Patent ID: 6501379
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: A47G,G06K,G07B,G08B

Abstract:
An item tracking and control system comprising:a trackable object corresponding to each item to be tracked; a storage unit for removably receiving and storing a plurality of said trackable objects and the items corresponding thereto; each of said trackable objects being provided with an electronic circuit that includes storage for storing at least an identification code associated with said trackable object and thus associated with the item corresponding to said trackable object, said electronic circuit being coupled to a visual indicator on said trackable object; a computer-based controller associated with said storage unit and programmed to receive used input and to generate a request for one of said items, said request including at least the identification code the requested item; a communications link in said storage unit for communicating requests from said controller to the electronic circuits of trackable objects in said storage unit; said electronic circuit of each trackable object activating said visual indicator on said trackable object when a request that includes an identification code corresponding to the identification code associated with said trackable object and its corresponding item is communicated from said controller through said communications link, the activation of said visual indicator identifying the item requested in said user input.