RF-interrogatable processing system

A system for storing articles having different descriptions in an enclosure and providing the enclosure with an RF-interrogatable unit having stored indications of the descriptions of the stored articles. The unit The system further contemplates interrogating the enclosure's RF-interrogatable unit to determine the enclosure content.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to article processing and pertains more 
particularly to article inventorying with the benefit of radio-frequency 
(RF) tags associated with the articles and having RF readable article 
identification capacity. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
RF tags are in widespread usage in such areas as tracking of locations of 
persons, e.g., doctors in hospitals, parties entering and leaving secured 
areas, and articles, e.g., as in the case of various known electronic 
article surveillance systems. 
In the person tracking applications, persons wear RF-interrogatable tags 
which have memory for storing a "preamble", i.e., an introductory message 
code portion common to the particular person tracking system, and an 
ensuing message code portion uniquely indicating an identifying coding 
specific to the person bearing the tag. The tags have further facility for 
detecting an interrogating RF carrier in which the preamble message code 
portion is present and respond thereupon with a transmission containing 
the tag memory content, i.e., the preamble and the person-identifying 
coding. 
In the article surveillance situation, articles are equipped with tags 
which respond to certain interrogations, e.g., at store or library exits,. 
to cause RF receivers at such locations to indicate that the article tag 
has not been deactivated. Tag deactivation customarily occurs at a 
checkout station, but is sometimes overlooked or ineffectively 
implemented, such that the tag remains armed to respond to interrogation. 
The article surveillance tags may be of a type simply resonating in 
response to incident RF energy, and providing RF detectable energy bearing 
identifying modulation content, based on a nonlinear element, e.g., a 
diode in the tag resonant circuit which reacts differently to positive and 
negative cycles of the system carrier. In article surveillance systems, 
the responses of all participating tags provide generally identical 
outputs and do not afford individual article identification as in the case 
of the person-tracking systems. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The subject invention has as its primary object to further extend the use 
of active RF tags in improved article inventory processing. 
In broad practice aspect, the invention provides a method for processing 
articles comprising the steps of defining an article assortment inclusive 
of articles having different descriptions, distributing the articles into 
an enclosure and providing the enclosure with an RF-interrogatable unit 
having stored indications of the descriptions of articles contained 
therein. 
In more particular practice aspect, the invention provides a method for 
processing articles, comprising the steps of defining an article 
assortment inclusive of articles having different descriptions, 
distributing the articles into an enclosure, providing the enclosure with 
an RF-interrogatable unit having stored indications of the descriptions of 
articles contained therein and RF-interrogating the enclosure RF- 
interrogatable unit to determine enclosure article contents. 
In broad system aspect, the invention provides a system for processing an 
article assortment inclusive of articles having different descriptions, 
comprising an enclosure containing a grouping of the articles and an 
RF-interrogatable unit with the enclosure and having stored indications of 
the descriptions of the articles contained therein. 
In more particular system aspect, the invention provides a system for 
processing an article assortment inclusive of articles having different 
descriptions, comprising an enclosure containing a grouping of the 
articles, an RF-interrogatable unit with the enclosure and having stored 
indications of the descriptions of the articles contained therein and 
RF-interrogating means for RF interrogating the enclosure RF- 
interrogatable unit to determine enclosure article contents. 
The foregoing and other objects and features of the invention will be 
further understood from consideration of the following detailed 
description of preferred embodiments and practices and from the drawings, 
wherein like reference numerals identify like components throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND PRACTICES 
System 10 of FIG. 1 includes article enclosures or containers 12, 14, 16 
and 18. Reference numeral 20 designates tagged article A1 - - - RFTA1, 
which comprises the article (A1) and an RF tag (RFTA1), and is contained 
in enclosure 12, along with tagged articles A2 - - - RFTA2 and A3 - - - 
RFTA3. Enclosure 14 contains tagged articles A1A - - - RFTA1A, A2A - - - 
RFTA2A and A3 - - - RFTA3. Enclosure 16 contains tagged articles A1B - - - 
RFTA1B, A2B - - - RFTA2B and A3B - - - RFTA3B. Enclosure 18 contains 
tagged articles A1C - - - RFTA1C, A2C - - - RFTA2C and A3C - - - RFTA3C. 
While each enclosure is shown as containing a fully different assortment 
of articles, an enclosure may contain articles also contained in others of 
the enclosures. 
Reference numerals 22, 24, 26 and 28 designate respectively level one 
interrogators (LOI), each affixed to a distinct one of enclosures 12, 14, 
16 and 18 and disposed so as to interrogate tagged articles in the 
respective enclosures. LEVEL TWO INTERROGATOR 30 is adapted to interrogate 
each of interrogators 22, 24, 26 and 28. 
Turning to FIG. 2, RF tag RFTA1 comprises the components bounded by the 
broken lines. Also shown in FIG. 2 are PREAMBLE CODE INPUT unit 32 and 
ARTICLE ID INPUT unit 34. Signals transmitted and received in implementing 
the subject invention are in the form of known technology, involving a 
radio frequency carrier which has intelligence therein, typically through 
amplitude modulation or frequency modulation of the carrier. The 
intelligence is inclusive of a "preamble", which is a common series of 
bits indicative of a key to participate in the system, and an "ID" 
(identification) series of bits, which uniquely identifies each system 
participant. More particularly, in the subject invention, the ID series of 
bits serves to identify the description of each article encompassed by the 
system, e.g., in a business supply application, such items as pens, 
writing tablets, stationary, etc. 
The preamble and ID for any given article are input by units 32 and 34 to 
Radio-Frequency-Tag MEMORY (RFT MEMORY) 36. By way of example, memory 36 
may be a ROM (read only memory) into which the preamble and ID are 
written. Article ID input unit 34 may include a keyboard usable in system 
set up to key in article descriptions for each participating system 
article separately, with the system preamble provided by preamble code 
input unit 32, in to each system tag. Thus, while many tags may be 
involved in the system, only one set of units 32 and 34 are needed for 
system setup. 
Another tag component, RF RX PREAMBLE DETECTOR 38, receives system 
interrogation communications and determines whether a received 
communication includes the system preamble. On each such determination, 
detector 38 provides indication of the event over line 40 to RF TAG 
CONTROLLER 42. Controller 42 thereupon provides "read" signals over line 
44 to memory 36, which provides its preamble and article ID contents over 
line 46 to MESSAGE ASSEMBLER 48. This unit generates the system carrier 
and suitably modulates the same with the preamble and ID of the tagged 
article and supplies the resulting modulated RF signal over line 50 to RF 
TX (RF transmitter) 52. A common antenna is used for both tag 
transmissions and tag receptions, which of course occupy different time 
periods in system operation. 
By the foregoing structure, each of the tagged articles in a given 
enclosure may be interrogated by its associated LOI interrogator and will 
furnish an RF signal to the interrogator which identifies the article ID 
and the article location. 
Referring to FIG. 3, the structure of each of interrogators 22, 24, 26 and 
28 is shown. Turning thereto, interrogator 22 will be seen to include 
LEVEL ONE CONTROLLER 54 and LEVEL ONE RX (receiver) 56, which furnishes 
its output signals over line 58 to PREAMBLE DETECTOR 60 and over line 62 
to ARTICLE ID DETECTOR 64. Where the system preamble is detected as 
present in a received transmission, detector 60 so advises controller 54 
over line 66 of the event. Controller 54 thereupon provides a signal over 
line 68 to LEVEL ONE MEMORY 70 for writing therein signals on lines 72 and 
74, respectively indicative of the system preamble and the received 
article ID. This series of events gives rise to storage in the level one 
interrogators of identification of system participating articles per 
enclosure. 
Remaining components of the level one interrogators are LEVEL ONE MESSAGE 
ASSEMBLER 76, which receives read out contents of memory 70 over line 78, 
and LEVEL ONE TX 80, which receives signals over line 82 for transmission 
to LEVEL TWO INTERROGATOR 30 (FIG. 1), responsively to transmit decisions 
of controller 54, provided on line 84. 
Turning to FIG. 4, interrogator 30 includes LEVEL TWO TX 86, LEVEL TWO RX 
88, lines 90 and 92, respectively interconnecting receiver 88 with 
PREAMBLE DETECTOR 94 and LEVEL TWO MEMORY 96. LEVEL TWO CONTROLLER 98 has 
connection with components as is indicated by lines 100, 102 and 104. To 
effect interrogation of the level one interrogators, controller 98 
energizes level two transmitter 86 over line 100 and, following a suitable 
time for the level one interrogation, enables level two receiver 88. Upon 
detection of the system preamble in received transmissions, preamble 
detector 60 so informs controller over line 95 and controller 98 enables 
level two memory 96, by input thereto over line 104, to store the 
transmitted information indicative of article description and emanating 
from receiver 88. 
At such points in time as its is desired to compile system article 
description information per enclosure at level two, level two transmitter 
86 transmits a command , e.g., individually or sequentially by suitable 
timing control means, to the level one interrogators to cause them to 
transmit their memory contents to the level two interrogator for storage 
in level two memory 96. To this end, user input on line 106 to controller 
98 causes level two transmitter 86 to transmit the system carrier with an 
"interrogate" preamble, different from the system preamble, and level on 
receiver 56 detects the same and so informs level one controller 54 over 
line 108. 
Returning to the exemplary application of the invention, i.e., to a 
business supply application, let it be assumed that at a manufacturing and 
supply location, each article of a given business supply order is provided 
with its RF-interrogatable tag containing the system preamble and the 
article description. Further, assume that the articles are encased in 
various enclosures, each equipped with a first level interrogator as above 
described and that the first level interrogators have made inquiry by RF 
interrogation of the articles in the associated enclosure and contain 
corresponding stored information. A shipment clerk at the manufacturing 
and supply location now can check the accuracy of the intended shipment 
simply by interrogating each enclosure and then collectively printing out 
or otherwise displaying the contents of the second level interrogator 
memory and checking the same against the order sheet. 
Continuing, assume that shipment is made of the ordered articles, so 
encased, to a user location. Here, the incoming shipment may be checked by 
the user receiving clerk as in the same manner as noted for the shipment 
clerk above discussed. At this juncture, the various enclosures are 
dispersed into various departments of the user location. Now, the 
responsible clerk at a user department may interrogate the first level 
interrogator(s) of the enclosure(s) consigned to that department again to 
readily assure the verity of the shipment per his or her departmental 
order sheet. 
Turning to FIG. 5, a first practice in accordance with the invention 
includes outset step S1, DEFINE ARTICLE ASSORTMENT, wherein the 
assortment, e.g., of orderable business supplies, is collected. In step 
S2, DISTRIBUTE ARTICLES INTO DIFFERENT ENCLOSURES, the given order of 
business supplies is dispersed into as many enclosures (shipping cartons) 
as may be required. In step S3, PROVIDE EACH ENCLOSURE WITH 
RF-INTERROGATABLE TAG HAVING STORED INDICATIONS OF ARTICLE DESCRIPTION OF 
ARTICLES ENCASED THEREIN, the respective shipping cartons are provided 
with respective tags with stored article descriptions specific to the 
contained articles. In step S4, RF-INTERROGATE ENCLOSURE TAGS, the 
enclosure tags are interrogated to identify respective shipping carton 
article contents. 
A more detailed practice of the invention is seen in the flowchart of FIG. 
6. Here, step S5, DEFINE ARTICLE ASSORTMENT, is a repeat of step S1 above. 
In step S6, PROVIDE EACH ARTICLE WITH RF-INTERROGATABLE TAG HAVING STORED 
INDICATION OF ARTICLE DESCRIPTION, tags of the type described in FIG. 2 
are applied to the articles. In step S7, DISTRIBUTE TAGGED ARTICLES INTO 
DIFFERENT ENCLOSURES, the tagged articles comprising the given order of 
business supplies are dispersed into as many enclosures (shipping cartons) 
as may be required. In step S8, PROVIDE EACH ENCLOSURE WITH 
RF-INTERROGATABLE TAG HAVING STORED INDICATIONS OF ARTICLE DESCRIPTION OF 
ARTICLES ENCASED THEREIN, step S3 above is practiced. In step S9, 
RF-INTERROGATE ENCLOSURE TAGS, step S4 above is practiced. 
A further practice in accordance with the invention is seen in the 
flowchart of FIG. 7. Step S10, DEFINE ARTICLE ASSORTMENT, step S11, 
PROVIDE EACH ARTICLE WITH RF-INTERROGATABLE TAG HAVING STORED INDICATION 
OF ARTICLE DESCRIPTION, and step S12, DISTRIBUTE TAGGED ARTICLES INTO 
DIFFERENT ENCLOSURES, are counterpart to steps S5, S6 and S7 above 
discussed. Step S13, PROVIDE ENCLOSURES EACH WITH AN RF-INTERROGATABLE TAG 
AND MEANS FOR INTERROGATING ARTICLE TAGS THEREIN AND STORING INDICATIONS 
OF ARTICLE DESCRIPTION OF ARTICLES ENCASED THEREIN, is more specific than, 
e.g., step S8 above. Step S14, RF-INTERROGATE ENCLOSURE TAGS, is a repeat 
of the above practice closing step. 
A further variation in practice in accordance with the invention is seen in 
the flowchart of FIG. 8. Step 15, DEFINE ARTICLE ASSORTMENT, step S16, 
PROVIDE EACH ARTICLE WITH RF-INTERROGATABLE TAG HAVING STORED INDICATION 
OF ARTICLE DESCRIPTION, and step S17, PROVIDE AN ENCLOSURE WITH AN 
RF-INTERROGATABLE TAG AND MEANS FOR INTERROGATING ARTICLE TAGS AND FOR 
STORING INDICATIONS OF ARTICLE DESCRIPTIONS IN ARTICLE TAGS THEREBY 
INTERROGATED, are counterpart to steps S10, S11 and S13 above discussed. 
Step S18, INTERROGATE TAGS OF SELECTED ARTICLES, STORE ARTICLE 
DESCRIPTIONS, REMOVE TAGS FROM ARTICLES AND PLACE ARTICLES IN ENCLOSURE, 
however, looks to a variation in practice, wherein tags do not remain 
permanently with articles, but are removed once the article is encased and 
are available for reuse with repeat orders for the same article. Step S19, 
RF-INTERROGATE ENCLOSURE TAG, is a repeat of the closing steps of the 
prior described practices. 
By way of summary and introduction to the ensuing claims, the invention 
will be seen to provide a method for processing articles, comprising the 
steps of defining an article assortment inclusive of articles having 
different descriptions, distributing the articles into an enclosure and 
providing the enclosure with an RF-interrogatable unit having stored 
indications of the descriptions of articles contained therein. 
Such method may include the further step, practiced prior to practice of 
the step of distributing the articles into the enclosure, of providing 
each of the articles with an RF-interrogatable tag containing stored 
indication of the article description. In that case, the step of providing 
the enclosure with an RF-interrogatable unit having stored indications of 
the descriptions of articles contained therein is practiced in part by 
interrogating the RF-interrogatable tags. 
Otherwise seen, the invention provides a method for processing articles, 
comprising the steps of defining an article assortment inclusive of 
articles having different descriptions, distributing the articles into an 
enclosure, providing the enclosure with an RF-interrogatable unit having 
stored indications of the descriptions of articles contained therein and 
RF-interrogating the enclosure RF- interrogatable unit to determine 
enclosure article contents. 
Further, the invention provides a method for processing articles, 
comprising the steps of defining an article assortment inclusive of 
articles having different descriptions, distributing the articles into 
different enclosures, providing each enclosure with an RF-interrogatable 
unit having stored indications of the descriptions of articles contained 
therein and RF-interrogating the enclosure RF- interrogatable units to 
determine enclosure article contents in any one or more of the enclosures. 
The various methods above may include the further step, practiced prior to 
practice of the step of RF-interrogating the enclosure RF- interrogatable 
units to determine enclosure article contents in any one or more of the 
enclosures, of dispersing groups of the enclosures to diverse locations 
and wherein the step of RF-interrogating the enclosure RF- interrogatable 
units to determine enclosure article contents in any one or more of the 
enclosures is practiced separately at each diverse location. 
A first system of the invention includes an enclosure containing a grouping 
of the articles and an RF-interrogatable unit with the enclosure and 
having stored indications of the descriptions of the articles contained 
therein. Each of the articles may include an RF-interrogatable tag 
therewith and containing stored indication of the article description. The 
RF-interrogatable unit may include means for RF-interrogating the 
RF-interrogatable tags. 
A second system of the invention includes an enclosure containing a 
grouping of the articles, an RF-interrogatable unit with the enclosure and 
having stored indications of the descriptions of the articles contained 
therein and RF-interrogating means for RF interrogating the enclosure RF- 
interrogatable unit to determine enclosure article contents. 
A further system in accordance with the invention will be seen to comprise 
a plurality of enclosures, each containing a grouping of the articles, an 
RF-interrogatable unit with each the enclosure and having stored 
indications of the descriptions of the articles contained therein and 
RF-interrogating means for RF-interrogating the enclosure RF- 
interrogatable units to determine article contents of one or more of the 
enclosures. 
Various changes in structure to the described systems and modifications in 
the described practices may evidently be introduced without departing from 
the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the particularly 
disclosed and depicted embodiments are intended in an illustrative and not 
in a limiting sense. The true spirit and scope of the invention are set 
forth in the following claims.