System for cataloging an inventory and method of use
First Claim
1. An inventory control and management method comprising the steps of:
- providing a combination mobile means for reading labels and for communication (R&
C);
for at least one of a plurality of inventory items, positioning the R&
C for reading an inventory label affixed to one of the inventory items in an inventory stores;
creating a data file in the R&
C corresponding to the label reading and a corresponding time stamp taken at the time of the label reading;
transmitting the data file with the time stamp, from the R&
C to a receiver;
importing the data file from the receiver to a data processor;
providing a network of fixed distributed communication nodes in proximity to the inventory stores;
receiving a stream of signature ultra wide band (UWB) transmissions from the R&
C at a plurality of the communication nodes;
triangulating and recording the location of the R&
C in three space at the time of the label reading, and storing location and identity information of the R&
C in a database for use in controlling and managing the inventory items.
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Abstract
An inventory control and management method provides a combination mobile device for communication and for reading labels (R&C). The R&C reads an inventory label affixed to an item of inventory in the stores. A data file is created corresponding to the label reading and includes a time stamp taken at the time of the reading. The data file is imported into a computer data processor. A network of fixed distributed communication nodes (transceivers) is positioned over the inventory store for receiving temporal cyclic signature pulses from the R&C. At least three of the communication nodes are used to perform a triangulation for locating the R&C, and the location and the corresponding time is recorded. By comparing the time of a given reading of the label with a corresponding time of the triangulation, it is possible to determine where any item is located within the stores.
125 Citations
7 Claims
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1. An inventory control and management method comprising the steps of:
- providing a combination mobile means for reading labels and for communication (R&
C);
for at least one of a plurality of inventory items, positioning the R&
C for reading an inventory label affixed to one of the inventory items in an inventory stores;
creating a data file in the R&
C corresponding to the label reading and a corresponding time stamp taken at the time of the label reading;
transmitting the data file with the time stamp, from the R&
C to a receiver;
importing the data file from the receiver to a data processor;
providing a network of fixed distributed communication nodes in proximity to the inventory stores;
receiving a stream of signature ultra wide band (UWB) transmissions from the R&
C at a plurality of the communication nodes;
triangulating and recording the location of the R&
C in three space at the time of the label reading, and storing location and identity information of the R&
C in a database for use in controlling and managing the inventory items. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- providing a combination mobile means for reading labels and for communication (R&
Specification