Apparatus and method for locating, tracking, controlling and recognizing tagged objects using active RFID technology.
First Claim
1. A RFID system, comprising:
- a controller; and
at least one RFID tag configured to be intermittently active so as to be locatably and controllably tracked by the controller, whereinthe at least one RFID tag includes a miniature circuit device that includes a transceiver and a microcontroller configured to intermittently awaken and power down the miniature circuit so as to conserve power usage, andthe controller includes a transceiver circuit that at least transmits a coded inquiry signal detectable and recognizable by the at least one RFID tag such that the microcontroller of the at least one RFID tag takes action in response to a recognized inquiry signal from the controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a miniaturized apparatus to locate, track, recognize and control objects using miniature RF circuits that are programmed as an active tag or as one of several embodiments of a controller, including one small enough to be incorporated into a personal object, like a ring. In its simplest embodiment, a portable or wearable controller communicates wirelessly with a tag secured to a surface, analogously to a car remote—push button, receive a signal from tag or back at the controller, to locate tagged object. In more complex forms, the tag can be integrated into objects or connected to a network. One controller can manage a plurality of tags. The basic platform of tag and controller can be built up to create a sophisticated area control with environmental sensors, inventory functions, tracking individuals and allowing or denying access, operating objects like doors and lights, and creating supporting ambient security with checks and balances between tags and controllers on people and their possessions, such as baggage at an airport. Arrays of tag or controllers extend the wireless range to accommodate large structures and areas. This novel system is self-contained, with a low power protocol to give long battery life time and does not require internet or GPS to perform its functions.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A RFID system, comprising:
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a controller; and at least one RFID tag configured to be intermittently active so as to be locatably and controllably tracked by the controller, wherein the at least one RFID tag includes a miniature circuit device that includes a transceiver and a microcontroller configured to intermittently awaken and power down the miniature circuit so as to conserve power usage, and the controller includes a transceiver circuit that at least transmits a coded inquiry signal detectable and recognizable by the at least one RFID tag such that the microcontroller of the at least one RFID tag takes action in response to a recognized inquiry signal from the controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for operating a RFID system, wherein the system includes a controller;
- and at least one RFID tag configured to be intermittently active so as to be locatably and controllably tracked by the controller, the method comprising the steps of;
the at least one RFID tag intermittently activating so as to be locatably and controllably tracked by the controller, including intermittently awakening and powering down so as to conserve power usage; the controller transmitting a coded inquiry signal to the at least one RFID tag; the at least one RFID tag detecting and recognizing the coded inquiry signal while the at least one RFID tag is in an awakened powered up state; and the at least one RFID tag takes action in response to the recognized inquiry signal from the controller. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
- and at least one RFID tag configured to be intermittently active so as to be locatably and controllably tracked by the controller, the method comprising the steps of;
Specification