Patent ID: 7623029
Filing Date: 2009-11-24
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A system for monitoring and tracking a plurality of containers organized in groups or lots, wherein each container is provided with a unique container address and lot designation, said system comprising: a short range wireless communications device associated with each container, each short range wireless communication device including a transmitter element and a receiver element; a position determination element; and a control element which dynamically tracks certain groups or lots of containers using the unique container addresses and lot designations; wherein, for any given lot of containers, at least one container is initially programmed with a preset table comprising all of the container addresses within a given lot designation; further wherein, one or more containers within a specific location are queried for their container address and lot designation; further wherein responses to queries from the containers are collected and compared against the preset table to determine if any containers are absent; and reporting an alarm condition if any of the containers are determined to be absent.