Radio frequency identification method and system of distributing products
US7784689B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2700/08
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for vending products from a defined area, such as a micro-warehouse with a door. The method includes fitting each product with a radio frequency identification tag, positioning the plurality of products in a micro-warehouse, sensing opening and closing of the micro-warehouse door, scanning the plurality of products in the micro-warehouse upon sensing closing of the door to determine the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, generating a message based on the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, transmitting the message to a remote processor or server, and maintaining an inventory in the remote processor based on the message.The system is designed to be accessed by authorized individuals possessing some type of code or identifying mechanism. The micro-warehouses may be cabinets, refrigerators, secured rooms, or similar storage units or areas. Each micro-warehouse has an output device such as a light or display, a door, an antenna mounted on or in the micro-warehouse, and a controller coupled to the antenna. Using a signal from the antenna or other input device, the controller is operable to check the identity of the individual accessin…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.