Including Location Of Misplaced Item Patents (Class 340/539.32)
  • Publication number: 20090295570
    Abstract: Consumer electronics devices such as remote controls, toys, and other handheld battery powered electronics are often misplaced. The present invention embeds a locating device in the battery for such devices such that when a signal is sent from a wireless transmitter, ultrasonic transmitter, or via human sounds such as clapping, whistling, and speaking or the like, the battery beeps to make the lost device findable. Further enhancements allow for multiple families of devices to be tracked and located, and even communicate battery status back to the user or transmitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Simon, Manjirnath Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 7623035
    Abstract: An RFID tag in a receptacle is active and includes a microprocessor, a data storage device operable to store a selected code (e.g. an ID code to identify said object or said product), the object including a display for displaying the aforesaid selected code upon a signal from the microprocessor and an energy storage device (e.g. a lithium ion battery), operable to energize the microprocessor, the display, and the transmitter. The tag has an antenna having a dimension thereof that is substantially as large as to a maximum dimension of receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Visible Assets, Inc
    Inventors: Jason August, Paul Waterhouse, John K. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7612650
    Abstract: Each of a portable device and an in-vehicle unit is provided with respective GPS receivers to determine a portable device position and a vehicle position. The portable device transmits a response signal including the portable device position in response to a request signal of the in-vehicle unit. The in-vehicle unit, only in a case where it is determined that the portable device position included in the response signal is within a predetermined area around the vehicle position, performs control of a lock/unlock state of a vehicle door in accordance with the identification result of the ID code included in the response signal. Accordingly, it is surely prevented that the door is remotely controlled by the portable device at far distances from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakashima, Kentaro Teshima, Ifushi Shimonomoto
  • Patent number: 7612662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to assisting patients in the taking of medication, and to assisting third parties in accumulating information regarding patient medication intake. The invention may be embodied a system including a portable medication monitor used in association with an instrumented medication package to provide intake data acquisition and patient support functions. The system may further be connected to a computer or computer network allowing information distribution between the medication monitor and third parties, such as physicians or pharmacists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: InfoLogix - DDMS, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Niemiec, Louis M. Heidelberger
  • Patent number: 7602284
    Abstract: A cassette handling system for sterilant filled cassettes employs RFID or other electromagnetic signal technology to track the cassettes. A method for tracking the sterilant cassettes includes the steps of reading for the presence of a cassette within a cassette processing area of the sterilizer by transmitting a non-optical electromagnetic signal between the cassette and a receiver on the sterilizer, via the electromagnetic signal transmitting identifying information between the cassette and the receiver, and verifying that a proper cassette is loaded into the sterilizer based upon the identifying information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: William Wong, Vishnu R. Raja, Alfredo M. Choperena
  • Patent number: 7592896
    Abstract: Based on a user's instruction, a door control unit drives a door opening/closing motor for a pop-up operation. A door is thereby rotated to a predetermined angle, which is smaller than a fully opened angle. Therefore, even when a user holds stuff in his/her hands, the door can be easily opened up to the predetermined angle. When the door is opened at the predetermined angle, the user can insert a part of his/her body into a gap corresponding to the predetermined angle and then further open the door by pushing the door from the door inside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Kentarou Teshima, Kazuhiro Nakashima, Kenichi Ogino
  • Publication number: 20090212941
    Abstract: A personal items network, comprising a plurality of items, each item having a wireless communications port for coupling in network with every other item, each item having a processor for determining if any other item in the network is no longer linked to the item, each item having an indicator for informing a user that an item has left the network, wherein a user may locate lost items. A method for locating lost personal items, comprising: linking at least two personal items together on a network; and depositing one or both of time and location information in an unlost item when one of the items is lost out of network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Burl W. Amsbury, Paul Jonjak, Adrian F. Larkin, Perry Youngs
  • Patent number: 7576645
    Abstract: A rectangular, easy- to-hold apparatus for securing and for providing location information on a television remote within a defined space is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus and methodology discovers a rectangular device for securing a television remote with an ability to locate the remote. The apparatus further discloses a camera with memory to monitor and record images within a defined space to be used as a security or safety tool. Further, the apparatus comprises a base for storing visual or holographic images to be used as a security or genealogical tool. Further, the apparatus includes a sensor for capturing and storing television signals to allow later viewing. The apparatus can be made from a base consisting of a non-crushable solid material, such as clear plastic or decorative stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventors: Stanley Louis Lugerner, Annette Rubin Bauman
  • Patent number: 7573369
    Abstract: A directional warning system and a method of warning of friendly forces. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof and a radio frequency absorptive material located on an inner surface thereof, (2) a Luneberg lens located within the conductive shield and (3) a plurality of feed horns located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens that is distal from the opening and arranged relative thereto based on a zone-of-interest with which the directional warning system may be associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignees: ATR Electronics, Inc., Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ralph E. Hayles, Jr., James A. Moryl
  • Patent number: 7573385
    Abstract: A portable carryall container with identifiable contents, comprising at least one first half-shell and one second half-shell, which are mutually coupled so as to form a compartment for accommodating items and are movable with respect to each other from at least one open configuration to a closed configuration, the portable carryall container comprising at least one transponder, which is suitable to be activated by an appropriately provided reader with a radio frequency signal, the reader being provided at at least one fixed station and being connected functionally to a processing unit, so as to decode the information stored in the transponder and related to the identification of the container and of its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: G.T. Line - S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Tonelli
  • Patent number: 7567177
    Abstract: A system and method which enable an airline passenger who is traveling with articles, such as baggage and the like, to easily locate them upon arrival to the airport luggage retrieval point, even among a mass of look-alike baggage articles around it. The system is activated automatically by a light and/or acoustic sensors, is easy to use, easy to install and inexpensive. The system is also capable of providing the user with an indication whether his baggage is getting closer to him or moving farther away from him.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignees: Histour-Eltiv Ltd
    Inventor: Yoav Ben-David
  • Publication number: 20090179753
    Abstract: The invention relates to one or more systems for locating a shopper's, associate's, manager's or vendor's presumed position in a store using a communication multi-network for communication in the store. Specifically, at least one location device is positioned in proximity to, for example, a shopper such that the shopper's presumed position about the store may be known continuously or upon demand to the store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: THE KROGER CO.
    Inventors: Brett Bracewell Bonner, Christopher Todd Hjelm, Titus Arthur Jones, John Edward Osborne, II, Dion Brent Perkins
  • Publication number: 20090167525
    Abstract: In a system for monitoring a location of a polled unit, a limitation arises where a polling unit becomes lost or stolen, and a user remains unaware of this loss for an extended time period. In an embodiment of the current invention, a system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for automatically and quickly determining that a polling unit in a polling setup has become lost or stolen. This determination is accomplished by adapting a polled unit to automatically detect an absence of a polling signal within a given time period when a polling signal was expected. After determining that no polling signal was received in the given time period, the polled unit is adapted to perform a function—such as issuing a notification to a user, to a service provider, or to another party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Gilboy
  • Patent number: 7554443
    Abstract: The universal remote control finder includes a receiving station that is connected to an internal power supply source of the remote control so that the receiving station remains coupled to the power supply source. The receiving station is intercalated between the remote control and the base station when the remote control is docked at the base station. A base station is coupled to an external 120-volt power supply source and includes a user interface with a toggle switch. The receiving station is electrically mated with the base station. The remote control remains spaced above the base station during charging conditions. After the receiving station is detached from the base station and the toggle switch is activated, the base station generates and transmits an RF location signal. The receiving station detects the signal and emits an identification signal to identify a location of the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventors: Broderick Alexander, Thomas S. Krol
  • Patent number: 7538670
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a plurality of objects, involving configuring a sensor for a first object of the plurality of objects, wherein the sensor monitors an environment of the first object, attaching the sensor to the first object, associating each of the plurality of objects together using a pre-defined stimulus to obtain an associated set of objects, and communicating a notification message when a change in activity of the environment of the first object is detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Smith, Robert F. Tow
  • Publication number: 20090121867
    Abstract: An indoor location system having a sensor and a method for checking an indoor location using the indoor location system are disclosed. The method includes: calculating a current location coordinate by using nodes; calculating a first movement distance by comparing the current location coordinate and a stored previous location coordinate; calculating a second movement distance through a sensor; and storing the current location coordinate instead of the previous location coordinate when the distance between the first movement distance and the second movement distance is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. Accordingly, an accurate location of an object can be recognized indoors and an error can be prevented from being caused when the location of the object is recognized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Sung Kweon PARK, Won Suk Yang, Yun Je Oh, Joon Oo Kim, Jeong Rok Park, Sang Mook Lee, Jin Serk Baik, Do Young Ha
  • Publication number: 20090117848
    Abstract: Even when the mobile devices which one carries change from day to day, the invention can flexibly handle such changes to prevent misplacement and the like of a mobile device. Each mobile device includes a communication unit for communicating with other mobile devices, a GPS receiver for acquiring current location information of the mobile device, a group registration unit, an announcing unit, and a control unit. In each mobile device, other mobile devices located within a predetermined range of that mobile device are registered as a group in the group registration unit, and after this registration, the other mobile devices located within the predetermined range of the mobile device are periodically detected, and when the combination of detected other mobile devices does not match the combination of other mobile devices registered in the group registration unit, the announcing unit is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Hideki Nagata, Hiroyuki Minakata, Takayuki Ide, Atsushi Kohashi, Minoru Omaki
  • Patent number: 7522051
    Abstract: Provided according to the invention is a recording control apparatus capable of more accurately recording an image of a person carrying an article to which an RFID tag is attached. When a reader/writer receives position information on an RFID tag attached to an article, this information is stored in an article information storing section. When a position determining unit detects an article located out of a designated area, a monitoring camera control section starts controlling recording. The monitoring camera control section estimates the movement direction of the article based on the time-sequential record of the position information on the article, specifies any of monitoring cameras to be operated based on the movement direction and the current position of the article, and controls the recording operation of the specified monitoring camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Kosuke Sanari, Tetsuo Nishidai, Shigeru Okuno
  • Patent number: 7518509
    Abstract: A method and a device for securing objects that are present in protected spatial areas, whereby the objects to be secured are provided with an identifier or linked with an identifier and said identifier is detected by a receiving unit when the object to be secured is displaced. For this purpose, the receiving unit detects the presence of the identifier and electronic data for proving the presence of the identifier are stored. The electronic data are adapted to allow an unambiguous assignment of the signal detected by the receiving unit to the identifier. Data are detected independently of the detection of the identifier that allow an identification of a person carrying an object to be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventor: Norbert Pieper
  • Patent number: 7502619
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for location determination of low power wireless devices, over a wide area, utilizing a multitude of communication devices operating on a WAN (Wide Area Network) which can detect signals transmitted by said nearby low power wireless devices, and report this detection to a control station over the WAN. Said station can further locate the reporting communication device by present art methods such as “network based” or “handset based”, and consequently locate the nearby wireless device. Due to the short range nature of the wireless device transmissions, and dynamic mobility of these devices, it is crucial to establish a swift ad-hoc connection between a wireless device and a nearby communication device, still, in order to save battery power and avoid inefficient and interfering transmissions, communications between a wireless device and a communication device are not initiated unitl a sensor comprised in the wireless device detects and a communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel A. Katz
  • Publication number: 20090058640
    Abstract: A tracking device includes a transmitting mechanism operably disposed one of within and on a first predetermined object for transmitting a signal. A first power source is operably connected to such first transmitting mechanism for supplying power to such first transmitting mechanism. A switch mechanism is disposed intermediate such transmitting means and such first power source for selectively turning such transmitting means on and off. A receiving mechanism is operably disposed one of within and on a second predetermined object for receiving such signal from such transmitting mechanism. An alarm mechanism is operably connected to such receiving mechanism such that when such receiving mechanism receives such signal from such transmitting mechanism such alarm mechanism will produce at least one of a predetermined sound, motion and visual display. A second power source is operably connected to such receiving mechanism and such alarm mechanism for supplying power thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Brett J. VanTorre
  • Patent number: 7486188
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a storage facility containing consumable items that updates an inventory when items are stored, removed and consumed. A product scanner and a computer installed in the facility use RFID technology to determine if an item has been consumed or removed from a locale. Items in the facility have RFID tags attached. The system interrogates the tags and if a tag becomes disabled, displaced or non-existent due to consumption or removal from a locale the system provides instantaneous status. The computer transmits consumption information to a central location for billing, inventory management, market research information and can transmit the same to other processing units such as hand held computers possessed by staff that replenishes the facility. This system prevents used items from being placed back into the housing facility and being incorrectly accounted for as usable/billable and provides for greater room servicing efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Peter C. Van Alstyne
  • Publication number: 20090027192
    Abstract: Portable alarm apparatus for warning a person is provided which includes a manually portable housing or base unit; a constant power supply supported by the base unit, the constant power supply including an external power supply having an interface connectible to a power source external of the base unit, the constant power supply including an onboard power supply independent of the external power supply whose makeup includes at least one of: photovoltaic, piezoelectric and thermoelectric; a detection circuit supported by the base unit, the detection circuit being connected to the constant power supply, the detection circuit being operable to detect a monitored condition, the detection circuit including at least one of: a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a fire detector; and an alarm circuit supported by the base unit, the alarm circuit being connected to the constant power supply, the alarm circuit being operable in response to detection of the monitored condition by the detection circuit to prod
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Tomas Flores
  • Patent number: 7479871
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic threat warning system utilizing two or more radio frequency transmitters or transceivers. A remote transmitter or transceiver is attached to each ferromagnetic threat that may enter the area to be protected. A master receiver or transceiver is mounted at each door controlling entry into the area to be protected. Communication between any master unit and one or more remote units generates an alarm when one or more threat objects approaches within a preselected distance of any master unit. Approach of a threat object within the preselected distance from a door can be detected when the strength of a radio signal between the remote unit associated with the threat object and the master unit near the door reaches a predetermined level. Generation of an alarm can be initiated at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit. Generation of an alarm at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit can also result in generation of an alarm at the other of the two units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: MedNovus, Inc.
    Inventor: Erwin Holowick
  • Publication number: 20090015401
    Abstract: Method and system for locating a parked vehicle. A method for locating a parked vehicle includes receiving a vehicle arming signal at a vehicle arming signal receiving unit. The received vehicle arming signal is broadcast throughout a parking area in which a vehicle associated with the vehicle arming signal is parked. An arming acknowledgement signal provided by the vehicle associated with the vehicle arming signal is detected, and a location of the vehicle associated with the vehicle arming signal is identified using the arming acknowledgement signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Joseph Hamzy
  • Patent number: 7474199
    Abstract: An in-vehicle device remote control system includes a vehicle-side device, a main mobile device that returns a first response signal in response to a request signal transmitted from the vehicle-side device, and a sub-mobile device that returns a second response signal in response to the request signal. When the vehicle-side device receives the response signal, it conducts a matching process. Vehicle doors are unlocked automatically when the received response signal is determined to be either the first or the second response signal. On the other hand, the engine start is permitted only when the received signal is determined to be the first response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakashima, Kentarou Teshima, Kenichi Ogino
  • Patent number: 7474208
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for locating an object. The system may include, for example, an object electromagnetic receiver, an audio amplifier, an audio transducer, and an object microprocessor coupled to the object electromagnetic receiver and the audio amplifier. The object microprocessor is configured to ascertain whether a valid activation signal has been received by the object electromagnetic receiver, and if so, read a digital sound file, and ascertain whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a first threshold. If the signal strength is not above the first threshold, the object microprocessor outputs a maximum sound level indicator signal; and if the signal strength is above the first threshold, the object microprocessor outputs a second tier sound level indicator signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Ira Klein
  • Patent number: 7460026
    Abstract: A remote controller includes (i) an operating part having at least a key, (ii) a transmitter for transmitting a remote-control signal, (iii) a receiver for a receiving search signal, (iv) an informer for generating at least one of sound and vibration, and (v) a controller connected to these parts. The controller operates the transmitter according to an operation at the operating part, detects that the remote controller is in an abnormal operation state other than normal operation state according to an operation at the operating part, and operates the informer responsive to the search signal received by the receiver at least in the case of abnormal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Hanahara, Noriaki Matsui
  • Patent number: 7456735
    Abstract: A portable device in an electronic key system has a motion detection sensor to detect its motion from a continuation of standing state over a specified period of time, sound and vibration are generated. This sound and vibration make the user aware that he or she carries the portable device. The user thus is reminded of carrying the portable device whenever he or she goes out. If the motion detection sensor detects a larger motion, the sound and vibration are generated without checking the specified period of time. The motion may also be reported to handy equipment, which is separate from the portable device and carried by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromichi Naito, Kenichi Ogino
  • Patent number: 7453357
    Abstract: An article locating system comprises a first unit having a housing and a circuit for generating a coded search signal that is unique to the first unit. The first unit operatively communicates with a second unit attached to the article to be located. The second unit includes a housing and a circuit for receiving the search signal and for generating a found signal. The second unit transmits the found signal to the first unit which then responds by selectively activating an indicator connected to the circuit of the first unit. The indicator preferably includes an array of indicator lights that are programmed to illuminate in a sequence to indicate the proximate position of the second unit relative to the first unit for locating the article. In an alternative embodiment, the second unit includes a record/playback device for recording and playing an audible communication in response to receiving the first signal from the first unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Pereva, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Anthony Bernal-Silva, Janice Ann Lopez, Miroslaw Bogdanowicz
  • Patent number: 7446655
    Abstract: A system for geographically locating and tracking mobile stations within a mobile communication network. The system includes an equipment identity register (EIR) comprising equipment identifiers, such as internal mobile equipment identities (IMEIs), subscriber identity modules (SIMs), or some combination thereof, that are each uniquely associated with mobile stations operable within the network. Each IMEI may be used to identify a particular status of an associated mobile station. A mobile switching center (MSC) or an external location services (LCS) client may be configured to identify a targeted mobile station based upon its status (for example, lost, stolen, malfunctioning, and the like). A serving mobile location center (SMLC) responsively provides position location information for the targeted mobile station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Anjali Jha, Norman Krasner
  • Patent number: 7446664
    Abstract: A system for tracking as lost child a receiver attached to the coupled to a small child. The system comprises a transmitter carried by the parent. A small receiver and activator is attached to the child. When the parent activates the transmitter, the receiver is activated and buzzer or beeper is set off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Robert McCall White
  • Publication number: 20080238663
    Abstract: To provide an individual management system for managing products with the use of an automatic identification technology using a wireless communication device. In the individual management system, an individual management device is attached to a managed object, an individual identification device can wirelessly communicate with the individual management device, and an individual information management device can communicate with the individual identification device. The individual management device includes a detection portion such as a sensor. The individual identification device includes a position analysis portion which calculates a distance between the individual management device and the individual identification device. Information on the distance between the individual management device and the individual identification device, and information from the detection portion included in the individual management device are transmitted to the individual identification device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yumiko SAITO, Mayumi YAMAGUCHI, Konami IZUMI
  • Patent number: 7429922
    Abstract: A portable unit locating system is incorporated in a vehicle equipment control system including a portable unit and an in-vehicle unit, which communicate each other for controlling vehicle equipment such as doors. The in-vehicle unit includes inside transmitters, a receiver, a comparison ECU and a display. The transmitters transmit respective request signals in a vehicle compartment. The comparison ECU determines whether any response signal has been received from the portable unit in response the request signals, while gradually varying output levels of the request signals. The comparison ECU then specifies a location of the portable unit based on a change in determination results. The display visually or audibly notifies the specified location of the portable unit to a vehicle user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Teshima, Kazuhiro Nakashima, Haruyuki Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 7423580
    Abstract: The present invention is an RF system and methods for finding a target T in three dimensional space configured to have a transponder disposed on the target T, a monitoring unit configured as a transceiver for determining or monitoring the location of the target T and an RF wireless communication system configured with a processor to repeatedly determine position, communication and other values between the transponder and monitoring unit and so as to generate a measured distance between units in three dimensional space by determining the measured distance of the target T by a spherical virtual triangulation relationship when successive values of said position information has a predetermined logical relationship relative to said previous values between said monitoring unit and transponder and/or slave unit disposed on the target T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Invisitrack, Inc.
    Inventors: Russ Markhovsky, Evgenii Vityaev, Evgenii Mikhienko
  • Patent number: 7420465
    Abstract: Method for finding a lost or stolen object (1), with the following steps that must be performed before the object is lost: said object (1) is marked with a RFID tag (10) in which an unequivocal tag identification (100) is stored, the owner of the object (1) accesses the RFID tag (10) with a RFID reader device (2) that is built into a mobile radio telephone (3) of the owner or that is connected with this mobile radio telephone (3), said tag identification (100) is paired with an owner identification (300) that is read from the SIM card (30) of said mobile telephone (3), and with the following steps that are performed when said object (1) is found by a third party: said tag identification (100) is read by a second RFID reader device (9), the owner identification (300) that has been paired with the read tag identification (100) is determined, said owner is informed about the finding of said object (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Swisscom Mobile AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Ritter
  • Patent number: 7397366
    Abstract: A search apparatus and related method facilitate the final stage of a search for a buried person carrying a transmitter. When the searcher is in the close vicinity of the buried transmitter, the search enters a point-localization phase where the apparatus displays a representation of the current target distance from the apparatus to the buried transmitter as well as a representation of a previously-stored value for the target distance. By comparing the current distance to the previously-stored distance, the searcher can readily see whether the apparatus is getting closer to the buried transmitter or further away. Preferably, graphic symbols are displayed to represent the current distance and the previously-stored distance. The display can also provide a representation of whether the current distance is greater than or less than an immediately preceding distance that has been stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald Kampel
  • Patent number: 7394362
    Abstract: A portable device search system for an electronic key system is formed by a portable device and handy equipment such as a cellular phone, PDA and the like, which is separate from the portable device. When a predetermined operation is performed on the handy equipment, the handy equipment transmits a search signal. On receiving the search signal, the portable device generates a specific sound and vibration to notify the location. In addition, an image near the portable device may be transmitted to the handy equipment to be displayed on the handy equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Ogino, Hiromichi Naito
  • Patent number: 7378964
    Abstract: A receiver includes two receiving modules, where the first receiving module is extremely parsimonious on battery power and as long as it is successful in developing a proper output signal at a given port maintains the second receiving module off, or substantially off. When the signal output of the first module drops below a preselected output, the second receiving module is enabled to develop and apply an output signal to the given port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Israel Amir, Karuppiah Annamalai
  • Patent number: 7369061
    Abstract: A device for locating a parked vehicle has a remote mobile unit with an aerodynamic housing, including a base and a transparent lens covering an illuminating visual indicator, such as a strobe light. The base contains a battery power source, an electronic sound emitter and control circuitry, including a radio signal transceiver and a spread spectrum processor. An adhesive membrane layer on the bottom of the base facilitates quick and easy attachment to a vehicle, at a location which is easily visible from a distance (e.g. the roof or other high exterior position). A wireless handheld control unit has an internal I/O processor, pushbuttons for entering commands, a spread spectrum processor and a radio transceiver and antenna for sending and receiving spread spectrum signals to and from the transceiver in the mobile unit in order to selectively activate and deactivate the illuminating visual indicator and sound emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Sellers, Alexa Sellers
  • Patent number: 7362222
    Abstract: An eyeglass locator system for facilitating finding misplaced eyeglasses includes a remote transmitter and eyeglasses having a receiver, power source, amplifier, and speaker. When the eyeglasses have been misplaced, the transmitter is used to send a signal. The receiver receives the signal and activates an audible signal through the amplifier and speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Doris Holz
  • Publication number: 20080068198
    Abstract: A pen set equipped with a loss alarm mechanism aims to generate an alarm signal when a radio transmitter is spaced from the pen set at an excessive distance thereby prevent an article which contains the radio transmitter from getting lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Wei-Chin Chen
  • Publication number: 20080061978
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a moving object locating apparatus that comprises a search unit and at least one target unit. The first central processing unit is configured to proceed with coding, and the antenna module is configured to transmit searching signals that carry identification codes. The target unit, which is provided with a default identification code, comprises a radio transmit-receive unit, a second central processing unit and a second power unit. When the radio transmit-receive unit receives the searching signal, the second central processing unit will decode the identification code carried by the searching signal and matches with the default identification code of the target unit. When two codes are matched, the second central processing unit then will proceed to coding and then actuate the radio transmit-receive unit to transmit a response signal, which carries the default identification code, back to the search unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis HUANG
  • Publication number: 20080061968
    Abstract: A method of locating an object includes receiving a wireless signal and raising a marker above a surface of the object. The object can be a mobile vehicle, such as a car, a truck, a motor home, or a motorcycle. The marker can be a flag or a ball. In one embodiment, the marker is coupled to an end of a telescoping rod and is moved by extending the rod, by alternating extending and contracting the rod, by rotating the marker about an axis of the rod, or by any combination of these. Alternatively, or additionally, the marker is swung in a pendular motion above a surface of the object. In still another embodiment, movement of the marker is accompanied by an audio signal, such as chirping or any other distinctive sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Deborah A. Hollimon
  • Publication number: 20080055116
    Abstract: Method, fob, and system suitable for use in directing a user to the vehicle. The direction being determined as a function of GPS coordinates determined with GPS units on a fob and vehicle. The GPS unit being activated in coordination with each other such that the GPS coordinates associated with the same are commonly inaccurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Yi Luo, John S. Nantz, Riad Ghabra
  • Publication number: 20080055072
    Abstract: A child locator that enables a parent to locate a child includes a master unit for wear by a parent and a monitored unit for wear by a child. The master unit may actuate an on-board alarm when its processor determines that the monitored unit is beyond a first predetermined distance and may actuate an alarm on the monitored unit when the separation distance is beyond another distance. The first and second predetermined distances may be the same of different. The child locator may also actuate the monitored unit manually and the alarms may be audible or visual. Once an alarm on the monitored unit is activated, a signal from the master unit is required to deactivate it. The master unit may include a directional antenna for determining a position on the monitored unit. The monitored unit may deliver voice data to a speaker at the monitored unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Hang N. Holoyda
  • Patent number: 7336171
    Abstract: A vehicular electronic key system includes an on-board device that mutually communicates with a portable device, and operates control equipment installed on a vehicle when specific information from the portable device is authenticated. The on-board device includes a distance storage section for storing travel distances of the vehicle, and a warning section for warning that the portable device disappeared when communication was stopped between the on-board device and the portable device. The on-board device communicates with the portable device each time a predetermined distance is travelled, stores the travel distance at each communication time point into the distance storage section, and drives, upon detection that a signal transmitted from the portable device was disrupted, the warning section to warn an undetected region between the last travel distance stored immediately before the transmitted signal was disrupted and a travel distance at a time point at which the transmitted signal was disrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuaki Kishimoto, Toshiaki Hata
  • Publication number: 20080042827
    Abstract: This invention provides an object locator to locate a variety of target objects. A selective directional transceiver is used to determine the relative direction of the target object, even in a multiple-story building, from a hand held component of the object locator. And moving the hand held component toward the target object according to the relative direction shall allow the user to quickly locate the target object. The hand held component may keep a list of identifications of multiple target objects in the memory and locate them one by one. A voice recognition unit and a key stroke recognition unit in the hand held component shall allow the user of the object locator to easily locate the object by voice and/or key stroke. To share the hardware, software, memory and the display unit of an existing device like cellular phone hand set, personal digital assistant, or car alarm remote, the object locator may be (embedded) accommodated in it, and expand its additional application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Geng-Kaung Paul Ho
  • Patent number: 7330113
    Abstract: A system includes a controller including a housing and a mechanism for generating RF output signals. The output signal generating mechanism includes controls mated to the housing. A mechanism is included for uniquely coding the output signals so that each output signal is detected by only a corresponding object. A mechanism is included for displaying a date and time. A radio mechanism is included for tuning into a radio station and playing an audible signal. A base station is mated with a power supply source and includes a transformer and an electrical contact coupled thereto. The controller is engageable with the electrical contact for being recharged. The base station includes a bottom layer formed from rubber material for maintaining same stable during recharging conditions. The system includes objects including transceivers housed therein and a mechanism for decoding the output signals such that the objects can generate and transmit response signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Randall C. DeCosey
  • Patent number: 7323984
    Abstract: A TV remote control with a guided search function is provided, which comprises: a call sensing module, for sensing a trigger signal, and generating a corresponding control signal; a search times calculating module, for continually receiving the control signal, and accumulating a search times value according to the receive times; an alarm module, for receiving the control signal, and sending an alarm signal in response, to indicate the position of the remote control for the user; and an alarm signal adjusting module, for adjusting the alarm signal sent by the alarm module according to the accumulated search times value, thereby solving the problem of looking for the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Chien-Cheng Chen