WO2014183162A1

WO2014183162A1 - System and method of dynamic labelling

Info

Publication number: WO2014183162A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000520
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ross Mckinnon
Original assignee: Michael Hill Group Services Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-14
Filing date: 2014-05-14
Publication date: 2014-11-20

Abstract

A method and device for dynamic labelling enables efficient, accurate and updateable labelling. The method includes scanning at a first device a blank label associated with a first item to obtain a first identifier associated with the first item. A server then retrieves first label data based upon the first identifier. A label is then printed at the first device on the blank label for the first item based upon the first label data.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DYNAMIC LABELLING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to labelling. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to dynamic price labelling.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In conventional retail systems, price labels are typically affixed to or otherwise presented in association with items. This enables a consumer to read the price label, and thus determine a price of the product without needing to consult with a salesperson. Such systems are popular among merchants as less staff are required, and popular among consumers as they are able to shop independently.

A problem with such retail systems is that price changes are generally difficult and inefficient, as a large number of price labels need to be changed. Additionally, as the task is difficult and time consuming, such price changes are prone to errors, which is costly in both reduced sales and in customer dissatisfaction.

Attempts have been made to alleviate this problem by providing electronic price labels that are easily updatable. Such electronic price labels typically comprise an LCD screen that displays the price. While such electronic price labels are relatively easy to update, they have several drawbacks. Firstly, they include electronics that require power, typically through a battery or through a connection to a permanent power supply. Such electronics are expensive, fragile and not particularly well suited to harsh environments.

Labelling is also problematic in other areas of retail. For example, different jurisdictions may have different labelling requirements, different tax rates, or different price structures. Thus, when an item is made with a label, it is generally done so with regard to the destination of the item. This is particularly problematic when items take time to manufacture and when demand is not easily predicted. In case of actual demand not matching an estimated demand, items are generally relabelled prior to sale. Such relabeling is costly, time consuming and prone to error.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system and method of dynamic labelling.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide consumers with improvements and advantages over the above described prior art, and/or overcome and alleviate one or more of the above described disadvantages of the prior art, and/or provide a useful commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the invention resides in a method of labelling including:

scanning at a first device a blank label associated with a first item to obtain a first identifier associated with the first item;

retrieving at a server first label data based upon the first identifier; and

printing on the blank label at the first device a label for the first item based upon the first label data.

Preferably, scanning the first item comprises reading a Radio-

Frequency Identification (RFID) tag of the first item.

Preferably, the label data includes a price.

Preferably, the label data includes at least one of: instructional data, information declaration data, and ingredients data. Suitably, the label data includes layout information.

Preferably, the first item is scanned and the label is printed at a first location; and the first label data is retrieved from a second location that is different to the first location. More preferably, the second location includes label data for several merchants.

Preferably, the method further includes:

scanning a second blank label associated with a second item to obtain a second identifier associated with the second item;

retrieving second label data based upon the second identifier; and printing a label for the second item based upon the second label data.

Preferably, the first identifier and the second identifier comprise a common identifier, and the first label data and the second label data do not comprise common label data, wherein the first label data and the second label data were retrieved by different merchants.

Preferably, the method further includes:

retrieving second label data based upon the first identifier, wherein the second label data is retrieved subsequent to the first label data.

Preferably, the second label data comprises a time based price reduction with reference to the first label data.

Preferably, the first item remains attached to the blank label during printing of the label.

According to a second aspect, the invention resides in a labelling device including:

a scanner,

a printer;

a network interface;

a processor coupled to the scanner, the printer and the network interface; and

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including instruction code executable by the processor for:

scanning, by the scanner, a blank label associated with a first item to obtain a first identifier associated with the first item;

retrieving, on the network interface, first label data based upon the first identifier; and printing, by the printer, on the blank label a label for the first item based upon the label data.

Preferably, the labelling device is a handheld portable device.

Preferably, the scanner is an RFID reader.

Preferably, the printer is a thermal rewritable printer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for dynamic labelling, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a illustrates a perspective view of a labelling device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2b illustrates a front view of the labelling device of FIG. 2a; FIG. 2c illustrates a side view of the labelling device of FIG. 2a; FIG. 2d illustrates a cross sectional view of the labelling device of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for dynamic labelling, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates a computing device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a blank label, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a label that has been printed on the blank label of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments..

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that minor deviations from the layout of components as illustrated in the drawings will not detract from the proper functioning of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods of dynamic labelling. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, front and back, top and bottom, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

According to one aspect, the invention resides in a method of labelling including: scanning a first item to obtain a first identifier associated with the first item; retrieving first label data based upon the first identifier; and printing a label for the first item based upon the label data.

Advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include an ability to efficiently and accurately label items. In particular, certain embodiments enable simplified goods handling at wholesalers, by having common blank labels applied to goods. This enables customisation of labels in-store and removes a requirement to allocate items to a particular store or jurisdiction prior to shipping. For example, where items are shipped to stores in various overseas jurisdictions, country-specific and currency-specific prices can be printed on the blank labels at a point-of-sale retail store and do not need to be prepared at a central warehouse.

Additionally, certain embodiments of the present invention simplify price changes in store, as labels can be quickly and efficiently changed. Store staff do not need to be aware of such pricing changes, as this is handled by a remote system, and thus the system is less prone to human error.

Furthermore, according to certain embodiments, the present invention can be integrated with an inventory system, providing up to date stock availability when it arrives in-store and a label is printed.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for dynamic labelling, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system 100 includes a merchant portion 105a, for dynamic labelling of goods and in a store, and a server portion 105b, for remotely controlling the labelling of goods in the store. The server portion 105b advantageously controls server merchant portions 105a at different merchants.

In particular, the server portion 105b can control several merchant portions 105a, such that each merchant portion 105a is able to price an item based upon differently, for example by including different tax rates and different prices, or print labels based upon local language or regulatory requirements. This enables a manufacturer or wholesaler to pack items and prepare them for labelling without needing to consider where each item is eventually sold.

The merchant portion includes a scanner 110, a processor 115 coupled to the scanner 110, a printer 120 coupled to the processor 115, a memory 125 coupled to the processor 115, and a network interface 130 coupled to the processor 115.

Similarly, the server portion includes a network interface 135, a processor 140 coupled to the network interface 135 and a memory 145 coupled to the processor 140. The scanner 110 is for scanning an identifier associated with the item. The scanner 110 advantageously comprises a radio frequency identifier (RFID) scanner, but can comprise a barcode or QR code scanner, or any other suitable means for scanning the item.

The printer 120 is for printing a label of them item. The printer 120 advantageously comprises a thermal rewritable printer, such as a Thermorewrite printer by Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited, such that the label can be rewritten and reused as details on the label need to be changed. However, any suitable printer can be used including a laser printer, a thermal printer and an ink printer.

Blank labels are advantageously attached to items prior to shipping the items to the merchants. This enables blank labels to be placed on items in the same way, regardless of their destination, and wherein customisation of the labels is performed at the merchant. The blank labels may include only basic product identification codes, for example, which may be hidden from view (such as in an RFID tag) or visibly printed.

The labels can comprise any suitable label, such as a price tag, an instructional label, an information declaration, or an ingredients list. The blank labels can be partially pre-printed with branding or other static information, and customised by the printer 120 with dynamic information.

The memory 125 includes instruction code 150 executable by the processor 115 for retrieving from the scanner 110 an identifier of an item being scanned. The identifier can be unique to each item, or to a group of items. The instruction code is then configured to send a request for label details, including the identifier, to the server component 105b by the network interface 130.

The network interface 130 can be a wireless local area network (WLAN) module, a short-wavelength radio transmission module such as a Bluetooth module according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.1 standard.

The memory 145 similarly includes instruction code 155 executable by the processor 140 for receiving the request for label details by the network interface 135, and retrieving details of the label from the memory

145 based upon the identifier.

The memory 145 can include a database (not shown) including a plurality of identifiers, a plurality of merchants, and label details associated with each merchant-identifier combination. As will be readily understood by the skilled addressee, label details may be implicitly associated with a merchant based on a location of the merchant, a category of the merchant, or by any other suitable means.

According to alternative embodiments, the label details are associated with an identifier only, rather than a merchant-identifier combination. This enables dynamic labelling based upon time, rather than specific to a merchant. In such case, the dynamic labelling can take into account current stock levels and reduce a price of items based thereon, or update a price of an item as part of a sale.

The instruction code 155 further includes instructions for sending the label details to the merchant portion 105a by the network interface

135.

Finally, the instruction code 150 includes instructions for receiving the label details on the network interface 130 and printing a label using the printer 120 based upon the label details.

According to certain embodiments, the label details include full details of the label, including both content and layout information. However, according to other embodiments, the label details include only content information, e.g. a price, which is printed according to layout details stored in the memory 125.

According to certain embodiments, the system 100 is integrated with an inventory management system. Once an item arrives at a merchant, it is scanned and labelled as discussed above. Additionally, as the label is scanned, it is recorded as having arrived at the merchant and placed in a digital inventory of the merchant.

Once the item is sold, it is also scanned, and removed from the digital inventory of the merchant. The digital inventory can be used to automatically order stock, or display stock levels to other merchants or customers.

The merchant portion 105a can comprise a single handheld device, as discussed further below, or a plurality of devices.

The merchant portion 105a and the server portion 105b communicate via a data communications network 160 such as the Internet. In such case, the network interfaces 130, 135 can comprise modems, such as cellular data modems or the like, for connecting to the Internet. However, as will be understood by the skilled addressee, a private network can also be used.

In use, a plurality of items are prepared at a warehouse or distributor in a common manner, i.e. without regard to the final sales destination, through application of a blank label including an RFID tag. These are then shipped to merchants. Upon application of the blank label, an identifier of the RFID tag is associated with the item in the system 100 in the server portion 105b, for example through use of a stock-keeping unit (SKU).

At each merchant, the items are scanned using the scanner 120, and label information is requested from the server portion 105b using an identifier obtained by scanning the item.

Each merchant is then given label information by the server portion 105b, such that the label is able to be printed dynamically by the printer.

According to alternative embodiments, the label can be generated dynamically to reflect changes over time. In such case, the merchant may scan items and print labels periodically, for example weekly, to ensure that prices are up to date.

FIG. 2a illustrates a perspective view of a labelling device 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2b illustrates a front view of the labelling device 200, FIG. 2c illustrates a side view of the labelling device 200 and FIG. 2d illustrates a cross sectional view of the labelling device 200 along A-A. The merchant device 200 can be similar or identical to the merchant portion 105a of the system 100 of FIG. 1. The merchant device 200 includes a slot 205 adapted to receive a label. The slot 205 can include securing means (not shown) for securing the label in place, such as a clamp.

Upon insertion of the label into the slot 205, the label is scanned by an RFID module 210. As discussed above, the RFID module 210 can be replaced by various other scanning modules, such as a barcode scanner or the like.

An identifier, which is retrieved by scanning the label, is sent to a server, such as the server portion 105b of the system 100 of FIG. 1 , in a request for label information. Upon receipt of label information, a label is generated and printed using a thermal rewritable printer 215.

The thermal rewritable printer 215 and the RFID module 210 are illustrated on opposite sides of the slot 205. However, as will be understood by the skilled addressee, the thermal rewritable printer 215 and the RFID module 210 may be located on a common side of the slot. Additionally, the RFID module 210 need not be located directly adjacent the slot, and can instead be placed at any suitable position in the merchant device 200.

According to certain embodiments, the labelling device 200 includes a plurality of signal lights (not shown), for indicating to the user a status of the device. In particular, the signal lights may illuminate red while printing is in process, and green when printing is ready and the label can be removed from the device 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for dynamic labelling, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

At step 305, an item is scanned to obtain an identifier associated with the item. As discussed above, scanning the item can, for example, comprise reading an RFID tag of the item or scanning a barcode of the item.

At step 310, label data is retrieved from a data store based upon the first identifier. The label data can, for example, include price details, or comprise details of an entire label including graphics and layout information.

At step 315, a label for the first item is printed based upon the label data. If the label data includes layout information, the label data may be sent to the printer directly. Alternatively, the label data can be applied to a template in order to generate a printable label.

FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates a computing device 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The merchant component 105a and/or the server component 105b of system 100 of FIG. 1 , and the labelling device 200 can be similar or identical to the computing device 400. Similarly, the method 300 of FIG. 3 can be implemented using the computing device 400.

The computing device 400 includes a central processor 402, a system memory 404 and a system bus 406 that couples various system components, including coupling the system memory 404 to the central processor 402. The system bus 406 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The structure of system memory 404 is well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in a read only memory (ROM) and one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data stored in random access memory (RAM).

The computing device 400 can also include a variety of interface units and drives for reading and writing data. The data can include, for example, pricing data, label data, and/or inventory data.

In particular, the computing device 400 includes a data storage interface 408 and a removable memory interface 410, respectively coupling a solid state or hard disk drive 412 and a removable memory drive 414 to the system bus 406. Examples of removable memory drives 414 include magnetic disk drives and optical disk drives. The drives and their associated computer-readable media, such as a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) 416 provide non-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer system 400. A single hard disk drive 412 and a single removable memory drive 414 are shown for illustration purposes only and with the understanding that the computing device 400 can include several similar drives. Furthermore, the computing device 400 can include drives for interfacing with other types of computer readable media.

The computing device 400 may include additional interfaces for connecting devices to the system bus 406. FIG. 4 shows a universal serial bus (USB) interface 418 which may be used to couple a device to the system bus 406. For example, an IEEE 1394 interface 420 may be used to couple additional devices to the computing device 400. Examples of additional devices include cameras for receiving images or video, or microphones for recording audio.

The computing device 400 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers or other devices, such as a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. The computing device 400 includes a network interface 422 that couples the system bus 406 to a local area network (LAN) 424. Networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks and home computer systems.

A wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, can also be accessed by the computing device, for example via a modem unit connected to a serial port interface 426 or via the LAN 424.

Transmission of label data can be performed using the LAN 424, the WAN, or a combination thereof.

It will be appreciated that the network connections shown and described are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between computers can be used. The existence of any of various well-known protocols, such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and the computing device 400 can be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve or add data from, for example, a web-based server. In particular, RFID data and SKU's can be added to the system using a web server.

The operation of the computing device 400 can be controlled by a variety of different program modules. Examples of program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The present invention may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal digital assistants and the like. Furthermore, the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a blank label 500, according to some embodiments. As described herein, the blank label 500 can be attached to an item such as a ring 505 using, for example, a plastic tie 510. The attachment of the blank label 500 to the item can be performed at a central processing facility such as a wholesaler, and assists in documenting, shipping and inventorying the item.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a label that has been printed on the blank label 500, according to some embodiments. As described herein, the label, including for example a price and a product description, can be printed on the blank label 500 at a specific point of sale. Further, according to some embodiments the label can be printed on the blank label without detaching the blank label 500 from the item, which further reduces the risk of mis-labelling the item.

In summary, advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include an ability to efficiently and accurately label items. In particular, certain embodiments enable simplified goods handling at wholesalers, by having common blank labels applied to goods. This enables customisation of labels in-store and removes a requirement to allocate items to a particular store or jurisdiction prior to shipping. Further, by reading the blank labels and then printing on the blank labels store- specific labels in a seamless process on a single device, errors in product handling and marking can be reduced.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

1. A method of labelling, including:

retrieving at a server first label data based upon the first identifier; and

2. The method of labelling of claim 1 , wherein scanning the blank label comprises reading a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag of the first item.

3. The method of labelling of claim 1 , wherein the label data includes a price.

4. The method of labelling of claim 1 , wherein the label data includes at least one of: instructional data, information declaration data, and ingredients data.

5. The method of labelling of claim 1 , wherein the label data includes layout information.

6. The method of labelling of claim 1 , wherein the blank label is scanned and the label is printed at a first location; and wherein the first label data is retrieved from a second location that is different to the first location.

7. The method of labelling of claim 6, wherein the second location includes label data for several merchants.

8. The method of labelling of claim 1 , further comprising: scanning a second blank label associated with a second item to obtain a second identifier associated with the second item;

9. The method of labelling of claim 8, wherein the first identifier and the second identifier comprise a common identifier, and the first label data and the second label data do not comprise common label data, and wherein the first label data and the second label data are retrieved by different merchants.

10. The method of labelling of claim 1 , further comprising:

11. The method of labelling of claim 10, wherein the second label data comprises a time based price reduction with reference to the first label data.

12. The method of labelling of claim 1 , wherein the first item remains attached to the blank label during printing of the label.

13. A labelling device, including:

a scanner,

a printer;

a network interface;

a processor coupled to the scanner, the printer and the network interface; and

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including instruction code executable by the processor for: scanning, by the scanner, a blank label associated with a first item to obtain a first identifier associated with the first item;

retrieving, on the network interface, first label data based upon the first identifier; and

printing, by the printer, on the blank label a label for the first item based upon the label data.

14. The labelling device of claim 13, wherein the labelling device is a handheld portable device.

15. The labelling device of claim 13, wherein the scanner is an RFID reader.

16. The labelling device of claim 13, wherein the printer is a thermal rewritable printer.