Patent Application
20180357598
Various types of products can be disposed and subsequently moved within and from a facility. Maintaining a proper inventory sometimes involves monitoring the location of individual products.
Embodiments of the present invention utilize distributed sensors to form a communication network to track packages within a facility. In one embodiment, a system for monitoring packages with affixed sensors within a facility includes multiple sensors that are each associated with, and affixed to, one of a group of packages. Each of the sensors is configured to communicate with each other over a first communication channel. The system also includes a master sensor selected from the sensors. The master sensor is configured to periodically retrieve quantity data associated with the packages and geographical location data associated with the packages by interrogating the other sensors over the first communication channel. The system also includes a computing system in communication with the master sensor over a second communication channel. The computing system is configured to execute a geolocation module to receive the quantity data and the geographical location data associated with the packages from the master sensor, and dynamically update a database to include the quantity data and the geographical location data. The system also includes a replacement master sensor selected from the sensors in response to the master sensor failing to communicate with the other sensors over the first communication channel for a predetermined period of time. The replacement master sensor is selected based on predefined criteria following the other sensors communicating with each other over the first communication channel after the master sensor fails to communicate for a predetermined period of time. The replacement master sensor is configured to periodically retrieve the quantity data and the geographical location data associated with the packages by interrogating the other sensors over the first communication channel. The master sensor is also configured to automatically initiate communication with the computing system over the second communication channel to transmit the quantity data and the geographical location data associated with the packages to the computing system. The master sensor and replacement master sensor are placed in an active power mode, and at least a subset of the other sensors are placed in a low power mode when not communicating over the second communication channel.
Additional combinations and/or permutations of the above examples are envisioned as being within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings are primarily for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).
The foregoing and other features and advantages provided by the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, inventive methods, apparatus, and systems for associating delivery information with a remotely located package. It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.
As used herein, the term “includes” means “includes but is not limited to”, the term “including” means “including but not limited to”. The term “based on” means “based at least in part on”.
Conventional inventory techniques require an individual to physically locate and log the quantity and location of items. Even the use of handheld scanning devices requires an individual to scan each item. Methodologies, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media are described herein to facilitate communication between sensors located on consumer packaged goods over a communication network. Each sensor associated with a product can include an embedded or printed circuit that can communicate with the other sensors in a particular area and provide in-store location and quantity data. In exemplary embodiments, each sensor can act as a disposable wireless beacon.
In exemplary embodiments, sensors including microcircuits or printed electronics can be embedded or affixed to product package in order to create a wireless network between the sensors. Such a network can enable monitoring of individual inventory items without the need for RFID tags. In exemplary embodiments, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, or NFC technology can be integrated into the sensors within product packages. One of the sensors in a group of like items can assume a master role and become a master sensor. The master sensor can collect quantity and location data from the other sensors affixed to the product packages and communicate with a computing system in the facility, such as a retail facility or a warehouse environment, via a Wi-Fi network, or some other communication channel, in order to provide the quantity and location data. In exemplary embodiments, the master sensor can remain in an active power mode, while the remaining non-master sensors switch to a low power mode except at designated times in order to preserve battery life. If one of the sensors is moved out of range of the master sensor, the master sensor can detect a reduced number of sensors and transmit updated quantity or location data to the computing system. If the master sensor itself is moved out of range of the remaining sensors such as may occur if a customer in a retail facility took a package containing the master sensor for purchase, the remaining sensors can communicate among themselves in order to select a replacement master sensor. The initial master sensor, as well as the replacement master sensor, can be selected based on a comparison of battery strength or signal strength between all the sensors.
In exemplary embodiments, the master sensor can periodically interrogate the remaining sensors, using very low energy communication, and maintain quantity and location data corresponding to each of the sensors. The master sensor can also communicate with a remote computing system in order to provide the quantity and location data to the computing system and maintain an accurate inventory. In exemplary embodiments, the master sensor also has the ability to communicate with various mobile smart devices to provide item specific metadata.
In exemplary embodiments, the various sensors can be circuits printed on or embedded within product packaging. If a sensor battery is about to die, the sensor can send a communication, either to the master sensor or the computing system, in order to transmit the last known location of the sensor. The master sensor can also detect the presence of, and communicate with, a mobile electronic device in the immediate vicinity of the sensor. The master sensor can track data relating to the user of the mobile electronic device, such as time spent near the product, whether one or more of the products was retrieved, etc. The master sensor can also relay a customized message or notification to the mobile electronic device while the device is within range of the master sensor. In some embodiments, the master sensor can retrieve identification data from the mobile electronic device and relay this data back to the computing system. The computing system can access a personalized account associated with the user of the mobile electronic device and generate a personalized notification that the master sensor can relay to the mobile electronic device.
Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that exemplary embodiments are not limited to the illustrative embodiments, and that components of exemplary systems, devices and methods are not limited to the illustrative embodiments described below.
In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors can be charged utilizing inductive charging or RF-based wireless charging technology. For example, the sensors can include an antenna or RF receiver that is configured to receive an RF signal, along with an RF to DC converter that can convert the RF signal into an electrical charge in order to prevent the sensors from losing power. In some embodiments, the proximity of the sensors to an RF charging signal can be another factor considered when selecting the master sensor. Additionally conductive ink can be utilized printing a complete or a partial sensor element directly on the associated package within the group of packages.
In step 103, the master sensor retrieves quantity data associated with the group of packages and geographical location data associated with the group of packages from the sensors. The quantity data and geographical location data are retrieved, in some embodiments, by interrogating the other sensors associated with the packages using the master sensor. The master sensor is in communication with a computing system over a second communication channel and is configured to transmit data to the computing system. In some embodiments, the master sensor can send or receive data between the computing system continuously or at periodic intervals. A geolocation module of the computing system can receive, store, and update the quantity data and geographical location data from the master sensor.
In one example embodiment, if one of the packages associated with one of the sensors is moved to an area that is out of range of the master sensor, the moved sensor will not be detected when the master sensor pings the other sensors. In such a scenario, the master sensor can determine that one less package is located at that geographical location, and the master sensor can communicate an updated set of quantity data to the computing system.
In step 105, a replacement master sensor is selected from the other sensors in response to the master sensor failing to communicate with the other sensors for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the package associated with the master sensor can be moved to a different location that is out of range of the remaining sensors, or the battery associated with the master sensor can lose power,
thus leaving the remaining sensors essentially cut off from the computing system. Even though the master sensor is out of communication with the computing system and the remaining sensors, the remaining sensors can still communicate with each other over the first communication channel. Once the master sensor fails to communicate with the remaining sensors for a predetermined period of time, the replacement master sensor can be selected based on predefined criteria. In some embodiments, the replacement master sensor can be selected based on a comparison of the battery life between the other sensors. For example, each of the other sensors can communicate with each other over the first communication channel and collectively select the sensor with the highest battery charge to be the replacement master sensor. In alternative embodiments, the replacement master sensor can be selected based on a comparison of signal strength with respect to the second communication channel. For example, each of the other sensors can communicate with each other over the first communication channel to determine which sensor has the strongest signal over the second communication channel for communicating with the computing system and select that sensor as the replacement master sensor.
In step 107, the replacement master sensor retrieves quantity data and geographical location data associated with the group of packages by interrogating the other sensors (other than the non-responsive master sensor). The replacement master sensor can then monitor the quantity or geographical location associated with each of the remaining packages similar to the functions performed by the original master sensor as discussed above in reference to step 103.
In step 109, the replacement master sensor automatically initiates communication with the computing system over the second communication channel and informs the communication system of its new status as the replacement master sensor. Similar to the master sensor discussed above, the replacement master sensor communicates with the computing system over the second communication channel and is configured to transmit quality data and geographical location data associated with the group of packages to the second computing system. In some embodiments, the replacement master sensor can send or receive data to the computing system continuously or at periodic intervals.
In step 111, the computing system receives the quantity data and the geographical location data associated with the group of packages over the second communication channel using a geolocation module and updates a database of package information. In exemplary embodiments, the computing system initially receives the quantity data and geographical location data from the master sensor, and subsequently receives the quantity data and geographical location data from the replacement master sensor once the replacement master sensor is selected. The master sensor and the replacement master sensor can be placed in an active power mode, in some embodiments, while at least a subset of the other sensors are placed in a low power mode when not communicating over the second communication channel.
In step 203, the master sensor receives identification information from the mobile electronic device. The identification information can be used to identify the individual associated with the mobile electronic device and access an account associated with the individual.
In step 205, the computing system automatically accesses an account associated with the individual in response to receiving the identification information from the master sensor. In some embodiments, the account can be a personalized account that includes virtual shopping lists, shopping patterns, product preferences, or additional data associated with the individual. The individual can access or update the account remotely or using a mobile or web application, in some embodiments.
In step 207, the computing system can generate a customized notification, using a notification module, based on information in the individual's account. For example, the information in the individual's account can indicate that the individual frequently purchases a particular product or has recently purchased a related product. This information can be used to generate a customized notification, such as a promotional sale or discount.
In step 209, the master sensor can transmit the customized notification to the mobile electronic device. In some embodiments, the master sensor can detect the presence of, communicate with, and transmit the customized notification using BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, or other wireless technologies.
computing system 321 can store and execute a geolocation module 323 and a notification module 325 which can implement one or more of the processes described herein with reference to
As discussed above in reference to
In exemplary embodiments, the mobile electronic device 303 may include a display unit 310, which can display a GUI 302 to a user of the mobile electronic device 303. The mobile electronic device can also include a memory 312, processor 314, and a wireless interface 316. In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device 303 may include, but is not limited to, computers, general purpose computers, Internet appliances, hand-held devices, wireless devices, portable devices, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones, portable digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, tablets, ultrabooks, netbooks, laptops, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, game consoles, network PCs, mini-computers, smartphones, and the like.
The master sensor 307 and the computing system 321 may connect to the network 301 via a wireless connection, and the computing system 321 may include one or more applications such as, but not limited to, a web browser, a sales transaction application, an object reader application, a geo-location application, and the like. The computing system 321 may include some or all components described in relation to computing device 400 shown in
The communication network 301 may include, but is not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), a wireless network, an optical network, and the like. In one embodiment, the master sensor 307, computing system 321, and database 327 can transmit instructions to each other over the communication network 301. In exemplary embodiments, the quantity data 329, location data 331, individual identification data 333, and customized notifications 335 can be stored at the database 327 and received at the master sensor 307 or the computing system 321 in response to a service performed by a database retrieval application.
For example, memory 406 included in the computing device 400 can store computer-readable and computer-executable instructions or software for implementing exemplary embodiments and programmed to perform processes described above in reference to
Virtualization can be employed in the computing device 400 so that infrastructure and resources in the computing device can be shared dynamically. A virtual machine 414 can be provided to handle a process running on multiple processors so that the process appears to be using only one computing resource rather than multiple computing resources. Multiple virtual machines can also be used with one processor.
Memory 406 can be non-transitory computer-readable media including a computer system memory or random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, and the like. Memory 406 can include other types of memory as well, or combinations thereof.
A user can interact with the computing device 400 through a display unit 418, such as a touch screen display or computer monitor, which can display one or more user interfaces 420 that can be provided in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The computing device 400 can also include other I/O devices for receiving input from a user, for example, a keyboard or any suitable multi-point touch interface 408, a pointing device 410 (e.g., a pen, stylus, mouse, or trackpad). The multi-point touch interface 408 and the pointing device 410 can be coupled to the display unit 418. The computing device 400 can include other suitable conventional I/O peripherals.
The computing device 400 can also include one or more storage devices 424, such as a hard-drive, CD-ROM, or other non-transitory computer readable media, for storing data and computer-readable instructions and/or software, such as a geolocation module 323 and a notification module 325 that can implement exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems as taught herein, or portions thereof. Exemplary storage device 424 can also store one or more databases 327 for storing any suitable information required to implement exemplary embodiments. The database 327 can be updated by a user or automatically at any suitable time to add, delete, or update one or more items in the databases. Exemplary storage device 424 can store a database 327 for storing the quantity data 329, location data 331, individual identification data 333, customized notifications 335, and any other data/information used to implement exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods described herein.
The computing device 400 can also be in communication with a master sensor 307 associated with a master package 305. In exemplary embodiments, the computing device 400 can include a network interface 412 configured to interface via one or more network devices 422 with one or more networks, for example, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) or the Internet through a variety of connections including, but not limited to, standard telephone lines, LAN or WAN links (for example, 802.11, T1, T3, 56 kb, X.25), broadband connections (for example, ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), wireless connections, controller area network (CAN), or some combination of any or all of the above. The network interface 412 can include a built-in network adapter, network interface card, PCMCIA network card, card bus network adapter, wireless network adapter, USB network adapter, modem or any other device suitable for interfacing the computing device 400 to any type of network capable of communication and performing the operations described herein. Moreover, the computing device 400 can be any computer system, such as a workstation, desktop computer, server, laptop, handheld computer, tablet computer (e.g., the iPad® tablet computer), mobile computing or communication device (e.g., the iPhone® communication device), or other form of computing or telecommunications device that is capable of communication and that has sufficient processor power and memory capacity to perform the operations described herein.
The computing device 400 can run operating system 416, such as versions of the Microsoft® Windows® operating systems, different releases of the Unix and Linux operating systems, versions of the MacOS® for Macintosh computers, embedded operating systems, real-time operating systems, open source operating systems, proprietary operating systems, operating systems for mobile computing devices, or other operating systems capable of running on the computing device and performing the operations described herein. In exemplary embodiments, the operating system 416 can be run in native mode or emulated mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the operating system 416 can be run on one or more cloud machine instances.
In describing example embodiments, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each specific term is intended to at least include all technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where a particular example embodiment includes system elements, device components or method steps, those elements, components or steps can be replaced with a single element, component or step. Likewise, a single element, component or step can be replaced with multiple elements, components or steps that serve the same purpose. Moreover, while example embodiments have been shown and described with references to particular embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further still, other aspects, functions and advantages are also within the scope of the disclosure.
Example flowcharts are provided herein for illustrative purposes and are non-limiting examples of methods. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that example methods can include more or fewer steps than those illustrated in the example flowcharts, and that the steps in the example flowcharts can be performed in a different order than the order shown in the illustrative flowcharts.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/517,313 entitled “SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR MONITORING PACKAGES WITH AFFIXED SENSORS,” filed on Jun. 9, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62517313 | Jun 2017 | US |
