Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for systematizing provisioning of two bins replenishment systems. The system comprises a database and a reader. The database stores location information and product identification for each product, the location information including rack identification, row information, and bin information. The reader receives an input from a user corresponding to a product to be provisioned, extracts from the database location information by correlating the input with the product identification, and outputs the location information to the user. The method comprises inputting a product identification corresponding to a product to be provisioned, extracting from a database location information corresponding to the product identification, and outputting the extracted location.

Abstract: A system is provided for displaying advertisements based on electronic tags. The system includes a mobile device, a server, and a display. The mobile device reads information from a plurality of radio frequency identification tags associated with a plurality of items and transmits the information. The server receives the information, selects an advertisement based on the information, and transmits the selected advertisement. The display receives the selected advertisement and displays the selected advertisement.

Abstract: Theft increases the average product cost to consumers. A mentoring system is presented that can help to reduce or prevent the inventory from lost or theft. Theft is a serious concern in the consumer market place. Industry loses billions per year on theft of merchandise. According to a Reuters report, last year, thefts by employees of U.S. retail merchandise accounted for $15.9 billion, or 44 percent of theft losses at stores, more than shoplifting and vendor fraud combined. Thus,total thief by the customers and store employees during the year 2008 amounted to $36 billion. Several embodiments of ways to control or reduce the thefts in the market place are presented.

Abstract: An article (100) has a device (122), and a radio frequency identification (RFID) module (102) coupled to the device. The RFID module is programmed to receive (210) provisioning instructions from a wireless source (142), and transfer (212) to the device the provisioning instructions when said device is enabled.

Abstract: A contactless tag reader device comprises upper and lower electrodes which together define a tag location zone between them in which multiple tags can be placed. The lower electrode and the upper electrode are offset from each other such that they substantially do not overlap. This structure is used to sandwich tags vertically between two horizontally (laterally) offset reader electrodes. This enables power coupling and data transfer using capacitive coupling.

Abstract: An “RFID-Based Inference Platform” provides various techniques for using RFID tags in combination with other enterprise sensors to track users and objects, infer their interactions, and provide these inferences for enabling further applications. Specifically, observations are collected from combinations of RFID tag reads and other enterprise sensors including electronic calendars, user presence identifiers, cardkey access logs, computer logins, etc. Given sufficient observations, the RFID-Based Inference Platform automatically differentiates between tags associated with or affixed to people and tags affixed to objects. The RFID-Based Inference Platform then infers additional information including identities of people, ownership of specific objects, the nature of different “zones” in a workspace (e.g., private office versus conference room).

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for authenticating objects, comprising receiving an encrypted object identifier associated with an unknown object having multiple components, decrypting the encrypted object identifier using a first public key of a first public/private key pair to obtain unknown object information including unknown identification data for the multiple components, inspecting the unknown object to obtain actual object information including actual identification data for the multiple components, and comparing the unknown identification data with the actual identification data to determine whether the unknown object is an authentic object, wherein an authentic object has an object identifier generated using a first private key of the first public/private key pair to encrypt the actual object information.

Abstract: Data associated with supply chain events for a manufactured assembly is automatically stored. In preferred embodiments the supply chain events for the manufactured assembly are stored on an RFID tag attached to the assembly as it travels through the supply chain to insure the data concerning the assembly is readily available and not separated from the assembly. In other embodiments, the supply chain events or characteristic data is stored on the RFID tag in a hierarchical structure beginning with the original state of the assembly and with additional entries for each step in the assembly process. In other embodiments, as the product undergoes rework, conversion to a different assembly, or personalizations, the new state of the assembly is stored in the RFID tag. In other preferred embodiments, other information is also stored on the RFID tag such as country of origin, failure data, cycle times and a quality status indicator.

Abstract: A commodity management apparatus includes, a weighing dish on which a container having a wireless tag attached thereto is mounted, an antenna which forms a region to communicate with the wireless tag from the side part of the weighing dish to the upper part of the weighing dish, a tag reader which contactlessly reads, via the antenna, data in the wireless tag attached to the container, a weight detection unit which detects the weight of the container mounted on the weighing dish, and an output control unit which outputs the weight of the container detected by the weight detection unit and the data in the wireless tag read by the tag reader.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing and transporting precious items comprises at least one holding structure (2) adapted to contain at least one precious item (200), at least one antenna (3) adapted to detect the presence of an electronic identification device (201) associated with the precious item (200), in order to determine the contents of the holding structure (2) and send a signal (S1) representative of same at least on occurrence of a predetermined event, storing means (4) physically associated with the holding structure (2) and operatively associated with the antenna (3) for receiving the signal sent therefrom on occurrence of a first event and store the contents of the holding structure (2) on occurrence of the first event. A processing unit (5) can be connected to the storing means (4) and the antenna (3) to compare the contents of the storing means (4) with a signal (S2) sent by the antenna (3) on occurrence of a second event subsequent in time to the first one.

Abstract: This is an all-in-one radio frequency identification system for goods inventory and sale management, comprising at least one tag, an antenna unit and a multi-port reader comprising a micro control unit, a reader and a multiplexer. The tag is attached on each article. The antenna unit is RF coupled to the tag. The multiplexer built-in the multi-port reader is electrically coupled to the antenna unit. The reader built-in the multi-port reader is capable of transmitting RF signals, accessing commands and receiving tag signals from the multiplexer. The micro control unit is electrically coupled to the multiplexer and the reader to receive and process the reading signal and provide inventory and sale management functions and applications. Therefore, the all-in-one radio frequency identification system provides not only inventory and anti-theft functions but also information for consumer behavior research, and capable of doing stand alone operations.

Abstract: A method to wirelessly control an entity having an attached transponder is disclosed. A geographical zone is defined. The geographical zone can be defined by allowing a user to define and load to a transponder a plurality of waypoints, each waypoint defined by a geographical coordinate and a radius originating from the geographical coordinate. The geographical zone can also be defined by selecting a plurality of coordinates that are loaded to a transponder and mapped on a pixilated image. The microprocessor in the transponder is programmed to determine the occurrence of an event associated with the status of the entity in relation to the geographical zone. Finally, the microprocessor is configured to execute a configurable operation if the event occurs.

Abstract: There is provided a method for monitoring a package for storage and/or transport of at least one item. An exemplary method comprises receiving at a transmission unit measured data about properties of the item and/or about influences on the item via at least two sensors. The exemplary method also comprises executing via the transmission unit a decision of a logical node of a logistics system about a selection of data transmitted to a receiving unit. The exemplary method additionally comprises sending information about the desired selection of data from a control unit to the transmission unit. Finally, the exemplary method comprises enabling a user to make a selection relating to types of data to be transmitted.

Abstract: A location localization method and system. The method includes transmitting by an RFID tag reader, a request for locating a passive RFID tag in a facility. The RFID tag reader receives from active RFID tags, a first date/time associated with first data. The RFID tag reader transmits to the active RFID tags, a request for retrieving the first data. The first data comprises distances between each active RFID tag and the passive RFID tag. The RFID tag reader receives the first data. The RFID tag reader receives a map of the facility and locations on the map for the active RFID tags. The RFID tag reader determines a location within the facility for the passive RFID tag based on the first data, the map, and the locations on the map. The RFID tag reader transmits the first location to a user.

Abstract: In an image forming system, a server includes (a) a transmitting/receiving unit that receives consumable-goods shortage information and consumable-goods stock information via a network and transmits the consumable-goods stock information and stock retrieval information for retrieving the consumable goods via a network, the consumable-goods shortage information indicating a shortage of consumable goods in an image forming apparatus, the consumable-goods stock information indicating an available stock in an image forming apparatus, and (b) a management control unit that causes the transmitting/receiving unit to transmit the stock retrieval information to the other image forming apparatuses than one of the image forming apparatuses that transmits the consumable-goods shortage information to the server, and causes the transmitting/receiving unit to transmit the consumable-goods stock information obtained from the other image forming apparatuses as a result of retrieving the consumable goods via the network.

Abstract: A registering and counting system operated in response to information included on data bearing records is used for maintaining inventory records related to narcotics items. Data corresponding to users is read through record reading devices (448, 452). Authorized users are allowed access to a narcotics vault (402). Narcotics holding containers (422) are removable from storage locations in drawers (416). Wireless transmitters on the containers operate in conjunction with wireless readers in the storage locations to enable a computer (458) to track the use of the narcotics items and operating parameters of the system.

Abstract: An intelligent shelving system and associated dividing element. One or more dividing elements are arranged to communicate with a controller, each of the one or more dividing elements including an antenna having a detection plane and a base for placement on a shelf. The detection plane of the antenna is configured so as to be substantially parallel to the base. Each of the one or more dividing elements is arranged to identify electronically tagged items falling within the detection plane of its respective antenna and communicate data on said identified items to the controller.

Abstract: In systems and methods for determining the placement of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, a tag reader communicates with one or more RFID tags at different locations of a target object. The tag reader determines which of the different locations is a preferable location for placing an RFID tag by detecting the transmission power level or other value required to communicate with the RFID tag at each of the different locations.

Abstract: In selected embodiments video footage is automatically analyzed to determine whether product stock levels at particular product locations are low. Video analytics may be employed to track product removal from shelves and determine approximate quantities of product remaining on each shelf based on product size and dedicated shelf area. In selected implementations an alarm notification is generated to alert store personnel that restocking is appropriate. Such an alarm notification optionally includes a still image of the area corresponding to the alarm together with data related to the product and projected quantities needed to restock the shelf. In some embodiments the system automatically identifies the store personnel who are currently located in areas near where the alarm event occurred and the notification is wirelessly distributed to their mobile devices.

Abstract: Tag data stored in a specific RFID tag is stored in a specific-data storing unit. Tag data is read from an RFID tag present in a communication area by an RFID reader through radio communication according to detection of a specific object by a sensor for detecting the object. When tag data same as the tag data stored in the specific-data storing unit is not included in the tag data read by the RFID reader, the read tag data is transmitted to a host apparatus.

Abstract: An inventory monitoring system including a data collection and transmission module and a data evaluation module. The data collection and transmission module receives data from an RFID tag and transmits the data to the data evaluation module to thereby enable the presence of a product to which the RFID tag is attached.

Abstract: A closed-loop receptacle setup verification and traceability system for use in automatically detecting the presence or absence of a components receptacle at a location is presented, such receptacles comprising components reels, components bearing trays or racks, or other such receptacles for bearing and providing components for components processing and/or manipulation. The system is further for automatically identifying the detected receptacles and validating their use at respective detecting locations based on components parameters identifiably associated therewith. The system is still further for tracking and monitoring such receptacles from one detecting location to another optionally updating components parameters associated therewith as needed.

Abstract: A method for operating an RFID tag read verification system is described where the system includes at least one RFID reader and antenna assembly and a computing device. The method includes importing a control file, including data relating to a plurality of RFID tagged items that collectively form an RFID tagged environment, into the computing device, scanning the RFID tagged environment utilizing the one or more RFID reader and antenna assemblies, transferring scan data of the RFID tag environment from the one or more RFID reader and antenna assemblies to the computing device, and utilizing the computing device to compare the scan data to the control file to identify any anomalies within the RFID tagged environment.

Abstract: Disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses remotely monitor a plurality of field assets. Device discovery is conducted to find a communication path through a master controller to an operations center. A plurality of states are monitored for individual field assets of the plurality of field assets. In response to trigger events, monitored states are selectively included in data sets that may be parsed, compressed, encrypted, and forwarded through a mesh network to an operations center.

Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the at least one shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver, which receives corresponding data from all shelves employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment.

Abstract: A system is provided for displaying advertisements based on electronic tags. The system includes a mobile device, a server, and a display. The mobile device reads information from a plurality of radio frequency identification tags associated with a plurality of items and transmits the information. The server receives the information, selects an advertisement based on the information, and transmits the selected advertisement. The display receives the selected advertisement and displays the selected advertisement.

Abstract: RFID method and system are provided. A reader transmits a reader signal to beacon tags and a listening tag. The beacon tags transmit beacon signals including a beacon identification and a beacon distance to the reader. The listening tag receives the beacon signals. Neighbor distances are calculated for the beacon tags based on when the beacon signals are received, when the listening tag receives the reader signal, and a constant processing time. The neighbor distances are the individual distances from the listening tag to the beacon tags. A list is stored including the beacon identification for the beacon tags, the beacon distance, and the neighbor distances. The listening tag transmits the list and a listening tag identification to the reader. A geographical position of the listening tag is calculated based on the beacon distance, beacon coordinates, and a listening tag distance which is from the reader to the listening tag.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for interrogating radio frequency tags. In some implementations, a method includes A method includes successively polling, for a specified number of inventory cycles, a plurality of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in a first state. At least a first subset of the plurality of RFID tags transitions from the first state to a second state in response to the poll. After the specified number of inventory cycles, a command is transmitted to update at least a second subset of the plurality of RFID tags from the second state to first state. The plurality of RFID tags are subsequently polled after transmitting the update command.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates utilizing rule-based technology with radio frequency identification (RFID) network. An interface can receive real-time RFID data from a process comprising at least one device collection in the RFID network, wherein a rules engine (RE) component can employ a declarative event policy associated with the RFID network as rules. The RE allows dynamic updates of business logic associated with applications in real-time without the re-start and/or stop the applications. The system and/or method further comprises a vocabulary component that provides terms that defines at least one of the rule, rule condition, and action based at least in part upon an industry specific nomenclature.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for condition-based maintenance of mechanical systems. In one embodiment, a method for performing condition-based maintenance on a mechanical system includes providing a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag on a component of the mechanical system, sensing one or more operating conditions during operation of the mechanical system, calculating a service life increment of the component based on the one or more operating conditions, and adjusting a service life value stored on the RFID tag. After operation of the mechanical system has ceased, the method includes scanning the service life value stored on the RFID tag, and determining whether at least one of an inspection, a maintenance, and a repair of the component is needed based on the service life value. The mechanical system may be an aircraft, and the operating conditions may include aerodynamic conditions, loads, accelerations, and movements of the aircraft during flight.

Abstract: A location localization method and system. The method includes transmitting by an RFID tag reader, a request for locating a passive RFID tag in a facility. The RFID tag reader receives from a first group of active RFID tags, a first date/time associated with first data. The RFID tag reader transmits to the first group of active RFID tags, a request for retrieving the first data. The first data comprises distances between each active RFID tag of the first group and the passive RFID tag. The RFID tag reader receives the first data. The RFID tag reader receives a map of the facility and locations on the map for the first group of active RFID tags. The RFID tag reader determines a location within the facility for the passive RFID tag based on the first data, the map, and the locations on the map. The RFID tag reader transmits the first location to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus and techniques for detecting the loading and unloading of materials on a mobile structure are disclosed. The techniques can be used to detect when material is on a support structure of the mobile structure and to detect when the material is off the support structure of the mobile structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. Finally, the method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: To warn of hazardous conditions in a monitored space, the presence of an object bearing an RFID tag is detected using an RFID tag reader. Objects may be, for example, human beings, vehicles, or stationary materiel. A determination is made as to whether the object poses a hazard by, for example, reading data from the RFID tag or by accessing a database using data read from the RFID tag. If the object is determined to pose a hazard, the nature of the hazard is determined from the RFID tag or the database, and warning about the nature of the hazard is provided proximate to the monitored space. In some embodiments, providing the warning may be conditional upon detecting the concurrent presence of two objects in the monitored space.

Abstract: There are provided an identification and surveillance device, a system and a method using active RFID technology to accurately and automatically track inventory at the item-level across the supply chain in real-time and at a distance. The device is provided with an attaching device for attaching to the item and a radio-frequency device securely mounted with the attaching device. The radio-frequency device comprises storage for storing data therein, the data comprising individual tag-related information, a transmitter, an antenna and a power source for powering the device. The radio-frequency device, with the help of the transmitter, is able to communicate with a corresponding radio-frequency receiver for tracking the item.

Abstract: A medical item hanging storage system for medical items having stand-off readable tags, such as RFID tags, comprises storage devices comprising fixtures for holding hanging medical items, and readers for reading tags associated with each of the medical items, and tags that attached to the hanging medical items to be read by the readers. Tagging devices are used for attaching the RFID tags. The tagging devices each comprise a substrate, possibly including a hook, an adhesive portion for attaching the substrate to the medical item, and at least one spreader for separating RFID tags of adjacent medical items and/or other tags to facilitate reading of the tags.

Abstract: A method, system and mobile sensor node for monitoring a supply chain. A communication network is established which includes a plurality of mobile sensor nodes. Status information for each mobile sensor node is periodically transmitted. Each mobile sensor node receives status information for at least one other mobile sensor node in the communication network. A log file which includes the received status information is compiled and stored in the mobile sensor node that received the corresponding status information.

Abstract: A method of detecting position of a moving RFID tag relative to an antenna, includes continually receiving a signal from the RFID tag at the antenna. The phase of the received signal over a time period is detected and, based on a maximum detected phase, the position of the RFID tag relative to the antenna is detected.

Abstract: A novel vending machine system integrating a food storage container and a high speed stored energy cooking oven capable of cooking foods in under one minute such as that further described by U.S. Provisional Application 60/822,028 filed on Aug. 10, 2006 as well as co-pending application “Wire Mesh Thermal Radiative Element and Use in a Radiative Oven” filed on Dec. 30, 2008 by De Luca. The invention disclosing a novel configuration for the oven incorporating storage, a system allowing for the proper cooking of items and food positioning, an activation system, and an invoicing system.

Abstract: A tag is attached to each piece of a set of goods mounted on a palette, and a tag storing the quantity of goods that should be mounted on the palette is also attached. A reader/writer counts the number of tags attached to all of the goods, reads quantity information of the tags attached to the palette, and determines whether the two are equal or not.

Abstract: An information provision intermediation apparatus is disclosed. An information provision intermediation definition table has stored therein, in correspondence with each other, an address of the information providing site of an information providing unit and an information provision condition required for the traceability data at the time of providing the information of the information providing site. A CPU acquires a traceability data group corresponding to the individual commodity ID acquired from a terminal. Based on the acquired traceability data group and the information provision condition, the CPU acquires the address of the information providing site of the information-available information providing unit, and using the acquired address, acquires the information from the information providing site and transmits it to the terminal.

Abstract: A mobile sensor system and method for managing inventory of a store includes at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner for receiving readings from RFID tags, at least one external sensors for detecting at least one external events other than RF signals from the RFID tags, and a processor configured to update an RFID database for storing the readings from the RFID tags, wherein the update is based on a correlation function of the readings from the RFID tags and the external events detected at the at least one external sensors.

Abstract: The present relates to a system and method for tracking medical products in a two bin per medical product replenishment system. The system and method comprising storing medical product information including lot number and date of receipt, and recording replenishment requests and generated date. The system and method further correlate the date of receipt of the medical product having the particular medical product information with the generated date of recorded replenishment requests to identify probable corresponding replenishment requests. Also, the system and method correlate identified probable corresponding replenishment requests with location information of corresponding RFID tags to determine corresponding probable locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized delivery services by a carrier providing a package delivery service. Typically, the consignee indicates a delivery preference to be applied to delivery of a package, such as indicating a specific location where the package is to be left upon delivery, if the consignee is not present to accept the package. In one embodiment, the consignee may be notified by the carrier of the scheduled delivery of the package, and may be linked to the carrier's web site to indicate a delivery preference. Alternatively, the delivery preference may be indicated by the consignee proactively accessing the web site. After conveying a delivery preference, the carrier's systems communicate the delivery preference at the appropriate time to a portable computing device which informs the delivery personnel of the consignee's delivery preference. Other embodiments allow the consignor to indicate delivery preferences.

Abstract: A system by which a central hub and transport means, listing means, matching engine, and operating method will capture overstock and understock information from participating retailer or distributor nodes and create congruent matches, with subsequent shipments of one to the other to improve the inventory of both nodes.

Abstract: A system for inventorying an item may comprise at least one subsystem that creates a mark on the item with a substance that comprises RFID tags, at least one subsystem that reads a plurality of the RFID tags on the mark, at least one subsystem that determines how many RFID tags were read on the mark, at least one subsystem that assigns an identifier for the item, and at least one subsystem that associates the identifier with how many RFID tags were read on the mark.

Abstract: A container includes a container body having a sidewall and an end wall extending across the sidewall and closing an end of the container body. A retainer is received on the container body with a central portion of the retainer adjacent to the end wall of the container body and a flexible edge portion of the retainer engaging the sidewall of the container body at an angle to resist removal of the retainer away from the end wall. An RFID tag is disposed between the central portion of the retainer and the end wall of the container body. The retainer and the RFID tag may be disposed outside of the container body interior, but more preferably are disposed within the container body interior. The retainer preferably is imperforate, and the edge portion of the retainer preferably is in continuous peripheral contact with the container sidewall to seal the RFID tag from the container interior.

Abstract: A wireless data communications network system for establishing communication between a server and a plurality of containers that are loaded onto a cargo vessel. The system includes a data communications device configured to establish and manage a pre-configured wireless data communications network and to communicate with the server through a local area network, and a plurality of electronic tracking devices each having a wireless transceiver and routing capabilities and configured to be joined to a container and to connect to the wireless data communications network upon being activated. The data communications device is configured to intermittently perform a network scan to locate each tracking device connected to the network and reconfigure the network topology to include each connected tracking devices such that the data communications device maintains mutual communication with each connected tracking device using the routing capabilities of the tracking devices.

Abstract: A system providing vehicle, pallet, and personnel tracking within buildings, vehicles such as trucks/trailers, buses, trains and aircraft at a site or in a global network system. RFID transponder Gate readers are used in building doorways, in vehicles such as tracks/trailers gates or bus doors to read pallets, packages and personnel equipped with RFID transponder and tamper proof RFID RF transceiver tags. The RFID-RF transceivers may contain a GPS/GSM modem for locating of pallets or personnel with RF or GPS location system. Site Buildings and vehicles are equipped with compute interface unit, to communicate at time intervals with RFID-RF tag transceiver units installed on pallets or personnel wristwatch, to indicate the presence of pallets or personnel at a site or in a vehicle.

Abstract: A system providing vehicle, pallet, and personnel tracking within buildings, vehicles such as trucks/trailers, buses, trains and aircraft at a site or in a global network system. RFlD transponder Gate readers are used in building doorways, in vehicles such as tracks/trailers gates or bus doors to read pallets, packages and personnel equipped with RFlD transponder and tamper proof RFlD RF transceiver tags. The RFlD-RF transceivers may contain a GPS/GSM modem for locating of pallets or personnel with RF or GPS location system. Site Buildings and vehicles are equipped with compute interface unit, to communicate at time intervals with RFlD-RF tag transceiver units installed on pallets or personnel wristwatch, to indicate the presence of pallets or personnel at a site or in a vehicle.