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Methods for interrogating objects to be identified over a communications medium

  • US 7,916,001 B2
  • Filed: 02/05/2007
  • Issued: 03/29/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for interrogating objects to be identified over a communication medium, wherein the objects provide predetermined responses indicative of object identification numbers and each include a push counter, the method comprising the steps of:

  • sending interrogation signals to and receiving responses from the objects over the communication medium, the interrogation signals operating to interrogate a single digit from the objects to be identified;

    recording incomplete identification numbers whenever two or more predetermined responses are received from the objects;

    retrieving incomplete identification numbers whenever two or more predetermined responses are received from the objects;

    sending a signal to the objects to cause the objects to selectively add a number to their respective push counter, wherein the number is determined by each object and is dependent upon one or more previous responses of the object to interrogation signals;

    sending a signal to the objects to cause the objects to selectively subtract a number from their respective push counter, wherein the number is determined by each object and is dependent upon one or more previous responses of the object to the interrogation signals; and

    recording complete identification numbers as they are determined.

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