Importance

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Abstract

A closed-loop receptacle setup verification and traceability system for use in automatically detecting the presence or absence of a components receptacle at a location is presented, such receptacles comprising components reels, components bearing trays or racks, or other such receptacles for bearing and providing components for components processing and/or manipulation. The system is further for automatically identifying the detected receptacles and validating their use at respective detecting locations based on components parameters identifiably associated therewith. The system is still further for tracking and monitoring such receptacles from one detecting location to another optionally updating components parameters associated therewith as needed. To implement the system, each receptacle should comprise at least one detectable element and each detecting position should comprise at least one reader adapted to detect the detectable element and so determine whether receptacles are present at the detecting locations being monitored. Typically, the closed loop system uses RFID technology, e.g. the detector comprises at least one antenna and the detectable element comprises at least one RF tag. Detector antennae may be multiplexed or operated independently to communicate detection, identification and/or validation data between the detectable elements and the system.

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First Claim