GB2390511A

GB2390511A - Locating items using frequencies of radio tags

Info

Publication number: GB2390511A
Application number: GB0215636A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Iain Douglas Cameron
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-07-05
Filing date: 2002-07-05
Publication date: 2004-01-07
Also published as: GB0215636D0

Abstract

Items are tagged using radio frequency (RF) tags and the exact frequencies of the tags are recorded in the handset memory. When an item is required to be located its details may be recalled from the handset memory and a radio signal is directed in the general area where the item might be found. When the handset's radio signal makes contact with the tag's radio circuitry the tag generates a radio signal. This in turn is detected by the handset, and the handset may beep to acknowledge the sought item has been located. Intelligent tags may be used and the handset may alter its signal to sweep frequencies and to cover different ranges. The handset may be updated with new software or features by connection to the internet.

Description

239051 1

ITEM FINDER

This invention relates to a method for the detection of lost or misplaced items. In the home, office and factory all sorts of moveable items are lost or misplaced due to poor filing, loss of memory, or accidental movement. The process of looking for such items is time consuming, frustrating, and manually intensive.

The object of the invention is to provide a quick and easy method of locating lost or misplaced items.

According to the present invention there is provided radio frequency (RF) tags that are attached to items, the radio frequencies of the tags are recorded in the handset memory, and using a portable handset to search for and recognise radio signals generated by activated tags. The tags are thin and seH-adhesive and contain an electronic circuit that generates a radio signal when "contacted" by a signal of the same frequency. The handset generates radio signals that look for individual tags, and receives and recognises radio signals from the tag when it becomes activated. The handset also has a screen and keypad to provide user interaction.

The use of the invention can be best illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawing- Figure 1 Locating an Item.

The user indicates on the handset screen (1) that Item A is required. The user previously recorded these details into the handset memory when Item A was first tagged. The user aims the radio signal generated by the handset (2) at the bookcase (3). The handset is moved up and down the bookcase until a beep is heard. This indicates that Item A (4) is on shelf 3.

The audible beep (7) (and indicator light) on the handset are the result of the handset's radio signal activating Item A's radio tag (5), and that signal (6) being received and recognised by the handset.

Additional details about the tags and the handset are given below: Due to tolerances in the manufacturing process there are variations in the frequencies generated by commercially available RF tags. The invention makes use of this fact with the handset having the ability to record the exact frequency of every tag. Therefore, as every item is given a unique tag, it follows that every item is given a unique identity. This is useful in speeding up the searching process as it prevents the detection of the wrong item. The tags are able to stick to, or be placed inside of, a wide range of material including glass, metal, plastic, paper etc. and are therefore suitable for use in a variety of domestic and industrial situations.

The handset is used to store tag details and locate lost or misplaced items.

To locate an item, as illustrated in Figure 1, the name of the item is first selected from a list previously entered in the handset's memory. The handset is then pointed at cupboards, filing cabinets, etc and a radio signal transmitted which looks for the tag. Radio signals can pass through solid objects, therefore if the item is hidden behind another object, the radio signal will still reach it. When the handset's signal makes contact with the required tag, the tag's radio circuitry responds by emitting a radio signal.

This signal is then detected by the handset, and indicated to the user by the illumination of a "found" light and an audible beep.

Claims

1. A method for the rapid location of lost or misplaced items by attaching radio frequency (RF) tags to items, recording details of the radio frequencies of the tags in the handset memory, and using a portable handset to search for and recognise the radio signals generated by activated tags.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein "intelligent" REID radio tags

are used with or in place of RF tags.

3. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a sweep frequency system is incorporated in the handset to automatically search for various radio frequencies.

4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein software, either pre-programmed or user programmable, is used within the handset to analyse the received radio signals and or provide user interaction.

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the radio signal emitted by the handset can be altered to cover longer or shorter distances.

6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the radio signal transmitted by the handset can be altered to produce a variety of radio frequencies.

7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the handset can be updated with new software or features by connecting it to the Internet.

8. A method for finding lost or misplaced items substantially as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.