Michael J Spaulding

US Patent:

8369981, Feb 5, 2013

Filed:

Dec 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/302715

Inventors:

Eric D. Dunsker - Atlanta GA, US
Michael A. Spaulding - Dayton OH, US

Assignee:

NCR Corporation - Duluth GA

International Classification:

G06F 7/00

US Classification:

700214

Abstract:

Systems and techniques for locating stored goods. A plurality of fixed contactless identification devices are deployed in an area. Each fixed device exhibits a fixed device identifier that can be read from a distance. Locations within the area are identified through mapping to combinations of fixed device identifiers detected at the location. In addition, a plurality of movable contactless identification devices are associated with goods to be stored and retrieved. Each movable device exhibits a movable device identifier, and movable contactless identification devices are located by identifying a combination of fixed device identifiers received when a movable device identifier is received. The location information may be used independently, or as a supplement to expected location information obtained through other means.