Case labeling for field-packed produce

• US 8,286,869 B1
• Filed: 04/17/2012
• Issued: 10/16/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Trimble Inc.
• Original Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.
• Inventors: Grant, Elliott
• Primary Examiner(s): Haupt, Kristy A
• Application Number:
  US13/449,145
• Time in Patent Office: 182 Days
• Field of Search: 235/385, 702/19
• US Class Current: 235/385
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/10 by an adhesive layer

Abstract

Rolls of pre-printed case labels are distributed at a harvest for labeling cases of produce. The labels on each roll include sequential codes that each span a unique range. Part or all of each roll'"'"'s range can be associated with harvest data, including picker and block identifications. The association can be made by placing a label from each roll on a harvest form bearing harvest data, or by entering harvest data into an electronic device and using the device to read a unique code from a label. Pickers then harvest produce, fill cases, and label the cases from their rolls. The association of ranges to pickers allows a subsequently read unique code from a filled case to be properly credited to the correct picker. The association of ranges to blocks allows subsequently obtained quality information to be correlated to specific blocks.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

generating sequences of unique codes with a microprocessor, each sequence spanning a range;

storing the sequences of unique codes in a database;

providing the sequences of unique codes to be used on labels;

receiving a unique code and harvest event data in association with one another; and

searching the database to determine a range within which the unique code falls.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing the determined range to the source of the unique code.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising receiving harvest event data in association with the unique code after providing the determined range to the source of the unique code.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving quality assessment data associated with at least some of the unique codes within the provided ranges.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the microprocessor and database are local to one another.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the database is remote from the microprocessor.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising using the range determined by searching the database to credit a picker for a harvested amount of produce.