Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – With particular system function
Reexamination Certificate
2006-01-24
2006-01-24
Pope, Daryl C (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
With particular system function
C340S539100, C340S539110, C340S539130, C340S539320, C340S572100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06989741
ABSTRACT:
Methods and systems for tracking objects. Systems of the present invention include a base station capable of transmitting and receiving signals at multiple frequencies. Each object to be tracked has attached to it what for the purpose of the present specification is referred to as an electronic tag (“E-Tag”). Each E-Tag can transmit signals that can be received and interpreted by the base station and each E-Tag can receive and interpret signals transmitted by the base station. The transmitting (and receiving) of signals between the base station and an E-Tag allows the base station to track the E-Tag, and therefore, track the object to which the E-Tag is attached. Methods utilized to track objects in accordance with the present invention vary depending on the distance of the object from a base station (“range” of the object). The distances from the base station are divided into zones with the lowest numbered zone (that is, zone1) being closest to the base station and the highest numbered zone being farthest away from the base station. Typically, embodiments of the present invention are adapted to track objects in four different zones. LF and HF communications can be utilized to track objects in zones1and2, triangulation can be used to track objects in zone3, and global location techniques can be utilized to track objects in zone4. In a typical application, zone1covers a storage enclosure such as a desk drawer, a file cabinet, or a safe for example. Zone2frequently covers a room or a building, zone3covers up to the maximum distance for which triangulation technology can be used to track an object, and zone4covers the maximum distance for which global location techniques can be used to track an object.
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Chawla Raj
Gilling Robert
Kenny Thomas
Marquardt Thomas
Pacsai Ernest
G-5 Electronics
Law Office of Stanley K. Hill, PLC
Pope Daryl C
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