Determining inventory levels using switch-equipped strips and patterns of activated or deactivated indicators
US11410122B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2020 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2500/06
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An impulse strip including a plurality of clips, hooks or other features for attaching items to the impulse strip also includes a plurality of switches associated with each of the clips, hooks or other features. The switches are in communication with illuminators or other indicators that are arranged in an array. When an item is loaded onto the strip, or removed from the strip, a switch may be opened or closed, causing one of the illuminators in the array to be activated or deactivated accordingly. An image captured of the illuminators is processed to determine which of the illuminators is activated and which is deactivated, and an inventory level of the strip may be determined based on the statuses of the respective illuminators corresponding to the clips, the hooks or the other features of the impulse strip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.