System for identifying transported goods

Abstract

A system for automatically identifying goods to be transported within a container having an environmental control unit. The system includes a sensor for sensing a code previously assigned to the goods. A processor uses the sensed code to select values of control parameters previously associated with the goods. The selected values are used by the environmental control unit to control the environment within the container.

1 . A system for identifying goods to be stored in a container having a controlled environment, said system comprising: 
 a sensor for sensing a code previously assigned to the goods; and    a processor for associating the sensed code with at least one control parameter value used to control the environment within the container whereby the environment for the goods can be controlled by the control parameter value.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the processor is operative to compare a representation of the sensed code with previously stored representations of codes for goods that could be stored in the container, said processor being operative to select at least one control parameter associated with a previously stored representation of code that matches the representation of the sensed code.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  further comprising: 
 a display connected to the processor, wherein the processor is operative to send a message to the display indicating whether a match has occurred.    
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the processor is operative to permit entry of a representation of the sensed code and at least one control parameter to be associated therewith in the event that a match has not occurred.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4  further comprising a keypad, wherein the processor is operative to note depression of at least one key on the keypad before permitting entry of a representation of the sensed code and at least one control parameter associated therewith.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the code is a bar code and the sensor is a bar code sensor.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the sensor is a handheld sensor that may be positioned over the code to be sensed.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the code is affixed to a containment means for the goods.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the code is a bar code and the sensor is a handheld barcode sensor.  
   
   
       10 . A process for identifying goods to be stored in a container having a controlled environment, said process comprising: 
 sensing a code previously assigned to the goods; and    associating the sensed code with at least one control parameter value used to control the environment within the container whereby the environment for the goods can be controlled by the control parameter value.    
   
   
       11 . The process of  claim 10  wherein said step of associating the sensed code with at least one control parameter value used to control the environment, within the container comprises the step of: 
 comparing a representation of the sensed code with previously stored representations of codes for goods that could be stored in the container; and    selecting at least one control parameter associated with a previously stored representation of code that matches the representation of the sensed code.    
   
   
       12 . The process of  claim 11  further comprising the step of: 
 communicating a message indicating whether a match has occurred    
   
   
       13 . The process of  claim 12  further comprising the step of: 
 permitting entry of a representation of the sensed code and at least one control parameter to be associated therewith in the event that a match has not occurred.    
   
   
       14 . The process of  claim 10  wherein the code is a bar.  
   
   
       15 . The process of  claim 14  wherein the wherein the code is affixed to a containment means for the goods.