Patent ID: 6650225
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
A directed inventory system, comprising:a computer operable to process servicing information; a plurality parts bins; a plurality of pick-from module each being associated with and positioned proximal to individual ones of the parts bins, each of the pick-from modules being operable to directly wirelessly communicate with the computer to allow easy positional rearrangement of the parts bins, wherein every one of the pick-from modules each separately include an antenna operable to receive a wireless communication directly from the computer, a translator operatively coupled to the antenna to demodulate the wireless communication from the computer, a processor operatively coupled to the translator to process the wireless communication, and a light indicator operatively coupled to the processor to visually identify a selected one of the parts bins in response to the wireless communication from the computer; at least one access-point module operable to receive and retransmit the wireless communication between the computer and the pick-from modules; wherein the access-point module is operable to decode virtual addresses for the pick-from modules to increase number of addresses available in the directed inventory system; and wherein at least one of the pick-from modules includes a proximity detection section operatively coupled to the processor of the at least one of the pick-from modules, the proximity detection section being operable to sense activity around at least one of the parts bins to count parts movement.