HK1132080B - Tracking system - Google Patents

Description

Tracking system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to tracking of objects. More particularly, the object of the invention relates to a method and a system for tracking an object in a tracking system.

Background

As a result of the wireless transmission of information, people and goods can today be tracked and monitored in many different ways. The mobile phone can be positioned with a certain accuracy based on the signals it transmits. On the other hand, if a dedicated locator device, such as a GPS locator, is in use, the positioning can be performed very accurately.

Tracking of objects and goods is often performed in closed systems within buildings, for example in libraries, in stores, or in different warehouses. A smaller sized transmitter or transmitter-receiver may be attached to a book, box, or other object. When a book, box or other object to which a transmitter is attached is conveyed past a particular identification point, the identification point receives information from the object conveyed past the identification point. The transmitter or transmitter-receiver may be implemented using a number of different technologies. One prior art technique uses radio frequency remote identification (RFID, radio frequency identification), i.e. RFID identifiers. An RFID identifier is a small device that may be incorporated into a product at the manufacturing stage or affixed to a product after manufacture, for example, with an adhesive. The RFID identifier contains an antenna to enable transmission and reception of radio frequency interrogations from the RFID transmitter-receiver. RFID identifiers may be active, passive, or semi-passive. Passive RFID identifiers do not have their own power source. The extremely small current required for the operation of the device is induced from the radio frequency scan arriving at the antenna, by means of which the identifier is able to transmit a response. A semi-passive RFID identifier contains a power source but does not contain its own transmitter. However, the use of a built-in power supply enables a greater operating range than passive identifiers and enables extended functionality, including the preservation of information in the identifier's own memory. Active RFID identifiers contain a power source and may have a greater range and larger memory than passive identifiers. They can also record additional information sent by the sender-receiver.

Prior art remote identification solutions relate to, for example, automatic maintenance of warehouse inventory, intruder alarms, whether goods equipped with remote identifiers are conveyed past an identification point without proper payment, etc. In other words, prior art solutions focus on tracking individual objects and notifying unauthorized removal of them, without taking into account in any way the grouping of different objects, the mobility rights of the different objects contained in the group, and the tracking mobility.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or at least alleviate the above mentioned technical problems of the prior art and to disclose a new solution for tracking an object in a tracking system.

The method according to the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization part of claim 1. The system according to the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization part of claim 12. The identification points according to the invention are characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization parts of claims 24, 26 and 28. The tracking center according to the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization parts of claims 33 and 34. Other embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is disclosed in the characterization parts of the other claims. Some inventive embodiments are also presented in the drawings of the present specification. The inventive content in the application can also be defined differently than in the claims presented below. The inventive content may also consist of several separate inventions, especially if the invention is considered in the light of expressions or implicit sub-tasks or from the point of view of advantages or categories of advantages achieved. In this case, some of the attributes contained in the claims below may be superfluous from the point of view of separate inventive concepts. The features of the various embodiments can be applied within the scope of the basic inventive concept in combination with other embodiments.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for tracking an object in a tracking system is presented. In the method, at least two different objects are provided with transmitters, each transmitter having individualized identifier data. The objects are logically associated with each other by associating the identifier data of the transmitters with each other. In other words, a group of a particular type is composed of different objects. The object itself is for example a person, an animal, an electronic device, a piece of clothing, a bag, a travel document, a commodity, a toy, or any individual to which the aforementioned transmitter can be attached. Identifier data of transmitters of objects logically associated with each other are recorded in a memory. The memory may be arranged in a separate tracking center, in a separate identification point, or in the object's own transmitter. When the object passes the identification point, the transmitter of the object is detected by means of the receiver of the identification point. The identification point can be arranged at a desired location, for example in the vicinity of an elevator, an escalator, or a door. Based on the data contained in the memory, it is determined whether at least two objects logically connected to each other have passed the identification point within a predefined time window, and one or more predefined feedback actions are performed when two of the aforementioned objects logically connected to each other have not passed the identification point within the predefined time window. The predefined feedback actions refer to, for example, one or more of the following actions: communicating information from the identification point to the tracking center, giving visual and/or audible feedback at the identification point, sending a message to the contact information associated with the identifier data of the transmitter of the object, making a telephone call to the contact information associated with the identifier data of the transmitter of the object, storing the information in the identification point, preventing the start of the elevator, and locking the exit passage.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a system for tracking an object in a tracking system is presented. The system comprises at least two transmitters, each transmitter having individualized identifier data. The system further comprises management means for logically associating objects with each other by associating the identifier data of the transmitters of the objects with each other and for recording in the memory the identifier data of the transmitters of the logically associated objects. The system further comprises at least one identification point comprising a receiver for detecting the transmitter when the aforementioned object passes the identification point. The system further comprises: determining means to determine, based on the data contained in the memory, whether at least two objects logically connected to each other pass the identification point within a predefined time window; and means for performing one or more predefined feedback actions when two of the aforementioned objects logically connected to each other have not passed the identification point within a predefined time window.

In one embodiment of the invention, one of the objects is defined as the master object.

In one embodiment of the invention, a super-user is defined for the tracking system, with which concomitantly the object is allowed to pass the identification point in the absence of the master object without performing the aforementioned one or more predefined feedback actions.

In one embodiment of the invention, contact information of the object associated with the identifier data of the transmitter of the object is recorded in a memory. This enables sending a message or making a phone call as the aforementioned predefined feedback action.

In one embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned memory is arranged within the identification point. The aforementioned determination is thus performed on the basis of the identifier data pre-recorded in the memory of the identification point.

In one embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned memory is arranged in the transmitter of the object. The identification point is thus configured to receive information from the memory of the object about the identifier data that are logically connected to each other.

In one embodiment of the invention, the memory is a central memory of the tracking system, from which the identification point searches for identifier data that are logically connected to each other on the basis of one or more identifier data. In another embodiment, the identification point is configured to communicate identifier data of the transmitter of the object to the tracking center, and the tracking center is configured to check the identifier data from the central memory that are logically connected to each other based on one or more identifier data. In this embodiment, the determination is performed in the tracking center.

In one embodiment of the invention, the identification point is configured to communicate to the tracking center the identifier data of the one or more objects received from the transmitter and the identifier data logically associated with each other. In this embodiment, the determination means are arranged in the tracking center and are configured to determine, based on the data received from the identification points, whether at least two objects logically connected to each other have passed the identification points within a predefined time window.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transmitter is a radio frequency remote identifier and/or a wireless short range wireless transmitter.

According to a third aspect of the invention, an identification point for tracking an object is presented. The identification point includes: a receiver of a transmitter for detecting the aforementioned object when the object is near the identification point; and means configured for determining, based on the identifier data received from the transmitter of the object, whether at least two objects indicated by the received identifier data pass the identification point of the object within the predefined time window. The identification point further comprises feedback means or a connection to feedback means for performing one or more predefined feedback actions when at least two of the aforementioned objects logically connected to each other have not passed the identification point within a predefined time window.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an identification point for tracking an object is presented. The identification point includes: a receiver of a transmitter for detecting at least one object when the aforementioned object is close to the identification point; and an interface to the management device for logically associating the objects with each other by associating the identifier data of the transmitters of the objects with each other. The identification point further comprises: a memory for recording identifier data of transmitters of objects logically associated with each other; determining means to determine, based on the data contained in the memory, whether at least two objects logically connected to each other have passed the identification point within a predefined time window; and feedback means or a connection to feedback means for performing one or more predefined feedback actions when at least two objects logically connected to each other have not passed the identification point within a predefined time window.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, an identification point for tracking an object is presented. The identification point includes: a receiver for detecting the transmitter of the aforementioned object when at least one object is close to the identification point; and an interface for communicating the at least one identifier data received from the transmitter to the tracking center.

In one embodiment of the invention, the identification point further comprises a memory for recording identifier data of transmitters of objects logically connected to each other received from the tracking center. In an embodiment of the invention, the identification point further comprises determining means to determine, based on the data contained in the memory, whether at least two objects logically connected to each other have passed the identification point within a predefined time window.

In an embodiment of the invention, the identification point further comprises or is connected to feedback means for performing one or more predefined feedback actions when at least two of the aforementioned objects logically connected to each other have not passed the identification point within a predefined time window.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a tracking center for tracking an object is presented. The tracking center is configured to receive from the identification point identifier data of the transmitter of the object. The tracking center further comprises: a memory configured to record identifier data of transmitters of at least two objects logically associated with each other; a management device configured to logically associate the objects with each other by associating the identifier data of the transmitters of the objects with each other in the memory; determining means configured for determining, based on the data contained in the memory, whether at least two objects logically connected to each other have passed the identification point within a predefined time window; and feedback means or a connection to feedback means for performing one or more predefined feedback actions when at least two objects logically connected to each other have not passed the identification point within a predefined time window.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a tracking center for tracking an object is presented. The tracking center is configured to receive from the identification points identifier data that are logically associated with each other and recorded in the memory of the transmitters of the objects, and identifier data of the transmitters of one or more objects. The tracking center further comprises: a management device configured to logically associate at least two objects with each other by associating identifier data of transmitters of the objects with each other in a memory; determining means configured for determining, based on data received from the identification point, whether at least two objects logically connected to each other have passed the identification point within a predefined time window; and feedback means or a connection to feedback means for performing one or more predefined feedback actions when at least two of the aforementioned objects logically connected to each other have not passed the identification point within a predefined time window.

As a result of the invention, the movement of the object can be monitored and, if necessary, also restricted in a desired manner. According to the invention, each object is provided with a separate transmitter, and each transmitter has uniquely determined identifier data. The identifier data is classified into different groups. By means of grouping it is for example possible to specify that a certain object cannot be moved within a building, for example in the absence of a host object. As a result of the invention, it is possible to prevent, for example, children from getting lost outside the shopping mall or mentally ill residents of the nursing home from leaving the nursing home without permission. Furthermore, thanks to the invention, it is possible to track the circulation of objects and, if necessary, to give notice, for example, to the object at the point of identification, of the missing good (since the missing good is logically associated with the object in the manner given by the invention). By means of the invention it is further possible to prevent goods from being unauthorized to be taken outside, for example, a building. The invention may also be used for evacuation of buildings and similar properties, for example so that the master object can verify that all members of his/her group are evacuated from the premises to be evacuated.

Drawings

The invention will be described in detail below by means of a few examples of its embodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example of a method according to the invention;

fig. 2 shows a first example of a system according to the invention;

fig. 3 shows a second example of a system according to the invention;

fig. 4 shows a third example of a system according to the invention; and

fig. 5 shows a fourth example of a system according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The meaning of certain terms used in the context is explained in more detail below:

-a time window: the term means a period of time during which objects (groups) logically connected to each other should pass the identification point. The time window may be set for each group individually or alternatively all groups can use the same specific time window. The time window starts, for example, when the identification point or the tracking center identifies the first of the specific objects that are logically connected to each other. Alternatively, the time period of the time window is always calculated from zero when any object whatsoever of the specific objects logically connected to each other is identified.

-a feedback action: the term means a measure that is performed if one or more objects that are logically connected to each other do not pass the identification point within a predefined time window. The feedback action may be, for example, one or more of the following measures:

-communicating information about the identification point to a tracking center,

-giving visual and/or auditory feedback at the identification point,

-sending a message to contact information associated with the identifier data of the transmitter of the object,

-making a phone call to contact information associated with the identifier data of the transmitter of the object,

-storing information in the identification point,

preventing the elevator car from starting, an

-locking the outlet passage.

-an object (206, 310, 410, 510): the term means an object equipped with a transmitter for transmitting identifier data to an identification point. The object may be, for example, a person, an animal, an electronic device, an article of clothing, a bag, a travel document, an article of merchandise, a toy, or any object that can carry a transmitter or to which a transmitter can be affixed.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a method according to the invention. The method may be used, for example, for tracking objects in a tracking system. The system according to the invention is preferably configured such that the tracking is performed only within predefined areas, e.g. inside a property, on a floor, inside a shopping mall, inside a shop, inside an airport area, etc.

In a tracking system, at least two different objects are provided (100) with transmitters, and each transmitter has uniquely determined identifier data. The transmitter is for example a transmitter using radio frequency remote identification technology, for example RFID technology. Each transmitter contains its own identifier data, which the transmitter sends forward in the event of an identification. For example, in the case of RFID technology, the extremely small currents required for transmission are induced from the radio frequency scan arriving at the antenna, by means of which the identifier can send a response. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any other remote identification method may be used instead of RFID technology.

The objects are logically associated with each other by associating the identifier data of the transmitters with each other (102). Logically associated with each other preferably means that the objects associated with each other form one object entity or group. In one embodiment, an object may only be a member of one object entity. Identifier data of the transmitters of the objects, which are logically connected to one another, are recorded (104) in a memory. Depending on the embodiment of the invention, the memory may be in the transmitter itself, in a separate identification point, or in a separate tracking center of the tracking system. Fig. 2-4 illustrate different embodiment options in more detail.

When an object is close to the identification point, the receiver of the identification point detects (106) the object and receives the response sent by the transmitter. Depending on the embodiment of the invention, the transmitter of the object transmits to the identification point either the identifier data of one or more objects. In other words, the transmitter of the object transmits either its own identifier data to the identification point or, alternatively, other identifier data of the transmitter of the logically associated object in addition to its own identifier data together. The transmitter may transmit other data to the identification point in addition to the identifier data. Fig. 2-4 illustrate different embodiment options in more detail.

At stage 108, it is determined, based on the data contained in the memory, whether at least two objects logically connected to each other have passed the identification point within a predefined time window. The memory may be located, for example, in the object itself, in the identification point, or in a separate database to which the identification point arrangement is connected.

In phase 110, one or more predefined feedback actions are performed when at least two of the aforementioned objects logically connected to each other do not pass the identification point within a certain time window.

Fig. 2 shows a first example of a system according to the invention. The system shown in fig. 2 includes an object 206 carrying a transmitter 204 or to which the transmitter 204 is attached. The system further comprises: an identification point 200 wirelessly connected to a transmitter 204 of an object 206; and a tracking center 208. Although only one object is shown in fig. 2, in practice there are many objects. Each transmitter 204 has individualized identifier data. The transmitter 204 is preferably a transmitter used in radio frequency remote identification, such as an RFID identifier.

In this example, at least two objects are logically associated with each other by associating the identifier data of the respective transmitters with each other by means of the management means 210 of the tracking center 208. In other words, some kind of group is formed from two or more transmitters (i.e., objects). The definition of the group is stored in the memory 212 of the tracking center 208. The memory 212 may also be external to the tracking center 208, for example as an external database.

When the transmitter 204 enters the receiving area of the receiver 202, the radio frequency scan of the receiver 202 induces a small current in the transmitter 204. By means of the induced current, the transmitter 204 is able to transmit its own individualized identifier data to the receiver 202, thereby simultaneously identifying the object to which the transmitter 204 is attached. The identification point 200 may send each identifier data it receives to the tracking center 208 via the interface 216. Accordingly, the tracking center 208 comprises an interface 218 for receiving data from the identification point 200. The connection between the identification point 200 and the tracking center 208 may be implemented with any wired or wireless connection suitable for the purpose. The individualized identifier data of the plurality of transmitters is recorded in the memory 212 of the tracking center. The at least two objects are logically associated with each other by associating the identifier data of the respective transmitters with each other in a memory by means of the management means 210. The determination means 214 determine, on the basis of the identifier data recorded in the memory 212, whether all or at least a part of the objects logically connected to each other have passed the identification point 200 within a predefined time window. If the identification point 200 does not send all or at least a part of the identifier data contained in a certain group to the tracking center 208 within the aforementioned time window, the tracking center 208 is configured to perform one or more predefined feedback actions.

The memory 202 is shown in fig. 2 as being fully configured in the tracking center 208. In another embodiment of the invention, when the receiver 202 receives one individualized identifier data, the identification point 200 requests information from the tracking center 208 about other identifier data associated with the received identifier data, i.e. about other objects in the group. In this embodiment the identification point 200 is able to determine after that whether all identifier data of the group, i.e. objects, have passed the identification point 200 within the aforementioned time window. In this case of this embodiment, the identification point 200 has a determination means 214 in its interior. If only a part of the objects belonging to a group pass the identification point 200 within the time window, the identification point 200 may communicate information about this to the tracking center 208, the tracking center 208 performing one or more of the aforementioned feedback actions. In one embodiment, the identification point 200 may also perform one or more feedback actions if all identifier data (i.e. objects) of the group do not pass the identification point 200 within the aforementioned time window. The actions may be very different depending on the actual application. According to fig. 2, it is also possible to arrange different feedback means in the system, which can be controlled via the identification point or the tracking center. An example of such a feedback device is a display panel.

The system shown in fig. 2 may be configured in stores, shopping centers, hospitals, retirement homes, offices, libraries, and the like. The idea underlying the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 2 is that one or some of the aforementioned feedback actions are always performed when one or more objects associated with the same group pass the identification point far enough apart in time from each other, or do not pass the identification point at all.

In the system shown in fig. 2, one or more objects in the group may be set as the master object. In this case it is possible to implement a system in which the other objects of the group can only move when together with the main object without performing the aforementioned predefined feedback action. In some cases, the main object may lead a larger group, in which case the passage into the elevator or through the door may last for a while. In this case, the system may be configured, for example, such that the time window is kept zeroed (inactive) until the host object is at the identification point. When the host object moves away from the identification point, a time count may be initiated.

In one embodiment of fig. 2, it is possible to define exceptions and other choices in the memory 212 for which objects of a certain group must pass all identification points within a certain time window. For example, in a shopping mall, a mother, father, and child may each be given their own transmitter, and may be associated into a group. It is also possible to define in the memory 212 that it is sufficient for at least one of the parents to pass the identification point within a certain time window when the child passes the identification point, in which case it is not necessary to perform any feedback action.

In one embodiment of fig. 2, the identifier data and the "main memory" 212 of the groups formed from them are maintained in the tracking center. It is possible to divide the data recorded in the main memory into each memory included in the identification point 200. In this way, each recognition point 200 always has real-time information about the prevailing (previling) group circumstances and it is able to independently perform the determination phase given above.

Fig. 3 shows another example of a system according to the invention. The system shown in fig. 3 includes an object 310 carrying a transmitter 308 or to which the transmitter 308 is attached. The system further comprises an identification point 300 which is wirelessly connected to a transmitter 308 of an object 310. Although only one object is shown in fig. 3, in practice there are many objects.

In the system according to fig. 3, at least two objects 310 are equipped with their own transmitters 308. Each transmitter 308 has individualized identifier data. The transmitter 308 is preferably a transmitter used in radio frequency remote identification, such as a transmitter based on RFID technology. In this example, at least two objects are logically associated with each other by associating the identifier data of the respective senders with each other with the management means 312. In other words, some kind of group is formed from two or more transmitters (i.e., objects). Information about the association is stored in the memory 306 of the identification point. The management means 312 for example refers to a computer provided with a suitable program for recording the identifier data and any additional information related to the identifier data.

When the transmitter 308 enters the receiving area of the receiver 304, the receiver receives the individualized identifier data transmitted by the transmitter 308, which identifies the object to which the transmitter 308 is attached. With the determination means 302 of the identification point 300 it is determined, based on the identifier data recorded in the memory 306, whether all of the objects that are logically connected to each other have passed the identification point 300 within a predefined time window. If all of the objects that are logically connected to each other do not pass the identification point 300 within the aforementioned time window, the identification point 300 is configured to perform one or more predefined feedback actions by means of the feedback means 316. Although fig. 3 shows the feedback device 316 implemented in the identification point 300, in another embodiment the feedback device 316 may be separate from the identification point 300, while the identification point 300 only controls the operation of the feedback device 316.

In one embodiment of fig. 3, exceptions and other choices may be defined in the memory 306 for which objects of a certain group must pass at least all identification points within a certain time window without performing one or more of the aforementioned feedback actions.

Fig. 4 shows a third example of a system according to the invention. The system shown in fig. 4 includes an object 410 carrying a transmitter 408 or to which the transmitter 408 is attached. The system further comprises an identification point 400 which is wirelessly connected to a transmitter 408 of an object 410. Although only one object is shown in fig. 4, in practice there are many objects.

In the system according to fig. 4, at least two objects 410 are provided with transmitters 408, each transmitter 408 having individualized identifier data. The transmitter 408 is preferably a transmitter used in radio frequency remote identification. In this example, at least two objects are logically associated with each other by associating the identifier data of the respective transmitters with each other with the management means 412. In other words, some kind of group is formed from two or more transmitters (i.e., objects). Information about the association is stored in the memory 406 of the transmitter 408. The management means 412 for example refers to a computer provided with a suitable program and other necessary applications for recording the identifier data and any additional information related to the identifier data in the memory 406.

When the transmitter 408 enters the receiving area of the receiver 404, the receiver receives the individualized identifier data transmitted by the transmitter 408, as well as the identifier data of the transmitters of other objects defined as being in the same group. With the determination means 402 of the identification point 400 it is determined, based on the identifier data received from the transmitter 408 and any additional relevant information, whether all of the objects that are logically connected to each other have passed the identification point 400 within the predefined time window. If all of the objects that are logically connected to each other do not pass the identification point 400 within the aforementioned time window, the identification point 400 is configured to perform one or more predefined feedback actions by means of the feedback means 414. Although fig. 4 shows the feedback means 414 implemented in the identification point 400, in another embodiment the feedback means 414 may be separate from the identification point 400, while the identification point 400 only controls the operation of the feedback means 414.

In one embodiment of fig. 4, exceptions and other choices may be defined in the memory 406 for which objects of a certain group must pass at least all identification points within a certain time window without performing one or more of the aforementioned feedback actions. Information about these exceptions or alternatives may be sent to the receiver 404 in connection with the sending of the identifier data as the aforementioned additional information.

Fig. 5 shows a combination of the systems shown in fig. 2 and 4. The system shown in fig. 5 includes an object 510 carrying a transmitter 512 or to which the transmitter 512 is attached. The system further comprises an identification point 500 which is wirelessly connected to a transmitter 512 of the object 510. Although only one object is shown in fig. 5, in practice there are many objects. The system in the figure additionally comprises a tracking center 506 connected to the identification point 500,

In the system according to fig. 5, at least two objects 510 are provided with transmitters 512. Each transmitter 512 has individualized identifier data. The transmitter 512 is preferably a transmitter used in radio frequency remote identification, such as an RFID identifier. In this example, at least two objects are logically associated with each other by associating the identifier data of the respective transmitters with each other by means of the management means 516 of the tracking center 506. Information about the association is recorded in the memory 514 of the transmitter 512. The management device 516 refers, for example, to a computer provided with a suitable program for recording the identifier data and any additional information related to the identifier data in the memory 514 and other necessary applications.

When the transmitter 512 enters the receiving area of the receiver 502 of the identification point 500, the receiver receives the individualized identifier data transmitted from the transmitter 512 and the identifier data of the transmitters of other objects defined as being in the same group. The identification point 500 communicates the identifier data to the tracking center 506 via the interface 504, while the tracking center 506 determines with the determination means 508, based on the identifier data and any additional information, whether all of the objects that are logically connected to each other have passed the identification point 500 within the predefined time window. If all of the objects that are logically connected to each other do not pass the identification point 500 within the predefined time window, the tracking center 506 and/or the identification point 500 is configured to perform one or more predefined feedback actions. Different feedback means can also be arranged in the system according to fig. 5, with which the aforementioned feedback actions can be performed and which are controlled either via the identification point 500 or via the tracking center 506.

In one embodiment of fig. 5, exceptions and other choices may be defined in the memory 514 for which objects of a certain group must pass at least all identification points within a certain time window without performing one or more of the aforementioned feedback actions. Information about these exceptions or alternatives may be sent to the receiver 502 in conjunction with the sending of the identifier data as the aforementioned additional information.

In one embodiment of the invention, the parent and child each obtain a sticker containing a transmitter from the point of information in the shopping mall, which can be attached to their clothing. In connection with this, the mother and/or the father give their own mobile telephone number(s) to the information point, and the telephone number or telephone numbers are linked to the identifier data of the transmitter of the mother and/or the father. It is possible that in some times the parent and child are separated from each other in the shopping mall and the child may even leave the shopping mall from the outer door alone without being detected. In the solution according to the invention, the aforementioned identification points are arranged at suitable locations near the door. The identification point may be a gate via which the shopping mall is configured to be left. In another embodiment, the identification point is implemented unobtrusively, for example in connection with a door.

When a child approaches an identification point, the identifier data of the transmitter attached to the child is communicated to the tracking center of the shopping mall via the identification point. If furthermore the identifier associated with the mother or father's transmitter is not received within a certain period of time (e.g. 5 seconds) when the child passes the identification point, a message may be automatically sent to the mother or father's mobile phone indicating the time and place when the child left the shopping center. It is also possible to make a telephone call from the tracking center to a telephone number instead of a text message or other similar message. It can also be ensured, if desired, that the child cannot generally leave the shopping centre alone in the aforementioned situation. In one embodiment of the invention, the exit is locked or closed before the child exits the shopping center. In another embodiment of the invention, the tracking center may request that the nearest security guard of the shopping center prevent the child from leaving the shopping center. In one embodiment of the invention, the identification points are arranged in a shopping center, for example in connection with public venues. When the identification point detects that the child is itself at the rendezvous point, it is possible to notify the mother/father or both, for example by telephone, or automatically send a message about the location of the child.

In one embodiment of the invention, a guest employee of a company receives one or more guests within the company's home. Each guest is issued in the foreground with a guest card (or the like) containing a sender therein. The host employee of the company has a personal card which in this embodiment must in principle contain its own transmitter. The employee and his/her guests are associated in the same group in the foreground. If there is only one visitor, in this embodiment the visitor cannot move on his or her own without the presence of a host employee. In such an embodiment for a corporate premises, preferably all important doors and moving means (e.g. elevators) are provided with identification points. The movement or starting of the elevator can be prevented if the guest, for example, tries to move in the elevator alone without a guest employee. Or if the visitor tries to move alone within the company, for example, the opening of the door can be prevented. In both cases, information about the movement of the visitor may also be sent to the tracking center. In this way, it is known where the guest is attempting to move without authorization. If there is more than one guest, the same principles as in the case of one guest given above can be applied. In other words, all visitors, including the host employee, must move as a group so that the group can move within the building. In some cases, it may be permissible (e.g., in certain parts of a building) that all visitors do not have to be present with the host employee at the same time while walking around within the company. In other words, in some situations, a host employee may freely move with a portion of a group of visitors without performing a particular action.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or more transmitters are attached to something other than a person. In one embodiment, an employee of a company may manage by himself/herself, e.g., via his/her own computer or via the company's internal information network, which device he/she wishes to associate with himself/herself. For example, an employee may wish to attach a transmitter to his/her portable computer and logically associate the personalized identifier data of the transmitter of the portable computer with the personalized identifier data of the transmitter contained in the employee's personal card. Such an association enables, for example, an employee to receive some indication of this if the employee inadvertently leaves the building without having his/her portable computer. The indication may be an audible message at the door ("you forgot your computer"), visual feedback (text on the display screen about forgetting the computer), a signal light, a message to the employee's mobile phone, etc. It is also possible to implement the system in such a way that the aforementioned indication is given only at certain predefined identification points, for example only at the location of the outer gates of the building. The solution presented above can be implemented in a specific room according to fig. 3 and 4 if necessary. In this case, for example, an identification point may be configured in association with the employee's door, which operates as a separate unit. If desired, the identification point can be connected to the information network of the company for configuration and the configuration rights of the identification point can be configured only for the persons working in the room.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system of the invention is applied in a hospital or an retirement home. The transmitter is fixed to the patient or his/her clothing. Likewise, the personnel of a hospital or nursing home each have their own transmitter. Information about those persons with whom the patient may be walking in the building, or to a predefined range, such as a nurse or physician, is configured in the memory of the tracking center. For example, in the context of an elderly home, it is commonplace for a dementia patient to leave the elderly home alone without being detected by a caregiver. Such events can be prevented with the solution according to the invention. If a resident of an retirement home carrying a transmitter attempts to leave the retirement home without the presence of one or more nurses, the normally open external door of the retirement home may be automatically locked when an identification point configured near the door detects that the resident attempts to leave the building alone. The caregiver receives information about the location of the exit, as well as about the resident attempting to leave. Guests visiting the nursing home can use the elevator and/or door freely under normal circumstances, only the movement of the patient is restricted.

In one embodiment of the invention, the invention is used in airports. A transmitter may be automatically installed on the traveler's bag at the check-in. Likewise, the passenger has his/her own transmitter. The passenger's transmitter may be in the ticket, or may be pre-installed in a membership card, or may be affixed to the passenger's clothing. Further, the passenger is logically associated with his/her suitcase at the check-in by associating the individualized identifier data of the transmitter. If the passenger moves past the identification point, for example with the wrong suitcase, the passenger can be blocked and checked if desired whether the bag is really his/her own or another member of, for example, a family.

In one embodiment of the invention (e.g. in the system shown in fig. 2), a "superuser" may be provided, with which any transmitter-equipped object may move freely without performing one or more of the aforementioned feedback actions. The super-user may be, for example, an employee of a company's identification point, a security guard of a shopping mall, etc.

In the embodiments given above, solutions based on RFID technology are used as examples of implementation. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the connection between the identification point according to the invention and the object can also be realized using any other transmission technology, for example bluetooth technology.

The means used in the embodiments of the invention presented above, such as the management means and the determination means, may be implemented in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. The implementation may comprise an implementation of a processor, a programmed processor, a computer, a memory, one or more software programs, and/or some other software or hardware implementation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but on the contrary many variations are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims.

Claims (24)

1. A method for tracking an object in a tracking system, characterized in that in the method:

at least two different objects (206, 310, 410, 510) are provided with transmitters (204, 308, 408, 512) each having individualized identifier data therein;

logically associating objects (206, 310, 410, 510) with each other by associating identifier data of transmitters (204, 308, 408, 512) with each other;

recording in a memory (212, 306, 406, 514) identifier data of transmitters (204, 308, 408, 512) of objects (206, 310, 410, 510) logically associated with each other;

associating the contact information of the object under consideration (206, 310, 410, 510) with the identifier data of the sender (204, 308, 408, 512) of the object (206, 310, 410, 510);

detecting a transmitter (204, 308, 408, 512) of the object (206, 310, 410, 510) with a receiver (202, 304, 404, 502) of the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500) when the object (206, 310, 410, 510) is close to the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500);

determining, based on data contained in the memory (212, 306, 406, 514), whether at least two objects (206, 310, 410, 510) logically connected to each other pass the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500) within a predefined time window; and

one or more predefined feedback actions are performed when at least two of the aforementioned objects logically connected to each other have not passed the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500) within a predefined time window.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

one of the objects (206, 310, 410, 510) is defined as a master object.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

defining a super-user in the tracking system;

allowing the object (206, 310, 410, 510) to pass the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500) with the super-user without performing one or more of the aforementioned predefined feedback actions.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the contact information is recorded in a memory (212, 306, 406, 514).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the contact information is a telephone number or other contact address.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined feedback action comprises one or more of:

communicating information about the identification point (200, 500) to a tracking center (208, 506);

giving visual and/or auditory feedback;

-sending a message to contact information associated with identifier data of a transmitter (204, 308, 408, 512) of an object (206, 310, 410, 510);

making a telephone call to contact information associated with identifier data of a transmitter (204, 308, 408, 512) of an object (206, 310, 410, 510);

recording information in the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500);

preventing the elevator car from starting; and

locking the exit passage.

7. Method according to the previous claim 1, characterized in that, in the determination phase:

the determination is performed on the basis of identifier data pre-recorded in a memory (306) of the identification point (300).

8. Method according to the previous claim 1, characterized in that, in the determination phase:

receiving information on identifier data logically associated with each other from a memory (406, 514) of a transmitter (408, 512) of an object (410, 510); and

the determination is performed based on identifier data received from a transmitter (408, 512) of the object (410, 510).

9. Method according to the previous claim 1, characterized in that, in the determination phase:

retrieving from a central storage (212, 306) identifier data logically associated with each other based on one or more identifier data; and

the determination is performed based on the identifier data received from the central storage (212, 306).

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the aforementioned object (206, 310, 410, 510) is a human, an animal, an electronic device, an article of clothing, a bag, a travel document, a commodity, or a toy.

11. A method according to any of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the transmitter (204, 308, 408, 512) is a radio frequency remote identifier and/or a wireless short-range wireless transmitter.

12. A system for tracking an object in a tracking system, the system comprising:

at least two transmitters (204, 308, 408, 512), each transmitter having individualized identifier data;

a memory (212, 306, 406, 514) configured for recording identifier data of transmitters (204, 308, 408, 512) of objects (206, 310, 410, 510) logically associated with each other;

management means (210, 312, 412, 516) configured for logically associating objects (206, 310, 410, 510) with each other by associating identifier data of transmitters (204, 308, 408, 512) of the objects (206, 310, 410, 510) with each other in a memory (212, 306, 406, 514),

the management means (210, 312, 412, 516) are configured to associate the contact information of the object under consideration (206, 310, 410, 510) with the identifier data of the transmitter (204, 308, 408, 512) of the object (206, 310, 410, 510);

at least one identification point (200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a receiver (202, 304, 404, 502) for receiving identifier data of a transmitter (204, 308, 408, 512) of an object (206, 310, 410, 510) when the aforementioned object is in proximity of the identification point;

determining means (214, 302, 402, 508) configured for determining, based on data contained in the memory (212, 306, 406, 514), whether at least two objects (206, 310, 410, 510) logically connected to each other have passed the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500) within a predefined time window; and

feedback means (316, 414) configured for performing one or more predefined feedback actions when at least two of the aforementioned objects (206, 310, 410, 510) logically associated with each other do not pass the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500) within a predefined time window.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the management device (210, 312, 412, 516) is configured to set one of the objects (206, 310, 410, 510) as a master object.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the management means (210, 312, 412, 516) are configured to set up a super-user in the tracking system and to allow the object (206, 310, 410, 510) to pass the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500) together with the super-user without performing one or more of the aforementioned predefined feedback actions.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the memory (212, 306, 406, 514) is configured to record contact information.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the contact information is a telephone number or other contact address.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the predefined feedback action comprises one or more of:

communicating information about the identification point (200, 500) to a tracking center (208, 506);

giving visual and/or auditory feedback;

-sending a message to contact information associated with identifier data of a transmitter (204, 308, 408, 512) of an object (206, 310, 410, 510);

making a telephone call to contact information associated with identifier data of a transmitter (204, 308, 408, 512) of an object (206, 310, 410, 510);

recording information in the identification point (200, 300, 400, 500);

preventing the elevator car from starting; and

locking the exit passage.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the determination means (302) are arranged in the identification point (300) and are arranged to perform the determination on the basis of identifier data recorded in a local memory (306) of the identification point (300).

19. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the memory (406) is configured in a transmitter (408) of the object (410); and also

The determination means (402) are arranged in the identification point (400) and are arranged to perform the determination on the basis of the identifier data received from the transmitter (408) of the object (410).

20. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the identification point (200) is configured to retrieve identifier data logically associated with each other from the central storage (212) based on the one or more identifier data; and

the determination means (214) are arranged in the identification point (200).

21. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the identification point (200) is configured to communicate identifier data of a transmitter (204) of the object (206) to the tracking center (208); and

the determination means (214) is arranged in the tracking center (208) and it is arranged to perform the determination on the basis of the identifier data recorded in the central memory (212).

22. The system of claim 12, wherein:

the identification point (500) is configured to communicate to the tracking center (506) one or more identifier data of the transmitter (512) of the object (510) received from the transmitter (512), and the identifier data being logically associated with each other; and

the determination means (508) are arranged in the tracking center (506) and are arranged to determine, based on the data received from the identification point (500), whether at least two objects (510) logically connected to each other have passed the identification point (500) within a predefined time window.

23. The system of claim 12, wherein the aforementioned object is a person, an animal, an electronic device, clothing, a bag, a travel document, or a toy.

24. A system according to any of the preceding claims 12-23, characterized in that the transmitter (204, 308, 408, 512) is a radio frequency remote identifier and/or a wireless short-range wireless transmitter.