Abstract: An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.

Abstract: An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.

Abstract: An asset tag comprises a first short-range wireless interface configured to transmit a wireless signal with a predetermined periodicity, the wireless signals including a tag ID unique to the asset tag, and an optical sensor. The asset tag can include processing circuitry, coupled to the first short-range wireless interface and to the optical sensor and a battery connected to an powering the first short-range wireless interface, optical sensor, and/or processing circuitry. The processing circuitry receives a first electrical signal from the optical sensor in response to the receipt of a first optical signal. The processing circuitry transmits first wireless signals including the tag ID via the first short-range wireless interface. A dispensing enclosure transmits the first optical signal for the or each asset within the dispensing enclosure, receives a respective first wireless signal and determines a set of Tag IDs of assets added or removed by user.

Abstract: A secure asset supply cabinet comprises bins for holding assets and a programmable lock. The programmable lock comprises a short range wireless interface (e.g. RFID or NFC) and a physical lock actuatable by processing circuitry. The programmable lock receives an unlock code via the short range wireless interface, e.g. by a user entering credentials on a portable wireless device. The received unlock code is authenticated based on an authentication or lock code. If the unlock code is authentic, the physical lock is actuated to unlock the asset supply cabinet. Each bin may have a wireless asset tag on its surface. Each tag may comprise a user-actuatable button and be encoded with a unique ID. When a user performs a predetermined gesture with the button, such as pressing it twice, a restock message including the ID is transmitted to a wireless access point.

Abstract: A secure asset supply cabinet comprises bins for holding assets and a programmable lock. The programmable lock comprises a short range wireless interface (e.g. RFID or NFC) and a physical lock actuatable by processing circuitry. The programmable lock receives an unlock code via the short range wireless interface, e.g. by a user entering credentials on a portable wireless device. The received unlock code is authenticated based on an authentication or lock code. If the unlock code is authentic, the physical lock is actuated to unlock the asset supply cabinet. Each bin may have a wireless asset tag on its surface. Each tag may comprise a user-actuatable button and be encoded with a unique ID. When a user performs a predetermined gesture with the button, such as pressing it twice, a restock message including the ID is transmitted to a wireless access point.

Abstract: An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.

Abstract: A weight sensor unit, comprises a weight sensor configured to output weight sensor readings indicative of the weight being supported thereby. A transmission device is configured to transmit wireless signals, and a processor, is coupled to the weight sensor and to the transmission device. The weight sensor unit includes a battery. The weight sensor, transmission device and processor are powered by the battery. In use, the processor is configured to receive one or more weight sensor readings output by the weight sensor, and transmit the weight sensor readings wirelessly using the transmission device. The weight sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly interact with devices placed in proximity thereto. In an embodiment, all electronic components of the weight sensor unit are powered by the battery. A dispensing unit incorporating the weight sensor unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.

Abstract: An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.

Abstract: An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.

Abstract: An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.

Abstract: An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset, the asset tag comprising a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and being adapted to transmit first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag comprises a second component encoded with a second ID unique to the asset tag, the second component having a second wireless interface and being adapted to transmit second broadcast signals via said second wireless interface over a second range, the second broadcast signals including the second ID. The first range and the second range are different. The first ID and the second ID are identical.

Abstract: A stock monitoring system, for monitoring items of stock in one or more storerooms, includes a portable device including a first processor and a first wireless transceiver for short-range communication. The first processor is operable for receiving a user ID of a second user via the first wireless transceiver and transmitting to the remote system via a second wireless transceiver, at least item data, associated with the user ID. An intermediate unit includes a second processor and a reader and a wireless transmitter adapted for short-range communication. Upon reading the user ID from an ID card of the second user by the reader, the user ID is transmitted via the wireless transmitter, e.g. for a predetermined period. The first processor receives a user ID of a second user via the first wireless transceiver. A method, portable device and intermediate unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stock monitoring system, for monitoring items of stock in one or more storerooms for stock items. The system includes a portable device (e.g. PDA), the portable device including a first processor and, coupled thereto, a first wireless transceiver for short-range communication, the portable device being adapted to receive user inputs from a first user. A second wireless transceiver is coupled to the first processor, the second wireless transceiver being adapted for long-range wireless communications (e.g. 3G) with a remote system. The first processor is operable for receiving a user ID of a second user, and receiving one or more further inputs, at least a first input being received via the first wireless transceiver and including item data corresponding to an item, and at least a second user input being from the first user and associating the item with the second user.