CA2430181A1 - System and method for tracking inventory - Google Patents
System and method for tracking inventory Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2430181A1 CA2430181A1 CA 2430181 CA2430181A CA2430181A1 CA 2430181 A1 CA2430181 A1 CA 2430181A1 CA 2430181 CA2430181 CA 2430181 CA 2430181 A CA2430181 A CA 2430181A CA 2430181 A1 CA2430181 A1 CA 2430181A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- inventory
- storage unit
- unit
- sensor
- processor
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- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
- G07G1/00—Cash registers
- G07G1/0036—Checkout procedures
- G07G1/0045—Checkout procedures with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/0092—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/10—Casings or parts thereof, e.g. with means for heating or cooling
- G07F9/105—Heating or cooling means, for temperature and humidity control, for the conditioning of articles and their storage
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
Abstract
An inventory-tracking unit associated with a storage unit holding items to be dispensed includes a card reader to read an access card issued to a user and a scanner to scan data from items removed from the storage unit. A processor communicates with a sensor in the storage unit and with the card reader and scanner.
The sensor provides item data to the processor that is associated with items removed from the storage emit. The processor compares item data received from the sensor with the data received from the scanner to detect coincidence. The processor generates a transaction upon coincidence of item data received from the sensor with the scanned data. A communications interface transmits the transaction to a remote site.
The sensor provides item data to the processor that is associated with items removed from the storage emit. The processor compares item data received from the sensor with the data received from the scanner to detect coincidence. The processor generates a transaction upon coincidence of item data received from the sensor with the scanned data. A communications interface transmits the transaction to a remote site.
Description
SYST~~aNU METHOD FOR'r'RACKING INVENTORY
Field of a Invention The presrnt invention relates generally to inventory tnanlgement and in particular to a system and method for tracking inventory and to an inventory-tracking unit.
I~aekgroy,~d of the lnygn_j~lion Inventory control is a primary concern far product retailers so that excess and insufficient inventory situations are avoided. Within a mortar and bricks environment, inventory is controlled by counting existing inventory at physical tc~cacions. Controlling inventory in this manner is however much xnnre difficult and in fact irupractical in environments where inventory is dispensed through st~:ked vending machines that are distributed over a large geographical area.
To deal with inventory control in these environments, service personnel are dispatched along service routes accordixtg to pre-set schedules so that the vending machines can be checked for inventory levels and proper operation.
As will be appreciated, during a service route all vending machines along the service route are checked. In many instances, the checks reveal chat the vending machines arc operating properly and hold suff~lcient inventory. As a result, the checks are unnecessary. .tn aiher instances, the checks reveal that the vending machines have malfunctioned andlor are depleted of inventory, resulting in potential lost sales especially if delays exist t~etween checks.
A. similar problem exists in the medical supply environment where medical, surgical, biological andlor pharmaceutical supplies are stored in zefrigeraxion units distributed throughout medical, research and/or educational facilities located at di#~erent geographical locations. In the past, dispatching medical supplies through these refrigeration units has been based on the honor system. Users removing supplies from refrigeration unity are expected to list the removed supplies on charts posted on the retiigeration units so that supply usage can be tracked and costs assigned in the appropriate manner.
3Q As will he appreciated, inventory c~.Wtrol in this medical supply environment suffers similar problems so those encountered in the vending machine environment discussed above. Routine checks of all refrigeration units must be ..?_ carried out to determine the inventory level and operating status of the refrigeration u.Rits. In many cases the checks are either unnecessary or late. The latter condition can be particularly problematic in the case where a refrigeration unit fails and the temperature within the refrigeration unit rises to a point where the inventory is spoiled. Inventory shrinkage i:~ also a problem in the medical supply environment. h:
many instances, users rerrwving supplies from the refrigeration units fail to record accurately the removed items. As a result, costs far the missing inventory cannot be assigned. As will be appreciated, improvements in inventory control in these types of environments are desired.
1 d It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel system and method for tracking inventory and a navel inventory-tracking unit.
~~unnm~of thr linventir~n According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an 15 inventory-tracking unit associated with a storage unit holding items to be dispensed comprising:
a card reader to read an access card issued to a use;
a scanner to scan data from items removed from said storage unit;
a processor communicating with a sensor in said storage unit and with 20 said card reader and scanner, said sensor providing item data to said processor that is associated with items removed from said storage unit, said processor comparing item ~~t~ rC~'rV~~~~v~N ~~'.'~d °~nQAY Un~ (~ara_ ceceaved from said scanner to detect coincidence, said processor generating a tr'arrsacrion upon coincidence of item data received from said sensor with said scanned data; and 25 a communications interface to txans-mit said transaction to a remote SrtQ.
In the preferred embodiment, the communications interface tran~,mits the transaction over a wireless communications lurk, the scanner is a barcode scanner, the card reader is designed to read a magnetic stripe nn an access card and the siurage 30 unit is a refrigeration unit_ A housing accommodates the card reader, scannex, processor and communications interface. The hou3ing is coupled to the storage unit and the processor is wired to the Sensor. During access of the storage unit, the card _3.
reader locks the access card therein until the iteru. data received from the sensor is coincident with the read data.
In one embodiment, the inventory-tracking further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the storage unit to inhibit aces to items held therein.
The locking mechanism is conditioned by the processor to a disengaged state to permit access to items held in the storage unit when a valid access card is read by the card reader. The processor communicates with at least one diagnostic sensor associated with the storage unit and transmits an alarm event to the remote site in response to alarm condition input received fiom the at Least one diagnostic sensor.
The present invention provides advantages in that the inventory-tracking unit can be easily retrofitted to existing refrigeration units thereby to permit existing refrigeration units to be upgraded so that inventory therein cart be remotely monitored and tracked over a wireless communications link. Since the inventory-tracking unit controls access to the inventory within the refrigeration unit, distribution of restricted inventory can be accurately controlled thereby inhbiiing inventory loss through inventory expiry andlor shrinkage.
The present invention also provideY advantages in that s~iuee inventory removed from the refrigeration unit is tracked in real time, inventory within the refrigeration unit can be managed to avoid item "sell-out" conditions.
Statistical information cpncerning inventory use can also be easily generated allowing inventory stocking procedures to be adjusted to meat inventory demand. In addition, if the refrigeration d~ca suffers a failure and the ternperaturs within the refrigeration unit rises above a threshold temperature, since the operating state of the refrigeration wait is remotely monitored service personnel can be dispatched guickly to avoid inventory spoilage.
B3r,E'ef Dgscrj,~tio~g,,~l~~Drawi~
hmbodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accoxnpanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a refrigeration unit in combination with an inventory-tracking unit in accordance with the present invention;
..L~-Figure 2 is a fmnt elevation view of the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a left side elevation view of the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a right side elevation view of the inventory-nicking unit of Figure I;
Figure 5 is a rear elevation view of the inventory-tracki~ unit of Figure 1;
Figure b is a top plan view of the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the inieriar of the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure $ is a block diagram of the internal circuitry within the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the steps performed by the inventory-tracking unit during accessing of the refrigeration unit;
Figure 10 is a schematic view of an inventory-tracking system including ari inventory-tracking unit that cotiunlliticatcs with a retiaote site over a wireless wide area network;
Figure i 1 is a Front elevation view of a refrigeration unit in combination wtih a top mounted inventory-tracking unit; and Figure 12 is a schematic view of an inventory-tracking system including inventory-tracking units that communicate with a computer room over a wireless local area network.
2S Detai sd ,~Jescription~'the Pr-eferr~c :,embodiments Turning now to Figure 1, a refrigeration unit such as a freezer in which medical, surgical, biological aadlor pharmaceutical supplies (hereinatler refexred to as "medical supplies' are stored, is shown attd is generally identified by reference numeral 20. An inventory-tracking unit 30 is coupled to one side of the refrigeration unit 20 td track inventory re~naoved from the refrigeration unit. The inventory-tracking unit 30 may alternatively be motmted on the top of the refrigeration unit 20 as shovun in Figure 11.
._....,~~,.~__. _ ..._._..,.
The refrigeration unit 2U far the most part is standard and receives power tiara a conventional I20 volt AC power source via an electrical cord. A
Boar light switch is provided in the retiigeration unit 20 to sense when the door of the refrigeration unit is in an open or closed condition. As is known, when tha door of the refrigeration unit 2U is opened, the door light switch closes a circuit causing au internal light within the refzigeration unit 20 to ilhiminate. An internal sensor anterma of the acoustic or electromagnetic type is acepmmodated within the rubber seal surrounding the door frame ofthe refrigeration unit 20 to sense tagged items 'being placed m or removed from the refrigeration unit. A temperance sensor in the form of 1 o a rhe,-mirror is also urovided in the refiigeration unit 20 to sense when the teiuperature within the refiigeration unit 20 rises above a threshold temperature.
Figures 2 to 6 better illustrate the physicaiHay~ut-trf the-izt'ren:nry-tracking unit 30. As can be seen inventory-tracking unit 30 includes a housing 32 that is secured m the side of the refrigeration unit 20 by a plurality c~f suitable fasteners 1 S {not shown). The front face of tha housing includes a barcode reader 34, a display 36 and a card reader 38. A spring-loaded solenoid door lock 40 is also provided on the front face and is actuable to engage and disengage the door of the refrigeration unit to control entry into the refrigeration unit 2U. An antenna 42 is provided on one side of the housing 32 to allow the inventory-track'sng unit 30 to oornmunicate with a remote 20 site over a wireless communication link as will be descn'bed. ~
Gnri:~t'tor:-holes ~.° ».~
provided in the top of the housing 32 to allow air to circulate within the housing 32 thereby to dissipate heat.
Turning now to Figure 7, the integrated internal physical layout of the inventory-tracking device 30 is illustrated. The inventory-tracking device 30 includes _ _ the c~rrd ~eacl-erLSK'~$'~'~I;LfCITt?Iit'tili6ft~.~'#l;.ThA ~~Sdt~e~r~ader 36, the.display,36,... ....... .... _ _..
communicates with a modem 52 that is coupled to the antenna 42 as well as with a mufti-drop bus (lvli~B) board 54. An audio siren 56 is also wupled to the main contxol board 50.
30 The circuitry on the main control board SU and the mufti-drop bus board 54 is illustrated in Figure 8 and is generally identified by reference numeral 60.
As can be seen, circuitry 6U includes a central proccasing unit (CPU) 62 having a real-..__....-.~......_ ...
,.
time clack. CPU 62 communicates with a microprocexsor supervisor 64 and with a plurality of interFaccs via a databus 66, namely s card reader interface 68, a radio interface 70, and a freezer interlace 72_ Card reader interface 68 is coupled to the card reader 3~1. Radio interface 70 is coupled to a wide area network (WAN) radio transceiver 74 andlor to a local arcs network {IrAN) radio transceiver 75. The transceivers 74 and 76 communicate with the antenna 4? thereby to permit wireless communications. The freezer interface 72 is coupled to the solenoid door lock 40_ CPU 62 further communicates with static random access memory (R.AM) 80, flash memory 82 and communications interface S4 via the databus 66.
I O The communications interface 8A communicates with the internal sensor antenna within the refrigeration unit 20. The display 36 is also coupled to the databus 6b and communicates with the CP(! 62. An on-board power supply 86 provides the necessary power for operation of the inventory-tracking unit 30. Qn-board power supply 86 is coupled to the electrical cord of the refrigeration unit 20 via an interconnecting harness (not shown). CPLT 62 also receives conductors coupled to the door light switch within the refrigeration unit 2U via the interconnecting harness allowing a time stamp to be generated when the door of the refrigeration unit 2U is opened and then closed The operation of the inventory-tracking unit 30 will now be dcscribad with particular reference to 1; figure 9. When a user wishes to gain access to the refrigeration unit 20, the user inserts their access card into the card reader 38. When the card reader 38 detects the inserted card (step 202), the magnetic stripe on the access card is read (xtep 204) and the read card data is conveyed to the CPfJ
62 via the databus 66. The CPU b6 in tum compares the read card data with a lest of authorized users to determine if the card is valid (step 206). If the read card data is determined to be invalid, the user is denied access to the refrigeration unit 2U. The access card is ejected from the card reader 38 {step 208) and the card reader returns to a ready state waiting for another access card to be inserted therein (step 200). At step 206, if the read card data is deternlitted to be valid, the CPU 62 signals the card reader 38 to lock 34 the access card therein (step 210). The GPU 62 also signals the solenoid door lock 40 via the freezer interface 72 causing the solenoid door lock to disengage the door of the refrigeration unit 20 (step 21?). With the door of the refrigeration unit 30 unlocked, the user is able to open the refrigeration unit 20 thereby to gain access to supplies therein.
When the user opens the door of the refrigeration unit and the door light switch closes the circuit to illuminate the interior light within the refrigeration unit ?0, a signal is conveyed to the CPU 62. The CPU 62 in turn generates a time stamp using the real-time clock showing the time the rcfri,~eration unit ?0 is in an open condition to be accurately tracked. As the user begins removing items from the retiigeration unit 20, the tag on each removed iteru is detected by the internal sensor antenna. The internal sensor anteru~a in turn signals the CPU 62 via the communications interface 84 and databus b6 allowing the CPU b2 to maintain a count of the removed items {step 222).
When the door of the refiigeration unit 20 is closed, the CPU 62 conditions the barcode scanner 34 to a ready state and ends the time stamp (step Z24).
A.s a result, the length of time each user maintains the refrigeration wait 20 opened can 1 S be monitored. Extended door open conditions Thai rrtay cause undesired temperature changes within the refrigeration unit 20 can also be detected. With the barcode scaruier 34 enabled, the user is required to pass the removed items beneath the barcode scanner 34 so that the barcodes on the removed items can be scanned.
After each barcode is scanned, the barcode scanner 34 conveys the scanned barcodes to the CPU 62 allowing the CPU 52 to maintain a list of the xcanned removed items (step 226). When the counted sunned items is equal to the removed item count, the CPU
b2 signals the salenoid door lock 40 via the freezer interface 72 causing the solenoid doox lock 40 to engage the door of the refrigeration unit 2U (step 230). The access card is then ejected from the card reader 38 (step 208) and the card reader returns to a ready state waiting for another access card to be inserted therein {step 200).
As will be appreciated, since a count of removed items is maintained and eampared with the list of Scanned barcodes, accurate transactions involving inventory within the refrigeration writ 2U can be maintained.
After a user has completed a transaction with the refrigeration unit 20, the CPU 62 conveys the scanned barcade information to a remote site over a wireless communication link via the radio interface 70 and one of the transceivers 74 or 76. In the scenatio shown in Figure 10, the inventory-tracking unit 3U conveys the . .... ..r.. . ......._ ......
._......,A-... .. ~ .. .
- g _ transaction to a remote site 100 over a wireless wide area network 102 via radio interface 70 and WAN transceiver 74- In the scenarifl shown in Figure 12, inventory-tracking units 30 Canvey transactions to a computer room 104 over a wireless local area network 106 via radio interfaces 70 and LAN transceivers 76.
database so that an accurate reel-tltne status oz ule lnvruevly-wruuu-u.c,; ~-~u~s,::~,.....----unit 2A can be maintained- The maintenance of accurate inventory information allows useful sales reports to be getlerated and allows replenishment schedules to be adjusted to conform to inventory demand. Generated reports are posted on encrypted web 14 pages that can be accessed by authorized users via Internet connections.
Depending on the envrronmcxtt, the scanned barcodC data tray be used to debit au account associated with the user. In this case, when the debit value of the account reaches a threshold level, the remote site generates a request for funds to zero the debit value. In thi3 manner, the access card functions as both an access and debit 1 S card i.e_ similar to a smart card.
If at any time, the temperature within the refrigeration unit risen above the threshold teutperature as detected by the thermistar, , the internal.
sensor antetlpa in the refrigeration unit 20 signals the IRVeIItaTy-traGlfJng unit 30. In response, the CFU 62 generates an alarm signal that is used to sound siren Sb and records the alarm 20 event. The CPU G2 also conveys the alarru. event to the remote site over the wireless cammstnications link so that the alarm event is rec.~oxdcd. The CPU 62 also generates and records an alarm event when the door of the refrigeration unit 20 is left open for an extended period of time above a threshAld and when the compressor of the refrigeration unit is believed to be approaching its scxvice life. These alarm events are 25 also recorded and conveyed to the remote site over the wireless communications link-In this manner service personnel eau be quickly dispatched.
If desired, since the internal sensor antenna detects when itelus are pl~eed into the refrigeration unit 20, the uaventory-tracking unit 30 can be programmed to maintain an item count during restocking and convey the item count 30 to tile remote site providing for complete inventory control.
Figures 1 and t 1 show a small number of inventory-tracking units 30 communicating with a remote site. Those of skill in the arc will appreciate that this is for illustrative purposes only. In a typical environment, remote site recieves trausa~.~tions from a significant number of geographically distributed inventory-tracking units 30. Also, the inventory-tracking units may be used. with other types of storage units such as for example vending machines and the like. In the case of vending machines that securely hold items, the requirement for a dQOT locking mechanism is obviated.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been dc~crihed, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended clsims_
Field of a Invention The presrnt invention relates generally to inventory tnanlgement and in particular to a system and method for tracking inventory and to an inventory-tracking unit.
I~aekgroy,~d of the lnygn_j~lion Inventory control is a primary concern far product retailers so that excess and insufficient inventory situations are avoided. Within a mortar and bricks environment, inventory is controlled by counting existing inventory at physical tc~cacions. Controlling inventory in this manner is however much xnnre difficult and in fact irupractical in environments where inventory is dispensed through st~:ked vending machines that are distributed over a large geographical area.
To deal with inventory control in these environments, service personnel are dispatched along service routes accordixtg to pre-set schedules so that the vending machines can be checked for inventory levels and proper operation.
As will be appreciated, during a service route all vending machines along the service route are checked. In many instances, the checks reveal chat the vending machines arc operating properly and hold suff~lcient inventory. As a result, the checks are unnecessary. .tn aiher instances, the checks reveal that the vending machines have malfunctioned andlor are depleted of inventory, resulting in potential lost sales especially if delays exist t~etween checks.
A. similar problem exists in the medical supply environment where medical, surgical, biological andlor pharmaceutical supplies are stored in zefrigeraxion units distributed throughout medical, research and/or educational facilities located at di#~erent geographical locations. In the past, dispatching medical supplies through these refrigeration units has been based on the honor system. Users removing supplies from refrigeration unity are expected to list the removed supplies on charts posted on the retiigeration units so that supply usage can be tracked and costs assigned in the appropriate manner.
3Q As will he appreciated, inventory c~.Wtrol in this medical supply environment suffers similar problems so those encountered in the vending machine environment discussed above. Routine checks of all refrigeration units must be ..?_ carried out to determine the inventory level and operating status of the refrigeration u.Rits. In many cases the checks are either unnecessary or late. The latter condition can be particularly problematic in the case where a refrigeration unit fails and the temperature within the refrigeration unit rises to a point where the inventory is spoiled. Inventory shrinkage i:~ also a problem in the medical supply environment. h:
many instances, users rerrwving supplies from the refrigeration units fail to record accurately the removed items. As a result, costs far the missing inventory cannot be assigned. As will be appreciated, improvements in inventory control in these types of environments are desired.
1 d It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel system and method for tracking inventory and a navel inventory-tracking unit.
~~unnm~of thr linventir~n According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an 15 inventory-tracking unit associated with a storage unit holding items to be dispensed comprising:
a card reader to read an access card issued to a use;
a scanner to scan data from items removed from said storage unit;
a processor communicating with a sensor in said storage unit and with 20 said card reader and scanner, said sensor providing item data to said processor that is associated with items removed from said storage unit, said processor comparing item ~~t~ rC~'rV~~~~v~N ~~'.'~d °~nQAY Un~ (~ara_ ceceaved from said scanner to detect coincidence, said processor generating a tr'arrsacrion upon coincidence of item data received from said sensor with said scanned data; and 25 a communications interface to txans-mit said transaction to a remote SrtQ.
In the preferred embodiment, the communications interface tran~,mits the transaction over a wireless communications lurk, the scanner is a barcode scanner, the card reader is designed to read a magnetic stripe nn an access card and the siurage 30 unit is a refrigeration unit_ A housing accommodates the card reader, scannex, processor and communications interface. The hou3ing is coupled to the storage unit and the processor is wired to the Sensor. During access of the storage unit, the card _3.
reader locks the access card therein until the iteru. data received from the sensor is coincident with the read data.
In one embodiment, the inventory-tracking further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the storage unit to inhibit aces to items held therein.
The locking mechanism is conditioned by the processor to a disengaged state to permit access to items held in the storage unit when a valid access card is read by the card reader. The processor communicates with at least one diagnostic sensor associated with the storage unit and transmits an alarm event to the remote site in response to alarm condition input received fiom the at Least one diagnostic sensor.
The present invention provides advantages in that the inventory-tracking unit can be easily retrofitted to existing refrigeration units thereby to permit existing refrigeration units to be upgraded so that inventory therein cart be remotely monitored and tracked over a wireless communications link. Since the inventory-tracking unit controls access to the inventory within the refrigeration unit, distribution of restricted inventory can be accurately controlled thereby inhbiiing inventory loss through inventory expiry andlor shrinkage.
The present invention also provideY advantages in that s~iuee inventory removed from the refrigeration unit is tracked in real time, inventory within the refrigeration unit can be managed to avoid item "sell-out" conditions.
Statistical information cpncerning inventory use can also be easily generated allowing inventory stocking procedures to be adjusted to meat inventory demand. In addition, if the refrigeration d~ca suffers a failure and the ternperaturs within the refrigeration unit rises above a threshold temperature, since the operating state of the refrigeration wait is remotely monitored service personnel can be dispatched guickly to avoid inventory spoilage.
B3r,E'ef Dgscrj,~tio~g,,~l~~Drawi~
hmbodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accoxnpanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a refrigeration unit in combination with an inventory-tracking unit in accordance with the present invention;
..L~-Figure 2 is a fmnt elevation view of the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a left side elevation view of the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a right side elevation view of the inventory-nicking unit of Figure I;
Figure 5 is a rear elevation view of the inventory-tracki~ unit of Figure 1;
Figure b is a top plan view of the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the inieriar of the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure $ is a block diagram of the internal circuitry within the inventory-tracking unit of Figure 1;
Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the steps performed by the inventory-tracking unit during accessing of the refrigeration unit;
Figure 10 is a schematic view of an inventory-tracking system including ari inventory-tracking unit that cotiunlliticatcs with a retiaote site over a wireless wide area network;
Figure i 1 is a Front elevation view of a refrigeration unit in combination wtih a top mounted inventory-tracking unit; and Figure 12 is a schematic view of an inventory-tracking system including inventory-tracking units that communicate with a computer room over a wireless local area network.
2S Detai sd ,~Jescription~'the Pr-eferr~c :,embodiments Turning now to Figure 1, a refrigeration unit such as a freezer in which medical, surgical, biological aadlor pharmaceutical supplies (hereinatler refexred to as "medical supplies' are stored, is shown attd is generally identified by reference numeral 20. An inventory-tracking unit 30 is coupled to one side of the refrigeration unit 20 td track inventory re~naoved from the refrigeration unit. The inventory-tracking unit 30 may alternatively be motmted on the top of the refrigeration unit 20 as shovun in Figure 11.
._....,~~,.~__. _ ..._._..,.
The refrigeration unit 2U far the most part is standard and receives power tiara a conventional I20 volt AC power source via an electrical cord. A
Boar light switch is provided in the retiigeration unit 20 to sense when the door of the refrigeration unit is in an open or closed condition. As is known, when tha door of the refrigeration unit 2U is opened, the door light switch closes a circuit causing au internal light within the refzigeration unit 20 to ilhiminate. An internal sensor anterma of the acoustic or electromagnetic type is acepmmodated within the rubber seal surrounding the door frame ofthe refrigeration unit 20 to sense tagged items 'being placed m or removed from the refrigeration unit. A temperance sensor in the form of 1 o a rhe,-mirror is also urovided in the refiigeration unit 20 to sense when the teiuperature within the refiigeration unit 20 rises above a threshold temperature.
Figures 2 to 6 better illustrate the physicaiHay~ut-trf the-izt'ren:nry-tracking unit 30. As can be seen inventory-tracking unit 30 includes a housing 32 that is secured m the side of the refrigeration unit 20 by a plurality c~f suitable fasteners 1 S {not shown). The front face of tha housing includes a barcode reader 34, a display 36 and a card reader 38. A spring-loaded solenoid door lock 40 is also provided on the front face and is actuable to engage and disengage the door of the refrigeration unit to control entry into the refrigeration unit 2U. An antenna 42 is provided on one side of the housing 32 to allow the inventory-track'sng unit 30 to oornmunicate with a remote 20 site over a wireless communication link as will be descn'bed. ~
Gnri:~t'tor:-holes ~.° ».~
provided in the top of the housing 32 to allow air to circulate within the housing 32 thereby to dissipate heat.
Turning now to Figure 7, the integrated internal physical layout of the inventory-tracking device 30 is illustrated. The inventory-tracking device 30 includes _ _ the c~rrd ~eacl-erLSK'~$'~'~I;LfCITt?Iit'tili6ft~.~'#l;.ThA ~~Sdt~e~r~ader 36, the.display,36,... ....... .... _ _..
communicates with a modem 52 that is coupled to the antenna 42 as well as with a mufti-drop bus (lvli~B) board 54. An audio siren 56 is also wupled to the main contxol board 50.
30 The circuitry on the main control board SU and the mufti-drop bus board 54 is illustrated in Figure 8 and is generally identified by reference numeral 60.
As can be seen, circuitry 6U includes a central proccasing unit (CPU) 62 having a real-..__....-.~......_ ...
,.
time clack. CPU 62 communicates with a microprocexsor supervisor 64 and with a plurality of interFaccs via a databus 66, namely s card reader interface 68, a radio interface 70, and a freezer interlace 72_ Card reader interface 68 is coupled to the card reader 3~1. Radio interface 70 is coupled to a wide area network (WAN) radio transceiver 74 andlor to a local arcs network {IrAN) radio transceiver 75. The transceivers 74 and 76 communicate with the antenna 4? thereby to permit wireless communications. The freezer interface 72 is coupled to the solenoid door lock 40_ CPU 62 further communicates with static random access memory (R.AM) 80, flash memory 82 and communications interface S4 via the databus 66.
I O The communications interface 8A communicates with the internal sensor antenna within the refrigeration unit 20. The display 36 is also coupled to the databus 6b and communicates with the CP(! 62. An on-board power supply 86 provides the necessary power for operation of the inventory-tracking unit 30. Qn-board power supply 86 is coupled to the electrical cord of the refrigeration unit 20 via an interconnecting harness (not shown). CPLT 62 also receives conductors coupled to the door light switch within the refrigeration unit 2U via the interconnecting harness allowing a time stamp to be generated when the door of the refrigeration unit 2U is opened and then closed The operation of the inventory-tracking unit 30 will now be dcscribad with particular reference to 1; figure 9. When a user wishes to gain access to the refrigeration unit 20, the user inserts their access card into the card reader 38. When the card reader 38 detects the inserted card (step 202), the magnetic stripe on the access card is read (xtep 204) and the read card data is conveyed to the CPfJ
62 via the databus 66. The CPU b6 in tum compares the read card data with a lest of authorized users to determine if the card is valid (step 206). If the read card data is determined to be invalid, the user is denied access to the refrigeration unit 2U. The access card is ejected from the card reader 38 {step 208) and the card reader returns to a ready state waiting for another access card to be inserted therein (step 200). At step 206, if the read card data is deternlitted to be valid, the CPU 62 signals the card reader 38 to lock 34 the access card therein (step 210). The GPU 62 also signals the solenoid door lock 40 via the freezer interface 72 causing the solenoid door lock to disengage the door of the refrigeration unit 20 (step 21?). With the door of the refrigeration unit 30 unlocked, the user is able to open the refrigeration unit 20 thereby to gain access to supplies therein.
When the user opens the door of the refrigeration unit and the door light switch closes the circuit to illuminate the interior light within the refrigeration unit ?0, a signal is conveyed to the CPU 62. The CPU 62 in turn generates a time stamp using the real-time clock showing the time the rcfri,~eration unit ?0 is in an open condition to be accurately tracked. As the user begins removing items from the retiigeration unit 20, the tag on each removed iteru is detected by the internal sensor antenna. The internal sensor anteru~a in turn signals the CPU 62 via the communications interface 84 and databus b6 allowing the CPU b2 to maintain a count of the removed items {step 222).
When the door of the refiigeration unit 20 is closed, the CPU 62 conditions the barcode scanner 34 to a ready state and ends the time stamp (step Z24).
A.s a result, the length of time each user maintains the refrigeration wait 20 opened can 1 S be monitored. Extended door open conditions Thai rrtay cause undesired temperature changes within the refrigeration unit 20 can also be detected. With the barcode scaruier 34 enabled, the user is required to pass the removed items beneath the barcode scanner 34 so that the barcodes on the removed items can be scanned.
After each barcode is scanned, the barcode scanner 34 conveys the scanned barcodes to the CPU 62 allowing the CPU 52 to maintain a list of the xcanned removed items (step 226). When the counted sunned items is equal to the removed item count, the CPU
b2 signals the salenoid door lock 40 via the freezer interface 72 causing the solenoid doox lock 40 to engage the door of the refrigeration unit 2U (step 230). The access card is then ejected from the card reader 38 (step 208) and the card reader returns to a ready state waiting for another access card to be inserted therein {step 200).
As will be appreciated, since a count of removed items is maintained and eampared with the list of Scanned barcodes, accurate transactions involving inventory within the refrigeration writ 2U can be maintained.
After a user has completed a transaction with the refrigeration unit 20, the CPU 62 conveys the scanned barcade information to a remote site over a wireless communication link via the radio interface 70 and one of the transceivers 74 or 76. In the scenatio shown in Figure 10, the inventory-tracking unit 3U conveys the . .... ..r.. . ......._ ......
._......,A-... .. ~ .. .
- g _ transaction to a remote site 100 over a wireless wide area network 102 via radio interface 70 and WAN transceiver 74- In the scenarifl shown in Figure 12, inventory-tracking units 30 Canvey transactions to a computer room 104 over a wireless local area network 106 via radio interfaces 70 and LAN transceivers 76.
database so that an accurate reel-tltne status oz ule lnvruevly-wruuu-u.c,; ~-~u~s,::~,.....----unit 2A can be maintained- The maintenance of accurate inventory information allows useful sales reports to be getlerated and allows replenishment schedules to be adjusted to conform to inventory demand. Generated reports are posted on encrypted web 14 pages that can be accessed by authorized users via Internet connections.
Depending on the envrronmcxtt, the scanned barcodC data tray be used to debit au account associated with the user. In this case, when the debit value of the account reaches a threshold level, the remote site generates a request for funds to zero the debit value. In thi3 manner, the access card functions as both an access and debit 1 S card i.e_ similar to a smart card.
If at any time, the temperature within the refrigeration unit risen above the threshold teutperature as detected by the thermistar, , the internal.
sensor antetlpa in the refrigeration unit 20 signals the IRVeIItaTy-traGlfJng unit 30. In response, the CFU 62 generates an alarm signal that is used to sound siren Sb and records the alarm 20 event. The CPU G2 also conveys the alarru. event to the remote site over the wireless cammstnications link so that the alarm event is rec.~oxdcd. The CPU 62 also generates and records an alarm event when the door of the refrigeration unit 20 is left open for an extended period of time above a threshAld and when the compressor of the refrigeration unit is believed to be approaching its scxvice life. These alarm events are 25 also recorded and conveyed to the remote site over the wireless communications link-In this manner service personnel eau be quickly dispatched.
If desired, since the internal sensor antenna detects when itelus are pl~eed into the refrigeration unit 20, the uaventory-tracking unit 30 can be programmed to maintain an item count during restocking and convey the item count 30 to tile remote site providing for complete inventory control.
Figures 1 and t 1 show a small number of inventory-tracking units 30 communicating with a remote site. Those of skill in the arc will appreciate that this is for illustrative purposes only. In a typical environment, remote site recieves trausa~.~tions from a significant number of geographically distributed inventory-tracking units 30. Also, the inventory-tracking units may be used. with other types of storage units such as for example vending machines and the like. In the case of vending machines that securely hold items, the requirement for a dQOT locking mechanism is obviated.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been dc~crihed, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended clsims_
Claims (12)
1. An inventory-tracking unit associated with a storage unit holding items to be dispensed comprising:
a card reader to read an access card issued to a user;
a scanner to scan data from items removed from said storage unit;
a processor communicating with a sensor in said storage unit and with said card reader and scanner, said sensor providing item data to said processor that is associated with items removed from said storage unit, said processor comparing item data received from said sensor with data received from said scanner to detect coincidence, said processor generating a transaction upon coincidence of item data received from said sensor with said scanned data; and a communications interface to transmit said transaction to a remote site.
a card reader to read an access card issued to a user;
a scanner to scan data from items removed from said storage unit;
a processor communicating with a sensor in said storage unit and with said card reader and scanner, said sensor providing item data to said processor that is associated with items removed from said storage unit, said processor comparing item data received from said sensor with data received from said scanner to detect coincidence, said processor generating a transaction upon coincidence of item data received from said sensor with said scanned data; and a communications interface to transmit said transaction to a remote site.
2. An inventory-tracking device according to claim 1 wherein said communications interface transmits said transaction over a wireless communications link.
3. An inventory-tracking device according to claim 2 wherein said scanner is a barcode scanner.
4. An inventory-tracking device according to claim 3 wherein said card reader is designed to read a magnetic stripe on said access card.
5. An inventory-tracking device according to claim 4 further including a housing accommodating said card reader, scanner, processor and communications interface, said housing being coupled to said storage unit and said processor bring wired to said sensor.
6. An inventory-tracking device according to claim 5 wherein said card reader locks said access card therein until the item data received from said sensor is coincident with said read data.
7. An inventory-tracking unit according to claim 6 further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to said storage unit to inhibit access to items held therein, said locking mechanism being conditioned by said processor to a disengaged state to permit access to items held in said storage unit when a valid access card is read by said card reader.
8. An inventory-tracking unit according to claim 7 wherein said storage unit is a refrigeration unit storing medical supplies, said locking mechanism inhibiting a door of said refrigeration unit from being opened when in an engaged state.
9. An inventory-tracking unit according to claim 7 wherein said processor communicates with at least one diagnostic sensor associated with said storage unit, said processor transmitting an alarm event to said remote site in response to alarm condition input received from said at least one diagnostic sensor.
10. An inventory-tracking unit according to claim 9 wherein said storage unit is a refrigeration unit storing medical supplies, said locking mechanism inhibiting
11. An inventory-tracking unit according to claim 10 wherein said at least one diagnostic sensor includes a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature within said refrigeration unit and generate said alarm condition input when the temperature within said refrigeration unit exceeds a threshold.
12. An inventory-tracking unit according to claim 9 wherein said storage unit is a vending machine.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2430181 CA2430181A1 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2003-05-27 | System and method for tracking inventory |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2430181 CA2430181A1 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2003-05-27 | System and method for tracking inventory |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2430181A1 true CA2430181A1 (en) | 2004-11-27 |
Family
ID=33438067
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2430181 Abandoned CA2430181A1 (en) | 2003-05-27 | 2003-05-27 | System and method for tracking inventory |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2430181A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2005081144A1 (en) * | 2004-02-19 | 2005-09-01 | Neoteric Technology Limited | Apparatus and methods for monitoring transfusion of blood |
| ES2293858A1 (en) * | 2007-09-27 | 2008-03-16 | Pedro Zalbide Elustondo | Fresh menu dispensing machine |
| US8775209B2 (en) | 2005-10-18 | 2014-07-08 | Haemonetics Corporation | Apparatus and method for administration of mother's milk |
-
2003
- 2003-05-27 CA CA 2430181 patent/CA2430181A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2005081144A1 (en) * | 2004-02-19 | 2005-09-01 | Neoteric Technology Limited | Apparatus and methods for monitoring transfusion of blood |
| US6983884B2 (en) | 2004-02-19 | 2006-01-10 | Neoteric Technology, Limited | Method and apparatus for monitoring transfusion of blood |
| US7490766B2 (en) | 2004-02-19 | 2009-02-17 | Neotevic Technology, Limited | Apparatus and methods for monitoring transfusion of blood |
| US7490767B2 (en) | 2004-02-19 | 2009-02-17 | Neoteric Technology, Limited | Method and apparatus for monitoring transfusion of blood |
| US8775209B2 (en) | 2005-10-18 | 2014-07-08 | Haemonetics Corporation | Apparatus and method for administration of mother's milk |
| ES2293858A1 (en) * | 2007-09-27 | 2008-03-16 | Pedro Zalbide Elustondo | Fresh menu dispensing machine |
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