JP2005515947A - Inventory management system - Google Patents

Abstract

  A method, system, and article of manufacture consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention collects item information from RFID tags attached to items in inventory, and the collected item information is used to perform various inventory management processes. used. In one aspect, the inventory management process may include depletion of items in inventory, changes in the design of items in inventory, defects in one or more items, misplaced items, an unusual number of items within a short period of time. Including the determination, reporting, and / or provision of corrective actions related to one or more events related to movement (i.e., depletion) and / or malfunction of one or more components in the environment Can do.

Description

  The present invention relates to an inventory management system, and specifically uses an intelligent station to track and / or inventory inventory items that are tagged with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. The present invention relates to a method and system for performing an inventory management process.

  Inventory management is becoming increasingly important in today's growing economy. New products are being continuously developed and put on the market for purchase by consumers. While this growth gives consumers more choice to choose various goods and services, stores (eg, retailers, wholesalers, etc.) are plagued with this increasing inventory.

  In order to manage increasing product inventory, stores have always implemented an inventory management system, which includes point-of-sale (POS) data, invoice creation data, and inventory audits for sold products. Or a system that uses historical data about cycle counts (eg, periodic inventory counts of products) to determine inventory that exists inside the wall of a retail store. POS data generally refers to data generated by a checkout system (ie, a cash register). Based on the inventory level within the retail store, the product can be reordered from the manufacturer. Alternatively, the manufacturer and retailer may have a contract that directs the manufacturer to deliver the product in a pre-emptive form according to the terms of the contract. Ideally, the inventory is replenished in such a way that the inventory reaches the retail store just before the existing stock level is exhausted.

  A constant inventory management system alleviates some of the burden of managing large quantities of inventory, but does not include cycle counts, POS scan data, redundant reorders, incorrect shipments, and / or unusual sales rates (i.e. Use management to inject inaccuracies in product sales that are too fast or too slow. The result is a physical (actual) inventory higher than that for specially promoted products (e.g., products with a shelf life) that are closely monitored for safety, on the order of 11-12%. Out of stock level.

  Another shortcoming associated with the constant inventory management system includes inventory depletion, also referred to as inventory inventory loss due to non-sale conditions. For example, depletion occurs at some point in the supply chain due to invoice errors, vendor fraud, misdirected shipments, retail store employee theft, and customer theft. When inventory is calculated as described above (i.e., using a constant inventory management technique), the depletion rate (becomes a percentage of sales) is the theoretical inventory (i.e. proposed or planned) Deviation between inventory) and physical inventory can occur. Another problem with the constant inventory management system is the uncertainty associated with the effectiveness of product promotions. For example, if the relationship between price and inventory velocity, called price elasticity, is not clearly understood, a promotion can cause an out-of-stock condition, It adversely affects customer satisfaction and loyalty. Alternatively, promotions may not be able to achieve the desired inventory reduction when too much inventory is ordered and price elasticity is underestimated or measured.

  In addition, another problem associated with conventional inventory management systems is associated with misplaced inventory on retail store shelves or similar support units. Product manufacturers devote a lot of money to market a product to consumers. In such situations, this marketing can include a battle with competitors that produce similar products. Since retailers typically want to present as much inventory as possible for sale to customers, some employees may fill the gaps in the shelves dedicated to out-of-stock products with related products. In that case, relevant products include products made by manufacturers' competitors. This results in lost sales for the manufacturer, and in some cases, customer satisfaction is reduced. This may violate contracts between retailers and manufacturers or between retailers and wholesalers.

To address the shortcomings of traditional inventory management systems, stores are beginning to incorporate wireless identification devices to help manage product inventory. This advance contemplates attaching RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags to the product during manufacture or when the product is stored in a warehouse. Each RFID tag includes an integrated circuit (IC) that allows the tag to have a unique identification number. Thus, for example, when a product is removed from a warehouse and placed on a retail store shelf, the product can be scanned to provide a comprehensive inventory. In addition, RFID tag technology is intended to provide distributed inventory management between manufacturers and retailers. For example, the manufacturer can use the information stored in the RFID tag of the product to receive an alert over the Internet every time the product is sold at a retail store. Manufacturers can use this information to predict retailer replenishment schedules to avoid out-of-stock situations.
US6094173 U.S. Patent No. 6,166,706

  The RFID tag development described above helps to overcome some of the shortcomings of traditional constant inventory management systems, but these developments can be done in real-time or near real-time at almost every point in the supply chain. The ability to provide comprehensive inventory management is over. Therefore, there is a need to provide an intelligent inventory management system that provides a comprehensive view of inventory within a particular environment.

  Manufacturing methods, systems, and articles consistent with certain aspects of the present invention provide a process for managing inventory of items, each of which is positioned at a respective location in the environment and a corresponding wireless identification device Associated with In one aspect of the invention, this process may include providing item information associated with each item to each corresponding wireless identification device. Based on the item information, the process can perform an inventory management process to provide real-time information related to the item's inventory. The inventory management process can include at least one of an out-of-stock control process, a wear-out recognition process, a rapid product recall process, an alert monitor process, and a sales optimization process. Each of these processes will monitor the inventory level of the item, detect misplaced items in the environment, and provide feedback information related to the item based on the detected event (for example, an item based on sales data) Various tasks used to manage inventory of items in the environment can be performed, such as alternative location suggestions).

  Additional features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

  The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a number of embodiments of the invention, which together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

  The following description of embodiments of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever necessary, the same reference numbers in different drawings refer to the same or similar elements.

<Introduction>
Systems and methods consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention allow an intelligent inventory management process to monitor the inventory of items (eg, products) included in the environment and collect information related thereto. As used herein, the term, item, can be any type of product that is manufactured, developed, and raised by an agricultural enterprise and provided by a manufacturer, business entity, individual, group of individuals, and the like. For example, the items can be food (eg, agricultural products, dairy products, canned foods, etc.), clothing items, plant or similar types of horticultural products, engine machined parts, sports equipment, and the like. In addition, the items can relate to live animals or fish, such as livestock (eg, cattle) that are raised by livestock suppliers and sold to livestock processors. Alternatively, the item can be a domestic or non-domesticated animal, such as a dog or reptile that is and / or maintained by an animal supplier or caretaker (e.g., pet store, zoo, etc.) .

  The collected information is used to perform various inventory management processes that allow the user to control the inventory of items, monitor wear, and recall items or It will be possible to facilitate and identify defective items, manage misplaced items in the environment, and receive alert messages related to various item inventory conditions such as security conditions, out-of-stock conditions.

  In one aspect of the present invention, an RFID-enabled structure system is used to store inventory of items, such as shelf units, depending on the environment (eg, retail store). Such a system is described in Attachment A, which corresponds to US Patent Application No. ______ filed on Jan. 9, 2003. Methods and systems consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention allow data associated with items to be repeatedly collected by a data collection system. The user operates a user interface that provides demand-based item information (i.e. when the user requests it) or exception-based item information (i.e. when something unusual or noteworthy occurs) Can do. Based on the collected data, an intelligent inventory management application and / or user can manage out-of-stock items, monitor depletion, perform quick recall functions, and send alerts about notable events.

<System architecture>
FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of an exemplary inventory management system 100 consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. As can be seen, the system 100 can include one or more environments 110-1 to 110-N interconnected by a network 180. Environments 110-1 through 110-N can also be directly connected via a direct communication path (not shown) between the environments. Network 180 may represent any type of communication configuration that enables environments 110-1 through 110-N to exchange information. For example, network 180 may be a combination of networks such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet. Further, the network 180 may include an infrastructure that enables the environments 110-1 to 110-N to exchange information using wireless-based communication.

  Each of the environments 110-1 to 110-N can represent an environment associated with a business entity or a non-business entity. In one aspect of the invention, each environment 110 can include physical structures that produce, create, maintain, store, and / or sell items, or each environment 110 can be associated therewith. . For example, environments 110-1 through 110-N may represent retail stores that sell items, warehouses that purchase, store, maintain, and / or ship items, storage rooms that store supplies, and the like. Environments 110-1 through 110-N can represent headquarters entities that manage the sale, production, storage, etc. of items that are located and sold in other environments 110. For example, multiple environments (eg, 110-1) can represent a retail outlet store that sells items directly to consumers (ie, users), such as a supermarket, where environment 110-N is the inventory of each of the multiple environments. And a head office that manages other business aspects. According to one aspect of the invention, one or more environments (eg, 110-1) perform intelligent inventory management based on item information collected by automated services performed within the environment. Can do.

  In order to perform intelligent inventory management services consistent with aspects of the present invention, each environment 110-1 through 110-N includes an intelligent inventory management system (IIMS) 105, a data collection system (DCS) 160, and an item inventory 170. Is included. The IIMS 105 is one or more that performs one or more processes consistent with certain aspects of the present invention, such as a server, personal computer, workstation, laptop, or other similar computer system known to those skilled in the art. A computing system can be represented. Although FIG. 1 shows an IIMS 105 placed in each environment, the IIMS 105 can also be placed outside the environment in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. For example, a department store chain can connect multiple stores to a single IIMS 105 via a network.

  DCS 160 may be a hardware, firmware, and / or software configuration that performs data collection functions consistent with certain aspects of the present invention. In one aspect, DCS 160 includes a component that collects item information from one or more items included in item inventory 170 using RFID technology. Item inventory 170 may represent one or more items physically located in each environment 110. Item inventory 170 may also include one or more types of items that may be similar or dissimilar in characteristics, size, price, taste, functionality, and the like. For example, in the example where environment 110-1 represents a supermarket store, the item inventory may include different types of food and beverages, with each type of item including multiple items. Thus, in the above example, the environment 110-1 can include thousands of items of different types of beverages and other edible items. Alternatively, if environment 110-1 is associated with a home improvement warehouse retail store, item inventory 170 may include different types of tools, machines, appliances, and the like.

  For purposes of this description, the items described herein relate to retail items that are assumed to be on store shelves that include RFID antennas, included in their respective environments 110. Each item can be associated with an RFID tag that includes item information associated with the respective item. For example, RFID tags can include identification information that is unique to the item to which the tag is attached, such as a serial number or a price number. Alternatively, RFID tags include item information that represents the type of item and / or associated characteristics and information that identifies the environment in which the RFID tag is located (for example, in a scenario where IIMS 105 is located outside the environment) be able to. The DCS 160 may be configured to retrieve item information from RFID tags associated with each item included in the item inventory 170 and supply that information to the IIMS 105.

  Antennas for other types of information retrieval mechanisms, including pegboard displays, clothing racks, shelf edge displays, cabinets, kiosks, backroom or warehouse racks, display cases, and point-of-sale equipment or checkout lane equipment Can be implemented in environment 110-1. Further, although the following description of certain aspects of the present invention relates to RFID-based shelf units, those skilled in the art will recognize the present invention as RFID related to POS locations (eg, checkout lanes), warehouse racks, entrance areas, etc. You will understand that it also applies to leaders. The characteristics of the antenna (eg, form factor) and the rate at which the antenna is read may require adjustment for use in applications other than shelves. For example, warehouse applications may require longer reading ranges and less frequent data updates, while point-of-sale applications require ultra-fast data updates with a narrower reading range where possible. There is a possibility. The types and functionality of RFID-based components and systems that can be implemented with methods and systems consistent with the present invention are described in Attachment A.

<Example environment 110-1>
As described above, the system 100 allows the item inventory 170 to be managed intelligently by one or more environments 110. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary environment 110-1 consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. As can be seen, the environment 110-1 can include an IIMS 105, a request response manager (RRM) 220, and a DCS 160.

  The IIMS 105 can include a CPU 201, a memory 202, a display 204, and a database 215. The CPU 201 may be any type of processor (s) known in the art. The CPU 201 may be configured to execute instructions and perform processing consistent with certain principles related to the present invention. Although only one CPU 201 included in IIMS 105 is shown in FIG. 2, those skilled in the art can implement multiple different architectures with methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with certain features relevant to the present invention. Will understand. For example, CPU 201 can be replaced or supplemented by multiple processors, and one or more of these CPUs can perform multitasking and / or multiprocessing operations. The display 204 can be any type of device that presents information to the user, such as a workstation computer screen, laptop, dumb terminal, kiosk or the like.

Database 215 may be one or more storage systems that store information used by IIMS 105 to perform intelligent inventory management functions consistent with the present invention. The database 215 can be controlled by a database server (not shown) such as an SQL database server. Further, the SQL server database can be accessed using a JDBC (Java (registered trademark) DataBase Connectivity) driver of the SQL server. Information related to each identifier included in the RFID tag can be stored in the database 215. Thus, for each SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) (i.e. information related to an item that reflects at least a certain type of product (e.g. item type) made by a manufacturer, such as a certain size, color, style) The item information stored in 215 can be selected from the following.
1) UPC (Universal Price Code) and / or EPC (Electronic Price Code). Note that items made by a manufacturer in a certain size, color, etc. can all have the same UPC, but each can have its own EPC. Further description of EPC is described below with respect to a section referred to as “EPC writer”.
2) The current price of the item.
3) Seasonality indicator of items. The interseasonal disparity indicator can represent the relationship between items and time periods associated with different events or seasons, such as holidays, time frames that intervene special events (eg, Super Bowl). For example, a soap product can have a seasonal disparity indicator that indicates no seasonal character, such as “no season”, and a lease can have a “Christmas” indicator, May have a “summer” indicator. In addition, promotional items (eg, items that are specifically marketed by a manufacturer or retailer) may have a seasonal disparity indicator associated with a time frame, such as “July 2003” (July 2003). The seasonal disparity indicator can be used by ISSA 200 and / or the user to determine when an item in item inventory 170 is to be removed or newly purchased.
4) The shelf life of the item. The shelf life is the period of time during which an item can be allowed to be included in the item inventory 170. For example, perishable products such as milk may have a limited period of time that can be presented on a shelf for sale to a customer. Products that do not spoil may also have a limited period of time presented in inventory 170 based on one or more factors, such as previous sales of similar types of items, limited promotional timeframes, etc. .
5) Historical data on the sales rate for each type of item. Historical sales data can extend in the past for a certain period of time, such as a certain number of days or hours. Historical sales data is a form that provides information reflecting the quantity of items sold over a period of time, such as a table with a column of sales data with 168 rows representing 24 hours over 7 days. Can be formatted with A column may have fewer rows for an environment that is open for less than 24 hours a day, such as a retail store or store that is not open 24 hours. In addition, the database 215 may include additional columns of item sales rate data representing certain conditions, such as, for example, standard prices, promotional prices, vacation seasons, inventory clearing conditions, and the like. The holiday season can be long (eg, Christmas) or short (eg, US War Memorial Day, US Independence Day, Labor Day, etc.). Other situations that result in unusual sales patterns (eg, accelerated sales patterns) include the day before the Super Bowl or anticipated bad weather such as storms or typhoons.
6) Historical out-of-stock data representing one or more conditions when a type of item is not available in item inventory 170.
7) Historical data representing the number of times an item was picked up but returned to the shelf without being bought.
8) The shelf “volume” size of the item that represents the size characteristics of a single package unit of the item. The size characteristic can be measured as a linear solid or other type of geometric space that can be mathematically represented and manipulated by processing performed by a computer and / or user. For items that cannot be stacked on each other, the shelf volume size can be considered to extend to another shelf located next to the shelf on which the item is currently located.
9) One or more locations within environment 110-1 where the item is preferably located, such as a shelf number or warehouse location.
10) Information summarizing depletion reflecting the movement of a certain number of items specific to location and time in environment 110-1. For example, depletion information can be associated with a condition where a number of items of a certain type are removed from the shelf in a short time.
11) Information summarizing out-of-stock events specific to location and time in environment 110-1.

Further, for each type of item set (eg, an individual box of items of any type), the database 215 can store item information selected from:
1) EPC of the item.
2) UPC of items that date back to the SKU information described above.
3) Other types of information not directly known from the SKU (eg color, style, size).
4) Serial number associated with the item (if different from EPC).
5) The cost of items to business entities associated with environment 110-1, such as retailers.
6) The date that the item was first placed at a location within environment 110-1, such as a specific shelf.
7) Item expiry date (if any).
8) Item location information that represents the current physical location of the item in environment 110-1 (or the last known location of the item if sold).
9) The price at which the item sold was sold (if already sold).
10) The date when the item was sold (if already sold).
11) The preferred customer number of the buyer (if already sold), representing a unique number assigned to the user who can buy or buy the item located in environment 110-1.

Database 215 can be configured to store data in various data formats and database configurations. For example, the database 215 can store one or more tables that contain information used by the ISSA 200 to perform certain functions related to the present invention. This table can include:
1) tblAlerts A table that stores alerts and alert acknowledgments related to certain events in environment 110-1.
2) A table that stores information about the business entity (eg, company) that owns, lends, manages, and / or associates with the tblCompany environment 110-1.
3) tblCurEPC A table in which information about the current EPC at a given location (eg, a given shelf) in environment 110-1 is stored.
4) tblEPC A table that stores information that associates EPC codes with product information, such as manufacturer, SKU, and other types of information related to products (eg items).
5) tblEPCReader A table that stores information about EPC reader devices such as reader 262.
6) A table that stores information about base level inventory for tblEPCSkuBase EPC reader devices (eg, reader 262) and item types associated with the reader.
7) tblERPInv Current theoretical inventory supplied by an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system or other type of inventory system (e.g., not actual inventory, must be present in environment 110-1, planned or A table in which information related to (suggested inventory) is stored. The ERP system is a business management system that integrates many aspects of the business, including planning, manufacturing, sales, and marketing, such as the ERP system provided by SAP, Oracle, and PeopleSoft.
8) tblInventoryAlertConfig A table that stores the components of inventory alert jobs (eg, tasks performed by IIMS 105 that provide alert messages based on one or more inventory conditions).
9) tblInventoryRemovalAlertConfig A table that stores configuration data for the inventory removal alert process.
10) tblManu A table that stores information related to one or more manufacturers of items contained in inventory 170.
11) tblReaderType A table that stores information that defines the actions that can be performed by the EPC reader (for example, reading, display on / off, output level adjustment, etc.).
12) tblReaderTypeActions A table that stores a list of possible actions for a given EPC reader.
13) tblRelatedEPC A table that stores identification information about an EPC reader related to one of the other EPC readers (eg, related to a common antenna or antennas connected to a common shelf unit).
14) tblRemEPC A table where EPCs that are no longer in a given position in environment 110-1 (eg, no longer on a designated shelf) are stored.
15) tblRequestBroker A table that stores information defining the request broker's location and associated port (eg, TCP / IP port identifier).
16) tblSku A table holding information related to item SKU information.
17) tblSkuCat A table that stores information about one or more categories of various items.
18) tblStore A table that stores information about environment 110-1.
19) tblUser A table that stores a list of users allowed to access ISSA200.
20) tblVirtualCommands A table that stores a list of virtual commands for the EPC reader. This command list can include commands that can be sent to the RFID reader to instruct the RFID tag to perform one or more operations, such as storing item information.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the table listed above is exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Database 215 may include more or fewer tables configured to store various types of information used by ISSA 200.

  The memory 202 may be one or more known types of storage devices in which data used by the IIMS 105 is stored. The memory 202 may be a magnetic type, semiconductor type, and / or optical type storage device, but is not limited thereto. The memory 202 may be a storage device that allows the CPU 201 to quickly access data, such as a cache memory. In one configuration consistent with selected features related to the present invention, the memory 202 can store data and / or program instructions (eg, applications) to implement a method consistent with certain features related to the present invention. Among the software that can be included in the memory 202 is an intelligent shelf software application (ISSA) 200.

<ISSA200>
The ISSA 200 can be an application program that provides information to a user or ERP system, such as a web-enabled application. Thus, ISSA 200 can be configured to receive data from and supply data to users or ERP systems (or other types of business management systems). The ISSA 200 can temporarily store inventory data collected from the DCS 160 in the database 215 before transferring a portion thereof to the user and / or ERP system. In one aspect of the invention, a user customizes the ISSA 200 to determine the amount of inventory data that is managed and stored in the database 215, and within an ISSA system that is located in another environment, such as environment 110-N. You can decide how to store inventory data.

  Further, ISSA 200 may perform and / or operate one or more security processes configured to control access to ISSA 200 functions. For example, ISSA 200 allows users to provide a valid username and password (or other form of identification) to access features supplied by IIMS 105, including those performed by ISSA 200. The requested security process can be executed. In addition, ISSA 200 can assign one or more roles to the user. Based on the assigned role, ISSA 200 (or other applications and / or processes included in IIMS 105) determines which tasks the corresponding user can access (for example, programs executed by ISSA 200 via CPU 201). Can do. Further, ISSA 200 can control whether a user receives certain types of alerts that ISSA 200 can receive from other components in environment 110-1, such as DCS 160. Also, ISSA200 should include a process to create and maintain log files for transactions performed by the user, such as adding data in database 215, requesting data, and / or modifying data when executed by CPU201. Can do.

  ISSA 100 may include one or more user interfaces 210 that allow a user to exchange information with ISSA 200, such as via display 204. The user interface 210 allows a user to request data in the form of commands or queries that are processed by the business logic / transaction engine 230.

  The business logic / transaction engine 230 may be software that, when executed by the CPU 201, manages one or more tasks (ie, processes) that meet certain features related to the present invention. In one aspect, these tasks may include an out-of-stock control task 231, a wear monitoring task 232, a quick recall task 233, an EPC writer task 234, other feature tasks 235, and an alert task 239.

<Out-of-stock task 231>
Out of stock control task 231 provides ISSA 200 with management functions related to item inventory 170. For example, an out-of-stock control task 231 may be an inventory process that determines the physical inventory of items that include some or all of the inventory 170, such as the actual inventory of items currently on store shelves, at the command and / or periodically Can be executed. Using task 231 allows a user (eg, customer, employee, etc.) to request the results of an inventory process and display it on a display device such as peripheral device 255 or display 204. Task 231 determines if any item type is out of stock (for example, it is not available for purchase by the customer because that type of item is not placed in a location that the customer can collect and purchase) Can do. Task 231 creates a list of these out-of-stock item types and is out of stock when a lost profit due to an item type that was out of stock in the previous time period (e.g. last month), out of stock status is determined Lost profits due to item types that are, availability in the environment 110-1 elsewhere (e.g. back storage room), and sales period (e.g. new popular DVD launches) Out-of-stock item types can be prioritized based on one or more factors (such as sales of snow shovels during storms).

  In addition, the out-of-stock control task 231 can perform an item misplacement process that creates a log of items placed in an incorrect position in environment 110-1, such as when an item is placed on the wrong shelf. . Further, task 231 can generate and / or forward a misplacement alert message when it is determined that the item is misplaced. Also, task 231 is a shelf count threshold that allows the user and / or ISSA 200 to receive an indication of an item type that has a shelf count less than the threshold for a given location and / or receive an alert in that case. The process can be executed. The shelf count can represent the number of items of a certain type that are actually present at a given location associated with the item type. For example, in a supermarket, a certain type of item (eg, canned soup) can be assigned to a shelf. An exemplary item type shelf count represents how many items of a particular type can be placed on the assigned shelf. In one aspect of the invention, the threshold is determined by the user and / or on the same day, one week before, during the time from the current point in time until environment 110-1 is no longer open to customers, and Can be calculated by ISSA 200 based on one or more conditions, such as how many items of a certain type have been previously removed from a given location by the next scheduled new purchase of the item type . Thresholds can also include whether an item type is offered for sale in a timeframe corresponding to an item-related condition or promotion, holiday shopping season, or a specific event (e.g., Super Bowl, weather conditions, etc.) Can be adjusted by one or more factors that represent external conditions.

  In addition to providing ISSA 200 and / or the user with feedback regarding inventory status associated with one or more item types in inventory 170, the out-of-stock control task 231 is out-of-stock (e.g., the customer Based on items that are not available, lost income (eg, gold) (eg, lost income per hour) can also be determined as a function of a period of time. The out-of-stock control task 231 can also determine one or more factors that can affect the sales of a particular type of item. This factor can include, but is not limited to, the price of items of item type, seasonal characteristics associated with the sales of the item, and sales of other types of items included in inventory 170.

  Out-of-stock control task 231 can reposition a type of item in environment 110-1 and / or based on whether the previous sales associated with that item type and / or whether the item type is out of stock One or more external alternative locations can also be determined. Further, when it is determined that the item type is out of stock, task 231 can generate a message to be displayed on the display device that reflects the out of stock condition. Out-of-stock messages include an abbreviation about the out-of-stock condition, a suggested discount on the selling price of another item of the same type as the out-of-stock item type (for example, a store brand or a generic brand product), Other information can also be included, such as promises, instructions for alternative environments (eg, nearby stores) that contain items of the same type in inventory, and prices for those items.

<Shrinkage task 232>
The depletion task 232 may perform a process that manages the depletion of items included in the inventory 170, such as theft, bookkeeping errors, and loss of inventory through misplacement. In one aspect of the invention, the depletion task 232 determines when physical and / or theoretical shelf inventory is a certain distance away and / or allows the user to receive information reflecting that. Can be executed. The theoretical shelf inventory represents the value determined by ISSA 200 that corresponds to the inventory of items that must be placed at a particular location within environment 110-1. For example, in the case of a high-priced product, the user may want to know when the physical inventory amount differs from the theoretical inventory amount by one unit. Further, the depletion task 232 may perform a process that determines which location in the environment 110-1 is experiencing maximum depletion and / or allows the user to see it. Task 232 also performs a process that determines when an item is removed from the shelf by a predetermined amount, such as the amount defined by the store manager, and / or allows the user to see it or be alerted can do. The predetermined amount can represent a large amount of items that are removed in a relatively short time, possibly including theft conditions. However, removal of a large amount of items may represent an exceptionally good customer who is immediately ready for customer service. Thus, the depletion task 232 can log the detected depletion condition, one such as a silent alarm, a flashing light on the gondola, a camera or video timestamp, or an audio “thank you message”. Alternatively, an interrupt signal can be sent to a plurality of peripheral devices. In addition, the depletion task 232 creates a message containing information that dispatches the user to the area in order to offer help to a “precious customer” and informs the user (eg, a seller, an employee of environment 110-1). Can be supplied.

<Quick recall task 233>
Rapid recall task 233 performs one or more processes that allow a user or business entity (e.g., retailer, item manufacturer, etc.) to track an item based on critical data such as lot number, age, etc. be able to. Task 233 can determine and supply information about one or more items that may need to be removed from the shelf or whose sales must be accelerated for other reasons. For example, certain types of items may have associated expiration dates determined by the manufacturer, such as drugs, health and beauty products, and perishable products (eg, food products). Some of these items may be safe after the expiration date (medicine is still effective), but accepted behavior may not sell the item after the expiration date. it can. Accordingly, the depletion task 233 can identify items that are approaching the expiration date and provide the user with information indicating the expiration date status. In addition, task 233 can be useful, such as determining alternative locations (e.g., in front of shelves) in or outside environment 110-1 with a higher item sales history and / or suggesting selling items at a lower price. Proposals can be provided to promote the sale of items before the deadline.

  Task 233 can also provide information to the user when one or more items have expired, so that the items can be removed from inventory 170. The quick recall task 233 may also provide information related to item type purchase planning. For example, an item type that does not sell well before the corresponding expiration date (eg, item sales do not reach the expected level) may indicate overstock. Thus, task 233 can provide information reflecting the relationship between an item type's previous sales and the expiration date of the item type item.

  In addition, quick recall task 233 can access database 215 to collect shelf life information associated with each item in inventory 170. The shelf life information represents the approximate useful life of the item, which can be determined from the expiration date of a certain type of item. Alternatively, shelf life can represent the normal rotation time of an item, regardless of its useful life or expiration date. Task 233 can determine when an item has exceeded its shelf life and can provide an indication of this condition to the user via a display device (eg, display 204).

  The quick recall task 233 can also access the database 215 to collect time-stamped temperature data associated with an item in inventory 170. The temperature data may reflect a temperature value in an area proximate to one or more items stored in environment 110-1, such as a refrigerated shelf unit. The quick recall task 233 can use the temperature data to calculate a reduced shelf life or predict damage to temperature dependent items such as milk. In addition, task 233 provides the user with an alert message reflecting conditions when the temperature of a particular area (e.g., refrigerated shelf unit) falls below an acceptable level for items stored in that area, and / or Or can be transferred.

  In addition, for certain types of items that have a shelf life or expiration date, the quick recall task 233 provides alerts to one or more locations inside or outside of environment 110-1 as an additional safety feature against database errors. be able to. For example, alert messages (e.g., sound messages and / or display messages) may be supplied to the POS location or checkout lane to register the expiration date normally printed on the package of the item that is being purchased at the POS location. You can let the clerk double check.

  The quick recall task 233 determines which items have been modified by the manufacturer or supplier and, based on this determination, provides information reflecting possible actions that may help move the old inventory You can also For example, products (ie items) are sometimes subject to style changes, such as new package styles, different sizes, color changes, flavor changes, and the like. While existing products are still good, retailers may want to sell existing old stock as quickly as possible because customers may hate buying products that customers can perceive as old. Thus, the quick recall task 233 allows retailers to locate such restyled goods, move them to a more sellable location such as sales floor, in front of shelves, and / or out of stock 170 In order to move, you will be able to offer goods at discounted prices.

  There may be a defect when the item arrives at environment 110-1. In the case of a drug, it may be unavoidable to remove the item immediately to prevent possible health risks. These items are destroyed in the environment 110-1 or returned to the manufacturer. In addition, defective items may need to be recalled by the manufacturer. Thus, removal of defective items from inventory 170 prior to purchase saves time for retailers and customers, while allowing items to be returned to the manufacturer untouched from the original package. The quick recall task 233 can execute one or more processes that address this type of situation. For example, in some cases, an item may have a defect and its value is reduced, such as a missing part, an appearance defect, a mismatched part, etc., but may not constitute a health or safety risk. The manufacturer may be able to identify these items after being delivered to environment 110-1 based on an identification number (eg, a lot number) associated with the delivery. However, if a large number of items are placed in the warehouse and / or shipped, different lots may be mixed together, allowing the retailer to identify the affected items without opening the package. May be difficult. However, RFID tagging features associated with certain aspects of the present invention allow a manufacturer to identify a range of RFID serial numbers that have been incorrectly packaged. Environment 110-1 can receive these serial numbers and allow ISSA 200 to identify defective items in inventory 170. The quick recall task 233 performs the process of searching the database 215 for items related to the received serial number of the defective item, and this information can be provided to the user, possibly via the display 204 or other peripheral device. . A user can provide various marketing incentives to customers to move defective items from inventory 170. For example, customers can be offered discounts on defective items for purchasing “as is”. When selling products, the cashier can receive the customer's name and address and relay this information to the manufacturer, or the customer can order the missing parts from the manufacturer free of charge, such as via the Internet. The key number to be given can be given. Alternatively, known missing parts can be shipped to retailers and distributed as free “service packages”. These procedures save the manufacturer's shipping and handling costs associated with returning the entire package. In addition, retailers use this feature to purchase items such as "open carton" or products that are returned by another customer that are missing items due to manufacturer error. You can even offer special discounts to your intended customers. By using RFID-tagged items, retailers do not have to worry about unscrupulous customers doing bad things on their shelves and trying to get discounts. Special discounts can be provided for damaged packages.

  In addition, certain types of items, such as software products, often include known errors or “bugs” that may require improved “fix patches”. For example, a computer readable medium (eg, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, etc.) that contains one or more programs and data may require a revision that contains only a few megabytes that can be downloaded over the Internet. The quick recall task 233 can use the RFID tag 280 to identify this type of defective item in the inventory 170. As a result, retailers and / or manufacturers can offer a small discount to customers who purchase “old” or “buggy” products, who can use the Internet to download correction codes. I understand that it can take a few minutes to get the product to specifications. Further, environment 110-1 can provide one or more workstations that can be used to download correction codes while the user is in environment 110-1.

<EPC writer 234>
The EPC writer 234 can be a process used to help the ISSA 200 write an EPC to a particular RFID tag 280. In one aspect of the invention, the EPC writer 234 can access the database 215 to obtain an identification number, such as a UPC, for a particular item that is tagged using the EPC of the RFID tag 280. Further description of this aspect of the invention is described below in the section on EPC writer.

<Other feature tasks 235>
Other feature tasks 235 may execute one or more applications related to advertising, price sensitivity, sales optimization, automatic pricing, and customer information and services.

  In one aspect of the invention, other feature tasks 235 include advertising, price-sensitive, and sales optimization (APSSO) applications that include advertising (eg, marketing and / or presentation of items) and / or Alternatively, a relationship is determined that reflects how the price affects the sales or possible sales of the item or item type presented to the customer interacting with the inventory 170. This application is the frequency at which an item or type of item is physically moved from its current location in environment 110-1, such as when an item is unloaded and replaced on demand or periodically A summary can be created. Thus, the APSSO application can request and receive periodic inventory updates of inventory data reflecting the current inventory of items in inventory 170. The APSSO application can utilize the out-of-stock task 231 to collect inventory information, or alternatively send a command to the inventory request interface 250 to request inventory reading of the shelf contents at least every few seconds, etc. Information can be collected by itself. The APSSO application compares the collected inventory information with the sales rate data associated with the item corresponding to the collected inventory information and displays the number of item inspection events per single purchase event (e.g., as a percentage) Can be provided. This display or ratio can describe how much attention an item has received from the customer, rather than the ratio of item purchases. This data can be, for example, whether the item is at the eye level, on the display at the end of the shelf, placed in front of the store, placed on a promotional display, or placed behind the store , Can be correlated to location information associated with the item.

  As used herein, the eye level is one from the floor of environment 110-1, such as a height of 5 feet (1524mm) to 7 feet (2134mm) at which the item is displayed for purchase. Or it refers to multiple distances. One skilled in the art will understand that the term level is not intended to be limited by this exemplary distance range. The distance from the bottom of the structure supporting the item that rides on the floor of environment 110-1 can be related to the term level without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, the distance associated with the term level may be based on the type of environment 110-1. For example, a garment manufacturer and / or retailer may determine that the eye level refers to a distance that is shorter than the distance defined by the food retailer.

  In addition, the APSSO application can determine the frequency with which an item is purchased in pairs, triplets, etc. In addition, for a given item type, the APSSO application calls the correlated time of purchase at or near the time when the given item type has the moved item (e.g., within seconds, minutes, etc.) ) Other items of other types moved from their current location in environment 110-1 may be identified. The APSSO application can also identify an item if a given item has not been moved from each location for a defined time period. Alternatively or in addition, the APSSO application determines whether a given type of item has been moved over a defined period of time and returned to its original location (i.e., an item that was not purchased by the customer). Can do. The APSSO application can also identify a given type of item whose price has been changed within a previous time period, such as past days, weeks, months, etc. The APSSO application may generate a list of these price-changed items and provide the list to the user via a peripheral device (eg, device 255) and / or display 204. In addition, the APSSO application determines the relationship between these items and the number of item inspection events (for example, when the customer picks up the item and returns it to its original position) based on the identified items that have price changes. can do.

  In one aspect of the present invention, an APSSO application interacts with an external system (internal or external to IIMS 105) to provide historical data about cross-items or correlated sales, sales rates (i.e., items are sold). The speed at which each stock runs out), price-sales sensitivity (for example, the relationship between an item type's previous sales and sales price events for that item type), seasonal disparities, etc. Improvements in placement and shelf organization can be proposed. That is, the expert system and / or the APSSO application can determine a suggestion regarding an alternative location for an item type based on the analysis information above and provide it to the user via the peripheral device.

  Other feature tasks 235 may also include an automatic pricing application (APP) that performs a process to manage the selling price of the item. In one aspect of the invention, the APP receives and / or collects price plans from the database 215 (or other storage device that can store these plans) and is attached to a display device (e.g., a shelf that supports the item). Item sales price displayed on the LCD) can be automatically updated. Sales plans are generated by a price plan process performed by a computing device (eg, IIMS105) or by a user (eg, a retail store manager), price for an item type with inventory 170 or all item types A schedule can be represented. For example, an exemplary price plan can include a scheduled promotion that proposes to reduce the price of an item type based on the promotion. In addition, the price plan can determine how to modify the price of an item type taking into account seasonal or time dependent conditions such as holidays, weather conditions, and the like. For example, a price plan process periodically accesses a server system that accesses and stores current weather data in a surrounding area close to environment 110-1 (for example, a radius of 50 to 100 miles (80 to 160 km), city boundaries, etc.). Weather information can be collected. In a price plan, the collected weather information can be used to determine whether the selling price of an item (eg, snow shovel, stock wood stud, etc.) must be adjusted. Alternatively, a user (eg, a store manager) can collect or automatically receive weather information and manually adjust the sales price via a price plan process and / or APP.

  APP will determine the price of the target item in real time, the age of the shelf inventory associated with the target item, the amount of the same type of item as the theoretical inventory target item, and other item types that have sales that correlate to the sales of the target item It can also be correlated with the sales rate. The APP can generate reports that reflect these correlations and provide the reports to peripheral devices (eg, storage devices, display devices, printers, etc.) on demand or on a scheduled basis.

  Other feature tasks 235 include customer information and special service applications that perform processes that provide users (eg, customers shopping in environment 110-1) with assistance in locating items of interest in various special situations (CISSA) can also be included. In one aspect of the present invention, CISSA can also provide item inventory availability information to remote users (ie, customers). For example, a user remote from environment 110-1 can access a website hosted by a server operated in connection with environment 110-1 via network 180. Using that website, the user can request the availability of one or more types of one or more items (ie, items in inventory 170) in environment 110-1. CISSA receives the request from the computer server and determines whether the requested item is available in inventory 170. In one aspect of the invention, CISSA accesses database 215 to collect inventory information collected by out-of-stock task 231. Alternatively or additionally, CISSA may request a search for the requested item from the entire environment 110-1 by supplying one or more commands to RRM 220 and DCS 160.

  In addition, CISSA generates a request for the availability of the requested item in one or more remote environments (eg, environment 110-N), and the requested item is available at their respective location. Receive a response indicating whether or not In this scenario, the remote environment performs a local inventory search process to determine if the item is currently in inventory. Based on the local search, the remote environment may provide a response message to environment 110-1 indicating the results of the local search (eg, whether an item is available at that location). Alternatively, the remote environment can periodically provide current inventory data to environment 110-1. The ISSA 200 can receive this information and store the received information in a database (eg, database 215) for access by CISSA as needed.

  Based on the received information that indicates whether the item is available, CISSA will use the environment 110-1 and / or the alternative environment, such as the user's preferred retail outlet or the closest three or four alternative outlets. A response can be provided to the user (via the computer server and network 180) indicating the real-time availability of the requested item.

  In addition, CISSA can provide the same item availability features described above via computing devices located within environment 110-1 (eg, kiosks located within the store). . For example, when a customer arrives at a store (eg, environment 110-1) in the hope that a particular item will be found and is disappointed that the item is out of stock, the customer is placed in the store A kiosk can be used to request the availability of the item. In addition to the address of one or more alternative stores that have inventory for the item, the kiosk will display to the customer the offer of inconvenient discounts (e.g., a shopping coupon for that item or possibly another item). Can do. The customer can accept this discount, for example by providing a simple codeword / your favorite number. The discount is valid for a limited period of time and the customer only needs to use the selected word / number within 24 hours or 48 hours, this codeword / number allows the customer to Qualify for discounts at alternative stores. In addition, CISSA can provide alternative location information on a display device attached to a shelf that supports the item or group of items. For example, for an item that is not in stock, the display device may display the location and / or directions of the closest alternative location (eg, store) that includes the item in the current stock. For items that are not out of stock, the display can indicate the price of the item instead of the alternate location. As described above, alternative locations can be determined based on these locations by performing an inventory search for the requested item, either periodically or on a request basis.

<Alert Monitor 239>
The alert monitor 239 can execute one or more processes that notify the user about certain events. In one aspect of the present invention, the alert monitor 239 can notify the user via email, pager, mobile phone, audible signal, visual signal, or the like. The alert monitor 239 can include other devices, including infrastructure that facilitates communication over a particular medium, software, and / or suitable software that interacts with a computing system. That is, the alert monitor 239 can send the alert message to an output interface that converts the message to a format compatible with a message relay system or message delivery system (eg, a wireless network device, etc.). The alert monitor 239 can receive data reflecting events from other processes such as the interface 250 and / or one of the tasks 231 to 234 and formulate the alert message accordingly. The received data can reflect a pending item that is known to be in an alternative location (e.g., backroom), so that a user (e.g., retail store employee) can store spare stock at the retail floor. To be brought to. If an out-of-stock item cannot be replenished from an alternate location, the user and / or ISSA 200 can reorder the item. Further, the received data may reflect malfunctions of one or more components in environment 110-1, such as antenna 270.

  In one aspect of the invention, the alert monitor 239 can operate on an “exception” basis. That is, to provide an alert message when an event is detected to indicate to the user when something unusual has happened. The alert monitor 239 can also operate on the basis of escalation, in which case high priority is given to repeated or long-lived events. For example, an alert can be sent to an inventory manager whenever an item is nearing out of stock or when a single shelf is malfunctioning. In addition, alerts can be sent to the general manager when multiple types of items are out of stock, if the stock has been out of stock for more than a day, and if the gondola is out of stock.

  ISSA 200 can also include one or more inventory request interfaces 250 that can collect RFID tag reader events and receive data and / or requests from business layer 230 and request response manager 220. The exchange of commands, data, and / or information within environment 110-1 can be associated with a higher-level entity such as an inventory request interface 250 that sends commands to and receives data from DCS 160 Represents the flow of information. Furthermore, the information flow can be reversed. For example, DCS 160 can request information from ISSA 200, such as antenna tuning data, or can report certain events to ISSA 200, such as malfunctioning of one or more components (such as antenna 270). . The interface 250 may be an ASP (Active Server Page) that allows other applications to send HTTP information. The interface 250 can receive EPC data from the RRM 220 and send EPC XML (eXtensible Markup Language) data to a message queue, which is set up for each reader 262 in the DCS 160.

  The ISSA 200 can also be configured using different types of architectures. For example, in one aspect of the invention, ISSA 200 is configured in a three-tier architecture structure that includes a top level associated with user interface 210, a middle tier associated with business logic / transaction 230, and a bottom layer associated with database 215. Can do.

  The top-level user interface 210 may be software that runs a web browser such as Internet Explorer (v5.0 or later) from Microsoft (trademark) Corp. When executed by the CPU 201, the user interface 210 can send a request to a computer system such as a server (eg, Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS)) and receive a response. The server can return XML information and XSL (eXtensible Stylesheet Language) information to the user interface 210. XML information and XSL information can be applied together by the user interface 210 using one of a number of DOM (Document Object Model) techniques (eg, Microsoft DOM). When XML and XSL are applied by the user interface 210, content presented in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) can be displayed on the display 204 via a browser executed by the IISS 105. While the above examples have described services based on XML and HTML, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many types of data processing languages and presentation languages can be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  Business logic is published to ISSA 200 by a central tier or business logic tier 230. Business logic components can be developed using, for example, Microsoft .NET classes, Microsoft VB.NET, or C #. In addition, .NET class components can be created within ASP.NET web services. These classes are stateless and multithreaded unless otherwise specified in business logic 230.

  Database 215 tier may store data used to perform one or more inventory management processes consistent with certain features of the present invention. In one aspect of the invention, this tier has no business logic, which allows IIMS 105 to implement multiple types of databases. The database 215 can be accessed using different types of database languages, depending on the architecture in which the database is configured. For example, structured query language (SQL) commands via ADO (ActiveX Data Object) and / or ODBC (Open DataBase Connectivity) via Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). Furthermore, the database 215 tier can be configured to allow only access by the business logic tier 230 to prevent mismanagement of information.

<RRM220>
RRM220 is a computing system (e.g. RRM system) to provide a bridge (i.e. interface) between high level components (e.g. software such as ISSA200) and lower level components (e.g. hardware / firmware such as DCS160). (Not shown)). Although RRM 220 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as a separate component, RRM 220 can be stored in memory 202 and executed by CPU 201. In one aspect of the invention, RRM 220 communicates between inventory request interface 250 and one or more main controllers 260 located in DCS 160 or a main controller proxy (not shown) located in RRM 220. This primary controller proxy can perform data processing or analysis on information collected from RFID tags 280 in inventory 170. The RRM 220 can include a user interface that allows a user to view the current status of the RRM 220. This user interface can be accessed from the IIMS 105 that can run the RRM 220.

  In one aspect of the invention, the RRM 220 can load an XML configuration document from an RRM configuration interface (not shown) included in the ISSA 200. The configuration file can include one or more event lists and / or command lists, which are a list of events supplied by DCS 160 and a list of commands supplied by ISSA 200, respectively. RRM 220 may generate a request broker 222 (eg, inventory request interface 250) for each event list in the configuration file from the configuration XML document supplied by ISSA 200. Alternatively, the RRM 220 can create a main controller proxy (not shown) for each event list. The main controller proxy is described further below with respect to DCS 160 and main controller 260. RRM 220 may also create one or more response brokers 224 that process responses from one or more main controllers 260 or main controller proxies included in RRM 220. The response broker 224 may also send an acknowledgment and / or failure information to the request broker 222 indicating whether the response is correctly received from the main controller 260. In one aspect of the invention, the response broker 224 can initiate an object oriented class based on a reader 262 that receives the read data and converts it into an EPC XML document. The response broker 224 can also send an EPC XML document to the ISSA 200 when available. If the ISSA 200 is not available at that time, the response broker 224 can queue the EPC XML document until the ISSA 200 is available.

  When request broker 222 is initiated by RRM 220, it can send a list of commands from ISSA 200 to request broker 222. The request broker 222 accesses the received list and executes each command. After executing each command, the request broker 222 can wait for a response from the response broker 224, such as an acknowledgment or failure response. If there is no response from the response broker 224 within a certain time period (which can be defined in the command list), or if a failure message is returned, respond to the failure and execute another command list be able to. On the other hand, if an acknowledgment is received from the response broker 224, the request broker 222 can execute the next command in the command list. Once all commands in the command list have been executed, the request broker 222 can re-execute the commands in the command list in the original execution order.

  The response broker 224 monitors all responses provided by the main controller proxy included in the main controller 260 or RRM 220. When a response arrives, the response broker 224 determines the response Internet Protocol (IP) address and creates a thread to process the received response while continuing to monitor for additional incoming responses. Based on the response received from the main controller 260, the response broker 224 can provide acknowledgment or failure information representative of the status of the broker's request to the appropriate request broker 222. A suitable request broker 222 may be the broker that executed the command or request corresponding to the received response.

  If the received response includes data, the response broker 224 can dynamically initiate the object's method to parse the data based on the configuration XML. Each started class can return similar EPC XML data. The response broker 224 can place each returned EPC XML data in a data structure such as a table. The response broker 224 may also retrieve from the table one or more read sequences for a given reader 262 (eg, a sequence of read commands that retrieve EPC information from the RFID tag 280).

  If the response broker 224 determines that EPC XML data for the current reader 262 is queued, the response broker 264 sends the data to the ISSA 200. In one aspect of the invention, the response broker 224 can send the EPC XML data from the queue in a specific sequence, such as from old to new. If the queued EPC XML data is provided to ISSA 200, response broker 224 can send the current EPC XML received. On the other hand, if there is no EPC XML data for the current reader 262 in the queue, the current EPC XML data is passed to ISSA 200. At that time, if ISSA 200 is unavailable, response broker 224 can queue the current EPC XML.

  In one aspect of the invention, the ISSA 200 may be periodic, such as a request on demand (e.g., requesting with a response time within a few seconds) or automatically initiated on a set schedule (e.g., every minute, hourly, daily, etc.). Can request data (eg, supply a read command). The DCS 160 can obtain the requested data from the RFID tag 280 via one or more antennas 270. The speed of data acquisition may be based on the number of RFID tags 280 included in inventory 170. Thus, for example, the DCS160 can request requested data within seconds for inventory containing hundreds of tagged items and within minutes for much larger inventory such as those containing thousands of RFID tagged items. Can be collected. It is the responsibility of RRM 220 to manage the collection of data through the components operating within DCS 160. For example, RRM 220 may sequentially provide inquiries regarding requested data to multiple RFID tag reader devices (e.g. reader 262) dedicated to collecting item information from RFID tags located at different locations within environment 170. Can be configured.

<DCS160 and RFID tag data collection>
The DCS 160 may be a collection of hardware, firmware, and / or software that performs data collection functions consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. The DCS 160 may include a primary controller 260, one or more readers 262, and one or more secondary controllers 266. The DCS 160 can control one or more antennas 270 associated with (eg, attached to) a corresponding support structure (eg, a shelf unit) on which one or more items are carried. Each item in inventory 170 may be tagged with an RFID tag 280 that includes item information such as EPC that reflects various characteristics associated with each item. When the corresponding antenna 270 is activated by the DCS 160, the information in all RFID tags 280 located within the readable proximity range of the activated antenna can be retrieved and supplied to the DCS 160. The RFID tag 280 responds to the RF energy emitted by the antenna 270, and this response is sensed by the reader 262, which returns the digital serial data to the main controller 260. Digital serial data can be analyzed by the main controller 260 and returned to the response broker 224 for further processing by the ISSA 200.

  The main controller 260 monitors the request broker 222 and receives requests (e.g., commands) from the request broker 222 so that the environment 110-1 may be using it to access certain items in the inventory 170. It may be a device and / or process that generates a series of corresponding commands specific to a reader 262. In one aspect of the invention, commands supplied by the request broker 222 can be formatted according to a network protocol such as, for example, the TCP / IP protocol. The main controller 260 can send received commands (eg, TCP / IP packets) to the reader 262 and / or one or more secondary controllers 266. In another aspect of the invention, the controller 260 may send commands to the reader 262 and / or one or more secondary controllers 266 in the form of RS-485 or other type of serial communication protocol. Table 1 shows a list of exemplary commands that the main controller 260 can supply to the reader 262 and / or the secondary controller 266.

  The primary controller 260 also monitors responses from the reader 262 and / or secondary controller 266 that have been sent one or more commands. Based on whether a response is received and the type of response, main controller 260 generates an acknowledgment, non-acknowledgement (eg, failure), and / or read information and sends it to response broker 224. The read information may include EPC information related to the RFID tag 280 in the inventory 170. For example, the main controller 260 can supply one or more EPC numbers to the response broker 224 each time a reading operation by the reader 262 is completed. Alternatively, the main controller 260 can temporarily store the EPC number in a storage device (not shown). If a certain number of RFID tags 280 for one or more antennas 270 have been read by reader 262 (e.g., all tags, part of a tag, etc.), main controller 260 can read the read data (e.g., EPC data). A batch transfer process may be performed that supplies the response broker 224 all at once or in groups.

  In another aspect of the invention, the main controller 260 coordinates for differences in received commands or data streams that may be specific to the reader 262 that can be used to read information from the RFID tag 280. Can do. The main controller 260 can use any number of readers 262 as long as the selected reader 262 can physically drive one or more antennas 270. Each antenna 270 can be configured to be compatible with one or more different types of readers 262. In one aspect of the invention, a given antenna 270 can be optimized (ie, tuned) for a frequency so that the antenna 270 can operate with all readers 262 using the same frequency. Become. Thus, one or more readers 262 can activate any given antenna 270 in environment 110-1 as long as it provides a signal using a tuned frequency for the given antenna 270. .

  As described above, FIG. 2 illustrates the main controller 260 as part of the DCS 160, but the controller 260 may be implemented as a software main controller proxy (not shown) within the RRM 220. Thus, communications from the main controller proxy software can exit RRM 220 as TCP / IP commands and are converted to RS-485 data communications by separate devices and / or processes (not shown).

  The reader 262 can be one or more of any type of off-the-shelf RFID reader supplied by a number of different manufacturers, such as an I-CODE reader supplied by Philips ™. As long as the main controller 260 (or an equivalent device dedicated to communicating with the reader 262) is configured to communicate with the reader 262 (e.g., provide valid commands and correctly interpret the returned data), multiple A type of reader 262 can be implemented in the DCS 160. Although the reader 262 is illustrated as a separate component within the DCS 160 in FIG. 2, the main controller 260 and the reader 262 can be physically combined into a single electronic entity. Depending on the type of environment 110-1 and / or item inventory 170, one, several, hundreds, etc. readers 262 may be used by DCS 160 to collect item information from inventory 170. Each reader 262 can be associated with its own main controller 260, but a single main controller 260 can be assigned to work with one or more readers 262 to facilitate the collection of item information from inventory 170 Can be.

<Sub-controller 266>
In addition to communicating with reader 262, primary controller 260 also communicates with one or more secondary controllers 266. A computing device and / or process in which the secondary controller 266 can select one or more antennas 270 by controlling an electronic component that acts as a switch to activate or deactivate the corresponding antenna 270 It is. Each secondary controller 266 may be physically located near and connected to a group of antennas 270, such as a plurality of antennas included in a shelf or localized fixture that stores items included in inventory 170. For example, environment 110-1 may have hundreds of secondary controllers 266 and thousands of antennas 270. Further, when secondary controller 266 receives one or more commands from primary controller 260, it operates peripheral device 255 to display item information from RFID tag 280 included in item inventory 170 and / or inventory. Information can also be provided to the user. For example, peripheral device 255 may be a display attached to the front edge of a shelf that supports one or more items. Alternatively, peripheral device 255 can be connected directly to a serial data bus that communicates between main controller 260 and secondary controller 266. Further, the peripheral device 255 can be connected to a dedicated bus (eg, USB) that is not tied to the secondary controller 266. In addition to output devices such as displays, peripheral devices 255 can be inserted into shelves to facilitate data collection / retrieval from barcode readers or items with or without RFID tag 280 Input / output devices such as these types of devices can be included. For example, a user can use such a barcode scanner to collect and read an item's UPC number and associate an EPC number already in the database with the UPC number. Thus, in situations where one or more items are received by environment 110-1 without RFID tag 280, it may be easier to use a scanner to associate an untagged item with a UPC or EPC. it can. Also, the peripheral device 255 can be a monitoring device connected to an interface attached to the shelf unit. The monitoring device can perform inspection functions, such as inspecting the antenna in the shelf unit and the status of items on the shelf.

  In one aspect of the invention, one or more peripheral devices 255 can communicate with one or more secondary controllers 266. For example, peripheral device 255 can represent a plurality of proximity sensors that each detect the presence of a user (eg, a customer) within a predetermined proximity of device 255. Based on whether a user or other entity is within proximity (e.g., a few inches, feet, etc.), device 255 may generate a signal (e.g., an analog or discrete signal, a digital signal, etc.). This signal can be monitored by a processor unit and / or a computer-implemented process having analog and / or digital input / output processing capabilities. Alternatively, the device 255 can be a video camera mounted in or near one or more shelves for monitoring. The camera can receive a signal (eg, an interrupt) from the secondary controller 266 when it is determined that one or more items than a certain threshold number have been removed from a particular location. The camera can be activated by that signal to continuously record video, or it can only take still images when the signal is received.

  One of the tasks of the secondary controller 266 can be switching the antenna 270 mounted in a single shelf unit (or similar support unit) that stores one or more items from the inventory 170. The secondary controller 266 can also be used to communicate information with a user (eg, customer, retail employee, etc.). For example, secondary controller 266 may receive item information from ISSA 200 (via database 215) for each item known to be on a shelf serviced by secondary controller 266. This item information can include the current price, size, weight, unit price, and / or sales status (eg, a discount on the current sales price). The item information can be displayed on a peripheral device 255, such as a shelf edge display. Where there are multiple types of items on the shelf, a display of the edges of the multiple shelves can be provided that are attached to or near the shelf. Alternatively, the information for each item type can be cycled sequentially on a single display and allowed to rest for several minutes before continuing to the next item type. User interface buttons can be provided on the shelf edge display to temporarily stop the display cycle when requested by the user and request additional information about the product being displayed. ISSA 200 also instructs secondary controller 266 to display information related to the item at peripheral device 255 when it senses that the item is removed from the shelf based on data supplied by DCS 160. be able to.

  The secondary controller 266 can also be configured to facilitate other interactive operations between the ISSA 200 and the customer. In one aspect of the invention, a customer can be provided with an RFID-based customer card that includes an RFID tag that includes information about the customer or information that identifies the customer. Customer identification information includes information stored in database 215 or customer information such as current shopping lists supplied by the customer (via internet and browser software, kiosk devices, etc.) and the customer and / or customer family members. Related to information stored in another storage device that maintains profile information (eg, clothing size, brand preference, etc.). When a customer with a customer RFID card enters and moves in environment 110-1, through the primary controller 260 due to the presence of a customer card near the shelf with the RFID antenna associated with the secondary controller 266 Signals or data can be passed to ISSA 200. In response to this signal or data, ISSA 200 can instruct secondary controller 266 to display information about the item on the shelf that detected the customer card, such as via peripheral device 255. In this case, ISSA 200 can access database 215 to collect customer information associated with the identifier corresponding to the detected customer card. The ISSA 200 can determine whether the item or item type placed on or near the shelf that detected the card is related to customer information stored in the database 215. For example, ISSA 200 can determine whether an item is included in a shopping list created by a customer and / or is associated with a list of customer preferred products. In addition, ISSA 200 provides additional information, such as the availability of customer sizes in the case of clothing, the availability of rebates on items, the sale of other items or the availability of rebates for display on peripheral devices 255. Can be supplied to the secondary controller 266.

  Exemplary features associated with the secondary controller 266 are not limited to RFID-based customer cards. Methods and systems consistent with certain aspects of the present invention allow users who are employees or similar individuals to join environment 110-1 to be assigned RFID-based employee cards. For example, a merchant working at a retail store can be provided with an RFID-based employee card that can be detected by an antenna 270 located in a shelf unit or similar structure included in the retail store. Due to the presence of an RFID-based employee card near the shelf associated with the secondary controller 266, the ISSA 200 commands the DCS 160 and ultimately the secondary device 255 to display information related to the shelf. Supply to controller 266. For example, the displayed information can be offered at a reduced price, old items that must be removed from the shelf, moved to the front of the shelf, moved to another location (e.g., promotional area), and / or Items that are nearing expiry date, items that are nearing out of stock, and in the store (for example, environment 110-1) where additional units for that item are located, misplaced items, and should be repositioned in the store Data identifying the location can be included. For items that are nearly out of stock but not available from a third party supplier, such as a warehouse, ISSA 200 can instruct secondary controller 266 to display a message that conveys the expected delivery date of the new inventory. In addition, the message can report the availability of missing items at nearby stores or alternative locations away from the environment 110-1.

  ISSA 200 and RRM 220 can also communicate with DCS 160 located at the POS location, such as a checkout lane. In this position, ISSA 200 can interact with the POS system to facilitate certain sales transactions. For example, ISSA200 uses guaranteed serial number information from the item's EPC number and / or customer identification information (e.g., name, address, etc.) collected from an RFID (or regular) customer card. Can be automatically registered with the manufacturer. Customers can be given the option to accept registration in the checkout lane or postpone it later.

<Optimization of RFID tag reading performed by DCS160>
In one aspect of the invention, the reader 262 can send RF energy to the antenna 270 via the RF bus (eg, cable) and via the secondary controller 266. Activating and operating a single antenna 270 or a group of antennas 270 located adjacent to each other and working together at a given time based on signals provided by the secondary controller 266 and / or reader 262 Can do. The active period of a given antenna 270 may be based on the length of time it takes to collect information from an RFID tag 280 placed in proximity to the antenna 270. The secondary controller 266 can select and activate each antenna 270 under the direction of the main controller 260. The order in which the antennas 270 are selected can be optimized, so that the reader 262 can be shared across multiple antennas 270. Sharing the reader 262 allows the DCS 160 to collect inventory data more or less regularly and allows immediate attention to the antenna 270 when one or more items are moved. In one aspect of the invention, ISSA 200 can determine which antenna 270 to activate based on one or more priority factors. This factor can include the following:
1) Antenna 270 located near the most recently added or moved RFID tag 280
2) Antenna 270 located near one or more antennas 270 with recent activity
3) Antenna 270 associated with one or more items known from history to have a high sales volume during a certain time period (e.g., a certain time or week)
4) Antenna 270 related to pushbutton requests from customers for information, such as interactive display peripherals 255 attached to the shelf containing antenna 270
5) Antenna 270 with RFID card (e.g. customer card or employee card) placed within the reading range
6) Antenna 270 that was not activated for a given period of time
7) Antenna 270 with one or more items that are prone to being stolen, such as high-end commodity items (e.g. jewelry), within the reading range
8) The user (e.g. employee or customer) is directly interested, such as when the user requests information reflecting whether the desired item is available "on the shelf" or available in the back inventory room. Antenna 270 expected to have a product with
9) Antenna 270 associated with one or more items that have passed through the POS terminal within a predetermined time period (e.g., previous POS sales)
10) Antenna 270 associated with one or more items approaching shelf life.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that the list above the prioritization factor is not intended to be restrictive and that the ISSA 200 and / or the user can use one or more variables related to the characteristics of the items in inventory 170 It will be appreciated that and other prioritization factors based on weighting factors can be determined.

<DCS160 performance monitoring function>
In one aspect of the present invention, the hardware / software components of DCS 160, including primary controller 260, reader 262, and secondary controller 266, perform self-monitoring and self-diagnostic operations to determine operational issues and ISSA 200 Can be reported to. For example, to perform certain self-diagnostic operations, a shelf unit may include at least one RFID tag that provides a self-inspection function within the reading range of the antenna 270 for that shelf. Thus, there is at least one RFID tag that can be read by the antenna 270 included in the shelf even when the shelf is empty (ie, no items are on the shelf). In one aspect of the invention, at least one such RFID tag is incorporated near the center of the antenna 270 included in the shelf or at another easily readable location, and the other RFID tag is installed in the reading range of the antenna 270. Can be incorporated near the limit. The secondary controller 266 sends test read signals / commands to the target shelf antenna 270 periodically or in response to commands from the ISSA 200 to monitor responses collected from the embedded RFID tags contained in the corresponding shelf unit. If the secondary controller 266 does not receive the correct response from one or more embedded RFID tags, the controller 266 (or another device such as the primary controller 260) should verify that a malfunction may have occurred Can do.

  To locate the source of the malfunction, the DCS 160 performs various self-test reading operations via components adjacent to the target shelf unit and / or the target antenna 270. For example, the DCS 160 can associate a malfunction with the target antenna 270 if another antenna 270 driven by the same secondary controller 266 can still be read. On the other hand, if all of the antennas 270 serviced by a given secondary controller 266 are not responding to a command signal from the controller (i.e., not all RFID tags 280 have been read), the DCS 160 , Malfunctions can be associated with the secondary controller 266. Further, if all of the antennas 270 serviced by a given primary controller 260 and reader 262 are not reading data from secondary controller 266, there is likely a problem with primary controller 260 or reader 262. To determine which of these components is the source of malfunction, the DCS 160 can determine whether the primary controller 260 can still communicate diagnostic data with one or more secondary controllers 266. If so, the DCS 160 can associate the malfunction with the reader 262. Further, when RS-485 serial data communication techniques are used between main controller 260, reader 262, and one or more secondary controllers 266, DCS 160 communicates with main controller 260 during tag read operations. An order of secondary controllers 266 can be provided. Thus, if the RS-485 data cable is cut at some point along its length, the primary controller 260 previously supplied with sequence information indicating the order of the secondary controller 266 along the RS-485 link is It is possible to determine at which point the RS-485 link is disconnected. In one aspect, an acknowledgment command protocol can be executed by the main controller 260 to determine which secondary controller 266 is not responding to the command. That is, communications along the RS-485 link can include commands that are acknowledged by the receiving entity of the link, and the lack of acknowledgment is another means of deducing where the problem is.

<Example software object of ISSA200>
In one aspect of the present invention, ISSA 200 may perform certain functions related to the present invention using object-oriented programming structures and techniques. For example, ISSA 200 may perform certain functions related to aspects of the present invention using web services. Table 2 lists exemplary examples that can be implemented by ISSA 200 that can be used by one or more processes (eg, tasks 231 through 239) and interact with one or more of the exemplary tables contained in database 215. Here is a list of various software objects.

<Job 240>
Job 240 can be one or more processes that run inside and / or outside ISSA 200, trigger an alarm, from a remote location such as the manufacturer's website, or within environment 110-1 Can be used to retrieve information from entities located in Each process or job included in job 240 is developed using a known programming language such as Java (registered trademark) programming language and JDBC supplied by Sun Microsystems, Inc. and a known scheduling software such as Microsoft Scheduler. can do.

  In one aspect of the invention, job 240 can include a stock limit job that runs periodically (e.g., every 60 seconds), and this stock limit job can be accessed via a user interface provided by interface 210. Monitors inventory levels based on configurations that can be set and stored in a configuration table in database 215. This job can generate an out-of-stock limit alert when an inventory item is outside the limits on baseline inventory (eg, current inventory exceeds and / or below a predetermined value). Can be generated using an alert method, such as the exemplary WebService ISSAserv / Alerts.asmx / NewInventoryAlertJob method described in Table 2. In one aspect of the invention, an inventory limit job is generated when an out-of-stock limit alert is generated. The message delivery service can be instructed to send an email to one or more predefined users each time it occurs.

  The job 240 can also run a false shelf job that runs continuously and can monitor misplaced items on the wrong shelf. If ISSA 200 determines that an item has been placed on the wrong shelf, job 240 generates an alert message corresponding to that type of alert (i.e., a misplaced item) and a table in database 215, such as an alert table. (For example, tblAlerts). In one aspect of the present invention, the misshelf job can instruct the message delivery service to send an email to one or more predefined users whenever a misplaced item alert occurs.

  Job 240 may run continuously and also run a removal limit job that monitors items removed from a desired location (e.g., shelves) in a quantity and time period specified by the user via user interface 210. it can. The removal limit job can generate information related to removed items and store it in a table in database 215, such as an inventory removal table (eg, tblInventoryRemove). In addition, this job generates a new alert message related to this condition when determining one or more items removed based on a specified quantity and time duration value, and an alert table (e.g. tblAlerts ) Can be inserted.

  Job 240 is run daily at a predetermined time (e.g., 12:01 am) to determine if the item placed in inventory 170 has reached or exceeded the corresponding expiration limit (e.g., expiration date). You can also run an expired product job. When an expired product job finds an expired item or finds an item that is reaching its expiration date, it can create a corresponding alert message and insert it into an alert table (eg, tblAlerts).

  Further, job 240 may be performed periodically (eg, every 10 minutes) and may execute a SKU update job that may identify new items (eg, SKUs) that may have been added to environment 170. The job can request item information associated with the identified new item from the ERP system or manufacturer's website using XML.

  Job 240 also periodically monitors the tables in database 215 that are updated when items supplied by a manufacturer not registered with ISSA 200 (i.e., a new manufacturer) are included in inventory 170 (e.g., 10 Manufacturer update jobs that can be executed every minute) can be executed. This update job can retrieve information related to the new manufacturer from the manufacturer's website or other type of external data source.

<EPC writer>
As the RFID tag industry grows, items are expected to be “source-tagged”. That is, the manufacturer can apply the RFID tag 280 to the item and write the EPC to the tag. However, there may be items included in inventory 170 that do not include source tagged items. Accordingly, environment 110-1 can execute an EPC writer process designed to write EPC to RFID tag 280. Since the EPC process can be configured to access data for one particular tag at a time, this process can be performed by ISSA 200 and a separate system. Alternatively, ISSA 200 can include a separate EPC writer process executed by IIMS 105 (in addition to or as an alternative to EPC writer task 234).

  The EPC writer process can be a Windows executable process that can use the .NET serial embodiment to communicate with the reader 262. The EPC writer can store the number of the last EPC written to the RFID tag for a given manufacturer and its SKU information (eg, item type information) at a file location. Further, the EPC writer process can store a range of serial numbers, SKU information, EPC manufacturer ID, and write this EPC information to the memory of one or more RFID tags 280. Also, the EPC writer can write to the RFID tag based on a standard such as the Philips SLRM900 specification, depending on the type of RFID tag implemented by the environment 110-1. Alternatively, the EPC writer can write to the tag using RS-232 or other serial interface communication protocol.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, inventory 170 can include one or more RFID-enabled shelves that include communication capabilities with peripheral device 255, such as a barcode reader. Thus, each shelf can communicate exclusively with the EPC writer process, at least temporarily or periodically. For example, a group of certain types of items can be placed on a shelf by a user (eg, an inventory officer). One of the items can be scanned by a barcode reader to determine the corresponding UPC number. The EPC writer can sequentially assign an EPC number to each item in the group by incorporating information derived from the UPC number.

  The differences between typical UPC and EPC are shown in Table 3. A UPC may consist of a total of 12 digits (ie, decimal) of data including manufacturer number, object number, and check digit. The EPC includes binary data that can include a header, manufacturer number, object number, and electronic serial number. In both UPC and EPC, the manufacturer number can be assigned by a management body such as a price code standards management body. The object class (including the object number) can be assigned by the manufacturer. In the case of EPC, the serial number can also be assigned by the manufacturer.

  If one or more manufacturers are not assigned an EPC manufacturer code, the EPC writer can use any number of assignments until an EPC manufacturer code is assigned. Alternatively, an existing UPC manufacturer code that fits directly into the larger EPC manufacturer field can be used. Also, existing UPC object classes fit into larger EPC object fields.

  In situations where the management agency has not assigned the manufacturer's code in this way, the EPC writer is used in initial inventory operations, such as a trial inventory management process that incorporates the current UPC field value or any value as the manufacturer's code. Can be used with any pseudo EPC field configuration. However, when standard EPC field placement is implemented, an EPC writer can be used within environment 110-1 to ensure that the items are correctly tagged. Also, EPC writers can be used by retailers, distribution centers, or manufacturers, perhaps for a limited product line, when standard EPC field configurations are published. Those skilled in the art will note that when RFID tagging has become widespread and “source tagging” by manufacturers has become commonplace, the use of EPC writers will decrease at retail locations but increase at manufacturing sources, It will be appreciated that methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with certain aspects of the invention can be implemented.

  When the pseudo EPC field placement is implemented as described above, environment 110-1 assigns an EPC code by defining a predetermined number of fields (eg, three) of the pseudo EPC number field. be able to. For example, a pseudo-EPC number can be assigned to an 8-bit header (1111, 1111) corresponding to an EPC type header, a 52-bit UPC field divided into 13 subfields of 4 bits each, and 36 such as serial numbers 0 to 68719476735. It can be arranged using a bit serial number field. The size of the data segment of the EPC can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  A UPC number consists of up to 13 digits, using a binary representation of each digit and one nibble for each UPC digit. That is, 0 is 0000, 1 is 0001, 2 is 0010, and 9 is 1001. A unique serial number can be assigned to each package of a given item until more than 68.7 billion packages are encountered. Note that there may be differences in how the EPC writer and environment 110-1 handle UPC numbers and serial numbers when converting binary representations. In the case of a UPC number, one EPC nibble is assigned to each UPC digit (up to 13 digits). The binary conversion is performed one digit at a time by the EPC writer, and a specific decimal digit corresponding to a specific EPC nibble is stored. However, in the case of an EPC serial number, a direct conversion from a decimal serial number to a binary serial number can be performed, and the result is recorded in a 36-bit EPC field.

  For example, consider an exemplary 96-bit pseudo-EPC code written with an exemplary barcode for the type of item (eg, an a10 flow ounce bottle of a multi-symptom cold / flu symptom relief drug). The bar code can be 23900,00296 (or 000, 23900,00296 in 13 digit format). A serial number of 34782 may be assigned to make this item type package unique. In binary representation, 34782 is 0100, 0011, 1110, 1111. Table 4 shows the corresponding EPC and UPC data associated with this example item type.

  To facilitate the assignment of an appropriate pseudo-EPC number to a tagged item, the EPC writer assigns a 12-digit or 13-digit UPC number when a serial number is assigned and the RFID tag 280 is applied to the package of the item. Can be recorded electronically. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an exemplary EPC writer process that can perform the RFID tagging process described above. As can be seen, the EPC writer process can obtain a list of SKUs (item types) to be tagged (step 310). This list can include a UPC number for each item type and a string identifying the item, and this list should be stored in a SKU table that can be filled by known types of barcode scanning software and / or hardware. Can do. In one aspect of the invention, the SKU table can include three fields: a UPC number field, a manufacturer name field, and a string containing general descriptive information such as size, flavor, and the like.

  When the RFID tag 280 is assigned to an item, the EPC writer process can invoke an EPC writer task 234 that operates as an assignment module within the ISSA 200. This call can instruct task 234 to access the SKU table (which can be stored in database 215) and locate the corresponding UPC for each SKU included in the list obtained in step 310 ( Step 320). For example, the EPC writer task 234 may generate a query that searches the SKU table for manufacturer and / or item name.

  If the UPC is located for the corresponding SKU, the EPC writer task 234 can return this information to the EPC writer process. Once received, the EPC writer process uses this UPC to write the entire pseudo EPC number to the RFID tag for each package of the item type using, for example, a write to tag command executed by the RFID reader. (Step 330). In this step, a unique serial number is assigned to each tag. Further, the EPC writer process can log the pseudo EPC during this procedure in a table such as a table stored in the database 215 (step 340).

  In one aspect of the present invention, the RFID tag 280 may include both a serial number assigned as a unique RFID tag number and a pseudo EPC number encoded as extra data. Since the pseudo EPC number includes information identifying the item, the serial number can be read more quickly than the pseudo EPC number by the reader software / hardware. For example, an RFID tag serial number can be automatically returned by an anti-collision selection command provided by some bar code readers, such as a Philips reader. Stores EPC information and corresponding serial number information in a local cache storage (not shown) when the type of item placed on a particular shelf rarely changes between one RFID tag read operation and the next As a result, the reading cycle for obtaining the pseudo EPC number can be improved. Thus, the reader can issue an anti-collision selection command when attempting to read the RFID tag 280 and first receive the RFID tag serial number. The reader then determines whether the tag serial number is placed in the local cache. If so, the reader can retrieve the corresponding EPC number from the cache. If the tag is not stored in the cache, the reader can read the tag data block to obtain a pseudo EPC number. The RFID tag serial number and EPC number can be added to the cache for subsequent read cycles. The environment 110-1 can perform an eviction process, which can evoke tag information contained in the cache based on the period. This can result in data access performance similar to relational type databases including tag serial numbers and EPCs with less data management delay.

<User interface page>
The user interface 210 can provide the user with a content-based interface that allows the user to request and enter information related to intelligent inventory management functions consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates an example interface map 400 that provides a framework that the ISSA 200 can implement to respond to queries from users via the user interface 210. Each box of the map 400 can represent a page process performed by the user interface 210 that allows the user to request and / or receive information. Each page can check the security key carried in the session for the current user to determine if the user is allowed access to the corresponding page. Furthermore, each page can post an XML document to ISSA 200 and search for XML information. Also, content can be displayed on a display device (for example, display 204) by applying a style sheet to XML from a COM + component described for each page. Further, the page process of map 400 can interact with the corresponding one or more processes (eg, tasks 231 through 239) included in ISSA 200 and job 240.

  As shown, FIG. 4 includes a home page 402 that allows a user to navigate to other pages displayed by a page process in map 400. Among these pages is a user login page 410 that allows the user to enter a username and password. Page 410 may initiate a login process such as the WebService ISSAserv / Login.asmx / Login method. If the user is a valid user, the login page process can instruct the user interface 210 to execute the home page process 402. Otherwise, the login page 410 can request a username and password again.

  The file page 408 directs the user to the login page 410 as a new user, which allows the user to create and edit user information and set up alert subscriptions (e.g., type of alerts that are desired to be reported). Definition). The logoff page 412 allows the user to log off from the current login session.

  The stock level control page 414 allows the user to access various inventory level information, for example by directing the user to the live inventory display page 416. The live inventory display page 416 allows the user to display the current physical inventory at a particular location, such as a shelf. A user can generate a query using various fields defined by the user interface 210. Table 5 shows a list of exemplary search fields that a user can use to filter the search. If the query was entered by the user, the interface 210 can display the search results of the live inventory page 416, which is a process that allows the user to search and display information related to the item ( For example, WebService ISSAserv / OutofStock.asmx / GetInventoryXML) is started. Using this process, the user can receive information from another page, such as an item detail page (not shown). In one aspect of the present invention, a limited to live inventory display page 416 is used to confirm to a user who is a vendor who has a product included in environment 110-1 whether the item is displayed according to the current contract. Can give local access or remote access. For example, a vendor may indicate whether his item is presented on a certain number of shelves located at a specific location in the store, whether his item is at the eye level rather than at a higher or lower level, etc. It can be determined whether or not it is arranged at a preferred position in the set of shelves.

  The item detail page (not shown) allows the user to view information related to the item, determine where the item is currently located in the environment 110-1, and when the item is placed at that location. A process can be performed that allows the determination. When an item is read by a single reader antenna 270, it can be considered to be located at a specific physical location (eg, a specific shelf), or a relationship such as a tblRelatedEPC table where the item is contained in database 215 When read by a plurality of reader antennas 270 associated with each other in the table, it can be regarded as being arranged on a “virtual shelf”.

  The SKU out-of-limit display page 418 allows the user to display information related to one or more item types that exceed or fall below an acceptable percentage of the current baseline inventory. The user may be able to filter the search by using the fields shown in Table 5. If the filter information is input by the user, the user interface 210 may display a search result for pages outside the SKU limit (not shown). This page may initiate a process (eg, WebService ISSAserv / OutofStock.asmx / OutofLimitsSKUXML) that shows the user the current inventory of a given item or item type at the current location. In addition, the process may provide a baseline inventory value for the item at the specified location and the difference that the current inventory exceeds or falls below the desired baseline inventory. In addition, the process can display the upper and lower acceptable ratios for a given SKU and location. This out-of-limit information may be used by ISSA 200 to suggest new out-of-limit items to initially purchase based on expected sales information supplied by the user and / or the software process that creates this information. it can. The ISSA 200 can also access current and historical sales data maintained in a storage device (eg, database 215) to generate a report that predicts the expected time that each item will be out of stock. ISSA 200 can also adjust forecast information provided in reports using a variety of factors such as pricing and seasonal differences.

  The lost sales display page 420 allows a user to display information related to item types that have lost sales due to being out of stock. The user can filter the search queries for these SKUs using the fields listed in Table 5. If the filter information is entered by the user, the user interface 210 can display the search results for the lost sales page (not shown). This page can initiate a sales estimation process, which gives the user an estimate of sales lost (e.g., in dollars) due to the item or item type being out of stock. Show. Estimates provided by the sales estimation process may be based on a comparison of inventory levels, sales volume (current and past), and traditional correlations of sales events for similar types of items. For example, ISSA 200 may access inventory data, sales information, etc. in database 215 to perform comparisons used by the sales estimation process. Estimating lost sales out of stock is based entirely on factors provided by the user (e.g., administrator, retailer management, etc.) to describe surrogate rates associated with similar item types. You can also Alternatively, ISSA200 can be configured to train itself by recognizing trends associated with previous sales of these item types and mining those trends from a database containing similar information. .

  Using the misplaced SKU page 422 allows the user to display information related to items that are currently placed in an incorrect location within the environment 110-1. The user can use the fields in Table 5 to filter the search for misplaced items. If the filter information is supplied by the user, the interface 210 can display the search results for misplaced SKU pages. This page can initiate a process (eg WebService ISSAserv / OutofStock.asmx / MisplacedSKUXML) that displays all current items that are misplaced and their current location in environment 110-1. The user can display the position of the selected SKU by selecting the item from a list displayed on the display device using, for example, the SKU information of the item.

  Inventory level maintenance page 424 directs the user to pages (eg, 426 and 428) that allow the user to configure and / or display the current inventory placement in environment 110-1. The shelf placement display page 428 allows the user to display information about items in the inventory 170 and the corresponding currently assigned position in the environment 110-1. The user can filter the search using the fields in Table 5. If the filter information is entered by the user, the user interface 210 can display a current shelf placement page (not shown). The placement page performs a process (for example, WebService ISSAserv / OutofStock.asmx / SKUArrangement) that shows the items and their acceptable locations (for example, the locations in environment 110-1 assigned to each item) Can do. The ISSA 200 can access item price and / or sales rate data in a database (e.g., database 215) to place these items in order to facilitate increased sales and / or movement of certain types of items. A prioritized position within 1 can be provided.

  Using the shelving configuration page 426, the user can locate the location of one type of item, the category of the item, the item supplied by a manufacturer, a specific SKU number, and a specific range of locations within the environment 110-1 ( For example, a passage, gondola, and / or shelf) can be set. Using page 426 allows the user to also set a baseline inventory for each item type. In addition, environment 110-1 can implement planogram software that describes where and how products should be placed on retail store shelves and displays (e.g., Figure, picture, etc.). Planograms analyze space utilization and other reports that allow retailers and manufacturers to effectively plan, set up and manage their stores to maximize the profitability of retail space Along with it, financial data is supplied. Therefore, the shelf arrangement setting page can be downloaded from the planogram program executed by the environment 110-1. Similarly, ISSA 200 may allow a planogram program to update current inventory information using interface page information provided by inventory data provided by pages in map 400. Planogram routines can also be incorporated into ISSA 200 for execution by IIMS 105.

  The depletion control page 430 directs the user to the depletion information provided by pages 432 and 434. Using the over-removal inventory display page 432, the user can select the environment 110-1 by the individual item, by item category, by item supplied by a particular manufacturer, by SKU number at a location within environment 110-1. Items can be filtered by a specific location within (eg, aisle, gondola, shelf number). Using page 423 allows a user to display requested items that have been removed from a specified location within a certain amount of time in a predetermined amount that the user can specify. This page also displays an over-removal inventory result page (not shown). This page shows the location, item information, when the first item of multiple items is removed from the specified location, when the last item of multiple items is removed, and how many items during that time period A process (eg, WebService ISSAserv / Shrinkage.asmx / MajorPullXML) can be started that can indicate whether the has been removed.

  With actual inventory vs. ERP inventory display page 434, information related to items placed in environment 110-1 where the user has a user-defined percentage variation above and / or below the defined inventory level Can receive. Users can search for these items individually, by item category, by items supplied by a particular manufacturer, and SKU numbers located in environment 110-1 such as aisles, gondolas, and shelf numbers. Can be filtered by. The inventory page 434 may display an actual versus ERP result page (not shown). This results page is a process that can show the physical inventory that exists in inventory 170, such as items placed on shelves, the inventory defined by the store (e.g., ERP inventory), and the percentage variation between the two (e.g. WebService ISSAserv / Shrinkage.asmx / InventoryCompareXML).

  The quick recall page 436 can direct the user to one or more pages (eg, 438-442) that provide information related to items that may have expired or are nearing expiration. Expiration SKU display page 438 may allow a user to be in a location within environment 110-1, such as aisle, gondola, and specific shelves, depending on the item category, items supplied by a specific manufacturer, and so on. Items can be filtered individually by a SKU number. Page 438 can display an expired SKU results page (not shown), where the item description, the location of the expired item, and the expired item is placed in its current location after the corresponding validity period. A process (eg, WebService ISSAserv / RapidRecall.asmx / ExpiredProductsXML) can be started that can indicate the time period that was being spent.

  Expiration approach SKU display page 440 allows users to be placed in environment 110-1, such as aisles, gondolas, and specific shelves, depending on the category of items, items supplied by specific manufacturers Items can be individually filtered by unique SKU number. Using page 440 allows the user to receive information regarding items that expire within a certain period of time (eg, minutes, hours, days, weeks, etc.). Further, page 440 may display an expiration approach SKU result page (not shown). This results page is based on a user-defined filter, a process that can show the location and associated items that will expire within a certain period of time for a given product (for example, WebService ISSAserv / RapidRecall.asmx / ExpiredProductsXML ) Can be executed.

  The serial number search page 442 allows the user to display items within a range of serial numbers. The user can filter the search results using the fields in Table 5. Once the filter information has been provided by the user, the user interface 210 can display the live inventory search results page described above. This page can execute a process (eg, WebService ISSAserv / OutofStock.asmx / GetInventoryXML) that provides information about items with corresponding serial numbers within a range specified by the user.

  The alert page 444 is one or more pages that allow the user to receive and / or set information related to one or more types of inventory alerts (e.g., pages 446 to 452). Can be directed to. The SKU inventory alert settings page 446 allows the user to set alert configurations for items that are below or above a defined percentage of baseline inventory. With alert page 446, the user can select all the items in inventory 170, the specific type of item, the item category, the item supplied by the manufacturer, the aisle, the gondola, and the specific shelf. An alert configuration can be set for a specific SKU number placed at a specific position in 110-1. The alert page 446 can initiate a process (eg, WebService ISSAserv / Alerts.asmx / NewInventoryAlertJob) that performs the desired monitoring set by the user.

  The SKU inventory alert display page 448 may show the alert configuration of an item and the location corresponding to that item in the environment 110-1 that is currently being monitored by the inventory alert process. Using page 448 allows the user to remove inventory alert configurations that are no longer needed.

  The inventory removal alert settings page 450 allows the user to set an alert configuration for a situation where a determined number of items are removed within a determined time period. Using page 450, users can locate individual items, all items, item categories, items supplied by a particular manufacturer, and locations within environment 110-1 such as aisles, gondolas, and specific shelves. It will be possible to set these types of alert configurations for items with SKU numbers that may exist. Page 450 may initiate a process (eg, WebService ISSAserv / Alerts.asmx / NewInventoryRemovalJob) that performs the configuration described above.

  The inventory removal limit display page 452 may display an alert configuration for the item and the location corresponding to that item in the environment 110-1 currently monitored by the inventory removal limit process. This page allows the user to remove inventory removal limit configurations that are no longer needed.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the page shown in FIG. 4 and the above description are exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Environment 110-1 may implement fewer or additional types of pages that perform various functions that may or may not be related to inventory management aspects related to the present invention. For example, the user interface 210 can include one or more page processes that provide the user with general assistance and / or specific assistance in navigating the pages provided by the interface 210. In addition, interface 210 has one or more pages that allow the user to set, view, and / or modify various characteristics related to individual items or item types, such as price, size characteristics, and defect status. Can be included. Further, interface 210 can include one or more page processes that allow a user to display customer related information, such as customer profile information used with a customer ID card.

<Inventory management process>
As described above, environment 110-1 includes ISSA 200 that performs one or more intelligent inventory management processes consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. Each of these inventory management processes is initiated in response to a user accessing ISSA 200 via user interface 210 and / or from a non-user source such as another task, process, and / or computing entity. Can be executed in response to a request. FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various exemplary inventory process flow diagrams that may be performed by environment 110-1, consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary inventory analysis process that can be performed consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. Initially, environment 110-1 may perform a process for determining the inventory of items in inventory 170 (step 510). This step can be initiated by the user via the interface 210 and the page described with respect to FIG. Alternatively, a process executed by ISSA 200 or a job executed by job 240 can periodically begin collecting inventory information. Step 510 can also be initiated by an event detected by one or more sensors (eg, software-based sensors and / or hardware-based sensors) located within environment 110-1. Once environment 110-1 has collected inventory information (eg, the number of each type of item included in inventory 170), that information can be stored in database 215 for subsequent access. In addition, inventory information can be used by ISSA 200 to create reports and / or content that are provided to users via various types of media, such as printers, web pages, telephone messages, and the like.

  Environment 110-1 may also determine whether the number of items of any type in inventory 170 is below a predetermined level (step 520). Environment 110-1 performs the appropriate process described above (e.g., via SKU out-of-limit display page 418, out-of-stock control task 231 etc.) and inventory of a certain type of item is It can be determined and identified if it is below the level. If so (step 520; YES), an item process below the appropriate stock level can be performed (step 530). This process alerts the output device (e.g., display 204, pager, cell phone, etc.) with an alert message indicating which item type requires a new purchase and the location of the depleted item in environment 110-1. Providing to the user via the network. If notified, the user can determine whether additional items of the depleted type are in an alternative location such as a backroom. Alternatively, ISSA 200 can indicate to the user whether additional inventory for the item type is in environment 110-1. Thus, the user or ISSA 200 can reorder inventory if additional items are needed. Further, step 530 may include providing a message to the customer at a shelf display located at or near the location where the depleted inventory of items has been determined. In one aspect, the store manager or ISSA 200 can formulate a customized message that provides various information to the customer who happens to view the shelf display, for example, based on a depleted inventory notification. Customized messages can include offered discounts, ordering promises, location information for alternative environments with items not in stock, and the like.

  Environment 110-1 may also determine whether there are any misplaced items in inventory 170 (step 540). Environment 110-1 performs the appropriate process described above (eg, via misplaced SKU page 422 and out of stock control task 231) to determine misplaced items in inventory 170. Can be identified. If there are one or more misplaced items (step 540; YES), environment 110-1 may perform an appropriate misplaced item process (step 550). This process can include providing the user with information including the location of the missing item and / or its intended location (ie, where the item belongs in the store). Allows users (eg inventory personnel) to be directed to the current location of misplaced items, so that the user can return these items to a specified location in environment 110-1 Become.

  Environment 110-1 may also determine information related to lost sales based on missing or misplaced items in inventory 170 (step 550). This step generates and provides a lost sales report that reflects the lost revenue based on the item type that has the number of items that are out of stock or exhausted (for example, via the out of stock task 231). Can be included). In addition, impacts, including information that correlates various factors (for example, item price, seasonal disparity factors, sales of other items, etc.) with previous sales and current sales of items with depleted inventory Sales reports received can be generated by ISSA 200 and provided to users. The user can use the affected sales reports to determine whether adjustments are needed, such as moving a depleted item type item to another location, price, inventory order schedule, and the like.

  FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a depletion process that can be performed by environment 110-1, consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. Environment 110-1 may initially determine whether a depletion event has occurred (step 610). As explained above, a depletion event may be associated with a condition where a predetermined number of items have been removed from a current location within a predetermined period of time. Thus, if multiple items of the same type are taken from a shelf in minutes, depending on the value set by the user and the type of affected item for a given number and duration of items for a depletion event A wear-out event may have occurred. If such an event occurs (step 610; YES), environment 110-1 may perform a depletion event process (step 620). If no depletion event has occurred, the process ends.

  Step 620 may include various processes performed by the user and / or ISSA 200 as previously described with respect to depletion pages 430-434 and / or depletion process 232. For example, environment 110-1 may provide the user with an alert message that includes information specific to the determined wear event (eg, event location, type of item removed, time frame, etc.). Thus, store employees can receive alert messages and be directed to locations that perform various tasks such as security services and / or customer service functions. Step 620 can also activate one or more security devices, systems, etc. to monitor the location around the depletion event. For example, environment 110-1 may activate a camera to record physical actions performed by a user at or near the location where the wear event occurred.

  FIG. 7 shows an exemplary recall process flow diagram consistent with certain aspects of the present invention. Environment 110-1 performs the appropriate process described above (eg, via quick recall pages 436-442 and quick recall task 233) to handle recall events associated with items contained in inventory 170. be able to. In one aspect, environment 110-1 may determine whether a shelf life or expiration event has been detected (step 710). This step can be used to determine whether inventory 170 includes an item with a corresponding shelf life and / or expiration date that has passed and / or is about to pass (e.g., within a day, days, or a week). Can be related. If such an event is detected (step 710; YES), an appropriate shelf life / expiration process is performed (step 720). This step states that the inventory 170 includes one or more items that have exceeded or are about to exceed their shelf life and / or expiration date (e.g., store employee, POS store clerk, office store manager) Etc.) and / or notifying another software process within ISSA 200. In this notification, whether the environment 110-1 has replaceable inventory with information identifying each item (e.g. SKU information), a corresponding location in the environment 110-1, a valid shelf life and / or expiration date Instructions regarding how and / or how to handle this event may be included (eg, removed from a shelf, moved an item in front of a shelf or store location, etc.). The user receiving this event and / or ISSA 200 may use the received information to execute one or more of the suggested instructions and perform other processes to improve the shelf life / expiration event. This other task may include changing one or more prices of items associated with this event. In addition, environment 110-1 displays a message on a display device and / or point-of-sale terminal attached to or near the location of the item associated with this event, so that an item may have a shelf life for customers and / or employees. Or it can warn that the expiration date may have passed.

  In addition, environment 110-1 can determine whether a temperature event has occurred (step 370). A temperature event may relate to a condition in which the temperature of an area surrounding or near a particular group of items has changed, possibly damaging the group of items. For example, if a refrigeration unit in environment 110-1 malfunctions and the temperature drops below a certain value, all products stored in that unit are considered damaged and not good for sale Can do. If a temperature event has occurred (step 730; YES), a temperature process is executed (step 740). In one aspect of the invention, the temperature process relates to a temperature event, the location within the environment 110-1 associated with the event, instructions on how to handle the event, and all items included in the area affected by the event. Notifying the user about item information (eg, SKU information) to be performed, a time period in which the event occurs and / or will occur, etc. may be included. The user can take appropriate action to ensure that all items affected by the event are safe for purchase (eg, if the event has just occurred). The user can relocate these items to a controlled location at the correct operating temperature in environment 110-1 for further purchase. In addition, the user and / or ISSA 200 can use a location to supply a repair message to a designated user or request repair of a unit that may have malfunctioned and caused a temperature event.

  Environment 110-1 may also determine whether the items in inventory 170 are associated with one or more item types having defects reported by the manufacturer (step 750). This step can include comparing the item information collected from the determined live inventory step 510 shown in FIG. 5 with a received list of defective items supplied by the manufacturer. If there is a certain type of item that matches what is in the defect information supplied by the manufacturer, then the environment 110-1 may perform a defect process (step 760). This process involves recalling the item at the POS, including the defective item in inventory 170, its location, and information about the defect (e.g., the type of defect, whether the item is still safe / operational even if it has a defect) Informing users (eg, customers and / or employees) about whether or not to sell. In one aspect, the notified user can be a store clerk at a location that can facilitate dealing with the sale of a defective product that the customer is trying to purchase. For example, depending on the severity of the defect described in the defect information provided in the notification, the store clerk can prevent the customer from purchasing the item. Alternatively, the store clerk forwards this information to the customer and obtains the corresponding part / software for the item to be purchased if the item can be made to specification with additional parts or software supplied by the manufacturer. Information on how to do can be provided. In addition, ISSA 200 can automatically provide discounts on the selling price of defective items. The reduced sales price can be displayed on a display attached at a POS location or near a location associated with one or more defective items. Further, environment 110-1 may provide services and / or equipment that allow customers who have purchased defective items to correct the items. For example, a workstation may be provided that allows a user to download software code necessary to correct a defect in a program stored on a computer readable medium. In addition, environment 110-1 allows the customer to bring the purchased item to an employee, who orders the missing part from the manufacturer, downloads a correction software patch, and defects the missing part. These services can be provided to the customer in the form of performing the procedures necessary to correct the item, such as installing on the item.

  Further, environment 110-1 may determine whether there are items in inventory 170 that have undergone a design change by the corresponding manufacturer (step 770). Similar to step 750, environment 110-1 compares the design change information received from the manufacturer with a current list of inventory information, possibly provided through the process performed in step 510 of FIG. It can be determined whether a design change has been made. If the item type has undergone a design change (step 770; YES), a design change process can be performed (step 780). The design change process can include notifying the user (eg, an employee) about the changed item type, the location of the changed type of item, instructions on how to handle this design change event, and the like. In one aspect of the present invention, the redesign process moves the old items to an alternate location within environment 110-1, such as from the back of the shelf to the previous position, before these redesigned items. It can include promoting sales. In addition, the design change process can include removing old items from inventory 170, which can be done at the manufacturer's direction.

  Although the steps shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5-7 are shown in a specific sequence, methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with aspects of the invention may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. As a step, each of the steps can be performed in a different sequence, with various combinations of steps, with additional steps, or with fewer steps.

<Conclusion>
As explained above, systems, methods, and articles of manufacture consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention have a number of options for the environment to achieve its business goals (e.g., increased sales) on a real-time or near real-time basis. Enables an environment for performing item inventory management processes at a granularity level that provides

  The foregoing description of the practice of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. This is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching, or may be obtained from practicing the invention. Additional modifications and variations of the present invention may be described embodiments, including, for example, software, although the present invention may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software, or hardware only. it can. The present invention can be implemented using both object-oriented and non-object-oriented programming systems.

  For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate the ability to practice the invention using many different types of environments 110-1. For example, in addition to a retail environment, aspects of the invention can all be RFID-tagged, including all objects that contain antennas that retrieve information from these tags (eg, physically tangible objects such as inventory) Can be applied to any environment. For example, the present invention may be applied in an environment where a store seeks to track individuals throughout its business environment. In such a scenario, the store environment (eg, a building) may have antennas attached to various strategic locations (eg, doorways, elevators, etc.). Each store employee is issued an RFID card that is similar to that described previously (eg, a customer RFID card). Thus, ISSA 200 can also monitor user movement within the business environment based on information received / collected from the antenna as the employee moves nearby.

  In addition, interface 210 can include other types of interfaces that interact with various processes performed by ISSA 200. For example, various interactions with the EPC writer process to allow a user to not only read and write EPC data to and from RFID tags 280 in inventory 170 but also monitor the status of such operations. A simple user interface can work. For example, the interface 210 may include a results interface that presents to the user a results window that includes a list of all items entered via the EPC writer window. The result window can contain information indicating whether the EPC writer operation was successfully executed. Various interactive display messages can be provided to the user based on the results of the EPC writing. For example, the results window can be presented with one or more error messages indicating why the EPC writing was not successful, and possibly instructions on how to correct the problem. The interface 210 can also include a bad tag finder interface that allows the user to request information regarding the malfunctioning RFID tag 280. The bad tag interface can present the user with information identifying the ID of the bad tag, its location, and related items associated with the tag.

  While aspects of the present invention have been described as being stored in memory, those skilled in the art will recognize these aspects as other storage devices such as hard disks, floppy disks, or secondary storage devices such as CD-ROMs. It will be appreciated that other types of computer readable media, carrier waves from the Internet or other propagation media, or other forms of RAM or ROM may be stored. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

(Attachment A)
Intelligent station using multiple RF antennas, and inventory control system and inventory control method incorporating the same

[Field of the Invention]
[0001]
The present invention relates generally to the field of using multiple radio frequency (RF) antennas in an intelligent station to track items tagged with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. More generally, the present invention is directed to an inventory control method and system that uses an intelligent station to track items that have been tagged with RFID tags and to create an inventory. .

[Background of the invention]
[0002]
In RFID (radio frequency identification) systems, one or more reader antennas are typically used to send radio frequency (RF) signals to items tagged with RFID tags. The use of such RFID tags to identify items or people is well known in the art. In response to the RF signal from the reader antenna, the RFID tag, when excited, creates a magnetic field (or electric field) disturbance that is detected by the reader antenna. Typically, such tags are passive tags that are excited or resonate in response to an RF signal from the reader antenna when the tag is within the detection range of the reader antenna. One example of such an RFID system including details of a suitable RF antenna is described in US Pat. No. 6,094,173. It is known to use coplanar antennas that are out of phase in order to improve the detection range and broaden the “coverage”. An example of such an antenna is described in US Pat. No. 6,166,706.
[0003]
The detection range of RFID systems is usually limited to short ranges by signal strength, for example, often less than about 1 foot (0.3048 m) in 13.56 MHz systems. Thus, the portable reader unit is moved beyond a group of tagged items to detect all of the tagged items. This is because the tagged items are typically stored in a much larger space than the detection range of a single stationary or stationary reader antenna. Alternatively, a larger reader antenna with sufficient power and range to detect a larger number of tagged items can be used. However, such antennas can be impractical and can extend the range of power radiated beyond acceptable limits. Furthermore, these reader antennas are often placed in the store or other locations where space is at a premium, and using such large reader antennas is expensive and inconvenient. Another possible solution could use multiple small antennas, but this configuration can often be difficult to set up with space in mind.
[0004]
However, the use of multiple antennas (or components) means that multiple transmission cables are used to connect the reader unit to multiple antennas and / or all of the multiple antennas are single to the reader unit. When connected by a transmission cable, a plurality of antennas cannot be individually controlled.
[0005]
As background, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basics of a prior art RFID system. The reader unit 100 can typically be connected to a terminal 102, such as a computer terminal, via RS-232 or similar digital communication. The reader unit 100 is connected to the reader antenna 200 by a cable 203. The reader antenna 200 typically consists of at least one loop 201 and tuning circuit 202. Although the tuning circuit 202 is shown in a localized portion in FIG. 1, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it can be distributed along the loop 201. Reader antenna 200 communicates with one or more RFID tags 106 by low power radio waves 105, which are typically items, objects (animals or non-animals), or human beings tracked by an RFID system. is connected with.
[0006]
The transmission cable 203 is usually characterized by its impedance, which in a simplified form is approximately equal to the square root of the transmission cable inductance L divided by the capacitance C. In the case of a coaxial cable, the impedance is generally 50Ω or 75Ω.
[0007]
In general, transmission cable 203, antenna loop 201, and tuning circuit 202 are connected together in the most efficient way to utilize the RF output at the desired frequency, which uses a loop antenna such as antenna 200. In an RFID system, it is usually a “high” frequency such as 13.56 MHz. Another common “low” frequency, often used in RFID systems, is 125 kHz. “Ultra high” (UHF) frequencies such as 900 MHz or 2.45 GHz in the RF range are also used with different antenna designs.
[0008]
Systems that use multiple antennas that are powered by a single reader unit and alternate between antennas using a multiplexer switch are also known. Such a system is conceptually illustrated in FIG. 2, in which two separate antennas 200a and 200b are connected to the reader and multiplexer unit 101 via respective transmission cables 203a and 203b. The use of multiple antennas typically improves spatial coverage when reading tags without requiring multiple reader units. The main disadvantage of the arrangement disclosed in FIG. 2 is the need for a separate transmission cable to each of the antennas. Often space is at a premium, so using this separate cable is disadvantageous because additional space is required to install or place each of these separate cables. This disadvantage is accentuated when more than two antennas are used with one reader unit. This is because all of these multiple antennas require separate transmission cables.

[Summary of Invention]
[0009]
In one aspect, the present invention provides an intelligent station that tracks an RFID tag, a reader unit that transmits and receives an RF signal, and a first RF antenna that is connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable. An intelligent station comprising one or more additional RF antennas connected to the reader unit via one or more additional switches by the same first transmission cable. As used herein, the term “intelligent” means that the system captures, stores, looks up, and monitors the unique identifier associated with the trackable item via transmission of radio frequency signals. Means you can.
[0010]
In another aspect, the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas each include a loop and a tuning circuit.
[0011]
In another aspect of the invention, the reader unit includes a tuning circuit for the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas, the tuning circuit being connected to the first RF antenna via the first transmission cable. Connected to the antenna and one or more additional RF antennas.
[0012]
In another aspect, the invention includes a reader unit that generates and receives RF signals, and a control unit operatively connected to the reader unit and the first switch and one or more additional switches, The control unit is configured to selectively operate the first switch and one or more additional switches to connect the reader to the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas, respectively. . The reader unit and the control unit can be separate devices or combined into a single unit.
[0013]
In another aspect of the invention, the intelligent station further includes a second transmission cable connecting the reader unit to an auxiliary RF antenna loop, each of the auxiliary RF antenna loops comprising the first RF antenna and one Or it is arranged near the corresponding one of a plurality of additional RF antennas. The auxiliary antenna receives an unmodulated RF signal that powers the tag, and the tag is typically not powered in the absence of an RF signal. As used herein, an “unmodulated RF signal” is an RF signal without superimposed data. A “modulated RF signal” is an RF signal that carries superimposed data.
[0014]
In another aspect, the leader unit includes a second tuning circuit connected to the auxiliary RF antenna loop via the second transmission cable near the leader unit. The second tuning circuit is configured to tune the auxiliary RF antenna loop.
[0015]
In another aspect, the invention provides a second transmission for connecting the reader unit to the first RF antenna and the one or more additional RF antennas via the first switch and one or more additional switches, respectively. Provide cables. The reader unit sends an unmodulated RF signal to the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas via the second transmission cable, and the first antenna and one or more via the first transmission cable. Send modulated RF signal to multiple additional antennas.
[0016]
In another aspect of the invention, the first switch has three states, i.e., the first state, wherein the first switch only sends the modulated RF signal to the first RF antenna, the first switch Only in the second state, which only sends the unmodulated RF signal to the first RF antenna, and in the third state, where both the modulated RF signal and the unmodulated RF signal bypass the first RF antenna. Configured to do. The second switch has three states: the first state in which the second switch only sends the modulated RF signal to the associated second RF antenna; the second switch has the unmodulated RF signal Only in the second state, which only sends to the second associated RF antenna, and in the third state, where both the modulated RF signal and the unmodulated RF signal bypass the associated second RF antenna. A multi-pole switch configured as described above. Each of the switches can be controlled independently of each other, so, for example, the first and second switches can be set to send a modulated signal and an unmodulated signal, respectively, simultaneously. In addition, it was configured to operate in one of two states (one state passes a modulated RF signal to the associated antenna and the other state does not pass the signal to the associated antenna). A 2-pole switch can be used.
[0017]
In another aspect, the present invention provides an additional RF antenna connected to the reader unit via the same first transmission cable, and an additional RF antenna disposed between the first transmission cable and the additional RF antenna, respectively. With switch.
[0018]
In one aspect, the RF transmission cable has a single branch that serves all antennas, ie, the antennas are connected to the reader unit via the RF transmission cable in a series arrangement.
[0019]
In another aspect, the RF transmission cable has a plurality of branches, each branch serving one or more antennas. That is, the antenna is connected to the reader unit via the RF transmission cable in a parallel and serial arrangement, and each branch of the RF transmission cable can be selected through the use of a switch.
[0020]
In another aspect, the intelligent station includes RF signal processing electronics to perform some of the signal processing otherwise performed by the reader.
[0021]
In another aspect, each of the one or more additional switches includes a PIN diode.
[0022]
In another aspect, the present invention is an intelligent inventory control system that uses RFID tags to determine item information for items to be inventoried and includes one or more intelligent stations. Provide a system. Each intelligent station includes a first RF antenna connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable, and the reader via a respective one or more additional switches by the same first transmission cable. Includes one or more additional RF antennas connected to the unit. The reader unit may be located away from or in one of the intelligent stations. The inventory control system further includes an inventory control processing unit connected to a data store and receiving item information from the intelligent station to update inventory information about the item being inventoryed.
[0023]
In another aspect, the invention is a method for inventory control of items tagged with an RFID tag, comprising a plurality of intelligent stations, each intelligent station transmitting and receiving an RF signal And a first RF antenna connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable, and connected to the reader unit via one or more additional switches by the same first transmission cable One or more additional RF antennas, and the first RF antenna and one or more of each of the intelligent stations to determine item information of items placed on the respective intelligent stations. To selectively energize additional RF antennas Providing a method comprising: determining item information of an item to be inventoried; and processing the determined item information to update inventory information of the item to be inventoried To do.
[0024]
In one aspect, each station has its own reader unit. However, a single leader unit can serve many stations.
[0025]
In another aspect of the invention, an inventory control method energizes the first switch and the one or more additional switches and is within the range of the one or more additional RF antennas that are energized with the respective energy. Selectively controlling the first switch and one or more additional switches to detect item information from items having RFID tags at
[0026]
According to another aspect of the invention, an inventory control method includes software control of the RF power level generated by the reader unit. In a preferred embodiment, a test determines the RF power that the reader unit must supply to achieve the optimal result for each connected antenna, and each connected antenna is along the RF cable. Arranged at different distances. This information is stored, for example, in a lookup table or other equivalent indexed data storage means. Thereafter, during operation, the power level of each antenna is set based on this predetermined power level stored in the lookup table, so that all antennas at different distances along the RF transmission cable are Will be able to operate with essentially the same output.
[0027]
In an alternative embodiment, the power delivered to each antenna can also depend on additional factors, such as the type of antenna. Thus, in an alternative embodiment, the distance and type of the antenna can be used to determine and store an optimal power level for a particular antenna.
[0028]
In another aspect of the invention, an inventory control method includes an RF amplifier device, such as an RF filter amplifier, that is periodically arranged along the RF transmission cable, such as every Nth shelf to increase RF signal strength. Including.
[0029]
In another aspect of the invention, an inventory control method includes updating the determined item information for an item in a data store.
[0030]
In another aspect, the invention provides that the inventory management method includes, for each intelligent station, one or more auxiliary units disposed near each one of the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas. Including a second transmission cable connecting the reader unit to an antenna loop, wherein the reader unit sends a modulated RF signal via the first transmission cable and is not modulated via the second transmission cable Provides sending RF signal.
[0031]
In another aspect, the inventory control method according to the present invention provides, for each intelligent station, the reader unit via the first switch and one or more additional switches, respectively, the first RF antenna and one or more additional Providing a second transmission cable connected to an RF antenna, wherein the reader unit sends an unmodulated RF signal to the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas via the second transmission cable; A modulated RF signal is sent to the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas via a first transmission cable.
[0032]
In another aspect, the inventory control method of the present invention provides, for each intelligent station, only three states, ie, a modulated RF signal, one of each of the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas. A first state that only sends to a second state that only sends an unmodulated RF signal to each of the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas, and the modulated RF signal and the The first switch and one or more of the unmodulated RF signals to operate in one of a third state that bypasses each one of the first RF antenna and each of the one or more additional RF antennas. Provide to configure additional switches.

[Brief description of drawings]
[0033]
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, presently presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown below, which serve to explain the general description given above and the principles of the invention. Along with the detailed description of the preferred embodiment, it is shown without limitation.
[0034]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basics of a prior art RFID system.
[0035]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a prior art RFID system using multiple antennas connected to a reader unit.
[0036]
FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inventory control system using an intelligent station according to the present invention.
[0037]
FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of an inventory control system using intelligent shelves according to the present invention.
[0038]
3C and 3D are flowcharts illustrating the processing performed by the control unit of the inventory control system according to the present invention.
[0039]
FIG. 3E is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of an inventory control system that uses intelligent stations in a parallel-series configuration.
[0040]
FIG. 3F is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of an inventory control system that uses intelligent stations in another parallel-series configuration.
[0041]
FIG. 3G is a block diagram illustrating a T-switch used in a parallel-series configuration.
[0042]
FIG. 3H is a block diagram illustrating an inline switch used in a parallel-series configuration.
[0043]
FIG. 3I is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary method for carrying RF and digital communications over a single cable.
[0044]
FIG. 3J is a block diagram illustrating a method of using a switch to minimize the undesired effects of an RF cable extending past a selected antenna.
[0045]
FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the present invention showing an RFID system having multiple antennas connected to a reader unit.
[0046]
FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing a logic switch.
[0047]
5 and 6 are block diagrams illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present invention having multiple antennas.
[0048]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention in which two separate transmission cables transmit modulated and unmodulated RF signals to multiple antennas each having multiple loops. is there.
[0049]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment in which a modulated RF system and an unmodulated RF system use the same antenna loop.
[0050]
FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary switch that can be used with the embodiment disclosed in FIG.
[0051]
FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of another exemplary switch that can be used with the embodiment disclosed in FIG.
[0052]
FIG. 10A is a circuit diagram of a switch using PIN diodes that can be used with various embodiments of the present invention.
[0053]
FIG. 10B is a circuit diagram showing how the antenna can be “detuned”.
[0054]
FIG. 10C is a circuit diagram illustrating another method by which the antenna can be detuned.
[0055]
FIG. 10D is a circuit diagram illustrating another method by which the antenna can be detuned.
[0056]
FIG. 11A shows various layouts of the reader antenna on the shelf.
[0057]
FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the use of tags in a shelf.
[0058]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating one method of making a wire antenna.
[0059]
FIGS. 12A-C show alternative forms of securing the ends of the wires on the substrate.
[0060]
FIG. 13 shows an alternative method of making a wire antenna.
[0061]
FIG. 13A shows various alternative wire antenna shapes.
[0062]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another method of making a wire antenna.
[0063]
FIG. 15 illustrates an apparatus and method for applying a foil tape ribbon to a web or planar substrate to form a foil antenna.
[0064]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another method of depositing a conductive pathway on a substrate to form a foil antenna.
[0065]
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an applicator 2200 for depositing a conductive pathway.
[0066]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a method of placing a simple rectangular conductive pathway using the apparatus shown in FIG.
[0067]
FIGS. 18A and B show a folded foil strip.
[0068]
FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment in which the placed conductive trace 2300 overlaps the previous conductive trace.
[0069]
FIG. 20 is a view showing a laminated structure including a foil strip antenna.
[0070]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the use of a milling machine to form openings in a substrate.

[Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments]
[0071]
Unless otherwise specified, the indefinite article “a” or “an” means one or more. The present invention provides an intelligent inventory control system that includes one or more intelligent stations that can detect RFID tags using multiple antennas. RFID tags are attached to items to be detected or tracked. In certain preferred embodiments described herein, an intelligent station system is designated as an intelligent “shelf” system. This is because the intelligent station system provided by the present invention is suitable for tracking items on store and warehouse shelves for inventory control or other tracking purposes. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to intelligent shelf systems. Because those skilled in the art will understand the applicability of the present invention to other applications such as tracking closed items, other storage volumes, and tracking items within a particular space. It is. Examples of such closed repositories or storage volumes, without limitation, rooms, closets, cabinets, cupboards, refrigerators, freezers, pegboards, clothing racks, trailers, warehouses, pallets, counters, and other similar Includes an enclosure, space, or rack. The present invention can be used on doors, passages and other entrances, floors or floor mats, or ceilings. It should also be understood that intelligent stations can be used in orientations other than the horizontal orientation normally associated with a shelf. For example, intelligent shelves can be used in a vertical orientation, for example, on the wall of a container, or an area or surface behind or next to a storage volume.
[0072]
Various embodiments are envisioned for use in clothing racks, including straight or circular racks. For circular racks in particular, it is envisaged that two antennas arranged at right angles to two vertical planes in the center of the circular rack can be used. The antenna can be driven by a single reader, but the length of the lead-in cable is preferably different by 1/4 of the RF wavelength, or alternatively using a 2-way 90 ° output splitter (e.g. MiniCircuits PSCQ-2-13), two antennas are 90 degrees out of phase. As a result, the magnetic field orientation set up by the two antennas “rotates” once in each cycle of the RF wave, so that all RFID tags around the circular rack can be read.
[0073]
For use with a clothing rack, in another embodiment, one or more on the clothing rack, eg, positioned or hanging at one or both ends of the clothing rack, or distributed as a hanger in the middle of the clothing. An antenna loop is provided. If antenna loops are provided in the form of hangers, run them through narrow (e.g., 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) to 3/8 inch (9.525 mm) diameter) thermoplastic tubing, It can be manufactured by thermoforming the tube to create a hanger shaped antenna. The same method can be used to create a self-supporting antenna of any shape.
[0074]
Planar antennas may have limited ability to read tags that are oriented parallel to the magnetic field lines created by the antenna. Extend reading range and limit tag orientation by providing RF powered antennas (antennas connected to the reader) and one or more passively coupled antennas that are not directly connected to the reader Can be overcome. This passively connected antenna is excited or powered via inductive coupling with the powered antenna. The passively coupled antenna preferably has a magnetic field that is 180 ° out of phase with the actively coupled antenna. Thus, the resulting magnetic field orientation oscillates, so that RFID tags with otherwise undesirable orientations can also be read. In one embodiment, passively coupled antennas can be provided within the shelf itself, for example, actively powered antennas in front of the shelf and passively coupled antennas on the shelf. Behind it, all antennas can be in the plane of the shelf. Other embodiments include placing passively coupled antennas in the vertical plane at the edge or behind the shelf. In other embodiments, at least one actively powered antenna in a box, cabinet, aisle, etc. enclosure is used with one or more passively coupled antennas in any orientation. A better reading range or better flexibility in reading the placed tag can be provided. Other embodiments include placing passively coupled antennas in the vertical plane at the edge or behind the shelf. Other embodiments include placing a passively coupled antenna for a given shelf at a distance above the shelf in the horizontal plane, preferably directly below the next upper shelf.
[0075]
In a preferred embodiment, multiple antennas can be placed on a self-supporting shelf or can be implemented in a thin mat that can be placed on an existing store shelf.
[0076]
For example, as can be seen from the block diagram of FIG. 3A, the independent shelf systems 501a, 501b, ..., 501n and 502a, 502b, ..., 502n are each connected to the reader unit 120 by transmission cables 222, respectively. A plurality of antennas 200 can be provided. Each reader unit 120 has a controller or control unit 124 that uses a control cable 221 in selecting which antenna is active at any given time. Between the shelves, cables 221 and 222 can be interconnected using connectors 526. In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 3A, each group of shelves is illustrated as having an RFID system with a reader unit 120 connected to a plurality of antennas 200; It will be appreciated that the unit can be configured to connect to multiple antennas of multiple shelves located close to each other, or each shelf can be configured to have its own reader unit. .
[0077]
The block diagram of FIG. 3B shows an alternative embodiment in which multiple shelves 200 are provided on each shelf 503a, 503b,. Each of the plurality of antennas 200 is connected to the reader unit 120 by a transmission cable 222. Each reader unit 120 has a controller 124 that selects which antenna is active at any given time. The controller 124 can be a microcontroller. In addition, the shelf may have a secondary controller 125 that cooperates with the controller 124 to select the antenna. The secondary controller 125 is a microprocessor with sufficient output to control all antennas in the associated shelf and to control an output device 510 such as a display at the end of the shelf to display information such as pricing. can do. The output device 510 can display information using visible and audible signals, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. By using the secondary controller 125, the number of wires required for the connector 526 between the shelves can be reduced.
[0078]
The control unit 124 is capable of digital data by, for example, sending a unique address associated with each switch, such as by using the DS2405 “1-Wire®” addressable switch from Dallas Semiconductor. Any or all switches can be selectively operated by sending commands via the communication cable 221. Each such addressable switch provides a single output that can be used to switch a single antenna. The control unit 124 is preferably capable of selectively operating any or all switches by using one or more sub-control units 125. For example, the secondary control unit 125 is a microprocessor such as PICmicro® Microcontroller from Microchip Technology Incorporated, which can provide multiple outputs that switch multiple antennas, such as all antennas near the secondary control unit 125. It can be. The control unit 124 can be a microprocessor, such as a PICmicro® Microcontroller from MicroChip Technology Incorporated. Communication between control unit 124 and sub-control unit 125 uses digital communication signals according to well-known communication protocols such as RS-232, RS-485 serial protocol or Ethernet protocol or token ring networking protocol Can be implemented. Such communication via the sub-control unit 125 includes commands for manipulating additional features in addition to selecting the desired antenna. Examples of such features include providing a display near the antenna (eg, a light LED), displaying alphanumeric text via a suitable visual display, or outputting audible information near the antenna.
[0079]
In the preferred embodiment, the intelligent shelf system is controlled via an electronic network. The control system that controls the intelligent shelf system sends command data to the control unit 124 via RS-232 or similar protocol. This command includes, but is not limited to, an instruction to operate the reader unit 120, an instruction to operate the antenna switch, and auxiliary information displayed by the shelf using, for example, a light, visual display, or sound. The control unit 124 is programmed to interpret these commands. When the command is addressed to the reader unit 120, the control unit 124 passes the command to the reader unit 120. Other commands may be related to antenna selection or information display, and these commands are processed by the control unit 124 when necessary to control which data is over the digital data communication cable 221. It is determined whether it must be passed to unit 125. Similarly, the sub control unit 125 can pass data to the controller 124 in the same manner as the reader unit 120. The controller 124 relays the result data to the control system via the electronic network. The inventory control processing unit 550 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is an example of such a control system. As described further herein with respect to intelligent shelf systems, the electronic network and control system can be interchanged to indicate that the intelligent shelf system can be controlled by a control system connected to the intelligent shelf system via the electronic network. used.
[0080]
At a minimum, the control unit 124 must determine whether a command from the electronic network must be sent to the reader unit 120 or sent via the digital communication cable 221. The control unit 124 must also relay the data received from the digital communication cable 221 and the reader unit 120 to the electronic network. For example, with minimal configuration, the electronic network issues a command to read a single antenna, for example. The control unit 124 a) sets the correct switch for that antenna, b) activates the reader, c) receives data from the reader, d) deactivates the reader, and e) sends the data back to the electronic network.
[0081]
FIG. 3C is a flowchart illustrating exemplary processing by the control unit 124 of command signals from the host. At step 330, the control unit 124 determines whether there is a command for the control unit 124 (which can be done by periodically querying the memory location). The control unit 124 determines whether the command is for the reader 120 at step 332 and if so, sends the command to the reader unit 120 at step 334. Otherwise, at step 336, the control unit 124 decodes the command and sends an appropriate indication to the secondary controller 125. Thereafter, in step 338, the control unit 124 determines whether a response has been received from the reader unit 120 if it sent a command to the reader in step 334. If a response has been received, at step 340, control unit 124 passes the response to the host. Thereafter, at step 342, the control unit 124 determines whether a response has been received from the secondary control unit 125 in response to the indication sent at step 336. If a response is received from the secondary control unit 125 at step 342, the control unit 124 interprets the response and sends it to the host at step 344. Thereafter, control of the process is returned to step 330 where the control unit 124 determines whether there is another command from the host that needs to be processed.
[0082]
The control unit 124 may also perform some of the management functions that are otherwise processed by the electronic network. For example, the electronic network can issue a command to find an article that is the entire shelf system associated with the control unit 124. In that case, the control unit will a) determine how many antennas are in the system, b) set the appropriate switch on the first antenna, c) activate the reader, and d) receive data from the reader. Save, e) deactivate the reader, f) set the appropriate switch on the next antenna until all antennas are activated, g) activate the reader until all antennas are read, etc. Manage a series of tasks. In a preferred embodiment, when all antennas have been read, the control unit 124 or electronic network (“host” or “control system”) analyzes its accumulated data and reports only the location of the desired item.
[0083]
FIG. 3D is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary management function processing performed by the control unit according to the present invention. At step 350, the control unit 124 receives a command from the host application requesting a count of the total number of antennas controlled by the control unit 124. Accordingly, at step 352, the control unit 124 determines the number of antennas that are directly controlled by the control unit 124. Thereafter, in step 354, the control unit 124 issues a command to the sub-control unit 125, selects the next antenna in the list, and waits for confirmation from the sub-control unit 125 in step 356. In steps 358 and 360, a “read” command is sent to reader 120, which reads and waits for data from the selected antenna, and in step 362 sends the data to the host application. Thereafter, at step 364, the control unit sends a “standby” command to the reader 120, and at step 366, determines whether all antennas have been read. If it is determined in step 366 that all antennas have been read, the process ends. Otherwise, process control returns to step 354 so that the control unit 124 issues a command to the sub-control unit to select the next unselected antenna in the list.
[0084]
An additional benefit of placing a control unit 124 between the electronic network and the reader unit is that different types of readers 120 can be used as desired. Commands from the electronic network to the control unit may be generic and not reader specific. For example, the electronic network may send a “Read Antenna” command to the control unit. The control unit can translate this command into the appropriate command syntax required by each reader unit. Similarly, the control unit can receive a response syntax from the reader unit (which may vary based on the type of reader unit), parse it into a generic response and return it to the electronic network. The command and response syntax may be different for each type of reader unit 120, but the control unit 124 can make this transparent from the electronic network.
[0085]
The block diagram of FIG. 3E illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the controller 124 and reader 120 are included in the shelf 504a. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the controller and reader can be separated from any shelf. A digital communication cable 221 connects the controller 124 to the sub-controller 125, and an RF transmission cable 222 connects the reader 120 to the antenna 200. The controller 124 can operate the branch switch 527, which selects which group of shelves (eg, 504b to 504n or 505b to 505n) to select. In FIG. 3E, branch switch 527 is used with a “parallel-series” connection method with respect to secondary controller 125 and antennas connected to secondary controller 125. That is, the controller 124 and reader 120 do not operate all of the shelves in a single series arrangement, but RF and digital communication signal lines are connected in series shelves 504b through 504n and series shelves 505b through 505n. Before being continued through (ie, each of the branches are parallel to each other). The parallel-series configuration of FIG. 3E typically has about 4 levels of shelves (each can be connected in parallel), and each level has probably 10 to 20 shelf units connected in series. , Could be advantageous to shelf islands. In some situations, a parallel-series configuration may be desirable from an RF transmission perspective. For example, if an island has 4 levels of shelves, each shelf has 12 shelf units, and each shelf unit has 4 antennas, in a parallel-series configuration, 4 of 48 antennas. Two groups are connected in parallel, but in a series-only configuration, one group of 192 antennas are connected in series. Therefore, an RF transmission cable with a series only configuration becomes too long for efficient operation.
[0086]
The block diagram of FIG. 3F shows an alternative embodiment in which the controller 124 and reader 120 are located away from all shelves. A digital communication cable 221 connects the controller 124 to the sub-controller 125, and an RF transmission cable 222 connects the reader 120 to the antenna 200. Controller 124 or secondary controller 125 can operate T switch 528, which selects which shelf or group of shelves (eg, 506a, 507a to 507b) is selected. T-switch 528 can be separated from the shelf or can be part of the shelf, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In FIG. 3F, a T-switch 528 is used with another “parallel-series” connection arrangement. That is, instead of controller 124 and reader 120 operating all shelves in series, RF and digital communication signal lines branch into shelves or groups of shelves arranged in series (i.e., multidrop or Connected in a "T" configuration, each of the branches being arranged in parallel). This configuration allows the RF signal to be switched to a shelf or group of shelves by a T switch 528 or to bypass a shelf or group of shelves. The T or multidrop configuration shown in FIG. 3F can be used to reduce the number of switching elements that the RF transmission cable passes through.
[0087]
In FIG. 3F, a portion 221a of the control cable extending beyond the shelf 506a and a portion 222a of the RF cable extending beyond the shelf 506a are outside the shelf. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, these extended portions of cables can also be included in the shelf. Additional extended control cable portions 221b and additional extended RF cable portions 222b can be used to connect more shelves or groups of shelves. Similarly, additional shelves (not shown) can be added to groups of shelves, such as shelves 506a to 506b, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0088]
FIG. 3G shows an exemplary shelf 507a T-switch 528. The T switch includes a switch, for example, a PIN diode 207c. A secondary controller 125 associated with shelf 507a can activate PIN diode 207c to send an RF signal from RF cable 222a to shelf 507a and route this RF signal to antenna 200 via switch 214. it can. The RF energy can continue along the RF cable 222b to an optional additional T-switch and finally to the terminator 215. Thus, typically, the RF cable 222a may have two parallel loads: an activated antenna and a terminator 215. A circuit 217, such as an isolator circuit well known to those skilled in the art, can be used to match the impedance to the reader 120.
[0089]
FIG. 3H illustrates an example inline switch 529 that can be used with the example shelf 507a. This in-line switch includes a switch, such as a PIN diode 207d. The secondary controller 125 associated with shelf 507a activates PIN diode 207d to allow the RF signal from RF cable 222a to continue to RF cable 222b, or deactivates PIN diode 207d and causes the RF signal to be RF Do not continue along cable 222b. Preferably, T switch 528 and inline switch 229 can be used together to route RF signals to shelf 507a or RF cable 222b. The use of one or more in-line switches, such as in-line switch 529, can eliminate the isolator circuit 217. However, the in-line switch 529 can cause some RF energy loss.
[0090]
FIG. 3I illustrates an exemplary method for combining RF and digital communications over a single cable. The main controller 124 sends a digital command 250 addressed to the intelligent station. Converter 251 converts the digital data into a superimposed digital signal 252 that can be superimposed on the RF cable. For example, the superimposed digital signal can be at a different frequency than that used by the RFID reader 120. This superimposed digital signal can pass through a filter 253, such as the exemplary inductor 253 shown in FIG. 3I. This superimposed digital signal is superimposed on the RF cable. Another filter 254 can be used to prevent the superimposed signal from reaching the RFID reader 120.
[0091]
The combined RF and digital signal reaches one or more intelligent stations 261, 262, 263, etc. (only 261 and 262 are shown in FIG. 3I) through cable 222a. When the exemplary intelligent station 261 is reached, the combined signal can pass through another filter 255, such as an inductor sized to block the RF signal from the RFID reader. The superimposed digital communication passes through the filter 255 and enters the receiver circuit 256, which retrieves the digital information and passes it to the secondary controller 125 and optionally passes to the additional secondary controller 260. .
[0092]
The secondary controller 125 operates at a frequency other than that used for communication from the primary controller (or control unit) 124 to the secondary controller (or control unit) 125, optionally at a frequency other than the RF frequency of the reader 120, for example. Information can then be sent back to the main controller 124 via the transmitter circuit 257. Such information can be received by the receiver circuit 258, converted into an appropriate digital signal 259, and returned to the main controller 124.
[0093]
A variation of the method of digital communication between the main controller 124 and the sub-controller 125 is to send the digital communication from the main controller 124 as a series of pulses of multiple DC voltages. Both voltages are preferably high enough to power the circuits associated with the secondary controller 125, peripherals 510, etc. that require DC power. These voltages are transmitted from the digital transmitter circuit 251 and received by the receiver circuit 256, which can be a simple voltage comparator circuit. Communication from the sub-controller 125 to the main controller is such that the digital transmitter circuit 257 provides two different levels of current draw or load on the communication cable, for example, by switching the transistors feeding the resistors in and out. Can be realized. Such fluctuations in current draw are sensed by the receiver circuit 258 and converted to digital data for the main controller 124.
[0094]
FIG. 3J illustrates an exemplary method of using a switch to minimize the undesirable effects of an RF cable that extends past a selected antenna. From the previous description, it should be understood that the switch can be controlled by the intelligent station system through the use of a secondary controller (or control unit). FIG. 3J shows a reader unit 370 connected to a series of antennas 371-377. A series of antennas is also denoted as first, second, Nth, etc. Each antenna is associated with a circuit 380. The circuit can include a coaxial cable 381 that carries the RF signal. The central conductor carrying RF can be shorted to the coaxial shield by shunt switch 382 or connected to a tuning circuit and then connected to antenna 371 via selection switch 383. The coaxial shield is electrically continuous as indicated by line 384. The coaxial shield is usually grounded. The coaxial central conductor is similarly continuous.
[0095]
The distance between successive antennas is preferably an integer divisor of a quarter wavelength of the RF signal. For example, a 13.56 MHz RF signal traveling through a standard coaxial cable with a polyethylene dielectric has a quarter wavelength of approximately 12 feet (3.66 m). Thus, as can be seen from FIG. 3J, a coaxial length of 1 foot (0.30 m) between the antennas can be used to provide a 1/12 divisor spacing of 1/4 wavelength. Other integer divisors are possible, for example, using a 1.5 foot (0.46 m) coaxial length between the antennas can provide a 1/8 divisor.
[0096]
To illustrate this method, the Nth antenna 373 can be selected by closing the selection switch 385 and directing the RF signal to the antenna 373. Further, the shunt switch 386 is closed, and the RF signal is short-circuited to the coaxial shield by the antenna 375. The antenna 375 is arranged at a quarter wavelength along the RF cable. A short circuit at 1/4 wavelength distance along the RF cable is considered an infinite impedance, which minimizes the negative effects of the RF cable extending past the selected antenna. At the end of the series of antennas, an optional shunt switch shown as 378 and 379 may optionally be provided.
[0097]
In the preferred embodiment, the intelligent station system is modular and processes data from multiple antennas using inexpensive components. Multiple antennas in the shelf can be activated in sequence or, optionally, with a phase difference to increase effectiveness, as included in the ability of one skilled in the art .
[0098]
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the present invention showing an RFID system having a plurality of antennas 200, 210 (only two are shown for convenience) connected to a reader unit 120. . Accordingly, the RFID systems disclosed herein can be used to implement intelligent stations 501a-n or 502a-n shown in FIG. 3A. As those skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications, alternatives, and variations, FIG. 4A is not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention, its structure, and method of operation can be applied to transmission and detection at other frequencies as long as power and regulatory requirements are met. RFID systems can include a single shelf, or multiple antennas can be placed near the shelf and connected to a single reader unit using connectors such as coaxial or other connection means, for example be able to. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, a single RF transmission cable 222 is used to connect to both antennas 200 and 210. The transmission cable 222 is terminated with an ordinary terminator 215. The reader unit 120 is associated with the control unit 124 but does not have a multiplexer. Alternatively, controller 124 is designed to control switches 204 and 214 located on antennas 200 and 210, respectively. The control unit 124 can also communicate with a sub-control unit 125, for example located near the antenna. The sub-control unit 125 may include a microprocessor or addressable device that can cooperate with the control unit 124 in selecting an antenna.
[0099]
In one embodiment, switches 204 and 214 are connected to control unit 124 by separate cables 221. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the control unit 124 can be connected to the switches 204 and 214 using other means, including wireless means, or signals of different frequencies superimposed on the RF signal carried on the cable 222. . Switches 204 and 214 are controlled so that at any time, only one of antennas 200 and 210 is connected to reader unit 120 via cable 222.
[0100]
FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a logic switch 204 that toggles between an open position (dashed line) and a closed position that provides output to the antenna. Such a logic switch can be used with the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 4A.
[0101]
FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the present invention that is similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 4A, except that the antennas 200 are all identical as shown in FIG. Therefore, all the tuning circuits 202 can be made the same, and the manufacture of the antenna becomes easy. Accordingly, the reader unit 120 can be connected to each of the plurality of identical antennas 200 by the transmission cable 222 and the switches 204 and 214.
[0102]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment showing benefits when multiple antennas 200 are identical. Parts of the tuning circuit 202 can be moved to a common tuning circuit 213 in or near the reader unit 120 itself. Accordingly, the reader unit 120 is connected to the plurality of antennas 200 via the common tuning circuit 213 provided in the reader unit 120. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a main tuning circuit 202 or 212 is still provided for each antenna 200.
[0103]
FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which two separate transmission cables 222 and 230 carry RF and non-modulated RF signals, respectively, in a plurality of antenna configurations having antenna loops 201 and 231 respectively. It is a block diagram which shows embodiment. A control unit 134 is associated with the reader unit 130. Reader unit 130 is designed to split the RF signal so that the unmodulated RF signal can be transmitted to antenna loop 231 associated with RF antenna 201 via separate cable 230 and tuning circuit 232. Each RF antenna 201 is associated with a respective antenna loop 231. As before, the reader unit 130 also generates modulated RF signals that are transmitted to the plurality of antennas 201 via the tuning circuit 212 and the transmission cable 222. Each switch 204 and 214 connects the respective antenna 201 to the transmission cable 222 and connects the respective antenna loop 231 to the transmission cable 230.
[0104]
In one embodiment, all of the unmodulated RF system including tuning circuit 232, cable 230, and antenna loop 231 can be continuously powered. In contrast, reader antenna data loop 201 can be turned on only one at a time by appropriately controlling switches 204 and 214. Since loop 231 can be continuously powered, there is no startup time required to charge the RFID tag during data transfer. Such a system can be advantageously used in situations where RFID tags need to be read frequently. In addition, this embodiment allows the handheld reader unit to read the tag at any time. This is because the tag is always powered in view of the continuous power supply of the unmodulated RF system. The unmodulated cable 230 has a terminator 216 at the end of the cable 230. In this regard, it should be understood that the term “continuous” power can include a percentage duty cycle as required by law or other regulations. Alternatively, the unmodulated RF system can be activated just before activating the modulated RF system for each antenna.
[0105]
FIG. 8 is another embodiment similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. In this embodiment, the modulated RF signal via cable 222 and the unmodulated RF signal via cable 230 are routed via the same antenna 201. Switches 204 and 214 are preferably configured such that modulated RF signal 222 or unmodulated RF signal 230 or no signal is routed to a given antenna 201. That is, switches 204 and 214 are in three states: (I) a first state in which only a modulated RF signal is transmitted to antenna 201; (II) a second state in which only an unmodulated RF signal is transmitted to antenna 201. And (III) designed to operate only in the third state where both the modulated and unmodulated RF signals bypass the antenna 201.
[0106]
Such a switching operation can be implemented using a group of single pole RF switches or a multipole RF switch. In operation, this embodiment allows the antenna 201 to be deactivated until just before polling. At that point, the unmodulated RF signal can be switched to antenna 201 via tuning circuit 232, transmission cable 230, and appropriate switches 204 and 214 to "warm up" nearby RFID tags. The modulated RF signal can then be switched to antenna 201 via tuning circuit 212, cable 222, and appropriate switches 204 and 214 to efficiently acquire data from the RFID tag that has just been warmed up. .
[0107]
FIG. 9A is a simplified schematic diagram of a switch 205 that can be used, for example, with the embodiment described with respect to FIG. FIG. 9A is not intended to limit the present invention as those skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications, variations, and alternatives. Switch 205A was turned to the left and modulated when one pole of antenna 201 connected to the center conductor of modulated RF signal coaxial cable 222 and the other pole connected to the same cable shield An RF signal is transmitted to the antenna 201. When switch 205A is turned to the right, the modulated signal in cable 222 is continued on the other antenna. It is shown that switch 205B is turned to the right so that the unmodulated RF signal continues towards another antenna. When switch 205B is turned to the left, an unmodulated RF signal passes through antenna 201. If both switches A and B are thrown to the right, both signals bypass the antenna and the antenna becomes completely inactive. Switch 205 is designed such that both switches 205A and 205B cannot be turned to the left.
[0108]
FIG. 9B is a simplified schematic diagram of an alternative switch 205C that can be used, for example, with the embodiment described with respect to FIG. This figure shows that there is no need to switch the common (or ground) wire and that the switch can be branched from the RF cable rather than directly in-line with the cable. When switch 205C is turned to the left, one pole of antenna loop 201 is connected to the center conductor of modulated RF signal coaxial cable 222 and the other pole is connected to the same cable shield, and therefore The modulated RF signal is sent to the antenna 201. When switch 205C is turned on in the center, an unmodulated RF signal 230 passes through antenna 201. When switch 205C is turned to the right, neither RF signal enters the antenna, and the antenna is completely inactive. Note that in the case of switch 205C, the RF signal continues past each cable past antenna 201, regardless of the setting of switch 205C.
[0109]
FIG. 10A shows a circuit diagram of an RF switch that can be used, for example, as switch 204 or 214 described above with respect to various embodiments of the invention. FIG. 10A is not intended to limit the present invention as those skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications, variations, and alternatives. As can be seen, the RF switch uses a PIN (P-type, I-type, N-type) diode 207 (e.g., Microsemi part number 900-6228), which has a switch contact open. It behaves like a normal PN diode except that it can block the RF signal when When the switch contact is closed, the PIN diode 207 is forward biased and conducts the RF signal. The control signal used to select the antenna can also be superimposed on the RF signal used to read the RFID tag (not shown). Such a control signal can be separated from the RF signal by a bandpass filter, which passes through an addressable switch that selectively activates the RF switch using a PIN diode. . In FIG. 10A, the control signal is supplied by separate wiring rather than using an RF signal cable. The superimposition of control signals on the RF signal cable may require fewer conductors and / or connectors between antennas or intelligent stations, but requires additional electronic components to separate the signals at each antenna. is there. Therefore, having separate wiring for control signals can be more efficient.
[0110]
FIG. 10B shows a circuit diagram that detunes the antenna so that it does not resonate when a nearby antenna is selected when the antenna is not selected for activation. When the antenna is not selected, the PIN diode 207a shorts the tuning capacitor 211a, thereby changing the frequency of the antenna, so that the antenna is used to operate the antenna to read the RFID tag It becomes inactive at frequency.
[0111]
Using a PIN diode, such as 207a, to short the tuning capacitor and detune the antenna means that the PIN diode 207a may operate with power for a fairly long time. This can generate heat and power consumption. Thus, the system can be designed to detune only those antennas that are directly adjacent to the currently read antenna. Which antenna is adjacent can be determined by a plurality of methods. For example, this can be specified during design, found by observation after assembly, or determined using an RFID reader during operation as described further below.
[0112]
FIG. 10C shows another circuit diagram in which the PIN diode 207b is used to tune the loop. This loop is tuned when energy is applied to the PIN diode 207b. Thus, PIN diode 207b need not stay on while the loop is not being read. This saves power and reduces heat generation.
[0113]
Examples herein include the use of PIN diodes for switching and detuning functions, but those skilled in the art will understand, for example, FET (Field Effect Transistor) devices or MESFET (Metal Semiconductor FET) devices. Other electronic components such as can also be used.
[0114]
FIG. 10D shows another circuit diagram in which a switch in the resonant portion of the circuit, such as a field effect transistor (FET) 208, is used to detune the loop. In this figure, the loop is tuned when the FET 208 is not energized and detuned when the FET 208 is energized. In the energized state, the FET 208 draws little power. In addition, at this position in the circuit, when the FET 208 is energized, the FET 208 detunes the loop antenna sufficiently, which tends to prevent RF from entering the tuning circuit. Thus, it may not be necessary to provide a separate FET or PIN diode that selects the loop.
[0115]
10B, the present invention uses a variable capacitor (e.g., variable capacitors 211a-c shown in FIG. 10B) to tune the antenna, i.e., resonate the antenna at the same frequency as the RF signal from the reader unit. One embodiment of is shown. Since the surroundings of the antenna can affect the tuning, the structure surrounding the tuning circuit can be placed, for example, on the edge of the structure (such as the edge of the shelf) or by providing an access hole in the tuning device (servo controlled It is preferably designed to keep the adjustable component accessible from the outside, such as by a screwdriver.
[0116]
Furthermore, tuning the antenna is a trial and error process and can be time consuming, so it is desirable to be able to perform tuning automatically. According to one aspect of the present invention, this is accomplished by providing an auto-tuning unit (not shown) that temporarily attaches a computer-controlled servo-driven screwdriver to an adjusting screw associated with the adjustable capacitor. In order to achieve optimum tuning, an auto-tuning unit (which may include a computer or other suitably programmed microprocessor) can be used from a conductive connection to the antenna to be tuned, or from a predetermined or known space ( Feedback is received from an RFID reader that detects which tags are identified from an array of tags (possibly in 2D or 3D). The tuning unit operates the adjusting screw according to a set of rules developed by experiment or developed from experience to achieve optimal tuning. Alternatively, the controller or sub-controller can adjust the tuning of each antenna by electrical adjustment, for example by remotely adjusting an adjustable voltage control capacitor in the tuning circuit. This method minimizes the need to use mechanical adjustments for tuning or servo controlled adjustments. The voltage controlled capacitors in the tuning circuit can also be used for antenna detuning, so they do not resonate when not selected for reading.
[0117]
In one embodiment, the RFID tag can be placed in the shelf itself, preferably at one or more positions within the reading range of each individual antenna. For each antenna, these RFID tags provide a known response when the antenna is read during self-test mode. Thus, there is always at least one self-test RFID tag that must be found within the antenna, regardless of whether the shelf supports an RFID tagged item. If no such RFID tag is found, the control unit 124 or the sub-control unit 125 can initiate a self-tuning process. If, after self-tuning, the self-test RFID tag cannot be read, a message can be sent to the electronic network indicating that shelf maintenance is required. Instead of placing a self-test RFID tag in the shelf, the self-test RFID tag can be placed elsewhere within the antenna, for example behind the shelf or on the side wall.
[0118]
FIG. 11A shows an alternative antenna loop configuration within a single shelf unit. The shelf 300 includes a single antenna loop 301. Shelf 310 includes antenna loops 311 and 312. When there are multiple loops on one shelf, multiple modes of operation occur. For example, loop 311 can be active, loop 312 can be active, or both loops can be active or inactive simultaneously. The present invention contemplates that the input RF signal can be phased to activate both loops simultaneously. Such a phase difference can be introduced by various electronic means well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the phase difference can be introduced by using a different length coaxial cable to feed one antenna loop compared to the other.
[0119]
As can be seen from FIG. 11A, shelf 320 includes four antenna loops 321-324. This is shown as an example. This is because more or fewer than four antenna loops can be provided and other configurations can be used, as those skilled in the art will appreciate based on the disclosure herein. The four loops 321 to 324 can be activated in different combinations, for example, loops 321 and 322, 321 and 323, or 321 and 324 can be activated simultaneously. Specifically, when the loop pair is active and there is a phase difference between the active loops, the RF field vector can be shifted to better read antenna tags that are in different physical orientations. . Thus, the use of phased antenna loops can provide better “coverage” of tag readings when compared to loops without phase differences.
[0120]
FIG. 11B shows a plan view of a plurality of shelves 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 supported on fixture 460. Each shelf has, for example, four antennas. For example, the shelf 410 includes antennas 411-414. In addition, there is one or more RFID tags in each shelf near each of the antennas. In FIG. 11B, there are four tags for each antenna, and codes from a to d are attached to the tags. Tags in the shelf are useful for various functions. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, fewer or more tags can be used.
[0121]
For example, when the antenna 411 is turned on at a relatively low power, it must be able to read a tag 411c, for example located near the center of the antenna 411. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that depending on the antenna and tag design, tags with low power and close to the antenna conductor can be used because they are more easily read. Thus, tag 411c can be used to test whether antenna 411 is functioning properly. When the output is increased, antenna 411 must also be able to read tags 411a, b, and d placed near the periphery of antenna 411. By changing the output during diagnostic or self-check mode, the system must be able to determine how much output is required for the antenna 411 to function effectively. Shelf tags can be placed at multiple distances from the center of each antenna to provide this information.
[0122]
When the output to the antenna 411 is increased, the shelf tag 412b related to the adjacent antenna 412 may eventually be read. Thus, the system can determine that antennas 411 and 412 are adjacent. This information can be used by the system to determine if an adjacent antenna needs to be detuned when a given antenna is operating. The fact that the antennas 411 and 412 are adjacent may already be established when the shelf 410 is manufactured. However, since multiple shelves are placed adjacent to each other in a retail store, it may be impossible or inconvenient to determine which shelves are adjacent in advance. The shelf tag can be used to establish which shelf or antenna is adjacent after the system is assembled.
[0123]
For example, antenna 411 operating at normal power may also detect shelf tag 404d associated with adjacent antenna 404 of adjacent shelf 400, where the adjacent location may not have been established prior to shelf placement, To detect a shelf tag 441a associated with an adjacent antenna 441 on an adjacent shelf 440 on the opposite side of a gondola (or a common support member on a shelf) where the adjacent location may not have been established prior to shelf placement There is.
[0124]
It can be designed that an antenna 411 operating at normal power or slightly higher power can be read further into the adjacent antenna area, eg, reading shelf tags 404c, 412c, and 441c. Thus, the functionality described herein can be achieved using only a single shelf tag in the center of each antenna.
[0125]
Although shelf tags are useful for the purposes described above, increasing the number of tags read can slow the system response. Thus, the shelf tag unique ID serial number can be instructed by the system to enter a “quiet” mode (not responding during normal operation, but responding only during diagnostic or setup operations). Using ranges can be a desirable option.
[0126]
One or more antennas can be included or hidden in each shelf. The antenna loop can be made using a conductive material. The conductive material can include a metal conductor such as a metal wire or foil. The conductive material can also be a mesh stripe or screen. In one embodiment, the antenna loop may be made from a copper foil that is approximately 0.002 "(0.051 mm) thick and 0.5" (12.7 mm) wide. These loops can be included in a thin laminate material such as a decorative laminate that is applied to the surface of the support shelf material. Loops can also be laminated in glass. The loop can also be affixed to the outer surface of a laminated material, glass, or other support structure. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, if support or stiffness to support additional additions is desired, such support shelf materials should be materials that can support the contents of the shelf or provide structural rigidity. Can do. Examples of such materials include wood, plastic, rigid plastic foam, glass, glass fiber, or other designs of cardboard that provide corrugation or stability. If desired, RF blocking material can be applied or incorporated into the underside of the shelf to prevent detection of the underlying RFID tag rather than the target tag on the shelf. The intelligent stations described herein as shelves can also be used in vertical or other angular orientations, with RF blocking material applied in the appropriate orientation and other target tags intended for reading. It should be understood that it can be better separated from adjacent tags.
[0127]
The RF blocking material that is attached to or incorporated into the bottom of the shelf, or present in the underlying metal support, such as an existing metal shelf, substantially prevents RF energy from going "down" the shelf. Alternatively, RF blocking material can be incorporated inside the shelf. This is advantageous when the shelf is desired to sense only tagged items on the shelf. However, the result of such RF blocking material (either intentionally provided in the shelf configuration or accidentally present as a pre-existing shelf structure) is that the RF energy under the shelf is almost completely limited. The RF blocking material under the shelf also reduces the “read range” above the shelf. In order to compensate for this otherwise reduced reading range, a layer of compensation material can be provided directly under the antenna loop (near the top of the shelf structure). Such materials should be non-conductive and have a high permeability. Examples are Magnum Magnetics RubberSteel ™ or flexible ferrite magnetic sheets with high in-plane permeability. Such in-plane permeability is achieved by using an isotropic ferrite sheet rather than a normal anisotropic ferrite sheet whose permeability is in the normal direction of the sheet by design. The presence of this compensation material layer between the antenna and the RF blocking material allows for a high magnetic flux density between the antenna and the RF blocking material. As a result, the magnetic flux density can be increased on the shelf, thus providing a better sensing range ("reading range") for a given shelf thickness.
[0128]
Antenna loops that are laminated in thin support material or attached externally, for example, curved panels that can be used in some display cases, along a clothing rack, or for tunnel leaders that can be used in checkout stands, etc. It can be arranged in a non-planar form.
[0129]
The example herein describes a loop antenna, but loop antennas are typically used for readers that operate at RF frequencies such as 13.56 MHz. Items in the intelligent station can include tags that operate at other significantly different frequencies, such as 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, or 125 kHz. The intelligent station can be configured to read these or other frequencies by providing appropriate antennas, such as multiple loop antennas for 125 kHz, dipole antennas for 915 MHz or 2.45 GHz, for example. Antennas within the intelligent station can be provided for one or more of these frequencies. Each antenna preferably has its own separate switch and tuning circuit. All intelligent stations share a single common RF cable and a single common control cable. An intelligent station can be configured so that all desired frequencies can be read in all areas of each intelligent station (i.e., each area is serviced by multiple antennas), or different areas of a given intelligent station A specific antenna having a specific frequency can be provided. All of the intelligent stations operating at different frequencies can be interconnected. Intelligent stations operating at multiple frequencies require a so-called “agile reader” unit that can be configured to operate at multiple frequencies.
[0130]
In a preferred embodiment, the antenna loop described herein can be placed on a shelf, for example, and thus the antenna loop is placed under the product by incorporating it into a mat that is placed on the shelf. The Thus, the loop is encapsulated in a suitable rigid or flexible substrate well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable substrate materials include laminated structural materials, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, glass fiber, plastic, or antenna loop protection, and electromagnetic interference when the antenna is placed on a metal shelf, wall, or surface. Other similar materials are included that provide some physical offset to avoid.
[0131]
The encapsulating material or shelf can be provided with holes or grommets for application to a vertical surface such as the back of the shelf. In an alternative embodiment, the encapsulating material can be provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive that assists in attachment to the desired surface. A low power light emitting or other display device can be provided at the “front” or “shelf” edge of the encapsulation, which is turned on by a sequencer unit such as a reader unit or a secondary controller unit in the shelf. As a result, the activity of a particular display device can be visually coordinated with the activity of the correspondingly positioned reader antenna. Alternatively or additionally, a display device can be used to display additional information, such as pricing or discounting.
[0132]
In addition to the ability to read RFID tags, intelligent stations can have additional “peripheral” devices that can communicate information via digital data cables. For example, intelligent station systems include digital data of add-on devices or peripheral addition devices, including but not limited to computer terminals, display devices, modems, bar code readers, temperature sensors, enclosed or connected product locking devices, etc. Provide a communication highway. The digital data communication highway can be incorporated into a wiring system that sends digital control information and digital data information between the controller 124 and the sub-controller 125, or it can be one or more wires that run between and connect stations. There may be multiple separate digital data communication highways, and the station comprises a port to which an add-on device or peripheral device is connected. The digital data communication highway facilitates the transmission of data in both directions between the intelligent station system (including controller 124 and secondary controller 125) and the electronic network. Power can also be supplied to add-on devices or peripheral devices via wires running between the stations.
[0133]
Regardless of whether add-on devices or peripheral devices are used, power other than RF output may be used by the station, e.g., direct current (DC), by secondary controller 125, and by switches and tuning electronics It should be understood that it may be used by the circuit. Such power can be supplied by one or more dedicated wires, or can be incorporated into a digital communication highway or RF cable.
[0134]
As an example, an RF cable can include two conductors, such as a central conductor and a sheath conductor in a coaxial cable. The RF cable carries the RF signal. The DC voltage can be superimposed on the RF signal within the same RF cable to supply DC power to the intelligent station. If the DC voltage, eg 18 VDC, is higher than the value required for a device in the intelligent station (eg 5 VDC), a voltage regulator can be used to reduce the voltage to the usable limit.
[0135]
As another example, digital communications can be carried over the same RF cable. For example, the DC voltage superimposed on the RF cable can be switched between two DC levels (eg, 18 VDC and 12 VDC) to achieve non-RF digital communication over the RF cable. Thus, the main controller can send information to the secondary controller by using such digital communications.
[0136]
As another example, the secondary controller can send information to the main controller in digital form over the RF cable by switching electrical loads on and off, thereby draining current from the RF cable. This can be sensed by the main controller. The use of voltage level and load level can be done simultaneously to achieve bidirectional digital non-RF communication over RF cable.
[0137]
As another example, in a shelf embodiment, another device that can be advantageously incorporated into the shelf is a plug-in barcode reader that can interface to the secondary controller unit 125. When the shelf is being refilled, a barcode reader can be used to scan the package that is about to be placed on the shelf. Bar code data is sent back to the electronic network along with a unique RFID tag serial number. If the product identification defined by the barcode was not previously associated with a unique RFID tag serial number, that association can be completed in the data store. In other cases, barcode scanning can serve as verification of data store information. The use of a bar code device further allows the shelves to provide benefits even during the phased introduction of products with RFID tags. Compare the number of items stored on the shelf (identified by a barcode scanner combined with a simple numeric keypad) with the number of identical items sold (determined by an existing scanner in the checkout line) Thus, it is possible to determine how many items are left on the shelf and whether a new purchase is necessary. Similar to barcodes, scans on the shelf itself can be used to provide current pricing information that is retrieved from the electronic network and displayed via the alphanumeric display of the shelf.
[0138]
In another embodiment, environmental sensors can be provided on the shelf or intelligent station to monitor or measure, for example, temperature, humidity, light, or other environmental parameters or environmental factors. The system can determine which items are on the shelf, so the system can track each item's environment and provide alerts when environmental conditions are outside the limits for a particular type of item can do. Separate limits can be defined for each group of items.
[0139]
One or more proximity sensors, such as infrared or capacitive sensors, are placed on a shelf to detect the presence of the shopper and to provide quick feedback to the shopper as items are moved from the shelf. It is possible to determine whether to increase the frequency of reading. The means for detecting the shopper can be arranged at the front edge of the shelf at a position not hidden by the product. Infrared or capacitive sensors change the body temperature from a shopper or change in local capacity due to the presence of a shopper in front of a shelf or movement of a shopper's hands, arms, or goods near the front By detecting this, the presence of the shopper can be sensed. Other means of detecting the presence of the shopper can include a visible or infrared sensor along the front edge of the shelf to detect the shade of the hand or arm reaching the item on the shelf. The light source in this case can be ambient visible light, or visible light or infrared light from a source placed under the next highest shelf or from an overhead or store ceiling source. A store security camera can be used to detect the presence of the shopper and to instruct the intelligent station to increase the reading frequency. Similarly, an audible / visible signal or display can be activated when a shopper is sensed and for some time thereafter, rather than being activated at all times, in order to preserve power and component life. Similarly, information regarding shopper proximity to shelves can be relayed to an electronic network to help analyze shopper movement patterns or length of time spent in front of a particular shelf. The shopper location data can also be provided to the store security system for use with the store surveillance camera scan pattern.
[0140]
Similarly, shelf data relayed to the electronic network can be used to determine when an abnormally large amount of items are suddenly removed from the shelf. If this happens, the security camera can be pointed at the shelf and a photograph of the shopper with the item removed can be taken. If the shopper is not paid for the item when leaving the store, appropriate measures can be taken to stop the theft.
[0141]
Another device that can be built into the shelf is a Hall effect or other similar proximity type sensor that detects tag movement or shopper presence. This information can be used in a manner similar to that described in the previous description of the infrared sensor.
[0142]
Another use of shelves is the detection of the presence of a “customer tag” associated with a shopper, which can be used to help the shopper find a given item of merchandise, such as the correct size of the clothing item. This can activate a visible or audible indicator on the shelf to direct the shopper to the desired item. You can also use a “customer tag” when a desired item is placed on a shelf that is out of stock, and give that customer a “promise of order” or discount on that item when it is in stock, or a stock room Or information about items or orders at another store can be provided. This is useful for tracking when a shopper did not buy an item because it was out of stock.
[0143]
Another use of shelves is to provide “feed forward” information that predicts when more cashiers or more inventory personnel are needed in the checkout lane. This can be done, for example, by monitoring the amount of merchandise removed from the shelf and thereby deducing the amount of merchandise that is about to reach the checkout lane. The store owner or store manager can thereby schedule checkout personnel or new purchasers to optimize their time spend, help break time scheduling, and so on.
[0144]
Another use of a shelf is a "replenishment tag" or "employee" tag that alerts the system that the shelf is fully replenished and the database knows that the current inventory level is full or at the target level Or the detection of the presence of a push button or key input sequence. This method can be used to update the target level when the item replenishment pattern is changed.
[0145]
The shelf system can be used to suggest an optimal replenishment pattern based on price, traffic, and shelf space for all shelves covered by the system, including the target inventory of all items Changes can be included. Such a replenishment pattern calculation requires knowledge of how many SKU items fit in a given shelf area and the number of shelf areas covered by each shelf antenna.
[0146]
In one aspect of the invention, it is advantageous for the shelf system to know the physical location of each shelf, which is from a unique Ethernet address, RS-485 address, or other networking address. It may not always be obvious. Thus, the present invention contemplates incorporating a GPS transducer on each shelf. A more practical solution is alternatively a portable GPS unit that can be inserted into each shelf's USB port (or other similar comparable port) to identify its location when each shelf is assembled. It can be provided. For example, a GPS unit can be combined with a servo machine tuning unit used to set up a shelf after installation.
[0147]
Alternatively, a GPS unit with a programmable RFID tag can be placed on a shelf and communicated to the main controller via the RFID system how the shelf coordinates are. One way to achieve this is to use a GPS system connected to a specialized RFID tag with an additional storage block for information other than a unique serial number. Such a tag can receive data from an external source, such as a GPS system, using an integrated circuit having connections to its tag antenna and to communication circuitry. The GPS system can be configured to write the spatial coordinates to the additional storage block. One or more known serial numbers can be used in a specialized RFID tag, and the RFID system will query and store that specialized RFID tag when it detects such a specialized RFID tag. Spatial coordinates can be determined and associated with the shelf and antenna being read.
[0148]
The antenna shape need not be limited to a single loop antenna. A single loop antenna is a form factor typically used with high RFID frequencies such as 13.56 MHz. The multi-loop antenna 1215 can be used to enable low current operation at low frequencies such as 125 kHz or at high frequencies such as 13.56 MHz. By using a low current antenna, the use of low power switching components can be enabled. The formation of a multi-loop antenna requires antenna components such as wires in loops that are very close to each other, and therefore it may be preferable that the wires be insulated.
[0149]
Tuning components associated with RFID antennas, such as rotating trim capacitors or capacitor banks, may require access during use. Appropriate access can be provided, for example, in shelf embodiments, by providing a removable cover device or hole in the shelf.
[0150]
Various methods can be used to attach the conductive antenna material to the support laminate or other structure. For example, a metal foil, a web shape (such as a cardboard web) or flat, by an automated machine that uses a 2D or 3D positioning mechanism to supply the foil with the desired antenna pattern from the reel Can be placed on a substrate of any shape (such as cardboard, laminated sheets, wood or plastic boards).
[0151]
When the support material is wood, a milling machine can be used to form a groove in which a conductive wire can be secured to form an antenna loop. The same method can be used when the support material is plastic, or the heated pattern can be pressed against the plastic to form grooves that can secure the conductive wires. The plastic substrate can be formed with a groove to hold the wire conductor, or the plastic substrate can be formed with a repeating linear pattern of vertical grooves so that multiple patterns of antenna loops can be formed. can do. In any of these ways, holes can be drilled, stamped or shaped to secure the ends of the antenna wires. This hole extends through the substrate and is accessible for connection or insertion into a tuning circuit used to tune the antenna loop.
[0152]
Another way to form an antenna loop is to wrap a conductive wire around a series of pins similar to the machine, flip the machine, and press the conductor against the substrate. The substrate can be pre-coated with an adhesive to hold the conductor when the machine is removed. Alternatively, the substrate can be soft enough to allow a conductor to be pressed into the surface of the substrate. Alternatively, the substrate can be thermoplastic and the conductor can be preheated so that the conductor partially melts the substrate upon contact and is incorporated into the surface of the substrate. The pins used in the machine forming the antenna loop are optionally spring-loaded, so that the pins can optionally be retracted into the machine when the machine presses the conductor against the board. .
[0153]
FIG. 12 details one method of making a wire antenna. FIG. 12 is not intended to limit the present invention as those skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications, variations, and alternatives. A substrate 1100 is provided, such as wood, plastic, rubber, high density foam, or similar material. Grooves 1110 are provided in the substrate, usually in a grid pattern. These grooves can be made by machining, hot pressing, cold pressing, or molding such as injection molding, casting, branding (for example, in the case of wood), and the like. In the pressing method, a platen (stamping) or a rotary device can be used. Holes 1130 are preferably provided at the intersection of the grooves by the same method or by drilling or punching. The majority of the area of the substrate 1100 is still occupied by the area 1120 between the grooves. Thus, the substrate 1100 still has an essentially planar top surface so that it can be loaded by the surface and applied with a covering, film, laminate, or veneer to create a flat finished surface. Can bring. It is also known that areas 1120 are not occupied by antenna wires, these areas can be provided by casting, drilling, stamping, etc., and have holes for receiving screws or bolts for attachment to other structures . This hole can also be used for attachments such as pegboards or display hooks, or as a through hole for wiring, ventilation, sound from loudspeakers, placement of small lights, etc.
[0154]
Shown is an antenna loop 1200 formed by placing or pressing an appropriate diameter wire into several grooves 1110. The end 1201 of the antenna loop is held in place by fixing it to the hole 1130. The holes can penetrate completely through the substrate 1100 and as a result can be connected to circuitry on the opposite side of the substrate. Similarly, the antenna loop 1210 is shown formed and shown with the wire end 1211 already fixed in one hole and the wire end 1212 ready to be installed in the other hole. .
[0155]
Besides simply pressing the bare wire through the hole to fix the end, the wire can be pre-cut to the required length and the ends can be fitted into grommets 1140, buttons, or other mechanical devices that fit into the hole 1130 it can. This grommet can be soldered to the wire for better conductivity. As an alternative to inserting this into the hole 1130, the grommet shall have a diameter slightly larger than the width of the groove 1110, so that the grommet intersects the two grooves as shown in FIG. 12A It can be kept only in a spot. Alternatively, during formation of the groove pattern, the intersection may be wider than the groove as shown in FIG. 12B to hold a larger grommet 1141. As shown in FIG. 12C, the grommets can be in the form of bars (1142) or T-shaped (1143) that fit at the intersection. The grommet can also be a cross. The grommets can be fitted with pins that extend into or through the substrate 1100. The pins can fit into sockets on the circuit board or into holes in the circuit board. The grommet (eg, 1140 or 1141) can be hollow to receive other wiring or pins. Grommets can incorporate pins that go out or holes that go inside. Similarly, the grommet can incorporate inner or outer barbs or spring-loaded portions to hold the grommet in place or to assist in connecting to external circuitry. The antenna wire connected to the grommet can also be fixed by thorns.
[0156]
The substrate 1100 can be provided with pits (not shown), in which circuits (not shown) can be positioned, such circuits are placed before or after the wires, the wires are soldered, It is attached to the circuit by using grommets or thorns.
[0157]
Instead of grooves 1110 forming a regular grid pattern or cruciform pattern that allows multiple antenna patterns to be created, a "custom" shape that includes only the grooves desired to make the actual antenna Can be provided. FIG. 13 shows such an embodiment. Grooves, such as 1220 and 1230, can be formed by the same method as described above, as are holes 1221 and 1231.
[0158]
The grooves and holes hold the wire firmly so that the wire can be easily inserted into the substrate by hand or the process can be mechanized. After all desired antennas are formed in the substrate, all of the open grooves can be filled with plastic or other suitable material. An overlying laminate, film, or other layer can be applied over the substrate. This coating can be an injection molded layer of material, a melt cast layer, or a liquid cast layer (such as an epoxy material or a silicon compound) that is cured by chemical reaction or heat, or a vapor deposition (such as a latex material).
[0159]
The combined substrate and coating includes an antenna mat. Depending on the material, the antenna mat can be flexible or rigid. The antenna mat can also be attached to a planar or non-planar support material, such as a board of wood, plastic, glass fiber or the like.
[0160]
The antenna shape need not be limited to a single loop antenna. In FIG. 13A, single loop antennas 1200 and 1210 are shown, which is a form factor that can typically be used with a mid-range RFID frequency such as 13.56 MHz. Also shown in this figure is a multi-loop antenna 1215 that can be used with low frequencies, typically 125 kHz. Formation of the multi-loop antenna 1215 may require the wire loops to be very close to each other, and therefore it may be preferable for the wires to be insulated. It is desirable to have wire intersections 1216 as shown, or no intersections as indicated by dashed line 1217. The distance between the grooves may have to be narrower for multi-loop antennas. This figure also shows the shape of a dipole antenna 1218 that can be used with high frequencies such as 915 MHz or 2.45 GHz. Both ends 1219 of the illustrated dipole antenna are bent to represent a method of retaining an otherwise wobbled end by inserting the end into a hole in the substrate during manufacture.
[0161]
In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the groove is created before the antenna wire is set in place. A different embodiment is shown in FIG. An upper plate 1300 having a pattern of holes 1301 holding the pins 1302 is provided. The pin is threaded and the hole is tapped so that the pin can be secured by screwing into the hole. Therefore, the number and arrangement of pins can be changed.
[0162]
A lower plate 1310 having a matching hole 1311 is provided. Pins 1302 pass through holes 1311 when plates 1300 and 1310 are brought together at arrow “A” as shown. This pin 1302 can be used to define the corner of the wire antenna that is wrapped around the pin under the lower plate 1310. For example, the antenna 1240 is formed using pins to hold the wire at three corners. In the fourth corner, two wire ends 1241 are inserted up through the open holes 1311 in the lower plate 1310. Another example antenna 1250 is formed using pins at all four corners. A grommet 1251 attached to the end of the wire loop is held over the two additional pins. Rather than being secured within the plate area, the wire ends can also protrude beyond the plate, as shown by the dashed line at 1252. In this case, the wire end is fixed by other means (not shown).
[0163]
The combined assembly 1330 of pins, wires, grommets and the like attached with the upper plate 1300 and the lower plate 1310 is flipped over the substrate 1320 as indicated by arrow “B”. Antennas 1240 and 1250 are transferred to substrate 1320 by one or more of the following or similar methods.
[0164]
a) Apply an adhesive coating or film to the substrate 1320; The combined assembly 1330 is lowered over the substrate 1320 and the lower plate 1310 is pressed against the substrate. Antennas 1240 and 1250 stick to the adhesive. If the top plate 1300 is lifted slightly during the pressing step, the pins 1302 do not penetrate the substrate 1320. The pin 1302 also creates a hole in the substrate 1320 when the top plate 1300 is kept under downward pressure. All grommets 1251 are pressed against the substrate. After the adhesive is set, the combined assembly 1330 is lifted, leaving the antenna pattern attached to the substrate 1320.
[0165]
b) Using method (a), the antenna wire can be pushed partially or completely below the surface of the substrate 1320 with sufficient pressure. This method can be used, for example, with a high density foam substrate 1320 that requires minimal force to push the wire below the surface.
[0166]
c) Using method (b), the wires 1240 and 1250 and the grommet 1251 are heated to a temperature above the softening point of the substrate 1320 so that the substrate softens or melts slightly by contact and pressure, And can accept grommets. One method of heating the wire is to pass an electric current through the wire before or during pressing against the substrate. The top plate 1300 can be released during the pressing step so that the pins 1302 can be retracted and not penetrate the substrate 1320.
[0167]
d) Alternatively, the substrate 1320, which is a solid material, is now wired by chemical, thermal, vapor deposition, or liquid casting of other setting material or injection molding of material onto the lower surface of the lower plate 1310. Can be cast on top.
[0168]
The lower plate 1310 and the pin 1302 can be precoated with a release agent to prevent sticking. Such release agent is applied prior to attaching the wire so that the release agent does not stick to the wire. Also, the lower plate 1310 can be a non-stick material such as Teflon or coated with Teflon or similar non-stick material. When injection molding is used, the lower plate 1310 can be cooled by internal passages to accelerate cooling of the material being injection molded.
[0169]
After these steps, antennas 1240 and 1250 can be attached to the circuit using wire ends 1241 or 1252 or grommets 1251.
[0170]
It should be understood that in all embodiments, the wire can be bare (except crossing) or insulated. The cross section of the wire can be a solid cylindrical shape, as is the case with a normal wire, but it can also be square, rectangular, elliptical, U-shaped or channel-shaped, V-shaped, etc. The main requirement of the wire is that it is conductive, regardless of shape, and has a shape and cross-sectional stiffness that facilitates retention in the groove. The wire can be a single conductor (usually referred to as a “solid” conductor) or multi-strand. The wire can be twisted or woven. The wire can be a coaxial cable, in which case the outer mesh is used as the active conductor of the RF signal.
[0171]
FIG. 15 shows an apparatus and method for applying a foil tape ribbon to a web or planar substrate to form a foil antenna according to the present invention. Such foil antennas have multiple uses and can be used, for example, as a transceiver or reader that communicates with an RFID tag in an RFID system that can be used for inventory control. FIG. 15 is not intended to limit the present invention as those skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications, alternatives, and variations. A substrate 2100 is provided. This can be in the form of a web as shown, in which case the traction roller 2110 or other means can be provided to move the web. In the example shown in FIG. 15, such movement is discontinuous. The web 2100 was indexed forward a distance and then stopped, during which one or more conductive pathways were deposited on the substrate 2100. Once the conductive pathway has been deposited on the substrate 2100, the web is again indexed forward and the cycle is repeated.
[0172]
A support plate 2120 is provided under the substrate. A vacuum holddown system (not shown) can be incorporated into the support plate 2120 to temporarily fix the substrate 2100 to the support plate 2120. The support plate 2120 itself can also be movable in the X and Y directions to aid in the process of conductive pathway deposition.
[0173]
Applicator means 2200 is provided for depositing the conductive pathway 2300. This applicator 2200 will be described in detail later. An xy stage 2400 is provided for moving the applicator 2200. The xy stage includes a frame 2401, positioning means 2402 that moves in the main substrate axis (“x” or “machine” direction), and second positioning means 2403 that moves in the orthogonal axis (“y” or “cross” direction). be able to. A rotational positioning means 2404 can be provided to rotate the applicator 2200 to any angle relative to the substrate 2100 to facilitate operation of the applicator 2200. The movement of the substrate 2100 and the movement of the applicator 2200 are automated by computer means, which in addition to the control in the applicator 2200, drives the traction roller 2110 and positioning means 2402, 2403 and 2404. It is assumed to control.
[0174]
In FIG. 15, the x and y positioning means 2402 and 2403 are illustrated as rack and pinion gears, but this may include cables, linear motors, stepping motors, or other means that can achieve fairly repeatable positioning. Can be included.
[0175]
FIG. 16 shows another method of depositing a conductive pathway on a substrate to form a foil antenna. A support member 2500 extends across the substrate and holds a plurality of stationary positioning means 2501, which supports the applicator 2200. The stationary positioning means 2501 can be moved by hand along the support member 2500 and fixed in place, for example by a thumbscrew. Sufficient stationary positioning means 2501 with applicator 2200 can be provided to place the required number of longitudinal conductive pathways 2301, 2302 along the machine direction (x). In the illustrated example, a vertical conductive pathway 2302 is provided with a skipped area 2303 that is used to connect to external circuitry.
[0176]
A support member 2510 extends across the substrate and holds the traversing means 2511, which traverse means 2511 supports another applicator 2200. The traversing means 2511 moves on the demand across the substrate in the cross direction (y) to deposit the traversing conductive pathways 2304 and 2305, by which the longitudinal conducting pathways 2301 and 2302 are connected. The
[0177]
The operation according to FIG. 16 is therefore as follows: the substrate 2100 is moved forward by the traction roller 2110 (or by movement of the support plate 2120). Meanwhile, applicator 2200 attached to stationary positioning means 2501 deposits longitudinally conductive pathways 2301 and 2302 that can include skipped area 2303 on demand.
[0178]
At an appropriate time, the movement of the substrate 2100 is paused so that the applicator 2200 attached to the traversing means 2511 can deposit the conductive pathways 2304 and 2305 across. The temporary stop of the movement of the substrate 2100 in the X direction can be performed during the process of depositing one or more vertical conductive pathways 2301 and 2302. Alternatively, to deposit the conductive pathways 2304 and 2305 across, the position of the applicator 2200 can be fixed and movement of the support plate 2120 can result in Y-direction movement.
[0179]
The determination of whether to move the substrate 2100 in the form of a web or sheet depends on a number of factors. The substrate may be available in the form of a roll that is advantageous for web processing, or may be available in a cut form that is advantageous for sheet processing. Some substrates may not be flexible enough for processing in the form of a web, for example thick sheet substrates or partially or fully laminated substrates that are no longer flexible.
[0180]
The determination of which applicator system to use is also based on a number of factors. The single head applicator design of FIG. 15 minimizes the number of applicators, but the applicator positioning is slightly more complicated. May be slightly slower than multiple applicator designs. However, this system is very flexible with respect to making customized products because all conductor pathways can be customized. The multiple applicator system of FIG. 16 can simplify applicator positioning and increase speed for long product runs of a single design.
[0181]
Instead of moving the applicator of FIGS. 15 and 16, the substrate itself can be moved in the xy plane to help create a conductor pathway. This usually requires more floor space than moving the applicator and becomes complicated when the substrate is in the form of a roll.
[0182]
FIG. 17 shows a cross section of an applicator 2200 for depositing a conductive pathway. FIG. 17 is not intended to limit the present invention as those skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications, alternatives, and variations. As can be seen from the embodiment of FIG. 17, the applicator 2200 moves to the right with respect to the substrate 2100. A supply roll 2210 supplies a continuous conductive strip 2211 through a pair of supply rolls 2212 that are computer controlled to supply a continuous strip 2211 only when needed. The strip 2211 enters the chute 2213 and advances over the cutter 2214, which can be computer controlled and rotated to any angle to produce an angled cut if desired. The strip 2211 is continuous in the forward direction and exits the applicator 2200, at which point the optional release liner 2215 can be removed, wound on roller 2216, and wound on tension take-up roll 2217. it can.
[0183]
A second optional supply roll 2220 supplies a continuous insulating strip 2221 via a pair of supply rolls 2222, which is computer controlled to supply the insulating strip 2221 only when needed. The strip 2221 enters the chute 2223 and advances over the cutter 2224, which is computer controlled. The strip 2221 continues forward and exits the applicator 2200, at which point the optional release liner 2225 can be removed, wrapped around the roller 2226, and taken up on the tensile take-up roll 2227.
[0184]
A pressure device 2230 is provided to press the strips 2211 and / or 2221 against the substrate 2100. The pressurizing device can be a wheel or roll, a sliding member, or a reciprocating clamping means as shown. The pressurizer 2230 can be heated to help integrate the adhesive with the strips 2211 or 2221 or can be supplied externally as described below. The pressurizer 2230 can be patterned or knurled, for example, to help press the strip 2211 or 2221 against the substrate 2100, or even lightly crimp the strip 2211 or 2221 to the material of the substrate 2100. This eliminates the need for an adhesive at least in the sheet feeding operation. It is also contemplated that the strip 2211 can be perforated to improve resin adhesion between the layers of the substrate in the final laminate, even in the area where the strip 2211 is present.
[0185]
A perforator 2240 can be provided to drill holes in the substrate 2100 on demand to create an opening through which electrical connection to the conductive strip 2211 can be made. The perforator 2240 is preferably provided with an internal vacuum connection to remove debris from the substrate material created during the stamping process.
[0186]
An adhesive dispenser 2250 is provided to dispense the adhesive 2252 through the needle 2251 to hold the strip 2211 or 2221 to the substrate. The adhesive is preferably a rapid set material, such as hot melt glue, heat set glue, or epoxy. This adhesive is deposited on-demand under computer control and becomes present under the strip 2211 or 2221, but not when the strip is not deposited in a given area. Adhesives that can be used must not deaerate when compressed at high temperatures, otherwise the integrity of the laminate may be compromised.
[0187]
The conductive strip 2211 or the insulating strip 2221 may be provided with its own adhesive layer and attached to the substrate 2100.
[0188]
The adhesive used to attach strips 2211 and 2221 to substrate 2100 is typically non-conductive because conductive adhesives are expensive. However, at some locations it becomes necessary to electrically connect portions of the conductive pathway 2300, which requires conductive adhesives or materials. For clarity, it can be decided to use a conductive strip 2211 with an integrated conductive adhesive, which is expensive. Another solution is to provide a container 2260 in the applicator 2200 for the conductive adhesive applied through the needle 2261 in the form of a droplet 2262. A conductive adhesive droplet 2262 may be applied over the previous segment of the conductive pathway 2300 just prior to starting the next segment over the previous segment. The operation of the pressurizing means 2230 with heat and pressure electrically connects the two segments. The conductive adhesive droplet 2262 may be a metal solder droplet in either a form that melts at low temperature or a suspension (both forms are remelted by the pressure means 2230).
[0189]
FIG. 18 shows a method for placing a simple rectangular conductive pathway using the apparatus shown in FIG. The steps are as follows.
[0190]
The substrate 2100 is indexed in the forward direction in the x direction by a roller 2110.
[0191]
Using the X positioning means 2402 and the y positioning means 2403, the applicator 2200 is moved to points “a” and “h”, where the punch 2240 drills two holes in the substrate 2100.
[0192]
X positioning means 2402 is used to position applicator 2200 at point “b”.
[0193]
An applicator 2200 moved by the X positioning means 2402 places the conductive pathway 2300 from point “b” to “c” using the internal devices 2210 to 2217. During this operation, the cutter 2214 cuts the strip 2211 at the precisely determined moment so that the conductive pathway 2300 ends at the point “c”. Note that the beginning of the conductive pathway 2300 slightly overlaps the hole drilled in “a” at point “b”.
[0194]
The X positioning means 2402 is used to move the conductive adhesive applicator 2261 to the point “c” where a drop of conductive adhesive 2262 is placed at the end of the conductive pathway 2300.
[0195]
The rotational positioning means 2404 rotates the applicator 2200 by 90 ° so that the applicator runs in the cross method Y.
[0196]
X and Y positioning means 2402 and 2403 are used to place applicator 2200 at point “c”.
[0197]
An applicator 2200 moved by Y positioning means 2403 places the conductive pathway 2300 from point “c” to “d” using internal devices 2210 to 2217. During this operation, the cutter 2214 cuts the strip 2211 at the precisely determined moment so that the conductive pathway 2300 ends at the point “d”.
[0198]
The Y positioning means 2403 is used to move the conductive adhesive applicator 2261 to the point “d” where a drop of conductive adhesive 2262 is placed at the new end of the conductive pathway 2300.
[0199]
The rotational positioning means 2404 rotates the applicator 2200 by 90 ° so that the applicator runs in the machine direction X.
[0200]
X and Y positioning means 2402 and 2403 are used to place applicator 2200 at point “d”.
[0201]
An applicator 2200 moved by the X positioning means 2402 places the conductive pathway 2300 from point “d” to “e” using internal devices 2210 to 2217. During this operation, the cutter 2214 cuts the strip 2211 at the precisely determined moment so that the conductive pathway 2300 ends at the point “e”.
[0202]
The X positioning means 2403 is used to move the conductive adhesive applicator 2261 to the point “e” where the conductive adhesive droplet 2262 is placed at the new end of the conductive pathway 2300.
[0203]
The rotational positioning means 2404 rotates the applicator 2200 by 90 ° so that the applicator runs in the cross direction Y.
[0204]
X and Y positioning means 2402 and 2403 are used to place applicator 2200 at point “e”.
[0205]
The applicator 2200 moved by the y positioning means 2403 uses the internal devices 2210 to 2217 to place the conductive pathway 2300 from point “e” to “f”. During this operation, the cutter 2214 cuts the strip 2211 at the precisely determined moment so that the conductive pathway 2300 ends at the point “f”.
[0206]
The Y positioning means 2403 is used to move the conductive adhesive applicator 2261 to the point “f” where the conductive adhesive droplet 2262 is placed at the new end of the conductive pathway 2300.
[0207]
The rotational positioning means 2404 rotates the applicator 2200 by 90 ° so that the applicator runs in the machine direction X.
[0208]
X and Y positioning means 2402 and 2403 are used to place applicator 2200 at point “f”.
[0209]
An applicator 2200 moved by the X positioning means 2402 uses the internal devices 2210 to 2217 to place the conductive pathway 2300 from point “f” to “g”. This last part of pathway 2300 is not yet complete in FIG. During this operation, the cutter 2214 cuts the strip 2211 at the precisely determined moment so that the conductive pathway 2300 ends at the point “g”. Note that the end of conductive pathway 2300 at point “g” slightly overlaps the second hole drilled at point “h”.
[0210]
Steps 2 through 20 are repeated for each conductive trace 2300 and applied to the substrate 2100 in the exposed areas of the substrate. Thereafter, the substrate is indexed again in the forward direction, starting with step 1.
[0211]
Rather than forming conductive trace 2300 by connecting separate pieces of foil strip 2211, conductive trace 2300 can be formed from continuous strip 2211. Rather than using the cutter 2214 to cut the foil 2211 between the corner segments, the strip 2211 can be automatically folded. For example, this can be done by rotating the rotational positioning means 2404 by 90 ° and pushing down the folded corner so that the trace 2300 is flat at the corner.
[0212]
FIG. 18A shows the result. Folder corners have a maximum of three overlapping foil thicknesses. FIG. 18B shows the result when the foil is twisted 180 ° simultaneously and the tape is turned over (this requires another positioning means not shown, turning the tape over has the adhesive coating In some cases, it may be undesirable because the adhesive faces away from the substrate). The corners of the folder have a maximum of two overlapping foil thicknesses.
[0213]
FIG. 19 shows an embodiment where the placed conductive trace 2300 overlaps the previous conductive trace.
[0214]
Prior to placing the overlapping segments of the second conductive trace 2300, strips “I” and “J” of non-conductive film are placed over the first trace using the applicator 2200. The insulating strips “I” and “J” prevent electrical contact between the separate conductor loops formed by the conductive traces 2300. In a similar manner, “crossing” circuits can be placed.
[0215]
It is anticipated that the substrate 2100 with conductive traces 2300, whether in sheet or web form, can be incorporated into a laminated structure that can be used in shelves, panels, enclosures, spaces, or otherwise. An example of such a laminated structure is shown in FIG. Substrate 2100 can be paper or cardboard material, but bonded with additional plies 2600 and 2601 of similar or different materials, such as saturated craft cardboard soaked in resin, under heat and pressure Thus, the laminated material 2610 can be formed. Typically, one or more plies 2601 outside the first surface opposite the substrate 2100 will be the decorative material for the “outer surface” of the resulting product. Depending on the orientation of the outer substrate layer 2100, the laminate 2610 includes the previously described conductive traces 2300 on the second side or on the inside of the side. Laminate 2610 can be bonded to a heavier support member 2620, such as wood, plastic, particleboard, cardboard, Westvaco Core-board, or a board made of the like. The surface of the laminate 2610 close to the conductive trace 2300 is preferably bonded to the support member 2620. Accordingly, the thickness of the laminate 2610 protects the conductive trace 2300 from abrasion during use of the resulting combined structure 2630 formed from the laminate 2610 and the support member 2620.
[0216]
A conductive or metal backplane 2625 can optionally be attached to the bottom of the shelf to prevent RF energy from traveling below the shelf, so the shelf is supported by metal brackets or existing metal Can be operated with nearly identical RF behavior regardless of whether they are placed on the shelf.
[0217]
In FIG. 21, before adhering the support member 2620 to the laminate 2610, either by exposing the conductive trace 2300 directly on the inside of the support member 2620 or through the holes already described. It shows how preferred it is to place one or more electronic circuits in communication with 2300. The recesses can be milled into the surface of the support member 2620 to accept the electronic circuit. A numerically controlled milling head 2700 can be used in a positioning system similar to the system shown in FIG. 15 for placing conductive traces 2300 in the design, controlling the position and depth of the pits, the same or It can be operated by a similar computer system. For example, a recess 2631 for accommodating the external connector 2632 is shown at the edge of the support member 2620. Shown in support member 2620 is a recess 2633 that includes electronic circuitry 2634, such as switching and tuning circuitry. Shown is a recess 2635 that includes wires or cables connecting the ends of the support member 2620 and connecting circuit components. The electronic circuit 2634 can incorporate a spring-loaded coil 2637 or a finger 2638 to contact a conductive trace 2300 on the substrate 2100 that is part of the laminate 2610 attached to the support member 2620. The electrical contact can be by pressure, by a conductive adhesive or paste, or by solder that is melted during the lamination process. The milling head 2700 can be used to create a groove 2639 for access of a tuning tool such as a small screwdriver to adjust the trim capacitor in the circuit 2634.
[0218]
Tuning components in circuit 2634, such as a rotary trim capacitor (not shown), may require access after manufacture, which may include holes 2611 drilled through laminate 2610 in FIG. 20 and 21 can be provided through an opening, such as a hole 2612 drilled through the support member 2620 of FIG.
[0219]
3A and 3B are block diagrams illustrating a preferred embodiment of an inventory control system using intelligent shelves according to the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 3A, each of the plurality of intelligent shelves 501a-501n and 502a-502n provided in accordance with the present invention has a plurality of antennas 200 connected to the reader unit 120 via a single transmission cable 222. Reader unit 120 controls the activation of connected antennas 200, either sequentially or simultaneously with phase difference, to determine item information from RFID tags associated with each item being inventoryed To do. Thus, the reader unit 120 can extract inventory related information for each RFID tagged item stored on each shelf. For simplicity of illustration, only two groups of shelves are shown in FIG. 3A, each group having its own leader unit, the groups being 501a to 501n and 502a to 502n, respectively. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such multiple groups of shelves can be part of an inventory management system provided by the present invention. For example, all shelves in one or more warehouses can be grouped together to provide groups of hundreds or thousands of shelves that can together form the inventory control system provided by the present invention. Can do.
[0220]
In a preferred embodiment of the inventory control system and method, a multi-antenna RFID detection system having a single transmission cable 222 corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 6 was used, but the multi-antenna RFID system disclosed herein is used. It should be understood that all other embodiments may be used with the inventory control system and method according to the present invention. Thus, for example, the RFID detection system disclosed in FIGS. 7 and 8 can also be used with the inventory control system and method of the present invention. In such embodiments, for example, an RF system that is not modulated first can be used to warm up the tag prior to extracting inventory-related data from the RFID tag using the modulated RF system.
[0221]
As can be seen from FIG. 3A, the item information data collected by the reader unit 120 from each of the intelligent shelves 501a to 501n and 502a to 502n is sent to the inventory control processing unit 550. Inventory control processing unit 550 is typically configured to receive item information from intelligent shelves 501a-501n and 502a-502n. An inventory control processing unit 550 is typically connected to an intelligent shelf via an electronic network 525 and is also associated with an appropriate data store 555, which includes inventory related data including reference tables, inventory control or Program code and configuration information about the warehousing is also stored. The inventory control processing unit 550 is also programmed and configured to perform inventory control functions well known to those skilled in the art. For example, some of the functions performed by the inventory control (or warehousing) unit include storing and tracking the amount of items that are inventoryed on-hand, moving or selling various items daily, various items Such as tracking the location or location of an item.
[0222]
In operation, the inventory control system determines item information from intelligent shelves 501a-501n and 502a-502n connected to inventory control processing unit 550 via electronic network 525. In one embodiment, various intelligent shelves 501a through 501n and 502a through 502n are under the control of inventory control processing unit 550, which determines when reader unit 120 polls antenna 200. The item information of the item for which inventory is created is determined. In an alternative embodiment, the reader unit 120 is programmed to periodically poll multiple connected antennas for item information and then determined using an inverse “push” model of data transmission. Item information can be sent to the inventory control processing unit. In another embodiment, the polling and data transmission of item information by the reader unit 120 can be event driven and can be triggered, for example, by periodic replenishment of items being inventoryed on intelligent shelves. In any case, reader unit 120 selectively energizes a plurality of antennas connected thereto to determine item information from the RFID tag associated with the item being inventoryed.
[0223]
If item information was received from the reader units 120 of the intelligent shelves 501a-501n and 502a-502n of the present invention, the inventory control processing unit 550 is programmed in the inventory control processing unit 550 and associated data store 555. Process the received item information using logic, code, and data. Processed item information is typically stored in a data store 555 for future use in the inventory control system and method of the present invention.
[0224]
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventory control processing unit 550 can be implemented on a general purpose computer system connected to an electronic network 525, such as a computer network. The computer network may be a public network such as the Internet or a metropolitan area network (MAN), or other private network such as a corporate local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or a virtual private network. The computer system includes a central processing unit (CPU) connected to the system memory. The system memory typically includes an operating system, a BIOS driver, and application programs. Further, the computer system includes input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard and output devices such as a printer and a display monitor.
[0225]
The computer system typically includes a communication interface, such as an Ethernet card, that communicates with the electronic network 525. Other computer systems can also be connected to the electronic network 525. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the system described above describes the common components of a computer system connected to an electronic network. It should be understood that many other similar configurations are within the abilities of those skilled in the art, and all of these configurations can be used with the methods and systems of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the computer systems and networks disclosed herein can be programmed and configured as inventory control processing units to perform inventory control related functions well known to those skilled in the art.
[0226]
Further, those of ordinary skill in the art may include components that are not essentially computers in the “computer” implemented invention described herein, but may also include components such as Internet appliances and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). It will be understood that devices that can be used to provide one or more of the functions described in the document can be included. In addition, although “electronic” networks have been generally used to refer to communication networks connecting the processing sites of the present invention, those skilled in the art can use such networks using optical or other equivalent technologies. Will understand that it can be implemented. Similarly, it should be understood that the present invention uses known security measures to transmit electronic data over a network. Accordingly, encryption, authentication, verification, and other security measures of transmission of electronic data over both public and private networks are provided using techniques well known to those skilled in the art, when necessary.
[0227]
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This specification is intended to be exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[Claims]
[Claim 1]
A method of managing inventory of items, wherein each item is placed at a respective location in the environment and associated with a corresponding wireless identification device, the method comprising:
Providing each corresponding wireless identification device with item information associated with each item;
Performing an inventory management process based on the item information to provide real-time information related to the inventory of items;
The inventory management process comprising:
An out-of-stock control process;
Depletion recognition process;
With a quick product recall process,
The alert monitoring process;
Sales optimization process and
A method comprising at least one of:
[Claim 2]
The inventory of items includes one or more types of items, and the out-of-stock control process comprises:
(i) determining current inventory counts for all types of the items placed in the environment based on information retrieved from one or more of the wireless identification devices;
(ii) determining whether any item of any type is misplaced in the environment based on information retrieved from one or more of the wireless identification devices;
(iii) determining when the number of items of any type in the inventory is less than a first threshold based on information retrieved from one or more of the wireless identification devices;
(iii) determining a loss value that reflects the amount of lost revenue based on the condition that a type of item is no longer included in the inventory of items;
(iv) determining one or more factors affecting previous sales for each type of item included in the inventory of items;
(v) determining an alternative location in the environment to place an item of a type having a sales history less than a second threshold;
(vi) determining an alternative location outside the environment for placing an item of a type that has been placed over a predetermined time at each location within the environment;
(vii) supplying an out-of-stock message to the display device when a type of item is no longer placed in its respective position;
(viii) determining inventory characteristics associated with each type of item;
The method of claim 1, comprising at least one of the following:
[Claim 3]
Determining the current inventory count
Retrieving item information from one or more wireless identification devices corresponding to one or more items;
Determining a count of each item of one or more types based on the retrieved item information;
The method of claim 2 comprising:
[Claim 4]
Determining the current inventory count
Retrieving the item information associated with each item from a database;
Determining a count of each item of each type based on the retrieved item information, and wherein the database receives the item information periodically from a process of collecting the item information from each wireless identification device;
The method of claim 2 comprising:
[Claim 5]
Determining whether the item is misplaced is
Accessing one or more wireless identification devices corresponding to the one or more items to determine the location of the one or more items in the environment;
Determining that the item of the first type is misplaced based on the determination that the item of the first type is located at a position other than the designated position;
The method of claim 2 comprising:
[Claim 6]
Providing the user interface with an indication of the misplaced item
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
[Claim 7]
The method of claim 2, wherein the first threshold is provided by one of a user and a threshold determination process.
[Claim 8]
The threshold determination process comprises:
For each type of item,
Determining the first threshold based on the number of items of each type removed from each location in the environment;
The method of claim 7 comprising:
[Claim 9]
The threshold determination process comprises:
For each type of item,
Based on at least one of a seasonal disparity factor associated with the time of the year, and an event factor associated with the event that has occurred, will occur, or has occurred, with each of the types of items in their respective positions Adjusting the first threshold
9. The method of claim 8, comprising:
[Claim 10]
Determining when the count of any type of item is less than a first threshold,
Identifying all types of items having a number of items placed in the environment less than the first threshold based on the determined inventory quantity;
Prioritizing the item types,
A lost profit value determined based on the respective item type having a number of items less than the first threshold;
Whether additional items of each respective item type are available at different locations within the environment;
Whether the reason why the item type is below the first threshold is based on the short-term demand of the item type;
Prioritizing the item types based on one of
4. The method of claim 3, comprising:
[Claim 11]
Determining the loss value
For each type of item that is no longer placed in the environment,
Determining the amount of revenue generated by previous sales of the respective type of item in a previous time period;
Determining the loss value for the type of item that is no longer placed in the environment based on the determined generated revenue;
The method of claim 2 comprising:
[Claim 12]
Determining one or more factors that affect the previous sales of each type of item,
Identifying one or more external factors that existed during the time period in which the previous sale of each type of item occurred;
Comparing the identified one or more external factors to the previous sales to determine how each of the external factors affects the previous sales;
The method of claim 2 comprising:
[Claim 13]
The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more external factors include at least one of pricing for each type of the item, seasonal disparity factors, and parallel sales for other types of items.
[Claim 14]
Determining when the number of items of any type is less than the first threshold;
Adjusting at least one of a cycle time for ordering an item and an amount of the ordered item from a supplier providing the item of the type that is less than the first threshold.
The method of claim 2 comprising:
[Claim 15]
Determining an alternative location within the environment;
Determining whether an item of a specified type has a history of sales less than the second threshold in the environment;
Determining an alternative location in the environment for repositioning an item of the specified item type included in the inventory based on a history of sales of items associated with the alternative location;
The method of claim 2 comprising:
[Claim 16]
The method of claim 15, wherein the history of sales associated with the alternate location includes a history of sales of different types of items placed at the alternate location.
[Claim 17]
Determining an alternative location outside the environment;
Determining whether a type of item has a history of sales less than the second threshold;
Determining an alternative location outside the environment for repositioning the item of the item type based on a history of sales associated with other items of the same item type placed at the alternative location;
The method of claim 2 comprising:
[Claim 18]
Supplying out-of-stock messages,
Determining whether the certain type of item is no longer in its respective position based on the inventory count;
An indication that the item type is out of stock, offer a discounted sales price for an item of the certain item type, promise to order the certain type of item, and the possibility that the certain type of item is placed Generating the out-of-stock message including at least one indication of an alternate location outside the environment with
18. The method of claim 17, comprising:
[Claim 19]
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the display device is arranged in a structure that previously supported the item of the certain type.
[Claim 20]
The method of claim 2, wherein the inventory characteristic is a mathematical relationship between previous sales of a type of item over a predetermined time period.
[Claim 21]
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the relationship represents whether the previous sales of the type of item are sporadic or uniform over the predetermined time period.
[Claim 22]
The depletion recognition process comprises:
Determining when the number of items of a certain type placed in the first position decreases by a determined value within a set time period;
Performing a depletion response process based on the determination of the decrease;
The method of claim 1 comprising:
[Claim 23]
The depletion response process comprises:
Providing an indication of the first location to at least one of a user and a security monitoring process;
23. The method of claim 22, comprising:
[Claim 24]
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the indication further includes an indication of the certain type of item and the determined value.
[Claim 25]
The depletion response process comprises:
Storing a log record reflecting the certain type of item and the determined value when the number of items is reduced by the determined value;
Providing an interrupt signal to the security device;
Providing an interface device with a message identifying the first location;
24. The method of claim 22, comprising at least one of the following.
[Claim 26]
The security device is
An alarm system,
A light emitting device disposed near the first position;
A video surveillance system activated by the interrupt signal to record a video of an area associated with the first location;
A camera surveillance system activated by the interrupt signal to record a photograph of the area associated with the first location;
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the method is at least one.
[Claim 27]
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the message includes information that directs a user to the first location.
[Claim 28]
The rapid product recall process
Whether the item needs to be moved from its current location based on at least one of the shelf life associated with the item in the environment, the ambient temperature around the item, and an identification number associated with the item To judge
The method of claim 1 comprising:
[Claim 29]
A quick recall process
Associating a corresponding start date with the item when the item is placed at a current position in the environment;
Determining the shelf life of the item;
Providing an indication that the shelf life of the item has expired or is about to expire based on a comparison between the start date and the shelf life;
30. The method of claim 28, comprising:
[Claim 30]
Determining the shelf life;
Determining the shelf life based on an expiration date associated with the item;
30. The method of claim 29, comprising:
[Claim 31]
Determining whether an item in the environment requires movement;
Reading a temperature value from a temperature measuring device located near the current position of the item;
Determining whether the item should be moved from the current location based on the temperature value;
30. The method of claim 28, comprising:
[Claim 32]
Determining whether an item in the environment requires movement;
Determining whether the identification number is associated with a recall order reflecting that the item must move from its current location
30. The method of claim 28, comprising:
[Claim 33]
Providing an indication reflecting that the item must be moved from the inventory of the item when the item is being purchased at a point-of-sale terminal
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
[Claim 34]
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the indication includes a message displayed at the point of sale information management terminal that the item has exceeded its shelf life.
[Claim 35]
The item has a first characteristic and the method comprises:
Based on the determination that a new item supplied by the same supplier, similar to the item, has a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the item must be moved from its current location. To judge
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
[Claim 36]
The first and second characteristics are at least one of a new package style, a size of the respective item, a color of the respective item, a flavor associated with the respective item, and a price of the respective item. 36. The method of claim 35.
[Claim 37]
Determining whether an item in the environment requires movement;
Providing an indication that the item has a defect based on a determination that the identification number is included in a list of identification numbers associated with a defective item supplied by a supplier;
30. The method of claim 28, comprising:
[Claim 38]
The alert monitoring process comprises:
(i) information reflecting that one or more items of the same type as the type of item no longer placed in its respective location are placed in alternative locations within the environment;
(ii) information reflecting that items no longer placed in their respective locations are not available in the environment;
(iii) information reflecting that the number of items of a certain type is within a predetermined range from the inventory threshold value;
(iv) malfunction of a component that receives data from one or more wireless identification devices;
Providing a display to the user based on at least one of
The method of claim 1 comprising:
[Claim 39]
The inventory of items includes one or more types of items, and the sales optimization process includes:
Determining the number of times one or more items of a particular type have been moved from their respective positions and returned;
Determining the number of times any type of item is purchased with another type of item;
Determining the number of times any type of item is purchased with one or more items of the same type;
Determining all items of a type that have not been moved from their respective locations over a predetermined time period;
Determine all types of items, including items whose sales price has been changed in the period of time determined
The method of claim 1, comprising at least one of the following:
[Claim 40]
Determining the number of times one or more types of one or more items have been moved from their respective positions and returned;
For each type of item,
Periodically performing an inventory count for each item to determine if any item has been removed from its respective location
40. The method of claim 39, comprising:
[Claim 41]
Determine the relationship between the number of times an item has been moved from its respective position and returned and the position of the item
41. The method of claim 40, further comprising:
[Claim 42]
The position of the item is determined by the position of the eye level of the support unit, the position near the entrance of the environment, the position in a high traffic area of the user in the environment, and the traffic of the user in the environment. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the method can be one of locations within a small area.
[Claim 43]
A system for providing intelligent inventory management information related to items contained in an inventory of items, each including an RFID tag containing item information related to a corresponding item,
A universal price code associated with the item;
An electronic pricing code associated with the item,
Price information associated with the item;
Seasonal disparity information reflecting seasonal characteristics associated with the item;
A shelf life indicator associated with the item;
Historical sales information reflecting previous sales related to one or more other items similar to the item;
Out-of-stock information reflecting the state when the location includes a plurality of other items similar to the item below a predetermined threshold;
Historical information reflecting the number of times the item is removed from the location and returned;
Shelf volume size information reflecting the physical size of the item with respect to the location;
First location information reflecting the physical location of the item;
Second location information reflecting a preferred physical location of the item;
Depletion information associated with the item and other similar items;
Cost information associated with the item;
Timestamp information reflecting when the item is placed at the location;
Expiration date information reflecting the date on which the item must be removed from the location;
Sales information reflecting the date and time when an item similar to the item was sold and the selling price of the sold item;
A customer number associated with the individual who purchased the item sold;
A storage device including a data structure including:
A processor accessing the storage device to perform an inventory management process associated with the item;
Including system.
[Claim 44]
Search for inventory of items associated with the corresponding wireless identification device and item information from each wireless identification device associated with each item, each at a respective location in the environment, and storing the retrieved information in a database A method of providing inventory information in the environment comprising storing an inventory monitoring process that periodically performs an inventory count of the items in the environment by storing,
Receiving from a user a request regarding the availability of items in the environment;
Searching the item information in the database to determine whether the requested item is available in the environment;
Providing an indication reflecting the results of the search;
Including methods.
[Claim 45]
Receiving the request;
The request is received at a first processing device associated with the environment and a user interfaces with a second processing device to create the request.
45. The method of claim 44, comprising:
[Claim 46]
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the second processing device is a computer system operated by the user.
[Claim 47]
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the request is received from a network connected to the first processing device and the second processing device.
[Claim 48]
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the request is transmitted to the first processing device via the Internet.
[Claim 49]
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the second processing device is a kiosk computer device located in the environment.
[Claim 50]
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the first processing device is located in the environment.
[Claim 51]
47. The method of claim 46, wherein the first processing device is located outside the environment.
[Claim 52]
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the first processing device forwards the request to a third processing device that is located in the environment and that performs the searching step.
[Claim 53]
The indication is an indication that the item is available in the environment, an indication that the item is not available in the environment, a reduction in the selling price of the item, a reduction in the selling price of an alternative item 45. The method of claim 44, comprising at least one of: providing and an indication reflecting one or more alternative environments in which the item is available.
[Claim 54]
54. The method of claim 53, wherein the display reflecting one or more alternative environments includes directions to the one or more alternative environments.
[Claim 55]
45. The method of claim 44, wherein providing the indication includes providing a message that is displayed on a display device attached near a respective location of the item in the environment.
[Claim 56]
The message indicates that the item is not available in the environment, provides a discount on the selling price of the item, an indication reflecting one or more alternative environments in which the item is available, and the one 56. The method of claim 55, comprising at least one of directions to one or more alternative environments.
[Claim 57]
A method for providing inventory management for inventory of items each tagged with an RFID tag, including item information identifying each respective item and at least one item characteristic comprising:
Storing an electronic document received from the customer that includes a list of one or more desired items that the customer is interested in purchasing in the environment;
Determining the presence of the customer in the environment;
Determining whether the customer is near a location in the environment that includes a first item included in the list of one or more desired items based on the stored electronic document;
Presenting item information related to the first item on a display device positioned at or near the position based on the determination;
Including methods.
[Claim 58]
Can be stored
Supplying the electronic document from the customer to the environment via the Internet;
58. The method of claim 57, comprising:
[Claim 59]
Can be stored
Providing the electronic document to the environment by the customer via a computing device located in the environment;
58. The method of claim 57, comprising:
[Claim 60]
A system for managing inventory of items, wherein each item is placed at a respective location in the environment and associated with a corresponding radio identification device, the system comprising:
Means for supplying each corresponding wireless identification device with item information associated with each item;
Means for performing an inventory management process based on the item information to provide real-time information related to the inventory of items;
Means for performing said inventory management process, comprising:
A means of performing an out-of-stock control process;
Means for performing a depletion recognition process;
A means to perform a quick product recall process;
A means of performing an alert monitoring process;
A means to run the sales optimization process and
A system comprising at least one of the following.
[Claim 61]
Means for performing the out-of-stock control process, wherein the inventory of items includes one or more types of items;
(i) means for determining a current inventory count of all types of the items placed in the environment based on information retrieved from one or more of the wireless identification devices;
(ii) means for determining whether any item of any type is misplaced in the environment based on information retrieved from one or more of the wireless identification devices;
(iii) means for determining when the number of items of any type in the inventory is less than a first threshold based on information retrieved from one or more of the wireless identification devices;
(iii) means for determining a loss value that reflects the amount of lost revenue based on the condition that a type of item is no longer included in the inventory of items;
(iv) means for determining one or more factors affecting the previous sales of each type of item included in said inventory of items;
(v) means for locating an item of a type having a sales history less than a second threshold to determine an alternative location in the environment;
(vi) means for locating an item of a type that has been placed over a predetermined time at each location in the environment, and for determining an alternative location outside the environment;
(vii) means for supplying an out-of-stock message to the display device when a certain type of item is no longer placed in its respective position;
(viii) means for determining inventory characteristics associated with each type of item;
64. The system of claim 60, comprising at least one of:
[Claim 62]
A means of determining the current inventory count is
Means for retrieving item information from one or more wireless identification devices corresponding to one or more items;
Means for determining a count of each item of one or more types based on the retrieved item information;
62. The system of claim 61, comprising:
[Claim 63]
A means of determining the current inventory count is
Means for retrieving said item information associated with each item from a database;
Means for determining a count of each item of each type based on said retrieved item information, wherein said database periodically receives said item information from a process of collecting said item information from each wireless identification device When
62. The system of claim 61, comprising:
[Claim 64]
A means for determining whether an item is misplaced is
Means for accessing one or more wireless identification devices corresponding to the one or more items to determine the location of the one or more items in the environment;
Means for determining that the item of the first type is misplaced based on the determination that the item of the first type is located at a position other than the designated position;
62. The system of claim 61, comprising:
[Claim 65]
Means for providing an indication of the misplaced item to a user interface
65. The system of claim 64, further comprising:
[Claim 66]
64. The system of claim 61, wherein the first threshold is provided by one of a user and a means for performing a threshold determination process.
[Claim 67]
Means for performing the threshold determination process;
Means for determining, for each item type, the first threshold based on the number of items of each type removed from each location in the environment
68. The system of claim 66, comprising:
[Claim 68]
Means for performing the threshold determination process;
For each item type, there is a seasonal disparity factor that relates to the time of the year, and an event factor that relates to the event that has occurred or will occur, with the respective type of item in its respective position. Means for adjusting the first threshold based on at least one
68. The system of claim 66, comprising:
[Claim 69]
Means for determining when the count of any type of item is less than a first threshold;
Means for identifying all types of items having a number of items placed in the environment less than the first threshold based on the determined inventory quantity;
Means for prioritizing said item types,
A lost profit value determined based on the respective item type having a number of items less than the first threshold;
Whether additional items of each respective item type are available at different locations within the environment;
Whether the reason why the item type is below the first threshold is based on the short-term demand of the item type;
A means of prioritizing item types based on one of
64. The system of claim 63, comprising:
[Claim 70]
The means for determining the loss value is
Means for determining, for each type of item no longer placed in the environment, the amount of revenue generated by previous sales of the respective type of item in a previous time period;
Means for determining, for each type of item no longer placed in the environment, a loss value for the type of item no longer placed in the environment based on the determined generated revenue;
62. The system of claim 61, comprising:
[Claim 71]
A means of determining one or more factors affecting the previous sales of each type of item
Means for identifying one or more external factors that existed during the time period in which the previous sale of each type of item occurred;
Means for comparing the identified one or more external factors with the previous sales to determine how each of the external factors affects the previous sales;
62. The system of claim 61, comprising:
[Claim 72]
72. The system of claim 71, wherein the one or more external factors include at least one of pricing of each type of the item, seasonal disparity factors, and parallel sales of other types of items.
[Claim 73]
Means for determining when the number of items of any type is less than the first threshold;
Means for adjusting at least one of a cycle time for ordering an item and an amount of the ordered item from a supplier providing the item of the type that is less than the first threshold
62. The system of claim 61, comprising:
[Claim 74]
Means for determining an alternative location within the environment;
Means for determining whether an item of a specified type has a history of sales in the environment less than the second threshold;
Means for determining an alternative location in the environment for repositioning an item of the specified item type included in the inventory based on a history of sales of items associated with the alternative location;
62. The system of claim 61, comprising:
[Claim 75]
75. The system of claim 74, wherein the history of sales associated with the alternate location includes a history of sales of different types of items placed at the alternate location.
[Claim 76]
Means for determining an alternative location outside the environment;
Means for determining whether a type of item has a history of sales less than the second threshold;
Means for determining an alternative location outside the environment for repositioning the item of the item type based on a history of sales associated with other items of the same item type placed at the alternative location;
62. The system of claim 61, comprising:
[Claim 77]
A means for supplying out-of-stock messages is
Means for determining, based on the inventory count, whether the certain type of item is no longer in its respective position;
An indication that the item type is out of stock, offer a discounted sales price for an item of the certain item type, promise to order the certain type of item, and the possibility that the certain type of item is placed Means for generating said out-of-stock message comprising at least one indication of an alternative location outside said environment;
77. The system of claim 76, comprising:
[Claim 78]
64. The system of claim 61, wherein the display device is arranged in a structure that previously supported the item of the certain type.
[Claim 79]
64. The system of claim 61, wherein the inventory characteristic is a mathematical relationship between previous sales of a type of item over a predetermined time period.
[Claim 80]
80. The system of claim 79, wherein the relationship represents whether the previous sales of the type of item are sporadic or uniform over the predetermined time period.
[Claim 81]
Means for performing the depletion recognition process;
Means for determining when the number of items of a certain type placed in the first position decreases by a determined value within a set time period;
Means for performing a depletion response process based on the determination of the decrease;
61. The system of claim 60, comprising:
[Claim 82]
Means for performing the depletion response process;
Means for providing an indication of said first position to at least one of a user and a security monitoring process
82. The system of claim 81, comprising:
[Claim 83]
83. The system of claim 82, wherein the indication further includes an indication of the certain type of item and the determined value.
[Claim 84]
Means for performing the depletion response process;
Means for storing a log record reflecting the certain type of item and the determined value when the number of items is reduced by the determined value;
Means for providing an interrupt signal to the security device;
Means for supplying a message identifying the first location to the interface device;
82. The system of claim 81, comprising at least one of:
[Claim 85]
The security device is
An alarm system,
A light emitting device disposed near the first position;
A video surveillance system activated by the interrupt signal to record a video of an area associated with the first location;
A camera surveillance system activated by the interrupt signal to record a photograph of the area associated with the first location;
85. The system of claim 84, wherein the system is at least one of:
[Claim 86]
85. The system of claim 84, wherein the message includes information that directs a user to the first location.
[Claim 87]
Means for performing said rapid product recall process;
Whether the item needs to be moved from its current location based on at least one of the shelf life associated with the item in the environment, the ambient temperature around the item, and an identification number associated with the item Means to determine
61. The system of claim 60, comprising:
[Claim 88]
A means of performing a quick recall process
Means for associating a corresponding start date with the item when the item is placed at a current location in the environment;
Means for determining the shelf life of the item;
Means for providing an indication that the shelf life of the item has expired or is about to expire based on a comparison between the start date and the shelf life;
90. The system of claim 87, comprising:
[Claim 89]
Means for determining the shelf life;
Means for determining the shelf life based on an expiration date associated with the item;
90. The system of claim 88, comprising:
[Claim 90]
Means for determining whether an item in the environment requires movement;
Means for reading a temperature value from a temperature measuring device located near the current position of the item;
Means for determining whether the item should be moved from the current location based on the temperature value;
90. The system of claim 87, comprising:
[Claim 91]
Means for determining whether an item in the environment requires movement;
Means for determining whether the identification number relates to a recall order reflecting that the item must move from its current location
90. The system of claim 87, comprising:
[Claim 92]
Means for providing an indication reflecting that the item must be moved from the inventory of the item when the item is being purchased at the point-of-sale information management terminal
90. The system of claim 87, further comprising:
[Claim 93]
94. The system of claim 92, wherein the indication includes a message displayed at the point of sale information management terminal that the item has exceeded its shelf life.
[Claim 94]
The item has a first characteristic, and the system comprises:
Based on the determination that a new item supplied by the same supplier, similar to the item, has a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the item must be moved from its current location. Means to determine
90. The system of claim 87, further comprising:
[Claim 95]
The first and second characteristics are at least one of a new package style, a size of the respective item, a color of the respective item, a flavor associated with the respective item, and a price of the respective item. 95. The system of claim 94.
[Claim 96]
Means for determining whether an item in the environment requires movement;
Means for providing an indication that the item is defective based on a determination that the identification number is included in a list of identification numbers associated with a defective item supplied by a supplier;
90. The system of claim 87, comprising:
[Claim 97]
Means for performing said alert monitoring process;
(i) information reflecting that one or more items of the same type as the type of item no longer placed in its respective location are placed in alternative locations within the environment;
(ii) information reflecting that items no longer placed in their respective locations are not available in the environment;
(iii) information reflecting that the number of items of a certain type is within a predetermined range from the inventory threshold value;
(iv) malfunction of a component that receives data from one or more wireless identification devices;
Means for providing an indication to a user based on at least one of
61. The system of claim 60, comprising:
[Claim 98]
Means for performing the sales optimization process, wherein the inventory of items includes one or more types of items;
Means for determining the number of times one or more items of a particular type have been moved from their respective positions and returned;
A means of determining the number of times any type of item is purchased with another type of item;
Means for determining the number of times any type of item is purchased with one or more items of the same type;
Means for determining all items of a type that have not been moved from their respective locations over a predetermined period of time;
A means of determining all types of items, including items whose sales price has been changed during the period of time determined
64. The system of claim 60, comprising at least one of the following:
[Claim 99]
Means for determining the number of times one or more types of one or more items have been moved from their respective positions and returned;
For each item type, a means of periodically performing an inventory count for each item to determine if any item has been removed from its respective location
99. The system of claim 98, comprising:
[Claim 100]
Means for determining the relationship between the number of times an item has been moved from its respective position and returned and the position of the item
100. The system of claim 99, further comprising:
[Claim 101]
The position of the item is determined by the position of the eye level of the support unit, the position near the entrance of the environment, the position in a high traffic area of the user in the environment, and the traffic of the user in the environment. 100. The system of claim 99, wherein the system can be one of locations within a small area.
[Claim 102]
Search for inventory of items associated with the corresponding wireless identification device and item information from each wireless identification device associated with each item, each at a respective location in the environment, and storing the retrieved information in a database A system for providing inventory information in the environment including storing an inventory monitoring process that periodically performs an inventory count of the items in the environment by storing
Means for receiving a request from a user regarding the availability of items in the environment;
Means for retrieving the item information in the database to determine whether the requested item is available in the environment;
Means for providing a display reflecting the result of the search;
Including system.
[Claim 103]
Means for receiving said request;
Means for receiving the request at a first processing device associated with the environment, wherein the user interfaces with a second processing device to create the request
103. The system of claim 102, comprising:
[Claim 104]
104. The system of claim 103, wherein the second processing device is a computer system operated by the user.
[Claim 105]
105. The system of claim 104, wherein the request is received from a network connected to the first processing device and the second processing device.
[Claim 106]
105. The system of claim 104, wherein the request is transmitted to the first processing device via the internet.
[Claim 107]
105. The system of claim 104, wherein the second processing device is a kiosk computer device located in the environment.
[Claim 108]
105. The system of claim 104, wherein the first processing device is located in the environment.
[Claim 109]
105. The system of claim 104, wherein the first processing device is located outside the environment.
[Claim 110]
110. The system of claim 109, wherein the first processing device forwards the request to a third processing device that is located in the environment and that executes the search step.
[Claim 111]
The indication is an indication that the item is available in the environment, an indication that the item is not available in the environment, a reduction in the selling price of the item, a reduction in the selling price of an alternative item 105. The system of claim 104, comprising at least one of: providing and an indication reflecting one or more alternative environments in which the item is available.
[Claim 112]
112. The system of claim 111, wherein the display reflecting one or more alternative environments includes directions to the one or more alternative environments.
[Claim 113]
105. The system of claim 104, wherein the means for providing an indication includes providing a message that is displayed on a display device attached near a respective location of the item in the environment.
[Claim 114]
The message indicates that the item is not available in the environment, provides a discount on the selling price of the item, an indication reflecting one or more alternative environments in which the item is available, and the one 114. The system of claim 113, comprising at least one of directions to one or more alternative environments.
[Claim 115]
A system that provides inventory management for inventory of items each tagged with an RFID tag, including item information identifying each respective item and at least one item characteristic,
Means for storing an electronic document received from the customer comprising a list of one or more desired items that the customer is interested in purchasing in the environment;
Means for determining the presence of the customer in the environment;
Means for determining based on the stored electronic document whether the customer is near a location in the environment that includes a first item included in the list of one or more desired items;
Means for presenting item information related to the first item on a display device positioned at or near the position based on the determination;
Including system.
[Claim 116]
Means to store
Means for supplying the electronic document from the customer to the environment via the Internet
116. The system of claim 115, comprising:
[Claim 117]
Means to store
Means for supplying the electronic document by the customer to the environment via a computing device located in the environment
116. The system of claim 115, comprising:
[Claim 118]
A computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, execute instructions for managing inventory of items, each item being located at a respective location in the environment and associated with a corresponding wireless identification device; Said method comprises
Providing each corresponding wireless identification device with item information associated with each item;
Performing an inventory management process based on the item information to provide real-time information related to the inventory of items;
The inventory management process comprising:
An out-of-stock control process;
Depletion recognition process;
With a quick product recall process,
The alert monitoring process;
Sales optimization process and
A computer readable medium comprising at least one of:
[Claim 119]
The inventory of items includes one or more types of items, and the out-of-stock control process comprises:
(i) determining current inventory counts for all types of the items placed in the environment based on information retrieved from one or more of the wireless identification devices;
(ii) determining whether any item of any type is misplaced in the environment based on information retrieved from one or more of the wireless identification devices;
(iii) determining when the number of items of any type in the inventory is less than a first threshold based on information retrieved from one or more of the wireless identification devices;
(iii) determining a loss value that reflects the amount of lost revenue based on the condition that a type of item is no longer included in the inventory of items;
(iv) determining one or more factors affecting previous sales for each type of item included in the inventory of items;
(v) determining an alternative location in the environment to place an item of a type having a sales history less than a second threshold;
(vi) determining an alternative location outside the environment for placing a certain type of item placed over a predetermined time at each location in the environment;
(vii) supplying an out-of-stock message to the display device when a type of item is no longer placed in its respective position;
(viii) determining inventory characteristics associated with each type of item;
119. The computer readable medium of claim 118, comprising at least one of:
[Claim 120]
Determining the current inventory count
Retrieving item information from one or more wireless identification devices corresponding to one or more items;
Determining a count of each item of one or more types based on the retrieved item information;
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, comprising:
[Claim 121]
Determining the current inventory count
Retrieving the item information associated with each item from a database;
Determining a count of each item of each type based on the retrieved item information, and wherein the database receives the item information periodically from a process of collecting the item information from each wireless identification device;
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, comprising:
[Claim 122]
Determining whether the item is misplaced is
Accessing one or more wireless identification devices corresponding to the one or more items to determine the location of the one or more items in the environment;
Determining that the first type item is misplaced based on the determination that the first type item is located at a position other than the designated position;
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, comprising:
[Claim 123]
Said method comprises
Providing an indication of the misplaced item to the user interface;
122. The computer readable medium of claim 121, further comprising:
[Claim 124]
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, wherein the first threshold is provided by one of a user and a threshold determination process.
[Claim 125]
The threshold determination process comprises:
For each type of item,
Determining the first threshold based on the number of items of each type removed from each location in the environment;
125. The computer readable medium of claim 124, comprising:
[Claim 126]
The threshold determination process comprises:
For each type of item,
Based on at least one of a seasonal disparity factor associated with the time of the year, and an event factor associated with the event that has occurred, will occur, or has occurred, with each of the types of items in their respective positions Adjusting the first threshold
126. The computer readable medium of claim 125, comprising:
[Claim 127]
Determining when the count for any type of item is less than the first threshold,
Identifying all types of items having a number of items placed in the environment less than the first threshold based on the determined inventory quantity;
Prioritizing the item types,
A lost profit value determined based on the respective item type having a number of items less than the first threshold;
Whether additional items of each respective item type are available at different locations within the environment;
Whether the reason why the item type is below the first threshold is based on the short-term demand of the item type;
Prioritizing the item types based on one of
121. The computer readable medium of claim 120, comprising:
[Claim 128]
Determining the loss value
For each type of item that is no longer placed in the environment,
Determining the amount of revenue generated by previous sales of the respective type of item in a previous time period;
Determining a loss value for the type of item that is no longer placed in the environment based on the determined generated revenue;
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, comprising:
[Claim 129]
Determining one or more factors that affect the previous sales of each type of item,
Identifying one or more external factors that existed during the time period in which the previous sale of each type of item occurred;
Comparing the identified one or more external factors to the previous sales to determine how each of the external factors affects the previous sales;
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, comprising:
[Claim 130]
129. The computer-readable medium of claim 129, wherein the one or more external factors include at least one of pricing for each type of the item, seasonal disparity factors, and parallel sales of other types of items.
[Claim 131]
Determining when the number of items of any type is less than the first threshold
Adjusting at least one of the cycle time for ordering the item and the quantity of the ordered item from the supplier providing the item of the type that is less than the first threshold.
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, comprising:
[Claim 132]
Determining an alternative location within the environment;
Determining whether an item of a specified type has a history of sales less than the second threshold in the environment;
Determining an alternative location in the environment for repositioning an item of the specified item type included in the inventory based on a history of sales of items associated with the alternative location;
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, comprising:
[Claim 133]
135. The computer readable medium of claim 132, wherein the history of sales associated with the alternative location includes a history of sales of different types of items placed at the alternative location.
[Claim 134]
Determining an alternative location outside the environment;
Determining whether a type of item has a history of sales below the second threshold;
Determining an alternative location outside the environment for repositioning the item of the item type based on a history of sales associated with other items of the same item type placed at the alternative location;
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, comprising:
[Claim 135]
Supplying out-of-stock messages,
Determining whether the certain type of item is no longer in its respective position based on the inventory count;
An indication that the item type is out of stock, offer a discounted sales price for an item of the certain item type, promise to order the certain type of item, and the possibility that the certain type of item is placed Generating the out-of-stock message including at least one indication of an alternate location outside the environment with
135. The computer readable medium of claim 134, comprising:
[Claim 136]
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, wherein the display device is arranged in a structure that previously supported the item of the certain type.
[Claim 137]
120. The computer readable medium of claim 119, wherein the inventory characteristic is a mathematical relationship between previous sales of a type of item over a predetermined time period.
[Claim 138]
138. The computer readable medium of claim 137, wherein the relationship represents whether the previous sales of the type of item are sporadic or uniform over the predetermined time period.
[Claim 139]
The depletion recognition process comprises:
Determining when the number of items of a certain type placed in the first position decreases by a determined value within a set time period;
Performing a depletion response process based on the determination of the decrease;
119. The computer readable medium of claim 118, comprising:
[Claim 140]
The depletion response process comprises:
Providing an indication of the first location to at least one of a user and a security monitoring process;
140. The computer readable medium of claim 139, comprising:
[Claim 141]
145. The computer readable medium of claim 140, wherein the display further includes an indication of the certain type of item and the determined value.
[Claim 142]
The depletion response process comprises:
Storing a log record reflecting the certain type of item and the determined value when the number of items is reduced by the determined value;
Providing an interrupt signal to the security device;
Providing an interface device with a message identifying the first location;
140. The computer readable medium of claim 139, comprising at least one of:
[Claim 143]
The security device is
An alarm system,
A light emitting device disposed near the first position;
A video surveillance system activated by the interrupt signal to record a video of an area associated with the first location;
A camera surveillance system activated by the interrupt signal to record a photograph of the area associated with the first location;
143. The computer readable medium of claim 142, wherein the computer readable medium is at least one of:
[Claim 144]
143. The computer readable medium of claim 142, wherein the message includes information that directs a user to the first location.
[Claim 145]
The rapid product recall process
Whether the item needs to be moved from its current location based on at least one of the shelf life associated with the item in the environment, the ambient temperature around the item, and an identification number associated with the item To judge
119. The computer readable medium of claim 118, comprising:
[Claim 146]
A quick recall process
Associating a corresponding start date with the item when the item is placed at a current position in the environment;
Determining the shelf life of the item;
Providing an indication that the shelf life of the item has expired or is about to expire based on a comparison between the start date and the shelf life;
145. The computer readable medium of claim 145, comprising:
[Claim 147]
Determining the shelf life;
Determining the shelf life based on an expiration date associated with the item;
147. The computer readable medium of claim 146, comprising:
[Claim 148]
Determining whether an item in the environment requires movement;
Reading a temperature value from a temperature measuring device located near the current position of the item;
Determining whether the item should be moved from the current location based on the temperature value;
145. The computer readable medium of claim 145, comprising:
[Claim 149]
Determining whether an item in the environment requires movement;
Determining whether the identification number is associated with a recall order reflecting that the item must move from its current location
145. The computer readable medium of claim 145, comprising:
[Claim 150]
Said method comprises
Providing an indication reflecting that the item must be moved from the inventory of the item when the item is being purchased at a point-of-sale terminal
145. The computer readable medium of claim 145, further comprising:
[Claim 151]
161. The computer readable medium of claim 150, wherein the indication includes a message displayed at the point of sale information management terminal that the item has exceeded its shelf life.
[Claim 152]
The item has a first characteristic and the method comprises:
Based on the determination that a new item supplied by the same supplier, similar to the item, has a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, the item must be moved from its current location. To judge
145. The computer readable medium of claim 145, further comprising:
[Claim 153]
The first and second characteristics are at least one of a new package style, a size of the respective item, a color of the respective item, a flavor associated with the respective item, and a price of the respective item. 153. The computer readable medium of claim 152.
[Claim 154]
Determining whether an item in the environment requires movement;
Providing an indication that the item has a defect based on a determination that the identification number is included in a list of identification numbers associated with a defective item supplied by a supplier;
145. The computer readable medium of claim 145, comprising:
[Claim 155]
The alert monitoring process includes:
(i) information reflecting that one or more items of the same type as the type of item no longer placed in its respective location are placed in alternative locations within the environment;
(ii) information reflecting that items no longer placed in their respective locations are not available in the environment;
(iii) information reflecting that the number of items of a certain type is within a predetermined range from the inventory threshold value;
(iv) malfunction of a component that receives data from one or more wireless identification devices;
Providing a display to the user based on at least one of
119. The computer readable medium of claim 118, comprising:
[Claim 156]
The inventory of items includes one or more types of items, and the sales optimization process includes:
Determining the number of times one or more items of a particular type have been moved from their respective positions and returned;
Determining the number of times any type of item is purchased with another type of item;
Determining the number of times any type of item is purchased with one or more items of the same type;
Determining all items of a type that have not been moved from their respective locations over a predetermined time period;
Determine all types of items, including items whose sales price has been changed in the period of time determined
119. The computer readable medium of claim 118, comprising at least one of:
[Claim 157]
Determining the number of times one or more types of one or more items have been moved from their respective positions and returned;
For each type of item,
Periodically performing an inventory count for each item to determine if any item has been removed from its respective location
156. The computer-readable medium of claim 156.
[Claim 158]
Determining the relationship between the number of times an item has been moved from its respective position and returned and the position of the item
162. The computer readable medium of claim 157, further comprising:
[Claim 159]
The position of the item is determined by the position of the eye level of the support unit, the position near the entrance of the environment, the position in the area where the user's traffic is high in the environment, and the user's traffic 158. The computer readable medium of claim 157, which can be one of locations within a small area.
[Claim 160]
When executed by the processor, each is placed at a respective location in the environment to retrieve inventory of items associated with the corresponding wireless identification device and item information from each wireless identification device associated with each item, A computer readable medium comprising instructions for performing a method for providing inventory information in an environment, including an inventory monitoring process that periodically performs an inventory count of the items in the environment by storing the retrieved information in a database Wherein the method comprises
Receiving from a user a request regarding the availability of items in the environment;
Searching the item information in the database to determine whether the requested item is available in the environment;
Providing an indication reflecting the results of the search;
A computer readable medium comprising:
[Claim 161]
Receiving the request;
Receiving the request at a first processing device associated with the environment, wherein a user interfaces with a second processing device to create the request;
170. The computer readable medium of claim 160, comprising:
[Claim 162]
162. The computer readable medium of claim 161, wherein the second processing device is a computer system operated by the user.
[Claim 163]
163. The computer readable medium of claim 162, wherein the request is received from a network connected to the first processing device and the second processing device.
[Claim 164]
163. The computer readable medium of claim 162, wherein the request is transmitted to the first processing device via the Internet.
[Claim 165]
163. The computer readable medium of claim 162, wherein the second processing device is a kiosk computing device located in the environment.
[Claim 166]
163. The computer readable medium of claim 162, wherein the first processing device is located in the environment.
[Claim 167]
163. The computer readable medium of claim 162, wherein the first processing device is located outside the environment.
[Claim 168]
168. The computer readable medium of claim 167, wherein the first processing device forwards the request to a third processing device that is located in the environment and that performs the searching step.
[Claim 169]
The indication is an indication that the item is available in the environment, an indication that the item is not available in the environment, a reduction in the selling price of the item, a reduction in the selling price of an alternative item 169. The computer-readable medium of claim 160, comprising at least one of: providing and an indication reflecting one or more alternative environments in which the item is available.
[Claim 170]
170. The computer readable medium of claim 169, wherein the display reflecting one or more alternative environments includes directions to the one or more alternative environments.
[Claim 171]
161. The computer-readable medium of claim 160, wherein providing the indication comprises providing a message that is displayed on a display device attached near a respective location of the item in the environment.
[Claim 172]
The message indicates that the item is not available in the environment, provides a discount on the selling price of the item, an indication reflecting one or more alternative environments in which the item is available, and the 1 172. The computer readable medium of claim 171, comprising at least one of directions to one or more alternative environments.
[Claim 173]
Instructions that, when executed by the processor, perform a method for providing inventory management for inventory of items each tagged with an RFID tag, including item information identifying each respective item and at least one item characteristic A computer readable medium comprising:
Storing electronic documents received from the customer that includes a list of one or more desired items that the customer is interested in purchasing in the environment;
Determining the presence of the customer in the environment;
Determining whether the customer is near a location in the environment that includes a first item included in the list of one or more desired items based on the stored electronic document;
Presenting item information related to the first item on a display device positioned at or near the position based on the determination;
A computer readable medium comprising:
[Claim 174]
Can be stored
Supplying the electronic document from the customer to the environment via the Internet;
174. The computer-readable medium method of claim 173.
[Claim 175]
Can be stored
Providing the electronic document to the environment by the customer via a computing device located in the environment;
174. The computer-readable medium of claim 173.
[Claim 176]
A system for managing inventory of items of one or more item types, each item being located at a respective location in the environment, with a corresponding wireless identification device containing item information relating to said respective item Related,
A data collection system configured to retrieve the item information from one or more of the wireless identification devices in response to one or more read commands;
An intelligent inventory management system configured to generate the one or more read commands and receive the retrieved item information from the data collection system;
The intelligent inventory management system comprising:
A database for storing the received item information and characteristic information associated with each of the items;
Current inventory count for all types of items based on the received item information, all items misplaced in the environment, all types of items that are reaching or reaching out of stock, and thresholds Inventory control means for determining at least one of the alternative locations in the environment for placing all types of items having a sales history of less than
Depletion recognition means for determining when the number of items of a certain type placed in the first position decreases by a predetermined number within a set time period; and
A quick recall means for determining whether the item needs to be moved from its current location based on at least one of temporal characteristics, defect characteristics, and temperature characteristics associated with the item
And at least one of
An alert monitoring means for generating and supplying one or more indications based on at least one of an item type out-of-stock condition, an item misplaced item condition, and a malfunction condition;
Including the system.
[Claim 177]
The data collection system is
A main controller that generates one or more controller commands based on the received one or more read commands;
A secondary controller that activates an antenna based on the one or more controller commands, wherein the antenna is configured to retrieve the item information from one or more items;
177. The system of claim 176, comprising:
[Claim 178]
177. The system of claim 176, wherein the inventory control means also generates an out-of-stock indication message that reflects when an out-of-stock condition occurs or is approaching.
[Claim 179]
The system includes a security device disposed near the first location, and the depletion recognition means also determines the number of a certain type of item placed in the first location within the set time period. 177. The system of claim 176, wherein the security device is activated when decreasing by a value.
[Claim 180]
177. The system of claim 176, wherein the temporal characteristic is at least one of a shelf life and an expiration date associated with the item.
[Claim 181]
177. The system of claim 176, wherein the temperature characteristic is a temperature value in an area near the current location of the item.
[Claim 182]
177. The system of claim 176, wherein the defect characteristic is associated with at least one of an item that is missing a portion and an item that includes a defective part.
[Claim 183]
The system includes a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, the quick recall means also (i) has exceeded at least one of its expiration date and shelf life, or (ii) the customer wants to purchase a defective item 177. The system of claim 176, wherein an alarm message is generated at a POS terminal.
[Claim 184]
An environment that includes items that are each tagged with a wireless identification device and placed at a specified location,
A database containing information related to each of the items;
A storage unit each comprising at least one antenna and having supporting means for supporting one or more of said items;
Providing a command to retrieve item information from the wireless identification device and storing the item information in the database;
A data collection system that activates a corresponding antenna in a particular storage unit, retrieves item information from items supported by support means in the particular storage unit, and supplies the item information to the computer system;
A user interface that allows a user to request and receive real-time inventory information associated with one or more items in the environment based on the item information stored in the database including
environment.
[Claim 185]
Based on the corresponding user request, the computer system
A current inventory count of one or more types of items in the environment; and
The location of items misplaced in the environment; and
An alternative location in the environment for moving items having a sales history less than a predetermined threshold;
An alternative location within the environment for moving certain types of items redesigned by the manufacturer;
The location of any item of interest and
187. The environment of claim 184, wherein at least one of the following is provided to a user.
[Claim 186]
187. The environment of claim 184, wherein the computer system provides an alert message to the user when it is determined that an item has exceeded at least one of its shelf life and expiration date.
[Claim 187]
187. The environment of claim 184, wherein the computer system provides an alert message to the user when an item is determined to be defective.
[Claim 188]
187. The environment of claim 184, wherein the computer system provides an alert message to the user when the number of items of a certain type is less than a threshold.
[Claim 189]
187. The environment of claim 184, wherein the computer system provides an alert message to the user when a number of items are removed from a location within a predetermined time period.
[Claim 190]
187. The environment of claim 184, wherein the computer system collects information reflecting a condition when one or more of the items is moved from its designated location and returned.
[Claim 191]
193. The environment of claim 190, wherein the computer system provides the user with the information reflecting the state based on a request.
[Claim 192]
184. The environment of claim 184, wherein the computer system determines the number of times any type of item is purchased with another type of item.

[wrap up]
[0153]
A method, system, and article of manufacture consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention collects item information from RFID tags attached to items in inventory, and the collected item information is used to perform various inventory management processes. used. In one aspect, the inventory management process may include depletion of items in inventory, changes in the design of items in inventory, defects in one or more items, misplaced items, an unusual number of items within a short period of time. Including the determination, reporting, and / or provision of corrective actions related to one or more events related to movement (i.e., depletion) and / or malfunction of one or more components in the environment Can do.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary environment consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary EPC writer process consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary interface map consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary inventory analysis process consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary depletion process consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary recall process consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

200 Intelligent Shelf Software Application (ISSA)
210 User Interface
215 Database
220 Request Response Manager (RRM)
222 Request broker
224 response broker
230 Business Logic / Transaction Engine
231 Out-of-stock control task
232 Depletion monitoring task
233 Quick Recall Task
234 EPC Writer Task
235 Other feature tasks
239 Alert Task
240 jobs
250 Inventory request interface
260 Main controller
262 leader
266 Sub controller
270 antenna
280 RFID tag

Claims (96)

A reader unit that transmits and receives RF signals;
A first RF antenna connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable;
An intelligent station that tracks RFID tags, including one or more additional RF antennas connected to the reader unit via one or more respective additional switches by the same first transmission cable. A control unit operably connected to the reader unit and the first switch and one or more additional switches, the control unit selectively operating the first switch and one or more additional switches; The intelligent station of claim 1, further comprising a generating control unit.   A tuning circuit for each of the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas, each tuning circuit operably connected to the respective antenna via a switch in communication with the first transmission cable; The intelligent station of claim 1, further comprising a tuning circuit operably connected to the reader unit via the first transmission cable.   A control unit operably connected to the reader unit and the first switch and one or more additional switches, each connecting the tuning circuit to the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas; 4. The intelligent station of claim 3, further comprising a control unit configured to selectively operate the first switch and one or more additional switches for. The transmission cable further comprising: a second transmission cable disposed near each of the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas, each connecting the reader unit to one or more auxiliary RF antenna loops. Intelligent station.   2. The intelligent station of claim 1, wherein each of the first switch and one or more additional switches includes one of a PIN type diode, a field effect transistor (FET), or a metal semiconductor FET.   The intelligent station according to claim 2, wherein an RF signal and a control signal are sent along the same first transmission cable.   3. The intelligent station of claim 2, wherein a signal from the control unit that operates the first switch and one or more additional switches is sent along a line other than the first transmission cable. A reader unit that transmits and receives RF signals;
The first intelligent station,
A first RF antenna connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable;
A first intelligent station that includes one or more additional RF antennas connected to the reader unit via each one or more additional switches by the same first transmission cable, and tracking RFID tags Intelligent station system.   A control unit operably connected to the reader unit and the first switch and one or more additional switches, the control unit selectively operating the first switch and one or more additional switches; The intelligent station system according to claim 9, further comprising a control unit for generating.   The first intelligent station further includes a control unit operably connected to the reader unit and the first switch and one or more additional switches, the control unit comprising the first switch and one or more 10. The intelligent station system according to claim 9, wherein the intelligent station system generates a control signal for selectively operating an additional switch. 12. The second or more additional intelligent stations, respectively, further comprising a second or more additional intelligent stations, each including a secondary control unit that communicates with and is controlled by the control unit. Intelligent station system.   10. The intelligent station system according to claim 9, wherein the reader unit is disposed on the first intelligent station. A control unit operably connected to the reader unit and the first switch and one or more additional switches, the control unit selectively operating the first switch and one or more additional switches; The intelligent station system according to claim 9, further comprising a control unit for generating.   12. The intelligent station system of claim 11, wherein a signal from the control unit is routed to a distributed sub-control unit, and the sub-control unit operates the first switch and one or more additional switches.   13. The intelligent station system of claim 12, wherein the one or more additional associated antennas having associated selector switches are connected in a series arrangement.   13. The intelligent station system of claim 12, wherein the one or more additional associated antennas with associated selector switches are connected in a parallel-series arrangement.   The first transmission cable includes an RF cable, and a bypass switch is provided between the RF cable and the intelligent station to allow an RF signal to enter the intelligent station or an RF signal to the intelligent station 13. The intelligent station system according to claim 12, wherein the intelligent station system is prevented from entering the station.   The first transmission cable includes an RF cable, and an in-line switch is provided in the RF cable to allow an RF signal to continue along the RF cable or the RF signal to the RF cable. 13. The intelligent station system of claim 12, wherein the intelligent station system is not continued along.   16. The intelligent station system according to claim 15, wherein the signal from the control unit to the distributed sub-control units includes address information that determines which switch to select.   10. The intelligent station system of claim 9, wherein the switches of unselected antennas change the tuning associated therewith, thus causing them to have a resonant frequency that is substantially different from the RF signal.   The intelligent station system of claim 21, wherein the switch of unselected antennas is only used to change tuning when the unselected antenna is adjacent to a selected antenna.   10. The intelligent station system of claim 9, wherein each antenna is associated with an adjustable tuning circuit that is arranged to be accessible for adjustment. A tuning circuit associated with each antenna;
A tuning and adjustment system that automatically performs servo adjustment of a variable tuning component based on feedback information from an associated antenna, wherein the feedback is via a conductive electrical connection to the antenna or with the reader unit The intelligent station system according to claim 9, further comprising: a tuning and adjustment system provided via the communication. A tuning circuit associated with each antenna;
10. The intelligent station system of claim 9, further comprising a tuning adjustment system that automatically performs electronic adjustment of a variable tuning component based on feedback information from the associated antenna.   26. The intelligent station system of claim 25, wherein the tunable component is one or more voltage controlled capacitors.   And further comprising a tuning adjustment system that automatically performs servo adjustment of a variable tuning component based on feedback information from a reader unit attached to the associated antenna, wherein the feedback information is each of the associated antenna. 10. The intelligent station system of claim 9, wherein the intelligent station system indicates how the associated antenna can read a plurality of RFID tags that are uniquely positioned in proximity with a predetermined spatial pattern. One or more passives associated with one or more of the RF antennas such that the passive antenna is powered via inductive coupling by the associated RF antenna when the associated RF antenna is powered The intelligent station system according to claim 9, further comprising an antenna.   29. The intelligent station system of claim 28, wherein the passive antenna and the associated RF antenna are provided on a shelf.   30. The intelligent station system of claim 29, wherein the passive antenna is provided at a rear end of the shelf and the associated RF antenna is provided at a front end of the shelf.   11. The intelligent station system of claim 10, wherein the first intelligent station further includes a self-test RFID tag within each range of the RF antenna. If any of the RF antennas does not detect the self-test RFID tag, the control unit performs a tuning process for that RF antenna;
32. The intelligent station system of claim 31, wherein the control unit generates a message to an electronic network if the self-test RFID tag is not detected after completion of the tuning process.   Each intelligent station includes at least one self-test RFID tag within the range of each RF antenna, and the RF antenna detects the self-test RFID tag in an adjacent RF antenna during the test step, and thus other 32. The intelligent station system according to claim 31, wherein which RF antenna or which other intelligent station is adjacent is determined.   34. The intelligent station system of claim 33, wherein the neighbor information is used to determine which other RF antenna to detune when an RF antenna is selected for reading.   32. The intelligent station system of claim 31, wherein the self test RFID tag is instructed to respond during self test and not to respond during normal operation of the system. The first intelligent station further comprises:
One or more second RF antennas operating at a different frequency than the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas, each one or more second switches being connected by the same first transmission cable. The intelligent station system according to claim 9, further comprising one or more second RF antennas connected to the reader unit via the reader unit, wherein the reader unit is configured to selectively operate at different frequencies.   10. The intelligent station system according to claim 9, wherein the intelligent station internally includes a signal processing circuit that performs at least part of the signal processing that would otherwise be performed by the reader unit.   The intelligent station system of claim 9, wherein the first transmission cable comprises an RF cable having an RF amplifier device incorporated therein.   The intelligent station system of claim 9, wherein the intelligent station and / or RF antenna is incorporated into a door, hallway, floor, floor mat, or ceiling.   The intelligent station system of claim 9, wherein the RF antenna is manufactured by running a conductor through a thermoplastic tube and thermoforming the tube.   27. The intelligent station system of claim 26, wherein the voltage controlled capacitor is used for tuning or detuning of the antenna. The first transmission cable includes an RF bus, the reader unit is connected by the RF bus, and the intelligent station further includes:
A plurality of RF antennas connected at intervals that are an integer divisor of a quarter wavelength of the RF signal along the RF bus;
Respective selection switches for selectively connecting each of the RF antennas to the RF bus;
A respective shunt switch that selectively connects each of the RF antennas to an RF ground, and each of the RF antennas closes an associated selection switch to allow RF energy to enter the antenna. 10. The intelligent station system according to claim 9, wherein the intelligent station system can be activated on demand by closing a shunt switch arranged at a quarter wavelength further along the RF bus.   43. The intelligent station system of claim 42, wherein the selection switch and the shunt switch include a PIN diode or a MESFET diode.   43. The intelligent station system of claim 42, wherein the RF antenna is connected within the intelligent unit. 1/4 wavelength end cable extending beyond the last antenna on the RF bus;
43. An intelligent addressable shunt switch according to claim 42, further comprising: an additional addressable shunt switch disposed along the end cable and spaced apart from each other by the same distance that the antennas are spaced apart on the RF bus. Station system. 43. The intelligent station system of claim 42, further comprising: an electronic component that simulates a quarter wavelength of the RF bus disposed beyond the last antenna of the RF bus.   16. The intelligent station system of claim 15, wherein a signal from the control unit to distributed sub-control units includes information that is output visually or audibly in the immediate vicinity of the selected antenna. A reader unit that transmits and receives RF signals;
The first intelligent station,
A first RF antenna connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable;
A first intelligent station comprising one or more additional RF antennas connected to the reader unit via respective one or more additional switches by the same first transmission cable, the antenna comprising: Built into the structure associated with the intelligent station
Intelligent station system that tracks RFID tags.   49. The intelligent station system of claim 48, wherein the intelligent station structure comprises a shelf or panel and RF blocking material is applied to a surface of the shelf or panel opposite the surface near the antenna.   49. The intelligent station system of claim 48, wherein the intelligent station structure further comprises individual shelves or panel units that are interconnected using connectors including RF cables, data cables, and power cables.   49. The intelligent of claim 48, wherein the intelligent station structure further comprises individual shelves or panel units that carry RF signals and are interconnected using connectors that include RF cables superimposed with direct current (DC) power. Station system.   49. The intelligent station structure of claim 48, further comprising individual shelves or panel units that carry RF signals and are interconnected using connectors that include RF cables superimposed with data other than the RFID signals. Intelligent station system.   Individual shelves or panel units, wherein the intelligent station structure carries RF signals of the RFID reader frequency and is interconnected using a connector including an RF cable superimposed with data in a frequency range other than the RFID reader frequency. 49. The intelligent station system of claim 48, comprising:   53. The intelligent station system of claim 52, wherein the superimposed non-RF digital communication is sent by changing a superimposed DC voltage.   53. The intelligent station system of claim 52, wherein the superimposed non-RF digital communication is sent by changing a superimposed DC current drain.   The intelligent station structure includes a shelf or panel, and a non-conductive layer having high permeability is provided between the antenna and the shelf or panel to increase the magnetic flux to detect a target RFID tag. 48 Intelligent station system.   49. The intelligent of claim 48, wherein the intelligent station structure includes a shelf, and the intelligent station system further includes a passively coupled antenna disposed in a vertical plane at the end of the shelf or behind the shelf. Station system.   49. The intelligent station system of claim 48, wherein the intelligent station structure includes a shelf, and the intelligent station system further includes a passively coupled antenna disposed in a distance horizontal plane above the shelf.   49. The intelligent station system of claim 48, wherein the antenna is incorporated in or on a thin and / or flexible mat associated with the intelligent station structure. A reader unit that transmits and receives RF signals;
The first intelligent station,
A first RF antenna connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable;
A first intelligent station comprising one or more additional RF antennas connected to the reader unit via respective one or more additional switches by the same first transmission cable, the antenna comprising: Incorporated into decorative laminate material associated with the shelf
Intelligent station system that tracks RFID tags.   61. The intelligent station system of claim 60, wherein the laminate material including an antenna is applied to one side of a cardboard core to form the shelf or the panel of the shelf. An inventory control system that tracks the inventory of items using RFID tags,
a) one or more reader units;
b) one or more intelligent stations, each connected to at least one reader unit, each of said intelligent stations tracking RFID tags to determine item information of items to be inventoried And each intelligent station
A first RF antenna connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable;
One or more intelligent stations including one or more additional RF antennas connected to the reader unit via each of one or more additional switches by the same first transmission cable; and
c) an inventory control processing unit connected to a data store that receives item information from the intelligent station to update inventory information about the item to be inventoried.   64. The inventory control system of claim 62, wherein at least one of the intelligent stations is mounted on a horizontal surface of a shelf.   64. The inventory control system of claim 62, wherein at least one of the intelligent stations is on a vertical or angled surface of a shelf.   64. The inventory control system of claim 62, wherein the intelligent station is provided on one or more of a shelf, storage area, room, room, warehouse, trailer, counter, safe, refrigerator, freezer, or rack.   64. The inventory control system of claim 62, wherein the intelligent station is provided with a locking device for access control, and the locking device is controlled by the inventory control system. The intelligent station is
64. The inventory of claim 62, further comprising a plug-in barcode scanner that scans barcodes and provides barcoded item information that is correlated with and stored with the item information determined from the RFID tag by the intelligent station. Control system. The intelligent station
Plug-in global positioning sensor (GPS) that provides information about the location of the intelligent station, stored with information about items associated with the intelligent station
64. The inventory control system of claim 62, further comprising: A proximity sensor for detecting the proximity of a person or object;
68. The intelligent station determines item information, activates an auxiliary display, or performs other actions in response to the proximity sensor detecting the presence of a person or object. Inventory control system. An environmental sensor for measuring temperature, humidity, or light at the intelligent station;
64. The inventory control system according to claim 62, wherein the inventory control system records commodity item information including environmental conditions.   64. The inventory control system of claim 62, wherein the one or more antennas are selected in combination for reading.   64. The inventory control system of claim 62, wherein the inventory control system generates an alert when removal of multiple items is detected by the intelligent station.   Further comprising a customer RFID tag associated with the customer, wherein the inventory control system associates the customer RFID tag with the customer and generates an action responsive to detecting the customer RFID tag when detecting the customer RFID tag; The inventory control system according to claim 62.   64. The inventory control system of claim 62, wherein the inventory control processing unit actively processes RFID tags to generate alerts to adjust staffing levels based on RFID tag activity being processed.   An employee RFID tag associated with the employee, wherein the inventory control processing unit associates the employee RFID tag with the employee and detects the employee RFID tag when the employee RFID tag is detected. 64. The inventory control system of claim 62, wherein the inventory control system generates a responsive action.   64. The inventory control system of claim 62, wherein the inventory control processing unit actively processes RFID tags to determine an optimal refill pattern based on RFID tag activity being processed. A method for inventory control of items tagged with RFID tags,
Providing one or more reader units and one or more intelligent stations each connected to at least one reader unit, each of said intelligent stations having item information of an item to be inventoryed Each RFID station tracks the RFID tag to determine
A first RF antenna connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable;
Including one or more additional RF antennas connected to the reader unit via each of one or more additional switches by the same first transmission cable;
Inventorying by selectively energizing the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas of each intelligent station to determine item information for items located at each of the intelligent stations. Determining the item information of the item to be created,
Processing the determined item information to update the inventory information of the item being inventoryed. A method of inventory control comprising:   78. A method of inventory control according to claim 77, wherein a plurality of intelligent stations are connected to the leader unit.   The step of determining item information selectively controls the first switch and one or more additional switches to energize each of the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas; 80. Inventory control according to claim 77, comprising detecting item information for an item using an RFID tag within range of said respective energized first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas. the method of.   78. The method of inventory control of claim 77, wherein the step of processing the determined item information comprises updating the determined item information in a data store. The step of providing one or more intelligent stations further comprises, for each intelligent station, connecting the reader unit to the first RF antenna and one or more additional via a first switch and one or more additional switches, respectively. Including providing a second transmission cable connected to the RF antenna;
The reader unit sends an unmodulated RF signal to the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas via the second transmission cable, and the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas transmit the first signal to the first RF antenna and one or more additional RF antennas. 78. A method of inventory control according to claim 77, wherein the modulated RF signal is sent via a transmission cable.   Providing the one or more intelligent stations comprises, for each intelligent station, configuring the first switch and the one or more additional switches to operate in one of only three states; The only three states are a first state that only sends a modulated RF signal to the first RF antenna or one of each of one or more additional RF antennas, an unmodulated RF signal to the first RF antenna or A second state that only sends to the respective one of the one or more additional RF antennas, and both the modulated RF signal and the unmodulated RF signal are the first RF antenna or one or more additional RF antennas. 84. The method of inventory control of claim 81, wherein the inventory control is in a third state bypassing said respective one of the RF antennas. For each reader unit, determining the optimum RF power supplied to read the RF antenna connected to that reader unit;
Storing the determined optimum RF output for each reader unit in a data storage means;
When selectively energizing the RF antenna connected to the reader unit to determine item information of items placed in the intelligent station connected to the reader unit, the stored of the reader unit 78. The method of inventory control of claim 77, further comprising using an optimum RF power.   84. A method of inventory control according to claim 83, wherein the data storage means comprises a look-up table. An intelligent shelf system for tracking RFID tags,
A reader unit that transmits and receives RF signals;
The first intelligent station,
A first RF antenna connected to the reader unit via a first switch by a first transmission cable;
A first intelligent station comprising: Placed on a circular rack,
Intelligent shelf system.   86. The intelligent shelf system of claim 85, wherein two RF antennas are arranged orthogonally in two vertical planes within the center of the circular rack.   87. The intelligent of claim 86, wherein the two RF antennas are connected to the reader unit using lead-in cable lengths from the reader unit to the two RF antennas that differ by a quarter of an RF wavelength. Shelf system.   90. The intelligent shelf system of claim 86, wherein the two RF antennas are connected via a 2-way 90 degree power splitter.   86. The intelligent shelf system of claim 85, wherein the RF antenna is designed as a hanger and is located or provided in a different part of the circular rack. An intelligent station system that tracks RFID tags,
Multiple reader units that transmit and receive RF signals,
A plurality of intelligent stations each connected to one of the plurality of reader units,
A first RF antenna connected to the one of the plurality of reader units via a first switch by a first transmission cable;
A plurality of intelligent stations comprising one or more additional RF antennas connected to the reader unit via the respective one or more additional switches by the same first transmission cable;
A control unit connected to the plurality of reader units, wherein the control unit sends command signals to the reader units in different formats recognizable by the respective reader units, and the control unit transmits the respective reader units An intelligent station system that analyzes data received in different formats from the unit. The control unit is connected to an electronic network, the control unit receives a command signal in a common format from the electronic network, converts the received command signal into the different format recognizable by the respective reader unit;
92. The intelligent station system of claim 90, wherein the control unit converts the received data from the respective reader units in a different format into a common format for transmission to the electronic network. Providing a substrate having a groove for receiving a conductor and a hole for receiving an end of the conductor, wherein the groove is formed by casting or stamping;
Inserting wire conductors into some or all of the grooves to form loops, dipoles or other antenna shapes;
Connecting the end of the wire conductor to an electronic circuit to form a radio frequency antenna.   94. The method of claim 92, wherein the grooves and holes are formed in a linear grid pattern that allows various antenna patterns to be generated on the substrate.   94. The method of claim 92, wherein the grooves and holes are formed with a specific pattern that allows a specific antenna pattern to be generated with the antenna. Providing a jig having a plurality of holes, wherein the holes receive pins defining corners or end points of one or more antenna patterns or are arranged to receive the ends of antenna wires; ,
The wire is temporarily attached to the jig by inserting the wire end into the hole or by attaching the wire end to a device that fits over the pin to form the antenna-shaped wire at both ends thereof. Winding around the other pin between,
Transferring the antenna-shaped wire to a substrate material;
Securing a wire in the form of the antenna to the substrate material. A source of conductive strip material or conductive ribbon material;
An applicator connected to the source, which can be positioned and moved on a plane of the substrate and can place the conductive strip material or conductive ribbon material on the substrate;
1 to a planar substrate to form a foil antenna comprising steps of automatically moving and positioning the applicator over the substrate and controlling the supply of the conductive strip material or conductive ribbon material. An apparatus for depositing one or more conductive pathways.

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