METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME DETECTION OF LOSS OF INDIVIDUAL CONSIGNMENTS DURING TRANSIT IN A MOBILE UNIT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of tracking systems. The present invention specifically relates to a method and system for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, some of the critical business drivers of the goods transportation industry are safe transportation and on-time delivery. Tracking of consignments is a common problem for any organization that deals with the transportation of a large number of goods over a wide geographic area. Routine loss of consignments during transportation can result in loss of brand image and business for organizations. This is especially true for manufacturing companies, where the successful supply of goods, is essential to survival. Thus, it is necessary to monitor and track the valuable consignments that are transported from source location to destination location.

During transportation, it is very difficult to identify the loss of goods in the vehicle by stakeholders, like consignor and consignee, which results in monetary loss for consignment owner and transporter, and loss of brand image for the transporter due to poor J customer service levels. Conventionally, the consignments are tracked using manually prepared inventory reports, which require individuals at various locations to check the contents of incoming containers. Then, these reports are reviewed if trouble with the transport or inaccuracies later occurred.

With the advent of computers, tracking systems are created to partially automate the collection and/or gathering process. Such tracking systems are used to collect data of the consignments, but still manual intervention is needed to get consignment information into a form that can be easily transferred to a central location. Moreover, such tracking systems are limited to single item tracking, i.e. tracking and indication of only mobile unit containing large number of goods. With respect to the conventional approach, it is very difficult to track the individual items within the mobile unit in a real time manner. This severely limited the application of the tracking system when more complex tracking needs, where goods may lose from the mobile unit during transit.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method and system for detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, which achieves efficient and real-time visibility of valuable consignments during transportation.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, which achieves efficient and real-time visibility of valuable consignments during transportation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, which facilitates detection of wrong routing of consignments after loading into the mobile unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for real-time
detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the present invention, which achieves this objective, relates to a method for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, comprising: affixing electronic tags to each consignment to be monitored in the mobile unit. A reference consignment list is stored in a data processing and storage unit with respect to the electronic tags, before loading the consignments into the mobile unit. After loading, determination is made whether the mobile unit is in source or destination location by the data processing and storage unit based on geographical location information of the mobile unit received from a wireless telecommunication unit. An actual consignment list of the mobile unit is generated and stored in a wireless reader by sensing the electronic tags of the consignments at a desired time interval, when the mobile unit is in transit. The actual consignment list received from the wireless reader is compared with the reference consignment list stored in the data processing and storage unit. A missing consignment list with location, date and time stamp is generated in the data processing and storage unit, if the actual consignment list is not equal to the reference consignment list. Thus, the method achieves efficient and real-time visibility of valuable consignments during transportation, which results in enhancement of customer satisfaction levels.

According to another aspect, the present invention, which achieves this objective, relates to a method for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, comprising affixing electronic tags to each consignment to be monitored in the mobile unit. A reference consignment list is stored in a data processing and storage unit with respect to the electronic tags, before loading the consignments into the mobile unit. After loading, determination is made whether the mobile unit is in source or destination location by a wireless reader based on geographical location information of the mobile unit received from a wireless telecommunication unit. An actual consignment list of the mobile unit is generated and stored in the wireless reader by sensing the electronic tags of the consignments at a desired time interval, when the mobile unit is in transit. The actual consignment list stored in the wireless reader is compared with the reference consignment list received from the data processing and storage unit. A missing consignment list with location, date and time stamp is generated in the wireless reader, if the actual consignment list is not equal to the reference consignment list.

According to further aspect, the present invention, which achieves this objective, relates to a system for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, comprising electronic tags affixed to each consignment to be monitored in the mobile unit. The electronic tags include unique code and information pertaining to the consignments. A wireless reader is mounted on the mobile unit for reading the electronic tags associated with the consignments in the mobile unit at desired time interval, when the mobile unit is in transit. A wireless telecommunication unit is in communication with the wireless reader to receive actual consignment list in the mobile unit read by the wireless reader. A global position identification device is embedded in the wireless telecommunication unit for identifying a geographical position of the mobile unit. A data processing and storage unit is in communication with the wireless telecommunication unit for comparing the actual consignment list with a reference consignment list. The data processing and storage unit generates an exception and alert report indicating loss of consignments, if the actual consignment list is not equal to the reference consignment list.
Furthermore, the wireless reader checks whether each consignment loaded in the mobile unit is present in the stored reference consignment list, after loading the consignments into the mobile unit. If the consignments loaded in the mobile unit are not present in the stored reference consignment list, then the wireless reader sends an alert of misrouting of the consignments to the data processing and storage unit, after loading. The wireless reader also triggers an alert indicator in the electronic tag for local warning about misrouting of the consignments after loading,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be discussed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying Figures.

FIG. 1 shows a block [diagram of a system for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments (102) during transit in a mobile unit (100) is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises electronic radio frequency transponder tags (102a) that are tagged with the corresponding consignments (102) to be monitored in the mobile unit (100), in particular automotive vehicle, in real-time. The RF transponder tags (102a) are directly attached to the consignments (102) to be tracked, before loading the consignments (102) into the mobile unit (100) at source location. Thus, the individualized tracking of consignments (102) despite the fact that they may be located in any conveyances, is achieved until reaching the destination location. These transponder tags (102a) may be implemented using different technologies, including RFID, bar code or other forms of automatic data collection (ADC) technology.

Each RF transponder tag (102a) contains a processing unit, memory, wireless transmitter and receiver such as RFID, Zigbee, etc. The RF transponders (102a) are also provided with an indicator such as visual LEDs, sound buzzers, etc. User-defined information pertaining to each consignment (102) is stored into the memory of the RF transponder tags (102a). The user-defined information includes unique ID for each consignment (102) loaded in the mobile unit (100). The information about the consignments (102) with the RF tags (102a) is stored in a data processing and storage unit (110) that is remotely located. A wireless RF reader (104) is mounted on the mobile unit (100) and configured to communicate with each RF transponder tags (102a) associated with each consignment (102).

Further, the wireless reader (104) contains a wireless transmitter, receiver, wired/wireless communication interface, processing unit, memory and clock. The wireless reader (104) scans each RF transponder tags (102a) associated with each consignment (102) in the mobile unit (100) by transmitting a RF signal on the RF tags (102a). The reader (104) scans the tags (102a) at regular intervals defined by the end user. The receiver of the reader (104) reads the RF signal reflected from each of the RF tags (102a) in the mobile unit (100) such that the reader (104) can obtain the information about each consignment (102) in real-time and differentiate each consignment (102) based on its unique ID.

Moreover, the communication interface of the reader (104) communicates the real-time read information of each consignment (102) to a wireless telecommunication unit (106). The wireless telecommunication unit (106) communicates the current status of consignments (102) in the mobile unit (100) to a remote data processing and storage unit (110). The wireless telecommunication unit (106) receives information read by the RF reader (104) through the communication interface. The wireless telecommunication unit (106) contains a processing unit, memory, clock and wireless telecommunication interface such as GSM-GPRS, CDMA transmitter and receiver. A global position identification device (106a) can be embedded inside the wireless communication unit (106) for identifying the( geographical position of the mobile unit (100) in real-time.

Furthermore, the RF reader (104) and the wireless telecommunication unit (106) are configured by user, preferably through wireless communication, i.e. over air, from the data processing and storage unit (110). After configuration, the RF reader (104) and the wireless telecommunication unit (106) can be associated to the corresponding mobile unit (100). The RF reader (104) is configured and stored with; the list of tags (102a) attached to corresponding consignments (102), which are transported from loading to unloading location through the specific mobile unit (100) associated with this RF reader. Thus, after loading the consignments (102) into the mobile unit (100), the RF reader (104) checks for wrong routing of consignments (102) into the mobile unit (100). Alert of wrong routing of consignments (102) can be indicated by an indicator such as visual LEDs or sound buzzers.

In addition, an electrical power source, i.e. onboard battery (108) is
mounted on the mobile unit (100) for supplying power to the wireless RF reader (104), the wireless telecommunication unit (106) and other components in the mobile unit (100). The data processing and storage unit (110) receives the status of all the consignments (102) being monitored in real-time, from the wireless telecommunication unit (106). The data processing and storage unit (110) contains a wireless telecommunication transmitter & receiver, processing unit, memory and clock.

The information about the consignments (102) present in the data processing and storage unit (110) can be accessed by the end user through wired/wireless communication, which includes but not limited to Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, etc. The data processing and storage unit (110) is located in a remote place, which communicates with the wireless telecommunication unit (106) in the mobile unit (100) through wireless telecommunication such as GSM/GPRS,

CDMA, etc. Thus, the system provides efficient transportation planning with real-time visibility of valuable consignments to the authorized users during transportation and also provides benefits to stakeholders like consignor, consignee, transporter, etc. The system also provides information available to relevant authorized users for better transparency in consignment transport operations, which results in improvement in customer service levels. The system further helps in on-time delivery of consignments by detecting any wrong routing of consignments in the mobile unit.

Referring to FIG. 2, a flow diagram of a method for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit is illustrated, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in step 202, each consignment (102) to be monitored is tagged with the corresponding RF transponder tags (102a) at source. User defined information about the consignments (102) is written into the memory of the RF transponder tags (102a). The user defined information includes but not limited to unique ID of the consignments (102a) for identifying the tagged consignments (102). The tagging of each RF transponder tags (102a) with corresponding consignments (102) is done before loading the consignments (102) into the mobile unit (100) through which it is transported.

Each consignment (102) tagged with the tags (102a) is loaded in the mobile unit (100) at source location. The source location of the mobile unit (100) is marked in a geographical information system (GIS) map installed in the data processing and storage unit (110). The GIS map in the data processing and storage unit (110) is used for capturing, managing, analyzing and displaying all forms of geographical location information of the mobile unit (100). If the mobile unit (100) is in the user defined source location detected by the global position identification device (106a), the data processing and storage unit (110) stores the pre-defined reference list of IDs of RF transponders (102a) tagged with the corresponding consignments (102) to be transported from the user defined source location to the destination location through the mobile unit (100). This predefined reference list of IDs of RF transponders (102a) is called as reference consignment list.

As depicted in step 204, the reference list of consignments (102) with the RF tags (102a) is stored into the data processing and storage unit (110) or the RF reader (104).

Similarly, the destination location of the mobile unit (100) can also be marked in the GIS map and stored in the data processing and storage unit (110). Further, the RF transponder tags (102a) receive electrical power for its operation either from the RF reader (104) or through the onboard battery (108) in the mobile unit (100). The RF reader (104), the wireless telecommunication unit (106) and the global position identification device (106a) receive electrical power from the onboard battery (108). The RF reader (104) communicates with each RF transponder (102a) through radio frequency communication at user defined time intervals, particularly configurable between minimum of 1 second to maximum of 10 seconds.

The RF transponders (102a) receive the communication from the RF reader (104) and transmit back the user defined information embedded in it, to the RF reader (104). Thus, the unique ID of each tagged consignment (102) is transmitted to the RF reader (104). The information obtained by the RF reader (104) based on its communication with each RF transponder (102a) is transmitted to the wireless telecommunication unit (106) through wired/wireless data communication. The wireless telecommunication unit (106) transmits the information to the remote data processing and storage unit (110) through a wireless telecommunication network, which includes but not limited to GSM/GPRS, CDMA, etc. The loss of consignments during transit in the mobile unit (100) can be detected by two approaches, i.e. either by the RF reader (104) or by the data processing and storage unit (110). The user can select either of the approaches of consignment loss detection before transporting the consignments (102) from the source location, through configuration in the data processing and storage unit (110).

The RF reader (104) is configured and stored with the reference list of tags (102a) attached to corresponding consignments (102), which are transported from loading to unloading location through the specific mobile unit (100) associated with this RF reader. Thus, after loading the consignments (102) into the mobile unit (100), the RF reader (104) checks for wrong routing of consignments (102) into the mobile unit (100). As illustrated in step 206, after loading the consignments (102) into the mobile unit (100), the RF reader checks whether each consignment (102) in the mobile unit (100) is present in the reference consignment list.

As depicted in step 208, if the actual consignment list is not equal to the reference consignment list, an alert signal, which indicates wrong routing of the consignments (102) into the mobile unit (100) after loading the consignments (102) into the mobile unit (100), is sent to the data processing and storage unit (110). Also, local indication alert on the transponders (102a) is also provided for warning about the wrong routing of the consignments (102). For example, the RF reader (104) with its unique ID number 100 can be associated with the mobile unit number TN07A5437. When the consignments (B3) and its attached tag (say A3) is loaded into the mobile unit (say TN07A5437), the RF reader in the mobile unit (TN07A5437) checks whether tag A3 is present in the list of its stored tags of the consignments to be transported in this mobile unit from loading to unloading location. This is done through the information communication through RF between the tag A3 and the RF reader (104).

If the RF reader (104) detects that the tag A3 is not in its stored list of tags, then the reader (104) provides alert information to the data processing and storage unit (110) through the wireless telecommunication unit (106). The alert information indicates that the tag A3 is wrong routed to the mobile unit (TN07A5437). The RF reader (104) also provides information to the tag A3 for triggering alert indication through visual LED or sound buzzer on the tag A3. Thus, the user can detect misrouting of the consignments (102) based on local alert indication on the tag and remote alerts on the data processing and storage unit (110), which facilitates correct routing and on-time delivery of the consignments (102).

In the first approach, as mentioned in step 210, the data processing and storage unit (110) initially checks whether the mobile unit (100) is in source location based on information from the wireless telecommunication unit (106). If the mobile unit (100) is in the source location, the step 210 is repeated after the preset time interval. If the mobile unit is not in the source location, the data processing and storage unit (110) checks whether the mobile unit is in destination location based on information from the telecommunication unit (106), as shown in step 212. If the mobile unit (100) is in the destination location, then the process is terminated.

As specified in step 214, if the mobile unit (100) is not in destination, i.e. the mobile unit (100) is in transit detected by the GPS device (106a), the RF tags (102a) of each consignment (102) in the mobile unit (100) are sensed by the RF reader (104) at desired time intervals for obtaining an actual consignment list in real time. The actual consignment list indicates the consignments (102) actually present in the mobile unit (100) in real-time. Each Electronic RF transponder tag (102a) on the corresponding consignments (102) communicates information present in it, to the RF reader (104). The RF reader (104) communicates the information to the data processing unit (110) through the wireless telecommunication unit (106) at predetermined time intervals.

Thereafter, as illustrated in step 216, the data processing and storage unit (110) compares the actual consignment list received in real-time at user defined time intervals from the wireless telecommunication unit (106) with the reference consignment list stored in it. As specified in step 218, the data processing and storage unit (110) checks for the presence of the list of all predefined reference consignment list in the actual consignment list received from the wireless telecommunication unit (106) in the mobile unit (100).

If the actual list present in the mobile unit (100) is same as the reference list, then the step 212 is repeated. If the actual list is not equal to the reference list, then the missing tags (102a) are reflected as a loss of corresponding tagged consignments (102) during transit in the mobile unit (100). Therefore, the RF reader (104) not receives any communication from lost consignments (102) during transit in the mobile unit (100). Hence, the wireless telecommunication unit (106) and the data processing and storage unit (110) also not receives the missing transponder tags (102a) tagged with the associated consignments (102).

As depicted in step 220, the missing consignment list along with location, date and time stamp, at which the transponder tags (102a) are missing from the real-time communication list sent by the wireless telecommunication unit (104), are stored in the data processing and storage unit (110). Thus, the loss of particular individual consignment is detected based on the missing transponder tags (102a). An exception and alert report indicating the loss of consignments (102) is generated in the data processing and storage unit (110). The end user can access the exception and alert reports from the data processing and storage unit (110) through wired/wireless communication.

Similarly, in the second approach, as mentioned in step 210, the RF reader (110) can initially check whether the mobile unit (100) is in source location based on information from the GPS device (106a) embedded in the wireless telecommunication unit (106). If the mobile unit (100) is in the source location, the step 210 is repeated after the preset time interval. If the mobile unit is not in the source location, the RF reader (110) checks whether the mobile unit is in destination location based on information from the telecommunication unit (106), as shown in step 212. If the mobile unit (100) is in the destination location, then the process is terminated.

Initially, the RF transponders tags (102a) communicate back with the RF reader (104) through RF communication at the source location, which is registered as reference list of consignments (102) tagged with corresponding RF transponders (102a), which needs to be transported from the source location to the destination location through the mobile unit (100). This reference consignment list can be received from the data processing and storage unit (110) through the wireless telecommunication unit (106) at the source location before transporting the consignments (102) in the mobile unit (100).

As specified in step 214, if the mobile unit (100) is in transit detected by the GPS device (106a), the RF reader (105) communicates with the RF transponder tags (102a) tagged to the corresponding consignments (102) through RF communication, at user defined time intervals, which provides a list in real time called as actual consignment list. Thereafter, as mentioned in step 216, the RF reader (104) compares the actual consignment list of transponder IDs received in real-time during transit (neither loading nor unloading location), with its stored reference list of transponder IDs.

Further, as depicted in step 218, if the RF reader (104) detects no difference between the actual and reference consignment lists, then the step 212 is repeated. Similarly, if the RF reader (104) observes difference between the actual and reference consignment lists, then the missing list of transponder IDs, i.e. the transponder IDs are not communicating with the RF reader (104) in real-time during transit since it is lost from mobile unit, are stored in the RF reader (104) and transmitted to the wireless communication unit (106), as shown in step 220. The communication unit (106) transmits the list of missing transponder IDs/lost consignments along with location, date and time stamp to the data processing and storage unit (110) through wireless communication medium during transit. The data processing and storage unit (110) provides the lost consignment details along with location, date and time stamp to the end user, which facilitates real-time visibility of valuable consignments during transportation.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the claimed invention. Various modifications and alterations to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Thus, the claimed invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

WE CLAIM :

1. A method for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, comprising:

affixing at least one electronic tag to each consignment to be monitored in the mobile unit;

storing a reference consignment list in a data processing and storage unit with respect to said at least one electronic tag, before loading the consignments into the mobile unit;

determining whether the mobile unit is in source or destination location by said data processing and storage unit based on geographical location information of the mobile unit received from a wireless telecommunication unit, after loading the consignments into the mobile unit;

generating and storing an actual consignment list of the mobile unit in a wireless reader by sensing said at least one electronic tag of the consignments at a desired time interval, when the mobile unit is in transit;

comparing said actual consignment list received from said wireless reader with said reference consignment list stored in said data processing and storage unit; and

generating a missing consignment list with location, date and time stamp in said data processing and storage unit, if said actual consignment list is not equal to said reference consignment list.

2. The method as-claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

generating an exception and alert report indicating loss of the consignment, in said data processing and storage unit;

3. A method for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, comprising:

affixing at least one electronic tag to each consignment to be monitored in the mobile unit;

storing a reference consignment list in a data processing and storage unit with respect to said at least one electronic tag, before loading the consignments into the mobile unit;

determining whether the mobile unit is in source or destination location by a wireless reader based on geographical location information of the mobile unit received from a wireless telecommunication unit, after loading the consignments into the mobile unit;

generating and storing an actual consignment list of the mobile unit in said wireless reader by sensing said at least one electronic tag of the consignments at a desired time interval, when the mobile unit is in transit;

comparing said actual consignment list stored in said wireless reader with said reference consignment list received from said data processing and storage unit; and

generating a missing consignment list with location, date and time stamp in said wireless reader, if said actual consignment list is not equal to said reference consignment list.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, further comprising:

transferring said missing consignment list with the location, date and time stamp to said data processing and storage unit;

generating an exception and alert report indicating loss of the consignments) in said data processing and storage unit;

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 3, further comprising:

determining whether said actual consignment list detected by said wireless reader is similar to the stored reference consignment list, after loading the consignments into the mobile unit;
sending alert indication of misrouting of the consignments to said data processing and storage unit, if said actual consignment list is not equal to said reference consignment list; and

triggering an alert indicator in said at least one electronic tag for warning about misrouting of the consignments after loading.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein if said actual consignment list is equal to said reference consignment list, said at least one electronic tag is sensed again until the mobile unit reaches the destination location.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said at least one electronic tag includes unique code and information pertaining to the consignments.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said at least one electronic tag communicates information stored in it, to said wireless reader.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said at least one electronic tag is a radio frequency (RF) transponders.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein the geographical location information of source and destination of the mobile unit is stored in said data processing unit and said wireless reader.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said wireless reader communicates to said data processing and storage unit through said wireless telecommunication unit.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said wireless reader is a RF reader.

13. A system for real-time detection of loss of individual consignments during transit in a mobile unit, comprising:

at least one electronic tag affixed to each consignment to be monitored in the mobile unit, said at least one electronic tag includes unique code and information pertaining to the consignments;

a wireless reader mounted on the mobile unit for reading said at least one electronic tag associated with the consignments in the mobile unit at desired time interval, when the mobile unit is in transit;

a wireless telecommunication unit in communication with said wireless reader to receive actual consignment list in the mobile unit read by said wireless reader;

a global position identification device embedded in said wireless telecommunication unit for identifying a geographical position of the mobile unit; and

a data processing and storage unit in communication with said wireless telecommunication unit for comparing the actual consignment list with a reference consignment list, wherein said data processing and storage unit generates an exception and alert report indicating loss of consignments, if the actual consignment list is not equal to the reference consignment list.

14. The system as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:

an electrical power source arranged in the mobile unit for supplying power to said wireless reader and said wireless telecommunication unit.

15. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the reference consignment list is stored in said data processing and storage unit before loading the consignments into the mobile unit.

16. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said wireless reader checks whether each consignment loaded in the mobile unit is present in the stored reference consignment list, after loading the consignments.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said wireless reader sends an alert of misrouting of the consignments after loading, to said data processing and storage unit, if the consignments loaded in the mobile unit are not present in the stored reference consignment list.

18. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said wireless reader triggers an alert indicator in said at least one electronic tag for warning about misrouting of the consignments after loading.

19. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said data processing and storage unit determines whether the mobile unit is in source or destination location based on the geographical position of the mobile unit received from said wireless telecommunication unit.

20. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said data processing and storage unit is remotely located from the mobile unit.

21. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said exception and alert report includes a list of missing consignments with location, date and time stamp.

22. The system as clarified in claim 13, wherein said data processing and storage unit receives the actual consignment list from said wireless reader through said wireless telecommunication unit.

23. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said at least one electronic tag is a radio frequency (RF) transponder.

24. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said wireless reader is a RF reader.