TWI537834B - Methods and systems for tracking inventory using an rfid tag tape - Google Patents

Description

Method and system for tracking inventory using radio frequency identification tag strips Field of invention

The present disclosure relates generally to inventory tracking and, more specifically, to an inventory tracking system using RFID tags.

Background of the invention

The evolution of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has made it possible to wirelessly track inventory items by attaching RFID tags to individual inventory items and wirelessly sensing the RFID tags using a sense antenna array. If the antenna array can sense the RFID tag of the array, it is determined that the corresponding item exists in the inventory. Conversely, if the antenna array is not responsive to the array of RFID tags, then the corresponding item is determined not to be present in inventory.

An operational problem with wireless tracking of inventory items is that the antenna array may not be able to sense the "blind spot" of the RFID tag on the antenna array. For example, the RFID tag may be blocked by another inventory item from being detected by the antenna array, or the RFID tag may be oriented in a direction in which the antenna array has low direction sensitivity, resulting in the antenna array missing reading the RFID tag.

In some applications, errors in inventory tracking, such as errors caused by failure to read an RFID tag by a sensing antenna array, can have significant undesired operational results. For example, in a medical facility, when an item is removed from the medicine cabinet, tracking errors may result in incorrect charges.

Summary of invention

The foregoing discussion and other concerns can be met by an inventory tracking system and method in accordance with the various configurations described herein.

In one aspect disclosed herein, a method of tracking inventory includes associating a plurality of RFID values corresponding to a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags with an inventory item; attaching the plurality of RFID tags to the inventory a plurality of surfaces of the plurality of RFID tags such that the antenna axes of the plurality of RFID tags are oriented in a plurality of directions; and the RFID tags that are attached to the items in the inventory are wirelessly sensed using an antenna array including one or more antennas; And if one or more of the plurality of RFID values associated with the inventory item are sensed, determining that the inventory item is present in the inventory, otherwise determining that the inventory item is not present in the inventory.

In another aspect disclosed herein, an inventory tracking system includes an RFID strip comprising a plurality of RFID tags mounted on a substrate, the RFID tags being adhered to an inventory item using an adhesive bottom surface of the substrate An antenna array comprising one or more antennas assembled to sense an RFID tag; and a computer coupled to the antenna array and configured to track a plurality of inventory items.

In still another aspect disclosed herein, an RFID tag strip for an inventory tracking system includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of RFID tags mounted on the top surface of the substrate, each RFID tag An antenna for transmitting and receiving a radio frequency signal; an adhesive layer covering a bottom surface of the substrate, the adhesive layer being used to adhere the RFID tag strip to an inventory item. The plurality of RFID tags each have an associated unique identifier. The RFID tag strip can be wound into a roll.

The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from

Simple illustration

Figure 1A is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID inventory tracking system configured in accordance with several aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 1B is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID inventory tracking system in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 2A is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID tag strip in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 2B is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID tag strip in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 2C is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID tag strip in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 2D is a graphical representation of an RFID tag strip in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 2E is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID tag sheet configured in accordance with several aspects of the present disclosure.

Figure 2F is a graphical representation of an RFID tag in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 2G is a pictorial representation of a roll of RFID tag strips in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 3A is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID inventory tracking system in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 3B is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID inventory tracking system in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of an inventory tracking method in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer system in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer system in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Embodiments of the present disclosure address the tracking of inventory items by providing a method of tagging inventory items using a plurality of RFID tags and tracking the inventory items based on sensing one of the plurality of RFID tags . In one facet, the RFID tag strip is disclosed to include a linear arrangement of RFID tags to facilitate easy application to multiple surface areas of the inventory item.

Broadly speaking, in summary, two or more RFID tags are respectively applied to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item so that the antenna array can be attached to the antenna with a high probability irrespective of the position and orientation of the inventory item. At least one of the RFID tags of the inventory item.

In several aspects, a computer system is disclosed for tracking inventory items tagged with multiple RFID tags. A user can load a plurality of RFID tag identification values in a database in communication with the computer system and associate the plurality of RFID tag identification values with a single inventory item. The computer system determines the presence or absence of the item by checking whether any of the RFID tags associated with the item are sensed by an antenna array coupled to the computer system.

As used herein, an RFID tag can be one of the well-known types of RFID tags, such as magnetically coupled RFID tags, electrically coupled RFID tags, or multi-frequency RFID tags. Correspondingly, the antenna array used to sense the RFID tag can include antenna elements that are sensed using magnetic or electrical or multiple frequency coupled RFID.

Figures 1A and 1B show a prior art RFID inventory tracking system that emphasizes certain operational issues associated with inventory tracking by attaching a single RFID tag and/or adhering multiple RFID tags to a single surface of the inventory item. More specifically, FIG. 1A shows an example in which the inventory item 102 is oriented to maximize the chances of success in sensing the inventory item 102 by the RFID antenna 104, and FIG. 1B shows an example in which the item is in stock. The 102 series is oriented at the blind spot of the RFID antenna 104, thus causing the RFID antenna 104 to miss sensing the inventory item 102.

FIG. 1A is a partial diagram representation of a prior art RFID inventory tracking system 100. The computer 128 is equipped with a communication module (e.g., an RFID transceiver circuit board) that is configured to transmit and receive messages using the antenna array 104. The antenna array 104 is assembled to sense an RFID tag. The antenna array 104 also includes a single antenna or multiple antennas positioned at multiple locations (e.g., the top and bottom surfaces of the medical appliance cabinet) to sense inventory items from different directions. In several configurations, the individual antennas of antenna array 104 are planar metal coil loops. Planar antennas such as antenna 114 shown in Figure 1A typically have non-isotropic radio frequency (RF) field characteristics. In other words, planar antennas typically have different reception and/or transmission efficiencies in different directions. For example, it is well known that a planar antenna coil typically emits maximum power in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the antenna coil. For example, axis 114 of Figure 1A indicates the direction in which antenna array 104 has the best transmit/receive performance. Equal RF effects in all directions by using multiple antennas oriented in different directions Can solve the non-isotropic performance defect of a single antenna in a known solution. However, the use of multiple RF antennas is expensive and undesirable because of the increased time taken to perform read operations using multiple RF antennas.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, the inventory item 102 has an attached RFID tag 106. In several configurations, the RFID tag 106 is a flat sign. As is well known in the art, a typical RFID tag 106 includes an antenna 126 for RF communication with the antenna array 104. The antenna 126 is an antenna for performing magnetic field communication with the antenna array 104 or a dipole antenna for performing electric field communication. In general, antenna 126 has a sensitivity axis 108 that is reduced as the angle between sensitivity axis 108 and sensitivity axis 114 of antenna array 104 increases. The signal transmission/reception performance of the RFID tag 106 is typically optimized when the sensitivity axes 114 and 108 are aligned. The coupling between the RFID tags 106 decreases as the angle between the sensitivity axes 114 and 108 increases. When the two axes are at right angles, the coupling between the RFID tags 106 becomes zero, as shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1B shows a partial configuration 150 of system 100 having inventory item 102 oriented in different directions of FIG. 1A. The inventory item 102 is now oriented such that the antenna axis 112 of the adhered RFID tag 110 is orthogonal to the antenna axis 114. The antenna axis 112 of the RFID tag antenna 126 is orthogonal to the antenna axis 114 of the antenna array 104. Typically, the antenna array 104 can be at a "blind spot" of the antenna array 104, that is, due to weak coupling between the antenna array 104 and the RFID tag 110, the antenna array 104 cannot "see" or sense the RFID tag 110 with a high probability of success. In some orientations of the inventory item 102, the antenna array 104 is also unable to sense the RFID tag 110 at all. Even if the inventory item 102 is designed to avoid the problem of misorientation operation of the RFID tag 110, for example, giving the user visual clues as to where to attach the RFID tag 110 and how to place the inventory item 102 in inventory (eg, borrowing By printing the "this face up" mark above the inventory item 102, the inventory item 102 may be applied due to the fall of the inventory item 102 during storage and use or the user incorrectly selecting the correct surface of the inventory item 102 to apply the RFID tag 110. Wrong orientation.

Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, typically the antenna axis of the inventory item 102 may be at an angle between a fully aligned position (e.g., as shown in Figure 1A) and a fully orthogonal position (as shown in Figure 1B). Therefore, it is generally a problem to sense the inventory item 102 by the antenna array 104. When the antenna axis is aligned with the antenna axis 114 of the antenna array 104, there is a highest probability of sensing, and when the antenna axis is orthogonal to the antenna axis 114, there is a minimum sense. Measuring probability. During operation, inventory item 102 may be reoriented or obscured due to a fall, resulting in inventory item 102 not being able to be sensed by antenna array 104, causing inventory tracking computer 128 to display an erroneous status of inventory item 102.

2A is a graphical representation of a portion of an RFID tag strip 202 in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure. At several facets, the RFID tag strip 202 can be used to overcome operational problems associated with the antenna shaft not being aligned. The RFID tag strip 202 includes a plurality of RFID tags 204, each having an antenna coil 206. In several configurations, the RFID tag 204 is arranged on the RFID tag strip 202 similar to a stamp on a roll of stamp. In several embodiments, the RFID tag 204 can have more than one type, such as a magnetically coupled RFID tag, an electrically coupled RFID tag, or a multi-frequency RFID tag.

In several configurations, each RFID tag 204 is individually tearable from the RFID tag strip 202. The RFID tag 204 is permanently adhered to the RFID tag strip 202, and the RFID tag strip 202 is assembled to adhere to the inventory item 102 (e.g., by providing an adhesive underneath). In a number of other configurations, in operation, the user can unwind a roll of RFID tag strips 202, cut or unload a fixed length strip, and wrap and adhere the desired length of strip around the inventory item. In several configurations, each RFID tag 204 has a unique identification number associated with the RFID tag 204. In several configurations, the RFID tag 204 adjacent to the other RFID tag 204 on the RFID tag strip 202 identifies the serial number as continuous (eg, identification numbers 0x01, 0x02, 0x03, etc.). In several configurations, the identification numbers of the RFID tags 204 are in a random order. In several configurations, the RFID tag strip 202 is made of flexible plastic or paper such that the RFID tag strip 202 can be rolled into a roll.

2B is a graphical representation of a portion of an RFID tag strip 202 in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, the RFID tag strip 202 includes a perforation 232 between each two RFID tags 204 to assist the user in easily tearing away from the RFID tag strip 202. In general, several embodiments of the RFID tag strip 202 are after a regular number of RFID tags 202 (eg, between every two or every three RFID tags 204) or at irregular intervals (eg, after every N RFID tags 202, Where N is an integer from 1 to 10) may include perforations 232.

2C is a graphical representation 260 of a portion of a configuration portion RFID tag strip 202 in accordance with the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C, the RFID tag strip 202 includes an RFID tag 204 disposed on the RFID tag strip 202 at irregular intervals and in random orientation. The illustrated representation 260 includes a perforation 232. In various embodiments, the perforations 232 can be arranged in different ways or can be deleted. In one facet, the random orientation of the RFID tag 204 can assist in the random orientation of the corresponding sensitivity axis 108 as part of the RFID tag strip 202 adheres to the surface of an inventory item.

2D is a graphical representation of an RFID tag strip 202 configured in accordance with several aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 2D shows a cross-sectional view of the RFID tag strip 202 along the plane of the RFID tag strip 202 in the direction of arrow IIB of Figure 2A. The RFID tag strip 202 comprises a base 222 made of a strong but flexible material such as a clear plastic tape or paper tape. The RFID tag strip 202 further includes an RFID tag 204 mounted on the top surface 228 of the base 222. In several configurations, the RFID tag 204 is adhered to the top surface 228 using a non-removable adhesive. In several configurations, the RFID tag 204 is mounted on the top surface 228 by routing the electronic components of the RFID tag 204 (e.g., the antenna coil 206 and the integrated circuit 205) on the top surface 228 and covering the electronic components with a protective cover. In several embodiments, the RFID tag strip 202 includes a substrate 222 covered with an adhesive layer over which a plurality of RFID tags 204 are placed such that the RFID tag 204 can be peeled off and applied from the RFID tag strip 202 during use. To inventory item 102.

The adhesive layer 224 covers the bottom surface 229 of the base 222 in a number of configurations. In a number of configurations, the adhesive layer 224 is covered by a selective tear-off layer 226. The peelable layer 226 protects the adhesive layer 224 from undesired sticking before the user adheres to the inventory item 102. The user tears away the tearable layer 226 and adheres the RFID tag strip 202 to the inventory item 102. In some embodiments, the tear-off layer 226 is formed from a non-tackable tearable material such as a stencil or a non-stick plastic film. In several embodiments, the adhesive layer 224 is made from one of several well known pressure sensitive adhesive materials such as epoxy.

A protective layer 220 is applied to the top surface 222 and the RFID tag 204 to protect the electrically sensitive antenna elements from abrasion and tear during storage and use. In a number of configurations, the protective layer 220 can be used to protect the top surface 222 from adhesion to the adhesive layer 224 when the RFID label strip 202 is rolled into a strip roll. In several configurations, the protective layer 220 is made of a plastic (eg, non-conductive plastic) that is "penetrating" to an RF signal that can be transmitted or received by the antenna coil 206.

Figure 2E is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID tag sheet 238 configured in accordance with several aspects of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2E, the RFID tags 204 are arranged in three columns on the RFID tag sheet 238. As shown in FIG. 2E, the "gift package" embodiment of the RFID tag sheet 238 can be used to adhere the RFID tag 204 to the large inventory item 102. In general, the RFID tags 204 can be organized into a plurality of columns on the RFID tag sheet 238, or can be mounted on the RFID tag sheet 238 in any other two-dimensional pattern (e.g., randomly arranged). In several embodiments, the RFID tag sheet 238 is stored in a cylindrical roll like a gift wrap.

Figure 2F is a graphical representation of an RFID tag 262 configured in accordance with several aspects of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2F, a plurality of RFID tags 204 are randomly oriented and disposed on the RFID tag 262. The logo embodiment 262 can be used to adhere the RFID tag 204 to the surface of the inventory item 102 by applying a single RFID tag 262 to the surface. At a facet, the random orientation of the RFID tag 204 can assist in improving the coupling with the antenna array 104 regardless of the orientation independence of the inventory item 102.

Figure 2G is a graphical representation of a roll of RFID tag strips 202. The RFID tag roll 250 is shown with a roll portion 252 and an outer roll portion 254 (for example, for attachment during use), and a plurality of RFID tags 204 are visible on the roll portion 252 and the roll outer strip portion 254.

Still referring to FIG. 2E, the RFID tag sheet 238 has a larger two-dimensional extent than the RFID tag strip 202, making it available for application to large two-dimensional areas (eg, large surfaces of the pizza box-shaped inventory item 102). In several embodiments, the RFID tag sheet 238 is made of the same material as described with reference to Figures 2A through 2D.

FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID inventory tracking system 300 in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure. The inventory item 102 is "wrapped" using the RFID tag strip 202 such that multiple surfaces of the inventory item 102 are adhered using at least one RFID tag 204. While the inventory item 102 is shown to have a cubic shape in Figure 3A, typically the inventory item 102 can have any shape and can have a non-uniform surface (eg, a rounded surface). Regardless of the shape of the inventory item 102, the user can typically attach one or more RFID tag strips 202 to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item 102 such that the attachment of the RFID tags has different antenna axis orientations relative to each other. direction. In several configurations, several individual RFID tags (e.g., RFID tag 302) may wrap around the edge of inventory item 102.

Still referring to FIG. 3A, in some embodiments, computer 128 is further coupled to scan antenna 140 via a communication module such as a printed circuit board (not shown). Before or after attaching the plurality of RFID tags 204 to the inventory item 102, the user uses the scanning antenna 140 to associate the plurality of RFID tags 204 with the individual inventory items 102. The associated operations are further described below. Scanning antenna 140 may be, for example, an RFID antenna or a bar code antenna, or one of a number of communication devices that are well known to interface with computer 128. Scanning antenna 140 is not necessary. For example, in several embodiments, antenna array 104 can be assembled to perform the operation of antenna 140. In some embodiments, a user uses a keyboard and/or touch screen to associate a plurality of RFID tags 204 with individual inventory items 102.

In system 300, the RFID tags are attached around the inventory item 102 such that the three antenna axes 108, 109, and 110 cause the inventory item 102 to become "visible" to the antenna array 104, and to the inventory item 102 relative to the antenna array 104. The orientation of the antenna shaft 114 is independent. This ensures that regardless of the location and orientation of the inventory item 102, the probability of error in counting the inventory item 102 is low. In general, the inventory item 102 has a non-uniform surface, and the wrapping of the RFID tag strip 202 is applied around, adhering the plurality of RFID tags 204 to a plurality of orientations, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the one or more RFID tags 204 by the antenna array 104. The probability of the measurement is independent of the directivity of the inventory item 102 relative to the antenna array 104.

Still referring to FIG. 3A, occasionally in order to successfully sense inventory item 102 by antenna array 104, the antenna axis of RFID tag 204 aligned with antenna array 104 may still be insufficient. For example, inventory item 102 has three additional surfaces that are not visible in Figure 3A, corresponding to the opposite side surfaces of the visible surface. The antenna axes of the two RFID tags 204 adhered to the right side face 302 and the corresponding left side face (not visible in FIG. 3A) are oriented in the direction of the antenna axis 108. However, it is possible for the inventory item 102 to be adhered to the left side, even when the antenna axis of the RFID tag 204 is aligned with the direction of the antenna array 104, the RF array sensing cannot be performed by the antenna array 104 because the inventory item 102 may attenuate the adhesion. The signal communication path between the RFID tag 204 on the left side and the antenna array 104. Therefore, in general, in order to have a high probability (eg, 99.999%) sensing the inventory item 102 by the antenna array 104, the RFID tag 204 needs its antenna axis aligned with the antenna axis of the antenna array 104, and the RFID tag 204 is not covered by the RFID tag 204. The attached inventory item 102 is hidden (e.g., a clear line of sight between the antenna array 104 and the RFID tag 204).

By way of example and not limitation, several embodiments of an inventory tracking system in accordance with the principles disclosed herein are now described, while the embodiments are described with reference to the storage of medical inventory items in a health care facility, but the same principles can be applied to any inventory. Tracking system. Several examples include mail storage facilities, inventory storage in stores, and the like.

FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic representation of an RFID inventory tracking system 350 in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure. In the health care facility, the inventory item 102 can be a pharmaceutical package, vial or surgical device stored in the medical supply cabinet 352. Antenna array 104 can include an antenna positioned on the side of the medical product cabinet, such as top surface 354 and bottom surface 356 of the medical product cabinet. During operation, individual drug inventory items may be placed in or removed from the medical supply cabinet and stored on shelf 358. Drug inventory items are often stacked one on top of the other. Since the RFID tag strip 202 is wrapped around an inventory item (eg, inventory item 102), the drug inventory item in the medical supply cabinet can be detected at a very high probability, and the orientation of the item with the medicine item is stored or otherwise stored. The cargo item 102 is unrelated. The use of the RFID tag strip 202 may also facilitate assisting in reducing the number of antennas used in the antenna array 104 in a number of configurations. For example, items in a drug storage cabinet can be tracked with high confidence using only two antennas. One antenna is placed on top of the medicine cabinet and one antenna is placed on the bottom of the medicine cabinet. The entire surface of the storage cabinet, such as the side and back. As is well known in the art, the capital cost and time spent sensing the inventory item will also increase as the number of antennas used to sense the RFID tag increases. In addition, it may be desirable to maintain a low number of transmit RF antennas to reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference with patients and other medical devices and care providers. In some facets, comparing the inventory management system in which more antennas are provided to provide inventory tracking, the error probability is low, and the wrapping around the RFID tag strip 202 can excellently assist in the operation of the inventory tracking system using fewer antennas. .

Figure 4 is a flow diagram of the operation of an inventory tracking method 400 in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure. The method 400 is embodied, for example, in the computer 128, and is associated with the inventory item among a plurality of RFID tag values corresponding to the plurality of RFID tags at operation 402. To assist in operation 402, the user instructs computer 128 to "log in to RFID" mode. In this mode, the user does not have a particular order to load the identity of the inventory item and one or more RFID tag values associated with the inventory item to the computer 128. The identity of the inventory item is, for example, a text string. The user can optionally load a description of the item being stored (eg "Drug X 100 Ingot"). The user uses a keyboard or touch screen, such as a keyboard or touch screen, to communicate with the computer 128 to load the inventory item identity and any associated descriptions. In several embodiments, the user selects the identity of the inventory item from a drop-down form of all possible inventory item types.

Still referring to operation 402 of FIG. 4, the user loads a plurality of RFID tag values associated with the inventory item by loading a plurality of RFID tag values using one of a plurality of methods. For example, in several configurations, the user uses a scanning antenna 140 on the computer 128 that is different than any of the antennas in the RFID antenna array 104 used to sense inventory items. In order to use the scanning antenna 140, the user maintains the corresponding RFID tag near the scanning antenna 140, possibly wirelessly sensing the RFID tag at a specific angle, and communicating the sensed RFID tag value to the computer 128. The inventory item is associated. In several configurations, the RFID tag can have a human or machine readable tag value printed thereon (eg, a bar code or alphanumeric string), and the user can use a bar code scanner or manually load the RFID tag value into the computer 128 . In several configurations, the RFID tag values associated with the inventory item may be in a sequential order, and the user loads a start tag value and an end tag value (or a range) to be interposed between and included in the sequence of values. All values of the start tag value and the end tag value are associated with the inventory item. In a number of configurations, there is a one-to-one correspondence between RFID tag values, and the user associates the inventory item with an RFID tag value that is ripped by the user on the portion of the RFID tag strip 202 that is used to adhere to the inventory item.

Still referring to FIG. 4, at operation 403, a plurality of RFID tags are adhered to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item such that the antenna axes of the plurality of RFID tags are oriented in a plurality of directions. In several embodiments, multiple RFID tags are adhered to a single surface due to the positioning of individual RFID tags from multiple RFID tags (eg, RFID tag strip 260 of Figure 2C, or RFID tag 262 of Figure 2F) The directionality and sensitivity cause the inventory item to become "visible" to the antenna array 104. The user may, for example, unfold a roll of RFID tag strip 202, cut a portion of the RFID tag strip 202, and adhere the portion of the RFID tag strip 202 to one or more surfaces of the item 102 for attachment. The user can repeatedly cut and fix until at least one or all of the outer surfaces of the inventory item 102 have at least one RFID tag 204 adhered thereto.

Still referring to FIG. 4, in several embodiments, the adhesion operation 403 is performed prior to the association operation 402. In such embodiments, the user first attaches the RFID tag to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item 102 and then scans or senses the inventory item using the antenna array 104 or the scanning antenna 140 to attach the RFID tag. Associated with the inventory item.

After performing the associative operation 402 and the fixed operation 403, the user places the inventory item in inventory (eg, a medical supply cabinet).

Still referring to FIG. 4, at operation 404, computer 128 can wirelessly sense RFID tag 204 in inventory using antenna array 104. The computer 128 performs operation 404 continuously, periodically, or when an event occurs, such as when the inventory door is open. As is well known in the art, sensing is performed by the computer 128 transmitting an inquiry message requesting a reply from the RFID tag 204 within the transmission range of the antenna array 104. The computer 128 directs the query message by addressing the query message to a subset of all RFID tags or RFID tags, such as within the address area of the transmitted query message. When the antenna array 104 receives an RF signal from the RFID tag 204 carrying the RFID message, the antenna array 104 communicates the received message to the computer 128. The computer 128 then processes the received message to extract the RFID tag value (if any) present therein.

At any time or when certain events occur (eg, when the door of the inventory storage area is opened), computer 128 performs operation 406 to determine whether the sensed RFID tag value corresponds to a known inventory item (ie, the association has been previously performed) The inventory item of operation 402). If one or more of the sensed RFID tag values match a plurality of RFID tag values associated with an inventory item, computer 128 determines that the inventory item is present in inventory (operation 410). Conversely, if none of the sensed RFID tag values match any of the plurality of RFID tag values associated with an inventory item, then at operation 412, the computer determines that the item does not exist in the inventory. . At operation 414, the computer 128 updates the inventory database to reflect the decisions made by operation 410 or operation 412.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a number of related modules of a plurality of configuration computers 128 in accordance with the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrated modules may be embodied as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. Computer 128 includes a tag association module 502. In several configurations, the tag association module 502 can perform the aforementioned operations 402. The computer 128 includes a tag sensing module 504. In several configurations, the tag sensing module 504 performs the aforementioned operations 404. The computer 128 can include an inventory tracking module 506. In several configurations, inventory tracking module 506 performs the aforementioned operations 406, 410, 412, and 414.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer system 600 in accordance with several configurations of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, computer system 600 is operable to be used in inventory control computer 128. The computer system 600 includes a bus 602 or other communication mechanism for communication information, and the processor 604 is coupled to the bus 602 for processing information. The computer system 600 also includes a memory 606, such as a random access memory ("RAM") or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 602 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 604. Memory 606 can also be used to store temporally variable information or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 604. The computer system 600 further includes a data storage device 610, such as a magnetic disk or a compact disk, coupled to the busbar 602 for storing information and instructions.

The computer system 600 can be coupled to a display device (not shown) through an I/O module 608, such as a cathode ray tube ("CRT") or a liquid crystal display ("LCD") for displaying information to a computer user. An input device such as a keyboard or mouse can also be used to couple the computer system 600 through the I/O module 608 for communication information and command selection to the processor 604. Computer system 600 further includes a communication module for interfacing external communication components such as RFID antenna 104 or scanning antenna 140.

In accordance with a facet, inventory management is performed by computer system 600 in response to processor 604 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in memory 606. Such instructions may be read into memory 606 from another machine readable medium, such as data storage device 610. Execution of the sequence of instructions contained in main memory 606 causes processor 604 to perform the method steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be used to execute the sequences of instructions contained in memory 1206. In another facet, a wired circuit can be used to implement a specific facet instead of a software instruction or a combination of software instructions. As such, the various facets are not limited to a particular combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The term "machine readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such media may take many forms, including but not limited to non-electrical media, power-based media, and transmitting media. Non-electrical media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as data storage devices. Power-based media includes dynamic memory. The transmission medium includes a coaxial cable, a copper wire, and an optical fiber, and includes a wire including a busbar connection processor and a memory section. The transmitting medium can also be in the form of sound waves or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency communication or infrared data communication. Common forms of machine readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical media, punched cards, paper tape, any other holes. A style of physical media, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, carrier, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

A person skilled in the art will recognize that the sections, modules, components, components, methods, and deductive rules of the various illustrative embodiments described herein may be embodied as an electronic hardware, a computer software, or a combination of both. Furthermore, it can be divided differently from the described method. To exemplify the interchangeability of such hardware and software, the foregoing descriptions of the sections, modules, components, components, methods, and deductive rules are generally described in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality can be embodied as a hardware or a soft system depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application.

It is to be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the steps or the various aspects of the disclosed methods are intended to illustrate the method examples. Based on design preferences, it is understood that a particular order or hierarchy of steps or segments in the method can be reorganized. The method items of the accompanying claims are intended to present elements of the various steps in a certain order of the <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> but not to the particular order or hierarchy presented.

The foregoing description is intended to enable a skilled artisan to implement the various aspects described herein. Modifications of such facets are apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein are also applicable to other facets. In this way, the scope of the patent application is not intended to be limited to the details described herein. Instead, it is based on the full scope of the patent application. Unless otherwise stated, the singular elements are not intended to mean "one and only". Indicates "one or more". Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "a number" means one or more. Synonymous with men (such as his) also includes women and neutrals (such as hers and itss) and vice versa. All of the structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described in the present disclosure are known to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be Inside. In addition, the disclosure herein is not intended to be disclosed to the public unless such disclosure is expressly stated in the scope of the claims. The components of the patent application scope are not interpreted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 6 of 35 USC § 112, unless the component is explicitly quoted using the “device for its use” or in the method of the patent application, the component uses “steps”. It is used for "clearly quoted."

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited by the description, and the scope of the disclosure is limited only by the scope of the accompanying claims. In addition, skilled artisans are aware that although the description has been made generally with reference to the inventory management of a health care facility, some of the configurations disclosed herein may be used in an inventory management system.

All of the elements, components and steps described herein are preferably inclusive. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that any of these elements, components or steps may be replaced by other elements, components and steps. Conception

At least the following concepts have been disclosed in writing herein.

Concept 1. A method of tracking an inventory, comprising: associating a plurality of RFID values corresponding to a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags with an inventory item; attaching the plurality of RFID tags to the inventory item The plurality of surfaces such that the antenna axes of the plurality of RFID tags are oriented in a plurality of directions; and the RFID tags that are attached to the items in the inventory are wirelessly sensed using an antenna array including one or more antennas; and If one or more of the plurality of RFID values associated with the inventory item are sensed, then the inventory item is determined to be present in the inventory, otherwise the inventory item is determined not to be present in the inventory.

Concept 2. The method of Concept 1, wherein the adhering comprises adhering the plurality of RFID tags such that at least one RFID tag is adhered to respective outer surfaces of the inventory item.

Concept 3. The method of Concept 1, wherein the plurality of RFID tags are provided in an RFID tag strip.

Concept 4. The method of Concept 3, wherein the adhering comprises adhering a portion of the strip of RFID tags to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item.

Concept 5. The method of Concept 1, wherein the plurality of RFID values are in a sequential order.

Concept 6. The method of Concept 1, wherein the plurality of RFID values are in a random order.

Concept 7. The method of Concept 1, wherein the correlating comprises wirelessly sensing the plurality of RFID tags using a scan antenna, and wherein the scan antenna is different from the one or more antennas of the antenna array.

Concept 8. The method of Concept 1, wherein the associating comprises wirelessly sensing the plurality of RFID tags using the antenna array.

Concept 9. An inventory tracking system comprising: an RFID strip comprising a plurality of RFID tags mounted on a substrate, the RFID tag being adhered to an inventory item using an adhesive bottom surface of the substrate; an antenna An array comprising one or more antennas assembled to sense an RFID tag; and a computer coupled to the antenna array and configured to track a plurality of inventory items.

Concept 10. The inventory tracking system of Concept 9, further comprising a medical supply cabinet for storing a plurality of inventory items.

Concept 11. The inventory tracking system of Concept 9, wherein the plurality of tags are linearly aligned on the RFID strip.

Concept 12. The inventory tracking system of Concept 9, wherein the plurality of tags are arranged in a plurality of columns on the RFID strip.

Concept 13. The inventory tracking system of Concept 10, wherein the antenna array comprises a first antenna mounted on a top surface of the medical supply cabinet and a second antenna mounted on a bottom surface of the medical supply cabinet.

Concept 14. The inventory tracking system of Concept 9, further comprising a scanning antenna communicatively coupled to the computer and one or more of the antenna arrays.

Concept 15. An RFID tag strip for an inventory tracking system, the strip comprising: a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of RFID tags mounted on a top surface of the substrate, each RFID tag comprising An antenna for transmitting and receiving an RF signal; covering an adhesive layer on a bottom surface of the substrate, the adhesive layer being used to adhere the RFID tag strip to an inventory item; wherein the plurality of RFID tags each have a An associated unique identifier; wherein the RFID tag strip can be wound into a roll.

Concept 16. The RFID label strip of Concept 15 further comprising: a tear-off layer covering the adhesive layer, the peelable layer protecting the adhesive layer from being removed from the RFID label strip Adhered to the RFID tag strip when wound into a roll.

Concept 17. The RFID tag strip of Concept 15 further comprising: a protective layer covering the top surface and the plurality of RFID tags, the protective layer protecting the plurality of RFID tags from abrasion and tearing .

Concept 18. The RFID tag strip of Concept 15, wherein the plurality of RFID tags are arranged in a single column on the substrate.

Concept 19. The RFID tag strip of Concept 18, further comprising a perforation between the predetermined number of RFID tags.

Concept 20. The RFID tag strip of Concept 15, wherein the plurality of RFID tags are arranged in a plurality of columns on the substrate.

Concept 21. The RFID tag strip of Concept 15 wherein the plurality of RFID tags are randomly oriented on the top surface.

Concept 22. The RFID tag strip of Concept 15, wherein the plurality of RFID tags comprise more than one of the types of RFID tags from magnetically coupled RFID tags, electrically coupled RFID tags, and multi-frequency RFID tags.

100‧‧‧Pre-Technology RFID Inventory Tracking System

102‧‧‧Inventory items

104‧‧‧RFID antenna, antenna array

106, 110, 204, 204a, 302‧‧‧ RFID tags

108, 109, 110, 112, 114‧‧‧sensitivity axis, antenna axis

126, 140‧‧‧Antenna, scanning antenna

128‧‧‧ computer

140‧‧‧Antenna

150‧‧‧Partial configuration

202‧‧‧RFID label strip

205‧‧‧ integrated circuit

206‧‧‧Antenna coil

220‧‧‧Protective layer

222‧‧‧ base

224‧‧‧Adhesive layer

226‧‧‧ peelable layer

228‧‧‧ top surface

229‧‧‧ bottom

232‧‧‧Perforation

238‧‧‧RFID label sheet

240, 260‧‧‧ RFID tag strip diagram representative map

250‧‧‧RFID label roll

252‧‧‧Volume Department

254‧‧‧External strips

262‧‧‧RFID logo, RFID tag logo

300, 350‧‧‧ RFID Inventory Tracking System

302‧‧‧RFID tag, right side

352‧‧‧ medical supplies cabinet

354‧‧‧ top surface

356‧‧‧ bottom

358‧‧‧ Shelf

400‧‧‧ method

402-414‧‧‧ operation

502‧‧‧Label Association Module

504‧‧‧Label sensing module

506‧‧‧Stock Tracking Module

600‧‧‧ computer system

602‧‧ ‧ busbar

604‧‧‧ processor

606‧‧‧ memory

608‧‧‧I/O module

610‧‧‧ data storage device

612‧‧‧Communication Module

400. . . method

402-414. . . operating

Claims (21)

A method of tracking an inventory, comprising the steps of: assigning a portion of an RFID strip, wherein the portion of the distribution includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags; appending the portion of the RFID strip to an inventory item Having the antenna axes of the plurality of RFID tags oriented in a plurality of directions; the plurality of RFID tags of the allocated portion of the RFID strip are associated with the inventory item; wireless sensing is attached to the Determining at least one of the RFID tags of the RFID strip of the item of goods; and if the at least one of the RFID tags associated with the item of inventory is sensed, determining that the item of inventory is present in the In stock. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional step comprises attaching the portion of the RFID tag strip to at least two adjacent outer surfaces of the inventory item. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of RFID tags are randomly oriented on the RFID tag strip. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of RFID tags comprise a plurality of individual RFID values in a sequential order. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of RFID tags comprise individual RFID values in a random order. For example, the method of claim 1 of the patent scope, wherein the associated step package The plurality of RFID tags are wirelessly sensed using a scanning antenna. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of correlating comprises wirelessly sensing the plurality of RFID tags using an antenna array comprising one or more antennas. An inventory tracking system comprising: a radio frequency identification (RFID) strip comprising: a substrate having a bottom surface; a plurality of RFID tags mounted on the substrate; and an adhesive coupled to the bottom surface of the substrate a layer; wherein the RFID strip is assembled such that a distribution portion of the RFID strip includes a plurality of RFID tags; an antenna array including one or more antennas assembled to sense an RFID tag; and coupled to the An antenna array and a computer that is configured to track one of a plurality of inventory items. The inventory tracking system of claim 8 of the patent application further includes a medical supply cabinet for storing a plurality of inventory items. The inventory tracking system of claim 9, wherein the antenna array comprises a first antenna mounted on a top surface of the medical supply cabinet and a second antenna mounted on a bottom surface of the medical supply cabinet. The inventory tracking system of claim 8 wherein the plurality of RFID tags are randomly oriented on the RFID strip. The inventory tracking system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of RFID tags are arranged in a plurality of columns on the RFID strip. The inventory tracking system of claim 8 further comprising a scanning antenna different from the one or more antennas communicatively coupled to the antenna array of the computer. An RFID tag strip for use in an inventory tracking system, the strip comprising: a substrate having a bottom surface; a plurality of RFID tags coupled to the substrate, each RFID tag comprising one day for transmitting and receiving RF signals And an adhesive layer covering the bottom surface of at least a portion of the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of RFID tags has an associated unique identification symbol; wherein the RFID tag strip can be wound into a roll, And wherein the RFID strip is assembled such that one of the distribution portions of the RFID strip includes a plurality of RFID tags. The RFID label strip of claim 14 further comprising: a tearable layer covering the adhesive layer, the peelable layer protecting the adhesive layer from being wound when the RFID label strip is wound Adhered to the RFID tag strip as a roll. The RFID tag strip of claim 14 further comprising: a cover layer covering the top surface and the plurality of RFID tags, the protective layer is for protecting the plurality of RFID tags from abrasion and tearing crack. The RFID tag strip of claim 14, wherein the plurality of RFID tags are arranged in a single column on the substrate. For example, the RFID tag strip of claim 17 of the patent scope includes a plurality of wearing The aperture, wherein at least two RFID tags are disposed between adjacent perforations. The RFID tag strip of claim 14, wherein the plurality of RFID tags are arranged in a plurality of columns on the substrate. The RFID tag strip of claim 14, wherein the plurality of RFID tags are randomly oriented. The RFID tag strip of claim 14, wherein the plurality of RFID tags comprise more than one of a magnetically coupled RFID tag, an electrically coupled RFID tag, and a multi-frequency RFID tag.