CN102365646B - Encoding system and method for RFID hard tags - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system and method for programming a hard tag, the hard tag including a programmable RFID element, the system including a platform defining at least one hard tag location area; a feeder for feeding a hard tag into one of the at least one hard tag location area; an antenna positioned in a hard tag programming area, each of the at least one hard tag location area being positionable within the hard tag programming area; and an RFID processor for programming the hard tag via the antenna when the hard tag is positioned within the hard tag programming area.

Description

Encoding system and method for RFID hard tags

technical field

The present invention relates generally to inventory security and, more particularly, to a method and system for programming "hard" tags of a security system.

Background technique

Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") systems are used in a wide variety of applications and provide a convenient mechanism for tracking, identifying and authenticating persons or objects. RFID systems typically include one or more readers (also commonly referred to as interrogators) disposed at selected locations in the device. Readers are typically placed where it is desired to control or receive information about objects or persons bearing or associated with RFID tags (also commonly referred to as tags or transponders). For example, readers may be arranged to cover entrances and exits, inventory control points, transaction terminals, and the like. Each reader is capable of receiving information from an RFID tag, each tag typically being associated with an object or person. A tag may be affixed to or embedded in the object it is associated with, or be part of a badge, card or token for a person. Signals transmitted between the tag and the reader allow the reader to sense information on the tag. The information may include, for example, authentication or identification information, or may include instructions, such as a sequence of processes or operations to be performed on the tagged object.

Each tag may include stored information in wireless communication with the reader. Tags typically carry information on onboard memory such as read-only memory ("ROM") or non-volatile programmable memory such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), and the amount of information can range from From a single bit to thousands of bits, or even more. Single-bit tags are typically used as surveillance devices, such as anti-theft tags. Bits or tens of bits of information can be used as identifiers, such as those found in badges or smart cards, while thousands of bits of information can include portable data files that can be used for identification, communication, or control . For example, the reader can extract information from the tag and use it for identification, or it can store the information or transmit it to the responsible party. Alternatively, a data file may include a set of instructions that can initiate or control a process or action without resources regarding or coordinating with information stored elsewhere.

Tags typically include a wireless communication device, such as a transmitter or receiver transponder, capable of wirelessly communicating stored information to a reader. A tag may transmit information independently or in response to a signal received from a reader (eg, an interrogation signal). Both active and passive tags are known in the art. Active tags have an on-board power supply, while passive tags can operate without an internal power supply and derive their operating power from the field generated by the reader. Passive tags are lighter and less expensive than active tags and can offer virtually unlimited operating life. However, passive tags typically have a shorter read range than active tags and require higher powered readers. Passive tags are also constrained in their capacity to store data and their ability to function properly in electromagnetically noisy environments.

Certain tags contain a combination of RFID and EAS technologies and are capable of supporting Electronic Product Codes ("EPCs"), globally unique serial numbers that identify items in the supply chain. EPC allows inquiries to be made about a single instance of an item, no matter where it is in the supply chain. The EPC contains information about the manufacturer, the type of object and the specific serial number of the object. An EPC can also be associated with dynamic data such as an item's point of origin or its date of manufacture.

Retail outlets typically use "hard tags" that contain EAS elements or a combination of EAS and RFID elements. The advantage of these hard tags is that they can be reused and reprogrammed. In order to reuse these hard tags, they must be recoded with a new EPC number when attached to a new product. This processing can take place at a manufacturing site, distribution center or retail store. However, unlike traditional RFID tags and hang tags, these hard tags cannot be encoded in standard portable printer/encoders such as those found in department stores. Currently, the only way to reprogram a tag is to manually place the hard tag in front of a conventional reader/antenna to reprogram, or to encode using a mobile handheld reader. This is very time consuming and requires the target hard tag to be in isolation with no other tags nearby, known to run the risk of inadvertently encoding other hard tags in the vicinity of the hard tag being encoded. Because a user cannot reprogram a hard tag simply by placing the encoder in front of a display shelf containing products (including products with hard tags that need to be reprogrammed), the requirement to isolate the hard tag makes this method inconvenient and inefficient . Conversely, in order to reprogram a hard tag, the product with the hard tag must be kept separate from all other products containing the hard tag.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method for automatically and efficiently reprogramming hard tags by isolating the tags so that the reprogramming does not interfere with other nearby tags.

Contents of the invention

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a system for programming a hard tag, wherein the hard tag includes a programmable RFID element. The system has a platform defining at least one hard tag location area. A feeder feeds hard tags into one of the at least one hard tag location areas. The antenna is located in the hard tag programming area. Each of the at least one hard tag location area may be located within a hard tag programming area. When the hard tag is positioned within the hard tag programming area, the RFID processor causes the hard tag to be programmed through the antenna.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for programming a hard tag, wherein the hard tag includes a programmable RFID element. Hard tags are accommodated within at least one hard tag location area. Each of the at least one hard tag location area is located within a hard tag programming area, wherein the hard tag programming area includes an antenna. When the hard tag is positioned within the hard tag programming area, the hard tag is programmed with the item identifier. According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides a system for programming an RFID element in a security hard tag, wherein the hard tag includes an EAS element and an RFID element. The platform defines at least one hard tag location area. A feeder feeds hard tags into one of the at least one hard tag location areas. An antenna is positioned in the hard tag programming area, wherein the antenna is arranged to transmit programming signals substantially within the hard tag programming area. Each of the at least one hard tag location area can be located within a hard tag programming area. When the hard tag is positioned within the hard tag programming area, the RFID processor causes the antenna to program the hard tag's programmable RFID element with an electronic product code ("EPC").

Description of drawings

A more complete understanding of the invention, with advantages and features accompanying it, will be more readily obtained when considered in connection with the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a block diagram of an exemplary RFID hard tag programming system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the system of Figure 1 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for programming an RFID hard tag in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

detailed description

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, it should be noted that the embodiments reside primarily in the implementation of a system and method for programming RFID elements in hard tags of an inventory security system in terms of device components and process steps. combination. Accordingly, components of the systems and methods are suitably represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, only showing those specific details relevant to the understanding of the embodiments of the invention so as not to overwhelm those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Details that are otherwise obvious confuse the disclosure.

As used herein, relative terms such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc. may be used independently to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, while No physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements is necessarily required or implied.

One embodiment of the present invention advantageously provides a system and method for programming a hard tag including a programmable RFID element. Programming hard tags can be performed at any of several points in time with minimal effort by using the hard tag programming systems and methods described below, for example, upon receipt of inventory, in inventory, upon placement of merchandise on a shelf Wait before. Hard tagged EPCs allow tracking of items while in storage and as they are moved to different stores or warehouses. The EPC may include several parts, such as a version number, a code identifying the manufacturer, a serial number of the product, and the like. The programming system can program a completely new EPC or a part of an EPC.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference designators indicate like elements, there is shown in Figure 1 a diagram of an exemplary tag programming system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and generally designated "10" . Programming system 10 includes one or more hard tag feeders, such as feeder 12 . Feeder 12 receives hard tags 40 to be programmed. In one embodiment, the feeder 12 is connected to a communication infrastructure 14, such as a communication bus, a crossbar interconnect, a network, or the like. Communications infrastructure 14 electrically connects the elements of programming system 10 to one another.

Programming system 10 includes a near-field programming (“NFP”) antenna 16 capable of translating text received from communication infrastructure 14 (or from a frame buffer not shown) using, for example, EPC compliant communication. and other data are programmed into the hard label 40. NFP antenna 16 programs hard tag 40 but not any other tags in the vicinity. The feeder 12 feeds hard tags 40 onto the platform 18 . Platform 18 may be a mobile or fixed platform that houses hard tags 40 to be programmed. Programming system 10 includes user interface 20 that forwards graphics, text and other data from communications infrastructure 14 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit.

Interface 20 may also include a communication interface. The communication interface allows software and data to be transferred to external devices or received from the user. Examples of communications interfaces may include a mouse, keyboard, modem, network interface (eg, Ethernet card), communications port, PCMCIA slot and card, wireless transceiver/antenna, and the like. Software and data transmitted through the communication interface/module take the form of signals, eg, electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by the communication interface. These signals are provided to a communication interface via a communication link (e.g., channel) that carries the signal and may use wire or cable, fiber optics, telephone line, cellular telephone link, RF link, and/or other communication channels to accomplish.

Programming system 10 includes RFID programming unit 22 that stores programming instructions and commands. RFID programming unit 22 can include main memory, preferably random access memory ("RAM"), and may also include secondary memory for such storage. Secondary storage may include, for example, hard drives and/or removable storage drives such as floppy disk drives, tape drives, optical disk drives, and the like. The removable storage drive reads from and/or writes to removable storage media in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The removable storage medium is read from or written to by the removable storage drive. It should be appreciated that removable storage media can include computer-usable storage media in which programmed software and/or data have been stored. In one embodiment, the memory is system-wide memory shared by elements of programming system 10 and it is not necessary for the memory to be included as part of RFID programming unit 22 .

An executable computer program (also referred to as computer control logic) can be stored in the memory of the RFID programming unit 22 . The computer program may also be received via the communication infrastructure 14 . Such computer programs, when executed, enable a system to perform the inventive functions discussed herein. In alternative embodiments, secondary memory may include other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system and store data. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit and an interface. Examples of such may include program cartridges and cartridges (such as those found in video game devices), flash memory, removable memory chips (such as EPROM, EEPROM, or PROM) and Associated sockets, and other removable storage units and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit to other devices.

Programming system 10 also includes tester 24 . Tester 24 allows programming system 10 to test whether hard tag 40 is programmed correctly. Tester 24 can use different methods to test whether the programming of the tag was successful. In one embodiment, the tester 24 discards an incorrectly programmed hard tag 40 to prevent the hard tag 40 from being attached to the product. As discussed below, the tester 24 may include a gate mechanism 34 that diverts discarded labels into a reject bin 36 .

Programming system 10 also includes processor 26 . Figure 1 shows a separate processor 26 controlling programming system 10, however, processor 26 could be part of RFID programming unit 22 and could be an RFID processor. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 26 to perform the functions of the correspondingly programmed systems and methods. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the corresponding devices. In one embodiment, the processor 26 has the ability to send (via digital I/O or serial interface) a trigger signal to and receive a trigger signal from an external mechanical system to enable the hard tag 40 to be automated in an automated production line. Ability to code.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of an exemplary programming system 28 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows feeder 12 feeding hard tags 40 onto hard tag location area 44 of platform 18 , according to the present embodiment. A mechanism such as a vibrating feeder (not shown) is capable of orienting each hard tag 40 and disposing the hard tag 40 within the conveyor belt 42 or conveyor of the platform 18 . Platform 18 advances each tag to hard tag programming area 46 , the programming station containing NFP antenna 16 . In one embodiment, the platform 18 is a mobile platform moved by a motor 30 controlled by the processor 26 (FIG. 1). Platform 18 advances each hard label location area 44 to hard label programming area 46 via a conveyor system coupled to platform 18 .

The platform 18 includes a shielding system 32 for blocking RF energy, thereby preventing the NFP antenna 16 from inadvertently encoding adjacent tags. Shielding system 32 can use a different method to prevent encoding of other tags, and thus shielding system 32 can desensitize areas outside the programming area or that may cause interference, thereby reducing the distance between NFP antenna 16 and adjacent hard tags. The quality of wireless communication. Shielding system 32 may also isolate transmitted RF signals, or may provide some degree of isolation between hard tag programming area 46 and surrounding areas. Shielding system 32 provides isolation between programmed hard tags 40 and adjacent tags by canceling all or a portion of the RFID signal, attenuating the signal, filtering the signal, reducing the amplitude of the signal, reducing the power of the signal, or the like. Shielding system 32 may eliminate, cancel or minimize RFID signals. Since the environment is not ideal, a portion of the transmitted signal may leak or flow into the surrounding area, but shielding system 32 ensures that the signal is not strong enough to reprogram adjacent hard tags.

NFP antenna 16 programs hard tag 40 with the desired EPC code or other standard RFID numbering scheme or identification. In another embodiment, a separate NFP antenna 16 can be used to program the hard tag 40 . Even when a separate NFP antenna 16 is used to transmit RF signals, the broadcast of the RF signal via the NFP antenna does not reprogram other adjacent hard tags. In one embodiment, the programming system 28 has the ability to feed and encode a variety of hard tag shapes, designs and adapt to these designs automatically or through simple mechanical adjustments by the user.

Interface 20 may be a computer interface that receives commands, coded information, serial numbers, etc. from a host system, a barcode scanning system, or a user. Programming system 28 can accept both single item numbers and consecutive ranges of numbers, which gives programming system 28 the ability to encode a long list of identical item capabilities. In one embodiment, the interface 20 emulates the interface of an industry standard printing/encoding device commonly used to program conventional RFID tags and tickets.

The interface 20 can allow the programming system 28 to be upgraded, in particular the RFID reader/encoder programming unit 22 can be upgraded with new firmware to accommodate new RFID standards and technology improvements. In one embodiment, interface 20 requires a password or security lock in order to prevent unauthorized encoding of hard tag 40 . In one embodiment, the interface 20 shows visual or audible signals for providing the user with programmed data, continuous statistics on the number of hard tags encoded, number of hard tags that failed to be encoded, sequence Questions and other feedback.

The tester 24 checks whether the hard tag 40 has been programmed correctly, and reveals programming errors of the hard tag 40 . Tester 24 performs quality assurance on hard tags 40, looking for errors, defects, and other problems that may have occurred during the programming phase. Tester 24 may be a low power tester and may activate different combinations of read and write procedures on hard tag 40 and analyze the results. The reading program can emulate a portable scanner that reads the hard tag 40, like the portable scanners used in department stores. Tester 24 is also capable of performing comprehensive protocol and parametric tests according to preset criteria. The tester 24 is capable of testing various configuration possibilities using, for example, RF waves or pulses of fixed frequency.

Successfully programmed hard tags 40 are distributed to users, ready for attachment to products. Hard tags 40 that are not properly encoded are discarded through gate mechanism 34 and diverted to waste bin 36 . In one embodiment, tester 24 has the capability to mark discarded hard tags 40 with a visible marker to prevent their future use. Optionally, the hard tag 40 can be distributed in such a way that the hard tag 40 can be automatically attached to the product or garment by using a separate feed mechanism (not shown) that allows the hard tag Attachment pegs, lanyards or clips required to attach to the product are oriented and provided. In another embodiment, tester 24 verifies that the EAS components in hard tag 40 are functioning correctly, and discards hard tag 40 if the EAS function is not functioning properly.

Programming system 28 includes a bar code label applicator (“BCA”) 38 that prints a visual indicator of the new code programmed in hard label 40 on the surface of hard label 40 . Instead of printing the label on the hard label, the BCA 38 may print a visible indicator of the new code within the label and attach the printed label to the hard label 40 . The visible indicator will give the user the ability to identify which code has been used in programming the hard tag 40 .

In another embodiment, the platform 18 is a fixed platform, and the feeder 12, the NFP antenna 16, the BCA 38 and the tester 24 are not fixed, but can be controlled by a motor, such as a processor 26, relative to the platform 18. mobile. The NFP antenna 16 is advanced towards the hard tag 40 to program the hard tag 40 with the new EPC. After hard tag 40 is programmed, tester 24 is advanced toward hard tag 40 to perform a test on hard tag 40 . If the test is successful, the BCA 38 then proceeds to the hard tag 40 to mark the hard tag with a visual indicator of the new code of the hard tag 40 .

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a programming system 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. An exemplary programming system 48 includes a circular platform 18 defining at least one hard tag positioning area 44, a feeder 12 for feeding hard tags 40 into one of the at least one hard tag positioning area 44, positioned at NFP antenna 16 , interface 20 , RFID programming unit 22 , tester 24 , shielding system 32 , door control mechanism 34 , waste bin 36 and BCA 38 of hard tag programming area 46 .

NFP antenna 16 is positionable within hard tag programming area 46 within which RFID processor 26 causes hard tag 40 to be programmed. Near-field programming antenna 16 may be configured for wireless programming of hard tag 40 . A hard tag 40 including an EAS element is programmed with, for example, an EPC code or an item identifier including at least one of a manufacturer code, a product serial number, and a tracking number.

The circular platform 18 is coupled to a vibration mechanism (not shown) to properly orient the hard tag 40 within the at least one hard tag positioning area 44 . In another embodiment of a programming system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, NFP antenna 16 may be one of a fixed antenna or a movable antenna. RFID processor 26 moves the movable antenna to hard tag 40 in order to program hard tag 40 . Programming system 10 is coupled to tester 24 configured to determine whether hard tag 40 has been programmed correctly. Incorrectly programmed hard tags 40 are flagged to prevent their future use and are discarded and diverted to waste bin 36 . RFID processor 26 records the number of programmed hard tags 40 , the number of correctly programmed hard tags 40 , and the number of incorrectly programmed hard tags 40 .

Additionally, barcode label applicator 38 is configured for attaching a barcode label to hard tag 40 . Hard tags 40 are automatically attached to the product after being labeled and tested. Shielding system 32 divides the platform into hard tag location areas 44 . Shielding system 32 has shielding properties that prevent programming of other hard tags 40 adjacent to the hard tag being programmed. When tester 24 determines that hard tag 40 is incorrectly programmed, hard tag 40 is marked to prevent its future use and sent to scrap bin 36 . It should be noted that the platform 18 shown in FIG. 3 is an exemplary circular platform and that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to a particular design or type of platform 18 .

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 42 illustrating an exemplary method for programming hard tag 40 . The programming process begins by causing feeder 12 to feed hard tags 40 into platform 18 (step S100). Hard tag 40 is positioned within hard tag programming area 46 of platform 18 to be programmed. A new EPC code to be used to program the hard tag 40 is obtained (step S102). The new EPC code can be obtained from the RFID programming unit 22 and can be used repeatedly to program other hard tags 40, or can be used only once for a specific hard tag 40. In one embodiment, programming system 10 reads the existing old EPC code of each hard tag 40, and depending on what the existing old EPC code is, programming system 28 is able to program hard tag 40 accordingly . The hard tag 40 is programmed with the new EPC code (step S104).

Tester 24 evaluates hard tag 40 to determine whether hard tag 40 has been programmed correctly (step S106). Hard tag programming area 46 includes masking system 32 that ensures programming system 10 only programs target hard tag 40 and not any other adjacent tags. If the hard tag 40 is not programmed correctly, the hard tag 40 is discarded (step S108). The discarded label is sent by the gate mechanism 34 to a waste bin 36 where it can be reused later, thrown away, etc. Programming system 10 emits a warning sound to alert the operator that hard tag 40 has been discarded. Otherwise, it is determined that the hard tag 40 has been programmed correctly, and thus the hard tag 40 can be attached to the product (step S110). In one embodiment, the BCA 38 marks the hard tag 40 with a human-readable indicator before the hard tag 40 is attached to the merchandise.

Various hard tag 40 programming implementations are described with respect to the exemplary tag programming system 10 . After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the art how to implement the invention using other systems and methods. It should also be understood that the capacity and number of components of the described methods and systems may vary depending on the tags, the amount of tags to be supported, and the expected interactions between the tags and the programming components. For example, access to programming systems for configuration and management can be designed to be done remotely through a web browser. In this case, the display interface may not need to be included.

The present invention can be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Any kind of computing system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited to perform the functions described herein.

A typical combination of hardware and software could be a special purpose or general purpose computer system with one or more processing elements and a computer program stored on a storage medium which, when loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it performs method described here. The invention can also be embedded in a computer program product comprising all the features enabling the methods described herein and which, when loaded in a computing system, is able to carry out these methods. Storage medium refers to any volatile or non-volatile storage device.

A computer program or application refers herein to any representation in any language, code or symbol of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having information processing capabilities to perform a specific function directly or after one or both of the following operations : a) converted into another language, code or symbol; b) reproduced in a different material form.

Also, unless otherwise indicated above, it should be noted that all drawings are not drawn to scale. It should be noted that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential attributes, and accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. A system for programming a hard tag, said hard tag comprising an EAS element and a programmable RFID element, said system comprising: a platform defining at least one hard tag location area; a feeder for feeding said hard tag into one of said at least one hard tag positioning area; an antenna positioned at a hard tag programming area, each of said at least one hard tag positioning area being positionable within said hard tag programming area; and an RFID processor that causes the hard tag to be programmed by the antenna when the hard tag is positioned within the hard tag programming area, Wherein the platform includes a shield for dividing the platform into hard tag location areas, the shield having shielding properties to prevent programming of other hard tags adjacent to the hard tag being programmed. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna is a near-field programming antenna configured to wirelessly program the hard tag. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the hard tag is programmed with an EPC code. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the platform is coupled to a vibration mechanism to properly orient the hard tag within the at least one hard tag positioning area. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna is one of a fixed antenna and a movable antenna, wherein the RFID processor directs the movable antenna to at least one hard tag location area. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is coupled to a tester configured to determine whether the hard tag has been properly programmed. 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a waste bin positioned along the platform, wherein incorrectly programmed hard tags are discarded and diverted to the waste bin. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID processor records the number of programmed hard tags, the number of correctly programmed hard tags, and the number of incorrectly programmed hard tags. 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a barcode label applicator configured to attach a barcode label to the hard tag. 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the incorrectly programmed hard tags are flagged to prevent future use. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the platform is a circular platform. 12. A method for programming a hard tag comprising a programmable RFID element, the method comprising: receiving the hard tag within at least one hard tag location area of the platform; positioning each of the at least one hard tag location area within a hard tag programming area, the hard tag programming area including an antenna; and programming the hard tag with an item identifier while the hard tag is positioned within the hard tag programming area, Where the platform includes a shield, and the platform is divided into hard tag location areas by the shield, the shield having shielding properties to prevent programming of other hard tags adjacent to the hard tag being programmed. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the item identifier includes at least one of a manufacturer code, a product serial number, and a tracking number. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising attaching a barcode label to the hard tag by a barcode label applicator. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the item identifier is an EPC code. 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising orienting the hard tag using a vibratory mechanism coupled to the platform so that the hard tag is properly oriented within the at least one hard tag locating area . 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising advancing each hard tag location region to the hard tag programming region. 18. A system for programming an RFID element in a security hard tag, the hard tag comprising an EAS element and an RFID element, the system comprising: a platform defining at least one hard tag location area; a feeder for feeding said hard tag into one of said at least one hard tag positioning area; an antenna positioned at a hard tag programming area, the antenna being arranged to transmit a programming signal substantially within the hard tag programming area, each of the at least one hard tag positioning area being positionable at the hard tag programming area within the area; and an RFID processor that causes the antenna to program a programmable RFID element of the hard tag with an electronic product code (EPC) when the hard tag is positioned within the hard tag programming area, Where the platform includes a shield, and the platform is divided into hard tag location areas by the shield, the shield having shielding properties to prevent programming of other hard tags adjacent to the hard tag being programmed.