Automated inventory system

• US 20070250413A1
• Filed: 09/27/2006
• Published: 10/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MarginPoint Corp.
• Original Assignee: MarginPoint Corp.
• Inventors: Godlewski, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 7,650,298 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/28
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders

Abstract

Embodiments of this invention are directed towards various sensing mechanisms for bins of an automated inventory system. Further, various communication infrastructures and schemes between the various system components are disclosed. The automated inventory system comprises a plurality of dispensing bins containing stocked items. Various sensors may be used to detect the level or quantity of items within the various bins of the system. If a particular threshold level or quantity in the bin is triggered, a reorder signal is transmitted. The reorder signal may be communicated to other system components via hardwired and/or wireless connections. An RFID reader device may be used to collect reorder data regarding the various bins.

Claims

1. A method of managing inventory comprising the steps of:

automatically sensing when a quantity of items within a bin drops below a reorder quantity;

generating a reorder signal at the bin; and

communicating the reorder signal from the bin to a processor.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating an order in response to the reorder signal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein communicating the reorder signal to a processor comprises:

receiving the reorder signal with a reader device configured to receive the reorder signal; and

transmitting the reorder signal to the processor.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the receiving of the reorder signal is performed wirelessly using a handheld reader device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

automatically sensing when a quantity of items within a bin is above a reorder quantity;

generating an adequate level signal indicating that the quantity of items is above the reorder level; and

communicating the adequate level signal from the bin to a processor.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein communicating the reorder signal and the adequate level signal to a processor comprises:

receiving the reorder signal and the adequate level signal with a reader device configured to receive the reorder signal and the adequate level signal; and

transmitting the reorder signal and the adequate level signal to the processor.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the receiving of the reorder signal and the adequate level signal is performed wirelessly using a handheld reader device.

8. An automated inventory system comprising:

at least one bin configured to contain a plurality of stocked items;

a platform configured to support said bin comprising;

a first portion;

a second portion movable relative to the first portion; and

a biasing member configured to maintain a resisting force between the first portion and the second portion;

a sensor configured to detect when a threshold distance between the first portion and the second portion is attained;

a processor; and

a data communication between the sensor and the processor.

9. The automated inventory system of claim 8, wherein the first portion and the second portion are rotatably coupled.

10. An automated inventory system comprising:

at least one bin configured to contain a plurality of stocked items;

a platform configured to support said bin;

a wireless circuit associated with each said platform comprising;

at least one printed circuit board;

a switch configured to selectively complete the circuit board; and

a sensor configured to activate the switch; and

a wireless reader device comprising at least one microcontroller unit;

wherein, the wireless reader device is configured to read a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless circuit upon completion of said printed circuit board.

11. The automated inventory system of claim 10, wherein the circuit is configured to transmit a RFID signal.

12. The automated inventory system of claim 10, wherein the wireless reader device is a portable, handheld unit.

13. A method of automatically maintaining a stocked item inventory comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of storage bins;

providing a platform for each said bin, said platform comprising a wireless circuit including at least one printed circuit board, a switch configured to selectively complete the circuit board and a sensor configured to activate the switch;

providing a wireless reader device comprising at least one microprocessor and configured to read a wireless signal generated by said circuit and process bin level data associated with such wireless signal on said microprocessor; and

retransmitting said bin level data.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said retransmitting is to a personal computer network.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said retransmitting is to a computer network.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the wireless reader device is a portable, handheld unit.