Communicating with stackable objects using an antenna array

摘要

The present invention relates to a transmission device that is coupled to an antenna array on a transportation device to wirelessly communicate with stacked objects and or devices containing wireless communication devices during their transport and/or storage. The transportation device contains a moveable member that may be lowered or raised to move and/or store stacked objects. The transmission device is placed on the moveable member and is coupled to an antenna array on the moveable member to selectively communicate with the stacked objects individually. The transmission device also uses an antenna array or proximity sensors to determine the height and/or number of stacked objects on the moveable member and to determine if a wireless communication device on a stacked object is operational.