System and Method for Locating Objects
First Claim
1. A system for locating objects comprising:
- a Coordinator unit comprising a first antenna, a first power source, a first integrated transceiver microprocessor, the first power source electrically connected to the first integrated transceiver microprocessor, and the antenna coupled to the first integrated transceiver microprocessor;
an Identification Tag comprising a second antenna, a second power source, a second integrated transceiver microprocessor, the second power source electrically connected to the second integrated transceiver microprocessor, and the antenna coupled to the second integrated transceiver microprocessor;
wherein the first and second integrated transceiver microprocessors communicate with each other according to predetermined timing cycles optimized for power consumption; and
wherein the Coordinator unit further comprises an LCD display conveying information to a user, the information including a signal strength corresponding to a transmitted and a received power, and wherein the signal strength is a relative measure of distance between the Coordinator and the Identification Tag.
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Abstract
A system and method for locating objects in an approximate immediate proximity to a user is disclosed. A two-way radio transponder system is employed with a Coordinator as a parent device and multiple Identification Tags as child devices. The system is low-cost and consumes relatively low power using advancement in microcircuit technology and additionally the system employs predetermined timing cycles to further optimize power consumption. The Coordinator has a microprocessor programmed to compare signal strength in successive communication cycles to help determine the proximity of the Coordinator to the multiple Identification Tags. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, motion sensors are used to assist in determining relative motion between Coordinator and Identification Tags. A USB port is further included for the system to interface with a PC. A method for associating the various Identification Tags, each having a unique electronic address to all others manufactured, with the particular Coordinator is also disclosed.
29 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for locating objects comprising:
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a Coordinator unit comprising a first antenna, a first power source, a first integrated transceiver microprocessor, the first power source electrically connected to the first integrated transceiver microprocessor, and the antenna coupled to the first integrated transceiver microprocessor; an Identification Tag comprising a second antenna, a second power source, a second integrated transceiver microprocessor, the second power source electrically connected to the second integrated transceiver microprocessor, and the antenna coupled to the second integrated transceiver microprocessor; wherein the first and second integrated transceiver microprocessors communicate with each other according to predetermined timing cycles optimized for power consumption; and wherein the Coordinator unit further comprises an LCD display conveying information to a user, the information including a signal strength corresponding to a transmitted and a received power, and wherein the signal strength is a relative measure of distance between the Coordinator and the Identification Tag. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for tracking an object comprising:
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providing a Coordinator unit having a first transceiver chip and an LCD display attaching an Identification Tag unit to the object to be tracked, the Identification Tag having a second transceiver chip; communicating wirelessly between the Coordinator and the Identification Tag; optimizing power consumption for communication according to predetermined timing cycles; and conveying information to a user, the information including a signal strength corresponding to a transmitted and a received power, and wherein the signal strength is a relative measure of distance between the Coordinator and the Identification Tag. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of associating a plurality of Identification Tags to a Coordinator, the method comprising:
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providing each Identification Tag with a unique MAC address; transmitting from a first Identification Tag to the Coordinator to start the associating along with a first unique MAC address for the first Identification Tag; receiving the first unique MAC address to the Coordinator; comparing the first unique MAC address to a list of previously associated MAC addresses; adding the first unique MAC address to the list of previously associated MAC addresses, in the event that the first unique MAC address is not currently on the list; entering a common name of an object associated with the first Identification Tag; and repeating the method for second and subsequent Identification Tags. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification