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Self-adjusting portals with movable data tag readers for improved reading of data tagsSelf-adjusting portals with movable data tag readers for improved reading of data tags description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070222558, Self-adjusting portals with movable data tag readers for improved reading of data tags. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/976,993 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,221,269), filed Oct. 29, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. BACKGROUND [0002] Data tag technology such as radio frequency identification (RFID) technology refers to passive smart tags (miniature antenna-containing tags requiring no internal power supply) that may be embedded in or attached to a product or material to convey information that may be read by a scanner. Generally, conductive or passive smart tags include a data circuit and an antenna. In particular, smart tags include a semiconductor, a coiled, etched, or stamped antenna, a capacitor, and a substrate on which the components are mounted or embedded. A protective covering is typically used to encapsulate and seal the substrate. [0003] In general, RFID systems and other data tag systems include readers and tags in which the tags generate an electromagnetic response to an electronic signal from a reader. The response signal is read by the reader, typically with a readable range on the order of a few feet, though broader or narrower ranges are possible. The signal generated by the tag includes information (e.g., an electronic product code) that identifies the tag or the article comprising the tag. [0004] RFID technology for use in the supply chain typically involves the use of portals through which goods must pass. The portals are equipped with RFID readers that can read the RFID tags on the pallets, cases, or individual items that pass through the portal. In prior configurations, the readers in the portal have been fixed at predetermined locations. However, different materials may not be read properly or the tag location is not optimized for reading. Further, for different types of materials to be read, improved reading or improved hardware efficiency may be achieved through adjustment in the location of the readers. [0005] Accordingly, a system for self-adjusting RFID portals having movable RFID readers to improve RFID tag reading is desired to address one or more of these and other disadvantages. SUMMARY [0006] Embodiments of the invention include self-adjusting portals having movable data tag readers. The location of one or more data tag readers is automatically adjusted based on information about approaching articles with data tags to be read. For example, the information may specify material type, material dimensions, data tag location, and/or a location of the article within the portal. In an embodiment, the invention operates responsive to a feed-forward system for anticipating articles or goods moving toward the portal, or in response to readings made by the portal itself or by other sensors. [0007] In one form, a system reads a data tag on an article as the article is moving relative to a base. The system includes a positioning device that is movably mounted on the base. The system also includes a data tag reader mounted on the positioning device. The data tag reader is adapted to read a data tag mounted on the moving article. The positioning device is configured to move relative to the base and responsive to position information of the article relative to the reader for improved reading of the data tag. [0008] In another form, a system reads a data tag on an article as the article is moving relative to a data tag reader. The system includes a data tag reader for reading the data tag. The system also includes a processor configured for determining, responsive to article data, a desired movement of the data tag reader relative to the data tag. The system also includes an interface for receiving data describing the desired movement determined by the processor. The system also includes a carriage connected to the interface. The data tag reader is mounted on the carriage. The carriage is capable of the desired movement. [0009] In still another form, a system reads a data tag on an article as the article is moving relative to a data tag reader. The system includes a data tag reader for reading the data tag. The system also includes an interface for receiving article data and a processor configured for determining, responsive to the article data received by the interface, a desired movement of the data tag reader relative to the data tag. The system also includes a carriage. The data tag reader is mounted on the carriage. The carriage is capable of the desired movement determined by the processor. [0010] In yet another form, a computer-implemented method adjusts the position of a data tag reader relative to a data tag to improve the readability of the data tag by the data tag reader. The computer-implemented method includes determining position information for the article relative to the data tag reader and moving the data tag reader responsive to the determined position information to improve reading by the data tag reader of the data tag on the moving article. [0011] In another form, one or more computer-readable media have computer-executable components for improving the readability of a data tag on an article moving relative to a data tag reader. The components include a sensor module for determining position information for the article relative to the data tag reader. The components also include a controller module for moving the data tag reader responsive to the position information determined by the sensor module to improve reading by the data tag reader of the data tag on the moving article. [0012] In still another form, in a manufacturing system, a self-adjusting radio frequency identification portal improves the readability of a radio frequency identification tag on an article moving relative to the portal. The portal includes telescoping carriage assemblies. Each of the telescoping carriage assemblies is adapted to hold a radio frequency identification reader. The portal also includes translator elements. Each of the telescoping carriage assemblies is movably mounted on at least one of the translator elements. The portal also includes a position sensing element for determining positional data of the article relative to the radio frequency identification reader. The portal also includes actuators for translating, along the translator elements, the telescoping carriage assemblies movably mounted thereon responsive to the positional data determined by the position sensing element to read the radio frequency identification tag associated with the moving article. The actuators are connected to the position sensing element. [0013] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. [0014] Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a top view of an upper portal beam (e.g., a base) with a translatable positioning device to adjust the position of a data tag reader responsive to output from a sensor module. [0016] FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a portal having three data tag readers mounted on worm gears. [0017] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are exemplary block diagrams illustrating a telescoping data tag reader assembly mounted on a worm gear. [0018] FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of an embodiment of the invention. [0019] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Continue reading about Self-adjusting portals with movable data tag readers for improved reading of data tags... Full patent description for Self-adjusting portals with movable data tag readers for improved reading of data tags Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Self-adjusting portals with movable data tag readers for improved reading of data tags patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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