Remote dynamic ingress/egress inventory security system

• US 7,382,253 B2
• Filed: 11/05/2004
• Issued: 06/03/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Oliveras R. Martin
• Original Assignee: Oliveras R. Martin
• Inventors: Oliveras, R. Martin
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US10/981,720
• Publication Number:
  US 20060097871A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,306 Days
• Field of Search: 340/572.1, 340/572.4, 340/573.1, 340/573.4, 34053911-53913, 340555-557, 340/539.23, 340/5.92, 705/28, 235/385
• US Class Current: 340/572.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00

Abstract

A system provides an inventory of first and second class objects which are distributed in first and second defined locations. The first and second locations are accessible to each other via a common pathway. The system comprises: a motion sensor for producing a detection signal when the presence or motion of an object is detected while present or moving through the pathway; a universal signal transmitter which is responsive to the detection signal for transmitting a universal signal; and a unique identity signal detector for detecting the presence or absence of a unique identity signal from the detected object. Each first and second class object is capable of transmitting a unique identity signal in response to the universal signal. An information storage device is responsive to the unique identity signal detector and is capable of storing information corresponding to the presence or absence of an identity signal from the detected object.

Claims

1. A system for providing an inventory of a plurality of first class objects and a plurality of second class objects, such pluralities of objects being distributed in a first defined location and in a second defined location;

such first defined location and such second defined location being accessible to each other via a common connecting pathway;

said system comprising;

motion sensing means for producing a detection signal when the presence or motion of an object being either a first class object or a second class object is detected when present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

universal signal transmitting means being responsive to said detection signal when received from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal signal;

unique identity signal detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a unique identity signal from such detected object;

each first class object and each second class object comprising means for transmitting a unique identity signal in response to said universal signal; and

information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal detecting means and being capable of storing information corresponding to the presence or absence of a unique identity signal from such detected object.

2. In the system of claim 1, said universal signal transmitting means being located at such common connecting pathway.

3. In the system of claim 1, said universal signal transmitting means being a low-power transmitting means.

4. In the system of claim 1, said universal signal transmitting means being a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitting means.

5. In the system of claim 1, said unique identity signal detecting means being located at such common connecting pathway.

6. In the system of claim 1, said unique identity signal detecting means being a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiving means.

7. In the system of claim 1, each first class object comprising universal signal receiving means being located on or in each such first class object and being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

each first class object comprising unique identity signal transmitting means being located on or in each such first class object and being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such first class object;

each second class object comprising universal signal receiving means being located on or in each such second class object and being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

each second class object comprising unique identity signal transmitting means being located on or in each such second class object and being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such second class object.

8. In the system of claim 1, a particular second class object being fully authorized and un-restricted as to its possession of a first class object as such particular second class object and such possessed first class object are present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

such possessed first class object comprising universal signal receiving means being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

such possessed first class object comprising unique identity signal transmitting means being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such possessed first class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such possessed first class object;

such particular second class object comprising universal signal receiving means being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

such particular second class object comprising unique identity signal transmitting means being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such particular second class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such particular second class object; and

said information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal detecting means for storing information corresponding to the presence of said unique identity signals from such possessed first class object and such particular second class object.

9. In the system of claim 7, a particular second class object being fully authorized and un-restricted as to its presence or motion through such common connecting pathway;

the universal signal receiving means of such particular second class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such particular second class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such particular second class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such particular second class object; and

said information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal detecting means for storing information corresponding to the presence of said unique identity signal from such particular second class object.

10. In the system of claim 7, a particular second class object being un-authorized and restricted as to its possession of a first class object as such particular second class object and such possessed first class object are present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

the universal signal receiving means of such possessed first class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such possessed first class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such possessed first class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such possessed first class object;

the universal signal receiving means of such particular second class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such particular second class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such particular second class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such particular second class object;

said information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal detecting means for storing information corresponding to the presence of said unique identity signals from such possessed first class object and such particular second class object;

said system further comprising alarm means being responsive to said information storage means; and

said information storage means activating said alarm means indicating that such particular second class object is in the un-authorized possession of such first class object and being present or moving through such common connecting pathway.

11. In the system of claim 7, a particular second class object being un-authorized and restricted as to its possession of a first class object as such particular second class object and such possessed first class object are present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

the universal signal receiving means of such possessed first class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such possessed first class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such possessed first class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such possessed first class object;

the universal signal receiving means of such particular second class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such particular second class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such particular second class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such particular second class object;

said information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal detecting means for storing information corresponding to the presence of said unique identity signals from such possessed first class object and such particular second class object;

said system further comprising display means being responsive to said information storage means; and

said information storage means activating said display means to display a message to the effect that such particular second class object is in the un-authorized possession of such first class object and being present or moving through such common connecting pathway.

12. In the system of claim 7, a particular second class object being un-authorized and restricted as to its possession of a first class object as such particular second class object and such possessed first class object are present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

the universal signal receiving means of such possessed first class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such possessed first class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such possessed first class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such possessed first class object;

the universal signal receiving means of such particular second class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such particular second class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such particular second class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such particular second class object;

said information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal detecting means for storing information corresponding to the presence of said unique identity signals from such possessed first class object and such particular second class object;

said system further comprising printing means being responsive to said information storage means; and

said information storage means activating said printing means to print a message to the effect that such particular second class object is in the un-authorized possession of such first class object and being present or moving through such common connecting pathway.

13. In the system of claim 7, a particular first class object is present or moving through such common connecting pathway, the universal signal receiving means of such possessed first class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such possessed first class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such possessed first class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such possessed first class object;

said information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal detecting means for storing information corresponding to the presence of said unique identity signals from such first class object;

said system further comprising alarm means being responsive to said information storage means; and

said information storage means activating said alarm means indicating that an unknown person is in the un-authorized possession of such first class object and being present or moving through such common connecting pathway.

14. In the system of claim 7, a particular first class object is present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

the universal signal receiving means of such possessed first class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such possessed first class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such possessed first class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such possessed first class object;

said information storage means being responsive only to said unique identity signal detecting means for storing information corresponding to the presence of said unique identity signals from such first class object;

said system further comprising display means being responsive to said information storage means; and

said information storage means activating said display means for displaying a message to the effect that an unknown person is in the un-authorized possession of such first class object and being present or moving through such common connecting pathway.

15. In the system of claim 7, a particular first class object is present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

the universal signal receiving means of such possessed first class object being responsive to said universal signal from said universal signal transmitting means;

the unique identity signal transmitting means of such possessed first class object being responsive to its associated universal signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of such possessed first class object;

said unique identity signal detecting means detecting the presence of said unique identity signal from such possessed first class object;

said information storage means being responsive only to said unique identity signal detecting means for storing information corresponding to the presence of said unique identity signals from such first class object;

said system further comprising printing means being responsive to said information storage means; and

said information storage means activating said printing means for printing a message to the effect that an unknown person is in the un-authorized possession of such first class object and being present or moving through such common connecting pathway.

16. In the system of claim 1, an unknown object or person is present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

said motion sensing means produces a detection signal when the presence or motion of such unknown object or person is present or passing through such common connecting pathway;

said universal signal transmitting means being responsive to said detection signal from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal signal;

said unique identity signal detecting means failing to detect the presence of a unique identity signal from a first class object or a second class object;

said information storage means storing information corresponding to the absence of a unique identity signal from a first class object or a second class object;

said system further comprising alarm means being responsive to said information storage means; and

said information storage means activating said alarm means meaning that an unknown object or person is present or moving through such common connecting pathway.

17. In the system of claim 1, an unknown object or person is present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

said motion sensing means produces a detection signal when the presence or motion of such unknown object or person is present or passing through such common connecting pathway;

said universal signal transmitting means being responsive to said detection signal from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal signal;

said unique identity signal detecting means failing to detect the presence of a unique identity signal from a first class object or a second class object;

said information storage means storing information corresponding to the absence of a unique identity signal from a first class object or a second class object;

said system further comprising display means being responsive to said information storage means; and

said information storage means activating said display means for displaying a message to the effect that an unknown object or person is present or moving through such common connecting pathway.

18. In the system of claim 1, an unknown object or person is present or moving through such common connecting pathway;

said motion sensing means produces a detection signal when the presence or motion of such unknown object or person is present or passing through such common connecting pathway;

said universal signal transmitting means being responsive to said detection signal from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal signal;

said unique identity signal detecting means failing to detect the presence of a unique identity signal from a first class object or a second class object;

said information storage means storing information corresponding to the absence of a unique identity signal from a first class object or a second class object;

said system further comprising printing means being responsive to said information storage means; and

said information storage means activating said printing means for printing a message to the effect that an unknown object or person is present or moving through such common connecting pathway.

19. In the system of claim 1, said unique identity signal detecting means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal detecting means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said unique identity signal detecting means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal detecting means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

20. In the system of claim 1, said information storage means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal detecting means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said information storage means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

21. A system for providing an inventory of a plurality of first class objects and a plurality of second class objects;

such pluralities of objects being distributed in a first defined location and in a second defined location;

such first defined location and such second defined location being accessible to each other via a connecting pathway;

said system comprising;

motion sensing means being located at such connecting opening for producing a first detection signal when the presence or motion of a first class object is detected or for producing a second detection signal when the presence or motion of a second class object is detected when present or moving through such connecting opening;

universal signal transmitting means being located at such connecting opening and being responsive to said detection signal when received from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

object signal receiving means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said universal common low-power signal when received from said universal signal transmitting means;

object unique identity signal transmitting means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said object signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity low-power signal corresponding to the identity of such detected object;

unique identity signal receiving means being located at such connecting opening and being responsive to said unique identity signal when received from said object identity signal transmitting means; and

information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal receiving means and being capable of storing information corresponding to the identity of such detected object, the time when such object was detected, and the location of such connecting opening.

22. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising display means;

said display means being responsive to said information storage means for displaying information corresponding to the identity of such detected object, the time when such object was detected, and the location of such connecting opening.

23. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising printing means;

said printing means being responsive to said information storage means for printing information corresponding to the identity of such detected object, the time when such object was detected, and the location of such connecting opening.

24. In the system of claim 21, said motion sensing means producing a second detection signal when the motion of a second object passing through such connecting opening is successively or contemporaneously detected;

said universal signal transmitting means being responsive to said second detection signal from said motion sensing means for transmitting said universal common low-power signal;

second object universal signal receiving means being located on such second detected object and being responsive to said universal common low-power signal from said universal common signal transmitting means;

second object signal transmitting means being located on such second detected object and being responsive to said second object signal receiving means for transmitting a unique identity low-power signal corresponding to the identity of such second detected object;

said unique identity signal receiving means being responsive to said unique identity signal being transmitted by said second detected object signal transmitting means;

said information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal receiving means for successively or contemporaneously storing information corresponding to the identity of such second detected object, the time when such second object was detected, and the location identity of such connecting opening;

one of said detected objects being a first class object and being part of a list of authorized objects stored in said information storage means; and

the other of said detected objects being a second class object and being part of a list of authorized or un-authorized persons stored in said information storage means.

25. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising alarm means;

said information storage means activating said alarm means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives a first unique identity signal from a detected first class object and a second unique identity signal from an un-authorized detected second class object.

26. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising display means;

said information storage means activating said display means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives a first unique identity signal from a detected first class object and a second unique identity signal from an un-authorized detected second class object for displaying such information.

27. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising printing means;

said information storage means activating said printing means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives a first unique identity signal from a detected first class object and a second unique identity signal from an un-authorized detected second class object for printing such information.

28. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising alarm means;

said information storage means activating said alarm means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives only a unique identity signal from a detected first class object.

29. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising display means;

said information storage means activating said display means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives only a unique identity signal from a detected first class object for displaying such information.

30. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising printing means;

said information storage means activating said printing means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives only a first unique identity signal from a detected first class object for printing such information.

31. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising alarm means;

said motion sensing means producing a detection signal when the presence or motion of an unknown object or unknown person is detected while passing through such connecting opening;

said universal signal transmitting means being responsive to said detection signal from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

said information storage means activating said alarm means when said unique identity signal receiving means fails to receive any unique identity signal.

32. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising display means;

said motion sensing means producing a detection signal when the presence or motion of an unknown object or unknown person is detected while passing through such connecting opening;

said universal signal transmitting means being responsive to said detection signal from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

said information storage means activating said display means when said unique identity signal receiving means fails to receive any unique identity signal for displaying a message as to the detection of the presence or motion of an unknown object or an unknown person.

33. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising printing means;

said motion sensing means producing a detection signal when the presence or motion of an unknown object or unknown person is detected while passing through such connecting opening;

said universal signal transmitting means being responsive to said detection signal from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

said information storage means activating said printing means when said unique identity signal receiving means fails to receive any unique identity signal for printing a message as to the detection of the presence or motion of an unknown object or an unknown person.

34. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising alarm means;

said information storage means activating said alarm means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives only a unique identity signal from a detected first class object; and

said detected first class object being part of a list of inventory stored in said information storage means.

35. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising display means;

said information storage means activating said display means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives only a unique identity signal from a detected first class object;

said detected first class object being part of a list of inventory stored in said information storage means;

said display means displaying a message to the effect that no unique identity signal from a second class object was received.

36. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising printing means;

said information storage means activating said printing means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives only a unique identity signal from a detected first class object;

said first class object being part of a list of inventory stored in said information storage means;

said printing means printing a message to the effect that no unique identity signal from a second class object was received.

37. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising alarm means;

said information storage means activating said alarm means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of a first class object but does not contemporaneously receive a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of any second class object;

said first class object being represented in a pre-stored list in said information storage means.

38. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising display means;

said information storage means activating said display means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of a first class object but does not contemporaneously receive a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of any second class object;

said first class object being represented in a pre-stored list in said information storage means;

said display means displaying a message to the effect that no unique identity signal was received corresponding to the identity of any second class object.

39. In the system of claim 21, said system also comprising printing means;

said information storage means activating said printing means when said unique identity signal receiving means receives a unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of a first class object but does not contemporaneously receive any unique identity signal corresponding to the identity of any second class object;

said first class object being represented in a pre-stored list in said information storage means;

said printing means printing a message to the effect that no unique identity signal was received corresponding to the identity of any second class object.

40. In the system of claim 21, said unique identity signal receiving means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said unique identity signal receiving means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

41. In the system of claim 21, said information storage means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said information storage means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

42. A system for providing inventory and location information for a plurality of objects, said system comprising:

motion sensing means being located on the first lateral side of an opening for producing a detection signal when the motion or presence of an object is detected;

such opening also having a second lateral side;

the width of such opening between such lateral sides being less than the height of such opening;

universal common low-power signal transmitting means being located on such first lateral side and being responsive to said detection signal when received from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

object signal receiving means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said universal common low-power signal when received from said universal common low-power signal transmitting means;

object signal transmitting means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said object signal receiving means for transmitting a unique low-power identity signal corresponding to the identity of such detected object;

unique identity signal receiving means being located on such first lateral side and being responsive to said unique identity signal when received from said object signal transmitting means; and

information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal receiving means and being capable of storing information corresponding to the identity of such detected object, the time when such object was detected, and the identity of such opening.

43. In the system of claim 42, said universal common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal for less than or equal to one second.

44. In the system of claim 42, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal for less than or equal to ½

second.

45. In the system of claim 42, said universal common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal with a low-power range equal to the width of such opening.

46. In the system of claim 42, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal with a low-power range equal to the width of such opening.

47. In the system of claim 42, said unique identity signal receiving means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said unique identity signal receiving means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

48. In the system of claim 42, said information storage means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said information storage means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

49. A system for providing inventory and location information for a plurality of objects, said system comprising:

motion sensing means being located on the upper side of an opening for producing a detection signal when the presence or motion of an object is detected;

such opening also having a lower side;

the height of such opening between its upper and lower sides being less than the width of such opening;

universal common low-power signal transmitting means being located on such upper side and being responsive to said detection signal when received from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

object signal receiving means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said universal common low-power signal when received from said universal common low-power signal transmitting means;

object signal transmitting means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said object signal receiving means for transmitting a unique low-power identity signal corresponding to the identity of such detected object;

unique identity signal receiving means being located on such upper side and being responsive to said unique identity signal when received from said object signal transmitting means; and

information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal receiving means being capable of storing information corresponding to the identity of such detected object, the time when such object was detected, and the identity of such opening.

50. In the system of claim 49, said universal common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal for less than or equal to one second.

51. In the system of claim 49, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal for less than or equal to ½

second.

52. In the system of claim 49, said universal common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal with a low-power range equal to the height of such opening.

53. In the system of claim 49, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal with a low-power range equal to the height of such opening.

54. In the system of claim 49, said unique identity signal receiving means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said unique identity signal receiving means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

55. In the system of claim 49, said information storage means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said information storage means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

56. A system for providing inventory and location information for a plurality of objects, said system comprising:

a plurality of motion sensing means being uniformly linearly distributed along the upper side of an opening for producing at least one detection signal when the presence or motion of an object is detected;

such opening also having a lower side;

the height of such opening between such upper and lower sides being much less than the width of such opening;

a plurality of universal common low-power signal transmitting means also being uniformly linearly distributed along the upper side of such opening;

each particular universal common low-power signal transmitting means being associated with only one particular motion sensing means;

each particular universal common low-power signal transmitting means being placed in close proximity to its particular motion sensing means;

at least one particular universal common low-power signal transmitting means being responsive to the detection signal when produced from its associated particular motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

object signal receiving means being located on such detected object and being responsive to at least one universal common low-power signal when received from at least one particular universal common low-power signal transmitting means;

object signal transmitting means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said object signal receiving means for transmitting at least one unique low-power identity signal corresponding to the identity of such detected object;

a plurality of unique identity signal receiving means also being uniformly linearly distributed along the upper side of such opening;

each particular unique identity signal receiving means being associated with only one particular motion sensing means and with only one particular universal common low-power signal transmitting means;

each particular unique identity signal receiving means being placed in close proximity to its particular motion sensing means and to its particular universal common low-power signal transmitting means;

at least one particular unique identity signal receiving means being responsive to at least one unique identity signal when received from said object signal transmitting means; and

information storage means being responsive to each particular unique identity signal receiving means and being capable of storing information corresponding to the identity of such detected object, the time when such object was detected, and the identity of such opening.

57. In the system of claim 56, each particular common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal for less than or equal to one second.

58. In the system of claim 56, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal for less than or equal to ½

second.

59. In the system of claim 56, each particular universal common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal with a low-power range equal to the height of such opening.

60. In the system of claim 56, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal with a low-power range equal to the height of such opening.

61. In the system of claim 56, accessible code means being located on such object, said code corresponding to the identity of such object.

62. In the system of claim 61, said accessible code means being bar code means, said code corresponding to the identity of such object.

63. In the system of claim 61, said accessible code means being magnetic code readable means, said code corresponding to the identity of such object.

64. In the system of claim 56, each unique identity signal receiving means sending a first signal to its associated universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and unique identity signal receiving means sending a second signal to its associated said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

65. In the system of claim 56, said information storage means sending a first signal to a universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that its associated unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said information storage means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after its associated unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

66. A system for providing inventory and location information for a plurality of objects, said system comprising:

motion sensing means being located on the first vertical lateral side of an opening for producing a detection signal when the presence or motion of an object is detected;

such opening also having a second vertical lateral side;

the width of such opening between such lateral sides being less than the height of such opening;

said motion sensing means further comprising directed light source means being located at the first end of such first vertical lateral side, a first linear light reflective strip running from the first end to the second end of such first vertical lateral side, a second linear light reflective strip running from the first end to the second end of such second vertical lateral side, and a light detecting means being located at the second end of such first vertical lateral side;

wherein the light beam emanating from said directed light source means takes a reflective path to said light detecting means; and

wherein said motion sensing means responds to the interruption of said light beam path when an object is present or moving within such opening for producing said detection signal indicating such light path interruption;

universal common low-power signal transmitting means being located on such first lateral side and being responsive to said detection signal when received from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

object signal receiving means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said universal common low-power signal when received from said universal common low-power signal transmitting means;

object signal transmitting means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said object signal receiving means for transmitting a unique low-power identity signal corresponding to the identity of such detected object;

unique identity signal receiving means being located on such first lateral side and being responsive to said unique identity signal when received from said object signal transmitting means; and

information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal receiving means and being capable of storing information corresponding to the identity of such detected object, the time when such object was detected, and the identity of such opening.

67. In the system of claim 66, said universal common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal for less than or equal to one second.

68. In the system of claim 66, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal for less than or equal to ½

second.

69. In the system of claim 66, said universal common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal with a low-power range equal to the width of such opening.

70. In the system of claim 66, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal with a low-power range equal to the width of such opening.

71. In the system of claim 66, said unique identity signal receiving means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said unique identity signal receiving means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

72. In the system of claim 66, said information storage means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that associated unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said information storage means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after its associated unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

73. A method for providing an inventory of a plurality of first class objects and a plurality of second class objects, such pluralities of objects being distributed in a first defined location and in a second defined location;

such first defined location and such second defined location being accessible to each other via a common connecting pathway;

said method comprising the steps of;

detecting the presence or motion of an object being either a first class object or a second class object when present or passing through such common connecting pathway and producing a detection signal in response thereto;

transmitting a universal common low-power signal in response to said detection signal;

detecting the presence or absence of a unique identity signal from such detected object;

each first class object and each second class object being capable of transmitting its own unique identity signal in response to said universal signal; and

storing information corresponding to the presence or absence of a unique identity signal from such detected object.

74. In the method of claim 73, temporarily stopping the transmission of said universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal is being received from a detected object;

and resuming the transmission of said universal signal after said unique identity signal is finished being received from such detected object.

75. A method for providing an inventory of a plurality of first class objects and a plurality of second class objects;

such pluralities of objects being distributed in a first defined location and in a second defined location;

such first defined location and such second defined location being accessible to each other via a connecting pathway;

said method comprising the steps of;

detecting the presence or motion of a first class object or a second class object while passing through such connecting pathway and producing a detection signal in response thereto;

transmitting a universal common low-power signal in response to said detection signal;

said detected object receiving said universal common low-power signal and producing an internal signal in response thereto;

said detected object transmitting its own unique identity low-power signal corresponding to the identity of said detected object in response to said internal signal;

receiving said unique identity signal from said detected object; and

storing information corresponding to the identity of said detected object, the time when said object was detected, and the location of such connecting pathway.

76. In the method of claim 75, temporarily stopping the transmission of said universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal is being received from a detected object;

and resuming the transmission of said universal signal after said unique identity signal is finished being received from such detected object.

77. A system for providing inventory and location information for a plurality of objects being located in a plurality of defined locations, each defined location having at least one common pathway with at least one other defined location, said system comprising:

a plurality of motion sensing means each being associated with a respective pathway for producing a detection signal when the motion or presence of an object is detected;

a plurality of universal common low-power signal transmitting means each being associated with only one particular motion sensing means;

each associated universal common low-power signal transmitting means being located in close proximity to its associated common pathway;

each universal common low-power signal transmitting means being responsive to the detection signal when received from its associated motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

object signal receiving means being located on such detected object and being responsive to the universal common low-power signal when received from said universal common low-power signal transmitting means;

object signal transmitting means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said object signal receiving means for transmitting its own unique low-power identity signal corresponding to the identity of such detected object;

a plurality of unique identity signal receiving means each being associated with one motion sensing means and with one universal common low-power signal transmitting means;

each unique identity signal receiving means being placed in close proximity to its associated common pathway;

said associated unique identity signal receiving means being responsive to the unique identity signal received from said object signal transmitting means; and

information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal receiving means and being capable of storing information corresponding to the identity of such detected object, the time when such object was detected, and the identity of such common pathway.

78. In the system of claim 77, each unique identity signal receiving means sending a first signal to its associated universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and unique identity signal receiving means sending a second signal to its associated said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

79. In the system of claim 77, said information storage means sending a first signal to a universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that its associated unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said information storage means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after its associated unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.

80. A system for providing inventory and location information for a plurality of objects, said system comprising:

motion sensing means being located on the upper horizontal side of an opening for producing a detection signal when the presence or motion of an object is detected;

such opening also having a lower horizontal side;

the height of such opening between such horizontal sides being less than the width of such opening;

said motion sensing means further comprising directed light source means being located at the first end of such upper horizontal side, a first linear light reflective strip running from the first end to the second end of such upper horizontal side, a second linear light reflective strip running from the first end to the second end of such lower horizontal side, and a light detecting means being located at the second end of such upper horizontal side;

wherein said light beam emanating from said directed light source means takes a reflective path to said light detecting means; and

wherein said motion sensing means responds to the interruption of said light beam path when an object is present or moving within such opening for producing said detection signal indicating such light path interruption;

universal common low-power signal transmitting means being located on such upper horizontal side and being responsive to said detection signal when received from said motion sensing means for transmitting a universal common low-power signal;

object signal receiving means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said universal common low-power signal when received from said universal common low-power signal transmitting means;

object signal transmitting means being located on such detected object and being responsive to said object signal receiving means for transmitting a unique low-power identity signal corresponding to the identity of such detected object;

unique identity signal receiving means being located on such upper horizontal side and being responsive to said unique identity signal when received from said object signal transmitting means; and

information storage means being responsive to said unique identity signal receiving means and being capable of storing information corresponding to the identity of such detected object, the time when such object was detected, and the identity of such opening.

81. In the system of claim 80, said universal common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal for less than or equal to one second.

82. In the system of claim 80, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal for less than or equal to ½

second.

83. In the system of claim 80, said universal common low-power signal transmitting means transmitting its universal signal with a low-power range equal to the height of such opening.

84. In the system of claim 81, said object signal transmitting means transmitting its unique identity signal with a low-power range signal equal to the height of such opening.

85. In the system of claim 80, said unique identity signal receiving means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that said unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said unique identity signal receiving means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after said unique identity signal has finished receiving means received a unique identity signal from such detected object.

86. In the system of claim 80, said information storage means sending a first signal to said universal signal transmitting means for temporarily stopping the transmission of its universal signal during the time that associated unique identity signal receiving means is receiving a unique identity signal from a detected object;

and said information storage means sending a second signal to said universal signal transmitting means to resume transmitting its universal signal after its associated unique identity signal receiving means has finished receiving a unique identity signal from such detected object.