Adaptive RFID inventory system

Abstract

An adaptive inventory management system for use in a material handling facility that stores a plurality of items, each of the plurality of items associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The management system includes a global inventory database subsystem and an RFID interrogator subsystem comprising a plurality of RFID interrogators configured to read unique identifiers of RFID tags associated with each of the plurality of items that are within defined boundaries of at least one scanning zone generated by an individual RFID interrogator, and to communicate to the global inventory database subsystem a unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag identified within each scanning zone of the individual RFID interrogators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 149,016, filed on February 12, 2021, entitled "AN ADAPTIVE WAREHOUSE RFID INVENTORY SYSTEM", U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 219,613, filed on July 8, 2021, entitled "AN ADAPTIVE WAREHOUSE RFID INVENTORY SYSTEM", and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 248,219, filed on September 24, 2021, entitled "AN ADAPTIVE WAREHOUSE RFID INVENTORY SYSTEM", all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to systems, devices, and methods in the field of tracking items (e.g., objects, packages, sets of equipment), and more specifically, to various aspects involving systems, devices, and methods for improved asset identification and location services using an adaptive warehouse rack radio frequency identification inventory system.

Background Art

[0003] Supply chain management is used to manage the storage and movement of goods, including raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, from the point of origin to the point of purchase or consumption. The reasons for accurately accounting for the items within a warehouse include tracking shipments from suppliers, reducing inventory for just-in-time manufacturing operations, reducing inventory shrinkage due to damage and theft by rodents, managing liability to manufacturers, and verifying the sale and other transfers of items. With the increasing emphasis on the continued growth and efficiency of businesses such as retail and warehousing operations for both online commerce and physical storefronts, it is becoming increasingly important to account for and track the actual inventory at each business location in real time. The ability to identify items and locate their whereabouts is an important ability for businesses that use various forms of warehousing for product or parts inventory. Businesses typically invest in creating and maintaining a highly organized network to track their items, such as packages, objects, and the like, to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.

[0004] Conventionally, this identification and tracking functionality can be provided by various known mechanisms and systems. Machine-readable barcodes are one way for an organization to keep track of items. In one example, to keep track of inventory, an operator typically scans or otherwise captures an image of the barcode on each item such that the back-end portion of the operator's actions can keep track of what comes into and goes out of the warehouse. Additionally, when an item is removed from the premises, the barcode for that item is scanned or captured to track inventory levels. Barcodes, however, have the disadvantage that personnel must manually scan each barcode on each item in order to effectively track the items.

[0005] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are another known mechanism for tracking items. In contrast to barcodes, RFID tags typically do not require manual scanning. An RFID system typically includes an RFID reader and an RFID device such as a tag or label. The RFID reader transmits a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal to the RFID device. During operation, the RFID device can respond to the RF carrier signal (or interrogator signal) with a data response signal (or authentication reply signal) encoded with information stored on the RFID device. Conventionally, the RFID device can store information such as a unique identifier or an Electronic Product Code (EPC) associated with an article or item.

[0006] To address these requirements, a system is needed that can monitor data regarding an object and efficiently extend the visibility of such an object. Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved system that can provide a more extensive and robust identification and tracking of items within a warehouse environment and do so in a cost-effective manner. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0007] To improve state-of-the-art technology, what is disclosed herein is a warehouse inventory management system and method of using the same that utilize novel functionality. The system includes a global inventory database subsystem for cataloging a plurality of inventory items, each of the items being identified by at least a unique identification code such as an Electronic Product Code (EPC), and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) interrogator subsystem that operates to read RFID tags associated with each of the plurality of inventory items, each RFID tag being programmed with at least a unique identification code for its associated item. The disclosed system and method provide functionality for inventory operations that utilize improved single-item identification / location determination, verification of shipment and receipt of multiple inventory items, and multiple RFID interrogators mountable on a warehouse rack assembly. The warehouse inventory management system can also include a motion detection subsystem for detecting and identifying any inventory item moving from a first physical zone to a second physical zone. The disclosed system and method for simulating the operation of the warehouse inventory management system can be used to design and optimize the system.

[0008] Generally, the disclosed method for maintaining inventory data within a warehouse inventory management system includes the function of using an RFID interrogator subsystem to read RFID tags associated with inventory items. In such an exemplary system, the RFID interrogator subsystem receives at least one unique identification code for an item from a global inventory database subsystem, scans the RFID tags of the items contained in a physical location, and can be configured to report to the global inventory database subsystem whether an item associated with the at least one unique identification code exists within the warehouse and the physical location of the item. The RFID interrogator subsystem can further receive a shipping notice (SN) from the global inventory database subsystem (the SN identifies a plurality of new inventory items to be received at the warehouse) and is operable to scan the RFID tags of all items contained within the shipment (thereby enabling verification of the receipt of all expected items identified within the SN).

[0009] The RFID interrogator subsystem can be configured to selectively confirm when all items within the warehouse have been scanned and can be configured to send a report to the global inventory database subsystem that identifies at least one of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of items at a physical location. The physical location can be, for example, the location of an item on a rack of a warehouse rack assembly. Thus, it is contemplated that the report can cause the global inventory database subsystem to update the physical location of those of the plurality of items scanned by the RF interrogator subsystem. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the global inventory database subsystem can maintain at least one attribute for each of the plurality of inventory items.

[0010] The RFID interrogation subsystem can include a plurality of fixed RFID interrogators mounted on a portion of an individual rack located within a warehouse. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, it is contemplated that the warehouse will include a plurality of racks positioned in an array throughout the warehouse floor space. The location of each of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators for each rack has a known geographical spatial relationship stored within the global inventory database subsystem. Thus, the global inventory database subsystem knows the relative position of each of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators for each rack, and thus also knows the relative position of each of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators for all racks located within the warehouse. Optionally, the plurality of RFID interrogators forming the RFID interrogation subsystem can include at least one handheld RFID interrogator, each operating to share data associated with an item being scanned with the global inventory database subsystem.

[0011] Optionally, a plurality of RFID tags can be positioned on each individual rack within the warehouse. The rack-mounted RFID tags are not associated with inventory items, but rather are positioned on each of the individual racks within a known location array stored within the global inventory database subsystem. It is contemplated that the combination of the known location of each individual fixed RFID interrogator on each rack and the known location of each individual rack-mounted RFID tag on each rack will assist in physically fixing the geographical spatial location of inventory items within the warehouse environment.

[0012] Optionally, a plurality of RFID interrogators can be configured to share data associated with the items being scanned, and the data is contemplated to include at least a unique identification code for each item being scanned. As an example, the data associated with the items being scanned can include the date and time of the scan event so that a warehouse inventory management system can synchronize the data associated with each inventory item received from different RFID interrogators. In some embodiments, the data is shared in real time between RFID interrogators, and the data can be shared between RFID interrogators directly via a wireless connection or indirectly via a global inventory database subsystem.

[0013] The warehouse inventory management system can further include a motion detection subsystem such as, for example, an infrared sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a video camera sensor. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the motion detection subsystem can be mounted within at least one of the fixed RFID interrogators mounted on the racks within the warehouse. In operation, the motion detection subsystem detects movement within the area between a first physical zone and a second physical zone, and in response to the detection of movement, enables the RFID interrogator subsystem to identify any inventory item moving from the first physical zone to the second physical zone and is configured to report the identification of each identified inventory item to the global inventory database subsystem, whereby the global inventory database system can update the physical location of each item from the first physical zone to the second physical zone.

[0014] Optionally, a fixed RFID interrogator positioned within a warehouse rack may be considered to be positioned such that its associated read zone, e.g., a first fixed RFID interrogator within a first rack and a second fixed RFID interrogator within a second adjacent rack, do not overlap. In this operational scenario, when a first fixed RFID interrogator reads an RFID tag of an item before a second fixed RFID interrogator, the movement of the item from a first physical zone proximate to the first fixed RFID interrogator to a second physical zone proximate to the second fixed RFID interrogator is shown, and when a second fixed RFID interrogator reads an RFID tag of an item before a first fixed RFID interrogator, the movement of the item from the second physical zone to the first physical zone is shown.

[0015] Optionally, as detailed herein, an adaptive inventory management system for use in a material handling facility can include a plurality of storage locations, a global inventory management system, and an RFID interrogator subsystem. In this aspect, a plurality of storage locations, such as the exemplary racks, can be configured to receive one or more than one of a plurality of items, each of the plurality of items being associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In this aspect, each RFID tag may be considered to store a unique identifier as described herein.

[0016] On this side, the global inventory database subsystem has a processing system having at least one memory of the processing system configured to store program instructions. The RFID interrogator subsystem includes a plurality of RFID interrogators, and it is contemplated that at least one of the RFID interrogators can be mounted within a fixed geographical space location within the material handling facility. Further, each RFID interrogator is configured to read the unique identifier of an RFID tag associated with each of a plurality of items that are within the defined boundaries of at least one scanning zone generated by the individual RFID interrogator, and subsequently communicate the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag identified within each scanning zone of the individual RFID interrogator to the processing system.

[0017] Accordingly, in operation, at least one memory of the processing system can be configured to store program instructions that, when executed, selectively configure the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator to provide the user's desired level of fidelity and / or resolution with respect to the generated unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag within the defined space of the material handling facility.

[0018] In an optional aspect, the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator can be configured such that the boundaries of the individual RFID interrogators do not overlap, or alternatively, or in combination, the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator are user-configurable such that at least a portion of the defined boundaries of the individual RFID interrogators overlap with at least an adjacent or otherwise selected RFID interrogator to define at least one overlapping scanning zone. In this aspect, each overlapping scanning zone and the associated RFID identifier data therefrom are created from the RFID identifier data received from each scan of the individual scanning zones of the individual selected RFID interrogators, and the RFID identifier data of each scanned RFID tag identified within the overlapping scanning zone is communicated to the processing system.

[0019] Furthermore, during operation, the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator can be selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options to include at least one of changing the number of RFID interrogators, changing the number of scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, changing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, changing the use of signal strength or phase shift modalities within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, changing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, creating a plurality of discrete scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or changing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and creating a plurality of overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators, so as to provide the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the user.

[0020] Thus, as described herein, the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the user can be selectively increased through the use of one or more configurable program options including increasing the number of RFID interrogators, increasing the number of scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of signal strength or phase shifting modalities within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, increasing the number of created discrete scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and increasing the number of overlapping scanning zones created from each of the RFID interrogators.

[0021] These and still other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and embodiments will be discussed in detail below. Further, both the foregoing information and the following detailed description are merely illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed aspects and embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that these and other objects will become apparent through reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in conjunction with the advantages and features of the invention disclosed herein. Further, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations. The present invention provides, for example, the following items. (Item 1) An adaptive inventory management system for use in a material handling facility, A plurality of items, each of the plurality of items being associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, each RFID tag storing a unique identifier, and the plurality of items; A global inventory database subsystem having a processing system, at least one memory of the processing system being configured to store program instructions, and the global inventory database subsystem; An RFID interrogator subsystem comprising a plurality of RFID interrogators mounted within individual fixed geographical spatial locations within the material handling facility, the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators including a direct wireless connection between individual RFID interrogators for sharing certain data, each of the RFID interrogators reading the unique identifier of the RFID tag associated with each of the plurality of items within the defined boundary of at least one scanning zone generated by the individual RFID interrogator, and being configured to communicate the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag identified within each scanning zone of the individual RFID interrogator to the processing system, and the RFID interrogator subsystem; Comprising At least one memory of the processing system is configured to store program instructions, and the program instructions, when executed, selectively configure the defined boundary of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution with respect to the generated unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag within the defined space of the material handling facility. An adaptive inventory management system. (Item 2) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1, wherein the defined boundary of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator is configured such that the boundaries of the individual RFID interrogators do not overlap. (Item 3) The defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator are user-configurable such that at least a portion of the defined boundaries of the individual RFID interrogators overlap with at least an adjacent or otherwise selected RFID interrogator, defining at least one overlapping scanning zone, and each overlapping scanning zone and the associated RFID identifier data therefrom are created from the RFID identifier data received from each scan of the individual scanning zones of the individual selected RFID interrogators, and the RFID identifier data of each scanned RFID tag identified within the overlapping scanning zone is communicated to the processing system, the adaptive inventory management system of item 1. (Item 4) The scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options including changing the number of RFID interrogators, changing the number of scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling equipment, changing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling equipment, changing the use of signal strength or phase shift modalities within the individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling equipment, changing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, creating a plurality of spaced-apart scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling equipment, or changing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling equipment to create a plurality of overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators, to provide a desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the user, the adaptive inventory management system of item 1. (Item 5) The desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the user can be selectively increased through the use of one or more configurable program options including at least one of increasing the number of the RFID interrogators, increasing the number of the scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, increasing the number of created multiple spaced scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and increasing the number of multiple overlapping scanning zones created from each of the RFID interrogators, the adaptive inventory management system according to item 4. (Item 6) The desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the user can be selectively decreased through the use of one or more configurable program options including at least one of decreasing the number of the RFID interrogators, decreasing the number of the scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, decreasing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, decreasing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, decreasing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, decreasing the number of created multiple spaced scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or decreasing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and decreasing the number of multiple overlapping scanning zones created from each of the RFID interrogators, the adaptive inventory management system according to item 4. (Item 7) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1, further comprising a plurality of storage locations configured to receive one or more than one of the plurality of items, wherein the geographical spatial location of each of the plurality of storage locations is stored in at least one memory of the processing system. (Item 8) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1, wherein the RFID interrogator subsystem further comprises at least one mobile RFID interrogator configured to be operated by a mobile agent of the material handling facility. (Item 9) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1, wherein each RFID interrogator has an interface to the global inventory database subsystem, and the interface can be configured to be wired, wireless, or at least partially wireless. (Item 10) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1, wherein the RFID interrogator subsystem further comprises at least one hub configured to act as a network node, and the network node is configured to relay information from each RFID interrogator to and from the global inventory database subsystem. (Item 11) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1, wherein each of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators is spaced apart from each other, and the geographical spatial location of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators is stored in at least one memory of the processing system. (Item 12) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1, further comprising a plurality of storage locations configured to receive one or more than one of the plurality of items, wherein each of the plurality of storage locations is associated with an RFID tag, each RFID tag related to a storage location stores a unique geographical spatial location identifier, and the geographical spatial location identifier of each of the plurality of storage locations is stored in at least one memory of the processing system, whereby the combination of the known positions of the individual fixed plurality of RFID interrogators and the known geographical spatial positions of the individual storage location-mounted RFID tags aids in increasing the fidelity of the geographical spatial location of inventory items within the material handling facility. (Item 13) The unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag comprises at least one of a unique identification code for each item being scanned or geographical location identifier data associated with each scanned item, and includes the date and time of the scanning event, whereby the warehouse inventory management system can synchronize data associated with each inventory item received from different RFID interrogators. The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1. (Item 14) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1, further comprising a motion detection subsystem configured to detect movement within a defined area between a first physical zone and a second physical zone, whereby, in response to the detection of movement, the processing system identifies inventory items moving from the first physical zone to the second physical zone to the RFID interrogator subsystem and subsequently instructs the global inventory database subsystem to report, and the identification of each item identified as having moved enables the global inventory database subsystem to update the physical location of each item transitioning from the first physical zone to the second physical zone. (Item 15) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 14, wherein the global inventory database subsystem is configured to activate or prevent scanning in response to a need and / or an event triggered by the motion detection subsystem. (Item 16) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 1, wherein the global inventory database subsystem is configured to activate or prevent scanning based on a repeatedly or otherwise identified timeline or schedule. (Item 17) An adaptive inventory management system, a plurality of items positioned within a defined space, each of the plurality of items being associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, each RFID tag storing a unique identifier, and the plurality of items, a global inventory database subsystem having a processing system, at least one memory of the processing system being configured to store program instructions, and the global inventory database subsystem An RFID interrogator subsystem comprising a plurality of RFID interrogators mounted within individual fixed geographical spatial locations within the defined space, wherein the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators include a direct wireless connection between individual RFID interrogators for the sharing of certain data, and each of the RFID interrogators reads a unique identifier of the RFID tag associated with each of the plurality of items within the defined boundary of at least one scanning zone generated by the individual RFID interrogator, and is configured to communicate the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag identified within each scanning zone of the individual RFID interrogator to the processing system. comprising At least one memory of the processing system is configured to store program instructions which, when executed, selectively configure the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution with respect to the generated unique identifiers of each scanned RFID tag within the defined space, and the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution. An adaptive inventory management system. (Item 18) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 17, wherein the RFID interrogator subsystem further comprises at least one mobile RFID interrogator configured to be operated by a mobile agent. (Item 19) The adaptive inventory management system according to item 17, wherein each of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators is spaced apart from each other, and the geographical spatial locations of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators are stored in at least one memory of the processing system. (Item 20) The adaptable inventory management system according to item 17, further comprising a motion detection subsystem configured to detect movement within a defined area between a first physical zone and a second physical zone, whereby, in response to detection of movement, the processing system causes the RFID interrogator subsystem to identify inventory items moving from the first physical zone to the second physical zone and subsequently instructs the global inventory database subsystem to report the identification of each item identified as having moved, such that the identification of each item that has moved enables the global inventory database subsystem to update the physical location of each item transitioning from the first physical zone to the second physical zone. (Item 21) The adaptable inventory management system according to item 17, wherein the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options including changing the number of RFID interrogators and changing the number of scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution. (Item 22) The adaptable inventory management system according to item 17, wherein the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options including changing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution. (Item 23) The adaptable inventory management system according to item 17, wherein the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options including changing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution. (Item 24) The scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options to change the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator and create a plurality of spaced-apart scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space, so as to provide the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the user, the adaptive inventory management system according to item 17. (Item 25) The scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options to change the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogator and create a plurality of overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators, so as to provide the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the user, the adaptive inventory management system according to item 17. (Item 26) The scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator include at least one of changing the number of the RFID interrogators, changing the number of the scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space, changing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space, changing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space, changing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator and creating a plurality of spaced-apart scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space, or changing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space and creating a plurality of overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators, via the use of one or more configurable program options to selectively configure to provide the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the user, the adaptive inventory management system according to item 17. (Item 27) The unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag comprises at least one of a unique identification code for each item being scanned or geographical spatial location identifier data associated with each scanned item, and includes the date and time of the scan event, whereby the warehouse inventory management system can synchronize data associated with each inventory item received from different RFID interrogators, the adaptive inventory management system according to item 17. (Item 28) The defined space is within a material handling facility, the adaptive inventory management system according to item 17.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure, incorporated herein, and constituting a part thereof, the accompanying drawings, together with the detailed description, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the embodiments discussed herein. An attempt is not made to show more detail than may be necessary for a basic understanding of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein and the various ways in which they may be practiced. In accordance with common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to exact scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

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[0049] Detailed Description The present invention may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, as well as the preceding and following descriptions. However, before the present devices, systems, and / or methods are disclosed and described, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and / or methods disclosed, unless otherwise specified, and as such may, of course, vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0050] The following description of the present invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the present invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to various aspects of the present invention described herein while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Thus, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible, and may even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the present invention. Accordingly, the following description is provided as an illustration of the principles of the present invention, not as a limitation thereof.

[0051] As used throughout, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a fixed RFID interrogator" can include two or more such fixed RFID interrogators unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0052] Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value and / or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it is to be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. Further, it is to be understood that each of the end points of a range is significant both in relation to the other end point and independently of the other end point.

[0053] As used herein, the term "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequent described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0054] As used herein, the word "or" means any one of the particular list and also includes any combination of the components of that list. Further, in particular, conditional language such as "can," "could," "might," or "may" generally conveys that one aspect includes a certain feature, element, and / or step while another aspect does not, unless specifically stated otherwise or understood within the context in which it is otherwise used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that a feature, element, and / or step is required in any way for one or more particular aspects, or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included in or are to be implemented within any particular embodiment, regardless of the presence or absence of user input or prompting.

[0055] The phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description and should not be considered limiting. As used herein, the term "plurality" refers to two or more items or components. The terms "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," and "with," whether within the written description or claims and equivalents, are open-ended terms, i.e., mean "including, but not limited to," and the use of such terms is therefore meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents thereof, and additional items. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, for any claim. The use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like in the claims to modify claim elements does not, by itself, imply any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element relative to another or the chronological order in which the method acts are performed therein, but is used merely as a label to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having the same name (except for the use of ordinal terms) and to distinguish the claim elements.

[0056] Disclosed are components that can be used to implement the disclosed methods and systems. While these and other components are disclosed herein, it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed, specific reference to each of these various individual and collective combinations and permutations may not be expressly disclosed, but each is specifically contemplated and described herein for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application, including, but not limited to, steps in the disclosed methods. Thus, if there are various additional steps that may be implemented, it is understood that each of these additional steps may be implemented with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0057] The present method and system may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the examples and figures included therein and the preceding and subsequent description.

[0058] With respect to the adaptive inventory management system described herein, two definitions are established for the individual terms "fidelity" and "resolution." Fidelity, as defined herein, refers to the individual and selective granularity with respect to the number and / or identification of RFID tags detected within a particular scan zone or a particular defined space. Within a warehouse inventory management system, "fidelity" answers the basic question of "RFID-tagged items present within the scanned area," more specifically, "the number of items and specific items (according to their associated RFID tags) within the scan zone or a defined space." Resolution, as defined herein, refers to the individual and selective geo-spatial locations of RFID tags detected within a particular scan zone or a particular defined space. Within a warehouse inventory management system, "resolution" answers the basic question of "the location of RFID-tagged items physically located within the scanned area," more specifically, "the zone or defined space (according to their associated RFID tags) in which specific items are physically located."

[0059] Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems utilize RFID reader / writer devices, also known as RFID interrogators, and RFID tags. Such systems can be used to locate and identify items to which the tags are attached, and they are particularly useful in product-related industries for tracking inventory items through manufacturing, distribution, and sale. RFID tags can be affixed to individual products, their packaging, or containers for multiple products or packages.

[0060] RFID tags typically include an antenna section, a wireless section, a power management section, and, at high frequencies, a non-volatile memory. Some RFID tags include an energy storage device such as a battery. RFID tags used within warehouse facilities are conventionally configured and thus will typically be passive tags that are powered only by the RF signals they receive and will not include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery).

[0061] Conventional RFID inventory management techniques utilize an RFID interrogator to inventory one or more items having RFID tags, and the inventory management involves at least singling out the tags and receiving unique identifiers from the tags. As used herein, "singling out" is defined as the RFID interrogator potentially selecting one tag out of a plurality of tags, and "identifier" is defined as a number that identifies the tag or an item to which the tag is attached, such as a tag identifier (TID) or an electronic product code (EPC). Conventionally, an RFID interrogator can transmit a modulated RF command, receive a tag reply, and, optionally, transmit an RF acknowledgment signal in response to the tag reply. Tags that sense the interrogation RF wave respond by sending back another RF wave, and the tag either generates the transmitted RF wave or reflects a portion of the interrogation RF wave in a process known as backscattering. The reflected RF wave can encode data stored within the tag such as an EPC. For example, the response can be decoded by the RFID interrogator and thereby the associated item can be identified, counted, or otherwise interacted with. In one aspect, the decoded data can indicate the geographical spatial location of the item to which the RFID tag is attached or other desired attributes or status. The systems and methods described hereinafter utilize such data to improve the operation and use of a warehouse inventory management system.

[0062] In various embodiments, a warehouse inventory management system for a warehouse has a plurality of racks positioned in an array on the floor of the warehouse. The warehouse inventory management system has a global inventory database subsystem for cataloging a plurality of inventory items (each item being identified by at least a unique identification code and a physical location within the warehouse), and a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator subsystem operative to read RFID tags associated with each of the plurality of inventory items. The RFID interrogator system includes a plurality of fixed RFID interrogators mounted on a portion of each rack within the warehouse, configured to communicate at least location and identification data to the global inventory database subsystem for determination of the geographic spatial location of inventory items within the warehouse.

[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 1 - 3, an exemplary warehouse inventory management system is shown that includes an RFID interrogator subsystem 10 and a global inventory database subsystem 20 for use in a warehouse. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the global inventory database subsystem 20 (alternatively referred to herein as the "server") can be local or remote, and the remote location can be dedicated or cloud-based.

[0064] The RFID interrogation subsystem 10 can include a plurality of fixed RFID interrogators 12. Each fixed RFID interrogator has an interface to the global inventory database subsystem 20, and the interface for the fixed RFID interrogator can be configured to be wired, wireless, or at least partially wireless (e.g., to a local router, a Wi-Fi router). As will be more fully described hereinafter, it is also contemplated that the RFID interrogator can also include a direct wireless connection for sharing certain data. Such a connection can be, for example, a Bluetooth® wireless connection. In operation, the RFID interrogator is configured to selectively interact with RFID tags contained on items (note that it is contemplated that RFID tags can be associated with individual items, on boxes of items, and the like). Optionally, individual items or boxes of items having RFID tags can also be within a container having its own individual RFID tag. Optionally, the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators can include at least one handheld RFID interrogator, each operating to share data associated with the item being scanned with the global inventory database subsystem.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, the global inventory database subsystem 20 can include a processing system having at least one processor 22 and at least one memory 23 coupled to a non-volatile memory containing a database 24 for cataloging information related to a plurality of inventory items, the memory containing instructions which, when executed by the processor, operate to implement essential, recommended, and / or optional functions in various embodiments of the global inventory database subsystem described herein.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 and 8-12, the exemplary RFID interrogator subsystem 10 may include multiple fixed RFID interrogators 12 mounted on some of the individual racks 40 located within the warehouse. The exemplary racks 40 include the conventional H-racks shown, but are not intended to be limited to such H-racks. Rather, any conventional geographically fixed location racks 40 may be utilized within the present warehouse inventory management system. As one skilled in the art would understand and as shown in FIG. 3, it is contemplated that the warehouse will include multiple racks positioned in an array throughout the warehouse floor space. The respective geographical locations of the multiple fixed RFID interrogators 12 relative to each rack have known geographical relationships that are stored within the global inventory database subsystem 20. Thus, the global inventory database subsystem knows the relative position of each of the multiple fixed RFID interrogators 12 with respect to each individual rack 40, and therefore also knows the relative position of each of the multiple fixed RFID interrogators 12 with respect to all racks 40 located within the warehouse. The exemplary RFID interrogator subsystem 10 may further include at least one hub configured to act as a network node, which is configured to relay information from each individual fixed RFID interrogator device 12 to and from the global inventory database subsystem 20. In one exemplary aspect, the fixed RFID interrogator devices 12 may communicate wirelessly with the hub, which may then communicate to the global inventory database subsystem 20 by either Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular, or the like.

[0067] Each fixed RFID interrogator device 12 of the RFID interrogator subsystem 10 (e.g., the RFID interrogator device shown in FIG. 13) may individually include a processing system having at least one processor 14 and at least one memory 16, a baseband circuit 17 with a transmitter TX and a receiver RX, and an RF circuit 15 with a circulator coupled to an antenna 18 for interacting with RFID tags attached to items, boxes, or containers. Optionally, the antenna 18 can be replaceable or interchangeable and configured to enable an operator-selectable scanning zone for an individual fixed RFID interrogator device 12. Further, the memory 16 can contain instructions that, when executed by the processor 14, are contemplated to operate to perform the essential and optional functions of the RFID interrogator 12 described herein.

[0068] Optionally, each fixed RFID interrogator device 12 can further be configured to include a network of circuits or components, such as a phase shifter, that changes the inductance of the antenna 18 and thereby varies the phase of the electromagnetic field emitted by the antenna 18 with respect to its length. Since the strength of the RFID signal emitted by an RFID tag in the presence of an electromagnetic field typically depends on the strength of the electromagnetic field, varying the phase of the electromagnetic field by, for example, up to 90 degrees (90°) or 180 degrees (180°) in either direction with respect to the length of the antenna 18 at predetermined intervals, at various time intervals, increases the likelihood that a sufficiently strong RFID signal will be transmitted by the RFID tags carried by each of the items positioned on individual racks within a warehouse within a predetermined range of the antenna 18, regardless of the location of the RFID tag.

[0069] For example, with respect to the length of antenna 18, reciprocally shifting the phase of the rectified standing wave of the electromagnetic field moves the peak amplitude points and minimum amplitude points (e.g., peaks and valleys) of the rectified standing wave along the length of antenna 18, such that the point where the intensity of the electromagnetic field is at a minimum value, e.g., the minimum amplitude point of the rectified standing wave, never remains at the same location on the rack for an extended duration, and all RFID tags positioned on individual racks within a predetermined range of antenna 18 are subjected to a sufficiently strong electromagnetic field, thereby ensuring that they emit RFID signals. Thus, if the intensity of the RFID signal transmitted to antenna 18 by an RFID tag remains above a threshold or limit for a predetermined period, the item carrying the RFID tag can be determined to be located on a rack provided within the predetermined range of antenna 18. Varying the phase of the electromagnetic field can also enable a user-selectable level of fidelity and / or resolution for an item carrying an RFID tag on a support bar or arm to be determined or predicted based on the intensity of the RFID signal received from the RFID tag.

[0070] Optionally, each fixed RFID interrogator device 12 can further be configured to change the relative scanned angular orientation or azimuth angle of antenna 18, thereby causing the electromagnetic field emitted by antenna 18 to propagate along the changed azimuth axis of the antenna, and can be configured to include a network or component, e.g., an antenna azimuth shifter. Varying the azimuth angle of the electromagnetic field can also enable a user-selectable level of fidelity and / or resolution for an item carrying an RFID tag on a support bar or arm to be determined or predicted based on the RFID signal received from the RFID tag using iterative azimuth angle readings received from a single RFID interrogator.

[0071] In various aspects, each fixed RFID interrogator device 12 of the RFID interrogator subsystem 10 can further include a frame configured to support the antenna 18 and associated processing system. Such a frame can be housed within a durable plastic housing 19 for protection and RF transparency. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 , each fixed RFID interrogator can further include a rail system 50 coupled to the frame and configured to selectively couple to, for example, deerdrop-shaped openings present in opposing vertical risers of a conventional industrial rack system. As one skilled in the art would understand, it is contemplated that the rail system can be secured to conventional racks via mechanical connections that will accommodate various brands of racks and their openings. Furthermore, arms of different lengths or adjustable arms for racks or systems of different depths can be mounted on one vertical riser of a conventional industrial rack system, as shown in FIGS. 8-12 .

[0072] In an optional aspect not shown herein, the fixed RFID interrogator device 12 can be mounted to the underside of the wire deck of a conventional rack system, allowing for an "up" or "down" orientation of the interrogator antenna 18. For example, in this aspect, the fixed RFID interrogator device 12 can be mounted to the underside of the wire deck in a spaced apart space defined between the crossbeams of the rack such that the mounted fixed RFID interrogator device 12 will be out of the way of stored inventory.

[0073] Each fixed RFID interrogator device 12 can be configured to operate from battery power or optional standard main power, which allows for the possibility of system use in remote locations where standard power is not available. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, battery-operated RFID interrogator devices eliminate power drops, and the contemplated use of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and cellular technologies eliminates cable routing, which allows for simple installation and reconfiguration of the present system. In one optional aspect shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of fixed RFID interrogators mounted on one vertical riser of a conventional industrial rack can be electrically coupled in a daisy-chain fashion to enable serial communication of power to the mounted fixed RFID interrogators. As a further illustrated example, a plurality of electrically coupled fixed RFID interrogators can be further configured to be electrically coupled to a source of main and / or battery power.

[0074] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the warehouse inventory management system may further include a plurality of RFID tags positioned on each individual rack within the warehouse. The rack-mounted RFID tags are not intended to be associated with individual inventory items, but rather are positioned on each of the individual racks within an array of known locations stored within the global inventory database subsystem. The combination of the known location of each individual fixed RFID interrogator on each rack and the known location of each individual rack-mounted RFID tag on each rack is contemplated to assist in spatially fixing and / or increasing the fidelity of the geographical location of inventory items within the warehouse environment.

[0075] In a warehouse (also referred to as a "distribution center"), the inventory management system must perform many functions, including receipt, receiving inspection, sorting processing, pack inspection, and shipping verification. In response to the receipt of a shipment, the RFID interrogator can read the RFID tags on each container or the RFID tags of each item within the container, can be checked against a pre-shipment notice ("SN"), and differences between the received content and the SN can be reported to the inventory management system.

[0076] As described above, the global inventory database subsystem 20 catalogs all inventory items in the warehouse, generates an SN, and can identify one or more items, respectively, by a unique identification code. The RFID interrogator subsystem 10 is then used to scan the RFID tags of the items contained within the warehouse or a desired selected portion of the warehouse. Following the scanning of the items, a report is sent to the global inventory database system, identifying the identified / counted items and the physical location of the individual items within the warehouse.

[0077] In various aspects, a fixed RFID interrogator can share data associated with the item being scanned, either directly or indirectly. A direct wireless connection can be, for example, a Bluetooth® wireless connection. Alternatively, or in addition, each fixed RFID interrogator can share data indirectly through a global inventory database subsystem 20 by means of an immediate report of each scanned item, which can then be pushed to or pulled by another fixed RFID interrogator. The shared data includes at least a unique identification code for each item being scanned and geographical spatial location data associated with each scanned item, including the date and time of the scan event, whereby the warehouse inventory management system can synchronize the data associated with each inventory item received from different fixed RFID interrogators. For example, the global inventory database subsystem 20 should maintain at least the most recent location, along with the date and time, and in some embodiments, maintaining a record of the data from all scan events can be useful for determining the basis for inventory management or discrepancies. Those skilled in the art will understand that maintaining a time-based record of the items being scanned can be used to create a history of the movement of items through the warehouse. This time-based record can be used to address inventory bottlenecks, identify inventory that is prone to deterioration or spoilage, alert the operator to items that have been pilfered by rodents, and perform equivalents.

[0078] The warehouse inventory management system 10 may further include a motion detection subsystem, such as an infrared sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a video camera sensor, that communicates with the global inventory database subsystem 20. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the motion detection subsystem may be mounted within at least one of the fixed RFID interrogators mounted on the racks within the warehouse. Optionally, the motion detection subsystem may be mounted within the warehouse space, for example, proximate to the door entrance and the like, as desired. In operation, the motion detection subsystem detects movement within the area between a first physical zone and a second physical zone, and in response to the detection of movement, enables the RFID interrogator subsystem to identify inventory items moving from the first physical zone to the second physical zone, and is configured to report the identification of each identified inventory item to the global inventory database subsystem, whereby the global inventory database system can update the physical location of each item from the first physical zone to the second physical zone. As used herein, "enabled" or "enabling" means either activating the RFID interrogator subsystem (generally, if it is deactivated) or enabling the RFID tags to be interrogated (generally, if it is activated). Once activated or otherwise enabled to interrogate the RFID tags, the RFID interrogator subsystem identifies inventory items moving from the first physical zone to the second physical zone, and the identification of such items is then reported to the global inventory database subsystem, which can then update the location of each inventory item moved between the physical zones.

[0079] As described, the global inventory database subsystem 20 can be configured to activate or prevent a scan in response to an event triggered by a need and / or motion detection subsystem. In various embodiments, by way of non-limitation, motion detected at a back door proximate to a motion detection sensor can trigger a scan for theft, or general movement within the warehouse sensed by the motion detection subsystem can suggest that items are being moved.

[0080] Also contemplated is that the global inventory database subsystem 20 can be configured to use a timer to trigger a scan, push a command from a user, or perform other such combinations.

[0081] Optionally, the fixed RFID interrogators 12 positioned within the warehouse racks can be positioned such that their associated read zones do not overlap; for example, the read zone of a first fixed RFID interrogator within a first rack does not overlap with the read zone of a second fixed RFID interrogator within a second adjacent rack. In this operational scenario, when a first fixed RFID interrogator reads an RFID tag of an item before a second fixed RFID interrogator, movement of the item from a first physical zone proximate to the first fixed RFID interrogator to a second physical zone proximate to the second fixed RFID interrogator is indicated, and when a second fixed RFID interrogator reads an RFID tag of an item before a first fixed RFID interrogator, movement from the second physical zone to the first physical zone is indicated.

[0082] Furthermore, optionally, the fixed RFID interrogator 12 positioned within the warehouse rack can be positioned such that its associated reading zones are intentionally overlapping, e.g., multiple fixed RFID interrogators can be positioned such that they have overlapping reading zones. In this embodiment, if an item is detected within all three of the overlapping reading zones, the item should be within a very precise geographical space area. However, if an item is detected within only two of the three overlapping reading zones, the item should be within a different, but specific geographical space area, and if an item is detected within only one of the three overlapping reading zones, the item should be within yet another different, but specific geographical space area.

[0083] The exemplary warehouse inventory management system can be configured to handle multiple types of businesses. As those skilled in the art will understand, all businesses have slightly different requirements and expectations, and the warehouse inventory management system is configured to be adaptable to address those as the individual business requirements and expectations change over time.

[0084] An exemplary methodology for configuring the warehouse inventory management system to meet the user's requirements can include an initial step of completing a site assessment. In this phase, the user can identify the expected results of the warehouse inventory management system and consider at least one of business, technology, IT, facility, and HR factors. This site assessment step can involve the development of a customer deployment plan that can identify critical factors, describe deployment requirements, and / or provide a bill of materials for ordering hardware.

[0085] In the site assessment step, it is desirable to identify details of the items that the business desires to be tagged and tracked. In one non-limiting embodiment, understanding at least one of the quantity, density, transition speed, physical composition, and environmental context of the intended items to be tracked can help determine the appropriate RDID tags to attach to the items.

[0086] Furthermore, in the site survey step, it is desirable to identify the intended monitored space. Identifying the intended monitored space enables the determination of the physical and radio frequency (RF) characteristics of the space to be monitored, along with at least one user-defined zone within each space (including determining potential RF interference so that the background noise level, which can interfere with RF technology scanning, can be identified). In this aspect, a zone is a location where a warehouse inventory management system would report the location of an item. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the number and size of the various zones can determine the amount of RFID interrogators 12 and hubs required to build a warehouse inventory management system and meet the operational requirements of an individual business.

[0087] In this site survey step, the warehouse inventory management system can also determine the user and their profile. The warehouse inventory management system can be configured to enable controlled access to data, which can be set using permission roles for different users, which enables different users to have different visibility / access within the warehouse inventory management system 10.

[0088] In the subsequent deployment step, the required hardware, namely the devices and systems that support the exemplary RFID interrogator subsystem 10 and the global inventory database subsystem 20, are deployed at the facility location according to the customer deployment plan. For example, the fixed RFID interrogator devices 12 and hubs can be positioned at the desired locations with the equipment, with the intention of presenting low visibility and minimal impact to the exemplary RFID interrogator subsystem 10. This can help reduce damage to system components and eliminate potential equipment interference with the normal functioning of the business.

[0089] Further, in the deployment step, the exemplary RFID interrogator subsystem 10 and the global inventory database subsystem 20 are configured and the hardware is brought online. All of the fixed RFID interrogator devices 12 and hubs are configured and operationally tested. In one non-limiting aspect, since it is contemplated that the exemplary warehouse inventory management system will be a browser-based application, the warehouse inventory management system will not require a device-level installation.

[0090] In a subsequent user configuration step, a client or site can be created within the warehouse inventory management system and then subsequent users can be created to provide access to the data. In this user configuration step, the user logs into the warehouse inventory management system, identifies product / item / asset categories, and the warehouse inventory management system automatically provides a naming template, which may be user-customizable. In operation, the user provides the necessary information, enters it into the template, and when the data entry is complete and verified for accuracy, the warehouse inventory management system will create an Electronic Product Code (EPC) and associate all data entries with this EPC in a secure database. Further, it is contemplated that a printer can then be used to print RF-enabled tags in which the EPC is encoded in its internal circuitry. Additionally, optionally, additional human-readable item information (optional barcodes) may also be printed on the label. Conventional RF printers can not only print ink-based data onto RF-enabled tags for the user to read, but can also rewrite the RF-enabled tags with custom data.

[0091] In the tracking sub-step of the user configuration step, the user applies a label to an item, and subsequently, if the labeled item is located within at least one of the warehouse inventory management system zones and scanning is initiated, the warehouse inventory management system will report back the location and timestamp of the item. In various exemplary aspects, the label can be integrated into containers, pouches, etc., and can be reused and recoded, and depending on the required range and tracking resolution, active tags can be used by the warehouse inventory management system.

[0092] Optionally, in the system functionality step, a scanning zone can be created or otherwise configured to distinguish between ambient and cold storage. As an example, the RFID interrogator device 12 can be installed above and / or on the side of an entrance / exit point to track items entering or exiting a building / facility. Optionally, the RFID interrogator device 12 can be activated by movement or an event. Further, it is contemplated that the warehouse inventory management system can be configured to enable the performance of scanning based on a repeatedly or otherwise identified timeline or schedule.

[0093] In a further optional aspect, in the present system functionality step, scan zones can be created by the exemplary RFID interrogator subsystem 10 and the global inventory database subsystem 20. As described herein, it is contemplated that the scan zones can be configured to be user-customizable. For example, scan zones can be created or otherwise configured for a desired fidelity and / or resolution through the use of one or more configurable options to include at least one of increasing / decreasing the number of RFID interrogator devices 12 within a defined warehouse space, increasing / decreasing the use of multiple scan zones and / or multiple overlapping scan zones, increasing / decreasing the use of signal strength or phase-shift modalities within individual scan zones, and / or increasing / decreasing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogator devices 12, creating multiple scan zones from each of the RFID interrogator devices 12.

[0094] As explained above, it is contemplated that the resolution and fidelity of the warehouse inventory control system may be modified and / or upgraded as desired by the user. The addition of additional RFID interrogator devices 12 and / or the use of overlapping zones that allow for sensing of items by two or more RFID interrogator devices 12 within the user's configured warehouse inventory control system can allow for user-entered increases in the fidelity and / or resolution of particular identified items.

[0095] In one additional optional aspect, it is contemplated that a user may modify the configuration settings of the system to achieve a desired degree of fidelity and / or resolution for a given warehouse space and a given fixed number of RFID interrogator devices 12.

[0096] On one side, the warehouse inventory management system, more specifically, the global inventory database subsystem 20, includes a system operation process ("SOP") 25, which will be described in detail below, both for the intended system and any optional systems. Various system and process embodiments of SOP 25 with various combinations of the features described above and below are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0097] The intention of SOP 25 within the global inventory database subsystem 20 is to provide means for tracking, locating, aggregating, and communicating inventory, assets, or objects within several defined spaces. There are many intended users for such a process 25, and SOP 25 provides a user-selectable and customizable solution because a company's warehouse consumables need to change over time.

[0098] The SOP process, in one embodiment, begins with defining the area or site that needs to be monitored. In one exemplary case, the area or site can be a warehouse. However, the area or site can be a livestock barn, a lumber yard, an airport, a retail space, a manufacturing facility, a laboratory, a hospital, a delivery truck, and the like. This typically involves defining steps that involve creating a map or floor plan of the space. FIG. 14 shows an exemplary warehouse floor plan.

[0099] As shown, the warehouse 60 includes, by way of example, a rack unit 62, an assembly plant 64, and a building exit 66. The next step is to divide the site into zones. A zone is a location or area within the site that can be named and identified. Zones and locations within zones can be subdivided as needed. If a user's need is to provide very precise locations, more zones may be optionally created as described herein. Zones can also overlap as needed to eliminate dead spots or increase the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the system. In the illustrated example, the warehouse 60 includes several warehouse storage rack units 62, with multiple shelves on each rack, an exit 66, and an assembly plant 54, all of which need to be zoned.

[0100] 15 illustrates exemplary intended zones 70 (shown as dashed lines) defined for locations and equipment within warehouse 60. At this point, in one embodiment process, the zones can be named with user-friendly names or anything meaningful to the user, and this information is loaded into the global inventory database subsystem 20 software application.

[0101] Although shown as an example, the warehouse space, with respect to each rack unit 52, has a zone 70 or a plurality of zones 70, an entrance to the assembly plant 64, the assembly plant 64 with two overlapping zones 70, and an exit 66 having internal and external zones 70. Having zones 70 at the entrances and exits enables monitoring of the entry and exit of items through the entrance and exit entrances. In this aspect, for example, for the entry and exit of items from the warehouse, two zones 70 having entrances and exits can be used to monitor the direction of travel of RFID-identified objects. This is a simplified exemplary aspect, but the system can also be selectively configured to be much more granular in the analysis to provide higher resolution and / or fidelity as desired. For example, each rack unit can have several shelves, each as an individual zone 70, a zone 70 with a plurality of resolvable locations within the zone 70, or more than one zone 70 per shelf. The zones can also be defined to some extent in size and shape by antenna power and design, with lower power corresponding to smaller zones. Also, RF shielding can be selectively utilized to terminate specific zones 70. By constructing individual overlapping zones 70, when an item appears in two or more zones, the location should be within the overlapping area shared by the overlapping zones, resulting in higher fidelity and resolution, which itself may be defined as a zone or a location within a zone in some embodiments.

[0102] The next process step is to install the RFID interrogator devices 12 so that the intended zone 70 can be scanned. It is contemplated that the zone 70 may consist of multiple RFID interrogator devices 12 to achieve the appropriate degree of fidelity and / or resolution if the product density is high or if the nature of the warehouse and materials involved in the scanning is challenging. It is further contemplated that the zone 70 may consist of one or more RFID interrogator devices 12, wherein each RFID interrogator device 12 may be configured to scan at least one zone or at least a portion of two or more zones (for the user to configure the global inventory database subsystem 20 for the desired resolution and / or fidelity of the system output to the user).

[0103] 16 shows four RFID interrogator devices 12 disposed on a rack unit that may be configured to scan individual compartments or shelves. However, it is also contemplated that RFID interrogator devices 12 may appear in many form factors, such as mounted on drones or ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), wall or ceiling mounted lighting fixtures, railroad wagons or cars, and the like.

[0104] 16 illustrates an example arrangement 72 of four RFID interrogators 12 (see also FIG. 6) as readers in fixed locations. As described above, increasing or decreasing the number of four RFID interrogators 12, in combination with other optional processes described herein, can be used to change the desired resolution and / or fidelity of the system.

[0105] The next step in the process is to identify and "tag" the items or assets to be tracked. Assets can be of various types, each of which will define the required level of tagging. In the exemplary warehouse, each box of goods gets a unique tag. Tags are RFID transponders that can come in many form factors and types. Some are for tagging metal objects, some are for implantation in animals, some are inexpensive paper tags, and some are ruggedized and designed to withstand extreme environments. Tags are encoded with a unique identifier called an EPC (Electronic Product Code). However, tags can also be programmed with user-specific codes if needed. Tags are then printed or programmed and registered within the global inventory database subsystem 20 software application. They may also have barcodes or other user data associated with them if needed. The global inventory database subsystem 20 software application can also pull from other ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or accounting / inventory management software. For example, when a user purchases an item through their accounting software, a tag can be automatically generated and integrated into the Venatrust software application. Within the application software database, the tag is registered and the EPC code on the tag is similarly linked to a user-friendly name. For example, a particular EPC (not user-friendly) can be linked or associated in the database with "red jackets" (which is user-friendly). In this way, users can see how many "red jackets" they have, as opposed to a list of arbitrary EPCs. Figure 17 shows the general process flow.

[0106] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary process flow involving zones, RFID tags, and RFID interrogators 12, which, in various embodiments, are suitable for use in the field and involve a system such as those described herein. Action 74 is zone creation, in which various zones are identified and RFID interrogators are installed to define the zones (and potentially locations within the zones). Action 76 is tag registration, in which ERP data 78 and user-created data 80 are associated with RFID tags and involve appropriate entry of the information into database 82 (e.g., through a database system). Action 86 is product tag application, in which each RFID tag is associated with a corresponding product (e.g., an item of inventory to be tracked by the system) by, for example, attaching the RFID tag to the product, product packaging, or a container holding the product. Action 88 is product placement in zones, in which products with RFID tags applied in action 86 are placed within the various zones created in action 74.

[0107] In action 92, the tag is scanned by a reader; RFID interrogator 12 scans the RFID tag, and the system reports the scan information and a determination of the RFID tag's location according to zone and potentially location within the zone to database 82. Action 92 is repeated with occurrences of action 90 as products move around the site such that product location and product movement as determined by the system are represented in records in database 82 with appropriate fidelity and resolution (which may be flexible and vary depending on location, physical setup, system and / or user-defined parameters, etc.). Action 84, in which data is communicated to a user, involves access to database 82 and may be implemented through various communication protocols and with various system analyses as needed for a particular implementation.

[0108] The next aspect of the process is the hub. The hub is a device that communicates locally with an array of readers. The RFID interrogator 12 is designed to communicate through either a wired or wireless connection to the hub, which then communicates to the database and application software. The methods of communication from the reader / hub include wired cables, Wi-Fi, Xbee / Zigbee®, Bluetooth®, and similar data stream connectivity methods. The hub acts as a traffic controller and a link to the database and application software. They also serve to issue a scanning command to its individual array when a command is triggered from the system. The complete system can consist of many readers and hubs all linked to specific customers or sites or even multiple customer sites. The hub can consist of a series of communication options including Xbee / Zigbee®, Wi-Fi, cellular modems, BLE, LoRa, LAN routers, etc. The hub also includes an SBC (Single Board Computer) and an HMI (Human Machine Interface). The on-board computer and touch screen enable the configuration and diagnosis of the system. This can monitor the health, connectivity, and other related functions of the readers and batteries. Figure 18 shows an exemplary schematic of the RFID interrogator / hub system.

[0109] In Figure 18, tags 94 (i.e., RFID tags) are shown within various zones adjacent to reader 96 (i.e., RFID interrogator). The RFID interrogator 12 is connected to a power source 95 for power and they communicate back to hub 97. The dashed lines indicate wired or wireless communication from reader 96 to hub 97. In this embodiment, tag 94 is outside of scan zone 93 and will thus be "undetected" by the system. This can indicate a mis-placed, lost, damaged, sold, or stolen item. Tags 94 within the overlapping zone 93 will have a higher location resolution and product resolution as they will appear to be within multiple zones 93 at once.

[0110] The hub 97 communicates with the database and server through various means. This may be a wired or Wi-Fi connection to a local network, a cellular connection to the cloud, or other means of system connectivity. The hub 97 is also registered within the software application with an identifier to assist in diagnostic and location functions.

[0111] One further aspect to the system, in one embodiment, is the server, database, and application software. The database can reside in the cloud or locally at the user's site, for example, in cloud or network data storage 98. Users can access the database through user interface software 99. In one embodiment, the database stores all relevant data, historical and current, including EPC, name, timestamp, zone location, etc. (See also the database embodiment in FIG. 17). FIG. 19 illustrates the structure of one such database system, with subsystems also shown. The UI through which end users communicate and view data can be through a web browser or mobile / desktop application. Alternative and additional database systems may also be suitable.

[0112] FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic diagram of a database system called Vespy, which forms part of the global inventory database subsystem 20. The various components of the Vespy database system, in various embodiments, can be implemented in software (e.g., running on a processing device), hardware, firmware, and various combinations thereof. In the Vespy database system, users can access the database system through, for example, but not limited to, a web browser 108, a user interface Vespy-UI 101, and the like. In one embodiment, Vespy-UI 101 is a reactive single-page application that provides user interaction, configuration, and display. Vespy-UI 101 allows for adjustment of reader overlap (zones), scanning frequencies, and display of current information regarding inventory asset status.

[0113] One aspect of the Vespy database system, Vespy-Central 102, provides information to the UI (e.g., for queries) and handles configuration commands. Vespy-Central 102 processes multiple asset events from Vespy-IoT 103 and translates machine-level data through algorithms to provide user-tailored location information at the area (zone) or detailed location (e.g., from RFID reader / interrogator rssi and / or RFID sensing overlap) level, providing intelligent information for humans. Vespy-Central 102 handles configuration for monitoring volume and frequency.

[0114] One aspect of the Vespy database system, Vespy-IoT 103, converts bulk machine data from devices in the field into useful events (e.g., frex:tag changes zone). Vespy-Central 103 performs filtering of repetitive scan information, reducing the usage of downstream components.

[0115] An additional aspect of the Vespy database system, the VenaEventStore 104, stores a persistent stream of all events from update sources. The VenaEventStore 104 allows the system to detect the status of a tag at any point during system operation. The VenaEventStore 104 allows for the inspection of a tag's complete life cycle over the duration of its journey through the system. The historical trace of tag movement can be replayed at any point for forensic purposes. The VenaEventStore 104 allows for the processing of a large number of events without collisions.

[0116] Azure Storage (Scene Images) 105, an aspect of the Vespy database system, provides a storage solution for user scene images.

[0117] Active Directory 106, an aspect of the Vespy database system, provides industry standard identity management.

[0118] An aspect of the Vespy database system, the IoT Event Hub 107, is a focal point for device events. The system is configured to leverage the Azure IoT Event Hub 107 to process incoming device messages at scale.

[0119] In the Vespy database system, the Web Browser 108 provides users with access to the database system. In various embodiments, users can access applications as web apps.

[0120] An aspect of the Vespy database system is the IoT Hub109, which is the Azure device registry for communication.

[0121] Figure 20 shows the SOP process flow within an application and includes events, command issuances, and queries. The various components illustrated in the process flow are implemented within software, hardware, firmware, and combinations thereof in various embodiments. The commands and queries are issued by an external service 122, including Vena Chassis. The commands proceed through a command gateway 124, which may have a queue, command sorter, command combiner, or other command front-end handling, to a command dispatcher 132, which may have one or more command handlers (e.g., two command handlers are shown). The queries proceed through a query gateway 126, which may have a queue, query sorter, query combiner, or other query front-end handling, to a query executor 134, which may have one or more query handlers (e.g., two query handlers are shown).

[0122] The event bus 130 passes domain events from the command dispatcher 132 to appropriate components, such as an RFID querier, and the domain events are also sent to an event store 128, such as a database. The events are also passed from the event bus 130 through the event bus 130 to an event dispatcher 140, which has one or more event receivers (e.g., two event receivers are shown), a synchronization entity, and a projector. The synchronization entity sends the application to an entity 136, such as a database called Mongo (which may mean a large amount of memory). The projector sends the projection to a projection 138, such as another database also called Mongo (e.g., a large amount of memory). The entity 136 provides queries to the query executor 134.

[0123] The software application closes the loop, communicating to the user the current status and health of the system and assets as a result of the scan, as well as historical data from the system. It can also communicate back to an ERP or POS (point-of-sale) system. For example, if items are sold and scanned as they exit the front door, they can be removed from the system. Stolen, lost, or misplaced items can also be reported and then reconciled. If a user wants to locate a specific asset within a site, this can be accomplished using spontaneous scans for the specific item by name or EPC. Historical data can also be reported for tracking and analysis. For example, in a manufacturing facility, a bottleneck can be identified with historical data showing that an asset tagged as "Raw Material Cart A" was scanned entering the "Assembly Shop" zone at a specific time and then scanned exiting it at a subsequent time. Using user levels and access permissions, different tasks and reports can be assigned to different personnel within the facility. Using the map generated at the start of the process, the software application can visually show assets, asset quantities, their progress history through individual locations or zones, time spent at a location, last seen location and time, etc. The application software is intended to be customizable to take into account specific customer needs.

[0124] Figure 21 shows an exemplary overview of a system architecture having two zones 70 called zone "A" and zone "B", one hub 97 called hub "A", and four assets 150 called asset 1, asset 2, asset 3, and asset 4. A reader 96 called reader "A" monitors zone 70 called zone "A" and scans assets 150 called asset 1 and asset 2. A reader 96 called reader "B" monitors zone 70 called zone "B" and scans assets 150 called asset 3 and asset 4. The reader 96 communicates with a server 152 through a hub 97 called hub "A", which in turn communicates with a database 154 and a tag printer 156. The server 152 also runs ERP / POS software 158 and application software 160 and generates a custom report 164 according to user permission 162.

[0125] Figure 22 shows one of the many possible process flows of the system of Figure 21 (or a variation thereof) based on the need for high-value asset loss prevention. For system setup, actions of zone creation 174, e.g., identification of zones, installation of RFID readers or interrogators and association of system parameters of the zones and possibly locations within the zones with the RFID interrogators, tag registration 176, asset tagging 178, and asset placement 180 into the zones exist. Zone scanning 172 is initiated by a scan trigger 170 that responds to a timer, user trigger, motion sensor, or other trigger and may determine asset movement 182. Zone scanning 172 performs an action 184 of sending data to the server.

[0126] In action 184 of sending data to the server, in response to the data being sent to the server, the flow proceeds to decision action 186. In decision action 186, the system determines the tag shown during scanning. If the tag is not shown during scanning, the system generates alert 188 and alerts the user of the missing asset along with the timestamp. If the tag is shown during scanning, the flow proceeds to decision action 190. In decision action 190, the system determines whether the tag is shown within the "correct" zone. If the tag is not shown within the correct zone, the system generates alert 192 and alerts the user that the asset is in the "wrong" or unexpected zone. If the tag is shown within the correct zone, the system generates alert 194 and alerts the user of the current location and timestamp of the RFID identification tag / object.

[0127] The RFID interrogator can include, as an example in one embodiment in FIG. 23, at least the following: a microcontroller 200 that can be configured to start the firmware and handle local commands and GPIO, or otherwise be capable of doing so; a reader IC 208 that operates the RFID antenna 214 and transmits and receives RFID signals; an RFID antenna 214 that transmits and receives RF energy to and from the RFID tag; sensors and triggers such as a motion sensor 212 and / or other triggers (in addition to the motion sensor 212, other sensors 210 can include temperature, humidity, door sensors, impact, inertia, vibration, and the like) that can trigger a scan or provide feedback to the microcontroller 200 to report a status or condition; Xbee 206, WIFI 204, and other wireless communication 202 modules and methods (which can be one or more than one of many ways used in tandem or as a redundancy program to send / receive data to / from a hub); and an antenna 214 required for its individual communication protocol.

[0128] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the system can be configured to handle a wide range of tag densities through user adjustment of the system's individual fidelity / resolution levels. In one aspect, greater fidelity to the granularity of the number of RFID tags on items that can be detected at a location can be determined through the ability to detect multiple RFID tags at a location, for example, by multiple RFID interrogators 12, each capable of detecting multiple RFID tags. To provide an example of the end of such an environment, one might consider a 5' x 5' x 10', or 250', environment. 3 In one scenario, there may be only one tagged container in the shelf. At the other extreme, there may be four containers, each containing 100 tagged shirts. 3 250 feet from one tag per 3 A distribution of up to 400 tags per tag is considered possible with such fidelity. In higher density tag environments, the system may optionally involve one or more RFID interrogators 12 passing through the target space from different angles. This provides a higher degree of resolution and / or fidelity of the target space being scanned. This is also useful for assets such as liquids and metal objects that are RF hostile. Figure 24 shows one exemplary embodiment of a low-to-high fidelity system.

[0129] 24 depicts a low-fidelity warehouse shelf 220 and a high-fidelity warehouse shelf 222 with an arrangement of RFID interrogators 12 appropriate for targeted fidelity. The low-fidelity warehouse shelf 220 has two readers 96, designated Reader A and Reader B, in an arrangement suitable for detecting one tagged container 224. The high-fidelity warehouse shelf 222 has eight readers 96, designated Reader A, Reader B, Reader C, Reader D, Reader E, Reader F, Reader G, and Reader H, in an arrangement suitable for detecting four groups of 100 tagged assets, each with appropriate fidelity and resolution.

[0130] In the case of resolution, the system can be customized by the user to provide the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for individual tag geographical space locations. On one side, a lower resolution of an item's RFID tag can be based on a single RFID interrogator that detects the RFID tag at a location, and a higher resolution of the physical location of the item's RFID tag can be based on multiple RFID interrogators that detect the same RFID tag when determining the physical location of the tag, for example, RFID interrogators with overlapping sensing areas. For example, the user may only require knowing whether the tag is on a shelf that is, for example, 250 feet 3 above. Thus, the shelf is a single zone with multiple RFID interrogators within the system software (e.g., zone, resolution, and RFID interrogator parameter associations). The system only needs to identify that the tag is somewhere on the shelf. However, if the user needs a change and they require a much higher resolution, the system can be modified to meet those needs (e.g., change the zone, resolution, and RFID interrogator parameter associations, and / or change the physical arrangement of the readers).

[0131] On one side, as described herein, system customization provides multiple paths for meeting the evolving user needs without the need to add additional RFID interrogators after the initial deployment within the warehouse space. By using the system toolbox approach, there are many tools available for adoption to meet those needs. The combination and coordination of these tools enable the system to perform optimally.

[0132] One such tool that is considered is the installation of RFID interrogators. The RFID interrogators can be logically installed within the environment or site such that they do not interfere with the normal functions of the users and are likely to not be moved or damaged. The RFID interrogators can also be positioned within the warehouse space in such a way that all spaces that are intended to be covered are covered and thus there are no dead spots.

[0133] Another such tool is scan management. Scan management refers to the way and time at which the system triggers a scan. This can be as simple as a timer set within the system software or can be a user-triggered scan. If the user requires that specific zones be scanned more frequently than others, the user can configure the system to implement various automated scan routines. Optionally, if the user needs to identify whether a particular RFID-tagged asset is currently located, the user can trigger a voluntary scan. Optionally, it is considered that other scan triggers can be sensor-based. For example, if the need identified for a particular zone is loss prevention, the RFID interrogator can be triggered as a result of inputs received from an integrated motion sensor and door triggers. In this exemplary aspect, whenever someone enters or opens a door within that area, the system will trigger. Thus, for this solution, since one or both of the actions that trigger a scan of the area when any asset exits a specific area will be identified, it will not always be necessary to keep the scanner active.

[0134] Zone definitions can provide another user-configurable aspect of the system. In operation, users have the ability to customize scanning zones and RFID interrogator relationships within the software (e.g., system and / or user-defined parameters) to represent a space as one or more zones, even though it may have a fixed or variable number of RFID interrogators. In the example described above, a warehouse shelf is configured as one zone, but in reality may have eight readers all scanning the desired identified space from different angles, thereby effectively creating eight reading sub-zones in this example, as shown in FIG. 25.

[0135] In the example warehouse shelf 230 in FIG. 25 , eight readers 96, designated Reader A, Reader B, Reader C, Reader D, Reader E, Reader F, Reader G, and Reader H, scan the shelf; the user can then customize how this performs and reports within the system software. For example, the zone could be named “Shelf 1.” All readers 96 would report their current tags as residing within “Shelf 1,” and thus the system would report 400 individual assets within “Shelf 1.” This is an example of higher fidelity rather than lower resolution. As user resolution / fidelity needs change and the need shifts to understanding “where individual tags are located within Shelf 1,” in one aspect, the system can be configured to subdivide the location “Shelf 1” into sub-locations. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the system allows for user-defined creation of highly complex sub-zones, which the system can identify with a high degree of resolution.

[0136] In Figure 26 below, a schematic diagram of three readers 96 and the multiple zones 232 that can be achieved can be seen. Judging from the overlap of individual zones, if an RFID tag appears on two or more readers 96 (RFID interrogators 12), the system can provide a high degree of resolution or asset location. Zone definitions are practically infinite combinations of zone / subzone groupings and definitions. By defining zones 232 in the software with user-friendly names or locations, the system has the ability to report the location of specific assets within very small spaces. Generally, there are practical limits to the system's spatial resolution. Since more readers can mean higher resolution, a streamlined system that can pinpoint assets within one cubic foot will likely solve the needs of most users.

[0137] Another optional system process that is useful in monitoring / configuring the desired resolution is the use of RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). RSSI is a value placed on the return signal from the tag that represents the strength of the signal. In various embodiments, the RFID interrogator or processing device determines the RSSI while reading the RFID tag. The RSSI value can be used by the system to determine the distance from the scanning antenna RFID interrogator to the RFID tag. There are many factors that can affect RSSI, but once the system is configured and establishes a range of RSSI values, monitoring RSSI values can be a useful tool for approximate ranging within the system. In this aspect, when an RFID tag is scanned and responds to the RFID interrogator, not only is the EPC code or ID sent to the server, but the RSSI and timestamp are also tied to the data record.

[0138] Optionally, the system and process can configure RF blockers to create barriers to RF scanning, thus giving the user the ability to define a customizable, definitive end of one zone and / or the beginning of another. For example, RF blockers can be installed on warehouse racking systems or on walls to prevent the scanner from detecting tags in other areas that are not intended to be read.

[0139] In a further optional aspect, the system and process may configure the scanning power and scan duration of individual RFID interrogators 12. The system and process may provide user-customized adjustable settings from within the software system, which may help define the fidelity and / or resolution of the system. It is contemplated that each individual RFID interrogator 12 may have its own adjustable value. For example, without limitation, the higher the output power, the longer the range and / or strength of the generated interrogation signal. Similarly, the longer the scanning cycle of the generated interrogation signal, the greater the chance of picking up all RFID tags within a defined scanning space. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the system and process may provide user-selectable time frames for the application of higher power signal generation and interrogation, i.e., the application of higher power signal generation and interrogation may be limited to time frames and / or zones, for example, within which no personnel are currently present.

[0140] In another optional aspect, the system and process can provide system site mapping, a visual tool to allow a user to understand the various data outputs of the system within a graphical display. It is contemplated that such a system site application within the software system would be customizable to a floor plan, site, or area within the scannable space. For example, colors and graphical elements can be used to display and report tag locations, quantities, asset progress history, last known location, and the like.

[0141] As described above, the RFID tag itself can form another customizable aspect of the system and process. Conventionally, RFID tags can appear in extremely small packages or large, robust units. Some RFID tags are active and can transmit over long distances and also transmit sensor data such as temperature or humidity. Some RFID tags can be configured to be used in conjunction with metal assets, and some RFID tags can be configured to be embedded. RFID tag variability gives the system the ability to satisfy and customize the system to better flexibility and the need for fit, specific fidelity, and / or resolution.

[0142] In a further additional optional aspect, the system and process contemplate the use of at least one RFID interrogator having at least one antenna or a plurality of antennas that can be configured for movement about the azimuth axis of the RFID interrogator. Optionally, it is also contemplated that each of the plurality of RFID interrogators in the system configuration can have at least one antenna or a plurality of antennas that can be configured for movement about the azimuth axis of an individual RFID interrogator.

[0143] In this exemplary aspect, the use of a movable antenna within the RFID interrogator allows for additional customizable increases / decreases when selecting system fidelity and / or resolution. Through the use of an antenna that can be moved via a motorized actuator such as a servo motor or a stepper motor, the antenna within an individual RFID interrogator can be directed towards a specific and predefined space along a variable and selected signal generation azimuth angle. By knowing parameters such as the azimuth angle, rotation angle, etc., the system can effectively increase the number of zones within a given defined space being interrogated (e.g., each "azimuth zone" interrogated along a selected azimuth angle defines a single zone within which multiple tags can potentially be identified, and as the incremental movement of the RFID interrogator antenna moves through the user-selected azimuth range, it is contemplated that individual azimuth zones such as adjacent azimuth zones will overlap to some degree, and such degree can be defined by the user). Thus, the fidelity and / or resolution of the system can be further defined for a desired level of granularity.

[0144] As described above, as the antenna of the RFID interrogator scans, the signal generation axis of the individual RFID interrogator moves with respect to the fixed space being interrogated. If an RFID tag appears and then disappears through the scanning process, that particular RFID tag can be assumed to be within its movement angle. In one additional optional aspect, by correlating the RSSI data in memory, when the RSSI is strongest, it can be assumed that the angle or azimuth of the antenna should be directly facing the RFID tag.

[0145] As described above, it is contemplated that similar results can be achieved by using multiple antennas within a single RFID interrogator. In this aspect, depending on the settings, the system and process can record the azimuthal direction of each antenna within a single RFID interrogator. The microcontroller can then selectively switch between internal antennas and signal to the system, based on the antenna that is "active" when the tag appears, regarding the individual azimuthal angle of the RFID tag with respect to the individual selected antenna of the RFID interrogator. If multiple RFID interrogators scan an RFID tag and each has a general azimuthal angle, tag fidelity and / or resolution can be predicted and reported to the user.

[0146] A further feature for the customizable system is, in some embodiments, the antenna type and form factor. The RFID interrogator and its individual antennas can be packaged in various forms for various environments or applications. Antenna designs provide different dispersion cones, ranges, and penetration parameters. Some antennas are designed to be longer and narrower for spreading, while others are the opposite. The antennas can also have motorized poles or planes and can provide the user with a software-controlled method for varying the antenna design. In other words, by modifying the structure of the antenna, the adjustment can be changed. This can, in turn, modify the range and dispersion cone of the scan / read zone of the particular RFID interrogator used within the system.

[0147] As described in detail herein, an adaptive inventory management system for use in material handling equipment can include multiple bins, a global inventory management system, and an RFID interrogator subsystem. In this aspect, the multiple bins, such as the illustrated racks, can be configured to receive one or more of a plurality of items, each of the plurality of items being associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In this aspect, each RFID tag is contemplated to store a unique identifier, as described herein.

[0148] In this aspect, the global inventory database subsystem includes a processing system having at least one memory of the processing system configured to store program instructions. It is contemplated that the RFID interrogator subsystem includes a plurality of RFID interrogators, at least one of which may be mounted within a fixed geographical spatial location within the material handling equipment. Further, each of the RFID interrogators may be configured to read a unique identifier of an RFID tag associated with each of a plurality of items within a defined boundary of at least one scan zone generated by the individual RFID interrogator, and subsequently communicate to the processing system a unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag identified within each scan zone of the individual RFID interrogator.

[0149] Thus, in operation, at least one memory of the processing system is configured to store program instructions that, when executed, cause the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator to be selectively configured to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the generated unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag within the defined space of the material handling equipment.

[0150] On an arbitrary side, the defined boundaries of the scanning zones for each RFID interrogator can be configured such that the boundaries of individual RFID interrogators do not overlap, or alternatively, or in combination, the defined boundaries of the scanning zones for each RFID interrogator can be user-configurable such that at least a portion of the defined boundaries of individual RFID interrogators overlap with at least an adjacent or otherwise selected RFID interrogator, defining at least one overlapping scanning zone. In this aspect, each overlapping scanning zone and the associated RFID identifier data therefrom are created from RFID identifier data received from each scan of the individual scanning zones of the individual selected RFID interrogators, and the RFID identifier data of each scanned RFID tag identified within the overlapping scanning zone is communicated to the processing system.

[0151] Further, during operation, the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator can include at least one of changing the number of RFID interrogators, changing the number of scanning zones projected by RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, changing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, changing the use of signal strength or phase shift modalities within individual scanning zones projected by RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, changing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, creating a plurality of spaced scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or changing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and creating a plurality of overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators, and can be selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options to provide the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the user.

[0152] Thus, a user's desired level of fidelity and / or resolution can be selectively increased through the use of one or more configurable program options to include at least one of increasing the number of RFID interrogators and increasing the number of scan zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; increasing the use of overlapping scan zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; increasing the use of signal strength or phase shift modalities within individual scan zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator and increasing the number of multiple spaced apart scan zones created from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; or increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment and increasing the number of multiple overlapping scan zones created from each of the RFID interrogators.

[0153] It is further contemplated that a user's desired level of fidelity and / or resolution may be selectively reduced through the use of one or more configurable program options to include at least one of reducing the number of RFID interrogators and reducing the number of scan zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; reducing the use of overlapping scan zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; reducing the use of signal strength or phase shift modalities within individual scan zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; reducing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator and reducing the number of multiple spaced apart scan zones created from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; or reducing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment and reducing the number of multiple overlapping scan zones created from each of the RFID interrogators.

[0154] It is contemplated that optionally, the geographic spatial location of each of the plurality of bins may be stored in at least one memory of the processing system. Optionally, the geographic spatial location of at least one of the RFID interrogators mounted within a fixed geographic spatial location within the material handling equipment may be stored in at least one memory of the processing system.

[0155] In a further aspect, at least one of the RFID interrogators can be a mobile RFID interrogator configured to be operated by a mobile agent of the material handling facility.

[0156] In a further aspect, each RFID interrogator can have an interface to the global inventory database subsystem, and the interface can be configured to be wired, wireless, or at least partially wireless.

[0157] In a further aspect, the RFID interrogator subsystem can further comprise at least one hub configured to act as a network node, the network node configured to relay information from each RFID interrogator to and from the global inventory database subsystem.

[0158] In a further aspect, at least one of the RFID interrogators mounted within a fixed geographic spatial location within the material handling equipment can comprise a plurality of fixed RFID interrogators mounted within a fixed geographic spatial location within the material handling equipment, wherein each of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators is spaced apart from one another, and wherein the geographic spatial locations of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators are stored within at least one memory of the processing system. It is contemplated that the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators can include direct wireless connections between individual plurality of RFID interrogators for sharing certain data.

[0159] In another aspect, each of the multiple bins can be associated with an RFID tag that stores a unique geographical spatial location identifier. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the geographical spatial location identifier for each of the multiple bins is stored in at least one memory of the processing system, whereby the combination of the known locations of the individual fixed RFID interrogators and the known geographical spatial locations of the individual bin-mounted RFID tags helps to increase the fidelity of the geographical spatial locations of inventory items within the material handling equipment.

[0160] In a further aspect, as further described herein, the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag comprises at least one of a unique identification code for each scanned item or geospatial location identifier data associated with each scanned item, including the date and time of the scan event, thereby enabling the warehouse inventory management system to synchronize data associated with each inventory item received from different RFID interrogators.

[0161] Also, as described in further detail herein, the management system can further include a motion detection subsystem that can be configured to detect movement within a defined area between the first physical zone and the second physical zone. In this aspect, in response to detecting movement, the processing system instructs the RFID interrogator subsystem to identify inventory items that move from the first physical zone to the second physical zone and subsequently report the item movement to the global inventory database subsystem, where the identification of each item identified as moved enables the global inventory database subsystem to update the physical location of each item that transitions from the first physical zone to the second physical zone. It is also contemplated that the global inventory database subsystem can be configured to activate scanning or prevent scanning depending on need and / or events triggered by the motion detection subsystem.

[0162] In a further aspect, the global inventory database subsystem can be configured to activate or prevent a scan based on an iteratively or otherwise identified timeline or schedule.

[0163] As detailed herein, an adaptive inventory management system for use in a material handling facility can include a plurality of items each associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, each RFID tag storing a unique identifier, a plurality of items positioned within a defined space of the material handling facility, a global inventory database subsystem, and an RFID interrogator subsystem.

[0164] In this aspect, the global inventory database subsystem includes a processing system having at least one memory of the processing system configured to store program instructions. The RFID interrogator subsystem includes a plurality of RFID interrogators, and it is contemplated that at least one of the RFID interrogators can be mounted within a fixed geographic space location within the material handling facility. Further, each RFID interrogator can be configured to read the unique identifier of an RFID tag associated with each of the plurality of items within the defined boundaries of at least one scan zone generated by the individual RFID interrogator, and subsequently communicate the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag identified within each scan zone of the individual RFID interrogator to the processing system.

[0165] Accordingly, in operation, at least one memory of the processing system is configured to store program instructions that, when executed, selectively configure the defined boundaries of each scan zone for each RFID interrogator to provide the user's desired level of fidelity and / or resolution with respect to the generated unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag within the defined space of the material handling facility.

[0166] In an optional aspect, the defined boundaries of each of the scan zones for each RFID interrogator can be configured such that the boundaries of the individual RFID interrogators do not overlap, or alternatively, or in combination, the defined boundaries of each of the scan zones for each RFID interrogator are user-configurable such that at least a portion of the defined boundaries of an individual RFID interrogator overlaps with at least an adjacent or otherwise selected RFID interrogator to define at least one overlapping scan zone. In this aspect, each overlapping scan zone and associated RFID identifier data therefrom are created from RFID identifier data received from each scan of the individual scan zones of the individual selected RFID interrogators, and the RFID identifier data of each scanned RFID tag identified within the overlapping scan zone is communicated to a processing system.

[0167] It is further contemplated that during operation, the scan zones projected by each RFID interrogator may be selectively configured to provide a user's desired level of fidelity and / or resolution through the use of one or more configurable program options to include at least one of: varying the number of RFID interrogators and varying the number of scan zones projected by RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; varying the use of overlapping scan zones projected by RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; varying the use of signal strength or phase shift modalities within individual scan zones projected by RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; varying the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator and creating multiple spaced apart scan zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment; or varying the use of steerable antenna technology within RFID interrogators within the defined volume of the material handling equipment and creating multiple overlapping scan zones from each of the RFID interrogators.

[0168] In this aspect, as further described herein, the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag comprises at least one of a unique identification code for each scanned item or geospatial location identifier data associated with each scanned item, including the date and time of the scan event, thereby enabling the warehouse inventory management system to synchronize data associated with each inventory item received from different RFID interrogators.

[0169] Thus, in various aspects, an adaptive inventory management system is described for use in a defined space. As described, the defined space can be within a material handling facility. In one exemplary aspect, the adaptive inventory management system can include a plurality of items, a global inventory database subsystem, and an RFID interrogator subsystem.

[0170] In this exemplary aspect, each of the plurality of items is associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and each RFID tag stores a unique identifier. Furthermore, the global inventory database subsystem has a processing system, wherein at least one memory of the processing system is configured to store program instructions. Still further, the RFID interrogator subsystem includes a plurality of RFID interrogators mounted within individual fixed geographical locations within the material handling equipment. The multiple fixed RFID interrogators include direct wireless connections between the individual RFID interrogators for sharing certain data, and each RFID interrogator is configured to read the unique identifiers of the RFID tags associated with each of the plurality of items within a defined boundary of at least one scan zone generated by the individual RFID interrogator, and to communicate the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag identified within each scan zone of the individual RFID interrogator to the processing system.

[0171] In the system illustrated herein, at least one memory of the processing system, when executed, stores program instructions selectively configured to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator with respect to the generated unique identifiers of each scanned RFID tag within the defined space of the material handling facility.

[0172] Optionally, in the aspect illustrated herein, the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator can be configured such that the boundaries of individual RFID interrogators do not overlap.

[0173] Optionally, in the aspect illustrated herein, the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator are user-configurable such that at least a portion of the defined boundaries of individual RFID interrogators overlap with at least an adjacent or otherwise selected RFID interrogator, defining at least one overlapping scanning zone. In this aspect, each overlapping scanning zone and the associated RFID identifier data therefrom are created from RFID identifier data received from each scan of the individual scanning zones of the individual selected RFID interrogators, and the RFID identifier data of each scanned RFID tag identified within the overlapping scanning zone is communicated to the processing system.

[0174] Optionally, in the aspects illustrated herein, the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator can be configured to change the number of RFID interrogators, change the number of scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, change the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, change the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, change the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, create a plurality of discrete scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or change the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and create a plurality of overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators, and are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options to provide a desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the user.

[0175] Optionally, in the aspects illustrated herein, the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the user can be increased via the use of one or more configurable program options including at least one of increasing the number of RFID interrogators, increasing the number of scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, increasing the number of created discrete scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and increasing the number of created overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators.

[0176] Optionally, in the aspects illustrated herein, the desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the user can be selectively reduced through the use of one or more configurable program options including reducing the number of RFID interrogators, reducing the number of scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, reducing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, reducing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, reducing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, reducing the number of created discrete scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or reducing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and reducing the number of overlapping scanning zones created from each of the RFID interrogators.

[0177] Optionally, in the aspects illustrated herein, the adaptive inventory management system can further include a plurality of storage locations configured to receive one or more items of a plurality of items. In this aspect, the geographical spatial location of each of the plurality of storage locations is stored in at least one memory of the processing system.

[0178] Optionally, in the aspects illustrated herein, the RFID interrogator subsystem can further include at least one mobile RFID interrogator configured to be operated by a mobile agent of the material handling facility.

[0179] Optionally, in the aspects illustrated herein, each RFID interrogator has an interface to a global inventory database subsystem, and the interface can be configured to be wired, wireless, or at least partially wireless.

[0180] Optionally, in this illustrated aspect, the RFID interrogator subsystem further includes at least one hub configured to act as a network node, the network node configured to relay information from each RFID interrogator to and from the global inventory database subsystem.

[0181] Optionally, in this illustrated aspect, each of the multiple fixed RFID interrogators is spaced apart from one another, and the geographical spatial locations of the multiple fixed RFID interrogators are stored in at least one memory of the processing system.

[0182] Optionally, in this illustrated aspect, the adaptive inventory management system can further include a plurality of bins configured to receive one or more of the plurality of items. In this aspect, each of the plurality of bins is associated with an RFID tag, each RFID tag storing a unique geographical spatial location identifier for each bin. In this aspect, the geographical spatial location identifier for each of the plurality of bins is stored in at least one memory of the processing system, whereby the combination of the known locations of the respective fixed RFID interrogators and the known geographical spatial locations of the respective bin-mounted RFID tags helps to increase the fidelity of the geographical spatial locations of inventory items within the material handling equipment.

[0183] Optionally, in this illustrated aspect, the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag comprises at least one of a unique identification code for each scanned item or geospatial location identifier data associated with each scanned item, including the date and time of the scan event, thereby enabling the warehouse inventory management system to synchronize data associated with each inventory item received from different RFID interrogators.

[0184] Optionally, in the aspects illustrated in this example, the adaptive inventory management system can further include a motion detection subsystem configured to detect movement within a defined area between a first physical zone and a second physical zone, whereby, in response to the detection of movement, the processing system instructs the RFID interrogator subsystem to identify inventory items moving from the first physical zone to the second physical zone and subsequently report to the global inventory database subsystem. The identification of each item identified as having moved enables the global inventory database subsystem to update the physical location of each item transitioning from the first physical zone to the second physical zone.

[0185] Optionally, in the aspects illustrated in this example, the global inventory database subsystem is configured to activate or prevent scanning in response to events triggered by necessity and / or the motion detection subsystem. Optionally, in the aspects illustrated in this example, the global inventory database subsystem is configured to activate or prevent scanning based on a timeline or schedule identified iteratively or otherwise.

[0186] The foregoing has described various embodiments of a warehouse inventory management system and its method of operation, particularly a system that utilizes RFID interrogators. The disclosed systems and methods are provided to illustrate essential and optional features and functions, and those skilled in the art can envision alternatives or modifications that are encompassed by the appended claims without departing from the principles of the invention, and such alternatives or modifications may be functional equivalents.

Claims

Claim 1 An adaptive inventory management system for use in a material handling facility, a plurality of items, each of the plurality of items being associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, each RFID tag storing a unique identifier, a global inventory database subsystem having a processing system, at least one memory of the processing system being configured to store program instructions, an RFID interrogator subsystem comprising a plurality of RFID interrogators mounted within individual fixed geographical spatial locations within the material handling facility, the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators including a direct wireless connection between individual RFID interrogators for sharing of certain data, each of the RFID interrogators reading the unique identifier of the RFID tag associated with each of the plurality of items within a defined boundary of at least one scanning zone generated by the individual RFID interrogator and being configured to communicate the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag identified within each scanning zone of the individual RFID interrogator to the processing system, comprising the at least one memory of the processing system being configured to store program instructions which, when executed, result in the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator being selectively configured to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution with respect to the generated unique identifiers of each scanned RFID tag within a defined space of the material handling facility, the adaptive inventory management system. Claim 2 The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1, wherein the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator are configured such that the boundaries of the individual RFID interrogators do not overlap. Claim 3 The defined boundaries of the respective scanning zones for each RFID interrogator are user-configurable such that at least a portion of the defined boundaries of the individual RFID interrogators overlap with at least an adjacent or otherwise selected RFID interrogator, defining at least one overlapping scanning zone, and each overlapping scanning zone and the associated RFID identifier data therefrom are created from the RFID identifier data received from each scan of the individual scanning zones of the individual selected RFID interrogators, and the RFID identifier data of each scanned RFID tag identified within the overlapping scanning zone is communicated to the processing system. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1.

4. The scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator include changing the number of the RFID interrogators, changing the number of the scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, changing the use of the overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, changing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within the individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, changing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, creating a plurality of spaced scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or changing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, creating a plurality of overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1, selectively configured to provide a desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the user through the use of one or more configurable program options including at least one of the above.

5. The desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the user can be selectively increased through the use of one or more configurable program options including at least one of increasing the number of the RFID interrogators, increasing the number of the scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, increasing the number of created multiple spaced scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or increasing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and increasing the number of multiple overlapping scanning zones created from each of the RFID interrogators. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 4, which can be selectively increased.

6. The desired level of fidelity and / or resolution of the user can be selectively reduced through the use of one or more configurable program options including at least one of reducing the number of the RFID interrogators, reducing the number of the scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, reducing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, reducing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, reducing the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator, reducing the number of created multiple spaced scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility, or reducing the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space of the material handling facility and reducing the number of multiple overlapping scanning zones created from each of the RFID interrogators, for the adaptive inventory management system according to claim 4.

7. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of storage locations configured to receive one or more of the plurality of items, wherein the geographical spatial location of each of the plurality of storage locations is stored in the at least one memory of the processing system.

8. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1, wherein the RFID interrogator subsystem further comprises at least one mobile RFID interrogator configured to be operated by a mobile agent of the material handling facility.

9. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1, wherein each RFID interrogator has an interface to the global inventory database subsystem, and the interface can be configured to be wired, wireless, or at least partially wireless.

10. The RFID query subsystem further comprises at least one hub configured to act as a network node, the network node being configured to relay information to and from each RFID query device to and from the global inventory database subsystem, the adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1.

11. Each of the plurality of fixed RFID query devices is spaced apart from each other, and the geographical spatial location of the plurality of fixed RFID query devices is stored in at least one memory of the processing system, the adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1.

12. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1 further comprises a plurality of storage locations configured to receive one or more of the plurality of items, each of the plurality of storage locations being associated with an RFID tag, each RFID tag associated with a storage location storing a unique geographical spatial location identifier, and the geographical spatial location identifier of each of the plurality of storage locations being stored in at least one memory of the processing system, whereby the combination of the known positions of the individual fixed plurality of RFID query devices and the known geographical spatial positions of the individual storage location-mounted RFID tags aids in increasing the fidelity of the geographical spatial location of the inventory items within the material handling facility.

13. The unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag comprises at least one of a unique identification code for each item being scanned or geographical spatial location identifier data associated with each scanned item, including the date and time of the scan event, whereby the adaptive inventory management system can synchronize data associated with each inventory item received from different RFID query devices, the adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1.

14. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1, further comprising a motion detection subsystem configured to detect movement within a defined area between a first physical zone and a second physical zone, whereby, in response to detecting movement, the processing system causes the RFID interrogator subsystem to identify inventory items moving from the first physical zone to the second physical zone and subsequently instructs the global inventory database subsystem to report the identification of each item identified as having moved, such that the identification of each item identified as having moved enables the global inventory database subsystem to update the physical location of each item migrating from the first physical zone to the second physical zone.

15. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 14, wherein the global inventory database subsystem is configured to activate or prevent a scan in response to a need and / or an event triggered by the motion detection subsystem.

16. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 1, wherein the global inventory database subsystem is configured to activate or prevent a scan based on a repeatedly or otherwise identified timeline or schedule.

17. An adaptive inventory management system, a plurality of items positioned within a defined space, each of the plurality of items being associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, each RFID tag storing a unique identifier; a global inventory database subsystem having a processing system, at least one memory of the processing system being configured to store program instructions. An RFID interrogator subsystem comprising a plurality of RFID interrogators mounted within individual fixed geographical spatial locations within the defined space, wherein the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators include a direct wireless connection between individual RFID interrogators for sharing certain data, and each of the RFID interrogators reads the unique identifier of the RFID tag associated with each of the plurality of items within the defined boundary of at least one scanning zone generated by the individual RFID interrogator, and is configured to communicate the unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag identified within each scanning zone of the individual RFID interrogator to the processing system, an RFID interrogator subsystem comprising the at least one memory of the processing system is configured to store program instructions which, when executed, result in the defined boundaries of each scanning zone for each RFID interrogator being selectively configured to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution with respect to the generated unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag within the defined space, and the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution, an adaptive inventory management system. **Claim 18** The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17, wherein the RFID interrogator subsystem further comprises at least one mobile RFID interrogator configured to be operated by a mobile agent. **Claim 19** The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators is spaced apart from each other, and the geographical spatial locations of the plurality of fixed RFID interrogators are stored within the at least one memory of the processing system. **Claim 20** The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17, further comprising a motion detection subsystem configured to detect movement within a defined area between a first physical zone and a second physical zone, whereby, in response to detecting movement, the processing system causes the RFID interrogator subsystem to identify inventory items moving from the first physical zone to the second physical zone and subsequently instructs the global inventory database subsystem to report the identification of each item identified as having moved, the identification of each moved item enabling the global inventory database subsystem to update the physical location of each item migrating from the first physical zone to the second physical zone.

21. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17, wherein the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options for changing the number of RFID interrogators and for changing the number of scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space to provide a desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the user.

22. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17, wherein the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options for changing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space to provide a desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the user.

23. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17, wherein the scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options for changing the use of signal strength or phase shift modalities within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space to provide a desired level of fidelity and / or resolution for the user.

24. The scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options to vary the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator and create a plurality of spaced-apart scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space, to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution, the adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17.

25. The scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options to vary the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogator and create a plurality of overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators, to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution, the adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17.

26. The scanning zones projected by each RFID interrogator include changing the number of RFID interrogators, changing the number of scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space, changing the use of overlapping scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space, changing the use of signal strength or phase shift modality within individual scanning zones projected by the RFID interrogators within the defined space, varying the use of steerable antenna technology within each RFID interrogator and creating a plurality of spaced-apart scanning zones generated from each of the RFID interrogators within the defined space, or varying the use of steerable antenna technology within the RFID interrogators within the defined space and creating a plurality of overlapping scanning zones from each of the RFID interrogators, and are selectively configured via the use of one or more configurable program options to provide a user-desired level of fidelity and / or resolution, the adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17.

27. The unique identifier of each scanned RFID tag comprises at least one of the unique identification code for each item being scanned or the geographical space location identifier data associated with each scanned item, and includes the date and time of the scanning event, whereby the adaptive inventory management system can synchronize data associated with each inventory item received from different RFID interrogators. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17.

28. The defined space is within a material handling facility. The adaptive inventory management system according to claim 17.

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