Patent ID: 7293705
Filing Date: 2007-11-13
Classification: F25D,G06Q,G07F,G07G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: an RFID scanning unit, wherein software for controlling said apparatus is downloaded to said apparatus, wherein a list of authorized users for said apparatus is downloaded to said apparatus, wherein said apparatus is a refrigerated cabinet having a door, and wherein said apparatus further comprises: (a) sensing means for sensing opening and closing of the door; (b) means for controlling said RFID scanning unit to scan the cabinet's interior, in response to said sensing means sensing closing of the cabinet door, to detect presence of a product in the cabinet's interior, the product being fitted with an RFID tag; (c) means for generating a message based on a result of the scan by said RFID scanning unit; (d) means for transmitting the message to a server, wherein an inventory is maintained in the server based on the message; and (e) one of (1) means for reading a fingerprint and unlocking the door in accordance with the reading of the fingerprint and (2) means for reading an RFID badge and unlocking the door in accordance with the reading of the RFID badge.