WO2001075762A1 - Product of monitoring system - Google Patents

Product of monitoring system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001075762A1
WO2001075762A1 PCT/ZA2000/000068 ZA0000068W WO0175762A1 WO 2001075762 A1 WO2001075762 A1 WO 2001075762A1 ZA 0000068 W ZA0000068 W ZA 0000068W WO 0175762 A1 WO0175762 A1 WO 0175762A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
product
monitoring system
signal
product monitoring
site
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2000/000068
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert John Powell
Original Assignee
Robert John Powell
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert John Powell filed Critical Robert John Powell
Priority to AU48617/00A priority Critical patent/AU4861700A/en
Priority to PCT/ZA2000/000068 priority patent/WO2001075762A1/en
Publication of WO2001075762A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001075762A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/74—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/75—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems using transponders powered from received waves, e.g. using passive transponders, or using passive reflectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13—Receivers
    • G01S19/14—Receivers specially adapted for specific applications

Definitions

  • the means for monitoring the signal may include a computer monitoring means, which may supply to a user information relating to the location of the product.
  • the computer monitoring means may include a computer program which provides information relating to one or more of the following: details of the product; the current location of the product; details of the first site; details of a second site; the route along which the product has been transported since the signal means was activated; the time of despatch of the product from the first site; any breaks in the journey; and an expected time of arrival of the product at the second site.
  • the second site may be a delivery area of a purchaser of the product.
  • a product monitoring system substantially as described above for monitoring delivery of a product which is not a vehicle.
  • the product monitoring system may be used as an inventory control, and may further be used to determine whether a user has the product in stock.
  • the means for monitoring the signal may include a computer monitoring means which supplies to a user information relating to the location of the product.
  • the computer monitoring means may include a computer program which provides information relating to one or more of the following: details of the product; the location of the product; the date the product was received into stock; an expiry date of the product, if any; the cost and selling prices of the product; and details of the product supplier.
  • the signal means may be deactivatable by a deactivating means, and inparticular, by an authorised deactivating means only.
  • the deactivating means may include a magnetic deactivator and/or a scanner.
  • Each deactivating means may have an individual identification code which is transmitted to and recorded by the computer monitoring means when the signal means is deactivated.
  • the computer monitoring means may also record the date and time when the signal means is deactivated.
  • An alerting means may be provided to alert the user when the signal indicates that the product is in the process of being removed or has been removed from the premises when the signal means is activated.
  • the alerting means may also be activated when the signal means is deactivated by a deactivating means other than an authorised deactivating means.
  • reference numeral 10 generally indicates a product monitoring system in accordance with the invention.
  • the transponder is activated in a despatch area 22 of a first site, being a seller's premises, prior to the product 14 being loaded onto a vehicle 24 and despatched to a second site, being a client's premises 26. Details of the product, including it's destination (the client's premises 26) are input into the computer 18 and stored. An identification code of the scanner 20 which is authorised to deactivate the transponder is also input and stored in the computer 18.
  • a signal tracking means in the form of a GPS satellite 28 tracks a signal 30 transmitted by the activated transponder, and the tracked signal is monitored using the computer 18.
  • the computer program allows the current location of the product 14 to be displayed, as well as information relating to the client's address, the route the vehicle 24 should be travelling, details of the journey (for example, the time taken and the number of stops made), and an expected time of arrival of the vehicle 24 and product 14 at the client's premises 26.
  • the product monitoring system 10 can be used to monitor both a local or an international delivery of the product 14.
  • a user consults the computer to ascertain whether the product is in stock or not. At the same time, the computer will identify the location of the product, thereby saving the user time which would otherwise have been expended searching for the product in the warehouse.
  • the user can also use the product monitoring system for stock-taking, as the same types of products may be labelled with microchips having transponders or ttrans itters which transmit identical or similar signals. The user will thereby be able to ascertain the number of products of a particular type by the number of similar or identical signals located.
  • a report listing the products with transponders or transmitters which have been deactivated, and the code of the scanner which was used, can also be generated, thereby enabling the user to ascertain what stock has been removed from the premises and by whom if there is a query, particularly if the scanner is specific to any one person or group of persons.
  • An alerting means in the form of a magnetic signal detector and alarm is provided to alert the user if the product is removed from the premises while the transponders or transmitter is activated.
  • the product monitoring system can therefore also be used to limit theft of products.
  • This second embodiment of the product monitoring system can be used in conjunction with the first embodiment.
  • the user may use the second embodiment for internal monitoring of products, and may employ the first embodiment to monitor products when they leave the user's premises to be delivered to a client.
  • the computer programs are typically written in JAVA.
  • the invention is advantageous in that it provides an efficient and cost-effective product monitoring system which permits a product to be continuously and electronically monitored and tracked from a remote position, thereby inhibiting theft and permitting greater control of stock control and delivery of products.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a product monitoring system (10) which according to a first embodiment monitors delivery of a product (14) which is not a vehicle, and according to a second embodiment monitors a product on a user's premises. The product monitoring system (10) includes an electronic signal means, typically in the form of a transponder or transmitter (12) for permitting a receiving means (28) to receive a signal corresponding to the product (14), the signal means being configured to be applied to the product (14) or packaging of the product. Means for monitoring the signal from a position remote of the product in the form of a computermonitoring means (18) is also provided.

Description

PRODUCT MONITORING SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a product monitoring system, and in particular to a product monitoring system for electronically monitoring the location of a product.
Background of the Invention
The applicant is aware of problems many sellers, or distributors of products incur with theft of products, either when the products are on the premises of the seller or distributor, or when the products are being transported from the premises to a customer. Therefore a need exists for a monitoring system which monitors and tracks the location of a product, either while the product is on a user's premises or while the product is being transported from the premises to a customer.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, according to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a product monitoring system for monitoring delivery of a product which is not a vehicle, the product monitoring system including: an electronic signal means for permitting a receiving means to receive a signal corresponding to the product, the signal means being configured to be applied to the product or packaging of the product; and means for monitoring the signal from a position remote of the product.
The signal means may be configured to transmit a received signal to the receiving means. The signal means may be a transponder or a transmitter, and is preferably located on a microchip or any other suitable material which is secured to the product or its packaging by embedding, gluing, stapling, sticking, integrally forming, printing onto the product or packaging, or applying the microchip in any other suitable manner. The product monitoring system may include means for activating the signal means to transmit a signal when the product is despatched from a first site. The activating means may include a magnetic activator and/or a scanner.
The first site may be a despatch area of a seller or supplier of the product.
The receiving means may be used to locate the product by receiving the signal and transmitting information relating to the location of the signal means to the means for monitoring the signal. The receiving means may be a transmitter, a transceiver, a microwave receiver, a radio receiver, a satellite or any other suitable telecommunication device or system, for example, the internet. In this context, the term "telecommunication" is to be understood to include, but not be limited to, local area networks (LANs), cellular and satellite technologies. The signal locating means is typically either a GPS satellite (global positioning satellite) or a low frequency radio receiver.
The means for monitoring the signal may include a computer monitoring means, which may supply to a user information relating to the location of the product. The computer monitoring means may include a computer program which provides information relating to one or more of the following: details of the product; the current location of the product; details of the first site; details of a second site; the route along which the product has been transported since the signal means was activated; the time of despatch of the product from the first site; any breaks in the journey; and an expected time of arrival of the product at the second site. The second site may be a delivery area of a purchaser of the product.
The signal means may be configured to be deactivatable by a deactivating means, and in particular, by an authorised deactivating means only. The deactivating means may be a scanner, and may be located at the second site. Each signal deactivating means may have an individual identification code which is transmitted to and recorded by the computer monitoring means when the signal means is deactivated. The computer monitoring means may also record the date and time when the transmitting means is deactivated.
An alerting means may be provided to alert a user when the signal indicates that the product is no longer being transported in a direction towards the second site. The alerting means may also be activated when the signal means is deactivated by a deactivating means other than a deactivating means having an identification code of the authorised deactivating means, and/or when the signal means is deactivated before the product reaches the second site.
The second site may be in a different country to the first site. Alternatively the second site may be in the same country as the first site, and may even be on the same premises as the first site.
According to a second embodiment of the invention there is provided a signal means for use in a product monitoring system substantially as described above.
According to a third embodiment of the invention there is provided a use of a product monitoring system substantially as described above for monitoring delivery of a product which is not a vehicle.
According to a fourth embodiment of the invention there is provided a computer program for use in a product monitoring system substantially as described above.
According to a fifth embodiment of the invention there is provided a product monitoring system for monitoring a product on a user's premises, the product monitoring system including: an electronic signal means for permitting a receiving means to receive a signal corresponding to the product, the signal means being configured to be applied to the product or packaging of the product; and means for monitoring the signal from a position remote of the product.
The product monitoring system may be used as an inventory control, and may further be used to determine whether a user has the product in stock.
The signal means may be configured to transmit a received signal to the receiving means, and may be a transmitter or a transponder, typically located on a microchip.
The product monitoring system may further include means for activating the signal means to transmit a signal. The activating means may include a magnetic activator and/or a scanner. The receiving means my be used to locate the product by receiving the signal and transmitting information relating to the location of the signal means to the means for monitoring the signal. The receiving means may be a transmitter, a transceiver, a transponder, a microwave receiver, a radio receiver, a satellite, or any other suitable telecommunication system or device, for example, the internet. The signal locating means is typically a low frequency radio receiver.
The means for monitoring the signal may include a computer monitoring means which supplies to a user information relating to the location of the product. The computer monitoring means may include a computer program which provides information relating to one or more of the following: details of the product; the location of the product; the date the product was received into stock; an expiry date of the product, if any; the cost and selling prices of the product; and details of the product supplier.
The signal means may be deactivatable by a deactivating means, and inparticular, by an authorised deactivating means only. The deactivating means may include a magnetic deactivator and/or a scanner. Each deactivating means may have an individual identification code which is transmitted to and recorded by the computer monitoring means when the signal means is deactivated. The computer monitoring means may also record the date and time when the signal means is deactivated.
An alerting means may be provided to alert the user when the signal indicates that the product is in the process of being removed or has been removed from the premises when the signal means is activated. The alerting means may also be activated when the signal means is deactivated by a deactivating means other than an authorised deactivating means.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a use of a product monitoring system substantially as described above.
According to yet a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a signal means for use in a product monitoring system substantially as described above. According to yet a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a computer program for use in a product monitoring system substantially as described above.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention will now be described further with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawing (Figure 1) which shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a product monitoring system according to the invention.
Referring to the drawing, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a product monitoring system in accordance with the invention.
The product monitoring system 10 includes an electronic signal means in the form of a transponder (not shown) located on a microchip 12 secured to a product 14, an activating means in the form of a scanner 16, a signal monitoring means in the form of a computer 18 or company network onto which is loaded a specially developed computer program (not shown), and means for deactivating the transponder in the form of a scanner 20.
The transponder is activated in a despatch area 22 of a first site, being a seller's premises, prior to the product 14 being loaded onto a vehicle 24 and despatched to a second site, being a client's premises 26. Details of the product, including it's destination (the client's premises 26) are input into the computer 18 and stored. An identification code of the scanner 20 which is authorised to deactivate the transponder is also input and stored in the computer 18.
A signal tracking means in the form of a GPS satellite 28 tracks a signal 30 transmitted by the activated transponder, and the tracked signal is monitored using the computer 18. The computer program allows the current location of the product 14 to be displayed, as well as information relating to the client's address, the route the vehicle 24 should be travelling, details of the journey (for example, the time taken and the number of stops made), and an expected time of arrival of the vehicle 24 and product 14 at the client's premises 26. An alerting means in the form of an alarm (not shown) alerts a user of the product monitoring system 10 if the signal 30 shows that the product 14 has deviated from the expected route, if the transponder has been deactivated by a scanner not having the required identification code, or if the transponder has been deactivated prior to reaching the client's premises 26.
When the vehicle 24 reaches the client's premises 26, the product 14 can be unloaded and delivered to the client, and the deactivating scanner 20 can be used to deactivate the transponder. The computer 18 records the location, date and time of the deactivation and can also record the identification code of the scanner 20. Thus, if there are any queries relating to the delivery of the product 14, the user will be able to refer to the computer 18 to obtain the above details.
The product monitoring system 10 can be used to monitor both a local or an international delivery of the product 14.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the product monitoring system is used to monitor and track products located on a user's premises, typically in a warehouse, stockroom or storage facility.
The product monitoring system includes an electronic signal means in the form of a transponder located on a microchip which is secured to a product or its packaging. When the product is entered into the user's inventory, an activating means in the form of a scanner is used to activate the transponder so that it is capable of transmitting an electronic signal in response to another signal. A signal receiving means in the form of a low frequency radio receiver, microwave receiver, GPS satellite or the like is provided to monitor and track the signal on the product. A computer or company network is linked to the radio receiver and is used to monitor the location of the product using the signal.
When the product is sold by the seller or is legitimately removed from the warehouse, a deactivating means in the form of a scanner is used to deactivate the transponder. The computer can record an identification code of the scanner.
In use, a user consults the computer to ascertain whether the product is in stock or not. At the same time, the computer will identify the location of the product, thereby saving the user time which would otherwise have been expended searching for the product in the warehouse. The user can also use the product monitoring system for stock-taking, as the same types of products may be labelled with microchips having transponders or ttrans itters which transmit identical or similar signals. The user will thereby be able to ascertain the number of products of a particular type by the number of similar or identical signals located. A report listing the products with transponders or transmitters which have been deactivated, and the code of the scanner which was used, can also be generated, thereby enabling the user to ascertain what stock has been removed from the premises and by whom if there is a query, particularly if the scanner is specific to any one person or group of persons.
An alerting means in the form of a magnetic signal detector and alarm is provided to alert the user if the product is removed from the premises while the transponders or transmitter is activated. The product monitoring system can therefore also be used to limit theft of products.
This second embodiment of the product monitoring system can be used in conjunction with the first embodiment. For example, the user may use the second embodiment for internal monitoring of products, and may employ the first embodiment to monitor products when they leave the user's premises to be delivered to a client.
The computer programs are typically written in JAVA.
The invention is not limited to the precise constructional details as herein described.
The applicant believes that the invention is advantageous in that it provides an efficient and cost-effective product monitoring system which permits a product to be continuously and electronically monitored and tracked from a remote position, thereby inhibiting theft and permitting greater control of stock control and delivery of products.

Claims

1. A product monitoring system for monitoring delivery of a product which is not a vehicle, the product monitoring system including: an electronic signal means for permitting a receiving means to receive a signal corresponding to the product, the signal means being configured to be applied to the product or packaging of the product; and means for monitoring the signal from a position remote of the product.
2. A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal means is configured to transmit a received signal to the receiving means.
3. A product monitoring system as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the signal means is a transponder. . A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal means is a transmitter.
5. A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the signal means is located on a microchip. . A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, which includes means for activating the signal means to transmit a signal when the product is despatched from a first site. . A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the means for activating the signal means includes a scanner. . A product monitoring system as claimed in either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the means for activating the signal means includes a magnetic activator. . A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first site is a despatch area of a seller or supplier of the product.
10. A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the receiving means is used to locate the product by receiving the signal and transmitting information relating to the location of the signal means to the means for monitoring the signal.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving means is a transmitter.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving means is a transceiver.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving means is a microwave receiver.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving means is a radio receiver.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving means is a satellite.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the satellite is a GPS satellite.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the signal locating means is any suitable telecommunication system.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for monitoring the signal includes a computer monitoring means which supplies to a user information relating to the location of the product.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the computer monitoring means includes a computer program which provides information relating to one or more of the following: details of the product; details of the first site; details of a second site; the current location of the product; the route the product has travelled since the signal means was activated; the time of despatch of the product from the first site; any breaks in the journey; and an expected time of arrival of the product at the second site. A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second site is a delivery area of a purchaser of the product.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the signal means is deactivatable by a deactivating means.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the signal means is deactivatable by an authorised deactivating means only.
A product monitoring system as claimed in either of claims 21 or 22, wherein the deactivating means is located at the second site.
A product monitoring system as claimed in either of claims 21 or 22, wherein the deactivating means is a scanner.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein each deactivating means has an individual identification code which is transmitted to and recorded by the computer monitoring means when the signal means is deactivated.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the computer monitoring means further records the date and time when the signal means is deactivated.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the computer monitoring means includes an alerting means which is activated when the signal indicates that the product is no longer being transported in a direction towards the second site.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the alerting means is also activated when the signal means is deactivated by a deactivating means other than a deactivating means having an identification code of the authorised deactivating means.
A product monitoring system as claimed in either of claims 27 or 28, wherein the alerting means is also activated when the signal means is deactivated before the product reaches the second site. A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the second site is in a different country to the first site.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the second site is on the same premises as the first site.
Use of a product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31 to monitor delivery of a product which is not a vehicle.
A signal means for use in a product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31.
A computer program for use in a product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31.
A product monitoring system for monitoring a product on a user's premises, the product monitoring system including: an electronic signal means for permitting a receiving means to receive a signal corresponding to the product, the signal means being configured to be applied to the product or packaging of the product; and means for monitoring the signal from a position remote of the product.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 35, which is used to determine whether a user has the product in stock.
A product monitoring systems as claimed in either of claims 35 or 36, wherein the signal means is configured to transmit a received signal to the receiving means.
A product monitoring systems as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the signal means is a transponder.
A product monitoring system as claimed in either of claims 35 or 36, wherein the signal means is a transmitter. A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein the signal means is located on a microchip.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 40, which includes means for activating the signal means to transmit a signal.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the means for activating the signal means includes a scanner.
A product monitoring system as claimed in either of claims 41 or 42, wherein the means for activating the signal means includes a magnetic activator.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 43, wherein the receiving means is used to locate the product by receiving the signal and transmitting information relating to the location of the signal means to the means for monitoring the signal.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein the receiving means is a transmitter.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein the receiving means is a transceiver.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein the receiving means is a transponder.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein the receiving means is a microwave receiver.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein the receiving means is a radio receiver.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein the receiving means is a satellite.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 50, wherein the satellite is a GPS satellite. A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein the receiving means is any suitable telecommunication device or system.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 52, wherein the means for monitoring the signal includes a computer monitoring means which supplies to a user information relating to the location of the product.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the computer monitoring means includes a computer program which provides information relating to one or more of the following: details of the product; the location of the product; the date the product was received into stock; an expiry date of the product, if relevant; the cost and selling prices of the product; and details of the product supplier.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 54, wherein the signal means is deactivatable by a deactivating means.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the signal means is deactivatable by an authorised deactivating means only.
A product monitoring system as claimed in either of claims 55 or 56, wherein the deactivating means is a scanner.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 57, wherein each authorised deactivating means has an individual identification code which is transmitted to and recorded by the computer monitoring means when the signal means is deactivated.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 58, wherein the computer monitoring means records the date and time when the signal means is deactivated.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 59, wherein the computer monitoring means includes an alerting means which is activated when the signal indicates that the product is in the process of being removed or has been removed from the premises when the signal means is activated.
A product monitoring system as claimed in claim 60, wherein the alerting means is also activated when the signal means is deactivated by a deactivating means other than an authorised deactivating means.
Use of a product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 61 for monitoring a product on a user's premises.
A signal means for use in a product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 61.
A computer program for use in a product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 61.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31, substantially as hereinbefore described and exemplified.
A product monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 61 , substantially as hereinbefore described and exemplified.
Use of a product monitoring system as claimed in either of claims 32 or 62, substantially as hereinbefore described and exemplified.
A signal means as claimed in either of claims 33 or 63, substantially as hereinbefore described and exemplified.
A computer program as claimed in either of claims 34 or 64, substantially as hereinbefore described and exemplified.
A product monitoring system, use of a product monitoring system, a signal means or a computer program including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers as herein described.
PCT/ZA2000/000068 2000-04-03 2000-04-03 Product of monitoring system WO2001075762A1 (en)

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