Method and apparatus for detection and tracking of objects within a defined area

• US 20050200453A1
• Filed: 01/21/2005
• Published: 09/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Harvey L. Kasdan, Richard H. Turner
• Original Assignee: Harvey L. Kasdan, Richard H. Turner
• Inventors: Turner, Richard H., Kasdan, Harvey L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,671,718 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.610
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/257 electronically G07C9/26 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/02 Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/22 responsive to presence or absence of persons
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/009 Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range

Abstract

A method and apparatus for detecting and tracking an object with a defined area, and determining its position, status movement and identity therein, includes interrogating the defined area to communicate with an information device on object and transmit received to a master controller unit, which determines the object'"'"'s presence, position, movement and identity with the defined area. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of locating an object within a defined area, comprising:

interrogating the defined area to determine the presence of an object within the defined area, wherein the at least one interrogation device is within communication range of at least one master controller unit and transmits a signal within the defined area and receives data relating to the object if the object is within the defined area;

transmitting the data from the at least one interrogation device to the at least one master controller unit and storing the data received in a memory therein;

compiling the data received from the at least one interrogation device at the at least one master controller unit; and

interpreting the data compiled by at the least one master controller unit to determine characteristic information of the object within the defined area.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning at least one information device on the object, the at least one information device receiving the signal from the at least one interrogation device and transmitting a signal in response thereto.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one information device is a radio frequency identification tag.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the characteristic information indicates a position of the object within the defined area.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the position includes positional coordinates and a change in position over time.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the characteristic information includes a presence of the object within the defined area.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the object is a person.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the characteristic information includes identity information about the person.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the identity information includes biometric data characteristic of the person.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the at least one information device includes memory for receiving additional information dynamically from an interrogation device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one master controller unit determines the identity of the person by comparing the biometric data characteristic of the person with the reference data.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the data is stored in memory on the at least one information device.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising scanning the person to acquire biometric data.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the person'"'"'s identity information is confirmed by comparing the scanned biometric data with the data stored in the memory.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

positioning a physiologic sensor coupled to the at least one information device;

detecting a physiologic state with the physiologic sensor;

storing physiologic information related to the physiologic state in the at least one information device;

transmitting the physiologic information stored in the at least one information device to the at least one interrogation device, and from the at least one interrogation device to the at least one master controller unit; and

determining whether the physiologic information for a person obtained from the physiologic sensor represents an abnormal condition, and creating and transmitting an alarm of unauthorized presence or access if an abnormal condition is found, wherein the abnormal condition exists is the physiologic information is outside a range of normal values for the physiologic state.

16. The method of claim 2, wherein the interrogating the defined area includes transmitting radiation into the defined area and detecting radiation reflected back into the at least one interrogation device from the object within the defined area.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a plurality of interrogation devices, each interrogation device capable of communicating with another interrogation device and each interrogation device including a transmitter capable of transmitting signals to other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices, and receiving signals from other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein each interrogation device in the plurality of interrogation devices includes a transmitter capable of transmitting to the at least one master controller unit and to the at least one information device.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing a plurality of master controller units, each master controller unit capable of communicating with another master controller unit for transmitting and receiving data received from the at least one interrogation device.

20. A method of controlling authorization level of an object within a defined area, the object having at least one information device positioned thereon, the at least one information device capable of communicating with at least one interrogation device within a communication range of at least one master controller unit, the method comprising:

interrogating the defined area to determine the presence of the object within the defined area, wherein the at least one interrogation device transmits a signal within a defined area and receives data characteristic of the object if the object is within the defined area;

transmitting the data from the at least one interrogation device to the at least one master controller unit and storing the data received in a memory therein;

comparing approved authorization levels for the object within the defined area with the data characteristic of the object within the defined area, wherein the object has multiple levels of access permission to enter, reside and move within the defined area; and

assigning the authorization level dynamically based on the data characteristic of the object.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one information device is a radio frequency identification tag.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the data characteristic of the object includes a presence of the object position within the defined area.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the data characteristic of the object includes a position of the object within the defined area.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the object is a person.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the data characteristic of the person includes an identity of the person.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one information device includes biometric data characteristic of the person.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one master controller unit determines the identity of the person by comparing the biometric data characteristic of the person with reference data stored at the master controller unit.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising scanning the person to acquire biometric data.

29. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing a plurality of interrogation devices, each interrogation device capable of communicating with another interrogation device and each interrogation device including a transmitter capable of transmitting signals to other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices, and receiving signals from other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein each interrogation device in the plurality of interrogation devices includes a transmitter capable of transmitting to the at least one master controller unit and to the at least one information device.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising providing a plurality of master controller units, each master controller unit capable of communicating with another master controller unit for transmitting and receiving data received from the at least one interrogation device.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising interpreting the comparison between the approved authorization levels for the object within the defined area with the data characteristic of the object at the least one master controller unit to determine whether the object is authorized to enter, exit, or reside within the defined area.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising creating an alarm if the object is not authorized to enter, exit, or reside within the defined area.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one information device includes information identifying preprogrammed authorization levels for the object, wherein the at least one master controller unit restricts movement of the object in the defined area based on the preprogrammed authorization levels.

35. A method of confirming identity information of an object within a defined area, the object having at least one information device positioned thereon and capable of entering, exiting or residing in the defined area, the method comprising:

interrogating the at least one information device within the defined area with at least one interrogation device within a transmission and detection range of the at least one information device, the at least one interrogation device having a transmitter capable of transmitting a signal into the defined area, and a detector for detecting a signal reflected back into the at least one interrogation device from the object within the defined area;

scanning the object within the defined area to obtain characteristic information relating to the identity of the object;

transmitting the signal received from interrogating the at least one information device, and the characteristic information scanned from the object, to at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device; and

comparing characteristic information scanned from the object with identity information retrieved from the signal from the at least one information device, wherein the at least one master controller unit determines whether the characteristic information corresponds to the identity information from the at least one information device.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the at least one information device is a radio frequency identification tag.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein a plurality of objects have access permission to reside or move within the defined area.

38. The method of claim 35, wherein the at least one information device includes preprogrammed authorization level information for each at least one information device issued to the object.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the object is a person.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the characteristic information is biometric information associated with the identity of the person.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the at least one master controller unit dynamically assigns the authorization level based on the identity of the person.

42. The method of claim 40, further comprising determining the identity of the person using the biometric information obtained by scanning the person.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising creating an alarm if the biometric identity of the object carrying the at least one information device does not correspond to the identity information from the at least one information device.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising:

detecting fingerprint information from the object within the defined area; and

scanning the at least one information device for fingerprint information stored thereon, wherein the at least one master controller unit compares the detected fingerprint information with the fingerprint information stored in the at least one information device.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the at least one master controller unit creates an alarm state if the detected fingerprint information does not match the stored fingerprint information.

46. The method of claim 35, wherein the scanning the object within the defined area to obtain characteristic information further comprises detecting and transmitting radio frequency biometric information to the at least one interrogation device by radio frequency scanning of the object within the defined area.

47. The method of claim 35, wherein the scanning the object within the defined area to obtain characteristic information further comprises detecting and transmitting radio frequency biometric information by radio frequency scanning of the at least one information device and transmitting a radio frequency signal to the at least one interrogation device.

48. The method of claim 46, further comprising comparing radio frequency biometric information to stored, authorized radio frequency biometric information, the at least one master controller unit creating an alarm state if the detected radio frequency biometric information does not match the stored radio frequency biometric information.

49. The method of claim 47, further comprising comparing radio frequency biometric information to stored, authorized radio frequency biometric information, the at least one master controller unit creating an alarm state if the detected radio frequency biometric information does not match the stored radio frequency biometric information.

50. A method of confirming identity information on a person within a defined area, the person having an information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:

receiving a first password entered on a password input means on the information device, wherein the person enters a first password on the information device as the source of identity information;

scanning the information device and obtaining a second password stored in the information device, wherein a master controller unit compares the first password entered by the person wearing the information device with the second password stored on the information device; and

creating an alarm state if the first password does not match the second password.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the first and second passwords correspond to approved authorization levels for the object to enter, reside, or exit within the defined area.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising a third password stored in a memory of the master controller unit.

53. The method of claim 52, further comprising comparing the first password entered by the person and the third password stored in the memory of the master controller unit, and creating an alarm state if the first password does not match the third password.

54. The method of claim 50, wherein the first password is a biometric identifier for the person, and wherein the at least one information device stores preprogrammed biometric information of the person.

55. A method of detecting and alerting unauthorized removal of an information device positioned on an object capable of entering, exiting or residing within a defined area, the method comprising:

obtaining real time identity information for the object in the defined area by scanning the object within the defined area with at least one interrogation device in a plurality of interrogation devices, the at least one interrogation device within a transmission and detection range of the information device;

interrogating the information device to obtain identity information stored on the information device;

transmitting the stored identity information and scanned real-time identity information from one or more interrogation devices in the plurality of interrogation devices to a master controller unit within the transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device in the plurality of interrogation devices;

comparing the real time identity information with the identity information stored on the information device; and

creating an alarm if the scanned real time identity information does not agree with the stored identity information, the alarm indicating unauthorized possession of the information device.

56. The method of claim 55, further comprising scanning the object for coordinate information that identifies a position of the object.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the scanned real time identity information includes descriptive information relating to the object 20, the descriptive information including at least one of contents, labeling, chemical compositions, physical dimensions, physical properties, shipping date, and attached work orders.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein the object is animate.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the object is a person.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the scanned real time identity information is biometric data that identifies the object.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the biometric data includes dental records, fingerprints, body weight, body dimensions, skin color, hair color, identifying marks, racial characteristics, blood type, and DNA sequence.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the scanned real time identity information further includes confidential information known only to the person, the confidential information including mother'"'"'s maiden name, social security number, and place of birth.

63. A method of detecting and alerting unauthorized removal or utilization of an information device on an object capable of entering, exiting, or residing within a defined area, the method comprising:

interrogating a first information device in a defined area to receive real time identity information associated with an object on which the first information device is placed, and interrogating a second information device on the object to receive stored identity information stored thereon, wherein at least one of the first and second information devices is hidden from discovery by unauthorized persons;

transmitting the real time identity information and the stored identity information from at least one interrogation device to at least one master controller unit, wherein the at least one interrogation device is within a transmission and detection range of the defined area and within a transmission and detection range of the at least one master controller unit;

comparing the real time identity information associated with the object with the stored identity information; and

creating an alarm if the stored identity information does not match the real time identity information, the alarm indicating that the first and second information devices associated with the object have been separated without authorization.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the interrogating the first information device further comprises scanning the at least one information device.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the interrogating the first information device further comprises scanning the at least one information device for coordinate information that identifies a position of the object.

66. The method of claim 64, wherein the scanned real time identity information includes at least one of contents, labeling, chemical compositions, physical dimensions, physical properties, shipping date, attached work orders, and other descriptive information of the object.

67. The method of claim 63, wherein the object is a person.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein the interrogating the first information device further comprises scanning the object for real time identity information.

69. The method of claim 67, wherein the real time identity information is biometric data that identifies the person.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein the biometric data includes at least one of dental records, fingerprints, body weight, body dimensions, skin color, hair color, identifying marks, racial characteristics, blood type, and DNA sequence.

71. The method of claim 67, wherein the real time identity information includes confidential information known only to the person, the confidential information including at least one of a mother'"'"'s maiden name, a social security number, and a place of birth.

72. A method of dynamically assigning authorization levels to an object within a defined area and having an information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:

interrogating the defined area, wherein at least one interrogation device transmits a signal within the defined area and receives data associated with an object if the object is within the defined area;

transmitting the data from the at least one interrogation device to at least one master controller unit and storing the data received in a memory therein, the at least one interrogation device within a communication range of the at least one master controller unit;

determining identity characteristics of the object by comparing the data received from the at least one interrogation device at the at least one master controller unit with reference data stored in the at least one master controller unit;

interpreting the identity characteristics to determine an authorization level of the object, wherein the authorization level determines whether the object is authorized to enter, exit, reside, or move within the defined area; and

transmitting the authorization level to the information device and storing the authorization level on the information.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the identity characteristics include a presence of the object within the defined area.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein the identity characteristics include a position of the object within the defined area.

75. The method of claim 74, further comprising creating an alarm level in the at least one master controller unit that transmits an alarm signal if the object enters an unauthorized space or exits or leaves an authorized space for an unauthorized space.

76. The method of claim 72, further comprising providing a second information device positioned on the object and comparing the identity characteristics with identify information stored on the second information device and associated with the object.

77. The method of claim 76, further comprising creating an alarm if the identity information stored on the second information device associated with the object does not match the identity characteristics, the alarm indicating that the first and second information devices have been separated without authorization.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein the identity information includes biometric and physiological information for the object

79. The method of claim 78, wherein the identity information includes legal, financial or health information.

80. The method of claim 75, wherein the information device includes a memory for dynamically receiving authorization level information from the at least one interrogation device.

81. The method of claim 80, further comprising enabling the at least one interrogation device to perform a biometric scan on the object.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein the interrogating the defined area includes transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals comprising biometric information.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein the identity characteristics further include position coordinates and a change in position coordinates over time.

84. The method of claim 75, further comprising providing a plurality of interrogation devices, each interrogation device capable of communicating with another interrogation device and each interrogation device including a transmitter capable of transmitting signals to other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices, and receiving signals from other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices.

85. The method of claim 84, wherein each interrogation device in the plurality of interrogation devices includes a transmitter capable of transmitting to the at least one master controller unit and to the at least one information device.

86. The method of claim 85, further comprising providing a plurality of master controller units, each master controller unit capable of communicating with another master controller unit for transmitting and receiving data received from the at least one interrogation device.

87. A method of automatic real-time surveillance of an object within a defined area and having at least one information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:

sensing environmental conditions associated with the object within the defined area, the at least one information device coupled to at least one sensor on the object;

storing data comprising the sensed environmental conditions on a memory of the at least one information device;

interrogating the at least one information device when the object is within the defined area with at least one interrogation device within a transmission and detection range of the at least one information device, wherein the at least one interrogation device transmits a signal to the at least one information device and receives the data comprising the sensed environmental conditions and reference data from the at least one information device if successfully interrogated;

transmitting the data comprising the sensed environmental conditions and the reference data from the at least one interrogation device to at least one master controller unit, the at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device; and

comparing the data comprising the sensed environmental conditions with the reference data to determine characteristic information about the object.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the data comprising the sensed environmental conditions includes at least one of illumination level, temperature, pressure, humidity, gas composition, particle counts, presence of biological or chemical agents, and physiologic information.

89. The method of claim 87, wherein the at least one information device on the object is further coupled to an environmental condition controller capable of changing environmental or physiologic conditions associated with the object.

90. The method of claim 87, wherein the sensor continuously senses environmental conditions associated with the object.

91. The method of claim 90, wherein the interrogating the at least one information device occurs continuously in real time to receive the data comprising the sensed environmental conditions.

92. The method of claim 87, wherein the interrogating the at least one information device occurs periodically in real time to receive the data relating to environmental conditions.

93. The method of claim 92, further comprising tracking at least one of the identity, position, and status of the object.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the reference data includes at least one of identity information of the object, access authorization of the object, positional coordinates of the object, and a change in positional coordinates of the object over time.

95. The method of claim 94, further comprising providing a plurality of interrogation devices, each interrogation device capable of communicating with another interrogation device and each interrogation device including a transmitter capable of transmitting signals to other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices, and receiving signals from other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein each interrogation device in the plurality of interrogation devices includes a transmitter capable of transmitting to the at least one master controller unit and to the at least one information device.

97. The method of claim 96, further comprising providing a plurality of master controller units, each master controller unit capable of communicating with another master controller unit for transmitting and receiving data received from the at least one interrogation device.

98. A method of controlling environmental conditions in a defined area based on information associated with an object having at least one information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:

determining environmental preferences stored within the at least one information device and associated with the object, wherein the determining includes interrogating the at least one information device when the object is within the defined area with at least one interrogation device within a transmission and detection range of the at least one information device, the at least one interrogation device transmitting a signal to the at least one information device and receiving data relating to the environmental preferences from the at least one information device if successfully interrogated;

determining an environmental status of the defined area, the at least one interrogating device interrogating at least one environmental sensor within the defined area and receiving environmental status data associated With the defined area from the at least one sensor;

transmitting data received from the at least one information device and the at least one environmental sensor to at least one master controller unit, the at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device;

comparing the environmental preferences of the object with the environmental status of the defined area; and

adjusting the environmental status of the defined area until the environmental status is within limits specified in the environmental preferences associated with the object.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein the at least one information device is coupled to at least one object sensor for gathering environmental information related to the object, including at least one of illumination level, temperature, pressure, humidity, gas composition, particle counts, presence of biological or chemical agents and physiologic information.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein the at least one information device on the object is further coupled to an environmental condition controller capable of changing environmental or physiologic conditions associated with the object.

101. The method of claim 98, wherein the adjusting the environmental status of the defined area includes operating an environmental condition controller capable of changing environmental or physiologic conditions associated with the defined area.

102. The method of claim 98, wherein the at least one environmental sensor continuously senses environmental status data associated with the defined area.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein the interrogating the at least one environmental sensor occurs continuously in real time to receive the environmental status data.

104. The method of claim 98, wherein the interrogating the at least one environmental sensor occurs periodically in real time to receive the environmental status data.

105. The method of claim 98, further comprising providing a plurality of interrogation devices, each interrogation device capable of communicating with another interrogation device and each interrogation device including a transmitter capable of transmitting signals to other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices, and receiving signals from other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein each interrogation device in the plurality of interrogation devices includes a transmitter capable of transmitting to the at least one master controller unit and to the at least one information device.

107. The method of claim 106, further comprising providing a plurality of master controller units, each master controller unit capable of communicating with another master controller unit for transmitting and receiving data received from the at least one interrogation device.

108. A method of controlling and confirming evacuation of a person from a defined area, the person having at least one information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:

transmitting an evacuation alarm to evacuate to the at least one information device;

interrogating the at least one information device with at least one interrogation device to determine an identity of the person and a location of the person as the person moves out of the defined area, the at least one interrogation device within a transmission and detection range of the at least one information device;

receiving identity and location information at an at least one master controller unit, the at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device;

compiling the identity and location information to determine that the person requiring evacuation is outside or inside of the defined area; and

transmitting the identity and location information, the identity and location information specifying the person as within or outside of the defined area to be evacuated, and enabling a rescue alarm if the person remains within the defined area.

109. The method of claim 108, further comprising interrogating the at least one information device to obtain physiologic information about the person, the at least one information device include a sensor for determining physiological characteristics of the person.

110. The method of claim 108, further comprising providing a plurality of interrogation devices, each interrogation device capable of communicating with another interrogation device and each interrogation device including a transmitter capable of transmitting signals to other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices, and receiving signals from other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein each interrogation device in the plurality of interrogation devices includes a transmitter capable of transmitting to the at least one master controller unit and to the at least one information device.

112. The method of claim 111, further comprising providing a plurality of master controller units, each master controller unit capable of communicating with another master controller unit for transmitting and receiving data received from the at least one interrogation device.

113. A method of package identification and tracking within a defined area, the defined area having at least one interrogation device capable of transmitting and receiving signals therein, the method comprising:

interrogating the defined area to determine the presence and identity of a package that is capable of entering, exiting or residing in the defined area, wherein the at least one interrogation device transmits a signal within the defined area and receives data indicating a presence and an identity of the package if the package is within the defined area;

transmitting the data from the at least one interrogation device to at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device, and storing the data received in a memory therein;

comparing the data received from the at least one interrogation device at the at least one master controller unit with reference data stored in the at least one master controller unit; and

interpreting the comparison between the received data and the reference data at the least one master controller unit to determine whether the package is authorized to enter, exit, or reside within the defined area.

114. The method of claim 113, further comprising positioning at least one information device on the package.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein the interrogating further includes sensing physical, chemical or biological characteristics of the package with sensors attached to the at least one information device.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein the interrogating further includes determining real time information of packages entering, leaving, residing or moving within the defined area, including access authorization, three dimensional coordinates, change in three dimensional coordinates of over time, content information, disposition information, storage and stability information, and safety information.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein the package is placed in a location within the defined area for subsequent retrieval or inventory counting.

118. The method of claim 117, further comprising transmitting the real-time information to financial, manufacturing, sales, marketing, service and distribution units to aid in business management.

119. An object tracking apparatus comprising:

an information device positioned on an object capable of entering, residing within, or leaving a defined area;

an interrogation device capable of signal transmission and reception within a defined area, wherein the interrogation device interrogates the information device by transmitting a signal within the defined area; and

a master controller unit capable of communication with the interrogation device, the interrogation device transmitting data received from the information device relating to the position and presence of the object within the defined area, the master controller unit comparing the received data with reference data stored in the master controller unit and interpreting the comparison between the received data and the reference data determine characteristic information associated with the object.

120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the characteristic information associated with the object includes a position of the object within the defined area.

121. The apparatus of claim 120, wherein the characteristic information associated with the object includes a presence of the object within the defined area.

122. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the characteristic information associated with the object includes an identity of the object.

123. The apparatus of claim 122, further comprising a biometric sensor coupled to the information device, the biometric sensor for sensing biometric information associated with the object, wherein the information device includes a memory for storing the biometric information.

124. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the interrogation device is a scanner for scanning the object to determine at least one of a presence, a position, and an identity within the defined area.

125. The apparatus of claim 119, further comprising a plurality of interrogation devices, each interrogation device capable of communicating with another interrogation device and each interrogation device including a transmitter capable of transmitting signals to other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices, and receiving signals from other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices.

126. The apparatus of claim 125, wherein each interrogation device in the plurality of interrogation devices includes a transmitter capable of transmitting to the master controller unit and to the information device.

127. The apparatus of claim 126, further comprising providing a plurality of master controller units, each master controller unit capable of communicating with another master controller unit for transmitting and receiving data received from the interrogation device.

128. An object detection apparatus comprising:

a low frequency information device positioned on an object within a defined area;

at least one high frequency interrogation device, the at least one interrogation device within a transmission and detection range of the defined area;

a passive repeater powered by the at least one interrogation device, the passive repeater receiving a high frequency signal transmitted by the least one interrogation device and converting to a low frequency signal for communication with the information device to determine the presence of an object, and receiving a low frequency signal from the information device and converting to a high frequency signal for transmission to the at least one interrogation device;

a master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device and capable of receiving information transmitted from the at least one interrogation device, and

wherein the passive repeater provides an interface to communicate information over a distance.

129. The apparatus of claim 128, wherein the passive repeater communicates with the information device with a radio frequency link.

130. The apparatus of claim 128, wherein the passive repeater communicates with the information device with inductive coupling.

131. The apparatus of claim 128, wherein the information device is a radio frequency identification tag.

132. The apparatus of claim 128, further comprising a second information device positioned on the object, the second information device having information stored thereon associated with the object.

133. The apparatus of claim 132, wherein the second information device is interrogated to obtain the information for transmission in the second low frequency signal to the passive repeater.

134. The apparatus of claim 133, further comprising a plurality of passive repeaters, wherein at least one passive repeater in the plurality of passive repeaters transmits and receives signals between the information device and the second information device.

135. The apparatus of claim 134, further comprising a plurality of objects with in the defined area, the plurality of objects including objects with an information device positioned thereon, and objects without an information device positioned thereon.

136. The apparatus of claim 135, further comprising a plurality of interrogation devices, each interrogation device capable of communicating with another interrogation device and each interrogation device including a transmitter capable of transmitting signals to other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices, and receiving signals from other interrogation devices of the plurality of interrogation devices.

137. The apparatus of claim 136, wherein each interrogation device in the plurality of interrogation devices includes a transmitter capable of transmitting to the at least one master controller unit.

138. The apparatus of claim 137, further comprising providing a plurality of master controller units, each master controller unit capable of communicating with another master controller unit for transmitting and receiving data received from the at least one interrogation device.

139. A method of detecting an object having an information device, the method comprising:

transmitting a first high frequency signal from at least one interrogation device to a defined area;

converting the first high frequency signal to a first low frequency signal for transmission to the defined area;

interrogating the information device with the first low frequency signal, the information device configured for low frequency, short distance transmission and reception, wherein the information device transmits a second low frequency signal following interrogation;

converting the second low frequency signal to a second high frequency signal for transmission to the at least one interrogation device;

transmitting the second high frequency signal to a master controller unit; and

processing information in the second high frequency signal to determine characteristics of the object.

140. The method of claim 139, further comprising interrogating a second information device for information stored thereon and associated with the object.

141. The method of claim 140, further comprising transmitting information across a network comprising a plurality of interrogation devices, wherein each interrogation device is capable of communication with at least one other interrogation device in the network of interrogation devices.

142. A method of information transfer from an information device positioned on an object within a defined area, the method comprising:

transmitting data from the information device to at least one interrogation device;

transmitting the data from the at least one interrogation device to a master controller unit; and

compiling the data at the master controller unit to determine characteristic information associated with the object.

143. The method of claim 142, further comprising transmitting data from the information device to at least one passive repeater.

144. The method of claim 143, further comprising relaying the data from the at least one passive repeater to the at least one interrogation device.

145. The method of claim 142, further comprising relaying the data from the at least one information device to the at least one interrogation device through a plurality of passive repeaters.

146. The method of claim 142, wherein the characteristic information associated with the object includes a position of the object within the defined area.

147. The method of claim 142, wherein the characteristic information associated with the object includes an identity of the object

148. The method of claim 142, wherein the transmitting the data from the information device includes interrogating the defined area.

149. The method of claim 148, wherein the information device is a passive device that transmits data when the at least one interrogation device interrogates the defined area.

150. The method of claim 142, wherein the information device is an active device that continuously transmits data.

151. The method of claim 142, wherein a transmission path for transmitting data is bi-directional, such that data flows from the at least one information device to the interrogation device to the master controller along the transmission path, and such that data flows from the master controller unit to the at least one interrogation device to the at least one information device along the transmission path.