Time and accounting system
US4658357A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 1984 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q40/125
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for automatically logging the interaction between a plurality of objects. Small, self-contained transmitting beacon units are attached or carried by a first set of objects. These beacon units transmit a uniquely coded signal at prescribed intervals. A small, self-contained portable transceiving unit is attached to a second set of objects. The second set of objects typically moves in, about, and among the first set of objects, although either set may move relative to the other. The signals transmitted by the beacon units have a limited range. If the transceiving unit is within this range for a specified period of time, the unique code associated with the transmitted signal is time-logged into a memory element contained within the portable receiving unit. At the end of a specified period of time, such as a work day, the contents of the memory of the transceiving unit may be examined to determine the objects with which an interaction has been had during the time period. Alternatively, stationary receiving units may be selectively placed in and around the region wherein the first set of objects moves, and the receiving unit can then receive and time-log the unique codes associ…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.