RFID scanner with alerts

Abstract

An example of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a memory storage unit to maintain a database of unique identifiers. In addition, the apparatus includes an antenna to transmit a radio frequency signal and to detect a response signal from a RFID tag. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a reader device to extract a scanned identifier associated with an asset from the response signal The apparatus also includes a comparator to compare the scanned identifier with the unique identifiers in the database to determine if the scanned identifier matches one of the unique identifiers. The comparator adds the scanned identifier to the database when the scanned identifier does not match one of the unique identifiers. The apparatus also includes a notification engine to generate an alert when the scanned identifier is added to the database.

Description

RFID SCANNER WITH ALERTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 678,910, filed August 2, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Business may own assets that are loaned, rented, or leased out for use. The types of assets that may be handled in this manner are not limited and may include a wide variety of assets, such as specialized equipment for stages, tools, sports equipment, etc. The benefits of having another entity own and manage assets are known. For example, the users of the asset may focus on using the asset so that they do not focus on maintaining the asset, especially if only a few of the assets are used at a given time. Furthermore, it allows the usage of an asset to be increased as the user may only use the asset for a small portion of the user’s operation.

[0003] Various inventory management techniques are known in various industries. For example, each asset may include a unique identifier, such as a RFID technology, that is to be scanned at various points during the movement or rental of the asset. An advantage of using RFID technology is that a tag may be detected when there is no line of sight. Accordingly, a large number of assets may be scanned at once, such as in a case or bin.SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus to process assets. The apparatus includes a memory storage unit to maintain a database of unique identifiers. The apparatus further includes an antenna to transmit a radio frequency signal and to detect a response signal from a RFID tag. In addition, the apparatus includes a reader device to extract a scanned identifier associated with an asset from the response signal. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a comparator to compare the scanned identifier with the unique identifiers in the database to determine if the scanned identifier matches one of the unique identifiers. The comparator adds the scanned identifier to the database when the scanned identifier does not match one of the unique identifiers. The apparatus also includes a notification engine to generate an alert when the scanned identifier is added to the database.

[0005] The apparatus may further include a speaker or indicator light or LED operated by the notification engine.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofprocessing assets. The method involves transmitting a radio frequency signal via an antenna to a RFID tag. The method also involves detecting, via the antenna, a response signal from the RFID tag. In addition, the method involves extracting a scanned identifier associated with an asset from the response signal. The method further involves comparing the scanned identifier with unique identifiers in a database to determine if the scanned identifier matches one of the unique identifiers. Also, the method involves adding the scanned identifier to the database when the scanned identifier does not match one of the unique identifiers. In addition, the method involves generating an alert when the scanned identifier is added to the database.In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by a processor to process assets. The instructions are to direct the processor to transmit a radio frequency signal via an antenna to a RFID tag, detect, via the antenna, a response signal from the RFID tag, extract a scanned identifier associated with an asset from the response signal. In addition, the instructions are to direct the processor to compare the scanned identifier with unique identifiers in a database to determine if the scanned identifier matches one of the unique identifiers and add the scanned identifier to the database when the scanned identifier does not match one of the unique identifiers. Furthermore, the instructions are to direct the processor to generate an alert when the scanned identifier is added to the database.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the components of an example of an apparatus to process assets;

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the components of another example of an apparatus to process assets;

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the components of another example of an apparatus to process assets;

[0011] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the components of another example of an apparatus to process assets;

[0012] Figure 5 is a representation of an example of an apparatus to process assets;

[0013] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example method of processing assets;

[0014] Figure 7A is a representation of a user operating the apparatus of figure 1 ;

[0015] Figure 7B is a representation of a user continue with the operation of theapparatus of figure 1 ; and

[0016] Figure 7C is a representation of a user continue with the operation of the apparatus of figure 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] It is common for assets used for commercial purposes to be owned by a party that is different from the one using the asset. There may be a number of reasons to manage assets in this manner. For example, there may be financial benefits, such as tax benefits. Furthermore, for certain types of assets where continuous use is not common or when the assets are used for a discrete period of times, such as for a specific project, the owner of the asset may achieve better utilization of the asset by providing the asset to multiple parties. Another example of a reason for renting or leasing an asset owned by another party may be due to the expertise of the party owning the asset to maintain the asset. For example, the skill set of a party using the asset may not include the skills for maintaining the assets in a good state of repair.

[0018] As an example, stage lighting equipment used for performances, such as plays, concerts or lectures to provide visual enhancements are often owned and managed by a party that is different from the performers. In most cases, the assets are not owned by a venue as different stages may use different equipment to provide specific looks or visuals. Additional effects such as pyrotechnic displays and fog machines may be also used. Some of the equipment used to provide the visual effects may be positioned above the stage to improve the generated effect. For example, a light or laser source may be positioned above the stage so that light may be directed at the stage during a performance from above to achieve an appropriate lighting effect. Furthermore, such equipment may need to be supported around the stage with various trusses which may be provided by other parties. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description.

[0019] As another example, rental sporting equipment may be provided to athletes for use. In this example, a sporting venue such as a golf course, ski resort, or watersport rental shop may offer equipment for use by an athlete or participant. The equipment may include golf clubs, skis, watercrafts and associated personal protective equipment. To protect the assets, the owners or operators of the rental shop tracks each piece of equipment as it leaves the shop and cross references the returning equipment against details, such as when the equipment was checked-out, to determine or confirm the costs of the rental.

[0020] An apparatus and a method of processing assets that are loaned, rented, or leased to others is provided. The apparatus may be used to scan multiple assets in close proximity or in a container without removing the assets. In the present examples, theapparatus uses RFID technology to read tags that are attached to assets. In examples where multiple RFID tags are close to each other, some tags may be obscured or blocked by various features, such as the case, other tags, or metal in the container. In addition, the apparatus reading the tags may be overloaded if there are too many tags within range such that not all the tags may be detected on one pass.

[0021] Referring to figure 1 , an apparatus to process assets is generally shown at 50. In the present example, the apparatus 50 is a portable electronic device designed to scan RFID tags. In other examples, the apparatus 50 may be a general purpose device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, running an application with or without additional peripheral hardware to scan RFID tags. The apparatus 50 may include additional components, such as various devices and interfaces to receive input and output devices to interact with a user or an administrator with access to control the apparatus 50. In the present example, the apparatus 50 includes a memory storage unit 55, an antenna 60, a reader device 65, a comparator 70, and a notification engine 75. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that some components may be carried out on a single physical device. For example, a reader device 65, a comparator 70, and a notification engine 75 may be carried out on one or more processors or microprocessors.

[0022] The memory storage unit 55 is to maintain a database 100 of unique identifiers. In the present example, each record of the database 100 include a unique identifier associated with a specific asset. In some examples, the database 100 may include optional information about the assets, such as a description and / or specifications of the asset including the type of asset, unique identifier of the asset, model number, dimensions, size, etc. In addition, each record may also store a status indicator associated with the asset. The status indicator may indicate a status of whether the asset is checked-in or checked-out. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the additional information may be used to carry out additional features of the apparatus 50 to further facilitate the scanning process. Although the database 100 may also include optional information related to the asset, the present example excludes such information may to save space in the memory storage unit 55 or reduce the size of the memory storage unit 55 in the apparatus 50.

[0023] In the present example, the memory storage unit 55 is not particularly limited and may include a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium that may be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device. In the present example, the memory storage unit 55 is a persistent memory that may also store an operating system that is executable by a processor to provide general functionality to the apparatus 50. For example, the operating system may provide functionality to additional applications operatingon the apparatus 50. The memory storage unit 55 may additionally store instructions to operate the apparatus 50 to communicate with other components and peripheral devices of the apparatus 50, such as additional reader devices, communication interfaces, display devices, etc.

[0024] The antenna 60 is not particularly limited and may be any antenna capable of transmitting radio frequency signals to activate a RFID tag. In addition, the antenna 60 also is configured receiving radio frequency signals to detect a response signal from the activated RFID tag. In the present example, the antenna 60 is disposed in a housing of the apparatus 50 such that the apparatus 50 has a compact form factor to be operated by a user with one hand. In other examples, the antenna may be a peripheral device configured to the attached to the apparatus 50.

[0025] In the present example, the response signal received at the antenna 60 is to be processed by the reader device 65. The reader device 65 is to extract an identifier associated with an asset from the response signal received at the antenna 60. In particular, the identifier may be associated with a single asset, such as a serial number. In other examples, the identifier may be associate with a group of assets, such as a stock keeping unit (SKU) number to identify a type of asset.

[0026] The identifiers obtained by the reader device 65 are subsequently processed by the comparator 70. In the present example, the comparator 70 is in communication with the memory storage unit 55 and compares the identifier obtained from the reader device 65 with the unique identifiers stored in the database 100. The manner by which the comparator 70 queries the database 100 is not particularly limited and may involve various database query techniques. If the comparator 70 determines that the scanned identifier matches with one of the identifiers stored, no further action is taken with the identifier from the reader device 65. Specifically, the identifier from the reader device 65 is not stored again and the apparatus 50 proceeds to scan another RFID tag.

[0027] In the event that the scanned identifier obtained from the reader device 65 is not in the database, the comparator 70 adds the scanned identifier to the database 100 of unique identifiers. Accordingly, the scanned identifier will be used in subsequent scans by the apparatus 50 to determine if subsequent scanned identifiers from the reader device 65 are duplicates.

[0028] In the present example, the notification engine 75 is to generate an alert when a scanned identifier is added to the database 100. The alert generated is not particularly limited. For example, the alert may be an audible alarm or visual indicator generated at the apparatus 50. For example, the alert may be an audible beep generated by a speaker. In another example, the alert may be a blinking LED or an indicator on a display screen. Bygenerating an alert, the apparatus 50 provides an indication to a user that another identifier has been collected from a plurality of assets. Therefore, the notification engine 75 provides the user with a cue as to when the scanning process is completed as the number of alerts will stop.

[0029] Referring to figure 2, another example of an apparatus 50a to process assets is generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “a”. The apparatus 50a includes a memory storage unit 55a, an antenna 60a, a reader device 65a, a comparator 70a, a notification engine 75a, and a speaker 80a.

[0030] The memory storage unit 55a is to store data to be used by the comparator 70a as well as persistent data, such as the database 100 of unique identifiers. In the present example, the memory storage unit 55a may be substantially similar to the memory storage unit 55 described above. The antenna 60a, the reader device 65a, and the comparator 70a are substantially similar to the antenna 60, the reader device 65, and the comparator 70, respectively.

[0031] In the present example, the speaker 80a is to receive a command or signal to generate an audible sound. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the speaker 80a is not particularly limited and may be any speaker device capable of generating an audible sound, such as a beep or other type of tone or alert. In some examples, the speaker 80a may generate different sounds that can be used to distinguish between different alerts. For example, a first tone may be used when a new scanned identifier is detected and a second tone may be used if the scanned identifier is a duplicate of the identifier in the database 100, which may indicates a second detection of the same asset.

[0032] The notification engine 75a is to generate a signal to the speaker 80a for the speaker 80a to generate a sound. For example, the notification engine 75a may send a command to the speaker 80a to generate the audible beep when a new scanned identifier is detected by the comparator 70a where the speaker 80a includes a controller. In other examples, the notification engine 75a may provide a current to cause the speaker 80a to generate sound.

[0033] Referring to figure 3, another example of an apparatus 50b to process assets is generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50b bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “b”. The apparatus 50b includes a memory storage unit 55b, an antenna 60b, a reader device 65b, a comparator 70b, a notification engine 75b, and a visual indicator 82b.

[0034] The memory storage unit 55b is to store data to be used by the comparator 70b aswell as persistent data, such as the database 100 of unique identifiers. In the present example, the memory storage unit 55b may be substantially similar to the memory storage unit 55 described above. The antenna 60b, the reader device 65b, and the comparator 70b are substantially similar to the antenna 60, the reader device 65, and the comparator 70, respectively.

[0035] In the present example, the visual indicator 82b is to receive a command or signal to generate output for an alert in the form of light. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the visual indicator 82b is not particularly limited and may be light emitting device, such as a light source that emits light. In some examples, the visual indicator 82b may emit different colors to distinguish between different alerts. For example, a first color, such as a green light, may be emitted when a new scanned identifier is detected and a second color, such as red, may be emitted if the scanned identifier is a duplicate of the identifier in the database 100, which may indicates a second detection of the same asset. Accordingly, if the apparatus 50b has scanned the majority of RFID tags in an area, the light being emitted by the visual indicator 82b may be red. In further examples, the visual indicator 82b may also be a screen to display the alert. In this example, the alert may be a message, such as text, or the alert may include a symbol or other graphic.

[0036] Referring to figure 4, another example of an apparatus 50c to process assets is generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50c bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “c”. The apparatus 50c may include additional components, such as various input and output devices to interact with the user as well as additional processors and / or memory storage units. In the present example, the apparatus 50c includes a memory storage unit 55c, an antenna 60c, a processor 72c, a speaker 80c, and a communications interface 83c. In the present example, the processor 72c is configured to operate a reader engine 65c, a comparator 70c, and a notification engine 75c.

[0037] The memory storage unit 55c is to maintain the database 100 of unique identifiers. In the present example, each record of the database 100 include a unique identifier associated with a specific asset. In some examples, the database 100 may include optional information about the assets, such as a description and / or specifications of the asset including the type of asset, unique identifier of the asset, model number, dimensions, size, etc. In addition, each record may also store a status indicator associated with the asset. The status indicator may indicate a status of whether the asset is checked-in or checked-out. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the additional information may be used to carry out additional features of the apparatus 50c to further facilitate the scanning process.

[0038] In the present example, the memory storage unit 55c is a non-transitory machine- readable storage medium further stores an operating system that is executable by a processor to provide general functionality to the apparatus 50c. In addition, the memory storage unit 55c is encoded with instructions 102 to direct the processor 72c to carry out methods to process assets by operating various components and / or peripheral devices of the apparatus 50c as described herein.

[0039] For example, the instructions 102 may direct the processor 72c to operate the reader engine 65c. In the present example, the reader engine 65c is to extract an identifier associated with an asset from the response signal received at the antenna 60c. In particular, the identifier may be associated with a single asset, such as a serial number or a stock keeping unit number to identify a type of asset. The instructions 102 also directs the processor 72c to operate the comparator 70c to compare the identifier obtained from the reader engine 65c with the unique identifiers stored in the database 100. Furthermore, the instructions 102 directs the processor 72c to operate the notification engine 75c to send a command to the speaker 80c to generate an audible beep when a new scanned identifier is detected by the comparator 70c.

[0040] In the present example, the communications interface 83c is to transmit signals to an external device. In some examples, the communications interface 83c may also receive signals from an external device. The external device to which the signals are transmitted to is not limited. For example, the communications interface 83c may communicate with a central server (not shown) that manages a plurality of apparatuses 50c to process assets. The central server is not particularly limited and may be any electronic device capable of managing the status of assets. For example, the central server may be a laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet, a smartphone, etc. The manner by which the communications interface 83c transmits and / or receives the signals is not particularly limited. In some examples, the communications interface 83c may transmit the signals over a wired connection, such as connecting the apparatus 50c to a USB connection or docking station, or over a wireless network such as WiFi or Bluetooth. In other examples, the central server may be a cloud server to manage the electronic content for distribution to a plurality of apparatuses 50c used to process assets that may be checked-in or checked-out of a facility.

[0041] In operation, once the database 100 has been populated with scanned identifiers from a check-in process, the database 100 may be uploaded to the central server for further processing. The further processing may include additional check-in steps, such as updating the inventory of assets in the facility as well as updating the rental contracts for customers who have rented or leased the assets. The manner by which the database 100 is uploaded is not particularly limited. In some examples, the uploading of the database 100 may occurin batches after a scan of a plurality of assets is complete. In particular, where the communications interface 83c connects to the central server via a wired connection, the database 100 may be uploaded periodically, such as after each batch of assets is scanned, or at the end of the day. In other examples, the database 100 may be updated to the central server in real time where changes to the database 100 with each new scanned identifier is uploaded instantly.

[0042] The signals received by the communications interface 83c may include control commands. Control commands may include commands issued by the central server to direct the apparatus 50c to carry out a specific operation. For example, a control command may cause an apparatus 50c to reboot or update the firmware on the apparatus 50c. Other commands may cause the apparatus 50c to display a message for a user.

[0043] Referring to figure 5, another example of an apparatus 50d to process assets is generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50d bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “d”. The apparatus 50d may include additional components, such as various input and output devices to interact with the user as well as additional processors and / or memory storage units. In the present example, the apparatus 50d includes an antenna 60d, a processing unit 73d, a speaker 80d, and a communications interface 83d. In the present example, the processing unit 73d is configured to house a memory storage unit and a processor that operates a reader engine, a comparator, and a notification engine (not shown). The processing unit 73d may include other components, such as a power source.

[0044] In the present example, the antenna 60d is not particularly limited and may be any antenna capable of transmitting radio frequency signals to activate a RFID tag. In addition, the antenna 60d also is configured receiving radio frequency signals to detect a response signal from the activated RFID tag. In the present example, the antenna 60d in communication with the processing unit 73d. In particular the processing unit 73d may provide power to send transmit the radio frequency signals in a direction from the antenna 60d toward potential RFID tags.

[0045] The processing unit 73d includes instructions store on a memory storage unit to carry out methods to process assets by operating various components and / or peripheral devices of the apparatus 50d as described herein. For example, the instructions may direct the processing unit 73d to send power to the antenna 60d to transmit a signal to generate responses from proximate RFID tags. The processor 73d is then directed to extract an identifier associated with asset from the response signals. In particular, the identifier may be associated with a single asset, such as a serial number or a stock keeping unit number to identify a type of asset. The instructions also directs the processing unit 73d to operate thecomparator to compare the identifier obtained from the reader engine with the unique identifiers stored in a database. Furthermore, the instructions directs the processing unit 73d to operate the notification engine to send a command to the speaker 80d to generate an audible beep when a new scanned identifier is detected.

[0046] Referring to figure 6, a flowchart of a method of processing assets is generally shown at 200. In order to assist in the explanation of method 200, it will be assumed that method 200 may be performed with the apparatus 50. Indeed, the method 200 may be one way in which the apparatus 50 may be configured. Furthermore, the following discussion of method 200 may lead to a further understanding of the apparatus 50 and its various components. It is to be emphasized, that method 200 may not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, and various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence, or in a different sequence altogether.

[0047] Block 210 involves transmitting a radio frequency signal to an RFID tag from an antenna 60. The radio frequency signal is to trigger a response signal from the RFID tag, which may be detected at block 220. The response signal is then processed to extract an identifier associated with a specific asset at block 230. The identifier is not particularly limited and may be in the form of a serial number.

[0048] At block 240, the identifier obtained from block 230 is compared with identifiers stored in a database 100 to determine if the identifier obtained at block 230 matches one of the identifiers already stored in the database 100. It is to be understood by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that that block 230 determines if a scanned identifier has already been previously scanned. If the identifier obtained from block 230 is not in the database, the identifier is added to the database at block 250 and an alert is generated at 260. After block 260, the method may start again at block 210 with the updated database 100.

[0049] In an example of use of the apparatus 50, a user 300 may be presented with a container 310 of assets to be scanned, such as in a check-in or checkout process. In this example, the goal is to scan all the assets in a box which may include over a hundred assets. Since the apparatus 50 may be limited in the rate that it can scan as well as the fact that some RFID tags may be obscured at different angles. Referring to figures 7A, 7B, and 7C, the scanning process of a container 310 of assets arriving at a facility for check-in is illustrated. A user 300 checking-in the assets operates the antenna 60 of the apparatus 50 by moving the apparatus 50 around the container 310 of assets to scan RFID tags. While scanning, each identifier that is added to the database 100 generates an alert to the user 300. Initially, the number of alerts indicating unique scanned identifiers added to the database 100 will be frequent. However, the alerts decrease in frequency as more of theassets are scanned and added to the database 100. Once the alerts have decreased to a frequency below a predetermined threshold, the user 300 may determine that the scanning is complete. The threshold is not particularly limited and may be set based on an acceptable number of missed assets.

[0050] After the scanning with the apparatus 50, the database will include a plurality of unique identifiers from the scan. The identifiers may then be uploaded to a central server and used for subsequent processing, such as checking-in assets, or checking-out assets. In some examples, the apparatus 50 may further include a communications interface to connected directly to a central server to provide real time scanning information or additional functionality.

[0051] It should be recognized that features and aspects of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a memory storage unit to maintain a database of unique identifiers; an antenna to transmit a radio frequency signal and to detect a response signal from a RFID tag; a reader device to extract a scanned identifier associated with an asset from the response signal; a comparator to compare the scanned identifier with the unique identifiers in the database to determine if the scanned identifier matches one of the unique identifiers, wherein the comparator adds the scanned identifier to the database when the scanned identifier does not match one of the unique identifiers; and a notification engine to generate an alert when the scanned identifier is added to the database.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a speaker, wherein the alert is a sound outputted by the speaker.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a visual indicator to output an alert.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the visual indicator is a light.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the visual indicator is a screen to display the alert.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a communications interface to upload the database to a central server.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the communications interface uploads the database to a central server in real time.

8. A method comprising: transmitting a radio frequency signal via an antenna to a RFID tag; detecting, via the antenna, a response signal from the RFID tag extracting a scanned identifier associated with an asset from the response signal; comparing the scanned identifier with unique identifiers in a database to determine if the scanned identifier matches one of the unique identifiers; adding the scanned identifier to the database when the scanned identifier does not match one of the unique identifiers; and generating an alert when the scanned identifier is added to the database.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein generating the alert comprises emitting a sound outputted from a speaker.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein generating the alert comprises displaying a visual indicator.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein displaying the visual indicator comprises illuminating a light.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein displaying the visual indicator comprises displaying the alert on a screen.

13. The method of any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising uploading the database to a central server via a communications interface.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein uploading the database to a central server is carried out in real time.

15. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by a processor, wherein the instructions are to direct the processor to:transmit a radio frequency signal via an antenna to a RFID tag; detect, via the antenna, a response signal from the RFID tag extract a scanned identifier associated with an asset from the response signal; compare the scanned identifier with unique identifiers in a database to determine if the scanned identifier matches one of the unique identifiers; add the scanned identifier to the database when the scanned identifier does not match one of the unique identifiers; and generate an alert when the scanned identifier is added to the database.

16. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions direct the processor to generate the alert via emitting a sound outputted from a speaker.

17. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 15 or 16, wherein the instructions direct the processor to generate the alert via displaying a visual indicator.

18. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions direct the processor to display the visual indicator on a screen.

19. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the instructions direct the processor to upload the database to a central server via a communications interface.

20. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 20, wherein the instructions direct the processor to upload the database to a central server in real time.

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