Abstract: A system to monitor item placement and item movement on surfaces includes an identification system embedded in one or more surfaces and a computer. The identification system periodically scans the surfaces to generate data related to items placed on the surfaces. The data includes item type, item location on each surface, and number of items placed on each surface. The computer receives and processes the data to monitor item placement and item movement on the surfaces.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for object management. In certain implementations, object management includes determining whether a signal representing the presence of at least one object to be monitored has been received and determining whether a signal representing the state of at least one object to be monitored has been received. If a signal representing the presence of at least one object to be monitored has been received, a determination is made as to whether a predetermined quantity of objects is present. If a signal representing the state of at least one object to be monitored has been received, a determination is made as to whether at least one object has a predetermined state.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for object management. In certain implementations, object management includes determining whether a signal representing the presence of at least one object to be monitored has been received and determining whether a signal representing the state of at least one object to be monitored has been received. If a signal representing the presence of at least one object to be monitored has been received, a determination is made as to whether a predetermined quantity of objects is present. If a signal representing the state of at least one object to be monitored has been received, a determination is made as to whether at least one object has a predetermined state.

Abstract: A system to monitor item placement and item movement on surfaces includes an identification system embedded in one or more surfaces and a computer. The identification system periodically scans the surfaces to generate data related to items placed on the surfaces. The data includes item type, item location on each surface, and number of items placed on each surface. The computer receives and processes the data to monitor item placement and item movement on the surfaces.

Abstract: A worker carries a sensor that senses a tag device, preferably a passive RFID tag, in or on an article being processed. The sensor obtains wirelessly from the tag device identifying data, such as a numerical tag, which has been recorded as corresponding to a specific article. A computer connected with the receiver uses the identifying data to obtain a network address on a computer data network. Data relating to the worker contact with the article is sent over the network to the address accessed, and the server, or a management computer attached to it, causes a record to be stored reporting the access regarding the article, and other bookkeeping or process control activities are performed as claimed.

Abstract: A worker carries a sensor that senses a tag device, preferably a passive RFID tag, in or on an article being processed. The sensor obtains wirelessly from the tag device identifying data, such as a numerical tag, which has been recorded as corresponding to a specific article. A computer connected with the receiver uses the identifying data to obtain a network address on a computer data network. Data relating to the worker contact with the article is sent over the network to the address accessed, and the server, or a management computer attached to it, causes a record to be stored reporting the access regarding the article, and other bookkeeping or process control activities are performed as claimed.