An asset tag comprises a first short-range wireless interface configured to transmit a wireless signal with a predetermined periodicity, the wireless signals including a tag ID unique to the asset tag, and an optical sensor. The asset tag can include processing circuitry, coupled to the first short-range wireless interface and to the optical sensor and a battery connected to an powering the first short-range wireless interface, optical sensor, and/or processing circuitry. The processing circuitry receives a first electrical signal from the optical sensor in response to the receipt of a first optical signal. The processing circuitry transmits first wireless signals including the tag ID via the first short-range wireless interface. A dispensing enclosure transmits the first optical signal for the or each asset within the dispensing enclosure, receives a respective first wireless signal and determines a set of Tag IDs of assets added or removed by user.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
2.
COMMUNICATING WEIGHT SENSOR UNITS AND TECHNIQUES FOR USING SAME
A weight sensor unit, comprises a weight sensor configured to output weight sensor readings indicative of the weight being supported thereby. A transmission device is configured to transmit wireless signals, and a processor, is coupled to the weight sensor and to the transmission device. The weight sensor unit includes a battery. The weight sensor, transmission device and processor are powered by the battery. In use, the processor is configured to receive one or more weight sensor readings output by the weight sensor, and transmit the weight sensor readings wirelessly using the transmission device. The weight sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly interact with devices placed in proximity thereto. In an embodiment, all electronic components of the weight sensor unit are powered by the battery. A dispensing unit incorporating the weight sensor unit is also disclosed.
A system for monitoring the presence and/or quantity of stock items in a dispensing enclosure having a cabinet controller. The system further comprises a wireless portable device and a central control computer. The wireless portable device receives (s1710) a WSU ID for a newly installed weight sensor unit, and send (s1712) a first notification message (including the WSU ID and indicating that the WSU is in the dispensing enclosure) to the central control computer. The central control computer is configured to send (s1716) a second notification message to the cabinet controller indicating that the WSU is in the dispensing enclosure. The cabinet controller transmits (s1720) a first optical signal using an optical transmitter in response to a door close signal. The WSU, in response to receipt of the first optical signal, wirelessly transmits a first weight sensor reading to the cabinet controller.
An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H04W 4/35 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
5.
Communicating asset tags, dispensing enclosures and asset monitoring devices
An asset tag comprises a first short-range wireless interface configured to transmit a wireless signal with a predetermined periodicity, the wireless signals including a tag ID unique to the asset tag, and an optical sensor. The asset tag can include processing circuitry, coupled to the first short-range wireless interface and to the optical sensor and a battery connected to an powering the first short-range wireless interface, optical sensor, and/or processing circuitry. The processing circuitry receives a first electrical signal from the optical sensor in response to the receipt of a first optical signal. The processing circuitry transmits first wireless signals including the tag ID via the first short-range wireless interface. A dispensing enclosure transmits the first optical signal for the or each asset within the dispensing enclosure, receives a respective first wireless signal and determines a set of Tag IDs of assets added or removed by user.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
6.
Asset tag and methods and devices for restocking and asset tracking
A secure asset supply cabinet comprises bins for holding assets and a programmable lock. The programmable lock comprises a short range wireless interface (e.g. RFID or NFC) and a physical lock actuatable by processing circuitry. The programmable lock receives an unlock code via the short range wireless interface, e.g. by a user entering credentials on a portable wireless device. The received unlock code is authenticated based on an authentication or lock code. If the unlock code is authentic, the physical lock is actuated to unlock the asset supply cabinet. Each bin may have a wireless asset tag on its surface. Each tag may comprise a user-actuatable button and be encoded with a unique ID. When a user performs a predetermined gesture with the button, such as pressing it twice, a restock message including the ID is transmitted to a wireless access point.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
H04W 4/35 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
7.
Communicating weight sensor units and techniques for using same
A weight sensor unit, comprises a weight sensor configured to output weight sensor readings indicative of the weight being supported thereby. A transmission device is configured to transmit wireless signals, and a processor, is coupled to the weight sensor and to the transmission device. The weight sensor unit includes a battery. The weight sensor, transmission device and processor are powered by the battery. In use, the processor is configured to receive one or more weight sensor readings output by the weight sensor, and transmit the weight sensor readings wirelessly using the transmission device. The weight sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly interact with devices placed in proximity thereto. In an embodiment, all electronic components of the weight sensor unit are powered by the battery. A dispensing unit incorporating the weight sensor unit is also disclosed.
A weight sensor unit 122a, comprising a weight sensor 304 (e.g., strain gauge load cell) configured to output weight sensor readings indicative of the weight being supported by the weight sensor, a transmission device 308 (e.g., BLE or UWB transmitter) configured to transmit wireless signals and a processor 304, coupled to the weight sensor 302 and to the transmission device 308. The weight sensor unit 122a further comprises a battery 318, wherein the weight sensor 302, transmission device 308 and processor 304 are powered by the battery 318. In use, the processor is configured to receive one or more weight sensor readings output by the weight sensor 302, and transmit the one or more weight sensor readings wirelessly using the transmission device 308 (e.g., to a wireless gateway). The weight sensor unit 122a may further comprise a wireless transceiver (e.g., NFC) configured to wirelessly interact with devices placed in proximity thereto. In an embodiment, all electronic components of the weight sensor unit 122a are powered by the battery. A dispensing unit incorporating the weight sensor unit 122a is also disclosed.
An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
H04W 4/35 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
10.
Asset tag and methods and devices for restocking and asset tracking
An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
H04W 4/35 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
Goods & Services
electric and electronic stock and inventory control apparatus, namely, mobile computers, smart phones, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, cloud-based servers, and laptops with near field communication (NFC) capability; data processing apparatus for the management of stock and stock records, namely, downloadable cloud-based software for the management of stock and stock records; electronic apparatus relating to the monitoring of stock namely, computers, smart phones, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, cloud-based servers, and laptops; electronic monitoring devices, namely, electronic smart tags for goods, electronic battery powered asset tags for goods that can be scanned by NFC and tracked with a smartphone software application and/or a BLE gateway; electrical and electronic apparatus for measuring, monitoring, controlling, and dispensing stock using an access controlled cabinet that utilizes a software application, BLE gateway and smart tags; apparatus for dispensing measured, metered or pre-determined quantities of goods, namely, BLE battery powered weight sensor bins; parts and fittings for data processing apparatus for the management of stock and stock records, namely, parts and fittings to enable connection to a counter top NFC writer reader that translates the user details on a clock/identity card into an NFC communication read by a smartphone software application; computer software, namely, downloadable and recorded cloud based software for inventory reports and analysis, downloadable and recorded BLE gateway software for receiving and sending signals, and downloadable and recorded BLE firmware for reading weight sensor bins triggered by sensors, optimising and saving battery power, remote temperature, humidity, movement and monitoring, and for distance and location positioning, and downloadable and recorded smartphone application software on an NFC mobile device with wireless or 3G/4G/5G capability for the management of stock at point of use for issuance, return and restock transactions; Downloadable and recorded computer software relating to the management, monitoring, control and dispensing of stock inventory management, namely, stock control and management services provided via cloud based software, BLE gateways, smartphone apps, BLE/NFC asset tags, passive NFC tags; inventory management, namely, electronically controlled stock control, monitoring and management services; ordering and inventory monitoring services, namely, provided by reordering and real time location services for assets and items from multiple suppliers, automatic reordering as inventory falls below predetermined reorder levels for consumer goods, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), Maintenance, Repairs and Operations (MRO) consumable products, critical spare parts, tools and hospital equipment, beds, wheel chairs, and portable medical devices; inventory management and control services, namely, access control management, reorder management and real time location management; preparation of inventories, namely, inventory management by perpetual inventory counting through a software application; computerised inventory management control services; inventory management, namely, computerised stock ordering and management; including any of the aforesaid inventory management services provided via the Internet or telecommunications or a computer network or on-line from a computer database
12.
Asset tag and methods and devices for restocking and asset tracking
An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and transmitting first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
H04W 4/35 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for the management of goods or merchandise
G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
13.
ASSET TAG AND METHODS AND DEVICES FOR RESTOCKING AND ASSET TRACKING
An asset tag adapted to be mounted to an asset. The asset tag comprises a first component encoded with a first ID unique to the asset tag, the first component having a first wireless interface and being adapted to transmit first broadcast signals via said first wireless interface over a first range, the first broadcast signals including the first ID. The asset tag further comprises a user-actuatable button. The asset tag further comprises processing circuitry, coupled to the button and to at least the first wireless interface. The processing circuitry is configured for (i) determining whether a predetermined gesture has been performed by a user using the button and (ii) if the predetermined gesture has been performed, transmitting via the first wireless interface to a wireless access point a restock message, the restock message including the first ID and indicating that restocking is required of assets corresponding to the first ID. The predetermined gesture may comprise the user-actuatable button being (i) actuated twice within a first predetermined period or (ii) actuated and held for a second predetermined period. A hard hat, bicycle or motorcycle helmet incorporating an asset tag is also disclosed. A method of configuring an asset tag is also disclosed. An asset supply arrangement, an asset supply system, a dual-bin arrangement and a secure asset supply cabinet, using such tags is also disclosed. A method and wireless portable device for tracking the location of an asset at a site using the tags is also disclosed. A wireless portable device and an asset tracking system for searching for and/or indicating the location of assets using such tags is also disclosed.
A61G 12/00 - Accommodation for nursing, e.g. in hospitals, not covered by groups , e.g. trolleys for transport of medicaments or foodPrescription lists
B65G 1/00 - Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G07C 3/00 - Registering or indicating the condition or the working of machines or other apparatus, other than vehicles
A stock monitoring system, for monitoring items of stock in one or more storerooms, includes a portable device including a first processor and a first wireless transceiver for short-range communication. The first processor is operable for receiving a user ID of a second user via the first wireless transceiver and transmitting to the remote system via a second wireless transceiver, at least item data, associated with the user ID. An intermediate unit includes a second processor and a reader and a wireless transmitter adapted for short-range communication. Upon reading the user ID from an ID card of the second user by the reader, the user ID is transmitted via the wireless transmitter, e.g. for a predetermined period. The first processor receives a user ID of a second user via the first wireless transceiver. A method, portable device and intermediate unit are also disclosed.
System(s) and method(s) for stock monitoring are provided. Stock monitoring system(s) may include, e.g., a housing, one or more doors disposed in or on the housing, a sensor for sensing the condition of the door(s) and providing a door closed signal indicative of the door(s) having been closed by a user; one or more containers for stock items, located within the housing, the or each container having associated therewith a weight sensor for providing a weight signal indicative of the current weight of the container, and control circuitry, coupled for communication with the weight sensor(s). Method(s) may include, e.g., receiving a door closed signal; receiving one or more weight signals; and determining, for the or each container, the number of stock items removed from the container(s) by the user, from the weight signal(s) occurring during a predetermined sensing period, the predetermined sensing period being dependent upon the door closed signal.
System(s) and method(s) for stock monitoring are provided. Stock monitoring system(s) may include, e.g., a housing, one or more doors disposed in or on the housing, a sensor for sensing the condition of the door(s) and providing a door closed signal indicative of the door(s) having been closed by a user; one or more containers for stock items, located within the housing, the or each container having associated therewith a weight sensor for providing a weight signal indicative of the current weight of the container, and control circuitry, coupled for communication with the weight sensor(s). Method(s) may include, e.g., receiving a door closed signal; receiving one or more weight signals; and determining, for the or each container, the number of stock items removed from the container(s) by the user, from the weight signal(s) occurring during a predetermined sensing period, the predetermined sensing period being dependent upon the door closed signal.
A method carried out in a stock monitoring system, the stock monitoring system comprising: a housing, one or more doors disposed in or on the housing, a sensor for sensing the condition of the door(s) and providing a door closed signal indicative of the door(s) having been closed by a user; one or more containers for stock items, located within the housing, the or each container having associated therewith a weight sensor for providing a weight signal indicative of the current weight of the container, and control circuitry, coupled for communication with the weight sensor(s); wherein the method comprises (a) receiving a door closed signal; (b) receiving one or more weight signals; (c) determining, for the or each container, the number of stock items removed from the container(s) by the user, from the weight signal(s) occurring during a predetermined sensing period, the predetermined sensing period being dependent upon the door closed signal. A stock monitoring system is also disclosed. The stock monitoring system may further include a user ID sensor, adapted to be activated by a user, and/or one or more electrically controlled locks associated with the door(s), the lock(s) being electrically controllable such that the door(s) are in either a locked or releasable condition, the control circuitry being coupled for communication with the locks, and/or a display unit, the display unit including a indicator in a first colour, e.g. red, an indicator in a second colour, e.g. amber, and a main indicator, in a third colour, e.g. green. The doors may comprise exterior doors, or comprise lids of one or compartments within a drawer (in the latter case, the housing comprising one or more lockable drawers to which the user may gain access).
