Claims
- 1. A method of automated monitoring of a walk-in crib supply system, the method comprising:
scanning an identity key from a user; verifying a user identity based on comparing the identity key against a user-database; automatically logging the user identity and a login time in a computing terminal; sending an unlocking signal from the computing terminal to unlock a locked electric door of a supply room; opening the door and entering the supply room; electronically logging in the computing station whether a take button or a return button is pushed based on whether an item is to be taken or returned; electronically logging in the item being taken or returned when the item is taken or returned; electronically monitoring a closing of the electric door when the user leaves the supply room; and sending a locking signal from the computing terminal to lock the unlocked electric door.
- 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
displaying an inventory question provided by the computing terminal on a display; and receiving an inventory answer to the inventory question from the user.
- 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring for the presence of an identity key in the proximity of the room.
- 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the identity key comprises a bar code.
- 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the identity key comprises a magnetic stripe.
- 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising reporting the user identity and the login time to a remote inventory data center.
- 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising automatically reporting to the computing terminal and the remote inventory center whether an item is returned or taken.
- 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising indicating “exit” on the display.
- 9. A walk-in crib supply system comprising:
a room with an interior, an exterior, and a locked electric door, the locked electric door being coupled to a computing terminal networked to a remote inventory data center; identity key reader on the exterior and coupled to the computing terminal, the identity key reader scanning in an identity key from a user and sending the identity key to the computing terminal, the networked computing terminal verifying a user identity based on the identity key, sending an unlock signal to the locked electric door and logging in the user identity and a login time; and a shelf in the interior, the shelf having a monitoring device which monitors an item inventory of the shelf, the monitoring device being coupled to the computing terminal and reporting the item inventory to the computing terminal, the computing terminal reporting the item inventory to the remote inventory data center.
- 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a display on the exterior, adjacent to the locked door and coupled to the computing terminal.
- 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the computing terminal further comprises a computer and a communication hub.
- 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the monitoring device further comprises a take button, a return button and a display.
- 13. The system of claim 9, further comprising an electrical door, adjacent to the locked door, and coupled to the computing station.
- 14. The system of claim 9, further comprising a refrigeration device in fluid communication with the interior.
- 15. The system of claim 9, further comprising a display operably coupled to the computing terminal.
- 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the display further comprises a touch screen.
- 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the display further comprises a keypad.
- 18. The system of claim 9, further comprising a network connection coupled to the computing terminal.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to a provisional patent application serial No. 60/242,417, filed on Oct. 23, 2000.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60242417 |
Oct 2000 |
US |