Portable locator system

#The present invention generally relates to a portable locator system and more particularly a portable locator system for facilitating collection of information relating to visits by persons or objects at different locations within a facility.

#Market analysts and sellers of goods and services make extensive use of data relating to the behavior of their purchasers to better target and market their goods and services. Data relating to consumer traffic is one purchaser behavior data used to gauge the attractiveness of the goods or services offered for sale. For example, data such as frequency and duration of visits to Internet websites where goods and services are offered is useful data for the seller marketing their goods.

#For the operators of supermarkets and other large retail establishments, it may be important to know the traffic pattern of the shoppers, such as the frequencies of visits to certain isles and the duration of visits at certain types of goods or at locations where particular brands of goods are shelved.

#Preferred embodiments of the invention are described herein below with reference to the drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the locator system according to the present invention configured for a convention center setting;

#FIG. 1A illustrates another embodiment of the locator system in a convention center setting;

#Generally, a locator system according to the present invention includes a central processor, a plurality of portable transceivers, and a plurality of portable badges. Each of the plurality of badges transmits a unique ID code, preferably in infrared, substantially periodically and continuously. Each of the plurality of transceivers includes an infrared receiver for receiving transmissions of the ID codes from badges within receiving range of the transceiver. In one embodiment, each of the transceivers also includes a wireless transmitter, which preferably transmits signals in RF, for forwarding signals to the central processor. The transceivers thus receive and transmit signals wirelessly, affording portability and mobility. The central processor includes an RF transceiver for receiving signals transmitted from the portable transceivers.

#In another embodiment, transceiver modules are connected in a local area network to central processor. The transceiver modules are dispersed at locations throughout a facility. Transceiver modules receive signals from the portable transceivers, then relay badge, transceiver, and transceiver module IDs to the central processor via the LAN. The ID signals are processed by the central processor to determine, among other things, the locations of the badges.

#Advantageously, the portable badges and transceivers facilitate ease of system installation and reconfiguration. Thus, the embodiments of the system according to the present invention are well suited for use in facilities which require frequently changed physical settings, such as in a convention center wherein tradeshows are frequently held and physical configurations of exhibits are changed depending upon the different types of shows.