Reading RFID tags over a large surface area

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello,

I would like to build a arduino + RFID based project. For this project, I need to be able to read a RFID tag over a large surface.
I bought the PN532 breakout board (PN532 NFC/RFID controller breakout board [v1.6] : ID 364 : $39.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits), the antenna measures 6cm * 5cm and I want to be able to read on a 40cm * 30 cm surface area.The reading distance should be up to 10cm

My first idea is to add more PN532 with a antenna for each one to expand the reading surface, but it’s going to cost a lot of money and will drain too much power.
Is there any other way to increase the reading surface ? Building a DIY one ? Is there a way I can use more than 1 antenna per IC ?

I know the questions are broad, but I am looking for the right approach.

Thanks in advance !

Nicolas

2

It's not available yet and I don't know if it's going to support the range you need, but Technical Illusions are about to release their CastAR product which includes a modular RFID grid.