Changes

== Executive Summary ==IP activity in the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is a growing area of RFIDinnovation as Wal-based supply chain applications seems Mart and other retailers make a big push to have started in 1991, "tag" items on their shelves for easier inventory management and peaked in 2004. Most of the action in the integration of electronic identification system (RFID) with software system in supply chain applications has taken place in the last ten years or sotracking.

Around 423 patents have been published in This patent landscape covers the span patenting activity with respect to the use of 4.2 years from 2000 till February 2005. The major market in RFID-based in the supply chain in various industries. The patents reviewed are organized by timeline, companies, industries, and applications appears to be the United States. The patents are organized by claims, applications, and a detailed SWOT (Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat) analysis is also provided.

'''Technology area focus by key players'''== Rationale ==* Digital Data Processing“A billion people will interact with a million e-businesses via a trillion intelligent interconnected devices” - Louis V Gerstner* Communication TechniquesTechnological developments in RFID are taking place rapidly - [http://www.rfidconsultation.eu/?id_categoria=29&id_item=214 Source] <br>* ComputingInnovation is occurring in the RFID market, calculatingbut it is diffused and application-specific - [http://loftwares.blogspot.com/ Paul Faber]<br>* RFID has been spawning a lot of innovation. One of the newest is Jewel (disposable RF-enabled tickets) - [http://www.rfidgazette.org/ Source]<br>* Scientists are developing a system that combines RFID tags and high-definition CCTV cameras to track passenger movements in busy airports <br>* Wal-Mart Doubling RFID-Enabled Stores - [http://www.rfidgazette.org/ Source]<br>* Oracle and Intel join forces for RFID push - [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2127122/oracle-intel-join-forces-rfid-push Allyson Fryhoff, countingvice president of Oracle]<br>* Recognition Oracle boosts supply chain management tool [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2125618/oracle-boosts-supply-chain-management-tool - Don Klaiss, Oracle]<br>* U.S. FDA to reduce the counterfeiting of data; Presentation prescription drugs - [http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/801/1/1/ Source]<br>* Ignorance putting RFID rollouts at risk - [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2126992/ignorance-putting-rfid-rollouts-risk ABI Research]<br>* Cash under threat from RFID payments - [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2126822/cash-under-threat-rfid-payments ABI Research]<br>* “It’s inappropriate to use RFID technology for tracking and authenticating identities of datapeople” - [http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/40808-1.html Pattinson]<br>* Signaling Or Calling SystemsCDT Working Group on RFID: Privacy Best Practices for Deployment of RFID Technology - [http://www.cdt.org/privacy/20060501rfid-best-practices.php Center For Democracy & Technology]<br>

'''Various software applications cited in patents'''* Business applications* UPS Supply Chain Solutions* Anti== RFID -collision softwareMarket Potential ==* Program for correlating the environmental condition data with the location data.* Software applications (Web application" TagDetect")* Software applications supporting a client-server system or n-tiered computer system.* MW (Micro-warehouse) enterprise application* XML middleware such as Biz Talk software* ERP systemEstimated value share of RFID market in 2010, web ordering systemby region* BeefLink Software* Source code, object code, or scripting code[[Image:Market1.jpg|thumb|center|400px|]]

'''Key application areas identified'''* Food The global forecast of RFID hardware, middleware and pharma industryIT market * Semiconductors and High-value electronic items * Asset and materials management system* Commercial enterprise * Beef industry* Airport and shipyard[[Image:Market2.jpg|thumb|center|400px|]]

* Retail RFID is estimated currently at just under 27% of the overall RFID market, and supply chain management (SCM) applications, when considered as separate from warehouse and distribution and transportation, represents just over 15% of the overall RFID market. These distributions will undoubtedly change rapidly, and should be reconsidered at regular time intervals as the RFID technology and established and emerging markets mature (Source - BCC Research)

==Introduction to RFID technology in supply chainPatent - Quantitative Analysis==

Although* According to the search data, the complexity of the IP activity in RFID based supply chain may vary greatly from industry applications seems to industry and firm to firm. Supply chain management can be seen as have started during the supervision of information year 1991 <br> * The graph shows terrific growth from 2000 onwards and finances high activity during 2004 with 140 patents alone* Around 423 patents have been published in a span of these materials, as they move through 4.2 years from 2000 till date (Feb. 2005) indicating the different processes, by coordinating and integrating potential in the flows within and among the different companies involved.field

The efficiency of the [[Image:IP_over_year.jpg|thumb|center|500px| IP landscape over years: Growth in RFID base supply chain has a direct impact on the profitability of a company. It is no surprise therefore to find that many large corporate companies have made it a key part of their strategy, and invested heavily in software systems (ERP, WMS...) and IT infrastructure designed to control inventory, track products and manage associated finance.applications]]

===<span style="color:#C41E3A">Like this report?</span>===<p align="center"> '''This is only a sample report with brief analysis''' <br>'''Dolcera can provide a comprehensive report customized to your needs'''</p>{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" align="center" "|style="background:lightgrey" align = "center" colspan = "3"|'''[mailto:info@dolcera.com <span style="color:#0047AB">Buy the customized report from Dolcera</span>]''' |-| align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/services/ip-patent-analytics-services Patent Analytics Services]|align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/services/business-research-services Market Research Services]|align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/tools/patent-dashboard Purchase Patent Dashboard]|-|align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/services/ip-patent-analytics-services/patent-search/patent-landscapes Patent Landscape Services]|align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/research-processes Dolcera Processes]|align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/industries Industry Focus]|-|align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/services/ip-patent-analytics-services/patent-search/patent-landscapes Patent Search approach Services]|align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/services/ip-patent-analytics-services/alerts-and project scope-updates Patent Alerting Services]|align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/tools Dolcera Tools]|-|}<br>===IP landscape by region===

The first task was to find the relevant U.S. granted patents, and EP granted patents or published patent applications. This was done for all patents published in years 1975 to 2005. This range IP landscape of years is more than sufficient; but almost all of the action has taken place in the last ten years or even considerably lesser time in some categories.RFID based supply chain - Based on selected 30 records

Identified patents * The graph reveals that the growth in RFID-base based supply chain applications category using a patent search filterpatenting has been across all the regions. Filter development and testing United States is usually the most difficult and time-consuming part of a patent analysismore active than Europe, Japan and that was certainly not the case in this research.Australia

Patent search filters are sometimes relatively simple, but more often complex. Combinations of patent invention art classifications and keywords in titles, abstracts and claims were targeted for search. Because I was working with a combination of US and EP documents, I used classifications based on the International Patent Classification (IPC) system[[Image:IP_by_region.jpg|thumb|center|500px| IP landscape by region: RFID base supply chain]]

===Objective:Top players ===[[Image:TOP2.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Top players]]

The aim of this project is to identify IP activity in the area of RFID-Based supply chain applications primarily focused on the application of software in warehouse, distribution, inventory control and also the related applications.---

===Data Interpretation:Competitor Analysis ===Growth in RFID based supply chain - The present graph and interpretation is based on selected 30 records

Appropriate * The graph indicates SAP as leading and consistent player with 3 patent records were selected for analysis. The selection criteria was based on:* EXAGO seems to be the new entrant in 2005* It is interesting to note that the competitors in 2004 have not shown any activity in the beginning of 2005

* Type of [[Image:IP_by_competitor.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Competitor landscape - Growth in RFID tags (Active, Passive, Microwave or Chipless)base supply chain]]

* Type of reader Technology Trend (InterrogatorMain IPC)- Based on selected 30 records

The above graph indicates technology focus by various assignees* Process involved (ShippingG06F - Computing, receivingcalculating, counting - Electric Digital Data Processing<br>* G08B - Signaling - Signaling Or Calling Systems; Order Telegraphs; Alarm Systems<br>* H04Q - Electric Communication Technique – Selecting (Switches, inventory relays etc.)[[IPC code and Description table]]

===Search strategy:=Technology landscape (Main IPC)====

Database * It is evident from graph that '''G06F''' (Electric Digital Data Processing) technology is widely used: USPTOin RFID based supply chain applications showing continuous progress throughout <br>* The progress indicates key technology area targeted by many players and having market potential<br> * Followed by '''G08B''' (Signaling), EPO '''H04Q''' (Electric Communication Technique ) and PatFam'''G06K''' (Recognition of data; Presentation of data; Record carriers; Handling record carriers)

Keywords used for searching are listed below[[Image:IP_by_technology1.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Technology landscape (Main IPC) - Growth in RFID base supply chain]]

---- ====Technology landscape – Assignee wise==== According to the present data, most of the leading players have focused on building sound: Administration, commerce, management, supervision and forecasting (electronic cash registers other than digital data processing) aspects for RFID-based supply chain applications [[Image:IP_by_technology3.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Technology landscape – Assignee wise]] ---- ==Qualitative Analysis== ===Classification of patents based on main claims=== The following graph indicates various subjects that have been covered by various assignees in the area of RFID based supply chain applications. The various subjects are the result of SAO analysis. More granularity on subjects is presented in the table below and clusters [[Image:Main_claims.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Classification of patents based on main claims]] ===SAO analysis clustering=== {|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="92100%"|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Device termSubject'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Action term'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Application term'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Other important termsObject'''</font>

|RFID[[Image:method.jpg|130px]]|Data Track<nowikifont size="1">*Delivering<br>* Monitoring (3)<br>* Processing<br>* Detecting (2) & tracking (6)<br>* Displaying information<br>* Computing the orientation and position of a wearer<br>* Unattended distribution or retrieval of returned<br>* Return of a return<br>* Retrieving ordered (2)<br>* Receiving<br>* Wirelessly exchanging<br>* Enabling enhanced<br>* Facilitating an interaction<br>* Distributing (3)<br>* Collecting<br>* Entering event data common to a group of individual animals<br></nowikifont>|Supply chain|Software<font size="1">* Between a consignor and a consignee<br>* Container<br>* inanimate and animate objects<br>* Items (2)<br>* Data acquisition and display device<br>* Calibrating a fixed camera<br>* Assets (2)<br>* Unattended facilities<br>* Item to an unattended facility<br>* Items that have been delivered to an unattended facility<br>* Environmental condition associated with an item of inventory<br>* Shipment record from the intelligent asset management and sensing device<br>* Information<br>* Asset management and tracking capabilities<br>* Between a user and a product item<br>* Products from a micro-warehouse<br>* Products from an access restricted area<br>* Products from a restricted access area having an entry point<br>* Number of mail units (2)<br>* Livestock information (2)<br>* Database<br></font>

|Electronic identification[[Image:system.jpg|130px]]|Data Captur<nowikifont size="1">*Detecting & tracking (5)<br>* Processing(2)<br>* Unattended distribution or retrieval of returned<br>* Inventory management<br>* Monitoring (2)<br>* Networking<br>* Enabling enhanced<br>* Facilitating an interaction<br>* Distributing (3)<br></nowikifont>|Distribution|Program<font size="1">* Inanimate and animate objects<br>* Item (6)<br>* Time<br>* Environmental condition<br>* Unattended facilities<br>* Sensing device<br>* Asset management and tracking<br>* Container<br>* Number of mail units<br>* Articles through customs<br></font>

| colspan = "3"|Data Collect<nowiki>*</nowiki>[[Image:SAO.jpg|Warehousecenter|Computer800px]]

| |Data Read<nowiki>*</nowiki>|Inventorycolspan = "3"| '''Note:''' Number in ( ) indicates occurrence in more that one patent or main claims

====Search based on keywords and relevant hits:=Problem vs Solutions===

{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="91100%"|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''S. NoPrior art Problems'''</font>|bgcolor align = "#808080center"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Key words'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Search scopeSolutions'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''No. of records availablePatent number'''</font>

|align = "justify"|<font size="1">'''1.''' A central system has limited visibility of containers in the global supply chain<br>'''2. '''Drawback of the central system is the delay in alerts concerning the container<br>'''3. '''Typical central systems have difficulty in collecting reliable information across heterogeneous systems<br></font>|RFIDalign = "justify"|1975<font size="1">A decentralized state system comprising containers to automatically provide continuous and uniform monitoring of a container state is needed. A container should be robustly configured with localized logic capable of determining a state in response to real-2005time events experienced by the container relative to dynamic and static event information concerning expected events<br>State determinations made through local information are more reliable to typical prior art systems that use central systems to make inferences about the security state</font>|6147<font size="1">US20040246130<br></font>

|align = "justify"|<font size="1">'''1.''' A major disadvantage of all transponder based tag designs is the special anti-collision method used<br>'''2. '''A short range reader must be used to individually address each tag within the larger field<br>'''3. '''A second major disadvantage is that to obtain long ranges (100-1,000 feet), higher frequencies are required and these lead to high power consumption<br></font>|RFID AND WAREHOUSEalign = "justify"|1975<font size="1">'''1. & 2.''' By using lower frequencies (not exceeding 1 MHz and typically under 300 KHz) and a base station design that uses large loop antennas (such as 10.times.10 feet to 500.times.500 feet) and by transmitting a digital ID to selectively activate a selected client tag, rather than a non-2005selective signal which would activate many tags simultaneously<br>'''3.''' Networked RF Tags (NRF Tags) have significantly reduced power consumption and long range (1000 sq feet to 10,000 sq feet per antenna), have the power capacity to add displays (e.g. LCD) and light emitting diodes (LED<nowiki>’</nowiki>s) and detectors and buttons so they may become fully interactive "tag clients" (this is not possible with transponder)</font>|444<font size="1">US20040201454<br></font>

|3.|RFID and (SUPPLY CHAIN)|1975-2005|212|-align = "justify"|4<font size="1">'''1.''' One drawback of these systems is that they require the goods to be passed through designated gateway areas, typically causing great inconvenience<br>'''2. '''Another drawback is that it is not possible to track the location of the goods within the warehouse<br></font>|RFID and transportation|1975-2005|573|-align = "justify"|5<font size="1">'''1.|RFID '''Each ID tag is coupled to an asset and distribution|1975-2005|1141|-|6is configured to wirelessly communicate with other ID tags in the network within a predetermined proximity<br>'''2.|RFID ''' Each tag is also configured to relay communications from other ID tags so that a communication path is established between the RMS and SOFTWARE|1975-2005any ID tag in the network, either directly or via other ID tags</font>|2301<font size="1">US20040174260<br></font>

---- ====Search based on assignees with relevant hits:=Features cited in analyzed 15 patent records=== 1. The container can be reprogrammed to include updated logic, updated states, and/or updated expected event information (US20040246130) 2. The system comprises a truck server and an optional in-truck data communications means, which comprise a digital cell phone or satellite link (US20040201454) 3. A local computer communicates with the see-through display, information gathering devices and orientation sensors, optical tracking system and business applications over one or more networks (US20040182925) 4. OmniTRACS.RTM., which is a two-way satellite communication system that allows trucks to be monitored and tracked and to allow data communication with dispatchers (US20040174260) 5. The data report from the reporting software can alert the user as to when the detrimental event occurred and identify the custodian who caused the detrimental event (US20040049428) 6. Web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement and supply chain management (US20020158765)

7. The software contains a component for determining the best time for an animal to go to slaughter based on a target weight (US20020158765)  ---- === RFID - Main Applications=== Applications which appeared in analyzed patent records have been mapped [[Image:Mindmap1.jpg|thumb|center|550px]] The product moves through the global supply chain which involves various stages (places and processes). The table below indicates the details about the various stages involved in supply chain applications, software applications and hardware used. ===Main applications of RFID: Analysis=== {|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="88100%"|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''S[[Image:ra1. No'''</font>jpg]]|bgcolor colspan = "#8080802"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Assignee'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Search scope'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''NoLOGISTICS CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN FOOD AND PHARMA INDUSTRY. of records available'''</font>

|1bgcolor = "#808080"|3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>|1975-2005bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|146bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|'''1.''' Airlines and shipping companies<br>'''2.''' Ancillary Suppliers,<br>'''3. '''Cargo Community Networks <nowiki>[</nowiki>CCN<nowiki>]</nowiki> which are made up of some of the other participants,<br>'''4. '''Customs and Quarantine authorities,<br>'''5. '''Freight forwarders,<br>'''6. '''Fresh produce exporters,<br>'''7. '''Fresh produce importers,<br>'''8. '''Government agencies such as freight export information providers,<br>'''9. '''Packer/cool store,<br>'''10. '''Transporters including road haulers and carriers in the importing country.|SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION'''1.''' Consignment<br>'''2. '''Supplier<br>'''3. '''Transport and<br>'''4. '''Storage<br>|1975'''1.''' Central database<br>'''2. '''A communication secured network<br>'''3. '''Internet with three interactive databases.<br>'''4. '''Database and applications (data in a range of formats (maxima, minima, averages, graphical etc)<br>'''5. '''Passive tag -2005|66RW<br>

|colspan = "3"|HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY|1975-2005|63&nbsp;

|4[[Image:ra2.jpg]]|NOKIA|1975-2005colspan = "2"|58GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN OF SEMICONDUCTORS.

|5bgcolor = "#808080"|PHILIPS ELECTRONICS<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>|1975-2005bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|54bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|'''1.''' International suppliers<br>'''2. '''Airport<br>'''3. '''Customs agency<br>'''4. '''Distributors<br>'''5. '''Shipping dock<br>'''6. '''Manufacturers|SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES INC'''1.''' Transport<br>'''2. '''Inventory<br>'''3. '''Shipping<br>'''4. '''Origin of port<br>'''5. '''Transshipment port<br>'''6. '''Destination port and<br>'''7. '''A consignee|1975'''1. '''Program instructions can be in any appropriate form, such as source code, object code, or scripting code.<br>'''2. '''Computing device: Enterprise servers, Application servers, point of sale terminal etc..<br>'''3.''' Passive tag -2005|49RW

|7colspan = "3"|AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION|1975-2005|24&nbsp;

|8[[Image:ra3.jpg]]|KIMBERLY CLARKcolspan = "2"|1975SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT OF HIGH-2005|19VALUE ELECTRONIC ITEMS & PHARMACEUTICALS.

|9bgcolor = "#808080"|SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>|1975-2005bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|19bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|101. Warehouse<br>2. Truck<br>3. Freight container<br>4. Sea vessel<br>5. Distribution center|UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA INC1. Shipping<br>2. Recipient|1975-2005|161. Central data processor is operable for communication with an internet router.<br>2. Low frequency tag – 300 KHz

|11colspan = "3"|IBM|1975-2005|15&nbsp;

|12[[Image:ra4.jpg]]|SAP|1975-2005colspan = "2"|14TRACKING SYSTEM

|13bgcolor = "#808080"|SAMSYS TECHNOLOGIES<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>|1975-2005bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|11bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|141. Assembly line<br>2. Warehouse|MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION1. Package handling<br>2. Baggage handling<br>3. Parts assembly<br>4. Navigation through marked waypoints<br>5. Item retrieval and packaging<br>6. Inventory control|1975-2005|81. Business applications (cause sorting and loading instructions to appear on the items so that wearer<nowiki>’</nowiki>s of the data acquisition and display device do not have to read each item<nowiki>’</nowiki>s label.)<br>2. Passive tag

|15colspan = "3"|DE LA RUE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED|1975-2005|8&nbsp;

|16[[Image:ra5.jpg]]|SAVI|1975-2005colspan = "2"|6SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT.

|17bgcolor = "#808080"|MICROSOFT<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>|1975-2005bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|5bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|181. Storage facility<br>2. Shipping container<br>3. Shipping vessel<br>4. Airport<br>5. Shipyard<br>6. Military heavy assets<br>7. Warehouse<br>8. Factory|WESTVACO CORPORATION1. Shipping goods<br>2. Transportation (truck)<br>3. Retail or wholesale locations<br>4. Train depot<br>5. Inventory<br>6. Delivery<br>7. Outbound transit<br>8. Inbound transit<br>9. Advanced shipping notification|1975-2005|51. Firmware and software to modulate and demodulate the data for the particular protocol<br>2. Various communication algorithms and command response algorithms<br>3. UPS Supply Chain Solutions<br>4. Passive tag – RW – Low freq. or 900 MGz

|19colspan = "3"|SENSITECH|1975-2005|3&nbsp;

|20[[Image:ra6.jpg]]|UNITED SECURITY APPLIC ID INC|1975-2005colspan = "2"|3INVENTORY ALONG A DISTRIBUTION CHAIN

|21bgcolor = "#808080"|GAP INC<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>|1975-2005bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|2bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|221. Distribution<br>2. Storing<br>3. Manufacturer (warehouse)|SEMBCORP|1975-20051. Inventory<br>2. Monitoring<br>3. Transportation<br>4. Tracking<br>5. Retailer or consumer<br>6. Wholesaler|1. Anti-collision software<br>2. Program for correlating the environmental condition data with the location data.<br>3. The data reporting medium is a computer display, a LAN, or a web page.<br>4. Active or passive tag- RW

|23colspan = "3"|SHAW IP PTY LTD|1975-2005|1&nbsp;

|24[[Image:ra7.jpg]]|EXAGO PTY LTD|1975-2005colspan = "2"|1ASSET AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

|} ==Patent analytics== ===IP landscape over years=== IP landscape over years: Growth in RFID base supply chain applications (Actual scenario based on 423 patent records) According to the search data IP activity in RFID base supply chain applications seems to have started during the year 1991. The graph shows terrific growth from 2000 onwards and high activity during 2004 with 140 patents records alone. Around 423 patents have been published in the span of 4.2 years from 2000 till date (Feb. 2005) indicating the potential in the field. [[Image:IP_over_year.jpg|thumb|center|576px| IP landscape over years: Growth in RFID base supply chain applications]] ===IP landscape by region=== IP landscape by region: RFID base supply chain (Based on selected 30 records) [[Image:IP_by_region.jpg|thumb|center|576px| IP landscape by region: RFID base supply chain]] The present graph and interpretation is based on selected 30 records. The graph reveals that the growth in RFID based supply chain applications patenting has been across all the regions. United States is more active than Europe, Japan and Australia. ===Competitor landscape=== Competitor landscape - Growth in RFID base supply chain  (Based on selected 30 records) [[Image:IP_by_competitor.jpg|thumb|center|576px| Competitor landscape - Growth in RFID base supply chain]] The present graph and interpretation is based on selected 30 records. The graph indicate SAP as leading and consistent player with 3 patent records. EXAGO seems to be the new entrant in 2005. It is interesting to note that the competitors in 2004 have not shown any activity in the beginning of 2005. ===Technology trend=== Technology Trend (Main IPC) (Based on selected 30 records) [[Image:IP_by_technology.jpg|thumb|center|576px| Technology Trend (Main IPC)]] {|borderbgcolor ="2#808080" cellspacing|<font color="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFFCCFFCC">'''IPC CodeProcess involved'''</font>|align = "center" bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFFCCFFCC">'''DescriptionType of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|'''G01N'''1. Lay down yard<br>2. Warehouse<br>3. Asset storage| Measuring1. Inventory<br>2. Shipping<br>3. Asset management<br>4. Tracking asset material<br> a. Material identification information<br> b. Description of the material<br> c. Purchasing details<br> d. Storage and maintenance details<br> e. Material location and<br> f. Destination information.<br>5. Receiving|1. Software applications (Web application" TagDetect") files may be in HTML format, Testing – Investigating XML or analyzing materials by determining their chemical other formats.<br>2. Software applications supporting a client-server system or physical propertiesn-tiered computer system.<br>3. Internet and Central data repository<br>4. Active or passive tag - RW

|'''G06F'''colspan = "3"| Computing, calculating, counting - Electric Digital Data Processing&nbsp;

|'''G07B'''[[Image:ra8.jpg]]| Checking device colspan = "2"|POINT-OF- TicketSALE AND POINT-issuing; FareOF-Registering Apparatus; Franking apparatusDELIVERY AND/OR DISTRIBUTION.

|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''G06GPlace of events'''</font>| Computing, calculating, counting – Analogue computersbgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|'''G06K'''1. Distribution<br>2. Micro-warehouse<br>3. Manufacturing<br>4. Marketing<br>5. Customer relation management| Recognition 1. Point of data; Presentation of data; Record carriers; Handling record carrierssale<br>2. Delivery<br>3. Inventory<br>4. Billing|1. MW (Micro-warehouse) enterprise application<br>2. XML middleware such as Biz Talk.RTM. software.<br>3. ERP system, web ordering system<br>4. Passive tag – RW - freq. - 2.45 GHz

|'''G08B'''colspan = "3"| Signaling - Signaling Or Calling Systems&nbsp; Order Telegraphs; Alarm Systems

|'''H04Q'''[[Image:ra9.jpg]]| Electric Communication Technique – Selecting (Switches, relays etccolspan = "2"|REUSABLE TRANSPORTATION MEANS.)

|}  bgcolor ="#808080"|<font color===Technology landscape (Main IPC) - Growth in RFID base supply chain==== (Based on selected 30 records) [[Image:IP_by_technology1.jpg|thumb|center|576px| Technology landscape (Main IPC) - Growth in RFID base supply chain]] The present graph and interpretation is based on selected 30 records. It is evident from graph that "#CCFFCC">'''G06F(Place of events'''Electric Digital Data Processing) Technology is widely used in RFID based supply chain applications showing continues progress through out. The progress indicates key technology area targeted by many players and having market potential. Followed by '''G08B''' (Signaling), '''H04Q''' (Electric Communication Technique ) and '''G06K''' (Recognition of data; Presentation of data; Record carriers; Handling record carriers). ====Technology Trend (Sub-class)==== (Based on select 30 records) [[Image:IP_by_technology2.jpg|thumb|center|576px| Technology Trend (Sub-class)]] {|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFFCCFFCC">'''IPC CodeProcess involved'''</font>|align = "center" bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFFCCFFCC">'''DescriptionType of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|'''G01N033569'''1. Distribution| Measuring, testing 1. Tracking:<br> a. Receptacle or investigating <br> b. Container or analyzing material by determining their chemical <br> c. Packing or physical properties for microorganisms<br> d. Pallet or<br> e. Trolley car.<br>2. Wholesale distributor<br>3. Chain sales store|1. No Software application<br>2.Passive tag - RW

|'''G06F00700'''colspan = "3"| Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled.&nbsp;

|'''G06F01760'''[[Image:ra10.jpg]]| Administrative, commercial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes -electronic cash registers other than digital data processing aspectscolspan = "2"|MATERIALS HANDLING

|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''G06F01900Place of events'''</font>| Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markingsbgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|'''G06G00114'''1. Express mail<br>2. Storage| Hand manipulating computing device for arrangements G07B015021. Transport<br>2. Tracking<br>3. Delivery|Software modules may include:<br>1. A database module configured to store data on the storage medium.<br>2. A decision module configured to determine the presence or absence of stale mail based on information provided by the database module.3.<br>3. Passive or active tag – read only

|'''G06K00500'''colspan = "3"| apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fee at control point with provision of taking account of variable factors such as distance or time e.g. for passenger transport&nbsp;

|'''G06K00710'''[[Image:ra11.jpg]]| Recognition of Data; Presentation of Data; Record Carriers; Handling Record Carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing by corpuscular radiationcolspan = "2"|COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE (PERSONNEL AND ASSET RETENTION SYSTEM (PARS))

|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''G08B00108Place of events'''</font>| Signaling Or Calling Systems; Order Telegraphs; Alarm Systems for signaling characterized solely by the form bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of transmission of signal using electronic transmissionS/W & Hardware'''</font>

|'''G08B00522'''1. Industrial sites<br>2. Power plants<br>3. Refineries and<br>4. Ports of entry| Visible calling system, e1.gTracking<br>2. personal calling Monitoring<br>3. Inventory<br>4. Security|1. Company databases are:<br> a. Material management systems remote indication of seat occupied using electric or electromagnetic transmission<br> b. Procurement systems and<br> c. Time and attendance systems.<br>2. Applications programming<br>3. Information access through standard formats such as XML and HTML.<br>4.Passive tag - RW

|'''G08B01314'''colspan = "3"| Burglar, theft, or intruder alarm by lifting or attempted removal of hand – portable articles.&nbsp;

|'''G08B02300'''[[Image:ra12.jpg]]| Alarm responsive to unspecified or abnormal conditionscolspan = "2"|TRACKING CARGO THROUGH CUSTOMS.

|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''H04Q00100Place of events'''</font>| Electrical comm. Technique, details bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of selecting apparatus or arrangement.S/W & Hardware'''</font>

|1. Airlines<br>2. Distributor|1. Shipping<br>2. Receiving<br>3. Tracking|1. Central server runs a program which acts as a central host for processing the information communicated between the different computers.<br>2. Passive tag - RW|-|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;|-|[[Image:ra13.jpg]]|colspan = "2"|SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN BEEF INDUSTRY.|-|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''H04Q00522Place of events'''</font>| Selecting arrangements where one or more subscriber stations are connected by the same line into the exchangesbgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>|-|1. The subordinate center not permitting interconnection Factory|1. Identifying<br>2. Tracking<br>3. Monitoring<br>4. Livestock production and processing cycle<br>5. Inventory|1. BeefLink.TM. Software (is a collection of subscriber connected theretocomponents written primarily in VISUAL BASIC® 6.0 programming language and ACTIVE X® programming methodologies.)<br>2. Inventory-type report can easily be generated.<br>3. MicroSoft Excel<br>4.Passive tag- read only

====Technology landscape – Assignee wise==Sample Landscape View - RFID Warehouse Application ==

[[Image==Sample Landscape View - RFID Application - Company XYZ==<gflash>800 600 http:IP_by_technology3//www.jpg|thumb|center|576px| Technology landscape – Assignee wise]]dolcera.com/website/assets/XYZ_RFID_Application-final.swf</gflash>

According to the present data, most of the leading players have focused on building sound: Administration, commerce, management, supervision and forecasting (electronic cash registers other than digital data processing) aspects for RFID-base supply chain applications.---

==Qualitative Analysis=SWOT analysis===

===Classification of patents based on main claims=== The following graph indicates various subjects that have been covered by various assignee in the area of RFID based supply chain applications. The various subjects are the result of SAO analysis. More granularity on subjects is presented in next slide in the form of clusters. [[Image:Main_claims.jpg|thumb|center|576px| Classification of patents based on main claims]] ===SAO analysis clustering=== {|border="21" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="10080%"|'''Subject'''<b><u>STRENGTHS</u></b><br><br>* Advanced technology<br>* Easy to use<br>* High memory capacity<br>* Small size|'''Action'''<b><u>WEAKNESSES</u></b><br><br>|'''Object'''* Lack of industry and application standards<br>* High cost per unit and high RFID system costs<br>* Weak market understanding of the benefits of RFID technology

|[[Image:method.jpg]]|* Delivering<brb>* Monitoring (3)<bru>* ProcessingOPPORTUNITIES<br/u>* Detecting (2) & tracking (6)<br/b>* Displaying information<br>* Computing the orientation and position of a wearer<br>* Unattended distribution or retrieval of returned<br>* Return of a return<br>* Retrieving ordered (2)<br>* Receiving<br>* Wirelessly exchanging<br>* Enabling enhanced<br>* Facilitating an interaction<br>* Distributing (3)<br>* Collecting<br>* Entering event data common to a group of individual animals<br>|* Between a consignor and a consignee<br>* Container<br>* inanimate and animate objects<br>* Items (2)<br>* Data acquisition and display device<br>* Calibrating a fixed camera<br>* Assets (2)<br>* Unattended facilities<br>* Item to an unattended facility<br>* Items that have been delivered to an unattended facility<br>* Environmental condition associated with an item of inventory<br>* Shipment record from Could replace the intelligent asset management and sensing device.bar code<br>* Information<br>* Asset management and tracking capabilities<br>* Between a End-user and a product item.demand for RFID systems is increasing<br>* Products from a micro-warehouse.Huge market potential in many businesses<br>* Products from an access restricted area.<br>* Products from a restricted access area having an entry point.<br>* Number of mail units (2)<br>* Livestock information (2)<br>* Database<br>Need for standardization|-valign="top"|[[Image:system.jpg]]|* Detecting & tracking (5)<brb>* Processing(2)<bru>* Unattended distribution or retrieval of returnedTHREATS<br/u>* Inventory management<br/b>* Monitoring (2)<br>* Networking<br>* Enabling enhanced<br>* Facilitating an interaction<br>* Distributing (3)Ethical threats concerning private life<br>|* Inanimate and animate objects<br>* Item (6)<br>* Time<br>* Environmental condition<br>* Unattended facilities<br>* Sensing device<br>* Asset management and tracking<br>* Container<br>* Number of mail units<br>* Articles through customs<br>|-|colspan = "3"|[[Image:SAO.jpg|center|600px]]|-|colspan = "3"|'''Note:''' Number in ( ) indicates occurrence in more that one patent or main claims.Highly fragmented competitive environment

===Problem Vs Solutions=Conclusion==

{|borderIt has been observed that selection of RFID tag depends upon the frequency desirable in supply chain application. Industrial focus is on passive RFID technology. The integration of software technology with electronic identification system will definitely give new dimensions to the supply chain management ="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding<span style="4color:#C41E3A" width>Like this report?</span>="100%"|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font colorp align="#CCFFFFcenter">'''Prior art ProblemsThis is only a sample report with brief analysis''' <br>'''Dolcera can provide a comprehensive report customized to your needs'''</fontp>{|align border= "center2" bgcolor cellspacing= "#8080800"|<font colorcellpadding="#CCFFFF4" align="center" ">'''Solutions'''</font>|bgcolor style= "#808080background:lightgrey" align = "center" colspan = "3"|'''[mailto:info@dolcera.com <font colorspan style="color:#CCFFFF0047AB">Buy the customized report from Dolcera</span>]'''Patent number'''</font>

|align = "justifycenter"|'''1[http://www.''' A central system has limited visibility of containers in the global supply chaindolcera.<br>'''2. '''Drawback of the central system is the delay in alerts concerning the container.<br>'''3. '''Typical central systems have difficulty in collecting reliable information across heterogeneous systems.<br>com/website_prod/services/ip-patent-analytics-services Patent Analytics Services]|align = "justifycenter"|A decentralized state system comprising containers to automatically provide continuous and uniform monitoring of a container state is needed[http://www. A container should be robustly configured with localized logic capable of determining a state in response to real-time events experienced by the container relative to dynamic and static event information concerning expected events.<br>State determinations made through local information are more reliable to typical prior art systems that use central systems to make inferences about the security statedolcera.com/website_prod/services/business-research-services Market Research Services]|US20040246130<br>align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/tools/patent-dashboard Purchase Patent Dashboard]

|align = "justifycenter"|'''1.''' A major disadvantage of all transponder based tag designs is that special anti-collision methods[http://www.<br>'''2dolcera. '''A short range reader must be used to individually address each tag within the larger field.<br>'''3. '''A second major disadvantage is that to obtain long ranges (100com/website_prod/services/ip-1,000 feet), higher frequencies are required, and these lead to high power consumption.<br>patent-analytics-services/patent-search/patent-landscapes Patent Landscape Services]|align = "justifycenter"|'''1[http://www. & 2dolcera.''' By using lower frequencies (not exceeding 1 MHz, and typically under 300 KHz) and a base station design that uses large loop antennas (such as 10.times.10 feet to 500.times.500 feet) and by transmitting a digital ID to selectively activate a selected client tag, rather than a non-selective signal which would activate many tags simultaneously<br>'''3.''' Networked RF Tags (NRF Tags) have significantly reduced power consumption and long range (1000 sq feet to 10,000 sq feet per antenna), have the power capacity to add displays (e.g. LCD) and light emitting diodes (LED<nowiki>’<com/nowiki>s) and detectors, and buttons so they may become fully interactive website_prod/research-processes Dolcera Processes]|align = "tag clientscenter" (this is not possible with transponder).|US20040201454<br>[http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/industries Industry Focus]

|align = "justifycenter"|'''1[http://www.''' One drawback to these systems is that they require the goods to be passed through designated gateway areas, typically causing great inconveniencedolcera.<br>'''2. '''Another drawback is that it is not possible to track the location of the goods within the warehouse.<br>com/website_prod/services/ip-patent-analytics-services/patent-search/patent-landscapes Patent Search Services]|align = "justifycenter"|'''1[http://www. '''Each ID tag is coupled to an asset and is configured to wirelessly communicate with other ID tags in the network within a predetermined proximitydolcera.<br>'''2.''' Each tag is also configured to relay communications from other ID tags so that a communication path is established between the RMS com/website_prod/services/ip-patent-analytics-services/alerts-and any ID tag in the network, either directly or via other ID tags.-updates Patent Alerting Services]|US20040174260<br>align = "center"| [http://www.dolcera.com/website_prod/tools Dolcera Tools]

===Main applications of RFID=== Applications which appeared in analyzed patent records have been listed. 1. Logistics chain management system in Food and pharma industry 2. Global supply chain of semiconductors 3. Supply chain management of High-value electronic items & pharmaceuticals 4. Tracking system 5. Supply chain management 6. Inventory along a distribution chain 7. Asset and materials management system 8. Point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and/or distribution 9. Reusable transportation means 10. Materials handling 11. Commercial enterprise (personnel and asset retention system (PARS)) 12. Tracking cargo through customs 13. Supply chain management in Beef industry The product moves through the global supply chain which involves various stages (places and processes). Next slide indicate the details about the various stages involved in supply chain applications, software applications and hardware used.    ===Main applications of RFID along with various stages, S/W applications and H/W<nowiki>’</nowiki>s involved===  ===Features cited in analyzed 15 patent records=== 1. The container can be reprogrammed to include updated logic, updated states, and/or updated expected event information. (US20040246130) 2. The system comprises a truck server and an optional in-truck data communications means, which comprise a digital cell phone or satellite link. (US20040201454) 3. A local computer communicates with the see-through display, information gathering devices, and orientation sensors, optical tracking system, and business applications over one or more networks. (US20040182925) 4. OmniTRACS.RTM., which is a two-way satellite communication system that allows trucks to be monitored and tracked and to allow data communication with dispatchers. (US20040174260) 5. The data report from the reporting software can alert the user as to when the detrimental event occurred and identify the custodian who caused the detrimental event. (US20040049428) 6. Web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management. (US20020158765) 7. The software contains a component for determining the best time for an animal to go to slaughter based on a target weight. (US20020158765)    ===SWOT analysis=== {|borderstyle="1border:1px solid #AAA; background:#E9E9E9" cellspacingalign="0center" cellpadding="4" width="80%"|STRENGTHS<br><br>* Advanced technology<br>* Easy to use<br>* High memory capacity<br>* Small size|WEAKNESSES<br><br>* Lack of industry and application standards<br>* High cost per unit and high RFID system costs<br>* Weak market understanding of the benefits of RFID technology

! style="background:lightgrey" |OPPORTUNITIES<br><br>* Could replace the bar code<br>* End-user demand for RFID systems is increasing<br>* Huge market potential in many businesses<br>* Need for standardization|THREATS<br><br>* Ethical threats concerning private life<br>* Highly fragmented competitive environmentSamir Raiyani