Object locating system including addressable remote tags
First Claim
1. A system for locating a plurality of objects, the system comprising:
- a transmitter unit having a plurality of object locating switches, an RF transmitter for producing a plurality of uniquely coded activation signals and a microprocessor positioned between the plurality of object locating switches and the RF transmitter for controlling the transmission of the plurality of coded RF activation signals, the microprocessor including a memory for storing a plurality of target address codes, each target address code being associated with one of the object locating switches, whereupon depression of one of the object locating switches, the RF transmitter transmits the activation signal including the target address code assigned to the object locating switch depressed; and
a plurality of remote locator units, each remote unit including an RF receiver for receiving the activation signals including the target address codes transmitted by the RF transmitter and a microprocessor coupled to the RF receiver, the microprocessor including a memory for storing a programmable target address, wherein the microprocessor activates an indicator device upon the RF receiver receiving the target address code corresponding to the stored target address.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An object locating system includes a transmitter unit for activating a plurality of electronic tags to assist in locating keys, remote control devices, cordless phones, eyeglasses, articles of clothing, etc. to which the tags have been attached. The tags are self-contained, battery powered devices that signal their presence, when activated, by an audible and/or visual indication to get the attention of the user. In one embodiment for locating objects in a user'"'"'s residence, a telephone interface unit responds to DTMF signals transmitted to a multi-frequency receiver over a communication link from a telephone at a location remote from or in the user'"'"'s residence to produce an RF activating signal for activating a tag associated with an object to be located. The system can be used for identifying baggage, luggage, sporting equipment, and packages being dispensed from an airport baggage carousel.
113 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A system for locating a plurality of objects, the system comprising:
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a transmitter unit having a plurality of object locating switches, an RF transmitter for producing a plurality of uniquely coded activation signals and a microprocessor positioned between the plurality of object locating switches and the RF transmitter for controlling the transmission of the plurality of coded RF activation signals, the microprocessor including a memory for storing a plurality of target address codes, each target address code being associated with one of the object locating switches, whereupon depression of one of the object locating switches, the RF transmitter transmits the activation signal including the target address code assigned to the object locating switch depressed; and
a plurality of remote locator units, each remote unit including an RF receiver for receiving the activation signals including the target address codes transmitted by the RF transmitter and a microprocessor coupled to the RF receiver, the microprocessor including a memory for storing a programmable target address, wherein the microprocessor activates an indicator device upon the RF receiver receiving the target address code corresponding to the stored target address. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A system for locating a plurality of objects, the system comprising:
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a transmitter unit having a plurality of switches including a plurality of object locating switches and a master switch, an RF transmitter for producing a plurality of uniquely coded activation signals, and a microprocessor positioned between the plurality of switches and the RF transmitter for controlling the transmission of the plurality of coded RF activation signals, the microprocessor including a memory for storing a plurality of target address codes and a master address code, each target address code being associated with one of the object locating switches and the master address code being associated with the master switch, whereupon depression of one of the object locating switches or the master switch, the RF transmitter transmits the activation signal including the target address code or master address code associated with the depressed switch; and
a plurality of remote locator units, each remote unit including an RF receiver for receiving the activation signals including the target address codes or the master code transmitted by the RF transmitter and a microprocessor coupled to the RF receiver, the microprocessor including a memory for storing a programmable target address and a programmable master address, wherein the microprocessor activates an indicator device upon the RF receiver receiving either the target address code corresponding to the stored target address or the master address code corresponding to the stored master address. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification