U.S. patent application number 15/007230 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for continuous barcode tape based inventory location tracking using globally unique identifiers and series of discrete barcodes.
The applicant listed for this patent is RAVI BHASKARAN, CHARLIE MARTIN, JEFF WILLIAMS. Invention is credited to RAVI BHASKARAN, CHARLIE MARTIN, JEFF WILLIAMS.
Application Number | 20160321603 15/007230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55275463 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160321603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WILLIAMS; JEFF ; et
al. |
November 3, 2016 |
CONTINUOUS BARCODE TAPE BASED INVENTORY LOCATION TRACKING USING
GLOBALLY UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS AND SERIES OF DISCRETE BARCODES
Abstract
Disclosed are a method, system and/or device of continuous
barcode tape based inventory location tracking. In one aspect, a
method includes analyzing a layout diagram of a distribution
center. The method further includes determining that the layout
diagram includes a shelf. A number of segments associated with the
shelf based on a forecasted allocation of an inventory on the shelf
are calculated. A bar code tape having a globally unique identifier
(GUID) associated with each segment of the number of shelves is
automatically generated using a processor and a memory of a central
inventory tracking system.
Inventors: |
WILLIAMS; JEFF; (EL CERRITO,
CA) ; BHASKARAN; RAVI; (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) ;
MARTIN; CHARLIE; (WALNUT CREEK, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WILLIAMS; JEFF
BHASKARAN; RAVI
MARTIN; CHARLIE |
EL CERRITO
SAN FRANCISCO
WALNUT CREEK |
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55275463 |
Appl. No.: |
15/007230 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14697651 |
Apr 28, 2015 |
9262741 |
|
|
15007230 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/087 20130101;
G06Q 20/26 20130101; G06Q 30/0635 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; G06Q 30/06 20060101 G06Q030/06; G06Q 20/26 20060101
G06Q020/26 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: analyzing a layout diagram of a
distribution center; determining that the layout diagram includes a
shelf; calculating a number of segments associated with the shelf
based on a forecasted allocation of an inventory on the shelf; and
automatically generating a bar code tape having a globally unique
identifier (GUID) associated with each segment of the number of
shelves using a processor and a memory of a central inventory
tracking system, wherein the bar code tape is a continuous bar code
tape where a reader device to read any GUID along with a length of
the shelf of the distribution center, wherein the bar code tape is
comprised of a series of discrete bar codes placed adjacent to each
other, wherein the bar code tape includes a series of infrared dots
of a fixed size and placed at a varying distance apart from each
other to facilitate faster reads of a barcode through a mobile
device, wherein the mobile device is able to more quickly focus and
read data of the bar code tape by first identifying the infrared
dots of the bar code tape when identifying a location of an item of
the inventory, wherein each GUID is unique to each of the number of
segments, wherein each GUID is 48 bits in the length, and wherein
every barcode of the series of discrete bar codes has a preamble to
make it recognizable to the central inventory tracking system.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining that the
item of the inventory is scanned associated with the GUID during a
fulfillment process associated with an ecommerce order using the
processor and the memory of the central inventory tracking system;
and automatically debiting a financial account of the distribution
center when the bar code tape is utilized during the fulfillment
process associated with the ecommerce order using the central
inventory tracking system.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising uniquely identifying
the location of the item in the distribution center whenever any
GUID associated with the bar code tape is scanned.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining a set of
rows associated with the shelf; and automatically generating
additional bar code tapes and additional GUIDs associated with each
segment of the rows for each one of the set of rows associated with
the shelf based on the number of segments determined to be optimal
for each row of the set of rows associated with the shelf.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising: calculating the number
of segments associated with the shelf based on at least one of a
size, a position, an availability, a demand, and a supply of the
item to be placed on the shelf.
6. The method of claim 1: wherein the central inventory tracking
system is combined with at least one of a LED lights system, a
lightless cart system, and a smartphone to manage the inventory
with low complexity in real time operations with a set of items
having heterogeneous sizes.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: generating a map of
where the bar code tape is to be placed on the shelf; automatically
printing the bar code tape based on a calculation of the number of
segments associated with the shelf; and shipping the map and the
bar code tape to the distribution center for placement.
8. The method of claim 1: wherein the central inventory tracking
system to automatically validate that a particular item is placed
in the location consistent with a plan of the distribution center
when a particular GUID associated with the particular item is
scanned during an inventory replenishment process.
9. A method comprising: determining that a layout diagram of a
distribution center includes a shelf; calculating a number of
segments associated with the shelf based on a forecasted allocation
of an inventory on the shelf; automatically generating a bar code
tape having a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with
each segment of the number of shelves using a processor and a
memory of a central inventory tracking system; and validating that
a particular item is placed in a location consistent with a plan of
the distribution center when a particular GUID associated with the
particular item is scanned during an inventory replenishment
process, wherein the bar code tape is a continuous bar code tape
where a reader device to read any GUID along with a length of the
shelf of the distribution center, wherein the bar code tape is
comprised of a series of discrete bar codes placed adjacent to each
other, wherein the bar code tape includes a series of infrared dots
of a fixed size and placed at a varying distance apart from each
other to facilitate faster reads of a bar code through a mobile
device, wherein the mobile device is able to more quickly focus and
read data of the bar code tape by first identifying the infrared
dots of the bar code tape when identifying the location of an item
of the inventory, wherein each GUID is unique to each of the number
of segments, wherein each GUID is 48 bits in the length, and
wherein every barcode of the series of discrete bar codes has a
preamble to make it recognizable to the central inventory tracking
system.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: determining that the
item of the inventory is scanned associated with the GUID during a
fulfillment process associated with an ecommerce order using the
processor and the memory of the central inventory tracking system;
and automatically debiting a financial account of the distribution
center when the bar code tape is utilized during the fulfillment
process associated with the ecommerce order using the central
inventory tracking system.
11. The method of claim 9 further comprising: determining a set of
rows associated with the shelf; and automatically generating
additional bar code tapes and additional GUIDs associated with each
segment of the rows for each one of the set of rows associated with
the shelf based on the number of segments determined to be optimal
for each row of the set of rows associated with the shelf.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: calculating the
number of segments associated with the shelf based on at least one
of a size, a position, an availability, a demand, and a supply of
the item of the inventory to be placed on the shelf.
13. The method of claim 9: wherein the central inventory tracking
system is combined with at least one of a LED lights system, a
lightless cart system, and a smartphone to manage the inventory
with low complexity in real time operations with a set of items
having heterogeneous sizes.
14. The method of claim 9 further comprising: generating a map of
where the bar code tape is to be placed on the shelf; automatically
printing the bar code tape based on a calculation of the number of
segments associated with the shelf; and shipping the map and the
bar code tape to the distribution center for placement.
15. A method of a central inventory tracking system comprising:
calculating a number of segments associated with a shelf based on a
forecasted allocation of an inventory on the shelf; automatically
generating a bar code tape having a globally unique identifier
(GUID) associated with each segment of a number of shelves using a
processor and a memory of the central inventory tracking system;
generating a map of where the bar code tape is to be placed on the
shelf; automatically printing the bar code tape based on a
calculation of the number of segments associated with the shelf;
and shipping the map and the bar code tape to a distribution center
for placement, wherein the bar code tape is a continuous bar code
tape where a reader device to read any GUID along with a length of
the shelf of the distribution center, wherein the bar code tape is
comprised of a series of discrete bar codes placed adjacent to each
other, wherein the bar code tape includes a series of infrared dots
of a fixed size and placed at a varying distance apart from each
other to facilitate faster reads of a bar code through a mobile
device, wherein the mobile device is able to more quickly focus and
read data of the bar code tape by first identifying the infrared
dots of the bar code tape when identifying the location of an item
of the inventory, wherein each GUID is unique to each of the number
of segments, wherein each GUID is 48 bits in the length, and
wherein every barcode of the series of discrete bar codes has a
preamble to make it recognizable to the central inventory tracking
system.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: determining that the
item of the inventory is scanned associated with the GUID during a
fulfillment process associated with an ecommerce order using the
processor and the memory of the central inventory tracking system;
and automatically debiting a financial account of the distribution
center when the bar code tape is utilized during the fulfillment
process associated with the ecommerce order using the central
inventory tracking system.
17. The method of claim 15 further comprising uniquely identifying
the location of the item in the distribution center whenever any
GUID associated with the bar code tape is scanned.
18. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining a set of
rows associated with the shelf; and automatically generating
additional bar code tapes and additional GUIDs associated with each
segment of the rows for each one of the set of rows associated with
the shelf based on the number of segments determined to be optimal
for each row of the set of rows associated with the shelf.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: calculating the
number of segments associated with the shelf based on at least one
of a size, a position, an availability, a demand, and a supply of
the item of the inventory to be placed on the shelf.
20. The method of claim 15: wherein the central inventory tracking
system to automatically validate that a particular item is placed
in the location consistent with a plan of the distribution center
when a particular GUID associated with the particular item is
scanned during an inventory replenishment process.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application is a Continuation of, and hereby
incorporates by reference the entirety of the disclosures of and
claims priority to pending U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.
14/697,651 titled `CONTINUOUS BARCODE TAPE BASED INVENTORY LOCATION
TRACKING` filed on Apr. 28, 2015.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the communications
field, and more particularly to a method, system, and device of
inventory tracking in a distribution center using a barcode tape
with globally unique identifiers and series of discrete
barcodes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A distribution center (e.g., a warehouse, a fulfillment
center, a cross-dock facility, a bulk break center, an unstructured
storage area, and/or a package handling center) may be a physical
space in which inventory (e.g., products) are stored for downstream
delivery to retailers or consumers. The distribution center may
allow a single location to stock a number of products. Some
organizations may operate retail and/or direct-to-consumer
distribution in a single facility to share investments (e.g., in
space, equipment, labor resources, and/or inventory as
applicable).
[0004] The distribution center may have a series of rows having
stacked shelving. Items may be stored on these shelves. A warehouse
management system (e.g., WMS system) may be used to identify and
track inventory in the distribution center. However, the warehouse
management system may be cost prohibitive to smaller merchants and
distributors. Therefore, smaller merchants and distributors may
manually keep track of items stored in stacked shelving based on
shelf number, row number, column number, and/or relative position.
They may manually label shelves, rows, and/or columns, and may need
manually maintain inventory location spreadsheets. This may be a
time consuming and error prone process. For example, items may be
mislabeled and incorrectly categorized because of human error.
[0005] As a result, workers in the distribution center seeking to
find inventory to fulfill a particular request may spend added time
in finding needed items. Workers may need to manually look at a
map, discern the labels of each product, and/or search for products
on shelves by reading individual labels. This may be time consuming
and inefficient. When a new worker is employed, it may take time
for them to develop a mental map of the distribution center. This
may increase cost. Further, such manual processes may be error
prone because they may depend on human labor. Relabeling and/or
rerouting of the distribution center to accommodate customized
solutions may be difficult to modify, inefficient, expensive,
and/or cost prohibitive.
SUMMARY
[0006] Disclosed are a method, system and/or device of continuous
bar code tape based inventory location tracking using globally
unique identifiers and series of discrete barcodes.
[0007] In one aspect, a method includes analyzing a layout diagram
of a distribution center. The method further includes determining
that the layout diagram includes a shelf. A number of segments
associated with the shelf based on a forecasted allocation of an
inventory on the shelf are calculated. A bar code tape having a
globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with each segment of
the number of shelves is automatically generated using a processor
and a memory of a central inventory tracking system.
[0008] The number of segments associated with the shelf may be
calculated based on a size, a position, an availability, a demand,
and/or a supply of an item of the inventory may be placed on the
shelf. The bar code tape may be a continuous bar code tape where a
reader device to read any GUID along with a length of the shelf of
the distribution center. The bar code tape may include a series of
discrete bar codes placed adjacent to each other. Each GUID may be
unique to each of the number of segments. Each GUID may be 48 bits
in length. Each item in each of the series of discrete bar codes
may be a distance of that barcode from a left edge of the bar code
tape in centimeters encoded by Base-36 into 32 bits. Every barcode
of the series of discrete bar codes may have a preamble to make it
recognizable to the central inventory tracking system.
[0009] The method may determine that the item of inventory is
scanned associated with the GUID during a fulfillment process
associated with an ecommerce order using the processor and the
memory of the central inventory tracking system. A financial
account of the distribution center may be automatically debited
when the bar code tape is utilized during the fulfillment process
associated with the ecommerce order using the central inventory
tracking system. A location of the item in the distribution center
may be uniquely identified whenever any GUID associated with the
bar code tape is scanned. A set of rows associated with the shelf
may be determined. Additional bar code tapes and additional GUIDs
associated with each segment of the rows for each one of the set of
rows associated with the shelf may be automatically generated based
on the number of segments determined to be optimal for each row of
the set of rows associated with the shelf.
[0010] The central inventory tracking system may be combined with a
LED lights system, lightless cart system, and/or a smartphone to
manage inventory with low complexity in real time operations with a
set of items having heterogeneous sizes. The bar code tape may
include a series of infrared dots of a fixed size and placed at a
varying distance apart from each other to facilitate faster reads
of the barcode through a mobile device. The mobile device may be
able to more quickly focus and read data of the bar code tape by
first identifying the infrared dots on the bar code tape when
identifying a location of the item. The method may further include
generating a map of where the bar code tape is to be placed on the
shelf. The bar code tape may be automatically printed based on a
calculation of the number of segments associated with the shelf.
The map and the bar code tape to the distribution center may be
shipped for placement. The central inventory tracking system may be
automatically validate that a particular item is placed in a
location consistent with a plan of the distribution center when a
particular GUID associated with the particular item is scanned
during an inventory replenishment process.
[0011] In another aspect, a method includes determining that a
layout diagram of a distribution center includes a shelf. A number
of segments associated with the shelf are calculated based on a
forecasted allocation of an inventory on the shelf. A bar code tape
having a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with each
segment of the number of shelves is automatically generated using a
processor and a memory of a central inventory tracking system. The
method further includes validating that a particular item is placed
in a location consistent with a plan of the distribution center
when a particular GUID associated with the particular item is
scanned during an inventory replenishment process.
[0012] In yet another aspect, a method of a central inventory
tracking system includes calculating a number of segments
associated with a shelf based on a forecasted allocation of an
inventory on the shelf. A bar code tape having a globally unique
identifier (GUID) associated with each segment of the number of
shelves is automatically generated using a processor and a memory
of the central inventory tracking system. The method further
includes generating a map of where the bar code tape is to be
placed on the shelf. The bar code tape is automatically printed
based on the calculation of the number of segments associated with
the shelf. The map and the bar code tape to a distribution center
are shipped for placement.
[0013] Other features will be apparent from the accompanying
drawings and from the detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated by way of
example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying
drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1A is a system view of a distribution center generating
a bar code tape using a central inventory tracking system,
according to one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram of inventory to
calculate a number of segments associated with a shelf, according
to one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a conceptual view of the central inventory
tracking system of FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the central inventory
tracking system of FIG. 1A to manage an inventory, according to one
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 3B is an inventory replenishment process view to
validate and scan a particular item using the central inventory
tracking system of FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a process flow generating a bar code tape using
the central inventory tracking system of FIG. 1A, according to one
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a critical path view illustrating shipping the map
and the bar code tape to a distribution center, according to one
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a representative computing
device that can be used to implement the methods and systems,
according to one embodiment.
[0023] Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent
from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description
that follows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Example embodiments, as described below, may be used to
provide a method, system and/or device of continuous bar code tape
based inventory location tracking using globally unique identifiers
and series of discrete barcodes. Although, the present embodiments
have been described with reference to specific example embodiments,
it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be
made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit
and scope of the various embodiments.
[0025] In one embodiment, a method includes analyzing a layout
diagram 102 of a distribution center 104. The method further
includes determining that the layout diagram 102 includes a shelf
106. A number of segments 108 associated with the shelf 106 based
on a forecasted allocation 110 of an inventory 112 on the shelf 106
are calculated. A bar code tape 114 having a globally unique
identifier (GUID) 116 associated with each segment of the number of
shelves is automatically generated using a processor 118 and a
memory 120 of a central inventory tracking system 100.
[0026] The number of segments 108 associated with the shelf 106 may
be calculated based on a size 122, a position 124, an availability
126, a demand 128, and/or a supply 130 of an item of the inventory
112 may be placed on the shelf 106. The bar code tape 114 may be a
continuous bar code tape 114 where a mobile device/reader device
103 to read any GUID 116 along with a length of the shelf 106 of
the distribution center 104. The bar code tape 114 may include a
series of discrete bar codes 202 placed adjacent to each other.
Each GUID 116 may be unique to each of the number of segments 108.
Each GUID 116 may be 48 bits in length. Each item in each of the
series of discrete bar codes 202 may be a distance of that barcode
from a left edge of the bar code tape 114 in centimeters encoded by
Base-36 into 32 bits. Every barcode of the series of discrete bar
codes 202 may have a preamble to make it recognizable to the
central inventory tracking system 100.
[0027] The method may determine that the item of inventory 112 is
scanned associated with the GUID 116 during a fulfillment process
associated with an ecommerce order using the processor 118 and the
memory 120 of the central inventory tracking system 100. A
financial account of the distribution center 104 may be
automatically debited when the bar code tape 114 is utilized during
the fulfillment process associated with the ecommerce order using
the central inventory tracking system 100. A location of the item
in the distribution center 104 may be uniquely identified whenever
any GUID 116 associated with the bar code tape 114 is scanned. A
set of rows associated with the shelf 106 may be determined.
Additional bar code tapes 114 and additional GUIDs 116 associated
with each segment of the rows for each one of the set of rows
associated with the shelf 106 may be automatically generated based
on the number of segments 108 determined to be optimal for each row
of the set of rows associated with the shelf 106.
[0028] The central inventory tracking system 100 may be combined
with a LED light system 302, lightless cart system 304, and/or a
smartphone 306 to manage inventory 112 with low complexity in real
time operations with a set of items having heterogeneous sizes. The
bar code tape may include a series of infrared dots 204 of a fixed
size and placed at a varying distance apart from each other to
facilitate faster reads of the barcode through a mobile
device/reader device 103. The mobile device/reader device 103 may
be able to more quickly focus and read data of the bar code tape
114 by first identifying the infrared dots on the bar code tape 114
when identifying a location of the item. The method may further
include generating a map of where the bar code tape 114 is to be
placed on the shelf 106. The bar code tape 114 may be automatically
printed based on the calculation of the number of segments 108
associated with the shelf 106. The map and/or the bar code tape 114
to the distribution center 104 may be shipped for placement. The
central inventory tracking system 100 may be automatically validate
that a particular item 308 is placed in a location consistent with
a plan 310 of the distribution center 104 when a particular GUID
312 associated with the particular item 308 is scanned during an
inventory replenishment process.
[0029] In another embodiment, a method includes determining that a
layout diagram 102 of a distribution center 104 includes a shelf
106. A number of segments 108 associated with the shelf 106 are
calculated based on a forecasted allocation 110 of an inventory 112
on the shelf 106. A bar code tape 114 having a globally unique
identifier (GUID) 116 associated with each segment of the number of
shelves is automatically generated using a processor 118 and a
memory 120 of a central inventory tracking system 100. The method
further includes validating that a particular item 308 is placed in
a location consistent with a plan 310 of the distribution center
104 when a particular GUID 312 associated with the particular item
308 is scanned during an inventory replenishment process.
[0030] In yet another embodiment, a method of a central inventory
tracking system 100 includes calculating a number of segments 108
associated with a shelf 106 based on a forecasted allocation 110 of
an inventory 112 on the shelf 106. A bar code tape 114 having a
globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 associated with each segment
of the number of shelves is automatically generated using a
processor 118 and a memory 120 of the central inventory tracking
system 100. The method further includes generating a map of where
the bar code tape 114 is to be placed on the shelf 106. The bar
code tape 114 is automatically printed based on the calculation of
the number of segments 108 associated with the shelf 106. The map
and the bar code tape 114 to a distribution center 104 are shipped
for placement.
[0031] FIG. 1A is a system view 150 of a distribution center 104
generating a bar code tape 114 using a central inventory tracking
system 100, according to one embodiment.
[0032] Particularly, FIG. 1A shows a central inventory tracking
system 100, a network 101, a layout diagram 102, a distribution
center 104, a shelf 106, a number of segments 108, a forecasted
allocation 110, an inventory 112, a bar code tape 114, a globally
unique identifier (GUID) 116, a processor 118, a memory 120 and a
database 121, according to one embodiment.
[0033] A central inventory tracking system 100 may be a computing
system specially configured to observe and monitor location and
placement of inventory in a distribution center. The central
inventory tracking system 100 may read (e.g., read from bar code)
any passive and active globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 and
analyze read data into Work in Progress models of the distribution
center(s) 104. However the central inventory tracking system 100
could also be capable to provide monitoring data without being
associated to a single by using a cooperative tracking capability
(e.g., may be spread across multiple geographies). A network 101
may be a group of computing devices (e.g., hardware and software)
that may be linked together through communication channels (e.g.,
wired, wireless) to facilitate communication and resource-sharing
among a wide range of users, according to one embodiment.
[0034] A layout diagram 102 may be a simplified drawing and/or a
schematic representation showing a structure and/or an arrangement
of the distribution center 104. A mobile device/reader device 103
may be a generic term used to refer to a variety of devices that
allow user 105 to access data and information from where ever they
are. This may include cell phones and portable devices such as a
smartphone 306 of FIG. 3A and/or tablet computer. The mobile
device/reader device 103 may be used to read the data of the bar
code tape 114 on the shelf 106 in the distribution center 104,
according to one embodiment.
[0035] In one embodiment, a distribution center 104 may be a
building; structure and/or group of units used to store goods
and/or merchandise that are to be delivered to various places on an
as-needed basis. Large facilities may be sometimes shared by
several businesses to reduce each company's overhead. A
distribution center 104 may ship goods to one and/or many
destinations. A user 105 may be a person who may use and/or operate
the mobile device/reader device 103 in the distribution center
104.
[0036] A shelf 106 may be a flat horizontal plane which is used in
a home, a business, a store, and/or a distribution center 104 to
hold items of value that are being displayed, stored, and/or
offered for sale. A shelf 106 may be raised off the ground and
usually anchored/supported on its shorter length sides by brackets.
A shelf may also be held up by columns and/or pillars, according to
one embodiment. Number of segments 108 may be the rows one on
another associated with the shelf 106 used to hold the inventory
112 in the distribution center 104, according to one
embodiment.
[0037] A forecasted allocation 110 may be a predicted/estimated
action and/or process of allocating and sharing out the inventory
112 on the shelf 106, according to one embodiment. An inventory 112
may be a company's merchandise, raw materials, and/or finished and
unfinished products which may have not yet been sold. A bar code
tape 114 may consist of a group of printed and/or variously
patterned bars and spaces and sometimes numerals that may be
designed to be scanned and read into computer memory and that
contains information (as identification) about the object it
labels. A bar code tape 114 may have a globally unique identifier
(GUID) 116, according to one embodiment.
[0038] A globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 may be a 128-bit
number created by the operating system and/or another application
to uniquely identify specific components, hardware, software,
files, user accounts, database entries and/or other items. The
globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 may be associated with each
segment of the number of shelves using the central inventory
tracking system 100. A processor 118 may be a central unit of the
computer and/or mobile device/reader device 103 containing the
logic circuitry to perform all the basic instructions of a computer
program, according to one embodiment.
[0039] A memory 120 may be a device used to store data or programs
(e.g., sequences of instructions) on a temporary and/or permanent
basis for use in an electronic digital computer. A database 121 may
be a collection of information that is organized so that it can
easily be accessed, managed, and/or updated, according to one
embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 1A illustrates the central inventory tracking system
100 communicatively coupled with the mobile device/reader device
103 of the user 105 through the network 101. The Bar code tape 114
having the globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 is coupled with
the central inventory tracking system 100 and the number of
segments 108 of the shelf 106. The inventory 112 is stored on the
number of segments 108 of the shelf 106 in the distribution center
104, according to one embodiment.
[0041] In circle `1`, the method analyzes the layout diagram 102 of
the distribution center 104. In circle `2`, the method determines
that the layout diagram 102 includes the shelf 106. In circle `3`,
the number of segments 108 associated with the shelf 106 are
calculated based on the forecasted allocation 110 of the inventory
112 on the shelf 106. In circle `4`, the bar code tape 114 having
the globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 associated with each
segment of the number of shelves is automatically generated using
the processor 118 and the memory 120 of the central inventory
tracking system 100, according to one embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 1B illustrates a block diagram 151 of inventory 112 to
calculate a number of segments 108 associated with a shelf 106,
according to one embodiment.
[0043] Particularly, FIG. 1B builds on FIG. 1A, and further adds a
size 122, a position 124, availability 126, a demand 128 and a
supply 130, according to one embodiment.
[0044] A size 122 may be the relative extent of the inventory item;
an inventory item's overall dimensions and/or magnitude; how big
the inventory item may be. A position 124 may be a particular way
in which an item of the inventory 112 is placed and/or arranged on
the shelf 106 in the distribution center 104, according to one
embodiment. Availability 126 may be a quantity of products
currently located in inventory. The products in the inventory 112
of FIG. 1A may be ready to use for the customers, according to one
embodiment.
[0045] In one embodiment, a demand 128 may be an amount of the
inventory 112 that a consumer and/or a group of consumers may want
to purchase at a given price, according to one embodiment. A supply
130 may be a fundamental economic concept that may describe the
total amount of the inventory 112 of FIG. 1A that may be available
to consumers.
[0046] FIG. 1B illustrates the item of the inventory 112 including
the size 122, the position 124, the availability 126, the demand
128 and the supply 130. The number of segments 108 is associated
with the item of the inventory 112 of FIG. 1A, according to one
embodiment.
[0047] In circle `5`, the number of segments 108 associated with
the shelf 106 is calculated based on the size 122, the position
124, the availability 126, the demand 128, and the supply 130 of
the item of the inventory 112 to be placed on the shelf 106 of FIG.
1A, according to one embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a conceptual view 250 of the central inventory
tracking system 100 of FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment.
[0049] Particularly, FIG. 2 builds on FIG. 1A, and further adds a
series of discrete bar codes 202 and a series of infrared dots 204,
according to one embodiment.
[0050] In one embodiment, a series of discrete bar codes 202 may
consist of individually separate and distinct group of printed
and/or variously patterned bars and spaces and sometimes numerals
that may be designed to be scanned and read into computer memory
and that may contain information (as identification) about the
object it labels. A series of infrared dots 204 (of electromagnetic
radiation) may be the sequence of particles of a fixed size having
a wavelength just greater than that of the red end of the visible
light spectrum but less than that of microwaves.
[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates the central inventory tracking system 100
communicatively coupled with the mobile device/reader device 103 of
the user 105 through the network 101. The Bar code tape 114 having
the globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 is coupled with the
central inventory tracking system 100 and the number of segments
108 of the shelf 106. The inventory 112 is stored on the number of
segments 108 of the shelf 106 in the distribution center 104. The
bar code tape 114 having the globally unique identifier (GUID) 116
associated with each segment of the number of shelves is
automatically generated using the processor 118 and the memory 120
of the central inventory tracking system 100 of FIG. 1A, according
to one embodiment.
[0052] In one embodiment, the bar code tape 114 is a continuous bar
code tape 114 where the mobile device/reader device 103 to read any
globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 along with a length of the
shelf 106 of the distribution center 104 of FIG. 1A. The bar code
tape 114 includes a series of discrete bar codes 202 placed
adjacent to each other.
[0053] The bar code tape 114 includes a series of infrared dots 204
of a fixed size and placed at a varying distance apart from each
other to facilitate faster reads of the barcode through a mobile
device/reader device 103. The mobile device/reader device 103 is
able to more quickly focus and read data of the bar code tape 114
by first identifying the infrared dots on the bar code tape 114
when identifying a location of the item on the shelf 106 in the
distribution center 104 of FIG. 1A, according to one
embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 3A is an exploded view 350 of the central inventory
tracking system 100 of FIG. 1A to manage the inventory 112,
according to one embodiment.
[0055] Particularly, FIG. 3A builds on FIG. 1A, and further adds a
LED light system 302, a lightless cart system 304 and a smartphone
306, according to one embodiment.
[0056] A LED light system 302 may be a method of a light-emitting
diode (LED), which may be a two-lead semiconductor light source. As
with other light source technologies, such as fluorescent and high
intensity discharge, lighting systems using LEDs can be thought of
as having a light source, ballast, and a luminaire. A lightless
cart system 304 may be a technique of a strong open vehicle with
four wheels having no light, typically used for carrying the
inventory 112 in the distribution center 104 of FIG. 1A, according
to one embodiment.
[0057] A smartphone 306 may be a mobile device/reader device 103
that may perform many of the functions of a computer, typically
having a touchscreen interface, internet access, and/or an
operating system capable of running downloaded applications. A
smartphone 306 may be used to manage inventory 112 of FIG. 1A,
according to one embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 3A illustrates the central inventory tracking system
100 is communicatively coupled with the LED light system 302, the
lightless cart system 304 and the smartphone 306. The central
inventory tracking system 100 is combined with the LED light system
302, the lightless cart system 304, and the smartphone 306 to
manage inventory 112 of FIG. 1A with low complexity in real time
operations with a set of items having heterogeneous sizes,
according to one embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 3B is an inventory replenishment process view 351 to
validate and scan a particular item 308 using the central inventory
tracking system 100 of FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment.
[0060] Particularly, FIG. 3B builds on FIG. 1A, and further adds a
particular item 308, a plan 310, a particular GUID 312 and an
inventory replenishment process 314, according to one
embodiment.
[0061] A particular item 308 may be an individual product in the
inventory 112 which may be a company's merchandise, raw materials,
and/or finished and unfinished products which may have not yet been
sold. A plan 310 of distribution center 104 may be a design and/or
a blueprint produced to show the look, function and/or workings of
the distribution center 104 of FIG. 1A, according to one
embodiment.
[0062] In one embodiment, a particular GUID 312 may be an
individual globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 which may be a
128-bit number created by the Windows operating system and/or
another Windows application to uniquely identify specific
components, hardware, software, files, user accounts, database
entries and/or other items. Particular GUID 312 may be associated
with the particular item 308. An inventory replenishment process
314 may be a method of movement of the inventory 112 of FIG. 1A
from upstream and/or reserve product storage locations to
downstream and primary storage, picking and shipment locations.
[0063] Particularly, FIG. 3B illustrates the central inventory
tracking system 100 communicatively coupled with the mobile
device/reader device 103 of the user 105 through the network. The
central inventory tracking system is associated with the particular
item 308 containing the particular GUID 312 of the plan 310 of the
distribution center 104. The particular item 308 is coupled with
the inventory replenishment process 314, according to one
embodiment.
[0064] In one embodiment, the central inventory tracking system 100
is automatically validated that the particular item 308 is placed
in a location consistent with a plan 310 of the distribution center
104 of FIG. 1A when a particular GUID 312 associated with the
particular item 308 is scanned during an inventory replenishment
process 314.
[0065] FIG. 4 is a process flow 450 generating a bar code tape 114
using the central inventory tracking system 100 of FIG. 1A,
according to one embodiment.
[0066] In operation 402, a method may analyze a layout diagram 102
of a distribution center 104. In operation 404, the method may
determine that the layout diagram 102 includes a shelf 106. In
operation 406, a number of segments 108 may be calculated
associated with the shelf 106 based on a forecasted allocation 110
of an inventory 112 on the shelf 106, according to one
embodiment.
[0067] In operation 408, a bar code tape 114 having a globally
unique identifier (GUID) 116 associated with each segment of the
number of shelves may be automatically generated using the
processor 118 and the memory 120 of a central inventory tracking
system 100 of FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 5 is a critical path view 550 illustrating shipping the
map and the bar code tape 114 to a distribution center 104 of FIG.
1A, according to one embodiment.
[0069] In operation 502, a number of segments 108 associated with a
shelf 106 may be calculated based on a forecasted allocation 110 of
an inventory 112 on the shelf 106. In operation 504, a bar code
tape 114 having a globally unique identifier (GUID) 116 associated
with each segment of the number of shelves may be automatically
generated using the processor 118 and the memory 120 of the central
inventory tracking system 100 of FIG. 1A, according to one
embodiment.
[0070] In operation 506, the method may generate a map of where the
bar code tape 114 is to be placed on the shelf 106. In operation
508, the bar code tape 114 may be automatically printed based on
the calculation of the number of segments 108 associated with the
shelf 106. In operation 510, the map and the bar code tape 114 may
be shipped to a distribution center 104 of FIG. 1A for placement,
according to one embodiment.
[0071] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram 680 of representative
computing devices 600 that can be used to implement the methods and
systems disclosed herein, according to one embodiment.
[0072] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram 680 of the representative
computing devices 600 and a mobile device 630 that can be used to
perform and/or implement any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
In one or more embodiments, central inventory tracking system 100
and/or mobile device/reader device 103 of FIG. 1A may be the
representative computing devices 600.
[0073] The representative computing devices 600 may represent
various forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops,
workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers,
mainframes, and/or other appropriate computers. The mobile device
630 may represent various forms of mobile devices, such as
smartphones, camera phones, personal digital assistants, cellular
telephones, and other similar mobile devices. The components shown
here, their connections, couples, and relationships, and their
functions, are meant to be exemplary only, and are not meant to
limit the embodiments described and/or claimed.
[0074] The representative computing devices 600 may include a
processor 602, a memory 604, a storage device 606, a high speed
interface 608 coupled to the memory 604 and a plurality of high
speed expansion ports 610, and a low speed interface 612 coupled to
a low speed bus 614 and a storage device 606. In one embodiment,
each of the components heretofore may be inter-coupled using
various buses, and may be mounted on a common motherboard and/or in
other manners as appropriate.
[0075] The processor 602 may process instructions for execution in
the representative computing devices 600, including instructions
stored in the memory 604 and/or on the storage device 606 to
display a graphical information for a GUI on an external
input/output device, such as a display unit 616 coupled to the high
speed interface 608. In other embodiments, multiple processor(s)
602 and/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with
multiple memories and/or types of memory 604. Also, a plurality of
representative computing devices 600 may be coupled with, with each
device providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g., as a
server bank, a group of blade servers, and/or a multi-processor
system).
[0076] The memory 604 may be coupled to the representative
computing devices 600. In one embodiment, the memory 604 may be a
volatile memory. In another embodiment, the memory 604 may be a
non-volatile memory. The memory 604 may also be another form of
computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic and/or an optical
disk. The storage device 606 may be capable of providing mass
storage for the representative computing devices 600.
[0077] In one embodiment, the storage device 606 may be included of
a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a
tape device, a flash memory and/or other similar solid state memory
device. In another embodiment, the storage device 606 may be an
array of the devices in a computer-readable medium previously
mentioned heretofore, computer-readable medium, such as, and/or an
array of devices, including devices in a storage area network
and/or other configurations.
[0078] A computer program may be included of instructions that,
when executed, perform one or more methods, such as those described
above. The instructions may be stored in the memory 604, the
storage device 606, a memory 604 coupled to the processor 602,
and/or a propagated signal.
[0079] The high speed interface 608 may manage bandwidth-intensive
operations for the representative computing devices 600, while the
low speed interface 612 may manage lower bandwidth-intensive
operations. Such allocation of functions is exemplary only. In one
embodiment, the high speed interface 608 may be coupled to the
memory 604, the display unit 616 (e.g., through a graphics
processor and/or an accelerator), and to the plurality of high
speed expansion ports 610, which may accept various expansion
cards.
[0080] In the embodiment, the low speed interface 612 may be
coupled to the storage device 606 and the low speed bus 614. The
low speed bus 614 may be included of a wired and/or wireless
communication port (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus ("USB"), a
Bluetooth.RTM. port, an Ethernet port, and/or a wireless Ethernet
port). The low speed bus 614 may also be coupled to scan unit 628,
a printer 626, a keyboard, a mouse 624, and a networking device
(e.g., a switch and/or a router) through a network adapter.
[0081] The representative computing devices 600 may be implemented
in a number of different forms, as shown in the Figure. In one
embodiment, the representative computing devices 600 may be
implemented as a standard server 618 and/or a group of such
servers. In another embodiment, the representative computing
devices 600 may be implemented as part of a rack server system 622.
In yet another embodiment, the representative computing devices 600
may be implemented as a general computer 620 such as a laptop
and/or desktop computer. Alternatively, a component from the
representative computing devices 600 may be combined with another
component in a mobile device 630.
[0082] In one or more embodiments, an entire system may be made up
of a plurality of representative computing devices 600 and/or a
plurality of representative computing devices 600 coupled to a
plurality of mobile device 630.
[0083] In one embodiment, the mobile device 630 may include a
mobile compatible processor 632, a mobile compatible memory 634,
and an input/output device such as a mobile display 646, a
communication interface 652, and a transceiver 638, among other
components. The mobile device 630 may also be provided with a
storage device, such as a Microdrive and/or other device, to
provide additional storage. In one embodiment, the components
indicated heretofore are inter-coupled using various buses, and
several of the components may be mounted on a common
motherboard.
[0084] The mobile compatible processor 632 may execute instructions
in the mobile device 630, including instructions stored in the
mobile compatible memory 634. The mobile compatible processor 632
may be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and
multiple analog and digital processors. The mobile compatible
processor 632 may provide, for example, for coordination of the
other components of the mobile device 630, such as control of user
interfaces, applications run by the mobile device 630, and wireless
communication by the mobile device 630.
[0085] The mobile compatible processor 632 may communicate with a
user 105 through the control interface 636 and the display
interface 644 coupled to a mobile display 646. In one embodiment,
the mobile display 646 may be a Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal
Display ("TFT LCD"), an Organic Light Emitting Diode ("OLED")
display, and another appropriate display technology. The display
interface 644 may include appropriate circuitry for driving the
mobile display 646 to present graphical and other information to a
user 105.
[0086] The control interface 636 may receive commands from a user
105 and convert them for submission to the mobile compatible
processor 632. In addition, an external interface 642 may be
provided in communication with the mobile compatible processor 632,
so as to enable near area communication of the mobile device 630
with other devices. External interface 642 may provide, for
example, for wired communication in some embodiments, and/or for
wireless communication in other embodiments, and multiple
interfaces may also be used.
[0087] The mobile compatible memory 634 may be coupled to the
mobile device 630. The mobile compatible memory 634 may be
implemented as a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The
expansion memory 658 may also be coupled to the mobile device 630
through the expansion interface 656, which may include, for
example, a Single In Line Memory Module ("SIMM") card interface.
The expansion memory 658 may provide extra storage space for the
mobile device 630, and/or may also store an application and/or
other information for the mobile device 630.
[0088] Specifically, the expansion memory 658 may include
instructions to carry out the processes described above. The
expansion memory 658 may also include secure information. For
example, the expansion memory 658 may be provided as a security
module for the mobile device 630, and may be programmed with
instructions that permit secure use of the mobile device 630. In
addition, a secure application may be provided on the SIMM card,
along with additional information, such as placing identifying
information on the SIMM card in a non-hackable manner.
[0089] The mobile compatible memory 634 may include a volatile
memory (e.g., a flash memory) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., a
non-volatile random-access memory ("NVRAM")). In one embodiment, a
computer program includes a set of instructions that, when
executed, perform one or more methods. The set of instructions may
be stored on the mobile compatible memory 634, the expansion memory
658, a memory coupled to the mobile compatible processor 632, and a
propagated signal that may be received, for example, over the
transceiver 638 and/or the external interface 642.
[0090] The mobile device 630 may communicate wirelessly through the
communication interface 652, which may be included of a digital
signal processing circuitry. The communication interface 652 may
provide for communications using various modes and/or protocols,
such as: a Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM")
protocol, a Short Message Service ("SMS") protocol, an Enhanced
Messaging System ("EMS") protocol, a Multimedia Messaging Service
("MMS") protocol, a Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA")
protocol, Time Division Multiple Access ("TDMA") protocol, a
Personal Digital Cellular ("PDC") protocol, a Wideband Code
Division Multiple Access ("WCDMA") protocol, a CDMA2000 protocol,
and a General Packet Radio Service ("GPRS") protocol.
[0091] Such communication may occur, for example, through the
transceiver 638 (e.g., radio-frequency transceiver). In addition,
short-range communication may occur, such as using a
Bluetooth.RTM., Wi-Fi, and/or other such transceiver. In addition,
a GPS ("Global Positioning System") receiver module may provide
additional navigation-related and location-related wireless data to
the mobile device 630, which may be used as appropriate by a
software application running on the mobile device 630.
[0092] The mobile device 630 may also communicate audibly using an
audio codec 640, which may receive spoken information from a user
105 and convert it to usable digital information. The audio codec
640 may likewise generate audible sound for a user 105, such as
through a speaker (e.g., in a handset of the mobile device 630).
Such a sound may include a sound from a voice telephone call, a
recorded sound (e.g., a voice message, a music files, etc.) and may
also include a sound generated by an application operating on the
mobile device 630.
[0093] The mobile device 630 may be implemented in a number of
different forms, as shown in the Figure. In one embodiment, the
mobile device 630 may be implemented as a smartphone 648. In
another embodiment, the mobile device 630 may be implemented as a
personal digital assistant ("PDA"). In yet another embodiment, the
mobile device, 630 may be implemented as a tablet device.
[0094] An example embodiment will now be described. Inventory
management may not be an easy task. It may be hard to keep a track
of where any particular item is at any given time. Manufacturers,
retailers, and/or distributors may use the various embodiments of
FIGS. 1-6 to better manage their inventories, proving a relatively
simple, cost-effective system, providing up-to-the-minute
information on inventory status.
[0095] For an example embodiment, when integrated into an existing
information system, the various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 may allow
you to track your merchandise and may conduct both full-scale
inventories department-wide cycle counts. Inventory may be
reconciled in a day instead of weeks. And the various embodiments
of FIGS. 1-6 may provide more accurate data while saving both time
and costs.
[0096] For another example embodiment, manufacturers and/or
distributors may use the various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 to track
production, parts, shipping, and/or warehousing. A variety of
labels and scanning systems (central inventory tracking system) may
be available to accommodate both warehouse and manufacturing
environments. Many national chains may require manufacturers to
ship their products already tagged and the various embodiments of
FIGS. 1-6 to their specifications.
[0097] Another example embodiment will now be described, in
accordance with at least one embodiment. Retailers may utilize the
various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 for the inventory control, which
is crucial to the success of their businesses. Inventory cycle
counts, point-of-sale checkout, purchasing, and/or sales analysis
may be just a few of the benefits of the various embodiments of
FIGS. 1-6. Retail, package delivery, warehousing and distribution,
manufacturing, health care, and/or point-of-service applications
can all benefit from the use of the various embodiments of FIGS.
1-6.
[0098] The various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 may read with a scanner
(the mobile device/reader device), which measures reflected light
and interprets the code into numbers and/or letters that are passed
on to a computer (central inventory tracking system).
[0099] For an example embodiment, the various embodiments of FIGS.
1-6, automatic identification and GUID may encompass the automatic
recognition, decoding, processing, transmission and/or recording of
data, commonly through the printing and reading of information
encoded in the various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6. The various
embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 may allow for rapid, simple and/or
accurate reading and transmission of data for items that need to be
tracked and/or managed.
[0100] With the various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 data collection
solution, capturing data may be faster and more accurate, costs may
be lower, mistakes may be minimized, and managing inventory may be
much easier.
[0101] With the various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 applied to each
item in inventory, portable scanners (mobile devices/reader
devices) may be used to track shipping and receiving and quickly
take physical inventory. The data from portable scanners (mobile
devices/reader devices) may be uploaded to a central inventory
tracking system at regular intervals and portables may update
inventory in real-time.
[0102] The various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 in inventory control
may provide accurate, real-time inventory updates. This may allow a
company the opportunity to reduce stock levels and thereby reduce
carrying costs. It may also reduce the time taken to collect data
for purposes such as annual inventories. With improved efficiency,
operating costs may be lower using the various embodiments of FIGS.
1-6 as described herein.
[0103] Because the various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 make it
possible to track inventory so precisely, inventory levels can be
reduced. This may translate into a lower overheard. The location of
inventory item may also be tracked, reducing the time spent
searching for it, and the money spent, replacing inventory item
that is presumed lost. The various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 may
eliminate manual data entry and mistakes for parts checkout,
return, receipt, and/or reorder.
[0104] Another example embodiment will now be described, in
accordance with at least one embodiment. A distribution center
Rivian Automotive in Florida may be a physical space in which
inventory (e.g., cars and their spare parts) is stored for
downstream delivery to automobile industries in the Rivian
Automotive network. The distribution center may allow a single
location to stock a number of cars and their spare parts.
[0105] The Florida based distribution center of Rivian Automotive
may have a series of rows having stacked shelving. In addition,
cars and their spare parts may be stored on these shelves. Thanks
to the various embodiments of the FIGS. 1-6, the Florida based
distribution center may employ the methods described herein of the
barcode tape 114 to identify and track inventory in the
distribution center. The central inventory tracking system
described in the various embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 may be affordable
to smaller car merchants and car distributors like Rivian
Automotive's Florida based distribution center. Therefore, car
merchants and/or car distributors like Rivian Automotive may not
need to manually keep track of spare parts of car stored in stacked
shelving based on shelf number, row number, column number, and/or
relative position thanks to their adoption of the various
technologies described in FIGS. 1-6. Further, employees of Rivian
Automotive may not need to manually label shelves, rows, and/or
columns, and may not need to manually maintain inventory location
spreadsheets thanks to deploying the various technologies described
in FIGS. 1-6. Employing the various technologies of FIGS. 1-6 may
reduce time and create efficiency for Rivian Automotive. Therefore,
Rivian Automotive may operate more profitably and successfully, and
thrive in the face of stiff competition.
[0106] Thanks to the various embodiments of the FIGS. 1-6, workers
in the distribution center seeking to find spare parts to fulfill a
particular request may spend less time in finding needed spare
parts. Workers may not need to manually look at a map, discern the
labels of each product, and/or search for products on shelves by
reading individual labels. Utilizing the various embodiments
described in FIGS. 1-6 may take less time, and increase
productivity. When a new worker Amy is employed, he may be quickly
productive thanks to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6. This may reduce
cost and increase productivity of Rivian to the investors. Further,
such automated processes may be less error prone because they may
not depend on human labor thanks to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6.
Relabeling and/or rerouting of the distribution center to
accommodate customized solutions may not be essential thanks to the
continuous bar code tape and the central tracking system for ease
of scanning of the various embodiments described in FIGS. 1-6.
[0107] Various embodiments of the methods and system described here
can be realized in at least one of a digital electronic circuitry,
an integrated circuitry, a specially designed application specific
integrated circuits ("ASICs"), a piece of computer hardware, a
firmware, a software application, and a combination thereof. These
various embodiments can include embodiment in one or more computer
programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable
system including at least one programmable processor, which may be
special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and
instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a
storage system, an input device, and/or an output device.
[0108] These computer programs (also known as programs, software,
software applications, and/or code) comprise machine-readable
instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented
in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming
language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the
terms "machine-readable medium" and/or "computer-readable medium"
refers to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device
(e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, and/or Programmable
Logic Devices ("PLDs")) used to provide machine instructions and/or
data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable
medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable
signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal
used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable
processor.
[0109] To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and
techniques described here may be implemented on a computing device
having a display device (e.g., a cathode ray tube ("CRT") and/or
liquid crystal ("LCD") monitor) for displaying information to the
user and a keyboard and a mouse by which the user can provide input
to the computer. Other kind of devices can be used to provide for
interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to
the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual
feedback, auditory feedback, and/or tactile feedback) and input
from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic,
speech, and/or tactile input.
[0110] The systems and techniques described here may be implemented
in a computing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as
a data server), a middleware component (e.g., an application
server), a front end component (e.g., a client computer having a
graphical user interface, and/or a Web browser through which a user
can interact with an embodiment of the systems and techniques
described here), and a combination thereof. The components of the
system may also be coupled through a communication network.
[0111] The communication network may include a local area network
("LAN") and/or a wide area network ("WAN") (e.g., the Internet).
The computing system can include a client and/or a server. In one
embodiment, the client and/or the server are remote from each other
and interact through the communication network.
[0112] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless,
it will be understood that various modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed
invention. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures do
not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to
achieve desirable results. In addition, other steps may be
provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and
other components may be added to, or removed from, the described
systems. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
[0113] It may be appreciated that the various systems, device and
apparatus disclosed herein may be embodied in a machine-readable
medium and/or a machine accessible medium compatible with a data
processing system (e.g., a computer system), and/or may be
performed in any order.
[0114] The structures and modules in the figures may be shown as
distinct and communicating with only a few specific structures and
not others. The structures may be merged with each other, may
perform overlapping functions, and may communicate with other
structures not shown to be connected in the figures. Accordingly,
the specification and/or drawings may be regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *