Systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring a container associated with an item
US7116223B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07G3/003
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided to monitor a container associated with an item. According to one embodiment, an indication that a container has been opened is received. For example, the container may transmit a signal when a person opens the container to access an item. Based on the received indication, ownership of the item may be transferred and/or another item may be provided (e.g., to the person who opened the container). According to other embodiments, item quality information, item warranty information, and/or security information are determined based on the received indication. According to still other embodiments, a sender receives a notification based on the indication or the indication is recorded as an acceptance of an agreement. In yet another embodiment, the indication is used to verify that the container was opened in accordance with an item requirement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.