Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for approximating the location of an RFID tag in an RFID system. The RFID system may include a plurality of receivers that receive RF signals from the RFID tag. Tag read count data for two or more of the plurality of receivers may be used to identify a number of times that each of the two or more receivers has received an RF signal from the RFID tag over a period of time. Signal strength data may be used to identify the strength of the RF signals received from the RFID tag. A combination metric for each of the two or more receivers may be determined as a function of the tag read count data and the signal strength data. The combination metrics may be compared to identify one of the receivers that is closest in proximity to the RFID tag.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a backscatter tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a backscatter reader. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data and a transmitter. The tag transmits tag data to a reader automatically on a periodic basis or when interrogated. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper. This data is processed by a computer to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a backscatter tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a backscatter reader. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data and a transmitter. The tag transmits tag data to a reader automatically on a periodic basis or when interrogated. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper. This data is processed by a computer to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, an RFID antenna system is provided for detecting RFID tags on a display structure. The antenna system may include an antenna having an elongated conductor extending from a feeding point to a grounding point in a configuration that defines at least two loops and that has at least two conductor sections crossing each other at an intersection location between two adjacent loops, with a dielectric interposed between the conductor sections at the intersection location. The antenna may be attached to the display structure and may be located at a position on the display structure in relation to a reflective plane that allows the antenna to have a directional longitudinal radiation pattern that radiates into an area of the display structure that is configured to support a displayed item with an attached RFID tag.

Abstract: A low product stock display system for detecting at least one of fully stocked, partially stocked, and empty (no stock) shelf has been described. The presence/absence of stock can be detected by conductive contact sensors, inductance sensors, weight sensors, optical sensors, and, in the preferred embodiment, with an RF transmission line. The data from a sensor is wirelessly relayed to an external server for processing across a plurality of facilities, and can provide alerts to personnel or systems responsible for reordering or restocking the particular shelf or display at the facility.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a reader on a periodic basis. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data, a transmitter and a receiver. The tag uses sleep modes to conserve power. The tag transmits tag data to a reader in response to an interrogation request, or automatically on a periodic basis. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper, status data (e.g., delivered, displayed), and time and date information. This data is processed by a central server to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a backscatter tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a backscatter reader on a periodic basis. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data, a transmitter and a receiver. The tag uses sleep modes to conserve power. The tag transmits tag data to a reader automatically on a periodic basis or upon an event. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper, status data (e.g., delivered, displayed), and time and date information. This data is processed by a central server to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a reader on a periodic basis. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data, a transmitter and a receiver. The tag uses sleep modes to conserve power. The tag transmits tag data to a reader in response to an interrogation request, or automatically on a periodic basis. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper, status data (e.g., delivered, displayed), and time and date information. This data is processed by a central server to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a backscatter tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a backscatter reader. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data and a transmitter. The tag transmits tag data to a reader automatically on a periodic basis or when interrogated. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper. This data is processed by a computer to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a reader on a periodic basis. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data, a transmitter and a receiver. The tag uses sleep modes to conserve power. The tag transmits tag data to a reader in response to an interrogation request, or automatically on a periodic basis. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper, status data (e.g., delivered, displayed), and time and date information. This data is processed by a central server to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.