U.S. patent application number 15/839674 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-12 for inventory management system and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to O-Ring Sales & Service, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is O-Ring Sales & Service, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jonathan Peter Hansen, Andrew Allen Johnson, Adam Lewis O'Hara.
Application Number | 20180101815 15/839674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58738131 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180101815 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Andrew Allen ; et
al. |
April 12, 2018 |
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A system for monitoring inventory items, with each inventory
item being associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID)
tag. The system comprises a check-in station for checking in
inventory items. The check-in station comprises a first reader
antenna for receiving information from RFID tags of inventory items
being checked in, and a first indicator for providing an indication
of the inventory items being checked in. The system additionally
comprises a check-out station for checking out inventory items. The
check-out station comprises a second reader antenna for receiving
information from RFID tags of inventory items being checked out,
and a second indicator for providing an indication of the inventory
items being checked out.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Andrew Allen;
(Overland Park, KS) ; Hansen; Jonathan Peter;
(Overland Park, KS) ; O'Hara; Adam Lewis; (Lenexa,
KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
O-Ring Sales & Service, Inc. |
Lenexa |
KS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
O-Ring Sales & Service,
Inc.
Lenexa
KS
|
Family ID: |
58738131 |
Appl. No.: |
15/839674 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15604202 |
May 24, 2017 |
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15839674 |
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15364069 |
Nov 29, 2016 |
9665848 |
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15604202 |
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62261060 |
Nov 30, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20130101;
G06Q 20/203 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101; G06K 19/06028 20130101;
G06K 19/06037 20130101; G06K 19/0723 20130101; G08B 13/2417
20130101; G06K 7/10009 20130101; G06K 19/07758 20130101; G07G 1/009
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20120101
G06Q010/08; G08B 13/24 20060101 G08B013/24; G07G 1/00 20060101
G07G001/00; G06Q 20/20 20120101 G06Q020/20; G06K 19/06 20060101
G06K019/06; G06K 19/077 20060101 G06K019/077 |
Claims
1. A system for monitoring inventory, said system comprising: a
bulk package containing a plurality of inventory items, wherein the
inventory items comprise consumable parts usable in a manufacturing
process; a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated
with said bulk package, wherein said RFID tag stores data
comprising an inventory identification (ID) number, with such
inventory ID number representative of the inventory items contained
within said bulk package; a check-in station for checking in the
inventory items of said bulk package, wherein said check-in station
comprises a first reader antenna for receiving said inventory ID
number from said RFID tag of said bulk package; a check-out station
for checking out the inventory items of said bulk package, wherein
said check-out station comprises a second reader antenna for
receiving said inventory ID number from said RFID tag of said bulk
package; and a computing device configured to provide an inventory
database, wherein the inventory database stores information related
to the inventory items within said bulk package, with such
information comprising: said inventory ID number of said RFID tag
of said bulk package, a type of the consumable parts within said
bulk package, and a total number of consumable parts within said
bulk package.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said check-in station and
said check-out station comprises a table including a table top and
one or more supporting elements for supporting said table top above
the ground.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said table tops are formed from a
material that does not interfere with electromagnetic signals.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein said table tops are formed from a
wood-based material.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein said tables each includes at
least one container positioned below said table top, wherein said
container of said check-in station table is configured to house
said first reader antenna, and wherein said container of said
check-out station table is configured to house said second reader
antenna.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein said containers are formed from a
material that at least partially blocks electromagnetic
signals.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said containers are formed from
metal.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein each of said containers has an
open top portion positioned adjacent to a bottom surface of said
table top when said container is in a closed position, wherein such
open top portion of said container of said check-in station table
is configured to permit electromagnetic signals generated by said
first reader antenna to exit from said container upward through
said table top to a scanning zone located above said table top.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein to check in the inventory items
of said bulk package via said check-in station, said bulk package
is configured to be passed through said scanning zone of said
check-in station.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said check-in station comprises
an indicator configured to provide an indication of the inventory
items being checked in when said bulk package is passed through
said scanning zone of said check-in station.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said indicator of said check-in
station comprises a light-emitting diode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/604,202, filed May 24, 2017, entitled INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE, which is a continuation of and claims
benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of earlier-filed
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/364,069, filed Nov. 29, 2016,
entitled INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE, which
claims benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of
earlier-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/261,060,
filed Nov. 30, 2015, and entitled "AUTOMATED VENDOR MANAGED
INVENTORY SYSTEM." Each of the above-cited, earlier-filed patent
applications are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a
system and method for managing inventory. More specifically,
embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system
incorporating radio frequency identification (RFID) components for
managing inventory as the inventory is checked in, stored within,
and/or checked out of a facility.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Inventory management is common issue for any organization
involved in the manufacture or distribution of goods. Inadequate
inventory management can lead to inventory being out-of-stock,
which can result in production deficiencies and lost sales. For
example, an automotive manufacturer might use many thousands of
small parts to manufacture a vehicle. If the automotive
manufacturer runs out of even one of the required small parts, then
it may be required to halt production of its vehicles until such
required parts have been re-ordered and delivered by a vendor. One
potential method previously used to reduce the occurrence of
out-of-stock conditions is to create an overstocked condition,
whereby a significant amount of inventory is maintained at the
manufacturing facility, with such an amount being much more than is
required for daily or weekly manufacturing needs. However,
overstocked conditions can also be costly, as the manufacture must
devote space and resources to storing and managing such extra
inventory. Furthermore, even with inventory being overstocked, if
the manufacturer does not accurately track its inventory, the
manufacturer can easily run out of inventory and create an
out-of-stock condition.
[0004] In addition to overstocking inventory, some
computer-implemented systems have previously been developed that
are capable of monitoring inventory. For example, such systems may
include a database that tracks inventory as it is received and used
by a manufacturer. However, most of such previously-used
computer-implemented systems require information related to the
inventory to be manually entered into the system by a user. For
example, a user may be required to manually enter into a computing
device (e.g., via a computer keyboard) when inventory has been
received by the manufacture, such that the database can be updated
to show that such inventory is in the possession of the
manufacturer. Similarly, the user of such a system may be required
to manually update the database as the inventory is used or is
otherwise removed from the manufacturer's possession. Such manual
entry requirements can lead to errors in the management of the
manufacturer's inventory.
[0005] To help further automate such previously-used systems,
certain systems have also incorporated the use of scanning
technologies, which can scan and register inventory as the
inventory is received and/or removed. For example, such scanning
technologies may include bar-code systems, QR-code systems, or
radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. RFID systems are
perhaps the most efficient form of scanning technologies, as
inventory can be tracked without a user being required to manually
use a scanning tool (e.g., bar-code scanner) to physically scan
each piece of inventory as it is received and/or removed. However,
previously-used RFID systems have significant drawbacks. For
example, accurate RFID systems are often expensive because RFID
antennas and readers used in such systems are required to operate
at high power levels (e.g., such RFID antennas are configured to
emit and receive high-power electromagnetic signals). In addition,
many previously-used RFID systems are configured to be permanently
built into a facility and are restricted from being moved within
the facility. For example, many previously-used RFID systems are
formed as "portals," similar to airport metal detectors, which a
user must walk through. As such, the RFID system is configured to
read an RFID tag secured to inventory items carried by the user as
the user walks through the portal. To facilitate efficiency, such
portals are generally positioned near an entrance and/or an exit of
a facility; however, such portals are not generally moveable from
such locations. As such, previously-used RFID systems are often
inflexible, as they do not permit reconfigurations or
rearrangements of a facility's layout or workflow. Furthermore,
users of such previously-used RFID systems generally do not know
when an inventory item has been properly read into the system. As
such, users receive no indication or verification that the system
is working as it should be.
SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention include a system for
monitoring inventory items, with each inventory item being
associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The
system comprises a check-in station for checking in inventory
items. The check-in station comprises a first reader antenna for
receiving information from RFID tags of inventory items being
checked in, and a first indicator for providing an indication of
the inventory items being checked in. The system additionally
comprises a check-out station for checking out inventory items. The
check-out station comprises a second reader antenna for receiving
information from RFID tags of inventory items being checked out,
and a second indicator for providing an indication of the inventory
items being checked out.
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention additionally include a
method for managing inventory, with each inventory item being
associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The
method includes a step of checking in a first inventory item at a
check-in station. The check-in station comprises a first reader
antenna for receiving information from an RFID tag associated with
the first inventory item, and a first indicator for providing an
indication of the first inventory item being checked in. The method
includes an additional step of checking out a second inventory item
at a check-out station. The check-out station comprises a second
reader antenna for receiving information from an RFID tag
associated with the second inventory item, and a second indicator
for providing an indication of the second inventory item being
checked out.
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail
below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is schematic depiction of an inventory management
system according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a check-in station or a
check-out station from the inventory management system of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the station from
FIG. 2, particularly illustrating drawers of the station in an open
position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bulk package inventory
item with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached
thereto;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a drawer of the
station from FIG. 2, particularly illustrating the drawer in an
open position;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a check-in station or a
check-out station from the inventory management system of FIG. 1,
particularly illustrating a scanning zone for checking in or
checking out inventory items; and
[0016] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for managing inventory
items according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to
the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following detailed description of the invention
references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The
embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The
following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only
by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
[0019] In this description, references to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," or "embodiments" mean that the feature or features
being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the
technology. Separate references to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," or "embodiments" in this description do not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually
exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For
example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one
embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not
necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a
variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments
described herein.
Inventory Management System
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention include an inventory
management system 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The inventory
management system 10 can be implemented in various types of
facilities operated by end users that use or distribute inventory
items. For example, such facilities can include manufacturing
facilities, storage facilities, distribution centers, or the like
(hereinafter referred to as "end-user facilities" or "end-user
facility"). With reference to FIG. 1, the inventory management
system 10 may broadly comprise a check-in station 20 for adding
inventory items into the inventory at an end-user facility, and a
check-out station 22 for removing inventory items from the
inventory of the end-user facility. The inventory management system
10 may also include one or more computing devices 24 for processing
information related to the inventory items being checked in and
checked out of the end-user facility and for providing an inventory
database for storing information related to such inventory items.
The check-in station 20, the check-out station 22, and the
computing device 24 may all be interconnected via a communications
network 26.
[0021] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the inventory
management system 10 may also comprise one or more server devices
28 located separately from the check-in station 20, the check-out
station 22, and the computing device 24. Regardless of being spaced
apart, the computing device 24 and the server device 28 may be in
communications via the communications network 26. In more detail,
while the check-in station 20, the check-out station 22, and the
computing device 24 may each be located at an end-user facility,
the server device 28 may be located at a vendor's location, with
the vendor being an entity that supplies the inventory items to the
end-user. For example, the vendor may be a small parts manufacturer
that manufactures small parts and that delivers such small parts to
the end user for use in the end user's manufacturing. In such
embodiments, the vendor may at least partially control the
inventory management system 10, such that the inventory management
system 10 is considered a vendor-managed inventory (or VMI)
system.
[0022] As will be described in more detail below, the inventory
management system 10 may incorporate radio frequency identification
(RFID) technology for monitoring inventory items being checked in
and checked out of the end-user facility. Broadly, each of the
inventory items added (i.e., checked in) or removed (i.e., checked
out) from the inventory of the end-user facility may be associated
with an RFID tag, which is comprised of an electromagnetic antenna
and an integrated circuit for storing information associated with
the inventory item to which the RFID tag is attached. In addition,
the inventory management system 10 may comprise one or more RFID
readers configured to emit an electromagnetic interrogation signal
capable of being received by the RFID tag. In response to the
interrogation signal, the RFID tags are configured to emit an
electromagnetic response signal, which includes the information
stored within the RFID tag. The RFID reader is configured to
receive the response signal, and can, thereafter, provide the
inventory information associated with the inventory item to the
computing device 24 for storage and/or for analysis. As such, the
inventory management system 10 of embodiments of the present
invention can be used to manage inventory items as they are
received and removed from the inventory of the end-user
facility.
[0023] It should be understood that the inventory management system
10 may be used to manage various types of inventory items,
including "consumable" inventory items or "fixed" inventory items.
Consumable inventory items may comprise inventory items that are
intended to be consumed by an end user, such as by being used in a
manufacturing process to manufacture goods. As such, consumable
inventory items may, in some embodiments, be small, inexpensive
parts that are sub-components of manufactured goods or that are
consumed by the end user during the end user's operations.
Alternatively, fixed inventory items may comprise items that are
permanent or that are reusable by an end user, such as tools and
equipment used during the end user's manufacturing processes. As
such, fixed inventory items may, in some embodiments, be
high-value, re-usable items that are re-used throughout the end
user's operations. Regardless of whether inventory is consumable or
fixed, the inventory management system 10 may be implemented to
manage such inventory.
Check-In Station and Check-Out Station
[0024] Turning now to the inventory management system 10 in more
detail, and with reference to FIG. 2, an example of the check-in
station 20 and the check-out station 22 is illustrated. In some
embodiments, the check-in station 20 and the check-out station 22
may be structurally similar. For example, the check-in station 20
and the check-out station 22 may each comprise a piece of equipment
configured to support one or more additional components of the
inventory management system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the check-in
station 20 and the check-out station 22 may each comprise a table
30 that includes a table top 32 and one or more supporting elements
34 for supporting the table top 32 above the ground. The table 30
may also include one or more drawers 36, which can support
components of the inventory management system 10, as will be
discussed in more detail below. Although the check-in station 20
and the check-out station 22 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprise tables,
it should be understood that the check-in station 20 and/or the
check-out station 22 may comprise other pieces of equipment, such
as a counters, stands, pulpits, desks, benches, kiosks, and the
like. Regardless of the type of equipment used for the check-in
station 20 and the check-out station 22, certain embodiments
provide for the equipment to be at least somewhat portable or
mobile, such that the placement of the check-in station 20 and the
check-out station 22 can be repositioned and/or reconfigured within
an end-user facility as may be necessary for efficient
operation.
[0025] Remaining with FIG. 2, the table top 32 of the table 30 may
be formed as a generally planar section of material. In some
embodiments, the table top 32 may be formed from a material that
does not significantly interfere with (or block) electromagnetic
signals. For example, the table top 32 may be formed from a
wood-based material (e.g., wood, particle board, fiber board,
laminated veneer lumber, or the like), plastics, composites, or the
like. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the table top 32 may
be rectangular and may be sized so as to function as a working
surface for users of the inventory management system 10. For
example, the table top 32 may have a length of between twenty-four
and seventy-two inches, between thirty-six and sixty inches, or
about forty-eight inches, and may have a width of between twelve
and thirty-six inches, between eighteen and thirty inches, or about
twenty-four inches, and may have a thickness of between one-half
and six inches, between one and three inches, or about one and
one-half inches.
[0026] Embodiments of the present invention may provide for the
supporting elements 34 of the table 30 to comprise one or more legs
that extend from the ground up to and secured to the table top 32,
such that the supporting elements 34 support the table top 32 above
the ground. As shown in FIG. 2, the table 30 may include four legs
positioned adjacent to corners of the table 30. However, other
embodiments may provide for the supporting elements 34 to include
more or less than four legs. For example, in some embodiments, the
supporting elements 34 may comprise a single base-type element
(e.g., pedestal or column) that extends from the floor and supports
the table top 32 above the ground. The supporting elements 34 may
extend from the ground a distance sufficient for a human user of
the table 30 to access the table top 32 when standing at the table
30. For example, the supporting elements 34 may extend such that an
upper surface of the table top 32 extends between thirty and sixty
inches, between forty and fifty inches, or about forty-four inches
above the ground. The supporting elements 34 may be formed from any
material of sufficient strength and durability to support the table
30 and the remaining components of the inventory management system
10 supported therein/on, as will be described in more detail below.
For example, the supporting elements 34 may be formed from
stainless steel tubing.
[0027] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the table 30 may include
one or more drawers 36, which are positioned immediately below the
table top 32. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the drawers 36 may
each comprise a generally rectangular storage container configured
to house components of the inventory management system 10.
Specifically, the drawers 36 may each comprise a bottom, four
sides, and an open top portion. In addition, each of the drawers 36
may be configured to translate horizontally (e.g., via ball bearing
or roller-type slide mechanisms) from a closed position (See FIG.
2), in which the open top portion of the drawer 36 is positioned
underneath the table top 32, to an open position (See FIG. 3), in
which the open top portion of the drawer 36 is shifted forward,
away from the table top 32. As should be apparent from the figures,
with the drawers 36 in the closed position, an interior space of
the drawers 36 is inaccessible. In contrast, with the drawers 36 in
the open position, an interior space of the drawers is accessible
via the open top portions. In some embodiments, the drawers 36 may
be formed from materials that at least partially interfere with (or
block) electromagnetic signals. For example, the bottom and four
sides of the drawers 36 may be formed from stainless steel or
another metal.
[0028] Returning to FIG. 2, each of the check-in station 20 and the
check-out station 22 may also comprise an indicator 40 for
providing an indication to a user of the inventory management
system 10 as to when an inventory item has been properly checked in
(i.e., via the check-in station 20) and/or checked out (i.e., via
the check-out station 22). The indicator 40 may comprise any type
of visual, audible, or kinetic indication device that is operable
to provide an indication to a user. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 2, the indicator 40 may comprise visual indicators, in the
form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, the indicator 40 may
comprise other types of visual indicators, such as florescent
lights, display screens (e.g., LCDs screens, OLED screens, etc.),
or the like. In addition, some embodiments may provide for
indicators other than visual indicators to be used, such as
speakers, horns, sirens, buzzers, vibrating mechanisms, or the
like. However, it should be understood that, in some embodiments,
visual indicators may be most preferred. Regardless of the type,
the indicators 40 of the inventory management system 10 may be
configured to provide an indication to a user. For example, the
indicators 40 in the form of LEDs may operate in a digital, on-off
manner (e.g., flashing). Alternatively, the LEDs may be configured
to emit a plurality of different colors, with a change in color
being indicative of an indication to a user.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, embodiments of the present invention may
provide for the indicators 40 to be positioned above the table top
32 of the table 30, so as to ensure that the indicators 40 are
easily viewable by users of the inventory management system 10. For
example, the indicators 40 may be secured to a backboard 42
extending up from a back side of the table top 32. The backboard 42
may comprise plywood, pegboard, corkboard, or the like.
Nevertheless, it should be understood that the indicators 40 may be
positioned elsewhere with respect to the check-in station 20 or the
check-out station 22. For example, the indicators 40 may be secured
to a top surface of the table top 32. In even further embodiments,
the indicators 40 may be set apart from the check-in station 20 or
the check-out station 22, such that the indicators 40 are
physically separated from the check-in station 20 and/or the
check-out station 22.
[0030] The RFID components of the inventory management system 10
will now be described in more detail. In some embodiments, the
check-in station 20 and the check-out station 22 may be configured
to house, support, and facilitate operation of various RFID
components included in the inventory management system 10, such
that the inventory management system 10 can be used to manage
inventory of an end-user facility by checking in and/or checking
out inventory items to/from the end-user facility.
RFID Tags
[0031] As mentioned above, inventory items that are checked in
and/or checked out of an end-user facility using the inventory
management system 10 will each be associated with an RFID tag 50,
as is illustrated in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the inventory
items may comprise individual items or parts, which may or may not
be individually packaged, but which will include an individual RFID
tag. In other embodiments, inventory items may be grouped together
in a bulk package 52 (See FIG. 4), such as a package of small
parts, with such bulk package including a set number of individual
items or parts. In such embodiments, the bulk package 52 may be
associated with an individual RFID tag 50. As illustrated in FIG.
4, the RFID tag 50 may include a tag antenna 56 and an integrated
circuit 58. The tag antenna 56 may be configured to receive an
interrogation signal emitted by an RFID reader antenna (described
in more detail below). The RFID tag 50 is configured to use a
portion of the electrical power received from the interrogation
signal to read data stored on the RFID tag's 50 integrated circuit
58 and, thereafter, to emit a response signal via the tag antenna
56. The response signal may include information associated with the
data stored on the integrated circuit 58. As such, the RFID tag 50
can be interrogated by an interrogation signal and, in response to
the interrogation signal, can provide feedback, in the form of a
response signal. In such embodiments, the RFID tag 50 may be
configured as a passive RFID tag. Nevertheless, certain embodiments
may provide for the RFID tag used in the inventory management
system 10 to comprise other types of RFID tags, such as active RFID
tags or battery-assisted RFID tags.
[0032] In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 58 of the RFID
tag 50 may only be configured to store a limited amount of data. As
such, the RFID tag 50 may be formed in a generally small size and
can be made operable after receiving an interrogation signal of
relatively lower power. For example, in some embodiments, the
integrated circuit 58 of the RFID tag 50 may only store data in the
form of an inventory identification (ID) number. The inventory ID
number may be numeric or alphanumeric and may be representative of
the inventory item to which its associated RFID tag 50 is attached.
In embodiments in which the inventory items are individual items,
the inventory ID numbers may be item ID numbers. Contrastingly, in
embodiments in which the inventory items are a plurality of items
packaged in a bulk package (e.g., bulk package 52 of FIG. 4), the
inventory ID numbers may be package ID numbers. Regardless, the
inventory ID numbers can be represented by a relatively small
amount of data. As such, the integrated circuit 58 (as well as the
remaining portions) of the RFID tag 50 can be manufactured in a
relatively small size. Because of the small size of the RFID tags
50, RFID printers may be used to print the RFID tags 50, in a
manner similar to how an ink printer prints text on paper labels.
As such, the inventory management system 10 may include an RFID
printer for creating the RFID tags 50 described herein.
Inventory Database
[0033] To facilitate management of inventory items within an
end-user facility, the inventory database provided by the computing
device 24 of the inventory management system 10 may store the
inventory ID numbers for each inventory item used in the end-user
facility. In addition to inventory ID numbers, the inventory
database may also store supplemental information about each of the
inventory items used in the end-user facility. Such supplemental
information may be in the form of inventory item specifications.
For each inventory item that comprises an individual item or part,
the inventory database may store the following inventory item
specifications: a name of the item, a serial number of the item, a
manufacturing date of the item, a current location of the item, a
time stamp for when the item was checked in to or checked out from
its current location, and/or the like. For each inventory item that
comprises a bulk package with a plurality of individual items or
parts, the inventory database may store the following inventory
item specifications: number of individual items held within the
bulk package, names of the individual items held within the bulk
package, serial number of the individual items held within the bulk
package, manufacturing dates of the individual items held within
the bulk package, packaging dates for the individual items held
within the bulk package, serial number of the bulk package, current
location of the bulk package, a time stamp for when the bulk
package was checked in to or checked out from its current location,
and/or the like.
[0034] The combination of inventory ID number and inventory item
specifications for each inventory item may be referred to herein as
an inventory item data file. As should be appreciated, to ensure
accurate management of all of the inventory items used in the
end-user facility, the inventory database should store an inventory
item data file for each inventory item that may, at any time, be
checked into, in-stock within, and/or checked out from the end-user
facility. To accomplish such, the inventory database may be
formatted such that the inventory item data files are each stored
within the inventory database in a tab delimited text format. In
such a format, computer programs, such as SQL-based computer
programs, can be run from computing devices, including computing
device 24, for purposes of communicating with the inventory
database to (1) update the inventory database, (2) query the
inventory database, (3) perform analysis on the data within the
inventory database, or (4) perform other management or analytical
functions as may be necessary.
[0035] The inventory item data files may be entered into the
inventory database by various entities. For example, if the end
user of the end-user facility is operating the inventory management
system 10 individually, then the end user may itself input into the
inventory database the inventory item ID number and associated
inventory item specifications (i.e., collectively the inventory
item data file) for each inventory item that is, has been, or will
be part of the end-user facility's inventory. Alternatively, in
embodiments in which the end user is using the inventory management
system 10 as part of a vendor-managed system, the vendor may input
the inventory item ID number and associated inventory item
specifications (i.e., collectively the inventory item data file)
for each inventory item that is, has been, or will be part of the
end-user's inventory. Such input may be performed, for instance,
via the server device 28 communicating with the computing device 24
over the communications network 26.
RFID Components
[0036] To generate and emit the interrogation signals used to scan
the RFID tags 50, embodiments of the present invention provide for
each of the check-in station 20 and the check-out station 22 to
include an RFID reader antenna 60, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The
RFID reader antennas 60 are configured to generate the
interrogation signals, which can be received by the RFID tags 50.
Additionally, the RFID reader antennas 60 are configured to receive
the response signals emitted by the RFID tags 50, with such
response signals including information associated with the
inventory items to which the RFID tags 50 are associated. For
instance, the response signals may include the inventory ID numbers
stored on the integrated circuits 58 of the RFID tags 50.
[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the RFID
reader antenna 60 of each of the check-in station 20 and the
check-out station 22 may be stored in one of the drawers 36 of the
tables 30. Beneficially, some embodiments provide for the drawers
36 to be formed from a material that at least partially interferes
with (or blocks) electromagnetic signals. As such, with an RFID
reader antenna 60 housed in a drawer 36, which is in a closed
position (i.e., as illustrated in FIG. 2, with the open top portion
of the drawer 36 positioned underneath and adjacent to the table
top 32), the drawer 36 functions as a directional unit for the RFID
reader antenna 60. Specifically, the bottom and four sides of the
drawer 36, being formed from a material that at least partially
interferes with (or blocks) electromagnetic signals, restrict the
interrogation signal emitted by the RFID reader antenna 60 from
passing through the bottom or the four sides. As such, the
interrogation signal can only pass upwards through the open top
portion of the drawer 36 and through the table top 32.
[0038] As discussed above, the table top 32 may be formed from a
material that does not interfere with electromagnetic signals. As
such, the interrogation signal emitted by the RFID reader antenna
60 can exit through the open top portion of the drawer 36 and can
pass through the table top 32. As illustrated by FIG. 6, the
interrogation signal may be generated in the form of a scanning
zone 70 directly above the drawer 36 that holds the RFID reader
antenna 60. Such a scanning zone 70 may comprise a
three-dimensional space through which the interrogation signal
propagates at a sufficient power level so as to be receivable by a
tag antenna 56 of an RFID tag 50 that passes through the scanning
zone 70. The scanning zone 70 may extend upward above the top
surface of the table top 32 by varying amounts depending on the
power output of the RFID reader antenna 60. For example, the
scanning zone 70 may extend at least forty-eight inches, at least
thirty-six inches, at least twenty-four inches, at least twelve
inches, or at least six inches above the table top 32. A width and
length of the scanning zone 70 may be dependent on a width and
length of the open top section of the drawer 36. Beneficially,
because the structure of the drawers 36 allows for the
interrogation signal to be directed in a particular direction
(i.e., upward through the table top 32), the scanning zones 70 can
be efficiently generated by the RFID reader antennas 60 at power
levels much less than those required for other RFID-based tracking
systems.
[0039] In addition to the RFID reader antennas 60, one or more of
the check-in station 20 or the check-out station 22 may include an
RFID reader 72. The RFID reader 72 may, as illustrated in FIG. 3,
be stored in a second drawer 36 of the check-out station 22. The
RFID reader 72 may be in electrical communication with each of the
RFID reader antennas 60 via the communications network 26. As such,
the RFID reader antennas 60 can forward any response signals
emitted from scanned RFID tags 50 to the RFID reader 72. From the
response signals, the RFID reader 72 is configured to obtain any
pertinent information from such response signals. Specifically, as
noted above, a response signal emitted by an RFID tag 50 may
include information, in the form of an inventory ID number,
associated with the inventory item to which the RFID tag 50 is
attached. Thus, once an inventory item passes through a scanning
zone 70 of either the check-in station 20 or check-out station, the
applicable RFID reader antenna 60 can receive the response signal
of RFID tag 50 and can transmit such response signal to the RFID
reader 72. Thereafter, the RFID reader 72 can obtain the inventory
ID number from the response signal, can generate a time stamp
(e.g., minute, hour, date), and pass such information to the
computing device 24 for updating and storage in the inventory
database. To accomplish such, the RFID reader 72 may also be in
communication with the computing device 24 via the communications
network 26.
[0040] The communications network 26 may be generally any type
wired or wireless network, and may include servers, routers,
switches, wireless receivers and transmitters, and the like, as
well as electrically conductive cables or optical cables. The
communications network 26 may also include local, metro, or wide
area networks, virtual private networks (VPNs), as well as the
Internet, or other cloud networks. Furthermore, the communications
network 26 may include cellular or mobile phone networks, as well
as landline phone networks, Ethernet networks, fiber optic
networks, or the like.
[0041] In certain specific embodiments, for example, the
communications network 26 may include coaxial cables for connecting
each of the RFID reader antennas 60 of the check-in station 20 and
the check-out station 22 with the RFID reader 72. As such, the
communications network 26 allows the response signals, including
the information associated with the RFID tags 50 (e.g., inventory
ID number), to be transmitted from the RFID reader antennas 60 to
the RFID reader 72. In addition, the communications network 26 may
include USB cables for connecting the RFID reader 72 with the
computing device 24. As such, the communications network 26 allows
information associated with the RFID tags 50 (e.g., inventory ID
number and time stamp) to be transmitted from the RFID reader 72 to
the computing device 24 and the inventory database. Furthermore,
the communications network 26 may include hard-wired cables, such
as Cat 5 cables, for connecting each of the indicators 40 of the
check-in station 20 and the check-out station 22 with the RFID
reader 72. As such, the RFID reader 72 can be used to control
operation of the indicators 40, such as to provide an indication of
an inventory item with an RFID tag 50 being scanned at the check-in
station 20 or at the check-out station 22, as will be discussed in
more detail below.
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the computing device 24 may
similarly be housed in one of the drawers 36 of the check-in
station 20 or the check-out station 22. The computing device 24 may
comprise any device, component, or equipment with a processing
element and associated memory elements. The processing element may
implement operating systems, and may be capable of executing
computer programs, which are also generally known as instructions,
commands, software code, executables, applications ("apps"), and
the like. The processing element may include processors,
microprocessors, microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays,
and the like, or combinations thereof. The memory elements may be
capable of storing or retaining computer programs and may also
store data, typically binary data, including text, databases,
graphics, audio, video, combinations thereof, and the like. The
memory elements may also be known as a non-transitory
"computer-readable storage medium" and may include random access
memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash drive memory, floppy
disks, hard disk drives, optical storage media such as compact
discs (CDs or CDROMs), digital video disc (DVD), Blu-Ray.TM., and
the like, or combinations thereof. As such, the memory elements of
the computing device 24 may provide access to the inventory
database that stores information used in the inventory management
system 10, such as the inventory item data files (e.g., inventory
ID numbers and item specifications) for each inventory item in the
end-user's inventory. The memory elements of the computing device
24 may also store other information and data necessary for the
implementation of embodiments of the present invention. For example
the computing device 24 may store one or more computer programs
used to implement certain computer-implemented methods and
processes described herein. These methods and processes may be
carried out via the computer programs, or via hardware, firmware,
or combinations thereof, all in conjunction with the components of
the inventory management system 10 described herein.
[0043] In some embodiments, certain of the electrical components of
the inventory management system 10 may be powered by the main power
of the end-user facility. As such, one or more of the components of
the inventory management system 10 may have power cords that can be
individually coupled with main power outlets. In some embodiments,
however, a power strip 74 (See FIG. 3) may be retained within one
of the drawers 36 of either of the check-in station 20 or the
check-out station 22. For example, in some specific embodiments, a
power strip 74 may be retained in one of the drawers 36 of the
check-out station 22. The power strip 74 may be connected to the
end-user facility's main power and may provide a plurality of power
outlets for providing power to the RFID reader 72, the computing
device 24, and other components as may be required. In some
embodiments, the RFID reader 72 may provide the necessary power to
the RFID reader antennas 60 through the associated coaxial cables.
Similarly, the RFID reader 72 may provide the necessary power to
the indicators 40 through the Cat 5 cables. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the power strip 74 may be associated with a battery
power source so as to be operable to provide continuous power to
the components of the inventory management system 10 even upon a
temporary loss of the end-user facility's main power.
[0044] Finally, as noted above, certain embodiments of the present
invention may be implemented as a vendor-managed system. Some of
such embodiments may incorporate the use of the server device 28,
which may be positioned separately from the end-user facility, such
as at a facility of a vendor. In such embodiments, the server
device 28 will be in communication with the computing device 24 via
the communications network 26, such as over an Internet connection
and/or a VPN. As with the computing device 24, the server device 28
may comprise any device, component, or equipment with a processing
element and associated memory elements. As such, the server device
28 can provide a vendor with access to the computing device 24 and
the inventory database used in the inventory management system 10
of an end-user's facility.
Operation
[0045] In operation, the check-in station 20 and the check-out
station 22 may be positioned within an end-user facility so as to
efficiently facilitate tracking of inventory items as the inventory
items transition through the end-user facility. For instance, in
some embodiments, the check-in station 20 may be positioned near a
receiving area of the end-user facility, such that as inventory
items are received (e.g., offloaded from shipping trucks), the
inventory items can be efficiently checked in through the check-in
station 20. In contrast, the check-out station 22 may be positioned
near a manufacturing or a shipping area of the end-user facility
such that as inventory items are used in manufacturing or are
shipped or dispatched from the end-user facility, the inventory
items can be efficiently checked out through the check-out station
20. Beneficially, because the check-in station 20 and the check-out
station 22 are portable and not permanently installed at a location
within the end-user facility, the components of the inventory
management system 10 have the flexibility to be efficiently
repositioned and/or reconfigured throughout the end-user facility
as may be necessary.
[0046] Turning now to the operation of the inventory management
system 10 in more detail, as inventory items arrive at the end-user
facility, each of the inventory items are checked in to the
end-user facility via the check-in station 20. It is understood
that, in some embodiments, the inventory items may arrive at the
end-user facility with RFID tags 50 already affixed thereto. For
example, RFID tags 50 may be applied to the inventory items by the
vendor, i.e., as part of a vendor-managed system. In more detail,
the vendor may use an RFID printer to print RFID tags and affix one
to each of the inventory items before shipping the inventory items
to the end-user facility. In such embodiments, the vendor may
update the inventory database of the computing device 24 so as to
include the inventory item data files associated with the inventory
items being shipped to the end-user facility. Specifically, the
vendor may update the inventory database to include the inventory
ID numbers associated with each of the RFID tags 50, as well as the
item specifications associated with each inventory ID number and
corresponding inventory item. Thus, once the inventory items are
received and checked in to the end-user facility, via the check-in
station 20, the inventory ID numbers obtained from each inventory
item's RFID tag 50 can be correlated with the appropriate inventory
item data file maintained in the inventory database. As an
alternative, the end-users at the end-user facility may themselves
print off the RFID tags 50 and affix them to the inventory items
once the inventory items arrive at the end-user facility. In such
embodiments, the end users may also be required to manually input
the inventory item data files for each inventory item into the
inventory database.
[0047] Regardless, once the inventory items arrive at the end-user
facility, the inventory items can be checked in by passing the
inventory items through the scanning zone 70 of the check-in
station 20. The RFID reader antenna 60 of the check-in station 20
may be continuously powered on such that it continuously emits the
interrogation signal used to generate the scanning zone 70. As
such, once an inventory item with an attached RFID tag 50 is passed
through the scanning zone 70, the RFID tag 50 receives the
interrogation signal and, in response, emits a response signal that
includes information associated with the RFID tag 50. Specifically,
the response signal includes information indicative of the
inventory ID number stored in the integrated circuit 58 of the
inventory item's RFID tag 50. The response signal is received by
the RFID reader antenna 60 and passed to the RFID reader 72 over
the communications network 26. The RFID reader 72 extracts the
inventory ID number from the response signal and converts the
inventory ID number into a readable text format. The RFID reader 72
sends the inventory ID number, along with a generated timestamp
indicative of when the response signal was received, to the
computing device 24 for updating the inventory database. In
particular, the computing device 24 converts the readable text
format of the inventory ID number and the timestamp into an
electronic spreadsheet format and then into a tab delimited text
format appropriate for updating the inventory item's inventory item
data file stored in the inventory database. As such, the inventory
database can be updated to indicate which inventory items have been
received and checked in to the end-user facility, and, thus, which
inventory items have been added to the inventory (i.e., in stock)
within the end-user facility. The timestamp also provides an
indication as to precisely when the inventory items were checked in
to the end-user facility.
[0048] Furthermore, upon an inventory item with an RFID tag 50
passing through the scanning zone 70 of the check-in station 20 and
a corresponding response signal being sent to the RFID reader 72,
the RFID reader 72 may send an instruction to the indicator 40 of
the check-in station 20, instructing the indicator 40 to provide an
indication to the end-user that the inventory item has been
properly checked in. Such an indication may be in the form of the
indicator 40 providing a visual indication by switching from
on-to-off, switching from off-to-on, switching from
off-to-on-to-off (i.e., a brief flash), changing colors, or the
like. Regardless of the type of indication, the system (preferably
via visual indicator), thus, provides an immediate, real-time
indication to the end-user that the inventory items have been
properly checked into the end-user facility.
[0049] Upon being checked in to the end-user facility, the
inventory item can be stored in the end-user facility's inventory
(e.g., stocked on a shelf) until the inventory item is to be used
or removed from the end-user facility's inventory. For example, if
the end-user facility is a manufacturing facility, the inventory
item may be used to manufacture goods. Alternatively, if the
end-user facility is a distribution facility, the inventory item
may be delivered from the end-user facility upon the end-user
facility receiving an order to ship the inventory item. However, to
ensure that the inventory items within the end-user facility are
being properly managed by the inventory management system 10, the
inventory items must first be checked out via the check-out station
22 before they can be used or removed.
[0050] In more detail, inventory items can be checked out by
passing the inventory items through the scanning zone 70 of the
check-out station 22. The RFID reader antenna 60 of the check-out
station 22 may be continuously powered on such that it continuously
emits an interrogation signal so as to generate the scanning zone
70. As such, once an inventory item with an associated RFID tag 50
is passed through the scanning zone 70, the RFID tag 50 receives
the interrogation signal and, in response, emits a response signal
that includes information associated with the RFID tag 50.
Specifically, the response signal includes information indicative
of the inventory ID number stored in the integrated circuit 58 of
the inventory item's RFID tag 50. The response signal is received
by the RFID reader antenna 60 of the check-out station 22 and is
passed to the RFID reader 72 over the communications network 26.
The RFID reader 72 extracts the inventory ID number from the
response signal and converts the inventory ID number into a
readable text format. The RFID reader 72 sends the inventory ID
number, along with a timestamp of when the response signal was
received, to the computing device 24 for storage in the inventory
database. In particular, the computing device converts the readable
text format of the inventory ID number and the timestamp into an
electronic spreadsheet format and then into a tab delimited text
format appropriate for updating the inventory item's inventory item
data file stored within the inventory database. As such, the
inventory database can be updated to indicate which inventory items
have been checked out of the end-user facility, and, thus, which
inventory items have been removed from the inventory (i.e., removed
from stock) within the end-user facility. The timestamp also
provides an indication as to precisely when the inventory items
were checked out of the end-user facility.
[0051] Furthermore, upon an inventory item with an RFID tag 50
passing through the scanning zone 70 of the check-out station 22
and a corresponding response signal being sent to the RFID reader
72, the RFID reader 72 may send an instruction to the indicator 40
of the check-out station 22, instructing the indicator 40 to
provide an indication to the end-user that the inventory item has
been properly checked out. Such an indication may be in the form of
the indicator 40 providing a visual indication by switching from
on-to-off, switching from off-to-on, switching from
off-to-on-to-off (i.e., a brief flash), changing colors, or the
like. Regardless of the type of indication, the system (preferably
via visual indicator), thus, provides an immediate, real-time
indication to the end-user that the inventory items have been
checked out from the end-user facility.
[0052] In view of the above, the inventory management system 10 can
be used to track all inventory passing through an end-user
facility. Specifically, the inventory management system 10 can
track, in real time, when each inventory item has been received and
checked in to the end-user facility via the check in station 20.
Beneficially, the visual indicator 40 of the check-in station 20
provides an immediate verification to a user that an inventory item
has been properly checked in. As such, errors with checking in
inventory items into the end-user facility can be minimized. Once
inventory items have been checked in to the end-user facility,
their statuses are recorded within the inventory database as being
"in stock." The inventory items will remain in stock within the
inventory database until the inventory items are checked out of the
end-user facility. As noted above, inventory items should be
checked out of the end-user facility before the inventory items are
used (e.g., as part of manufacturing) or are delivered/shipped from
the end-user facility. The inventory management system 10 is
configured to track, in real time, when each inventory item has
been checked out from the end-user facility via the check-out
station 22. Beneficially, the visual indicator 40 of the check-out
station 22 provides an immediate verification to the user that an
inventory item has been properly checked out. As such, errors with
checking out inventory items from the end-user facility can be
minimized.
[0053] In addition to tracking inventory as the inventory items are
checked in, in stock, and checked out of the end-user facility, the
inventory management system 10 can also be used to analyze data
related to the inventory. In general, all information provided to
the inventory database can be permanently stored within the
inventory database for use in analyzing inventory. For example, if
a user is interested in knowing how many of a particular type of
inventory item is currently in stock, the user can access the
inventory database and perform a query to determine precisely how
many of such particular type or inventory items are currently in
stock. In addition, if a user is interested in knowing how many of
a particular inventory item are used by the end-user facility
(e.g., used in manufacturing or delivered from the facility) over a
given time period, the user can query the inventory database to
determine exactly how many particular inventory items were used by
the end-user facility over the given time period. Similarly, if a
user is interested in knowing how long a particular inventory item
normally remains in stock within the end-user facility over a given
time period, the user can access the inventory database to
determine exactly how long the particular inventory item normally
remains in stock within the end-user facility over the given time
period. Beneficially, because the inventory database stores the
inventory item data files for each inventory item in a tab
delimited text format, such analysis can be efficiently performed
using SQL-based computer programs. Such computer programs can be
fully customized as may be required to perform generally any type
of analysis on the data included in the inventory database.
Beneficially, the inventory management system 10 may, in some
embodiments, be configured to propagate the information included in
the inventory database, and analysis related thereto, to additional
computing devices, i.e. accessible through a web interface,
periodic email reports, desktop application or mobile apps, for
additional analysis. Broadly, such analysis may include analyzing
inventory levels within the end-user facility, inventory usage
within the end-user facility, past and future inventory item
purchase order reports, and the like.
[0054] The inventory management system 10 may also be used to
automate certain aspects of the end-user facility's inventory
management. For example, one embodiment of the present invention
may include an automated re-order process for re-ordering inventory
items in instances where the number of in-stock inventory items of
a particular type fall below a predefined minimum threshold. In
particular, a user of the inventory management system 10 may
provide (e.g., via the computing device 24) a minimum threshold
number for each type of inventory items used at the end-user
facility. As described above, the number of all inventory items in
stock within the end-user facility can be tracked, via the
inventory management system 10, by tracking the inventory items as
they are checked in and checked out of the end-user facility. As
such, each time an inventory item of a particular type is checked
in to the end-user facility, the total number of inventory items of
the particular type that are in-stock within the end-user facility
increases by one. Similarly, each time an inventory item of a
particular type is checked out of the end-user facility, the total
number of inventory items of the particular type that are in-stock
within the end-user facility decreases by one. Upon the total
number of in-stock inventory items of a particular type falling
below a pre-defined minimum threshold (with such threshold selected
by a user of the inventory management system 10), a purchase order
can be automatically generated and sent to the vendor so as to
re-order additional inventory items of the particular type. In some
embodiments, the purchase order may be automatically generated by
the computing device 24 and sent to the server device 28 of the
vendor via the communications network 26. Alternatively, the server
device 28 of the vendor may be in periodic or constant
communication with the inventory database provided by the computing
device 24, such that if the server device 28 determines that the
total number of in-stock inventory items of a particular type have
fallen below a pre-defined minimum threshold, the server device 28
can itself generate a purchase order so as to re-order additional
inventory items for the end-user facility.
[0055] Before shipping the inventory items to the end-user
facility, the vendor may print and affix an RFID tag 50 to the
inventory items, such that the inventory items are ready to be
tracked (e.g., checked in, stored, and checked out) by the
inventory management system 10 at the end-user facility once the
inventory items arrive at the facility. Furthermore, as discussed
above, the vendor may update the inventory database, via
communication between the server device 28 and the computing device
24, with appropriate inventory item data files, such that the
inventory ID numbers stored on the RFID tags 50 are properly
correlated with the item specifications of the inventory item data
files stored within the inventory database. As such, once the
inventory items are checked in at the facility, the inventory ID
numbers obtained from the RFID tags 50 can be properly associated
with inventory item data files in the inventory database.
[0056] In view of the above, embodiments of the present invention
include a method for managing inventory. Such a method is
illustrated by FIG. 7, and may include an initial Step 702 of
checking in an inventory item at a check-in station, with the
check-in station comprising a first reader antenna for receiving
information from an RFID tag associated with the inventory item and
a first indicator for providing an indication of the inventory item
being checked in. The method may additionally include a Step 704 of
checking out an inventory item at a check-out station, with the
check-out station comprising a second reader antenna for receiving
information from the RFID tag associated with the inventory item
and a second indicator for providing an indication of the inventory
item being checked out. In some additional embodiments, the method
may include a further Step 706 of tracking a total number of
inventory items of a particular type currently in stock. Upon the
total number of inventory items of the particular type currently
checked in falling below a predefined threshold, the method may
include a further Step 708 of automatically reordering additional
inventory items.
Additional Features
[0057] Finally, some additional embodiments of the present
invention may provide for the inventory management system 10 to be
configured to capture physical representative data during inventory
item check-ins and check-outs, with such data being in the form of
pictures, video, 3D environment scans and 3D laser mapping of the
end-user facility. For example, in the case of pictures, video,
scans or mapping of the environment, positional data for each
inventory item in stock within the end-user facility can be
obtained and stored in the inventory database and analyzed, as
needed, for future use.
[0058] In additional embodiments, the inventory management system
10 may include a user identification system for identifying and
tracking users that check in and/or check out inventory items. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the user identification system
may comprise a camera 90 associated with the check-in station 20
and/or the check-out station 22. In some embodiments, the camera 90
may be in communication with the RFID reader 72 and/or with the
computing device 24, such as via the communications network 26. In
particular, the camera 90 may be configured to obtain an image or a
video of the area around the scanning zone 70 as an inventory item
is checked in and/or checked out. For example, upon an inventory
item being passed through the scanning zone 70 of the check-in
station 20 or the check-out station 22 by a user, the RFID reader
72 may send an instruction to the camera 90, instructing the camera
90 to obtain an image or video of the user. In some embodiments,
the video or image of the user may be stored in the inventory
database as part of the inventory item data file associated with
the inventory item that was checked in or checked out. As such, the
inventory management system 10 can be configured to provide a
visual record of inventory items being checked in or checked out,
as well as the users that perform the checking in or checking out.
Such a configuration may be helpful to troubleshoot issues, such as
problems relating to loss-prevention and improper
recordkeeping.
[0059] In addition to the camera 90, some embodiments of the
inventory management system 10 may include a user identification
system in the form of a scannable user identification (ID). In such
embodiments, each user of the inventory management system 10 may be
provided with a user ID. Each of such user IDs may include its own
unique RFID tag that corresponds with the user to which the user ID
is assigned. Upon a user checking in or checking out an inventory
item (e.g., passing the inventory item through the scanning zone 70
of the check-in station 20 or the check-out station 22) the user
may also pass their user ID through the scanning zone 70 such that
a record of the user that performs the checking in or checking out
can also be tracked.
[0060] Finally, in addition to collecting images or video when
inventory items are checked in or checked out, some embodiments of
the inventory management system 10 may include one or more cameras
that obtain images or videos at all times and/or whenever a user
passes by the check-in station 20 or the check-out station 22. In
such embodiments, the cameras may be associated with the check-in
station 20 or the check-out station 22 or, alternatively, may be
set apart from the check-in station 20 or the check-out station 22.
Regardless, the cameras may be configured to capture images or
videos of the area around the check-in station 20 or the check-out
station 22. As noted above, the cameras may be configured to
constantly record images or videos. Alternatively, the cameras may
be associated with a motion sensor, such that the cameras are
configured to record images or videos only when a user passes by
the check-in station 20 or the check-out station 22. In such
embodiments, the images or videos obtained by the cameras may be
stored in the inventory database sequentially or along with a
timestamp for verifying the time when the user passed by the
check-in station 20 or the check-out station 22. As such,
embodiments of the present invention provide for the tracking of
users or employees when such users or employees pass by the
check-in station 20 or the check-out station 22 without checking in
or checking out inventory items (i.e., scanning the inventory items
through the scanning zone 70). Such a feature may be helpful, for
instance, to identify users that are not using the inventory
management system 10 properly, which can result in loss-prevention
issues and improper recordkeeping.
[0061] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is
noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made
herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited
in the claims.
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