An inventory control system for rapidly taking an inventory of items in an array including an optical scanning system which provides an image of variable size of each item in accordance with the number of units of the item in the inventory, a larger image denoting more units, a signal generator which converts the image to a train of electrical signals, a storage device for storing the signals for later use, retrieval apparatus for regenerating the stored signals at a subsequent time, and a display system for displaying and size quantizing the original image. The item identified by its quantized image is checked against a data bank to determine for that item how many units correspond to the particular image size displayed. The checking may be automatic or manual, and an automatic print-out may be provided if desired.
A graphics data form includes an information processing system having a generator for generating graphics images, each image comprising a recognizable representation of at least one real-life object. The GDF also includes a selector for selecting an image by a user of the system; a receiver for receiving information from the user; an associator for associating the information received with the selected image; a real time processor for manipulating how the image is presented; and a real time processor for processing data associated with the selected image responsive to manipulation of the selected image.
This installation for the distribution of a stock of gas cylinders (16, 18) comprises a storage space (12) for the cylinders which is equipped with means (32, 34) for evaluating the stock of cylinders with a view to restocking the installation. The stock-evaluation means include means (32) for image capturing the storage space which are connected to synchronization means for periodic image capturing of the storage space and a central processing unit (34) which compares the pictures successively delivered by the image capturing means (32).
Inventory monitoring apparatus capable of real-time counting of objects added to or subtracted from a location whose inventory is to be monitored. The apparatus includes structure for supporting a plurality of objects and at least one lever adapted to be contacted and displaced by movement of the objects to and from the supporting structure. Movement of the lever in one direction triggers a switch which generates a signal indicating that an object is being added to the support structure. Similarly, opposite movement of the lever triggers another switch which generates a signal indicating that an object is being removed from the support structure. A microprocessor receives and counts the signals generated by the switches to provide a real-time total of the quantity and, if desired, the locations of objects borne by the supporting structure.
A warehouse product monitoring and control system includes a distribution audit system computer which receives batch picking information on a recording medium identifying each transaction or article to be picked with a unique number. Associated with each unique number is processing information for controlling the sorting of the article within the system. The same number, unique for each article, is contained on a label positioned on each article as it is picked. The computer control provides continuous monitoring of the article as it is scanned by one or more label reading devices such that the picking and sorting status of each article to be picked can be continuously monitored. The system includes operator interface terminals and printers for providing a variety of status reports to the operating personnel such that the operational status of the system can be continuously monitored.
The invention relates to a method for marking products in relation with an organization commissioned to check this marking both from the point of view of authenticity of the printed message and from the point of view of the number of these messages which have actually been printed. The printer (A) connected to the packaging chain (C) receives the control instructions either directly from a terminal (B) located in the premises of the checking organization or by means of a memory card programmed by this organization and supplied by this latter to the user. Recording of the number of messages is carried out either directly at the level of the terminal (B) on the premises of the checking party or by means of the memory card which contains a predetermined number of messages. When the card has been utilized, the user acquires another card. The invention applies in particular to checking of affixing of inland revenue stamps and makes it possible to guard against fraud in an effective manner.
