Abstract: An object location, control, and tracking system is implemented using an object identifier variable-based protocol such as SNMP. Infrared sensors, touch memory ports, passive infrared sensors, and external device controllers are all accessed using object identifier variables and in this way stimuli events are reported to a computer on the network, and the external devices are controlled responsive to the stimuli.

Abstract: An automated position location system is provided which, in response to a telephone caller's inquiry and without human intervention, connects the caller directly to the telephone extension located nearest the individual or object of interest. A transmitter is attached to each individual (or object) to be monitored within a building. A number of stationary receivers are positioned at designated locations throughout the building. When a transmitter is transported within range of a receiver, information about the transmitter's identity and the receiver's location is provided to a tracking system, which calculates the transmitter's location and stores its identity and location in a chronological database. As the transmitter is transported throughout the building, the tracking system continually updates transmitter location information in the database.

Abstract: The method for receiving and transmitting optical data and control information to and from remotely located receivers and transmitters in an optical location system. Wherein, the locator system tracks and locates the position of a main object having an attached transceiver. This transceiver has stored in memory selected identifying information about the object to which the transceiver is attached. The selected identifying information was received by the transceiver over it's 1-wire interface from a touch memory.

Abstract: An optical location system for locating the position of a moving object in a defined area. An optical transmitter is attached to the moving object. A stationary receiver has a number of sensors for receiving a signal from the transmitter. One sensor has a field of view of the entire area. Other sensors have partially blocked fields of view, with the blocking being accomplished with nonopaque strips of decreasing width. These strips are arranged so that the detection or nondetection of light by the sensors can be digitally coded in a manner that corresponds to sections of the area.

Abstract: An optical receiver for use with an optical location system that locates a target in a defined area. A spherical lens is placed over the area. The area is divided into sections, with a sensor associated with each section. These sensors receive light transmitted through the lens, and are positioned relative to each other and with respect to the lens, such that each sensor receives emitted light from the same size section if the target is located in its section. The height of each sensor may be adjusted so that each sensor receives light of the same intensity if the target is located in its section.

Abstract: The method for receiving and transmitting optical data and control information to and from remotely located receivers and transmitters in an optical location system. Wherein, the locator system tracks and locates the position of a main object having an attached transceiver. This transceiver has stored in memory selected identifying information about the object to which the transceiver is attached. The selected identifying information was received by the transceiver over it's 1-wire interface from a touch memory.

Abstract: A radiolocation system for multipath environments, such as for tracking objects in a semiconductor fabrication facility (FIGS. 1a-1b), includes an array of receivers (20) distributed within the tracking area, coupled to a system processor (40) over a LAN. A TAG transmitter (30) located with each object transmits, at selected intervals, spread spectrum TAG transmissions including at least a unique TAG ID. In a high resolution embodiment, object location is accomplished by time-of-arrival (TOA) differentiation, with each receiver (FIG. 2b) including a TOA trigger circuit (64) for triggering on arrival of a TAG transmission, and a time base latching circuit (65) for latching the TOA count from an 800 MHz time base counter. In a low resolution embodiment, each receiver of the array is assigned a specific location-area, and receives TAG transmissions almost exclusively from TAGs located in that area, thereby eliminating the need for any time-of-arrival circuitry.