Object tracking system with non-contact object detection and identification
US7250865B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07C2009/00936
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An object tracking system is provided for tracking the removal of objects from a location and the replacement of the objects at the location. The system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to each of the objects to be tracked and each tag has an antenna. When activated, the RFID tag of an object transmits a unique code identifying the object. A storage unit is provided at the location and the storage unit has a plurality of receptacles configured to receive objects replaced at the location. Each receptacle has an associated antenna for activating the RFID tag of an object in the receptacle and receiving the radio frequency transmitted code of the object. The antennae of the system can be capacitive plates for conveying the radio frequency transmissions through capacitive coupling or inductive loops for conveying the transmissions through inductive coupling. A computer-based controller is coupled to the antenna of the receptacles for receiving transmitted codes and determining based thereon the absence or presence and location of objects within the storage unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.