System and method for tracking ID tags using a data structure of tag reads
First Claim
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1. A method of tracking tags at several successive points of a business process, said method comprising:
- Attempting to read each tag at each successive point;
Populating a database with information corresponding to the reading of each tag at each successive point and the time of each reading;
Modifying part of the information in the database as a function of other information in the database; and
Using the modified information to track the tags through the business process.
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Abstract
A system and method of tracking tags at several successive points of a business process. A reader attempts to read each tag at each successive point. A processor populates a database with information corresponding to the reading of each tag at each successive point and the time of each reading. A tool modifying part of the information in the database as a function of other information in the database. The modified information is used to track the tags through the business process.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method of tracking tags at several successive points of a business process, said method comprising:
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Attempting to read each tag at each successive point;
Populating a database with information corresponding to the reading of each tag at each successive point and the time of each reading;
Modifying part of the information in the database as a function of other information in the database; and
Using the modified information to track the tags through the business process. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system of tracking tags at several successive points of a business process, said system comprising:
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a reader for reading each tag at each successive point and the time of each reading;
a database;
a processor responsive to the reader for storing in the database information corresponding to the reading of each tag at each successive point and the time of each reading; and
a tool for modifying part of the information stored in the database as a function of other information stored in the database whereby the modified information is used to track the tags through the business process. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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21. A method of supplying products carrying tags wherein the products are handled in a supply chain during which the products and their tags pass several tag reading points, said method comprising:
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Populating a database with information corresponding to the reading of each tag at each tag reading point and the time of each reading;
Modifying part of the information in the database as a function of other information in the database; and
Adjusting the supply chain as a function of the modified information. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method for use with an tag-enabled supply chain system for handling errors in tag tracking, comprising:
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applying a tag with an electronic product code to a package;
tracking the package at a plurality of locations in a supply chain using tag readers in electronic communication with a central tag information system to create tracking information in a database that includes time and location information associated with the reading of the tag by the readers;
identifying the observed pathway of the product based on the tracking information;
comparing the observed pathway of the product to a compilation of valid pathways for products in the supply chain to determine if the observed pathway corresponds to a valid pathway;
storing the observed pathway in the database if it matches a valid pathway; and
modifying the observed pathway if it corresponds to a valid pathway and storing the modified pathway in the database. - View Dependent Claims (30)
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31. A method of improving the accuracy of a tag-enabled supply chain system comprising:
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Applying tags to products in a supply chain, and associating tag code information with the products in the supply chain;
Tracking the products with tag readers at multiple locations in a supply chain, such that the time and location of tag reads are stored in a database of information about the supply chain;
Identifying an acceptable delay time between a first tag reader and a second tag reader in the supply chain, the first and second tag readers being successive on an intended pathway for the products;
In response to a product being read by the first tag reader but not yet having been read by the second tag reader within the acceptable delay time, issuing an alert indicating that a problem may have occurred.
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Specification