KR20060099540A - Item-level visibility of nested and adjacent containers - Google Patents

Abstract

An identification device establishes a relative hierarchy of associated containers as logistical units, providing multi-layer visibility of nested and adjacent containers. The relative hierarchy comprises lower-layer containers and upper-layer containers relative to the identification device. An integrated reader device reads heterogeneous tag types. This allows disparate tag types simultaneously using a single device.

Description

Item-level visibility of nested and adjacent containers {ITEM-LEVEL VISIBILITY OF NESTED AND ADJACENT CONTAINERS}

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to tracking containers and their contents, and more specifically to identifying manifest information by inspecting containers of multiple heterogeneous layers, and identifying item layer visibility ( It's about providing item-layer visibility.

The ever-increasing global trade emphasizes the modern global economy, which relies on the goods delivered along the global supply chain. In general, a global supply chain is a network of international suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and other actors that handle goods, from the parts that make up the product to the consumer's consumer end. For example, semiconductor inspection equipment is exported from the United States to Taiwan. In Taiwan, semiconductors are produced and sent to Malaysia, where they are assembled to produce computers. The computers are then shipped by ship to warehouses in the United States and finally sent to consumer outlets for sale.

However, because goods are nested in several containers when stacked on board, and huge containers are stacked, the current tracking system has difficulty tracking the contents of the container. have. For example, according to the term nesting defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO), item layers are packed into package layers, which in turn are carton layers. Stored as. Several carton layers are stored as a unit load layer, and several unit load layers are stored as a container layer. Moreover, containers are loaded at several layers of height. "Container" is used in the present invention in a broader sense, including both individual and different enclosures of the ISO layer. The vehicle transports several container layers at once. The operator then has no choice but to assume that an item is loaded on the vehicle based on the static nesting and stacking information collected during packing. Thus, even if a product is stolen while being loaded on the ship or loaded on the wrong ship, it is impossible to find the missing goods until the cargo receiver opens each layer of the container.

Although such a container configuration is used for the purpose of explanation in the present invention, the present invention applies to any type of grouping and any number of subgrouping layers.

In this regard, there is a problem that current tracking systems do not have real-time information for tracking container contents. In particular, in the item layer. Because the physical content is moved separately from the data for the content, the tracking system cannot provide dynamically validated information about the content. The port operator who wants to know the contents of the container must log in to the tracking system to retrieve static information. Moreover, the data about the contents is often delayed, so the operator may not be able to retrieve any information.

Moreover, many large retailers are requiring products to use Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tags in order to increase the efficiency of the supply chain, which can only maintain as much product inventory as needed. However, these tags are typically heterogeneous and therefore not suitable for intra-tag communication. Thus, conventional tags wait for operation from a tag reader and manually output information to the central system. Traditionally, it is this central system that determines the relationship between products.

In addition, heterogeneous tags traditionally require different tag readers for each tag type. For example, for containers that contain both active and passive types, different devices are needed to obtain information from each tag type. As such, not only two different devices are needed to read these tags, but these different readers do not provide any information about the relationship between the heterogeneous tag types.

Thus, what is needed is a system that nests and provides adjacent visibility of a plurality of associated containers. Furthermore, the solution must provide end-to-end tracking and item-layer visibility of goods within the global supply chain.

The present invention addresses the above needs for a system and method for providing multi-layer visibility of nested and adjacent containers. The system can further provide a virtual warehouse with item layer visibility that tracks end-to-end individual items across a global supply chain. The central system can quickly and easily gather information about associated containers with heterogeneous automatic identification techniques by querying any one or all layers.

In some embodiments, the nested container includes a container with an identification device. The identification device acts like an agent by collecting and processing information independently for the central system. The identification device may be a variety of automatic devices, such as active or passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, barcodes, Electronic Product Codes (EPCs), compliant tags, or other devices capable of communicating their identification information. Identification technology provides visibility. By automatically sending layer information and adjacent container information via satellite to the central system (e.g., the central system is located at or between checkpoints in a global supply chain), the identification device provides item layer visibility. To provide. In one embodiment, a nested container automatically validates an Automated Manifest Rule (AMR) by downloading information from the central system and comparing it to a visible item.

In some embodiments, the identification device comprises a processor that builds a relative hierarchy of lower-layer containers down to item layers and of upper-layer containers. Include. Examples of layers include item layers, unit load layers, intermodal container layers, and the like. In order to establish a layer, the processor sends a signal of inquiry quality to neighboring containers to search for identification information and layer information. The information includes both individual information of the responding container and both hierarchical and adjacent information about the neighbors of the responding container. In addition, the processor transmits its identification information and layer information in response to the received survey quality signal. From a nested container, the processor outputs an eliretie hierarchy, for example to an integrated reading device. In some embodiments, the identification device may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving identification information and / or layer information. The transceiver includes, for example, an RFID transceiver operating at ultra high frequency (UHF).

The features and advantages described in the present invention are not intended to be exhaustive, in particular those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, through the drawings, detailed description and claims of the present invention, many other additional aspects of the invention. Features and advantages can be seen. Moreover, the terminology used in the description of the invention is for the purpose of description and is not in order to limit the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended for the purpose of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined by the claims.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a global supply chain according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2A-2C are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of physical layers in a container hierarchy, according to one embodiment of the invention.

2D is a conceptual diagram illustrating a case where stacked containers are adjacent according to one embodiment of the present invention.

3A is a block diagram illustrating a passive identification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3B and 3C are block diagrams illustrating an active identification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram illustrating an ISO logistics layer in a container layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing overlapping packaging visibility according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of establishing a relative hierarchy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

7A is a block diagram illustrating a dual mode reader in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

7B is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration for a dual mode reader in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

7C is a perspective view of a mobile dual mode reader in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a location where information is exchanged between identification devices and between identification devices and integrated reading devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of collecting identification information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of collecting identification information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may, from the following descriptions, appreciate that other alternative embodiments of the methods and structures described herein may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention described herein. It is easy to recognize.

A method and system for providing nested visibility is disclosed. A system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 7, and methods for operating in the systems in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8-10. Is shown.

In order to fully understand the present invention, the present invention will be described below with very specific details. Of course, the field of cargo tracking is so versatile that many different embodiments are possible that modify the features described herein. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of the specific details described below. Indeed, many various modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention should not be construed as limited to the specific details and implementations set forth below, but should be construed in accordance with the claims that follow.

The processes, features, and functions of the present invention may be implemented by program instructions executed on a suitable computing device. Examples of computing devices include electronic tags, enterprise servers, application servers, workstations, personal computers, network computers, network appliances, PDAs, game consoles, televisions, set-top boxes, store automation Premises automation devices, point-of-sale terminals, automotive and personal communication devices. The program instructions may be located on a computer readable medium, a storage volume, and the Internet. The program instructions may be in any suitable form, such as source code, object code, script code, or the like.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a global supply chain 100 comprising nested and / or adjacent containers 185 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. to be. 1 illustrates only one example of a global supply chain 100 that may include various geographic configurations, modes of transport, and the like, within the spirit of the invention. In this example, the global supply chain 100 is a cargo shipper 105a, an origin port 105b, an intermediate cargo port (transshipment port 105c). Destination port 105d, and consignee 105e.

The global supply chain 100 is used by international suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and other entities that handle goods, from component parts to the consumer's consumer consumption. Thus, nested and / or adjacent containers 185 and other cargo pass through the network points, checkpoints, ports, and the like. The cargo sender 105a and the cargo receiver 105e are direct or indirect partner entities or units within a single entity exchanging one container 185 via a trade route. Can be. For example, a manufacturer sends computer parts to a assembly plant by trucking, and then delivers the assembled computer to a warehouse. Departure port 105b and destination port 105d may be subjects to send and receive goods via a shipping dock, airport, custom agency, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) and other trade routes. The internal supply chain is a similar network operated by a single entity or closely related entities, and the inventive idea is also applicable to this internal supply chain.

At a higher level, the cargo sender 105a may transport the container 185 to the cargo recipient 105e via one of a plurality of trade routes. As a first mode of transportation, a truck transports container 185 from cargo shipper 105a to departure port 105b. As a second and third mode of transport, the first vessel and the second vessel carry the cargo in the intermediate cargo loading port 105c and transport the container 185 from the starting port 105b to the destination port 105d. . As a fourth mode of transport, a freight train transports the container to the freight recipient 105e. In the case of international transport, government agencies (e.g. Custom and Nation Security) in each country (101, 102) are responsible for monitoring and oversight of the major network configurations, and for other network configurations. Private parties are responsible for oversight. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the transportation is within the border of one country. Thus, imports and exports between geographic locations within a country (eg between two states, cities, administrative districts) are monitored, for example, by security agencies or national government agencies. Unfortunately, checkpoints cannot easily gather information about typical containers, including other containers layered inside.

Nested container 185 has this visibility problem. Nested container 185 acts like an agent by automatically collecting and processing information for delivery to a central system. The nested container 185 associates itself with contained containers and adjacent containers, thereby forming a relative hierarchy of logistic units. The relationship hierarchy describes low layer containers and high layer containers. Preferably, nested container 185 in the top layer outputs a relationship hierarchy in response to interrogation. However, other layers can do this as well. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nested container 185 enables master status if it determines that it is the top layer. In another embodiment, nested container 185 replaces the relationship hierarchy if it finds a change in configuration (eg, if a previously nested container did not respond to a periodic poll). Update

In the present specification, a "layer" in a layer may be defined in various ways. In general, each layer can identify itself in response to interrogation, and is relatively defined in relation to other layers. The lower layer may be contained in a higher layer. For example, items or merchandise in the first layer are contained within the packaging of the second layer. The packaging is then loaded into a carton of a third layer. The spectrum of layers ranges from the bottom item to the top vehicle. Preferably, a low-automation identification technique such as a barcode is used in a lower layer, and a high-automation identification technique such as RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) is used in a higher layer.

As container 185 travels through the global supply chain 100, it may be interrogate at different checkpoints. When unloading cargo from the truck at departure port 105b, previously associated pallets may be separated and newly associated. Since the truck is no longer the top layer of the hierarchy, the nested containers 185 of relatively low hierarchy can provide similar information to the interrogator. Further embodiments of nested containers 185 and methods of operating in the containers 185 are described below.

2A-2C are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of physical layers in a container layer, according to some embodiments of the invention. Nested container 185 in the top layer includes a container 210 with an identification device 220 as shown in FIG. 2A. Nested container 210 holds nested pallet 216 supporting nested container 212 including nested item 214. The identification device 220 is in communication with an integrated reader device 225, and the integrated reader device 225 is in communication with a site server or manager 250. Site server 250 may be a local portion of a central system for security, tracking, and the like. Integrated reading device 225 may collect information about containers 185, 210, 212, 214 and nested pallet 216 for local analysis and uploading. Integrated reading device 225 may also write instructions and / or data to nested containers 185, 210, 212, 214 and nested pallet 216. The integrated reading device 225 is described in more detail later with reference to FIG. 7A.

2B shows a nested container 212 of a lower layer that includes a container 222 with an identification device 232. As shown in this embodiment, nested pallet 216 is a platform for a group of nested containers 212 that are useful at times, such as while transporting cargo in a forklift truck. Nested pallet 216 includes pallet 226 and identification device 236. The identification devices 232, 236 both communicate with the integrated reading device 225. 2C also illustrates nested container 214 in a lower layer relative to nested container 212. Nested container 214 includes item 224 or other inexpensive identification device with barcode 234.

 2D is a conceptual diagram illustrating adjacent containers 210a-c with containers 212 and 214 nested therein, respectively. Each adjacent container 210 has an identification device 220. At least one of the identification devices 220 communicates (preferably wirelessly) with the integrated reading device 225. The integrated reading device 225 may collect information about the container 210 for regional analysis and uploading. In addition, the identification devices 220 of adjacent containers 210 communicate with each other.

In the present specification, a "container" is, for example, goods (items), items (packages), cargo (cargo), international containers (freight), boxes ( conventional enclosures such as boxes, and the like. The container is also an ISO in the form of layers and units such as, for example, an InterModal Container (IMC), an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), a Reusable Transport Container (RTC), a Unit Load Device (ULD), and others. Standard packaging may be included. The layers will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. Containers 210, 222, and 224 are merely for illustrative purposes, and their sizes, shapes, and configurations (eg, two or more doors) may vary.

The identification devices 220, 232, 236, although on different layers, may each communicate independently with the integrated identification device 225. In this way, even when the integrated identification device 225 obtains information from any source, the identification devices 220, 232 do not have to daisy-chain information into a daisy chain. In one embodiment of the present invention, the identification devices 220, 232 automatically identify Automated Manifest Rule (AMR) information by downloading from the central system and comparing it with a visible item. As a result, the identification devices 220, 232 can confirm the AMR with respect to the central system and can notify the operator and manager as to whether the correct goods have been loaded or not.

Identification devices 220, 232, 234 are coupled, attached, mounted, or otherwise associated with containers 210, 222, 224 for identification function. . In one embodiment, the identification devices 220, 232, 234, although heterogeneous, may interoperate. For example, in one embodiment, the identification device 220 may include an active type identification device, such as an active RFID tag, and the identification device 232 may be a passive RFID tag ( a passive type identification device, such as a passive RFID tag, and the identification device 234 may include a barcode. Although other types of identification devices are not described herein, other types of identification devices, such as Electronic Product Code (EPC) tags, may also be used in other embodiments. Examples of identification devices are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.

3A is a block diagram illustrating a passive identification device 305 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Passive identification device 305 or "passive tag" is a simple device that does not have an active configuration. The passive identification device 305 comprises an identification module 315, a transceiver 310, and a transmission means 320.

The identification module 315 includes programmed identification information associated with the container to which the passive identification device 305 is attached. The transceiver 310 includes a basic communication channel necessary for transmitting identification information. Here, since the passive identification device 305 does not actually receive data, the term transceiver is used without limitation. Rather, the transceiver 310 responds to a transmission signal that temporarily activates the passive identification device 305 to transmit identification information to the system via the transmission means 320. In one embodiment, the transmitting means 320 is an antenna.

3B is a block diagram illustrating an active identification device 325 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure of an active identification device 325 or " active tag " is a UHF (Ultra High Frequency) transceiver 330, a low frequency receiver 355, a processing unit 340, and a memory 345. ), Sensor co-processor unit 350, beeper 355, reset & undervoltage circuit 360, and power source (eg, , Battery) 365.

UHF transceiver 330 includes physical, logical, analog, and / or digital communication channels that transmit and receive identification information, layer information, and other information to / from active or integrated reading device 225. For example, if identification device 325 includes an RFID device, UHF transceiver 330 includes an RF transmitter and a receiver. The signal is transmitted and received via the antenna 332. Oscillator 334 controls clocking and synchronization, and data interface 336 connects UHF transceiver 330 to processing unit 340. In addition, the UHF transceiver 330 allows the identification device 325 to communicate with other active identification devices.

The low frequency receiver 335 takes the antenna 338 from a signpost within a specified distance of the active identification device 325, for example, to provide location information to the active identification device 325. Via, physical, logical, analog and / or digital communication channels required to receive the signal. The low frequency receiver 335 interfaces 342 with the processing device 340.

Processing device 340 includes, for example, a CPU, a mobile CPU, a controller, or other devices that perform other instructions. In one embodiment, the processing device 340 includes an active or integrated reading device 225 and software for processing signals received from a signpost. In one embodiment, processing involves correlating signals received from devices and sending and receiving signals to identification devices. Oscillator 344 provides clocking and synchronization to active identification device 325.

Memory 345 may be any volatile or nonvolatile device capable of storing program instructions and / or data. The sensor co-processor unit 350 interfaces with the main processing unit 340, receives signals from the passive identification device 305, and establishes the relationship hierarchy and relationships between containers. Set it. The sensor coprocessor device 350 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3C.

Beeper 355 and reset and low voltage circuit 360 act as a monitoring mechanism for active identification device 325. The beeper 355 uses sound to signal the location of the active identification device 325 and to indicate that the container associated with the active identification device 325 remains sealed. The reset and low voltage circuit 360 monitors the processing device 340 voltage and timing.

The battery 365 provides the active identification device 325 with a source of direct current (DC) voltage. The battery 365 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that it can be externally connected to the active identification device 325.

3C is a block diagram illustrating the sensor coprocessor device 350 in more detail in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the sensor coprocessor device 350 interfaces with the main processor 340 and receives a signal from the passive identification device 305. Thus, the sensor coprocessor device 350 can be thought of as a processor dedicated to passive identification information. The basic structure of the sensor coprocessor device 350 includes a transceiver 370, a memory 375, a coprocessor 380, and various sensors 380.

The transceiver 370 includes physical, logical, analog, and / or digital communication channels required to transmit and receive identification information, layer information, other information, and the like, via the antenna 372 to the passive identification device 305. The transceiver 370 interfaces with the memory 374 and the coprocessor 380 through the data / expansion port 374.

The memory 375 may be any volatile or nonvolatile device capable of storing program instructions and / or data. In one embodiment, the memory 375 may be an EEPROM.

Coprocessor 380 is similar to processing device 340 of FIG. 3B. Coprocessor 380 includes a CPU, a mobile CPU, a controller, and devices that perform other instructions. In one embodiment, coprocessor 380 includes software for processing signals received from passive identification device 305.

Sensor 385 monitors various conditions related to the integrity of the container. In one embodiment, the sensor 385 includes a door open detector, a light sensor, a shock sensor, and a temperature and relative humidity sensor.

The configuration of the active identification device 325 shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C is merely an example and may be changed according to a desired function.

4 is a block diagram illustrating ISO logistical layers within an example of a container layer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Logistic layers or units may be an item layer 410a, a packaging layer 410b, a carton layer 410c, a unit load layer 410d, a container layer. container layer 410e (which does not redefine "container" as used herein), and vehicle layer 410f. As shown in FIG. 4, each layer communicates identification information and layer information with different layers in a many-to-many relationship in order to establish a relative hierarchy. In one embodiment, the layer information includes information about what is the logistical layer to which the nested container 185 belongs. In another embodiment, the container layer includes a non-ISO layer.

The item layer 410a includes items or merchandise, for example, a computer with a serial number. The item may have a serial number or a passive tag. The packaging layer 410b includes, for example, a box containing the item and its accessories. Packaging may include barcodes, UPC codes, passive tags, and the like. The carton layer 410c includes, for example, one or more packages that are moved together on one pallet. The unit load layer 410d may have an active or passive tag. Container layer 410e includes, for example, a 40'x8'x8 'metal box with one or more pallets. The container may have an active or passive tag fixed inside or outside. The vehicle layer 410f includes, for example, one or more containers. The vehicle may comprise an active or passive tag.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, FIG. 7A shows a block diagram of an integrated reading device 225 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The integrated reading device 225 is configured to read from / to both the passive 305 and the active 325. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7C, the integrated reading device 225 is handheld. In yet another embodiment, the integrated reading device 225 is stationary. Integrated reading device 225 includes a first UHF transceiver (active) 710, a second UHF transceiver (passive) 715, a processing unit 720, a memory 725, an LED 730, and an external computer. It may have an interface 740 and a power source 745.

The first UHF transceiver (active) 710 is via the antenna 712 the physical, logical, analog and / or necessary to transmit and receive identification information, layer information, and other information to and from the active identification device 325. It includes a digital communication channel. The first UHF transceiver (active) 710 is available from various vendors. The first UHF transceiver 710 is configured to receive and transmit signals from the active identification device 325 up to a distance of up to 300 feet. In one embodiment, the first UHF transceiver 710 transmits and receives a signal of 433 MHz. Oscillator 714 controls clocking and synchronization, and data interface 716 connects first UHF transceiver 710 to processing unit 720. In addition, the first UHF transceiver 710 includes a buffer and / or queue necessary for transmitting information to the processing device 720 when the processing device 720 is ready to receive information.

The second UHF transceiver (active) 715 is capable of transmitting and receiving identification information, layer information, and other information to / from the passive identification device 305 via the antenna 718, physical, logical, analog, and / or necessary. It includes a digital communication channel. The second UHF transceiver (passive) 715 is available from various vendors, such as, for example, Symbol Technologies of Oakland, Canada. The second UHF transceiver 715 is configured to receive and transmit signals from the passive identification device 305 spaced up to 30 feet away. In other embodiments, the range may be larger. In one embodiment, the second UHF transceiver 715 transmits and receives a signal of 900 MHz. The passive UHF transceiver 715 generally transmits data to the passive identification device 305, but since it only receives data, the term transceiver is used in this invention without limitation. Data interface 722 connects second UHF transceiver 715 to processing unit 720. In addition, the second UHF transceiver 715 includes a buffer and / or queue necessary for transmitting information to the processing device 720 when the processing device 720 is ready to receive information.

The processing device 720 includes, for example, a CPU, a mobile CPU, a controller, or other devices that perform other instructions. In one embodiment, the processing device 720 includes software 765 for processing a signal received from the integrated reading device 225. The software 765 is described in greater detail later with reference to FIG. 7B. Oscillator 724 controls clocking and synchronization of processing device 720.

Processing unit 720 may switch back and forth between the transmission and reception of active and passive signals. Moreover, the processing device 720 performs various other processing for the integrated reading device 225, as described in connection with FIG. 7B.

In one embodiment (not shown), the processing device 720 includes two processors, one processor for processing signals from the passive identification device 305 and one processor for processing signals from the active identification device 325. Two separate devices. In this embodiment, the processors are connected to be in communication with each other, and the integrated reading device 225 may include an active reader and a passive reader. Further, in this embodiment, the active and passive readers can be separated from each other and collect information independently of each other.

Memory 725 may be a volatile or nonvolatile device capable of storing program instructions and / or data. LED 730 is an indicator of whether data is being transmitted and / or received, and may also indicate that integrated reading device 225 is receiving power.

Integrated reading device 225 may include an external computer interface 740 and / or a power source 745. If an external computer interface 740 is present, the external computer interface 740 performs the function of connecting the integrated reading device 225 to, for example, the site manager 250 or another computer. For example, external computer interface 740 may be coupled to a separate processor (not shown) with software for generating an integrated signal.

A power source 745, if present, powers the integrated reading device 755. The power source 745 includes a battery 750 as a current source, a battery charger 755, and a voltage regulator 760. In another embodiment, the power source 745 is externally connected or separate from the integrated reading device 225.

7B is a block diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration for a dual mode reader device according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the software 765 may include an active signal processing portion 770, a passive signal processing portion 775, an interrogation portion 780, and a signal association portion. (signal association portion) 785 and a signal transmission portion (790).

The active signal processing portion 770 includes software for processing signals received from the active identification device 325 and transmitted to the active identification device 325. Passive signal processing portion 775 includes software for processing signals received from passive identification device 305 and transmitted to passive identification device 305. The survey query unit 780 includes software for generating a signal for querying the active identification device 325 and the passive identification device 305. Signal association 785 includes software for associating different signals from various passive identification devices 305 and active identification devices 325, and mirroring the association to each container. The signal transmitter 790 includes software for transmitting the processed signal to an external computer. The software portions 770-790 need not be separate software modules. The illustrated configuration is for illustrative purposes only, and other configurations are predictable within the spirit of the invention.

As such, the aggregation device 225 may read heterogeneous tag types. This allows the active tag 305 and the passive tag 325 to be read using a single device and to establish interrelationships between heterogeneous tag types. The integrated reader 225 can read both active and passive tags with a single reader, which can greatly save time, cost, and equipment. Thus, the integrated reader 225 has many advantages over conventional readers, which required separate readers for each tag type.

8 is an example of locations 805-815 where information is exchanged between identification devices 305, 325 and between identification devices 305, 325 and integrated reading device 225 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A conceptual diagram showing the.

In one embodiment, the collection of identification information begins at a sending location 805, such as the cargo sender 105a or the departure port 105b, when the container is packaged. At the dispatch location 805, the integrated reading device 225a is used to collect identification information from the active identification device 325 and the passive identification device 305. For example, a handheld integrated reader device 225a is used, the mobile device is located within a readable range of the tag, and identification information is collected from the tag. If the device is a stationary reader device 225c, when a container passes adjacent to the stationary reading device within a certain range of the tag (e.g. by a conveyor belt or transportation means), the tag is It is read and identification information is collected from the tag. The integrated reading device 225a may receive signals individually from each of the identification devices 305 and 325 or receive information about some of the identification devices 305 and 325 from one or more active identification devices 325. You may. This process is described later in more detail with reference to FIG.

During the path from the sending location 805 to the receiving location 815, the identification devices 305, 325 can be examined by the active or integrated reading device 225b. In addition, the identification devices 305, 325 can communicate with each other to establish how each of the containers with which they are associated (eg, nested or adjacent). This process is described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

In one embodiment, a final survey query of container identification information is made when a container arrives at a receiving location 815, such as destination port 105d or cargo recipient 105e. At the receiving location 815, the container may pass by the side of the integrated reading device 225c. Integrated reading device 225c may receive or transmit identification information from active 325 and passive 305 identification devices. Integrated reading device 225c may receive signals from each identification device 305, 325 individually, or may receive information about some identification devices 305, 325 from one or more active identification devices 325. have. This process is described in more detail later with reference to FIG.

9 is a flowchart illustrating two examples (910, 920) of a method of collecting identification information according to an embodiment of the present invention. The examples are methods of collecting identification information from a series of containers, for example, during packaging at the shipping location 805.

In one embodiment (shown in solid line 910), the process begins by collecting 930 passive device identification information from one or more passive identification devices 305. Next, active identification device 325 is selected from the available devices (940). For example, the active tag 325 of the container containing the passive identification device 305 container is selected (940). Then, passive tag information collected in step 930 is recorded in the selected active tag 325 (950). These steps are repeated as necessary to accommodate various nested containers with active 325 and passive 305 identification devices. Finally, identification information is collected 960 from the active tag 325.

For example, this process can be used when loading items into containers in a warehouse. In this scenario, an agent may have container units and one or more shipping containers in which items are loaded for shipping. For example, at the item level, each piece may have a passive tag associated with it. As each item is loaded into a container unit, identification information of the item is collected (930). When an agent loads an item into a container unit (eg, in a loading container), an active tag identification device associated with a larger container is selected (940). The passive tag information is recorded in the selected active tag (950). The agent repeats the process until the container unit is full. In this case, the identification information may be collected from an active tag associated with the container unit (960). The container unit will include identification information regarding the passive tag read as the active tag in step 950. Similarly, active tag information from other container units in a loading container may be collected in a manner similar to the processes 930-940 and recorded 950 in an active tag associated with the loading container. If the loading container is full, identification information may be collected 960 from an active tag associated with the loading container.

In another embodiment (illustrated by dashed line 920), the process begins by collecting 960 identification information from the active identification device 325. Next, an active identification device is selected from the devices 325 for which identification information has been collected in step 960. Passive device identification information is then collected 930. Finally, passive tag information collected in step 930 is recorded in the selected active tag 325.

For example, this embodiment can be used in a warehouse when loading items into containers. In this scenario, an agent may have container units and one or more shipping containers into which items are loaded for shipping. For example, each item may have a passive tag associated with it, and each container unit may have an active tag associated with it. The agent first collects identification information from each of the active tags associated with the container unit (960). Next, the agent selects one container unit to load the item from the group of container units. In this way the agent selects the active tag associated with the container unit (940). The agent then collects passive tag identification information from each item when the item is loaded into the container unit (930). Finally, the identification information collected from the passive tag is recorded in the active tag in step 940.

5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing nested visibility in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method 500 may take place at various points in time, for example, in a route from a sending location 805 to a receiving location 815.

In one embodiment, the active identification device 325 receives 510 an interrogation signal. The survey query signal generates responses of the identification information and the layer information through the various identification devices 305 and 325. Although the description below is described with respect to one active identification device 325, each of the active tags may perform the following process.

The processing unit 325 of the active identification device 325 builds a relative hierarchy 520, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6. A relationship layer based on the response of the inquiry signal provides visibility from the layer. As such, the interrogator of the identification device 325 (e.g., the integrated reader 225) is a container and a container nested in the container via the information exchange with one device, the container You can collect information about containers adjacent to.

The UHF transceiver 330 of the active tag 325 outputs the relationship layer (530). The output may be due to regular communication with the reader, a response to a signal of a particular survey quality, or due to periodic publication to a subscriber. The output may be output to the integrated reading device 225, for example via an agent with a mobile device.

If a change occurs in nesting (540), the process is repeated. For example, in the case of a smaller container in the path of the container, such as when loaded into a larger container, a change in overlapping packaging may occur. In this embodiment, the information about the container can be read by the reading device when the container passes through the door of the larger container. The container information can thus be downloaded to the active identification device 325 associated with the larger container. Since the tags can communicate with each other, any changes that can occur in redundant packaging can be stored accurately in the outermost active identification device.

6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 520 of establishing a relative hierarchy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The relationship hierarchy is based on responses from neighboring containers and nested containers. In one embodiment, the association information may be pre-loaded at the checkpoint of the global supply chain 100. If a response is received at the active tag 325 from a lower layer container 610 (e.g., a container contained within a container with the active tag 325), the processing device 340 of the active tag 325 may Organize 610 lower-layer aggregate information from data from containers to build hierarchical information about the container and the contents of the container. In one embodiment, organization includes arranging data in layers that mirror the layers of layers. The aggregation information may include several layers depicting sub-hierarchy. In addition, the response may be received at the active tag 325 from another active tag 325 located in a neighboring container (eg, a container stacked vertically in several layers below the first container).

Similarly, if a response is received from a higher-layer container (630), then organize this container into higher-layer aggregate information of several layers and sublayers. (640). In one embodiment, processor 340 transmits the set information to a container of a known higher layer (650). The device 325 may also store information in the memory 345 about the peer hierarchy that responds to the survey query signal.

Because there is a many-to-many relationship between layers, some information may be redundant. Thus, in one embodiment, duplicate material is recognized and deleted. In another embodiment, redundant information is used for verification and reliability scoring. In yet another embodiment, conflicting information is resolved through various methods, such as using higher layer information or using directly collected information.

This embodiment merely shows one embodiment of a method for providing redundant packaging visibility in accordance with the present invention. Various modifications of the above methods can be envisioned by the present invention, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of collecting identification information according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment describes a method of collecting identification information from a series of containers, such as during unloading at the receiving location 815.

In one embodiment, the process is initiated by a processor 720 of the integrated reading device 225 that initiates a survey query 1010 of the plurality of identification devices 305, 325. In another embodiment, the irradiated signal may be initiated by software located outside of integrated reading device 225 (eg, a computer connected to integrated reading device 225 via external computer interface 740). The transceivers 720 and 715 of the integrated reading device 225 then transmit 1010 the probe signal to the identification devices 305 and 325. The identification information signal is then received 1030 from the identification devices 305 and 325.

After receiving the signal, integrated reading device 225 processes the signal (1040). In one embodiment, process 1040 includes associating identification information signals received from various types of identification devices 305 and 325. In the last step, the processed signal is sent to an external computer (1050).

Finally, the terminology used in the description of the invention is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, in order to limit the scope thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended for the purpose of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is set forth in the claims below.

According to the present invention, a system and method are provided for providing multi-layer visibility of nested and adjacent containers.

According to the present invention, a virtual warehouse with item layer visibility that tracks end-to-end individual items across a global supply chain can be further provided. The central system can quickly and easily gather information about associated containers with heterogeneous automatic identification techniques by querying any one or all layers.

Claims (26)

A method of collecting identification information from an identification device associated with a container, the method comprising: Transmitting a signal of survey quality to an identification device associated with the first container; And Receiving information including identification information for a second container from the identification device And collecting identification information from the identification device associated with the container. The method of claim 1, wherein the second container is adjacent to the first container. The method of claim 1, wherein the information received from the identification device includes identification information for a third container. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the second container and the third container are adjacent to the first container. 4. The identification information of claim 3, wherein the first container is stacked on top of the second container and the second container is stacked on top of the third container. How to collect. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said identification device associated with said first container is an active device. The method of claim 1, wherein the second container is associated with a passive identification device. The method of claim 1, wherein the second container is associated with an active identification device. A method of collecting identification information from an identification device associated with a plurality of nested containers, the method comprising: Transmitting a signal of survey quality to an identification device associated with the first container; And Receiving information including identification information on a second container included in the first container from the identification device And collecting identification information from an identification device associated with the plurality of nested containers. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the identification information for the second container is received from the identification device associated with the plurality of nested containers at the identification device from the identification device associated with the second container. How to. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the identification device is configured to receive identification information from one or more other identification devices. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said information received from said identification device comprises identification information relating to a third container. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the third container is contained within the first container. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first container comprises the second container, and wherein the second container is nested to include the third container. How to collect identifying information. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the identification device associated with the first container is an active device. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second container is associated with a passive identification device. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second container is associated with an active identification device. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the third container is associated with a passive identification device. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the identification device stores the identification information for the second container. A method of collecting identification information from an identification device associated with a plurality of nested containers, the method comprising: Transmitting a signal of survey quality to an identification device associated with the first container; And Receiving from the identification device information including identification information for a second container included in the first container and third container information for a third container included in the second container And collecting identification information from an identification device associated with the plurality of nested containers. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the identification device is an active device. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the identification device is associated with a plurality of nested containers. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the second container information is received at another identification device associated with the second container at the identification device. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein said other identification device is an active device. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the third container information is received from the other identification device at the identification device, and the other identification device receives the third container information from a third identification device associated with the third container. Collecting identification information from an identification device associated with the plurality of nested containers. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the identification device is configured to receive identification information from the other identification device. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein said third identification device is a passive device.

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