LPRF device wake up using wireless tag
A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.
1. A method for detection and tracking of items of baggage, said method comprising the steps of:
a) attaching a tag to each of the items of baggage, each tag comprising a tag antenna, a transceiver operatively connected to said antenna, said transceiver being operable to transmit and receive data signals, a memory operable to store data comprising identification data for identifying said tag, a programmed data processor operable to process data received from said transceiver and said memory and to send data to cause said transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon said identification data stored in said memory, and an energy source for activating said transceiver and said data processor;
b) storing, in the memory of each tag, origin data, destination data, and status data;
c) loading the items of baggage on a plane, said plane being provided with at least one reader;
d) reading data from each tag and updating status data stored in the memory of each tag by interrogating all tags in said repository with RF interrogation signals via said reader; and
e) transmitting data from each tag to a central data processor to provide a tally of the items of baggage on the plane; and
f) cross-checking a list of baggage determined to be on the plane based on transmitted data from each tag against a list of baggage that is supposed to be on the plane.
2. A method as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said tag further comprises a sensor component operable to sense a condition experienced by an item of baggage that carries said tag, said transceiver being operable to automatically transmit an alert upon sensing of a predetermined condition, said method further comprising the step of: automatically transmitting an alert from said transceiver to said central data processor based upon occurrence of predetermined sensor derived information.