Wearable passive scanning device

Features are disclosed for a wearable scanning device that can passively initiate scanning for wireless identifiers such as RFID tags. The wearable scanning device may include a force sensor, an accelerometer, or a motion activated switch that can initiate the scanning when detecting an action performed by an associate (e.g., lifting) without an express intent from the associate to scan.

BACKGROUND

Modern inventory systems, such as those in mail order warehouses, supply chain distribution centers, airport luggage systems, and custom-order manufacturing facilities, can include a number of complex systems, including robots, automated shelving systems, radio frequency identification (RFID), and automated scheduling and routing equipment. Many systems, for example, include robots and humans that travel to shelving systems to retrieve items, or the shelves themselves, and return them to a central location for additional processing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Accurately keeping track of an item as it moves through an inventory system can ensure that humans and robots find the item when it is needed. When shipping high volumes of packages, packages may be stacked on pallets or other locations. Confirming that a package is in the correct location usually involves bar code scanning. There may be two bar code scans, one for the package being stacked and one for the destination to for which it is being stacked. The need to perform two scans to track an item in the inventory system presents two possible points of failure for maintaining an accurate location for the item.

The inventory system may include a wireless scanning device such as a WI-FI® enabled radio frequency identifier (RFID) reader device or a near field communication (NFC) transceiver that can be worn, for example, on the hand. The inventory system may include a positioning system precise enough to distinguish stacking locations such as a UWB-RTLS (Ultra-Wideband Real Time Location Service) system, and a communications network. The wireless scanning device may read wireless identifiers such as RFID tags. The wireless identifiers may be affixed to items, pallets, and other objects within the inventory system to facilitate identification and/or tracking of the items. The read may be triggered by a passively activated switch (e.g., a pressure sensor or location sensor) included in the wireless scanning device. The information read from the wireless identifier may be transmitted via the communication network to another device within the inventory system. The power used by the wireless scanning device to read wireless identifiers may be optimized to read identifiers in a typical area around a human worker. For example, the power may be calibrated to allow reading wireless identifiers for items and/or packages in an area the size of a pallet. This can limit stray reads while still reading the desired item or package. The power may be specified using a configuration file for the wireless scanning device. The configuration file may include one or more power levels available for scanning. In some implementations, a power level may be selected from a list of power levels based on factors such as the item being carried, the item that will be carried, the area within the workspace, an inventory holder into which the item will be placed, an inventory holder in which the item is located, location of the wireless scanning device, or other information available to the wireless scanning device. A location system may provide position data such as via UWB-RTLS. The computer network may combine the received information to determine that the package has been placed on the correct pallet or that it has not.

FIG. 1is a pictorial diagram depicting an illustrative inventory system environment.FIG. 1illustrates the components of an inventory system100in which items may be tracked. The inventory system100may include a management device115, one or more mobile drive units120, one or more inventory holders130, and one or more inventory stations150. A mobile drive unit may transport one or more of the inventory holders130between points within a workspace170in response to commands communicated by the management device115. Each inventory holder130may store one or more types of inventory items. As a result, the inventory system100is capable of moving inventory items between locations within the workspace170to facilitate the entry, processing, and/or removal of inventory items from the inventory system100and the completion of other tasks involving inventory items.

The management device115may assign tasks to appropriate components of the inventory system100and coordinate operation of the various components in completing the tasks. These tasks may relate not only to the movement and processing of inventory items, but also to the management and maintenance of the components of the inventory system100. The management device115may identify components of the inventory system100to perform these tasks and communicate appropriate commands and/or data to the identified components to facilitate completion of these operations.

Although shown inFIG. 1as a single, discrete component, the management device115may represent multiple components and may represent or include portions of the mobile drive units120or other elements of the inventory system100. Interactions between a particular mobile drive unit and the management device115that are described may, in some embodiments, represent peer-to-peer communication between two or more of the mobile drive units120. The components and operation of example embodiments of the management device115are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/472,717, filed on Aug. 29, 2014 and titled “SAFETY COMPLIANCE FOR MOBILE DRIVE UNITS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A mobile drive unit may be implemented as an independent, self-powered device configured to move about the workspace170. Further examples of inventory systems and features that may be included in an inventory system are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,087,314, issued on Jul. 21, 2015, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING A MOBILE DRIVE UNIT” and U.S. Pat. No. 8,280,547, issued on Oct. 2, 2012, titled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING INVENTORY ITEMS,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The mobile drive units120may communicate with the management device115to receive information identifying selected inventory holders130, to transmit the locations of the mobile drive units120, or to exchange any other suitable information used by the management device115or the mobile drive units120during operation. The mobile drive units120may communicate with the management device115wirelessly and/or using wired connections between the mobile drive units120and the management device115. As one example, some mobile drive units120may communicate with the management device115and/or with one another using 802.11, BLUETOOTH®, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standards, or any other appropriate standardized wireless communication protocol.

The inventory holders130may store inventory items. One or more of the inventory holders130may include multiple storage bins with each storage bin capable of holding one or more types of inventory items. The inventory holders130may include structural features to facilitate carrying, rolling, and/or otherwise moving the inventory holders130by mobile drive units. The inventory holder130may include propulsion means to supplement that provided by a mobile drive unit when moving inventory holder130.

Inventory items140may hang from hooks or bars (not shown) within or on one or more of the inventory holders130. An inventory holder may store inventory items140in any appropriate manner within the inventory holder and/or on the external surface of inventory holder.

A particular inventory holder130may be considered to be currently “storing” a particular inventory item if the inventory holder130currently holds one or more units of that type. As one example, the inventory system100may represent a warehouse facility, and inventory items may represent merchandise stored in the warehouse facility. During operation, one or more of the mobile drive units120may retrieve the inventory holders130containing one or more inventory items requested to be packed for delivery to a customer or the inventory holders130carrying pallets containing aggregated collections of inventory items for shipment. In some implementations, containers (e.g., boxes or packages) including completed orders may themselves represent inventory items.

The inventory system100may include one or more inventory stations150. An inventory station may represent a location designated for the completion of particular tasks involving inventory items. Such tasks may include the removal of inventory items from an inventory holder, the introduction of inventory items into an inventory holder, the counting of inventory items in an inventory holder, the decomposition of inventory items (e.g., from pallet- or case-sized groups to individual inventory items), the consolidation of inventory items between inventory holders, and/or the processing or handling of inventory items in any other suitable manner.

The inventory stations150may represent physical locations where a particular task involving inventory items can be completed within the workspace170. In some implementations, the inventory stations150may represent both the physical location and also any appropriate equipment for processing or handling inventory items, such as scanners for monitoring the flow of inventory items in and out of the inventory system100, communication interfaces for communicating with the management device115, and/or any other suitable item processing components.

The workspace170may represent an area associated with the inventory system100in which the mobile drive units120can move and/or the inventory holders130can be stored. For example, the workspace170may represent all or part of the floor of a warehouse in which the inventory system100operates. AlthoughFIG. 1shows, for the purposes of illustration, an inventory system in which the workspace170includes fixed, predetermined, and finite physical spaces, an inventory system may include mobile drive units and/or inventory holders that are configured to operate within a workspace that is of variable dimensions and/or an arbitrary geometry. While the workspace170shown inFIG. 1is entirely enclosed in a building, the inventory system100may utilize one or more workspaces in which some or all of the workspaces are located outdoors, within a vehicle (such as a cargo ship), or otherwise unconstrained by any fixed structure.

The management device115may select appropriate components to complete particular tasks and transmit task assignment messages118to the selected components to trigger completion of the relevant tasks. The task assignment message118may include information identifying one or more tasks to be completed by at least one component of the inventory system100. These tasks may relate to the retrieval, storage, replenishment, and counting of inventory items and/or the management of mobile drive units, inventory holders, inventory stations, and/or other components of inventory system100. Depending on the component and the task to be completed, a particular task assignment message118may include information identifying locations, components, and/or actions associated with the corresponding task and/or any other appropriate information to be used by the relevant component in completing the assigned task.

The management device115may generate task assignment messages118based, in part, on inventory requests that the management device115receives from other components of the inventory system100and/or from external components in communication with the management device115. An inventory request may identify particular operations to be completed involving inventory items stored or to be stored within the inventory system100. For example, an inventory request may represent a shipping order specifying particular inventory items that have been purchased by a customer and that are to be retrieved from the inventory system100for shipment to the customer. The management device115may also generate task assignment messages118independently of such inventory requests, as part of the overall management and maintenance of the inventory system100. For example, the management device115may generate one or more task assignment messages in response to the occurrence of a particular event (e.g., in response to a mobile drive unit requesting a space to park), according to a predetermined schedule (e.g., as part of a daily start-up routine), or at any appropriate time based on the configuration and characteristics of the inventory system100. After generating one or more task assignment messages118, the management device115may transmit the generated task assignment messages118to appropriate components for completion of the corresponding task. The relevant components may then execute their assigned tasks.

While executing a task, a mobile drive unit or human worker may carry a wireless scanning device configured to transmit and receive signals to detect wireless identifiers (e.g., RFID tags) within a scanning zone105near the mobile drive unit120or human worker. The scanning zone105may include an area around an entity within the workspace170as the entity performs a task. Some wireless scanning devices may be multi-mode wireless scanning devices. A multi-mode wireless scanning device may transmit and receive signals of varying frequencies to provide multiple scanning zones (e.g.,105a,105b, and105c) around an entity. For example, a wireless scanning device may include an RFID reader and a high-frequency RFID reader (HF-RFID).

The inventory system100may include a WI-FI/UWB-RTLS enabled RFID scanning device that can be worn on the hand, but does not interfere with grabbing, holding, and moving items or packages. The scanning of RFID tags may be triggered by pressure sensors of the reader device. For example, the reader device may include pressure sensors attached to one or more of the fingers of the device. In addition or alternatively, the real time location of the scanning device may be used to trigger scanning. For example, when the wireless scanning device is located with a scanning area, the scanning may be activated. If the device moves out of the scanning area, the scanning may be deactivated.

The wireless scanning device may include an UWB-RTLS tag that allows high accuracy detection of the position of the device. For example, when a human grabs a package, the pressure sensor may activate a wireless signal reader included in the wireless scanning device. The pressure sensor may continuously activate the wireless signal reader as long as the pressure sensor detects a load (e.g., the human is holding the package or item). The pressure sensor may active the wireless signal reader for a period of time. For example, the pressure sensor may activate the wireless signal reader for 5 seconds. The period of time may be a cyclical period of time (e.g., every 5 seconds) beginning when the pressure sensor detects the load and ending when the load is released. A cautionary alert may be issued on the reader device if no wireless identifier data was detected when the pressure sensors were triggered. For example, haptic feedback, audio feedback, or visual feedback may be presented by an output component included in the reader device.

The pressure sensor, passively activated switch, or gesture detector may also cause activation of the UWB-RTLS to obtain the location of the reader device. For example, activation may be initiated when the pressure sensor, passively activated switch, or gesture detector identify that an item is lifted based on one or more outputs. In some implementations, the time of the wireless identifier reads may be recorded and used by the inventory system to identify where the wireless scanning device was located using a log of positions of the reader device stored by the inventory system.

The position and wireless identifier data read may be transmitted via a network to an item tracking system. The item tracking system may look up information for the item or package based on the wireless identifier data. When a package or item is released, the wireless scanning device may activate another wireless identifier read. The position along with the additional wireless identifier read responses may be transmitted to the item tracking system. The release could also trigger a High Frequency RFID (HF-RFID) read to determine a container type in which the package was placed (e.g., bag versus pallet).

The item tracking system may use the item or package wireless identifier information to determine the location of a pallet or package where the item is supposed to be located based on information available to the item tracking system. Because the position of the pallet is known, the item tracking system may use the UWB-RTLS position when the item or package was released to determine whether it was placed on the correct pallet. If the package or item was placed in a bag, the HF-RFID tag information can be used to determine the bag into which the item or package was placed. The wireless identifier information detected when the item or package is released may include information read from items or packages already on the pallet. This information can be used to generate an additional verification that the item or package is on the correct pallet.

A package may be placed on the correct pallet if the item tracking system determines that the shipping information for the package corresponds to at least a portion of the shipping information for the pallet (e.g., matching city or state information). The correctness may include confirming restrictions for the pallet (e.g., do not include fragile items, do not include hazardous items, do not include items that have age or other use limitations). If a package including a fragile, hazardous, or restricted item is placed on a pallet with a corresponding restriction, the package may be identified as incorrectly placed. The restrictions may be obtained through messaging between a wireless scanning device and the management device115or a catalog system (not shown) including item handling information.

As an entity equipped with a wireless scanning device moves through the workspace170, wireless identifiers that enter the scanning zone105may be detected. Detection may include transmitting a read message that is received by a wireless identifier and receiving a response message from the wireless identifier. Some of the wireless identifiers may be detected for a few moments while a wireless identifier included on an item carried by the entity would be detected during the time period the entity was carrying the item. Wireless identifiers detected within the scanning zone105may provide information. For example, an RFID tag may respond to an RFID read signal with an identifier. The identifier may be used as a look-up value to determine additional information about an item associated with the RFID tag. For example, an item identifier may be detected by a wireless scanning device. The item identifier may be used to query a catalog system for additional information about the item associated with the item identifier such as handling one or more instructions or destination locations (e.g., within the workspace170and/or shipping destination). Wireless identifiers may be associated with inventory holders, entities, inventory stations, or other objects (e.g., processing equipment, dolly, door, physical structure) within the inventory system100.

To conserve resources of the wireless scanning device, the wireless scanning device may selectively activate the scanning zone105. For example, it may be desirable to scan during the period of time when an item is being moved from a first location to a second location. The scanning may be used to identify and confirm the location of an item being moved. As discussed above, the scanning may be activated in response to active or passive detection of an interaction with an item such as being lifted. The scanning may be deactivated once a second interaction with the item or inventory holder is detected such as the item or inventory holder being released.

A mobile drive unit may activate a wireless scanning device when initiating a lift command to move an item or inventory holder from a first location to a second location. The mobile drive unit may then deactivate the wireless scanning device once the item or inventory holder is dropped at the second location. A human worker may be carrying or wearing the wireless scanning device. In one implementation, the wireless scanning device may be included in or affixed to a wearable item such as a glove, a bracelet, or a hat.

FIG. 2Ais a pictorial diagram of an example wireless scanning device. The wireless scanning device200may include a top cover202and a bottom cover280. When the top cover202joins with the bottom cover280, an enclosed chamber may be formed. The enclosed chamber may include additional elements to allow the wireless scanning device200to read wireless identifiers. The top cover202may be formed of a shock resistant material to protect the elements of the wireless scanning device200.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the wireless scanning device200may include a display204. The display204may be implemented as a matrix display, light-emitting diode (LED) display, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or other display component for presenting graphic information. The top cover202may be transparent or semi-transparent to allow viewing of information shown on the display204.

The wireless scanning device200may include a wireless communication module206. The wireless communication module206may include the hardware elements to allow the wireless scanning device200to transmit and receive wireless communications with other devices in the inventory system such as the management device115or item tracking system. The wireless communication module206may include one or more of a BLUETOOTH compatible transceiver, a WI-FI compatible transceiver, a mesh radio transceiver, cellular transceiver, or other wireless transceiver.

A wireless scanning module208may also be included in the wireless scanning device200. The wireless scanning module208may include hardware elements to allow the wireless scanning device200to read wireless identifiers such as RFID tags or NFC data. The wireless scanning module208may include a RFID transceiver, NFC transceiver, or other wireless scanning transceiver. The wireless scanning module208may be dynamically tunable to allow the transceiver to send or receive specified frequencies. For example, the RFID transceiver may operate in a low frequency mode and a high frequency mode to scan different distances and/or types of RFID tags. In some implementations, separate low and high frequency transceivers may be included in the wireless scanning module. The wireless scanning module208may include one or more RFID readers such as those commercially available from ID-Innovations of Canningvale Australia (e.g., model nos. ID-3/12/20Up, ID-3/12/20LA-SA, ID-3/12/20LA-HE, ID-3/12/20LA-ISO, ID-3/12/20LA, ID-20-MF7, ID-3/12/20LA-LP, ID-0, ID-2, ID-10, ID-12, ID-20, or similar). As described in further detail below, such as with reference toFIG. 4, the frequency can be adjusted during item tracking to improve the accuracy of the item tracking.

The wireless scanning device200may include a microcontroller210. The microcontroller210may coordinate the functions of the elements included in the wireless scanning device200. For example, the microcontroller210may adjust the state of the wireless scanning module208(e.g., on/off, frequency, etc.). The microcontroller210may provide information for presentation via the display204. For example, the microcontroller210may cause the display to present an output message upon activation of the wireless scanning module208or another element of the wireless scanning device200. The message may indicate that the wireless scanning module208or other element of the wireless scanning device200has been activated. The message may include an identification of a wireless identifier successfully scanned. The microcontroller210may activate a location service (e.g., GPS or UWB-RTLS) to receive a current location for the wireless scanning device200. The location information received may be used to activate/deactivate features of the wireless scanning device200. For example, the type of wireless identifiers may be specific to a location or area within a workspace. Accordingly, the wireless scanning device200may determine its location and selectively control the wireless scanning module208to scan for wireless identifiers located in the same area as the wireless scanning device200. The types and locations of wireless identifiers may be specified in memory, a wireless scanning configuration, or retrieved via messaging such as from a management device.

In some implementations, the microcontroller210may provide information to other output devices included in the wireless scanning device200. For example, the wireless scanning device200may include a vibrating motor212. The vibrating motor212may be driven by messages transmitted from the microcontroller210to provide haptic feedback. The message may indicate one or more of a speed or a duration for driving the vibrating motor212. Using different speeds and/or durations, haptic feedback patterns may be generated to provide different feedback “messages.” For example, a repetitive buzz may be associated with an error while a short, firm buzz may be associated with positive feedback. Other output devices that may be included in the wireless scanning device200and driven by the microcontroller210include audio output (e.g., sound or tone playback) or lighting elements (e.g., an LED that flashes different colors). The output device may include a heads-up display or other augmented reality device in communication with the microcontroller210and configured to present output based on messages received from the microcontroller210.

Example implementations of the microcontroller210include the ARDUINO® boards commercially available from Arduino, LLC of Cambridge, Mass. Other examples of microcontrollers are offered by STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments. The microcontroller210may include memory for storing instructions to coordinate the elements included in the wireless scanning device200. The memory may also store information collected by the wireless scanning device200such as wireless identifiers read by the wireless scanning module208. The wireless scanning device200may include alternate or additional memory in data communication with the microcontroller210.

The wireless scanning device200may include a power source such as a battery214. The battery214may be a rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the battery214is inductively charged or is charged using an external power source (not shown) such as via an electric wire or solar cell.

The elements included between the top cover202and the bottom cover280may be coupled by a bus (not shown). The bus may be a data bus, communication bus, power bus, or other bus mechanism to enable the various components of the wireless scanning device200to exchange resources (e.g., power) and/or information.

FIG. 2Bis a pictorial diagram of example wearable items that may include the wireless scanning device ofFIG. 2A.FIG. 2Bshows examples of the wireless scanning device200as mounted to a glove230and a bracelet240. It will be understood that the wireless scanning device200can be integrated with other wearable items such as a hat, shirt, pants, or belt, to name a few. The wireless scanning device200may be integrated with another computing device such as a tablet computer, laptop computer, smartphone, scanner, or other equipment used in the inventory system. The wireless scanning device200may be included in non-human equipment such as a mobile drive unit. In such implementations, some feedback elements such as a display may be omitted.

The mounting of the wireless scanning device200on the glove230or the bracelet240may be a physical mounting. In such implementations, the wireless scanning device200is physically coupled with the wearable item. The physical coupling may include VELCRO® attachment, a snap-in/snap-out attachment, an adhesive attachment, or other similar structural coupling. In some implementations, the wireless scanning device200may include conductive coupling with the wearable item. For example, if the fingertips of the glove250include passive switch terminals that are activated when the tips are brought together, the passive switch may be coupled with the wireless scanning device200to allow the wireless scanning device200to receive information from the switch. Another example conductive coupling may be with an antenna included in the glove230or the bracelet240. Including an antenna in the wearable item that can be coupled with the wireless scanning device200can increase the ability of the wireless scanning device200to transmit and receive wireless signals. This may also allow individual users to use their own equipment such as a set of gloves or wristbands.

Whether associated with a human or a robotic entity, as the wireless scanning device200moves through the workspace170, the wireless scanning device200may activate the wireless scanning module208to detect wireless identifiers. The wireless scanning module208may identify a frequency to emit, transmit one or more signals of the identified frequency, and receive a response signal. The response signals may include information such as an item identifier or unique identifier for the wireless identifier that can be used to look up an item identifier such as from an item tracking system. Characteristics of the response signals may also be used to analyze the response signals. For example, the strength of the response signal may be used to generate a received signal strength indicator value for the response signal. The phase of the response signal may be another characteristic used for analysis. The response signals and/or characteristics of the response signals may be stored in memory, such as a memory coupled with the wireless scanning module208and/or the microcontroller210. The stored information may be analyzed to accurately identify the location of items associated with the detected wireless indicators.

FIG. 3Ais a pictorial diagram showing a top view of an example glove that may include pressure sensors and the wireless scanning device ofFIG. 2A. The glove300is shown inFIG. 3Aas if looking at the top of the glove300when worn by a hand with its palm facing away. The glove300includes a finger302. Near the tip of the finger302, a first portion of a pressure sensor304aand a second portion of the pressure sensor304bare shown. The first portion304amay be connected to a first conductive lead306athat transmits electrical signals from the first portion304ato the wireless scanning device200. The second portion304bmay be connected to a second conductive lead306bthat transmits electrical signals from the second portion to the wireless scanning device200. A conductive lead may be formed from soft wires, conductive fabric, conductive thread, and/or conductive paint. The leads may be insulated and affixed to the surface of the glove300. In some implementations, it may be desirable to embed the leads below the surface of the glove300.

A first conductive antenna lead308aand a second conductive antenna lead308bmay also be included in the glove300. The conductive antenna leads may connect the wireless scanning device200with an antenna such as shown inFIG. 3B. This allows the wireless scanning device200to transmit and receive messages via an antenna included in the glove300. A conductive antenna lead may be formed from soft wires, conductive fabric, conductive thread, and/or conductive paint. The leads may be insulated and affixed to the surface of the glove300. In some implementations, it may be desirable to embed the leads below the surface of the glove300.

In implementations where the wireless scanning device200is detachably mounted with the glove300, the conductive leads may terminate at conductive mount points on the glove300(not shown) to connect through the bottom cover280of the wireless scanning device200. This creates a communications path between the sensors (e.g., pressure sensor304a, pressure sensor304b) and the wireless scanning device200. The wireless scanning device200may be detached from the glove300for recharging of the battery214and/or repair. One or more wireless scanning devices may be charged at a docking station where each device rests is a cradle to recharge the battery. An indication of the battery charging status may be provided by each docking station (e.g., LED light) and/or via the display of the wireless scanning device.

FIG. 3Bis a pictorial diagram showing a bottom view of the example glove ofFIG. 3A. The pressure sensor304can be seen on the glove300near the tip of the finger302. In this configuration, as a hand wearing the glove300grasps an item, the force exerted on the pressure sensor304by the item can be measured. This force can be used to determine whether an item is being held such as by comparing the measured value with a lifting force threshold. The lifting force threshold may be provided in a wireless scanning configuration accessible by the wireless scanning device200. In some implementations, the pressure sensor304may be implemented as a pressure switch configured to emit a signal when the detected pressure exceeds a threshold.

The glove300may include a fabric portion312and an antenna314. As with the conductive leads shown inFIG. 3A, the antenna314may be may be formed of soft wires. The antenna may be insulated and affixed to the surface of the glove300. In some implementations, it may be desirable to embed the antenna below the surface of the glove300. Placing the antenna314on the palm of the glove300may provide a more sensitive wireless scanning field for items held by or near the glove300. The antenna314may be electronically coupled with the wireless scanning device200. The first conductive antenna lead308aand the second conductive antenna lead308bare shown inFIG. 3B. The conductive antenna leads may couple the antenna314with the wireless scanning device200. A wireless scanning module and/or wireless communication module may be configured to transmit and/or receive signals via the antenna314.

As shown inFIG. 3A, three fingers of the glove300include pressure sensors. Fewer or additional fingers may include pressure sensors in other embodiments. In some implementations, a force measurement from one pressure sensor may be sufficient to activate the wireless scanning (e.g., any force sensed that is greater than a threshold). In some implementations, the force measurement from multiple pressure sensors may be needed to activate wireless scanning (e.g., a force greater than a threshold is detected for at least two sensors).

The detection of lifting using pressure sensors may be calibrated prior to lifting an item. For example, when a human puts the glove300on and turns on the wireless scanning device200, the wireless scanning device200may display a message indicating that the human should pick up an item of a specified weight. Once the human grasps the item, another message may be displayed indicating the item can be released. Using the detected force values from the available force sensors, a lifting threshold may be determined for the human. For example, the human may favor using their thumb and middle finger when lifting an item. Accordingly, the threshold for detecting lifting may require a higher threshold for the thumb and middle finger than the pointer finger of the human.

In some implementations, calibration information may be provided to the wireless scanning device200. For example, the wireless scanning device200may include a wireless scanning module that can detect a security badge that identifies the human. Using the identity of the human, calibration information can be obtained from a local data storage on the wireless scanning device200or via network communication with a remote data storage. The calibration information may then be used to passively detect actions of the wearer such as an interaction with the item (e.g., lifting). For example, the calibration information may include a current through a contact switch formed between fingers of a user when lifting. As each user may position their fingers differently during lifting, the calibration information can be used to adjust the level at which an interaction is detected for individual users.

FIG. 4Ais a pictorial diagram showing a top view of another example glove that may include a contact switch lifting sensor and the wireless scanning device ofFIG. 2A. WhereasFIG. 3Aused a force sensor as the passive activation switch,FIG. 4Ashows how a contact switch may be used to sense lifting of an item. A glove400may include a contact switch. The contact switch may be formed using a positive contact408and a negative contact410on adjacent fingers, finger404and finger406, respectively. The positive contact408and the negative contact410may be formed of a conductive fabric.

The positive contact408may be conductively coupled to the wireless scanning device200using a conductive lead412. The negative contact410may be conductively coupled to the wireless scanning device200using a conductive lead414. A conductive lead may be formed of soft wires. The wires may be insulated and affixed to the surface of the glove400. In some implementations, it may be desirable to embed the wires below the surface of the glove400. A conductive lead may be formed from soft wires, conductive fabric, conductive thread, and/or conductive paint.

As shown inFIG. 4A, the contact switch is in the open position. While in the open position, the wireless scanning device200may detect that no current is flowing through a circuit formed with the contact switch or a current below a threshold is flowing through the circuit formed with the contact switch. In some implementations, the wireless scanning module208may receive power only when the circuit is closed. This configuration may be desirable to avoid requiring the microcontroller210to monitor the circuit and allowing the contact switch to passively control the wireless scanning module208as a worker shapes their hand to lift an item without expressing a separate, specific intent to scan (e.g., pointing and pressing a button to activate a scanner).

The glove400may include a first conductive antenna lead416aand a second conductive antenna lead416b. The conductive antenna leads may connect the wireless scanning device200with an antenna such as shown inFIG. 4B. This allows the wireless scanning device200to transmit and receive messages via an antenna included in the glove400. A conductive antenna lead may be formed from soft wires, conductive fabric, conductive thread, and/or conductive paint. The leads may be insulated and affixed to the surface of the glove400. In some implementations, it may be desirable to embed the leads below the surface of the glove400.

FIG. 4Bis a pictorial diagram showing a bottom view of the example glove ofFIG. 4A. As inFIG. 4A, the contact switch inFIG. 4Bis in the open position. The finger404and finger406are in a similar position as shown inFIG. 4A. The space between the positive contact408and the negative contact410provides little or no current flowing through the circuit formed with the contact switch.

The glove400may include a fabric portion422and an antenna420. The antenna420may be may be formed using conductive fabric, conductive thread, and/or conductive paint. The antenna420may be insulated and affixed to the surface of the glove400. In some implementations, it may be desirable to embed the antenna420below the surface of the glove300. Placing the antenna420on the palm of the glove400may provide a more sensitive wireless scanning field for items held by or near the glove400. The antenna420may be electronically coupled with the wireless scanning device200. The first conductive antenna lead416aand the second conductive antenna lead416bare shown inFIG. 4B. The conductive antenna leads may couple the antenna420with the wireless scanning device200. A wireless scanning module and/or wireless communication module included in the wireless scanning device200may be configured to transmit and/or receive signals via the antenna420.

FIG. 4Cis a pictorial diagram of the example glove ofFIG. 4Awith the contact switch activated. UnlikeFIGS. 4A and 4B, the contact switch inFIG. 4Cis in the closed position. The finger404and finger406are now touching. There is no space between the positive contact408and the negative contact410. The coupling of the positive contact408and the negative contact410closes the circuit and causes current to flow. This current may be provided to the wireless scanning device200via the conductive leads shown inFIG. 4A. The current may drive the wireless scanning module208directly or cause the microcontroller210to activate the wireless scanning module208.

The glove400shown inFIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4Cis a three finger glove. More or fewer fingers may be included in the glove400. In some implementations, the glove400may be an over glove designed to fit over a worker's gloved hand. This allows the worker to use a work glove of their choice and then don a passive sensing device, such as the glove400, over the work glove.

The detection of lifting using contact circuits may be calibrated prior to lifting an item. For example, when a human puts on the glove400and turns on the wireless scanning device200, the wireless scanning device200may display a message indicating that the human should pick up an item. Once the human grasps the item, another message may be displayed indicating that the item can be released. Using the currents detected before, during, and after lifting, a lifting threshold may be determined for the human. For example, degree to which the human brings the fingers having the contacts may be manifested in the current difference between resting and lifting. Accordingly, the threshold for detecting lifting may require a lower threshold for a human that lifts with spread fingers than another human that lifts with fingers in a closer position.

In some implementations, the calibration information may be provided to the wireless scanning device200. For example, the wireless scanning device200may include a wireless scanning module that can detect a security badge that identifies the human. Using the identity of the human, calibration information can be obtained from a local data storage on the wireless scanning device200or via network communication with a remote data storage.

FIG. 5is a pictorial diagram of an example bracelet that may include the wireless scanning device ofFIG. 2A. A bracelet500may be adapted for wearing on a wrist near a hand590of the human worker. The bracelet500may include a mounting structure configured to detachably mount the wireless scanning device200. The mounting structure may be a snap in mounting structure, a tension mount, an adhesive mount, a hook and loop fastener mount, a threaded mount, or similar structure to secure the wireless scanning device to the bracelet500yet allow for the wireless scanning device500to be detached from the bracelet500.

The bracelet500may include a band504. The band504may be formed of fabric, rubber or other durable material. The band504may be used to secure the bracelet500to the wrist.

FIG. 6is a pictorial diagram of an example bracelet that may include an antenna and the wireless scanning device ofFIG. 2A. The bracelet600shown inFIG. 6may include a first antenna602and a second antenna604. The first antenna602and the second antenna604may be conductively coupled with the wireless scanning device200. The wireless scanning device200may be detachably coupled with the bracelet600.

When coupled with the bracelet600, the wireless scanning device200may use the first antenna602and/or the second antenna604for transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals. The first antenna602and/or the second antenna604may be insulated and affixed to the band of the bracelet600. In some implementations, it may be desirable to embed the antenna below the surface of the band of the bracelet600. The first antenna602and/or the second antenna604may be formed of a conductive material such as conductive fabric, conductive thread, conductive paint, or wiring. The length of the first antenna602and/or the second antenna604may be selected based on the desired wavelengths of transmissions to or from the wireless scanning device200.

The bracelet600may include a clasping surface630. The clasping surface630may be used to secure the bracelet600to a wrist by clasping with a clasping loop610. For example, the clasping surface630may be a VELCRO strap and the clasping loop610may be a VELCRO strap loop. The clasping surface may be formed of a material that does not cause interference with the wireless signals sent or received by the first antenna602or the second antenna604. The clasping surface may also be formed of a material that does not cause interference with the wireless scanning device200.

To passively detect lifting, some bracelet implementations may feature a wireless scanning device that includes an accelerometer. The accelerometer may generate a motion input indicating a gesture or other hand movement. The motion input may be compared with a predetermined activation gesture. For example, the worker may double tap an item just before picking up the item. The accelerometer may detect the double tap and identify this action as an activation gesture. The activation gesture may be defined in a wireless scanning configuration or as a personal setting for the human using the bracelet. For example, when a human turns on the bracelet, a message may be displayed on the wireless scanning device asking the human to execute the desired activation gesture. This allows each human to define their own custom activation gesture that may be unique to the way he or she grabs and/or carries items.

FIG. 7is a pictorial diagram of another example bracelet that may include an antenna and the wireless scanning device ofFIG. 2A. The bracelet700may include the wireless scanning device200. The bracelet700inFIG. 7includes one antenna704rather than two antennas as shown inFIG. 6. The antenna704may be insulated and affixed to the band of the bracelet700. In some implementations, it may be desirable to embed the antenna704below the surface of the band of the bracelet700. The antenna704may be formed of a conductive material such as conductive fabric, conductive thread, conductive paint, or wiring.

FIG. 8Ais a pictorial diagram showing a top view of an example bracelet with a holding loop that may include the wireless scanning device ofFIG. 2A. Rather than embed an antenna in the band of the bracelet, the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate the use of an antenna in the palm that is attached to a hand890using a holding strap806and a holding loop804. The implementation shown inFIGS. 8A and 8Bmay be used as a stand-alone wearable wireless scanning devices, in conjunction with contact switch gloves (e.g., the glove400shown inFIG. 4A), or over a work glove. The holding loop804may be formed of a flexible fabric, silicon rubber or other durable material to secure the palm antenna against the hand890. The holding loop804may slip on over one or more of the fingers of the hand890. The holding strap806may be an adjustable strap that also secures the antenna to the palm of the hand. The bracelet800may also include a band802to secure the bracelet800to the wrist.

FIG. 8Bis a pictorial diagram showing a bottom view of the example bracelet shown inFIG. 8Aincluding an antenna. The bottom view shown inFIG. 8Bis taken from the perspective of the palm of the hand890. The holding strap806and the holding loop804secure an antenna820to the palm. The antenna820may be embedded in thin, durable, soft, non-slip, silicon rubber. The antenna820may be conductively coupled with the wireless scanning device200. The antenna820may couple with the wireless scanning device200via conductive elements included in the band802. In some implementations, the bracelet800may include additional antenna elements such as shown inFIGS. 6 and/or 7.

FIG. 9is a functional block diagram of an example computing device for wireless scanning. The computing device900may be configured to execute some or all of the processes and embodiments described herein. For example, computing device900may be implemented by any device having a processor, including a telecommunication device, a cellular or satellite radio telephone, a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer, a digital television, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or by a combination of several such devices, including any in combination with a network-accessible server. The computing device900may be implemented in hardware and software using techniques known to persons of skill in the art. The disclosed features for wireless scanning may alternatively be distributed across a system of two or more distinct computing devices.

The computing device900can include a processing unit902, a network interface904, a computer readable medium drive906, an input/output device interface908and a memory910. The network interface904can provide connectivity to one or more networks or computing systems. The processing unit902can receive information and instructions from other computing systems or services via the network interface904. The network interface904can also store data directly to memory910. The processing unit902can communicate to and from memory910. The input/output device interface908can accept input from the optional input device920, such as a keyboard, mouse, digital pen, microphone, camera, etc. In some embodiments, the optional input device920may be incorporated into the computing device900. Additionally, the input/output device interface908may include other components including various drivers, amplifiers, preamplifiers, front-end processors for speech, analog to digital converters, digital to analog converters, etc.

The memory910may contain computer program instructions that the processing unit902executes in order to implement one or more embodiments. The memory910generally includes RAM, ROM and/or other persistent, non-transitory computer-readable media. The memory910can store an operating system912that provides computer program instructions for use by the processing unit902in the general administration and operation of the computing device900. The memory910can further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing some or all of the features described. For example, in one embodiment, the memory910includes A wireless scanning processor930may be included in the computing device900to coordinate the scanning activities described. The wireless scanning processor930may include a wireless scanning configuration that provides configuration values to adjust the state of the computing device900to perform wireless scanning. For example, the wireless scanning configuration may identify how often to read wireless identifiers, frequencies to use for reading wireless identifiers, thresholds for detecting lifting/dropping of an item, locations where scanning should be activated/deactivated, frequencies for scanning particular locations, and other information to support the wireless scanning. In some implementations, the wireless scanning configuration may be stored in the memory910, firmware of the computing device900, or other location accessible by the wireless scanning process930.

The memory910may also include or communicate with one or more auxiliary data stores, such as a data store922. The data store922may electronically store data collected during wireless scanning such as wireless identifiers, wireless identifier read responses, wireless identifier read response signal characteristics, and the like. A bus990may be included in the computing device900to allow the elements included in the computing device900to exchange data (e.g., messages).

In some embodiments, the computing device900may include additional or fewer components than are shown inFIG. 9. For example, a computing device900may include more than one processing unit902and computer readable medium drive906. In another example, the computing device900may not include or be coupled to an input device920, include a network interface904, include a computer readable medium drive906, include an operating system912, or include or be coupled to a data store922. In some embodiments, two or more computing devices900may together form a computer system for executing features of the present disclosure.

Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a mobile drive unit, management device, or other hardware included in an inventory system. The mobile drive unit, management device, or other hardware included in an inventory system may include a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microprocessor, a controller, microcontroller, or other programmable logic element, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. Devices used to implement the inventory system are specially designed to perform the wireless scanning features described herein. One or more of the devices included in the inventory system may include electrical circuitry configured to process specific computer-executable to perform one or more of the features described herein. In embodiments where a device includes a FPGA or similar programmable elements, the inventory system (or a device included therein) may provide one or more of the features described processing without processing computer-executable instructions but instead by configuring the FPGA or similar programmable element to perform the recited features. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, aspects of the inventory system may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the wireless scanning features described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry.

The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in wireless scanning hardware, in a software module executed by one or more devices included in the wireless scanning device, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or similar form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An illustrative storage medium can be coupled to the inventory system such that the inventory system (or a device included therein) can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the wireless scanning system or device having a need therefor.

As used herein, the terms “provide” or “providing” encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, “providing” may include storing a value in a location of a storage device for subsequent retrieval, transmitting a value directly to the recipient via at least one wired or wireless communication medium, transmitting or storing a reference to a value, and the like. “Providing” may also include encoding, decoding, encrypting, decrypting, validating, verifying, and the like via a hardware element.

As used herein, the term “message” encompasses a wide variety of formats for communicating (e.g., transmitting or receiving) information. A message may include a machine readable aggregation of information such as an XML document, fixed field message, comma separated message, or the like. A message may, in some implementations, include a signal utilized to transmit one or more representations of the information. While recited in the singular, it will be understood that a message may be composed, transmitted, stored, received, etc. in multiple parts.

As used herein “receive” or “receiving” may include specific algorithms for obtaining information. For example, receiving may include transmitting a request message for the information. The request message may be transmitted via a network as described above. The request message may be transmitted according to one or more well-defined, machine readable standards which are known in the art. The request message may be stateful in which case the requesting device and the device to which the request was transmitted maintain a state between requests. The request message may be a stateless request in which case the state information for the request is contained within the messages exchanged between the requesting device and the device serving the request. One example of such state information includes a unique token that can be generated by either the requesting or serving device and included in messages exchanged. For example, the response message may include the state information to indicate what request message caused the serving device to transmit the response message.

As used herein “generate” or “generating” may include specific algorithms for creating information based on or using other input information. Generating may include retrieving the input information such as from memory or as provided input parameters to the hardware performing the generating. Once obtained, the generating may include combining the input information. The combination may be performed through specific circuitry configured to provide an output indicating the result of the generating. The combination may be dynamically performed such as through dynamic selection of execution paths based on, for example, the input information, device operational characteristics (e.g., hardware resources available, power level, power source, memory levels, network connectivity, bandwidth, and the like). Generating may also include storing the generated information in a memory location. The memory location may be identified as part of the request message that initiates the generating. In some implementations, the generating may return location information identifying where the generated information can be accessed. The location information may include a memory location, network locate, file system location, or the like.

As used herein, “activate” or “activating” may refer to causing or triggering a mechanical, electronic, or electro-mechanical state change to a device. Activation of a device may cause the device, or a feature associated therewith, to change from a first state to a second state. In some implementations, activation may include changing a characteristic from a first state to a second state such as, for example, enabling or disabling a component of the wireless scanning device or changing an operational characteristic of a component such as the frequency emitted by the wireless scanning device. Activating may include generating a control message indicating the desired state change and providing the control message to the device to cause the device to change state.