Patent ID: 6392543
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: G06K,G07B,G08B

Abstract:
An object tracking system for tracking a collection of objects where a plurality of the objects are periodically removed as a group from, and later returned as a group to, the collection of objects, said object tracking system comprising:a storage unit at a central location for receiving and storing the collection of objects; a central controller coupled to said storage unit at the central location for tracking the removal and replacement of the collection of objects in said storage unit; at least one portable carrier removably positionable in said storage unit, said carrier being carryable to a remote location when removed from said storage unit; a plurality of object holders on said carrier for holding the plurality of objects to be removed as a group from the collection of objects in said storage unit; means for tracking and saving a record of the removal of objects from and the replacement of objects in said carrier during the time when said carrier is removed from said storage unit; and means for transferring the record to the central controller upon return of said carrier to said storage unit, the central controller updating a usage log to reflect the record of removal and replacement of objects from said carrier during the time when said carrier was removed from said storage unit.