Abstract: Tracking electronic devices that are equipped with tracking tags and that are stored in designated locations. Reading devices are distributed in locations that are recorded and that correspond to the designated locations of the electronic devices. The reading devices are activated to interrogate the tracking tags. Identification data from the tracking tags is collected to enable determining the presence and location of the electronic devices, based on the recorded location of the reading devices.

Abstract: Tracking electronic devices that are equipped with tracking tags and that are stored in designated locations. The position of a reading device is monitored as it traverses the designated locations of the electronic devices and is activated to interrogate the tracking tags of the electronic devices. Identification data from the tracking tags is collected to enable determining the presence and location of the electronic devices, based on the monitored position of the reading devices.

Abstract: A method for determining position of a device includes generating at least two, time-varying, magnetic fields using inductive elements, wherein the fields have differing phases. The method further includes detecting a signal modulated on top of the fields, wherein the signal is generated from the device, and determining a position of the device based on a phase difference of the signal from the device and a reference signal.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a storage medium. The processor is operable to collect device data associated with the apparatus and transmit at least some of the device data to a tag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is used for adaptive inductive charging of a device. Charging includes detecting the presence of a device capable of receiving an inductive charge, determining a set of parameters for inductively charging the device, and transmitting an inductive charge corresponding to the set of parameters for charging the device. Another aspect of charging includes combining at least two inductive fields transmitted at different angles to each other, delivering the combined inductive field at an orientation to the device, measuring the load on the device to determine the effectiveness of the orientation of the inductive field when charging the device, and charging the device at the orientation of the inductive field when the measured load on the device exceeds a threshold load level.

Abstract: A distributed surveillance system comprises a plurality of nodes including sensors for monitoring areas, and a network connecting the plurality of nodes. A node is operable to detect an object in one of the monitoring areas and transmit a tracking message to other nodes in the system via the network. The tracking message identifies the detected object.