Event driven information system

• US 7,026,937 B2
• Filed: 01/28/2004
• Issued: 04/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Przygoda Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: USM Systems, Ltd.
• Inventors: Przygoda, Jr., Chester T.
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US10/766,203
• Publication Number:
  US 20050012612A1
• Time in Patent Office: 804 Days
• Field of Search: 340/572.1, 340/572.4, 340/573.1, 340/539.1, 340/539.13, 340/691.1, 340/692, 340/825.49
• US Class Current: 340/572.4
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/0636 in which the trolleys or carts are kept in a restricted zone such as a coral-like enclosure, or are passing a gate before use is possible
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0036 Checkout procedures
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1418 Removal detected by failure in electrical connection between the appliance and a control centre, home control panel or a power supply
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1427 with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0222 Message structure or message content, e.g. message protocol
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0227 System arrangements with a plurality of child units
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0288 Attachment of child unit to child/article

Abstract

A system for tracking and monitoring at least one item in an environment includes at least one transmitter assigned a unique identification number for the item and attached to the item and at least one receiver for receiving a first data packet which includes the unique identification number from the transmitter. At least one node computer controls the receiver, receives a second data packet which includes said unique identification number and direction-of-travel code from the receiver, and determines a location of the item from the direction-of-travel code. A controller computer controls the node computer, receives the unique identification number and the location of the item from the node computer, and stores the unique identification number and the location of the item. A central computer facility coordinates the controller computer and collects and stores the unique identification number and the location of the item for exportation from the system.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring and tracking a container in an environment, the container having a transmitter assigned a unique identification number, the transmitter being adapted to transmit the unique identification number, comprising:

a receiver for receiving the unique identification number and responsively generating a direction of travel code of the container as a function of the unique identification number;

a node computer coupled to the receiver for receiving the unique identification number and the direction of travel code from the receiver, and responsively determining a location of the container as a function of the direction of travel code and the unique identification number.

2. A system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a controller computer coupled to the node computer and being adapted to receive the unique identification number and the location of the container from the node computer and to store the unique identification number and the location of the container.

3. A system as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a central computer facility coupled to the controller computer and being adapted to collect and store the unique identification number and the location of the container for exportation from the system.

4. A system, as set forth in claim 2, wherein the controller computer compares the location of the container to at least one predefined constraint to movement of the container stored in the controller computer to determine at least one violation in movement of the container and activating at least one warning device connected to the node computer, controller computer or a central computer facility if the at least one predefined constraint of movement is violated.

5. A system, as set forth in claim 4, wherein the warning device is selected from the group consisting of the following:

(a) a user terminal or work station;

(b) an electronic sign;

(c) a voice synthesizer;

(d) a speaker;

(e) a monitor;

(f) a video or digital camera;

or

(g) a pager system.

6. A system, as set forth in claim 4, wherein the central computer facility links with at least one third party communication system to respond to the violation of movement of the container.

7. A system, as set forth in claim 6, wherein the third party communication system is selected from the group consisting of the following:

(a) a computer network;

(b) a telecommunication network;

or

(c) a pager network.

8. A system, as set forth in claim 2, wherein a record maintained by the controller computer stores the unique identification number and location of the container and the record being transferable to a central computer facility.

9. A system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the receiver includes a first antenna and second antenna, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are placed at a portal in the environment and correspond to the direction of travel.

10. A method, for monitoring and tracking at least one container in an environment, including the steps of:

dividing the environment into a plurality of domains with at least one portal separating the domains;

providing the container with a unique identification number;

developing an electronic record for the identification number and recording a first location for the container;

attaching a transmitter emitting the unique identification number to the container;

providing a receiver at the portal;

moving the container through the portal;

receiving the unique identification number by the receiver when the transmitter passes through the portal and responsively determining a direction of travel of the container and generating a direction of travel code;

sending the identification number and the direction of travel code from the receiver; and

determining a second location of the container as a function of the direction of travel code and the first location of the container.

11. A method as set forth in claim 10, including the step of storing the second location of the container in the electronic record of the container.

12. A method, as set forth in claim 10, further comprising:

defining at least one constraint to movement of the container in the record of the container;

comparing the second location of the container to the constraint to movement of the container to determine at least one violation in movement of the container; and

activating a warning device to respond to the violation in movement of the container.

13. A method, as set forth in claim 12, wherein the warning device is selected from the group consisting of the following:

(h) a user terminal or work station;

(a) an electronic sign;

(b) a voice synthesizer;

(c) a speaker;

(d) a monitor;

(e) a video or digital camera;

or

(f) a pager system.