Electronic locating systems
AssigneeThomas J. Engellenner
InventorThomas J. Engellenner
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for location of objects to facilitate retrieval, filing, security, inventory stock-keeping and the like. The methods and apparatus employ a tag element associated with each object-to-be-located, and interrogation system for searching one or more spatial regions for such tagged items, as well as mechanisms for identifying objects within the interrogated region.
Claims26
A system for locating an object comprising:
- a transmitter for transmitting of an electromagnetic interrogation signal within a defined interrogation zone;
- a tag adapted for attachment to an object, the tag being responsive to said electromagnetic interrogation signal and comprising
- a signal receiving structure adapted to capture at least a portion of the energy of said interrogation signal, and
- a response generator for generating a responsive signal to announce the presence of the object within an interrogation zone;
- a receiver for detecting said responsive signal;
- and
- display means for displaying information on the tagged object.
The system of claim 2 wherein the transmitter further comprises means for varying the frequency of signals generated by a electromagnetic radiation signal generator.
A method of locating an object comprising the steps of:
- coding an object with a tag responsive to a predetermined electromagnetic signal;
- interrogating a spatial region with said electromagnetic signal to cause the tag to generate a responsive signal if present within the region;
- and
- detecting said responsive signal.
A method of taking inventory of distributed items comprising the steps of:
- coding each item to be located with a tag responsive to a predetermined electromagnetic signal;
- interrogating a spatial region with said electromagnetic signal to cause the tag to generate a responsive signal if present within the region;
- and
- detecting said responsive signal to confirm the tagged item's presence.
A method of controlling the distribution of items from an initial location comprising the steps of:
- coding each item to be distributed with a tag responsive to a predetermined electromagnetic signal, said coded tag defining an intended location;
- interrogating a spatial region with said electromagnetic signal to cause the tag to generate a responsive signal if present within a region other than the intended location;
- and
- detecting said responsive signal to confirm the tagged item's presence.
A method of locating distributed items comprising:
- attaching an identification tag to each item to be retrieved, the tag comprising a selectively activatable means for emitting an audible sound;
- coding each tag to respond to a different electromagnetic signal;
- initiating an audible sound on a selected tag by transmitting a predetermined radio signal;
- and
- locating said tag together with the item to which it is attached by said sound.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.