Object tracking system with automated system control and user identification
First Claim
1. A system for tracking and controlling access to a plurality of objects that are checked out and checked back in by users, said system comprising:
- at least one readable identification code stored on each of said objects;
a storage unit having a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle configured to receive and store an object during periods when the object is not checked out by a user;
at least one reader associated with said storage unit for reading the identification codes of objects present in said storage unit and thereby determining which objects are in the storage unit and which objects are not in the storage unit;
a computer controller coupled to said storage unit for receiving identification codes of objects in said storage unit;
said controller being programmed to receive scheduling information regarding users and objects and to assign one or more of the objects stored in said storage unit to a user when the user logs in to the system based upon the scheduling information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An enhanced object tracking system for tracking and controlling access to a plurality of objects such as keys is disclosed. The object tracking system implements many improvements including automated user identification using biometric data extracted from the user with a minimum of user interaction, tracking of objects both inside and outside their storage units, the locking of objects within slots of their storage unit to guard against illicit removal and return of keys and to insure random slot rotation, image and visual based inventory verification methodologies, and tracking of objects during times when they are checked out of the system. The result is an intelligent object tracking system with automated control functions and high reliability.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A system for tracking and controlling access to a plurality of objects that are checked out and checked back in by users, said system comprising:
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at least one readable identification code stored on each of said objects; a storage unit having a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle configured to receive and store an object during periods when the object is not checked out by a user; at least one reader associated with said storage unit for reading the identification codes of objects present in said storage unit and thereby determining which objects are in the storage unit and which objects are not in the storage unit; a computer controller coupled to said storage unit for receiving identification codes of objects in said storage unit; said controller being programmed to receive scheduling information regarding users and objects and to assign one or more of the objects stored in said storage unit to a user when the user logs in to the system based upon the scheduling information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A system for tracking and controlling access to a plurality of objects that are checked out and checked back in by users, said system comprising:
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at least one readable identification code stored on each of said objects; a storage unit having a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle configured to receive and store an object during periods when the object is not checked out by a user; at least one reader associated with said storage unit for reading the identification codes of objects present in said storage unit and thereby determining which objects are in the storage unit and which objects are not in the storage unit; a computer controller coupled to said storage unit for receiving identification codes of objects in said storage unit; at least one external reader for reading the identification codes of objects outside of and in the vicinity of said storage unit; said external reader being coupled to said controller for communicating read identification codes thereto; said controller being programmed to determine, based upon identification codes received from said external reader, if objects leave the vicinity of the storage unit and to take appropriate action based upon said determination. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification