Abstract: An article identification system relies upon correlating or “bonding” a detecting object with an identifying object on an auto-identification basis. Identification data is provided on an automated, high-reliability basis, without human control over the precise identification data that is transferred. On this basis a nursery infant-parent identifier system is provided whereby, when a detecting baby bracelet is brought into the presence of an identifying parent's tag, a reliable indication is provided as to whether the bracelet and tag have been previously bonded.