Patent ID: 12236303

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of actual embodiments nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention is not limited in any way to the illustrated embodiments. Instead, the illustrated embodiments described below are merely examples of the invention. Therefore, the structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting the claims. The disclosure merely provides bases for the claims and representative examples that enable one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed inventions. Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are intended to provide a comprehensible description of the invention without being limiting.

Example embodiments described herein generally relate to identification systems and methods for automatically associating two or more identifiers that bridge different identification systems and, in some examples, relate to systems, methods, and computer program instructions for automatically associating identifiers for shipping, tracking, logistics, and other purposes.

In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to limit the disclosed aspects nor depict every feature of actual embodiments nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

As used herein, the term “or” refers an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in the specification and claims mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to refer the singular form.

The term “data object” refers to an addressable data file or a subset thereof.

The term “metadata” include information about data objects or characteristics thereof.

The terms “module,” “manager,” and “unit” refer to hardware, software, or firmware, or a combination thereof.

Exemplary Embodiments

In an example scenario, a supply chain involves a company and its suppliers and customers. The suppliers provide goods or services, or both, to the company. In some cases, the suppliers and the company manage different aspects of a task, such as shipping goods to the company's customers. In example embodiments described herein, the company has its own information technology process for identifying assets (or items) being shipped. For example, the company may use a particular parcel tracking identification system that is different from the supplier's parcel's tracking identification system. In addition, the company and the supplier may use different asset identification technologies, including radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies and barcode technologies. What are needed are automated identification techniques that seamlessly and accurately bridge the differences between the company's and the supplier's identification systems to enable more useful and advanced product and service offerings such as realtime tracking of shipment location and status.

FIG.1shows a block diagram of an example system10for reading and correlating identifiers relating to an asset. The system10includes an association module12. The association module12is communicably connected to each of a first reader14, a second reader16, a third reader18, and a camera20. An asset22may be any type of good or other item. In the illustrated example, the asset22is depicted as a box containing one or more goods or other assets. In general, the asset22may be any type of item.

The asset22is associated with tags, including a first asset tag24, a second asset tag26, and a wireless adhesive product28that includes a first adhesive product tag30and a second adhesive product tag32. In an embodiment, the first and second asset tags24,26typically are associated with the company and the wireless adhesive product tags30,32typically are associated with the supplier. In some examples, each of the first asset tag24and the second asset tag26may include either a RFID tag that is associated with a respective a globally unique identification number or a barcode that is associated with a respective a globally unique identification number. The barcode may include any type of one-dimensional barcode (also referred to as a linear barcode) or any type of two-dimensional barcode (also referred to as a matrix barcode). In an illustrative non-limiting example of the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the first asset tag24is a RFID tag, the second asset tag26is a barcode, the first wireless adhesive product tag30may be any type of RF wireless communications tag, and the second wireless adhesive product tag32may be any type of RFID tag.

The first reader14may be, for example, a wireless RF scanner device that is configured to communicate with the first adhesive product tag30of the wireless adhesive product28. Example wireless RF scanner devices include a Bluetooth scanner (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy scanner), a near field communication (NFC) scanner, a LoRaWAN scanner, and a cellular scanner. In an illustrative embodiment, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scanner is configured to locate and communicate with BLE adhesive product tags within the scanner's range. In this process, the BLE scanner advertises its presence with a specific authentication identifier and credentials. When a BLE adhesive product tag receives data from the BLE scanner, the BLE adhesive product tag establishes a handshake with the BLE scanner on the corresponding advertisement channel. Then the BLE adhesive product tag hands off communication with the BLE scanner to a data channel (e.g., a BLE data channel). The BLE adhesive product tag learns the BLE scanner's product identification number (PIN) and type identification number (TIN) and transmits that information to a network service to let the network service know that the BLE scanner is communicating with the BLE adhesive product tag. Scanners and peripheral adhesive product tags for LoRaWAN, cellular, ZigBee, and other wireless communications operate in accordance with analogous communications protocols.

The second reader16may be, for example, a RFID reader that is configured to interrogate the second wireless adhesive product tag32, which is a RFID tag. The RFID tag32may be configured with a fixed packet of read-only data that can be transmitted to a RFID reader (e.g., RFID reader16) within range of the RFID tag32. The RFID tag32typically can be reprogrammed with different data, as needed. When the RFID reader16is moved within range of a corresponding RFID tag32and operates within the same frequency range of the RFID reader16, the RFID reader16may read the RFID tag32. In some examples, the typical range of the RFID reader16may be 10 centimeters to 100 centimeters from the RFID tag32. However, in certain applications, the range of the RFID reader16is approximately 5 centimeters to 20 centimeters from the RFID tag32. In operation, data is transmitted on modulated radio frequency electromagnetic waves between the RFID reader16and the RFID tag32. In this process, the RFID reader16transmits an electric or magnetic field that is sensed by the RFID tag32. In response, the RFID tag32transmits data (including a globally unique identification number) that typically is stored in a microchip associated with the RFID tag32.

In general, the RFID tag32may be an active RFID tag or a passive RFID tag. Active RFID tags include local power sources (e.g., batteries) for sending data packets to a RFID reader. Passive RFID tags, on the other hand, do not require any local power sources to transmit data packets to a RFID reader; instead, passive RFID tags are powered by inductive or capacitive coupling between the RFID reader and the RFID tag. In an example, a passive RFID tag is configured to couple to the magnetic fields generated by a RFID reader. In this regard, each of the RFID reader and the RFID tag includes a respective set of one or more electrically conducting coils. The RFID reader uses its power source to generate an electric current in the set of coils to generate magnetic fields that induce a current in the set of coils in the RFID tag. The induced current powers the RFID tag to generate a wireless RFID signal that is transmitted to the RFID reader. In another example, a passive RFID tag is configured to capacitively couple with a corresponding RFID reader through capacitive coupling plates. In this process, the RFID reader generates an alternating electric field that causes the RFID tag to transfer data to the RFID reader. However, capacitively coupled RFID readers and tags can only transfer information across short distances and therefore are typically limited to near-field applications.

The third reader18may be, for example, a barcode reader that is configured to read the second tag26that includes a barcode. In some embodiments, the barcode reader18includes a terminal device34and a decoder processing unit. The terminal device34may include a light source, a lens, and a light sensor that converts optical impulses reflected from the barcode into electrical signals that are input into a decoder circuit in the decoder processing unit. The decoder circuit processes the barcode image data captured by the light sensor to generate electrical output data, which may include, for example, a globally unique identification number associated with the barcode. In some examples, the decoder processing unit is incorporated into the local terminal device34. In other embodiments, the decoder processing unit is incorporated into a separate processing system (e.g., a network server system).

The camera20(labeled with the letter “C”) may be, for example, a still image camera and/or a video camera. In some embodiments, the camera20is configured to capture images of at least a portion of the asset22. In some examples, the camera20is configured to capture an image of a view of each asset moving on an automated conveyor system. In other examples, the camera20is configured to automatically detect the locations of tags on the asset22and to automatically capture images of one or more views of the tags. In the illustrated example shown inFIG.1, the camera20is configured to capture an image of the second adhesive product tag32and the first asset tag24on one side of the asset22within the camera view36. Other examples may include multiple cameras to capture one or more images of one or more views of the asset22.

In some examples, two or more of the first reader14, the second reader16, the third reader18, and the camera20may be integrated into a single component. For example, the first reader14and the second reader16may be integrated into a RF scanning component configured to communicate with and read data from the wireless adhesive product28and the RFID tag24(I.e., the “First Tag”), and the third barcode reader18(including the terminal device34) and the camera20may be incorporated into an imaging component of the system10. In another example, camera20may be configured to capture images of the barcodes and send the captured barcode images to an image processing module (e.g., the association module12or an intermediate decoder module) that is configured to analyze and process the captured barcode images to generate output data including, for example, the globally unique identification numbers encoded within the barcodes. In some of these examples, the camera20would perform the imaging functions of the third reader18(including the terminal device34), and the association module12would perform the analyzing and decoder processing functions to generate the output data.

As explained above, in some cases, coordination of activities performed by a supplier and a company can be hampered when the supplier and company utilize different systems of identification. The wireless adhesive product28can perform a variety of functions including, for example, adhesive tape functions (e.g., sealing assets) or adhesive label functions (e.g., labeling assets), sensing functions (e.g., monitoring or sensing the status or state of a shipment), and wireless communications functions (e.g., tracking locations of assets and reporting asset status and condition). In the illustrated example, the supplier provides the company with the wireless adhesive product28, as well as tracking and reporting services. The wireless adhesive product28can be divided into segments, where each segment of the wireless adhesive product includes at least one respective globally unique identifier stored in an memory device embedded in the wireless adhesive product.

In the illustrated embodiments, the company and the supplier use different systems of identifying assets that are packaged and shipped. In some examples, the company utilizes RFID or barcode tags to identify the company's assets, whereas the supplier utilizes a wireless adhesive product in the form of a tape or a label that includes a globally unique identifier stored in a memory embedded in the tape or label, along with other components including wireless communications components, data processing components, locationing components, and sensing components.

In these embodiments, the association module12receives output data generated by two or more of the first reader14, the second reader16, the third reader18, and the camera20. The association module12associates the tag data received from two or more of the tags predicated on the tags satisfying a temporal or spatial proximity condition with respect to the asset22. Examples of temporal and spatial proximity conditions include: (1) a determination that one tag and another tag are both physically associated with the same asset; (2) a determination that one tag and another tag both appear in a single image of the asset; (3) a determination that one tag and another tag are read contemporaneously; and (4) a determination that a tag from one source (e.g., the supplier) and a tag from a different source (e.g., the company) are read consecutively where, in some embodiments, the association module12generates an error message in response to a determination that that two consecutive tag reads are from the same source (i.e., at least two tags sourced from the supplier are read consecutively, or at least two tags sourced from the company are read consecutively).

In an example, the determination that one tag and another tag are both physically associated with an asset can be made using short-range scanners that have limited ranges for scanning tags on the asset22(e.g., 5 centimeters to 20 centimeters, depending on the size of the asset22). The detection of multiple tags using this approach makes it highly likely that the tags are associated with the same asset22. Exemplary short-range scanners include short-range RFID scanners and near field communications (NFC) scanners, which have ranges on the order of 5 centimeters to 20 centimeters, for example. In a second example, a determination that one tag and another tag are both physically associated with the asset22can be made by applying image processing techniques (e.g., barcode decoding techniques) to detect features in an image of the asset22that correspond to the two tags. In a third example, a determination that one tag and another tag are read contemporaneously can be made when consecutive timestamp data corresponding to the read times of the tags satisfy a temporal proximity condition (e.g., the difference between the read times of the tags is within a specified period of time). In a fourth example, a determination that a tag from one source (e.g., the supplier) and a tag from a different source (e.g., the company) are read consecutively can be made by analyzing a sequence of the timestamp data from a one of the tags to another one of the tags, and determining whether or not an intervening tag was read at a time between the read times of the one tag and the other tag.

These determinations can be made recursively so that multiple identifier associations may be chained together. For example, in some embodiments, the association module12is configured with programmatic methods and heuristics for associating an identifier stored in a memory component of the supplier's wireless adhesive product28with an identifier generated by the company's identification system. Some of these methods involve “bridging the gap” between the wireless adhesive product identifier of the supplier and the asset identifier of the company through the use of one or more intermediate identifiers.

In the example approach shown inFIG.1, instead of associating the identifier of the wireless adhesive product28directly with the identifier in the company's RFID tag24on the asset22, the wireless adhesive product28includes an RFID tag32that can be read contemporaneously with other RFID tags within range of the RFID scanner that are being scanned (e.g., the RFID identifier stored in the first tag24). In this example, the identifier of the wireless adhesive product28and the identifier of the RFID tag32are embedded in the same segment of the supplier's wireless adhesive product28. The supplier typically stores the association between the identifier of the wireless adhesive product28and the identifier of the RFID tag32in its own association database38, which may be stored by the supplier in cloud storage or in the memory of the wireless adhesive product28(e.g., the tape or label).

The association module12can associate the identifier of the RFID tag32with the identifier of RFID tag24predicated on the RFID tags24,32satisfying a temporal or a spatial proximity condition with respect to the asset22. In an example, a determination that the RFID tags24and32are both physically associated with the asset22can be made by applying image processing techniques to detect features in a single image of the asset22that correspond to the two RFID tags24,32. In another example, a determination that the RFID tags24and32are read contemporaneously can be made when consecutive timestamp data corresponding to the read times of the RFID tags24and32satisfy a temporal proximity condition (e.g., the difference in the read times of the tags are within a specified period of time).

In the example described above, the third reader18may be a barcode reader that is configured to read the second tag26, which includes a barcode. In one example, the association module12can associate the barcode identifier of the second tag26with the RFID identifier of the first tag24based on a image of the asset22that is captured by the camera20and includes the first and second tags24,26within the captured image.

In some examples, the association module12stores the determined chain of associations between the different identifiers in a table40of a database38. The table40may be used by an asset management system to track assets, monitor the status or state of a particular asset, and report the status and condition of an asset. Referring toFIG.1, the association database38includes a table40of identifiers organized in a set of rows. Each row of identifiers is associated with a respective asset. For example, row1corresponds to the identifiers that are associated with asset1, and row2corresponds to the identifiers that are associated with asset2, and so on. Each row of associated identifiers enables the supplier, for example, to generate a report of the location, status, and condition of the associated asset as the asset travels through a logistics network by associating, for example, a scanned bar code identifier or a transmitted RFID data packet with the corresponding wireless adhesive product identifier.

FIG.2shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example segment102of the wireless adhesive product28that includes a respective set of the components of a wireless transducing circuit. The flexible adhesive tape platform segment102includes an adhesive layer112, an optional flexible substrate110, and an optional adhesive layer114on the bottom surface of the flexible substrate110. If the bottom adhesive layer114is present, a release liner (not shown) may be weakly adhered to the bottom surface of the adhesive layer114. In some examples, the adhesive layer114includes an adhesive (e.g., an acrylic foam adhesive) that has a high bond strength that is sufficient to prevent removal of the adhesive segment102from a surface on which the adhesive layer114is adhered without destroying the physical or mechanical integrity of the adhesive segment102and/or one or more of its constituent components. In some examples, the optional flexible substrate110is implemented as a prefabricated adhesive tape that includes the adhesive layers112,114and the optional release liner. In other examples, the adhesive layers112,114are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate110during the fabrication of the adhesive tape platform100. The adhesive layer112bonds the flexible substrate110to a bottom surface of a flexible circuit116, that includes one or more wiring layers (not shown) that connect the processor90, one or more antennas connected to a wireless communications interface81(e.g., a low power interface, such as Zigbee or Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) interfaces, or other communications interfaces, such as LoRaWAN and cellular interfaces), a timer circuit83, transducing and/or energy harvesting component(s)94(if present), a memory96that stores an identifier (ID) of the wireless adhesive product28, an energy storage component92, and other components in a device layer122that are interconnected through the flexible circuit116. These components enable the transducing, tracking and other functionalities of the flexible adhesive tape platform segment102. The wireless communications interface81typically includes one or more of the antennas84,88and one or more of the wireless circuits82,86.

FIG.3shows an embodiment of a network200that administers wired and wireless network communications between an asset management service202and a wireless RF reader204and an imaging device206. The network200may include one or more of the internet, a private network, a cellular network, a LoRaWAN network, a Bluetooth Low Energy network, and any other suitable communications networks.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless RF reader204is configured to read data from one or more types of wireless devices. In an example, the wireless RF reader204is configured to retrieve an identifier (ID)206of the wireless adhesive product208on an asset210. In this regard, the wireless RF reader204executes the process by stepping through the appropriate communications protocol to read the ID206stored in the wireless adhesive product. The wireless RF reader204typically includes one or more processors, memory, one or more communications interfaces, and one or more antennas that collectively operate to implement the reading process.

The imaging device212may be any suitable type of still image camera or video camera that is configured to capture an image of the asset210that includes one or both of the barcodes214,216. In some embodiments, the imaging device212is capable of decoding the barcodes214,216that are captured in the one or more images. In other embodiments, the imaging device212is configured to transmit the captured images of the barcodes214,216to the network service202for processing. In this embodiment, the network service202is configured to analyze and decode the barcodes appearing in the images214,216.

In some embodiments, the asset management service202controls the operations of the wireless RF reader204and the imaging device212. The asset management service202also typically manages the process of associating identifiers with one another. In the illustrative example shown inFIG.3, the asset management service202is the same entity as the supplier of the wireless adhesive product208described above. Therefore, since the supplier/asset management service202manufactured the wireless adhesive product208, the asset management service202readily can associate the identifiers of the wireless adhesive product208and the barcode214. The asset management service202is configured to store an association between the identifier206of the wireless adhesive product208and the barcode214in the database218.

The asset management service202also is operable to link the wireless adhesive product identifier206with the company's bar code216on the asset210. Such a link would associate the wireless adhesive product identifier206with the identifier that is used by the company for the asset and thereby enable the supplier to use the company's identifier associated with the barcode216to report information regarding tracking shipment location, status, and other related information. In the illustrated example, a determination that the supplier's barcode tag214and the company's barcode tag216are both physically associated with the asset22can be made by applying image processing techniques (e.g., barcode decoding techniques) to detect features that correspond to the two barcode tags214,216in a single image of the asset210. In another example, a determination that a tag from one source (e.g., the supplier) and a tag from a different source (e.g., the company) are read consecutively can be made by analyzing a sequence of the timestamp data from one of the tags to the other and determining whether or not an intervening tag was read at a time between the read times of the two tags.

FIG.4shows a flow diagram of an example process of associating identifiers associated with different sources. In accordance with this process, a radio frequency reader is directed to read a first tag attached to an asset and including a first identifier (FIG.4, block250). In this process, the radio frequency reader is directed to advertise its presence to the first tag and establish a wireless communications channel with the first tag to retrieve the first identifier from the first tag. A second reader is instructed to read a second tag attached to the asset and including a second identifier (FIG.4, block252). In this process first electromagnetic waves are directed toward the second tag to receive reflected second electromagnetic waves comprising the second identifier. An association between the first identifier and the second identifier is stored predicated on the first tag and the second tag satisfying a temporal or spatial proximity condition (FIG.4, block254).

FIGS.5A-5Cshow various exemplary systems and methods of reading and correlating identifiers on assets.

FIG.5Ashows an example wireless RF reader300that includes a RFID transceiver302configured to read data from a first RFID tag304adhered to an asset306and a second RFID tag308embedded in a wireless adhesive product310adhered to the same asset306. Each of the RFID tags304,308may be configured with a respective fixed packet of read-only data (including, e.g., a respective tag identifier) that can be wirelessly transmitted to the RFID transceiver302of the wireless RF reader300. When the wireless RF reader300is moved within range of one or both of the RFID tags304,308and communicates in the same radio-frequency range as the RFID tags304,308, the wireless RF reader300may read the respective identifier and other data from the RFID tags304,308contemporaneously or consecutively.

In some examples, the wireless RF reader transmits the data its reads from the RFID tags304,308to the network service202(seeFIG.3). Alternatively, the wireless RF reader300transmits the data to the wireless adhesive product310, which stores the data read by the wireless RF reader300in the memory component and transmits the stored data to the network service202. In these examples, either the wireless RF reader300or the wireless adhesive product310transmits the data read by the wireless RF reader300to the network service202.

In some examples, the network service202is configured to create an association between the RFID tags304,308predicated on the tags satisfying a temporal or spatial proximity condition with respect to the asset306, as explained herein. Based on a determination that the proximity condition is satisfied, the network service202may store the association in the association database218or in the memory of the wireless adhesive product adhered to the asset306. In some examples, during manufacture of the wireless adhesive product310, the network service202stores an association between the identifier of the RFID tag308and the identifier stored in the wireless adhesive product310in the association database218or in the memory of the wireless adhesive product310. In some examples, the wireless RF reader300also is configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless adhesive product310and read the identifier stored in the memory component of the wireless adhesive product310.

FIG.5Bshows an example of an imaging device320that is configured to capture images of visible features on an asset322. The asset322includes a first barcode324adhered to the asset322and a second barcode326that is incorporated on the wireless adhesive product326. Each of the barcodes324,326includes markings that encode respective identifiers and potentially other information. The imaging device320is configured to capture a respective image of each barcode324,326. In some examples, the imaging device320also includes processing circuitry and processor executable instructions to read the respective barcodes324,326. In other examples, the imaging device320is operable to transmit the captured barcode images to the network service202to be decoded. In other examples, the imaging device320is operable to communicate with the wireless adhesive product328, store the captured barcode images in the memory component of the wireless adhesive product, and transmit the captured barcode images or the decoded data to the network service202. In these examples, either the imaging device320or the wireless adhesive product328transmits the image data or the decoded image data to the network service202.

In some examples, the network service202is configured to create an association between the barcodes324,326predicated on the tags satisfying a temporal or spatial proximity condition with respect to the asset322, as explained herein. Based on a determination that the proximity condition is satisfied, the network service202may store the association in the association database218or in the memory of the wireless adhesive product328adhered to the asset322. In some examples, during manufacture of the wireless adhesive product328, the network service202stores an association between the identifier of the barcode326and the identifier stored in the memory component of the wireless adhesive product328in the association database218or in the memory component of the wireless adhesive product328. In some examples, the camera320also is configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless adhesive product328and read the identifier stored in the memory component of the wireless adhesive product328.

FIG.5Cshows an example of an imaging device350that is configured to capture images of visible features on an asset352. In some examples, the imaging device350has a 180 degree field of view. The asset352includes a RFID tag354adhered to the asset352and a barcode356that is incorporated on the wireless adhesive product358. Each of the RFID tag354and the barcode356stores respective identifiers and potentially other information.

The wireless RF reader351includes a RFID transceiver353that is configured to read data from the RFID tag354adhered to the asset352. The RFID tag354may be configured with a respective fixed packet of read-only data (e.g., a respective tag identifier) that can be wirelessly transmitted to the RFID transceiver353of the wireless RF reader351. When the wireless RF reader351is moved within range of the RFID tag354and communicates in the same radio-frequency range as the RFID tag354, the wireless RF reader351may read the respective identifier and other data from the RFID tag354contemporaneously or consecutively

The imaging device350is configured to capture a respective image of the barcode356. In some examples, the imaging device350also includes processing circuitry and executable instructions to read the barcode356. In some of these examples, the imaging device350is operable to transmit the captured barcode image to the network service202to be decoded. In still other examples, the imaging device350is operable to communicate wirelessly with the wireless adhesive product358, store the captured barcode image in the memory component of the wireless adhesive product358, and transmit the captured barcode image or the decoded barcode data to the network service202. In these examples, either the imaging device350or the wireless adhesive product358may transmit the image data or the decoded image data to the network service202.

In some examples, the network service202is configured to create an association between the RFID tag354and the barcode356predicated on the tags satisfying a temporal or spatial proximity condition with respect to the asset322, as explained herein. In an example, the spatial proximity condition is satisfied in response to a determination that the imaging device350captured the RFID tag354and the barcode356on the asset352in a single image. Based on a determination that the proximity condition is satisfied, the network service202may store the association between the RFID tag354and the barcode356in the association database218or in the memory of the wireless adhesive product358adhered to the asset352. In some examples, during manufacture of the wireless adhesive product358, the network service202stores an association between the identifier of the barcode356and the identifier of the RFID tag354in the association database218or in the memory of the wireless adhesive product328. In some examples, the imaging device350also is configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless adhesive product328and read the identifiers stored in the memory component of the wireless adhesive product358.

FIG.6shows a conveyor system370configured to convey assets through a scanning zone372configured with a wireless RF reader374and an imaging device376to implement an automated process for reading and associating asset identifiers. In some examples, the wireless RF reader374and the imaging device376are configured to perform one or more of the reader operations and identifier association operations that are described above. The illustrated embodiment shows the asset306(“Asset 1”), the asset322(“Asset 2”), and the asset352(“Asset 13”) being conveyed on, for example, a conveyor belt or on rollers, past the wireless RF reader374and the imaging device376in a first-in, first out (FIFO) order. In some examples, the wireless RF reader374and the imaging device376may be configured in accordance with the embodiments described above in connection withFIGS.5A-5C.

Exemplary Computer Apparatus

FIG.7shows an example embodiment of computer apparatus that is configured to implement one or more of the computing systems described in this specification. The computer apparatus420includes a processing unit422, a system memory424, and a system bus426that couples the processing unit422to the various components of the computer apparatus420. The processing unit422may include one or more data processors, each of which may be in the form of any one of various commercially available computer processors. The system memory424includes one or more computer-readable media that typically are associated with a software application addressing space that defines the addresses that are available to software applications. The system memory424may include a read only memory (ROM) that stores a basic input/output system (BIOS) that contains start-up routines for the computer apparatus420, and a random access memory (RAM). The system bus426may be a memory bus, a peripheral bus or a local bus, and may be compatible with any of a variety of bus protocols, including PCI, VESA, Microchannel, ISA, and EISA. The computer apparatus420also includes a persistent storage memory428(e.g., a hard drive, a floppy drive, a CD ROM drive, magnetic tape drives, flash memory devices, and digital video disks) that is connected to the system bus426and contains one or more computer-readable media disks that provide non-volatile or persistent storage for data, data structures and computer-executable instructions.

A user may interact (e.g., input commands or data) with the computer apparatus420using one or more input devices430(e.g. one or more keyboards, computer mice, microphones, cameras, joysticks, physical motion sensors, and touch pads). Information may be presented through a graphical user interface (GUI) that is presented to the user on a display monitor432, which is controlled by a display controller434. The computer apparatus320also may include other input/output hardware (e.g., peripheral output devices, such as speakers and a printer). The computer apparatus420connects to other network nodes through a network adapter336(also referred to as a “network interface card” or NIC).

A number of program modules may be stored in the system memory424, including application programming interfaces438(APIs), an operating system (OS)440(e.g., the Windows® operating system available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington U.S.A.), software applications441including one or more software applications programming the computer apparatus420to perform one or more of the steps, tasks, operations, or processes of the hierarchical classification systems described herein, drivers442(e.g., a GUI driver), network transport protocols444, and data446(e.g., input data, output data, program data, a registry, and configuration settings).

Examples of the subject matter described herein, including the disclosed systems, methods, processes, functional operations, and logic flows, can be implemented in data processing apparatus (e.g., computer hardware and digital electronic circuitry) operable to perform functions by operating on input and generating output. Examples of the subject matter described herein also can be tangibly embodied in software or firmware, as one or more sets of computer instructions encoded on one or more tangible non-transitory carrier media (e.g., a machine readable storage device, substrate, or sequential access memory device) for execution by data processing apparatus.

The details of specific implementations described herein may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions and should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any claimed invention. For example, features that are described in connection with separate embodiments may also be incorporated into a single embodiment, and features that are described in connection with a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple separate embodiments. In addition, the disclosure of steps, tasks, operations, or processes being performed in a particular order does not necessarily require that those steps, tasks, operations, or processes be performed in the particular order; instead, in some cases, one or more of the disclosed steps, tasks, operations, and processes may be performed in a different order or in accordance with a multi-tasking schedule or in parallel.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.