Time and accounting system

Abstract

Abstract A system for automatically logging the interaction between a plurality of objects. Small, self-contained transmitting beacon units (20, Fig. 1) are attached or carried by a first set of objects. These beacon units (20) transmit a uniquely coded signal at prescribed intervals. A small, self-contained portable transceiving unit (24, Fig. 1) is attached to a second set of objects. The second set of objects typically moves in, about, and among the first set of objects, although either set may move relative to the other. The signals transmitted by the beacon units have a limited range. If the transceiving unit (24) is within this range for a specified period of time, the unique code associated with the transmitted signal is time-logged into a memory element (92, Fig. 7) contained within the portable receiving unit (24). At the end of a specified period of time, such as a work day, the contents of the memory of the transceiving unit may be examined to determine the objects with which an interaction has been had during the time period. Alternatively, stationary receiving units (154, Fig. 12) may be selectively placed in and around the region wherein the first set of objects (142, 144, 146) moves, and the receiving unit (154) can then receive and time-log the unique codes (152) associated with the objects that move within the specified limited range from the receiving unit. A computer (166) may be used to analyze, sort, and generate reports from the data thus logged within the transceiving or receiving units. The system is particularly well suited for use as a time and accounting system in a custodial environment, such as a hospital or similar facility.

Inventors

• 👤 Gary T. Carroll
• 👤 Robert Douglas Hunter

Bibliographic Details