CA2196116A1 - Object locator system and methods therefor - Google Patents
Object locator system and methods thereforInfo
- Publication number
- CA2196116A1 CA2196116A1 CA002196116A CA2196116A CA2196116A1 CA 2196116 A1 CA2196116 A1 CA 2196116A1 CA 002196116 A CA002196116 A CA 002196116A CA 2196116 A CA2196116 A CA 2196116A CA 2196116 A1 CA2196116 A1 CA 2196116A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- location
- electronic tag
- document
- response code
- interrogator
- 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
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
Abstract
Methods and systems for locating objects are disclosed. An electronic tag is attached to an object before storing the object. The electronic tag is identifiable by a unique response code. The response code and information pertaining to the object are recorded and the object may then be stored. To locate the object, the response code is entered into an interrogator. The interrogator sends a signal that causes the tag to emit a sound. The system thus allows for random storage of objects and is also useful for locating misplaced objects.
Description
~ 611~
OBJECT LOCATOR SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREFOR
Ei~ of the rnven~ n The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for locating objects. More po~ ulolly~ the present invention relates to using electronic tags to 5 locate objects such as documents.
r~ n~l of the TnvPn~ion In ~,u~ liiullal systems for locating documerlts, documents are filed in assigned places. When a document that is filed according to such a system is remoYed from its assigned place, its location is usually unknown to persons other than the individual who 10 removed the document. If, after use, the document is re-filed in a place other than the assigned place, it may be very difficult to located again.
In other more advanced filing systems, computers and database software are used for document tracking. Ln such advanced systems, a document's location is entered into a computer database, and, wheneYer the document is moved, the database 15 is updated a~,,ul ~ . Such a computer database system fails when items are misfiled, movements are not recorded or i"ru, IlldLiull is incorrectly entered into the database. As in the case of simpler filing sytems, if these or other filing errors occur, documents may not be found at their e~pected locations and may be very difficult or impossible to locate.
As such, there is a need for an improved rlli.. V~.'d~, location system.
Sllmm ~,v l-f the rnv~ntit~n According to the present invention an electronic tag is used to locate an obiectsuch as a document. In one clllb~- ' t, an electronic tag is attached to a document before filing the document. The electronic tag is identifiable by a unique response 25 code. Theresponsecodeand;,.r~"", ';.",pertainingtothedocumentareloggedand the document is filed. To loc~te the document, the response code is entered into an uv...vl. The i~ uv~ sends a sivnal which, in one ~".lb~d....~ , causes the tag 21~6~
to emit a sound. In other r~ , the i.lt~ ol emits a radio signal allowing the user to locate the document. The present system thus allows for random storage of documents and is also useful for locating misplaced documents.
Brief D.~cl~ription of th~ DMwi~c Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific ~ Jodi~ thereof when read in, ; with the dcc.ml~ iu~ drawings, in which like elements have like reference numerals and inwhich:
FIG. I is an exemplary ~. . ,1~).1:, ,1 of an object loc~tor system according tothe present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for locating an object using the system of FIG. I;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a second ~ ,~li.. ,1 of an object locator system according to the present invention wherein location markers are used;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a third rl ~ 11 of an object locator system according to the present invention, FIG. S is a flow diagram illustrdting a method for locating an object using the system of FIG. 4; and FIG. 6 is an illustration of a fourth ~ odil~ of an object locator system 20 according to the present invention.
DPtril~fl l~crrir~ n nf ~h~ Invenril-n The present invention provides methods and systems for locating objects such as documents. Although the following description is primarily directed to locating documents, it should be understood that the present invention may be used for locating 25 other objects, as well. It should also be appreciated that the receiving, i ~ or locating devices used in .... j ., ... l ;, ." with the present invention are not intended to be limited to any particular~.,.l.o.l;.,.. ~
An ex~mplary object locator system for use in accordance with the present ~ ~ 96 , ~ o in~ention is shown in FIG. 1. The exemplary system comprjses an electronic tag 15 and an interrogator 20. The electronic tag 15 is uniquely identified by a response or identifier code. The electronic tag 15 is preferlbly physically adapted to be removably attached to an object. such as document 10. For example, the electronic tag 15 can 5 include a piece of material 16 that can receive a staple so that the tag 15 may be stapled to the document 10. Alternatively, a semi-sticky glue can be disposed on the material 16 or other portion of the tag 15. Preferably, the electronic tag 15 may further include a peel-off sticker 17 that is marked with the response code of the tag. The response code can appear on the sticker 17 as an alpha-numeric sequence, a bar code or in any 10 other suitable manner. Alternatively, the response code could be embossed on the body of the tag 15 itself. The electronic tag 15 is preferably small, flat and thin so that a "tagged" document uses a minimal amount of additional file space relative to an "un-tagged'' document.
The illt~ U~ UI ~0 is operable, via appropriate circuitry, to detect and transmit 15 the response code of the electronic tag 1 5. The ;1.~ ,, 20 preferably includes a display 22, an alpha-numeric key pad 24 and a transmit button 26. The response code of the electronic tag 15 is entered, via the _', ' .._...~,ic keypad 24, into the ;IILcl ~u~S~lul 20. The entered code appears in the display 22. Once the user verifies that the code is correct, the user then pushes the transmit button 26 causing the 20 ill~l.U~;UtU[ 20 to broadcast the response code of the electronic tag 15.
In one e.~l ' t~ the electronic tag 15 includes circuitry suitable for an active response by the tag, i.e., the tag emits a sound, when its response code is broadcast. In another I ....l ~l;, . ~ . the electronic tag 15 includes circuitry suitably conf gured for a passive response by the tag, i.e., the tag 15 modulates its reflection of 25 the illLcl~u;;~n's radio signal. If the tag is passive, the ill;~llU;~; 'Ul 20 should include a receiver and other circuitry suitable for actively locating the tag 15. For example, in one ~" ,l .- . l; " ,. . ,l such locating circuitry enables the i..~l l~ ,, ' 20 to emit a sound which changes in frequency or some other manner to indicate relative proxirnity to the tag 15. In other C ~ the locating circuitry causes the i.lt~,.lUI5~Lu. display 22 30 tû pro\~ide a \lisual indication of tag proximity, such as signal strength, o~ an indic~tion r 1 ~ ~
of distance to the tag l5. The design and ;,.,~ .. of such active and passive tags and locating circuitry is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.
A method fo} locating an object with the electronic tag 15 and il.t. ..uo.llul 20 is shown in FIG. 2. In the Following discussion, the object will be assumed to be a S document, such as the document 10. A user attaches the electronic tag 15 to the document 10, for example by stapling, as indicated in operation block 100. In operation block 110, the tag's response code and document ' ~U~ tiOl~ are recorded in a storage device. In one ~lllbodill~.lL, the storage device is a log book, and the peel-off sticker 17 is removed from the tag and stored in the log book with i..~lllldLio..
10 pertaining to the document 10. In other emho~iml~nt~ the storage device can be a computer storage medium, such as a floppy disk or hard drive. If the response code is in the form of a bar code, a bar code reader can be connected to a computer so that the code is read by the reader and transmitted to the computer and s~ored in an appropriate entry on the floppy disk or hard drive. Alternatively, in a further c..~l.o~l' .;, the tag 15 15 is suitably con~;gured to allow it to be ~-~vOl~ with a response code at the time of its use. After the electronic tag 15 is attached to the document 10, and the tag's response code and document ii.r~ iu.. are recorded, the document can be filed in a filing cabinet, such as the filing cabinet 5 of FIG. 3 or some other suitable document storage apparatus.
To locate the tagged document 10 in storage, the response code for the tag 15 is entered into the ill.~ .l 20 as indicated in operation block 120. Depending upon the specific electronic u~rlOul,~ ll of the tag and il.~l-- O , as discussed above, one of either the tag 15 or the i..t~".uo.lLo. 20 will provide an indication of the tag's location and hence the location of the document 10, as noted in operation block 25 130. Using the present metnod, documents can be filed randomly as filing space permits. Further, the present invention provides a means for locating a document that has been improperly filed in an organized filing system.
In a furthem,llll~dilll~,lll, an object locator system according to the present invention also includes location markers. In FIG. 3, location markers 31, 32, are 30 shown pl~Lced in the filing cabinet 5. While two location m~rkers are shown in FIG. 3, ~ 219611~
more or less of such markers can be used depending on the size of the file sto~age equipment. Location markers are preferably larger than the electronic tag 15, powered and suitably shaped for the particular ~pl ir~iir,n For example, if the location markers 31 and 32 will be used in a filing cabinet, such as the filing cabinet 5, they should be S relatively thin and sized to fit within a typical file drawer. In one ~ lI,od;l~ , the electronic tag 15 is suitably configured so that when its response code is ir~ncmir~1 the tag 15 sends a signal that causes location markers in the vicinity, such as location markers 31 and 32, to emit a sound. Once the activated location markers are located, a manual search can be performed to Fmd the document of interest or an automatic10 search can continue more rapidly with the user now focused on the generai location of the document 10.
Alternatively, the electronic tag 15 can be configured so that when its responsecode is i i, the tag 15 sends a signai to, or receives a signal from, a locationmarker, and then sends a signal to a suitably conFlgured ~ llu~;~tul 20, which signal is 15 indicative of the proximity of the electronic tag 15 to the location marker. Thus, a message such as "5 inches from LM3 1 " can be provided in the display 22 of the llU~ U- 20 indicating that the document of interest is 5 inches from location marker 31. In a further . ~ . ,1~.~.1: ., .. l the location marker, such as location marker 31 or 32 can send a signal to the ilit~ V~_ Ol 20 indicative of the proximity of the 20 electronic tag 15. Means for ,i. ~ the proximity of the electronic tag 15 to the location marker 31 or 32 can be located in the i..~,.lU~ VI 20, electronic tag 15, the location mark~rs or in a separate device. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various methods are available for ' ~ the proximity of the taB to the location marker. If, for example, the tag l 5 contains a radio receiver, it can measure 25 the strength of a radio signal received from the location marker. Knowledge of how much power is transmitted by the location marker and the received signal strenglh allows calculation of the distance from the electronic tag 15 to the location marker 31.
The tag can then transmit the calculated distance to tbe il~t~.lU~..tVI 20, or transmit a signal indicative of the received signal skength information to khe ill;~,llU~ UI, which 30 can then c~lculate the disbmce from the location marker to the tag. The design and ~ ~ 1 9 f~
l of such means are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.
In a further ~ o I;~ IL, an object locator system according to the present invention includes a processor or computer, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The computer is accessed for record storage as well as for processing functions. Illcùl~ula~ g a 5 computer in the object locator system is particularly a ;i~a~ u~ in :~rrl j~r jon~
where files include textual information suitable for storage in computer records as well other material that is not as well suited to computer storage. For example, a computer storage medium may suitably be used to store a patient's medical records. To theextent x-rays or other visual medical scans can be digitized and ~ lv~ lly stored, it 10 may also be desirable to maintain hard copies of the original visual media.
In the ~.lllb~ '' ' shown in FIG. 4, a processor 40 is in .,u with an IU~ UI 21 comprising a transmitter 23a and a receiver 23b. Though shown illcul~la~d into the illl~llu" ~.( 21 in FIG. 4, it should be al""c- ' that the transmitter 23a and receiver 23b may be separate devices. Textual material from a 15 record, such as, ~vithout limitation, a patient's medical record, can be kept on a computer storage means such as floppy disks, a hard drive or other suitable memory device associated with the processor 40. If, however, an x-ray 11 or other ~llulu~la~ll;c material torm part of the patient's record, physical storage of such material may be desirable. A t'urther . ., .1 ,o. 1; . . ' of a method for locating an object, 20 directed to the object locator system shown in FIG. 4, is presented in FIG. 5.
As indicated in operation block 200, an electronic tag 15 is attached to an object, such as the x-ray 11. A record is formed containing the response code for the tag 15 and illru~ ioll concerning the tagged obiect, as shown in operation block 210.
The record is stored in a computer storage means, as indicated in operation block 220.
25 In the present example of medical records, the record created in operation block 210 may form part of a patient's medical record. The x-ray 11 may then be filed in aphysical storage container, such as the filing cabinet 5, near location markers, such as the location markers 31 and 32. The ~ ,~".I...r. ;,. ~1 record may then be queried for the location of the object, i.e., the x-ray 11, as indicated in operation block 230. Once 30 queried, the processor, in operation block 240, directs the transmitter 23a to transmit 3~ J;~ '! b i the response codo for the tag 15. As indicated in operation block 250, a signal is returned to the receiver 23b indicative of the tag's position relative to one or more location markers, which, in the present illustration, are markers 31 and 32. The tag~s location can then be displayed on the display device 41 as indicated in operation block 5 260.
In another ~ illustrated in FIG. 6, the electronic tag 15 can be attached to a folder 50 for retaining documents. Each document that is to be stored in the folder 50 has an identifier labol 'i2 providing an i~ code. As a document is placed in, or removed from the folder 50, it is scanned by a reador 54 capable of 10 readingthe~ "ir..~ ;,.codefromthelabel52~ Thereader54isin~
with a processor, such as the processor 40. A computer record is ~ ly generated and maintained of the documents placed in, or removed from, the folder 50.
The record also contains the response code of the electronic tag 15. Thus, to locate a document, a suitably l~lv~ d processor 40 identifies the folder 50 in which the 15 document resides. An indication is provided as to whether the document is in the folder. Further, the processor directs the transmitter 23a to transmit the response code for the tag 15. A signal is returned to the receiver 23b indicative of the tag's position relative to one or more location markers 31 and 32. The tag's location can then be displayed on the display device 41. The identifier label 52 and reader 54 can be a bar 20 code and bar code reader, a printed label scanned by an optical character recognition system, a label with an i, l. .~l ;r;~ codo read by a short range l~l~"~ h~l and the like.
The electronic tag 15 used in .~.. .; I ;- ", with the present invention can bo,without limitation, a low frequency tag using inductive coupling or a radio frequency 25 IRF) tag using modulated backscatter.
The following non-limiting examples are presented to further illustrate the features and benefits of the present methods and systems.
EXAMPLE I - Random Filing of Documents A group medical practice may have thousands of patient files. After a period of O
time, marly of such files may be discarded as patients no longer patronize the group practice. Further, over time, additional ~ may join the group practice, bringing within them many additional patient files. Rather than ~v~L g the filing system, it may be convenient to add the files to filing cabinets as space permits. The present invention may be used for this purpose as described below.
An electronic tag 15 is attached to a new patient file. The tag's response cocie, and the patient' s name are recorded in a log such as a notebook or a computer record.
The file is then placed in a filing cabinet as space permits. To retrieve the file, the log is consulted to obtain the response code of the tag 15 attached to the patient's file. The response code is entered into a interrogator, and the tag provides an indication of its location in any of the previously described ways depending upon the particulars of the locator system.
EXAMPLE 2 - Locating an Incorrectly Filed Document Filing systems may be organized in a variety of ways. For example, files may be given a numerical designation and filed in numerical order, or they may be ', ' ' I
by subject matter or by a client's or patient's name, to mention a few. When a file is mis-filed in such a system, it may require an extensive and time-consuming search to locate it. The methods and systems of the present invention can be used to simplify the task of locating a mis-filed document as described below.
A file is to be filed in a numerical filing system. An electronic tag 15 is attached to the file. The tag's response code, and a description of the file are recorded in a log such as a notebook or a computer record. The file, which was intended to be filed, is mis-filed. To later locate the file, the log is consulted to obtain the response code of the tag 15 attached to the file. The response code is entered into an illLcllv~ u-, and the tag provides an indication of its location in arly of the previously described ways depending upon the particulars of the locator system.
The foregoing examples and ~ .. .1 ,vi i ;. . .. ~ of the present invention are illustrative of the principles of this invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. It will hc further appreciated that various ll.ùdili.atiolls may occur to those ~ q 5 6 skilled in the art in vie v of the pre~sent teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
OBJECT LOCATOR SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREFOR
Ei~ of the rnven~ n The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for locating objects. More po~ ulolly~ the present invention relates to using electronic tags to 5 locate objects such as documents.
r~ n~l of the TnvPn~ion In ~,u~ liiullal systems for locating documerlts, documents are filed in assigned places. When a document that is filed according to such a system is remoYed from its assigned place, its location is usually unknown to persons other than the individual who 10 removed the document. If, after use, the document is re-filed in a place other than the assigned place, it may be very difficult to located again.
In other more advanced filing systems, computers and database software are used for document tracking. Ln such advanced systems, a document's location is entered into a computer database, and, wheneYer the document is moved, the database 15 is updated a~,,ul ~ . Such a computer database system fails when items are misfiled, movements are not recorded or i"ru, IlldLiull is incorrectly entered into the database. As in the case of simpler filing sytems, if these or other filing errors occur, documents may not be found at their e~pected locations and may be very difficult or impossible to locate.
As such, there is a need for an improved rlli.. V~.'d~, location system.
Sllmm ~,v l-f the rnv~ntit~n According to the present invention an electronic tag is used to locate an obiectsuch as a document. In one clllb~- ' t, an electronic tag is attached to a document before filing the document. The electronic tag is identifiable by a unique response 25 code. Theresponsecodeand;,.r~"", ';.",pertainingtothedocumentareloggedand the document is filed. To loc~te the document, the response code is entered into an uv...vl. The i~ uv~ sends a sivnal which, in one ~".lb~d....~ , causes the tag 21~6~
to emit a sound. In other r~ , the i.lt~ ol emits a radio signal allowing the user to locate the document. The present system thus allows for random storage of documents and is also useful for locating misplaced documents.
Brief D.~cl~ription of th~ DMwi~c Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific ~ Jodi~ thereof when read in, ; with the dcc.ml~ iu~ drawings, in which like elements have like reference numerals and inwhich:
FIG. I is an exemplary ~. . ,1~).1:, ,1 of an object loc~tor system according tothe present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for locating an object using the system of FIG. I;
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a second ~ ,~li.. ,1 of an object locator system according to the present invention wherein location markers are used;
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a third rl ~ 11 of an object locator system according to the present invention, FIG. S is a flow diagram illustrdting a method for locating an object using the system of FIG. 4; and FIG. 6 is an illustration of a fourth ~ odil~ of an object locator system 20 according to the present invention.
DPtril~fl l~crrir~ n nf ~h~ Invenril-n The present invention provides methods and systems for locating objects such as documents. Although the following description is primarily directed to locating documents, it should be understood that the present invention may be used for locating 25 other objects, as well. It should also be appreciated that the receiving, i ~ or locating devices used in .... j ., ... l ;, ." with the present invention are not intended to be limited to any particular~.,.l.o.l;.,.. ~
An ex~mplary object locator system for use in accordance with the present ~ ~ 96 , ~ o in~ention is shown in FIG. 1. The exemplary system comprjses an electronic tag 15 and an interrogator 20. The electronic tag 15 is uniquely identified by a response or identifier code. The electronic tag 15 is preferlbly physically adapted to be removably attached to an object. such as document 10. For example, the electronic tag 15 can 5 include a piece of material 16 that can receive a staple so that the tag 15 may be stapled to the document 10. Alternatively, a semi-sticky glue can be disposed on the material 16 or other portion of the tag 15. Preferably, the electronic tag 15 may further include a peel-off sticker 17 that is marked with the response code of the tag. The response code can appear on the sticker 17 as an alpha-numeric sequence, a bar code or in any 10 other suitable manner. Alternatively, the response code could be embossed on the body of the tag 15 itself. The electronic tag 15 is preferably small, flat and thin so that a "tagged" document uses a minimal amount of additional file space relative to an "un-tagged'' document.
The illt~ U~ UI ~0 is operable, via appropriate circuitry, to detect and transmit 15 the response code of the electronic tag 1 5. The ;1.~ ,, 20 preferably includes a display 22, an alpha-numeric key pad 24 and a transmit button 26. The response code of the electronic tag 15 is entered, via the _', ' .._...~,ic keypad 24, into the ;IILcl ~u~S~lul 20. The entered code appears in the display 22. Once the user verifies that the code is correct, the user then pushes the transmit button 26 causing the 20 ill~l.U~;UtU[ 20 to broadcast the response code of the electronic tag 15.
In one e.~l ' t~ the electronic tag 15 includes circuitry suitable for an active response by the tag, i.e., the tag emits a sound, when its response code is broadcast. In another I ....l ~l;, . ~ . the electronic tag 15 includes circuitry suitably conf gured for a passive response by the tag, i.e., the tag 15 modulates its reflection of 25 the illLcl~u;;~n's radio signal. If the tag is passive, the ill;~llU;~; 'Ul 20 should include a receiver and other circuitry suitable for actively locating the tag 15. For example, in one ~" ,l .- . l; " ,. . ,l such locating circuitry enables the i..~l l~ ,, ' 20 to emit a sound which changes in frequency or some other manner to indicate relative proxirnity to the tag 15. In other C ~ the locating circuitry causes the i.lt~,.lUI5~Lu. display 22 30 tû pro\~ide a \lisual indication of tag proximity, such as signal strength, o~ an indic~tion r 1 ~ ~
of distance to the tag l5. The design and ;,.,~ .. of such active and passive tags and locating circuitry is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.
A method fo} locating an object with the electronic tag 15 and il.t. ..uo.llul 20 is shown in FIG. 2. In the Following discussion, the object will be assumed to be a S document, such as the document 10. A user attaches the electronic tag 15 to the document 10, for example by stapling, as indicated in operation block 100. In operation block 110, the tag's response code and document ' ~U~ tiOl~ are recorded in a storage device. In one ~lllbodill~.lL, the storage device is a log book, and the peel-off sticker 17 is removed from the tag and stored in the log book with i..~lllldLio..
10 pertaining to the document 10. In other emho~iml~nt~ the storage device can be a computer storage medium, such as a floppy disk or hard drive. If the response code is in the form of a bar code, a bar code reader can be connected to a computer so that the code is read by the reader and transmitted to the computer and s~ored in an appropriate entry on the floppy disk or hard drive. Alternatively, in a further c..~l.o~l' .;, the tag 15 15 is suitably con~;gured to allow it to be ~-~vOl~ with a response code at the time of its use. After the electronic tag 15 is attached to the document 10, and the tag's response code and document ii.r~ iu.. are recorded, the document can be filed in a filing cabinet, such as the filing cabinet 5 of FIG. 3 or some other suitable document storage apparatus.
To locate the tagged document 10 in storage, the response code for the tag 15 is entered into the ill.~ .l 20 as indicated in operation block 120. Depending upon the specific electronic u~rlOul,~ ll of the tag and il.~l-- O , as discussed above, one of either the tag 15 or the i..t~".uo.lLo. 20 will provide an indication of the tag's location and hence the location of the document 10, as noted in operation block 25 130. Using the present metnod, documents can be filed randomly as filing space permits. Further, the present invention provides a means for locating a document that has been improperly filed in an organized filing system.
In a furthem,llll~dilll~,lll, an object locator system according to the present invention also includes location markers. In FIG. 3, location markers 31, 32, are 30 shown pl~Lced in the filing cabinet 5. While two location m~rkers are shown in FIG. 3, ~ 219611~
more or less of such markers can be used depending on the size of the file sto~age equipment. Location markers are preferably larger than the electronic tag 15, powered and suitably shaped for the particular ~pl ir~iir,n For example, if the location markers 31 and 32 will be used in a filing cabinet, such as the filing cabinet 5, they should be S relatively thin and sized to fit within a typical file drawer. In one ~ lI,od;l~ , the electronic tag 15 is suitably configured so that when its response code is ir~ncmir~1 the tag 15 sends a signal that causes location markers in the vicinity, such as location markers 31 and 32, to emit a sound. Once the activated location markers are located, a manual search can be performed to Fmd the document of interest or an automatic10 search can continue more rapidly with the user now focused on the generai location of the document 10.
Alternatively, the electronic tag 15 can be configured so that when its responsecode is i i, the tag 15 sends a signai to, or receives a signal from, a locationmarker, and then sends a signal to a suitably conFlgured ~ llu~;~tul 20, which signal is 15 indicative of the proximity of the electronic tag 15 to the location marker. Thus, a message such as "5 inches from LM3 1 " can be provided in the display 22 of the llU~ U- 20 indicating that the document of interest is 5 inches from location marker 31. In a further . ~ . ,1~.~.1: ., .. l the location marker, such as location marker 31 or 32 can send a signal to the ilit~ V~_ Ol 20 indicative of the proximity of the 20 electronic tag 15. Means for ,i. ~ the proximity of the electronic tag 15 to the location marker 31 or 32 can be located in the i..~,.lU~ VI 20, electronic tag 15, the location mark~rs or in a separate device. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various methods are available for ' ~ the proximity of the taB to the location marker. If, for example, the tag l 5 contains a radio receiver, it can measure 25 the strength of a radio signal received from the location marker. Knowledge of how much power is transmitted by the location marker and the received signal strenglh allows calculation of the distance from the electronic tag 15 to the location marker 31.
The tag can then transmit the calculated distance to tbe il~t~.lU~..tVI 20, or transmit a signal indicative of the received signal skength information to khe ill;~,llU~ UI, which 30 can then c~lculate the disbmce from the location marker to the tag. The design and ~ ~ 1 9 f~
l of such means are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.
In a further ~ o I;~ IL, an object locator system according to the present invention includes a processor or computer, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The computer is accessed for record storage as well as for processing functions. Illcùl~ula~ g a 5 computer in the object locator system is particularly a ;i~a~ u~ in :~rrl j~r jon~
where files include textual information suitable for storage in computer records as well other material that is not as well suited to computer storage. For example, a computer storage medium may suitably be used to store a patient's medical records. To theextent x-rays or other visual medical scans can be digitized and ~ lv~ lly stored, it 10 may also be desirable to maintain hard copies of the original visual media.
In the ~.lllb~ '' ' shown in FIG. 4, a processor 40 is in .,u with an IU~ UI 21 comprising a transmitter 23a and a receiver 23b. Though shown illcul~la~d into the illl~llu" ~.( 21 in FIG. 4, it should be al""c- ' that the transmitter 23a and receiver 23b may be separate devices. Textual material from a 15 record, such as, ~vithout limitation, a patient's medical record, can be kept on a computer storage means such as floppy disks, a hard drive or other suitable memory device associated with the processor 40. If, however, an x-ray 11 or other ~llulu~la~ll;c material torm part of the patient's record, physical storage of such material may be desirable. A t'urther . ., .1 ,o. 1; . . ' of a method for locating an object, 20 directed to the object locator system shown in FIG. 4, is presented in FIG. 5.
As indicated in operation block 200, an electronic tag 15 is attached to an object, such as the x-ray 11. A record is formed containing the response code for the tag 15 and illru~ ioll concerning the tagged obiect, as shown in operation block 210.
The record is stored in a computer storage means, as indicated in operation block 220.
25 In the present example of medical records, the record created in operation block 210 may form part of a patient's medical record. The x-ray 11 may then be filed in aphysical storage container, such as the filing cabinet 5, near location markers, such as the location markers 31 and 32. The ~ ,~".I...r. ;,. ~1 record may then be queried for the location of the object, i.e., the x-ray 11, as indicated in operation block 230. Once 30 queried, the processor, in operation block 240, directs the transmitter 23a to transmit 3~ J;~ '! b i the response codo for the tag 15. As indicated in operation block 250, a signal is returned to the receiver 23b indicative of the tag's position relative to one or more location markers, which, in the present illustration, are markers 31 and 32. The tag~s location can then be displayed on the display device 41 as indicated in operation block 5 260.
In another ~ illustrated in FIG. 6, the electronic tag 15 can be attached to a folder 50 for retaining documents. Each document that is to be stored in the folder 50 has an identifier labol 'i2 providing an i~ code. As a document is placed in, or removed from the folder 50, it is scanned by a reador 54 capable of 10 readingthe~ "ir..~ ;,.codefromthelabel52~ Thereader54isin~
with a processor, such as the processor 40. A computer record is ~ ly generated and maintained of the documents placed in, or removed from, the folder 50.
The record also contains the response code of the electronic tag 15. Thus, to locate a document, a suitably l~lv~ d processor 40 identifies the folder 50 in which the 15 document resides. An indication is provided as to whether the document is in the folder. Further, the processor directs the transmitter 23a to transmit the response code for the tag 15. A signal is returned to the receiver 23b indicative of the tag's position relative to one or more location markers 31 and 32. The tag's location can then be displayed on the display device 41. The identifier label 52 and reader 54 can be a bar 20 code and bar code reader, a printed label scanned by an optical character recognition system, a label with an i, l. .~l ;r;~ codo read by a short range l~l~"~ h~l and the like.
The electronic tag 15 used in .~.. .; I ;- ", with the present invention can bo,without limitation, a low frequency tag using inductive coupling or a radio frequency 25 IRF) tag using modulated backscatter.
The following non-limiting examples are presented to further illustrate the features and benefits of the present methods and systems.
EXAMPLE I - Random Filing of Documents A group medical practice may have thousands of patient files. After a period of O
time, marly of such files may be discarded as patients no longer patronize the group practice. Further, over time, additional ~ may join the group practice, bringing within them many additional patient files. Rather than ~v~L g the filing system, it may be convenient to add the files to filing cabinets as space permits. The present invention may be used for this purpose as described below.
An electronic tag 15 is attached to a new patient file. The tag's response cocie, and the patient' s name are recorded in a log such as a notebook or a computer record.
The file is then placed in a filing cabinet as space permits. To retrieve the file, the log is consulted to obtain the response code of the tag 15 attached to the patient's file. The response code is entered into a interrogator, and the tag provides an indication of its location in any of the previously described ways depending upon the particulars of the locator system.
EXAMPLE 2 - Locating an Incorrectly Filed Document Filing systems may be organized in a variety of ways. For example, files may be given a numerical designation and filed in numerical order, or they may be ', ' ' I
by subject matter or by a client's or patient's name, to mention a few. When a file is mis-filed in such a system, it may require an extensive and time-consuming search to locate it. The methods and systems of the present invention can be used to simplify the task of locating a mis-filed document as described below.
A file is to be filed in a numerical filing system. An electronic tag 15 is attached to the file. The tag's response code, and a description of the file are recorded in a log such as a notebook or a computer record. The file, which was intended to be filed, is mis-filed. To later locate the file, the log is consulted to obtain the response code of the tag 15 attached to the file. The response code is entered into an illLcllv~ u-, and the tag provides an indication of its location in arly of the previously described ways depending upon the particulars of the locator system.
The foregoing examples and ~ .. .1 ,vi i ;. . .. ~ of the present invention are illustrative of the principles of this invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. It will hc further appreciated that various ll.ùdili.atiolls may occur to those ~ q 5 6 skilled in the art in vie v of the pre~sent teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Claims (18)
1. A document locator system comprising:
an electronic tag identifiable by a response code and physically adapted to be attached to a document, and an interrogator operable to transmit the response code, wherein, the electronic tag provides an indication of its location when its response codeis transmitted, hence indicating the location of a document attached thereto.
an electronic tag identifiable by a response code and physically adapted to be attached to a document, and an interrogator operable to transmit the response code, wherein, the electronic tag provides an indication of its location when its response codeis transmitted, hence indicating the location of a document attached thereto.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the electronic tag provides an indication of its location by emitting a sound when its response code is transmitted.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the electronic further comprises a receiver and the interrogator provides an indication of the location of the electronic tag.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the interrogator provides an indication of the location of the electronic tag by emitting a sound, which sound changes to indicate relative proximity to the electronic tag.
5. The system of claim 3 wherein the interrogator comprises a display, and wherein the interrogator provides a visual indication in the display of the location of the electronic tag,
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a location marker, wherein, in response to the interrogator transmitting the response code, the electronic tag sends a signal that causes the location marker to provide an indication of its location.
7. The system of claim 3 further comprising a location marker, wherein, in response to the interrogator transmitting the response code, the electronic tag sends a first signal to the location marker and a second signal is transmitted to the interrogator, which second signal is indicative of the electronic tag's proximity to the location marker.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the location of electronic tag relative to the location marker is displayed on a display device.
9. The system of claim 8 further comprising:
a storage device for storing the response code; and a processor in communication with the storage device, the interrogator and the display device, wherein the processor is operable to cause the interrogator to transmit the response code and to display an indication of the tag's proximity to the location marker on the display device.
a storage device for storing the response code; and a processor in communication with the storage device, the interrogator and the display device, wherein the processor is operable to cause the interrogator to transmit the response code and to display an indication of the tag's proximity to the location marker on the display device.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising a folder, wherein the electronic tag is attached to the folder, and further comprising:
a document having an identifier label providing an identification code, the document further characterized by a status, wherein the status indicates whether the document is in the folder or not;
a label reader for reading the identification code provided by the identifier label on the documents each time the document is placed in, or removed from, the folder, wherein, the label reader is in communication with the processor and wherein the processor is operable to create and store a record comprising the identification code from the identifier label. the status of the document, and the response code of the electronic tag, and further operable to provide an indication of the folder's proximity to the location marker when the record is accessed so that the the location and the status of the document may be determined by accessing the record.
a document having an identifier label providing an identification code, the document further characterized by a status, wherein the status indicates whether the document is in the folder or not;
a label reader for reading the identification code provided by the identifier label on the documents each time the document is placed in, or removed from, the folder, wherein, the label reader is in communication with the processor and wherein the processor is operable to create and store a record comprising the identification code from the identifier label. the status of the document, and the response code of the electronic tag, and further operable to provide an indication of the folder's proximity to the location marker when the record is accessed so that the the location and the status of the document may be determined by accessing the record.
11. A method for locating a document comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching an electronic tag to the document, which electronic tag is characterized by a response code;
(a) attaching an electronic tag to the document, which electronic tag is characterized by a response code;
12 (b) recording the response code and descriptive information concerning the document in a storage means;
(c) transmitting, the response code using an interrogation device; and (d) locating the document based on the location indication provided by at least one of either the electronic tag or the interrogation device.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of locating further comprises listening to a sound to locate the document.
(c) transmitting, the response code using an interrogation device; and (d) locating the document based on the location indication provided by at least one of either the electronic tag or the interrogation device.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of locating further comprises listening to a sound to locate the document.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of locating further comprises observing signal strength to locate the object.
14. A method for randomly filing documents, which documents are filed in the vicinity of one or more location markers, comprising the steps of:
(a) attaching an electronic tag to the each of the documents for filing, wherein each of the electronic tags are uniquely characterized by a response code;
(b) recording the response code and descriptive information concerning each of the documents in a storage device;
(c) transmitting the response code of a document to be located using an interrogation device; and (d) causing the one or more location markers to provide an indication of its location in response to step (c).
(a) attaching an electronic tag to the each of the documents for filing, wherein each of the electronic tags are uniquely characterized by a response code;
(b) recording the response code and descriptive information concerning each of the documents in a storage device;
(c) transmitting the response code of a document to be located using an interrogation device; and (d) causing the one or more location markers to provide an indication of its location in response to step (c).
15. The method of claim 11 wherein, in step (d), the one or more location markers emit sound to indicate their position.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein step (b) further comprises forming a record and storing the record in a computer storage means and wherein step (c) further comprises querying the record for the location of the document.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein step (d) further comprises sending a signal to the interrogator, which signal is indicative of the proximity of the electronic tag to the one or more location markers.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein step (d) further comprises sending a signal to the interrogator which signal is indicative of the proximity of the electronic tag to the one or more location markers.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/612,650 US5689238A (en) | 1996-03-08 | 1996-03-08 | Object locator system and methods therefor |
| US612,650 | 1996-03-08 |
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|---|---|
| CA2196116A1 true CA2196116A1 (en) | 1997-09-08 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002196116A Abandoned CA2196116A1 (en) | 1996-03-08 | 1997-01-28 | Object locator system and methods therefor |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5689238A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0794507B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH1045221A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2196116A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69728810T2 (en) |
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-
1996
- 1996-03-08 US US08/612,650 patent/US5689238A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1997
- 1997-01-28 CA CA002196116A patent/CA2196116A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-02-25 EP EP97301209A patent/EP0794507B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-02-25 DE DE69728810T patent/DE69728810T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-02-28 JP JP9045160A patent/JPH1045221A/en active Pending
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|---|---|
| US5689238A (en) | 1997-11-18 |
| EP0794507A3 (en) | 2001-04-18 |
| JPH1045221A (en) | 1998-02-17 |
| DE69728810D1 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
| EP0794507B1 (en) | 2004-04-28 |
| EP0794507A2 (en) | 1997-09-10 |
| DE69728810T2 (en) | 2005-04-14 |
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