Electronic identification apparatus

• US 6,346,886 B1
• Filed: 06/19/2000
• Issued: 02/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Southwest Technology Innovations LLC
• Original Assignee: Carlos De La Huerga
• Inventors: De La Huerga, Carlos
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, TOAN NGOC
• Application Number:
  US09/596,715
• Time in Patent Office: 603 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1, 340/573.4, 340/572.8, 340/572.9, 340/825.49, 340/5.8, 340/5.81, 340/10.51, 340/825.06, 340/825.07, 340/825.15, 340/825.16, 340/825.17
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/035 Blister-type containers blisters in general B65D75/36
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/30 Printed labels
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/60 using magnetic or electronic identifications, e.g. chips, RFID, electronic tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0418 with electronic history memory
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0436 resulting from removing a drug from, or opening, a container
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0445 for preventing drug dispensing during a predetermined time period
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0454 for dispensing of multiple drugs
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0481 working on a schedule basis
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/04 using radio waves radio-controlled time-pieces G04R
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07762 the adhering arrangement making the record carrier wearable, e.g. having the form of a ring, watch, glove or bracelet record carriers for insertion in the human body for medical purposes A61B90/00; record carriers adapted for attachment to animals A01K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/005 Identification bracelets, e.g. secured to the arm of a person
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/65 stored on portable record carriers, e.g. on smartcards, RFID tags or CD

Abstract

An electronic identification apparatus having data storage memory on board a removable transceiver device. The transceiver device also includes a processor and a transponder for receiving information pertaining to the object/person to which it is attached and storing the information in memory. The transceiver also transmits stored data to a control computer or the external devices. The transceiver is mounted on a base, such as a wristband, and the apparatus includes an attachment sensor indicating whether the transceiver is attached to the base. If the transceiver has been removed from the base, the processor performs one or more lockdown operations to prevent the stored data from being used in connection with another object or person. The lockdown operations include clearing the contents of the memory, disabling access to the memory, suppressing the display of stored data and activating an alarm.

Claims

1. An electronic identification apparatus for identifying an object, the apparatus comprising:

a base member having a connector for attaching the base member to the object;

a processor assembly attached to the base member and including;

a memory for storing data;

a sensor for sensing when the processor assembly is linked to the object; and

a processor linked to the memory and the sensor, the sensor indicating to the processor whether or not the processor assembly is linked to the object, the processor performing at least one security function when the processor assembly is de-linked from the object.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processor assembly further includes a transponder linked to the processor.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the base member is a strap having first and second end segments and is capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object, a conductive lead extends from the first to the second end segments, the processor assembly further including first and second conductive leads, the first end segment being coupled to the first conductive lead and the second end segment being coupled to the second conductive lead to form a loop.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of transponders spaced along the loop and linked to the processor assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of indicators spaced along the loop and linked to the processor assembly.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is selected from a group consisting of a pressure sensor, photoelectric sensor and a magnetic sensor.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises at least one electrical terminal of the processor assembly positioned to contact at least one corresponding electrical terminal of the base member when the processor assembly is attached to the base member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one security function includes clearing the memory contents.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor assembly further includes one of an audible alarm, an rf alarm and a visual alarm linked to the processor.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor assembly is removably attached to the base member and the security function includes activating the alarm when the processor assembly is removed from the base member.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor inhibits the alarm when a disable signal is received.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor assembly includes a transponder having a receiver and the apparatus is to be used with an external control device, the control device providing the disable signal to the processor via the transponder.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor assembly further includes a display linked to the processor for visually presenting at least a subset of the memory contents.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one security function includes suppressing the display of the memory contents.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one security function includes disabling the memory.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the processor assembly includes a transponder having a receiver for receiving control signals from at least one external control device and, wherein, the at least one security function includes, after disabling the memory, when an access code is received from the at least one control device via the receiver, enabling the memory.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the external control device is a hand-held computing device.

18. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transponder includes a receiver linked to the processor for receiving data for storage in the memory.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, further including at least one sensing transducer linked to the processor for collecting data for storage in the memory, wherein the collected data relates to at least one of the object and the object'"'"'s environment.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processor assembly includes a transponder having a transmitter for transmitting the collected data and the basic identification information from the memory, the collected data being transferred only in association with the basic identification information.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the collectible data types include pulse rate, temperature, pressure, pulse oximetry and cardio-diagnostic measurements, and the transducer collects data of at least one of the collectible data types.

22. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transponder includes a transmitter for transmitting at least a sub-set of the data stored in the memory.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one security function includes disabling the transmitter.

24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the apparatus is also for use with external devices, the transponder further including a receiver linked to the processor for receiving data from at least one external device, the processor storing in the memory at least a subset of data received from an external device.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein basic object identification information identifying the object stored in the memory and the received data is stored in association with the basic identification information.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the at least one function includes disabling one of the transmitter and the receiver.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein, if the security function is to disable the transmitter, the security function further includes, after disabling the transmitter, when an access code is received from at least one external device via the receiver, enabling the transmitter.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the processor assembly also includes an enabling component linked to the processor and, if the security function is to disable the receiver, when the receiver is disabled the function further includes monitoring the enabling component for an access code and when a code is received, re-enabling the receiver.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor assembly is contained in a housing having a first latch device, the base member includes a second latch device, and the first and second latch devices are configured such that the processor assembly can be connected and disconnected to the base member.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the sensor also senses when the processor assembly is disconnected from the base member.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the sensor is a first sensor and the base member further includes a second sensor for sensing then the base member is disconnected from the object, when the processor assembly is connected to the base member, the second sensor is linked to the processor such that the processor also monitors connecting and disconnecting of the base member to the object, the processor performing at least one security function when the base member is disconnected from the object and the processor is connected to the base member.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the at least one security function is one of disabling the memory and clearing the memory.

33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the processor assembly further includes an alarm linked to the processor, wherein the at least one security function includes activating the alarm.

34. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the processor assembly further includes a clock, wherein the at least one security function includes recording in the memory the time the processor assembly was disconnected from the object.

35. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the processor assembly further includes a transmitter and the at least one security function includes disabling the transmitter.

36. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one security function includes retaining the contents of the memory until the processor assembly is attached to one of another object and another base member at which point the memory is cleared.

37. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the base member is a strap.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the second sensor includes at least one conductive member within the strap which forms at least a portion of a conductive loop about the object when attached to the object.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the strap includes first and second end segments and is capable of assuming a second configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object, the conductive lead extending from the first to the second end segments, the processor assembly further including first and second conductive leads, the first end segment being coupled to the first conductive lead and the second end segment being coupled to the second conductive lead to form a loop.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the second end segment is connectable to the second conductive lead via an adhesive.

41. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is an adhesive.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the at least one security function is one of disabling the memory and clearing the memory.

43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the processor assembly further includes an alarm linked to the processor, wherein the at least one security function includes activating the alarm.

44. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the processor assembly further includes a clock, wherein the at least one security function includes recording in the memory the time the processor assembly was disconnected from the object.

45. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the processor assembly further includes a transmitter, wherein the at least one security function includes disabling the transmitter.

46. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the at least one security function includes retaining the contents of the memory until the processor assembly is attached to one of another object and another base member at which point the memory is cleared.

47. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor including at least one resilient extension member capable of assuming a relaxed position and a flexed position, the sensor indicating detachment when the extension member is in the relaxed position, and wherein the base member and processor assembly further include first and second latch devices which cooperate to releasably attach the processor assembly to the base member, at least on of the object and a latch device forming a pressure surface, the latch devices, extension member and pressure surface configured such that when the processor assembly is attached to the base member the extension member is forced into the flexed position by the pressure surface.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the pressure surface is formed by the object.

49. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transponder is capable of communication via radio frequency signals.

50. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor assembly further comprises a clock linked to the processor.

51. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the at least one security function includes recording the approximate time processor was disconnected from the object.

52. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object includes a container vessel and a closure member, the vessel having an opening which is closable via the closure member when the closure member is in a closed position, the apparatus further including a latching device attached to one of the base member, the vessel, the closure member and the processor assembly, the latching device capable of assuming each of a locked and an unlocked state, when the closure member is in the closed position and the processor assembly is attached to the base member, the processor assembly is linked to the latching device for controlling the latching device, the latching device is juxtaposed with respect to the closure member, the vessel and the base member such that when the latching device is in the locked state, the closure member is locked in the closed position and, when the latching device is in the unlocked state, the closure member can be removed to open the vessel.

53. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one security function includes retaining the contents of the memory until the processor assembly is attached to one of another object and another base member, at which point the memory is cleared.

92. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the pressure surface is formed by the object.

115. The apparatus of claim 1 14, wherein the processor assembly further includes a sensor for sensing when the processor assembly is removed from the object and wherein, when the assembly is removed, the processor performs at least on security function.

116. The apparatus of claim 115, wherein the at least one security function is one of disabling the memory and clearing the memory.

117. The apparatus of claim 115, wherein the processor assembly further includes an alarm linked to the processor, wherein the at least one security function includes activating the alarm.

118. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the processor assembly further includes a clock, wherein the at least one security function includes recording in the memory the time the processor assembly was disconnected from the object.

119. The apparatus of claim 115, wherein the processor assembly further includes a transponder, wherein the at least on security function includes disabling the transponder.

120. The apparatus of claim 115, wherein the at least one security function includes retaining the contents of the memory until the processor assembly is attached to one of another object and another base member at which point the memory is cleared.

121. The apparatus of claim 115, wherein the processor assembly further includes a sensing transducer linked to the processor for collecting data regarding the object for storage in the memory.

122. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the transmitter can be used to transmit the collected data and the basic identification information in the memory, the collected data being transferred only in association with the basic identification information.

54. An electronic identification apparatus for identifying an object, the apparatus comprising:

a base member having a connector for connecting the base member to the object;

a processor assembly attached to the base member and including;

a memory for storing data;

a transponder;

a sensor for sensing when the processor assembly is connected to the object; and

a processor linked to the memory, the transponder and the sensor, the sensor indicating to the processor whether or not the processor assembly is connected to the object, the processor performing at least one security function when the processor assembly is disconnected from the object;

wherein the at least one security function includes at least one of clearing the memory, disabling the memory and disabling the transponder.

55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the base member is a strap having first and second end segments and is capable of assuming a second configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object, a conductive lead extends from the first to the second end segments, the processor assembly further including first and second conductive leads, the first end segment being coupled to the first conductive lead and the second end segment being coupled to the second conductive lead to form a loop.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, further comprising a plurality of transponders spaced along the loop and linked to the processor assembly.

57. The apparatus of claim 55, further comprising a plurality of indicators spaced along the loop and linked to the processor assembly.

58. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the sensor is selected from a group consisting of a pressure sensor, a photoelectric sensor and a magnetic sensor.

59. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the sensor comprises at least one electrical terminal of the processor assembly positioned to contact at least one corresponding electrical terminal of the base member when the processor assembly is attached to the base member.

60. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the processor assembly further includes one of an audible alarm, an rf alarm and a visual alarm linked to the processor.

61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the at least one security function further includes activating an alarm when said processor assembly is removed from the object.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the processor inhibits the alarm when a disable signal is received.

63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the transponder includes a receiver and the apparatus is to be used with an external control device, the control device providing the disable signal to the processor via the receiver.

64. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the processor assembly further includes a display linked to the processor for visually presenting at least a subset of the memory contents.

65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the at least one security function includes suppressing the display of the memory contents.

66. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the transponder includes a receiver for receiving control signals from at least one external control device, and wherein, if the at least one security function is to disable the memory, the security function further includes, after disabling the memory, when an access code is received from the at least one control device via the receiver, enabling the memory.

67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the external control device is a hand-held computing device.

68. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the transponder includes a receiver linked to the processor for receiving data for storage in the memory.

69. The apparatus of claim 54, further including at least one sensing transducer linked to the processor for collecting data for storage in the memory, wherein the collected data relates to at least one of the object and the object'"'"'s environment.

70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the transponder includes a transmitter for transmitting at least a sub-set of the data stored in the memory.

71. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the object is a patient, the collectible data types include pulse rate, temperature, pressure, pulse oximetry and cardio-diagnostic measurements, and the transducer collects data of at least one of the collectible data types.

72. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein at least basic identification information identifying the patient is stored in the memory and the transponder includes a transmitter for transmitting at least the basic identification information from the memory.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the apparatus is also for use with external devices, the transponder further including a receiver linked to the processor for receiving data from at least one external device, the processor storing in the memory at least a subset of data received from an external device.

74. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the received data is stored in association with the basic identification information.

75. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein, the processor assembly includes an enabling component and, if the security function is to disable the transponder, the at least one security function further includes, after disabling the transponder, when an access code is received from at least one external device via the enabling component, enabling the transponder.

76. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the processor assembly is contained in a housing having a first latch device, the base member includes a second latch device, and the first and second latch devices are configured such that the processor assembly can be connected and disconnected to the base member.

77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the sensor senses when the processor assembly is disconnected from the base member.

78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the sensor is a first sensor and the base member further includes a second sensor for sensing then the base member is disconnected from the object, when the processor assembly is connected to the base member, the second sensor is linked to the processor such that the processor also monitors connecting and disconnecting of the base member to the object, the processor performing at least one security function when the base member is disconnected from the object and the processor is connected to the base member.

79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the processor assembly further includes an alarm linked to the processor, wherein the at least one security function includes activating the alarm.

80. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the processor assembly further includes a clock, wherein the at least one security function includes recording in the memory the time the processor assembly was disconnected from the object.

81. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the at least one security function includes retaining the contents of the memory until the processor assembly is attached to one of another object and another base member at which point the memory is cleared.

82. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the base member is a strap.

83. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the second sensor includes at least one conductive member within the strap which forms at least a portion of a conductive loop about the object when attached to the object.

84. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein the strap is detachable from the object only via cutting the conductive member.

85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the strap includes first and second end segments and is capable of assuming a second configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object, the conductive lead extending from the first to the second end segments, the processor assembly further including first and second conductive leads, the first end segment being coupled to the first conductive lead and the second end segment being coupled to the second conductive lead to form a loop.

86. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the second end segment is connectable to the second conductive lead via an adhesive.

87. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the connector is an adhesive.

88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the processor assembly further includes an alarm linked to the processor, wherein the at least one security function includes activating the alarm.

89. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the processor assembly further includes a clock, wherein the at least one security function includes recording in the memory the time the processor assembly was disconnected from the object.

90. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the at least one security function includes retaining the contents of the memory until the processor assembly is attached to one of another object and another base member at which point the memory is cleared.

91. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor including at least one resilient extension member capable of assuming a relaxed position and a flexed position, the sensor indicating detachment when the extension member is in the relaxed position, and wherein the base member and processor assembly further include first and second latch devices which cooperate to releasably attach the processor assembly to the base member, at least on of the object and a latch device forming a pressure surface, the latch devices, extension member and pressure surface configured such that when the processor assembly is attached to the base member the extension member is forced into the flexed position by the pressure surface.

93. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the transponder is capable of communication via radio frequency signals.

94. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the processor assembly is integrally linked to the base member and the sensor senses when the base member is disconnected from the object.

95. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the processor assembly can be removed from the object only in a tamper evident manner.

96. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the base member is a strap.

97. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the sensor includes at least one conductive member in the strap which, when the strap is secured to the object, loops around the object and wherein the strap cannot be removed from the object without cutting the conductive member.

98. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein the transponder includes a transmitter for transmitting at least a sub-set of the information in the memory and the at least one security function includes disabling the transmitter.

99. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the processor assembly further comprises a clock linked to the processor.

100. The apparatus of claim 99, wherein the at least one security function includes recording the approximate time the processor assembly is disconnected from the object.

101. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the object includes a container vessel and a closure member, the vessel having an opening which is closable via the closure member when the closure member is in a closed position, the apparatus further including a latching device attached to one of the base member, the vessel, the closure member and the processor assembly, the latching device capable of assuming each of a locked and unlocked state, when the closure member is in the closed position and the processor assembly is attached to the base member, the processor assembly is linked to the latching device for controlling the latching device, the latching device is juxtaposed with respect to the closure member, the vessel and the base member such that when the latching device is in the locked state, the closure member is locked in the closed position and, when the latching device is in the unlocked state, the closure member can be removed to open the vessel.

102. The apparatus of claim 94, wherein the processor assembly can be removed from the object only in a tamper evident manner.

103. An electronic information apparatus for use with an object data device that stored information related to an object, the apparatus comprising:

(A) a base member having a connector for attaching the identification apparatus to the object; and

(B) a processor assembly including;

(1) a housing linkable to the base member;

(2) a memory for storing information;

(3) a data reader for reading information from an object data device; and

(4) a processor linked to the memory and the reader for receiving information from the reader and storing the information in the memory.

104. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the object data device is a data card including an interface segment, the reader capable of reading data via the interface segment.

105. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the object is a person and the object data device information is selected from the group consisting of name, age, birth date, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and identification number.

106. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the interface segment is a first electronic contact and the reader includes a second electronic contact and wherein, when the first and second contacts make contact, the reader is capable of reading the data.

107. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the interface segment is a magnetic strip and the reader is a magnetic strip reader.

108. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein the housing form a pass-through slot for receiving at least a portion of the card, the reader positioned within the slot such that, as the card is placed therein, the reader is adjacent the interface segment.

109. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the base member is a strap having first and second end segments and capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object.

110. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein once information pertaining to the object is read from the data device, the processor disables the reader until the processor receives a special code.

111. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the processor assembly further includes a receiver and is also for use with at least one external control device, wherein the special code is received by the processor via the receiver from the control device.

112. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the processor assembly further includes a transmitter linked to the processor for transmitting data stored in the memory.

113. The apparatus of claim 112, wherein data stored in the memory includes basic identification information identifying the object and the transmitted data includes the basic identification information.

114. The apparatus of claim 112, wherein the processor assembly is removably secured to the base member.

123. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the processor assembly further includes a receiver for receiving data from other devices for storage in the memory.

124. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the processor assembly further comprises a clock linked to the processor.

125. The apparatus of claim 124, wherein the at least one security function includes recording the approximate time the processor was disconnected from the object.

126. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the object includes a container vessel and a closure member, the vessel having an opening which is closable via the closure member when the closure member is in a closed position, the apparatus further including a latching device attached to one of the base member, the vessel, the closure member and the processor assembly, the latching device capable of assuming each of a locked and unlocked state, when the closure member is in the closed position and the processor assembly is attached to the base member, the processor assembly is linked to the latching device for controlling the latching device, the latching device is juxtaposed with respect to the closure member, the vessel and the base member such that when the latching device is in the locked state, the closure member is locked in the closed position and, when the latching device is in the unlocked state, the closure member can be removed to open the vessel.

127. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the processor assembly can be removed from the object only in a tamper evident manner.

128. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the base member is a strap having first and second end segments and is capable of assuming a configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object, the conductive member extending from the first to the second end segments, the processor assembly further including first and second conductive leads, the first end segment being coupled to the first conductive lead and the second end segment being coupled to the second conductive lead to form a loop.

129. The apparatus of claim 128, further comprising a plurality of transponders spaced along the loop and linked to the processor assembly.

130. The apparatus of claim 128, further comprising a plurality of indicators spaced along the loop and linked to the processor assembly.

131. A contents identifying containment apparatus comprising:

(A) a vessel forming a container volume having an opening

(B) a closure member for closing the opening;

(C) a base member affixed to one of the vessel and the closure member having at least one latching device extending;

(D) a memory for storing information

(E) a processor assembly having;

(1) a housing including a second latching device configured so as to receivable by the first latching device to secure the processor assembly to the base member; and

(2) a processor linked to the memory for processing container control information, the processor assembly, vessel, closure member and base member each being apparatus components; and

(F) a latch linked to one of the apparatus components and when the housing is attached to the base member, positioned with respect to the vessel so as to restrain the closure member when in a lock position and to allow the closure member to be moved when in an unlock position;

wherein, when the housing is attached to the base member, the processor is linked to the latch for controlling the latch.

132. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the memory is integral with the base member.

133. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the memory is a part of the processor assembly.

134. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the processor assembly further includes an input device for receiving information related to the container vessel contents.

135. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the latch is a solenoid.

136. The apparatus of claim 135, wherein the closure member is one of a hinged lid, a threaded lid and a fit-on lid, the solenoid being positioned so as to restrain the closure member when in the locked position.

137. The apparatus of claim 134, wherein the processing assembly is removably attached to the base member and wherein the base member and the housing have corresponding conductive terminals that are in physical contact when the processing assembly is attached to the base member, the housing terminals being linked to the processor.

138. The apparatus of claim 134, wherein the input device is an input-output connector for receiving and sending the container content information via conductive lead.

139. The apparatus of claim 138, wherein the container content information is sent only in association with the basic identification information.

140. The apparatus of claim 134, wherein the input device is a transponder for receiving and transmitting container content information wirelessly.

141. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the processor assembly further includes a sensor linked to the processor for detecting whether the processor assembly is connected to the container vessel, the processor performing at least one security function when the processing assembly is removed from the container.

142. The apparatus of claim 141, wherein the at least one security function is on of disabling the memory and clearing the memory.

143. The apparatus of claim 141, wherein the processor assembly further includes an alarm linked to the processor, wherein the at least one security function includes activating the alarm.

144. The apparatus of claim 141, wherein the processor assembly further includes a clock, wherein the at least one security function includes recording in the memory the time the processor assembly was disconnected from the container vessel.

145. The apparatus of claim 141, wherein the processor assembly further includes a transponder, wherein the at least one security function includes disabling the transponder.

146. The apparatus of claim 141, wherein the at least one security function includes retaining the contents of the memory until the processor assembly is attached to one of another container vessel and another base member, at which point the memory is cleared.

147. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the latch is operated according to container control information stored in the memory.

148. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the latch is operated according to container control information received from an external control device.

149. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the processor assembly further comprises a clock linked to the processor.

150. The apparatus of claim 131, wherein the processor assembly can be removed from the container vessel only in a tamper evident manner.

151. An electronic identification apparatus for identifying an object, comprising:

a base member having a connector for attaching the base member to the object;

at least one sensing transducer linkable to an external device containing data and, when an external device is linked, collecting data from the external device; and

a memory attached to the base member and linked to the sensing transducer, the memory storing the data collected from the external device.

152. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein the base member is a strap having first and second end segments and capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object.

153. The apparatus of claim 152, wherein the apparatus includes a sensor for detecting whether the base member is connected to the object, the apparatus performing at least one security function when the base member is disconnected from the object.

154. The apparatus of claim 153, wherein the at least one security function is one of disabling the memory and clearing the memory.

155. The apparatus of claim 153, wherein the processor assembly further includes an alarm linked to the processor, wherein the at least one security function includes activating the alarm.

156. The apparatus of claim 153, wherein the processor assembly further includes a clock, wherein the at least one security function includes recording in the memory the time the processor assembly was disconnected from the object.

157. The apparatus of claim 153, wherein the processor assembly further includes a transponder, wherein the at least one security function includes disabling the transponder.

158. The apparatus of claim 153, wherein the at least one security function includes retaining the contents of the memory until the processor assembly is attached to one of another object and another base member, at which point the memory is cleared.

159. The apparatus of claim 153, wherein the processor assembly further comprises a clock.

160. The apparatus of claim 159, wherein the at least one security function includes recording the approximate time the base member was disconnected from the object.

161. The apparatus of claim 160, wherein the base member can be removed from the object only in a tamper evident manner.

162. A method of using an electronic identification device for identifying an object, the device having a base member connected to the object, a processor assembly connected to the base member such that the processor assembly can be removed from and reconnected to the object, the processor assembly including a memory, a sensor for sensing when the processor assembly is connected to the object, and a processor linked to the memory and the sensor, the method comprising the steps of:

(A) monitoring, with the sensor, whether the processor assembly is connected to the base member; and

(B) when the sensor indicates the processor assembly is disconnected from the base member, performing at least one security function.

163. A method of using an electronic identification device attached to an object and capable of acquiring object related information from an object data device having readable segment, the electronic identification device having a processor assembly including a processor, a connection sensor, a memory and a data reader for reading information from the object data device, the processor being linked to the sensor, the memory, the method comprising the steps of:

(A) reading information from the object data device with the reader of the processor assembly, the information at least including basic identification information;

(B) storing at least the basic identification information in the memory;

(C) monitoring, with the sensor, whether the processor assembly is connected to the object; and

(D) when the sensor indicates the processor assembly is disconnected from the object, performing at least one security function.

164. The method of using a contents identifying containment apparatus comprising a closable container vessel to which is affixed a memory and a processor linked to the memory, the container vessel also having a latch linkable to the processor and positioned so as to control opening and closing of the container vessel, the method comprising the steps of:

(A) storing in the memory basic identification information pertaining to the contents of the container vessel;

(B) receiving container control information; and

(C) when the container is closed, operating the latch to extend to a locked position so as to prevent the container from being opened and to retract to an unlocked position to allow the container to be opened, the latch being under the control of the processor assembly and operated according to the container control information.

165. The method of claim 164, further comprising the steps of:

(D) monitoring, with the sensor, whether the processor assembly is connected to the container vessel; and

(E) when the sensor indicates the processor assembly is disconnected from the container vessel, performing at least one security function.