US20020165731A1 - System and method for performing object association at a tradeshow using a location tracking system - Google Patents
System and method for performing object association at a tradeshow using a location tracking system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020165731A1 US20020165731A1 US10/095,766 US9576602A US2002165731A1 US 20020165731 A1 US20020165731 A1 US 20020165731A1 US 9576602 A US9576602 A US 9576602A US 2002165731 A1 US2002165731 A1 US 2002165731A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- location
- signal
- network
- person
- associations
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S5/00—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
- G01S5/16—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S5/00—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
- G01S5/02—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
- G01S5/0252—Radio frequency fingerprinting
- G01S5/02521—Radio frequency fingerprinting using a radio-map
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S5/00—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
- G01S5/02—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
- G01S5/0252—Radio frequency fingerprinting
- G01S5/02521—Radio frequency fingerprinting using a radio-map
- G01S5/02522—The radio-map containing measured values of non-radio values
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/38—Payment protocols; Details thereof
- G06Q20/382—Payment protocols; Details thereof insuring higher security of transaction
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
- H04W4/029—Location-based management or tracking services
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S2205/00—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
- G01S2205/01—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S2205/09—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations specially adapted for specific applications for tracking people
- G01S2205/10—Elderly or infirm
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S5/00—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
- G01S5/0009—Transmission of position information to remote stations
- G01S5/0081—Transmission between base stations
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
- H04B7/14—Relay systems
- H04B7/15—Active relay systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
- H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W64/00—Locating users or terminals or network equipment for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/18—Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/26—Network addressing or numbering for mobility support
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
- H04W88/02—Terminal devices
- H04W88/06—Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S707/00—Data processing: database and file management or data structures
- Y10S707/99941—Database schema or data structure
- Y10S707/99943—Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface
Definitions
- the illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates generally to a location tracking system and more particularly to performing object association at a tradeshow or exposition using a location tracking system.
- the illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of determining and tracking movements of tradeshow attendees using a location system.
- the interactions of the tradeshow attendees with other objects and locations is also tracked using the location system.
- Object identifiers equipped with a transmitting component are attached to attendees and broadcast a transmission signal which includes a unique identifier.
- the transmission signal broadcast by the object identifiers is received by a network connected element.
- the signal from the object identifier is forwarded over a network by the network connected element to an electronic device.
- a location determining module analyzes a variety of factors including the unique identifier, the location of all of the the network connected elements receiving the signal, the receiver characteristics of the receivers of the network connected elements, and the historical location of the attendee in order to determine the current location of the attendee. Those skilled in the art will recognize the fact that different combinations of factors may be utilized to determine location without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the location determining module consults a database to determine associations between the located attendee and other objects or locations such as exhibits, booths and other attendees. The associations are based on the other objects or locations proximity to the located object. Once an association is determined, it is stored and the duration of the association is subsequently recorded. This information may then be utilized in real-time while the tradeshow is ongoing or at a later date or time.
- a location system includes a network with at least one network connected element and is interfaced with an electronic device.
- the network connected element has at least one transceiver giving it the ability to transmit and receive signals.
- An object identifier assigned to a person transmits a signal bearing a unique identifier which is received by the network connected element.
- the network connected element appends a header to the signal and forwards it over the network to the electronic device.
- the system also includes a database which is interfaced with the network and which is used to store object associations.
- the object associations record the interaction of attendees with other people, objects and locations that are located within a defined distance of the attendees.
- a location determining module is also interfaced with the network and uses the unique identifier sent to the electronic device and the location of the network connected element receiving the signal to calculate the location of the person assigned to the object identifier. The calculated location is checked against the stored location of other people, objects and locations in order to identify associations. Any identified associations are stored in the database.
- a method of determining object associations which utilizes a location system is practiced over a network.
- the network is interfaced with an electronic device and a network connected element.
- An object identifier assigned to a person broadcasts a signal containing a unique identifier which is received by the network connected element.
- the signal is forwarded to the electronic device.
- a location determining module calculates the location of the object identifier and the person to which it is assigned using the known location of the network connected element and the unique identifier extracted from the signal retrieved from the object identifier signal.
- the calculated position of the object is compared against the position of other people, objects and locations of interest in order to determine associations.
- Identified associations are stored in a database interfaced with the network.
- the associations are made available as input data to other applications executing on the network.
- a fixed location identifier which is not interfaced with the network is used to receive and transmit signals from the object identifier to the network connected element.
- the known location of the fixed location identifier and its receiver characteristics provide additional data to the location determining module which is used to determine the location of the object identifier and the person to which it is assigned.
- FIG. 1A depicts a block diagram of an environment suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1B depicts a block diagram of an alternate environment suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention not utilizing a network;
- FIG. 2A depicts a block diagram of an object identifier used by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2B depicts a block diagram of a fixed location identifier used by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of the layout of a tradeshow practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps followed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to programmatically generate sales leads as a result of object associations determined by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps followed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to broadcast targeted messages to a tradeshow attendee as a result of object association determined by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps followed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to display the location of tradeshow attendees in real-time as a result of object associations determined by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention
- the illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of recording object associations using a location system.
- the object association are formed between a person, such as a tradeshow attendee, and other people, objects and locations.
- Object locations are determined based on signals generated from object identifier devices assigned to people and forwarded to an electronic device interfaced with a network.
- the origin of the signal is calculated based on the known position of the receiving devices receiving the signal, the historical recorded position of the person, the characteristics of the receiving devices receiving the signal (i.e. the range ), the strength of the received signal, the type of signal, and whether or not the signal was repeated.
- the location determining module consults a database to determine associations between the located person and other people, objects or locations based on the other people, objects and locations proximity to the located person. Once an association is determined, it is stored and the duration of the association is subsequently recorded. The identified associations may then be leveraged in a number of ways by other applications interfaced with the network, such as by being used to generate sales leads and determine the effectiveness of advertising based on the identified associations.
- FIG. 1A depicts a location system 11 suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- a plurality of object identifier devices 2 are attached, either directly or indirectly, to tradeshow attendees and include an infrared (IR) transmitter 3 and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter 4 which are used to generate a signal which is sent to a network connected element 6 .
- the signal includes a unique identifier identifying the object identifier (and by extension the person to which it is attached).
- the network connected element 6 includes an IR transmitter 3 , an RF transmitter 4 , an IR receiver 7 and an RF receiver 8 .
- the IR receiver 7 is capable of receiving an IR signal generated by the object identifier 2 .
- the RF receiver 8 is capable of receiving an RF signal generated by the object identifier 2 .
- the network connected element 6 is interfaced with a network 10 and forwards the signal received from the object identifier 2 to an electronic device 12 which is also interfaced with the network 10 .
- the interface between the network connected element 6 and the network 10 may be a physical interface in the case of a wired network, or a wireless interface in the case of a wireless network.
- the electronic device 12 may be a desktop computer system, PDA, handheld wireless device, laptop, web server or other device interfaced with the network 10 .
- the network 10 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, an intranet, or a metropolitan network.
- the network 10 may be a wireless network such as a Bluetooth network, a cellular network, a GSM based network or some other type of network.
- a wireless network such as a Bluetooth network, a cellular network, a GSM based network or some other type of network.
- the object identifier 2 and network connected element 6 have been described as including IR and RF transmitters 3 and 4 and receivers 7 and 8 , those skilled in the art will recognized that other types of transmitters such as ultrasound (US) may be used, either alone or in combination with the implementation depicted herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- US ultrasound
- the electronic device 12 includes a location determining module 14 which is used to locate the object identifer 2 and the corresponding person to which the object identifier is attached.
- the location determining module 14 may be located anywhere it has access to the network 10 . Although the location determining module 14 will usually be implemented as a software component, the location determining module 14 may also be implemented by being hard-wired into a device. The location determining module 14 uses the unique identifer from the signal of the object identifier 2 in the calculation of the current location of the object identifier.
- the location determining module 14 calculates the origin of the signal based on the known position of the receivers receiving the signal (which is retrieved from a topology database 16 which is also interfaced with the network 10 ), the historical recorded position of the object, the characteristics of the receivers receiving the signal (i.e. the range) (which are retrieved from a database 18 also interfaced with the network), the strength of the received signal, the type of signal, and whether or not the signal was repeated (which are determined by analyzing information contained in the signal received from the network connected element 6 ). Both the topology database 16 and database 18 may be located in any of a number of locations interfaced with the network, including on the electronic device 12 .
- the location of the object identifier and the corresponding tradeshow attendee may be analyzed to see if it reveals object associations.
- the process of analyzing the calculated location of the object identifiers is described in more detail below. Any identified associations are stored in the database 18 .
- a fixed location identifier 20 is also present in the location system.
- the fixed location identifier 20 is not interfaced with the network 10 and includes an IR transmitter 3 , an RF transmitter 4 , an IR receiver 7 and an RF receiver 9 .
- the IR receiver 7 is capable of receiving an IR signal generated by the object identifier 2
- the RF receiver 8 is capable of receiving an RF signal generated by the object identifier 2 .
- the RF receiver 9 on the fixed location identifier 20 may have a different receiving range than the RF receiver 8 on the network connected element 6 .
- the location of the fixed location identifier 20 is stored in the topology database 16 .
- the fixed location identifier After receiving a signal from the object identifier 2 , the fixed location identifier appends its own identifier to the signal and tranmsits it to a network connected element 6 .
- the location determining module uses the range characteristics of the fixed location identifier 20 to help locate the object identifier 2 . In other words, if the location determining module receives notification from both a fixed location identifier 20 and a network connected element 6 that both have received an RF signal, the signal can only have originated from a spot that is within both receivers receiving range.
- the object identifier 2 may use different types and combinations of transmitters.
- the object identifier 2 may include a receiving component capable of receiving signals from the network connected element 6 , may be interfaced with the network 10 , and may hold the location determining module 14 .
- the location determining module 14 may appear in any of a number of locations interfaced with the network 10 and is not limited to being stored on the electronic device 12 .
- FIG. 1B depicts a block diagram of location system 11 suitable for determining object association without relying on the use of a network.
- An object identifier 2 transmits a signal directly to the location resolving module 14 which in this implementation includes stored data allowing it to associate objects and locations.
- the object identifier 2 transmits the signal using a transceiver to transmit a signal.
- a transmitter, transponder or similar device may be used.
- the location determining module 14 may include any structure suitable for determining location. Examples include any device with intelligence to determine the location of one or more object identifiers 2 . According to various embodiments of the invention, the location determining module 14 may be an electronic device.
- the electronic device may take multiple forms and may include, a processor, a computer, a personal digital assistant, a communications device, such as a cellular phone, a network appliance, a web server, a receiver, a transmitter, a different device capable of manipulating information, or any combination of these devices.
- the location determining module 14 may be capable of performing additional functionality, such as receiving requests for information, providing information, storing information, commanding actions in response to location information, associating objects with other objects or with locations, establishing privacy conditions regarding availability of location information, interfacing directly with various network types, and the like.
- the location determining module 14 includes multiple, distributed receivers, some of which may be connected to a network, and others not connected to a network.
- the object identifier 10 and location determining module 14 utilize both RF signals and IR signals for the determination of location.
- FIG. 2A depicts a block diagram of an object identifier 2 used by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- the object identifier 2 includes an IR transmitter 3 and an RF transmitter 4 . Both transmitters are controlled by an embedded processer 5 which controls the signaling process.
- the object identifier 2 may be directly attached to a tradeshow attendee by embedding the object identifier in a piece of jewelry.
- an object identifier may be indirectly attached to a tradeshow attendee by being attached to, or embedded in, a nametag worn by the attendee. As long as the object identifier 2 moves in tandem with the tradeshow attendee, it signals the current location of the attendee.
- the fixed location identifier 20 includes an IR transmitter 3 and an RF transmitter 4 which are controlled by an embedded processer 5 which controls the signaling process. Also included in the fixed location identifier 20 are an IR receiver 7 and an RF receiver 9 which are used to receive signals from the object identifier 2 . As previously noted, both the object identifier 2 and the fixed location identifier 20 may use different types of signaling and receiving devices and components without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the signaling process may make use of both RF and IR signals in alternating combination.
- the RF signal is transmitted every ten seconds and the IR signal is transmitted every twenty seconds.
- This method provides a substantially consistent IR power level, while varying an RF power level. Varying the RF power level may assist in determining a location of the object identifier 2 by enabling the network connected element 6 to receive less than all of the RF signals.
- the transmitted signals may also include additional information such as the signal strength being transmitted, the period between transmissions, the length of time of the transmissions, a unique identifier for the object identifier 2 , information received from one or more input devices and/or various status information, such as those pertaining to the components of the object identifier.
- the object identifier 2 also contains receivers and the location determining module 14 configures the object identifier over the network 10 by sending transmission parameters (i.e.: alternate signals every 30 seconds). Since IR signals are line-of-sight signals and RF signals travel through walls, the combination of signals may be used by the location determining module 14 to locate signals with greater accuracy than would be possible using either form of signaling alone.
- transmission parameters i.e.: alternate signals every 30 seconds. Since IR signals are line-of-sight signals and RF signals travel through walls, the combination of signals may be used by the location determining module 14 to locate signals with greater accuracy than would be possible using either form of signaling alone.
- FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a layout of a tradeshow floor 40 using the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
- the tradeshow floor 40 includes multiple exhibit booths 42 .
- Each of the exhibit booths 42 has a fixed location identifier 20 in the booth.
- a number of fixed location identifiers 20 are also located around the outskirts of the tradeshow floor to increase the accuracy of determined locations.
- the fixed location identifiers 20 send a signal to the network connected elements 6 which are interfaced with the network 10 .
- One feature of the present invention is that the use of the fixed location identifiers 20 enables the use of a reduced number of the more expensive network connected elements 6 .
- the network connecting elements 6 interface with an existing network 10 on the tradeshow floor 40 and do not require a new network to be set up in order to operate properly.
- the network 10 to which the network connected element 6 is connected may be a wired or wireless network with the result that the network connected element 6 may or may not be physically connected to the network.
- the tradeshow floor 40 also includes a pair of attendee display locations 44 at which an authorized user may display the current location of one or a number of tradeshow participants derived from the signals of their attached object identifiers 2 . The process of using the attendee display locations 44 is explained in more detail below.
- An object identifier 2 attached to a tradeshow attendee may be configured to emit alternating IR signals and RF signals bearing a unique identifier. If the attendee is located on the far side of an exhibit booth 42 the RF signal (which may travel through walls) may be picked up by a number of receivers located on the network connected elements 6 and fixed location identifiers 20 . However, the alternating IR signal emitted by the object identifier 2 attached to the attendee will only be picked up by receivers in a direct line of sight (since line-of-sight signals do not travel through walls well).
- the number of receivers receiving the RF signal will vary with the power level (more power causes the signal to go farther and thus be received by more receivers) and the pattern of receivers receiving the signal, the type of signal, and the receiving range of the fixed location identifiers 6 which are frequently configured to have a smaller receiving range than the receivers on the networked connected elements, are all used by the location determining module 14 to determine a location for the attendee.
- the fixed location identifier might have a receiving range for RF signals of 6 feet (as opposed to a 20 foot receiving range for the RF receiver 8 for the network connected element 6 ) which allows an attendee to be located to within 6 feet of the fixed location identifier 20 when the fixed location identifier receives a signal.
- the actual receiving ranges of the RF receivers 8 and 9 are an implementation choice, and those skilled in the art will recognize that they may be adjusted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the location determining module 14 determines the current location of an attendee, the determined location is compared against the current location of other tradeshow participants, exhibits and pre-determined locations to determine the proximity of the located object to the other participants, exhibits or the pre-determined location.
- the predetermined location is usually a place of special interest, such as a location where a company officer is giving a speech. If the attendee is within a pre-defined distance of another attendee, exhibit or pre-determined location, the location determining module 14 determines the attendee and the other attendee, exhibit or pre-determined location are interacting, and records an association in the database 18 .
- the location determining module 14 may require the association to occur for a minimum period of time before deciding an association is occurring.
- the association is recorded for beginning time, ending time, duration and alternately for separate occurrences, all of which may be stored in the database 18 .
- the electronic device 2 holds, or is interfaced with, a variety of software programs to make use of the object associations determined by the location determining module 14 .
- the software may utilize a JDBC interface located in the location determining module 14 which allows Java applications to send SQL commands to the database 18 .
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps performed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to generate sales leads based upon the object associations determined by the location determining module 14 .
- the sequence begins when an attendees location is determined to be interacting with an exhibit location of interest to the sales staff (step 60 ).
- the location determining module 14 determines an association has occurred and the association is tracked and recorded for as long as it continues (step 62 ).
- the association that was determined by the location determining module 14 is provided as data input for a sales application which collects the names of attendees who attended a particular exhibit during the tradeshow (step 64 ).
- the data may be filtered by the sales application so that it filters the data to produce the top n % of attendees who attended the exhibit for the longest time (step 66 ).
- the filtered data may then be provided to the salesperson for follow up contact (step 68 ). Since the attendees who spent the longest amount of time with the exhibit probably have the most interest in the exhibit, the filtered associations provide the salesperson with a more receptive audience for follow up contact than would be available using conventional methods.
- the associations may be analyzed in real-time while the tradeshow is ongoing, or it may be analyzed after the tradeshow is over.
- Sales related applications may use the object association data in a number of ways.
- a tradeshow attendee who forms an association with a designated booth, display or item that meets duration criteria is automatically entered in a contest.
- advertising campaigns are dynamically changed based upon how long a tradeshow attendee looks at something. Messages may be displayed in the attendee's location offering discounts if purchases are made within specified time periods. Discounts may be changed based on various parameters, including how much inventory is on hand, how an item is selling, time, historical buying patterns of the attendee, and similar factors.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps performed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to determine and display the current location of tradeshow participants.
- the sequence begins when an object identifier 2 attached to a participant broadcasts a signal to the network connected element 6 (step 80 ).
- the signal may be forwarded from a fixed location identifier 20 to the network connected element 6 .
- the network connected element 6 appends a time stamp and its identifier onto the signal and sends it to the electronic device 2 and location determining module 14 (step 82 ).
- the location determining module 14 calculates the position of the tradeshow attendee as outlined above (step 84 ). Any associations for the attendee are then updated in the database 18 (step 86 ). An authorized participant on the tradeshow floor 40 may then go to the attendee display location 44 and request the current location of a particular attendee (step 88 ). The location determining module 14 sends the current location of the attendee to the attendee display location where it is displayed on a map of the tradeshow floor 40 . The request may be to determine the location of one attendee or multiple tradeshow attendees. Alternatively, the display information may be sent to a handheld device held by the tradeshow attendee.
- individuals are allowed to opt in and opt out of the location system.
- the location is determined but not displayed. This feature allows individuals to prevent their movements from being public knowledge to the other attendees of the tradeshow.
- the object associations are used to verify attendance at continuing education seminars.
- the attendence of individuals at mandatory training sessions may be verified by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to make sure the individuals stay for the duration of a seminar. Those individuals staying for the duration of the seminar may be awarded continuing education credit.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps performed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to send targeted messages to selected attendees based on existing associations.
- the sequence begins when an object identifier 2 attached to a participant broadcasts a signal to the network connected element 6 (step 100 ).
- the signal may be forwarded from a fixed location identifier 20 to the network connected element 6 .
- the network connected element 6 sends the signal to the electronic device 2 and location determining module 14 (step 102 ).
- the location determining module 14 calculates the position of the tradeshow attendee as previously discussed (step 104 ).
- Any associations for the attendee are then updated in the database 18 (step 106 ).
- the identified association may then be programmatically compared against a template of associations. If the determined association matches an association listed in the template (step 108 ), a targeted message is broadcast to a device with a receiver located near the attendee (step 110 ). In some implementations, the message may be an interactive message requiring a response from the user.
- the object association data may be used to determine how long all the attendees looked at a particular exhibit, display or booth, by cumulatively totaling the total number of tradeshow attendees who formed associations with the exhibit, display or booth, and the durations of those associations. This provides a good metric as to the length of time of the average association with the exhibit, display or booth which may be used as a guide to its effectiveness.
- the information may also be compared to historical data recorded from previous events to guage changes occurring over extended periods of time.
- the object association data may be used to page or contact a designated person if a specified individual enters a particular booth.
- the illustrative embodiment of the present invention may be used to detect object associations in a variety of environments.
- the illustrative embodiment of the present invention is equally applicable to company meetings, expositions, lectures and other events not ordinarily considered to be identical to tradeshows.
- the word attendee has been used herein to describe an individual with an object identifier attached (directly or indirectly). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the attendance status of the individual bearing the object identifier 2 does not affect the scope of the present invention.
Abstract
The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of recording and using object associations determined by a location system at a tradeshow. Object locations are determined based on signals generated from object identifiers attached to the tradeshow attendees and forwarded to an electronic device interfaced with a network. The origin of the signal is calculated by a location determining module based on a number of factors such as the known position of the receivers receiving the signal, the historical recorded position of the attendee, the characteristics of the receivers receiving the signal (i.e. the range), the strength of the received signal, the type of signal, and whether or not the signal was repeated. Once the location of the attendee has been determined, the location determining module consults a database to determine associations between the located attendee and other persons, objects, exhibits or specified locations based on proximity to the located attendee. Once an association is determined, it is stored and the duration of the association is subsequently recorded. The data from the identified associations may then be leveraged in a number of ways as input data for a variety of applications, such as software which generates sales leads and targeted advertising to tradeshow attendees based on their current location.
Description
- The present invention claims priority to a U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/274,544, filed Mar. 9, 2001, entitled Location System and the contents of that application are incorporated by reference herein.
- The illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates generally to a location tracking system and more particularly to performing object association at a tradeshow or exposition using a location tracking system.
- Tradeshows and expositions usually involve multiple companies and products. They represent both advertising and selling opportunities. People interested in a company are exposed to a company's products. Since the tradeshow or exhibition are usually held in a convention center, the attendees represent a near-captive audience that is ideal for advertisers. Products may be demonstrated and new types of advertisements may be debuted to see how effectively they capture the audience's attention. Speeches by company officers and officials are sometimes given and the level of attendence and interest in the speech may be an important guage of the public's interest in the company. If a company has a booth at the tradeshow/exposition, the booth may be staffed with salespeople who have an opportunity to either sell or explain a company's products. If a sale isn't consummated with a customer who expresses interest in a product at the booth, the salesperson may be able to follow up with the customer later to finish the sales process.
- Unfortunately, there are a number of problems that hamper the effectiveness of using tradeshows and expositions for sales and advertising purposes. The shows are often quite crowded with the number of people expressing interest at a company booth far exceeding the ability of a limited number of salespeople available to handle the inquiries. When people express a passing interest in a product but are not willing to purchase it immediately, it is often difficult to acquire the contact information necessary for a follow up sales opportunity, either because other potential customers are waiting or because the attendee expressing interest does not want to provide the information. When a large number of people attend a speech given by a company officer or official, there is often no mechanism available to find out who attended. If a competitor is attending a booth or a speech, they are often able to do so in anonymity. Similarly, it is often difficult to tell how well advertisements are working without resorting to subjective observations from company employees or random feedback from attendees.
- Conventional methods of generating sales leads from tradeshows rely heavily on information provided by attendees at the time of registration. While the registration information allows for follow-up contact with individuals who attended the show, it does not provide a means of tracking the attendees movements at the shows. Where the tradeshow is a large one with different types of vendors, it is impossible to assess which company the attendee was most interested in based on the registration information. Accordingly, a follow up sales contact based solely on registration information is often quite inefficient. Unfortunately, conventional methods of tracking participants at tradeshows do not provide an automatic mechanism for tracking the movements of attendees.
- The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of determining and tracking movements of tradeshow attendees using a location system. The interactions of the tradeshow attendees with other objects and locations is also tracked using the location system. Object identifiers equipped with a transmitting component are attached to attendees and broadcast a transmission signal which includes a unique identifier. The transmission signal broadcast by the object identifiers is received by a network connected element. The signal from the object identifier is forwarded over a network by the network connected element to an electronic device. A location determining module analyzes a variety of factors including the unique identifier, the location of all of the the network connected elements receiving the signal, the receiver characteristics of the receivers of the network connected elements, and the historical location of the attendee in order to determine the current location of the attendee. Those skilled in the art will recognize the fact that different combinations of factors may be utilized to determine location without departing from the scope of the present invention. Once the location of the object has been determined, the location determining module consults a database to determine associations between the located attendee and other objects or locations such as exhibits, booths and other attendees. The associations are based on the other objects or locations proximity to the located object. Once an association is determined, it is stored and the duration of the association is subsequently recorded. This information may then be utilized in real-time while the tradeshow is ongoing or at a later date or time.
- In one embodiment of the present invention, a location system includes a network with at least one network connected element and is interfaced with an electronic device. The network connected element has at least one transceiver giving it the ability to transmit and receive signals. An object identifier assigned to a person transmits a signal bearing a unique identifier which is received by the network connected element. The network connected element appends a header to the signal and forwards it over the network to the electronic device. The system also includes a database which is interfaced with the network and which is used to store object associations. The object associations record the interaction of attendees with other people, objects and locations that are located within a defined distance of the attendees. A location determining module is also interfaced with the network and uses the unique identifier sent to the electronic device and the location of the network connected element receiving the signal to calculate the location of the person assigned to the object identifier. The calculated location is checked against the stored location of other people, objects and locations in order to identify associations. Any identified associations are stored in the database.
- In another embodiment, a method of determining object associations which utilizes a location system is practiced over a network. The network is interfaced with an electronic device and a network connected element. An object identifier assigned to a person broadcasts a signal containing a unique identifier which is received by the network connected element. The signal is forwarded to the electronic device. A location determining module calculates the location of the object identifier and the person to which it is assigned using the known location of the network connected element and the unique identifier extracted from the signal retrieved from the object identifier signal. The calculated position of the object is compared against the position of other people, objects and locations of interest in order to determine associations. Identified associations are stored in a database interfaced with the network. In one aspect of the invention, the associations are made available as input data to other applications executing on the network. In an additional aspect of the invention, a fixed location identifier which is not interfaced with the network is used to receive and transmit signals from the object identifier to the network connected element. The known location of the fixed location identifier and its receiver characteristics provide additional data to the location determining module which is used to determine the location of the object identifier and the person to which it is assigned.
- FIG. 1A depicts a block diagram of an environment suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 1B depicts a block diagram of an alternate environment suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention not utilizing a network;
- FIG. 2A depicts a block diagram of an object identifier used by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2B depicts a block diagram of a fixed location identifier used by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of the layout of a tradeshow practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps followed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to programmatically generate sales leads as a result of object associations determined by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps followed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to broadcast targeted messages to a tradeshow attendee as a result of object association determined by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps followed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to display the location of tradeshow attendees in real-time as a result of object associations determined by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention
- The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of recording object associations using a location system. The object association are formed between a person, such as a tradeshow attendee, and other people, objects and locations. Object locations are determined based on signals generated from object identifier devices assigned to people and forwarded to an electronic device interfaced with a network. The origin of the signal is calculated based on the known position of the receiving devices receiving the signal, the historical recorded position of the person, the characteristics of the receiving devices receiving the signal (i.e. the range ), the strength of the received signal, the type of signal, and whether or not the signal was repeated. Once the location of the person has been determined, the location determining module consults a database to determine associations between the located person and other people, objects or locations based on the other people, objects and locations proximity to the located person. Once an association is determined, it is stored and the duration of the association is subsequently recorded. The identified associations may then be leveraged in a number of ways by other applications interfaced with the network, such as by being used to generate sales leads and determine the effectiveness of advertising based on the identified associations.
- FIG. 1A depicts a
location system 11 suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A plurality ofobject identifier devices 2 are attached, either directly or indirectly, to tradeshow attendees and include an infrared (IR)transmitter 3 and a radio frequency (RF)transmitter 4 which are used to generate a signal which is sent to a network connectedelement 6. The signal includes a unique identifier identifying the object identifier (and by extension the person to which it is attached). The network connectedelement 6 includes anIR transmitter 3, anRF transmitter 4, anIR receiver 7 and anRF receiver 8. TheIR receiver 7 is capable of receiving an IR signal generated by theobject identifier 2. TheRF receiver 8 is capable of receiving an RF signal generated by theobject identifier 2. The network connectedelement 6 is interfaced with anetwork 10 and forwards the signal received from theobject identifier 2 to anelectronic device 12 which is also interfaced with thenetwork 10. The interface between the network connectedelement 6 and thenetwork 10 may be a physical interface in the case of a wired network, or a wireless interface in the case of a wireless network. Theelectronic device 12 may be a desktop computer system, PDA, handheld wireless device, laptop, web server or other device interfaced with thenetwork 10. Thenetwork 10 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, an intranet, or a metropolitan network. Thenetwork 10 may be a wireless network such as a Bluetooth network, a cellular network, a GSM based network or some other type of network. Although theobject identifier 2 and network connectedelement 6 have been described as including IR andRF transmitters receivers - The
electronic device 12 includes alocation determining module 14 which is used to locate theobject identifer 2 and the corresponding person to which the object identifier is attached. Thelocation determining module 14 may be located anywhere it has access to thenetwork 10. Although thelocation determining module 14 will usually be implemented as a software component, thelocation determining module 14 may also be implemented by being hard-wired into a device. Thelocation determining module 14 uses the unique identifer from the signal of theobject identifier 2 in the calculation of the current location of the object identifier. Thelocation determining module 14 calculates the origin of the signal based on the known position of the receivers receiving the signal (which is retrieved from atopology database 16 which is also interfaced with the network 10), the historical recorded position of the object, the characteristics of the receivers receiving the signal (i.e. the range) (which are retrieved from adatabase 18 also interfaced with the network), the strength of the received signal, the type of signal, and whether or not the signal was repeated (which are determined by analyzing information contained in the signal received from the network connected element 6). Both thetopology database 16 anddatabase 18 may be located in any of a number of locations interfaced with the network, including on theelectronic device 12. Once a calculation of the location of theobject identifier 2 has been made, the location of the object identifier and the corresponding tradeshow attendee may be analyzed to see if it reveals object associations. The process of analyzing the calculated location of the object identifiers is described in more detail below. Any identified associations are stored in thedatabase 18. - In one aspect of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a fixed
location identifier 20 is also present in the location system. The fixedlocation identifier 20 is not interfaced with thenetwork 10 and includes anIR transmitter 3, anRF transmitter 4, anIR receiver 7 and anRF receiver 9. TheIR receiver 7 is capable of receiving an IR signal generated by theobject identifier 2, while theRF receiver 8 is capable of receiving an RF signal generated by theobject identifier 2. TheRF receiver 9 on the fixedlocation identifier 20 may have a different receiving range than theRF receiver 8 on the network connectedelement 6. The location of the fixedlocation identifier 20 is stored in thetopology database 16. After receiving a signal from theobject identifier 2, the fixed location identifier appends its own identifier to the signal and tranmsits it to a network connectedelement 6. When the signal eventually reaches thelocation determining module 14, the location determining module uses the range characteristics of the fixedlocation identifier 20 to help locate theobject identifier 2. In other words, if the location determining module receives notification from both a fixedlocation identifier 20 and a network connectedelement 6 that both have received an RF signal, the signal can only have originated from a spot that is within both receivers receiving range. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many alternate implementations are possible within the scope of the present invention. Theobject identifier 2 may use different types and combinations of transmitters. Similarly, theobject identifier 2 may include a receiving component capable of receiving signals from the network connectedelement 6, may be interfaced with thenetwork 10, and may hold thelocation determining module 14. Thelocation determining module 14 may appear in any of a number of locations interfaced with thenetwork 10 and is not limited to being stored on theelectronic device 12. - A non-networked form of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention may also be implemented. FIG. 1B depicts a block diagram of
location system 11 suitable for determining object association without relying on the use of a network. Anobject identifier 2 transmits a signal directly to thelocation resolving module 14 which in this implementation includes stored data allowing it to associate objects and locations. Theobject identifier 2 transmits the signal using a transceiver to transmit a signal. In alternative embodiments, a transmitter, transponder or similar device may be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different types of components capable of transmitting and receiving signals may be used in place of the transmitters and receivers depicted herein. For example, a transceiver may be substituted for a receiver without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thelocation determining module 14 may include any structure suitable for determining location. Examples include any device with intelligence to determine the location of one ormore object identifiers 2. According to various embodiments of the invention, thelocation determining module 14 may be an electronic device. The electronic device may take multiple forms and may include, a processor, a computer, a personal digital assistant, a communications device, such as a cellular phone, a network appliance, a web server, a receiver, a transmitter, a different device capable of manipulating information, or any combination of these devices. - According to various embodiments of the invention, the
location determining module 14 may be capable of performing additional functionality, such as receiving requests for information, providing information, storing information, commanding actions in response to location information, associating objects with other objects or with locations, establishing privacy conditions regarding availability of location information, interfacing directly with various network types, and the like. According to further embodiments of the invention, thelocation determining module 14 includes multiple, distributed receivers, some of which may be connected to a network, and others not connected to a network. According to various embodiments of the invention, theobject identifier 10 andlocation determining module 14 utilize both RF signals and IR signals for the determination of location. - FIG. 2A depicts a block diagram of an
object identifier 2 used by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Theobject identifier 2 includes anIR transmitter 3 and anRF transmitter 4. Both transmitters are controlled by an embeddedprocesser 5 which controls the signaling process. Theobject identifier 2 may be directly attached to a tradeshow attendee by embedding the object identifier in a piece of jewelry. Alternatively, an object identifier may be indirectly attached to a tradeshow attendee by being attached to, or embedded in, a nametag worn by the attendee. As long as theobject identifier 2 moves in tandem with the tradeshow attendee, it signals the current location of the attendee. FIG. 2B depicts a block diagram of a fixedlocation identifier 20 used by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The fixedlocation identifier 20 includes anIR transmitter 3 and anRF transmitter 4 which are controlled by an embeddedprocesser 5 which controls the signaling process. Also included in the fixedlocation identifier 20 are anIR receiver 7 and anRF receiver 9 which are used to receive signals from theobject identifier 2. As previously noted, both theobject identifier 2 and the fixedlocation identifier 20 may use different types of signaling and receiving devices and components without departing from the scope of the present invention. - The signaling process may make use of both RF and IR signals in alternating combination. According to one embodiment of the invention the RF signal is transmitted every ten seconds and the IR signal is transmitted every twenty seconds. This method provides a substantially consistent IR power level, while varying an RF power level. Varying the RF power level may assist in determining a location of the
object identifier 2 by enabling the network connectedelement 6 to receive less than all of the RF signals. The transmitted signals may also include additional information such as the signal strength being transmitted, the period between transmissions, the length of time of the transmissions, a unique identifier for theobject identifier 2, information received from one or more input devices and/or various status information, such as those pertaining to the components of the object identifier. In one aspect of the invention, theobject identifier 2 also contains receivers and thelocation determining module 14 configures the object identifier over thenetwork 10 by sending transmission parameters (i.e.: alternate signals every 30 seconds). Since IR signals are line-of-sight signals and RF signals travel through walls, the combination of signals may be used by thelocation determining module 14 to locate signals with greater accuracy than would be possible using either form of signaling alone. - FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a layout of a
tradeshow floor 40 using the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Thetradeshow floor 40 includesmultiple exhibit booths 42. Each of theexhibit booths 42 has a fixedlocation identifier 20 in the booth. A number of fixedlocation identifiers 20 are also located around the outskirts of the tradeshow floor to increase the accuracy of determined locations. The fixedlocation identifiers 20 send a signal to the network connectedelements 6 which are interfaced with thenetwork 10. One feature of the present invention is that the use of the fixedlocation identifiers 20 enables the use of a reduced number of the more expensive network connectedelements 6. Thenetwork connecting elements 6 interface with an existingnetwork 10 on thetradeshow floor 40 and do not require a new network to be set up in order to operate properly. Thenetwork 10 to which the network connectedelement 6 is connected may be a wired or wireless network with the result that the network connectedelement 6 may or may not be physically connected to the network. Thetradeshow floor 40 also includes a pair ofattendee display locations 44 at which an authorized user may display the current location of one or a number of tradeshow participants derived from the signals of their attachedobject identifiers 2. The process of using theattendee display locations 44 is explained in more detail below. - The use of the network connected
elements 6 and the fixedlocation identifiers 20 may be illustrated with an example. Anobject identifier 2 attached to a tradeshow attendee may be configured to emit alternating IR signals and RF signals bearing a unique identifier. If the attendee is located on the far side of anexhibit booth 42 the RF signal (which may travel through walls) may be picked up by a number of receivers located on the network connectedelements 6 and fixedlocation identifiers 20. However, the alternating IR signal emitted by theobject identifier 2 attached to the attendee will only be picked up by receivers in a direct line of sight (since line-of-sight signals do not travel through walls well). The number of receivers receiving the RF signal will vary with the power level (more power causes the signal to go farther and thus be received by more receivers) and the pattern of receivers receiving the signal, the type of signal, and the receiving range of the fixedlocation identifiers 6 which are frequently configured to have a smaller receiving range than the receivers on the networked connected elements, are all used by thelocation determining module 14 to determine a location for the attendee. In one embodiment, the fixed location identifier might have a receiving range for RF signals of 6 feet (as opposed to a 20 foot receiving range for theRF receiver 8 for the network connected element 6) which allows an attendee to be located to within 6 feet of the fixedlocation identifier 20 when the fixed location identifier receives a signal. The actual receiving ranges of theRF receivers - Once the
location determining module 14 has determined the current location of an attendee, the determined location is compared against the current location of other tradeshow participants, exhibits and pre-determined locations to determine the proximity of the located object to the other participants, exhibits or the pre-determined location. The predetermined location is usually a place of special interest, such as a location where a company officer is giving a speech. If the attendee is within a pre-defined distance of another attendee, exhibit or pre-determined location, thelocation determining module 14 determines the attendee and the other attendee, exhibit or pre-determined location are interacting, and records an association in thedatabase 18. Depending upon the implementation, thelocation determining module 14 may require the association to occur for a minimum period of time before deciding an association is occurring. The association is recorded for beginning time, ending time, duration and alternately for separate occurrences, all of which may be stored in thedatabase 18. Theelectronic device 2 holds, or is interfaced with, a variety of software programs to make use of the object associations determined by thelocation determining module 14. The software may utilize a JDBC interface located in thelocation determining module 14 which allows Java applications to send SQL commands to thedatabase 18. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the location of the various software components utilizing the object associations as input data may change without departing from the scope of the present invention. - Once the object associations have been determined by the
location determining module 14, the records of the associations may be provided as input data to a variety of software programs and processes. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps performed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to generate sales leads based upon the object associations determined by thelocation determining module 14. The sequence begins when an attendees location is determined to be interacting with an exhibit location of interest to the sales staff (step 60). Thelocation determining module 14 determines an association has occurred and the association is tracked and recorded for as long as it continues (step 62). The association that was determined by thelocation determining module 14 is provided as data input for a sales application which collects the names of attendees who attended a particular exhibit during the tradeshow (step 64). The data may be filtered by the sales application so that it filters the data to produce the top n % of attendees who attended the exhibit for the longest time (step 66). Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are multiple ways to filter the raw data without departing from the scope of the present invention. The filtered data may then be provided to the salesperson for follow up contact (step 68). Since the attendees who spent the longest amount of time with the exhibit probably have the most interest in the exhibit, the filtered associations provide the salesperson with a more receptive audience for follow up contact than would be available using conventional methods. The associations may be analyzed in real-time while the tradeshow is ongoing, or it may be analyzed after the tradeshow is over. - Sales related applications may use the object association data in a number of ways. In one embodiment, a tradeshow attendee who forms an association with a designated booth, display or item that meets duration criteria is automatically entered in a contest. In another embodiment, advertising campaigns are dynamically changed based upon how long a tradeshow attendee looks at something. Messages may be displayed in the attendee's location offering discounts if purchases are made within specified time periods. Discounts may be changed based on various parameters, including how much inventory is on hand, how an item is selling, time, historical buying patterns of the attendee, and similar factors.
- The object association data held in the
database 18 may also be used to determine the current location of a tradeshow attendee. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps performed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to determine and display the current location of tradeshow participants. The sequence begins when anobject identifier 2 attached to a participant broadcasts a signal to the network connected element 6 (step 80). The signal may be forwarded from a fixedlocation identifier 20 to the network connectedelement 6. The network connectedelement 6 appends a time stamp and its identifier onto the signal and sends it to theelectronic device 2 and location determining module 14 (step 82). Those skilled in the art will recognize that a number of different devices located at different points in the signal path may append the time stamp without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thelocation determining module 14 calculates the position of the tradeshow attendee as outlined above (step 84). Any associations for the attendee are then updated in the database 18 (step 86). An authorized participant on thetradeshow floor 40 may then go to theattendee display location 44 and request the current location of a particular attendee (step 88). Thelocation determining module 14 sends the current location of the attendee to the attendee display location where it is displayed on a map of thetradeshow floor 40. The request may be to determine the location of one attendee or multiple tradeshow attendees. Alternatively, the display information may be sent to a handheld device held by the tradeshow attendee. - In one embodiment of the present invention, individuals are allowed to opt in and opt out of the location system. By pressing a button on the object identifier, the location is determined but not displayed. This feature allows individuals to prevent their movements from being public knowledge to the other attendees of the tradeshow.
- In one embodiment, the object associations are used to verify attendance at continuing education seminars. The attendence of individuals at mandatory training sessions may be verified by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to make sure the individuals stay for the duration of a seminar. Those individuals staying for the duration of the seminar may be awarded continuing education credit.
- The object association data held in the
database 18 may also be used to send targeted messages to a tradeshow attendee. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the sequence of steps performed by the illustrative embodiment of the present invention to send targeted messages to selected attendees based on existing associations. The sequence begins when anobject identifier 2 attached to a participant broadcasts a signal to the network connected element 6 (step 100). The signal may be forwarded from a fixedlocation identifier 20 to the network connectedelement 6. The network connectedelement 6 sends the signal to theelectronic device 2 and location determining module 14 (step 102). Thelocation determining module 14 calculates the position of the tradeshow attendee as previously discussed (step 104). Any associations for the attendee are then updated in the database 18 (step 106). The identified association may then be programmatically compared against a template of associations. If the determined association matches an association listed in the template (step 108), a targeted message is broadcast to a device with a receiver located near the attendee (step 110). In some implementations, the message may be an interactive message requiring a response from the user. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other forms of storing associations of special interest besides a template may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. - The object association data may be used to determine how long all the attendees looked at a particular exhibit, display or booth, by cumulatively totaling the total number of tradeshow attendees who formed associations with the exhibit, display or booth, and the durations of those associations. This provides a good metric as to the length of time of the average association with the exhibit, display or booth which may be used as a guide to its effectiveness. The information may also be compared to historical data recorded from previous events to guage changes occurring over extended periods of time. Alternatively, the object association data may be used to page or contact a designated person if a specified individual enters a particular booth.
- Although many of the examples listed herein have been made with reference to a tradeshow environment, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention may be used to detect object associations in a variety of environments. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is equally applicable to company meetings, expositions, lectures and other events not ordinarily considered to be identical to tradeshows. Similarly, the word attendee has been used herein to describe an individual with an object identifier attached (directly or indirectly). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the attendance status of the individual bearing the
object identifier 2 does not affect the scope of the present invention. - It will thus be seen that the invention attains the objectives stated in the previous description. Since certain changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a literal sense. Practitioners of the art will realize that the sequence of steps depicted in the figures may be altered without departing from the scope of the present invention and that the illustrations contained herein are singular examples of a multitude of possible depictions of the present invention.
Claims (39)
1. A location system including a network with at least one network connected element and electronic device interfaced thereto, said network connected element including at least one signaling component capable of transmitting signals, and at least one receiving component capable of receiving signals, comprising:
a plurality of object identifiers, each said object identifier being a device attached to a person, each said object identifier having at least one signaling component, said signaling component generating a signal with a unique identifier, said signal received by said network connected element and incorporated into a second signal transmitted from said network connected element to said electronic device;
a database holding object associations interfaced with said network, each of said object associations being the interaction of a person to which said object identifier is attached with at least one of a person, object, advertising exhibit, and location, said interaction occurring when said person is within a defined distance at least one of a person, advertising exhibit, and location;
a location determining module interfaced with said network, said location determining module using said unique identifier and programmatically calculating the location of said object identifier and the person which the object identifier is attached using said unique identifier, said calculated location being used to determine an association between said person and at least one of a person, advertising exhibit, and location, the determined association being stored in said database.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said object identifier includes a receiving component, said receiving component receiving signals transmitted from said network connected element.
3. The system of claim 1 , comprising further:
a fixed location identifier not interfaced with said network and located at said advertising exhibit, said fixed location identifier including at least one receiving component receiving transmissions from said object identifier, said receiving component having a different receiving range than the receiving component for said network connected element, and at least one signaling component transmitting a signal to said network connected element, said network connected element incorporating the signal from the fixed location identifier into a signal sent to said electronic device, said location determining module using the receiving range of the receiving component of said fixed location identifier, the receiving range of the receiving component of said network connected element, and the known location of said fixed location identifier in the calculation of said object identifier location.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the duration of said determined association is stored in said database.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein separate occurrences of said determined associations are stored in said database.
6. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically using said determined associations to generate sales leads based on the average time said persons spend interacting with said advertising exhibit.
7. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically using said determined associations to generate sales leads based on multiple visits of said persons to said advertising exhibit.
8. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically using said determined associations to cumulatively total the number and duration of associations between a plurality of located persons and one of another person, object, advertising exhibit and location.
9. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically notifying a previously designated person upon the determination of a specified association.
10. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically using said determined associations to verify attendance of at least one person at an educational course offering.
11. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically using said determined associations to cumulatively compare current associations with recorded historical associations from previous events.
12. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically using said determined associations to dynamically alter the sales terms of an item, said altered terms displayed to said located person.
13. The system of claim 5 wherein said object identifier is embedded in a name badge of a person.
14. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically using said determined associations to enter said located person in a contest.
15. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically using said determined associations to transmit information to a located person in response to a request based on their current location.
16. The system of claim 5 , comprising further:
an application interfaced with said network, said application programmatically using said determined associations to generate a marketing message to one of said persons upon said located person associating with at least one of a pre-determined person, pre-determined advertising exhibit, and pre-determined location.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein said marketing message is an interactive message allowing a response from said located person.
18. The system of claim 1 , comprising further;
a display showing the locations of at least one of a located person, object, exhibit and location.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein said display is located in at least one of a kiosk and a handheld device.
20. The system of claim 18 wherein said located person alters the signal of said object identifier and the location of said located person is omitted from said display.
21. The system of claim 1 , wherein said object identifier includes a receiving component and said location determining module is located on said object identifier.
22. The system of claim 1 , wherein said object identifier includes a receiving component and is interfaced with said network.
23. In a location system, said location system including a network with an electronic device and a network connected element interfaced thereto, said network connected element including at least one signaling component capable of transmitting signals, and at least one receiving component capable of receiving signals, a method, comprising the steps of:
providing an object identifier attached to a person, said object identifier being a device having at least one transceiver, said transceiver generating a signal with a unique identifier, said signal received by said network connected element;
transmitting a second signal from said network connected element to said electronic device, said second signal incorporating said signal from said object identifier;
calculating programmatically the location of said object identifier and said person to which it is attached using said unique identifier and the location of said network connected element; and
recording associations in a database interfaced with said network, said associations being the interaction of said person with at least one of another person, object, exhibit and a location, said interaction occurring when the calculated location of said person is within a defined distance of at least one of another person, object, exhibit and a location
24. The method of claim 23 wherein said association is with a salesperson.
25. The method of claim 24 , comprising the further steps of:
programmatically generating sales leads based on determined associations between a located person and said salesperson.
26. The method of claim 24 , comprising the further steps of:
analyzing programmatically the compliance with training procedures of said salesperson.
27. The method of claim 23 , comprising the further steps of:
storing pre-defined associations involving a specified person in a location accessible over the network;
matching a determined association involving a specified person with one of said pre-defined associations; and
generating an event based on said matching of associations.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein said event is a warning message sent to said salesperson that a business competitor is attending a sales exhibit.
29. The method of claim 27 wherein said event is the recording of the time of a business competitor associating with a sales exhibit.
30. The method of claim 27 wherein said event is an audible alarm at a designated location.
31. The method of claim 23 wherein the signal generated by said object identifier is at least one of an ultrasound (US), signal an infrared (IR) signal and a radio frequency (RF) signal.
32. The method of claim 23 wherein the signal generated by said object identifier is at least two of an ultrasound (US), signal an infrared (IR) signal and a radio frequency (RF) signal.
33. The method of claim 23 , comprising the steps of:
transmitting an IR signal from said object identifier;
transmitting an RF signal from said object identifier;
periodically alternating the transmitting of said IR signal and said RF signal;
calculating the location of the object to which said object identifier is attached based upon the received signal characteristics of said IR signal and said RF signal.
34. The method of claim 23 wherein said network is a wireless network.
35. The method of claim 23 wherein said network is the Internet.
36. The method of claim 23 comprising the further steps of:
providing a fixed location identifier not interfaced with said network, said fixed location identifier including at least one receiving component, said receiving component having a different receiving range than the receiver for said network connected element, and at least one signaling component;
receiving said signal from said object identifier with said fixed location identifier;
transmitting an additional signal from said fixed location identifier to said network connected element, said additional signal incorporating said signal from said object identifier; and
calculating programmatically the location of said object identifier and the corresponding object which it is attached using the receiving range of the receiver of said fixed location identifier and the receiving range of the receiver of said network connected element in the calculation.
37. The method of claim 23 , wherein said object identifier includes at least one receiving component, comprising the further step of:
configuring the generation of signals sent by said object identifier by sending instructions from said electronic device to said object identifier over said network.
38. In a location system, said location system including a network with an electronic device and a network connected element interfaced thereto, said network connected element including at least one signaling component capable of transmitting signals, and at least one receiving component capable of receiving signals, a medium holding computer-executable steps for a method, said method comprising the steps of:
providing an object identifier attached to a person, said object identifier being a device having at least one transceiver, said transceiver generating a signal with a unique identifier, said signal received by said network connected element;
transmitting a second signal from said network connected element to said electronic device, said second signal incorporating said signal from said object identifier;
calculating programmatically the location of said object identifier and said person to which it is attached using said unique identifier and the location of said network connected element; and
recording associations in a database interfaced with said network, said associations being the interaction of said person with at least one of another person, object, exhibit and a location, said interaction occurring when the calculated location of said person is within a defined distance of at least one of another person, object, exhibit and a location.
39. The medium of claim 38 wherein said method comprises the further steps of:
storing pre-defined associations involving a specified person in a location accessible over the network;
matching a determined association involving a specified person with one of said pre-defined associations; and
generating an event based on said matching of associations.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/095,766 US20020165731A1 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2002-03-11 | System and method for performing object association at a tradeshow using a location tracking system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US27454401P | 2001-03-09 | 2001-03-09 | |
US10/095,766 US20020165731A1 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2002-03-11 | System and method for performing object association at a tradeshow using a location tracking system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020165731A1 true US20020165731A1 (en) | 2002-11-07 |
Family
ID=23048643
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/096,036 Active 2027-12-03 US8190730B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2002-03-11 | Location system and methods |
US10/095,766 Abandoned US20020165731A1 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2002-03-11 | System and method for performing object association at a tradeshow using a location tracking system |
US10/096,187 Expired - Lifetime US7099895B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2002-03-11 | System and method for performing object association using a location tracking system |
US11/503,651 Abandoned US20060277202A1 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2006-08-14 | System and method for performing object association using a location tracking system |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/096,036 Active 2027-12-03 US8190730B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2002-03-11 | Location system and methods |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/096,187 Expired - Lifetime US7099895B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2002-03-11 | System and method for performing object association using a location tracking system |
US11/503,651 Abandoned US20060277202A1 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2006-08-14 | System and method for performing object association using a location tracking system |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US8190730B2 (en) |
EP (3) | EP1370990A2 (en) |
JP (3) | JP2004536285A (en) |
AU (2) | AU2002252294A1 (en) |
CA (3) | CA2439005A1 (en) |
WO (3) | WO2002073357A2 (en) |
Cited By (45)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020165733A1 (en) * | 2001-04-05 | 2002-11-07 | Instrumentarium Corporation | Method and system for detecting variances in a tracking environment |
US20040030491A1 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2004-02-12 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Method and arrangement for guiding a user along a target path |
GB2392274A (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2004-02-25 | Hewlett Packard Development Co | Providing information about a real-world space using different types of location marker |
US20040103028A1 (en) * | 2002-11-26 | 2004-05-27 | The Advertizing Firm, Inc. | Method and system of advertising |
US20040189476A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2004-09-30 | Borovoy Richard D. | Apparatus and method for enhancing face-to-face communication |
US20040230809A1 (en) * | 2002-01-25 | 2004-11-18 | Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, A California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation | Portable wireless access to computer-based systems |
US20040243455A1 (en) * | 2004-04-28 | 2004-12-02 | Smith Martin P. | Apparatus and method for optimizing a selling environment |
US20040254008A1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2004-12-16 | Joseph Anderson | Raffle assembly |
US20050026631A1 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-02-03 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Method and apparatus for providing information about a real-world space |
US20050029432A1 (en) * | 2003-08-06 | 2005-02-10 | Bacarella Antonio V. | System and method for processing and displaying light energy |
US20050097111A1 (en) * | 2003-07-11 | 2005-05-05 | Arka Mukherjee | System and method for data integration using multi-dimensional, associative unique identifiers |
US20060100926A1 (en) * | 2004-11-11 | 2006-05-11 | International Business Machines Corp. | On demand advertising |
US20060099093A1 (en) * | 2004-11-08 | 2006-05-11 | Schlumberger Oilfield Services | Flow control valve and method |
US20060185005A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to transfer communications sessions between terminals in a healthcare environment |
US20060183426A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to control radio frequency interference in a healthcare environment |
US20060181243A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to facilitate clinician-charger interaction in a healthcare environment |
US20060181424A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to request assistance for a medical event occurring in a healthcare environment |
US20060184376A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to detect potentially supsicious motion or presence of equipment in a healthcare environment |
US20060195354A1 (en) * | 2005-02-28 | 2006-08-31 | Ntag Interactive Corporation | Method of scoring the performance of attendees at a meeting |
US20060236373A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-10-19 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to establish and suspend communications sessions in a healthcare environment |
US20060240771A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-10-26 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness ot establish communications with a target clinician in a healthcare environment |
US20060285685A1 (en) * | 2005-06-19 | 2006-12-21 | Temba Msezane | DNA Based Identification and Tracking System |
US20070004389A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2007-01-04 | Nortel Networks Limited | Method and system for enhancing collaboration |
WO2007010334A1 (en) * | 2005-07-21 | 2007-01-25 | Temba Msezane | Dna based identification and tracking system |
US20070236334A1 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-11 | Borovoy Richard D | Enhancing face-to-face communication |
US20080169927A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2008-07-17 | Alan Graves | Methods and systems for use in the provision of services in an institutional setting such as a healthcare facility |
US20090102645A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2009-04-23 | Borovoy Richard D | Adding social networking to devices |
US20090319182A1 (en) * | 2008-06-18 | 2009-12-24 | Dante Monteverde | User positioning guidance system, devices, and methods |
US20090319606A1 (en) * | 2008-06-18 | 2009-12-24 | Dante Monteverde | Methods and systems for expositions and conventions |
US20100217618A1 (en) * | 2009-02-25 | 2010-08-26 | Piccirillo Charles J | Event Detection Based on Location Observations and Status Conditions of Healthcare Resources |
US7831447B2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2010-11-09 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Healthcare computer system |
US8026821B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2011-09-27 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System for monitoring caregivers and equipment at a patient location |
US8082160B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2011-12-20 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System and method for collection and communication of data from multiple patient care devices |
US20120150578A1 (en) * | 2010-12-08 | 2012-06-14 | Motorola Solutions, Inc. | Task management in a workforce environment using an acoustic map constructed from aggregated audio |
US8421606B2 (en) | 2004-08-02 | 2013-04-16 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Wireless bed locating system |
US9142923B2 (en) | 2003-08-21 | 2015-09-22 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital bed having wireless data and locating capability |
US9210542B2 (en) * | 2013-12-09 | 2015-12-08 | Nec Europe Ltd. | Method and computer system for detecting crowds in a location tracking system |
US9230421B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2016-01-05 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System for monitoring caregivers and equipment |
US10095987B2 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2018-10-09 | Ebay Inc. | Integrating event-planning services into a payment system |
US10360787B2 (en) | 2016-05-05 | 2019-07-23 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Discriminating patient care communications system |
US10846610B2 (en) | 2016-02-05 | 2020-11-24 | Nec Corporation | Scalable system and method for real-time predictions and anomaly detection |
US10878251B2 (en) | 2015-11-12 | 2020-12-29 | Signify Holding B.V. | Image processing system |
US10916119B2 (en) | 2018-12-27 | 2021-02-09 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System and method for caregiver availability determination |
US20220217496A1 (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2022-07-07 | Ebay Inc. | Geofence Based On Members Of A Population |
US20230239169A1 (en) * | 2022-01-24 | 2023-07-27 | Zoom Video Communications, Inc. | Virtual expo analytics |
Families Citing this family (103)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8417538B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2013-04-09 | Consortium P, Inc. | System and method for performing object association based on interaction time using a location tracking system |
US6720922B2 (en) * | 2002-03-29 | 2004-04-13 | Microsoft Corporation | Radio-frequency badge for location measurement |
AU2003262905A1 (en) * | 2002-08-27 | 2004-03-19 | Closer Communications Llc | Wireless information retrieval and content dissemination system and method |
US7796944B2 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2010-09-14 | Motorola Mobility, Inc. | Communication system for dynamic management of a plurality of objects and method therefor |
US6838992B2 (en) * | 2003-03-21 | 2005-01-04 | Versus Technology, Inc. | Methods and systems for locating subjects and providing event notification within a tracking environment and badge for use therein |
EP1631929B1 (en) * | 2003-06-11 | 2013-08-07 | Draeger Medical Systems, Inc. | A portable patient monitoring system including location identification capability |
US10580519B2 (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2020-03-03 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | System and method of automatically displaying patient information |
US10152453B1 (en) | 2003-06-30 | 2018-12-11 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | System and method for managing medical prescriptions and inventory |
KR100494847B1 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2005-06-14 | 한국전자통신연구원 | Apparatus and Method for bidirectional and high-accurate position determination for ubiquitous computing environment |
US7633392B2 (en) * | 2004-05-05 | 2009-12-15 | General Electric Company | Radio frequency identification asset management system, and computer program product |
US7466232B2 (en) * | 2004-05-05 | 2008-12-16 | Trenstar Tracking Solutions, Inc. | Radio frequency identification asset management system and method |
US20050258937A1 (en) * | 2004-05-05 | 2005-11-24 | Trenstar, Inc. | Radio frequency identification asset management system and method |
EP1761884B1 (en) | 2004-06-24 | 2008-09-24 | Nxp B.V. | Method, reader and system for finding objects |
US7348883B2 (en) * | 2004-08-16 | 2008-03-25 | Sloan Dale A | Medical communication and locator system and method |
US20060097863A1 (en) * | 2004-10-21 | 2006-05-11 | Eric Horowitz | Tracking equipment |
CN1779481B (en) * | 2004-11-26 | 2011-12-14 | 国际商业机器公司 | Position identifying method, mobile terminal and system |
US20060143064A1 (en) * | 2004-12-23 | 2006-06-29 | Mock Von A | Method and system for managing events |
US7598854B2 (en) * | 2005-03-01 | 2009-10-06 | Chon Meng Wong | System and method for creating a proximity map of plurality of living beings and objects |
WO2006095406A1 (en) * | 2005-03-07 | 2006-09-14 | National Institute Of Information And Communications Technology | Positional information server system, and radio communication system using the former |
KR101313407B1 (en) | 2005-03-29 | 2013-10-01 | 스트라이커 커네이디언 매니지먼트 인크. | Location detection system for a patient handling device |
US9838836B2 (en) | 2005-03-29 | 2017-12-05 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus communication systems |
US9937090B2 (en) | 2005-03-29 | 2018-04-10 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus communication systems |
JP4137910B2 (en) * | 2005-05-09 | 2008-08-20 | 日本電信電話株式会社 | Positioning device, identification information transmitting device, receiving device, positioning system, positioning method, computer program, and recording medium |
US8112401B2 (en) * | 2005-05-25 | 2012-02-07 | Ecteon, Inc. | Analyzing externally generated documents in document management system |
US7259676B2 (en) * | 2005-05-31 | 2007-08-21 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Mode-diversity RFAID tag and interrogator system and method for identifying an RFAID transponder |
CA2550812A1 (en) * | 2005-06-22 | 2006-12-22 | Axigon Healthcare Technologies Incorporated | Two-way wireless monitoring system and method |
US7953826B2 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2011-05-31 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Provisioning and redundancy for RFID middleware servers |
US10390212B2 (en) | 2016-09-15 | 2019-08-20 | Proximity Grid, Inc. | Tracking system having an option of not being trackable |
US7761400B2 (en) | 2005-07-22 | 2010-07-20 | John Reimer | Identifying events |
US10015630B2 (en) | 2016-09-15 | 2018-07-03 | Proximity Grid, Inc. | Tracking people |
US7333018B2 (en) * | 2005-07-25 | 2008-02-19 | Honeywell International Inc. | Asset location system with enhanced accuracy |
US20070129084A1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2007-06-07 | Nortel Networks Limited | Creating and recognizing user-defined locations using communication terminals |
US7839266B2 (en) * | 2006-05-15 | 2010-11-23 | Linksense, Inc. | System and method for managing point of care assignments |
US7636043B2 (en) * | 2006-06-29 | 2009-12-22 | General Instrument Corporation | Method and apparatus for improving the accuracy of security systems |
US8175925B1 (en) | 2006-08-18 | 2012-05-08 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Position-based item identification in a materials handling facility |
ITPI20060161A1 (en) * | 2006-12-27 | 2008-06-28 | Quality For Technology S P A | METHOD FOR THE REALIZATION OF A PORTABLE MULTIMEDIA GUIDE WITH AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION. |
US8451725B1 (en) * | 2006-12-31 | 2013-05-28 | At&T Intellectual Property Ii, L.P. | Method and apparatus for distributed compositional control of end-to-end media in IP networks |
US20080164998A1 (en) * | 2007-01-05 | 2008-07-10 | Siemens Medical Solutions Usa, Inc. | Location Sensitive Healthcare Task Management System |
US8139945B1 (en) | 2007-01-20 | 2012-03-20 | Centrak, Inc. | Methods and systems for synchronized infrared real time location |
SG147329A1 (en) * | 2007-04-18 | 2008-11-28 | Anomaly Pte Ltd | A multi function watch |
US7761475B2 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2010-07-20 | Objectivity, Inc. | Method, system and computer-readable media for managing dynamic object associations as a variable-length array of object references of heterogeneous types binding |
US20090119062A1 (en) * | 2007-11-01 | 2009-05-07 | Timetracking Buddy Llc | Time Tracking Methods and Systems |
EP2065726B9 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2012-04-25 | Universitetet I Oslo | Ultrasound zone location system with high capacity |
US8013735B2 (en) * | 2008-02-14 | 2011-09-06 | Lojack Operating Company, Lp | Asset recovery system |
US8360975B1 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2013-01-29 | Midmark Corporation | Networked interface appliance for improved medical device integration and physician workflow |
US8212653B1 (en) | 2008-03-20 | 2012-07-03 | The General Hospital Corp. | Protected zone system |
US20090306893A1 (en) * | 2008-06-06 | 2009-12-10 | Harris Corporation | Information processing system for a store providing consumer-specific advertisement features and related methods |
US8976027B2 (en) * | 2008-06-06 | 2015-03-10 | Harris Corporation | Information processing system for consumers at a store using personal mobile wireless devices and related methods |
US20100137001A1 (en) * | 2008-12-01 | 2010-06-03 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute | Terminal and method for providing terminal position |
CA2768883C (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2018-05-22 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method for a personal mobile device communication of service orders |
US8285564B2 (en) * | 2009-04-05 | 2012-10-09 | Awarepoint Corporation | Wireless tracking system and method for analyzing an interaction between objects |
US8164439B2 (en) * | 2009-06-18 | 2012-04-24 | The General Hospital Corp. | Ultrasonic compliance zone system |
US8547220B1 (en) | 2009-06-18 | 2013-10-01 | The General Hospital Corporation | Ultrasonic compliance zone system |
US8600556B2 (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2013-12-03 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Smart building manager |
US20120084188A1 (en) * | 2009-06-26 | 2012-04-05 | Thomas Zuber | Method for interactively collaborating across online social networking communities |
JP2011017685A (en) * | 2009-07-10 | 2011-01-27 | Kenwood Corp | Positioning system and control method |
JP2011017684A (en) * | 2009-07-10 | 2011-01-27 | Kenwood Corp | Positioning system and control method |
US20110025464A1 (en) * | 2009-07-30 | 2011-02-03 | Awarepoint Corporation | Antenna Diversity For Wireless Tracking System And Method |
KR20110016098A (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2011-02-17 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Apparatus and method for offering information of goods on mobile communication terminal |
US8140258B1 (en) | 2010-03-02 | 2012-03-20 | The General Hospital Corporation | Wayfinding system |
US9000930B2 (en) | 2010-05-24 | 2015-04-07 | Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp | Hand hygiene compliance system |
US8514071B2 (en) * | 2010-07-28 | 2013-08-20 | Versus Technology, Inc. | Real-time method and system for locating a mobile object or person in a tracking environment |
US9672726B2 (en) | 2010-11-08 | 2017-06-06 | Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp | Hand hygiene compliance monitoring system |
US8744397B2 (en) * | 2011-03-02 | 2014-06-03 | Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. | System for providing profile information |
US8938257B2 (en) * | 2011-08-19 | 2015-01-20 | Qualcomm, Incorporated | Logo detection for indoor positioning |
US8385973B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2013-02-26 | Peter Tamposi | Remote equipment control system |
US9400320B2 (en) | 2012-04-04 | 2016-07-26 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Methods and apparatus for efficient transport and management of a positioning and timing almanac |
US10474808B2 (en) | 2013-03-29 | 2019-11-12 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital bed compatibility with third party application software |
US10290071B2 (en) | 2013-03-29 | 2019-05-14 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Universal caregiver interface |
US10021737B2 (en) * | 2013-09-17 | 2018-07-10 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Techniques for determining common characteristics of groups of wireless access points |
US9830424B2 (en) | 2013-09-18 | 2017-11-28 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed/room/patient association systems and methods |
JP2016008940A (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2016-01-18 | 株式会社デンソー | Positional information providing device, position notification device, and program |
EP3002695B1 (en) | 2014-09-30 | 2022-01-26 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital bed compatibility with third party application software |
JP6142898B2 (en) * | 2014-09-30 | 2017-06-07 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Positioning system |
US10403401B2 (en) | 2014-11-19 | 2019-09-03 | Stryker Corporation | Medical apparatus with selectively enabled features |
CN104794201B (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2018-03-30 | 哈尔滨工业大学深圳研究生院 | A kind of stratification locus based on Voronoi diagram and terrestrial reference describes method and device |
EP3103385A1 (en) | 2015-06-12 | 2016-12-14 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Image transmission or recording triggered by bed event |
US11020295B2 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2021-06-01 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care |
US10813806B2 (en) | 2016-05-24 | 2020-10-27 | Stryker Corporation | Medical support apparatus with stand assistance |
CN110709786B (en) | 2017-04-13 | 2021-07-02 | 江森自控科技公司 | Building management system with spatial profiles |
US10742441B2 (en) | 2017-04-13 | 2020-08-11 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Unified building management system |
US11025563B2 (en) | 2017-04-13 | 2021-06-01 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Space-aware network switch |
CN110709784A (en) | 2017-04-26 | 2020-01-17 | 唯景公司 | Colorable window system computing platform |
US10749607B2 (en) * | 2017-07-06 | 2020-08-18 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Integrated infra-red receiver and low/high-frequency receiver in portable transponder device |
WO2019044629A1 (en) * | 2017-08-31 | 2019-03-07 | 株式会社村田製作所 | Position estimation system |
NO20171507A1 (en) * | 2017-09-19 | 2019-03-20 | Fdvlink As | Communication system for gathering data about the location of an object in a building |
US10904076B2 (en) | 2018-05-30 | 2021-01-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Directing functioning of an object based on its association to another object in an environment |
US11960261B2 (en) | 2019-07-12 | 2024-04-16 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | HVAC system with sustainability and emissions controls |
US11761660B2 (en) | 2019-01-30 | 2023-09-19 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Building control system with feedback and feedforward total energy flow compensation |
US11911325B2 (en) | 2019-02-26 | 2024-02-27 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed interface for manual location |
US11274842B2 (en) | 2019-07-12 | 2022-03-15 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Systems and methods for optimizing ventilation, filtration, and conditioning schemes for buildings |
CN114364926B (en) | 2019-07-12 | 2024-04-05 | 江森自控泰科知识产权控股有限责任合伙公司 | HVAC system with design and operation tools for building infection control |
US11714393B2 (en) | 2019-07-12 | 2023-08-01 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Building control system with load curtailment optimization |
CN111114833B (en) * | 2019-12-11 | 2021-08-20 | 上海卫星工程研究所 | Method and system for compatible track maintenance and relay application based on autonomous mission planning |
CN115398464A (en) * | 2020-03-23 | 2022-11-25 | 唯景公司 | Identifying, reducing health risks in a facility and tracking occupancy of a facility |
US11783240B2 (en) | 2020-04-02 | 2023-10-10 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Building management system with dynamic workspace assignment |
US11367534B2 (en) | 2020-04-02 | 2022-06-21 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Systems and methods for contagious disease risk management |
US11536476B2 (en) | 2020-05-12 | 2022-12-27 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Building system with flexible facility operation |
US11276024B2 (en) | 2020-06-25 | 2022-03-15 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Systems and methods for managing a trusted service provider network |
US11865352B2 (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2024-01-09 | Zoll Medical Corporation | Remote monitoring devices and related methods and systems with audible AED signal listening |
AU2022247492A1 (en) * | 2021-03-31 | 2023-11-02 | Umano Medical Inc. | System and method for locating and managing patient support apparatus in a healthcare facility |
US11729577B2 (en) | 2021-07-08 | 2023-08-15 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Building management system with geofenced configuration templates |
US20230062727A1 (en) | 2021-08-13 | 2023-03-02 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient request system having patient falls risk notification and caregiver notes access |
Citations (94)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US589229A (en) * | 1897-08-31 | Covered bake-pan | ||
US4151407A (en) * | 1977-04-28 | 1979-04-24 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Low-power, infrared information transmission system |
US4225953A (en) * | 1978-09-29 | 1980-09-30 | Simon William F | Personnel locator |
US4275385A (en) * | 1979-08-13 | 1981-06-23 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Infrared personnel locator system |
US4462022A (en) * | 1981-11-12 | 1984-07-24 | A. R. F. Products, Inc. | Security system with radio frequency coupled remote sensors |
US4471345A (en) * | 1982-03-05 | 1984-09-11 | Sensormatic Electronics Corporation | Randomized tag to portal communication system |
US4495496A (en) * | 1981-12-15 | 1985-01-22 | Johnson Engineering Corp. | Personnel monitoring and locating system |
US4598275A (en) * | 1983-05-09 | 1986-07-01 | Marc Industries Incorporated | Movement monitor |
US4598272A (en) * | 1984-08-06 | 1986-07-01 | Cox Randall P | Electronic monitoring apparatus |
US4601064A (en) * | 1983-01-13 | 1986-07-15 | Fisher Berkeley Corporation | Communication system |
US4649385A (en) * | 1982-08-13 | 1987-03-10 | Teloc R & D Ltd. | Electronic locating system for persons receiving telephone calls |
US4654793A (en) * | 1984-10-15 | 1987-03-31 | Showdata, Inc. | System and method for registering and keeping track of the activities of attendees at a trade show, convention or the like |
US4656463A (en) * | 1983-04-21 | 1987-04-07 | Intelli-Tech Corporation | LIMIS systems, devices and methods |
US4682155A (en) * | 1986-01-13 | 1987-07-21 | Central Security Mfg. Corp. | Personnel security system |
US4814751A (en) * | 1987-02-27 | 1989-03-21 | Wildlife Materials, Inc. | Patient tracking system |
US4868859A (en) * | 1987-06-12 | 1989-09-19 | Bt Telecom, Inc. | Supervised, interactive alarm reporting system |
US4906853A (en) * | 1988-03-17 | 1990-03-06 | United Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Apparatus and method for varying the timing of a control signal |
US4916444A (en) * | 1988-03-25 | 1990-04-10 | King Fred N | Method and apparatus for mapping communications media |
US4924211A (en) * | 1988-10-28 | 1990-05-08 | Digital Products Corporation | Personnel monitoring system |
US4952928A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1990-08-28 | B. I. Incorporated | Adaptable electronic monitoring and identification system |
US4952913A (en) * | 1986-04-15 | 1990-08-28 | B. I. Incorporated | Tag for use with personnel monitoring system |
US4982176A (en) * | 1990-01-17 | 1991-01-01 | Frank Schwarz | Solar powered lighting and alarm systems activated by motion detection |
US5014040A (en) * | 1988-10-14 | 1991-05-07 | Instantel Inc. | Personal locator transmitter |
US5017794A (en) * | 1988-03-17 | 1991-05-21 | United Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Apparatus and method for varying the timing of a control signal |
US5027383A (en) * | 1987-06-12 | 1991-06-25 | Versus Technology, Inc. | Supervised, interactive alarm reporting system |
US5027314A (en) * | 1988-03-17 | 1991-06-25 | United Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Apparatus and method for position reporting |
US5103108A (en) * | 1985-10-17 | 1992-04-07 | Crimmins James W | Distributed infrared communication system |
US5119104A (en) * | 1990-05-04 | 1992-06-02 | Heller Alan C | Location system adapted for use in multipath environments |
US5131019A (en) * | 1987-12-07 | 1992-07-14 | Versus Technology, Inc. | System for interfacing an alarm reporting device with a cellular radio transceiver |
US5194856A (en) * | 1990-06-11 | 1993-03-16 | Ericsson Radio Systems B.V. | System for detecting the presence in a rack of a portable unit suitable for transmitting or receiving a signal containing an identification number assigned thereto |
US5218344A (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1993-06-08 | Ricketts James G | Method and system for monitoring personnel |
US5228449A (en) * | 1991-01-22 | 1993-07-20 | Athanasios G. Christ | System and method for detecting out-of-hospital cardiac emergencies and summoning emergency assistance |
US5276496A (en) * | 1992-10-30 | 1994-01-04 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Optical receiver for area location system |
US5283549A (en) * | 1991-05-31 | 1994-02-01 | Intellitech Industries, Inc. | Infrared sentry with voiced radio dispatched alarms |
US5301353A (en) * | 1990-02-12 | 1994-04-05 | Motorola, Inc. | Communication system and apparatus |
US5317309A (en) * | 1990-11-06 | 1994-05-31 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Dual mode electronic identification system |
US5319191A (en) * | 1993-03-25 | 1994-06-07 | K & M Electronics, Inc. | Ask receiver with signal delay and stretching |
US5382948A (en) * | 1993-06-03 | 1995-01-17 | Richmond; Henry | Vehicular security system with remote signalling for auto carjacking functions |
US5387993A (en) * | 1993-06-25 | 1995-02-07 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Method for receiving and transmitting optical data and control information to and from remotely located receivers and transmitters in an optical locator system |
US5402469A (en) * | 1989-02-18 | 1995-03-28 | Olivetti Research Limited | Carrier locating system |
US5416468A (en) * | 1993-10-29 | 1995-05-16 | Motorola, Inc. | Two-tiered system and method for remote monitoring |
US5426425A (en) * | 1992-10-07 | 1995-06-20 | Wescom, Inc. | Intelligent locator system with multiple bits represented in each pulse |
US5440559A (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 1995-08-08 | Seiko Communications Holding N.V. | Portable wireless communication device |
US5485634A (en) * | 1993-12-14 | 1996-01-16 | Xerox Corporation | Method and system for the dynamic selection, allocation and arbitration of control between devices within a region |
US5493692A (en) * | 1993-12-03 | 1996-02-20 | Xerox Corporation | Selective delivery of electronic messages in a multiple computer system based on context and environment of a user |
US5493283A (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1996-02-20 | Olivetti Research Limited | Locating and authentication system |
US5512879A (en) * | 1994-07-25 | 1996-04-30 | Stokes; John H. | Apparatus to prevent infant kidnappings and mixups |
US5521902A (en) * | 1993-12-06 | 1996-05-28 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Location identification in a communications signalling network |
US5544321A (en) * | 1993-12-03 | 1996-08-06 | Xerox Corporation | System for granting ownership of device by user based on requested level of ownership, present state of the device, and the context of the device |
US5548637A (en) * | 1993-09-09 | 1996-08-20 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Method and apparatus for locating personnel and objects in response to telephone inquiries |
US5594786A (en) * | 1990-07-27 | 1997-01-14 | Executone Information Systems, Inc. | Patient care and communication system |
US5610589A (en) * | 1995-02-09 | 1997-03-11 | Bennie R. Evans | Method and apparatus for enforcing hygiene |
US5621384A (en) * | 1993-07-26 | 1997-04-15 | K And M Electronics, Inc. | Infrared communicating device |
US5627517A (en) * | 1995-11-01 | 1997-05-06 | Xerox Corporation | Decentralized tracking and routing system wherein packages are associated with active tags |
US5633875A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-05-27 | General Electric Company | Protocol and mechanism for centralized asset tracking communications |
US5742233A (en) * | 1997-01-21 | 1998-04-21 | Hoffman Resources, Llc | Personal security and tracking system |
US5774876A (en) * | 1996-06-26 | 1998-06-30 | Par Government Systems Corporation | Managing assets with active electronic tags |
US5793630A (en) * | 1996-06-14 | 1998-08-11 | Xerox Corporation | High precision spatially defined data transfer system |
US5903373A (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1999-05-11 | Spectrix Corporation | Method and apparatus for locating a transmitter of a diffuse infrared signal within an enclosed area |
US5917425A (en) * | 1996-01-22 | 1999-06-29 | Wireless Communiations Products, Llc | IR/RF locator |
US5929848A (en) * | 1994-11-02 | 1999-07-27 | Visible Interactive Corporation | Interactive personal interpretive device and system for retrieving information about a plurality of objects |
US5936542A (en) * | 1995-09-11 | 1999-08-10 | Nomadix, Llc | Convention ID badge system |
US5936527A (en) * | 1998-02-10 | 1999-08-10 | E-Tag Systems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for locating and tracking documents and other objects |
US6011487A (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 2000-01-04 | Ncr Corporation | System and method of locating wireless devices |
US6034622A (en) * | 1995-08-18 | 2000-03-07 | Robert A. Levine | Location monitoring via implanted radio transmitter |
US6040774A (en) * | 1998-05-27 | 2000-03-21 | Sarnoff Corporation | Locating system and method employing radio frequency tags |
US6075443A (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2000-06-13 | Sarnoff Corporation | Wireless tether |
US6075433A (en) * | 1995-05-29 | 2000-06-13 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Power supply unit |
US6085240A (en) * | 1997-08-08 | 2000-07-04 | Nec Corporation | Agent identification device, agent device with program reception function, and network system |
US6100806A (en) * | 1994-12-30 | 2000-08-08 | Advanced Business Sciences, Inc. | Apparatus and method for continuous electronic monitoring and tracking of individuals |
US6104295A (en) * | 1998-07-20 | 2000-08-15 | Versus Technology, Inc. | Electronic band tag and method of storing ID information therein |
US6169484B1 (en) * | 1998-04-28 | 2001-01-02 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | Personal location system |
US6172596B1 (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 2001-01-09 | Intermec Ip Corp. | System method and apparatus for identifying and communicating with a plurality of types of radio frequency communication devices |
US6175308B1 (en) * | 1993-12-16 | 2001-01-16 | Actall Corporation | Personal duress security system |
US6181933B1 (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 2001-01-30 | Hyundai Electronics Ind. Co., Ltd. | Mobile communication system and controlling method thereof for paging and establishing dynamically paging area |
US6211790B1 (en) * | 1999-05-19 | 2001-04-03 | Elpas North America, Inc. | Infant and parent matching and security system and method of matching infant and parent |
US6222484B1 (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2001-04-24 | Ronald L. Seiple | Personal emergency location system |
US6222440B1 (en) * | 1998-02-23 | 2001-04-24 | Freshloc Technologies, Inc. | Location, identification and telemetry system using strobed signals at predetermined intervals |
US20010000958A1 (en) * | 1997-11-03 | 2001-05-10 | Ulrich Daniel J. | Personnel and asset tracking method and apparatus |
US6236335B1 (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 2001-05-22 | Ncr Corporation | System and method of tracking short range transmitters |
US6237051B1 (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 2001-05-22 | Data Capture Institute | Asset tracking within and across enterprise boundaries |
US6249252B1 (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 2001-06-19 | Tracbeam Llc | Wireless location using multiple location estimators |
US6259404B1 (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 2001-07-10 | Signatron Technology Corporation | Position location system and method |
US20010011954A1 (en) * | 1998-03-11 | 2001-08-09 | Monty M. Shelton | Public area locator system |
US6281811B1 (en) * | 1999-06-11 | 2001-08-28 | Anthony S Ranzino | Communication and location system for shopping malls, parks, business districts, and the like |
USRE37531E1 (en) * | 1993-07-02 | 2002-01-29 | Executone Information Systems, Inc. | System for identifying object locations |
US6363525B1 (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 2002-03-26 | Wink Communications, Inc. | Method and apparatus for routing confidential information |
US6373389B1 (en) * | 2000-04-21 | 2002-04-16 | Usm Systems, Ltd. | Event driven information system |
US20020053980A1 (en) * | 2000-11-08 | 2002-05-09 | Nhk Spring Co., Ltd | Car-seat-occupant sensing device |
US6424264B1 (en) * | 2000-10-12 | 2002-07-23 | Safetzone Technologies Corporation | System for real-time location of people in a fixed environment |
US6539393B1 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2003-03-25 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Portable locator system |
US6674368B2 (en) * | 2000-08-28 | 2004-01-06 | Continental Divide Robotics, Inc. | Automated tracking system |
US6700533B1 (en) * | 1999-05-06 | 2004-03-02 | Rf Technologies, Inc. | Asset and personnel tagging system utilizing GPS |
US6906625B1 (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2005-06-14 | Time Domain Corporation | System and method for information assimilation and functionality control based on positioning information obtained by impulse radio techniques |
Family Cites Families (81)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5062151A (en) | 1983-01-13 | 1991-10-29 | Fisher Berkeley Corporation | Communication system |
US4549264A (en) * | 1983-10-04 | 1985-10-22 | B.I. Incorporated | Time and accounting system |
JPS6081698A (en) | 1983-10-07 | 1985-05-09 | 東京電力株式会社 | Monitor and command guide system using electromagnetic wave |
US4955000A (en) | 1986-07-17 | 1990-09-04 | Nac Engineering And Marketing, Inc. | Ultrasonic personnel location identification system |
GB8726933D0 (en) | 1987-11-18 | 1987-12-23 | Cadell T E | Telemetry system |
US5465082A (en) | 1990-07-27 | 1995-11-07 | Executone Information Systems, Inc. | Apparatus for automating routine communication in a facility |
US5822544A (en) | 1990-07-27 | 1998-10-13 | Executone Information Systems, Inc. | Patient care and communication system |
US6958706B2 (en) * | 1990-07-27 | 2005-10-25 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient care and communication system |
US5826195A (en) * | 1992-01-27 | 1998-10-20 | Highwaymaster Communications, Inc. | Data messaging in a communications network |
US5355222A (en) | 1992-05-15 | 1994-10-11 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Optical receiver for area location system |
US5363425A (en) | 1992-06-29 | 1994-11-08 | Northern Telecom Limited | Method and apparatus for providing a personal locator, access control and asset tracking service using an in-building telephone network |
DE69326934T2 (en) | 1992-12-16 | 2000-03-30 | Siemens Medical Systems Inc | Patient location and patient data monitoring system |
US5467074A (en) | 1992-12-18 | 1995-11-14 | Detection Systems, Inc. | Personal security system with transmitter test mode |
US5838223A (en) | 1993-07-12 | 1998-11-17 | Hill-Rom, Inc. | Patient/nurse call system |
US5561412A (en) | 1993-07-12 | 1996-10-01 | Hill-Rom, Inc. | Patient/nurse call system |
US5812865A (en) | 1993-12-03 | 1998-09-22 | Xerox Corporation | Specifying and establishing communication data paths between particular media devices in multiple media device computing systems based on context of a user or users |
US5661492A (en) * | 1994-01-31 | 1997-08-26 | Motorola, Inc. | Personal alarm location system and method |
JP2701731B2 (en) | 1994-01-31 | 1998-01-21 | 日本電気株式会社 | Wireless selective call receiver for computer connection |
US5479408A (en) | 1994-02-22 | 1995-12-26 | Will; Craig A. | Wireless personal paging, communications, and locating system |
US5515426A (en) | 1994-02-28 | 1996-05-07 | Executone Information Systems, Inc. | Telephone communication system having a locator |
US5568963A (en) * | 1994-03-09 | 1996-10-29 | Del Mar Avionics | Method and apparatus for multimedia presentations |
US5818385A (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1998-10-06 | Bartholomew; Darin E. | Antenna system and method |
US5572195A (en) | 1994-08-01 | 1996-11-05 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Sensory and control system for local area networks |
IL111550A (en) * | 1994-11-07 | 1998-04-05 | Visonic Ltd | Signaling network system |
US5570079A (en) | 1995-04-24 | 1996-10-29 | Dockery; Devan | Home security system for detecting an intrusion into a monitored area by an infrared detector |
US6671563B1 (en) * | 1995-05-15 | 2003-12-30 | Alaris Medical Systems, Inc. | System and method for collecting data and managing patient care |
US6259405B1 (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 2001-07-10 | Wayport, Inc. | Geographic based communications service |
CA2227432C (en) | 1995-07-20 | 2001-05-22 | Novell, Inc. | Transaction synchronization in a disconnectable computer and network |
US6088586A (en) * | 1996-01-24 | 2000-07-11 | Codem Systems, Inc. | System for signaling within a cellular telephone system |
US5732401A (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 1998-03-24 | Intellitecs International Ltd. | Activity based cost tracking systems |
US5790974A (en) * | 1996-04-29 | 1998-08-04 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Portable calendaring device having perceptual agent managing calendar entries |
US6128549A (en) | 1996-06-21 | 2000-10-03 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | RF interrogatable processing system |
US5804810A (en) * | 1996-06-26 | 1998-09-08 | Par Government Systems Corporation | Communicating with electronic tags |
US5892441A (en) * | 1996-06-26 | 1999-04-06 | Par Government Systems Corporation | Sensing with active electronic tags |
US5959568A (en) * | 1996-06-26 | 1999-09-28 | Par Goverment Systems Corporation | Measuring distance |
GB2337386B (en) | 1996-09-09 | 2001-04-04 | Dennis J Dupray | Location of a mobile station |
US6353406B1 (en) | 1996-10-17 | 2002-03-05 | R.F. Technologies, Inc. | Dual mode tracking system |
CN1233327A (en) | 1996-10-17 | 1999-10-27 | 准确定位公司 | Article tracking system |
US5977913A (en) | 1997-02-07 | 1999-11-02 | Dominion Wireless | Method and apparatus for tracking and locating personnel |
US5844482A (en) | 1997-05-20 | 1998-12-01 | Guthrie; Warren E. | Tagging system using motion detector |
US6091956A (en) * | 1997-06-12 | 2000-07-18 | Hollenberg; Dennis D. | Situation information system |
US6009333A (en) | 1997-08-14 | 1999-12-28 | Executone Information Systems, Inc. | Telephone communication system having a locator and a scheduling facility |
US6160481A (en) * | 1997-09-10 | 2000-12-12 | Taylor, Jr.; John E | Monitoring system |
US5956725A (en) * | 1997-11-26 | 1999-09-21 | Interanational Business Machines Corporation | Schema mapping to a legacy table with primary and foreign key support |
US6122520A (en) * | 1998-02-13 | 2000-09-19 | Xerox Corporation | System and method for obtaining and using location specific information |
US6154139A (en) | 1998-04-21 | 2000-11-28 | Versus Technology | Method and system for locating subjects within a tracking environment |
JP3428902B2 (en) * | 1998-06-23 | 2003-07-22 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Network management method, network management equipment and network connection device |
US6970183B1 (en) * | 2000-06-14 | 2005-11-29 | E-Watch, Inc. | Multimedia surveillance and monitoring system including network configuration |
US6141584A (en) * | 1998-09-30 | 2000-10-31 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. | Defibrillator with wireless communications |
US6184829B1 (en) | 1999-01-08 | 2001-02-06 | Trueposition, Inc. | Calibration for wireless location system |
WO2000041402A2 (en) * | 1999-01-08 | 2000-07-13 | Trueposition, Inc. | A signal collection system |
US6317082B1 (en) | 1999-02-12 | 2001-11-13 | Wherenet Corp | Wireless call tag based material replenishment system |
WO2000069198A1 (en) | 1999-05-06 | 2000-11-16 | Cell-Loc Inc. | Wireless location system |
US6542951B1 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2003-04-01 | Gateway, Inc. | Information handling system having integrated internal scalable storage system |
US6456239B1 (en) | 1999-08-25 | 2002-09-24 | Rf Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for locating mobile tags |
US6380894B1 (en) * | 1999-08-30 | 2002-04-30 | Wherenet Corporation | Multi-lateration system with automatic calibration and error removal |
AU2298801A (en) | 1999-10-21 | 2001-04-30 | Pinpoint Corporation | Method and apparatus for low cost asset location |
IL132711A (en) * | 1999-11-03 | 2005-05-17 | Elpas Electro Optic Systems Lt | Dual rf/ir communication device and method of use thereof |
US6424840B1 (en) * | 1999-11-05 | 2002-07-23 | Signalsoft Corp. | Method and system for dynamic location-based zone assignment for a wireless communication network |
IL132778A (en) | 1999-11-05 | 2005-05-17 | Elpas Electro Optic Systems Lt | Method and system for transmitting short messages to a portable ir transceiver |
IL132787A (en) | 1999-11-07 | 2005-05-17 | Elpas Electro Optic Systems Lt | Battery-powered ir transmitter having constant power output |
US6216087B1 (en) | 1999-11-23 | 2001-04-10 | Xerox Corporation | Infrared beacon positioning system |
US6512478B1 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2003-01-28 | Rockwell Technologies, Llc | Location position system for relay assisted tracking |
US20010049629A1 (en) | 2000-01-11 | 2001-12-06 | Freeman Jeffrey R. | Package location system |
US6859485B2 (en) * | 2000-03-07 | 2005-02-22 | Wherenet Corporation | Geolocation system with controllable tags enabled by wireless communications to the tags |
GB2360356A (en) | 2000-03-18 | 2001-09-19 | Rupert William Meldrum Curwen | Actuating an operation in accordance with location of a transponder |
US6593885B2 (en) * | 2000-04-27 | 2003-07-15 | Wherenet Corp | Low cost DTOA location processing system based on multiple readers-to-single processor architecture |
EP1290652A2 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2003-03-12 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital monitoring and control system and method |
GB2362978A (en) | 2000-06-02 | 2001-12-05 | Janice Glover | Location system |
US6519530B2 (en) | 2000-08-15 | 2003-02-11 | Ewatchdogs, Inc. | Intelligent remote location system |
US20020091659A1 (en) * | 2000-09-12 | 2002-07-11 | Beaulieu Christopher F. | Portable viewing of medical images using handheld computers |
US20020039067A1 (en) | 2000-10-03 | 2002-04-04 | Timothy Eubanks | Personnel location system |
WO2002034331A2 (en) * | 2000-10-26 | 2002-05-02 | Medtronic, Inc. | Externally worn transceiver for use with an implantable medical device |
US7069025B2 (en) | 2000-11-14 | 2006-06-27 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for identifying asset location in communication networks |
US6995654B2 (en) * | 2000-12-15 | 2006-02-07 | X-Cyte, Inc. | Apparatus and method for locating a tagged item |
US7046657B2 (en) * | 2000-12-20 | 2006-05-16 | Wherenet Corp | Wireless local area network system with mobile access point station determination |
AU2002231224A1 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2002-07-08 | The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. | Geographical navigation using multipath wireless navigation signals |
US7493565B2 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2009-02-17 | Microsoft Corporation | Environment-interactive context-aware devices and methods |
US6892054B2 (en) * | 2000-12-29 | 2005-05-10 | Wherenet Corp | Interference suppression for wireless local area network and location system |
US6473038B2 (en) * | 2001-01-05 | 2002-10-29 | Motorola, Inc. | Method and apparatus for location estimation |
US6970097B2 (en) * | 2001-05-10 | 2005-11-29 | Ge Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc. | Location system using retransmission of identifying information |
-
2002
- 2002-03-11 US US10/096,036 patent/US8190730B2/en active Active
- 2002-03-11 AU AU2002252294A patent/AU2002252294A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-03-11 AU AU2002255695A patent/AU2002255695A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-03-11 US US10/095,766 patent/US20020165731A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-03-11 WO PCT/US2002/007386 patent/WO2002073357A2/en active Application Filing
- 2002-03-11 CA CA002439005A patent/CA2439005A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-03-11 US US10/096,187 patent/US7099895B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-03-11 CA CA2441512A patent/CA2441512C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-03-11 JP JP2002572548A patent/JP2004536285A/en active Pending
- 2002-03-11 JP JP2002572750A patent/JP2005512017A/en active Pending
- 2002-03-11 EP EP02721358A patent/EP1370990A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-03-11 WO PCT/US2002/007429 patent/WO2002073359A2/en active Application Filing
- 2002-03-11 WO PCT/US2002/007329 patent/WO2002073828A1/en active Application Filing
- 2002-03-11 EP EP02725110A patent/EP1370973A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-03-11 CA CA002439002A patent/CA2439002C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-03-11 JP JP2002572550A patent/JP2005506603A/en active Pending
- 2002-03-11 EP EP02719193A patent/EP1368909A4/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2006
- 2006-08-14 US US11/503,651 patent/US20060277202A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (99)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US589229A (en) * | 1897-08-31 | Covered bake-pan | ||
US4151407A (en) * | 1977-04-28 | 1979-04-24 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Low-power, infrared information transmission system |
US4225953A (en) * | 1978-09-29 | 1980-09-30 | Simon William F | Personnel locator |
US4275385A (en) * | 1979-08-13 | 1981-06-23 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Infrared personnel locator system |
US4462022A (en) * | 1981-11-12 | 1984-07-24 | A. R. F. Products, Inc. | Security system with radio frequency coupled remote sensors |
US4495496A (en) * | 1981-12-15 | 1985-01-22 | Johnson Engineering Corp. | Personnel monitoring and locating system |
US4471345A (en) * | 1982-03-05 | 1984-09-11 | Sensormatic Electronics Corporation | Randomized tag to portal communication system |
US4649385A (en) * | 1982-08-13 | 1987-03-10 | Teloc R & D Ltd. | Electronic locating system for persons receiving telephone calls |
US4601064A (en) * | 1983-01-13 | 1986-07-15 | Fisher Berkeley Corporation | Communication system |
US4656463A (en) * | 1983-04-21 | 1987-04-07 | Intelli-Tech Corporation | LIMIS systems, devices and methods |
US4598275A (en) * | 1983-05-09 | 1986-07-01 | Marc Industries Incorporated | Movement monitor |
US4598272A (en) * | 1984-08-06 | 1986-07-01 | Cox Randall P | Electronic monitoring apparatus |
US4654793A (en) * | 1984-10-15 | 1987-03-31 | Showdata, Inc. | System and method for registering and keeping track of the activities of attendees at a trade show, convention or the like |
US5103108A (en) * | 1985-10-17 | 1992-04-07 | Crimmins James W | Distributed infrared communication system |
US4682155A (en) * | 1986-01-13 | 1987-07-21 | Central Security Mfg. Corp. | Personnel security system |
US4952913A (en) * | 1986-04-15 | 1990-08-28 | B. I. Incorporated | Tag for use with personnel monitoring system |
US4814751A (en) * | 1987-02-27 | 1989-03-21 | Wildlife Materials, Inc. | Patient tracking system |
US4868859A (en) * | 1987-06-12 | 1989-09-19 | Bt Telecom, Inc. | Supervised, interactive alarm reporting system |
US5027383A (en) * | 1987-06-12 | 1991-06-25 | Versus Technology, Inc. | Supervised, interactive alarm reporting system |
US5131019A (en) * | 1987-12-07 | 1992-07-14 | Versus Technology, Inc. | System for interfacing an alarm reporting device with a cellular radio transceiver |
US5017794A (en) * | 1988-03-17 | 1991-05-21 | United Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Apparatus and method for varying the timing of a control signal |
US5027314A (en) * | 1988-03-17 | 1991-06-25 | United Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Apparatus and method for position reporting |
US4906853A (en) * | 1988-03-17 | 1990-03-06 | United Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Apparatus and method for varying the timing of a control signal |
US4916444A (en) * | 1988-03-25 | 1990-04-10 | King Fred N | Method and apparatus for mapping communications media |
US4952928A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1990-08-28 | B. I. Incorporated | Adaptable electronic monitoring and identification system |
US5014040A (en) * | 1988-10-14 | 1991-05-07 | Instantel Inc. | Personal locator transmitter |
US4924211A (en) * | 1988-10-28 | 1990-05-08 | Digital Products Corporation | Personnel monitoring system |
US5402469A (en) * | 1989-02-18 | 1995-03-28 | Olivetti Research Limited | Carrier locating system |
US4982176A (en) * | 1990-01-17 | 1991-01-01 | Frank Schwarz | Solar powered lighting and alarm systems activated by motion detection |
US5301353A (en) * | 1990-02-12 | 1994-04-05 | Motorola, Inc. | Communication system and apparatus |
US5119104A (en) * | 1990-05-04 | 1992-06-02 | Heller Alan C | Location system adapted for use in multipath environments |
USRE36791E (en) * | 1990-05-04 | 2000-07-25 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Location system adapted for use in multipath environments |
US5194856A (en) * | 1990-06-11 | 1993-03-16 | Ericsson Radio Systems B.V. | System for detecting the presence in a rack of a portable unit suitable for transmitting or receiving a signal containing an identification number assigned thereto |
US5594786A (en) * | 1990-07-27 | 1997-01-14 | Executone Information Systems, Inc. | Patient care and communication system |
US6259355B1 (en) * | 1990-07-27 | 2001-07-10 | Elot, Inc. | Patient care and communication system |
US5493283A (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1996-02-20 | Olivetti Research Limited | Locating and authentication system |
US5317309A (en) * | 1990-11-06 | 1994-05-31 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Dual mode electronic identification system |
US5228449A (en) * | 1991-01-22 | 1993-07-20 | Athanasios G. Christ | System and method for detecting out-of-hospital cardiac emergencies and summoning emergency assistance |
US5283549A (en) * | 1991-05-31 | 1994-02-01 | Intellitech Industries, Inc. | Infrared sentry with voiced radio dispatched alarms |
US5218344A (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1993-06-08 | Ricketts James G | Method and system for monitoring personnel |
US5426425A (en) * | 1992-10-07 | 1995-06-20 | Wescom, Inc. | Intelligent locator system with multiple bits represented in each pulse |
US5276496A (en) * | 1992-10-30 | 1994-01-04 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Optical receiver for area location system |
US5319191A (en) * | 1993-03-25 | 1994-06-07 | K & M Electronics, Inc. | Ask receiver with signal delay and stretching |
US5382948A (en) * | 1993-06-03 | 1995-01-17 | Richmond; Henry | Vehicular security system with remote signalling for auto carjacking functions |
US5387993A (en) * | 1993-06-25 | 1995-02-07 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Method for receiving and transmitting optical data and control information to and from remotely located receivers and transmitters in an optical locator system |
USRE36530E (en) * | 1993-06-25 | 2000-01-25 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Method for receiving and transmitting optical data and control information to and from remotely located receivers and transmitters in an optical locator system |
USRE37531E1 (en) * | 1993-07-02 | 2002-01-29 | Executone Information Systems, Inc. | System for identifying object locations |
US5621384A (en) * | 1993-07-26 | 1997-04-15 | K And M Electronics, Inc. | Infrared communicating device |
US5548637A (en) * | 1993-09-09 | 1996-08-20 | Precision Tracking Fm, Inc. | Method and apparatus for locating personnel and objects in response to telephone inquiries |
US5416468A (en) * | 1993-10-29 | 1995-05-16 | Motorola, Inc. | Two-tiered system and method for remote monitoring |
US5440559A (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 1995-08-08 | Seiko Communications Holding N.V. | Portable wireless communication device |
US5544321A (en) * | 1993-12-03 | 1996-08-06 | Xerox Corporation | System for granting ownership of device by user based on requested level of ownership, present state of the device, and the context of the device |
US5603054A (en) * | 1993-12-03 | 1997-02-11 | Xerox Corporation | Method for triggering selected machine event when the triggering properties of the system are met and the triggering conditions of an identified user are perceived |
US5611050A (en) * | 1993-12-03 | 1997-03-11 | Xerox Corporation | Method for selectively performing event on computer controlled device whose location and allowable operation is consistent with the contextual and locational attributes of the event |
US5493692A (en) * | 1993-12-03 | 1996-02-20 | Xerox Corporation | Selective delivery of electronic messages in a multiple computer system based on context and environment of a user |
US5521902A (en) * | 1993-12-06 | 1996-05-28 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Location identification in a communications signalling network |
US5485634A (en) * | 1993-12-14 | 1996-01-16 | Xerox Corporation | Method and system for the dynamic selection, allocation and arbitration of control between devices within a region |
US6175308B1 (en) * | 1993-12-16 | 2001-01-16 | Actall Corporation | Personal duress security system |
US5512879A (en) * | 1994-07-25 | 1996-04-30 | Stokes; John H. | Apparatus to prevent infant kidnappings and mixups |
US6172596B1 (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 2001-01-09 | Intermec Ip Corp. | System method and apparatus for identifying and communicating with a plurality of types of radio frequency communication devices |
US5929848A (en) * | 1994-11-02 | 1999-07-27 | Visible Interactive Corporation | Interactive personal interpretive device and system for retrieving information about a plurality of objects |
US6100806A (en) * | 1994-12-30 | 2000-08-08 | Advanced Business Sciences, Inc. | Apparatus and method for continuous electronic monitoring and tracking of individuals |
US5610589A (en) * | 1995-02-09 | 1997-03-11 | Bennie R. Evans | Method and apparatus for enforcing hygiene |
US6363525B1 (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 2002-03-26 | Wink Communications, Inc. | Method and apparatus for routing confidential information |
US6075433A (en) * | 1995-05-29 | 2000-06-13 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Power supply unit |
US5633875A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-05-27 | General Electric Company | Protocol and mechanism for centralized asset tracking communications |
US6034622A (en) * | 1995-08-18 | 2000-03-07 | Robert A. Levine | Location monitoring via implanted radio transmitter |
US5936542A (en) * | 1995-09-11 | 1999-08-10 | Nomadix, Llc | Convention ID badge system |
US5627517A (en) * | 1995-11-01 | 1997-05-06 | Xerox Corporation | Decentralized tracking and routing system wherein packages are associated with active tags |
US6259404B1 (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 2001-07-10 | Signatron Technology Corporation | Position location system and method |
US5917425A (en) * | 1996-01-22 | 1999-06-29 | Wireless Communiations Products, Llc | IR/RF locator |
US5793630A (en) * | 1996-06-14 | 1998-08-11 | Xerox Corporation | High precision spatially defined data transfer system |
US5774876A (en) * | 1996-06-26 | 1998-06-30 | Par Government Systems Corporation | Managing assets with active electronic tags |
US5903373A (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1999-05-11 | Spectrix Corporation | Method and apparatus for locating a transmitter of a diffuse infrared signal within an enclosed area |
US6249252B1 (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 2001-06-19 | Tracbeam Llc | Wireless location using multiple location estimators |
US6236335B1 (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 2001-05-22 | Ncr Corporation | System and method of tracking short range transmitters |
US6011487A (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 2000-01-04 | Ncr Corporation | System and method of locating wireless devices |
US5742233A (en) * | 1997-01-21 | 1998-04-21 | Hoffman Resources, Llc | Personal security and tracking system |
US6237051B1 (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 2001-05-22 | Data Capture Institute | Asset tracking within and across enterprise boundaries |
US6085240A (en) * | 1997-08-08 | 2000-07-04 | Nec Corporation | Agent identification device, agent device with program reception function, and network system |
US20010000958A1 (en) * | 1997-11-03 | 2001-05-10 | Ulrich Daniel J. | Personnel and asset tracking method and apparatus |
US6181933B1 (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 2001-01-30 | Hyundai Electronics Ind. Co., Ltd. | Mobile communication system and controlling method thereof for paging and establishing dynamically paging area |
US5936527A (en) * | 1998-02-10 | 1999-08-10 | E-Tag Systems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for locating and tracking documents and other objects |
US6222440B1 (en) * | 1998-02-23 | 2001-04-24 | Freshloc Technologies, Inc. | Location, identification and telemetry system using strobed signals at predetermined intervals |
US20010011954A1 (en) * | 1998-03-11 | 2001-08-09 | Monty M. Shelton | Public area locator system |
US6169484B1 (en) * | 1998-04-28 | 2001-01-02 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | Personal location system |
US6040774A (en) * | 1998-05-27 | 2000-03-21 | Sarnoff Corporation | Locating system and method employing radio frequency tags |
US6104295A (en) * | 1998-07-20 | 2000-08-15 | Versus Technology, Inc. | Electronic band tag and method of storing ID information therein |
US6075443A (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2000-06-13 | Sarnoff Corporation | Wireless tether |
US6700533B1 (en) * | 1999-05-06 | 2004-03-02 | Rf Technologies, Inc. | Asset and personnel tagging system utilizing GPS |
US6211790B1 (en) * | 1999-05-19 | 2001-04-03 | Elpas North America, Inc. | Infant and parent matching and security system and method of matching infant and parent |
US6281811B1 (en) * | 1999-06-11 | 2001-08-28 | Anthony S Ranzino | Communication and location system for shopping malls, parks, business districts, and the like |
US6222484B1 (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2001-04-24 | Ronald L. Seiple | Personal emergency location system |
US6539393B1 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2003-03-25 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Portable locator system |
US6906625B1 (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2005-06-14 | Time Domain Corporation | System and method for information assimilation and functionality control based on positioning information obtained by impulse radio techniques |
US6373389B1 (en) * | 2000-04-21 | 2002-04-16 | Usm Systems, Ltd. | Event driven information system |
US6674368B2 (en) * | 2000-08-28 | 2004-01-06 | Continental Divide Robotics, Inc. | Automated tracking system |
US6424264B1 (en) * | 2000-10-12 | 2002-07-23 | Safetzone Technologies Corporation | System for real-time location of people in a fixed environment |
US20020053980A1 (en) * | 2000-11-08 | 2002-05-09 | Nhk Spring Co., Ltd | Car-seat-occupant sensing device |
Cited By (82)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8258965B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2012-09-04 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System for monitoring caregivers and equipment at a patient location |
US8487774B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2013-07-16 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System for monitoring caregivers and equipment |
US8026821B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2011-09-27 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System for monitoring caregivers and equipment at a patient location |
US8766804B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2014-07-01 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System for monitoring caregivers and equipment |
US9230421B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2016-01-05 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System for monitoring caregivers and equipment |
US9666061B2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2017-05-30 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System for monitoring caregivers and equipment |
US7831447B2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2010-11-09 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Healthcare computer system |
US20020165733A1 (en) * | 2001-04-05 | 2002-11-07 | Instrumentarium Corporation | Method and system for detecting variances in a tracking environment |
US7069444B2 (en) * | 2002-01-25 | 2006-06-27 | Brent A. Lowensohn | Portable wireless access to computer-based systems |
US20040230809A1 (en) * | 2002-01-25 | 2004-11-18 | Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, A California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation | Portable wireless access to computer-based systems |
US20040097226A1 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2004-05-20 | Richard Hull | Method and apparatus for providing information about a real-world space |
US20040137911A1 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2004-07-15 | Richard Hull | Method and apparatus for providing information about a real-world space |
US7096120B2 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2006-08-22 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Method and arrangement for guiding a user along a target path |
US7398093B2 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2008-07-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Method and apparatus for providing information about a real-world space |
GB2392274B (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2005-09-14 | Hewlett Packard Development Co | Method and apparatus for providing information about a real-world space |
US20040097242A1 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2004-05-20 | Richard Hull | Method and apparatus for providing information about a real-world space |
GB2392274A (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2004-02-25 | Hewlett Packard Development Co | Providing information about a real-world space using different types of location marker |
US20040030491A1 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2004-02-12 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Method and arrangement for guiding a user along a target path |
US20040103028A1 (en) * | 2002-11-26 | 2004-05-27 | The Advertizing Firm, Inc. | Method and system of advertising |
US20110205056A9 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2011-08-25 | Borovoy Richard D | Adding social networking to devices |
US7688211B2 (en) | 2003-03-24 | 2010-03-30 | Ntag Interactive Corporation | Apparatus and method for enhancing face-to-face communication |
US20090102645A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2009-04-23 | Borovoy Richard D | Adding social networking to devices |
US20100141398A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2010-06-10 | Ntag Interactive Corporation, A Delaware Corporation | Apparatus and method for enhancing face-to-face communication |
US20040189476A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2004-09-30 | Borovoy Richard D. | Apparatus and method for enhancing face-to-face communication |
US7090578B2 (en) | 2003-05-01 | 2006-08-15 | Joseph M. Anderson | Raffle assembly |
US20040254008A1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2004-12-16 | Joseph Anderson | Raffle assembly |
US20050097111A1 (en) * | 2003-07-11 | 2005-05-05 | Arka Mukherjee | System and method for data integration using multi-dimensional, associative unique identifiers |
US7634482B2 (en) * | 2003-07-11 | 2009-12-15 | Global Ids Inc. | System and method for data integration using multi-dimensional, associative unique identifiers |
US7738883B2 (en) | 2003-07-31 | 2010-06-15 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Method and apparatus for providing information about a real-world space |
US20050026631A1 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-02-03 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Method and apparatus for providing information about a real-world space |
US20050029432A1 (en) * | 2003-08-06 | 2005-02-10 | Bacarella Antonio V. | System and method for processing and displaying light energy |
US10206837B2 (en) | 2003-08-21 | 2019-02-19 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital bed and room communication modules |
US9572737B2 (en) | 2003-08-21 | 2017-02-21 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital bed having communication modules |
US9925104B2 (en) | 2003-08-21 | 2018-03-27 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital bed and room communication modules |
US9142923B2 (en) | 2003-08-21 | 2015-09-22 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital bed having wireless data and locating capability |
US20040243455A1 (en) * | 2004-04-28 | 2004-12-02 | Smith Martin P. | Apparatus and method for optimizing a selling environment |
US8421606B2 (en) | 2004-08-02 | 2013-04-16 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Wireless bed locating system |
US20060099093A1 (en) * | 2004-11-08 | 2006-05-11 | Schlumberger Oilfield Services | Flow control valve and method |
US20060100926A1 (en) * | 2004-11-11 | 2006-05-11 | International Business Machines Corp. | On demand advertising |
US20060183426A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to control radio frequency interference in a healthcare environment |
US20080169927A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2008-07-17 | Alan Graves | Methods and systems for use in the provision of services in an institutional setting such as a healthcare facility |
US7676380B2 (en) | 2005-02-11 | 2010-03-09 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to establish and suspend communications sessions in a healthcare environment |
US20060185005A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to transfer communications sessions between terminals in a healthcare environment |
US20060181243A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to facilitate clinician-charger interaction in a healthcare environment |
US7801743B2 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2010-09-21 | Avaya Inc. | Use of location awareness of establish communications with a target clinician in a healthcare environment |
US20060181424A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to request assistance for a medical event occurring in a healthcare environment |
US8929528B2 (en) | 2005-02-11 | 2015-01-06 | Rockstar Consortium Us Lp | Method and system for enhancing collaboration |
US7966008B2 (en) | 2005-02-11 | 2011-06-21 | Avaya Inc. | Use of location awareness to control radio frequency interference in a healthcare environment |
US20060240771A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-10-26 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness ot establish communications with a target clinician in a healthcare environment |
US20060184376A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-08-17 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to detect potentially supsicious motion or presence of equipment in a healthcare environment |
US7707044B2 (en) | 2005-02-11 | 2010-04-27 | Avaya Inc. | Use of location awareness to transfer communications sessions between terminals in a healthcare environment |
US8050939B2 (en) | 2005-02-11 | 2011-11-01 | Avaya Inc. | Methods and systems for use in the provision of services in an institutional setting such as a healthcare facility |
US20070004389A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2007-01-04 | Nortel Networks Limited | Method and system for enhancing collaboration |
US8180650B2 (en) | 2005-02-11 | 2012-05-15 | Avaya Inc. | Use of location awareness to request assistance for a medical event occurring in a healthcare environment |
US20060236373A1 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2006-10-19 | Nortel Networks Limited | Use of location awareness to establish and suspend communications sessions in a healthcare environment |
US20060195354A1 (en) * | 2005-02-28 | 2006-08-31 | Ntag Interactive Corporation | Method of scoring the performance of attendees at a meeting |
US20110035680A1 (en) * | 2005-02-28 | 2011-02-10 | Ntag Interactive Corporation, A Delaware Corporation | Method of scoring the performance of attendees at a meeting |
US20060285685A1 (en) * | 2005-06-19 | 2006-12-21 | Temba Msezane | DNA Based Identification and Tracking System |
WO2007010334A1 (en) * | 2005-07-21 | 2007-01-25 | Temba Msezane | Dna based identification and tracking system |
US20070236334A1 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-11 | Borovoy Richard D | Enhancing face-to-face communication |
US8756078B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2014-06-17 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System and method for collection and communication of data from multiple patient care devices |
US8082160B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2011-12-20 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System and method for collection and communication of data from multiple patient care devices |
US9734293B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2017-08-15 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System and method for association of patient care devices to a patient |
US11031130B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2021-06-08 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient support apparatus having data collection and communication capability |
US20090319606A1 (en) * | 2008-06-18 | 2009-12-24 | Dante Monteverde | Methods and systems for expositions and conventions |
US8019819B2 (en) | 2008-06-18 | 2011-09-13 | Emergency 24, Inc. | Methods and systems for expositions and conventions |
US20090319182A1 (en) * | 2008-06-18 | 2009-12-24 | Dante Monteverde | User positioning guidance system, devices, and methods |
US20100217618A1 (en) * | 2009-02-25 | 2010-08-26 | Piccirillo Charles J | Event Detection Based on Location Observations and Status Conditions of Healthcare Resources |
US8706540B2 (en) * | 2010-12-08 | 2014-04-22 | Motorola Solutions, Inc. | Task management in a workforce environment using an acoustic map constructed from aggregated audio |
US20120150578A1 (en) * | 2010-12-08 | 2012-06-14 | Motorola Solutions, Inc. | Task management in a workforce environment using an acoustic map constructed from aggregated audio |
US11743680B2 (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2023-08-29 | Ebay Inc. | Geofence based on members of a population |
US20220217496A1 (en) * | 2012-12-04 | 2022-07-07 | Ebay Inc. | Geofence Based On Members Of A Population |
US9210542B2 (en) * | 2013-12-09 | 2015-12-08 | Nec Europe Ltd. | Method and computer system for detecting crowds in a location tracking system |
US20190012616A1 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2019-01-10 | Ebay Inc. | Integrating event-planning services into a payment system |
US10755206B2 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2020-08-25 | Ebay Inc. | Integrating event-planning services into a payment system |
US10095987B2 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2018-10-09 | Ebay Inc. | Integrating event-planning services into a payment system |
US10878251B2 (en) | 2015-11-12 | 2020-12-29 | Signify Holding B.V. | Image processing system |
US10846610B2 (en) | 2016-02-05 | 2020-11-24 | Nec Corporation | Scalable system and method for real-time predictions and anomaly detection |
US10360787B2 (en) | 2016-05-05 | 2019-07-23 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Discriminating patient care communications system |
US11791055B2 (en) | 2016-05-05 | 2023-10-17 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Discriminating patient care communications system |
US10916119B2 (en) | 2018-12-27 | 2021-02-09 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System and method for caregiver availability determination |
US20230239169A1 (en) * | 2022-01-24 | 2023-07-27 | Zoom Video Communications, Inc. | Virtual expo analytics |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2439002A1 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
CA2441512A1 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
EP1370990A2 (en) | 2003-12-17 |
WO2002073828A1 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
AU2002252294A1 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
AU2002255695A1 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
EP1368909A1 (en) | 2003-12-10 |
CA2439002C (en) | 2009-11-24 |
CA2441512C (en) | 2010-06-29 |
JP2004536285A (en) | 2004-12-02 |
US20020198986A1 (en) | 2002-12-26 |
WO2002073359A3 (en) | 2003-05-08 |
WO2002073357A3 (en) | 2003-02-20 |
WO2002073357A2 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
EP1368909A4 (en) | 2009-11-11 |
EP1370973A2 (en) | 2003-12-17 |
JP2005506603A (en) | 2005-03-03 |
US20020145534A1 (en) | 2002-10-10 |
US7099895B2 (en) | 2006-08-29 |
US8190730B2 (en) | 2012-05-29 |
EP1370973A4 (en) | 2009-11-25 |
JP2005512017A (en) | 2005-04-28 |
WO2002073359A2 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
US20060277202A1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
CA2439005A1 (en) | 2002-09-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20020165731A1 (en) | System and method for performing object association at a tradeshow using a location tracking system | |
US11563826B2 (en) | Detecting under-utilized features and providing training, instruction, or technical support in an observation platform | |
US11658906B2 (en) | Observation platform query response | |
US20190207894A1 (en) | Observation platform using structured communications with external devices and systems | |
US10785274B2 (en) | Analysis of content distribution using an observation platform | |
US20240046193A1 (en) | Context and contextual history within an observation platform environment | |
US10304094B2 (en) | Observation platform for performing structured communications | |
US11735060B2 (en) | Observation platform for training, monitoring, and mining structured communications | |
US11410208B2 (en) | Observation platform for determining proximity of device users | |
US20050278215A1 (en) | Consumer reward system | |
WO2004021601A1 (en) | Wireless information retrieval and content dissemination system and method | |
EP2779059A1 (en) | Mediating a communication in an observation platform | |
WO2003107246A1 (en) | Consumer reward system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SENTINEL WIRELESS, LLC, MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DEMPSEY, MICHAEL K.;REEL/FRAME:013002/0915 Effective date: 20020606 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RADIANSE, INC., MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:SENTINEL WIRELESS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:013826/0630 Effective date: 20030604 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |