US5786764A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Voice activated electronic locating systems
Assignee: Callahan Cellular LLC
•
Filing: 1997-03-04
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Granted: 1998-07-28
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Expires: 2017-03-04
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus are disclosed for location of objects to facilitate retrieval, filing, security, inventory stock-keeping and the like. The methods and apparatus employ a tag element associated with each object-to-be-located, and interrogation system for searching one or more spatial regions for such tagged items, as well as mechanisms for identifying objects within the interrogated region.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas J. Engellenner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:42
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B13/00; G08B13/22; G08B13/24; G08B13/2402; G08B13/2405; G08B13/2414; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/08; G06Q10/087; G06Q10/0877; G08B13/2451; G08B13/2462; G08B13/2465; G08B13/2468; G08B13/2471; G08B13/2474; G08B13/248; G08B13/2482; G08B13/2485; G06Q10/08778
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for locating an object comprising: a transmitter for transmitting of an electromagnetic interrogation signal within a defined interrogation zone; a tag adapted for attachment to an object, the tag being responsive to said electromagnetic interrogation signal and comprising a signal receiving structure adapted to capture at least a portion of the energy of said interrogation signal, and a response generator for generating a responsive signal to announce the presence of the object within an interrogation zone; a receiver for detecting said responsive signal; input means for entering requests for location of particular tagged objects, said input means further comprising a speech recognition system; and display means for displaying information on the tagged object.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for locating an object comprising: a transmitter for transmitting of an electromagnetic interrogation signal within a defined interrogation zone; a tag adapted for attachment to an object, the tag being responsive to said electromagnetic interrogation signal and comprising a signal receiving structure adapted to capture at least a portion of the energy of said interrogation signal, and a response generator for generating a responsive signal to announce the presence of the object within an interrogation zone; a receiver for detecting said responsive signal; input means for entering requests for location of particular tagged objects, said input means further comprising a speech recognition system; and display means for displaying information on the tagged object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the system further comprises polling means for determining the location of a plurality of tagged objects.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the system further comprises data storage means for storing information on locations of particular tagged objects.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
68 words
A method of locating an object comprising the steps of: coding an object with a tag responsive to a predetermine electromagnetic signal; inputting at spoken request for location of an object to a controller which generates an electromagnetic interrogation signal; interrogating a spatial region with in electromagnetic interrogation signal to cause the tag to generate a responsive signal if present within the region; and detecting said responsive signal.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
68 words
A method of locating an object comprising the steps of: coding an object with a tag responsive to a predetermine electromagnetic signal; inputting at spoken request for location of an object to a controller which generates an electromagnetic interrogation signal; interrogating a spatial region with in electromagnetic interrogation signal to cause the tag to generate a responsive signal if present within the region; and detecting said responsive signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the step of interrogating a spatial region further comprises varying the frequency of signals generated by an electromagnetic radiation signal generator, and the step of detecting a responsive signal further comprises sensing tag-induced perturbations in said signal at a receiver.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the method further comprises displaying a result based upon the detection step.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-07-27 | 2002-01-26 | 2002-07-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-07-27 | 2006-01-26 | 2006-07-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-07-27 | 2010-01-26 | 2010-07-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |