1354952 (1) 玖、發明說明 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明係大致有關容器及其內容之追蹤，尤係有關藉 由查詢多個不同層的容器的一運籌階層內之一層而提供品 目層能見度並驗證載貨淸單資訊。 【先前技術】 不斷增加的全球貿易強調一種依賴在一全球供應鍊中 運輸的貨物之現代全球性經濟。一般而言，一全球供應鍊 是一種由國際供應商、製造商、配銷商、以及自貨物的零 組件至消費者消費的各方面上處理貨物的其他實體。例 如，將半導體測試設備自美國出口至處理半導體的台灣， 然後將半導體運送到馬來西亞，以便裝配成電腦。然後將 電腦運送到美國的倉庫，且最後運送到店面以供消費。 然而，現有的追蹤系統在追蹤容器內容上有其困難 度，這是因爲貨物在運送期間是被巢套式地放置在數個容 器內。例如，就國際標準化組織 （International Organization for Standardization :簡稱 ISO)所定義的 巢套式而論，係將各品目層裝入包裹層中，而包裹層又被 存放在紙箱層中。數個紙箱層被存放在一集裝層中，且數 個集裝層被存放在容器層中。請注意，在本說明書中係以 —種廣義的用法使用術語“容器”.，其包括每一 IS 0層 及其他的封住物。一運載工具一次運輸數個容器層。因 此，一作業員只能根據封裝期間所收集到的靜態巢套式放 -5- (2) 1354952 置資訊而認定一品目係在一運載工具 在運送期間被偷了，或者貨物背運送至(1 失了，則在收貨人處開啓容器的每一層 失的貨物。 一相關的問題在於：現有的追蹤系 器內容的即時資訊，尤其是沒有品目層 爲實體內容的運送是與該等內容有關的 追蹤系統無法提供動態驗證過的與內容 知道容器內容的港口作業員必須登入該 態的資訊。此外，與內容有關的資料經 該作業員甚至可能無法擷取某些資訊。 此外，許多大型銷售店要求產 (Radio Frequency IDentification ;簡 以便將供應鍊的效率改進至足以符合適 些標籤通常是不同類型的，因而不易 訊。因此，傳統的標籤要等到有一標 用，其方式爲被動地將資訊輸出到一集 係由該集中式系統決定各貨物間之任何 因此，目前需要一種可提供一階層 巢套式能見度之強健型系統。該解決方 目層的能見度、以及一全球供應鍊內I 蹤。 【發明內容】 。因此，如果貨物 一錯誤的位置而遺 之前，無法發現遺 統沒有用來追蹤容 上的即時資訊。因 資料分開的，所以 有關之資訊。需要 追蹤系統來擷取靜 常是延遲的，因而 品使用射頻識別 稱 RFID )標籤， 時的進貨。但是這 於進行標籤內部通 籤讀取器才能起作 中式系統。傳統上 關係。 的相關聯的容器的 案應進一步提供品 的貨物之端對端追 -6 - (3) (3)1354952 本發明以用來提供巢套式容器的多層能見度之系統及 方法滿足了這些需求。該系統可進一步提供具有品目層能 見度的一虛擬倉庫，用以經由一全球供應鍊而以端對端之 方式追蹤個別的品目。因此，一中央系統可查詢任何一 層，而迅速且容易地搜集與具有不同的自動識別技術的每 —相關聯的容器有關之資訊。 在某些實施例中，一巢套式容器包含一具有一識別裝 置之容器。該識別裝置獨立自主地爲該中央系統搜集及處 理資訊，而被用來作爲一代理裝置。該識別裝置利用諸如 主動式或被動式射頻識別（RFID )標籤、條碼、符合電 子產品碼（Electronic Product Code;簡稱 EPC)的標 籤、或可傳送其識別資訊的任何其他裝置等的各種自動識 別技術而提供能見度。該識別裝置以一衛星將階層資訊自 勤傳送到諸如一全球供應錬的各檢查站上的中央系統或各 檢查站間之中央系統，而提供品目層的能見度。.在一實施 例中，該巢套式容器自該中央系統下載，並與可見的品目 比較，而自動驗證自動化載貨淸單規則（Automated Manifest Rule;簡稱 AMR)資訊。 在某些實施例中，該識別裝置包含一相關聯模組。該 相關聯模組建立細到品目層的較低層容器及較高層容器之 一相對階層。例示的層包括一品目層、一集裝層、及一複 合式運輸容器層等的層。爲了建立該階層，該相關聯模組 將查詢信號傳送到各鄰近容器，以便擷取識別資訊及層資 訊。可使該資訊與回應的容器之個別資訊及與回應的容器 -7- (4) (4)1354952 的鄰近容器有關之階層資訊相關。此外，該相關聯模組回 應所接收到的查詢信號，而傳送其本身的識別資訊及層資 訊。該相關聯模組將該相對階層自一巢套式容器輸出到諸 如一場所伺服器或使用一手持裝置的代理人。 在某些實施例中，該識別裝置進一步包含一通訊埠， 用以傳送及接收識別資訊及（或）層資訊。該通訊埠包含 諸如在 433 MHz頻率下工作的一RFID收發器。 在本發明內容及下文的實施方式中述及的特徵及優點 並非是全蕴含式的’尤其對此項技術具有~般知識者在參 閱本發明的圖式、說明書、及申請專利範圍之後，將可易 於得知許多額外的特徵及優點。此外，請注意，主要係針 對易讀及教學之目的而選擇本說明書中所用的文、字，且並 未選擇一些文字來描述或限制本發明的主題，必須要參照 申請專利範圍才能決定本發明的主題。 【實施方式】 現在要揭示一種用於巢套式能見度的系統及方法。圖 1 - 4示出根據本發明的某些實施例之系統，且圖5-6 示出根據本發明的某些實施例之操作該系統的方法。 伴隨的說明之目的在於以許多特定的細節而提供徹底 的解說。當然’容器及貨物追蹤的領域使得本發明的所示 及所述特徵之許多不同的變形都是可能的。熟習此項技術 者肯定當可了解，可在無須下文所詳述的某些特定細節之 情形下實施本發明，且當然也將了解，可實施本發明的許 (5) 1354952 多其他變形及實施例，而仍然將滿足本發明的 精神。因此，本發明不應被理解爲限於下文所 施例’而是只受限於最後的申請專利範圍。 可以在一適當的運算裝置中執行的程式指 發明的程序、特徵、或功能。運算裝置的例子 蹤器 '企業伺服器、應用伺服器、工作站、個 路電腦、網路家電、個人數位助理、遊戲機、 視訊轉換器、住宅自動化設備、銷售點終端機 及個人通訊裝。可將該等程式指令分佈在一 的媒體、儲存單元、或網際網路中。程式指令 原始碼、目的碼、或描述語言程式碼等的任 式。 圖1是根據本發明的一實施例而包含若 器（185)的一例示全球供應鍊（1〇0)之一示 意’圖1只是一例示的全球供應鍊（1〇〇) 應鍊（1 00 )在本發明的範圍及精神內可以有 態、及運輸模式等的不同方式。全球供應鍊 —託運人（I〇5a)、一出貨港口（]〇5b)、 (]05c)、一目的港口（i〇5d)、及一收貨人 係由由國際供應商、製造商、配銷商、以 零組件至消費者消費的各方面上處理貨物的其 之一網路使用全球供應錬（100)。因此，容| 其他貨物通過該網路的各點、若干檢查站、及 運人（I05a)及收貨人（]〇5e)可以是直接貨 I揭示事項及 述的特定實 I令來實施本 包括電子追 丨人電腦、網 電視、數位 ;、汽車、以 電腦可讀取 可以是諸如 何適當之形 干巢套式容 意圖。請注 ，而全球供 各種地理組 (100 )包含 一轉運港口 (105e ) 〇 及自貨物的 他實體構成 蓉（175)及 港口等。託 間接的伙伴 (6) (6)1354952 實體、或經由一貿易航路交換容器（175)的—單一實體 內的單位。例如，一製造商以貨運將電腦組件運送到一裝 配工廠，該裝配工廠又將裝配好的電腦運送到一倉庫。出 貨及目的港口（l〇5b)、 （105d)可以是一船舶碼頭、一 機場、一報關行、一無船舶公共承運商（Non_Vessel Operating Common Carrier;簡稱 NVOCC)、或經由一 貿易航路運送及（或）接收貨物的任何其他實體。一內部 供應鍊是由一單一實體或若干密切關聯的實體營運的一類 似網路。 在一高階的層級上’託運人（1 〇 5 a )可經由許多貿易 航路中之一貿易航路將一巢套式容器（]85)運送給收貨 人（105e)。作爲第一種運輸模式，一貨車將巢套式容器 (]85 )自託運人（]〇5a )運送到出貨港口（】〇5b )。作 爲第二種及第三種運輸模式’ 一第一船舶及一第二船舶將 巢套式容器（]85 )自出貨港口（ ]〇5b )經過一轉運港口 (105c)的轉運而運送到目的港口（l〇5d)。作爲第四種 運輸模式，一運貨火車將該容器運送到收貨人（]05e) ° 在國際運輸的情形中，諸如海關及國家安全機構對應的國 家（10])、 （1〇2)之政府機構對主要網路的各組成部分 行使監督，而私人當事方對延伸網路的各組成部分行使監 督。然而’請注意’在—實施例中’運輸係在一單一國家 的邊境內發生。因此’出口及進口是在諸如由一安全機構 或一國內政府機構所監督的各國內地理位置之間（例如兩 個州、市、省等國內地理位置之間）進行。問題在於：各 -10- (7) 1354952 檢查站無法容易地搜集與具有其他的容器巢套在其 般容器有關之資訊。 巢套式容器（185)可解決此種能見度的問題 式容器（185)爲了提供給中央系統而獨立自主地 處理資訊，而被用來作爲一代理裝置。巢套 (iss)使其本身與各鄰近容器相關聯，以便形成 階層的運籌單元。該相對階層描述了較高層的容器 層的容器。最好是由最筒層的一巢套式容器（]85 查詢而輸出該相對階層，然而，任何層都可執行該 在一實施例中，巢套式容器（185)在決定了該巢 器是處於最高層時’起動至一主控裝置狀態。在另 例中，巢套式容器（1 8 5 )在偵測到構成份子的 (例如，當一先前巢套的容器無法回應一定期 時），即更新該相對階層。 在本說明書的用法中，可以各種方式來定義階 各“層”。一般而言’每一層可回應一查詢而識 身，且係相對於其他層而定義每一層。一較低層可 在一較高層內。例如’ 一第一層上的一品目或貨物 在在一第二層上的其包裹內，且一包裹被包含在第 的一紙箱內。一系列的層可自最低層上的一品目延 高層上的一運載工具。諸如條碼等能力較低的自動 術是在較低層內’而諸如主動式射頻識別（R FI D 等能力較高的自動識別技術是在較高層內。在一 中=巢套式容器（]8 5 )包含美國專利申請案 __ 中的一 。巢套 搜集並 式容器 一相對 及較低 )回應 工作。 套式容 —實施 改變時 的輪詢 層內的 別其本 被包含 被包含 三層上 伸到最 識別技 )標籤 實施例 -11 - (8) (8)1354952 (attorney docket #21790-07897)述及的一智慧型容器。 當巢套式容器（185)在經由全球供應鍊的其航路上 被運送時，可能在不同的檢查站上查詢該巢套式容器 (185)。當一貨車在在出貨港口（l〇5b)上卸貨時，可 能使一度被連結的各貨板分開，並可重新連結各貨板。因 爲該貨車不再是節層的最高層，所以較低層的巢套式容器 (I 8 5 )可將類似的資訊提供給一查詢者。下文中將說明 巢套式容器（185)的進一步之實施例及其操作方法。 圖 2A - C是根據本發明的某些實施例的一容器階 層內的若干例示實體層之示意圖。因此，在最高層上的一 巢套式容器（185)包含一具有圖 2A所示的一識別裝置 ( 22 0)之容器（2〗0)。該巢套式容器包含一巢套式貨板 (2 _1 6 )，而該巢套式貨板（2 1 6 )裝載若干具有巢套式品 目（214)之巢套式容器（212)。識別裝置（220)係 (最好是以無線方式）與一場所伺服器（2 5 0 )通訊。場 所伺服器（250 )可以是一集中式系統的一當地部分，用 以執行安全及追蹤等的工作。場所伺服器（250 )可收集 與容器（185)、 （212)、 （214)以及巢套式貨板 (2 1 6 )有關之資訊，以供當地分析或上傳。場所伺服器 (2 50 )亦可將指令及（或）資料傳送到巢套式容器 (]8 5 )、 （ 2 1 2 )、 （ 2 ] 4 )以及巢套式貨板（2 1 6 )。 圖 2B示出在一較低層上的巢套式容器（212)，巢 套式容器（2]2)包含一具有一識別裝置（232)的容器 (22 2 )。本實施例中所示之巢套式貨板（2]6 )是一組巢 -12- (9) 1354952 套式容器（212)的一平臺，當諸如由一堆高機移動期間 要用到該巢套式貨板（216)。巢套式貨板（216)包含一 貨板（226 )及一識別裝置（2 3 6 )。識別裝置（23 2 )、 (236)也都與場所伺服器（250)通訊。此外，圖2C 示出相對於巢套式容器（212)爲一較低層的巢套式容器 (214) ’該巢套式容器（214)包含一具有一條碼 (2 3 4 )或其他低成本識別裝置的品目（2 2 4 )。 在本說明書的用法中，“容器”可包含諸如被稱爲諸 如貨物、品目、包裹、貨品、複合運輸貨櫃、船運貨物、 及箱子等的常見封住物。容器亦可包含諸如被稱爲諸如複 合運輸貨櫃（InterModal Container ;簡稱 IMC )、中型 液體集裝箱（Intermediate Bulk Container ;簡稱 1BC )、可多次使用運輸容器（Reusable Transport Container;簡稱 RTC)、集裝器（Unit Load Device;簡 稱 ULD )等的形式爲層或單元的國際標準化組織 (International Organization for Standardization ;簡稱 IS〇)之標準化封住物，而下文中將參照圖 4而說明該 等層。請注意，容器（210)、 （222)、 （224)只是一 些例子，這是因爲該等容器的尺寸、形狀、及組態（例如 兩個以上的門）是可變化的。 雖然識別裝置（22 0 ) 、 （ 2 3 2 ) 、 （ 2 3 6 )是在不同 的層上，但是每一該等識別裝置可獨立地與場所伺服器 (250 )通訊。因此，識別裝置（220 ) 、 （ 2 3 2 )無須以 ~階梯方式向上向互連繫地傳送資訊，這是因爲場所伺服 -13- (10) D4952 禕（250)可自每〜來 裝窿（？ 〇 n、 f 條搜集資訊。在一實施例中，識別 、220 )、（ 23 2 ) 比較，而自動驗證自齡自中央系統下_，並與可見的品目 言戟別壯链， 動化載貨淸單規則（AMR )。因此， 衣置（220 ) AMR，將是否裝載了 ： 2 3 2 )㈣―中央安纟系統驗證 檠_播处 卩卞了正確的貨物等的資訊通知一作 g现代理人。 識別裝置（22〇 ) 糍☆ 、 （ 232 )、 （ 2 34 )被耦合到、連 按到、或安裝到容器^， (2】〇) ' ( 222) 、 （ 224)，或以 〜他方式與容器（2]〇 ) 、 （ 2 22 )、 （ 224 )相關聯，以 使進行識別。在一誊〜 貫施例中，雖然識別裝置（22〇 )、 (232) ( 234 ) % -T- r_ 不问類型的，但是可相互溝通。例 如，識別裝置（220 )包含—主動式RFID標籤，識別裝 直（232)包含一被動式RFID標籤，且條碼（234)包 含一·條碼。亦可在某些實施例中使用諸如電子產品碼 (£PC )等本說明書並未說明的其他類型之識別裝置 ( 220 )。下文中將參照圖3而進—步詳細說明—例示 識別裝置（220 ) » 圖3是根據本發明的一實施例的一代表性識別裝置 (220 )之一方塊圖。識別裝置（220 )包含經由一匯流排 (3 9 9 )而在通訊上耦合的一記憶體（3 ] 0 )、一通訊土阜 (3 2 0 )、及一處理器（3 3 0 )。記憶體（3 1 0 )可以是可 儲存程式指令及（或）資料的任何揮發性或非揮發性裝 置。記憶體（3 1 0 )進一步包含一相關聯模組（3 ] 5 )。相 關聯模組（3 ] 5 )建立各較低層容器及各較高層容器的相 -14 - (11) (11)1354952 對階層。在作業中，相關聯模組（3 1 5 )傳送出一查詢信 號，以便識別相關聯的巢套式容器（]8 5 )。然後，相關 聯模組（3 I 5 )接收到識別資訊及層資訊。該識別資訊包 含諸如用來唯一地識別巢套式容器（185)的一金鑰。該 層資訊包含諸如明示的下載資訊、或與.巢套式容器 (1 8 5 )有關的默示的資訊。相關聯模組（3 1 5 )使用該層 資訊來決疋巢套式谷益（185)是在較商層或較低層’並 進一步決定相對於其他已知的巢套式容器（185)之一 層。此外’相關聯模組（3 1 5 )以與容器（2 1 0 )有關的識 別資訊及層資訊來回應查詢。 通訊埠（ 320)包含諸如傳送及接收識別資訊及層資 訊等的資訊所必須的實體、邏輯、類比、及（或）數位通 訊通道。例如，如果識別裝置（2 2 0 )包含一R FID裝 置，則通訊埠（3 2 0 )包含一射頻發射器及接收器。處理 器（ 330)包含諸如一中央處理單元（centrd Processing Unit ;簡稱CPU)、一行動CPU' -控制器、或用來執 行指令之其他裝置。通訊埠（3 2 0 )亦可在諸如一專用資 訊格式與電子資料交換（Electronic Data Interchange;簡 稱I )之間等的各格式之間轉譯資訊。我們當了解， 圖3所示之組態只是一個例子，且可根據識別裝置 (2 2 0 )的所需能力或容器層而修改該組態。 圖4疋根據本發明的一實施例的一例示容器階層內 的各1S〇運籌層之一方塊圖。該等運籌層或單元包含一 品目層（4]0a )、—包裹層（4]〇b )、一紙箱層 -15- (12) (12)1354952 (410c)、一集裝層（4]〇d)、一容器層（410e)(並非 在重新定義本說明書中所用的“容器、及一運載工具 層（41〇f)。如圖4所示’每一層可以—種多對多的關 係將識別資訊及層資訊傳送到每一其他層’以便建立相對 階層。在一實施例中’層資訊係有關巢套式容器（]85) 屬於哪一運籌層。在另一實施例中’該容器階層使用非 ISO 層。 品目層（4 1 0 a )包含諸如具有一序號的一電腦等的一 品目或貨物。該品目可具有一序號或被動式標籤。包裹層 (4 1 0 b )包含諸如用來包封品目及其附件的一盒子。該包 裹可具有一條碼、UP C碼、被動式標籤、或類似的識別 裝置。紙箱層（410c)包含諸如在一貨板上一起被移動的 一個或多個包裝箱。集裝層（4】〇d)可具有一主動式或被 動式標籤。該容器包含裝入一個或多個貨板的一個 40，X 85 X 8!的金屬箱。該容器可具有一由內部或由外部安裝 的主動式或被動式標籤。運載工具層（4]0f)包含諸如一 個或多個容器。該運載工具可具有一主動式或被動式標 籤。 圖5是根據本發明的一實施例而用來提供巢套式能 見度的一方法（500)之一流程圖。在步驟（510)中，通 訊埠（3 2 0 )沿著相關聯模組（3 1 5 )的方向傳送—查詢信 號。該查詢信號利用其識別裝置（2 2 0 )或自動識別技術 而要求識別資訊及層資訊的一回應。在一實施例中，該查 詢信號亦包括提出要求者的識別資訊及層資訊。 -16 - (13) (13)1354952 在步驟（5 2 Ο )中，相關聯模組（3 1 5 )建立一相對階 層，而下文中將參照圖6而進一步說明其中情形。根據 對該查詢信號的回應之該相對階層提供了來自該層的能見 度。因此，識別裝置（22 0 )的一查詢者可自一單一裝置 互動中搜集與巢套式容器（185 )及其相關聯的容器有關 之資訊。 在步驟（530)中，該通訊埠輸出該相對階層。該輸 出可以是回應與一讀取器或一特定查詢信號間之一常規通 訊，或者是由於對預訂者的一定期發佈。可將該輸入傳送 到一場所伺服器（25 0 )、具有一手持裝置的一代理人、 及類似的當事方。在步驟（540)中，如果巢套中有一改 變，則通訊模組（3 2 0 )在步驟（5 1 0 )中傳送另一查詢信 號，而重複本程序。 圖 6是根據本發明的一實施例而建立相對階層的方 法（5 20 )之一流程圖。該相對階層係基於來自各相鄰巢 套式容器（185)的回應。在—實施例中，可在全球供應 鍊（1 00 )的一檢查站上預先載入相關聯資訊。如果相關 聯模組（3 1 5 )在步驟（6 1 0 )中自較低層容器接收到回 應，則相關聯模組（3】5 )在步驟（62 0 )中將這些容器組 織成較低層的集合資訊。該集合資訊可包含數個層，以便 描述一子階層。 同樣地，如果相關聯模組（3】5 )在步驟（63 0 )中自 較高層容器接收到回應，則相關聯模組（3 1 5 )也在步驟 (64 0 )中將這些容器組織成其中包含數個層及一子階層 -17 - (14) (14)1354952 的較高層之集合資訊。在一實施例中，相關聯模組 (315)在步驟（ 650)中將集合資訊傳送到各已知的較高 層容器。相關聯模組（3 ] 5 )亦可保留用來回應查詢信號 的與同階層有關之資訊。 因爲一種多對多的關係存在於各層之間，所以某些資 訊可能是虛假的。因此，一實施例的相關聯模組（3〗5 ) 識別並移除虛假的資料。另一實施例的相關聯模組 (3]5)則將虛假的資訊用於驗證或可靠性評分。在一實. 施例中’相關聯模組（3 1 5 )諸如利用最高層的資訊或利 用直接得到的資訊等的各種方法來決定相互衝突的資訊。 【圖式簡單說明】 圖】是根據本發明的一實施例的一例示全球供應鍊 之一示意圖。 圖 2A - C是根據本發明的某些實施例的一容器階 層內的若干例示實體層之示意圖。 圖3是根據本發明的一實施例的—識別裝置之一方 塊圖^ 圖4是根據本發明的一實施例的一例示容器階層內 的各ISO運籌層之—方塊圖。 圖5是根據本發明的一實施例而用來提供巢套式能 見度的一方法之一流程圖。 圖6是根據本發明的一實施例而建立相對階層的一 方法之一流程圖 -18 - (15) (15)1354952 該等圖式示出只係爲了例示的目的之本發明的實施 例。熟習此項技術者在參閱前文中之說明後當可易於了 解：在不脫離本說明書所述的本發明之原理下，可採用本 說明書所示的結構及方法之替代實施例。 主要元件符號說明 100全球供應錬 1 85,212巢套式容器 1 〇 5 a託運人 1 05b 出貨港口 1 05c 轉運港口 1 05d 目的港口 1 0 5 e 收貨人 1 0 1 , 1 02 國家 2 1 0:222 容器 2 2 2 3 2 J 3 6 識別裝置 2 1 6巢套式貨板 2 I 4巢套式品目 2 5 0場所伺服器 2 2 6貨板 2 2 4 品目 2 3 4 條碼 3 1 0記憶體 3 2 0通訊埠 19- (16)1354952 3 3 0處理器 3 9 9匯流排 3 I 5相關聯模組1354952 (1) Description of the Invention [Technical Fields of the Invention] The present invention relates generally to the tracking of containers and their contents, and more particularly to providing a item layer by querying one layer of a multi-layer of containers of a plurality of different layers. Visibility and verification of shipping information. [Prior Art] Increasing global trade emphasizes a modern global economy that relies on goods transported in a global supply chain. In general, a global supply chain is an entity that processes goods by international suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and components from the goods to the consumer. For example, semiconductor test equipment is exported from the United States to Taiwan, where semiconductors are processed, and then semiconductors are shipped to Malaysia for assembly into computers. The computer is then shipped to a warehouse in the United States and finally shipped to the storefront for consumption. However, existing tracking systems have difficulty tracking container content because the goods are nested in several containers during shipping. For example, in the case of nesting as defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), each item layer is loaded into a wrap layer, which in turn is stored in a carton layer. A plurality of carton layers are stored in a container layer, and a plurality of container layers are stored in the container layer. Please note that the term "container" is used in this specification in a broad sense to include each IS 0 layer and other enclosures. A carrier transports several container layers at a time. Therefore, an operator can only determine that a item is stolen during the transportation of a vehicle or that the cargo is carried back to (based on the information of the static nested -5 - 1354952 collected during the packaging period). 1 If it is lost, the lost goods of each layer of the container are opened at the consignee. A related problem is: the instant information of the existing tracking system content, especially the delivery of the physical content without the item layer is The relevant tracking system is unable to provide information that the dynamically verified and port operator who knows the contents of the container must log in to this state. In addition, the information related to the content may not be able to retrieve certain information by the operator. In addition, many large The sales store requires production (Radio Frequency IDentification; Jane to improve the efficiency of the supply chain to meet the appropriate labels are usually different types, so it is not easy to communicate. Therefore, the traditional label has to wait for a standard, the way is passive The output of information to an episode is determined by the centralized system. Therefore, there is a need to provide a first order. Robust system with nested visibility. The visibility of the solution layer and the trace of a global supply chain. [Inventive content] Therefore, if the goods are in the wrong position, the system cannot be found. Tracking the real-time information. Because the data is separated, so the information needs to track the system to obtain the static delay, so the product uses RFID to identify the RFID tag, when the goods are imported. The signature reader can be used as a Chinese system. Traditionally related to the case of the associated container should further provide the end-to-end chasing of the goods -6 - (3) (3) 1349552 The present invention is used to provide a nest Systems and methods for multi-layer visibility of containers satisfy these needs. The system can further provide a virtual warehouse with visibility of the visibility of the items to track individual items in an end-to-end manner via a global supply chain. The central system can query any layer and quickly and easily collect information about each associated container with a different automatic identification technology. In some embodiments, a nested container includes a container having an identification device that independently collects and processes information for the central system and is used as a proxy device. Visibility is provided by various automatic identification techniques such as active or passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, bar codes, electronic product code (EPC) compliant tags, or any other device that can transmit their identification information. The identification device transmits the hierarchical information to the central system on each checkpoint such as a global supply or a central system between the checkpoints by a satellite to provide visibility of the item level. In an embodiment, the identification device The nested container is downloaded from the central system and compared to the visible items, and the Automated Manifest Rule (AMR) information is automatically verified. In some embodiments, the identification device includes an associated module. The associated module establishes a relative level of the lower level containers and the higher level containers of the item level. The illustrated layer includes a layer of a item, a layer of a layer, and a layer of a composite transport container layer. In order to establish the hierarchy, the associated module transmits the query signal to each of the adjacent containers for retrieval of identification information and layer information. This information can be correlated with the individual information of the container in response and the class information associated with the adjacent container of the container -7-(4) (4) 1354952. In addition, the associated module transmits its own identification information and layer information in response to the received inquiry signal. The associated module outputs the relative hierarchy from a nested container to an agent such as a venue server or a handheld device. In some embodiments, the identification device further includes a communication port for transmitting and receiving identification information and/or layer information. The communication port contains an RFID transceiver such as that operating at 433 MHz. The features and advantages mentioned in the summary of the present invention and the following embodiments are not intended to be inclusive. In particular, those skilled in the art will be able to refer to the drawings, the description, and the scope of the claims of the present invention. Many additional features and advantages are readily apparent. In addition, please note that the texts and words used in the present specification are mainly selected for the purpose of easy reading and teaching, and some words are not selected to describe or limit the subject matter of the present invention, and the invention must be determined by referring to the scope of the patent application. Theme of. [Embodiment] A system and method for nested visibility is now disclosed. 1-4 illustrate a system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, and Figures 5-6 illustrate a method of operating the system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The accompanying description is intended to provide a thorough explanation in many specific details. Of course, the field of container and cargo tracking makes many different variations of the illustrated and described features of the present invention possible. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details described below, and of course, it will be appreciated that many other variations and implementations of the invention can be implemented. For example, the spirit of the present invention will still be satisfied. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described hereinafter but only limited by the scope of the appended claims. A program that can be executed in a suitable computing device refers to a program, feature, or function of the invention. Examples of computing devices - Enterprise servers, application servers, workstations, networking computers, network appliances, personal digital assistants, game consoles, video converters, home automation equipment, point-of-sale terminals, and personal communication equipment. The program instructions can be distributed among media, storage units, or the Internet. Program command Source code, destination code, or description language code, etc. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a global supply chain (1〇0) including a device (185) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is only an example of a global supply chain (1〇〇). 00) Different ways, such as state, and mode of transport, can be made within the scope and spirit of the invention. Global supply chain - shipper (I〇5a), one shipping port (]〇5b), (]05c), one-purpose port (i〇5d), and a consignee by international suppliers, manufacturers One of the networks that deal with goods from distributors, from component to consumer, uses global supply (100). Therefore, the contents of other goods passing through the network, a number of checkpoints, and the transporter (I05a) and the consignee (]〇5e) can be the direct cargo I disclosure and the specific implementation of the order. Including electronic tracking computer, network television, digital; car, computer readable can be how to properly shape the shape of the nest. Please note that the global supply group (100) contains a transshipment port (105e) and other entities from the cargo constitute Rong (175) and the port. Indirect partner (6) (6) 1354952 Entity, or a unit within a single entity that exchanges containers (175) via a trade route. For example, a manufacturer transports computer components to a assembly plant by shipping, which in turn transports the assembled computers to a warehouse. The port of shipment and destination (l〇5b), (105d) may be a ship terminal, an airport, a customs broker, a non-vessel operated common carrier (NVOCC), or transported via a trade route. (or) any other entity that receives the goods. An internal supply chain is a network of similar operations operated by a single entity or a number of closely related entities. At a higher level, the shipper (1 〇 5 a) can ship a nested container (] 85) to the consignee (105e) via one of many trade routes. As the first mode of transport, a truck transports the nested container (]85) from the shipper (]〇5a) to the shipping port (]〇5b). As a second and third mode of transport' a first ship and a second ship transport the nested container (]85) from the shipping port ( ]〇5b ) to a transshipment port (105c) Destination port (l〇5d). As a fourth mode of transport, a freight train transports the container to the consignee (]05e) ° In the case of international transport, such as the country corresponding to customs and national security agencies (10), (1〇2) Government agencies exercise oversight of the various components of the main network, while private parties exercise oversight of the various components of the extended network. However, 'please note' that in the embodiment the transportation is taking place within the border of a single country. Therefore, exports and imports are carried out between geographical locations within countries such as a security agency or a domestic government agency (for example, between two states, municipalities, provinces, etc.). The problem is that each -10- (7) 1354952 checkpoint cannot easily collect information about other containers that have nests in their containers. The nested container (185) solves this problem of visibility. The container (185) is used as a proxy device to process information independently and independently for the central system. The nest is associated with each adjacent container to form an operational unit of the hierarchy. This relative hierarchy describes the container of the higher layer container layer. Preferably, the relative level is output by querying a nested container of the most cylindrical layer. However, any layer can be implemented. In one embodiment, the nested container (185) determines the nest. At the highest level, 'starts to a master state. In another case, the nested container (1 8 5) detects a component (for example, when a previously nested container cannot respond to a periodicity) The relative hierarchy is updated. In the usage of this specification, the "layers" of the order can be defined in various ways. In general, 'each layer can recognize a query in response to a query, and define each layer relative to other layers. A lower layer can be in a higher layer. For example, a item or goods on a first layer is wrapped in a package on a second layer, and a package is contained in the first carton. The layer can be extended from a product on the lowest layer to a carrier on a higher level. Automated tools such as bar code are lower in the lower layer' and active such as active radio frequency identification (R FI D) Identification technology is in the higher layer. In The container (] 8 5 ) contains one of the US patent applications __. The nest collects the container and the container is relatively low and responds to the work. The package type - the other in the polling layer when the change is implemented Contains a smart container as described in Example -11 - (8) (8) 1354952 (attorney docket #21790-07897). When the nested container (185) is shipped on its route via the global supply chain, the nested container (185) may be queried at a different checkpoint. When a truck is unloaded at the port of shipment (l〇5b), it is possible to separate the once-linked pallets and re-link the pallets. Since the truck is no longer the highest level of the layer, the lower nested container (I 8 5 ) can provide similar information to an inquirer. Further embodiments of the nested container (185) and methods of operation thereof are described below. 2A-C are schematic illustrations of several illustrative physical layers within a container level layer, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Thus, a nested container (185) on the highest level contains a container (2 0) having an identification device (22 0) as shown in Figure 2A. The nested container comprises a nested pallet (2 1-6), and the nested pallet (2 16) is loaded with a plurality of nested containers (212) having a nested product (214). The identification device (220) is (preferably wirelessly) in communication with a venue server (250). The venue server (250) can be a local part of a centralized system for performing security and tracking tasks. The location server (250) collects information about the containers (185), (212), (214) and nested pallets (2 1 6) for local analysis or uploading. The location server (2 50) can also transmit commands and/or data to nested containers (] 8 5 ), ( 2 1 2 ), ( 2 ] 4 ) and nested pallets (2 1 6 ) . Figure 2B shows a nested container (212) on a lower layer, the nested container (2) 2) comprising a container (22 2 ) having an identification device (232). The nested pallet (2) 6 shown in this embodiment is a platform for a set of nest-12-(9) 1354952 cans (212), which is used during movement such as by a stack of tall machines. The nested pallet (216). The nested pallet (216) includes a pallet (226) and an identification device (23 6 6). The identification devices (23 2 ), (236) also communicate with the venue server (250). In addition, Figure 2C shows a nested container (214) that is a lower layer relative to the nested container (212). The nested container (214) contains a code (2 3 4 ) or other low. The item of the cost identification device (2 2 4 ). In the usage of this specification, "container" may include common closures such as, for example, goods, items, parcels, goods, composite shipping containers, shipping cargo, and boxes. The container may also include, for example, an InterModal Container (IMC), a Medium Bulk Container (1BC), a Reusable Transport Container (RTC), and a container. (Unit Load Device; ULD for short) or the like is a standardized seal of the International Organization for Standardization (IS) in the form of a layer or a unit, and the layers will be described below with reference to FIG. 4. Note that containers (210), (222), (224) are just a few examples because the size, shape, and configuration of the containers (e.g., more than two doors) are variable. Although the identification devices (22 0 ), ( 2 3 2 ), and ( 2 3 6 ) are on different layers, each of the identification devices can independently communicate with the venue server (250). Therefore, the identification devices (220) and (2 3 2) do not need to transmit information upwards to the interconnection system in a ~step manner, because the location servo-13-(10) D4952 祎(250) can be mounted from every ~ (? 〇n, f collect information. In an embodiment, identify, 220), (23 2) comparison, and automatically verify the age from the central system _, and distinguish the strong chain from the visible items, Cargo Order Rules (AMR). Therefore, the clothing (220) AMR, will be loaded: 2 3 2) (four) - central security system verification 檠 _ broadcast office 卩卞 正确 正确 正确 正确 正确 正确 正确 正确 正确 正确 正确 正确 正确 g g g g g g g g g g Identification device (22〇) 糍 ☆, ( 232 ), ( 2 34 ) is coupled to, connected to, or installed to the container ^, (2 〇) ' ( 222), ( 224), or ~ ~ way Associated with containers (2]〇), (2 22 ), (224) for identification. In the first embodiment, although the identification devices (22〇), (232) (234)% -T-r_ are of the type, they can communicate with each other. For example, the identification device (220) includes an active RFID tag, the identification device (232) includes a passive RFID tag, and the bar code (234) includes a bar code. Other types of identification devices (220), such as electronic product codes (£PC), which are not described in this specification, may also be used in some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a detailed description will be made with reference to FIG. 3 - an exemplary identification device (220). FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a representative identification device (220) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The identification device (220) includes a memory (3] 0 ), a communication band (3 2 0 ), and a processor (3 3 0 ) communicatively coupled via a bus (3 9 9 ). The memory (3 1 0 ) can be any volatile or non-volatile device that can store program instructions and/or data. The memory (3 1 0 ) further includes an associated module (3 ] 5 ). The correlation module (3] 5) establishes the phase -14 - (11) (11) 1354952 pairs of the lower layer containers and the higher layer containers. In the job, the associated module (3 15) transmits an inquiry signal to identify the associated nested container (] 8 5 ). Then, the associated module (3 I 5 ) receives the identification information and the layer information. The identification information includes a key such as a one used to uniquely identify the nested container (185). This layer of information contains, for example, explicit download information, or implied information about the nested container (1 8 5 ). The associated module (3 15) uses this layer of information to determine whether the nested valley benefit (185) is at the lower or lower level' and further determines relative to other known nested containers (185) One layer. In addition, the associated module (3 15) responds to the query with identification information and layer information related to the container (2 1 0). The communication port (320) contains the physical, logical, analog, and/or digital communication channels necessary for transmitting and receiving information such as identification information and layer information. For example, if the identification device (2 2 0 ) includes an R FID device, the communication port (3 2 0 ) includes a radio frequency transmitter and receiver. The processor (330) includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a mobile CPU's controller, or other means for executing instructions. The communication port (3 2 0) can also translate information between formats such as a dedicated communication format and Electronic Data Interchange (I). We understand that the configuration shown in Figure 3 is only an example and that the configuration can be modified based on the required capabilities or container layers of the identification device (2 2 0). Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of each 1S layer in the container hierarchy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The operation layer or unit comprises a item layer (4]0a), a wrapping layer (4]〇b), a carton layer -15-(12) (12) 1354952 (410c), a container layer (4) 〇d), a container layer (410e) (not to redefine the "container, and a carrier layer (41〇f) used in this specification. As shown in Figure 4, 'each layer can be a many-to-many relationship The identification information and layer information are transmitted to each of the other layers' to establish a relative hierarchy. In one embodiment, the layer information relates to which operation layer the nested container (] 85) belongs to. In another embodiment The container hierarchy uses a non-ISO layer. The item layer (4 1 0 a ) contains a item or goods such as a computer with a serial number. The item may have a serial number or a passive label. The wrapping layer (4 1 0 b ) contains such as A box for enclosing a item and its accessories. The package may have a code, UP C code, passive label, or similar identification device. The carton layer (410c) contains one such as one that is moved together on a pallet or Multiple boxes. The container layer (4)〇d) can have an active or passive label The container contains a 40, X 85 X 8! metal box that holds one or more pallets. The container may have an active or passive label mounted internally or externally. Carrier layer (4] 0f) Containing, for example, one or more containers. The vehicle may have an active or passive tag. Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a method (500) for providing nested visibility in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step (510), the communication port (3 2 0) transmits along the direction of the associated module (3 15 5) - the query signal. The query signal requires identification using its identification device (2 2 0) or automatic identification technology. A response to information and layer information. In an embodiment, the query signal also includes identification information and layer information of the requesting party. -16 - (13) (13) 1349552 In step (5 2 Ο ), associated The module (3 15 5) establishes a relative hierarchy, and the situation therein will be further explained below with reference to Figure 6. The relative hierarchy in response to the query signal provides visibility from the layer. Thus, the identification device (22) 0) of a querier Collecting information about the nested container (185) and its associated container from a single device interaction. In step (530), the communication port outputs the relative level. The output can be a response and a reader. Or a conventional communication between a particular inquiry signal, or due to a periodic release to the subscriber. The input can be transmitted to a venue server (250), an agent with a handheld device, and the like. In step (540), if there is a change in the nest, the communication module (3 2 0) transmits another inquiry signal in step (5 1 0), and the program is repeated. Figure 6 is a flow diagram of one method (520) of establishing a relative hierarchy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The relative hierarchy is based on responses from each of the adjacent nested containers (185). In an embodiment, the associated information can be preloaded on a checkpoint in the global supply chain (100). If the associated module (3 15) receives a response from the lower layer container in step (6 1 0), the associated module (3) 5 organizes the containers into steps in step (62 0 ). Low-level collection information. The collection information can contain several layers to describe a sub-level. Similarly, if the associated module (3) 5 receives a response from the higher layer container in step (63 0 ), the associated module (3 15) also organizes the containers in step (64 0 ). It is a collection of higher layers containing several layers and a sub-level -17 - (14) (14) 1354952. In one embodiment, the associated module (315) transmits the aggregated information to each of the known higher layer containers in step (650). The associated module (3] 5) may also retain information related to the same level in response to the inquiry signal. Because a many-to-many relationship exists between layers, some information may be false. Thus, the associated module (3) 5 of an embodiment identifies and removes false material. The associated module (3) 5) of another embodiment uses false information for verification or reliability scoring. In a real example, the 'associated module (3 15) uses various methods such as using the highest level of information or using directly obtained information to determine conflicting information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a global supply chain in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 2A-C are schematic illustrations of several illustrative physical layers within a container level layer, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram of an identification device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of each ISO operation layer in a container hierarchy, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a flow diagram of one method for providing nested visibility in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a flow diagram of one of the methods for establishing a relative hierarchy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -18 - (15) (15) 1349552 These figures illustrate embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without departing from the scope of the present invention. Main component symbol description 100 global supply 錬1 85,212 nested container 1 〇5 a shipper 1 05b shipping port 1 05c transshipment port 1 05d destination port 1 0 5 e consignee 1 0 1 , 1 02 country 2 1 0 :222 Container 2 2 2 3 2 J 3 6 Identification device 2 1 6 nested pallet 2 I 4 nested item 2 5 0 Location server 2 2 6 pallet 2 2 4 Item 2 3 4 Bar code 3 1 0 Memory 3 2 0 communication 埠 19- (16) 1349552 3 3 0 processor 3 9 9 bus 3 I 5 associated module
4 1 0 a品目層 4 1 Ob包裹層 4 1 0 c紙箱層 4 1 Od集裝層 4 ] Oe容器層 4]0f運載工具層4 1 0 a heading layer 4 1 Ob wrapping layer 4 1 0 c carton layer 4 1 Od container layer 4 ] Oe container layer 4]0f carrier layer
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