Patent ID: 7474207

Claim:
A computer implemented method for automatically notifying a component of an approach of a moving component, the computer implemented method comprising: receiving a signal generated by a radio frequency identification tag located with the moving component, wherein the signal is generated when the moving component moves within a selected distance of an arrival point, and wherein the signal includes a unique identifier for the moving component; identifying the moving component based on the unique identifier in the signal; sending a second signal to the component to signal that initiation of a set of actions is to be performed with respect to the moving component, wherein the second signal is received by a second radio frequency identification tag located with the component, and wherein the second radio frequency identification tag includes a transponder, receiver, and a signaling device, and wherein upon receiving the second signal the signaling device alerts the component to initiate the set of actions to be performed with respect to the moving component by providing a notification to the component comprising at least one of a visual, audio, or tactile alert, and wherein the second signal comprises a channel access protocol code that the component uses to determine whether the second signal is intended for the component, and wherein sending the second signal to the component allows the component to prepare for the moving component's arrival at the arrival point; and terminating the second signal responsive to the component moving away from a second selected distance of the arrival point.