Inventory management system

Abstract

An inventory system comprising a computer device 250 communicatively coupled to a radio reader device 240. The computer device communicates with an inventory database 260 comprising a plurality of dat

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to stock management systems and methods for implementing such a system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many business entities operate according to consignment models, in which stock of different type of product is lent by a supplier (also referred to a supplying entity herein) to a seller (also referred to as a Point-of-Sale (PoS) entity herein), who offers the one or more type of product for sale. In this model, which is often employed for seasonal or perishable merchandise, the seller only pays for the items actually sold.

[0003] In some prior examples, a product identifier may be provided on each instance of a product, uniquely defining the type of product. Examples of a product identifier include barcodes, which are machine readable, e.g., by electronic scanning, to identify the product or otherwise access data corresponding to the product on which the barcode is provided. The seller operate an electronic Point-of-Sale (ePoS), wherein a database associated with the ePoS system stores records the number of each type of product sold. This data can then be used to calculate the number of product sold and thus the amount owed to the supplier.

[0004] However, in examples where product turnover is high, a significant number of new product types must be regularly added to the ePoS database, and a significant number of existing product types must regularly be removed from the ePoS database. Even if the seller has resource available to regularly update their database, it may not be possible for them to do so, where they are a franchisee or otherwise have limited directed access to the ePoS database. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an inventory system comprising: a computer device configured to communicate with an inventory database comprising a plurality of data entries, each entry being associated with an inventory product type; a radio reader device communicatively coupled to the computer device and configured to: transmit an interrogation radio signal to a plurality of inventory products, each inventory product of the plurality comprising a first machine-readable identifier and a second machine-readable identifier, wherein the first machine readable identifier of each inventory product is associated with price category data for the product, and wherein the second machine readable identifier of each product comprises a radio tag configured to transmit an identifier signal having an associated data entry in the inventory database; receive a plurality of identifier signals, each identifier signal transmitted by a respective radio tag in response to the interrogation signal; and transmit reader data indicative of the plurality of received identifier signals to the computer device; wherein the computer device is configured, in response to receipt of the reader data, to cause an update in the inventory database based on the plurality of received identifier signals.

[0006] In some embodiments, the reader device is a handheld radio reader device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the reader device is configured to begin transmit the interrogation signal at a first spatial position.

[0008] The reader device may be operable by a user by moving the radio reader device along a reader trajectory between the first spatial position and a second spatial position.

[0009] The reader trajectory may intersect an activation range of the radio tags.

[0010] In some embodiments, causing an update in the inventory database comprises accessing one or more data entry of the inventory database. Each identifier signal of the plurality of radio tags may be associated with an entry in the inventory database. Each entry in the inventory database may represent a distinct type of inventory product.

[0011] In some embodiments, causing an update in the inventory database comprises generating, by the computer device, an inventory data structure identifying quantity of each distinct type of inventory product based on the received identifier signals.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second machine readable identifiers comprise a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. In some embodiments, the RFID tag is configured to transmit an identifier signal responsive to an electromagnetic field of the interrogation signal transmitted by the reader device. The RFID tag may be a passive RFID tag.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first machine-readable identifier comprises a line-of-sight identifier. The line-of-sight identifier may be readable by a line-of-sight scanner to access a pricing database comprising the price category data.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of inventory products comprises one or more of greetings cards, post cards and perishable items. The greetings cards may be as defined in the fourth aspect hereinbelow.

[0015] In some embodiments, the reader device and the computer device are communicatively coupled via a wireless communication protocol.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inventory database comprises a remotely hosted inventory database. The database may be accessible to the computer device via a network. The network may comprise the internet.

[0017] The activation range of the plurality of radio tags may be between 50 mm and 500 mm. The reader trajectory may pass by each radio tag at a distance of less than 500 mm.

[0018] The radio tags may be passive radio tags.

[0019] The radio tags may comprise a transponder.

[0020] The first machine readable identifier may comprise a barcode. The first machine readable identifier may comprise a Q.R code.

[0021] The second machine readable identifier embedded in an inventory product. The second machine readable identifier may be embedded in packaging of an inventory product.

[0022] The second machine readable identifier may be out of a line of sight of the reader device.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of conducting an inventory check, the method comprising: transmitting a radio interrogation signal by a radio reader device to a plurality of inventory products, each inventory product of the plurality comprising a first machine-readable identifier and a second machine-readable identifier, wherein the first machine readable identifier of each inventory product is associated with price category data for the product, and wherein the second machine readable identifier of each product comprises a radio tag configured to transmit an identifier signal having an associated data entry in an inventory database; receiving, at the reader device, a plurality of identifier signals, each identifier signal emitted by a respective plurality of radio tags in response to the radio interrogation signal; transmitting reader data indicative of the plurality of received identifier signals to a computer device; and in response to receipt of the reader data at a computer device, causing an update in the inventory database based on the plurality of received identifier signals.

[0024] In some embodiments of the method, the radio reader device comprises a handheld reader device. The method may further comprise moving the radio reader device along a reader trajectory that intersects an activation range of a plurality of radio tags.

[0025] In some embodiments of the method, the plurality of radio tags is provided on a respective plurality of inventory products. In some embodiments, each identifier signal transmitted by respective ones of the plurality of radio tags comprises identity data of a respective one of the inventory products.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method comprises, in response to receiving the reader data, accessing one or more data entry of an inventory database. In some embodiments, each identifier signal of the plurality of radio tags is associated with an entry in the inventory database. In some embodiments, each entry in the inventory database represents a distinct type of inventory product.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method comprises generating, by the computer device, an inventory data structure. In some embodiments, the inventory data structure identifies a present quantity of each distinct type of inventory product in the plurality of inventory products based on the received identifier signals.

[0028] In some embodiments, the price category data associated with the first identifier is common to a plurality of inventory products of different types.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system comprises the plurality of inventory products.

[0030] In some embodiments, the system comprises the inventory database.

[0031] Optional features of the second aspect may be combined with the optional features of the first aspect, and vice versa, in any combination.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a computer readable medium comprising computer-readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processor of one or more computer device, causes the one or more processor to implement a system according to any embodiment of the first aspect, or any of the methods disclosed herein. The computer-readable medium may be non-transitory.

[0033] According a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a greetings card comprising a first machine-readable identifier and a second machine-readable identifier, wherein: the first machine-readable identifier comprises a line-of-sight identifier configured to designate a price category of the greetings card; the second machine-readable identifier comprises a radio frequency identifier tag configured to transmit an identifier signal in response to receiving an incident interrogation radio signal, the identifier signal comprising identity information corresponding to the greetings card. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] To assist understanding of the present disclosure and to show how embodiments may be put into effect, reference is made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a highly schematic diagram of an exemplary inventory system according to some examples.

[0036] Figure 2 shows exemplary extracts from known inventory management systems of supplier and PoS entities.

[0037] Figure 3 shows an exemplary extract of a supplier inventory database according to some examples.

[0038] Figure 4 is a flowchart that represents a method according to some examples.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a highly schematic diagram of an RFID reader device passing within an activation range of an RFID tag.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a highly schematic block diagram of supplier-side devices for use in an inventory system.

[0041] In the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components. The skilled person will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various example embodiments.

[0042] It will be appreciated that where reference numerals of the form xxx-a, xxx-b etc., are used to denote a particular instance of a feature of a drawing, the same reference numeral without a specified letter suffix (e.g., a, b, etc.) may denote a generic instance of the same feature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Systems and techniques for inventory management are provided in the examples described below. The examples herein are given in context of inventory management of greetings cards, post-cards, and the like. However, those skilled in the art will recognise that the technical benefits of implementing the techniques are not limited to such products, and the techniques and system described below may be applied in a variety of contexts without loss of generality.

[0044] The inventors have noted that operation under the consignment model described above leads to technical challenges in effective management and processing of inventory at the supplier and PoS ends. For example, if a unique product identifier is provided for each product type that is stocked — such as a particular design of card — then a problem arises in that a high number of unique product identifiers may need to be regularly added and / or removed from an inventory database. When the number of stocked product types and stock turnover rate is high, the challenge of manually updating an inventory management system may be impractically difficult. As noted above, it may also be the case that PoS operators are unable to regularly update their database.

[0045] However, products of different types may share a common price point. More generally, there may be a plurality of price points or price categories to which each of the plurality of product types is assigned. For a large number of product types, there may be a far smaller number of distinct prices associated with those product types. To reduce the manual burden of updating a PoS inventory system as described above, a unique product identifier may be provided for each price point at which a product is sold. That is, rather than define a unique product identifier for each product type and assign a price point therewith, the set of unique identifiers may be independent of product type and designate only a price point, which may be common to a plurality of product types. For example, the identifier may correspond to all greeting cards provided by the supplier having a price of 1.99 GBP or the like.

[0046] The above technique of providing identifiers for each price point poses challenges, however, as there is no way to uniquely identify products by type. As a consequence, it is necessary for the operatives of the supplier to manually stock-check the supplied products, in order to determine which products require re-supply and so on. Accordingly, some suppliers of consignment goods employ a network of operatives that visit several sellers each day to undertake the manual stock-checks.

[0047] It is an object of the invention to provide an inventory management system which enables efficient data input and retrieval operations in a database, and which minimises the need for laborious and time-consuming manual stock-checking. Further, understanding which products to re-supply and in what quantities, based on what is sold, leads to advantages in avoiding waste. That is, re-supply can be tailored to the popularity or sale rate of the product and avoid waste by overstocking.

[0048] Reference is made to Figure 1, which shows an exemplary product in the form of a greetings card 101. The greetings card 101 of Figure 1 is provided with a first product identifier 112, and a second product identifier 114, and may be suitable for use in the system described herein.

[0049] The first product identifier 112 may comprise a distinct machine-readable, Line-of-Sight (LoS) product identifier, such as a barcode. The first product identifier 112 may be assignable to an entry in a first database such that on reading the first identifier 112, the assigned entry in the first database is accessed. By way of example, the first product identifier 112 may designate a database entry that defines a price point at which that product 101, or indeed any product comprising that distinct identifier is to be sold. That is, the first product identifier 112 may be used by a PoS entity for determining an amount payable by a customer in exchange for the card 101.

[0050] The products 101 themselves, or their packaging, may be provided with a particular distinct identifier (corresponding to a particular price point) at manufacture. Distinct identifiers may be provided independently of product type. Whilst like products of the same type will share a common LoS identifier (e.g., same barcode), so too may products of different types if their price points are common.

[0051] The second product identifier 114 may comprise an identifier tag configured to be identified out of line-of-sight of the reader. That is, the second product identifier may not be visible on an exterior of the card, but may instead be embedded within the product or its packaging (not shown), or otherwise concealed on the product. In some examples, the second product identifier may comprise a Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tag. The second product identifier may be assignable to an entry in a second database such that on reading the second identifier, the assigned entry in the second database is accessed. By way of example, the second product identifier 114 may designate a database entry that defines a product type of the card 101, such as a design of the card 101. That is, products of a common type may be provided with a common second identifier.

[0052] The second identifier 114 may be configured for use by a supplying entity to determine a quantity of each product type of a plurality of product types stocked by a PoS entity, compare those quantities against respective supplied quantities to determine a sold quantity of each product type, and generate an invoice in respect of the products supplied by the supplying entity and subsequently sold by the PoS entity.

[0053] Figure 2 shows a highly schematic diagram of an inventory system 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 also shows a PoS system 280 which may be configured to perform PoS tasks such as price scanning on the product 101.

[0054] System 200 includes a product in the form of a greetings card 101. The card 101 may be the same card 101 as shown in Figure 1, comprising the same first and second identifiers 112, 114.

[0055] The PoS system 280 shown in Figure 2 comprises a LoS scanner 210, such as a barcode reader, configured to read the first identifier 112. That is, the first identifier may comprise an encoded identifier which the reader 210 is configured to decode. The barcode scanner 210 may comprise a light source, such as a LASER or LED source, configured to illuminate the first identifier on the product. Reflected light from the first source may be detected by light sensing circuitry comprised within the scanner and converted into a decoded electrical signal.

[0056] In the case of barcodes, QR codes, and other LoS identifiers, unique identifiers may be configured by varying a pattern or light and dark portions within the identifier. That is, dark patches (e.g., dots, bars, stripes etc.) absorb light emitted from the scanner 210, whereas light patches reflect more of the incident light. By varying the arrangement of light and dark elements within a LoS identifier, the reflected light incident on the light sensing circuitry of the scanner 210 also varies, generating a distinct electrical signal.

[0057] The light sensing circuitry may comprise one or more photosensors and / or photodiodes that are responsive to incident light to generate an electrical current. Other circuitry such as signal amplifiers may also be implemented to improve the accuracy of the scanner.

[0058] A digital signal 212 may be generated by the LoS scanner 210 in response to reading the first identifier 112. The signal may be transmitted to a PoS entity device 220, such as a register or till. The PoS device 220 may be configured to execute one or more computer instruction in response to receiving the digital signal 212 to perform one or more corresponding functions.

[0059] For example, the PoS device 220 may be configured to track a total cost of a quantity of products that a customer of the PoS entity intends to purchase. That is, the till 220 may be configured to generate a 'basket' data structure that tracks a total price of one or more items which a customer is buying. To construct, manage and update the basket data structure, the Pos device 220 may further execute instructions to access a PoS inventory database 230.

[0060] The PoS inventory database 230 may be locally maintained within the till 220, or may be a remotely hosted database accessible to the till 220 via a network. The till 220 may be configured to query the PoS database 230 using digital signal 212 to identify a corresponding entry. The database entry corresponding to digital signal 212 may comprise price data associated with the first identifier. That is, the first identifier 112 may be machine readable to designate a price of the card 101.

[0061] The system 200 comprises an RFID reader 240 configured to read a second identifier 114 in the form of an RFID tag. The RFID reader 240 may comprise an antenna configured to emit radio waves. An electromagnetic field is caused by the radio waves. The radio waves may be incident on the RFID tag 114 and the RFID tag may absorb energy from the radio wave. The RFID tag 114 may comprise a radio transponder (combined radio transmitter and responder) configured to emit a particular radio signal upon absorbing energy from an incident radio signal. That is, the radio transponder of the RFID tag may receive an incident radio pulse (interrogation signal) from the reader 240 and emit a distinct radio signal in response.

[0062] The reader device 240 may comprise a freestanding handheld device that is moveable by a user holding the reader 240 when detecting nearby RFID tags. Some known RFID reader devices comprise an attachment means for mounting a mobile device 250 such as a smartphone to the reader device 240.

[0063] An RFID tag 114 may comprise an integrated silicon chip (not shown) configured to store identifier information, process incident radio waves, and control transmission of response signals comprising the stored identifier information. The tag 114 may further comprise an antenna (not shown) via which the incident radio waves are received and via which response signals are transmitted. In some examples, RFID tags may be active and further comprise a battery or other power source. In such an example, range of detection by the reader 240 may be increased. However, typically an RFID tag 114 is passive.

[0064] The reader 240 may comprise a reader antenna 243 (see Fig. 6) configured to transmit an interrogation radio signal generated by passing an alternating current through the antenna 243, thereby generating an electromagnetic field.

[0065] A response signal transmitted by an RFID tag 114 may be captured by the same reader antenna 243. The reader 240 may comprise demodulating circuitry 245 (see Fig. 6) configured to decode the response signal from the tag 114. The response signal may comprise identity information corresponding to the greetings card or other inventory product. The identity information may, for example, be configured to designate a data entry in a database comprising one or more data point pertaining to an inventory product comprising the RFID tag 114

[0066] The interrogation signal transmitted by the reader 240 may be transmitted in all directions from the antenna, and may interact with a plurality of RFID tags in one burst of the interrogation signal. A plurality of response signals may be received from a corresponding plurality of RFID tags 114 in response to the interrogation signal.

[0067] The reader 240 may be configured to communicate with a supplying entity inventory management device 250 via communication signals 242, which may be wireless communication signals. The wireless communication signals 242 between the reader 240 and the inventory management device 250 may comprise an indication of one or more tag identifier of one or more respective tag from which a response signal has been detected by the reader 240.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the reader device 240 may communicate with the inventory management device 250 via any suitable known wired or wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth.

[0069] The inventory management device 250 is configured to execute one or more computer instructions in response to receiving the communication signal 242. For example, the supplier device 250 may be configured to cause an update to a supplier inventory database 260, such as by updating a count of products associated with a tag identifier indicated in the signal 242.

[0070] The supplier inventory database 260 may be hosted on a server 620 and accessible via a network such as the internet. For example, the server 620 may be cloudbased, and the inventory management device 250 may be configured to communicate with the cloud-based server 620 hosting the database 260 via Wi-Fi, cellular protocols (e.g., 4G, 5G etc.), or other suitable protocols to cause database management tasks to be implemented. The cloud-based server 620 may also be configured to implement updates and other database tasks in the supplier inventory database 260. The inventory management device 250 may be configured to forward tag identifier signals for processing at the cloud server 620.

[0071] In other embodiments, the database 260 may be locally hosted on the inventory management device 250.

[0072] The inventory management device 250 may be any computer device suitable for communicative coupling with a reader device 240 and performing database management operations either locally or via a network. Suitable devices include laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones etc. The inventory management device may provide a user interface for a user to monitor the reading process. For example, upon accessing data entries corresponding to identifiers of tags that have been read, the user interface may present a list of product types and respective quantities thereof which have been read using the reader.

[0073] The inventory device 250 may be configured to generate an inventory report for a PoS entity. Generating such a report may comprise determining a number of sold products of each type by updating a data structure that indicates a supplied quantity of each product type and decrementing a value of each product identifier that is identified by the RFID reader 240. That is, subtracting a current stock level of each product type from a supplied stock level of each product type indicates a sold quantity of each product. It is in respect of these sold quantities that a report or invoice may be generated by the supplier.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the server 620, or another client device (not shown) in communication with the server 620 is configured to generate the inventory report. For example, the exemplary supplier server of Figure 2 comprises an inventory management module 622 which may be configured to process reader data 242 to generate inventory reports or data. For example, the inventory management module 622 may maintain a record for a site (e.g., a location of the PoS entity) at which the inventory products 101 are stock checked. That is to say, the inventory management module 622 receive the reader data 242 and maintain, in the database 260, records reflective of the stock held at each of a plurality of sites.

[0075] Data in the supplier inventory database 260 may be leveraged to generate an invoice for sold products. For example, each entry in the supplier database 260 may comprise a product identifier and an indication of a supplier price point (which is typically lower than a price at which the PoS entity lists the same item).

[0076] The exemplary server 620 of Figure 2 further comprises a pricing module 624 configured to create an invoice based on reader data. In some examples, such as when the PoS entity is an independent PoS entity operating a single site, an invoice may be generated based on RFID reader data 242 indicative of inventory products sold by that independent PoS entity at the single site. An independent PoS entity may settle the invoice when it is generated, such as when the supplier visits the site to take a stock check.

[0077] In other examples, such as when a PoS entity operates from a plurality of sites, the inventory management module 622 may record sold quantities of the inventory products at each site, keeping distinct records for each site. The pricing module 624 may generate one or more invoice for the sites. The PoS entity in this case may be sent all relevant invoices for their group of sites. For example, some PoS entities may be invoiced periodically, e.g., each month or quarter.

[0078] The system 200 of Figure 2 enables the PoS entity to maintain far fewer database entries in the PoS database 230, providing storage benefits and reducing the need for labour-intensive manual updating of the database each time a new product type is stocked. Simultaneously, the supplier entity is able to quickly and effectively identify a list of product types and quantities thereof for which a PoS entity is to be billed, and for which replenishment is required, without manual stock-checking.

[0079] Reference is now made to Figure 3, which illustrates a plurality of products stocked by a PoS entity, and demonstrates an exemplary method by which an RFID reader 240 may be used in conjunction with a supplier device 250 to perform database management tasks in a supplier database 260.

[0080] Figure 3 shows an exemplary product display means 300 for use by a PoS entity. The display means 300 may be placed on a shop floor of the PoS entity, or may be provided in a storage space or other location of the PoS entity.

[0081] For example, the product display means 300 of Figure 3 is configured to display a plurality of greetings cards 101 in baskets 310 mounted on a pole. Figure 3 may show a rear side of the plurality of products 101. Post cards and greetings cards typically have a front side comprising a graphic or image, and barcodes or other LoS identifiers are typically provided on a rear side. Further, whist an RFID tag is visually represented on each card 101 for clarity in Figure 3, the RFID tags are readable out of a line of sight and may be embedded or otherwise concealed in practice, as described previously herein.

[0082] In the example of Figure 3, four baskets 310a-310d, each comprising a plurality of greetings cards 101, are provided. Each card 101 may be of the form shown in Figure 1, having a first line-of-sight identifier 112 and a second RFID 114 for use in the present system.

[0083] As discussed previously, the LoS identifier 112 may be used by the PoS entity to access a data entry in a PoS database, or pricing database, the data entry including a price category indication related to the inventory product on which the LoS identifier 112 is provided. As noted previously, price category indications or price category data may be common between cards or other inventory products of different types. Different products may fall under a common price category and may therefore be provided with like LoS identifiers 112.

[0084] It will be appreciated that other means of displaying or storing a plurality of products. For example, a series of baskets or other containers may be mounted on a wall or shelf etc. Alternatively, a free-standing unit such as a freestanding cardboard shelving unit may be employed.

[0085] Cards 101 may be selected by a customer and the first identifier 112 of the card may be scanned by the PoS entity to access the associated database record and determine a price point associated with the product.

[0086] When a representative of the supplier entity visits the PoS entity to determine a quantity of products of each type that have been sold and by the PoS entity, an RFID reader device (e.g., 240) may be used in accordance with the method described below to scan the plurality of products 101 to determine an inventory level at the PoS entity location.

[0087] Figure 3 shows an exemplary read trajectory 333 for an RFID reader in a system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The read trajectory 333 comprises a start position 331 and an end position 335.

[0088] The method of scanning the plurality of products 101 provided on the display means 300 comprises moving the RFID reader from the start position 331, along the read trajectory 333, to the end position 335, wherein the RFID reader emits an interrogation signal for the duration of its procession along the read trajectory 333.

[0089] The RFID reader may be moved along the trajectory 333 in suitable proximity to the RFID tags for the electromagnetic field to energise the tag and enable a response signal to be emitted. That is, RFID tags may operate within a threshold range, and the read trajectory may be within that range.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the range of detection of an RFID tag depends on factors such as size of the tag, and presence of a power supply within the tag. That is, passive tags with no power supply have a reduced range relative to active tags which include a power supply such as a battery. The range within which an RFID tag may be read by the reader is referred to herein as the activation range.

[0091] Reading of RFID tags is known to decrease in reliability when multiple tags are spaced in close proximity. For example, bulk reading multiple tags at once is generally understood to be unsuitable for inventory control due to interference between response signals, and or blocking of signals by other tags. Surprisingly, however, the close relative proximity of RFID tags has not been found to compromise the readability of the tags when particular tag reading methods are implemented. The inventors have noted that methods of reading the tags that include a sweeping motion of a reader device over a plurality of products, such as shown in Figure 3, provides a suitable level of reading accuracy for inventory management tasks in respect of the products.

[0092] RFID tags may operate optimally - in the sense that they are read at the first attempt at passing over them - when read at a particular distance within their activation range. RFID tags may be selected to have an optimal read distance that is approximate to a distance between the tag and the read trajectory 333. For example, the read trajectory 333 may be approximately 50 to 500mm away from the cards 101. Performance, e.g., read strength, of an RFID tag in an inventory system may therefore be improved by tailoring the optimal read range of the RFID tags to the use case.

[0093] Read performance may be further affected by a speed with which the reader 240 is passed along the reader trajectory 333. It has been noted that read performance generally increases as the movement of the reader device slows. A slower pass of the reader device 240 over the trajectory 333 gives the radio interrogation signal more chance to activate and receive a response signal from a passive chip, due to a longer 'contact time' between the reader and the chip. It will be understood that 'contact time' in this context is not physical contact, but rather physical proximity within the range of the RFID tag. This effect is particularly pertinent in environments where multiple RFID chips are provided in proximity.

[0094] The method is not limited to the exemplary trajectory 333 shown in Figure 3. In practice, any sweeping trajectory 333 whose path passes within an activation range of all products intended to be read may be used.

[0095] During a sweep of the reader over a read trajectory, a plurality of response signals may be received at the reader and transmitted to a supplier device 250 for processing and for accessing corresponding data entries in the supplier database. As discussed elsewhere herein, database management tasks may be executed at the supplier device 250 in response to receipt of the response signals.

[0096] It will be appreciated that the sweeping method illustrated in Figure 3 is not limited to the exemplary display means 300 shown in the drawing. In practice, a plurality of products in any arrangement may be scanned by sweeping along a trajectory that, at some point between the start and end positions, falls within an activation range of each product of the plurality of products. The example display means 300 is merely provided to represent a common displaying means for greetings cards 101.

[0097] A general implementation of the RFID scanning method illustrated in Figure 3 is now described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart that provides steps of an exemplary method for scanning RFID tags on a plurality of products.

[0098] At a first step S401, an RFID reader is provided at a start position. At a next step S403, the RFID reader begins to transmit an interrogation radio signal to energise proximate RFID tags to provoke transmission of response signals from the RFID tags. The RFID reader may begin transmission of the interrogation signal in response to a user input, the user input received, for example, to a button disposed on the RFID reader, or received to a user interface feature of the inventory management device.

[0099] The scanner is then moved in a sweeping motion along a read trajectory in a step S405. The read trajectory passes within an activation range of all RFID tags intended to be read.

[00100] At a next step S407, a respective response signal is received at the reader device from each RFID tag that has been energised by the interrogation signal. Each response signal comprises an identifier associated with the RFID tag that transmitted the response signal.

[00101] The reader device is configured to transmit data to a computer device at a step S409, such as inventory management device 250 of Figure 2. Data transmitted to the computer device comprises the identifiers associated with read RFID tags.

[00102] At a next step S411, the reader device reaches an end position of the read trajectory and stops transmitting the interrogation signal.

[00103] In some examples, more than one unit may need to be scanned (e.g., more than one display means 300). A user of the reader device may determine that an additional display means needs to be scanned and that an additional read sequence is required, the read sequence comprising the steps S401-S411 described above. If an additional read sequence is to be performed, the flow returns to step S401 and the method repeats on a next trajectory, e.g., to detect a next plurality of RFID tags on the additional unit.

[00104] If at step S413 the user determines that no further read sequence is required, the process is terminated at a step S415. The RFID reader may end transmission of the interrogation signal in response to a user input, the user input received, for example, to a button disposed on the RFID reader, or received to a user interface feature of the inventory management device.

[00105] Data processing tasks in respect of identifiers read from RFID tags, such as generating reports and invoices, may be conducted after step S415 is completed.

[00106] As mentioned above, reliability issues generally encountered when attempting to 'bulk-read' RFID tags are not observed in systems according to the present disclosure. The inventors have noted that the above method of operating the reader device, in which the device is swept along a read trajectory, provides sufficiently accurate results so as to enable the above use in an inventory management system.

[00107] The speed of the sweeping motion of the read device affects the extent to which these benefits are realised. A slower sweeping motion provides a greater window of time for the interrogation radio signal to contact and energise each RFID tag.

[00108] Reference is made now to Figure 5, which shows an RFID tag 114 having an activation range 510. Figure 5 further shows a reader device 240 moving on a reader trajectory 333. At a first time instant, the reader device is denoted 240, at a second time instant, having moved along a portion of the trajectory 333, the reader device is denoted 240'. An activation segment 520 of the reader trajectory 333 is shown. The activation segment 520 represents a portion of the reader trajectory 333 that intersects the activation range 510 of the tag 114.

[00109] Whilst the reader 240 is positioned within the segment 520 of the trajectory 333, the interrogation radio signal of the reader may be incident on, or be received by, the RFID tag 114. The slower the relative motion of the reader device 240 with respect to the tag 114, the more time it will take the reader device 240 to traverse the segment 520, and therefore the larger the window of time in which the RFID tag 114 may be activated by the interrogation signal.

[00110] It will be appreciated thatthe time taken for an RFIDtag 114 to be energized by an interrogation signal and issue a responsive identifier signal, referred to as an activation window, may be of the order of milliseconds. A reader trajectory 333 and speed with which to move the reader along said trajectory 333 may be selected such that the interrogation signal is incident on each tag of a plurality of tags 114 intended for reading for at least the activation window of each tag 114. This way, each tag has time to issue a response signal whilst the reader 240 is within the activation range 510 of the tag 114. Figure 6 is a highly schematic system diagram showing supplier entity-side devices in accordance with Figure 2. The devices of Figure 6 are shown in more detail, including exemplary components therein configured to implement functions of the system described herein.

[00111] Figure 6 shows a reader device 240 comprising a processor 241, a reader antenna 243, and demodulation circuitry 245.

[00112] Figure 6 further shows an inventory management device 250 comprising a device communication interface 251, an input module 252 device processor 253, device memory 255, display 257, and network interface 259.

[00113] The inventory management device of Figure 6 is connected via a network 610 to the supplier-side server 620, which may be a cloud-server hosting one or more inventory management database accessible to the inventory management device 250 via the network 610.

[00114] The inventory management device 250 may be a portable computer device such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet computer configured to participate in the system. For example, the computer device may comprise an application configured to manage operation of the system, such as by controlling communication with the cloud-based inventory management system 220 and the reader device 240. The device 250 comprises a processor 253 and a memory 255, the memory comprising computer executable instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to implement functionalities of the computer device 25 described herein.

[00115] For example, the processor 253 may control operation of a display 257 of the device 250. The display 257 may present a user interface operable by the user to perform inventory management tasks as described previously herein. For example, the user interface may enable the user to monitor and / or control RFID reading processes. The input module 252 of the computer device 250 may be configured to receive user input to control functions of the device 250.

[00116] The device communication interface 251 of the computer device is configured to facilitate wireless communications with the reader device 240. For example, the reader interface may be configured to send and / or receive data according to a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth. The corresponding reader communication interface 247 in the reader device may similarly be configured to wirelessly communicate with the computer device 250 via Bluetooth.

[00117] The computer device 250 further comprises a network interface 259 configured to communication with the cloud-based inventory management system 620 via the network 610.

[00118] The reader device 240 comprises a reader processor configured to control operation of the reader antenna 243, demodulation circuitry 245, and reader communication interface 247.

[00119] It will be appreciated that features and embodiments described above may be combined in any way.

[00120] Furthermore, certain elements described to exemplify the invention may be modified or substituted with different features without deviating from the inventive concept. For example, whilst the description relates in particular to greetings cards and post cards, other products may also be the subject of an inventory management according to the present disclosure.

[00121] By way of example, the present disclosure provides a system that may be effectively implemented for stock checking perishable goods with an expiry date. In particular, the benefits associated with waste reduction may be realised clearly when overstocking results in an excess of a product which is not saleable or is not safe for consumption - e.g., due to it having expired.

[00122] Databases described herein may be hosted at any suitable location, such as a client server computer physically located at a supplier place of business, remotely hosted at a cloud computing system, locally hosted on the inventory management device and the like.

[00123] The description above refers in some examples to computer modules or units and the like. Whilst these features are described at a high level, it will be appreciated that in practice they may that be implemented by compiled code executed by a computer processor, software, dedicated hardware, integrated circuits, FPGAs and the like.

[00124] Several technical advantages are realised by implementing a system according to the examples described herein. As described above, product waste by overstocking may be reduced by effectively managing stock levels, particularly when managing an inventory of perishable goods. Further, by providing a plurality of identifiers on the product and separating identifiers for inventory management purposes from those for price identification, improvements in inventory management are realised. That is, a plurality of products of different types can be accurately identified more quickly by an out-of-line-of-sight identifier, without requiring significant infrastructure changes. I.e., ubiquitous systems for scanning LoS identifiers need not be replaced, and a reduction in a number of distinct LoS identifiers for which a record needs to be kept can be much reduced. Consequently, labour and time spent manually stock-checking products is reduced.

Claims

1. An inventory system comprising:a computer device configured to communicate with an inventory database comprising a plurality of data entries, each entry being associated with an inventory product type;a radio reader device communicatively coupled to the computer device and configured to:transmit an interrogation radio signal to a plurality of inventory products, each inventory product of the plurality comprising a first machine-readable identifier and a second machine-readable identifier, wherein the first machine readable identifier of each inventory product is associated with price category data for the product, and wherein the second machine readable identifier of each product comprises a radio tag configured to transmit an identifier signal having an associated data entry in the inventory database;receive a plurality of identifier signals, each identifier signal transmitted by a respective radio tag in response to the interrogation signal; andtransmit reader data indicative of the plurality of received identifier signals to the computer device;wherein the computer device is configured, in response to receipt of the reader data, to cause an update in the inventory database based on the plurality of received identifier signals.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the reader device is a handheld radio reader device configured to begin transmit the interrogation signal at a first spatial position, and is operable by a user by moving the radio reader device along a reader trajectory between the first spatial position and a second spatial position, wherein the reader trajectory intersects an activation range of the radio tags.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein causing an update in the inventory database comprises:accessing one or more data entry of the inventory database, each identifiersignal of the plurality of radio tags being associated with an entry in the inventory database, and each entry in the inventory database representing a distinct type of inventory product; andgenerating, by the computer device, an inventory data structure identifying quantity of each distinct type of inventory product based on the received identifier signals.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the second machine readable identifiers comprise a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag configured to transmit an identifier signal responsive to an electromagnetic field of the interrogation signal transmitted by the reader device.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first machine-readable identifier comprises a line-of-sight identifier, readable by a line-of-sight scanner to access a pricing database comprising the price category data.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of inventory products comprises one or more of greetings cards, post cards and perishable items.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the reader device and the computer device are communicatively coupled via a wireless communication protocol.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the inventory database comprises a remotely hosted inventory database, accessible to the computer device via a network.

9. A method of conducting an inventory check, the method comprising:transmitting a radio interrogation signal by a radio reader device to a plurality of inventory products, each inventory product of the plurality comprising a first machine-readable identifier and a second machine-readable identifier, wherein the first machine readable identifier of each inventory product is associated with price category data for the product, and wherein the second machine readable identifier of each product comprises a radio tag configured to transmit an identifier signal having an associated data entry in an inventory database;receiving, at the reader device, a plurality of identifier signals, each identifier signalemitted by a respective plurality of radio tags in response to the radio interrogation signal;transmitting reader data indicative of the plurality of received identifier signals to a computer device; andin response to receipt of the reader data at a computer device, causing an update in the inventory database based on the plurality of received identifier signals.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the radio reader device comprises a handheld reader device and the method further comprises moving the radio reader device along a reader trajectory that intersects an activation range of a plurality of radio tags,11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of radio tags are provided on a respective plurality of inventory products and each identifier signal transmitted by respective ones of the plurality of radio tags comprises identity data of a respective one of the inventory products.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, in response to receiving the reader data, accessing one or more data entry of an inventory database, wherein each identifier signal of the plurality of radio tags is associated with an entry in the inventory database, and wherein each entry in the inventory database represents a distinct type of inventory product; andgenerating, by the computer device, an inventory data structure identifying a present quantity of each distinct type of inventory product in the plurality of inventory products based on the received identifier signals.

13. The method of any of claims 9-12, wherein the price category data for the product is common to a plurality of inventory products of different types.

14. A computer readable media comprising computer-readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processor of one or more computer device, causes the one or more processor to implement a system according to any of claims 1-8.

Images