HK1099397A - Item-level visibility of nested and adjacent containers - Google Patents

Description

Visibility of article layers of nested and adjacent containers

Related application

The application: the application: priority was claimed according to 35 U.S. C. 119(e) based on U.S. patent application No. 60/528,334 entitled "conceptfor New visual information of Logistic units, inclusive Handhelded New visual information", filed by Stephen Lamblight et al, 12, 9, 2003; priority is claimed according to 35 U.S.C. 120 based on a partially-continued application of U.S. patent application No. 10/841,368 entitled "new Visibility for a Container Hierarchy" filed by Stephen Lambright et al on 5/6 2004; this partially-filed application claims priority based on U.S. patent application No. 60/468,930 entitled "Concepts for smartcontainers" filed by Stephen Lambright et al on 5/7 2003 in accordance with 35 u.s.c. § 119(e) and priority based on U.S. patent application No. 60/468,929 entitled "Concepts for nested visibilities of logics Units" filed by Stephen Lambright et al on 5/7 2003 in accordance with 35 u.s.c. § 119(e) and priority based on U.S. patent application No. 60/468,929 entitled "filed by Stephen Lambright et al on 5/7 2003 in accordance with; and is related to U.S. patent application No. < docket No. 21790-09613> entitled "Integrated Active and Passive Tag Reader Device", filed by Stephen Lamblight et al, 12.9.2004. The entire contents of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to tracking containers and their contents, and more particularly to providing item layer visibility and verifying manifest information by interrogating multiple heterogeneous layers of a container.

Background

The ever-increasing emphasis of global commerce is on the modern global economy of goods delivered in a global supply chain. In general, the global supply chain is a network of international suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and other entities that handle goods from their component parts to consumer consumption processes. For example, semiconductor test equipment is exported from the united states to taiwan, where semiconductors are processed and sent to malaysia for assembly into computers. The computer is then shipped to a warehouse in the united states and eventually reaches the consumer market for consumption.

However, current tracking systems have difficulty tracking container contents because the goods are nested within multiple containers during shipment and large shipping containers are stacked together. For example, the layers of articles are packaged in packaging layers, which are stored in carton layers, according to a nesting defined by ISO (international organization for standardization). Several paper box layers are stored in the unit loading layer, and several unit loading layers are stored in the container layer. In addition, containers are stacked several levels deep. It should be noted that "shipping containers" are used herein in a broader sense to include each ISO level and other enclosures. A vehicle transports several container levels at a time. Thus, an operator can only assume an item is on a vehicle based on static nesting and stacking information collected during packaging. Thus, if the goods are stolen during shipment or lost by being shipped to an incorrect location, it is not possible to discover that the goods are lost before each container level is opened at the consignee.

Although a container arrangement as described above is used herein for illustrative purposes, the present invention is applicable to any grouping and any number of sub-grouping levels.

A related problem is that current tracking systems do not have real-time information for tracking the contents of the container, particularly on the item level. Because the physical content acts separately from the data about the content, the tracking system cannot provide dynamic authentication information about the content. A port operator who needs to know the content in the container must log into the tracking system to retrieve the static information. Moreover, data about the content is often delayed and therefore it is not even possible for the operator to retrieve certain data.

In addition, many large consumer stores are requiring products to use RFID (radio frequency identification) tags in order to increase supply chain efficiency enough to meet the immediate inventory of goods. But these tags are usually of different kinds and are therefore not suitable for tag internal communication. Thus, conventional tags and the like do not passively output information to a centralized system until acted upon by a tag reader. It is traditionally such a centralized system that determines any relationship between the goods.

In addition, traditionally, different kinds of tags require separate tag readers for each tag type. For example, for containers containing both active and passive tags, a separate device is required to obtain information for each tag type. Thus, a single reader does not provide information about the interrelationship between different kinds of tag types, except that two separate devices are required to read the tags.

Accordingly, there is a need for a robust system that provides nested and contiguous visibility of a plurality of associated containers. The solution further provides item level visibility and end-to-end tracking of goods in a global supply chain.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention fills these needs by providing a system and method for multi-layered visibility of nested and adjacent containers. The system may further provide a virtual warehouse enabled by item level visibility to track individual items end-to-end through a global supply chain. Thus, a central system can quickly and easily collect information about each associated container with different kinds of automatic identification technology by interrogating any or all of the tiers.

In some embodiments, a nested container comprises a container having an identification device. The identification means acts as a medium by automatically gathering and processing information from the central system. The identification means provide visibility through a variety of automatic identification technologies such as active or passive RFID (frequency identification) tags, bar codes, EPC (electronic product code) compliant tags or any other means capable of transmitting its identification information. The identification device provides item level visibility by automatically sending hierarchical and adjacent container information via a satellite, for example, to a central system at or intermediate checkpoints in a global supply chain. In one embodiment, nested containers automatically validate AMR (automatic manifest rule) information by downloading it from a central system and comparing it to visible items.

In some embodiments, the identification device includes a processor that establishes a relative hierarchy of lower and upper containers down to the item level. Example levels include an item level, a unit load level, an intermodal container level, and the like. To establish the hierarchy, the processor sends an interrogation signal to the adjacent container to retrieve the identification information and the layer information. The information may relate to both individual information of the responding container and hierarchical and adjacent information about neighboring containers of the responding container. Also, the processor sends its own identification information and layer information in response to the received interrogation signal. From a nested container, the processor outputs the relative layers to, for example, an integrated reader device. In some embodiments, the identification device further comprises a transceiver to send and receive identification and/or layer information.

The features and advantages described in this summary and the following detailed description are not all-inclusive, and in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be understood that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, which must be determined by the claims.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary global supply chain according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2A-C are schematic diagrams of exemplary physical layers in a container hierarchy according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 2D is a schematic diagram showing an adjacent container with nested containers therein according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a passive recognition device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3B and 3C are block diagrams illustrating an active identification device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an ISO logistics layer within an exemplary container hierarchy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing nesting visibility in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for establishing relative hierarchies in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram illustrating a dual mode reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary software configuration of a dual mode reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view illustrating a handheld dual-mode reading device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary location where information may be exchanged among identification devices and between an identification device and an integrated reading device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating examples of collecting identification information according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of collecting identification information according to an embodiment of the invention.

The drawings depict various embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. From the following discussion, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

Detailed Description

A system and method for nested visibility is disclosed. Systems according to some embodiments of the invention are described in fig. 1-4 and 7, and methods of operation according to some embodiments of the invention are described herein in fig. 5, 6, and 8-10.

The accompanying description is intended to provide a thorough description with numerous specific details. Of course, the field of cargo tracking has been such that the features of the invention illustrated and described may be subject to many different variations. Thus, it will no doubt be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without some of the specific details set forth below, and that in fact many other variations and embodiments of the invention may be practiced while still meeting the teachings and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments described below, but rather construed according to the below claims.

The processes, features, or functions of the present invention may be implemented by program instructions executing on a suitable computing device. Example computing devices include electronic tags, enterprise servers, application servers, workstations, personal computers, network appliances, personal digital assistants, game consoles, televisions, set-top boxes, user-side automation equipment, point-of-sale terminals, automobiles, and personal communication devices. The program instructions may be distributed on a computer readable medium, storage volume, or the internet. The program instructions may be in any suitable form, such as source code, object code, or script code.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary global supply chain 100 including nested and/or adjacent containers 185 according to an embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that fig. 1 is merely an exemplary global supply chain 100 that may have various geographic configurations, modes of transportation, etc., within the scope and spirit of the present invention. In this example, the global supply chain 100 includes a shipper 105a, an origin port 105b, a ship-to port 105c, a destination port 105d, and a consignee 105 e.

The global supply chain 100 is used through a network of international suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and other entities that process goods from their component parts to consumer consumption processes. Thus, nested and/or adjacent containers 185 and other cargo pass through a network point, checkpoint, port, etc. The sender 105a and the receiver 105e may be direct or indirect partner entities or units within one entity that exchange a container 185 over a trading route. For example, a manufacturer may send computer components to an assembly plant by truck freight, and the assembly plant may then ship the assembled computer to a warehouse. The origination and destination ports 105b-c may be a shipping terminal, an airport, a customs clearance, a NVOCC (no common shipper), or other entity that sends and/or receives merchandise over a trading route. An internal supply chain is a similar network operated by a single entity or closely related entities, and the principles of the present invention are applicable to such internal supply networks as well.

At a high level, the sender 105a may transport a container 185 to the receiver 105e via one of the trading routes. As a first mode of transportation, a truck transports the container 185 from the shipper 105a to the origin port 105 b. As a second and third mode of transportation, a first ship and a second ship transport the containers 185 from the origination port 105b to the destination port 105d via a transfer at a transfer port 105 c. As a fourth mode of transportation, a freight train transports the container to the receiver 105 e. In the case of international transit, government agencies of the respective countries 101, 102 (e.g., a customs and national security agency) oversee the primary network elements and the civilian community oversee the expansion network elements. It should be noted, however, that in one embodiment, the transport occurs within the confines of a country. Similarly, export and import are between domestic geographic locations (e.g., between two countries, cities, provinces, etc.) that are supervised by, for example, a security agency or a domestic government agency. The problem is that checkpoints cannot easily gather information about a typical container with other containers layered therein.

A nested container 185 addresses this visibility issue. The nested container 185 acts as a medium by automatically gathering and processing information for submission to the central system. Nested containers 185 associate themselves with contained and adjacent containers to form a relative hierarchy of logistics units. The relative hierarchy allows for higher level containers and lower level containers. Preferably, a nested container 185 at the highest level outputs the relative hierarchy in response to an interrogation, however, either level can do so. In one embodiment, nested container 185 achieves a master state upon determining that it is at the highest level. In another embodiment, nested containers 185 update the relative hierarchy upon detecting a composition change (e.g., when a previous nested container fails to respond to a periodic poll).

As used herein, a "layer" in a hierarchy may be defined in a variety of ways. In general, each layer is capable of self-identifying in response to a query, and is defined relative to the other layers. A lower layer can be included in an upper layer. For example, an article or article at a first level is contained in its packaging at a second level, while a package is contained in a carton at a third level. A spectrum of layers may extend from an article and extend from the lowest layer to a vehicle at the highest layer. Preferably, less capable automatic identification technology (e.g., bar codes) is in the lower layers, while more capable automatic identification technology (e.g., active RFID (frequency identification) tags) is in the higher layers.

As the container 185 traverses the global supply chain 100 on its route, it may be interrogated at different checkpoints. When a truck is unloaded at the origin port 105b, the pallets that were once associated may become separated and possibly re-associated. Since the truck is no longer the highest level in the hierarchy, nested containers 185 at relatively low levels can provide similar information to an interrogator. Further embodiments of nested containers 185 and methods of operation therein are described below.

Fig. 2A-C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example physical layer within a container hierarchy according to some embodiments of the invention. Thus, the nested container 185 at the highest level includes a container 210 having an identification device 220 as shown in FIG. 2A. The nested container includes a nested tray 216 that holds nested containers 212 having nested items 214. The identification device 220 communicates with an integrated reading device 225, preferably wirelessly, which integrated reading device 225 in turn communicates with a field server or manager 250. Presence server 250 may be a local part of a centralized system for security, tracking, and similar purposes. The integrated reading device 225 can collect information about the containers 185, 210, 212, 214 and nested trays 216 for local analysis or upload. The integrated reading device 225 can also write instructions and/or data to the nested containers 185, 210, 212, 214 and the nested tray 216. The integrated reading device 225 will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 7A.

Fig. 2B illustrates a nested container 212 on a lower level, the nested container 212 including a container 222 having an identification device 232. The nested pallet 216 in this embodiment is shown as a platform for a group of nested containers 212 that is useful during movement, for example, by a forklift. The nest tray 216 includes a tray 226 and an identification device 236. Both identification devices 232, 236 are also in communication with the integrated reading device 225. Further, fig. 2C illustrates the nested container 214 at a low level relative to the nested container 212, the nested container 214 including an item 224 having a bar code 234 or other inexpensive identification device.

Fig. 2D is a schematic diagram showing adjacent containers 210a-c each having nested containers 212, 214 therein. Each adjacent container 210 has an identification device 220. One or more identification devices 220 may communicate (preferably wirelessly) with an integrated reader device 225. The integrated reader device 225 may collect information about the container 210 for local analysis or upload. In addition, the identification devices 220 on adjacent containers 210 communicate with each other.

As used herein, "container" may include a common housing referred to as, for example, goods, items, packaging, cargo, intermodal containers, freight, boxes, and the like. The shipping container may also include an ISO (international organization for standardization) standardized housing in the form of layers or units referred to as, for example, IMCs (intermodal containers), IBCs (intermediate bulk containers), RTCs (reusable shipping containers), ULDs (unit load devices), the layers described below with reference to fig. 4, and the like. It should be noted that the containers 210, 222, 224 are merely examples, as their size, shape, and configuration may vary (e.g., more than two doors).

The identification devices 220, 232, 236, although on different layers, are each capable of separately communicating with the integrated identification device 225. Thus, the identification devices 220, 232 do not need to daisy chain information up a step, as the integrated identification device 225 can gather information from any one source. In an embodiment the recognition means 220, 232 automatically verifies the AMR (automatic manifest rule) information by downloading it from the central system and comparing it with the visible object. As a result, the recognition device 220, 232 can verify the AMR to a central security system and inform the operator or the agent whether the goods being loaded or unloaded are correct.

The identification devices 220, 232, 234 are coupled, attached, or otherwise associated with the containers 210, 222, 224 for identification. In one embodiment, the identification devices 220, 232, 234 may be of different types, but may operate together. For example, in one embodiment, identification device 220 may comprise an active identification device such as an active RFID tag, identification device 232 and may also comprise a passive identification device such as a passive RFID tag, and identification device 234 may comprise a bar code. Other types of identification devices not described herein, such as EPC (electronic product code) tags, may also be used in some embodiments. Exemplary identification devices are described in more detail below with reference to fig. 3A-3C.

Fig. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a passive recognition device 305 according to an embodiment of the invention. The passive identification device 305 or "passive tag" is a simple device that does not include active components. The passive recognition device 305 includes a recognition module 315, a transceiver 310, and a transmission means 320.

The identification module 315 includes programmed identification information associated with the container to which the passive identification device 305 is attached. The transceiver 310 includes the basic communication channel necessary to transmit the identification information. The use of the term transceiver here is not very precise, since the passive identification device 305 does not actually receive data. More specifically, the transceiver 310 temporarily activates the passive identification device 305 in response to the transmission signal to transmit the identification information to the system through the transmission means 320. In one embodiment, the transmitting member 320 is an antenna.

Fig. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an active identification device 325 according to one embodiment of the invention. The basic structure of the active identification device 325 or "active tag" includes an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) transceiver 330, a low frequency receiver 335, a processing unit 340, a memory 345, a sensor co-processor unit 350, an audible device 355, a reset & brown-out circuit 360, and a power source such as a battery 365.

UHF transceiver 330 comprises physical, logical, analog, and/or digital communication channels necessary, for example, to send and receive identification information, layer information, and the like to and from an active or an integrated reading device 225. For example, if identification device 325 comprises an RFID device, UHF transceiver 330 comprises an RF transmitter and receiver. The signal is transmitted and received through an antenna 332. An oscillator 334 controls the clock and synchronization and a data interface 336 connects the UHF transceiver 330 to the processing unit 340. Additionally, the UHF transceiver 330 enables the identification device 325 to communicate with other active identification devices.

The low frequency receiver 335 comprises the physical, logical, analog, and/or digital communication channels necessary to receive signals from the sign post within a specified distance of the active identification device 325, such as through the antenna 338, to provide location information of the active identification device 325. The low frequency receiver 335 interfaces 342 to the processing unit 340.

Processor unit 340 includes, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a mobile CPU, a controller, or other device for executing instructions. In one embodiment, the processing unit 340 includes software for processing signals received from the active or integrated reading device 225 and the sign post. In one embodiment, processing includes sending and receiving to an identification device, and correlating signals received from the device. The clock and synchronization of the active identification device 325 is provided by an oscillator 344.

Memory 345 may be any volatile or non-volatile device capable of storing program instructions and/or data. Sensor coprocessor unit 350 interfaces to main processing unit 340, receives signals from passive identification devices 305 and establishes a relative hierarchy or relationship between containers. Sensor coprocessor unit 350 is described in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 3C.

The acoustic signal device 355 and the reset and brown-out circuit 360 serve as a monitoring mechanism for the active identification device 325. The acoustic signaling device 355 uses sound to indicate the location of the active identification device 325 and the container associated with the active identification device 325 remains sealed. The reset and brown-out circuit 360 monitors the voltage and timing of the processing unit 340.

The battery 365 provides a Direct Current (DC) voltage source to the active identification device 325. The battery 365 is shown in phantom to indicate that it may be externally connected to the active identification device 325.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating in more detail a sensor coprocessor unit 350 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described above, sensor coprocessor unit 350 interfaces to main processing unit 340 and receives signals from passive identification device 305. Thus, sensor coprocessor unit 350 may be considered a processor dedicated to passive identification information. The basic structure of the sensor coprocessor unit 350 includes a transceiver 370, a memory 375, a coprocessor 380, and various sensors 380.

The transceiver 370 comprises physical, logical, analog, and/or digital communication channels necessary to send and receive identification information, layer information, and the like to and from a passive identification device 305, such as through an antenna 372. Transceiver 370 interfaces to coprocessor 380 and memory 375 through a data/expansion port 374.

Memory 375 may be any volatile or non-volatile device capable of storing program instructions and/or data. In one embodiment, memory 375 is a serial Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM).

Coprocessor 380 is similar to processing unit 340 of FIG. 3B. Including a CPU (central processing unit), a mobile CPU, a controller, or other device for executing instructions. In an embodiment, coprocessor 380 includes software for processing signals received from passive identification device 305.

The sensors 385 monitor various conditions related to the integrity of the container. In one embodiment, sensors 385 include a door open detector, a light sensor, a shock sensor, and a temperature and relative humidity sensor.

The construction of the active identification device 325 in fig. 3B and 3C is merely an example, and may be modified according to desired capabilities.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an ISO logistics layer within an exemplary container hierarchy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The logistics level or units include a level of items 410a, a level of packaging 410b, a level of cartons 410c, a level of unit loading 410d, a level of containers 410e (not intended to redefine "containers" as used herein), and a level of vehicles 410 f. As shown in fig. 4, each layer is capable of transmitting identification information and layer information to each of the other layers in a many-to-many relationship to establish a relative hierarchy. In one embodiment, the layer information relates to the logistics layer to which the nested container 185 belongs. In another embodiment, the container hierarchy uses non-ISO layers.

The item layer 410a includes, for example, an item or good (e.g., a computer having a serial number). The article may have a serial number or a passive tag. Packaging layer 410b includes, for example, a box for enclosing the article and its accessories. The packaging may include a bar code, a UPC code, passive labels, or the like. Unit load layer 410c includes, for example, one or more packages that move around together on a pallet. The cell layer 410d may have an active or passive tag. The shipping container comprises, for example, a 40 'x 8' metal box with one or more pallets. The container may have an active or passive tag mounted internally or externally. The vehicle floor 410e includes, for example, one or more containers. The vehicle may have an active or passive tag.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a block diagram of an integrated reading device 225 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The integrated reading device 225 is configured to read to and from both passive 305 and active 325 identification devices. In an embodiment, as depicted in fig. 7C, the integrated reading device 225 is handheld. In another embodiment, the integrated reading device 225 is stationary. The integrated reading device 225 includes a first (active) 710 and a second (passive) 715UHF transceiver, a processing unit 720, a memory 725, a Light Emitting Diode (LED)730, and may have an external computer interface 740 and a power source 745.

The first UHF transceiver (active) 710 comprises physical, logical, analog and/or digital communication channels necessary to send and receive identification information, layer information and the like to and from the active identification device 325, such as through an antenna 712. A first UHF transceiver (active) 710 is available from a different merchant. The first UHF transceiver 710 is configured to send and receive signals to and from active identification devices 325 up to three hundred feet away. In one embodiment, the first UHF transceiver 710 transmits and receives 433MHz signals. An oscillator 714 controls the clock and synchronization and a data interface 716 connects the first UHF transceiver 710 to the processing unit 720. Additionally, first UHF transceiver 710 includes the necessary buffers and/or queues necessary to send information to processing unit 720 when processing unit 720 is ready to receive information.

The second UHF transceiver (passive) 715 includes physical, logical, analog and/or digital communication channels necessary to send and receive identification information, layer information and the like to and from the passive identification device 305, such as through an antenna 718. A second UHF transceiver (passive) 715 is commercially available from a different vendor (e.g., Symbol Technologies of Oakland, CA). In an embodiment, the second UHF transceiver 715 is configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from passive identification devices 305 up to thirty (30) feet apart. In other embodiments, the range may be larger. In one embodiment, the first UHF transceiver 710 transmits and receives 900MHz signals. The term transceiver is not used here very precisely because the passive UHF transceiver 715 typically does not transmit data to the passive identification device 305 but only receives data. A data interface 722 connects the second UHF transceiver 715 to the processing unit 720. Additionally, second UHF transceiver 715 includes the necessary buffers and/or queues necessary to send information to processing unit 720 when processing unit 720 is ready to receive information.

Processing unit 720 includes, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a mobile CPU, a controller, or other device for executing instructions. In one embodiment, the processing unit 720 includes software 765 for processing signals received from an integrated reading device 225. Software 765 is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 7B. An oscillator 724 controls the clock and synchronization of the processing unit 720.

The processing unit 720 is capable of switching back and forth between sending and receiving active and passive signals. In addition, the processing unit 720 performs various other processing functions of the integrated reading device 225 described in connection with FIG. 7B.

In one embodiment (not shown), the processing unit 720 comprises two separate units, one processor for processing signals from the active identification device 325 and another processor for processing signals from the passive identification device 305. In this embodiment, the processor is communicatively coupled and the integrated reading device 225 may include an active reader and a passive reader. Also in this example, the passive and active readers can move relative to each other and collect information separately.

Memory 725 may be any volatile or non-volatile device capable of storing program instructions and/or data. The LED730 is an indicator to indicate that data is being sent and/or received and may also indicate that the integrated reading device 225 is receiving power.

The integrated reading device 225 may also include an external computer interface 740 and/or a power source 745. An external computer interface 740 (if present) is used to connect the integrated reading device 225, for example, to a site manager 250 or another computer. For example, the external computer interface 740 may be connected to a separate processor (not shown) having software for generating the interrogation signal.

A power supply 745 (if present) powers the integrated reading device 225. The power supply 745 includes a battery 750 as a current source, a battery charger 755, and a voltage regulator 760. In an alternative embodiment, the power source 745 is externally connected to the integrated reading device 225 or separate from the integrated reading device 225.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, a block diagram is shown illustrating an exemplary software configuration 765 of a dual mode reading device according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the software 765 includes an active signal processing portion 770, a passive signal processing portion 775, an interrogation portion 780, a signal correlation portion 785, and a signal transmission portion 790.

The active signal processing section 770 includes software for processing signals sent to and received from the active identification device 325. The passive signal processing portion 775 comprises software for processing signals sent to and received from the passive identification device 305. The interrogation portion 780 includes software for initiating a signal to interrogate the active 325 and passive 305 identification devices. The signal association section 785 includes software for associating signals from different passive 305 and different active identification devices 325 with each other reflecting their respective container associations. The signal transmitting part 790 includes software for transmitting the processed signal to an external computer. The software portion 770-790 need not be discrete software modules. The configuration shown is intended to be illustrative only; other arrangements are also contemplated and are within the scope of the present invention.

Thus, the integrated device 225 is capable of reading different types of tags. This allows a single device to be used to read both the passive 305 and active 325 tags and to establish interrelationships between different types of tags. The integrated reader 225 is advantageous over conventional readers that require separate readers for each tag type because a single reader is capable of reading both active and passive tags, saving significant time, money, and equipment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a location 805 and 815 where information may be exchanged between the identification devices 305, 325 and the integrated reading device 225 according to an embodiment of the invention.

In one embodiment, the collection of identification information may be initiated at a shipping location 805 (e.g., a shipper 105a or origin 105b) when the container is packaged. At the sending location 805, an integrated reading device 225a is used to collect identification information from the active 325 and passive 305 identification devices. For example, if a handheld integrated reader device 225a is used, the handheld device is placed within range of the tag to be read and identification information is collected therefrom. If the device is a stationary reader device 225c, the tag is read and identification information is collected from the container as it passes near the stationary device within range of the tag (e.g., on a conveyor belt or in a transport vehicle). The integrated reading device 225a may receive a signal from each identification device 305, 325 individually, or may receive information about a number of identification devices 305, 325 from one or more active identification devices 325. These processes are described in more detail in connection with fig. 9.

The identification devices 305, 325 may be interrogated by an active or integrated reading device 225a while en route 810 from the sending location 805 to the receiving location 815. Additionally, the identification devices 305, 325 may communicate with each other to establish how their respective associated containers are related (e.g., nested or contiguous). These processes are described in more detail in connection with fig. 5 and 6.

In one embodiment, the final interrogation of the container identification information occurs when the container arrives at the receiving location 815 (e.g., a destination port 105d or consignee 105 e). At the receiving location 815, the container may be passed over the integrated reader 225 c. The integrated reading device 225c can transmit and receive identification information from the active 325 and passive 305 identification devices. The integrated reading device 225c may receive a signal from each identification device 305, 325 individually, or may receive information about a number of identification devices 305, 325 from one or more active identification devices 325. These processes are described in more detail in connection with fig. 10.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating two examples 910, 920 of a method for collecting identification information according to an embodiment of the invention. An example is a method of collecting identification information from a series of containers, such as during packaging at a sending location 805.

In an embodiment, shown as solid line 910, the process begins by collecting 930 passive device identification information from one or more passive identification devices 305. Next, an active recognition device 325 is selected 940 from the available devices. For example, an active tag 325 may be selected 940 such that its container encloses the passive identification device 305 container. The passive tag information collected at step 930 is then written 950 to the selected active tag 325. These steps can be repeated as necessary to accommodate a variety of nested containers having active 325 and passive 305 identification devices. Finally, identification information is collected 960 from the active tag 325.

For example, this process may be used when loading items into containers at a warehouse. In this case, an agent may have one or more shipping containers into which the container units and items are to be loaded for shipment. For example, at the item level, each item may have a passive tag associated with it. When each item is loaded into a container unit, identification information for the item is collected 930. When the agent places the item in a container unit, such as within a shipping container, then the active tag identification device associated with the larger container may be selected 940 and the passive tag information written 950 to the selected active tag. The agent repeats the process until the container unit is full. Identification information may then be collected 960 from the active tags associated with the container units, which information will include identification information about the passive tags read to the active tags in step 950. Likewise, active tag information for other container units within the shipping container may be collected and written 950 to an active tag associated with the shipping container in a manner similar to process 930-940 described above. When a shipping container is full, identifying information may be collected 960 from active tags associated with the shipping container.

In another embodiment, shown as dashed line 920, the process begins with collecting 960 identification information from the active identification device 325. Next, an active identification device 325 is selected 940 from the devices 325 from which identification information was collected in step 960. Passive device identification information is then collected 930. Finally, the passive tag information collected at step 930 is written 950 to the selected active tag 325.

This process may be used, for example, when loading items into containers at a warehouse. In this case, an agent may have one or more shipping containers into which the container units and items are to be loaded for shipment. For example, each item may have a passive tag associated therewith and each container unit may have an active tag associated therewith. First, the agent collects 960 identifying information from each active tag associated with the container unit. Next, the agent selects 940 a single container unit from the group of container units in which to load the item, thereby selecting an active tag associated with the container unit. The agent then selects 930 passive tag identification information from each item as it is loaded into the container unit. Finally, the identification information collected from the passive tags is written 950 to the active tag selected at step 940.

Fig. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for providing nesting visibility in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 500 may occur at different times, for example, on the way 810 from the sending location 805 to the receiving location 815.

In one embodiment, an active identification device 325 receives 510 an interrogation signal. The interrogation signal invokes a response to a pair of identification and layer information through the different identification devices 305, 325. Although the following description refers to a single active identification device 325, each respective active tag is capable of performing the following process.

The processing unit 340 of the active identification device 325 establishes 520 a relative hierarchy as further described below with reference to fig. 6. The visibility of the layers is provided based on the relative hierarchy of responses to the interrogation signals. Thus, an interrogator (e.g., an integrated reader 225) that identifies the device 325 can gather information about the container and its nested and adjacent containers from the interaction of a single device.

UHF transceiver 330 of active tag 325 outputs 530 the relative hierarchy. The output may be in response to a conventional communication with a reader, a specific interrogation signal, or due to a periodic issuance to a user. The output may be to an integrated reader device 225, such as via an agent having a handheld device.

If there is a nested 540 change, the process repeats. A nesting change may occur if a smaller container is loaded into a larger container, for example, while a container is en route. In this example, information about a container may be read by a reading device as the container passes by the door of the larger container. Thus, the container information will be downloaded to an active identification device 325 associated with the larger container. Because the tags can communicate with each other, any such nesting changes that occur can be properly stored by the outermost active identification device.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method 520 for establishing a relative hierarchy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The relative hierarchy is based on responses from adjacent and nested containers. In one embodiment, the associated information may be preloaded into the global supply chain 100 at a checkpoint. If the response is received at an active tag 325 from a lower level container 610 (e.g., a container within the container associated with the active tag 325), the processing unit 340 of the active tag 325 organizes 610 the data from these containers into lower level aggregate information to establish hierarchical information about the container and its contents. In one embodiment, organizing includes arranging the data into a hierarchy to reflect the hierarchy of the layers. The aggregate information may include several layers to depict a sub-hierarchy. Additionally, responses may be received at an active tag 325 from other active tags 325 on adjacent containers (e.g., containers stacked several layers deep below the first container).

Likewise, if the response is received from a high level container 630, it also organizes 640 the containers into high level aggregate information comprising several levels and a sub-level. In one embodiment, the processor 340 sends 650 the aggregate information to known high-level containers. The device 325 may also store information about the peer level in response to the interrogation signal in the memory 345.

Because there is a many-to-many relationship among the layers, some information may be duplicated. Thus, an embodiment recognizes and removes dual materials. Another embodiment uses dual information for verification or reliability scoring. In yet another embodiment, conflicting information is resolved by various methods, such as using the highest level information or using directly obtained information.

The above example represents only one embodiment of a method for providing nesting visibility according to the present invention. Variations of the above-described methods are contemplated by the present invention and will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of collecting identification information according to an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment described is a method of collecting identification information from a series of containers, for example, during unloading at a receiving location 815.

In one embodiment, the process begins with the processor 720 of an integrated reading device 225 initiating an interrogation 1010 of a plurality of identification devices 305, 325. In another embodiment, the interrogation signal originates from software external to the integrated reading device 225, for example, in a computer connected to the integrated reading device 225 through an external computer interface 740. Next, the transceivers 720, 715 of the integrated reading device 225 transmit 1020 the interrogation signal to the identification devices 305, 325. Then, an identification information signal is received 1030 from the identification means 305, 325.

Upon receiving the signal, the integrated reading device 225 processes 1040 the signal. In one embodiment, the process 1040 includes correlating identification information signals from the various types of identification devices 305, 325. In a final step, the processed signal is transmitted 1050 to an external host.

Finally, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims (26)

1. A method for collecting identification information from an identification device associated with a container, the method comprising:

transmitting an interrogation signal to the identification device associated with a first container; and

information is received from the identification device, the information including identification information about a second container.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second container is adjacent to the first container.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the information received from the identification device includes identification information about a third container.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the second and third containers are both adjacent to the first container.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the first, second and third containers are stacked together with the first container on top of the second container and the second container on top of the third container.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification device associated with the first container is an active device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second container is associated with a passive identification device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the second container is associated with an active identification device.

9. A method for collecting identification information from identification devices associated with a plurality of nested containers, the method comprising:

transmitting an interrogation signal to the identification device associated with a first container; and

information is received from the identification device, the information including identification information about a second container enclosed in the first container.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the identification information about the second container is received at the identification device from an identification device associated with the second container.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the identification device is configured to receive identification information from the one or more other identification devices.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the information received from the identification device includes identification information about a third container.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the third container is enclosed in the first container.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first, second and third containers are nested together, wherein the first container encloses the second container and the second container encloses the third container.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the identification device associated with the first container is an active device.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the second container is associated with a passive identification device.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein the second container is associated with an active identification device.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the third container is associated with a passive device.

19. The method of claim 9, wherein the identification device stores the second container identification information.

20. A method for collecting identification information from identification devices associated with a plurality of nested containers, the method comprising:

transmitting an interrogation signal to the identification device associated with a first container; and

information is received from the identification device, the information including identification information about a second container enclosed in the first container and third container information about a third container enclosed in the second container.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the identification device is an active device.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the second container information is received at the identification device from another identification device associated with the second container.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the other identification device is an active device.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the third container information is received at the identification device from the other identification device that has received the third container information from a third identification device associated with the third container.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the identification device is configured to receive identification information from the other identification device.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the third identification device is a passive device.