Wireless real time location system (RTLS) using audible and/or visible signals

• US 7,541,927 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2006
• Issued: 06/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Venema, Steven C., Dupler, Craig E.
• Primary Examiner(s): PHAM, TOAN NGOC
• Application Number:
  US11/559,446
• Publication Number:
  US 20080111690A1
• Time in Patent Office: 931 Days
• Field of Search: 340/572.1, 340/10.1, 340/825.36, 340/825.49, 340/825.4, 340/5.92
• US Class Current: 340/572.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/04 Manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/30 Computing systems specially adapted for manufacturing

Abstract

A real time location system has a plurality of tag devices. Each tag device has a unique identification code. Each tag device will transmit a location signal when activated. A plurality of location receivers are installed in a fixed location. The location receivers will receive the location signal and calculate a location of the tag device transmitting the location signal. A signal mechanism is coupled to an I/O port of each tag device. The location mechanism provides at least one of an audible signal or visual signal when activated. A location reader is provided. The location reader receives the location data transmitted by the plurality of location receivers to enable a person to locate the tag device transmitting the location signal.

Claims

1. A real time location system comprising:

a plurality of tag devices, wherein each tag device has a unique identification code, each tag device transmitting a location signal when activated;

a plurality of location receivers installed in a defined area housing the plurality of tag devices, wherein at least one location receiver in range of an activated tag device receives the location signal and calculates a location of the tag device transmitting the location signal;

a signal mechanism coupled to an I/O port of each tag device, the signal mechanism providing at least one of an audible signal or visual signal when activated; and

a handheld location reader receives location data transmitted by the at least one location receiver in range of the activated tag device.

2. The real time location system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an excitation unit for transmitting an activation signal to a specified tag device.

3. The real time location system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the excitation unit is incorporated in the location reader.

4. The real time location system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an activation unit for transmitting a signal mechanism activation signal to activate that at least one of an audible signal or visual signal.

5. The real time location system in accordance with claim 4 wherein the activation unit is incorporated in the location reader.

6. The real time location system in accordance with claim 1 wherein each tag devices comprises:

a processor, wherein the processor is encoded with the identification code; and

an antenna coupled to the processor for transmitting the location signal.

7. The real time location system in accordance with claim 6 wherein each tag devices further comprises a power supply.

8. The real time location system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the location receivers use one of RSSI or TDOA to locate the tag device.

9. The real time location system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the signal mechanism is a light device which illuminates when activated.

10. The real time location system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the signal mechanism is a sound device which transmits an audible signal when activated.

11. The real time location system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the activated tag is activated by an activation signal transmitted by at least one location receiver.

12. A real time location system comprising:

a plurality of tag devices, wherein each tag device has a unique identification code, each tag device transmitting a location signal when activated;

a plurality of location receivers installed in a defined area housing the plurality of tag devices, wherein at least one location receiver in range of an activated tag device receives the location signal and calculates a location of the activated tag device transmitting the location signal;

a signal mechanism coupled to an I/O port of each tag device, the signal mechanism providing at least one of an audible signal or visual signal when activated;

a location reader which receives location data transmitted by the at least one location receiver in range of the activated tag device;

an excitation unit for transmitting an activation signal to a specified tag device, wherein the excitation unit is incorporated in the location reader; and

an activation unit for transmitting a signal mechanism activation signal, wherein the activation unit is incorporated in the location reader.

13. The real time location system in accordance with claim 12 wherein each tag devices comprises:

a processor, wherein the processor is encoded with the identification code;

an antenna coupled to the processor for transmitting the location signal; and

a power supply coupled to the processor.

14. The real time location system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the location receivers use one of RSSI, or TDOA to locate the tag device.

15. The real time location system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the signal mechanism is a light device which illuminates when activated.

16. The real time location system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the signal mechanism is a sound device which transmits an audible message when activated.

17. A method for tracking and locating tag devices comprising:

installing a tag device on an asset to be located, the tag device having a unique identification code, the tag device transmitting a location signal when activated;

installing location receivers in fixed locations in an area housing the asset;

activating the tag device;

receiving the location signal by the location receivers;

locating a general vicinity of the activated tag device by using the location receivers; and

activating a signal mechanism coupled to an I/O port of the tag device, the signal mechanism providing at least one of an audible signal or visual signal when activated.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising transmitting location data of the tag device by the location receivers to a location reader.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising transmitting an activation signal from the location reader to activate the tag device.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising transmitting a signal mechanism activation signal from the location reader to activate the signal mechanism.