Method and system for locating an object

• US 7,474,208 B1
• Filed: 05/10/2006
• Issued: 01/06/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard Ira Klein
• Original Assignee: Richard Ira Klein
• Inventors: Klein, Richard Ira
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Tai T
• Application Number:
  US11/432,110
• Time in Patent Office: 972 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.21, 340/539.15, 340/539.32, 340/573.1, 340/573.4, 340/574, 340/539.12, 340/571.1, 340/384.4, 340/384.6, 342/146, 367/2, 367/6, 367/128
• US Class Current: 340/539.21
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Abstract

One aspect of the invention is a system for locating an object. The system may include, for example, an object electromagnetic receiver, an audio amplifier, an audio transducer, and an object microprocessor coupled to the object electromagnetic receiver and the audio amplifier. The object microprocessor is configured to ascertain whether a valid activation signal has been received by the object electromagnetic receiver, and if so, read a digital sound file, and ascertain whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a first threshold. If the signal strength is not above the first threshold, the object microprocessor outputs a maximum sound level indicator signal; and if the signal strength is above the first threshold, the object microprocessor outputs a second tier sound level indicator signal.

Claims

1. A system for locating an object, the system comprising:

an object electromagnetic receiver;

an audio amplifier;

an audio transducer coupled to the audio amplifier; and

an object microprocessor coupled to the object electromagnetic receiver and the audio amplifier;

wherein the object microprocessor is configured to perform the following operations;

ascertaining whether a valid activation signal has been received by the object electromagnetic receiver, and if so;

reading a digital sound file; and

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a first threshold, and if not;

outputting a maximum sound level indicator signal,

and if so;

outputting a second tier sound level indicator signal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations:

decoding the digital sound file; and

outputting the decoded digital sound file.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the first threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a second threshold, and if not so, selecting a second sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the second threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations:

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a third threshold, and if not so, selecting a third sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator, and if so;

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a fourth threshold, and if not so, selecting a fourth sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator, and if so;

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a fifth threshold, and if not so, selecting a fifth sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the object microprocessor has a memory, and wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of selecting the digital sound file from a plurality of digital sound files stored in the memory in the object microprocessor.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a memory coupled to the object microprocessor, wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of selecting the digital sound file from a plurality of digital sound files stored in the memory coupled to the object microprocessor.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of switches coupled to the object microprocessor, and wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to determine a state corresponding with each of the plurality of switches to identify the digital sound file in a set of a plurality of digital sound files.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the valid activation signal includes a valid identification security code, and wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of reading a digital sound file identification register to identify the digital sound file in a set of a plurality of digital sound files.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of synthesizing sound signals in accordance with the digital sound file.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a transmit switch;

a remote electromagnetic transmitter;

a remote power amplifier coupled to the remote electromagnetic transmitter;

a remote microprocessor coupled to the transmit switch and the remote electromagnetic transmitter, wherein the remote microprocessor is configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the transmit switch has been engaged, and if so;

outputting a transmit signal notification, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output the valid activation signal.

11. The system of claim 10:

further comprising a high transmit power level switch coupled to the remote microprocessor;

wherein the remote microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

ascertaining whether the high transmit power level switch has been moved to a select position, and if so;

outputting a high transmit power indicator signal to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output the valid activation signal at a primary transmit power level when the remote electromagnetic transmitter receives the transmit signal notification;

and if not;

outputting a low transmit power indicator signal to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output the valid activation signal at a secondary transmit power level that is lower than the primary transmit power level when the remote electromagnetic transmitter receives the transmit signal notification.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

a first sound selector switch coupled to the remote microprocessor; and

a second sound selector switch coupled to the remote microprocessor;

and wherein the remote microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the first sound selector switch has been moved to a select position, and if so, outputting a first digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output a first digital sound file selection signal;

determining if the second sound selector switch has been moved to a select position, and if so, outputting a second digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output a second digital sound file selection signal;

and wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the object electromagnetic receiver has received the first digital sound file selection signal, and if so;

the operation of reading a digital sound file comprises reading a first digital sound file;

and the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the first digital sound file; and

wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the object electromagnetic receiver has received the second digital sound file selection signal, and if so;

the operation of reading a digital sound file comprises reading a second digital sound file; and

the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the second digital sound file.

13. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

an object electromagnetic transmitter coupled to the object microprocessor;

a second electromagnetic power amplifier coupled to the object electromagnetic transmitter;

a remote electromagnetic receiver coupled to the remote microprocessor; and

a transmit repeat selection switch coupled to the remote microprocessor;

wherein the remote microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

ascertaining whether the transmit repeat selection switch has been moved to a select position, and if so;

periodically outputting the transmit signal notification, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to periodically output the valid activation signal;

ascertaining whether the remote electromagnetic receiver has received a valid activation signal acknowledgment signal, and if so;

terminating periodically outputting the transmit signal notification;

and wherein, if the object microprocessor ascertains that a valid activation signal has been received by the object electromagnetic receiver, the object microprocessor is further configured to output an acknowledgement transmit signal, to instruct the object electromagnetic transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal acknowledgement signal.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the operation of periodically outputting the transmit signal notification comprises:

outputting a first transmit signal notification and a first power level indicator signal to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal at a first transmit power level;

outputting a second transmit signal notification and a second power level indicator signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal at a second transmit power level that is larger than the first transmit power level, if the remote electromagnetic receiver has not received a valid activation signal acknowledgment signal in a prescribed period of time after the remote microprocessor outputs the first transmit signal notification.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the operation of periodically outputting the transmit signal further comprises:

outputting a third transmit signal notification and a third power level indicator signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal at a third transmit power level that is larger than the second transmit power level, if the remote electromagnetic receiver has not received a valid activation signal acknowledgment signal in a prescribed period of time after the remote microprocessor outputs the second transmit signal notification.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising:

a first sound selector switch coupled to the remote microprocessor; and

a second sound selector switch coupled to the remote microprocessor;

and wherein the remote microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the first sound selector switch has been moved to a select position, and if so, outputting a first digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output a first digital sound file selection signal;

determining if the second sound selector switch has been moved to a select position, and if so, outputting a second digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output a second digital sound file selection signal;

and wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the object electromagnetic receiver has received the first digital sound file selection signal, and if so;

the operation of reading a digital sound file comprises reading a first digital sound file;

and the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the first digital sound file; and

wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the object electromagnetic receiver has received the second digital sound file selection signal, and if so;

the operation of reading a digital sound file comprises reading a second digital sound file; and

the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the second digital sound file.

17. The system of claim 13, further comprising:

a battery coupled to the object electromagnetic receiver, the object microprocessor, and the audio amplifier; and

a low battery indicator LED coupled to the remote microprocessor;

and wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the battery coupled to the object microprocessor is in a low voltage state, and if so,

outputting a low battery signal to instruct the object electromagnetic transmitter to transmit a low battery notification signal;

and wherein the remote microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the remote electromagnetic receiver has received the low battery notification signal, and if so, outputting a low battery indicator LED turn on signal.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the object electromagnetic receiver is an RF receiver, and wherein the remote electromagnetic transmitter is an RF transmitter.

19. The system of claim 10, wherein the object is a vehicle.

20. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

an object electromagnetic transmitter coupled to the object microprocessor;

a remote electromagnetic receiver coupled to the remote microprocessor; and

wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of periodically outputting a monitor signal to instruct the object electromagnetic transmitter to periodically transmit a monitor indication signal;

and wherein the operation of determining if the transmit switch has been engaged, further comprises determining if the remote electromagnetic receiver has received the monitor indication signal, and wherein the transmit signal notification is outputted by the remote microprocessor only if the transmit switch has been engaged and the monitor indication signal has been received by the remote electromagnetic receiver.

21. The system of claim 10, wherein the remote electromagnetic transmitter is located more than about 244 meters from the object electromagnetic receiver.

22. The system of claim 10, wherein the remote electromagnetic transmitter is located more than about 274 meters from the object electromagnetic receiver.

23. The system of claim 10, wherein the remote electromagnetic transmitter is located more than about 305 meters from the object electromagnetic receiver.

24. The system of claim 10, wherein the remote electromagnetic transmitter and the object electromagnetic receiver, and the object electromagnetic transmitter and the remote electromagnetic receiver utilize spread spectrum electromagnetic communications in UHF ISM bands.

25. The system of claim 1, further comprising a USB port coupled to the object microprocessor for inputting digital sound files.

26. The system of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication port coupled to the object microprocessor for inputting digital information.

27. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a battery coupled to the object electromagnetic receiver, the object microprocessor, and the audio amplifier; and

a vehicle power interface coupled to the object electromagnetic receiver, the object microprocessor, and the audio amplifier.

28. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

an object electromagnetic transmitter coupled to the object microprocessor;

a second electromagnetic power amplifier coupled to the object electromagnetic transmitter;

a remote electromagnetic receiver coupled to the remote microprocessor; and

wherein the object is a vehicle, and wherein the vehicle has a vehicle computer, and wherein the object microprocessor is coupled to the vehicle computer, and wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of monitoring at least one vehicle property, and wherein the at least one vehicle property includes vehicle motion.

29. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

an object electromagnetic transmitter coupled to the object microprocessor;

a second electromagnetic power amplifier coupled to the object electromagnetic transmitter;

a remote electromagnetic receiver coupled to the remote microprocessor;

and wherein the object is a vehicle having a vehicle computer, and further comprising;

a vehicle systems interface coupled to the object microprocessor, wherein the vehicle systems interface is configured to be coupled to the vehicle computer to remotely monitor and control components of the vehicle.

30. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

an object electromagnetic transmitter coupled to the object microprocessor;

a second electromagnetic power amplifier coupled to the object electromagnetic transmitter;

a remote electromagnetic receiver coupled to the remote microprocessor; and

wherein the object is a vehicle, and further comprising;

a vehicle systems interface coupled to the object microprocessor; and

a plurality of vehicle property sensors coupled to the vehicle systems interface.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the plurality of vehicle property sensors include a motion detector.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the plurality of vehicle property sensors include an accelerometer, a motion detector, a vehicle directional orientation sensor, and a vehicle temperature sensor.

33. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a handheld device interface;

an electromagnetic transmitter;

an electromagnetic power amplifier coupled to the electromagnetic transmitter;

a second microprocessor coupled to the handheld device interface and the electromagnetic transmitter, wherein the second microprocessor is configured to perform the following operations;

determining if a transmit signal is received by the second microprocessor from the handheld device interface, and if so;

outputting a transmit signal notification, to instruct the electromagnetic transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal.

34. The system of claim 33, further comprising:

an object electromagnetic transmitter coupled to the object microprocessor;

a second electromagnetic power amplifier coupled to the object electromagnetic transmitter;

a second electromagnetic receiver coupled to the second microprocessor; and

wherein the object is a vehicle, and wherein the handheld device interface transmits vehicle status information received from the second microprocessor.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the handheld device interface transmits control signals to the second microprocessor for controlling the operation of windows and door locks attached to the vehicle.

36. The system of claim 1, wherein the object electromagnetic receiver includes a plurality of logarithmic detectors and amplifier stages, and wherein each logarithmic detector is coupled to a respective amplifier stage, and wherein the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the first threshold comprises combining outputs from the plurality of logarithmic detectors.

37. A system for locating a vehicle, the system comprising:

a first RF receiver;

an audio power amplifier;

an audio transducer coupled to the audio power amplifier; and

an object microprocessor coupled to the first RF receiver and the audio power amplifier;

wherein the object microprocessor is configured to perform the following operations;

ascertaining whether a valid activation signal has been received by the first RF receiver, and if so;

reading a digital sound file;

decoding the digital sound file;

outputting the decoded digital sound file;

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a first threshold, and if not so, outputting a maximum sound level indicator signal, and if so, outputting a second tier sound level indicator signal;

and wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the first threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a second threshold, and if not so, selecting a second sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator;

and wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the second threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a third threshold, and if not so, selecting a third sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator;

and wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the third threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a fourth threshold, and if not so, selecting a fourth sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator;

and wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the fourth threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a fifth threshold, and if not so, selecting a fifth sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator;

and wherein the system further comprises;

a transmit switch;

a remote RF transmitter;

a first RF power amplifier coupled to the remote RF transmitter;

a remote microprocessor coupled to the transmit switch and the remote RF transmitter, wherein the remote microprocessor is configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the transmit switch has been pushed, and if so;

outputting a transmit signal notification, to cause the remote RF transmitter to output the valid activation signal;

and wherein the system further comprises a power level button coupled to the remote microprocessor;

and wherein the remote microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

ascertaining whether the power level button has been pushed, and if so;

outputting a high transmit power indicator signal to cause the remote RF transmitter to output the valid activation signal at a primary transmit power level;

and if not;

outputting a low transmit power indicator signal to cause the remote RF transmitter to output the valid activation signal at a secondary transmit power level that is lower than the primary transmit power level.

38. The system of claim 37, further comprising:

a first sound select button coupled to the remote microprocessor; and

a second sound select button coupled to the remote microprocessor;

and wherein the remote microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the first sound select button has been pushed, and if so, outputting a first digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote RF transmitter to output a first digital sound file selection signal;

determining if the second sound select button has been pushed, and if so, outputting a second digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote RF transmitter to output a second digital sound file selection signal;

and wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the first RF receiver has received the first digital sound file selection signal, and if so;

the operation of reading a digital sound file comprises reading a first digital sound file;

and the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the first digital sound file; and

wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the first RF receiver has received the second digital sound file selection signal, and if so;

the operation of reading a digital sound file comprises reading a second digital sound file; and

the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the second digital sound file.

39. The system of claim 37:

wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of periodically outputting a monitor signal to instruct the second RF transmitter to periodically transmit a monitor indication signal;

wherein the remote microprocessor is configured to output the valid activation signal only after detecting that the second RF receiver has received the monitor indication signal.

40. A system for locating a motor vehicle, the system comprising:

a first RF receiver;

an audio power amplifier;

an audio transducer coupled to the audio power amplifier;

a memory; and

an object microprocessor coupled to the first RF receiver, the audio power amplifier, and the memory;

wherein the object microprocessor is configured to perform the following operations;

ascertaining whether a valid activation signal has been received by the first RF receiver, wherein the valid activation signal includes a valid identification security code, and if so;

selecting a digital sound file from a plurality of digital sound files stored in the memory;

reading the digital sound file from the memory;

decoding the digital sound file;

outputting the decoded digital sound file;

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a first threshold, and if not, outputting a maximum sound level indicator signal, and if so, outputting a second tier sound level indicator signal;

and wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the first threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a second threshold, and if not so, selecting a second sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator;

and wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the second threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a third threshold, and if not so, selecting a third sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator;

and wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the third threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a fourth threshold, and if not so, selecting a fourth sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator;

and wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the fourth threshold, the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a fifth threshold, and if not so, selecting a fifth sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator;

and wherein the system further comprises;

a transmit switch;

a remote RF transmitter;

a first RF power amplifier coupled to the remote RF transmitter;

a remote microprocessor coupled to the transmit switch and the remote RF transmitter, wherein the remote microprocessor is configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the transmit switch has been pushed, and if so;

outputting a transmit signal notification, to cause the remote RF transmitter to output the valid activation signal;

and wherein the system further comprises;

a second RF transmitter coupled to the object microprocessor;

a second RF power amplifier coupled to the second RF transmitter;

a second RF receiver coupled to the remote microprocessor; and

a transmit repeat selection switch coupled to the remote microprocessor;

and wherein the remote microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

ascertaining whether the transmit repeat selection switch has been pushed, and if so, periodically outputting the transmit signal notification, to cause the remote RF transmitter to periodically output the valid activation signal;

ascertaining whether the second RF receiver has received a valid activation signal acknowledgment signal, and if so, terminating periodically outputting the transmit signal notification;

and wherein, if the object microprocessor ascertains that a valid activation signal has been received by the first RF receiver, the object microprocessor is further configured to output an acknowledgement transmit signal, to cause the second RF transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal acknowledgement signal;

wherein the operation of periodically outputting the transmit signal comprises;

outputting a first transmit signal notification and a first power level indicator signal to cause the remote RF transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal at a first transmit power level;

outputting a second transmit signal notification and a second power level indicator signal, to cause the remote RF transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal at a second transmit power level that is larger than the first transmit power level, if the second RF transmitter has not received a valid activation signal acknowledgment signal in a prescribed period of time after outputting the first transmit signal notification; and

outputting a third transmit signal notification and a third power level indicator signal, to cause the remote RF transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal at a third transmit power level that is larger than the second transmit power level, if the second RF transmitter has not received a valid activation signal acknowledgment signal in a prescribed period of time after outputting the second transmit signal notification;

and wherein the system further comprises;

a USB port coupled to the object microprocessor for inputting digital sound files;

a battery coupled to the first RF receiver, the object microprocessor, the audio power amplifier, the second RF transmitter, and the second RF power amplifier;

a vehicle power interface coupled to the object microprocessor;

a dipole antenna coupled to the first RF receiver; and

a selectably retractable and extendable antenna coupled to the remote RF transmitter.

41. The system of claim 40:

wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the operation of periodically outputting a monitor signal to instruct the second RF transmitter to periodically transmit a monitor indication signal;

and wherein the remote microprocessor is configured to output the valid activation signal only after detecting that the second RF receiver has received the monitor indication signal.

42. The system of claim 41, further comprising:

a first sound select button coupled to the remote microprocessor; and

a second sound select button coupled to the remote microprocessor;

and wherein the remote microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the first sound select button has been pushed, and if so, outputting a first digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote RF transmitter to output a first digital sound file selection signal;

determining if the second sound select button has been pushed, and if so, outputting a second digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote RF transmitter to output a second digital sound file selection signal;

and wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the first RF receiver has received the first digital sound file selection signal, and if so;

the operation of reading a digital sound file from the memory comprises reading a first digital sound file from the memory;

the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the first digital sound file; and

wherein the object microprocessor is further configured to perform the following operations;

determining if the first RF receiver has received the second digital sound file selection signal, and if so;

the operation of reading a digital sound file from the memory comprises reading a second digital sound file from the memory; and

the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the second digital sound file.

43. A system for locating an object, the system comprising:

first means for receiving electromagnetic signals;

means for amplifying audio signals;

means for producing sound from electrical signals, coupled to the means for amplifying audio signals;

means for storing information;

first means for processing instructions and data, wherein the first means for processing instructions and data is coupled to the first means for receiving electromagnetic signals, the means for amplifying audio signals, and the means for storing information;

means for ascertaining whether a valid activation signal has been received by the first means for receiving electromagnetic signals;

means for reading a digital sound file from the means for storing information;

means for decoding the digital sound file;

means for outputting the decoded digital sound file;

means for ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a first threshold;

means for outputting a maximum sound level indicator signal;

means for outputting a second tier sound level indicator signal;

a transmit switch;

first means for transmitting electromagnetic signals;

first means for amplifying electromagnetic signals, coupled to the first means for transmitting electromagnetic signals;

second means for processing instructions and data, wherein the second means for processing instructions and data is coupled to the transmit switch and the first means for transmitting electromagnetic signals;

means for determining if the transmit switch has been pushed; and

means for outputting a transmit signal notification, to instruct the first means for transmitting electromagnetic signals to output the valid activation signal.

44. The system of claim 43, further comprising:

second means for transmitting electromagnetic signals, coupled to the first means for processing information and data;

second means for amplifying electromagnetic signals, coupled to the second means for transmitting electromagnetic signals;

second means for receiving electromagnetic signals, coupled to the second means for processing instructions and data; and

a transmit repeat selection switch coupled to the second means for processing instructions and data;

and wherein the second means for processing instructions and data is configured to perform the following operations;

ascertaining whether the transmit repeat selection switch has been pushed, and if so, periodically outputting the transmit signal notification, to instruct the first means for transmitting electromagnetic signals to periodically output the valid activation signal; and

ascertaining whether the second means for receiving electromagnetic signals has received a valid activation signal acknowledgment signal, and if so, terminating periodically outputting the transmit signal notification;

and wherein, if the first means for processing instructions and data ascertains that a valid activation signal has been received by the first means for receiving electromagnetic signals, the first means for processing instructions and data is further configured to output an acknowledgement transmit signal, to instruct the second means for transmitting electromagnetic signals to transmit the valid activation signal acknowledgement signal.

45. A method for locating an object, the method comprising the following operations:

determining if a transmit switch has been pushed, and if so, outputting a transmit signal notification, to cause a remote electromagnetic transmitter to output a valid activation signal;

ascertaining whether the valid activation signal has been received by an object electromagnetic receiver attached to the object, and if so;

reading a digital sound file from a memory;

decoding the digital sound file;

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a first threshold, and if not;

outputting a maximum sound level indicator signal,

and if so;

outputting a second tier sound level indicator signal;

wherein, if the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above the first threshold, the operations further comprise ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a second threshold, and if not so, selecting a second sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise:

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a third threshold, and if not so, selecting a third sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator, and if so;

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a fourth threshold, and if not so, selecting a fourth sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator, and if so;

ascertaining whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a fifth threshold, and if not so, selecting a fifth sound level indicator signal as the second tier sound level indicator.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise selecting the digital sound file from a plurality of digital sound files stored in the memory, and outputting the decoded digital sound file.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise determining a state corresponding with each of a plurality of switches to identify the digital sound file in a set of a plurality of digital sound files.

49. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise reading a digital sound file identification register to identify the digital sound file in a plurality of digital sound files.

50. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise synthesizing sound signals in accordance with the digital sound file.

51. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining if a first sound has been selected, and if so, outputting a first digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output a first digital sound file selection signal;

determining if a second sound has been selected, and if so, outputting a second digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output a second digital sound file selection signal;

determining if the object electromagnetic receiver has received the first digital sound file selection signal, and if so, the operation of reading a digital sound file from the memory comprises reading a first digital sound file from the memory, and the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the first digital sound file; and

determining if the object electromagnetic receiver has received the second digital sound file selection signal, and if so, the operation of reading a digital sound file from the memory comprises reading a second digital sound file from the memory, and the operation of decoding the digital sound file comprises decoding the second digital sound file.

52. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining if a sound selector switch has been engaged a first time, and if so, outputting a first digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output a first digital sound file selection signal;

determining if the sound selector switch has been engaged second time, and if so, outputting a second digital sound file select signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output a second digital sound file selection signal.

53. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise:

ascertaining whether a power level button has been pushed,

and if so;

outputting a high transmit power indicator signal to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output the valid activation signal at a primary transmit power level;

and if not;

outputting a low transmit power indicator signal to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to output the valid activation signal at a secondary transmit power level that is lower than the primary transmit power level.

54. The method of claim 45:

wherein the operations further comprise ascertaining whether a transmit repeat selection switch has been pushed, and if so, periodically outputting the transmit signal notification, and periodically outputting the valid activation signal;

and if the valid activation signal has been received by the object electromagnetic receiver, the operations further comprise outputting an acknowledgement transmit signal, and transmitting the valid activation signal acknowledgement signal;

and wherein the operations further comprise ascertaining whether a remote electromagnetic receiver has received a valid activation signal acknowledgment signal, and if so, terminating periodically outputting the transmit signal notification.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the operation of periodically outputting the transmit signal notification comprises:

outputting a first transmit signal notification and a first power level indicator signal to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal at a first transmit power level; and

outputting a second transmit signal notification and a second power level indicator signal, to instruct the remote electromagnetic transmitter to transmit the valid activation signal at a second transmit power level that is larger than the first transmit power level, if the remote electromagnetic receiver has not received a valid activation signal acknowledgment signal in a prescribed period of time after the remote microprocessor outputs the first transmit signal notification.

56. The method of claim 45, wherein the object is a vehicle, and wherein the operations further comprise remotely monitoring at least one property of the vehicle.

57. The method of claim 45, wherein the object is a vehicle, and wherein the operations further comprise remotely controlling at least one component of the vehicle.

58. The method of claim 45, wherein the object is a vehicle, and wherein the operations further comprise:

transmitting vehicle status information from the vehicle to a handheld device interface unit; and

transmitting control signals from a handheld device to the handheld device interface for controlling the operation of windows and door locks attached to the vehicle.

59. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining if a battery is in a low voltage state, and if so, outputting a low battery signal, and transmitting a low battery notification signal; and

determining if the low battery notification signal has been received, and if so, outputting a low battery indicator LED turn on signal.

60. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise:

determining if a transmit signal is received from a handheld device interface, and if so, outputting a second transmit signal notification, and transmitting the valid activation signal.

61. The method of claim 45, wherein the operations further comprise:

periodically outputting a monitor signal to instruct an object electromagnetic transmitter to periodically transmit a monitor indication signal; and

outputting the valid activation signal only after detecting that a remote electromagnetic receiver has received the monitor indication signal.