AdvanLift

Introduction

AdvanLift is a product made to detect when a certain tag (object) has been lifted from the system. This way, you can detect when a customer has taken one of your products and show its details on a screen, for example.

Getting Started

Helpful downloads:

Download AdvanLift dimensions (see download files section)
Download Installation Guide (see download files section)

These are the minimum steps to start using AdvanLift:

1.Power AdvanLift unit

Connect the AdvanLift to a power supply (Switch PoE, PoE injector, etc..) through an Ethernet cable for the system to switch on. It will take between 40 and 50 seconds to boot.

Using a PoE injector

Follow this diagram to connect AdvanLift through a PoE injector:

2.How it works

The Advanlift unit provides a uniform RFID coverage of all the surface. It uses Autonomous Track Missing mode, a custom read mode, to detect product removals. Once it is powered, you can configure it, place your products on the surface, and the system will be ready to go.

3.Configuration

Almost in any installation, it is required to adjust the configuration. In order to do so, please follow these steps:

Discover Device

You need to know the device's IP to continue. It must be connected to the same network as your PC. You can use an Ethernet cable and remove it when the configuration process is done. You can find more information on this page: Discover devices

Enter AdvanNet Manager

AdvanNet is the web interface to manage the unit. The previous step will result in the IP that is assigned to the device. Let's named it <AdvanReader-IP-address>

Use a computer in the same network as the AdvanReader.
Open a Web Browser (Chrome or Firefox are required).
Go to the page: http://<AdvanReader-IP-address>:3161
Replace the <AdvanReader-IP-address> for the IP found in the discover devices.
Log in with the following credentials:

- User: admin
- Password: admin

Read Modes

AdvanLift has one main read mode. Visit Autonomous Track Missing mode page for more information.

AdvanCloud configuration

4.Hardware overview

AdvanLift is composed of the following elements:

- AdvanReader 60
- AdvanMux-4
- 4 X Advantenna-L11

AdvanLift internal hardware

Advanced configuration

AdvanLift offers the possibility to pair the system with Services that provide several data output options.

HTTP Service

You can send AdvanLift's events to your own server by creating HTTP requests. For further details, check our page: HTTP Service

USB HID Service

It is possible to emulate USB as an HID device. Check our page for more information: USB HID Service

Operation

How to choose tags

Any RFID tag can potentially be used in an AdvanLift or similar system. However, to achieve the best user interaction it is recommended to use RFID near-field tags:

Near-field tags are loop tags that respond basically in the near-field region. When used in the right way, near-field hardware will provide the two user interaction required characteristics.

We know the tags below have proven to work in Lift & Learn systems:

- Smartrac Trap NF
- Trace Tech TJ24 Blade

Unfortunately, the final tags must be tested thoroughly. Any change on an AdvanLift system may result in an incorrect behavior.

Adjusting detection

AdvanLift systems are really sensitive to tags, products and RF parameters change. Therefore, a fine adjusting has to be carried out to perform a precise behavior.

Tag's location

To achieve the best performance, tags should be located on products such that the tag is as close as the system (antennas) as possible.

RF parameters adjust

In most cases, you will need to adjust the following parameters:

- Power of the system
- The antenna ON time: time each of the antenna will be reading.
- Tag missing time: time before the system detects a missing product.

to strike a balance between false alarm occurrence rate and system response time.

System features

Access real-time data

All system activity can be accessed in real-time by listening at TCP socket port 3177.

The protocol used is very similar to HTTP and the message format is XML. The following is a sample of a message:

ADVANNET/1.0

Content-Length:488

Content-Type:text/xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<type>deviceEventMessage</type>

<event>

<class>com.keonn.device.impl.DefaultTagAlarmEvent</class>

<type>TAG_ALARM</type>

<typeclass>com.keonn.spec.event.DeviceEvent$EventType</typeclass>

<deviceId>AdvanShelf-eu</deviceId>

<alarmType>AUTONOMOUS_TRACK_MISSING</alarmType>

</event>

<deviceId>AdvanShelf-eu</deviceId>

</deviceEventMessage>

Important characteristics:

- Header always contains:

ADVANNET/1.0: protocol version

Content-Length: length of the message

Content-Type: type of the message

- There is an empty line between the headers and the start of the message.
- Line separators are CRLF characters: this applies to header lines and the empty line between headers and content. The content itself (in the case of txt or XML type) may contain any form of line separator.

Message types

When you listen to TCP port 3177 you are going to receive different types of messages:

- TAG messages: depending on AdvanLift configuration, Tag events are generated
- SYSTEM messages

Embedded development

It is possible to add a layer of software customization to AdvanLift by updating its internal software.

SSH connection

Most Keonn products can be accessed through SSH connection.

- For Windows: you can use Putty
- For Linux: use the terminal to connect via SSH with the following command: ssh keonn@ip-address

To get the credentials visit our guide: Get SSH Credentials

System diagnosis

It is possible to check the system's operation by taking a look at the system logs. Take a look at Access log files for more information.

Software customization

It is possible to customize and add software to the system. Note that any changes to the software might end the system's operation. In that case, we will provide you with a fresh image and all the changes you have made will be lost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why tag detection changes if I attach them to real products?

Tags are designed to work efficiently at specific frequency bands. When a tag is stuck to a product, this detection pattern can be slightly modified.

Therefore, we recommend testing the system with tags stuck to real use case products. This way, system detection rate can be ensured.

How many products can be detected simultaneously?

Ideally, AdvanLift can track with ease 4 or fewer products simultaneously (since it has 4 RF antennas).

However, with an accurate system tunning, it can handle several additional products.

Is it possible to detect metallic products?

Yes. However, due to material constraints, tags cannot be stuck directly to metallic surfaces or paintings.

Possible solutions would be either to stick tags to non-metallic regions of the product or to use tags designed specifically to work on metallic surfaces (if necessary, Keonn can provide advise on tag models for metallic products).

Is AdvanLift chassis customizable?

Yes. AdvanLift chassis can be customized (at your own risk) considering next advise:

- Metalic box: this box cannot be changed since it shapes RF radiation uniformly towards the upper surface. However, it can be covered with any desired material or painting.
- Upper PVC surface: this upper plate can be replaced with a custom plate made with materials such as Wood, thin PVC or Vynils (Metallic materials cannot be used in any case). Changing the surface material will affect detection rates, so subsequent system testing and fine tuning will be a must to ensure good detection rates on customized devices.

Download files

Find the User Guide and other downloadable content below.