Abstract: A method and system for registering information about a variety of property items either centrally or in distributed fashion enables quick notification of proper authorities when the property item is stolen. The system can invoke police authority networks and/or a private security system network. Various types of information can be stored in a central database accessible over a public network such as the Internet, or locally on a personal credential item, such as a security card carried with the owner/user of the property item. Information types can include descriptive textual information, visual information, and auditory information about the property item and its owner or user. When the item is discovered stolen, the card can be scanned at a variety of participating card reader devices, which can include ATM machines, retail point-of-sale scanners, gas station pumps, and any other properly equipped public/private/commercial devices.

Abstract: A medication-dispensing unit is provided for tracking medical products having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag uniquely associated therewith. The dispensing unit includes compartments for receiving medical products therein, and readers for reading the RFID tags associated with the medical products in the compartments. A processor is coupled to the readers for receiving and processing readings of the RFID tags in the compartment to identify the medical products in the compartments. The processor may identify a medical product removed from a compartment by determining a difference between readings of the RFID tags in the compartment taken before and after the medical product is removed from the compartment. The processor may verify that the medical product removed from the compartment is authorized to be removed or confirm that an identified patient is intended to receive the medical product being removed from the compartment.

Abstract: A methodology for tracking objects includes receiving a multiplicity of objects to be tracked at a known location. Each multiplicity of objects has at least one imagable identifier affixed to it. The method also includes imaging the multiplicity of objects together at the known location to provide at least a partial image of the multiplicity of objects. The method also includes employing the partial image to determine an identification code for a plurality of the multiplicity of objects, as well as associating each identification code with a known location code.

Abstract: A security system for protecting articles (8), the system comprising at least one Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) loop (1) , one Emitting Unit (7) and one Detecting Unit (9) attached to each article (8) to be protected, the Detecting Unit (9) having a detector to detect electromagnetic fields emitted by the EAS loop (4) and the Emitting Unit (7) and to distinguish between them, and an alarm generator for generating an alarm if a predetermined sequence of fields is detected. The system combines existing EAS loops (4) normally present in a retail store with Emitting Units (7) and Detecting Units (9) so as to monitor movement of articles (8), especially supermarket trolleys, around the retail store.

Abstract: A tracking system monitors an entity that enters a controlled space and the addition, removal, or other movement or status changes of objects in the controlled space. A computer system, coupled to the tracking system, automatically associates the addition, removal or other movement or status changes of the objects with the identity of the entity and transmits this information to a server computer system. A user may subsequently access this information through one or more client computers coupled to the server computer system. The server computer system may also automatically notify a user or other computer systems, e.g., through a network interface, wireless interface, or telephone interface, when objects in the controlled space have been moved or the status has been changed and/or whether such movement or status change is authorized or not.

Abstract: A mobile retail signage management system includes a communication device capable of transmitting a specific location for which a corresponding sign needs to be positioned at the specific location; a portable workstation including a product database that associates product information with the specific location, wherein the product information includes display information for a corresponding sign positioned at the location. Moreover, the portable workstation communicates to the communication device as the portable workstation comes within the communication range of the communication device, wherein the communication range corresponds to the near vicinity of the portable workstation with respect to the communication device. A sign writer for imaging the corresponding sign in real-time, in the near vicinity of the specific location; and a computer network for updating the database are provided.

Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides information control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage units. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: The disclosed inventory control system is well suited for many types of small-volume products. A plurality of electronic tags 1 are installed in a floor 3 in which data on installation locations is stored, a storage shelf 8 for storing inventory, and a movable reader 23 that reads location data from the electronic tags 1 and carries a product that moves along the aisle. Data stored in an electronic tag, from among a plurality of electronic tags 3, installed near the storage shelf 8 on which inventory is stored contains data on a product stored on the storage shelf 8. The movable reader 23 comprises a communications antenna 4 that communicates in a wireless fashion with the electronic tags, a transceiver connected to the communications antenna 4, a data processor that sends and receives data via the transceiver, and a database 7 that provides data to the data processor.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically logging data pertaining to a particular use of an article, in particular the use of a boning or carving knife in a meat works. The knife having identifying means incorporated therein to identify a unique code for the particular knife. A reader is provided at a reading station to automatically read the unique code of a knife passed adjacent the reader. Data logging means is associated with the reader to log the unique code and the time at which the unique code was read by the reader. The data logging means is associated with one or more readers and reading stations located in an area where the knife is to be used. The area has reading stations associated with one or more treatment or storage locations for the knife at which a reader is disposed in a manner so that any passage of a knife from or to the treatment or storage location requires the article to be passed adjacent to the reader to enable the unique code of the knife to be automatically read by the reader.

Abstract: A portable data input or computer system includes an input/output device such as a keyboard and a display, another data input device such as an optical bar code scanner, and a data processor module. To scan bar code type indicia, the operator points the scanner at the bar code and triggers the scanner to read the indicia. All the system components are distributed on an operator's body and together form a personal area system (PAS). Components may include a scanner or imager, a wrist unit, a headpiece including an eyepiece display, speaker and a microphone. Components within a particular PAS communicate with each other over a personal area network (PAN). Individual PASs may be combined into a network of PASs called a PAS cluster. PASs in a particular PAS cluster can communicate with each other over another wireless communication channel. Individual PAS can gain access to a Local Area Network (LAN) and/or a Wide Area Network (WAN) via an access point.

Abstract: A system for controlling gemstones employs RFID chips adhered to each stone. A display or storage area includes a radiator for generating activating emission for the RFID chips and an antenna for picking up the resultant RF signals including serial number. Both the radiator and antenna are connected to a computer supporting a database with an inventory of the chips and anti-collision circuitry for identifying the chips.

Abstract: An advanced electronic product information display tag provides advanced functionalities and capabilities in electronic product information display systems.

Abstract: A method of inventory management is described. Upon activation of a button on a wireless device, the wireless device having a light source and a transceiver with a unique media address corresponding to a unique product, the device broadcasts a first signal including an order command and the unique media address by the transceiver via a wireless medium. A central controller then receives the first signal, identifies the unique media address included in the first signal, and using a database, identifies the unique product associated with the unique media address.

Abstract: A minibar system for supplying a plurality of inventory items, including a plurality of minibars. Each of the minibars having a control system and a minibar power modem. The control system being configured to monitor a removal of one of the inventory items and prepare a data package about the removal. The system also includes a processor and a central power modem. The processor is operationally connected to the central power modem. The central power modem and the minibar power modem of each of the minibars are electrically connected to a wiring system so that the minibars and the processor can communicate over the wiring system. The processor is configured to process data packages received from the minibars.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) capture system for identifying and recording information parameters associated with cargo items. A choke point portal defines a doorway through which passes a plurality of the cargo items in transit from a first location to a second location. The portal includes a radio frequency scanner and a plurality of antennas mounted at specified locations along said portal and in operative communication with said scanner for issuing a radio frequency signal scan across a three dimensional space preceding the portal doorway. A plurality of radio frequency sensitive labels are affixed to selected cargo items. A processor based operating system is in interfacing communication with the portal scanner. In response to each of the labels signaling a selected portal antenna and processor, the processor system captures the information from scanner and, upon comparing the information with an inventory manifest held in a computer readable medium, records the transport of the cargo item.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for conducting purchasing transactions using radio-frequency identification (RFID) of items for purchase. Such systems may include a security scale integral with a security conveyor for weighing one or more items placed thereon, a bagging area, a second conveyor for transporting items from the security conveyor to the bagging area, a lane controller for carrying out a purchasing transaction, payment means for accepting payment for the transaction, an RFID reader for receiving data from RFID tagged items and a database having item information stored therein. The system may write new information onto the tag. The system may utilize tag data for item validation and amending an item profile in a security database.

Abstract: An integrated system for tracking assets (tools and materials) and personnel associated with a work site. Personnel are equipped with tracking devices having at least geolocation capability. Assets are tagged with RFID tags, which are interrogated at portals, by mobile scanners, or by personnel tracking devices having RFID reading capability. The tag readers and tracking devices are all in communication with a common “information backbone” and all data is delivered to, and processed by, a common command and control subsystem.

Abstract: A pick/put to display (PTD) device includes an image display that allows the PTD device to display images related to a product, such as a picture of the product or an instructional video. By having the capability to display images of the product, the PTD device is able to reduce the risk that the wrong product will be picked or placed in a storage location. The image display further allows the PTD device to display arrows that can point in a multitude of directions. With the capability of having arrows point in numerous directions, a single PTD device is able to service multiple storage locations, thereby reducing the number of PTD devices needed. The PTD device is further capable of downloading and playing sound files for a product so that audio instructions or alerts can be played.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved inventory management and theft detection system whereby by a security tag is placed on an article for sale. The security tag is affixed to the article so that the article cannot be opened when the security tag is in place. A device to remove the security tag is controlled by the cash register of the store. The security tag removal device is controlled by the cash register and does not operate unless a sales transaction has occurred.

Abstract: A system and methodology for tracking objects including affixing at least one imagable identifier onto each of a multiplicity of objects to be tracked, imaging at least a portion of at least one of the multiplicity of objects at a known location to provide an at least partial image of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects, containing the at least one imagable identifier and employing the at least partial image of the object containing the at least one imagable identifier to provide an output indication of the location of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects.

Abstract: A portable information communication terminal can easily be combined with an existing industrial system. Article discount information is broadcast from a central computer of the headquarters of a convenience store via a broadcasting system, and received by a portable information communication terminal. An image of the article and a discount price represented by the article discount information are displayed on a display screen of a display monitor. When the user purchases the displayed image, the user selects the desired article displayed on the display screen of a display monitor by a manual controller. A bar code corresponding to the selected article is displayed on a display screen of the portable information communication terminal. The user takes the portable information communication terminal with the bar code displayed on the display screen to the convenience store.

Abstract: A method of identifying a part with a storage location including the steps of transmitting identification information for the part and the storage location to a support system, supplying power to the remote device, transmitting a code sequence, associated with the transmitted identification information, from the support system to the remote device, wherein the code sequence is a random code whose sequence is changed to a different code sequence when power is removed from the remote device and notifying an operator externally when attempting to locate the storage location.

Abstract: A method for tracking and handling people and articles at an airport using Radio-Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tags. The RFID tag contains an electronic microchip with a memory portion, permanently attached to a substrate having a planar antenna. Each RFID tag is tuned to operate at a specific frequency and includes a unique identifier number stored in the memory portion. Passenger-specific information, such as passenger name, address and flight itinerary may be sent to the microchip for storage in the memory portion by means of an RF field provided by an external “scanner” device. The scanner also provides a means for reading data stored in the memory portion of the microchip. The RFID tag is small, rugged, and unobtrusive, allowing it to be applied to passenger articles and documents, allowing for more efficient check-in, automated tracking of articles, theft prevention, and increased security.

Abstract: A system for determining movement of an item bearing an RFID label. The system includes an RFID reader for receiving RFID label identification information from an RFID label associated with the item, and a computer for determining a location of the RFID label and the item by determining location information for the RFID reader, for determining a preferred location for the RFID label and the item, and for comparing the determined location with the preferred location to determine that the RFID label and the item have been moved.

Abstract: A RFID method and system are provided for ensuring that personnel are properly outfitted with necessary equipment for performance of a particular task or procedure. RFID smart tags are configured with the required pieces of equipment, the smart tags containing information to identify their respective pieces of equipment. A RFID scanner is disposed at a location through which an individual passes prior to performance of the procedure. The scanner interrogates the smart tags and determines if the individual has all of the required pieces of equipment.

Abstract: A method of changing a display sequence of an electronic price label which uses two commands to add and remove information from a display sequence. The method includes the steps of formulating a change sequence message including a number of change sequence commands which reference memory registers of the electronic price label, and sending the change sequence message to the electronic price label. An Add command causes the electronic price label to additionally display data in a predetermined memory register. A Remove command causes the electronic price label to stop displaying data in a predetermined memory register. If data accompanies an Add command, the method further determines whether such data will overwrite existing data in the predetermined memory register, and if it will, stores the existing data for later retrieval.

Abstract: A system for controlling gemstones employs RFID chips adhered to each stone. A display or storage area includes a radiator for generating activating emission for the RFID chips and an antenna for picking up the resultant RF signals including serial number. Both the radiator and antenna are connected to a computer supporting a database with an inventory of the chips and anti-collision circuitry for identifying the chips.

Abstract: An article inventory control system for articles, such as books, uses RFID tags attached to each article. Each tag has a unique identification or serial number for identifying the individual article. An inventory database tracks all of the tagged articles and maintains circulation status information for each article. Articles are checked out of the library using a patron self-checkout system. Checked out articles are returned to the library via patron self-check in devices. The shelves are periodically scanned with a mobile RFID scanner for updating inventory status.

Abstract: A thermostated cabinet for storing articles fitted with radio-frequency identifier including a cabinet having an opening for introducing and removing articles, an article monitor comprising at least one radio-frequency receiver connected to at least one antenna for detecting movements of the articles, and means for providing data to the radio frequency identifier.

Abstract: In a method and a system (1) for determining a position (d) of a wanted object (BKn) fitted with a transponder (TRn), scanning signals (INTnle, INTnri) with current strengths (Ire, Iri) changed (reduced) in steps and starting from a starting value (maximum value) are supplied to a left transmission coil (9) and separately therefrom to a right transmission coil (10), and it is determined by detection means (15, 16) when the transponder (TRn) associated with the wanted object (BKn) has changed its behavior between delivery and non-delivery of its response signal (RESn), whereupon those values V(Ii+1), V(Ik+1) of the changed (reduced) current strengths (Ii+1, Ik+1) are determined at which the transponder (TRn) has changed its behavior between delivery and non-delivery of its response signal (RESn), and the position (d) of the wanted object (BKn) is subsequently determined from said values V(Ii+1), V(Ik+1).

Abstract: When a person first enters an unfamiliar work space, it is useful for that person to know what devices are present in the space and often the person will spend the first few minutes looking around, effectively carrying out an inventory of the devices present. In order to simplify this process the devices are arranged to announce their existence by sound in response to a prompt, such as a handclap. To avoid the announcements being made all at once in an unintelligible manner, the devices interact with each other to order their announcements so that each device announcement is, at least in due course, made uninterrupted by announcements from other devices. Typically, this interaction involves the devices using a collision-detection and back-off protocol applied to the announcements themselves.

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 self-service machine using a communications terminal and a service providing method thereof. The self-service machine includes an antenna for receiving a radio signal including identification information of the self-service machine and price information, a radio transceiver for processing the radio signal from the antenna, an information processor for extracting the price information from the signal processed by the radio transceiver if the identification information from the radio transceiver is identical to its actual identification information, a controller for controlling the self-service machine so as to provide a predetermined service according to the price information from the information processor, a service providing unit for providing the predetermined service under the control of the controller, and a memory for storing predetermined information about the service provided by the self-service machine after the provision of service by the service providing unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention collect item information from RFID tags attached to items in an inventory, and uses the collected item information to perform various inventory management processes. In one aspect, the inventory management processes may include determining, reporting, and/or providing corrective actions for one or more events associated with at least one of depletions of items in the inventory, changes in the design of items in the inventory, defects with one or more items, misplaced items, the movement of an unusual umber of items within a short period of time (i.e., shrinkage), and malfunctions of one or more components included in the environment.

Abstract: A directed inventory system uses individual wireless pick-to modules, or individual wireless pick-from modules, or both, to aid inventory management services such as order fulfillment. Modules wirelessly receive servicing information directly from a processing computer, and transmit servicing status information directly to the computer. Light indicators or display panels on the modules provide information corresponding to a service to be performed, such as a quantity of parts to be picked from a bin, a location of a parts bin to pick from, a designation of a container to pick into, or other servicing information.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for keeping track of a number of articles, especially for example articles that are being carried while travelling on business and/or vacation. Details of articles to be kept track of are registered with a processing means and each article is provided with an identification means. When it is desired to check for the presence of the articles, for example upon closing a briefcase, the processing means polls the various registered articles to check for their presence and issues an alarm if an article is missing.

Abstract: A modulated backscatter communication system (e.g., an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) system) includes a central node (e.g., a ceiling node) and one or more remote nodes (e.g., ESL tags). The central node transmits a downlink radio signal which is reflectively modulated at a remote node to produce a modulated reflected radio signal. At the remote node, a precise-frequency subcarrier signal is modulated with an uplink information signal to produce a modulated signal which is used to produce the modulated reflected radio signal. At the central node, the modulated reflected radio signal is received, detected and narrowband filtered to obtain the modulated subcarrier signal which is then demodulated to obtain the uplink information signal, with great immunity to close to carrier downlink radio noise and fluorescent light backscatter interference.

Abstract: A vehicle parking network comprises a transmitter-responder device (TRD) for each subscriber and a complementary box which can be coupled to the TRD and only to it, and permits it to communicate with a central computer. The complementary box is provided with identification marks that can be scanned from the outside and includes a microcontroller, memory means and timing means. Once the vehicle is parked, the TRD is used to obtain from the computer a parking authorization and an allowed parking time. Then a legitimate parking sign is displayed and the parking time is downcounted until the allowed time has been completed or until the vehicle leaves the parking space. If communication with the computer cannot be established, the complementary box carries out an assumed parking procedure, stores its data in a buffer memory, and later transmits them to the computer for verification and registration. The computer communicates the data of each parking to the Public Authority charged with collecting the parking fees.

Abstract: In a distribution network with having various points, such as a manufacturer, distributors and points of sale, local databases are provided at least at some of the points. When an article arrives at such a point, a record describing it is transferred from a central database to the local database. When the article leaves the point, the record is transferred back to the central database. In other words, while the article is at a given point, the record remains available for access and modification at the local database, which obviates the need to consult the central database each time the record is to be accessed.

Abstract: A system and method for agricultural data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for agricultural items throughout the production cycle. Individual item data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The system includes software components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Abstract: A method of maintaining, tracking and identifying the integrity of a disposable specimen container comprising the steps of: writing to an RFID device attached to an individual specimen vial information including the date and a unique identification of the vial; putting sample in the specimen vial; writing to the RFID device attached to the specimen vial information including the time and the day; storing the vial in an environment to maintain its integrity; sending the vial to a laboratory for analysis; inventorying the vials by scanning the RFID attached to the individual vials; and separating the RFID device from the vial so that the RFID device may be re-used.

Abstract: A communication module for an asset to be monitored operates to periodically receive a signal from a monitoring facility via a first wireless communication system, and in response to the absence of the signal at an expected time, communicating with the module via a second wireless system. The first system may be a short range system operating inside a limited facility, and the second system may be a cellular phone system. The module may include a global positioning receiver, so that the module may report its location via the second system to the monitoring system when it is taken from the transmission range of the first system.

Abstract: An object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tags is disclosed. Objects to be moved between locations are outfitted with RFID tags having information relating to the identities of the objects. The locations are also marked by RFID tags containing information on the locations. A transport vehicle for moving the objects is equipped with an RFID interrogator capable of detecting signals from the RFID tags. An onboard processor provides the operator of the vehicle with instructions on the movement of objects. The processor also determines the identities of the objects and locations from the detected signals and provides the operator with feedback as to the identity of an object being moved, the location of the vehicle and any error in carrying out the instructions. Numerous variations of the basic system and method using RFID tags are also described.

Abstract: A monitoring and tracking system for monitoring and tracking an object may have a plurality of object area network elements. Each of the object area network elements may have a wireless communications unit and a GPS unit, wherein the GPS units are designed to facilitate the calculation of position data for each of the plurality of object area network elements. The wireless communications units may be designed to facilitate communications between the plurality of object area network elements and at least one base station. Each of the plurality of object area network elements may further have a sensor unit, the sensor units each having at least one temperature sensing unit for obtaining temperature data and at least one pressure sensing unit for obtaining pressure data. The object area network elements may be designed to communicate the temperature data, the pressure data, and the position data to the base station.

Abstract: An inventory-management system includes data-collection terminals that acquire product-identification data identifying products placed on store shelves, product-placement data identifying the locations of the products in the store, and sales data providing information about sales of the products. The system also includes a database that receives and stores the product-identification, product-placement, and product sales data collected by the terminals. A database-query component queries the database to identify relationships between product sales and product placement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for communicating between nodes of a distributed system that tracks items. Each node receives tag-read-data corresponding to an item and communicates the tag-read-data to the designated responsible node for the item. Each node can also receive additional item information from the designated responsible node and use the received additonal item information to update disposition information for the item.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing multiple enterprises real-time access to information about items in a supply chain. Tags bound to items are read and information read from the tags and location information about the tags is provided by at least two enterprises and used to maintain disposition information about the items, which is made visible to enterprises in the supply chain. The tags can be radio-frequency identification tags having each having an ePC (electronic product code) as unique tag identifier. Visibility of the disposition information can be controlled through authorization. Visible information can include relationships between particular items and business documents such as order and shipping documents. With shipping documents visible, information read from item tags can be used to confirm the identify or completeness of a shipment.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) capture system for identifying and recording information parameters associated with cargo items. A choke point portal defines a doorway through which passes a plurality of the cargo items in transit from a first location to a second location. The portal includes a radio frequency scanner and a plurality of antennas mounted at specified locations along said portal and in operative communication with said scanner for issuing a radio frequency signal scan across a three dimensional spaced preceding the portal doorway. A plurality of radio frequency sensitive labels are affixed to a selected cargo items. A processor based operating system is in interfacing communication with the portal scanner. In response to each of the labels signaling a selected portal antenna and processor, the processor system captures the information from scanner and, upon comparing the information with an inventory manifest held in a computer readable media, records the transport of the cargo item.

Abstract: A tag management server includes a database for storing tag management information corresponding to respective ID tags, wherein the tag management server judges whether the inquiry is legitimate or not, based on tag information corresponding to an ID tag managed by the tag management server, the tag management server retrieves tag management information corresponding to the tag information used in the legitimate inquiry from the database, and when the corresponding tag management information is retrieved, the tag management server supplies the tag management information to an inquirer, and when the inquiry is not legitimate or when corresponding tag management information is not retrieved, the tag management server gives a notice of the fact to the inquirer.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically logging data to a particular use of an article, in particular the use of a boning or carving knife (37) in a meat works. The knife (37) having identifying means (39) incorporated therein to identify a unique code for the particular knife (37). A reader (33) is provided at a reading station to automatically read the unique code of a knife (37) passed adjacent the reader (33). Data logging means is associated with the reader (33) to log the unique code and the time at which the unique code was read by the reader (33). The data logging means (35) is associated with one or more readers (33) and reading stations located in an area (11) where the knife (37) is to be used.