18456631. ITEM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, ITEM MANAGEMENT METHOD, READING APPARATUS, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

ITEM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, ITEM MANAGEMENT METHOD, READING APPARATUS, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS

Organization Name

CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

YUKI Nakajima of KANAGAWA (JP)

ITEM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, ITEM MANAGEMENT METHOD, READING APPARATUS, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18456631 titled 'ITEM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, ITEM MANAGEMENT METHOD, READING APPARATUS, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes an item management system that uses wireless devices and reading apparatus to manage item data and determine the entity to which an item belongs. The system includes a first wireless device installed at a fixed position, a second wireless device that moves with the item, and at least one reading apparatus to read identification information stored in the wireless devices. A management unit is responsible for managing the item data.

• The system uses wireless devices and reading apparatus to manage item data and determine ownership.
• A first wireless device is installed at a fixed position, while a second wireless device moves with the item.
• Identification information stored in the wireless devices is read by at least one reading apparatus.
• The management unit updates the item data to indicate the item's ownership based on the identification information read by the reading apparatus.
• If the first reading apparatus reads the identification information of both the first and second wireless devices, the item data is updated to indicate that the item belongs to the first entity related to the first position.

Potential Applications

• Inventory management systems in warehouses or retail stores.
• Asset tracking systems in industries like manufacturing or logistics.
• Library or museum management systems to track the location of items.

Problems Solved

• Efficiently managing and tracking items across multiple entities.
• Ensuring accurate ownership information for items that may move between different positions or entities.
• Reducing manual effort and human error in item management processes.

Benefits

• Improved efficiency in item management and tracking.
• Real-time updates on item ownership and location.
• Reduction in manual data entry and potential errors.
• Streamlined inventory control and asset management processes.

Original Abstract Submitted

An item management system for managing item data that indicates an entity to which an item belongs among a plurality of entities comprising: a first wireless device installed at a first position; a second wireless device that moves together with the item; at least one reading apparatus that reads identification information stored in a wireless device; and a management unit configured to manage the item data. In a state where the item data indicates that the item belongs to a second entity related to a second position, the management unit is configured to update the item data such that the item data indicates that the item belongs to a first entity related to the first position provided that a first reading apparatus has read identification information of the first and second wireless devices.