Abstract: A series of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are delineated. An RFID system comprises an RFID signpost having a transmitter for transmitting signals of a predefined type, and a receiver for receiving signals of the predefined type, wherein the transmitter for transmitting signals of the predefined type cannot transmit until a determination is made that the predefined type of signal is not present at the receiver. Another RFID system comprises an RFID signpost including a transmitter having a continuous power dissipation rating, and a processor for controlling the transmitter such that peak pulse power of a transmission from the transmitter multiplied by its duty cycle does not exceed the continuous power dissipation rating for the transmitter.

Abstract: A series of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are delineated. An RFID system comprises an RFID signpost having a transmitter for transmitting signals of a predefined type, and a receiver for receiving signals of the predefined type, wherein the transmitter for transmitting signals of the predefined type cannot transmit until a determination is made that the predefined type of signal is not present at the receiver. Another RFID system comprises an RFID signpost including a transmitter having a continuous power dissipation rating, and a processor for controlling the transmitter such that peak pulse power of a transmission from the transmitter multiplied by its duty cycle does not exceed the continuous power dissipation rating for the transmitter.

Abstract: A series of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are delineated. One such RFID system comprises an RFID signpost, and a plurality of infrared transmitters, wherein each infrared transmitter of the plurality of infrared transmitters is arranged to cover, when transmitting, a distinct sector relative to the RFID signpost. Another RFID system comprises an RFID signpost having a transmitter for transmitting signals of a predefined type, and a receiver for receiving signals of the predefined type, wherein the transmitter for transmitting signals of the predefined type cannot transmit until a determination is made that the predefined type of signal is not present at the receiver.

Abstract: A series of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are delineated. One such RFID system comprises an RFID signpost, and a plurality of infrared transmitters, wherein each infrared transmitter of the plurality of infrared transmitters is arranged to cover, when transmitting, a distinct sector relative to the RFID signpost. Another RFID system comprises an RFID signpost having a transmitter for transmitting signals of a predefined type, and a receiver for receiving signals of the predefined type, wherein the transmitter for transmitting signals of the predefined type cannot transmit until a determination is made that the predefined type of signal is not present at the receiver.

Abstract: A locator according to various aspects of the present invention includes a receiver and a processor. The receiver receives several signals, each signal having respective indicia of identification device presence within a respective communication pattern. The processor performs a method for determining whether a first identification device is located within a zone. The method includes the following steps performed in any order. A first step of determining, in response to receiver signals, a respective reliability of communication between the receiver and a plurality of identification devices. The plurality includes the first identification device and at least one second identification device. A first and a second communication pattern each respectively has a periphery such that communication with a provided identification device when located beyond the periphery is less reliable than communication with the provided identification device when located within the periphery.