Electronic locating methods

• US 6,388,569 B1
• Filed: 05/02/2000
• Issued: 05/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Xalotroff Fund V Limtied Liability Co (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Thomas J. Engellenner
• Inventors: Engellenner, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US09/562,247
• Time in Patent Office: 742 Days
• Field of Search: 340/505, 340/825.34, 340/10.1, 340/5.8, 340/10.31, 340/10.33, 340/825.49, 235/385, 705/22, 705/28, 198/358, 198/349, 198/349.95
• US Class Current: 340/505
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2414 using inductive tags
• 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 13/2471 Antenna signal processing by receiver or emitter
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2474 Antenna or antenna activator geometry, arrangement or layout loop antennae H01Q1/22
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/248 EAS system combined with another detection technology, e.g. dual EAS and video or other presence detection system
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2482 EAS methods, e.g. description of flow chart of the detection procedure
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2485 Simultaneous detection of multiple EAS tags

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.

Claims

1. A method for item handing during transport comprising

coding a plurality of items with individual tags, responsive to a predetermined electromagnetic signal, said signal being chosen to identify items that are coded for at least one predetermined location along a route;

and

interrogating at least one spatial region containing a plurality of items with the signal to periodically inventory items in said region and determine whether a tagged item within said region is on an intended route.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of coding said items with a tags further comprises coding said item with a tag that generates a responsive signal containing transport information.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises

counting the number of items responsive to the interrogation signal to determine the number of items in a shipments.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises accessing a data memory to determine an intended route for an item.

5. A method for item handing during transport comprising

coding an item with a tag responsive to a predetermined electromagnetic signal, said signal being chosen to identify items that are coded for at least one predetermined location along a route;

interrogating at least one spatial region with the signal to periodically inventory items in said region and determine whether a tagged item within said region is on an intended route;

programming said tag to generate an audible alarm when an improper interrogation signal is detected.

6. A method for item handing during transport comprising

coding an item with a tag responsive to a predetermined electromagnetic signal, said signal being chosen to identify items that are coded for at least one predetermined location along a route;

interrogating at least one spatial region with the signal to periodically inventory items in said region and determine whether a tagged item within said region is on an intended route;

removing an item that is detected as misrouted within the interrogation zone;

determining a new route to deliver said item to its intended destination; and

re-coding the item with a tag coded to define at least a part of a new transport route for said item.