System and method for tagging tools and objects used in a workplace for quick visual identification

A visual detection method for quickly locating a plurality of objects within a given work area, comprising:

• attaching to each of said objects to be used within said work area an identifying component adapted to be highly visible when illuminated with a predetermined light source;
• and
• scanning said work area with said predetermined light source, wherein said predetermined light source, when illuminating each said identifying component, causes each said identifying component to glow with illumination, thereby identifying said object to a worker;
• and
• having said worker use a lens view said work area through an optical element adapted to filter out at least a portion of ambient light within said work area.

A method for quickly visually locating at least one object within a given work area, comprising:

• attaching to said object a polymeric identifying component having a luminescent property such that said identifying component becomes highly visible when illuminated with a light source that generates a fluorescent-like light beam;
• and
• scanning said work area with a said light source to locate said object, wherein said light source causes said identifying component to glow with a fluorescent-like glow when passing over said identifying component, thereby identifying said object to a worker;
• and
• having said worker view said work area through an optical element adapted to intensify said illumination of said identifying component when said light source illuminates said object.

A system for visually locating an object within a work area, comprising:

• an identifying component adapted to be fixedly secured to said object before said object is used within said work area, said identifying component being tinted with a pigment that provides a fluorescent-like glow when illuminated with light having a first predetermined wavelength;
• and
• an apparatus for generating light having said first predetermined wavelength, said apparatus being portable to enable a worker to scan said work area with said apparatus to detect a location of said object within said work area;
• and
• a viewing element used by said worker to view said work area when attempting to detect said object, said viewing element being operable to filter out a portion of ambient light in said work area to enhance lamination of said identifying component.