U.S. patent application number 13/039215 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-23 for inventory control system process.
This patent application is currently assigned to WORTHWHILE PRODUCTS. Invention is credited to Stanley B. Solomon.
Application Number | 20110153614 13/039215 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46332533 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110153614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Solomon; Stanley B. |
June 23, 2011 |
INVENTORY CONTROL SYSTEM PROCESS
Abstract
The inventory control system process includes storing product
information in a database. Location information is also accepted
and stored in the database in association with the product
information. The system receives a command associated with the
database and analyzes the command for an instruction and one or
more keywords. Next, the database is searched for one or more
products associated with the one or more keywords. A list of
products related to the one or more keywords is then displayed. The
system then accesses, modifies, retrieves, or deletes database
information in response to the instruction.
Inventors: |
Solomon; Stanley B.;
(Rolling Hills Estates, CA) |
Assignee: |
WORTHWHILE PRODUCTS
Rolling Hills Estates
CA
|
Family ID: |
46332533 |
Appl. No.: |
13/039215 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12718791 |
Mar 5, 2010 |
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13039215 |
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11854246 |
Sep 12, 2007 |
7850411 |
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12718791 |
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11854232 |
Sep 12, 2007 |
7837424 |
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11854246 |
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11308791 |
May 4, 2006 |
7689480 |
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11854246 |
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11308791 |
May 4, 2006 |
7689480 |
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11854232 |
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11195248 |
Aug 1, 2005 |
7168905 |
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11308791 |
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12967513 |
Dec 14, 2010 |
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11195248 |
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11854246 |
Sep 12, 2007 |
7850411 |
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12967513 |
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11308791 |
May 4, 2006 |
7689480 |
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11854246 |
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11195248 |
Aug 1, 2005 |
7168905 |
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11308791 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
707/740 ;
707/769; 707/E17.014; 707/E17.09 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 2209/04 20130101;
G06Q 10/087 20130101; B65G 1/127 20130101; B65G 1/137 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/740 ;
707/769; 707/E17.014; 707/E17.09 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30 |
Claims
1. An inventory control system process, comprising the steps of:
storing product information in a database; accepting location
information for storage in the database in association with the
product information; receiving a command associated with
information in the database; analyzing the command for an
instruction and one or more keywords; searching the database for
one or more products associated with the one or more keywords; and
displaying a list of products related to the one or more keywords
in the command, and accessing, modifying, retrieving or deleting
information in the database in response to the instruction.
2. The process of claim 1, including the step of categorizing the
product information and the location information in a hierarchal
database.
3. The process of claim 2, wherein the searching step includes
simultaneously searching multiple levels of the hierarchal
database.
4. The process of claim 1, including the step of reading a barcode
or communicating with a data transmission device associated with
the product.
5. The process of claim 4, including the step of populating the
database with information from the barcode or the data transmission
device.
6. The process of claim 1, including the step of assigning the
product a sequential number.
7. The process of claim 6, including the step of programming a
local barcode or a local data transmissions device with the
sequential number.
8. The process of claim 1, including the step of communicating
information between the database and a universal remote.
9. The process of claim 8, including the step of receiving the
command through a microphone integrated into the universal
remote.
10. The process of claim 8, wherein the universal remote wirelessly
communicates with the database.
11. The process of claim 8, including the step of securing the
universal remote with biometric data.
12. The process of claim 11, wherein the biometric data comprises a
thumbprint scan, a retinal scan or a facial scan.
13. The process of claim 1, wherein the location information
comprises a physical location and a product location at the
physical location.
14. The process of claim 13, including the step of printing a
barcode selectively attachable to the physical location or the
product location.
15. The process of claim 13, wherein the physical location
comprises a GPS coordinate.
16. The process of claim 1, wherein the command comprises a verbal
command, a keyboard entry or a touch screen entry.
17. The process of claim 1, including the step of correlating a
field number with the product information.
18. The process of claim 1, including the step of customizing a
line item field in the database.
19. The process of claim 1, including the step of updating the
product quantity after modifying, retrieving or deleting
information in the database.
20. The process of claim 1, wherein the displaying step includes
displaying a photograph of the product, a photograph of the
physical location of the product, a UPC code, or a product
description.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an inventory
control system process. More particularly, the present invention is
directed to an inventory control system process responsive to a
command for accessing, modifying, retrieving or deleting
information in association with a database. Such an inventory
control system process may be used with a storage and retrieval
system employing a plurality of movable storage units.
[0002] In the kitchen, pots, pans, flour, condiments, boxes and
cans of food, mixers and other items are usually stored in drawers
and cupboards which are scattered throughout the kitchen. Pots and
pans are ordinarily kept in cupboards which are dark, difficult to
access and maintain. The average person is subjected to
considerable exercise and rummaging through cupboards in an attempt
to locate a pot or pan of the desired shape and size. Many
cupboards are either below sinks or stoves, or elevated. This
requires bending down to find the desired container, pot or food
article or standing on a chair to retrieve these items. The storage
of such kitchen equipment and food take up a large number of cubic
feet of space, some of which is wasted as the items are not readily
retrievable in corners and the like.
[0003] A similar problem is encountered with closets, which are
used to store shoes, pants, blouses, dresses, socks and other
non-clothing items. Oftentimes, shoes are stored on the floor,
clothes are hung on elongated rods in the closet (which often do
not provide sufficient storage space) and other items are stacked
on shelves--often at a considerable height. Such an arrangement
presents many of the same disadvantages of kitchen storage.
[0004] Retrieving items in such settings is particularly difficult
for those individuals who are taller than usual, shorter than
usual, elderly or handicapped. Much of the space in corners and
near ceilings is wasted space in a household.
[0005] The present invention seeks to provide a simplified,
efficient and comparatively inexpensive storage conveyor apparatus
for easy installation in a kitchen, closet, or the like. The
invention can utilize adjacent wasted spaces above stairways,
beneath floors, above ceilings, in corners, etc.
[0006] Various conveyor systems for a wide variety of goods,
including elevating conveyors, horizontal conveyors, and
combination types, are known in the prior art. This so-called
"dumb-waiter" for elevating various articles in homes, restaurants
and the like between different floor levels has long been known.
The art relating to storage and display cases provides a number of
devices in which two adjacent columns of containers are disposed
one behind the other with the upward movement of one column and a
downward movement of the adjacent one being obtained by associating
the various containers with chains or cables passing over suitable
wheels or sprockets. However, such devices present various
drawbacks. For example, the type of movement from one column to
another characteristic of the chain or cable type mechanism is such
that a considerable amount of clearance is required for the
containers. Moreover, the sprockets and cables operate under
considerable loads and the bearings necessary to support these
loads must be mounted upon sufficient structures to adequately
carry the stresses to the floor. An elaborate shifting sequence
must take place as the tension members pass over the pulleys in
order to avoid inverting the containers during the process.
[0007] One of the main drawbacks encountered in automatic and
semi-automatic storage systems relates to the complexity of the
mechanisms used. Such complexity adds to the cost of installing the
system, and adversely affects the reliability of such systems.
Incorporating chain and pulley systems, unique lifting mechanisms,
etc., renders the systems complicated and expensive to build, prone
to breakage, and increases maintenance time and costs.
[0008] Another drawback encountered with storage systems relates to
an owner of an object not being able to remember or locate where
that object was stored in their home. The owner of the object may
know that the object is stored somewhere in their house but may not
be able to remember in which room or in what storage device the
object is located. An inventory control system that can identify
and keep track of objects is therefore highly desirable. While some
objects, such as products purchased from commercial entities (e.g.,
retail stores, wholesalers or the like) have identifying indicia,
such as Uniform Product Code (UPC) numbers, many objects do not.
For example, UPC numbers are used on can labels and tags attached
to clothing. However, many objects either do not have such labels
or tags in the first place or they were removed from the object
after purchase.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for an automated
inventory control system that is simple, efficient and
comparatively inexpensive. Such an inventory control system should
be capable of storing product information in a database, accepting
location information for those products, receiving a command to
execute a function in relation to the products in the database,
searching the database for one or more products associated with a
keyword, and displaying those products in regard to executing the
command. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides
other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The inventory control system process disclosed herein
includes steps for storing product information in a database and
accepting location information for storage in the database in
association with the product information. The location information
preferably includes at least two pieces of information. First, a
physical location where the product is stored. This enables the
user to identify the general area where the product is stored. The
second being the specific product location where the product is
stored at the physical location. In one embodiment, the physical
location may be a GPS coordinate. This allows the user to pinpoint
the location of the product at the physical location. The product
information and the location information are preferably categorized
in a hierarchal database accessible by a portable electronic device
such as a universal remote.
[0011] The inventory control system receives a command associated
with information in the database. The command may include a verbal
command, a keyboard entry or a touch screen entry. Preferably, the
command is spoken into a microphone integrated into the universal
remote and the universal remote communicates the command to the
database for processing. The command is analyzed to obtain an
instruction and one or more keywords associated with the
instruction. Thereafter, the database is searched for one or more
products associated with the one or more keywords. The search
includes simultaneously searching multiple levels of the hierarchal
database to find matches to the search keyword(s). At the end of
the search, a list of products related to the one or more keywords
in the command is displayed. Preferably, the displaying step
includes displaying a photograph of the product, a photograph of
the physical location of the product, a UPC code, or a product
description. Information in the database is then accessed,
modified, retrieved or deleted in response to the instruction.
[0012] The universal remote may be capable of reading a barcode or
communicating with an RFID chip associated with the product. Here,
the database may be automatically populated with product
information supplied by the barcode or the RFID chip. In one
embodiment, the system retrieves database information from a third
party supplier. Since the universal remote has access to a plethora
of information in the database, the universal remote is preferably
secured against unauthorized use with biometric data. That is, the
universal remote will not operate or disclose information in the
inventory control system unless the user verifies their identity by
supplying a matching thumbprint scan, a retinal scan, or a facial
scan.
[0013] Additionally, each tangible product input into the system
may be assigned a sequential number specific to the local database.
The sequential number is preferably programmed for use with a local
barcode or a local RFID chip that can be automatically read by the
universal remote. In this respect, it may be necessary to print a
barcode that is selectively attachable to the product.
Alternatively, the system may print a barcode that is selectively
attachable to the physical location or the product location so the
user may easily identify items stored in general storage locations.
Of course, the user can customize any line item field in the
database and the database preferably correlates a field number with
certain product information. Moreover, the product quantity is
updated as a result of modifying, retrieving, or deleting
information in the database.
[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which
illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a storage system;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single track system
showing a plurality of stacked storage units operably connected
thereto, in phantom;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the stacked storage units,
with the single track illustrated in phantom;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the stacked storage
units;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a single storage
unit;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the storage unit of FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the storage unit of
FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
9-9 of FIG. 6, illustrating a slidable drawer;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a partially sectioned and fragmented perspective
view of a storage unit having balancing means incorporated
therewith;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
11-11 of FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the storage unit
of FIG. 11, illustrating an alternative balancing means;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 10, further illustrating
containers within a drawer of the storage unit;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a storage system with
power-driven actuators positioned about the single track
system;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view illustrating control of the
power-driven actuators;
[0031] FIG. 16 is an electronic schematic illustrating the control
circuitry for vertical and rotary actuators;
[0032] FIG. 17 is an electronic schematic of the control circuitry
for operating the horizontal actuators;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 14, further
illustrating two columns of storage units and the operation of the
actuators moving a top storage unit from one column to an adjacent
column;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 18,
illustrating the top storage unit being moved;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
20-20 of FIG. 19, illustrating the movement of the storage
unit;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the
repositioning of the storage unit from one column to another
column;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
22-22 of FIG. 21, illustrating the repositioned storage unit in
another column;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating the movement of
the top storage unit from one column to an adjacent column along
the single track system;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a top view of FIG. 23, illustrating the use of
stops in the rails of the single track system to prevent reverse
travel of the storage unit;
[0040] FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of area "25" of FIG. 24,
illustrating the stop deflected as a wheel of the storage unit
passes thereby;
[0041] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view taken generally of area "26" of
FIG. 24, illustrating the stop biased outwardly to prevent reverse
travel of the storage unit;
[0042] FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system with an
actuator positioned below the first column of storage units;
[0043] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
28-28 of FIG. 27, illustrating the retraction of a ram of an upper
horizontal actuator;
[0044] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
29-29 of FIG. 27, illustrating the positioning of a swing arm by a
vertical actuator;
[0045] FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
illustrating a vertical actuator lifting the first column of
storage units;
[0046] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
31-31 of FIG. 30, illustrating the top two storage units of the
adjacent columns;
[0047] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
32-32 of FIG. 30, illustrating movement of another swing arm by an
actuator;
[0048] FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
illustrating the supporting of all but the bottom storage unit of
the second column, and the repositioning of the bottom storage unit
from one column to another column;
[0049] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
34-34 of FIG. 33, illustrating the movement of the bottom storage
unit from one column to an adjacent column;
[0050] FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
illustrating the lowering of the storage units in the second column
to create a vacancy in a top position thereof;
[0051] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
36-36 in FIG. 35, illustrating the position of the storage units in
the adjacent columns;
[0052] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
37-37 of FIG. 35, illustrating the positioning of the swing arms of
the respective actuators;
[0053] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a dual track storage
system;
[0054] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a plurality of stacked
storage units operably connected to the dual track;
[0055] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a storage unit having sets
of wheels extending therefrom for use in the dual track
embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 41 is a top view illustrating a first set of wheels of
the storage unit engaged with a first rail of the dual track;
[0057] FIG. 42 is a top view illustrating a second set of wheels of
the storage unit engaged with a second rail of the dual track;
[0058] FIG. 43 is a perspective view illustrating movement of the
storage unit along the dual track rails;
[0059] FIG. 44 is another perspective view illustrating movement of
the storage unit along the dual track rails;
[0060] FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
utilizing a manually operated actuating system;
[0061] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
46-46 of FIG. 45;
[0062] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
47-47 of FIG. 45;
[0063] FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
illustrating the movement of a storage unit from one column to an
adjacent second column;
[0064] FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
49-49 of FIG. 48;
[0065] FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
50-50 of FIG. 48;
[0066] FIG. 51 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
illustrating the final placement of the top storage unit from one
column to an adjacent column;
[0067] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
52-52 of FIG. 51;
[0068] FIG. 53 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
illustrating placement of a swing arm under the storage units of
the first column;
[0069] FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
54-54 of FIG. 53, illustrating retraction of the upper horizontal
actuator;
[0070] FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
55-55 of FIG. 53, illustrating placement of the swing arm under the
first column of storage units;
[0071] FIG. 56 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
illustrating the lifting of the first column of storage units using
a vertical actuator;
[0072] FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
57-57 of FIG. 56;
[0073] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
58-58 of FIG. 56, illustrating placement of the swing arms;
[0074] FIG. 59 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
illustrating movement of a bottom storage unit from one column to
another column;
[0075] FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
60-60 of FIG. 59;
[0076] FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
61-61 of FIG. 59;
[0077] FIG. 62 is a diagrammatic view of the storage system,
illustrating the lowering of the second column of storage
units;
[0078] FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
63-63 of FIG. 62;
[0079] FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
64-64 of FIG. 62, illustrating placement of the swing arms;
[0080] FIG. 65 is a diagrammatic view of a horizontal storage
system having two rows of storage units;
[0081] FIG. 66 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative horizontal
storage system having three stacked storage units at opposite end
columns;
[0082] FIG. 67 is a perspective view of an inventory control system
for use with one or more storage modules;
[0083] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a storage module using data
readers;
[0084] FIG. 69 is a diagram illustrating connections between a
control unit and various devices of the inventory control
system;
[0085] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of labeled objects for storage
within a storage unit of a storage module;
[0086] FIG. 71 is a front perspective view of a storage and
retrieval system encased within a wall or housing, without
illustrating the tracks, for purposes of clarification;
[0087] FIG. 72 is an enlarged view of a door in the housing or wall
providing access to a storage unit;
[0088] FIG. 73 is an enlarged view of area "73" of FIG. 71,
illustrating the retrieval of a desired item from a particular
storage unit;
[0089] FIG. 74 is a front perspective view of a storage unit for
use with the storage and retrieval system;
[0090] FIG. 75 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 74, but
wherein the storage unit has two shelves and a drawer contained
therein;
[0091] FIG. 76 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 75,
illustrating the extension of a shelf having a light shining on at
least a portion thereof;
[0092] FIG. 77 is a view similar to FIG. 76, but illustrating a
drawer of the storage unit extending outwardly;
[0093] FIG. 78 is a diagrammatic view of a structure having a
plurality of storage and retrieval systems operably disposed
therein;
[0094] FIG. 79 is a perspective view of another storage unit having
two sets of wheels;
[0095] FIG. 80 is an end view of the storage unit in FIG. 79;
[0096] FIG. 81 is a top plan view of the storage unit in FIG.
79;
[0097] FIG. 82 is a diagrammatic view of a plurality of storage
units arranged in two columns;
[0098] FIG. 83 is a partial perspective view of first and second
tracks, each track having a support rail spanning intermediate
vertical rails thereof;
[0099] FIG. 84 is a diagrammatic view of a storage unit having its
first and second sets of wheels engaging upper rails and support
rails;
[0100] FIG. 85 is a perspective view of a storage unit disposed at
a first end of a vertical track of the storage system;
[0101] FIG. 86 is a view similar to FIG. 85, illustrating the
storage unit's second set of wheels engaging upper support rails as
the storage unit passes intermediate vertical rails;
[0102] FIG. 87 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 85 and 86,
illustrating the storage unit disposed at an opposite second end of
the vertical track of the storage system;
[0103] FIG. 88 is a partially fragmented perspective view of a
storage and retrieval system incorporating a conveyor
apparatus;
[0104] FIG. 89 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 88, but
fragmented to show various component parts thereof;
[0105] FIG. 90 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 89, but
illustrating a hook assembly thereof engaged with a catch of the
storage unit;
[0106] FIG. 91 is a partially fragmented perspective view similar
to FIG. 90, but illustrating the storage unit moved from a first
vertical track to a second vertical track;
[0107] FIG. 92 is a partially fragmented perspective view similar
to FIG. 91, but illustrating the retraction of the hook
assembly;
[0108] FIG. 93 is a perspective view illustrating a conveyor
apparatus with a worm drive actuator;
[0109] FIG. 94 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 93, but
illustrating the hook assembly and storage unit moved from one end
of the track to the opposite end of the track;
[0110] FIG. 95 is a diagram illustrating operation of the inventory
control system;
[0111] FIG. 96 is a flowchart illustrating inputting an item into
the inventory control system;
[0112] FIG. 97 is a flowchart illustrating manually entering
information into the inventory control system database;
[0113] FIG. 98 is a flowchart illustrating a sample set of logic
questions designed to determine the most efficient way to store an
item or items in the storage and retrieval system;
[0114] FIG. 99 is a flowchart illustrating removal of an item from
the inventory control system;
[0115] FIG. 100 is a diagram illustrating several ways of
electronically documenting that an item was removed from the
inventory control system;
[0116] FIG. 101 is a schematic illustrating automatic entry of a
purchased item into the inventory control system at the time of
checkout;
[0117] FIG. 102 is a flowchart illustrating inputting an item into
the inventory control system at checkout and thereafter tracking
the item;
[0118] FIG. 103 is a flowchart illustrating a command-activated
inventory control system;
[0119] FIG. 104 is a flowchart illustrating a process for inputting
product information, searching for that product information a
database, and adjusting product quantities in the database as
necessary;
[0120] FIG. 105 is a flowchart illustrating a process for inputting
product information into the database;
[0121] FIG. 106 is a flowchart illustrating a process for adding a
custom barcode/RFID chip to a product;
[0122] FIG. 107 is a flowchart illustrating a prior art process for
accessing information in a hierarchal database;
[0123] FIG. 108 is a flowchart illustrating a process for accessing
information in a hierarchal database in accordance with the
inventory control system process described herein;
[0124] FIG. 109 is a flowchart illustrating a process for finding
an item or product in a database; and
[0125] FIG. 110 is a flowchart illustrating a process for replacing
or storing an item in accordance with the inventory control system
process described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0126] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the
present invention for an inventory control system process is shown
generally with respect to FIGS. 95-110. The inventory control
system process is designed to be used in association with
electronic devices, and preferably portable electronic devices. In
general, any electronic device usable with the inventory control
system is referred to and described in more detail below as a
"universal remote". The universal remote may be capable of
operating different equipment, and namely interacting with the
inventory control system. A person of ordinary skill in the art
will readily recognize that such a universal remote may include
many different types of electronic devices that include cell
phones, laptops, tablet PCs, personal digital assistants (PDAs),
single or multiple purpose remote controls, wristwatches, etc.
[0127] The operation of the inventory control system process
analyzes commands (e.g. voice-activated commands) to execute
instructions and search for keywords and input information into the
database. With that information, the user may retrieve the location
of tangible items stored within the database by simply speaking one
or more commands. The inventory control system recognizes and
responds to the command to present the user with information
without the need to navigate a hierarchal menu system. The
inventory control system is designed to enhance the efficient
storage and retrieval of tangible items through enhanced usability
and organization. Such a system may be used alone or in combination
with a storage and retrieval system to maximize storage capacities
virtually anywhere (e.g. in a home or business). Preferred storage
and retrieval systems include the below described storage and
retrieval system and the storage and retrieval system described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/967,513, the contents of which
are herein incorporated by reference. Furthermore, the storage and
retrieval system provides easy access and retrievability for
anyone, whether tall, short or handicapped (e.g. in a wheelchair).
Preferably, the inventory control system and the storage and
retrieval system should be user friendly such that virtually any
person may easily store, locate and retrieve items.
[0128] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a storage and retrieval
system that may be used with the aforementioned inventory control
system. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates the storage system as an
upright box structure 10 defining a housing or the like. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the system need not
necessarily be housed in such a structure 10, but instead can be
built into cabinetry, walls of a home or business, etc.
[0129] One or more apertures 12 are formed in the structure 10 for
access to drawers 14 which are preferably slidably mounted within a
storage unit 16. As will be more fully explained herein, the
storage units 16 are stacked upon one another so as to form a
plurality of columns. In FIG. 1, the structure 10 has two columns
of spaces S1-S10. A total of nine storage units 16 occupy the
spaces S1-S10. One of the spaces S1-S10 is generally left vacant
(typically in one of the corners of the columns) for operational
purposes, as described in more detail below. However, it will be
readily understood by those skilled in the art that the number of
columns and the number of stacked storage units 16 can vary. For
example, there can be as few as two columns with three storage
units 16 in a total of four spaces. Alternatively, there can be a
plurality of columns each with two or more storage units 16 stacked
upon one another to form the columns. The fewer the columns and
larger number of storage units 16, the more vertical in operation
is the system. Conversely, the more columns and the fewer number of
storage units 16, the more horizontal the system. Thus, although
two adjacent end columns with a total of nine storage units are
used for purpose of illustration and example, the invention is not
intended to be limited to such.
[0130] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the system presents
multiple apertures 12, such that multiple drawers 14 or storage
units 16 can be accessible at any given time. The apertures or
openings 12 are preferably arranged such that a relatively tall
person can access the upper most position, and shorter individuals,
such as children, or even those in wheelchairs or the like can
access a lowermost opening to a storage unit 16.
[0131] In a preferred embodiment, a controller 18 is mounted to the
structure 10 or a wall. The controller 18 may also be in the form
of a wireless controller or even a controller wired to the system
but placed in another room or the like. The controller 18 is used
by the end user to select which storage unit 16 to be present in
one of the openings 12 to be accessed. The controller 18 includes
or communicates with electronic control circuitry for controlling
the movement of the storage units 16, as will be more fully
described herein. In this manner, the end user can select which
storage unit 16 is to be moved into which desired opening 12 by
simply entering the commands into the controller 18 such as by
using a keypad or the like. Use of a wireless controller would
allow one in the kitchen to point the controller 18 to the system
and select a given storage unit 16, which might contain a given
pot, ingredient, can of food, etc. Similarly, the controller 18 can
be placed in another room, such as in a bedroom, so that an
individual can select a given storage unit 16, which may contain
cold cereal or other breakfast item, to be moved into a given
opening 12 while the individual showers or traverses the distance
between the bedroom and the kitchen. Preferably, the system rotates
the storage unit 16 in a relatively rapid manner so that a long
wait is not necessary, even if the command is given at the
structure 10 itself.
[0132] With reference now to FIGS. 2-4, an endless track is shown
in FIG. 2 comprising tracks 20 and 22 which are positioned
generally parallel to one another and spaced apart a distance
substantially equal to the length of a storage unit 16. The word
"endless" is used herein to convey the meaning that the storage
unit 16 can travel in the pre-defined path, typically a circular
path, continuously without end. The track system 20 and 22
illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises what is referred to herein as a
single track system. That is, each track 20 and 22 includes upper
and lower horizontal rails 24 and 26 vertically spaced from one
another and positioned along the same plane. The rails 24 and 26
are interconnected with first and second end vertical rails 28 and
30. First and second intermediate rails 32 and 34 are spaced apart
from one another and extend from the upper rail 24 to the lower
rail 26. The first and second intermediate rails 32 and 34 are
disposed intermediate the ends of the upper and lower rails 24 and
26. The first track 20 and the second track 22 are minor images of
one another, and are spaced apart and generally parallel to one
another so as to form a continuous track. Moreover, the first end
vertical rail 28 and its adjacent intermediate rail 32 form a
portion of a first vertical track. The corresponding end vertical
rail 28 and adjacent intermediate rail 32 form the other portion of
the first vertical track, which the storage units 16 ride upon in
their vertical motion at one end of the continuous track.
Similarly, the second end vertical rail 30 of each track 20 and 22
and the intermediate rail 34 adjacent thereto form portions of a
second vertical track which supports a column of storage units 16
at the opposite end of the continuous track.
[0133] Although the tracks 20 and 22 are generally square or
rectangular, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the movement of the storage unit 16 thereon is generally
circular and continuous. The upper rails 24 may include a pair of
ramps 35 to facilitate smooth transition of storage units 16 from
one column to the next. The ramps 35 prevent the binding of the
wheels 38 in the vertical track as the storage unit 16 moves
horizontally to the right column.
[0134] As will be more fully discussed herein, each track 20 and 22
includes a flexible stop 36, typically along the upper rail 24, and
possibly on the lower rail 26. The stop 36 is biased outwardly such
that the storage unit 16 can pass thereby. But, the stop 36 is
designed to spring back to prevent the storage unit 16 from
reversing travel.
[0135] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, each storage unit 16
includes wheels 38 which engage the tracks 20 and 22 so that the
storage unit 16 is slidably movable along the pair of tracks 20 and
22.
[0136] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the wheels 38 of a given storage
unit 16 engage corresponding rails 28 and 32 or 30 and 34, when in
a vertical motion, and upper rail 24 when positioned at an
uppermost position, or bottom rail 26 when in a lower position.
[0137] Throughout the description hereof, similar functional
structure or components in different embodiments may be labeled
with the same reference number. Thus, as can be seen from the
description above, the tracks 20 and 22 are substantially identical
and minor-imaged structures.
[0138] Of particular reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, two columns of
storage units 16 are illustrated. As discussed above, in the
illustrated exemplary embodiment, a total of ten spaces or cavities
are available within the structure 10. However, to provide movement
of the storage unit 16 in sequential fashion, an empty space is
provided, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. As will be seen herein,
this empty space is typically in one of the four corners, or in the
upper most and lower most spaces of the end columns. Each storage
unit 16 travels in a sequential, or generally circular, path during
the course of operation.
[0139] With reference now to FIGS. 3-9, each storage unit 16
defines an inner cavity 40 for the storage of items therein. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the drawer 14 is disposed within
the cavity 40, and is slidably extended and retracted out of and
into the cavity 40, such as by rollers, cabinet sliders, tongue and
groove inter-connection, etc. Such would enable the end user to
pull out the drawer 14 and retrieve selected items therefrom during
operation. The storage units 16 are typically and preferably
relatively the same size. There may be as few as a single drawer 14
within the inner compartment 40, or a plurality of drawers 14
within the inner compartment 40. Thus, for example, a storage unit
16 with a single drawer 14 could accommodate larger or taller
items, such as a two liter bottle of soda. However, placing two or
three drawers 14 within the same inner space 40 would enable the
storage of smaller cans or other smaller items in each drawer 14.
Of course, it will be appreciated that the drawer 14 is not
necessary because, in an alternative embodiment, the items can be
stored directly within the inner storage cavity 40.
[0140] In a particularly preferred embodiment, spacers 42 and 44
extend from the top and bottom of each storage unit 16. As
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower spacers 44 of one storage
unit 16 contact and rest or slide upon the upper spacers 42 of a
storage unit 16 immediately below. Preferably, spacers 46 and 48
extend from the sides of each storage unit 16 as well, such that
the storage units are in fixed spaced relationship with one
another. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the spacers 42-48
are comprised of or include an outermost layer of relatively
friction free material, such as Teflon, plastic, smooth metal, etc.
which enable the storage unit 16 to slide past one another
relatively easy even if the spacers 42-48 come into contact with
one another during the movement of the storage unit 16.
[0141] Preferably, the wheels 38 extend from an upper portion of
the storage unit 16, such that the storage unit 16 is essentially
suspended from the upper or lower rails 24, 26. Suspension renders
it relatively easy for the storage unit 16 to be horizontally moved
across the upper or lower rails 24 or 26.
[0142] With reference to FIGS. 10-13, the storage units 16 are
preferably loaded with items such that they are substantially
balanced or such that the weight of the items placed therein are
centered or substantially spread across the inner cavity 40 or
drawer 14 of the storage unit 16. Extreme unbalancing may
potentially cause the wheels 38 of the storage unit 16 to bind.
Accordingly, means are contemplated for indicating balance of the
storage unit 16.
[0143] Such means can be in the form of visual aids for the end
user. For example, a bubble level device 50 can be placed on the
storage unit, such as the front panel of the drawer 14. The
individual can determine that the bubble of the level device 50 is
within a safe range to ensure the storage unit 16 is substantially
balanced.
[0144] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the storage unit
16 may include electronic sensors 52 which detect when the storage
unit 16 becomes unbalanced. When unbalanced, an alarm, such as a
visual or audible alarm, may activate to alert the end user of the
unbalanced situation.
[0145] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, another visual means for
identifying balance is illustrated. This is referred to herein as
the "bulls-eye" method wherein concentric circles are formed in the
bottom of the storage unit 16 or drawer 14. The inner most
concentric circles 54 could be painted green, and then surrounding
circles yellow, even further surrounding circles orange, and the
outermost circles red. In addition, a free-floating disc or the
like could be placed between the bottom panel of the storage unit
16 or drawer 14 and a clear floor such that if the storage unit 16
were unbalanced, the free-floating disk would travel into an orange
or red area, indicating to the end user that the storage unit 16
was imbalanced. In this manner, as illustrated in FIG. 13, items 56
could be placed towards the center of the storage unit 16, or in a
substantially uniform manner, such that the storage unit 16 would
be more or less balanced.
[0146] Other means of balancing the storage unit 16, to the extent
necessary, may be used. For example, each storage unit 16 could
attach to a movable weight that slides on an independent track. The
movable weight is used to counter the imbalance of weight within
the storage unit 16 in both the X and Y planes. Placing the weight
on an independent track minimizes the potential for binding since
the storage unit 16 moves along the tracks 20 and 22 on wheels
38.
[0147] With reference now to FIG. 14, the operation of the system
with respect to the single track system will now be described. As
discussed above, the tracks 20 and 22 are typically disposed within
a housing and/or other structure, such as a cabinet or behind a
wall. These structures may extend into a ceiling or span multiple
floors. Although the tracks 20, 22 appear to be completely
suspended within the structure 10, it will be understood that
support members or the like hold the tracks 20 and 22 in place
within the structure 10. The storage units 16, as illustrated and
described above, are suspended and stacked between the parallel
tracks 20, 22 so as to be at least partially supported by the
tracks 20 and 22.
[0148] Actuators are used to move the storage units. Typically, as
discussed above, the actuators are operated with control circuitry
and are power-driven so as to be capable of lifting substantial
weight. However, as will be more fully discussed herein, it is also
possible to have a manual back-up system.
[0149] The system includes a first vertical actuator 58 which, as
will be more fully described herein, serves to lift a column of
storage units. The vertical actuator 58 includes an arm 60 which is
selectively moveable over an arc, typically approximately a
90.degree. arc, so as to be positioned below the storage units or
to the side of the storage units. The vertical actuator 58 can
comprise a linear actuator, such as that offered by Jaeger
Industrial Co., Ltd., under the SuperTak trade name. Such linear
actuators are capable of lifting 500 or even 1000 pounds. When a
vertical linear actuator is utilized, a rotary actuator 62 is also
required to rotate the arm 60 over its arc under and away from the
storage units. Other vertical actuators 58 are also feasible, such
as those referred to as "pick and place" actuators which are
capable of both vertical as well as rotary motion. The cost and
design of the system may dictate whether a "pick and place"
actuator or multiple actuators 58 and 62 are utilized. Similarly, a
second vertical actuator 64, and if necessary a second rotary
actuator 66 to rotate a second arm 68, is disposed on the opposite
end column to lower the stacked storage units 16, as will be more
fully described herein.
[0150] A horizontal actuator 70 is disposed towards an upper left
portion of the system and positioned so as to extend a ram or rod
inwardly to move a storage unit 16 horizontally, as will be more
fully described herein. Similarly, a horizontal actuator 72 is
positioned in the lower right hand corner of the system so as to be
positioned to push a storage unit 16 from a bottom position of one
column to an adjacent column, as will be more fully described
herein. This positioning, of course, relies upon a clockwise
rotation or sequence of the storage units. If another sequence is
desired, the actuators 58, 64, 70 and 72 are repositioned
accordingly.
[0151] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
system does not necessarily need to have a certain or predefined
start position or sequence. Typically, the storage units 16 travel
in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner. The position of
the storage unit 16 does not need to be placed at a start point or
the like. Instead, the storage unit 16 can be moved from their
current position until the desired storage unit is accessible.
[0152] In a preferred embodiment, the actuators are power-driven.
As such, control circuits control the timing and movement of each
of the actuators 58, 64, 70 and 72. With reference now to FIG. 15,
a power supply 74, such as a twenty-eight volt direct current power
supply, supplies power to a control module 76 (e.g. controller 18
in FIG. 1) which controls the horizontal actuators 70 and 72, the
vertical actuators 58 and 64 and the rotary actuators 62 and 66, if
necessary. The controller 18 may include a power switch to power
the control module 76 to cause the storage units 16 to rotate until
the desired storage unit is available and accessible to the
individual. Alternatively, circuitry can be implemented such that a
particular storage unit 16 may be moved into a particular location,
as determined by the individual. The control module 76 would then
power on the actuators 58, 62, 64, 66, 70 and 72, if necessary.
FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate switches, such as the double-pole,
double-throw switches which would be sequentially activated to
supply power to the respective actuator. The control module 76
would determine the timing of such switch activation.
[0153] The operation of the system will now be described with
reference to FIG. 18. In the configuration illustrated, for
exemplary purposes in this application, two columns having
essentially ten vacancies or spaces S1-S10 are provided. Storage
units 16 occupy all but one of these vacancies, as described above.
It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that
regardless of the configuration of number of storage units,
columns, etc., there must be one vacancy in order to sequentially
move the storage unit 16. Accordingly, as will be described more
fully herein, the vacancy is either present at the uppermost or
lowermost position of the end columns.
[0154] In FIG. 18, a vacancy is present in the upper right hand
corner of the second column. When a user desires to have access to
a storage unit 16 which is not currently available through an
aperture 12, the end user may manually operate the system by
depressing a button or the like. Alternatively, the system may
automatically retrieve the desired bin when the user inputs the
identity of a storage unit into the system through the control
module 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage units 16 are
moved sequentially in a clockwise direction.
[0155] Accordingly, the control module 76 supplies power to the
horizontal actuator 70, such as by activating switches SW7 and SW8.
Typically, this will cause horizontal actuator 70 to extend a rod
or ram outwardly into engagement with the storage unit 16 occupying
space S1, as shown in FIG. 1. The rod or ram comprising the
horizontal actuator 70 may telescope so as to be able to extend
outwardly, yet telescope inwardly within a relatively small space
in a housing or the like. Alternatively, the horizontal actuator 70
may comprise a screw or any other means necessary for physically
moving the storage unit 16 as needed. The storage unit 16 is moved
along the upper rails 24 of the tracks 20 and 22 and is partially
supported by the low friction surface of spacers 42 and 44 until it
is fully moved into space or vacancy S2, as illustrated in FIGS.
18-22. Ramps 35 minimize any binding effect of the wheels 38
bridging the gaps in the rails 24 created by the vertical rails 32
and 34.
[0156] At this point, the storage unit 16, now residing in space
S2, is positioned at the top of the second column. Typically, the
storage units 16 are stacked on to one another. This is due to the
fact that the wheels 38 of the storage unit 16 travel from the
vertical rails 28 and 32, across the upper rails 24, to the
vertical rails 30 and 34 and to the second column of storage units.
The spacers 42 and 44 are designed to enable an upper storage unit
16 to slide over the lower storage units 16 and into the desired
position thereby avoiding contact with nearby storage units.
[0157] With reference now to FIGS. 23-26, in the single track
system, the stop 36 is operably disposed on both of the upper rails
24 of the tracks 20 and 22. The purpose of the stop 36, as
described above, is to prevent the storage unit 16 from traveling
backwards once it has been moved into position. This is merely a
precaution in the event that the overall system is not completely
level, or that the storage unit 16 would reverse its course when
the rod of the horizontal actuator 70 retracts.
[0158] As can be seen in FIGS. 23-26, the stop 36 is typically
biased away from the rail 24. Preferably, the stop 36 comprises a
leaf spring. As the storage unit 16 moves past the stop, as
illustrated in FIG. 25, the stop 36 deflects into and against the
rail 24 to permit the wheel 38 to pass thereby. Once the wheel 38
passes by the stop 36, the stop 36 biases outwardly from the rail
24, again, preventing rearward travel of the storage unit 16.
[0159] With reference now to FIGS. 27-29, after the storage unit 16
moves from the top of the first end column to its adjacent column
(in this case the second end column), the control module 76
activates the vertical actuator 58 such that the arm 60 swings
approximately ninety degrees to rest under the bottommost storage
unit 16 of the first column. In the event that the vertical
actuator 58 includes the rotary actuator 62, this would be done,
for example, by powering the switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, so as to
power the rotary actuator M2.
[0160] With reference now to FIGS. 30 and 31, once the arm 60 is
positioned under the storage unit 16 occupying space S7, with the
vacancy in space S1, the vertical actuator 58 activates to lift the
first column of stacked storage units 16 such that the uppermost
storage unit 16 now resides in space S1, creating a vacancy in
space S7, as illustrated.
[0161] With reference to FIGS. 30-33, preferably simultaneously, or
immediately thereafter, the second vertical actuator 64 rotates the
second swing arm 68, as necessary, from under the lowermost storage
unit in the second column, such as by using the rotary actuator 66
to rotate the arm 68 ninety degrees. The vertical actuator 64 then
lifts the arm 68 and the rotary actuator 66 repositions the arm 68
under the storage unit 16 immediately above the lowest storage unit
16, as illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 33.
[0162] With reference now to FIGS. 33 and 34, the second vertical
actuator 64 either holds the stack of storage units 16 in the
second column, or slightly lifts the column, with the exception of
the bottommost storage unit 16. The second horizontal actuator 72
is now activated. Referring back to FIGS. 15 and 17, this occurs
when control module 76 powers the necessary switches, such as
switches SW9 and SW10. A rod or ram is then extended outwardly, as
shown in FIG. 33, to move the lowermost storage unit 16 from space
S6 in the second column to space S7 in the adjacent first column.
Stops 36 may be used in the bottom horizontal rail 26, if
necessary, to prevent the storage unit 16 from reversing its
course, as discussed above.
[0163] Once the storage unit 16 moves into the open vacancy at the
bottom of the first column, the second column of stacked storage
units is lowered, as illustrated in FIG. 35. This can be done using
the control module 76 and the vertical actuator switches SW4 and
SW5 to activate the vertical actuator M3. This creates a vacancy in
space S2, similar to the situation illustrated in FIG. 18.
Preferably, simultaneously, or immediately thereafter, the vertical
actuator 58 activates so as to rotate the arm 60 out from under the
second to the bottom storage unit 16 to either a rest position, as
illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 37, or to under the lowermost storage
unit end space S7. The process then repeats itself until the
desired storage unit 16 is presented within the desired open space
12 for access by the end user.
[0164] With reference now to FIGS. 38 and 39, a "dual track"
embodiment is illustrated and will now be described. The dual track
comprises first and second sets of tracks 78 and 80 which are
substantially similar mirror images of one another, and spaced
apart in generally parallel relation to one another approximately
the width or length of a storage unit. Each track 78 and 80
comprises a first rail 82 in a first plane, and a second rail 84 in
a second plane so as to be in a slightly overlapping arrangement
with the first rail 82, as illustrated in FIG. 38. Essentially,
each rail 82 and 84 form a generally circular path. The first rail
82 forms this path with upper and lower rails 86 and 88, as well as
vertical side rails 90 and 92. Similarly, the second rail 84 forms
a generally circular path with upper and lower rails 94 and 96 as
well as vertical side rails 98 and 100. Each rail is generally
circular, so as to be continuous and endless. This enables the
wheels of the storage unit 16 to ride continuously within the rails
82 and 84, as will be more fully described herein. As mentioned
above, the second track 80 is substantially similar to the first
track 78 in structure and function.
[0165] As illustrated in FIG. 39, multiple columns of multiple
storage units 16 stacked on one another operably engage the
opposing tracks 78 and 80. The sequence of movement and the
operation of the actuators 58, 64, 70 and 72 to selectively move
the storage units 16 are described above with respect to the
"single track" embodiment.
[0166] With reference now to FIGS. 40-42, an exemplary storage unit
16 used in this embodiment is illustrated. It will be noted that
the storage unit 16 has two sets of wheels, 102 and 104, each set
extending outwardly from the storage unit 16 at a different
distance. In the illustrated embodiment, wheels 102 on one side of
the storage unit 16 extend out farther than the wheels 104 on the
opposite side of the storage unit 16. Each set of wheels 102 and
104 reside and travel within a separate rail 84 and 82 of the track
78 or 80, as illustrated. Thus, the front wheels 102 travel in
track or rail 84, including sub-rail portions 94, 96, 98 and 100.
The back wheels 104 travel in the second set of tracks or rails 82,
including sub-rail sections 86, 88, 90 and 92. As the rails 82 and
84 are in adjacent planes, the wheels 102 and 104 extend from the
storage unit 16 at different distances to engage the respective
rails 82 or 84. This will be seen in FIGS. 43 and 44, wherein the
wheels 102 are engaged with the upper rail 94 of the second rail
84, while the opposite wheels 104 remain engaged with the upper
rail 86 of the first rail 82 while the storage unit 16 is moved
from one column to a vacancy in an adjacent column. When traveling
downwardly, the first set of wheels 102 travel downwardly on the
vertical rail section 100 of the second rail 84, or rails 84, while
the second set of wheels 104 travel down the vertical side rail 92
of the first rail 82. When moving horizontally across the bottom of
the tracks 78 and 80, the outer wheels 102 engage with the lower
rail 96, while the inner wheels 104 engage the lower rail 88. When
moving upwardly, the outer wheels 102 travel along the vertical
side 98 of the second rail 84, while the inner wheels 104 travel
along the vertical side rail 90 of the first rail 82. Thus, the
wheels 102 and 104 are in continuous travel and engagement with
each respective rail 82 and 84 while the storage unit 16 is moved
into the various spaces S1-S10 of the columns.
[0167] FIG. 15 illustrates that both the single track and dual
track embodiments may be controlled electronically using the
control module 76 to power the various actuators in a timed
sequence so as to move the storage unit 16, as described above.
This requires the power supply 74, typically in the form of a
direct current voltage. Thus, a transformer or the like is
typically used to transform the 120V or 240V (or 12 volts or 24
volts, if available) alternating current voltage to the appropriate
direct current voltage. In the event of a power outage or the like,
a battery back-up system may be used to power the control module 76
and the actuators 58, 62, 64, 66, 70 and 72. Such a battery can be
built into the system and periodically or continuously recharged,
or one or two twelve volt automobile batteries may be connected to
the system.
[0168] Alternatively, the system can rely upon manual movement of
the storage units 16. Such is illustrated in FIGS. 45-64. A
plurality of storage units 16 are stacked upon one another in
multiple columns within the structure 10, as described above. The
structure 10 may be a housing or built within walls and ceilings or
spaces within houses and business establishments or the like.
Access to the storage units 16 is provided through the sides of the
end columns, as illustrated in FIG. 45. It will be understood by
those skilled in the art that the manual system can be a separate
system entirely, or be incorporated into the power-driven system
described above. For example, the manual system may be used in
emergency situations where power is not available to drive the
power-driven actuators. As such, the manual system will be
described herein as if completely separate from the power-driven
actuators, although this is not necessarily the case.
[0169] A vertical actuator 106 is operably positioned at the lower
left hand corner, or the bottom of the first end column. The
vertical actuator 106 includes a rod 108 and an arm 110. A lever
112 is used to rotate the arm 110, such as by rotating the rod 108,
and lifting the rod 108 and the arm 110. Such may be accomplished
by simple mechanical advantage, using lever principles. However, as
the storage units 16 may have a considerable amount of aggregate
weight, the vertical actuator 106 may take the form of a screw lift
or hydraulic lift or jack. A similar vertical actuator 114 is
positioned on the lower portion of the opposite end column, as
illustrated in FIG. 45. Such would include a rod or screw 116, a
lever 118, as well as a swingable arm 120.
[0170] The levers 112 and 118 extend through the structure 10 into
operable engagement with the vertical actuators 106 and 114,
respectively. Similarly, the passageway is available for the
insertion of a pair of rods 122 and 124 to move the storage unit 16
from a top position of an end column to a top position in a vacancy
of an adjacent column and from one bottom position of a column to
another, respectively.
[0171] With reference now to FIGS. 45-52, in the manual system, the
rod 122 is inserted to be in engagement with the top storage unit
16 in the end column. The rod 122 pushes the storage unit 16 along
the single or dual tracks to the vacancy (in this case space S2) of
the adjacent column, as illustrated. The vertical actuator 106
rotates the arm 110, as necessary, to a rest position insertable
underneath the lower most storage unit 16 of the left end
column.
[0172] Once the upper most storage unit 16 (space S1) moves from
the end column to the vacancy (space S2) in the adjacent column, as
illustrated in FIGS. 51 and 52, the rod 122 retracts out of the
housing or track path. The arm 110 then swings into position under
the storage unit 16 at the bottom of the first end column, as
illustrated in FIGS. 53 and 55, using the lever 112. The stack of
storage units 16 and the end column is then lifted upwardly to
create a vacancy in space S7, as shown in FIG. 56. As discussed
above, given the weight of the storage units 16, a screw lift,
hydraulic lift or jack may be used in this step.
[0173] The arm 120 then moves into position using the vertical
actuator 114, such that it rests between the two bottommost storage
units 16, as illustrated in FIG. 56. The rod 124 pushes the
lowermost storage unit from space S6 into space S7 in the first end
column, as illustrated in FIGS. 56-59. In FIGS. 56-58, FIG. 58
illustrates an intermediate step in the movement of the handle,
levers and arms, with FIG. 56 illustrating an initial and end
position of these structures.
[0174] The rod 124 then retracts away from the track system and the
second end column to lower the four stacked storage units 16 to
create a vacancy in space S2, as illustrated in FIG. 62.
Thereafter, the arm 110 pivots, such as by rotating the rod 108
using the lever 112, from the bottom of the second of the lowest
stacked storage unit into a rest position, as illustrated in FIGS.
62 and 64. The sequence then repeats as necessary until the desired
storage unit is accessible.
[0175] In FIGS. 1-64, the system was described as primarily having
two adjacent vertical columns. But, a person of ordinary skill in
the art will readily understand that this is not the only
configuration of the system. For example, with reference to FIG.
65, a horizontal system 130 is shown having two horizontal rows of
storage units 16. The storage units 16 may be similar in
configuration as described above, and partially supported and
slidably movable along tracks 20 and 22. However, in this case,
there are only two rows of storage units 16 with a plurality of
storage units (in this case five) horizontally aligned. The storage
units 16 may be contained within a counter or filing cabinet 132.
This configuration is particularly adapted and designed for office
drawer systems wherein elongated rows of drawers with a relatively
low table or counter space are found. Such applications can also be
found in other settings, such as the kitchen where an elongated and
relatively low counter is present. The vertical actuators 58 and 64
and the horizontal actuators 70 and 72 are used in a similar manner
as described above with respect to FIG. 35 to rotate the storage
units 16 to the desired position for access by the end user. The
two end columns (in this case only two storage units 16 in height)
are lifted, supported, and moved as discussed above. The difference
being that instead of a storage unit 16 moving from one vertical
column to an adjacent column, the storage unit 16 is moved into a
horizontal row of storage units until it is positioned in one of
the four corners comprising the vertical columns, as
illustrated.
[0176] With reference now to FIG. 66, an alternative storage system
134 is shown wherein it will be appreciated that the end columns
need not be restricted to two drawers in height. Instead, three or
more storage units 16 may form the end vertical columns, with the
uppermost and lowermost storage unit 16 resting on the horizontal
portions of tracks 20 and 24 to form the elongated row of storage
units 16, as illustrated in FIG. 66. In this embodiment, a space or
cavity 136 exists between the end columns and the upper and lower
rows of storage units 16. The space or cavity 136 is versatile and
may be used for storage or to house wiring, an appliance, or other
items that are not easily removable, and which must have the
alternative storage system 134 built around it. Using an example of
a kitchen, the individual storage units 16 can store condiments and
other food items. The cavity 136 between the storage units 16 can
be a counter or work space, or additional slide-out drawers or the
like which house frequently accessed items such as spoons, bowls,
etc.
[0177] The contents of the individual storage units 16 may be
tracked, such as using bar code symbols or the like, so that the
contents of any given storage unit 16 are readily ascertainable. A
user may access a keypad or electronic interface to determine in
which storage unit a given object is located. Alternatively, the
user may automatically move a given storage unit 16 into the
desired location by inputting its assigned number, scanning a bar
code from a product, etc.
[0178] To more efficiently store and retrieve items, the
above-described storage and retrieval system may further be used in
association with an inventory control system 140. With reference to
FIG. 67, the inventory control system 140 operationally controls
one or more of the storage modules (e.g. in the form of the upright
box structures 10 described above) with controller 142, similar to
the controller 18 and the control module 76 described above. The
controller 142 may mount to the structure(s) 10, a wall, or mount
to a location in another room. Alternatively, the controller 142
may be in the form of a wireless controller. As described above,
each box structure 10 has a continuous track and a plurality of
individual storage units 16 stacked in multiple columns. Each
storage unit 16 is engaged with the track for selective movement
along the track. The box structures 10 may be in the same room,
placed in different rooms or even in different buildings (e.g., one
box structure 10 in a house and another box structure 10 in a
detached garage, guest house, pool house or the like). One of the
upright box structures 10 may be refrigerated or contain one or
more individually refrigerated storage units 16. The controller 142
is operationally connected (i.e., electrically, mechanically,
wirelessly, and/or electronically) to a user interface 144 (e.g.,
keyboard and/or keypad 146, a display or monitor 148 or the like),
and a printer 150. The controller 142 associated with the box
structure(s) 10 is operationally connected to and/or includes a
mechanism 152 for inputting object information, including storage
unit placement, associated with a particular item 56. The
controller 142 may be built into a portable electronic device such
as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a cell phone. The
controller 142 allows a user to determine whether or not an object
(i.e., an item 56) is in a storage location (i.e., within a home,
office; box structure 10 within the home or office, the storage
unit 16, etc.); in which part of the storage location the object is
located (i.e., which room the box structure 10 is located in); and
find the object no matter where the object is stored (i.e., provide
a searchable inventory database that provides object information as
well as the location where the object is stored). The inventory
control system 140 can use pre-existing object information to
associate that object with a particular location as well as
associate certain information with an object to identify that
object and its location. The controller 142 is adapted to receive
and store object information from all the structures 10 that are
part of the inventory control system 140.
[0179] With reference now to FIGS. 68 and 69, the controller 142
includes control circuitry that performs the functions described
with respect to the controller 18 and the control module 76. The
controller 142 includes a digital computer including, without
limitation, a processor 154, a memory 156 (including RAM and ROM)
operationally connected to the processor, and a transceiver 158 for
allowing the controller 142 to communicate with the upright box
structure(s) 10. The controller 142 may be operationally connected
to a number of sensors 160 (temperature sensors, movement sensors,
humidity sensors) and at least one audio alarm 162. A power supply
164 is connected to the controller 142 and the box structure(s)
10.
[0180] The processor 154 receives the object information associated
with a particular item 56 from the inputting mechanism 152, and
stores the object information in the memory 156 for user access
therefrom via the user interface 144. In a preferred embodiment,
the inputting mechanism 152 comprises at least one data reader
adapted to read machine readable codes associated with the items
56. However, the inputting means can also comprise the
keyboard/keypad 146, or other inputting means.
[0181] The controller 142 coordinates and controls the functions of
the box structure(s) 10 (including the temperature of refrigerated
storage units 16), the printer 150, the user interface 144 and the
data reader 152. The processor 154 of the controller 142
coordinates movement of the storage units 16 and the items 56
associated therewith. The processor 154 is adapted to provide an
inventory of the items 56 in the storage units 16 of the box
structure(s) 10 as well as to review object information to
determine if an expiration date has been exceeded.
[0182] The user interface 144 allows a user to program and operate
the inventory control system 140. The user interface 144 is adapted
to access information about a particular item, search for a
particular item using one or more pieces of information about the
item 56, locate a particular item 56 within the structure 10, and
input information about a particular item 56 into the memory 156.
In addition to the keypad or keyboard 146, the user interface 144
may also include, without limitation, knobs, dials, switches,
buttons or the like. The display 148 provides a user with a
graphical user interface, liquid crystal display or the like. A
computer mouse, light pen or stylus may be used in conjunction with
the user interface 144. A computer program stored within the memory
156 includes at least one program, executed by the processor 154,
which operates the various functions including, without limitation,
control, monitoring, and printing functions, when the processor 154
receives electrical signals from the user interface 144 and/or
identification information based on a barcode scan or RFID scan
from the data reader 152. The information may be input manually by
keyboard 146 to the inventory control system 140 as well via a
graphical user interface 148.
[0183] The printer 150 is for printing human and machine readable
indicia on a label 166 for attachment to an item 56, as seen in
FIG. 70. The printer 150 is electrically, electronically,
wirelessly and/or mechanically connected to the controller 142. The
printer 150 may be built into the box structure 10. The printer 150
may be selected from one of several types, including impact
printers (e.g., dot matrix, typewriter-like imprint), ion
deposition printers, ink jet printers, laser printers, direct
thermal printers, and thermal transfer printers. Alternatively,
identification information may also be printed directly on the
items 56 by laser etching. If direct thermal printing is used, an
imaging coating must be provided on any label 166 to be attached to
an item 56. The label 166 may include an adhesive surface that
allows the label 166 to be attached to the item 56. Information,
including but not limited to identifying data (e.g., description of
the item 56), expiration dates, etc., may be placed on the label
166 prior to the label 166 being applied to the item 56. The label
166 may also have an RFID inlet or receiver (i.e., chip &
antenna) 168 attached, with the information about the item 56 also
written to the RFID inlet 168 as well as on the label 166 attached
to the side of the item 56. Alternatively, the RFID inlet 168 may
be attached to the item 56, either by being embedded within the
item 56 or attached to the item 56 by an adhesive or the like
either prior to or after the identifying data and the like are
imparted to the RFID inlet 168. The item 56 may have had a
pre-existing RFID inlet 168 as the RFID inlet 168 may be embedded
within a label of a grocery item during the manufacture of the
label, just as a UPC number is printed on the label. Identifying
data and the like of the item 56 may be written to the RFID inlet
168 on the label 166 either prior to or after the label 166 is
attached to the item 56. Human and machine readable text includes,
but is not limited to, text indicia 170, bar code indicia 172
(including, but not limited to UPC number), graphical indicia or
the like.
[0184] At least one software program is stored in the memory 156 to
be operated on by the processor 154 within the controller 142. This
program may include a first sub-routine for operating the user
interface 144. The program may also include a second sub-routine
for printing information on the label 166 to be attached to an item
56. The program may further include a third sub-routine for
receiving information transmitted to the controller 142 via RFID or
barcode reader technology. A data reader 152 including, but not
limited to, bar code readers/laser scanners 174 and RFID readers
176 is electrically, electronically, and mechanically connected to
the controller 142 such that the reader 152 is able to scan the
barcode 172 or the RFID inlet 168 associated with a particular item
56 so that the information can be stored in the memory 156 of the
controller 142. Information relating to that particular barcode 172
or RFID inlet 168 may have already been downloaded to the
controller 142 which is then able to correlate the scanned barcode
172 or the RFID inlet 168 with particular information relating to
the item 56, such as how many identical items 56 are already in one
or more storage units 16. The controller 142 can differentiate
otherwise identical items 56 by differing expiration dates. A
sub-routine may be dedicated to monitoring whether the expiration
dates of various items 56 in the storage units 16 have been
exceeded. Another sub-routine may be dedicated to creating an
inventory of all items 56 held within the storage units 16. The
controller 142 may include a sub-routine for associating a
particular scanned barcode 172 or RFID transmitted information with
a particular item 56 that the controller 142 then directs the
printer 150 to print out a label containing that particular barcode
on a label 166 for attachment to that item 56. For example, this
would allow a user to scan in the barcode on a tag attached to a
newly purchased shirt which will soon have that tag removed. After
the shirt has been worn and cleaned, the user can then create a
label 166 having that identifying barcode, attach the label 166 to
the shirt and then store the shirt in a storage unit 16. The
controller 142 includes a sub-routine that allows a user to input
information that will later be printed onto a label 166 or read
onto an RFID inlet 168 for attachment to an item 56. The processor
154 also includes a sub-routine that provides (via the printer 150,
the user interface 144 or the like) an inventory of the items 56 in
the structure(s) 10.
[0185] There may be mutual communication between the data reader
152 and the controller 142. Initially, the circuitry of the reader
152 is programmed to provide identifying and other information and
the controller 142 is capable of eliciting such information from
the circuitry of the reader 152. The identifying data may include
the name of the item 56, size of the item 56 (e.g., one liter
bottle), etc. The controller 142 may then use the printer 150 to
print this data on the label 166 for the item 56 at any time during
the process, including printing the name of the item 56 on the
label 166 in barcode form or printing the expiration date, name,
etc. of the item 56 on the label 166. In a read/write configuration
of the circuitry of the controller 142, the reader 152 may also
impart information to, alter information on, or delete information
from the controller 142. Likewise, the controller 142 is capable of
providing identifying and other information to the RFID circuitry
of a particular item 56.
[0186] The controller 142 may also include a built-in user
interface 178 which includes a display (such as a liquid crystal
display), a thumb print reader, alpha-numeric keypad, and/or
various knobs, switches, and controls used to activate/operate the
structure(s) 10. The display of the interface 178 could employ
touch screen technology that would eliminate the need for physical
switches, keypads, or the like.
[0187] As outlined above, a number of sensors 160 are associated
with the processor 154 and distributed throughout the interior of
the structure(s) 10 to determine conditions (e.g., temperature,
movement, humidity, etc.) within the structure(s) 10. The sensors
160 are associated with the track within the structure(s) 10,
actuators, and individual storage units 16. Upon detection by one
or more sensors 160 of any unauthorized entry of the structure(s)
10 (such as a hand or other object reaching into the structure(s)
10, pulling on the storage unit(s) 16, forcing a storage unit 16
along the track, etc.), a sub-routine run by the processor 154
performs at least one security function. These security functions
include sounding an audio alarm via the alarm 162, displaying a
graphical alarm via the display 148, and preventing movement of
storage units 16 within the structure(s) by shutting off the
actuators that move storage units 16 within the structure(s) 10.
The processor 154 can send an email alert to a user via the
Internet that informs the user of the security situation. A
sub-routine run by the processor 154 also monitors and controls
temperature within a number of the refrigerated storage units 16 to
prevent spoilage of items 56 therein. In the event the processor
154 is unable to maintain temperature within one or more of the
refrigerated storage units 16 within an acceptable range, the
processor 154 will perform one or more of the security functions
described above, including alerting a user to the spoilage
situation.
[0188] In use, information may be conveyed to the controller 142
before an item or object is placed into the structure(s) 10.
Identification information may be conveyed in several ways
including, but not limited to, direct input from a user, a bar code
assigned to and/or printed on a item 56 that can be read by a data
reader 152 operationally connected to the controller 142, and an
RFID transport medium on the item 52 that can be read by the
controller 142.
[0189] The process of entering information which can be pre-printed
on the item(s) 56 can begin when the item(s) 56 are brought into a
location containing the structure(s) 10. A user can scan the
item(s) 56 with the data reader 152 or use the user interface 144
to manually enter the item(s) 56 into the system 140. The data
reader 152, 174, 176 may be positioned within the structure 10,
near an upper portion of an opening 12 to the storage unit 16,
above the drawer 14 so as to scan the item 56 as the item 56 is
placed in the drawer 14 of the storage unit 16. Identification and
other object information may be downloaded or written to the
controller 142 using various technologies including, but not
limited to, bar code and RFID technology. The controller 142 can be
part of the structure 10 or function as a standalone unit that does
not need to be networked or connected to an IS system located
within the home or any other system whereby information may be
conveyed to the controller 142. The information obtained by the
scan or manually input by the user is stored within the controller
142 and may then be imprinted on the label 166 to be attached to
the item and/or written to the RFID chip attached to the item 56,
either directly or as part of the label 166. Alternatively, the
controller 142 may be networked to the home inventory control
system from which the controller 142 can receive constant updates
of information, such as power supply.
[0190] The item 56 to be stored, depending on its size, will be
placed in a storage unit 16 large enough to accommodate its size
or, if the item 56 is a perishable item, will be placed in a
refrigerated storage unit 16. The label 166, if one is needed, may
be affixed to the item 56 after the object information data is
transferred to the label 166. The object information can be
transferred to the item 56 in a number of ways including, without
limitation, by printing human readable text (i.e., alpha-numeric
lettering) on the label 166 of the item 56, printing machine
readable text (e.g., bar code) on the label 166 of the item 56 or
by transmission to the RFID inlet 168 attached to the item 56. Any
commercially available RFID chip may be used, including, for
example, Hitachi Corporation's mu-chip which is wireless accessible
at 2.4-2.45 GHz, can store up to 128 bits of data, and at 0.4 mm
square is thin enough to be embedded in a label attached to the
item 56 or within a part of the item 56. An antenna for receiving
incoming data is connected to the RFID chip.
[0191] It is well known to those skilled in the art that RFID
circuitry of the type under discussion is provided in a plurality
of configurations; for example, read only, read/write, passive, and
active. The read only provides previously installed information
from the RFID circuit through a compatible reader. The read/write
circuit permits the reader to install or alter information stored
in the circuit. The passive circuit is one which depends for
activation and operating power upon the signal emitted by the
reader while the active circuit includes a battery or other
internal power source which may be activated by the signal from the
reader.
[0192] The controller 142 may be powered by an outside source
(e.g., a power cord connecting the controller 142 to a wall socket,
the electrical system of the structure 10 or the like) or by a
battery located within the controller 142. The user interface 144,
data reader 152 and/or the printer 150 may be powered in similar
fashion. The battery may be a rechargeable battery that is
rechargeable while still within the controller 142 by connecting
the controller 142 to an outside power source 164.
[0193] The controller 142 can come in various forms including, but
not limited to, being a part of the structure 10, a personal
computer, central server, handheld device, etc. that is
electronically, electrically and/or mechanically connected to the
structure 10 either by cables, RFID or wireless technology.
[0194] In the alternative, the identification and other object
information of the item 56 may be downloaded and/or written to a
home central server at the time the item 56 is brought into the
home either by scanning the item 56 or manually entering the
information into the central server which is controlling the
structure(s) 10 within the home. The home central server may
contain a database of all identification and other information of
every item 56 brought into the home where the identification and
other object information of the item 56 have been entered into the
server. This central server could be linked with other homes owned
by the user, city or nationwide, to share data in order to maintain
an inventory of all items 56 stored by the user in those locations.
In this situation, the data file stored on the RFID chip on an
item's label 166 is also stored in the home's central server so
that the information may be referred to at a later time. In the
alternative, additional information can be stored by including a
digital photo of the item 56. This photo could be taken by a
digital camera and the information then stored within the home
central server. The photo could also be printed on the item's label
166. This would further facilitate identification of stored items
56 for insurance purposes in the event of a disaster as the stored
photo provides a visual record of an item 56 that may have been
destroyed. This would also allow the digital photo to be displayed
on the display 148 forming part of the user interface 144 connected
to the controller 142. The display 148 allows the information of
the item 56 to be displayed as well as the digital photo of the
item 56.
[0195] In another alternative, networking capabilities could be
added to the controller 142 that would allow the controller 142 to
use an always-on wireless method to enable the controller 142 to be
in constant communication with the home's central server.
[0196] With reference now to FIGS. 71-73, two columns of a
plurality of stacked storage units 16 are illustrated within a
structure 10, typically located in a wall space of a house, office
or the like. Using the inventory control system 140, as described
above, the user selects a drawer or item. The system then
automatically moves the storage unit 16 until the desired storage
unit having the desired object is disposed in alignment with an
opening 12, as described above. It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the opening may have a hinged door 180 or
the like which must be opened, as illustrated in FIGS. 71 and 73,
in order to access the storage unit 16. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the door 180 is capable of opening a full
one-hundred-eighty degrees against the side of the wall or the
structure 10, so as not to impede access to the storage unit 16,
particularly when the user is confined to a wheelchair or the
like.
[0197] With particular reference to FIG. 73, in a particularly
preferred embodiment, the storage unit 16 is capable of holding one
or more drawers 14, as well as one or more shelves 15, such as on
tracks 17 formed within the storage unit 16. This enables multiple
objects to be stored within the storage unit 16, with a drawer 14
or shelf 15 selectively extended, as illustrated in FIG. 73, so as
to retrieve the desired object 182. It will be appreciated that the
number of drawers 14 and/or shelves 15 depends upon the size and
number of objects 182 to be placed within the storage unit 16. In
some cases, the storage unit 16 may not include any drawers 14 or
shelves 15, the one or more objects merely being placed inside the
storage unit 16. However, in other cases, a plurality of drawers
14, a plurality of shelves 15, or a combination thereof, as
illustrated in FIGS. 71 and 74-77, can be used.
[0198] With particular reference again to FIG. 73, in a
particularly preferred embodiment, the inventory control system 140
includes means for locating the position of a particular item in a
given storage unit 16. An example of such means includes a light
184 which can be used to view the object 182 in the drawer 14 or on
the shelf 15. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the light
source 184 is moved or selectively illuminated so as to shine
directly onto the portion of the drawer 14 or shelf 15 containing
the object. For example, the light source 184 may comprise a single
light emitting diode (LED), a plurality of LEDs, or a set of LEDs
that illuminate a specific portion of the drawer 14 or shelf 15
where the desired object is to be found. The location of the object
can be tracked in several ways. This can be done by entering the
placement of the object in the drawer 14 or on the shelf 15, such
as in a grid pattern. Another option is to use sensors to determine
the location of the object 182. For example, the object 182 can be
labeled with an RFID chip, and a sensor, such as a sensing grid in
the drawer 14 or shelf 15 that can relay the position of the object
182 in the drawer 14 or on the shelf 15, such that light is
directed to that area to assist in retrieving the object. It will
be appreciated that this can be particularly useful for the elderly
or mentally impaired.
[0199] With reference now to FIG. 78, a structure 186, representing
a residence, an office, or other structure, includes a plurality of
systems 2-6. The systems 2-6 are typically built between wall
cavities of the structure 186, although they can have a housing
structure separate from the walls to have the appearance of a
cabinet or the like. It will be appreciated from the drawing that
the system can have either a vertical or a horizontal
configuration. Moreover, otherwise wasted space, such as in the
attic or basement, can be used for storage purposes. For example,
the system 2 includes storage units 16 stacked within the structure
10 on the level or floor which include the access point 12, as well
as storage units 16 which extend upwardly into an attic 188 portion
of the structure 186. Similarly, the system identified by reference
number 6 has storage unit 16 extending into a basement 190 of the
structure 186. Thus, the otherwise wasted space in the attic 188 or
the basement 190 can be used to house the systems 2-6 and the
storage units 16 so as to create an effective storage space, while
the individual storage units 16 are accessible on the livable and
main levels of the structure 186.
[0200] With reference now to FIGS. 79-84, a problem encountered
with the single track arrangement is that the wheels 38 of the
storage unit 16 can fall into the intermediate vertical rails as
the storage unit 16 is moved from one end of the track to the
opposite end of the track. As described above, the ramps 35, as
illustrated in FIG. 3, assist the storage unit 16 from moving
between the first vertical set of rails, to the second set of
vertical rails. Of course, as shown and described above, this
requires that the first set of wheels 38 at a leading edge of the
storage unit 16 move from the left intermediate rails 32, past the
right intermediate rails 34, and the gap therebetween, and to the
far right vertical end rails 30. During this movement, the trailing
wheels 38 travel from the far left vertical end rails 28, past the
first intermediate rails 32, and into alignment with the second
intermediate rails 34, to be disposed in the second vertical track
and in the second end column. Notwithstanding the use of the ramps
35, however, there still exists the possibility that the wheels 38
could slip into and become jammed in the intermediate rails 32 or
34.
[0201] Accordingly, first and second support rails 192 and 194 are
disposed above the upper rails 24 of the first and second tracks 20
and 22. The upper support rails 192 and 194 have a length at least
as long as the gap between intermediate rails 32 and 34, but are
shorter in length than the upper rails 24. Also, as illustrated in
FIG. 83, the support rails 192 and 194 are preferably bowed
somewhat, so as to serve to lift the storage unit 16 as the first
set of wheels 38 pass over the gap formed by the intermediate rails
32 and 34.
[0202] With reference now to FIGS. 79-81, the storage units 16, in
this embodiment, have been modified to include a second set of
wheels 196 which are configured and adapted to engage the support
rails 192 and 194. More particularly, as illustrated in FIGS. 79
and 80, the second set of wheels 196 are disposed above, and
somewhat inwardly, from the main wheels 38. Moreover, as
illustrated in FIGS. 81 and 84, the second set of wheels 196 extend
outwardly a shorter distance than the main set of wheels 38. This
arrangement allows the second set of wheels 196 to clear the upper
rail 24 or the lower rail 26 as the storage unit 16 moves upwardly
or downwardly in the first or second sets of vertical tracks. As
such, the support rails 192 and 194 are either offset from the
upper rails 24, or include a lower traveling lift which is somewhat
elongated, as illustrated in FIG. 84, so that the second set of
wheels 196 can come into engagement therewith and be supported
along the lower elongated ledge 198 of the support rail 192 and
194.
[0203] With reference now to FIG. 82, two end columns are
illustrated without the rails or tracks for purposes of clarity. It
will be appreciated that the number of storage units 16 in each
column can vary, as well as the fact that there can be additional
columns of storage units 16 disposed between the end columns.
Nonetheless, an uppermost storage unit 16 in the left end column
will need to be moved to an adjacent right column, in this case the
far right end column. The means for moving the storage unit 16 have
been described above with the use of various actuators.
[0204] With reference now to FIGS. 85-87, a storage unit 16
disposed at the uppermost position in the far left or first end
column is shown moved, such as by the horizontal actuator ram
apparatus 70, described above, to the adjacent column, in this
case, the far right end column. More particularly, with reference
to FIG. 85, the first set of wheels 38 are in engagement with the
first end vertical rail 28 and the first intermediate rail 32 of
each of the first and second tracks 20 and 22. As the storage unit
16 moves, as illustrated in FIG. 86, the second set of upper wheels
196 come into engagement with the first and second support rails
192 and 194. More particularly, the leading second set of wheels
196 engage the support rails 192 and 194 before the leading main
wheels 38 pass over the second inner rail 34. Thus, the storage
unit 16 is supported by the second set of wheels 196 on the support
rails 192 and 194 as the storage unit 16 passes between the first
and second intermediate rails 32 and 34, and the gap
therebetween.
[0205] With continuing reference to FIGS. 86 and 87, the trailing
second set of wheels 196 comes into contact with and rides upon the
first and second support rails 192 and 194 before the trailing main
wheels 38 come into alignment with the first intermediate rail 32
to prevent the trailing main wheels 38 from falling into the gap
thereof and becoming bound. As described above, in a particularly
preferred embodiment, the first and second support rails 192 and
194 are slightly bowed so that the main wheels 38 are lifted
somewhat from the upper rails 24, particularly when the main wheels
38 are positioned over the intermediate rails 32 and 34. This
prevents the main wheels 38 from becoming lodged in the gap
thereof. The storage unit 16 is then finally moved to the far end,
or second column, wherein the main wheels 38 are in alignment with
the second intermediate rail 34 and the second end vertical rails
30, or the second vertical track, to be vertically movable along
the length thereof, as described above.
[0206] With reference now to FIGS. 88-92, in another embodiment, a
conveyor apparatus 200 pulls, and somewhat lifts, the storage unit
16 from the end column to an adjacent column, as illustrated the
second end column. More particularly, the conveyor apparatus 200
includes a hook assembly 202 including at least one hook member 204
which is configured and adapted to releasably engage a catch 206
extending from the storage unit 16. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, as illustrated, the catch 206 comprises a member
extending from a top portion of the storage unit 16, such as a
metal or rigid sheet or the like extending across spacers 42 and
44.
[0207] Typically, the conveyor apparatus 200 includes a first and
second rail 208 and 210 which are disposed above the upper rails 24
of the first and second track 20 and 22 and positioned to engage a
set of wheels 212 operably associated and connected to the hook
assembly 202. Although the wheels 212 may extend directly from the
one or more hooks 204, as illustrated, more typically the hooks 204
are part of a sub-assembly which extends between the support rails
208 and 210. The wheels 212 are rotatably and operably attached
thereof to ride along the rails 208 and 210. Moreover, similar to
that described above, in a particularly preferred embodiment the
rails 208 and 210 are slightly bowed or curved so as to lift the
storage unit 16 over the gaps of the inner rails 32 and 34, so that
the first set or main wheels 38 of the storage unit 16 do not
become caught therein.
[0208] An actuator 214 is operably connected to the hook assembly
202 and adapted to move the hook assembly 202 into engagement with
the catch 206 of the storage unit 16 to push, and somewhat lift,
the storage unit 16 across the length of the upper rails 24 until
the storage unit 16 is disposed in the desired column. In one
embodiment, the actuator 214 comprises a telescopic ram 216, having
one end thereof attached to the hook assembly 202, and another end
thereof operably connected to a power drive or gear box 218, which
selectively extends and retracts the ram 216 in a controlled
manner.
[0209] In FIGS. 88-92, the storage unit 16 is in the first vertical
end track with the wheels 38 positioned in the vertical tracks 28
and 32. Here, the storage unit 16 is in the uppermost position of
the column of storage units. To move the storage unit 16, the
actuator 214 activates and extends the ram 216 outwardly causing
the hook assembly 212, and more particularly the one or more hooks
204, to engage the catch 206 of the storage unit 16 (FIG. 90).
[0210] As mentioned above, the wheels 212 of the hook assembly 202
are moved along the rails 208 and 210. The main or first set of
wheels 38 of the storage unit 16 ride upon the upper rails, or are
lifted slightly out of engagement therewith. This prevents the
wheels 38 from falling into the inner rail 32 or 34 before the
storage unit 16 has been moved to the adjacent column, or the
second vertical track in the end column, as illustrated.
[0211] In FIGS. 91 and 92, the actuator 214 continues to extend the
ram 216 along with the hook assembly 202 and the storage unit 16
until the storage unit 16 is in the proper column, i.e. the far
right end column, wherein the wheels 38 align with the rails 30 and
34 of the second vertical track. At this point, the actuator 214
reverses and withdraws the ram 216 to reposition the hook assembly
202 back to its starting point in a reciprocal manner.
[0212] FIGS. 93 and 94 illustrate other types of actuators designed
to engage the hook assembly 202 with the catch 206 to move the
storage unit 16. For example, a worm screw 220 may rotate in a
first direction to engage an extension and coupling member 222 of
the hook assembly 202. Rotation of the worm screw or drive 220 in a
first direction moves the coupling 222, and thus the hook assembly
202 from left to right. Reversing the rotation of the worm screw
220 returns the hook assembly 202 to its original start
position.
[0213] The storage unit 16 may, particularly when heavy laden with
objects, swing somewhat outwardly, particularly when residing in
the vertical tracks 28-34. This can present problems in the smooth
travel and alignment of the storage units 16 in their various
columns. To remedy this drawback, a set of vertical support guides
or beams 224 are disposed at opposite ends of the continuous track.
FIGS. 88-94 illustrate a first set of such vertical support beams
224 at a first end of the track. A second set of such guides or
beams 224 are also positioned at the opposite end of the track. The
second set of guides or beams 224 are not illustrated to clarify
the operation of the conveyor apparatus 200, disclosed above.
[0214] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support beams or
guides 224 are vertical and extend substantially the length of the
columns of stacked storage units--that is slightly above the upper
rails 24 and slightly below the lower rails 26. The elongated
guides or supports 224 typically include a front face material 226
having low friction characteristics, such as Teflon. These Teflon
faces 226 come into contact with the Teflon faces of the spacers
46, 48 extending outwardly from each side or end of the storage
unit 16. In this manner, as the Teflon faces 226 moves past the
spacers 46, 48, there is a relatively low amount of friction which
permits the storage units 16 to move vertically downwardly or
upwardly as needed. At the same time, the elongated guide members
224 prevent the storage units 16 from pivoting outwardly. It will
be appreciated that the Teflon faces 226 can always be in contact
with one another when the storage units 16 are in the first and
second end columns, or slightly spaced apart from one another such
that they only contact when the storage unit 16 moves out of
vertical alignment slightly.
[0215] FIGS. 95-100 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the
inventory control system 140 described above. This inventory
control system 140' is designed to track virtually any object,
regardless of size, shape, material, etc. The inventory control
system 140' is designed to prevent any object from being lost,
ever. Importantly, the modified inventory control system 140' can
locate objects stored within or outside of the storage and
retrieval system described above. Each of these embodiments will be
described in more detail below.
[0216] FIG. 95 illustrates communication of numerous devices that
operate the inventory control system 140'. The important aspect of
the inventory control system 140' is the capability of identifying
and locating virtually any item. In the preferred embodiment, a
universal remote 228 scans a passive item 230 for storage within a
database 232. The universal remote 228 preferably comprises a cell
phone, but can be any device generally capable of scanning or
reading information on the passive item 230. For example, the
universal remote 228 may include a scanner compatible with a
barcode, a reader compatible with RFID circuits, a camera for
taking photographs of the passive item 230, or a receiver for
receiving data through automatic or manual user entry in the event
the passive item 230 is incapable of being read or scanned. The
universal remote 228 may be wireless (e.g., such as the
aforementioned cell phone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA),
smartphone, computer, netbook, etc.) or may be a device permanently
or removably affixed to a portion of a structure (e.g., a house) or
in association with the storage and retrieval system described
above. The universal remote 228 is capable of transmitting and/or
receiving wireless signals, such as radio frequency signals and/or
infrared light beams. The transmitters and receivers integrated
into the universal remote 228 are preferably configured to
send/receive high frequency GPS signals and low frequency RFID
signals. Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will
readily recognize that the devices of the inventory control system
140' may operate at any one of a number different wireless
frequencies, including AM radio frequencies, shortwave frequencies,
citizen's band (CB) frequencies, radio frequencies, television
station frequencies, FM radio frequencies, and high-level
television station frequencies. For instance, in the United States,
a cell phone-based universal remote 228 may operate between the
824-849 MHz. If the universal remote 228 utilizes cordless
telephone technology for shorter-range communication, the universal
remote 228 may operate at 900 MHz. In another preferred embodiment
described herein, the universal remote 228 may be capable of
operating between 1227-1575 MHz for purposes of compatibility with
global positioning systems (GPS). The universal remote 228 may also
communicate through landlines or other wired technology, instead of
wirelessly.
[0217] Preferably, the universal remote 228 is in electronic
communication with the database 232. The database 232 is typically
placed remote from the universal remote 228 and the passive item
230 for security purposes or as a backup system. For example, the
database 232 may be placed in an attic or the basement of a house,
or in a storage closet or other location that a business may
designate to house electronic items such as computers. In one
embodiment, the universal remote 228 is in wireless communication
with the database 232 over a WiFi network, a cellular network, or a
cordless phone-type wireless communication network. Importantly,
the universal remote 228 and the database 232 should be in
real-time bi-lateral communication (i.e. the universal remote 228
can initiate and send information to the database 232 and the
database 232 can initiate and send information to the universal
remote 228). Accordingly, information regarding the passive items
230 entered into the inventory control system 140' is stored both
locally on the universal remote 228 and remotely in the system
database 232. In one embodiment, the database 232 may comprise an
off-site backup database that is primarily used to retrieve
information in the event that the universal remote 228 is broken or
misplaced; or a second universal remote 228 is required for use
with inventory control system 140'.
[0218] The universal remote 228 also operates seamlessly with a GPS
sensor 234 to locate the general location of passive items 230
located outside of, for example, the aforementioned storage and
retrieval system. At the same time, the GPS sensor 234 is also in
wireless communication with a satellite system 236. The preferred
satellite system 236 generally comprises at least three satellites,
a first satellite 238, a second satellite 240 and a third satellite
242. The satellites 238, 240, 242 operate together to locate the
general location of the passive item 230 via triangulation. For
example, the satellites 238, 240, 242 are able to locate the
general latitude, longitude and elevation of the passive item 230.
A fourth satellite 244 may supplement the first-third satellites
238, 240, 242 in the event that one loses communication, breaks or
otherwise becomes non-functional or drifts out of range. In
essence, the fourth satellite 244 fills in and replaces one of the
non-operational satellites 238, 240, 242. The satellites 238, 240,
242 relay the latitude, longitude and elevation information to the
GPS sensor 234. From there, the GPS sensor 234 actively
communicates with the universal remote 228 to send location
information thereto. The universal remote 228 uses the item
location information and the position of the universal remote 228
relative thereto to establish an approximate distance/route so the
user can find the item 230. The universal remote 228 may connect to
the Internet such that the coordinates of the item 230 provided by
the GPS sensor 234 integrate into an online map system (e.g. Google
maps). The online map may guide the user from the user's current
position to the location of the item 230. In this regard, the GPS
sensor 234 helps the user locate the passive item 230 with the
universal remote 228. The GPS sensor 234 communicates general
location information to the universal remote 228 to identify a
general area wherein the passive item 230 may be located. If there
are two conflicting GPS sensors present, such as when two neighbors
may use the inventory control system 140', one of the GPS sensors
changes to a different frequency (i.e. a backup frequency) to
ensure unique communication with the items 230 and the universal
remote 228. All items 230 in a single inventory control system 140'
carry the same frequency, but are individually identifiable by a
unique code--the code designates the RFID number unique to the
product itself. When the user enters the general location of the
passive item 230, the universal remote 228 is able to actively scan
for the passive item 230 via RFID or the like. This is part of the
retrieval of the item in the inventory control system 140', as
described in more detail below.
[0219] Initially, the passive item 230 must be entered into the
inventory control system 140', for storage such as in a memory
module in the universal remote 228 and/or the system database 232.
Preferably, the inventory control system 140' acquires item
information through use of the universal remote 228, which is an
active unit, with the item 230, which is passive. The universal
remote 228 may initiate obtaining information from the passive item
230 through activation of a scanner, reader, etc. FIG. 96 is a
sample flowchart for inputting information (246) into the inventory
control system 140'. The first step is to identify the item with
the universal remote (248). The universal remote 228 can actively
read a barcode or an RFID circuit on the passive item 230 (if
attached thereto). Alternatively, the universal remote 228 can read
a label (i.e., food, clothing, etc.--like a computer scan), or a
nameplate associated with the passive item 230 (e.g., an appliance,
etc.). The user may also directly enter information into a virtual
keyboard associated with the universal remote 228. For example, the
keyboard may be a well-known computer keyboard, a modified keyboard
attached to a wall or the keyboard may appear on a touch-sensitive
LCD screen.
[0220] Once the identifying information of the item is entered into
the inventory control system 140', the identified item appears on a
monitor screen (250). In one embodiment, the identifying
information may be displayed on the universal remote 228 itself. A
person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the
inventory control system 140' may convey identifying information to
the user via a number of different ways, including display devices
and audio devices. At this step, the user can verify that the
inventory control system 140' identified the correct item. For
example, the inventory control system 140' may display product
identification information such as the type of product, name brand,
picture, etc. If the information displayed by the inventory control
system 140' is correct, the user accepts the information and the
inventory control system 140' compares the item information with
other product information already stored in the database (252).
This process requires determining whether the item is in the
database (254). In the event that the item is not in the database,
the system 140' automatically inputs information obtained by the
universal remote into the database (256). Information is only
automatically obtainable when the passive item 230 includes a
scannable barcode, a readable RFID circuit or the like. Typically,
food items and other products at least include a scannable barcode.
Manual input of information may be required in the event the user
endeavors to store items that do not include barcodes or RFID
chips, such as clothing. Preferably, at some point in the future,
all products will contain a readable RFID chip that the universal
remote 228 can automatically read. For example, companies such as
Wal-Mart and Best Buy already require suppliers to include an RFID
chip with each product.
[0221] If the passive item 230 does not include any scannable or
readable information, or that the information automatically
obtained by the universal remote 228 is insufficient, the user has
the option of manually entering information into the database
(258). For instance, FIG. 97 is a flowchart illustrating the type
of options that a user may select from to manually enter
information into the database (258). FIG. 97 is merely a sample of
the types of options that a user may have to select. A person of
ordinary skill in art will readily recognize that the types and
number of options will vary widely depending on the deployment of
the inventory control system 140'. For example, some models of the
inventory control system 140' may be limited in application to
food. Accordingly, the menu system from which the user selects to
manually enter goods is tailored to food items only. In general,
the inventory control system 140' is applicable to virtually any
environment and can record virtually any tangible item. For
identification purposes, the item should be large enough to receive
an RFID chip or a similar barcode. Although, the inventory control
system 140' should not be limited to the size or functionality of
RFID circuits or barcodes because emerging technologies may enable
the identification of smaller items that are otherwise unable to
currently receive identification information on items such as
circuits. The universal remote 228 and the database 232 are
preferably remotely updatable with new menus as new products enter
the market. A software update may easily occur over the Internet,
via a flash update, or a system software update. A user may also
selectively customize the presentation of the various menu options
described with respect to FIGS. 97 and 98, depending on the use and
deployment of the inventory control system 140'.
[0222] FIG. 97 is one embodiment wherein the monitor may display a
series of menus so the user can identify a type of product (260).
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 97, the user is presented
with the options of selecting a food item 262, a clothing item 264,
an appliance item 266, a supply item 268, a credit card item 270, a
key item 272 or an eyeglasses item 274. A person of ordinary skill
in the art will readily recognize that the product identification
step (260) may include various other types of items from which the
user may select. These selectable options may include general
categories, such as those items 262-274 as shown in FIG. 97, or may
pertain to more specific goods depending on the application of the
inventory control system 140'. For example, the embodiments
described herein utilize the inventory control system 140' in a
wide range of goods that may commonly be found in a home. The
inventory control system 140' may be deployed in specific
environments, such as a medical office, hospital, law office,
manufacturing environment, grocery store, retail outlet, etc.,
wherein the menus may be specific to particular products specific
to that particular practice. Accordingly, a person of ordinary
skill in the art will readily recognize that the inventory control
system 140' will have both broad use (e.g. household use) and
specific deployments (e.g. industry specific needs or home specific
items such as groceries).
[0223] In the embodiment shown with regard to FIG. 97, the food
item 262 may include a food item submenu 276 that includes cans,
jars, bottles, boxes, packages or other types of food items. The
food item submenu 276 may include further submenus and/or other
options for manually inputting information into the database to
properly identify specific features of the food item 262 being
stored within the inventory control system 140'. In terms of the
storage and retrieval system, information such as height, weight,
length, width, expiration date, etc. are important for food items
262 so that the storage and retrieval system can efficiently stow
and retrieve the goods. The inventory control system 140' may alert
the user of pending perishable goods based on quantity and
expiration date. Moreover, integration of a local database into the
universal remote 228, which preferably doubles as cellular
telephone, enables the user to access inventory information
virtually anywhere. At the grocery store, the user can immediately
identify any goods stored in the inventory control system 140' so
the user does not buy unneeded groceries. This concept transcends
multiple practices in work or office environments. For example, in
supply chain management, a purchase order can be automatically set
up to purchase more of a particular part when the inventory control
system 140' detects that the part is running low. Additionally, the
inventory control system 140' provides the supply chain manager
with an instant and real-time assessment of the entire inventory
within the supply chain. Accordingly, the inventory control system
140' virtually eliminates any need to individually count parts
traveling through the supply chain.
[0224] With respect to the remainder of the menus and submenus in
FIG. 97, the clothing item 264 may include a clothing item submenu
278 including shirts, blouses, pants, jackets, coats and/or other
types of clothing storable within the inventory control system
140'. Likewise, the appliance item 266 may include an appliance
item submenu 280 including options for food, appliances, supplies,
etc.; the supplies item 268 may include a supplies item submenu 282
including options for batteries, clothing, appliances, supplies,
etc.; the credit card item 270 may include a credit card item
submenu 284 including options for Master Card, Visa, American
Express, Discover Card, or other credit cards; the key item 272 may
include a key item submenu 286 for house keys, car keys, office
keys, P.O. box keys, safe keys, and other keys that may be used in
the home or office; and the eyeglasses item 274 may include an
eyeglasses submenu 288 including options for regular eyeglasses,
reading glasses and sunglasses. The information manually input into
the database may be presented in a number of different formats that
enables a user to properly identify the item in the inventory
control system 140'.
[0225] Once the information for an unknown item is entered into the
database, either automatically in step (256) and/or manually in
step (258), the database assigns the item a product identification
number (290), as shown in FIG. 96. The product identification
number is a locator number that the inventory control system 140'
uses to properly identify items previously entered in steps (256)
and (258). At step (290), the item is fully entered into the
inventory control system 140' and is associated with a product
identification number. Similarly, if the item was already in the
database, the product identification number is simply retrieved
from the database (292) and the quantity updated.
[0226] Then it must be determined whether the item has an RFID tag
attached (294). Preferably, the RFID tags are attached by the
manufacturer, and not the user, at a required, standard location.
This eliminates any need to manually apply a consecutive,
sequential number to each RFID tag attached to individual items.
The tags may include photo identification, date made or written,
expiration date, a description of the product, author, or other
product or tag information. In general, the tags may include
virtually any information associated with the item. Other
information that can be stored on the RFID tag and/or the product
includes: product name, container type (e.g. bottle, can, box,
package, etc.), container size (e.g. quarts, grams, etc.), storage
characteristics (optional), product height, (i.e. for maximum
drawer utilization to greatly increase storage capacity),
expiration date (if applicable), refrigeration requirements,
product picture (e.g. of the bottle, can, labels, clothing,
appliance, etc.), part or serial number (e.g. for an appliance,
etc.), material (e.g. clothing, etc.), date the product was made,
or date the document was written. The only foreseeable limit is the
size of the memory module built into the RFID tag. Product
identification information can be used in association with the
inventory control system 140' to store and/or locate an item
therein. Standardization in the placement and frequency of the RFID
tags further enhances the compatibility of various products with
the inventory control system 140'.
[0227] When an RFID tag is not attached to the item, the next step
is to determine whether an RFID tag is desired (296). In some
circumstances, the user may not want to attach an RFID tag to the
item (such as silverware, cutlery or pots and pans). In this
particular case, the user should photograph the item (298) for
entry into the inventory control system 140'. The user then
manually programs the inventory control system 140' to identify a
particular location that the item is located. For example, a user
may take a picture of a cooking pot and identify in the inventory
control system 140' that the pot is located in a particular
cupboard. Alternatively, if the item is placed in the storage and
retrieval system, the user should record the particular bin and/or
drawer number (300) where the item is stored. The user may manually
enter information into the database (258) as described above.
Accordingly, the user is able to subsequently find the untagged
item by accessing location information stored in the inventory
control system 140' quickly and easily with, e.g., the universal
remote 228.
[0228] Alternatively, if an RFID tag is desired, the user must
print an RFID tag (302) according to the number assigned by the
database in step (290). The printed tag preferably includes an
adhesive or other means for attaching the tag to the item (304).
Accordingly, the user may place the item nearly anywhere so the
item can later be located through use of the aforementioned
universal remote 228, the GPS sensor 234, and/or the satellite
system 236. In one embodiment, the tagged item may be placed in the
storage and retrieval system described above. Items such as cans,
bottles, boxes and jars may each be stored in a drawer in the
storage and retrieval system designed for the size of each
respective item. Here, it is preferred that the RFID tag be
attached to the top of the can, the top of the bottle, the top of
the box or the top of the jar. Alternatively, for clothing items
such as shirts, pants and coats, the RFID tag may be attached to
the inside top collar of a shirt, bottom of a pants leg or inside
the top collar of the coat. The shirts, pants and coats may
subsequently be placed in bins or on hangers within a closet.
Similarly, in an office environment, the RFID tags may be attached
to the side of a letter, file or document for easy reading by the
universal remote 228 when organized in a Pendaflex folder hung from
a frame. Such folders may also be incorporated into the storage and
retrieval system described above. Additionally, other items such as
watches, eyeglasses and keys (e.g., car keys and house keys) may
each respectively receive an RFID tag to the underside of a watch
face, bottom of the frame end, or on a key case. The watch,
eyeglasses and keys may each be stored in respective drawers and
bin numbers within the storage and retrieval system. Then, when the
user wants to retrieve any of the above-identified items, the
storage and retrieval system automatically knows which bin and
drawer number to access and present to the user, so the user is not
otherwise forced to search for the items. Thereafter, input is
complete (306).
[0229] FIG. 98 is a sample flowchart illustrating one set of logic
instructions for integrating the inventory control system 140' with
the storage and retrieval system (308). For example, the first step
is to identify the product or item (310) to be stored within the
storage and retrieval system. The logic diagram illustrated in FIG.
98 may be an internal logic processor that automatically steps
through each of the determination steps to dictate to the user
which bin and/or drawer number the item is to be placed.
Alternatively, when the characteristics of the product or item to
be entered into the storage and retrieval system are relatively
unknown, the logic diagram of FIG. 98 may provide a way for the
inventory control system 140' to acquire information about the
product to efficiently ascertain the bin and/or drawer number in
which the product or item is to be stored. As part of identifying
the product or item (310), the inventory control system 140' may
initially determine whether the item is food (312). If the item is
not food, the inventory control system 140' may step through a
series of different categories to determine if the product or item
is utensils (314), pots/pans (316), appliances (318),
papers/folders (320), clothing (322), supplies (324), or some other
miscellaneous item (326) capable of being stored within the storage
and retrieval system. In the event the inventory control system
140' is unable to place the item into a category, including the
miscellaneous category, the item may be deemed incapable of storage
within the storage and retrieval system and the system may merely
exit (328). Subsequently, the system 140' notifies the user that
the item cannot be stored within the storage and retrieval system.
Otherwise, the inventory control system 140' performs a sequence of
submenu logic steps to determine the most efficient location to
place the goods in the corresponding bin and/or drawer numbers
(330). Process step (330) may occur automatically, as would be the
case when the product is automatically identified by the universal
remote 228 by scanning the barcode or reading the RFID tag, or
manually through manual input of the product characteristics by the
user. Preferably, the inventory control system 140' works in
conjunction with the mechanics of the storage and retrieval system
described above to automatically present to the user the
corresponding bin and drawer number where the item is to be
efficiently stored. Considerations for storage locations may
include criteria such as the size of the product packaging, the
type of product (e.g. whether it needs refrigeration), the location
of other similar items, frequency of accessing the item, etc. A
person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that
virtually any type of criteria can be programmed into the logic of
the computer system operating the inventory control system 140' for
determining the efficient location of goods entered into the
storage and retrieval system. A processor may compute storage
efficiency in real-time.
[0230] The logic sequence generally described with respect to step
(330) in FIG. 98 is described in more detail when it is determined
that the product or item is food (312). In this scenario, after
determining that the product is food (312), it must be determined
whether the food needs to be refrigerated (332). In the event the
food needs refrigeration, the food item is accordingly placed in a
refrigerator (334). The refrigerator may either be integrated into
the storage and retrieval system, as described above, or may be a
separate, regular standard refrigerator. In the case that the
refrigerator is part of the storage and retrieval system, the
inventory control system 140' preferably determines the most
efficient location within a refrigerated bin and/or drawer number
for placement of the food item. Alternatively, the user may simply
open the standard refrigerator (unassociated with the storage and
retrieval system) for placement therein. In this embodiment, the
user will later use the remote control 228 to specifically locate
the positioning of the item within the standard refrigerator, as
will be described in more detail below. One particular advantage of
integrating the inventory control system 140' with the storage and
retrieval system is that the user may ascertain the type and
quantity of goods within the system in real-time. In terms of
refrigeration, the user need not open the refrigerator, thereby
decreasing its efficiency by exposing the internal compartments to
ambient air temperatures. Rather, the user need only access a menu
on the remote control 228 or other device capable of displaying the
payload of contents in the refrigerator. This feature is not
necessarily reliant only on the storage and retrieval system, but
can also be used in conjunction with a standard refrigerator. Goods
in the standard refrigerator are located (and monitored) generally
through remote communication with the GPS sensor 234, as described
with respect to retrieving goods below.
[0231] Alternatively, in the event that the food item does not need
to be refrigerated (332), the inventory control system 140'
identifies placement in another, regular compartment of the storage
and retrieval system (336). For instance, the programmed logic may
step through any one of a number of different determination steps
to ascertain the type and size of the product to be stored in the
storage and retrieval system. For instance, the inventory control
system 140' may determine whether the food item is a can (338), a
bottle (340), a box (342), a package (344), a jar (346), or another
miscellaneous type of food item (348). In the event the inventory
control system 140' is unable to ascertain the identity of the food
item, the system may return a message to the user indicating as
such and thereafter exit (328). This should only occur in rare
circumstances, such as a new product having unusual packaging that
does not permit placement in any bin and/or drawer. The
determination steps (338)-(348) otherwise help the inventory
control system 140' ascertain the proper location to store the food
product. Preferably, food products are stored with other like food
products. This increases the efficiency and organization of the
storage and retrieval system. In terms of efficiency, if the food
item is a can, the user may be able to stack multiple cans on top
of one another depending on the size of the can, the bin and/or
drawer. Alternatively, items such as bottles may not permit
stacking and, therefore, require storage in different bin and/or
drawer numbers. Grouping products based on dimensioning, especially
the footprint of the product package, enables the storage and
retrieval system and the inventory control system 140' to store
more products within a smaller space.
[0232] Accordingly, after identifying the type of food product, the
inventory control system 140' determines the size characteristics
of the item (350). For example, the inventory control system 140'
may first determine whether the food item is six inches or less in
height (352). In the event that the food item is not six inches or
less in height, the inventory control system 140' presents the user
with the option of storing the food item in bin A, drawer 1 (354).
Alternatively, if the food item is six inches or less, the
inventory control system 140' may next determine whether the food
item is two inches or less in height (356). In the case that it is,
the user is able to stack at least three of the food items in bin
A, drawer 1 (358). If the food item is more than two inches in
height, the next logic step may be to determine whether the food
item is three inches or less in height (360). In the event that the
food item is three inches or less in height, the user is directed
to stack two of the food items in bin A, drawer 1 (362). The
inventory control system 140' may take into consideration one or
more other characteristics of the food item when determining the
location to place the food item in the storage and retrieval
system. The inventory control system 140' will also consider the
type and size of the products already within the storage and
retrieval system to maximize efficient placement therein.
Accordingly, this logic is generally designated in step (364). Once
the food item is placed in the storage and retrieval system, the
inventory control system 140' exits (328). The next time the same
item is scanned into the inventory control system 140', the storage
and retrieval system automatically presents a preferred bin and/or
drawer to the user since the product characteristics are already
known. Of course, the user can override any automatic function at
any time.
[0233] Another important aspect of the inventory control system
140' is the capability to locate and retrieve items originally
entered into the system. FIG. 99 is a flowchart illustrating a
process of removal (366). The first step is to identify the item to
be retrieved (368). Recall that the inventory control system 140'
generally includes the universal remote 228. Accordingly, the user
may search for an item to be retrieved by interfacing with a search
program programmed into the universal remote 228. Information of
items within the inventory control system 140' may be stored in a
database local to the universal remote 228 or remote in the system
database 232. When the information is remote, the universal remote
228 directly communicates with the database 232 in real-time. The
user may search by virtually any type of product feature
identified, e.g., in steps (260)-(288), (312)-(326), (338)-(348) or
(352)-(360). Searches may be category-based, keyword-based,
feature-based (e.g. purchase date, expiration date, etc.) or by
some other menu-based logic search.
[0234] Items located outside of the storage and retrieval system
may be generally located through use of the universal remote 228
and the GPS sensor 234. One of the GPS sensors 234 is preferably
within reading range of the item 230 at all times. For example, a
user may strategically place multiple GPS sensors 234 throughout a
house. Preferably, the GPS sensors 234 cover the entire premises as
would a home WiFi internet signal. In a preferred embodiment, the
item 230 includes a passive RFID tag that can be read by an active
GPS sensor 234 capable of sending and receiving RFID signals, among
others. The GPS sensor 234 may further communicate with the
satellites 238-244 of the satellite system 236, as described above,
to locate the general area of the item 230. For example, the GPS
sensor 234 and the satellite system 236 could determine that an
item is located on the second floor of a three story house. In this
embodiment, the satellite system 236 uses triangulation, which
includes an approximate elevation of the item, to locate the
general location of the item in the house. The GPS sensor 234 can
send and receive high frequency GPS signals to the satellites
238-244 and the universal remote 228. As described above, the GPS
sensor 234 ascertains the general location of the item 230 through
implementation of triangulation, wherein the satellites 238, 240,
242 work together to identify the latitude, longitude and elevation
of the item 230. The GPS sensor 234 acquires this information from
the satellite system 236 and thereafter communicates the location
to the universal remote 228. The universal remote 228, through a
GPS-enabled map system or through an internet connection, can
display the location of the user relative to the positioning of the
item 230. The user is then able to navigate with the universal
remote 228 to the approximate location of the item 230 identified
by the GPS sensor 234. Once in the general vicinity of the item
230, the user activates the RFID transmitter on the universal
remote 228 to specifically hone in on and pinpoint the exact
location of the item 230.
[0235] Accordingly, the next step is to identify the specific
location of the item 230 by use of the universal remote 228 and the
RFID tag (372). The universal remote 228 includes an RFID-laser
light beam that directs the user to the specific location of the
item 230 when in range. The user can retrieve the item by following
the laser-light beam to the location of the item 230. In some cases
it is necessary to determine whether the item is stored in the
storage and retrieval system (374). Accordingly, when the item 230
is stored within the storage and retrieval system, the storage and
retrieval system presents the bin and drawer having the desired
item to the user (376). The user may then activate the RFID-laser
light beam to guide the user to the item (378). The laser light
beam on the universal remote 228 preferably creates a line-of-sight
beam in the direction of the item 230. When in the storage and
retrieval system, the laser light beam points to a specific product
having the identified RFID label thereon. When not in the storage
and retrieval system, the laser light beam preferably directs the
user to a specific location where the item 230 is located. Here,
the universal remote 228 also creates a line-of-sight to the item
with the laser light beam. Of course, the item 230 must be within
range of the radio frequency transmitter on the universal remote
228 for the laser light beam to direct the user to the specific
location of the item 230. Hence, the importance of using the GPS
sensors 234 to locate the general vicinity of the item 230.
[0236] In a preferred embodiment of the inventory control system
140', for items stored outside of the storage and retrieval system
described above, it is preferred that various GPS sensors be
disposed in the general vicinity of where items are to be stored.
For example, a GPS sensor 234 could be located in the garage, in
the basement, and/or in specific rooms such as a closet, a bedroom,
a pantry, or a refrigerator. The important part is that the GPS
sensor 234 be within transmittable range to identify the general
location of the item at any given time. This is extremely useful
and efficient for the user because the user does not spend
countless hours searching for items in the wrong portion of a home,
for example. Tagging items 230 with RFID tags also prevents loss of
the item 230 due to misfiling or misplacement. When the item 230 is
within range of either the GPS sensor 234 or the universal remote
228, the user is able to immediately locate the place of the item
in real-time. For example, items placed in a standard refrigerator
(e.g. not a storage and retrieval-equipped refrigeration unit), as
described briefly above with respect to FIG. 98, a GPS sensor 234
attached to the refrigerator notifies the user of certain products
within its vicinity (i.e. in the standard refrigerator).
Accordingly, the user is capable of determining the general area
that a particular product is located (i.e. the standard
refrigerator). Upon opening the refrigerator, the universal remote
228 activates the RFID-laser light beam to point directly to the
RFID tag specific to the product itself. The laser light beam
preferably establishes line-of-sight to the item for immediate
retrieval. Thereafter, the item is removed from the active list of
the inventory control system if the item is discarded after use
(380). Otherwise, the GPS sensors 234 continue to track the
location of the item while in range.
[0237] The monitor on the universal remote 228 may also be designed
to periodically show or display a list of items that need
attention. For example, the universal remote 228 may display items
about to expire, or items that may expire in the near future (e.g.
two or three days). The inventory control system 140' may be
equipped with a notification system that alerts the user of goods
that may expire within a certain time period. Of course, the user
is able to customize the alerts (e.g. frequency, audio, visual,
etc.).
[0238] FIG. 100 is a schematic diagram illustrating removal of the
item 230 from the active list in the inventory control system 140'.
As shown in FIG. 100, the system database 232 preferably remains in
communication with the universal remote 228. The universal remote
228 or GPS sensor 234 may also be in communication with the item
230 (assuming either are within range). The item 230 can be removed
from the active list in the inventory control system 140' via
manual entry by the user in the event the item 230 no longer
resides in the system 140'. This may occur, for example, when a
piece of fruit (such as an apple) is eaten. More preferably, items
are removed from the active list through deployment of an active
sensor 382 or a powerable sensor 384. The active sensor 382 is just
that, always active. Thus, when the user places the item 230 in
either a trash compactor 386 or a recycle drawer 388, the active
sensor 382 records placement of the item 230 therein. The active
sensor 382 then immediately communicates to the system database 232
that the item 230 has been placed in a location (i.e. the trash
compactor 386 or the recycle drawer 388) that effectively removes
the item 230 from the inventory control system 140'. The system
database 232, being in communication with the universal remote 228,
immediately updates the database stored within the universal remote
228 so that the user may access the inventory in real-time.
Typically, the active sensor 382 used with the trash compactor 386
is used to identify items 230 such as food and other household
goods. Additionally, the active sensor 382 associated with the
recycle drawer 388 may be associated with other common household
goods, such as boxes, papers, cans, etc. The scope of the active
sensors 382 are preferably localized and may only be activated when
the item 230 passes a plane or other laser that causes the active
sensor 382 to read the item 230. Moreover, the powerable sensor 384
may be mounted or used in association with a shredder 390, a trash
can 392 or a recycle can 394. The powerable sensor 384 enables the
user to selectively turn the sensor 384 "on" or "off", depending on
the use. For instance, the sensor 384 associated with the shredder
390 is normally "off", unless the user is shredding papers (i.e.
the item 230) having an RFID circuit thereon. In this case, the
powerable sensor 384 becomes active when the user turns the
shredder 390 to the "on" position. Accordingly, the sensor 384
identifies the item 230 before the RFID tag is destroyed by the
shredder 390. The trash can 392 and the recycle can 394 include
similar powerable sensors 384, but may also include the active
sensor 382. Accordingly, each of the sensors 382, 384 are in
communication with the system database 232 and/or the universal
remote 228. The sensors 382, 384 immediately update the system
database 232 and/or the universal remote 228 to show that the item
230 has been discarded. The inventory control system 140'
preferably updates in real-time so the user can immediately
identify the types and quantity of items in the inventory control
system 140' at all times.
[0239] Thus, the item 230 is automatically removed from the active
database via the active sensor 382 or the powerable sensor 384 at
the place the item 230 is discarded. Alternatively, the item 230 is
manually scanned or read by the universal remote 228 when thrown
away elsewhere (i.e. when the active sensor 382 or the powerable
sensor 384 is not present), given to charity, or sold in a flea
market. The item removed from the active database may be kept
inactive for product usage reports, etc., or otherwise completely
removed from the database. For example, deleting an item 230 from
the database could be similar to a "recycle bin" protocol of a
computer.
[0240] In another aspect of the inventory control system 140', a
user may automatically enter items into the system database 232
simultaneously while checking out at the store. FIG. 101
illustrates a user 396 scanning the item 230 at a checkout counter
398. In this embodiment, the item 230 is equipped with an RFID
circuit automatically read by a scanner 400 integrated into the
checkout counter 398. When the RFID tag is read at the checkout
counter 398, the RFID information is automatically read by the
universal remote 228 carried by the user 396. Thereafter, the
universal remote 228 communicates the information associated with
the item 230 to the system database 232. This particular feature of
the inventory control system 140' instantly adds newly purchased
products to the system database 232. Accordingly, the user 396 is
not required to re-scan any of the purchased items at home. Rather,
the inventory control system 140' immediately enters and begins
tracking the purchased items with the universal remote 228 and any
one of a plurality of the GPS sensors 234. As described in more
detail below, features of the universal remote 228, the GPS sensors
234 and the system database 232 ensure that the user 396 does not
haphazardly lose or misplace the purchased items, especially after
leaving the store. Input of the item 230 into the inventory control
system 140' at the time of purchase automatically immediately
identifies the location of the item 230 such that the user 396 may
retrieve the item 230 at any given time in the future.
[0241] FIG. 102 is a flowchart illustrating a sample process of
inputting items into the inventory control system 140' at checkout
and thereafter tracking the item within the inventory control
system (402). Initially, as generally described above with respect
to FIG. 101, the user 396 first swipes the item by an RFID scanner
400 at checkout (404). The universal remote 228 carried by the user
396 acknowledges the purchase of the item 230 at the time of
scanning (406). The universal remote 228 stores item information in
a local database and may simultaneously communicate that
information to a remote database (408), such as the system database
232. At this stage, the universal remote 228 defaults to a "forget
me not" mode (410). In this setting, the universal remote 228
maintains communication with the purchased items 230. While the
items 230 are within radio contact with the universal remote 228,
nothing happens. This feature is to ensure that the user 396 does
not accidentally leave or forget a particular product at the
checkout counter 398. In the event one or more items 230 lose
communication with the remote 228, the user is alerted that the
item 230 may have been left behind, misplaced, or forgotten.
[0242] While the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 102
pertains to purchasing goods at a retail outlet, the "forget me
not" feature is applicable in a number of different settings. For
example, the user may set the universal remote 228 to the "forget
me not" mode when in a restaurant or bar. All items within range of
the radio frequency transmitter in the universal remote 228 are
immediately identified and thereafter tracked. As long as the items
carried by the user remain within the radio frequency range of the
universal remote 228, nothing happens. Items such as credit cards
or keys (and possibly cash in the future) are constantly monitored
by the universal remote 228. This prevents the user from leaving,
for example, a facility without items that were initially within
the radio frequency range of the universal remote 228. This might
be applicable in a bar setting wherein a user may give a bartender
a credit card to start a tab. At the end of the evening, in the
event the user walks out of the bar without the credit card, the
universal remote 228 immediately notifies the user once the credit
card loses radio frequency communication with the universal remote
228--i.e. the credit card falls outside of some predefined
monitoring distance. In this regard, the user may immediately
identify the missing item by viewing information provided by the
universal remote 228. In this embodiment, the universal remote 228
may display a picture or other information regarding the missing
item. In the above example, the user immediately knows to go back
to the bartender to retrieve the credit card. This particular
feature of the inventory control system 140' is applicable to
virtually any type of product carrying RFID identification. The
universal remote 228 may monitor items such as clothing, purses,
computers, wallets, billfolds, glasses, etc.
[0243] The user may also customize the "forget me not" mode, such
as which items are monitored and the maximum distance between the
universal remote 228 and the item before the universal remote 228
activates a notification warning to the user. In this embodiment,
the user may initially activate the "forget me not" mode on the
universal remote 228 at a location such as a restaurant. The
universal remote 228 may provide the user with a list of items
currently being monitored in the "forget me not" mode. In this
list, the user may have the option to deselect monitoring of a
particular item or items. This might be useful, for example, if the
user decides to throw away a particular item (in which case the
item is removed from the inventory control system 140' altogether,
as described above), or in the event that the user decides to allow
the item to leave the predefined monitoring range (e.g., to allow
another person to borrow a piece of clothing, such as a coat). In
this scenario, the user does not want the universal remote 228
activating at the end of the night when the borrowed garment is
taken beyond the monitoring range of the universal remote 228. Of
course, the user may customize the distance the item may be taken
before the universal remote 228 activates some visual or audio
alarm.
[0244] Items purchased at checkout or otherwise desired to be
monitored via the "forget me not" mode has several additional
features in view of use with the storage and retrieval system and
GPS sensors 234. As shown in FIG. 102, the universal remote 228
initially defaults to the "forget me not" mode (410). This is
generally true whether the items were purchased or otherwise
monitored at a different location. When an item leaves the
monitoring range of the RFID transmitter/receiver of the universal
remote 228, it must be determined whether the item was left (e.g.
"forgotten") in a location with a GPS sensor 234 in range (412). If
the item is left within the range of a GPS sensor 234, the GPS
sensor 234 records the item location after the universal remote is
carried a predefined distance from the item (414). It is then
determined whether the item was "forgotten" or unintentionally left
behind (415). If the item was not forgotten or was intentionally
left behind, the GPS sensor 234 immediately communicates location
information to the system database 232 and the universal remote
(416), and then having received this information, the universal
remote 228 defaults to the "find" mode (418). Accordingly, the
notification function (e.g. beeping, vibrating, flashing, etc.) of
the universal remote 228 turns "off" (420). Steps (414)-(420) are
designed to permit the user to leave an item outside of the RFID
transmission range of the universal remote 228 without the
universal remote 228 beeping or otherwise notifying the user that
the item was left behind. Alternatively, if the items were
"forgotten" or unintentionally left behind, the universal remote
beeps once the item becomes a predefined distance away (421). These
features are particularly ideal after the user 396 purchases goods
at a retail outlet and then places those goods within the user's
home, e.g., for storage and retrieval at a later date. The user is
not required to enter any information or change any settings.
Rather, the user simply walks away and the GPS sensors 234
immediately identify the location of the item 230. This prevents
the item from being lost in the event the user accidently forgets
an item at a location outside of the GPS sensor 234 range, such as
at the grocery store, since the GPS sensor 234 immediately
communicates location information to the system database 232 and
the universal remote 228 in step (416). The user can still
immediately identify the general location of the item even though
the universal remote 228 is no longer in RFID transmission range.
In this aspect of the inventory control system 140', there is no
danger that the item will be lost or otherwise misplaced.
[0245] Alternatively, when it is determined in step (412) that a
GPS sensor 234 is not located within the area that the item is
left, it must first be determined whether the universal remote 228
should automatically notify the user that the item was left and/or
forgotten (422). In some situations, the user may endeavor to place
an item at a location outside of the RFID transmission range of the
universal remote 228; and in a location outside of the transmission
range of any GPS sensor 234. In this scenario, the user may select
a "silent" mode on the universal remote (424). The universal remote
228 then defaults to "find" mode (426). In this mode, when the
universal remote 228 leaves the RFID transmission range of the
item, the universal remote records the latitude and longitude of
the item in the system database (428). The universal remote 228 has
an active GPS sensor circuit therein (not shown). The universal
remote 228 will be able to later locate the item via a universal
remote navigation map after recording the latitude and longitude of
the item placed outside the range of the GPS sensors 234. This
means the stationary GPS sensors 234 on the refrigerator, house,
closet, or storage and retrieval system are not needed. The roving
GPS sensor circuit on the universal remote 228 is a suitable
replacement. This feature ensures that the location of the item is
not later forgotten. The user can access the longitude and latitude
information from the system database 232 to later retrieve the item
230 from the location identified by the universal remote 228.
Accordingly, the user may later go back and pick up the item (430).
Once the item is picked up, the latitude and longitude information
previously stored in the system database 232 is cleared (432).
[0246] Alternatively, the universal remote 228 notifies the user
(e.g. by beeping, vibrating or flashing) once the item becomes a
predefined distance away from the user (434) if the item is
forgotten in step (422). The latitude and longitude information is
typically not recorded in this scenario because the user goes back
and picks up the forgotten items (430). Accordingly, it may not be
necessary to clear the latitude and longitude information in step
(432) before the universal remote 228 defaults back to the "forget
me not" mode. Regardless of whether the item was purposely left
behind or "forgotten", once the item is back within range of the
universal remote 228, the universal remote 228 defaults back to the
"forget me not" mode (410).
[0247] The inventory control system 140' ensures that any item can
be located and retrieved by (a) simply walking to the item and
retrieving it (e.g., a house, office, refrigerator, walk-in closet,
etc.); or (b) having the item brought to the user at the access
location of the storage and retrieval system described above. The
key is that the inventory control system 140' has location
information of any particular good purchased or otherwise entered
into the system 140' at any given time.
[0248] Another feature of the inventory control system 140' is the
security of the information stored within the universal remote 228
and the system database 232. Security may be necessary in the event
that someone steals the universal remote 228 or someone attempts to
access the database 232 to retrieve inventory information therein.
The inventory control system 140' can be secured with, e.g., a (a)
password; (b) thumbprint; or (c) retinal scan. In the first
embodiment, the user may need to enter a password into the
universal remote 228 to access the inventory information therein.
Alternatively, the universal remote 228 may include a thumbprint
reader, whereby the information in the inventory control system
140' may only be accessed by the user that initially sets up the
system 140'. Alternatively, and most preferably, the universal
remote 228 may include a retinal scanner that takes a photograph of
the user's eye during the initial setup. Accordingly, the universal
remote 228 is only responsive to that individual after a subsequent
retinal scan confirms that the user operating the universal remote
228 is the actual user that set up the inventory control system
140'. Alternatively, multiple persons may be granted access to use
the universal remote 228 in the event that multiple passwords,
thumbprints or retinal scans are entered into the system 140'. This
feature is particularly useful when the inventory control system
140' is used by several people in a family (e.g. husband, wife,
kids, etc.). That way, all individuals associated with the
inventory control system 140' can store and retrieve items at will,
in accordance with the embodiments described above.
[0249] FIGS. 103-110 illustrate another embodiment of the inventory
control system. Here, the inventory control system is in the form
of a software application designed for use with, preferably,
portable electronic devices such as cell phones, PDAs, laptops,
netbooks, tablet computers, wristwatches, etc. Although, a person
of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the
software application can be used in association with virtually any
electronic device that can process information. For purposes of
this application, the device running the software application will
be referenced as the aforementioned "universal remote". Preferably,
the software application is offered through one or more online
application stores such as the Apple App Store or through the
Android Market. This inventory control system application is
particularly advantageous because it operates with speech
recognition software to anticipate and respond to certain
directions given by the user. One drawback known in the art is that
traditional menu systems are linear. That is, the user must step
through a sequence of hierarchal menus to obtain the information
desired (see, e.g. FIG. 107). If the information the user endeavors
to obtain is buried deep within the menu system, the user must
still step through a set of known menus before obtaining the
desired information. This type of organization is time consuming
for applications that retain a lot of data--such as the inventory
control system described herein. In the event the user fails to go
through the specific and proper sequence of menus, the user will
arrive at the wrong information. As a result, the user must either
step back through the set of menus or restart the process all over
again. From an efficiency standpoint, getting information this way
can be tedious. Another drawback is that efficiency is reliant on
the user retaining an accurate memory of the hierarchy of menus
within the system. For people, especially those with memory
problems such as Alzheimer's, these systems are simply
inadequate.
[0250] Moreover, navigation of prior art menu systems can be
tedious as well since these systems are only designed to respond to
expected responses. For example, a user may endeavor to obtain
information from a company that offers information over the phone.
All too often, users step through a sequence of menu options only
to arrive at an unsatisfactory option. As a result, the user must
step back through the menu system or start over. Some companies
even publish these hierarchal menu systems to help users contact a
specific department faster. Obviously, it would be easier to locate
that "department" at the first step without needing to navigate a
complex hierarchy of menu options. The inventory control system
described below simplifies the process of finding information
stored in a hierarchal database without the need of memorizing
menus or options.
[0251] One advantage of the inventory control system described
herein is that it is able to process spoken information to find a
product or carry out an operation. In essence, the speech
recognition technologies used to reproduce words is utilized in a
search function that allows the user to find information without
going through the tedious menus described above. Speech recognition
is currently used in dictation applications where words spoken into
a microphone are reproduced in a word processor. Speech recognition
may include single command instructions to operate an electronic
device such as a computer. In each application described above, the
words spoken are tied to a specific word, action or
purpose--similar to stepping a user through the aforementioned
hierarchal menu system.
[0252] Specifically with reference to FIG. 103, a flowchart
illustrating the inventory control system starts by accessing a
software application menu (436) capable of operating on any one of
the aforementioned electronic devices (e.g. the universal remote).
Here, the user is preferably greeted with an audio playback that
initiates the menu system (438). For example, the user may hear the
phrase: "How can I help you today?" Additionally, the universal
remote may include a visual display, such as an LCD or LED screen,
that shows the text of the information in the event the user may be
hearing impaired. Next, the user is asked to make a selection.
Here, the user is able to instruct the inventory control system to
perform some action. For example, as described in detail below,
exemplary uses for the inventory control system are to (a) find an
item; (b) input data; (c) locate or place an item for storage; (d)
initiate the above-described "forget me not" feature; (e) remove an
item from the system database; or (f) exit the program altogether.
Preferably, the voice recognition engine keys into a specific
command such as "find", "input", "locate", etc. to determine the
proper course of action for the user. Of course, the commands are
not simply limited to one word such as "find". In this respect, the
system may endeavor to activate the "find" function should the user
say "acquire", "attain", "get", "obtain", "procure", etc. In this
respect, the speech recognition software identifies the command and
the inventory control system determines the course of action. If
the speech recognition software is unable to recognize the command,
the user may be given the option to repeat the command, use a
keyboard to input the command, or choose from a list of commands or
icons representing commands.
[0253] The next step is for the inventory control system to
determine whether the voice command was recognized (440). In this
respect, the system may instruct the user to "speak clearly". The
inventory control system speech recognition software is preferably
configured to operate in more than one language. For example, the
user may set the desired language, or the software itself may
automatically detect the language being spoken. In this respect,
the inventory control system software can be used by multiple
authorized users from bilingual families, for example. In some
circumstances, such as loud environments, the microphone on the
universal remote may not be able to ascertain the command spoken by
the user. In other circumstances, the software may simply be unable
to ascertain the words spoken by the user (e.g. if the user
mumbles). In the event the speech recognition software is unable to
ascertain the command, the user may enter information into the
universal remote through use of a touch screen (e.g. menus, a
virtual keyboard, icons, etc.), a mechanical keyboard, mouse,
stylus, or other data-input device that may be integrated,
selectively attachable to or otherwise in wireless communication
with the universal remote operating the inventory control system
software. These options may include the ability for the user to
select, e.g., an icon, word/phrase or simply request reactivation
of the speech recognition feature (442). Thereafter, a menu option
is selected (444). As briefly mentioned above, the menu options
preferably include finding an item (446), inputting an item (448),
replacing or storing an item (450), utilizing the "forget me not"
feature (452), or simply exiting the inventory control system
software (454).
[0254] FIG. 104 illustrates a general flowchart for inputting
(448), retrieving (446), and adjusting the inventory (456) of the
products stored in the inventory control system database. At first,
the information in the inventory control system database may be
empty. That is, upon acquisition of the software, the user first
needs to input information into the database so that items and
products within the control of the user can be inventoried--and
later tracked and retrieved. After obtaining the software, the user
accesses the voice activated inventory control system (458). Since
the database is likely initially empty, the user needs to access
the input data step (448) via steps (436)-(444) described above
with respect to FIG. 103. In FIG. 104, the input data step (448)
includes acquiring the physical location of the product, the
product location at that physical location, and the product
information itself. For example, the user may endeavor to input
information regarding food products stored within a pantry. The
user would first input the physical location (460) of the
product--in this case being the user's home. Next, the user
endeavors to place that item within a pantry within the home. Here,
the user inputs the product location (462)--i.e. the pantry. At
this point, the user knows the general physical location of the
product and a more specific location at that physical location
where the product may be stored. For example, these first two steps
(460) and (462) are particularly useful in enabling the user to
quickly locate the specific location of a particular item when the
user endeavors to find an item.
[0255] The inventory control system database may include a variety
of pre-populated physical locations (e.g. home, work, car, etc.)
and product locations (e.g. a closet, pantry, refrigerator,
cabinet, drawer, etc.). Of course, the database itself is not
limited to these pre-populated categories, and preferably, user
would even be able to delete or rename these categories in order to
provide maximum customization. Importantly, the user should be able
to identify the locations by speaking a name--and each user may
associate the same or similar locations within a residence by
different names (e.g. compare "mud room" with "entryway").
Providing for such customization allows the user to speak into the
microphone such that the speech recognition software is able to
accurately identify the location where the item or product may be
located. The inventory control system software would then convey
such location information back to the user by some form of audio or
visual notification. Additionally, the user may add physical or
product locations to the database. For example, a user with a
vacation home in Oregon and a vacation home in Michigan will have
the option of adding these as separate physical location
categories. In this case, the user may have a general category for
"homes" and have more specific categories for "California Primary
Residence", "Oregon Vacation Home" and "Michigan Vacation Home".
These categories are obviously unique to this particular user as
most users will not have three homes, one in California, one in
Oregon and one in Michigan. This is useful in that the user may
identify the items/products located at each physical location. The
user may add/delete/rename categories regarding the product
location and the product information as well.
[0256] Once the user inputs the physical location (460) of the
item, the user next inputs the product location (462) of the
product at that physical location. As briefly mentioned above, the
product location information is customizable based on the needs of
the user. For example, a person with a wine cellar may endeavor to
use the inventory control system to track the type, quantity and
location of wine in the cellar. Here, the physical location of the
wine may be the residence of the user or another storage facility.
When stored at the home, the user may specifically identify that
certain wine is located in the basement, refrigerator, or the wine
cellar. For wine in the cellar, the user may even specify a
particular row/column. Each of these categories (e.g. the
"basement", "wine cellar", "row/column") may be pre-populated by
the software database or may be customized by the user. For
instance, the system database may include an option to add a
category for "wine cellar" to the product location information. The
software itself may suggest pre-populated categories for product
location information--such as rows and/or columns. The user may
have the option to add these suggested categories, rename the
categories, add categories, or simply decline to use the more
specific category and, instead, use only the general "wine cellar"
category as the product location information. The product location
information is preferably as specific as technology allows so that
the user can pinpoint the exact location of any item stored within
the inventory control system database, and retrievable as described
above. For example, the above-described GPS system would enable a
user to identify the general vicinity or location (e.g. the
physical location) where a product is stored. Then, localized RFID
readers, having a higher sensitivity but shorter range, can
pinpoint the product location at that physical location.
[0257] After the user inputs the physical location (460) and inputs
the product location (462), the user then inputs the product
information (464). The process for inputting the product
information (464) is shown in more detail in FIG. 105. The first
step is to enter product information into a database (466). There
are several ways of inputting information into the database that
include manual input (468), UPC barcode scan/picture input (470)
and input from another database (472). For instance, product
information may be input manually (468) by speaking product
information into the microphone. Here, the inventory control system
software may ask the user to respond to one or more of a series of
questions regarding the product and the product information.
Alternatively, the user may manually enter information by using
other input devices such as a keyboard, keypad, touch screen,
mouse, stylus, etc. The keyboard and/or the keypad could be a
virtual (e.g. a touch screen or software-driven), a non-virtual
(e.g. a mechanical keyboard or hardware-driven), or a Braille
keyboard/keypad. Input could also be accomplished by automatically
reading an RFID chip or other information transmitting device on
the product. The universal remote should include a barcode reader
such as a camera, an infra-red device, a laser light beam device,
or another mechanism known in the art. Information obtained from
the barcode or RFID chip is stored in pre-populated or custom
fields for later retrieval, as described in more detail below.
[0258] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inventory
control system software can input information through use of a UPC
barcode scan or picture (470). In this embodiment, the universal
remote may include a standard bar code scanner that can read the
UPC barcode to obtain product information therefrom. Alternatively,
and particularly preferable, the universal remote includes a camera
that can take a picture of the bar code. The bar code information
is deduced by analyzing the picture. The inventory control system
application may be integrated with other applications such as the
"Red Laser" iPhone application (or others such as Zebra, Crossing
or Shop Savvy) to analyze the barcode being scanned. The barcode
information may then be cross-referenced in a local or third party
database (e.g. Google Shopping) to obtain product specific
information. In another embodiment, the universal remote may be
equipped with an electronic reader that can communicate with an
active or passive RFID tag that may be attached to the product.
Here, the universal remote sends out a query to the RFID chip
embedded or attached to the item being input into the database.
Information on the RFID chip is automatically relayed back to the
universal remote for entry into the database. The inventory control
system software preferably automatically populates the database
with information sent from the RFID chip on the product. Fields
specific to the product, not previously populated in the database,
may either be automatically created without authorization from the
user, automatically created with authorization from the user, or
individually manually approved. The software may include an option
where the user may toggle among options depending on the product
being entered into the inventory control system.
[0259] Alternatively, the inventory control system software may
utilize some other database (472) to obtain product information.
For example, in the event the user selects to obtain information
from another database (472), the user is prompted to identify a
database (474). Here, the user may select a third party database
(476) or a local database based on a sequential code (478).
Preferably, the prompting step (474) is part of the system
settings, a configuration menu, or otherwise provided in an
"advanced users" setting. In this respect, the system should work
out of the box such that the user does not need any knowledge in
electronics to get the program to work. The third party database
(476) may include an online database capable of communicating with
the universal remote or home database. Alternatively, the user may
integrate the inventory control system software with other third
party database access software. In either embodiment, the third
party database information is automatically accessed when using the
inventory control system. The inventory control system software is
preferably connected to or in communication with a network having
internet access. The user may have a subscription to a third party
database that can populate product information based on a unique
code, a product description or even the barcode on the product.
Such a database may be accessible from a generic third party, the
product manufacturer, or the company that sold the product to the
end user. In each case, the inventory control system software
accesses the relevant database through a computer network such as
the internet, an intranet or other data communication means such a
cellular networks. The third party database (476) may be
particularly ideal in the event the user buys products from a
particular manufacturer, or is a regular shopper at a particular
store (e.g. a grocery store).
[0260] Alternatively, the user may access a local database of
product information based on a sequential number code (478)
automatically generated as items are input and stored in the
inventory control system database. Here, products that are tagged
with a unique barcode/RFID chip in accordance with FIG. 106 may be
automatically identified from the inventory control system
database. For instance, when a new product is entered into the
inventory control system, a miniature barcode may be printed and
affixed to the product. The barcodes may include preprinted
sequential labels, similar to preprinted return address stick on
labels, or printable labels. Information used in association with
the labels may also include the physical location and specific
location, e.g., a cabinet. The "cabinet" may also include a number
identifier in the event there is more than one cabinet at the
physical location where the product is stored. Other pertinent
information such as product name, location, description, and UPC
Barcode are preferably included with the label. The miniature
barcode label is attached to the product once the user confirms all
the information has been entered. The user can later scan the
barcode on the product to pull product specific information from
the local database. Deriving product information this way may
operate in the same or a similar manner as retrieving product
information from the third party database described with respect to
step (476). The barcode/RFID label is particularly useful for
replacing or storing products, as described below with respect to
FIG. 110.
[0261] In the case of when the user decides to enter product
information by using a UPC barcode scan/picture (470), a third
party database (476) or the local database based on a sequential
code (476), the next step is to determine whether the user wants to
add all the information in the entire database (480) to the local
database of product information. In some cases, it may be desirable
to simply accept full database upload and allow the inventory
control system software to populate the database with predefined
line items (482). This is especially so when the user has already
input the product into the database such that product information
can be easily recalled therefrom with the assigned sequential
code/number. Additionally, the user may have the option to add an
additional or custom field, delete a field, rename or otherwise
modify any of the line item fields in the database, as described in
more detail below. The system may show the status of the barcode
transfer as information is imported to the system database.
[0262] In the event the user decides not to import the entire
database, the system presents a line item (484) to the user. The
line item may include a field that identifies some sort of
information to be stored within the database. For example, in the
event the product is a food item, the field may include an
"Expiration Date". The line item populated by the system for that
field may include the date of expiration, such as "Mar. 5, 2011".
Other fields, for example, may include type, quantity, size, etc.
The number of fields that can be incorporated into the inventory
control system database is virtually limitless--especially since
the user can add and delete fields as desired. Information from the
database is preferably automatically populated within the line item
field. Thus, the user is given the opportunity to decide whether
the populated field is acceptable (486). If the item is not
acceptable, the user is given the opportunity to edit the item
(488). Once the line item field entry is acceptable, the user
approves the item (490). The system may highlight the accepted line
item field entry and import a field number associated with that
entry into the database. Preferably, the user is notified that the
entry was accepted and entered. For example, the information in the
selected field highlights (e.g. flashes) as it is imported into the
inventory control system database. All line item fields that are
transferred then are marked in bold. The user is next presented
with an option to accept and enter the line item into the database
(492). At this stage, the user may still have the option to go back
and edit the item (488) if the user decides to change some entry in
the field. The user may edit a particular line item field by simply
identifying (through speech or keypad entry) the number associated
with the field code to be edited. Alternatively, if no changes are
needed at this stage, the line item entry is entered into the
database and the user is presented with the next step of
determining whether to select another line item (494). If
additional information is needed to be entered into the database,
the inventory control system software may automatically return the
user to step (484) wherein the software presents the user with
another line item of information to be entered into the database.
Alternatively, instead of being automatically rerouted to step
(484), the user may manually continue to add line items of
information into the database.
[0263] The inventory control system software may notify the user
that all the information has been entered into the system database
by stating that the "source entry is complete". Once all the line
items of information have been input into the system database, the
inventory control system software displays a database table of
information to the user (496). The display may show the name of the
product, the type of product (e.g. food), a picture of the product,
along with other selectively viewable information. Preferably, the
user is able to customize the display settings such that the
information conveyed matches the information the user endeavors to
review. For example, for food items, the display may show the name,
quantity and expiration date of the food item. For electronics, the
display may show the name, location, and warranty. A person of
ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there are
many different ways to customize the menu and display system
depending on the type of entries in the system database.
[0264] The user is then given the option to determine whether to
add a custom line item field (498). This option exists in the event
that the UPC barcode scan/picture, the third party database, or the
local database does not include all the designed fields of
information regarding the product being input into the inventory
control system database. Thus, the user may proceed to add a line
item field (500). The user may specify the name for this field or
may choose from one of several suggested fields. Preferably, the
field name is some alphanumeric combination that relates to some
product quality or characteristic being stored in association with
that field. Although, the field name may be made up of virtually
any combination of letters, numbers, or symbols. Once the field
name has been determined, the user then proceeds to add information
to the new line item field (502). The process of accepting the item
(486), approving the item entered (490), determining whether to
change the item (492), determining whether to select another line
item entry (494), displaying the (updated) database (496), and
determining whether to add another custom field (498) repeats
itself. Only after the user has entered all the desired information
does the system determine whether the user wants to add a custom
barcode/RFID (504) to the product entered into the system. If not,
the system exits the input procedure (506). Otherwise, the system
procedures to the step for adding custom barcode/RFID information
to the product (508) in FIG. 106.
[0265] FIG. 106 illustrates a flowchart for assigning a custom
barcode or an RFID chip to an item or product to be identified with
the inventory control system described herein. The first step here
is to assign a sequential number to the product (510). The local
inventory control system may utilize such a numbering system to
keep track of products--and to number like products. For example,
the inventory control system may preferably include a set of
miniature barcode labels that are in a pattern format--and not the
line format of UPC barcode labels. In one aspect, the miniature
barcode labels may include a set of preprinted sequential labels
similar to preprinted return address stick on labels that are
arranged on sheets. Upon purchase or other acquisition of the
inventory control system software, one or more (e.g. an original
and a duplicate) sheets of these preprinted sequential labels may
be provided to the user. Additional sheets may be purchased or
provided in exchange for a monthly fee. The information printed to
the miniature barcode labels could be the same or at least
preferably similar to the information stored in the inventory
control system database. For example, the miniature barcode labels
could include information such as a form field for "Box" with
values of "Box" #1, 2, 3, etc.; a form field for "Cardboard Box"
with values of "Car. Box" #1, 2, 3, etc.; a form field for "Folder"
with values of "Fold." #1, 2, 3, etc.; a form field for "Pendaflex
Folder" with values of "Pen." # 1, 2, 3, etc.; a form field for
"Drawer" with values of "Draw." #1, 2, 3, etc.; a form field for
"Shelf" with values of "shlf" #1, 2, 3, etc.; a form field for
"Cabinet" with values of "Cab." #1 or #2 (if there are more than
one cabinet in a room); a form field for "Closet" with values of
"Clst" #1 or #2 (e.g. if there is more than one closet in a room);
and a form field for "3 Ring Looseleaf Binder" with values of "3
Ring" #1, 2, 3, etc. A person of ordinary skill in the art will
readily recognize that there may be many different ways to uniquely
identify product location information and information associated
with the product on the miniature barcode. In this respect, the
user may have the option of adding personalized information to the
miniature barcodes through use of a printer, such as location
information and product information. In one embodiment, the printer
is a modular printer that may be transported with the universal
remote operating the inventory control system software.
Alternatively, the printer could be a household printer or other
printer networked or otherwise in wireless communication with the
universal remote running the inventory control system software.
[0266] In the case that information can be added to the miniature
labels and then printed, the next step is to determine how to enter
the information into the inventory control system software for
printing (512). As with the above-described embodiments, it is
preferred that the user enter the information through use of the
aforementioned speech recognition software or automatically with a
barcode or RFID chip. With speech recognition, the user may, at any
point while navigating the menus or providing the system with
instructions or information, use voice commands to operate
different aspects of the inventory control system software. For
example, with respect to step (512), the user may use voice
commands to "enter information"--and then describe the information
to be entered into the form field for printing. Likewise, the user
may use similar commands to enter information into the line item
fields described with respect to steps (464)-(506) described with
respect to FIG. 105. Additionally, the user may use keyword voice
commands (e.g. verb-based commands) to skip to different functions
(e.g. finding an item (446), inputting data (4448),
replacing/storing information (450), activating the "forget me not"
feature (452) or simply exiting the application (454)). The voice
recognition software preferably reacts to commands, activates
certain features, navigates menu options, and searches for
products. This is advantageous over prior art embodiments that
require the user to simply step through linear menu systems. This
particular feature is described in more detail below with respect
to FIGS. 107-108.
[0267] In the event the user chooses to input information manually
(514), the user may simply use voice commands through the speech
recognition software to add information; and, alternatively, the
user may use a keypad or keyboard to enter information (516) into
the inventory control system. On the other hand, the user may
choose to automatically enter information (518). Here, it is
preferred to scan/photograph a barcode or read an RFID chip (520).
The universal remote may automatically deduce information on the
product, as described above, as a result of scanning the barcode or
reading the RFID chip. The software will then display the product
(522) so the user can verify that the inventory control system has
identified the correct product (524). If the product is incorrect,
the user may be taken back to step (520) to re-enter the barcode or
re-scan the RFID chip in an effort to correctly identify the
product. Alternatively, the user may endeavor to "start over" and
go back to step (512) to repeat the input and selection process. It
may be desirable to "start over" in the event the user is unable to
automatically correctly identify the subject product. Accordingly,
the user will be able to go the route of manual entry (514). In the
event the product is correctly identified, the system automatically
populates the product information (526).
[0268] The next step is to add information to the custom label for
printing (528). Preferably, information such as the physical
location of the product and the product location, as described
above, are printed on the label. Information may be printed to the
label by a printer or otherwise written on the label by the user.
Other user defined information such as bin or drawer number,
quantity, expiration date, etc. may also be imparted to the label
at the time of printing. At step (528), the user preferably has the
option of customizing the information to be included on the label.
For example, the inventory control system software may be in
communication with a home or work printer to print information to
one or more blank labels. In other embodiments, the user may simply
fill write-in information in blank fields on the label.
[0269] The labels themselves are selectively attachable to the item
or product to be entered into the inventory control system
database. The labels may have a non-removable or removable adhesive
on one side that selectively secures the label to the product once
peeled off a retaining sheet. The labels may also have an embedded
RFID chip that can communicate with the universal remote in the
event it is queried by an interrogation signal emitted from a
reader. This facilitates automatic information exchange with the
label. Additionally, this allows the inventory control system to
automatically track the location of various products entered into
the system database when those labels are within range of the
readers (e.g. within a home). Once the information has been
imparted to the label (e.g. by printing, written, digital
communication with an RFID chip, etc.), the printed miniature
barcode label (530) is ready for attachment to the product (532).
In this case, the term "print" may include simply sending
information from the reader to the miniature barcode label for
storage on an RFID chip--or other embedded communication
device.
[0270] After all the product information is entered into the
inventory control system database in accordance with step (448) and
more specifically with respect to steps (460)-(464), the inventory
control system is then set to receive voice commands to find,
replace, store, delete, or track items entered therein. FIG. 109
further illustrates a set of steps for finding an item (446).
Specifically, the system must determine whether the verbal command
from the user was recognized (534). At this step, the verbal
command may instruct the inventory control system software to
perform any of the above-mentioned functions--i.e. find an item
(446), input an item (448), replace or store and item (450),
activate the "forget me not" feature (452), or exit the inventory
control system (454). In the event the system is unable to
ascertain the verbal command, the system user must determine
whether to enter the information with a keypad or a keyboard (536).
If the user decides not to enter the information with the keypad or
keyboard, the system then goes back to step (534) and allows the
user to re-enter the command verbally. Alternatively, the user may
simple make use of the keyboard or touch screen keypad to enter
information. The non-verbal input device may be particularly useful
in the event there is background noise that may disrupt proper
interpretation of information spoken into the universal remote
microphone.
[0271] For the purpose of FIG. 109, the verbal command or
keyboard/keypad entry is in the form of a request to "find",
"locate", "search", etc. Any one of these words may activate the
find an item (446) function. For example, the universal remote may
receive a verbal command to "find my running shoes". The universal
remote parses out this command into two segments: (1) the "find"
portion of the request; and (2) the keywords pertaining to the
"running shoes". In the first instance, the software knows that the
user endeavors to active the steps associated with the find an item
(446) as described above. The second portion of the request
identifies the product the user endeavors to find--i.e. the
"running shoes". Accordingly, the software system searches the
database (538) to find items/products similar to "running shoes".
The system software may include a logic engine similar to that of
an internet search engine such as Google. In this respect, the
system will search for more than just "running shoes", like
variants such as "shoes, running", "running" alone, "shoes" alone,
and the combination of similar words and phrases that may be
interpreted by the logic engine as being similar to the spoken
phrase "running shoes".
[0272] The search function (538) goes through each hierarchal
category used to organize and identify the products stored in the
inventory control system database. In this respect, the user may
customize the organization of the products in the database without
being required to remember or memorize the hierarchy. For example,
FIG. 107 illustrates a prior art flowchart that requires a use to
step through multiple menus to obtain information related to
"running shoes". In this example, the user begins interaction by
accessing a welcome menu or other welcome screen (540). The welcome
menu may be a display screen or an audio playback as is commonly
encountered with phone-based hierarchal systems. The user is
presented with a series of selectable options in Level A that
include: "Press 1 to input", "Press 2 to find", "Press 3 to
replace/store", or "Press 4 to delete" (542). In this example, the
user endeavors to "find" an item and therefore presses "2" (544).
The user is then taken to Level B, which displays a new list of
options that includes: "Press 1 for electronic equipment", "Press 2
for clothing & accessories", or "Press 3 for other items"
(546). Since the user endeavors to find "running shoes", the user
presses "2" (548). The user is next taken to another level, Level
C, and presented with more categories that include: "Press 1 for
jewelry", "Press 2 for shoes", or "Press 3 for shirts/pants" (550).
The user selects option "2" (552) to continue toward obtaining
information on the "running shoes". In level D, the user is
presented with a series of shoe products that include: "Press 1 for
tennis shoes", "Press 2 for soccer shoes", "Press 3 for running
shoes", and "Press 4 for dress shoes" (554). Having arrived at the
category desired (i.e. "running shoes"), the user presses "3"
(556). At each level the user was required to listen or review each
option to select the most accurate option to obtain information on
"running shoes". In this example, the user had to navigate at least
four levels to obtain information on "running shoes". Next, the
user may receive a prompt to determine whether the correct product
is displayed (558). If the product displayed is correct, the user
may continue to be shown the product information (560). After
viewing the product information, the user may simply exit (562) or
choose to "start over" and go to step (542) or "go back" to step
(554) to reselect another one of the options at Level D.
Alternatively, the user may, in step (558), decide that the product
is incorrect and, instead, choose to press "9" to return (564) to
Level D to make another selection. In fact, the user may have the
option to select or press "9" at anytime (e.g. at any of Levels B,
C or D) to return to the previous menu. These are the typical
hierarchal organizational systems known in the art.
[0273] The inventory control system described herein greatly
improves upon the system described with respect to FIG. 107. For
example, FIG. 108 illustrates application of the "find" mechanism.
Here, the user starts with a welcome screen (566) that invites the
user to issue a command. As described with respect to step (534) in
FIG. 104, the user speaks the phrase "find running shoes". In this
case, the options identified in Level A in FIG. 107 are merely
shown for purposes of illustration. Because the user spoke the word
"find"--the software automatically knows to take the path of
finding an item (446) as opposed to inputting an item (448),
replacing or storing an item (450) or deleting an item (452). This
is shown in FIG. 108 by the solid lines connecting the welcome
screen (566) with the find an item option (446) as opposed to the
dotted lines connecting the welcome screen (566) with each of steps
(448), (450) and (452). Immediately, the inventory control system
software accesses the product database hierarchy (568) to begin
searching for relevant information pertaining to the phrase
"running shoes".
[0274] Levels B-E in FIG. 108 are substantially similar to the
hierarchy of menu options previously discussed with respect to FIG.
107. As shown in FIG. 108, Level B includes options for electronic
equipment 570, clothing & accessories 572, and other items 574.
Each of these categories include sub-categories identified in Level
C as computers 576, phones 578 and treadmill 580 for the electronic
equipment 570; jewelry 582, shoes 584, and shirts/pants 586 for the
clothing & accessories 572; and reading material 588 for other
items 574. Further sub-categories in Level D may include landline
590 or cell phone 592 for phones 578; tennis 594, soccer 596,
running 598 or dress 600 for shoes 584; and magazines 602 for
reading material 588. Even further, Level E may list Runner's World
604 as a sub-category of magazines 602. With the product database
hierarchy adequately set forth in the diagram in FIG. 108, it is
easy to see that the search can access multiple levels of
information at a time. Preferably, all the information associated
with the products, the product categories and any related
sub-categories are indexed in real-time to improve the accuracy and
speed of any resultant search.
[0275] When the find step (446) is activated in FIG. 108, the
search function identifies the most relevant search results and
pulls that information out of the hierarchal database for display
to the user as the search results display 606. In this example, the
most accurate search result for "find running shoes" are the
running shoes themselves. The shoes are listed first in a search
results table 608. As such, the next best match for "running shoes"
may be the association of running shoes with a "treadmill".
Accordingly, the table 608 identifies the treadmill as "Result 2".
Likewise, the search results may also display Runner's World
magazine as a search result because of the similarity between the
word "running" spoken in step (566) and the "Runner's" portion of
the magazine name. Plus, there is an inherent association between a
magazine on running and "running shoes" themselves. According, this
result is number 3. The levels are shown next to each search result
for illustration purposes only--i.e. Level D pertaining to Running
Shows, Level C pertaining to Treadmill and Level E pertaining to
Runner's World Magazine. This shows that the "find" function is
able to obtain search results from multiple different levels. To
search, the user may use different types of search functions to
better define the scope of the search results. For example, the
user may use Boolean connectors, terms and connectors, natural
language, or other search functions that might be recognized by the
system (e.g. eliminating certain words from the results).
Preferably, the system identifies relevant products using open
source or proprietary organic search algorithms, such as the search
algorithm employed by Google. Accordingly, the user may select one
of the search results through interaction with a touch screen or by
verbally selecting "Result 1" or "Running Shoes" to obtain the
product details and the location of that item.
[0276] One advantage of the search function described above with
respect to FIG. 108 is that the user is not required to remember
the exact product name, the exact product location, or even the
location of the product within the hierarchal database. This is
particularly advantageous and more efficient than the more
traditional menus system described with respect to FIG. 107 because
the user is not required to remember or track through the various
sub-categories of information. Instead, the user only needs to
remember some form of description of the item endeavoring to be
located. The search does not even need to be specific to the name
or product description, but could instead include other pertinent
information like "expiration date" for food. In this example, the
inventory control system database may present the user with a list
of food items in an order of product expiration. In this respect, a
person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that
there may be many different ways to present search results to the
user based on any searchable information stored within the
database.
[0277] The search results display 606 is synonymous with the
display products step (610) shown in FIG. 104. Here, the user may
view the search results table 608 (FIG. 108) to determine whether
the product desired is shown (612). In the event the product is not
shown, the user may have the option of selecting another list (614)
in the event there are more products to list than the page can
display. Although, preferably, the list is a continuous list that
simply scrolls through all the possible search results. If there is
another list to select, the user is taken back to another display
of products in step (610). If there are no other products, the user
may simply exit the program (616). If the product is shown, e.g.
the "Running Shoes" shown in FIG. 108, the user may then select the
product (618). The user then receives confirmation (620) and is
shown the pertinent product information in step (622), such as the
physical location of the product, the product location at that
physical location and pertinent product info entered into any one
of the line item fields described above. If a product is added or
removed from the system at this point, the inventory control system
may automatically adjust the inventory (624).
[0278] FIG. 109 illustrates a flowchart showing the logic steps
behind the operation of the find an item (446) function described
above, such as with respect to FIG. 108. When the user speaks the
phrase "find running shoes," the inventory control system software
parses out the "find" language from the rest of the statement that
requests "running shoes". The "find" language initiates the find an
item step (446) shown in FIG. 109. The next step of informing the
system of the desired product (626) preferably occurs automatically
when "running shoes" is differentiated from "find" when the user
issues the "find running shoes" command. Accordingly, the system
speech recognition software receives and interprets the request
(628). Next, the software determines whether the request was
understood (630). If no ascertainable information can be gathered
from the spoken word or phrase, the user interface prompts the user
to use an alternate method of input (632). If the user declines to
use alternate input, the system is unable to continue with the
request and the user is taken back to the step of informing the
system of the desired product (626). Here again, the user has the
option of speaking into a microphone to give commands or provide a
description of the product. Alternatively, the user may choose
another means for entering information such as by use of a keyboard
or keypad (634). Other forms of input may be used such as a touch
screen, stylus, mouse, etc. The system will repeat successfully
entered information to the user (636) to ensure that the
information processed is accurate to the request of the user. The
user then determines if this information is correct (638). The user
may have the option to "Go Back", in which case the system merely
repeats the information or again displays the input (636).
Alternatively, the user may say "Correction", in which case the
user is taken back to step (626) to re-enter the information.
[0279] When the keywords recognized by the speech recognition
system or otherwise entered by the keyboard/keypad are correct, the
system searches the database for the keywords (640), e.g. in
accordance with the search steps shown and described with respect
to FIG. 108. Similarly, the search results are then displayed (642)
(e.g. see the table 608 in FIG. 108). The user may scroll through
one or more results to find the desired product. If the user
determines the product is not listed or shown (644), the user may
opt to show the next list (646). The user again scrolls through the
list of options to determine whether the desired product is listed
(646). If the user decides that the desired product is again not
shown (648), the user may repeat the process of obtaining another
list (646) until the product is shown and can be selected.
Otherwise, the user may need to simply end the search (650) because
the product is not in the database. If this is the case, the user
may need to input the product (446) in accordance with the
embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 105-106. If the scroll
feature is able to show each product in the search without the need
to obtain additional lists or pages and the desired product is not
listed, the user moves immediately to step (650), thereby bypassing
steps (646)-(648). If the desired item is shown in the list in
either of steps (644) or (648), the user may select the item by
speech or keypad/keyboard entry (652). The database information is
then retrieved and presented to the user (654). The user may be
shown information such as a product description, a small photograph
of the product, the product's location, quantity, etc. The user
then decides whether this product is accurate (656). If this is the
incorrect product, the user is taken back to the display list of
products (642). Preferably, the user is taken back to the previous
list of products so the user does not need to go back through each
list. In the event all the products are listed on one scroll page,
the user is taken back to the last viewed scroll point.
Alternatively, the user may confirm the product selected is
accurate (658), wherein the universal remote will display and
playback pertinent information regarding the product (660) so that
the user may locate the product based on that information
(662).
[0280] Additionally, FIG. 110 illustrates a flowchart of
replacing/storing an item (450) in the inventory control system
database. Here, the first step is to scan the product barcode (664)
with the universal remote. Preferably, product information can be
obtained from the barcode in order to match this product with other
products that may be stored in the system database. In terms of
these steps, it is assumed that the product already exists in the
database such that the universal remote is able to display a list
of products that are associated with the barcode (666). The list
may have more than one product associated with the scan (664)
because the same product may be stored in more than one location.
Step (666) allows the user to obtain real-time location and
quantity information for the scanned product. Next, the user must
determine whether the product is listed (668). If there are too
many products to list on one page, the user may need to select the
next list of products (670). Accordingly, the user may repeat this
process until the desired product/location combination appears.
Although, preferably all the products are listed on a single
continuous scroll page. Alternatively, in the event the product is
not shown, or if the user simply wants to start over, the user may
speak or otherwise enter information (e.g. by a "gesture", as
described below) into the inventory control system that enables the
user to "Start Over" and go back to step (450).
[0281] In the event the desired product is listed, the next step is
for the user to select the product (672). The universal remote
processes the request and displays product information to the user
(674). Preferably, the product information includes location
information and photo, the item/product UPC and a description and
photograph of the item. The display may include other pertinent
information that the user may choose from time to time. Of course,
the display of information is fully customizable, as described
above. The system next checks to determine whether a storage
location is known (676). If the location is known, the user
proceeds to replace the item (678) by placing the item at the
location (680) and the quantity stored in the database is
accordingly updated (682). Alternatively, in the event the location
is not known (676), the next step is to locate and place the item
(684). Here, the universal remote may suggest locations to place
the item. When used with the smart waiter storage and retrieval
system described above, a bin or drawer may be automatically
presented to the user based on characteristics of the product.
Preferably, the suggested location contains similar
products--especially for food products. The user is then prompted
to take a photograph of the location (686) for entry with the other
location information (688) in the database. The location and
photographic information are captured to provide the user with the
most information possible in order to facilitate finding the
product at a later date. Accordingly, the user places the item at
the storage location (680) and the quantity in the database is
updated (682). Conversely, anytime a product is taken out of the
inventory control system, the quantity in the database is updated
to reflect the decreased quantity. Upon removal, any barcode, RFID
chip or other information transmitting device would be deactivated.
Moreover, if the quantity of an item reaches zero, the user may
have the option of leaving the identification information in the
database or completely deleting the product in its entirety. Custom
alarms may also be set to alert the user when select products reach
a certain threshold (e.g. a threshold quantity or expiration
date).
[0282] GPS location can be utilized to specify the general location
(e.g. the physical location) of the product. The GPS system may
provide the system database with the general coordinates (e.g.
triangulation coordinates) of the product location. This may enable
the user to immediately identify if the product is stored in the
home, office, warehouse, or in another city. Other technology may
further be utilized to distinguish between a pantry, refrigerator,
and closet in a house. Preferably, a photograph of the location
accompanies the GPS location so the user may immediately recognize
and identify the location. Alternatively, the location may be
identified with a number so that the universal remote does not need
to transfer picture information each time a product is
referenced.
[0283] The inventory control system may also make use of local RFID
(or another data transmitting device) and local miniature bar codes
to identify particular locations and the products that may be
stored in association with that particular location. For example,
products stored within a closet may be associated with a closet
RFID chip. As such, the user may be able to open the closet and
scan the closet RFID chip to find out exactly what is inside. The
universal remote will display a list of items for the user to
review. The user may even do a product search confined to items in
the closet. This will prevent the user from searching for and
obtaining results for products in the wrong closet. The user may
conduct a similar search by grouping more than one location
together (e.g. adjacent rooms). The location could be taken to any
extreme desired, depending on the sensitivity of the technology
being used. Ideally, each product could be located on specific
shelves or within certain drawers. Additionally, the miniature
barcode may be attached to the closet instead of or in addition to
the RFID chip. Here, the barcode is simply used for identifying the
closet in the database. For security purposes, it may be
particularly preferred that the barcode only provide identification
information as opposed to storage information. This feature would
prevent anyone from simply scanning the barcode and obtaining
information regarding the contents of the closet. Reading the
barcode would notify the user that this is the correct closet.
[0284] The inventory control system also preferably includes a
backup system for protecting data. In one embodiment where the
database server is located onsite (e.g. at the user's home), the
backup data could be uploaded to an online database. Alternatively,
the backup database may be stored locally on the database server,
on another hard drive within the database server, or on another
computer system at the user's house (preferably isolated from the
database server). Information stored locally on the universal
remote should also be backed up periodically to the database server
or another remote server. In one embodiment, the universal remote
may activate a backup routine upon encountering a selected "event".
Such an event could be time-based (e.g. every 24 hours),
action-based (e.g. every time the phone is turned "off"),
power-based (e.g. when the phone is plugged into a charger),
event-based (e.g. each time the universal remote connects to a WiFi
network or other internet connection), etc. Features from each of
these examples may be mixed and matched. For example, the universal
remote may backup every time it connects to a WiFi network with a
minimum of 24 hour intervals between backups. In each of these
examples, an event sensed by the universal remote causes the system
write a backup copy of data in the inventory control system.
[0285] Another feature of the inventory control system includes
implementation of bodily gestures that can be utilized to move
through the menu systems. In particular, a user may "swipe" a touch
sensitive screen in one direction to go back to the previous
screen, or "swipe" the touch sensitive screen in an opposite
direction to go to the next screen. Alternatively, it may be
possible that the user simply move the hand in one direction or the
other to change screens (e.g. a motion similar to waving). Here,
the hand movement may be monitored by a camera to record the
desired command. Accordingly, virtually any bodily gesture that can
be measured by the universal remote can be programmed to operate
certain functions of the inventory control system--i.e. the
commands are not simply limited to changing screens.
[0286] Additionally, the universal remote could include a biometric
security system to ensure that unauthorized users are not able to
access the inventory control system database. For example, the
universal remote may be secured using the technology described in
U.S. Patent App. Ser. No. 61/439,685, the contents of which are
herein incorporated by reference. Specifically, the user may need
to authenticate use of the universal remote with a thumbprint, an
iris scan, or through use of facial recognition technology (e.g.,
Apple iPhoto facial recognition). For maximum security, the user
may need to pass all three security means (i.e. thumbprint scan,
iris scan and facial recognition scan). Otherwise, access to the
universal remote and/or the database will be denied. Additionally,
the biometric security system would prevent anyone from accessing
the contents of the universal remote or the database. The universal
remote could not be unlocked without the owner. If the universal
remote had an RFID tag, it could be tracked and retrieved.
Unauthorized tampering may cause the universal remote to
self-destruct or be rendered useless.
[0287] If the remote were stolen, the "forget me not" feature would
activate to alert the user that the universal remote has been taken
outside the transmission range. In fact, this "forget me not"
feature could be utilized with any product stored within the home.
That is, any product (one that has not been trashed) carrying an
RFID tag or other data transmission device that is taken outside of
the range of readers will notify the user that an item has been
impermissibly removed. Removal may sound an alarm or generate some
other form of notification (e.g. a text message). In this case,
readers would need to be disposed within some predefined monitoring
range to monitor the location of the products. The products may be
more specifically located by the readers through deployment of RFID
triangulation, similar to GPS triangulation technology. Preferably,
the product longitude, latitude and elevation could be located.
[0288] Although several embodiments have been described in detail
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to
each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
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