optional and custom
commands.
[0029] In some implementations, the RFID transponder 110 sends
configuration flag data to the RFID reader 120 indicating that the
transponder contains configuration data for updating the reader.
This configuration flag data may, for example, be stored in a
lookup table and used by the RFID reader 120 to identify the RFID
transponder 110 as a configuration transponder. A configuration
transponder such as transponder 110 can be used for each new RFID
transponder for which the RFID reader 120 is to read, such as when
a new type of RFID transponder is brought to market. A further
entry can thus be added into the lookup table of the reader 120
(e.g., for firmware) to facilitate communications with new
transponder types.
[0030] The RFID transponder 110 is implemented in one or more of a
variety of manners. In some instances, the RFID transponder 110 is
of a configuration type that the RFID reader 120 is programmed to
communicate with. In other instances, the RFID transponder 110 is
of a type that is already supported by the RFID reader 120 (e.g.,
with appropriate communication data for the transponder stored in a
lookup table), thereby enabling the transponder to communicate with
the reader.
[0031] In some implementations, the RFID reader 120 authenticates
the transponder 110 and/or the configuration data stored on the
transponder 110 to ensure that the transponder is authorized to
update the RFID reader 120. For example, the configuration data can
contain data needed to access the firmware update mechanism of the
RFID reader 120. In one implementation, the authentication/access
data includes a password or other predefined authentication data
needed by the RFID reader 120 to verify the authenticity of the
configuration RFID transponder 110. The configuration data stored
on the RFID transponder 110 can also be encrypted for additional
security. In another implementation, the reader 120 is configured
to use a cyclic redundancy check to prevent errors in the
transmission of the configuration data from the RFID transponder
110 to the RFID reader 120.
[0032] Table 5 shows an example of the data stored in the memory of
a configuration transponder such as transponder 110 of FIG. 1.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 System Memory UID (Unique Identifier) DSFID
(Data Storage Format Identifier, see ISO15693) AFI (Application
Family Identifier, see ISO15693) User memory tag type identifier
tag type feature list (see Table 6) authentication/access data
cyclic redundancy check (CRC) other user data
[0033] Table 6 shows an example transponder type feature list that
would be stored in the configuration transponder and used to update
an RFID reader. The transponder type feature list contains the
supported information of the new transponder derivative in compact
format (17 bits in the example shown in Table 6).
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 custom optional optional custom custom [7]
user RFID RFID command feature feature command command command
command memory Standard Standard extension 1 2 1 2 1 2 available
[6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1] [0] 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1
1
[0034] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram for RFID communications and
configuration, according to another example embodiment of the
present invention. The communications and configuration are
implemented by an RFID reader and an RFID transponder such as RFID
reader 120 and RFID transponder 110 of FIG. 1. The RFID reader
detects an RFID transponder at step 202. The RFID reader then
identifies the pre-programmed command set used by the detected RFID
transponder at step 204. The pre-programmed command set for the
detected RFID transponder identifies the commands and features
supported by the detected RFID transponder. Different types of RFID
transponders support different combinations of commands and
features. The RFID reader then uses the commands and features of
the identified command set for communicating with detected RFID
transponder at step 206.
[0035] At step 208, the RFID reader determines that the detected
RFID transponder contains configuration data for updating the RFID
reader. In one implementation, the RFID transponder sends
authentication data such as a password to the RFID reader to access
the update mechanism of the reader at optional step 210. The RFID
reader then authenticates the RFID transponder and/or the
configuration data stored in the RFID transponder at step 212.
[0036] After authentication or otherwise detecting that the RFID
transponder contains configuration data, the RFID reader reads the
configuration data from the transponder at step 214. The
configuration data is used to establish a new command set in the
RFID reader that identifies the commands and features that are
supported by a new type of RFID transponder at step 216. In one
implementation, the commands and features supported by the new type
of RFID transponder are programmed as a new entry in a lookup table
of the RFID reader.
[0037] The RFID reader detects another RFID transponder at step
218. The RFID reader then identifies the other RFID transponder as
being of the new type that uses the new command set at step 220.
The RFID reader then uses the commands and features of the new
command set for communicating with other RFID transponder at step
222.
[0038] Based upon the above discussion and illustrations, those
skilled in the art will readily recognize that various
modifications and changes may be made to the present invention
without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein. For example, the
configuration RFID tag can be used in a system that includes
multiple RFID readers to update each of the readers to communicate
with new types of RFID tags. Circuits such as those referred to as
processors, control circuits or processor circuits can be
implemented using hardware, a finite state machine or other
circuitry. In addition, terms referring to commands or command sets
may involve a variety of different types of data in addition to
and/or as an alternative to those described. Such modifications do
not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention,
including that set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *