System for tracking object locations using self-tracking tags
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a plurality of tags, each tag including means for transmitting a triangulation signal and a position signal, the position signal indicative of a change of position of the respective tag in a time period since a respective reset event;
a plurality of triangulation stations for receiving the triangulation signals from the tags;
at least one antenna for receiving the position signals from the tags; and
a computer coupled to the triangulation stations and to the at least one antenna, the computer programmed to switch between;
(a) a first tag location algorithm in which the computer determines a current location of one of the tags using a differential time of arrival procedure based on the triangulation signal transmitted by said one of the tags and received by at least some of the triangulation stations; and
(b) a second tag location algorithm in which the computer determines a current location of said one of the tags based on the position signal transmitted by said one of the tags and a previous known position of said one of the tags.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An object tracking system includes a plurality of tags. Each tag includes a mechanism for transmitting a triangulation signal and a position signal that is indicative of a change of position of the respective tag in a time period since a respective reset event. A plurality of triangulation stations receive the triangulation signals from the tags. At least one antenna receives the position signals from the tags. A computer is coupled to the triangulation stations and to the antenna. The computer is programmed to switch between (a) a first tag location algorithm to determine a current location of one of the tags using a differential time of arrival procedure based on the triangulation signal, and (b) a second tag location algorithm to determine a current location of the tag based on the position signal transmitted by the tag and a previous known location of the tag.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a plurality of tags, each tag including means for transmitting a triangulation signal and a position signal, the position signal indicative of a change of position of the respective tag in a time period since a respective reset event; a plurality of triangulation stations for receiving the triangulation signals from the tags; at least one antenna for receiving the position signals from the tags; and a computer coupled to the triangulation stations and to the at least one antenna, the computer programmed to switch between; (a) a first tag location algorithm in which the computer determines a current location of one of the tags using a differential time of arrival procedure based on the triangulation signal transmitted by said one of the tags and received by at least some of the triangulation stations; and (b) a second tag location algorithm in which the computer determines a current location of said one of the tags based on the position signal transmitted by said one of the tags and a previous known position of said one of the tags. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A tag comprising:
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a housing; first transmitting means in said housing for transmitting a triangulation signal; at least one sensor in the housing, said at least one sensor including at least one acceleration sensor; calculating means in said housing for receiving sensor information from said at least one sensor and for calculating position data for the tag based on the sensor information; and second transmitting means in said housing for selectively transmitting said position data calculated by said calculating means. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification