Systems and methods for increasing data migration and accessibility - Patents.com

Abstract

A data collection, packaging, and distribution system is disclosed, including a method for providing accurate digital identity data, inventory data, and related information from multiple sources to be repackaged and distributed to various targets. Sources, such as edge devices, are used to monitor RFID-tagged products and are configured to transmit data about the RFID-tagged products to a designated cloud application. The received data is combined with other product-specific data and transmitted directly or through intermediary software to the target cloud application. The target cloud application is configured to manipulate the data, adjust product prices, and publish the information in a searchable format for consumers in a local area, for example, to determine product availability.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 034,079, filed June 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to data collection, data packaging, and data distribution systems. More specifically, the data systems include methods for providing accurate digital identity data, inventory data, and related information from multiple sources for repackaging and distribution to various targets. Accordingly, this specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it should be understood that aspects of the present invention are also applicable to other similar applications, apparatus, and manufacturing methods as well. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally speaking, RFID uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate a responding device (known as an RFID "tag" or transponder) to identify itself and, in some cases, provide additional information and / or data stored in the tag. RFID tags typically contain a semiconductor device, usually called a "chip," on which memory and operating circuits are formed, connected to an antenna. RFID tags typically act as transponders that provide the information stored in the chip memory in response to radio frequency interrogation signals received from a reader, also called an interrogator. The reader converts radio waves from the RFID device into a form that can be utilized by a computer.

[0004] RFID tags and labels are widely used to associate objects with unique identification codes. When used to track or manage inventory, a microprocessor stores the unique identification data associated with the inventory. An operator can use an external receiver / reader to retrieve the stored data and process or track the inventory. In recent years, the use of RFID tags for tracking, identifying, and locating goods has increased significantly because RFID tags, among other things, allow manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to coordinate products and inventory, quickly determine production, manufacturing, distribution, or retail needs, and efficiently insert and remove goods from inventory or other supply chain situations using RFID tags. The RFID tag itself can provide any desired product data and can be scanned or read in any of a variety of ways using any device with a reader or scanner.

[0005] Similarly, various physical items have digital identities that may be registered and collected by various known systems for purposes of inventory, point of sale, marketing, product information, security, authentication, and chain of custody. Also, in many cases, the digital identity of a physical item is useful in situations where the ultimate use of the item differs from the original intent (i.e., future use cases) or cannot be foreseen. Currently, data comes from multiple origins and is assembled by multiple disparate sources in a manner that does not always fit potential future use cases.

[0006] For example, it is currently common practice to collect data locally in on-premise applications, cloud and / or closed applications. However, these data applications often make it difficult for other resources to utilize or access the data, for example in real time. Retailers, service providers, industry representatives, logistics, and consumer engagement often do not reach their full potential because they do not have the ability to collect the entire digital identity of an item or the accompanying information, or the means for proper analysis of the data to maximize the current use cases of the item. Furthermore, the need to have multiple data processing points with each data processing point managing the data internally can create shortfalls, which creates inefficiencies and delays that can result in loss of useful access to meaningful data.

[0007] Thus, there has long been a need in the industry for a system and / or method that allows users to benefit from timely data collection and migration. For example, retailers, service providers, industrial and logistics workers, consumers, etc., can all benefit from the ability to transmit digital identity data downstream for use cases such as, but not limited to, facilitating business operations, conveying secure information, designating ownership, and authenticating products. Furthermore, parties would also benefit from trusted data exchange, and originators of such data would particularly benefit from the ability to transmit data in their own standard configuration. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] Described herein is a method for receiving data in various formats from multiple disparate data sources, repackaging the received data for specific subjects, and safely and securely delivering the packaged digital identity data. The ability to leverage data from multiple sources that would otherwise be cumbersome to store and / or repackage provides financial, experiential, safety, and efficiency benefits to retailers, service providers, industrial and logistics employees, consumers, and the like that are otherwise inaccessible. Moreover, the accessibility of such data provides enhanced value and opportunities for data owners.

[0010] Also described herein is a system for collecting, packaging, and distributing data. In some embodiments, the system includes a repository for receiving data about serialized items from a source. The repository can be a designated application, such as a cloud application, e.g., an intermediary software. The serialized items can be RFID tagged, UPC coded, or ERP coded products that contain a digital identity about the product that is readable by the source. The digital identity can include a product-specific identity, an expiration date of the item, or other product-related data, and the source of the data can include an edge device, such as a smart shelf, smart cooler, smart store, or smart storage, that has an electronic display and has an RFID reader / interrogator that monitors products in its vicinity. For example, when a serialized item is removed from, to, or around the source, the source can communicate that information to the repository.

[0011] In some embodiments, the repository may be a designated cloud application, preferably configured to receive serialized item-related data from the source and manage the digital identities of the products. The repository may also manage the amount of product inventory based on the information received from the source, and may combine or aggregate received product-related data with other product specific data, environmental specific data, consumer behavior data, or other variable and / or fixed data feeds. Integration The method is further configured to:

[0012] In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more digital targets, including but not limited to a cloud application. The target application is configured to receive and publish the combined data sent from the repository via a connector. The connector may be an active directory gateway, a cloud connector, etc. The target application may provide product data, availability, inventory, etc. to searchers in a local area. Additionally, pricing information for products may be manipulated by the target application based on, for example, product expiration dates, shelf life, or other data that meets the needs and / or preferences of a user.

[0013] The target application may expose the data in a searchable format. Additionally, the target application may send data back to the source or to other electronic displays in the retail store. Integration And / or can benefit from updated data, for example, consumers can see the same product prices online in a target application that they see in a retail store.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method and system are as described above, and the system includes a target cloud application for receiving, manipulating, and publishing data about serialized items from a source. The serialized items may include, but are not limited to, RFID tagged, UPC coded, or ERP coded products that contain a digital identity about the product that is readable by the source. The digital identity may include a product specific identity, an expiration date of the item, or other useful product data. The source may be an edge device that may include a sensor, such as a smart shelf, smart cooler, smart store, or smart storage with an electronic display and an RFID reader / interrogator that monitors the products / serialized items located at the source, or a fixed or handheld device for communicating with the machine readable code. For example, when serialized items are removed, added, or manipulated by customers or employees from, to, or around the source, the source may communicate that information to the target cloud application.

[0015] Similar to the previous embodiments referenced above, the target cloud application receives data about serialized items from a source and manages the digital identity of the product through a connector. Similarly, the target cloud application manages the amount of inventory of the product based on the information received from the source. The target cloud application is configured to combine the received data about the product with other product specific data. The connector may be an active directory gateway, cloud connector, or similar device. The target cloud application may provide the combined product data, or any portion thereof, to a searcher in the local area. Additionally, pricing information for the product may be manipulated by the target cloud application based, for example, on the product's expiration date, shelf life, or other useful data.

[0016] The target cloud application may then publish the data in a searchable format available to consumers in the local area. Additionally, the target application or repository may send the data back to sources that may use the combined data or other electronic displays in the retail store. For example, a consumer may see the same product prices online in the target cloud application that they see in the retail store.

[0017] In another embodiment, a method and system for increasing the migration and accessibility of product-related data is described herein. The system includes a designated application, such as a cloud application, for receiving data related to serialized items from a source, and the designated application may be an intermediate software. As described above, the serialized items may be RFID-tagged, UPC-coded, or ERP-coded products that contain a digital identity related to the product that is readable by the source, and the digital identity may include a product-specific identity, an expiration date of the item, or other useful product data or information. The source may be an edge device, such as a smart shelf, a smart cooler, a smart store, or a smart storage, that has an electronic display and an RFID reader / interrogator capable of monitoring serialized items. For example, when a serialized item is removed from the source, the source may communicate the information to the repository, and the repository may update the product's data stored in the repository as a result.

[0018] The designated application is configured to receive data regarding the serialized items from the source and manage the digital identity of the products. The designated application also manages the amount of inventory of the products based on the information received from the source ... mergeThe system may be further configured to receive data about the serialized item from a plurality of data collection points, sources that do not lend themselves to a data sharing atmosphere, such as inventory scans, point of sale data, distributor data, data center data, etc.

[0019] The system may further include a target application configured to receive, manipulate, and publish the combined data transmitted from the designated cloud application. The target application may provide product data, availability, and inventory data to searchers in a local area. Additionally, pricing information relating to the products may be manipulated by the target application based on product expiration dates, shelf life, or other data relating to the products.

[0020] The target application, e.g., a cloud application, then publishes the combined data in a searchable format for consumers in the local area, and the target application can send the data back to the source or other electronic display at the retailer. The consumer can then see the same product prices online in the target application that they would see at the retailer, and determine the availability of local inventory in stock for purchase.

[0021] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are disclosed herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for collecting, packaging, and distributing data according to the disclosed architecture. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a system for collecting, packaging, and distributing data from multiple data collection points according to the disclosed architecture. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a system for collecting, packaging, and distributing data according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example flow chart of a system for increasing data migration and accessibility according to the disclosed architecture. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a designated cloud application of the system of the present invention for collecting, packaging, and distributing data according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a system for collecting, packaging, and distributing data according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example flow chart of a system for collecting, packaging, and distributing data for use in an example retail setting in accordance with the disclosed architecture. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a system for collecting, packaging, and distributing data for use in an industry promotion example according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 9] 1 is an exemplary flow chart of a system for collecting, packaging, and distributing data used in a food industry example according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a data collection system for multiple collection points according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a method for data collection, packaging, and distribution in accordance with the disclosed architecture. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a system for collecting, packaging, and distributing data received from multiple collection points according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a target cloud application of a system for collecting, packaging, and delivering data according to the disclosed architecture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present innovation is first described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are presented in order to provide a thorough understanding. However, it may be apparent that the innovation can be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate the description.

[0024] Described herein is a data collection, packaging, and distribution system that includes a method for providing accurate digital identity data, inventory data, and related information from multiple sources to be repackaged and distributed to a variety of targets. In some embodiments, the system includes receiving, associating, determining, packaging, history, and distribution functions. Data may be collected from sources by reading RFID data, Universal Product Code (UPC) data, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) data, or other known equivalents and / or data carrier technologies. The source data is then distributed to a repository that manages digital identities and associates additional data with the source data. The data is then ready to be distributed to targets via connectors that manage data distribution to the targets.

[0025] The system and method of the present invention allows users and contributors to efficiently collect, Integration and migration. Also, multiple data collection points that are not suited to a data sharing atmosphere may form part of the system, and data derived therefrom may be made available for sharing and / or distribution. Retailers, service providers, industrial and logistics workers, consumers, and the like would benefit from the ability to transmit digital identity data downstream for use cases such as, but not limited to, facilitating sales activities, conveying secure information, designating ownership, and authenticating products. Additionally, originators of such data would benefit from trusted data exchange as well as the ability to transmit data in the originator's own standard configuration.

[0026] In some embodiments, RFID tag or other serialized item data monitored by the edge device is sent directly from the edge device to a designated application, such as a designated cloud application, which manages the digital identities of the serialized items and thus displays specific information about the items, including, but not limited to, the item's unique identity, quantity, expiration date, etc. The data received from the edge device may then be combined with other product specific data, such as product ID, description, inventory checks, price incentive thresholds, etc.

[0027] Combined or IntegrationThe collected data can be sent directly or through intermediate software that manages the rules and interactions with the target application, such as a target cloud application that may expose the data for public consumption and / or search. For example, the target application may provide users with product data, availability, inventory, price, etc. There is also a desire to show price information that can be driven based on expiration date data of products tagged at the site, for example, by RFID tags or other serialized methods. The use of electronic displays at retail stores, such as small shelf displays or large video displays, can also be incorporated into the system to display prices to customers. The following procedures and methods presented herein allow customers to see the same prices online that they see at the retail store.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for collecting, packaging, and distributing data. The system 100 includes a repository 114 and a target cloud application 122, which may include, for example, an analytics application. The repository 114 is configured to receive data about serialized items 110 from a source 112. The serialized items 110 are typically consumer products that are serialized with a data carrier technology, such as, but not limited to, an RFID tag, a UPC tag, an ERP tag, or the like. The serialized items 110 include a digital identity, such as a unique identity of the item, an expiration date of the item, or other data of the product.

[0029] The source 112 is typically an edge device such as a smart shelf, smart cooler, smart store, smart storage, etc. commonly found in a retail environment. Serialized items 110, such as RFID tagged products with unique identities, are placed on and monitored by the edge device. The edge device may also have an electronic or video display that can display the current price of the product or other useful information for the consumer. When the product is removed from the edge device, a source reader, such as an RFID reader built into the edge device, can indicate that the product has been removed from the edge device.

[0030] The repository 114 is configured to manage the digital identities and data submitted from the sources 112 of the serialized items 110. The repository 114 may be a cloud application and is further configured to receive other product or item specific data 116, such as direct brand data, product IDs, descriptions, product images, inventory checks, and price incentive thresholds. The repository may combine the product specific data 116 with the data submitted from the sources 112 and / or Integration The combined data may be used for a number of different purposes.

[0031] The repository 114 may then send a stock restocking notification 118 back to the source 112, for example, to indicate that a particular product needs to be restocked or to notify a stock administrator that a product is about to expire and should be removed from the point of sale. The repository 114 may also send the combined data to a target cloud application 122, which may be accomplished via a connector 120. The connector 120 may be a cloud application or intermediary software configured to manage data communication with the target cloud application 122.

[0032] Additionally, the target cloud application 122 may include a cloud seller center configured to display searchable inventory data for the serialized items 110 in a local area. For example, the target cloud application 122 may allow consumer searches 124 on a mobile or other electronic device for inventory data, product locations, promotions, prices, etc., so that consumers in a local area know what products are available and where they are physically located. The target cloud application 122 may also be configured to transmit inventory data regarding the serialized items 110 to the source 112 and adjust prices for the serialized items 110, as necessary.

[0033] The system 100 also provides the ability to run promotions on one or more serialized items 110. For example, when a serialized item 110 approaches an expiration date, the source 112 can share that information with the target cloud application 122 and then adjust a smart label on the smart shelf to lower the price of the serialized item 110. Additionally, holiday pricing or other special pricing can be achieved through the system 100 in an effective and efficient manner. For example, target cloud applications such as Google® have local inventory advertising (LIA) services that allow stores and businesses to submit data that improves the visibility of their stores and products by letting customers know what products are currently in stock and what their prices are. However, traditionally, such services have been hindered by the inability to get accurate and up-to-date data to the target cloud applications. The present system 100 solves this problem at scale.

[0034] 2 illustrates a system 200 for collecting, packaging, and distributing data from multiple collection points. The multiple collection points may include, but are not limited to, data from inventory scans 212 for serialized items 110, as described in the previous embodiment. The multiple collection points may further include data from distribution sources 214, points of sale 216, data centers 218, etc. The system 200 includes a connector hub 210 for collecting data from the multiple collection points. For example, the connector hub 210 collects the data and sends it to a local inventory feed 220 that can generate local inventory ads 222.

[0035] In a further embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 for collecting, packaging, and distributing data. The system 300 includes a target cloud application 320. The target cloud application 320 (similar to 122) is configured to receive, manipulate, and publish data about serialized items from a source, which may be accomplished via a connector 306. As previously described, serialized items are typically consumer products serialized with data carrier technology, such as, but not limited to, RFID tags, UPC tags, ERP tags, and the like. The serialized items will include a digital identity, such as an item-specific identity, an item expiration date, and the like. Table 1 includes exemplary data that may be transmitted from a source, but is not meant to be limiting.

[0036] Example of data distribution from edge devices [Table 1]

[0037] Returning to Figure 3, the RFID reader 304 is positioned to transmit updated inventory information from the point of sale data 302 to the connector 306. The target cloud application 320 is configured to receive the point of sale data 302 regarding the serialized items and combine it with additional item specific data, as described above. The combined data for serialized items in the local area can then be displayed in a searchable format 308 for consumer search 310. The target cloud application 320 can also transmit inventory or other combined data to the RFID reader 304 or a source that has an RFID reader embedded, such as an edge device or smart shelf.

[0038] In a further embodiment, Figures 4 and 5 show a system 400 for increasing data migration and accessibility. The system includes a designated cloud application 406 and a target cloud application 420. The designated cloud application 406 is configured to receive data about a serialized item 402 (110 as described in the previous embodiment) from a source 404. The serialized item 402 (110 as described in the previous embodiment) is typically a consumer product serialized with a data carrier technology such as, but not limited to, an RFID tag, a UPC tag, an ERP tag, etc. The serialized item 402 (110 as described in the previous embodiment) may include a digital identity such as an item-specific identity, an item expiration date, or other useful product data.

[0039] The source 404 is typically an edge device such as a smart shelf, smart cooler, etc. commonly found in a retail environment. Serialized items 402 (110 as described in the previous embodiment), such as RFID tagged products with unique identities, are placed on the edge device and monitored by the edge device. The edge device may also have an electronic or video display that can display the current price or other useful product data to the consumer. When the serialized item 402 (110 as described in the previous embodiment) is removed from the edge device, a source reader, such as an RFID reader built into the edge device, can indicate that the serialized item 402 (110 as described in the previous embodiment) has been removed from the edge device and can update the inventory data accordingly.

[0040] The designated cloud application 406 may be a repository and is configured to manage digital identities and data submitted from a source 404 of serialized items 402 (110 as described in the previous embodiment) or from multiple collection points (similar to the multiple collection points described above for system 200). The designated cloud application 406 is further configured to receive other product or item specific data such as brand data, product ID, description, product images, inventory checks, price incentive thresholds, etc. directly from a database 408. The product specific data is then combined by the designated cloud application 406 with the data submitted from the source 404. merge will be done.

[0041] Data is normal merge Then, the specified cloud application 406 mergeThe cloud connector 410 may be a cloud application or an active directory cloud connector configured to manage data communication between the designated cloud application 406 and the target cloud application 420. The target cloud application 420 may transmit the product specific data 116 and the data transmitted from the source 404 to the target cloud application 420, for example, via a cloud connector 410. ... Merged Configured to manipulate and expose data.

[0042] The target cloud application 420 may include a cloud seller center 412 configured to display searchable inventory data for serialized items 402 (110 described in the previous embodiment) in a local area. The target cloud application 420 may allow consumer searches 414 on mobile or other electronic devices for inventory data, product locations, promotions, prices, etc., so that consumers in the local area know what products are available and where they are physically located. The target cloud application 420 transmits inventory data and inventory updates for serialized items 402 (110 described in the previous embodiment) to a source 404, Merged It is further configured to adjust or manipulate prices, as necessary, based on the data.

[0043] 5, the cloud connector 410 receives data from a designated cloud application 406 into active cloud storage 430. The data then passes through cloud data flow 440 and finally out to a searchable seller center 412. The cloud connector 410 aggregates data so that consumers know what products are available, where they are located, and at what price. Merged Based on the data, local inventory advertising applications can be implemented to adjust or manipulate prices as needed.

[0044] 6-9 show examples of the aforementioned systems 100, 200 and 300 for various industries. The systems may include receiving, associating, determining, packaging, historian, and / or distributing functions. The data collection, packaging, and distribution system 600 includes a data exchange 610 configured to receive data from multiple collection points, including data from inventory scans 612 for serialized items 110 as described in the previous embodiment.

[0045] The multiple collection points may further include data from distribution sources 614, points of sale 616, and data center 618. The data exchange 610 collects the data and sends it to a first downstream target 620. The first downstream target 620 sends the data to a web marketing target 622 for access. The data exchange 610 may also send the data to a second downstream target 630, which in turn may send the data to a platform 632 for theoretical analysis.

[0046] In a retail example, the data collection, packaging, and delivery system 700 includes a data exchange 710 configured to receive data from multiple collection points, which may include data from a weekly inventory data source 712, a sales activity by minute data source 714, and a promotion data source 716. The data exchange 710 collects the data and transmits it to a first downstream target 720. As a result, the first downstream target 720 may transmit the data to a web marketing target 722 for access. The data exchange 710 may also transmit the data to a second downstream target 730, which may transmit the data to a platform 732 for theoretical analysis. Additionally, the data exchange 710 may transmit the data to a third downstream target 740, which may transmit the data to a platform 742 for reorder notifications.

[0047] In an industrial manufacturing example, the data collection, packaging, and distribution system 800 includes a data exchange 810 configured to receive data from multiple collection points. The multiple collection points may include data from a market analysis data source 812, a stocked materials data source 814, and a raw material availability data source 816. The data exchange 810 collects the data and transmits it to a first downstream target 820. The first downstream target 820 may transmit the data to a delivery quote target 822. The data exchange 810 may also transmit the data to a second downstream target 830, which may then transmit the data to a platform 832 for theoretical analysis. Additionally, the data exchange 810 may transmit the data to a third downstream target 840, which may then transmit the data to a platform 842 for, for example, design recommendations.

[0048] In the food industry example, the data collection, packaging and distribution system 900 includes a data exchange 910 configured to receive data from multiple collection points, which may include data from a food origin data source 912, a processing information data source 914, and a health and wellness data source 916. The data exchange 910 collects the data and transmits it to a first downstream target 920, which may in turn transmit the data to a consumer education target 922. The data exchange 910 may also transmit the data to a second downstream target 930, which in turn may transmit the data to an expiration notification platform 932. Additionally, the data exchange 910 may transmit the data to a third downstream target 940, which may transmit the data to, for example, a price incentive platform 942.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 10, the data collection system collects data, mergeIn one embodiment, the system 1000 includes multiple data sources 1010 and 1020 that transmit collected data to a designated cloud application 1030 for transmission to a final targeting center. The designated cloud application 1030 collects the data and converts it into additional data. merge and transmits the collected additional data to a target 1040 similar to the previous embodiment described above.

[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 for data collection. The method 1100 begins when an RFID encoded product is placed on a smart shelf in step 1110. RFID wireless data analysis is then performed by an RFID reader in step 1120 to collect data about the product. The collected data is sent to a repository in step 1130, which sends the data to a master data management site for inventory analysis in step 1140. The repository sends the data to a cloud connector in step 1150, which sends the data to a target cloud application in step 1160, which is searchable by consumers in step 1170. The smart shelf may also send price or other useful information about the product directly to the target cloud application. Tables 2-4 include examples of data that may be collected and sent in the previous embodiment.

[0051] Example data [Table 2]

[0052] Example data [Table 3]

[0053] Example data [Table 4] JPEG0007669395000005.jpg254170JPEG0007669395000006.jpg208169JPEG0007669395000007.jpg251169JPEG00076693950 00008.jpg253169JPEG0007669395000009.jpg250169JPEG0007669395000010.jpg254169JPEG0007669395000011.jpg221168

[0054] 12 illustrates a system 1200 for collecting, packaging, and distributing data from multiple collection points. The multiple collection points may include data from a distribution source 1242, inventory intelligence 1214, and a point of sale 1216. The system 1200 includes a connector hub 1212 for collecting data from the multiple collection points. The multiple collection points may further include data from an inventory scan 1220 for serialized items 110, as described in the previous embodiment. The inventory scan 1220 sends the collected data to a reader application 1224 and a database table 1222. Both the reader application 1224 and the database table 1222 then send the data to the connector hub 1212.

[0055] The distribution source 1242 collects data and sends it to a local inventory feed 1230 that can generate local inventory ads 1232. As shown in Figure 13, the local inventory ads 1232 are generated at a target cloud application's merchant center 1300 as described in the previous embodiment, as previously described. Furthermore, the multiple collection points can include any type of data collection applicable to the desired application.

[0056] The above description includes examples of the claimed subject matter. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Moreover, to the extent the term "include" is used in the detailed description or claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as "comprising" would be interpreted if employed as a transitional term in the claims.

Claims

1. A repository configured to receive data about serialized items having digital identities from a source and combine the received data with specific data for additional items, the source being an edge device having a source reader for reading the digital identities of the serialized items, the source being configured to monitor the serialized items based on the digital identities and, when the source reader indicates that the serialized items have been removed from the source, to send data about the removed items to the repository; a target application that receives the combined data from the repository, updates inventory data for the items based on the combined data, and publishes the inventory data in a format that enables consumer search of the inventory data for the items via an electronic device.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the target application is a cloud application.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the serialized items are RFID tagged items, or UPC tagged items, or ERP tagged items.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the digital identity comprises an item-specific identity or an item expiration date.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the repository is configured to manage digital identities of the serialized items.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the target application is configured to display retrieved inventory data for the serialized items in a local area on a display of the electronic device.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the target application is configured to send data about the serialized item to the source.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the target application is configured to manage pricing information for the serialized items and adjust the pricing information based on the inventory data.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the target application includes a cloud seller center API.

10. 1. A data collection, packaging and delivery system comprising: The system includes a target application that receives data about serialized items having digital identities from a source via a connector, which is a device or application that manages data communication, combines the received data with specific data of additional items, and manipulates and publishes the combined data; the source is an edge device having a source reader for reading digital identities of the serialized items, and configured to monitor the serialized items based on the digital identities, and when the source reader indicates that the serialized items have been removed from the source, to send data regarding the removed items to the connector; The target application updates inventory data for the item based on the combined data and publishes the inventory data in a format that enables retrieval of the inventory data for the item from an electronic device used by a consumer.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the target application is a cloud application.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the target application is configured to display on a display of the electronic device the inventory data retrieved for the serialized items in a local area.

13. The system of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the target application is configured to send data about the serialized item to the source.

14. a designated application that merges received data relating to a serialized item having a digital identity from a source with additional specific data of said serialized item; a target application for receiving, manipulating, and publishing the merged data from the designated application; the source is an edge device having a source reader for reading digital identities of the serialized items, and configured to monitor the serialized items based on the digital identities, and when the source reader indicates that the serialized items have been removed from the source, send data regarding the removed items to the designated application; The target application updates inventory data for the item based on the merged data, publishes the inventory data in a format that enables retrieval of inventory data for the item from an electronic device used by a consumer, or manipulates price information for the serialized item based on the merged data.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the designated application, the target application, or both are cloud applications.

16. 16. The system of claim 14 or 15, wherein the designated application is configured to receive data from a plurality of collection points.

17. The system of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the target application receives the merged data from the designated application via an active directory cloud connector.

18. The system of claim 16 , wherein the plurality of collection points includes data from inventory scans for serialized items.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of collection points further includes data from a distribution source, a point of sale, or a data center.

20. The system of claim 16 , wherein the system includes a connector hub for collecting data from the multiple collection points.

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