Interrogator and interrogation system employing the same
US8174366B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0805
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.