Granted Patent B1

US 7,102,509 · App. 10/754,254 · Granted Sep 5, 2006

Abstract

Claims (26)

1. A method of tracking a plurality of items in a plurality of distant locations, comprising:

providing a plurality of transceivers within each of a plurality of distant areas;

providing a plurality of items with an active or passive device for generating a radio frequency (RF) signal with a signature capable of issuing an RF signal burst capable of identifying at least one of a plurality of items by way of the signature of the RF signal burst;

determining discrete time periods for reading the RF signal; and

generating the RF signal at the discrete time by:

(1) requesting the signal;

(2) reading a continuing signal; or

(3) sending a pulse which generates the signal from a passive device for generating an RF signal burst in response to an RF signal; reading the signal at a receiver, sending the signal to a CPU means for providing information to a user in a graphic format showing the items differentiated by signal type and areas and showing items which are not of same items which are not functioning along with the last location historically when the items were located with or without other RF signals.

2. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising combining each device RF signal with data in a database that includes identifying information about the item to which the device is attached.

3. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising the steps of providing a plurality of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and allowing the user to screen the devices by one or more of the plurality of GUIs.

4. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising storing data along with the time of the reading.

5. A method as in claim 2 , further comprising monitoring a plurality of said devices for activity.

6. A method as in of claim 5 , further comprising setting events to respond to specific predetermined events from the group of responses consisting of reduction of number, increase of number, disappearances, movement, authorizing, and turning on nearby equipment.

7. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising allowing passive devices to go into unmonitored areas for timing absent signals, notifying other monitored areas as appropriate monitored areas, and providing notice to the CPU of devices not returning to an appropriate monitored area.

8. A method as in claim 7 , further comprising statistically labeling items with passive devices and sampling to determine if a statistical sample is present.

9. A method as in claim 8 , further comprising setting specific amounts and determining if said amounts are equal to the specific amounts, and marking differences.

10. A method as in claim 9 , further comprising changing the notice as amounts change in range.

11. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising generating predetermined messages in response to expected changes for review by a user including ordering or generating a number of related items.

12. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising providing at least one of said devices with a connector configured to allow multiple of said devices to be connected thereto.

13. A method as in claim 12 , further comprising creating a circuit for the RF signal including an attachment means for sealing the device to the item.

14. A method as in claim 13 , wherein the attachment means is a bracelet attachable to an individual.

15. A method as in claim 14 , wherein the bracelet comprises a non-breakable means for altering the RF signal pulse if the attachment means is broken.

16. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising:

sending data on the pulses received along a telephone line connected to said receiver to a remote CPU associated with a database;

storing the data in said database; and

searching said database and displaying a profile associated with said RF signal burst.

Assignments (32)