WO2005081174A1

WO2005081174A1 - Method of and system for shipping and receipt tracking

Info

Publication number: WO2005081174A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/005152
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard J. Campero; Keyur P. Patel
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2004-02-17
Filing date: 2005-02-17
Publication date: 2005-09-01

Abstract

A method of and system for item management and processing is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method and system for facilitating the shipment (figure 1) or other distribution of items or objects (e.g., manufactured products) is provided. In particular, one or more products may be uniquely identified (e.g., using an RFID tag) for shipment in a distribution chain. The identified products may be monitored or tracked (205, 207, 210, 215) at one or more stages of the distribution chain, and the products and/or shipment (figure1) itself may be verified or authenticated in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention.

Description

METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR SHIPPING AND RECEIPT TRA--CKING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Paterι_t Application No. 60/545,100 ('100), filed February 17, 2004. This application is also a continuation-rn-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 10/338,892 (^892), filed January 9, 2003, and U.S. Patent Application No. 10/348,941 ('941 ), filed January 23, 2003. The '100, '892 and '941 patent applications are all exipressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems typically use one or more reader antennae to send radio frequency (RF) signals to items ta_gged with RFID tags. The use of such RFID tags to identify an item or pers n is well known in the art. In response to the radio frequency (RF) signals from an RFID reader antenna, the RFID tags, when excited, produce a disturbance in the magnetic field (or electric field) that is detected by the RFID rea der antenna. Typically, such RFID tags are passive tags that are excited o-r resonate in response to the RF signal from a reader antenna if the tags are within the antenna's range. The excited RFID tags produce a disturbance_.in the electro-magnetic field that is detected by the reader antenna. [0003] The detection range of RFID systems is typically limited by signal strength to short ranges. Therefore, portable reader units may be moved past a group of tagged items in order to detect all the tagged items, particularly where the tagged items are stored in a space significantly greater than the detection range of a stationary or fixed single RFID reader antenna. Alternately, a large RFID reader antenna with sufficient power and range to detect a larger number of tagged items may be used. However, such an antenna may be unwieldy and may increase the range of the radiated power beyond acceptable limits. Furthermore, RFID reader antennae are often located in retail stores or other locations where space is at a premium and it is expensive and inconvenient to use large RFID reader antennae. In another possible solution, multiple small antennae may be used but such a configuration may be awkward to set up when space is at a premium and when wiring is preferably hidden. RFID reader antennae may be designed so that a sufficient read range may be maintained between the RFID reader antenna and associated RFID tags, without exceeding FCC limitations on radiated emissions.

[0004] Known methods for determining whether a received shipment is complete, include opening a container to determine if all items that were originally packed within the container before shipment are present in the received shipment. Such a process is labor intensive and often inaccurately performed. SUMMARY

[0005] A method of and system for item management and processing is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of and system for facilitating the shipment or other distribution of items or objects (e.g., manufactured products) is provided. In particular, one or more products may be uniquely identified (e.g., using an RFID tag) for shipment in a distribution chain. The identified products may be monitored or tracked at one or more stages of the distribution chain, and the products and/or shipment itself may be verified or authenticated in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary item management system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0007] FIGs. 2 A and 2B illustrate process flows of an exemplary shipping and receipt method (and system) in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention;

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary shipping and receipt method (and system) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and [0009] FIGs.4-12 illustrate exemplary commercial implementations of an item management process or system as applied to a retail pharmacy environment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments, implementations, and applications of the invention will now be described. Other embodiments, implementations and applications of the invention may be realized and changes may be made to those disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Although the preferred embodiments disclosed herein have been particularly described as applied to the field of RFID technology, it should be readily apparent that the invention may be embodied in any technology having the same or similar problems. Furthermore, while examples herein are particularly described in relation to an item management method or system, for example, for the tracking of a shipped item, it should be readily apparent that the invention may be embodied or applied in other forms and in other facilities and environments.

[0011] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an item management system may be incorporated into the overall flow of an item that is transported from a manufacturing facility to its ultimate destination (e.g., consumer). As illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, an initial Packing Center 205 may be a facility used by a manufacturer to pack items for shipment in a box, container, pallet, or other packaging (hereinafter "carton"). A record of the items packed into each carton may be created. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, one or more machine-readable identifiers (not shown), preferably in the form of RFID tags, may be attached to, affixed to, integrated with, included within, or otherwise coupled to each item to be shipped, as described in more detail in the '892 and '941 patent applications, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. A record of the association between the identifier and the shipping carton can be formed and stored on a remote/local computer system or other storage mechanism, as symbolically represented by Server 220. Server 220 is preferably configured to communicate information with (to and from) the Packing Center 205. Server 220 may, for example, communicate information for writing to the individual RFID tags respectively attached to the items being packed, communicate the record of items packed in each carton, as well as communicate any other information that may be useful in the tracking or other management of the items to be shipped. Server 220 may also be used to communicate information (e.g., identifiers associated with the record of items to be shipped, the record itself, etc.) for writing to one or more identifiers (e.g., RFID tags or other recording mechanisms) that may be coupled to the shipping carton.

[0012] A carton may be shipped directly from Packing Center 205 to a Receipt Center 215 (e.g., a retailer, ultimate consumer, etc.). Alternatively, a carton may be shipped to one or more distribution centers (e.g., distributors, wholesalers, aggregators, etc.) symbolically represented in FIG. 1 as Packing/Receipt Centers 207, 210 before reaching Receipt Center 215.

[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the record of the specific items that were packed in the shipped carton (e.g., shipped from Packing Center 205) as communicated to its destination (e.g., Packing/Receipt Center 207, 210, Receipt Center 215, etc.) by the Server 220 or otherwise obtained (e.g., read from, activated link to access record, etc.) through an identifier of the shipped carton.

[0014] Using the record, the contents of the shipped carton can be verified. The items, for example, may be read by exposing the carton (as shipped) to an RFID reader, unpacking the items and exposing the items to a reader, etc. As the items are read, the items can be checked against the record of packed items. A user interface may be provided to indicate the status of items packed in the carton (e.g., whether an item has been unpacked, if items are missing, if an item was incorrectly included in the shipment, etc.).

[0015] Once the items are verified, a record of the receipt of the items and the shipped carton can be prepared and stored (e.g., in Server 220, in (or accessible using) an identifier coupled to the shipped carton, etc.). The items may be thereafter unpacked and further distributed into (smaller/bigger) groups for further distribution (e.g., to Packing/Receipt Center 210, to Receipt Center 215, to consumer, etc.). Where the items are to be shipped for further distribution, the items may be repacked in one or more cartons. A record of the items as repacked in one or more cartons can also be stored in Server 220, as well as recorded on (or accessible using) an identifier coupled to a carton.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates only one of many possible configurations for the system. Packing Center 205, Packing/Receipt Center 207, Packing/Receipt Center 210, and Receipt Center 215, may each have at least one tracking system (as indicated by blocks 105, 107, 110 and 115, respectively) or other processing device for performing the functions and operations described above. Items within a carton may be sent to an infinite number of Packing/ Receipt Centers 207, 210 either directly from the Packing Center 205 or from another Packing/Receipt Center, or may be sent directly to one of any number of Receipt Centers 215. Additionally, Packing/Receipt Centers may receive cartons of items from any number of Packing Centers or Packing/ Receipt Centers. The process implemented in FIG. 1 may be implemented using RFID tagged items, wlierein the tags are read during packing and unpacking to create a record of which items are received or sent. This information may also be used to create a packing list. Furthermore, the cartons may be RFID tagged and, as the items are packed into a carton, the item RFID tags may be associated with the carton RFID tag to create the record of packed items.

[0017] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, one application of the system of FIG. 1 is in the shipment and receipt system illustrated in FIGs. 2A and 2B. This implementation of the item management system particularly employs RFID technology to aid in the tracking and authentication of RFID tagged items or products in a retail environment. Although not illustrated, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, RFID reading and writing capabilities may be incorporated into tracking systems (not shown) that may be in place in different parts of a package distribution process 400, particularly at one or more of the distribution points along a chain, as symbolically represented by: Manufacturer 410; Wholesale Distribution Center 420; Retail Distribution Center 430; Retail Outlet 440; and Consumer 450. Such tracking systems may be, for example, implementations of one or more embodiments described in the '892 and '941 patent applications, which are incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties. After an item or product (e.g., drug) is manufactured, assembled, or otherwise ready for distribution, the product is packaged for shipment (typically with other products) from the Manufacturer 410 to the next stage in the distribution chain. During the packing operation (as symbolically represented by block 416), Manufacturer 410 may attach, affix, integrate, include within, or otherwise couple an RFID tag with each product to be shipped. Manufacturer 410 may write information about the product to the individual RFID tags, including information regarding a "licensed" (valid) or "assigned" serial number. The serial number (or other information) to be written may be received from a local, remote, or centralized entity, as symbolically represented by write process 418 output from Application and Data Server [0018] In an exemplary implementation, the serial number may include the manufacturer's product code (PC) of the product. Information, including the PC number and other data, may be transmitted to and from the Application and Data Server 480.

[0019] After the packing process 416, the product may be shipped or otherwise distributed to other portions of the distribution chain (e.g., Wholesale Distribution Center 420, Retail Distribution Center 430, Retail Outlet 440, Consumer 450, etc.). As shown in this illustrated implementation, the products are shipped to a Wholesale Distribution Center 420. At the Wholesale Distribution Center 420, a "pick" (or unpacking) operation may be performed, as symbolically represented by block 424. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a "pick" operation 424 may involve reading (as symbolically represented by reading process 422), for each RFID tag, the tag identification serial number, date, time, or other information, and transmitting the read information to the Application and Data Server 480. The pick operation 424 may also, where applicable, involve the reading of one or more identifiers or other storage devices (e.g., RFID tags) associated with any carton used to ship or distribute products (e.g., to Wholesale Distribution Center 420). The Application and Data Server 480 may likewise be configured to return information to the Whole Distribution Center 420 to assist in the management and processing of the received products (e.g., verifying that the product and/or carton is authentic). [0020] At the Wholesale Distribution Center 420, products may be packed (or grouped), if applicable, into the same or new packaging (or groupings), during a packing operation (as symbolically represented by block 426). The products may be split into multiple new packaging/groupings for distribution. The repacking process 426 may also involve the coupling of one or more new RFID tags to each product or new grouping of products, as well as to any original (or new) cartons that may be used to further distribute the products. Inf ormation from the Application and Data Server 480 may be received (as symbolically represented by writing process 428) during this process. For example, a new PC number could be written to the old RFID tag, or alternatively, a new PC number could be written to a new RFID tag. The products can then be distributed to other portions of the distribution chain (e.g., Retail Distribution Center 430, Retail Outlet 440, Consumer 450, etc.). For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, in a substantially similar process 500, the repackaged products are shown distributed directly to Retail Outlet 440.

[0021] In the process 400, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, however, the products are shipped to Retail Distribution Center 430. At the Retail Distribution Center 430, the packaged products undergo a "pick" operation, as symbolically represented by block 434. Pick operation 434 may be implemented in the same fashion as pick operation 424 to perform the same or similar acts such as reading of RFID tags, processing the products, verifying and authenticating products. During the "pick" operation 434, information may be communicated (as symbolically represented by reading process 432) with the Application and Data Server 480 to facilitate the operation.

[0022] A repackaging operation (as symbolically represented by block 436), which may be implemented in the same fashion as repackaging operation 426, performs acts such as repacking products into one or more new groups, coupling new RFID tags to products, groupings, and/or cartons, etc. This repacking operation 426 likewise involves communicating (as symbolically represented by writing process 438) with the Application and Data Server 480 to facilitate these acts. The products can then be distributed to other portions of the distribution chain (e.g., Retail Outlet 440, Consumer 450, etc.). In this illustrated implementation, the products are shipped to Retail Outlet 440.

[0023] After the repackaged products are shipped or otherwise distributed to Retail Outlet 440, a pick/file operation occurs, as symbolically represented by block 444. This operation 444 may involve unpacking products from cartons (or groupings) and filing them appropriately (e.g., on product display shelves, in awaiting customer bins, in stock rooms, etc.). The pick/file operation 444 may perform some of the same acts as those performed in pick operations 424, 434. The pick/file operation 444, thus, may involve acts such as reading the RFID tags on the products, groupings, and/or cartons, communicating (as symbolically represented by reading process 442) with the Application and Data Server 480, verifying and authenticating the products and/or cartons received, and other acts of processing and management of the products.

[0024] After the products are unpacked and processed, the retrieve/sell operation (as symbolically represented by block 446) may be executed. During the retrieve/sell operation 446, tracking systems within Retail Outlet 440 may monitor the location of each product in an effort to more efficiently and securely manage the distribution of the product. Retrieve/Sell operation 446 may involve communicating (as symbolically represented by reading process 447) with the Application and Data Server 480.

[0025] Finally, the product, having been tracked and authenticated throughout the distribution process 400, may be distributed to the customer or consumer, as symbolically represented by block 450.

[0026] As described above, the products may be authenticated during any or all of the pick operations 424, 434, and 444 described herein. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the determination of authenticity of a product, grouping, and/or carton may utilize a serial number embedded in each RFID chip during manufacture of the RFID chip. Typically, an RFID tag (RFID chip and antenna) cannot be copied without the extremely difficult process of manufacturing a new RFID chip and assigning the identical serial number. Thus, even if a counterfeiter succeeds in creating a counterfeit EPC number on an intended counterfeit RFID tag, it will be nearly impossible to have assigned the identical RFID chip serial number to the same RFID tag, making counterfeiting RFID tags more difficult. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the RFID chip serial number may be stored, along with the tag EPC number written to the RFID tag, in one or more records stored in Application and Data Server 480. Such a record may also be stored on an RFID tag or other storage device coupled to a grouping or carton. The authenticity of any given product, grouping, and/or carton can thus be determined by comparing the ECP and serial number of a given RFID tag with the ECP and serial numbers stored in records stored in the Application and Data Server 480 (or other storage devices).

[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a shipping and receipt system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. This process flow (or others) may be implemented in any of the embodiments illustrated in FIGs. 1, 2 A and 2B or any other embodiments, implementations, or applications of the invention. Initially, an identifier (e.g., bar code, RFID tag, etc.) coupled to a given carton (or other intended grouping of items) is scanned or otherwise read in step 510. In step 515, the system communicates (as symbolically represented by line 516) with Application and Data Server 480'. The system may, for example, communicate a serial number or other identifying information associated with the carton to Application and Data Server 480' for storage and use in later item management functions or other processing. The Application and Data Server 480' may communicate pertinent information (e.g., a licensed EPC number) to the system. In step 520, a carton RFID tag is written, for example, with the pertinent information received from Application and Data Server 480'. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, data regarding the carton and the items being placed in the carton may be stored in one or more records in the Application and Data Server 480', and/or may be stored locally (e.g., in a storage module accessed by the tracking system, in one or more RFID tags or other storage devices coupled to the carton, etc.). In step 525, an initial (or, if the step is being repeated, the next) item is selected for processing. Preferably, the item includes at least one bar code (or other identifier) and at least one RFID tag. In step 530, the item bar code (or other identifier) is read. In step 535, an RFID reader reads the RFID tag (e.g., to obtain the unique serial number of the tag) of the item, and the system requests information (as symbolically represented by line 536) from the Application and Data Server 480' . The requested information may include a licensed or valid EPC code that has been (or is concurrently) obtained via an EPC Licensing and Verification System (EPC LANS), which may be incorporated in (or accessed by) Application and Data Server 480'. The information (which preferably includes the EPC code) is written to the RFID tag of an item in step 540.

[0028] The item can then be placed in the carton (or other grouping) in step 545. The information about the tagged item may be stored in the Application and Data Server 480' and, optionally, in a local memory (or storage device coupled to the carton). In step 550, if there are more items to be packed, the process returns to step 525 and repeats the process steps 530, 535, 540 and 545, for the next item. Otherwise, in step 555, a packing list may be generated and optionally printed. In step 560, the carton may be sealed and shipped to another portion of the distribution chain (e.g., to wholesaler, distributor, retailer, consumer, etc.).

[0029] In step 565, the carton is received. In step 570, the carton bar code (or other carton identifier) may be read, including, if applicable, the reading of an RFID tag (as represented by step 571). In step 575, a listing of the items in the carton (or grouping) may be obtained. This listing may be obtained from Application and Data Server 480', from a local system of a previous stage in the distribution chain, from a storage device (e.g., an RFID tag) coupled to the carton, or from any other mechanism for storing a record of the items. The tracking system at this stage may be in communication (as symbolically represented by dashed line 576) with the Application and Data Server 480' to obtain information that the tracking system may use to perform verification of the packing list. (Alternatively, or in addition, the Application and Data Server 480' may receive the packing list data from the tracking system (e.g., as read from a local storage device on the carton) and perform the verification, and pass the verification results to the tracking system.) The results of the verification may be communicated to the Application and Data Server 480' for recording and use in later item management functions or other processing. If applicable, the carton may be opened at step 580, and in step 585, verification of the first (or the next) item begins. In step 585, if needed to perform the verification, the item may be unpacked. [0030] In step 590, the item's RFID tag may be read (whether within the carton or grouping, or as unpacked, as needed). In step 595, the tracking system verifies whether the item is authentic. The tracking system communicates (as symbolically represented by line 596) with Application and Data Server 480' to fadlitate performance of the item verification and/or recording of the results of such verification. That is, the tracking system may, for example, receive from Application and Data Server 480' valid serial number and EPC information of items associated with the received carton for comparison with the information read from the given item RFID tag. (Alternatively, or in addition, Application and Data Server 480' may perform the verification from the information provided by the tracking system, and communicate the resxilts of the verification to the tracking system.)

[0031] In step 600, the tracking system may verify that the item should be in the shipment, and particularly, within the received carton. The tracking system may communicate (as symbolically represented by line 601) with Application and Data Server 480' for performing the shipment verification and/or recording of such verification. (That is, like other verification process steps in the flowchart, the actual verification may be performed by the tracking system itself and/or by the Application and Data Server 48 O'.)

[0032] In step 603, the items may be routed appropriately (e.g., to a storage area, to the retail sales area, etc.) as dictated by a user or other processes/systems (not shown or described herein). For example, in a retail environment, the tracking may receive information (e.g., as input from a user or automated inventory management system) regarding the level of stock of the item on the retail sales floor. Based on such information, at step 603, the item may be routed to the sales floor.

[0033] At step 605, if there are more items to be processed, steps 585 through 603 may be repeated. If there are no additional items to be processed, in step 610, the tracking system verifies that all items shipped in the carton have been unpacked. The tracking system may communicate (as symbolically represented by dashed line 611) with Application and Data Server 480' for performing the verification and/or recording of the verification. (This verification may be performed by the tracking system itself and/or by the Application and Data Server 480'.)

EXAMPLES

[0034] FIGs. 4-12 illustrate exemplary commercial implementations of a packing and receipt system (and method) in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention. These exemplary implementations are particularly directed to the use of the system in a retail pharmacy environment. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computer display Login screen. Ideally, such a screen is provided as the primary screen, and may be the starting point for each new packing or receipt operation. [0035] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary computer display Tagging Items screen. In particular, as RFID tags are written for individual products, this screen may be useful in providing information to indicate whether the RFID tags have been successfully written.

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computer display Report Screen showing the contents (e.g., items in the form of drugs) of a box or carton before shipping. This information may be incorporated into a packing slip or list.

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary Item Receipt Screen. The screen displays all of the items expected to be within a given received carton. The screen also displays the status of the items as the RFID tags on the items within the carton are read. Spedfically, FIG. 7 illustrates the status of the first three processed items on the list (e.g., a darkened plus sign), while the remaining two items on the list have not yet been processed (e.g., a clear plus sign). In this exemplary implementation, the processing includes unpacking of items from a given box and placing them in a receiving crate, as reflected on the screen in the indication of the quantity "Crate Qty".

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary Item Receipt Screen in which all of the items in the carton were received during the unpacking operation. All five of the items listed have been received and placed in a receiving crate, and their respective status indicators activated (e.g., plus signs darkened). A report of the process may be generated, as illustrated by the Report Screen in FIG. 9. The Report Screen identifies the? items within a carton received (e.g., by a Distribution Center). The Report Screen may be generated for each carton received and processed.

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary Item Receipt Screen indicating a situation in which incorrect items may -have been received. The fourth item in the list, for example, which is identified as "Zoloft," was not supposed to be included in the carton as shipped (e.g., as denoted by "Box Qty" = "0"). An RFID tag on the drug, however, was detected, and the drug was unpacked and placed in the crate (e.g., as denoted by "Crate Qty" = "1"). The receipt of the unexpected item is highlighted by the system (e.g., an "X" appears in the status column on the screen display).

[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary Item Receipt Screen with incorrect items marked in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As in FIG. 10, the fourth item in the list is an unexpectedly received item. The sixth item in the list, however, which is also identified as "Zoloft," is identified as missing from the received carton (e.g., as indicated by a "1" for the "Box Qty" and a "0" for the "Crate Qty" indications). As a result, the system also highlights this unexpected event (e.g., an "X" appears in the status column corresponding to the item that was expected to be in the received carton, but was not actually found in the carton). A report of the results of this process may be generatecd, as illustrated in FIG. 12. [0041] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it should be apparent that many modifications to the embodiments and implementations of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, while the embodiments and implementations described herein have been illustrated in terms of items or products distributed from a manufacturer to a consumer in a "top-down" distribution chain, it should be readily apparent that the invention may easily be applied to items or products that are returned up the distribution chain (e.g., from the consumer to the manufacturer). The embodiments and implementations may also be modified, for example, to allow the information read from the RFID tags (or other identification devices) to be written (or otherwise encoded) at any known location (e.g., at the manufacturer of the tags, manufacturer of the tagged item, distribution center, etc.). The tags may be "prewritten" with a number that uniquely identifies the tag, information regarding the item (e.g., brand name of product), as wdl as predefined identification information (e.g., manufacturer number, SKU number, serial number, etc.).

[0042] Although embodiments and implementations of the invention have been specifically illustrated herein as applied to machine readable identifiers in the form of RFID tags placed on an item, the invention may easily be deployed or embodied in any form of (RF- or non-RF-based) technology. Although only a single item management system has been illustrated, it should be apparent that there may be a plurality of such systems. It should also be apparent that one or more of the facilities (e.g., Receipt/Packing Centers) described herein may be connected (directly or indirectly) with one or more of the same or other modules (e.g., Pack-ing Centers). Regardless of any directional arrows as used in the illustration in the Figures to represent communications between modules (e.g., in process 400, 500), it should be apparent that the communications can be unilateral or bilateral, as needed for any given application or implementation.

[0043] To the extent the illustrated embodiments have not specified the type of communication medium (or protocol) used to connect the various modules, it should be apparent that any known ^wired/wireless technology may be used to implement the various embodiments of the invention such as, for example, PCI bus, Fire Wire™, USB, Internet, intranets, private bulletin boards, individual local or wide area networks, proprietary chat rooms, ICQ, IRC channels, instant messaging systems, WAP, Bluetooth, etc. using realtime or non-real-time systems alone or in combiriation.

[0044] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, one or more of the same or different user interfaces are provided as part of or in conjunction with the illustrated systems to permit one or more users to interact with the systems. User interface devices may be any device used to input and/or output information. The user interface device may be implemented as a graphical user interface (GUI) containing a dispL ay or the like, or may be a link to other user input/output devices known in the art. An individual device or plurality of individual devices, such as, network/stand-alone computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), WebTV or Internet-only terminals, set-top boxes, cellular/PCS phones, screenphones, pagers, kiosks, or other known wired or wireless communication devices, etc., may similarly be used to execute one or more computer programs, such as, universal Internet browser programs, dedicated interface programs, etc., to allow users to interface with the systems in the manner described.

[0045] The modules described herein, particularly those illustrated or inherent in, or otherwise apparent from the instant disclosure, may be one or more hardware, software, or hybrid components residing in or distributed among one or more local and/or remote computer or other processing systems. The Application and Data Servers 480, 480' may, for example, be implemented as a single remote server, accessible to many users from many locations over one or more networks. It may easily, however, be implemented using multiple (remote and local) servers, or local server(s) (or other processing device(s)) on a single network or dedicated communication line.

[0046] Although the modules may be shown or described herein as physically separated components it should be readily apparent that the modules may be omitted, combined or further separated into a variety of different components, sharing different resources including processing units, memory, clock devices, software routines, etc., as required for the particular implementation of the embodiments disclosed or apparent from the teachings herein. Indeed, even a single general purpose computer or other processor- controlled device executing a program stored on an article of manufacture in the form of a recording medium (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, memory cartridge, etc.) may be used to produce the functionality referred to herein, or to otherwise implement the illustrated embodiments.

[0047] In addition, database, storage, and other memory units described herein may be any one or more of the known storage devices, such as, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), hard disk drive (HDD), floppy drive, zip drive, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, bubble memory, flash memory, memory card, redundant array of independent disks (RAID), storage accessible network (SAN), network accessible storage (NAS), etc., and may also be one or more memory devices embedded within a controller or CPU, or shared with one or more of the other components. These units may be disposed locally, remotely, distributed, or otherwise logically or physically configured to practice the invention.

[0048] Moreover, the flowcharts, operational flows, processes, and methods shown in the various Figures (or otherwise disclosed or apparent from the description herein) can be performed automatically or through user interaction (e.g., using hand-held scanner for reading identifiers). The flowcharts, operational flows, processes, and methods may be modified to indude additional steps, to change the sequence of the individual steps, as well as combining or subdividing, simultaneously running, omitting;, or otherwise modifying the individual steps in accordance with the invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, for example, if the item already has a written RFID tag, then steps 530 - 540 may be replaced by a step of reading the RFID tag. Numerous alternative methods may be employed to produce the outcomes described with respect to the preferred embodiments illustrated

equivalent outcomes, as well as supplemental outcomes. The flowchart of FIG. 3, for example, may be modified for applications where items o_r products are shipped individually or in groupings without use of a carton.

[0049] It should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that method steps inherent or apparent from the disclosure herein of various physical systems or components thereof may be implemented using the disclosed or any other systems in accordance with the invention. Detailed descriptions of such method steps therefore need not be provided herein.

[0050] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed (or apparent from the disclosure) herein, but only limited by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS[0051] What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A method of tracking an item that is to be associated with a container, the method comprising the steps of: receiving tracked item information assodated with a tracked item; associating the tracked item information with container information associated with a container; storing the tracked item information and container information; and determining whether the tracked item is associated with the container.

2. The method of tracking an item, as recited in daim 1, the method comprising the steps of: packing at least the tracked item in the container; and shipping the container before said determining step; wherein said determining step is performed at a destination location after receiving the shipped container.

3. The method of tracking an item, as recited in claim 1, the method further comprising the step of authenticating the tracked item upon determination in said determining step that the tracked item is in the container.

4. The method of tracking an item, as recited in daim 2, wherein said receiving step uses an RFID reader antenna to receive the tracked item information.

5. The method of tracking an item, as recited in daim 4, wherein said receiving step uses an RFID reader antenna to receive the container information.

6. An item management system for use in management of items distributed through a distribution chain, the item management system comprising: a plurality of tracking systems for at least reading identifiers respectively associated with ones of a plurality of items, wherein ones of sai plurality of tracking systems are respectively associated with different stages of the distribution chain; and a server system for storing and processing information regarding identifiers associated with the plurality of items; wherein said server communicates first identification information- to a first tracking system of said plurality of tracking systems, the first tracking system associating the first identification information of a first identifier with a first item; and wherein said server system determines the location of the first item in the distribution chain based on information received by said plurality of tracking systems.

7. The item management system, as recited in claim 6, wherein the first identifier is at least one RFID tag affixed to the first item.

8. The item management system, as redted in claim 6, wherein the first tracking system associates second identification information of a second identifier a first grouping of items, which includes the first item; and wherein said server system comprises a database for storing records, including an association between the first identifier and the second identifier.

9. The item management system, as recited in claim 8, wherein a given tracking system in the distribution chain reads the first and second identification information and verifies authentidty of the first item.

10. The item management system, as recited in claim 9, wherein the given tracking system verifies authenticity of the first item by comparing at least the first identification information read from the first item with at least one record stored in said server system database.

11. The item management system, as recited in claim 9, wherein the given tracking system verifies authenticity of the first item by communicating to said server system at least the first identification information read from the first item and receiving an indication of authenticity of the first item from said server system.

12. The item management system, as recited in claim 9, wherein the first grouping is a container for storing a plurality of items, including the first item; wherein the second identifier is one of a bar code and an RFID tag; and wherein the given tracking system comprises a user interface for displaying status of the plurality of items stored in the container.

13. A method of shipping and receiving items in a distribution chain, the method comprising: at a first stage in the distribution chain, coupling a first RFID tag, having a valid dectronic product code (EPC), to a first item, and grouping the first item together with a plurality of items to form a first group; and at a second stage in the distribution chain, reading the first RFID tag, and verifying authenticity of the first item.

14. The method of shipping and receiving items in a distribution chain as recited in claim 13, wherein said grouping the first item together with a plurality of items includes packing the items of the group into a shipping carton; the method further comprising, at the first stage of the distribution chain, scanning a bar code associated with the shipping carton.

15. The method of shipping and receiving items in a distribution chain as recited in claim 14, the method further comprising, at the first stage of the distribution chain, attaching a carton RFID tag to the shipping carton; and writing carton information to the carton RFID tag.

16. The method of shipping and receiving items in a distribution chain as recited in claim 13, the method further comprising: at the first stage of the distribution chain, scanning a bar code associated with the first item, determining a serial number of an RFID integrated circuit of the first RFID tag, associating the serial number with the EPC of the first RFID tag, and storing a record of the association between the serial number and the EPC of the first RFID tag.

17. The method of shipping and receiving items in a distribution chain as recited in claim 16, the method further comprising: at the second stage of the distribution chain, wherein said verifying authenticity of the first item involves retrieving the record of the association between the serial number and the EPC of the first RFID tag and comparing the record to a reading of the serial number and the EPC from the first RFID tag of the first item.

18. The method of shipping and receiving items in a distribution chain as recited in claim 15, the method further comprising: at the first stage of the distribution chain, preparing a group list describing the items in the first group, and storing the list in a storage device, wherein the storage device is at least one of the following: an RFID tag included in the carton; a memory device in a local tracking system; and a memory device in a remote server system.

19. The method of shipping and receiving items in a distribution chain as recited in claim 18, the method further comprising: at the second stage of the distribution chain, reading the carton RFID tag, obtaining the group list, and verifying the group list; wherein the carton information read from the carton RFID tag is an identification number that is associated with the carton.

20. The method of shipping and receiving items in a distribution chain as recited in claim 15, wherein the method is applied to a distribution chain from a manufacturer of pharmaceuticals to a consumer of pharmaceuticals, wherein the first stage of the distribution chain is the manufacturer and the second stage of the distribution chain is a wholesale distribution center, the method further comprising shipping the carton of items from the first stage to the second stage.