Database search with RFID

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for extracting information from a database based on tag data are provided. One method includes interrogating a plurality of RFID tags coupled with objects within in an area to obtain tag data. The contextual environment of the area is determined based on the tag data. A search of a database relating to an item in the area is conducted. Relevance rankings of search results are adjusted based upon the determined contextual environment. Search results can be displayed in order of relevance rankings.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary RFID system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified method to query a database using RFID according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified method to query a database using RFID according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary RFID system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified block diagram of a reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a tag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method executed by at least one electronic device for extracting information from a database, the method comprising: interrogating a plurality of RFID tags coupled with objects within in an area;automatically determining a contextual environment of the area based on the objects;interrogating a first RFID tag coupled with a first item in the area;searching a database for information associated with the first item;adjusting relevance rankings of search results based upon the determined contextual environment; anddisplaying search results in order of relevance rankings.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising storing by the first RFID tag information retrieved from the search results.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the determined contextual environment is at least one of a hospital, pharmacy, medical facility, warehouse, residential home, office, lavatory, laboratory, and factory floor.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first item is a medicine, and the adjusting increases the relevance rankings of search results describing a side effect, dosage amount, or active ingredient of the first item.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the determined contextual environment is a warehouse, and the adjusting increases the relevance ranking of search results describing handling information of the first item.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein handling information includes at least one of storage temperature, shelf life, and hazardous material handing information.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the determined contextual environment is a retail store, and the adjusting increases the relevance ranking of search results describing a product review, warranty, recall, rebate, or comparative pricing information of the first item.

8. A method executed by at least electronic device for obtaining information for an item, the method comprising: interrogating an RFID tag coupled with the item, the RFID tag containing a web address;directing a browser to the web address.

9. A method executed by at least one electronic device for extracting information from a database, the method comprising: using the at least one electronic device to interrogate an RFID tag associated with an item, the at least one electronic device configured to operate in compliance with the radio frequency regulations of a predetermined country;searching a database for the item;increasing relevance rankings of search results in a predominant language of the predetermined country; anddisplaying search results in order of relevance rankings.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the predominant language is at least one of English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and German.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the searching of the database is conducted in a language other than the predominant language.

12. A method executed by at least one electronic device for extracting information from a database, the method comprising: interrogating an RFID tag coupled with an item, the RFID tag containing search information;searching at least one remote database using the search information; anddisplaying search results.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the search information includes at least one of a search engine query, a universal resource locator, and an indicator of preferred language.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the search engine query indicates a web search company or directory company.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the search information includes at least one keyword and at least one logical operator.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein the searching comprises submitting a query to a plurality of search engines and aggregating query responses as the search results.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein the search information includes modifiers for a relevancy algorithm and wherein the modifiers are capable of adjusting relevancy for a business partner.

18. The method of claim 12 wherein the search information includes machine-readable script for use with a search engine.

19. A method executed by at one least electronic device for extracting information from a database, the method comprising: interrogating an RFID tag coupled with an item, the RFID tag containing a set of information;searching a database using the set of information;adjusting relevance rankings of search results based upon a determined contextual environment of the RFID tag; anddisplaying search results in order of relevance rankings.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein the adjusting of relevance rankings is further based upon an identity of a source of the information.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein the relevancy algorithm includes factors to adjust relevancy based upon an identity of a source.