U.S. patent application number 13/659624 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-10 for inventory monitoring system.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEEONIC, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is SEEONIC, INC.. Invention is credited to Ken Drewlo, Harley Feldman, Peter Grimlund, Nicholas Singh.
Application Number | 20130264388 13/659624 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40387874 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130264388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grimlund; Peter ; et
al. |
October 10, 2013 |
Inventory Monitoring System
Abstract
An inventory monitoring system including a data collection and
transmission module and a data evaluation module. The data
collection and transmission module receives data from an RFID tag
and transmits the data to the data evaluation module to thereby
enable the presence of a product to which the RFID tag is
attached.
Inventors: |
Grimlund; Peter; (Plymouth,
MN) ; Feldman; Harley; (Shorewood, MN) ;
Drewlo; Ken; (Maple Grove, MN) ; Singh; Nicholas;
(Apple Valley, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SEEONIC, INC. |
Plymouth |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SEEONIC, INC.
Plymouth
MN
|
Family ID: |
40387874 |
Appl. No.: |
13/659624 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12202207 |
Aug 29, 2008 |
8319607 |
|
|
13659624 |
|
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|
60968798 |
Aug 29, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/385 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/087
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/385 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20120101
G06Q010/08 |
Claims
1. An inventory monitoring system for monitoring the presence of a
product having a product identification tag associated therewith,
wherein the product identification tag contains product
identification information, wherein the inventory monitoring system
comprises: a first data acquisition and transmission device
comprising: a control subsystem; a wireless tag reader subsystem
operably communicating with the control subsystem; an array of
switches operably connecting the wireless tag reader subsystem to
at least one first antenna that are capable of receiving the
product identification information from the product identification
tag; a wireless communications subsystem operably communicating
with the control subsystem, wherein the wireless communications
subsystem is capable of transmitting the product identification
information via a ubiquitous wireless network; and a data
evaluation subsystem that is capable of receiving the product
identification data, and processing the product identification
data.
2. The inventory monitoring system of claim 1, wherein at least one
of the control subsystem, the wireless tag reader subsystem, the
wireless communication subsystem and the plurality of antennae are
removably mounted in the inventory monitoring system.
3. The inventory monitoring system of claim 1, and further
comprising a location monitoring subsystem operably connected to
the control subsystem, wherein the location monitoring subsystem is
capable of tracking a location of the first data acquisition and
transmission device.
4. The inventory monitoring system of claim 1, and further
comprising a power supply subsystem operably attached to at least
one of the control subsystem, the wireless tag reader subsystem and
the wireless communication subsystem.
5. The inventory monitoring system of claim 1, and further
comprising a power source that is removably attached to the data
acquisition and transmission device.
6. The inventory monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the power
source is a battery.
7. The inventory monitoring system of claim 1, and further
comprising a second data acquisition and transmission device
comprising: a second control subsystem; a second wireless tag
reader subsystem operably communicating with the second control
subsystem; a second array of switches operably connecting the
second wireless tag reader subsystem to at least one second antenna
that are capable of receiving the product identification
information from the product identification tag; and a
communications subsystem operably communicating with the second
control subsystem, wherein the communications subsystem is capable
of transmitting the product identification information to the first
data acquisition and transmission device.
8. A process for collecting and managing information about
products, wherein the process comprises: providing a first data
acquisition and transmission device comprising a first control
subsystem, a first wireless tag reader subsystem and a wireless
communication subsystem; associating a product identification tag
with a product, wherein the product identification tag contains
product identification information; receiving the product
identification information from the product identification tag with
a first antenna that is associated with the first wireless tag
reader subsystem; transmitting the product identification
information with the wireless communication subsystem via a
ubiquitous wireless communication network; receiving the
transmitted product identification information in a data evaluation
subsystem; and processing and storing the product identification
information in the data evaluation subsystem.
9. The process of claim 8, and further comprising placing at least
one of the first control subsystem, the first wireless tag reader
subsystem and the wireless communication subsystem are in a reduced
power operating mode when the first control subsystem is not
receiving the product identification information and transmitting
the product identification information.
10. The process of claim 8, wherein the wireless communication
subsystem is configured to only permit connections initiated by the
control subsystem.
11. The process of claim 8, and further comprising issuing an alert
from the data evaluation subsystem when the product identification
information indicates that product inventory is less than a
threshold value.
12. The process of claim 8, and further comprising powering the
first data acquisition and transmission device with a
self-contained power source.
13. The process of claim 8, and further comprising tracking a
location of the first data acquisition and transmission device with
a location monitoring subsystem that is operably connected to the
first control subsystem.
14. The process of claim 8, and further comprising attaching a
product identification tag to the first antenna, wherein the
product identification tag contains product identification
information.
15. The process of claim 8, and further comprising attaching a
product identification tag to a support on which or in which the
product is placed, wherein the product identification tag contains
product identification information.
16. The process of claim 8, and further comprising transmitting
additional information selected from the group consisting of power
status, signal strength of ubiquitous wireless communication
network, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, location of the
first data acquisition and transmission device, transmission
integrity information and combinations thereof.
17. The process of claim 8, and further comprising: providing a
second data acquisition and transmission device comprising a second
control subsystem, a second wireless tag reader subsystem and a
communication subsystem; receiving the product identification
information from the product identification tag with a second
antenna that is associated with the second wireless tag reader
subsystem; and transmitting the product identification information
with the communication subsystem to the first data acquisition and
transmission device.
18. The process of claim 8, and further comprising transmitting
information from the data evaluation subsystem to remotely
configure the data acquisition and transmission device.
19. The process of claim 8, and further comprising: repeating the
receiving product identification information and aggregating the
product identification information; and preparing a product
replenishment or promotion execution algorithm from the aggregated
product identification information.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/202,207, filed on Aug. 29, 2008, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/968,798,
filed Aug. 29, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to a product monitoring
system. More particularly, the invention relates to an RFID product
monitoring system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In certain industries there is a significant value of
product in inventory either in the retail store or at other
locations in the distribution chain. Accurately tracking the amount
and location of inventory helps to not only reduce the amount of
inventory but also to prevent the inventory from spoiling.
[0004] In many industries retailers rely on point of sale systems
to track product sales. Using this data the retailers calculate the
inventory by subtracting products sold from the incoming products.
A significant limitation of such a system is that it cannot provide
data on the number of products that are actually on the store
shelves at a particular time, as it is possible for products to be
removed from the store shelves for a variety of reasons such as
theft.
[0005] There are also certain classes of products such as DVDs, CDs
and computer games that have significant initial demand when
initially released. The ability to accurately stock these products
plays an important role in maximizing the revenue potential before
the interest in such products wanes. At such time, the inventory
level should be reduced and the retailer may consider offering
promotions such as price discounts to enhance the sales of such
products.
[0006] As a result, the actual inventory is periodically determined
by manual counting of the product on the store shelves. While such
a process can be quite time consuming and, as such, expensive, this
process enables the retailer to reconcile the difference between
the number of products actually on the store shelves with the data
provided by the point of sale system. The retailer would thereby be
able to ascertain if any products are missing.
[0007] Under conventional product distribution models,
manufacturers generally ship products to distribution centers that
then supply the products to the retail stores. While the
distribution centers enable products to be rapidly delivered to the
retail stores when needed, operating the distribution centers is a
significant expense and results in carrying a large amount of
inventory value.
[0008] In an attempt to increase the productivity of distribution
centers and decrease their inventory, retailers are increasingly
having products delivered directly to the retail stores. Since
retail stores often have limited space to store excess products on
shelves or in storage areas, directly shipping products to retail
stores requires more accurate information about the number of
products on the store shelves at any given time.
[0009] Another area where a large value of inventory may exist is
in medical devices that are marketed by sales representatives.
These sales representatives are typically based in a location that
is not close to the company's office. As such, the sales
representative typically maintains an inventory of the products in
his/her home or vehicle.
[0010] While this approach enables the sales representative to
demonstrate the product to potential purchasers and quickly deliver
the product when purchased, this approach leads to each sales
representative having a relatively large value of products in
his/her possession at any given time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An embodiment of the invention is directed to an inventory
monitoring system that includes a data collection and transmission
subsystem and a data evaluation subsystem. The data collection and
transmission subsystem includes a microprocessor subsystem, an RFID
reader subsystem, an RFID antenna and a communication
subsystem.
[0012] The RFID reader subsystem is operably connected to the
microprocessor subsystem. The RFID antenna is operably connected to
the RFID reader subsystem for receiving information from an RFID
tag. The communication subsystem is operably connected to the
microprocessor subsystem. The communication subsystem is capable of
transmitting the RFID tag information to the data evaluation
subsystem.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments
and together with the description serve to explain principles of
embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages
of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better
understood by reference to the following detailed description. The
elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to
each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar
parts.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an inventory monitoring system
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a data collection and
transmission subsystem for use in conjunction with the inventory
monitoring system.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
inventory monitoring system.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the inventory monitoring system.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a data flow in the
inventory monitoring system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which
is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional
terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading,"
"trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the
Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be
positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional
terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way
limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The following
detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the
appended claims.
[0020] An embodiment of the invention is particularly suited for
use in monitoring the status of products between leaving the
manufacturer or distribution center and recording the sale of the
product such as through a point of sale terminal. The inventory
monitoring system thereby provides data on what items are actually
on display and available for purchase. The invention also
eliminates manual counting of products when performing cycle
counts.
[0021] Additionally, the inventory monitoring system of the
invention enables more accurate decisions to be made about product
replenishment to reduce out-of-stocks and overstocks. The invention
also eliminates prior practices of using estimates or forecasts to
track product replenishment. The system further improves promotion
execution, improves product launch execution and enhances labor
efficiency.
[0022] While the inventory monitoring system is amenable for
installation and use by retailers, the concepts of the inventory
monitoring system are particularly suited for use by entities other
than the retailer that play roles in the manufacture and
distribution of products such as manufacturers.
[0023] The inventory monitoring system collects data about the
products and then transmits the data so that the data can be
analyzed to determine when the products need to be restocked. The
inventory monitoring system 10 may generally include three
components: (1) product tags 12 that are attached to a product 14,
(2) a data collection and transmission subsystem 16, and (3) a data
evaluation subsystem 18, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0024] The product tags 12 are typically RFID tags that may be put
onto the product 14 or product package during the manufacturing
process. Alternatively, the product tags 12 may be placed on the
product 14 during the distribution process. A person of skill in
the art will appreciate that the concepts of the invention may be
adapted for use with other types of objects that facilitate
communication with the data collection and transmission subsystem
16.
[0025] The data collection and transmission subsystem 16 may be
configured to be self-contained such that the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 may be operated without attachment to
external resources such as power or data transfer networks. This
configuration thereby enables the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 to be placed at any location in the retail store.
[0026] Configuring the communication system in this manner obviates
the need for the invention to be compatible with the power,
telephone or computer network at the location at which the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16 is located. Using this
communication system also eliminates potential security risks
associated with attaching to the retailer's power, telephone or
computer network.
[0027] To facilitate placing the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 in a variety of locations, the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 may have a relatively small size. In one
application, the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 has
a size of about 5 inches wide, 8 inches long and 2 inches high.
[0028] A cover may be provided on the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 that not only protects the components of
the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 from breakage but
also restricts access to components inside of the data collection
and transmission subsystem 16.
[0029] The data collection and transmission subsystem 16 may
include an RFID reader subsystem 20, a communication subsystem 22,
a microprocessor subsystem 24 and a power source 26, as illustrated
in FIG. 2. The data collection and transmission subsystem 16 may
further include an antenna multiplexer 28, which enables the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16 to be used with multiple
antennas.
[0030] The RFID reader subsystem 20 may be selected based upon a
variety of factors such as desired frequency. One suitable RFID
reader subsystem 20 is available from ThingMagic Inc. under the
designation M5e. Such an RFID subsystem enables determining the
port from which the data is being obtained to more accurately track
the location of the products that are being monitored with the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16. In certain embodiments,
it is possible to removably mount the RFID reader subsystem 20 in
the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 to facilitate
removing or replacing the RFID reader subsystem 20.
[0031] While it is possible for the communication subsystem 22 to
communicate with the data evaluation subsystem 18 using
conventional wired telephone, wired computer networks or wireless
computer networks, data may be transmitted between the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16 and the data evaluation
subsystem 18 using a wireless communication system such as a mobile
or cellular telephone network.
[0032] The communication subsystem 22 may be configured to operate
using a variety of communications protocols, examples of which
include GSM, GPRS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. One such suitable
communications subsystem 22 that is suitable for use with
conventional mobile wireless communication networks is available
from Siemens.
[0033] In certain embodiments, it is possible to removably mount
the communication subsystem 22 in the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 to facilitate removing or changing of the
communication subsystem 22. In certain embodiments, the
communication subsystem may include cellular triangulation
capabilities.
[0034] To enhance the battery life in the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16, the communications subsystem 22 may be
configured to only initiate calls. Alternatively, the
communications subsystem 22 may be configured to also receive calls
from the data evaluation subsystem 18.
[0035] While it is possible for the communications subsystem 22 to
operate in a single direction that transmits data to the data
evaluation subsystem 18, using a two-way communications system
enables the data evaluation subsystem 18 to issue requests for
additional data from the data collection and transmission subsystem
16 such as operational status of the data collection and
transmission subsystem 18 and ambient conditions.
[0036] To facilitate using the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 in a variety of locations in a number of countries,
the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 may include a SIM
card holder that is adapted to receive a SIM card such as is
conventionally used with mobile phones. Replacing the SIM card may
enable the data collection and transmission system 16 to be
utilized on other communication networks or in other countries.
[0037] To enhance the ability of the communication subsystem 22 to
connect with the communication network, a communication antenna 30
may be provided in the data collection and transmission subsystem
16. In certain embodiments, the communication antenna 30 may be
integrated with the other components of the communication subsystem
22 while in other embodiments, the communication antenna 30 may be
external to the data collection and transmission subsystem 16.
[0038] To enable tracking of the location of the data collection
and transmission subsystem 16, a GPS subsystem 32 may be included
in the data collection and transmission subsystem 16. In certain
embodiments, the GPS subsystem 32 may be embedded in the
communication subsystem 22.
[0039] The microprocessor subsystem 24 may have a relatively basic
configuration in view of the relatively limited functionality of
the data collection and transmission subsystem 16. Software may be
installed on the microprocessor subsystem 24 that provides
functionality for accepting data from the RFID reader subsystem 20,
cleansing the data read and communicating with the data evaluation
subsystem 18. One such microprocessor subsystem 24 is available
from Microchip Technology, Inc. While it is possible to utilize a
variety of types of microprocessors, in certain embodiments, the
microprocessor subsystem 24 may include power regulation
capabilities to enhance the battery life.
[0040] The microprocessor subsystem 24 or other components of the
data collection and transmission subsystem 16 may include a real
time clock that facilitates incorporating time stamping on events
of the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 as well as
data collected by the data collection and transmission subsystem
16.
[0041] The components of the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 may all be mounted on a printed circuit board. The
power source 26 may be AC or DC and may operate at a variety of
voltages. An advantage of using DC is that the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 may operate off of a battery 36 connected
thereto and thereby not need to be attached to an external power
source.
[0042] Depending on the number of product tags that are intended to
be scanned with the data collection and transmission subsystem 16,
a memory subsystem 34 may be provided in the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16. The memory subsystem 34 may be selected
with a size and type depending on the number of product tags that
are to be scanned and the frequency at which the product data is to
be transmitted to the data evaluation subsystem 18. In certain
embodiments, the memory subsystem 34 contains non-volatile memory
such as an EPROM and has the capacity to store product data from at
least 5,000 product tags.
[0043] The battery 36 may take a variety of forms. One suitable
configuration for the battery 36 is a 12 volt lead acid battery. It
is possible to configure the battery so that it is disposed after
being depleted or may be recharged after being depleted.
[0044] To facilitate replacing the battery 30, the battery 36 may
be mounted external to the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16. In certain embodiments, a modular connector may be
used to removably attach the battery 36 to the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16. The modular connector may include a
locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent disconnection of the
battery 36 from the data transmission and collection subsystem
16.
[0045] An important feature of extending the battery life of the
data collection and transmission subsystem 16 is to control when
the components in the data collection and transmission subsystem 16
are on. By default the components in the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 are off.
[0046] In between scanning the product tags and transmitting the
product data to the data evaluation unit 18, the data collection
and transmission unit 16 should be in a very low power consumption
sleep mode. Configuring the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 in this manner may enable the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 to operate for more than a month on a
single battery.
[0047] An RFID antenna 38 such as a HF or UHF antenna may be
connected to the multiplexer 28 or to the RFID reader 20 directly
that can accept HF or UHF signals from the RFID tags. The
multiplexer 28 enables multiple RFID antennas 38 to be connected to
the data collection and transmission subsystem 16. In one
configuration, the multiplexer 28 enables connection of 4 RFID
antennas 38. If a second set of 4 multiplexers 28 is connected
after the multiplexer 28, it would be possible to connect 16 RFID
antennas 38 to the data collection and transmission subsystem
16.
[0048] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that it is
possible to utilize additional layers of multiplexers 28 to attach
more RFID antennas 28 to the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16. It is also possible to utilize alternate multiplexers
that provide more or less than 4 RFID connection ports. One aspect
to note is that a limitation on the number of RFID antennas that
may be connected to the data collection and transmission subsystem
16 may be limited by the signal quality and the sensitivity of the
components. It may be possible to include an amplifier (not shown)
in the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 to enhance the
signal quality.
[0049] To increase the performance of the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16, the connectors used to attach the
antennas may exhibit a low insertion loss. While it is possible to
permanently attach the RFID antennas 38 to the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16, the connectors may enable removable
attachment of the RFID antennas 38. Examples of low loss connectors
that permit removable attachment of the RFID antennas 38 are U-FL
and MMCX.
[0050] The data collection and transmission subsystem 16 may also
include a ZIGBEE communication subsystem 40 to facilitate wireless
communication with components of the inventory monitoring system
10. One such suitable ZIGBEE communication subsystem 40 is
available from Microchip Technology Inc.
[0051] As an alternative to or in addition to using a ZIGBEE
communication subsystem 40, the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 may include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. A
criteria for selecting the communication protocol is that it
provide reliable transfer of the product data.
[0052] The ZIGBEE communication subsystem 40 enables the data
collection and transmission subsystems 16 to be configured as
either master units or slave units. The master units may have a
configuration similar to the configuration of the data collection
and transmission subsystem 16 that is discussed above. The slave
units may be formed with a lower cost configuration such as not
including a cellular communication subsystem.
[0053] In this configuration, each of the slave units communicates
with the master unit to transfer data regarding the product tags,
as illustrated in FIG. 4. The master unit then transmits the
product tag data to the data evaluation subsystem 18.
[0054] The data collection and transmission subsystem 16 may
include limited controls and displays on the surface thereof. One
such control may be a power button. Alternatively, the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16 may be turned on by
connecting to the battery 36. The data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 may be configured to initiate a call to the data
evaluation subsystem 18 when the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 is first powered on.
[0055] This process will enable the data evaluation unit 18 to
confirm that the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 is
being used in an authorized manner. The process can also enable the
data evaluation subsystem 18 to update the configuration of the
data collection and transmission subsystem 16 for the intended
application.
[0056] Examples of displays that may be provided on the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16 include a power indicator,
a transmit indicator, a scanning indicator, a sleep mode indicator,
and a communications signal strength indicator. It is possible for
the displays to take a variety of forms, examples of which include
LEDs.
[0057] The data collection and transmission subsystem 16 may be
configured to periodically transmit data to the data evaluation
system 18. The periodicity of data transmission from the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16 may be set in the data
evaluation subsystem 18. The periodicity may be adjusted to the
desired granularity of collecting the inventory from the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16, which affects the battery
life because the more often the product data is collected and
transmitted the shorter the battery life.
[0058] In addition to a unique product identification number, the
data received from the RFID product tags 12 may include additional
information, examples of which include a manufacturer
identification, a product number, and a lot number. The product tag
data may be associated with additional data, examples of which
include the time the data was acquired, the antenna that received
the data, and the location of the shelf. This information is
collectively identified as product data. The product data is stored
in memory in the data collection and transmission subsystem 16
until it is desired to transmit the product data to the data
evaluation subsystem 18.
[0059] In addition to tracking the presence of products on store
shelves, it is also possible to use the inventory monitoring system
10 to use RFID tags on additional items such as on the store
shelves and other objects that are placed in the store.
[0060] In certain embodiments, it may be important to ensure that
every one of the product tags is read before transmitting each
batch of product data. In these situations, the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 may scan the product tags multiple times.
For example, the scan may be performed five or more times.
Additionally or alternatively, the scan may be repeated until no
new tags are scanned. This process may be identified as smoothing
the data.
[0061] It may be appreciated that it is also possible to have the
data collection and transmission subsystem 16 conduct a single scan
of the product tags and then rely on the data evaluation subsystem
18 to compare the readings between batches of product data that are
received from the data collection and transmission subsystem
16.
[0062] One advantage of this approach is that it enables the
computing power to be moved from the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 to the data evaluation subsystem 18. This
process may also enable the size of the memory subsystem 34 to be
reduced.
[0063] The microprocessor subsystem 24 may process the product data
before transmitting the product data to the data evaluation
subsystem 18. Examples of this processing may include compressing
the product data and encrypting the product data.
[0064] Additionally, the product data may be transmitted in its
entirety or the product data may be scrubbed so that only unique
product data is transmitting by removing multiple entries from
particular product tags 12.
[0065] Next, the product data may be combined with other
information from the data collection and transmission subsystem 16
that is indicative of the operation of the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16. Examples of subsystem data include
battery voltage, communications network signal strength, ambient
temperature, ambient humidity, GPS location data, number of prior
failed attempts to transmit data, and validation information such
as a checksum to determine if there are transmission errors. In
certain embodiments, the subsystem data includes an inertial sensor
to monitor forces that are placed on the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16.
[0066] Even when data associated with a relatively large number of
product tags is transmitted in a single session, the size of the
data is relatively small. As such, having a high speed connection
to transfer the data is not required.
[0067] The subsystem data may also include data that identifies the
antennas that are connected to the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16. Associating the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 with a particular code reduces the potential of the
data collection and transmission subsystem 16 being used in an
unauthorized manner.
[0068] Thereafter, the communications subsystem initiates a call to
the data evaluation subsystem 18. Once the call is connected, the
product data and subsystem data are transferred to the data
evaluation subsystem 18. After the data evaluation subsystem 18
confirms that the data has been accurately received, the data
evaluation subsystem 18 may send instructions to the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16 to delete the product data
and the subsystem data from memory. This memory is thereby made
available for future data collection and transfer cycles.
[0069] The data evaluation subsystem 18 can also transmit other
information to the data collection and transmission subsystem 16,
examples of which include the current time, programming commands to
change the configuration of the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 and download additional software for the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16. The data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 may also transmit confirmation to the
data evaluation subsystem 18 to confirm that the commands received
from the data evaluation have been successfully executed.
[0070] If the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 has
reached the end of its life cycle or if it is determined that the
data collection and transmission subsystem 16 is being used in an
unauthorized manner, the data evaluation subsystem 18 may send a
kill code to the data collection and transmission subsystem 16. The
kill code may disable the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 to prevent future use of the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 or component parts thereof. The kill code
could also instruct the microprocessor subsystem 24 to erase the
memory. Additionally, the kill code could deactivate the
communications subsystem SIM card.
[0071] The data collection and transmission subsystem 16 may be
preattached to the retail display with the antenna(s) placed near
the products on the retail display to obtain data relating to the
products on the display. The data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 will begin operation and communication with the data
evaluation subsystem 18 upon being turned on by the person setting
up the display.
[0072] To enhance the accuracy of the inventory monitoring system,
the retail display on which the data collection and transmission
subsystem 16 is used may be fabricated from a material that
minimizes interference in the communication between the RFID
product tags and the RFID antenna. For example, the retail displays
may be configured to minimize the metal content or configured so
that the metal is oriented in a location that is not between the
RFID product tags and the RFID antenna.
[0073] The retail displays may be configured in at least two groups
with one of the groups intended for shorter term use and another
group intended for longer term use. The group of retail displays
intended for the shorter term use may include data collection and
transmission subsystems 16 that have fewer components and are less
expensive to manufacture. For example, such units may have a slave
configuration with a ZIGBEE or similar communication subsystem
instead of a cellular communication network. Alternatively or
additionally, less expensive or shorter life battery may be used
with such short term use units.
[0074] The data evaluation subsystem 18 receives data from the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
The data evaluation subsystem 18 may contain a database of multiple
data collection and transmission subsystems 16 that includes not
only inventory reports but also information about the status of
each data collection and transmission subsystem 16.
[0075] In certain embodiments, the data evaluation subsystem 18
includes basic functionality to merely report the data that is
received from data collection and transmission subsystems 16 that
are operably attached thereto. The data evaluation subsystem 18 may
also include the ability to review individual packages of data that
are received from the data collection and transmission subsystems
18 and remove duplicate data points.
[0076] The data evaluation subsystem 18 may be associated with a
display that is accessible by a user through an internet web site
that allows a person to view the data. It is also possible to
configure the data evaluation subsystem 18 so that data may be
accessed through other mechanisms, examples of which include a
wired or wireless computer network. The data evaluation subsystem
18 may provide options to configure the manner in which data is
provided for display and/or download.
[0077] In a basic configuration, the data evaluation subsystem 18
may indicate when products are added to or removed from the
collection of products being monitored. The data evaluation
subsystem 18 may also include analytical capabilities that enable
the inventory monitoring system to predict when restocking will be
necessary based upon a variety of factors such as day, time,
weather, etc. It is also possible for the data evaluation subsystem
18 to predict when restocking is needed based upon particular
events. An example of a data flow chart is set forth in FIG. 5
[0078] The inventory monitoring system 10 has a variety of
applications. In its most basic configuration, the inventory
monitoring system 10 can issue alerts when products are placed on
display shelves and when it is necessary to restock the products
and thereby prepare reports on the inventory turnover rates. The
inventory monitoring system 10 can also be utilized to monitor
product expiration dates to encourage retailers to display products
so that the products expiring first are displayed more prominently
and therefore sold first.
[0079] In addition to or as an alternative to displaying such
notices in a report, the inventory monitoring system may generate
notices that are sent out to persons or groups associated with the
manufacture, distribution and/or sale of the products. Such notices
may be disseminated using a variety of mechanisms, examples of
which include a display on a web site, email and text message. The
notifications may escalate in frequency depending on the number of
products remaining in inventory and/or the estimated duration for
the inventory to be depleted.
[0080] In more advanced configurations, the inventory monitoring
system 10 can prepare demand forecasts using predictive analytic
tools and algorithms. The inventory monitoring system 10 can also
assist with price optimization analysis and mark down optimization
analysis.
[0081] To further increase the utility to person or groups
associated with the manufacture, distribution and/or sale of the
products, the inventory monitoring system 10 may interact with
other computer systems such as those which track product delivery
and/or point of sale systems.
[0082] The inventory monitoring system is particularly suited for
high value or perishable products illustrative examples of which
include high value electronics, DVDs, CDs, computer software,
clothing, fruit, produce, seasonal products, tools, diapers and
baby formula.
[0083] In addition to monitoring the presence of products on retail
shelves, the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 can be
used to monitor the environment in which the products are stored.
For example, the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 can
be programmed to send out an alert if the storage temperature
exceeds or goes below a specified value and/or if the humidity goes
above or below specified levels.
[0084] The relatively low cost of the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 enables it to be disposed of after the
use of the retail display is concluded. The relatively low cost of
the data collection and monitoring subsystem 16 also enables the
inventory monitoring system 10 to be offered as a service such that
minimal if any capital investment is required to begin utilizing
the inventory monitoring system 10.
[0085] As an alternative to disposing of the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16, it is possible to package the data
collection and transmission subsystem 16 in a manner that
facilitates shipping the data collection and transmission subsystem
16. Such features may include a mailing label that is attached to
the data collection and transmission subsystem 16 or a shipping
package that is associated with the data collection and
transmission subsystem 16 while being used.
[0086] To encourage the data collection and transmission subsystem
16 to be returned, an incentive may be provided. Examples of such
incentives include discounts on future inventory monitoring
services, discounts or gifts or other products and services, or
cash payments.
[0087] It is contemplated that features disclosed in this
application, as well as those described in the above applications
incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit
particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.
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