System for tracking object locations using self-tracking tags

US7119687B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Siemens Technology-to-Business Center, LLC · US
• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Torsten Paulsen · Feucht, DE
• Heinrich Meyer · Berlin, DE
• Farshid Arman · Hillsborough Township, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 15, 2004
• Grant date: Oct 10, 2006
• Expiry date: Nov 25, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01S2205/002
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An object tracking system includes a plurality of tags. Each tag includes a mechanism for transmitting a triangulation signal and a position signal that is indicative of a change of position of the respective tag in a time period since a respective reset event. A plurality of triangulation stations receive the triangulation signals from the tags. At least one antenna receives the position signals from the tags. A computer is coupled to the triangulation stations and to the antenna. The computer is programmed to switch between (a) a first tag location algorithm to determine a current location of one of the tags using a differential time of arrival procedure based on the triangulation signal, and (b) a second tag location algorithm to determine a current location of the tag based on the position signal transmitted by the tag and a previous known location of the tag.