Method and system of universal RFID communication
A method and an apparatus are provided for a universally operable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reader base unit. An RFID base unit is provided that can communicate with at least two different types of RFID tags, one at a time, that are commercially available as well as communicate with data collecting entities using any of at least two communication standards. The reader comprises a microprocessor (microcontroller) portion having at least one set of plug-in connectors. The reader then operates in different operational logic processes in accordance with the types and parameters of attached plug-in modules. The plug-in modules will typically comprise RF frequency modules for communicating with the RIFD tags as well as a communication standard model for communicating with a computer network. Additionally, the plug-in modules contain memory that contains data and code used by the microprocessor in performing the operations obtainable by specific types of plug-in modules. If upgrading of the operating system is required, such upgrading can be accomplished through the use of an associated port such as a microcontroller interface port, a memory stick slot or using a computer in conjunction with a communication module.
1. A multi-use radio frequency identification base unit for use with at least two radio frequency communication standards, comprising;
a microcontroller;
base unit storage means operable to store microcontroller accessible addresses of functional routines residing in plug-in communication modules removably attached to said base unit;
an operating system used by said microcontroller;
a power supply providing power to said base unit;
and connection means adapted to co-act with said plug-in communication modules, whereby the multi-use RFID base unit is operable to communicate with an external data utilization device using any of the at least two different radio frequency communication standards as determined by said removably attached plug-in communication modules; wherein said functional routines contained in said plug-in communication modules are accessible via addresses stored in said base unit storage means during an initialization routine retrieving calls and data from the plug-in communication modules; wherein said functional routines are stored and executed in said corresponding plug-in communication modules without being retrieved to said base unit storage means; wherein the base unit is operable to communicate using said functional routines only while connected to said corresponding plug-in communication modules, and said base unit being separately operable without being connected to any of said plug-in communication modules.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:
said base unit further includes connection means adapted to co-act with a plug-in frequency generator module whereby the base unit can communicate with a tag at a frequency determined by that specific frequency generator module.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said communication standard is a predefined networking standard comprising at least one of a group comprising BlueTooth, RS232, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, Wireless, T-carrier connections, FIREWIRE, Optical fiber and Zigbee™.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising in addition:
at least one port for transferring data to and/or from said base unit.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the addresses of additional functions, specific to a communication module attached, may be communicated to said microcontroller for use in operation of said RFID base unit in communicating with an external data utilization device.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base unit is logically configured to automatically detect the type of communication module inserted into said base unit and respond accordingly.