Systems and methods for tracking containers

• US 20060132311A1
• Filed: 11/09/2005
• Published: 06/22/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Neology Incorporated (OEP Technologie BV)
• Original Assignee: Neology Incorporated (OEP Technologie BV)
• Inventors: Martinez de Valesco Cortina, Francisco, Kruest, James Robert
• Application Number:
  US11/270,067
• Publication Number:
  US 20060132311A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.400
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2402 Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting mechanical aspects of the tags, e.g. related to locking E05B73/0017; RFID readers G06K7/00; RFID tags G06K19/00; access control systems G07C9/00; anti-theft control in point of sale systems G07G3/003; security seals G09F3/03
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00

Abstract

RFID tags can be deployed in such a manner as to deter, or even prevent loss of inventory. For example, by associating an RFID tag with each container of a certain alcoholic beverage, pharmaceutical, etc. each container can be tracked for a variety of purposes over the life of the container; including, e.g., tracking each container in the warehouse to prevent loss of inventory, verifying that containers have been imported properly, and verifying that requisite taxes have been paid. A tag can be associated with a container using various techniques, including, e.g., affixing the tag to the surface of the container, imbedded it in the material of the container, embedding the tag in a label affixed to the container, or affixing or embedding it in a bottle cap. The RFID Tag can be used with metal when a dielectric is selected to isolate the RFID tag from the metal.

Claims

1. The method for identifying a counterfeit item, comprising:

associating an identifier with each of the plurality of items;

associating an RFID tag with each of the plurality of items;

storing one of the plurality of identifier in each of the plurality of RFID tags;

distributing the items to one or more destinations;

extracting the plurality of identifiers from the RFID tags at the one or more destinations;

comparing the extracted identifiers to a list of known identifiers; and

if one of the identifiers does not match any of the identifiers in the known list, identifying the associated item as a counterfeit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the items are alcoholic beverages.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the items are pharmaceuticals.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the items are food items.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein associating an RFID tag with an item comprises affixing the RFID tag to the surface of the item.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein associating an RF ID tag with an item comprises embedding the RFID tag within the material comprising a container associated with the item.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein associating an RFID tag with an item comprises embedding the RFID tag within a label affixed to the item.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein associating an RFID tag with an item comprises embedding the RFID tag in a container load associated with the item.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein embedding the RFID tag in the container that further comprises placing a dielectric between the RF ID tag and the material comprising the container load.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising scanning the RFID tags prior to distributing the items and storing information related to the items in a database.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising, for each of the plurality of items, storing the date the RFID tag associated with the item was scanned prior to distribution.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising, for each of the plurality of items, storing the time the RFID tag associated with the item was scanned prior to distribution.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising writing information into the plurality of RFID tags prior to distribution of the items.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, for each of the plurality of items, a destination associated with the item is written into the RFID tag associated with the item before distribution of the item.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising, for each of the plurality of items, extracting other information from the RFID tag associated with the item at the destination.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the date the item was distributed is extracted from the RFID tag associated with the item at the destination.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the time the item was distributed is extracted from the RFID tag at the destination.

18. The method of claim 15, an intended destination is extracted from the RFID tag at the destination.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising, for each of the plurality of items, extracting at destination information related to the item from a database, wherein the data was stored in the database before the item was distributed or while the item was on route to the destination.