Chronometric, communication, identification, and tracking tag

• US 6,721,681 B1
• Filed: 12/28/2002
• Issued: 04/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: KLT Techonology Inc.
• Original Assignee: Lutrell M. Christian, Michael J. Kramer
• Inventors: Kramer, Michael J., Christian, Lutrell M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barlow, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): LE, JOHN H
• Application Number:
  US10/330,569
• Time in Patent Office: 472 Days
• Field of Search: 702/176, 702/178, 702/179, 702/187, 368/10, 368/11, 368/28, 368/41, 368/62, 368/63, 348/143, 340/573.3, 340/825.54, 342/26, 342/457, 358/64, 250/253, 701/207
• US Class Current: 702/178
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 11/006 Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals identification systems for access to feeding pens A01K1/0209; ear tags with electronic identification means A01K11/004
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 27/006 with light-emitting or ornamental devices
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 29/005 Monitoring or measuring activity, e.g. detecting heat or mating
• CPC Class Codes: G04B 47/00 Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece clockwork cases for special purposes G04B37/12; clocks with magnifying glass built in the face G04B39/00; time-pieces in which parts or cases produce special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects, G04B45/00, particularly with inscriptions or pictures moved by hand G04B45/003, with specially shaped cases or parts G04B45/0069; combination of writing or drawing implements with devices for indicating time B43K29/087; combined with cameras, projectors, or photographic printing apparatus G03B29/00
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 9/0064 in which functions not related to time can be displayed digital output to display devices of digital computers G06F3/14
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass

Abstract

A chronometric identification and location tag for an animal, such as a dog, that incorporates a variety of detection and sensing functions as well as communication capacities. Assembled in a compact form that allows ready transport on a trainable animal, such as a dog, the chronometer identification and location tag enables the location of the associated animal, as well as the transmission and reception of information and data. Specific embodiments include the use of GPS to provide location data, as well as an alternative location system using temporary or permanent antenna installations. Hazardous material, visual, and acoustic detectors and other sensors and/or generators may be used in conjunction with transmission facilities for providing data regarding the animal'"'"'s environment. Information and signals may be transmitted to the central controller by a receiver and a speaker can provide for audio signaling to the animal or others close to the animal in an audible range of the speaker.

Claims

1. A chronometric location and tracking system, comprising:

a locator indicating a geographic location of an item coupled to said locator;

a two-way radio system activating said locator to transmit a reply signal to determine location of said locator;

a base unit having at least three antennas, said base unit transmitting a first signal;

a first receiver operatively coupled to and traveling with said locator, said first receiver receiving said first signal;

a first transmitter operatively coupled to said first receiver, said first transmitter transmitting a reply signal when activated by said first receiver;

said base unit receiving said reply signal and determining a relative position of said locator from at least one antenna;

said first signal containing a timing pulse;

said receiver detecting said timing pulse and providing synchronization with said first signal; and

said reply signal being synchronized with said first signal and transmitted at a different frequency than said first signal such that relative distance of said locator to at least one antenna may be determined.

2. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said locator further comprises:

a global positioning system (GPS) sensor; and

a transmitter coupled to said GPS sensor and transmitting information received from said GPS sensor.

3. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

said base unit determining relative positioning of said locator by comparing reception times of said reply signal between two antennas.

4. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 3, further comprising:

said base unit determining a phase shift of said reply signal when received by said two antennas.

5. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a low frequency oscillator coupled to said first transmitter;

said first transmitter transmitting a reply signal resulting from said first signal combined with an output signal of said low frequency oscillator.

6. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a hazardous materials detector coupled to said locator.

7. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 6, wherein said hazardous materials detector detects hazardous materials selected from the group consisting of:

toxic chemicals and radioactive materials.

8. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a video signal generator coupled to said locator, said video signal generator collecting images and transmitting signals representing said images.

9. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 8, further comprising:

said video signal generator transmitting said image signals by fiber optics.

10. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

an audio signal generator coupled to said locator, said audio signal generator collecting acoustic wave information and transmitting signals representing said acoustic wave information.

11. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 10, further comprising:

said audio signal generator transmitting signals representing ambient noises and sounds.

12. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a speaker coupled to said locator and transmitting audio signals for hearing by said locator.

13. A chronometric location and tracking system, comprising:

a locator indicating a geographic location;

a hazardous materials detector coupled to said locator, said hazardous materials detector detecting hazardous materials selected from the group consisting of toxic chemicals and radioactive materials;

a video signal generator coupled to said locator, said video signal generator collecting images and transmitting signals representing said images;

an audio signal generator coupled to said locator, said audio signal generator collecting acoustic wave information and transmitting signals representing said acoustic wave information including signals representing ambient noises and sounds; and

a speaker coupled to said locator and transmitting audio signals for hearing by another;

a two-way radio system activating said locator to transmit a reply signal to determine location of said locator;

a base unit having at least three antennas, said base unit transmitting a first signal;

a first receiver operatively coupled to and traveling with said locator, said first receiver receiving said first signal;

a first transmitter operatively coupled to said first receiver, said first transmitter transmitting a reply signal when activated by said first receiver;

said base unit receiving said reply signal and determining a relative position of said locator from at least one antenna;

said first signal containing a timing pulse;

said receiver detecting said timing pulse and providing synchronization with said first signal;

said reply signal being synchronized with said first signal and transmitted at a different frequency than said first signal such that relative distance of said locator to at least one antenna may be determined;

whereby

the tracking system provides information about location of said locator and its surroundings.

14. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 13, wherein said locator further comprises:

a global positioning system (GPS) sensor;

a transmitter coupled to said GPS sensor and transmitting information received from said GPS sensor.

15. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 13, further comprising:

said base unit determining relative positioning of said locator by comparing reception times of said reply signal between two antennas.

16. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 15, further comprising:

said base unit determining a phase shift of said reply signal when received by said two antennas.

17. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 13, further comprising:

a low frequency oscillator coupled to said first transmitter;

said first transmitter transmitting a reply signal resulting from said first signal combined with an output signal of said low frequency oscillator.

18. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 13, further comprising:

data storage for storing data relevant to said locator or an item coupled thereto, said data communicable to a computer system.

19. A chronometric location and tracking system as set forth in claim 18, further comprising:

data stored by said data storage being manageable, displayed, and transmitted by a controller.