Dynamic Inventory Tracking and Transfer System

摘要

A dynamic inventory tracking and transfer system is provided that, when in operation, keeps track of inventory by tracking vehicle positions and inventory transfers. A transceiver on a vehicle detects and transmits a signal to the tracking system whenever a vehicle latches onto inventory and/or releases (i.e., unlatches) inventory. Whenever latch and unlatch signals are detected close in proximity to one another, the system concludes an inventory transfer has been made between the two vehicles. The inventory monitoring takes place in real time, thereby allowing inventory to be tracked from the time it is removed from a ship/train to the time it leaves a sea port, rail terminal or industrial yard.

主权项

1. A method of tracking inventory, comprising the steps of:
creating a plurality of digital records, wherein each record includes position data representing a physical position of a vehicle; updating a first position data of a first record corresponding to a first vehicle, wherein the first vehicle is carrying inventory, and wherein the first position data is updated with position data transmitted by and received from a first navigation system attached to the first vehicle; detecting a transfer signal sent from the first vehicle; comparing the first position data of the first record with the position data of the plurality of digital records to determine a closest vehicle; updating the first record to reflect that the first vehicle is no longer carrying the inventory; and updating a record of the closest vehicle to reflect that the closest vehicle is now carrying the inventory.