RF point of sale and delivery method and system using communication with remote computer and having features to read a large number of RF tags

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.

1 - 73 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         74 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a detecting device that is configured to detect, using RFID, removal from an area of an object having a RFID tag,    wherein an XML message is generated in response to detection by said detecting device of removal of the object from the area, and    wherein a determination regarding restocking of the object is made in response to the XML message.    
     
     
         75 . An apparatus according to  claim 74 , wherein another apparatus makes the determination regarding restocking of the object.  
     
     
         76 . An apparatus according to  claim 75 , wherein the XML message is sent from said apparatus to the another apparatus via a wireless connection.  
     
     
         77 . An apparatus according to  claim 75 , wherein the XML message is sent from said apparatus to the another apparatus via a network.  
     
     
         78 . An apparatus according to  claim 74 , wherein said apparatus is a vending machine.  
     
     
         79 . An apparatus according to  claim 74 , further comprising: 
 a smartcard reader that is configured to read a smartcard containing a preloaded monetary equivalent; and    a debiting unit that is configured to debit the preloaded monetary equivalent in accordance with the detection by said detecting device of the object.    
     
     
         80 . An apparatus according to  claim 79 , wherein said apparatus is a vending machine.  
     
     
         81 . An apparatus comprising: 
 detecting means for detecting, using RFID, removal from an area of an object having a RFID tag,    wherein an XML message is generated in response to detection by said detecting means of removal of the object from the area, and    wherein a determination regarding restocking of the object is made in response to the XML message.    
     
     
         82 . An apparatus according to  claim 81 , wherein another apparatus makes the determination regarding restocking of the object.  
     
     
         83 . An apparatus according to  claim 82 , wherein the XML message is sent from said apparatus to the another apparatus via a wireless connection.  
     
     
         84 . An apparatus according to  claim 82 , wherein the XML message is sent from said apparatus to the another apparatus via a network.  
     
     
         85 . An apparatus according to  claim 81 , wherein said apparatus is a vending machine.  
     
     
         86 . An apparatus according to  claim 81 , further comprising: 
 smartcard reading means for reading a smartcard containing a preloaded monetary equivalent; and    debiting means for debiting the preloaded monetary equivalent in accordance with the detection by said detecting means of the object.    
     
     
         87 . An apparatus according to  claim 86 , wherein said apparatus is a vending machine.  
     
     
         88 . A method comprising: 
 detecting, using RFID, removal from an area of an object having a RFID tag;    generating an XML message in response to the detection by said detecting step of removal of the object from the area; and    determining whether to restock the object in response to the XML message.    
     
     
         89 . A method according to  claim 88 , further comprising the steps of: 
 debiting a preloaded monetary equivalent on a smartcard in accordance with the detection by said detecting step of the object.    
     
     
         90 . An apparatus according to  claim 74 , wherein said detecting device further detects, using RFID, placement into the area of an object having a RFID tag.  
     
     
         91 . An apparatus according to  claim 74 , wherein the area is selected from the group consisting of a refrigerator, a freezer, a container, a room, a cabinet, and an apparatus.  
     
     
         92 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a detecting device that is configured to detect, using RFID, removal from an area of a RFID tag,    wherein a markup language message is generated in response to detection by said detecting device of removal of the RFID tag from the area, and    wherein a determination regarding restocking of an object corresponding to the RFID tag is made in response to the markup language message.    
     
     
         93 . An apparatus comprising: 
 detecting means for detecting, using RFID, removal from an area of a RFID tag,    wherein a markup language message is generated in response to detection by said detecting means of removal of the RFID tag from the area, and    wherein a determination regarding restocking of an object corresponding to the RFID tag is made in response to the markup language message.    
     
     
         94 . A method comprising: 
 detecting, using RFID, removal from an area of a RFID tag;    generating a markup language message in response to the detection by said detecting step of removal of the RFID tag from the area; and    determining whether to restock an object corresponding to the RFID tag in response to the markup language message.