Processes for distribution and use of a mobile RFID container

A mobile RFID container, such as a case, cargo container, vehicle, etc., includes an RFID detector configured to conduct an RFID scan to generate scan data concerning the items carried in the mobile RFID container, and location determining circuitry for generating location data concerning the location of the mobile RFID container. A method for distributing RFID-tagged items using the mobile RFID container includes placing a plurality of RFID-tagged items in the mobile RFID container, conducting one or more RFID scans to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container, and processing the scan data and location data to determine the location of the mobile RFID container at times when the contents of the RFID container have changed. The RFID scans may be performed, for example, in response to (a) sensing that the contents of the container have been accessed, (b) a request from a remote device, and/or (c) the location of the RFID container relative to geofence boundary corresponding to a particular geographical location.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates generally to supply chain management, including the distribution, tracking, transport, storage, and inventory systems, as well as methods utilized to perform such supply chain management. Radio frequency technologies, cellular communication systems, global positioning systems, and software workflow applications involved with supply chain management are also disclosed.

Currently, in the healthcare industry, complex and expensive medical devices, such as implantable devices, and related instruments are distributed from the medical device manufacturer or distributor to the healthcare provider (e.g., hospital or surgical center). These devices are typically packaged in sterilized containers and organized, for example, by type of medical procedure and/or size. In many cases, until the medical procedure is actually in process, it is unclear from an inventory and logistics standpoint as to what exact medical device(s) and/or instrument(s), e.g., size or type, will be used in the particular procedure. Because of this, it is necessary for the medical device manufacture to provide a substantial (yet constantly changing) inventory of medical devices, e.g., various types and sizes, as well as related instruments, to the medical facility, e.g., hospital or surgical center, at a relatively short notice.

One method to accomplish this is to distribute an inventory of medical devices from the manufacturer or distribution center to the medical facility in a transportable case. These cases are stocked with items, e.g., product(s), at a manufacturer or distribution center and may sit in inventory until a specific customer or sales representative requests them for use.

For example, once there is a request for a certain devices, e.g., a set of implant/device, a case is labeled and shipped, e.g., via Fed Ex, UPS, or courier, to the medical facility, (or directly to a medical device field representative who will in turn transport it to the medical facility). Once in the medical facility, the case is opened and various devices are removed (some of which are used in a medical procedure, e.g., implanted into a patient). When the procedure is complete, the case is packaged up and returned to the medical device manufacturer or distribution center.

Currently, there is very little visibility into what inventory is actually in a case at any given time. It is only when the manufacturer or distribution center receives the case back and opens it that they actually know what items were taken or used in a given procedure. As these cases need to be quickly restocked and sent back out for use in other procedures, the manufacturer or distribution center can be caught without enough inventory of a particular device or implant type or size because they only see what has been taken and used when the case is physically (over the course of days to weeks) returned. Additionally, if a particular procedure is not performed for an extended period of time following delivery of the case to the medical facility, the associated transportable case and its expensive medical device/implant inventory cannot be further tracked and managed in a “real-time” manner. Thus, the manufacturer may end up producing a significant amount of device/implant overstock because of the poor logistical controls. Moreover, if the case is not returned to the distribution for restocking following a procedure, the case may not include the appropriate inventory for a subsequent procedure. In some instances, this out of stock condition may not be discovered until after the subsequent procedure has begun.

In addition, the physical location of each case is often unknown leading to wasted time by the medical device manufacturer and/or medical facility staff having to track down each case. In many instances, the medical device manufacturer has to stock additional devices and cases to offset unaccounted for cases in the field too.

Furthermore, the medical device manufacture cannot invoice the customer until it confirms what has been used in a particular procedure. At times, the case will not be returned to the manufacturer or distribution center for days after a procedure, which can lead to billing delays and inaccuracies.

SUMMARY

At least some embodiments of the present technology depicted herein relate to a transportable container enabled with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technology to maintain automated and “real time” inventory levels of the items that are inside the container. In some embodiments, the transportable container may, for example, be in the form of mobile case that is sized and configured to be transported, e.g., carried, by a person. In other embodiments, the container may, for example, be a cargo or shipping container, a rail car, a vehicle, etc.

The container may also include a location device for determining the location of the container and its associated cargo. For example, the container may utilize cellular triangulation and/or global positioning system (“GPS”) technology for determining the location of the container. The container may also include a power source, such as rechargeable battery power, for the electronics.

In some embodiments, the container may include additional sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, acceleration, etc., of the interior compartment and/or the ambient conditions surrounding the container. Similarly, the container may be equipped with impact sensor(s), accelerometer(s) or similar technology for gathering data regarding impacts or other adverse forces that the container is exposed to, e.g., for introducing accountability and oversight into the shipping and handling stages of the supply chain.

The container may include a controller coupled to the sensors and configured to transmit data gathered by these sensors to a remote device. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to transmit such data at predetermined time intervals and/or in response to predetermined events or conditions. For example, if the controller detects an event that could adversely affect the items, such as an excessive impact or adverse temperature condition, the controller may be configured to automatically transmit the relevant data to the remote device.

In addition, the mobile RFID container may include one or more visual and/or audible indicators that may be activated in response to the data collected from the sensors. For example, the container may include a visual indicator, such as a light, display screen, etc., that may be used to provide messages and/or alerts in response to the data collected from the various sensors. The container may also include a device such as a speaker for providing audible alerts and/or messages in response to the data collected from the various sensors.

The mobile RFID container may also include a communication interface configured to transmit data to the remote device. In some embodiments, the communication interface may be a wireless communication interface and may include, for example, one or more of a cellular interface, a Wi-Fi interface or a Bluetooth interface. Data, such as scan (i.e., RFID tag data), location, sensed parameter and/or time code data may be communicated to a remote device such as an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system, website, server, personal computer, etc. The remote device may use the data received from the transportable container to automatically update and generate appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, restocking, invoicing, location tracking, breakage, tampering, container conditions, open and close events, etc.).

The mobile RFID container may further include radio frequency, (“RF”) shielding to prevent the RFID scans from reading RFID tags located outside of the container. In some embodiments, the RF shielding may include one or more layers of RF blocking material that surrounds or lines the interior compartment. In some embodiments, the layer of RF blocking material comprises at least one of metal or metalized plastic. In some embodiments, the layer of RF blocking material comprises one of a sheet metal, a metal screen, or a metal foam. However, it should be appreciated that the RF shielding aspects and embodiments of the present technology may comprise any one or more suitable shielding materials beyond the ones noted here. If the material(s) can function as an RF shielding material, it/they are contemplated for use in accordance with the present technology and appended claims. In some embodiments, such RF shielding material may not be needed depending on antenna selection and/or RF power settings, for example.

In certain embodiments, the RFID tagged items carried in the mobile RFID container may be one or more pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, and/or medical instruments. The scan data may include, for example, one or more of an EPC code, a TID code, a serial number, a product description, a date, and a lot number (among others).

In some embodiments, the mobile RFID container may include a system for limiting and/or tracking access to the container. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile RFID container may include a locking mechanism and an identification sensor, such as a badge or card reader. A controller may be coupled to the identification sensor and locking mechanism and configured to track and/or restrict access to the container. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may be configured to record identity information regarding individuals who attempt to access contents of the container via the identification sensor and transmit such data to the remote device.

Certain embodiments of the present technology relate to methods for distributing RFID-tagged items using mobile RFID containers as described above. The methods may be used with a variety of types of mobile RFID containers, including, for example, mobile cases, rail cars, shipping/cargo containers, and vehicles.

In some embodiments, the method may include placing a plurality of RFID-tagged items in a mobile RFID container, conducting one or more RFID scans to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container, and processing the scan data and location data to determine the location of the mobile RFID container at times when the contents of the RFID container have changed. The method may also include generating inventory data, invoicing data, credit data, and/or restocking data based on the scan and location data. In some embodiments, the scan and location data is transmitted to a remote device, which in turn processes the scan and location data to generate the inventory, invoicing, credit and/or restocking data. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of types of reports may be generated (e.g., time/date status report, location report, tamper event report, location report, external/internal container conditions report, content conditions report, among others). The method may also include transporting the mobile RFID container from a first location to a second location that is geographically remote from the first location. The first and second locations may, for example, be end user facilities and/or restocking facilities, such as distribution centers. In some embodiments, restocking is based on scan data transmitted by the mobile RFID container prior to the mobile RFID container reaching a restocking facility. Thus, at least some advantage of the present technology relate to real-time use and contents tracking and inventory management which in turn enhances billing and invoicing timing, efficiency and/or accuracy.

In some embodiments, the location data may be determined using multilateration of radio signals and/or global positioning. In some embodiments, the RFID scans may be conducted in response to one or more of the following: the location of the container relative to a defined geographical location, determining that the contents of the container have been accessed, and/or receiving a request from a remote device.

Some embodiments may also include monitoring parameters such as, for example, temperature, humidity, acceleration, pressure, and/or battery level, and responsively generating monitored condition data indicative thereof. Such methods may also include processing the monitored condition data and location data to determine the location of the mobile RFID container at times when the monitored condition data is generated.

Methods according to some embodiments may include defining at least one geofence boundary corresponding to a particular geographical location, monitoring the location of the mobile RFID container and performing at least one automated processes in response to the location of the mobile RFID container relative to the at least one geofence boundary. One or more automated processes may, for example, be performed upon one or more of the following events: the container being within a predetermined distance of a geofence boundary, the container entering a geofence boundary, the container being within a geofence boundary, or the container exiting a geofence boundary. In some embodiments, a plurality of geofence boundaries may be defined. In some embodiments, the automated process may include, for example, conducting at least one RFID scan to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container, generating a restocking order to have one or more items added to the RFID container, generating an invoice, updating software of the RFID container; updating firmware of the RFID container, or monitoring at least one parameter of the mobile RFID container. Some methods may include processing the RFID scan data to determine if the contents of the RFID container changed while the container was within a geofence boundary. In some embodiments, one or more geofence boundaries may be used that correspond, for example, to customer facilities (such as a surgical centers or offices) and/or restocking facilities (such as distribution warehouses).

In one embodiment, a mobile RFID container may be stocked with RFID tags at a first geographic location, such as a distribution warehouse. After the container is stocked, one or more RFID scans may be conducted to generate scan data concerning the contents of the mobile RFID container. The mobile RFID container may then be transported to a second geographic location, such as to a customer, that is remote from the first geographic location. Following the transporting step, one or more additional RFID scans may be conducted to generate scan data concerning the contents of the mobile RFID container. The scan data may then be processed to determine if the contents of the mobile RFID container have changed while the mobile RFID container is at the second geographic location. The RFID scans may be conducted in response to one or more of the following: determining the location of the container relative to the first and second geographic locations, determining that the contents of the container have been accessed, or receiving a request from a remote device. Some embodiments may include defining first and second geofence boundaries that correspond, respectively, to the first and second geographic location. Such methods may include conducting RFID scans in response to the mobile RFID container being within, entering and/or leaving the first and/or second first geofence boundaries.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a mobile (i.e., transportable or movable) RFID container10according to certain embodiments of the present technology. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the mobile RFID container10is in the form of a case that is sized and configured to be transported, e.g., carried, by an individual. It will be appreciated, however, that the container can take numerous other forms, such as, for example, a rail car, a cargo container, a shipping container, or a vehicle, for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, container10includes a housing12having a main body14and a door16. The main body14and the door16cooperate to define an interior compartment18. The door16is movable relative to the main body between an open position to provide access to the interior compartment18and a closed position to prevent access to the interior compartment. In the illustrated embodiment, the door16is movably connected to the main body by a hinge mechanism20. Alternatively, the door16may be removable from the main body in order to provide access to the interior compartment. The housing12may include one or more latches22for securing the door16in its closed position. The housing12may also include one or more handles24.

The interior compartment18is configured to house a plurality of items26. In this regard, the interior compartment18may include a plurality of sub-compartments28, each of which is configured to house one or more individual items. By way of example, the items26may include pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, such as implants, and/or related medical instruments, e.g., surgical instruments. Each item (or its packaging) may include one or more RFID tags30(seeFIG. 2) encoded with descriptive information for the respective item, such as an EPC code, a TID code, a serial number, a product type, a date, a lot number, and similar information, or a unique ID, among other information which can correspond to information in a database on a server. The sub-compartments28may be defined by a substantially RF transparent material, such as hard foam; plastic or rigid cardboard.

Referring additionally toFIG. 2, the mobile RFID container10may also include at least one control system40for collecting data regarding the RFID-tagged items within the container and transmitting that data to a remote device41over a network43. Transmissions between the mobile RFID container10and the remote device may be conducted using standard protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, or other protocols. The network43may be the Internet, a telephone network, a wireless network, power line carrier (“PLC”) network, or other type of network and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the remote device41may be an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system, website, server, personal computer, etc. In some embodiments, the remote device may include multiple servers and databases and be constructed in accordance with certain aspects of the systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,025,228 and/or 7,258,276, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The control system includes an RFID detector42, a communications interface44, a controller46and a power source48. The RFID detector42may be configured to conduct RFID scans of the interior compartment18and collect scan data concerning the RFID-tagged items26contained within the compartment. The RFID detector42may include at least one RFID reader50interconnected with at least one RFID antenna mechanism52. In some embodiments, the RFID antenna mechanism52may include a plurality of antennas53. The RFID tags30may be passive or active. In the container of passive tags, the RFID reader50may be operable to activate the antenna mechanism52such that the antenna mechanism emits at least one signal at a predefined frequency and generates an electromagnetic field sufficient to permeate the entire interior compartment. An RFID reader that is suitable for use in at least some embodiments is Indy RS500 reader module, which is available from Impinj, Inc. Another suitable RFID reader for at least some embodiments is an Impinj Speedway Revolution.

The communications interface44may be a wireless communications interface and may include one or more of a cellular interface, a Wi-Fi interface or a Bluetooth interface, for example. A wireless communications interface suitable for use in at least some embodiments of the present technology is a Sierra MC7354 with SIM card provided by a carrier such as Sprint, Verizon or AT&T, which are available from commercial sources. Alternatively or additionally, the communications interface44may include a wired network interface, such as an Ethernet NIC, for example.

The controller46is communicatively coupled to the RFID detector42and the communications interface44, e.g., via UART or other suitable connections. A suitable controller for use in at least some embodiments of the present technology is a Texas Instruments Sitara ARM embedded processor which is available from commercial sources. The controller46may be configured to trigger RFID scans via the RFID detector42and to transmit scan data to the remote device41via the communications interface44. In some embodiments, the controller46may transmit the scan data to the remote device41each time an RFID scan is performed. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to trigger one or more RFID scans in to a scan request received from the remote device41. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to trigger multiple scans. For example, the controller may run a plurality of scans in order to ensure a predetermined integrity level of the scan data in the manner described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,288.

The control system40may also include one or more sensors54for detecting parameters relative to the mobile RFID container. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor(s)54may include a door sensor for detecting the position and/or movement of the door16and transmitting at least one signal indicative thereof. For example, the door sensor may be a proximity sensor that is configured to provide information regarding whether the door16is opened or closed. A sensor that is suitable for use in at least some embodiments is Omron Automation 3-wire E2E-X1R5E1 proximity sensor, which is available from commercial sources. As discussed below, the door sensor may be used to determine if the contents of the container have been accessed. As will be appreciated, a variety of other sensors, such as motion sensors, may alternatively or additionally be used to facilitate this function. For example, when the container is in the form of a truck or shipping container, a motion detection sensor may be provided to detect when individuals enter or exit the container.

In some embodiments, the sensors(s)54may include one or more sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, etc., of the internal compartment and/or the ambient conditions surrounding the mobile RFID container10. Similarly, in some embodiments, the sensor(s)54may include one or more impact sensors or similar technology for gathering data regarding impacts and/or other adverse forces that the mobile RFID container is exposed to.

The controller46may be operatively coupled to the sensor(s)54and configured collect data from the sensor(s). In some embodiments, the controller46may be configured to perform additional actions, such as triggering one or more RFID scans, in response to the sensor data. For example, in embodiments where the sensor(s)54include a door sensor, the controller46may be configured to trigger one or more RFID scans in response to a door sensor indicating the door has been closed. In some embodiments the controller may be configured to trigger scans when sensor data meets a predetermined condition, such as a predetermined temperature or humidity condition.

The control system40may also include at least one location device57for generating location data indicative of the location of the mobile RFID container10(as well as its contents). In some embodiments, the location device may use GPS technology and/or cellular technology, e.g., via multilateration of radio signals between radio towers. The location device57may be configured to interact with the communications interface44to transmit location data directly to the remote device41, e.g., via a cellular network. Alternatively or additionally, the location device may transmit the location data to the controller46, and the controller46may, in turn, be configured to transmit the location data to the remote device41via the communications interface44. A location device suitable for use in at least some embodiments of the present technology may be embedded in the cellular data card of the wireless communications interface discussed above.

The controller46may be configured to store the scan data, sensor data and/or location data in memory carried by the container10. The controller46may further be configured to transmit the scan data and/or sensor data to a remote device. For example, in some embodiments, the controller46may be configured to transmit the scan data and/or sensor data at predetermined time intervals and/or in response to predetermined events or conditions. In this regard, the controller may automatically transmit scan data each time a scan occurs, e.g., in response to the container being accessed. The controller46may also be configured to transmit data if the controller detects an event that could adversely affect the RFID-tagged items, such as an excessive impact or adverse temperature condition.

In addition, the mobile RFID container10may include one or more indicators55, which can be activated, e.g., by the controller46in response to the data collected from the sensor(s)54and/or other conditions or parameters. For example, in some embodiments, the indicators55may include a visual indicator, such as a light or display screen, that can be activated by the controller to provide alerts and/or messages. In some embodiments, the indicators55may also include an audible indicator, such as a speaker, that can be activated by the controller46to provide alerts and/or messages. For example, the indicator(s) may be used to provide messages/alerts concerning the conditions of the container and/or its contents. Examples include messages concerning power status, charging status, scanning status, e.g., scan in progress, temperature inside container, critical temperature exceeded, alters concerning potential damage to items, e.g., resulting from excess temperature, excess impact, or any other desirable information.

The mobile RFID container10may include RFID shielding or a portion thereof configured to prevent the RFID detector from reading RFID tags located outside of the container. In this regard, the housing may be constructed of at least one suitable RF blocking material known in the art. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile RFID container10may include at least one layer of RFID blocking material that surrounds, encompasses lines or interacts with the interior compartment. Suitable RF blocking materials include, for example, a metal, such as copper, aluminum foil, a spray on metallic paint or a metalized plastic. In some embodiments, the layers of RF blocking material may be, for example, a sheet metal, a metal screen, and/or metal foam. Alternatively or additionally, a near field (NF) antenna could be employed to limit read distance to inside container10. The RF signal from RFID reader50to RFID antenna53could also be tuned to prevent reading of tags outside of the container.

As noted above, a power source48is provided for powering the various components of the control system40. The power source48may, for example, include one or more rechargeable batteries56. The batteries56may be removable for charging using an external battery charger, not shown. Alternatively or additionally, the container may include contacts (not shown) for slide-in self-charging or an inductive (contactless) mat charging interface. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the power source48may include an AC power adapter58configured to power at least one charging circuit (not shown) for charging the batteries, collectively or individually. The AC power adapter58may also be configured to directly power the control system components, including while the batteries are being recharged. Electrical power may be delivered to the AC power adapter58from an external source. In this regard, a power cord62may be used to interconnect the AC power adapter58to an external power source. The cord62may be configured for connection to an electrical outlet or other power source such as a cigarette lighter in a vehicle. The power cord62may be detachable from the AC power adapter58so it can be stored when not in use.

The control system40may be configured to run in a sleep state to preserve the batteries. For example, the control system40may be configured to transition to the sleep state in response to the door16being closed for a predetermined amount of time, such as 5 minutes for example. The control system40may be configured to “awaken” to full power operation in response to a predetermined event or condition. For example, when the control system includes a door sensor, the control system may be configured to awaken in response to the door16being opened or opened/closed, for example. The control system may further be configured, for example, to perform one or many RFID scans and/or transmit data to the remote device in response to being awakened, e.g., following the door16being opening and closed. Alternatively or additionally, the control system40may be configured to wake up on regular intervals and perform scans and/or transmit data. For example, the control system may be configured to awaken at regular intervals and transmit location data to the remote device for tracking purposes.

In some embodiments, the mobile RFID container10may include a system for limiting and/or tracking access to the container. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile RFID container10may include a locking mechanism59for restricting access to the container. In addition, an identification sensor61, such as a badge/card reader, finger print reader or similar device may be provided. The controller46may be configured to control the locking mechanism59in response to data collected from the identification sensor61indicating that an entity, e.g., person or business, is (or is not) authorized to access the contents of the container10. The controller46may further be configured to transmit data gathered from the identification sensor61to a remote device. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may be configured to record identity information regarding entities who attempt to access contents of the container via the identification sensor and transmit such data (alone or with other data such as contemporaneous scan and/or parameter data) to the remote device.

As shown inFIG. 3, the body14of the container10may comprise first and second portions64and66that cooperate to define a compartment68for housing at least some of the control system components40. In the illustrated embodiment, the body first portion64may be generally box-shaped and includes a back wall70and a side wall72extending from the edges of the back wall. It is envisaged that other shapes (rectangular, oval, circular, etc.) can be utilized. The body first portion64defines a front opening74that provides access to the compartment68. The body second portion66may be in the form of a flat panel that mates with the front opening74to close off the compartment68. Fasteners75, such as screws, may be used to secure the first and second door portions64and66to each other. Some or all of the control system components may be mounted on the door16. In some embodiments, one or more of the RFID detector42, controller46, communications interface44, location device56and/or power source48may be mounted on, within or in communication with the compartment68. In some embodiments, some or all of these components may be mounted on a single circuit board. Further, in other embodiments, the antenna(s)53may be mounted on the body second portion66. Alternatively, the antenna(s)53may be mounted on the door16so that the antenna(s) face the interior compartment18when the door is in its closed position.

FIGS. 4 and 5are flow diagrams illustrating an exemplary medical device distribution process according to at least one embodiment of the present technology. The distribution process400begins in step405where the mobile RFID container10is stocked with items at a distribution center. For example, in the context of a medical procedure, the container may be stocked with medical devices of varying sizes and configuration as well as one or more surgical tools that can be used to implant the devices during surgery. After the mobile RFID container10is stocked with the appropriate items, it is closed. At this time, the mobile RFID container10may conduct a scan, e.g., in response to sensing door closure via the door sensor, and transmit the scan data to the remote device, e.g., an ERP system. At the same time, the mobile RFID container10may transmit location data that can be used to correlate the location of the container and its current inventory. For example, the RFID scan data and location data can be used to update inventory data for the mobile RFID container10. The inventory data may reflect, for example, the time, date, location and contents of the container as well as any other data as may be desirable for the given application. In some embodiments, some or all of the control system components may be carried by the container door16.

Once the mobile RFID container10is stocked with the appropriate item(s), it is shipped from the distribution center to the end user. (Step410) In the context of a medical procedure, the end user may be a hospital or surgical center, for example. The mobile RFID container10can be shipped via a common carrier, such as Federal Express or UPS, for example. Alternatively, the mobile RFID container10may be transported to the end user by a field representative, as is common in the medical device industry.

Once at the end user (Step415), the mobile RFID container10may be used to distribute the RFID-tagged items. (Step420) By way of example, the mobile RFID container10may be brought into the surgical suite by the field rep and used to distribute appropriate items, e.g., implants and/or tools, to the medical staff during a surgical procedure.FIG. 5is a flow diagram illustrating certain aspects of an exemplary process for distributing items from the mobile RFID container during a surgical procedure. In step505, the mobile RFID container10is opened. For example, the field representative may open the mobile RFID container at the beginning of the surgical procedure or at such time as may be deemed appropriate. Next, in step510, one or more items are removed from (and/or added) to the container during the medical procedure. For example, several devices, e.g., implants of varying size, may be removed from the box. During medical procedure, the appropriate device(s) may be implanted and the unused devices may be returned to or left in the container. While the container10is at the end user, it may perform one or more RFID scans to collect scan data (i.e., RFID tag data) concerning its contents. For example, an RFID scan may be automatically triggered when the door is closed following the medical procedure. (Steps515&520).

The scan data is then transmitted (Step530) to the remote device41where it can be used to generate and/or update appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, discrepancies, locations, restocking, invoicing, other recordable events, etc.). (See, e.g., Steps540-550). The mobile RFID container10may also transmit location data with the scan data to allow the remote device to coordinate the current inventory of the mobile RFID container with its location. For example, the data may be used to determine what items were used during the surgery for invoicing purposes.

As noted above, the remote device41may, for example, include an ERP system operating on one or more servers. As indicated in steps540, the ERP system may be configured to automatically invoice or credit customers based on the data received from the RFID container. Similarly, in step545, the ERP system may be configured to update appropriate inventory records for the specific container based on the data received from the mobile RFID container. Further, in step550, the ERP system may be configured to automatically schedule replenishment/restocking of the container based on the data received from the mobile RFID container.

Returning toFIG. 4, once the medical procedure is completed, the mobile RFID container10may be returned to the manufacture or distribution center. (Steps425,430). Once at the manufacture or distribution center, the mobile RFID container10may be restocked with the appropriate item(s). (Step405). Advantageously, the scan data is automatically transmitted to the remote device41when the door16of the mobile RFID container10is closed following the medical procedure. As a result, the appropriate invoicing, inventory and restocking records can be generated before the mobile RFID container10is received at the manufacturer or distribution center. Thus, the invoicing process can be expedited, and the manufacturer or distribution center can take steps to ensure that the appropriate items are in inventory for restocking the mobile RFID container10upon its receipt at the manufacturer or distribution center.

FIG. 6illustrates another exemplary method for distributing RFID-tagged items using a mobile RFID container as described above. The method may include generating location data indicative of the location the RFID container. (Step605). The method also includes conducting one or more RFID scans to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container. (Step610). In some embodiments, the method may include monitoring one or more conditions and generating condition data. (Step615). For example, the method may include monitoring one or more of the temperature of the interior compartment, the relative humidity of the interior of the compartment, and/or an acceleration of the mobile RFID container and generating monitored condition data indicative thereof. The method may further include the step620of processing the data from one or more of steps605-615. According to at least some embodiments, the processing step620may include processing the scan and location data to determine the location of the mobile RFID container at times when the contents of the RFID container have changed. The processing step may also include processing the monitored condition data and location data to determine the location of the mobile RFID container at times when the monitored condition data is generated.

In some embodiments, the RFID scans may be automatically performed when the door of the RFID container10is moved to its closed position. In some embodiments, the RFID scans may be conducted in response to a request from a remote device.

In some embodiments, the method may include defining one or more geofence boundaries that correspond to particular geographical location(s). In such a method, one or more RFID scans may also be performed in response to the location of the RFID container relative to the geofence boundaries. For example, one or more RFID scans may be performed upon detecting one or more of the following events/conditions: the container being within a predetermined distance of a geofence boundary, the container entering a geofence boundary, the container being within a geofence boundary, or the container exiting a geofence boundary. RFID scans may be conducted when the container is within, enters and/or leaves the geofence boundary to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container. The processing step may include processing the scan and location data to determine if the contents of the RFID container changed while the container was within a particular geofence boundary. For example, with reference toFIG. 7, a geofence boundary705may be defined to correspond to the geographic location of a distribution warehouse710where the container10is stocked with inventory. Additional geofence boundaries may be defined which correspond to the geographic locations of end-user/customer facilities. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 7, geofence boundaries712and715are defined to correspond to customer facilities720and725, respectively. As will be appreciated, the number and types of geofence boundaries may vary according to the specific application. Further, while the geofences are illustrated as being circular, they can take a variety of shapes (square, rectangular, irregular, etc.) to adapt to the needs of the particular situation.

The location and scan data may be processed (in step620) to determine if the contents (i.e. inventory) of the container changed while the container10was at a particular location, e.g., warehouse or customer, as defined by the respective geofence boundary. For example, a first RFID scan may be conducted upon detecting that the container10has entered the geofence boundary712corresponding customer facility720, and a second RFID scan may be conducted upon detecting that the container has left the geofence boundary712. The data from the first and second RFID scans may be processed to determine if the inventory of the container changed, e.g., if items were removed, while the container was at the customer facility720. This inventory data can in turn be used for a variety of purpose including customer invoicing and generating restocking orders for the container.

In some embodiments, the method600may include performing one or more automated processes in response to the location of the mobile RFID container relative to at least one geofence boundary. For example, one or more automated processes may be performed upon one or more of the following events: the container being within a predetermined distance of a geofence boundary, the container entering a geofence boundary, the container being within a geofence boundary, or the container exiting a geofence boundary. Exemplary automated processes may include, for example, conducting at least one RFID scan to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container, generating a restocking order to have one or more items added to the RFID container, generating an invoice, updating software of the RFID container, updating firmware of the RFID container, or monitoring at least one parameter of the mobile RFID container. Exemplary parameters that may be monitored include temperature, humidity, acceleration, pressure, and/or battery level.

The processing step620may further comprise generating inventory, invoicing and/or credit data based on the scan data and/or location data. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of types of reports may be generated (e.g., time/date status report, location report, tamper event report, external/internal container conditions report, content conditions report, among others). In some embodiments, the inventory, invoicing and/or credit data, for example, may be generated by the remote device.

FIG. 7illustrates certain aspects of an embodiment of a distribution process that utilizes geofencing. By way of example, the container10may initially be located at the distribution warehouse710where it is stocked with an inventory of RFID tagged items. For example, in the context of a medical procedure, the container10may be stocked with medical devices of varying sizes and configuration as well as one or more surgical tools that can be used to implant the devices during surgery. After the mobile RFID container10is stocked with the appropriate items, it is closed. At this time, the mobile RFID container10may conduct a scan, e.g., in response to sensing door closure via the door sensor, and transmit the scan data to the remote device41. At the same time, the mobile RFID container10may transmit location data that can be used to correlate the location of the container and its current inventory, as well as parameter data as discussed above. The RFID scan data and location data can be used, e.g., by the remote device41, to update inventory data for the mobile RFID container10. The inventory data may reflect, for example, the time, date, location and contents of the container10as well as any other data as may be desirable for the given application.

Once the mobile RFID container10is stocked with the appropriate item(s), it may be shipped from the distribution warehouse710to an end-user, such as customer location720. An RFID scan may be triggered in response to the container10exiting the geofence705corresponding to the distribution warehouse710. The results from the RFID scan (as well as location and/or parameter data) may be transmitted to the remote device for determining the inventory (and/or monitored conditions) of the container10at the time it exited the distribution warehouse. As the container10is in transit to the customer location10, the container10can conduct RFID scans, as well as monitor parameters, such as temperature, humidity, acceleration, pressure, and/or battery level, for example. The RFID scan, location and/or parameter data may be transmitted to the remote device41, e.g., via a cellular network.

Another RFID scan may be triggered when the container10enters the geofence712corresponding to the customer facility720. At the same time, the container10may record parameter data as discussed above. The results from the RFID scan (as well as location and/or parameter data) may be transmitted to the remote device41for determining the inventory (and/or monitored conditions) of the container10at the time it arrived at the customer facility720. While at the customer facility, the container may be accessed, e.g., by the customer or manufacturer's representative. Upon closure of the container10, an RFID scan may be triggered and the scan data (and any other pertinent data) may be transmitted to the remote device41. An additional RFID scan may be triggered when the container10exits the geofence712corresponding to the customer facility720. The RFID scan data, as well as any pertinent parameter and location data may be transmitted to the remote device41. As will be appreciated, the above discussion is applicable to other geofenced locations, such as the customer facility725.

The remote device41can use the scan, location and parameter data to generate and/or update appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, discrepancies, locations, restocking, invoicing, other recordable events, etc. as discussed above in connection withFIG. 5.

While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary embodiments, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations using the general principles set forth herein. It is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications and equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as recited in the following claims. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known or customary practice within the art to which it pertains.