WO2015018452A1

WO2015018452A1 - Method for indicating a path to a target object comprised by a plurality of objects

Info

Publication number: WO2015018452A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/066704
Authority: WO
Inventors: Florin Van Slingerland
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2013-08-09
Filing date: 2013-08-09
Publication date: 2015-02-12

Abstract

Finding a parked or stored object 210 in a parking or storage facility 200A is enabled by having an originating Device100 transmitting by means of a short range radio protocol a Search request message comprising an identifier corresponding to the searched object. Other objects 220, 230, each having an identifier, stored or parked in the same facility 200A receive the Search request message and forward the message after adding their identifier to the message. The searched object responds to the reception of the received Search request with a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found towards the originating Device 100. The originating Device100 responds to the reception of the object found message by a Request indicating the path message, instructing the searched object and the intermediate objects that cooperated in the Search request process, to indicate a physical path from the originating Device100 towards the searched object.

Description

Title

METHOD FOR INDICATING A PATH TO A TARGET OBJECT COMPRISED BY A PLURALITY OF OBJECTS.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to enablement of person or system to find a stored or parked Target object, wherein the Target object cooperates in finding the location and a route thereto, in an efficient way.

Background

Objects that are considered to have some value, not required at the moment and waiting to be used are generally stored or parked, for retrieval at a later time. When the number of stored or parked objects is large, or the storage or parking area/facility is large, complex or disordered, location data is required for a successful retrieval of a specific object.

Prior art shows examples where location data is allocated to each object or a group of objects at the time of storing or parking. This location data is generally stored in a computerized database system. When a specific object has to be retrieved, a database lookup yields the location and with knowledge of the layout of the storage- or parking-facility, the specific object can be found.

Prior art examples shown below relate to implementations in a warehouse and parking facility where respectively goods and cars are temporarily stored or parked.

US 5006996 A, titled "System of conveying, storing, retrieving and distributing articles of manufacture", is an example of a system to retrieve objects in a warehouse environment.

This document shows a physical distribution system having a shelf storage unit for storing at least one article; a conveying unit having a terminal unit for conveying an article to and from the shelf; a memory unit for storing and retrieving data from the terminal unit, data relating to the article and data relating to the shelf address; and a data processing unit for transferring data relating to the storage/removal of article(s) to and from the terminal unit of the conveying unit; wherein the memory unit is mounted on the article(s) or is mounted on an article carrying unit which is used for carrying the article(s).

TW200919228A, Titled "Guiding system and method for searching car in parking lot - wherein a recognition apparatus is disposed at each parking area in connection to a parking lot information database for defining the location of a car in the parking lot", is an example of a system and method to find a car parked in a parking facility.

This document relates to a guiding system and a method for searching car in parking lot. A plurality of parking areas are defined in a parking lot. Each parking area and each route are digitized and stored, and a relationship there between is established. A recognition apparatus is disposed at each parking area, and a connection is set up between the recognition apparatus and a parking lot information database. When a car enters the parking lot and is parked at a parking space in a specific parking area, the parking permit acquired by the driver is sensed by the recognition apparatus, and data read from the parking permit are returned to the parking lot information database so as to define the location of the car in the parking lot. When the driver is to search for the car and leave, the parking permit is sensed at the entry again such that an optimal retrieval path is calculated and shown on a screen, thereby enabling the driver to find the car quickly and increasing the exit efficiency. Nowadays applications on smart-phones (apps) are designed for supporting in finding e.g. a car parked in a parking facility, by storing the geographical coordinates of the car at the moment of parking, and when required provide the user of the smart-phone with guiding indications towards the parked car.

These apps may generally apply a Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates or a triangulation by radio base stations comprised by a telecommunications network as a location defining method.

In the descriptions above, the position of the stored or parked object is defined at the moment when being stored or parked. In case an object is subsequently moved without re- defining and storing its new location, retrieving the specific object according to the described documents will be a problem.

The same problem remark can be put when the location data is lost or became unreliable, e.g. due to system errors. A number of systems that rely on long range radio propagation for e.g. GPS location definition face difficulties when operated in confined spaces, such as parking garages with steel-reinforced concrete, forming a faraday-cage. Triangulation location definition by means of a cellular telecommunications cellular in said confined spaces might be poor due to low received radio signals strengths and/or low granulation offered.

Summary

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method, and apparatus to find a stored or parked object, without defining its actual location at the moment of storing or parking.

In an aspect of the invention a method for indicating a path between a Device and a Target object is proposed.

The Target object is comprised by a plurality of objects, and each object of the plurality having an identifier, and at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators for indicating the path.

The method comprises the steps of:

the Device transmitting a Search request comprising an identifier identifying the Target object;

- one object of the plurality, not being the Target object, in response to receiving the Search request, adapting the Search request by adding its identifier and transmitting the adapted Search request;

the Target object in response to receiving the adapted Search request, transmitting a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, the Reply comprises the added identifier;

the Device will, in response to receiving the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, transmit a request indicating the path, comprising the added identifier, and

any object of the plurality of objects that receives the request indicating the path shall, on determining whether its identifier is present in the received request indicating the path, activate its one or more indicators such that the path is indicated.

In another aspect of the invention, the method may have another step of:

one object of the plurality, not being the Target object, shall in response to receiving the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, transmit the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found. In still another aspect of the invention, a method in a Device is proposed, where the Device has an identifier, and the method is a method for initializing an indication of a path between the Device and a Target object of a plurality of objects, wherein at least a part of the plurality of objects have one or more indicators for indicating the path.

The method comprises the steps of:

transmitting a Search request comprising an identifier identifying the Target object;

receiving a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, wherein the Reply comprises an identifier of an object, not being the target object;

- determining whether the identifiers identifying the Device and the Target object are present in the received Reply, and

transmitting a request indicating the path, wherein the request comprises an identifier of at least one of the objects of the plurality, such that any of the objects of the plurality is enabled to indicate the path by means of its indicators.

In still another aspect of the invention, the method in the Device comprises the further step of:

receiving the identifier identifying the Target object, for comprising in the Search request.

In still another aspect of the invention, a method in an object is proposed, where the object has an identifier, for indicating a path between a Device and a Target object of a plurality of objects, wherein at least a part of the plurality of objects have one or more indicators for indicating the path.

The method comprises the step of:

in response to receiving a Request indicating the path, on determining whether the target object identifier in the Request is not equal to the object's identifier, transmitting the Request indicating the path as to enable the objects of the plurality to indicate the path.

In still another aspect of the invention, the method in the object comprises the further steps of:

in response to receiving a Search request, adapting the Search request by adding the object's identifier and transmitting the adapted Search request, and

- in response to receiving a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, transmitting the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found. In still another aspect of the invention, the method in the object comprises the further steps of:

receiving a Search request, and determining the presence of a target object identifier in the received Search request, the target object identifier being equal to the object's identifier;

transmitting a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, composed from the one or more identifiers comprised by the received Search request, and activating its one or more indicators on determining whether the its identifier is present in the received Request indicating the path, such that the path is indicated.

on determining the presence of a target object identifier in the received Search request being equal to the object's identifier, storing action of the received Search request is performed and a timer is started for a predetermined period;

storing an additional received Search request having the Target object identifier being equal to the object's identifier, during the predetermined period;

selecting from the stored Search requests the Search request complying with a predetermined set of rules, and

- composing the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, comprising the identifiers from the selected Search request.

In still another aspect of the invention, the invention proposes a Device that is arranged to initialize a path between the Device and a Target object, where the Target object is comprised by a plurality of the objects.

At least a part of the plurality of objects has one or more indicators for indicating the path.

The Device comprises a Processor arranged to process program instructions, a Memory arranged to store the program instructions and a Radio arranged to receive and transmit messages.

The Processor, Memory and Radio are communicatively connected via a link.

The Processor of the Device is arranged to instruct the Radio to transmit a Search request comprising an identifier identifying the Target object.

The processor is additionally arranged to instruct the Radio (130) to supply a received Reply indicating that the Target object has been found to the Processor.

The processor is further arranged to determine the presence of identifiers identifying the Device and the Target object in the received Reply indicating that the Target object has been found. Furthermore the processor of the Device is arranged to instruct the radio to transmit a Request indicating the path, composed from the received Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, such that the objects are enabled to indicate the path between the Device and the Target object by means of their indicators.

In still another aspect of the invention, the invention proposes an object that is arranged to indicate a path between the Device and a Target object, where the Target object is comprised by a plurality of the objects.

The object comprises a processor arranged to process program instructions, a memory arranged to store the program instructions, at least one wireless receiver and at least one wireless transmitter.

The Processor, Memory, Receiver and Transmitter are communicatively connected via links.

The processor of the object is arranged to instruct the receiver to supply a received Request indicating the path to the Processor.

The processor is additionally arranged to determine whether the target object identifier in the Request indicating the path is equal to the object's identifier.

When the processor determines the target object identifier in the Request indicating the path is not equal to the object's identifier, the processor is arranged to instruct the transmitter to transmit the Request indicating the path, as to enable the objects to indicate a path between the Device and the Target object. In still another aspect of the invention, the processor of the object is further arranged to adapt a received Search request by adding the object's identifier.

The processor is further arranged to instruct the transmitter to transmit the Search request with the added identifier.

Additionally the processor is arranged to instruct the transmitter (to transmit the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found.

The processor of the object is arranged to instruct the receiver of the object to supply the received Request indicating the path to the Processor.

In still another aspect of the invention, the processor is further arranged to determine whether the object's identifier is comprised by the received Request indicating the path.

The processor is still further arranged, when the object's identifier is comprised by the received Request indicating the path, to activate the one or more indicators such that the object indicates a path between the Device and the Target object. In still another aspect of the invention, the object has a processor that is further arranged to determine whether the object's identifier is comprised by a received Search request as a target object identifier.

The processor is further arranged, when the object's identifier is comprised by a received Search request as a target object identifier, to instruct the transmitter to transmit a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found.

In still another aspect of the invention, the processor is still further arranged to compose the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found from the one or more identifiers comprised by the received Search request.

In still another aspect of the invention, the invention proposes a computer program, which, when being executed by at least one processor of a Device, is adapted to carry out or control a method for indicating a path between the Device and a Target object, where the Target object is comprised by a plurality of the objects.

At least a part of the plurality of objects has one or more indicators for indicating the path according to the method deployed by the Device. In still another aspect of the invention, the invention proposes a computer program, which, when being executed by at least one processor of an object, is adapted to carry out or control a method for indicating a path between a Device and a Target object, where the Target object is comprised by a plurality of the objects.

At least a part of the plurality of objects has one or more indicators for indicating the path according to the method deployed by the object.

These and other embodiments according to the present invention are now illustrated in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings.

Brief description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a facility for parking or storing objects;

Figure 2 is a signalling diagram illustrating an embodiment of method steps;

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an object; Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the object;

Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a Device;

Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of method steps of the Device;

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of method steps of the Device;

Figure 8A is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of method steps of an object;

Figure 8B is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of method steps of the object;

Figure 9A is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of method steps of the object;

Figure 9B is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of method steps of the object;

Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the flow of messages;

Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the flow of messages;

Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a path indication.

Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a facility for parking or storing objects;

Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the flow of messages;

Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the flow of messages;

Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a path indication;

Figure 17 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a facility for storing or parking objects;

Figure 18A is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a message frame.

Figure 18B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an object.

Figure 18C is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an object.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating schematically an object parking or storing facility.

Facility 200A comprises as an example a number of stored or parked objects 210, 220, 230. One of the objects 210, 220, 230 to be found is designated as Target object 210, e.g. the Target object 210 searched by the person or system controlling Device 100.

When said person or system needs to find the Target object, a Device 100 initialises a process to have at least the Target object 210 cooperate in indicating a path 610 towards the Target object 210.

In the remainder of this text, the word "towards" means, "between the (location of) the Device (100) and the Target object.

At least one of the other objects 220, 230 cooperates in the process of finding the Target object. The Device 100 and the objects, at least the objects in the same facility 200A as shown in e.g. figure 1 , do have an identifier that are unique The identifier can be provided to the Device or object during manufacture or provided temporary in a lease based concept.

In the case of a temporary identifier, the identifiers are intrinsically connected to the objects for at least the time they are stored or parked in the facility 200A. An identifier can be any combination of characters, signs, or codes, preferably in a standardized format.

Figure 1 is kept simple for explanation purposes with a limited space, a small number of objects, conveniently arranged such that the survey is clear. It should however be kept in mind that this invention is particularly suitable to parking or storage facilities with large areas, large number of objects and disordered situations.

The Device 100 can be a smart-phone or another Device capable of transmitting and receiving signals according to a short-range wireless protocol, such as e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or one of the IEEE 802.1 1 protocols. The Device 100 is a wireless Device or a fixed Device having a connection to a wireless Device with the wireless capability given above.

The Device 100 is capable to execute a program that enables the process to create a path between the location of the Device 100 and the Target object 210. Said path is indicated by indicators under control of the objects 210, 220, 230. Figure 2 is a signalling diagram illustrating the general method steps.

It has to be known, at the moment of the actual storing or parking an object 210, 220, 230, which identifier corresponds to the object being stored or parked.

As this explanation is directed to finding a specific object, referred to as the Target object 210, reference is made to this Target object 210, although any other object 220, 230 could have been selected to be a Target object.

The implementatiomn of invention is based on the use of short-range radio propagation, like the technologies listed at the description of figure 1 , such as Wifi and Bluetooth, where the usefull distance is limited to several meters. In step 41 OA the Device 100 is informed with an identifier, identifying the Target object 210. This informing process 41 OA can be performed by e.g.

- A Near Field Communication (NFC) transaction between the Device 100 and the Target object 210 for retrieving the object's identifier.

- Providing (e.g. manually by typing, or receiving from an electronic logistical system, not shown) the Device 100 a readable identification number corresponding to the Target object 210. The electronic logistical system (not shown) arranged for receiving or providing an identifier of an object from or to the Device 100, and storing or maintaining the identifiers corresponding to the objects.

- The Device 100 having an application for scanning an Optical Character Reading (OCR), bar or Quick Response (QR) code corresponding to the Target object 210.

The retrieved identifier of the Target object 210 is stored in a memory of the Device 100 or provided to an electronic logistical system (not shown), along with some description easing later selection of the Target object 210.

When requiring finding the Target object 210, which may occur in any timespan after the informing process 41 OA, the Device 100 obtains the identifier of the Target object 210.

This target object identifier obtaining process can be accomplished by e.g.

- A person or system controlling the Device 100 selecting by means of a program executing on the Device 100 the previously stored identifier corresponding to the

Target object 210.

- A person or system controlling the Device 100 receiving from the electronic logistical system (not shown) the identifier corresponding to the Target object 210.

The Device 100 subsequently composes a message designated as "Search request" comprising:

- a message type header, being "Search request",

- an identifier identifying the Device 100, and

- an identifier identifying the Target object 210.

This Search request is transmitted 41 1 by the Device 100. Depending on propagation conditions, configuration of objects 210, 220, 230, transmission capabilities, etc., one or more objects 210, 220, 230, may receive the Search request.

For the explanation of the invention it is supposed that object 230, located closest by the Device 100, receives the transmitted Search request 41 1 .

On reception 412 of the Search request, object 230 checks whether the Search request was intended for this object 230. As that is not the case, object 230 ads its own identifier to the received Search request, and will subsequently transmit 413 this adapted Search request.

The term "transmit", as used in this description, is to be interpreted as sending a message to an un-defined or unknown recipient, such as with broadcasting. Object 230 transmits 413 the adapted Search request preferably into the direction opposite to the direction where the Search request was received 41 1 , as to prevent signalling loops.

Object 220, comparable to object 230, receives 414 the Search request, transmitted

413 by object 220, notes it is not the Target object and hence also adds its identifier to said message and subsequently transmits 415 the further adapted Search request.

Adding an identifier to the Search request is regarded as adapting or amending the message, although the message is still referred to as the "Search request" as the message type remains the same.

Finally the Target object 210 receives 420 the Search request, sent by object 220. Target object 210 notes that the Search request is targeted to this Object and takes care that possible other Search request from the same Device 100, destined for the same Target object 210, but received later due to arriving via another route, are collected. For the explanation of the invention it is suggested that only a single Search request is received 415 by Target object 210.

The Search request now comprises:

- a message type header, being "Search request",

- an identifier identifying the Device 100,

- an identifier identifying the Target object 210,

- an identifier identifying the object 230, and

- an identifier identifying the object 220.

From this sequence comprised by the Search request, it is derivable that between the Target object 210 and the Device 100, two objects 220 and 230 are located. As a consequence of the use of short range radio propagation, it may be expected that only objects in each other's close vicinity are accumulated in this message, and the objects 230, 220 are added in a sequence that represents a path substantially in the direction from the Device 100 to the Target object 210.

In response to receiving the (single) Search request, the Target object 210 will reply with a message designated as "Reply indicating that the Target object has been found".

The Target object 210 composes the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found from the received Search request by adapting the message header type, such that the reply message comprises: - a message type header, being "Reply indicating that the Target object has been found",

- an identifier identifying the Device 100,

- an identifier identifying the Target object 210,

- an identifier identifying the object 230, and

- an identifier identifying the object 220.

This reply message is transmitted 421 by the Target object 210 in preferably the same direction as the Search request was received for efficient signalling.

Object 220, receiving 422 the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found from the Target object 210, notes the header type and transmits 423 the reply message in preferably the direction opposite to where the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found was received, as to prevent signalling loops.

Object 230, comparable to object 220, receiving 424 the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found from the object 220, notes the header type and transmits 425 the reply message in preferably the direction opposite to where the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found was received, as again, to prevent signalling loops.

Finally Device 100 receives 425 the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found and determines from the content of the Reply message that it was apparently the originator of the preceding Search request, resulting into this Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, concluding that the Target object 210 is present at the facility 200A and reachable by means of radio propagation, albeit via one or more hops, enabled by a number of objects 220, 230.

Also in this case, multiple Replies indicating that the Target object has been found may reach Device 100, due to different routing paths. As however a single Reply message represents a successful radio link, and other Reply messages destined for Device 100 have the same content (at least within a certain predefined time-period) other received Reply messages can be ignored and Device 100 starts a process for showing or indicating a path towards the Target object 210

In response to receiving the first Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, the Device 100 initializes a "Request indicating the path" process.

The Request indicating the path initializes the provision of a path for guidance from the location of the Device 100 towards the Target object 210, where the path is indicated by appropriate means, e.g. - a visible path, suitable to guide a person,

- a path guiding a machine with non-human sensing techniques, or

- a path interacting with a handheld Device, supporting an indication of the path. Preferably the Device 100 is in control how a path should be indicated, such that the objects supporting the path indication do not require advanced computing means in the indication process.

As an example the Device 100 composes a Request indicating the path from the received Reply indicating that the Target object has been found by adapting the message header type, such that the Request indicating the path comprises:

- a message type header, being "Request indicating the path",

- an identifier identifying the Device 100,

- an identifier identifying the Target object 210,

- an identifier identifying the object 230, and

- an identifier identifying the object 220.

The Processor of the Device 100 composes 430 the request indicating the path with one or more of the identifiers, comprised by Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, in a specific order.

The Device 100 transmits 431 the Request indicating the path, and it is to be expected, that object 230 receives 432 this Request message. Object 230 notes the type of the header and also notes its own identifier in this Request message, both being required to have object 230 control or activate one or more indicators mounted on the object 230 for a predetermined period.

An indicator can be any of a light, sound, movement, transmitting of radio waves, laser beams, etc.. Where the predetermined period depends on the indicator power required vs. power source available, facility type, type of objects, etc.

Object 230 shall, besides controlling or activating its indicator(s), also transmit 433 the received Request indicating the path, preferably in the direction opposite to where the Request indicating the path from Device 100 was received 431. If object 230 would be the only intermediate object 220, 230 in the Request message, Target object 210 should still be indicated, requiring forwarding of this Request message.

Object 220, comparable to object 230, when receiving 434 the Request indicating the path from object 230, also controls or activates its indicator(s) and transmits 435 the Request indicating the path. Target object 210, receiving 436 the Request indicating the path from object 220, notes its identifier being present as Target object 210 in the Request message and hence controls or activates its indicator(s), like object 230. No further transmission of the Request indicating the path is required.

For efficiency reasons it is to be considered to adapt the re-transmitted Request indicating the path, by having the object deleting its own identifier from the Request message before retransmitting, in case the same Request message would be received due to signalling loops.

Otherwise any object could apply a method to ignore a second same Request message (having exactly the same contents) for a predetermined period, due to signalling loops as to decrease non-efficient signalling. When the Device 100 has transmitted the Request indicating the path, in effect all objects, including the Target object, control or activate their indicator(s) for a predetermined period defined by the object itself. The one or more indicator(s) of the objects represent a path, for guiding a person or system towards the Target object 210. With the method explained it is to be expected that a shortest (or explained later, a safest) path is created. When the person or system has moved into the direction of the Target object 210, the person or system may either:

- Transmit (interruptedly continued) the same "Request indicating the path" as long as the person or system has not reached the Target object 210, resulting in the same objects 210, 220, 230, controlling or activating their indicator(s), as before, or more advantageously,

- Initialize another "Find Request" process, resulting in the indication of the shortest (or safest) path between the current location of the Device 100 and the Target object 210.

The example shown above provides (apart from the processing- and propagation- time of the objects) an indication guiding path for a predetermined period. The method proposed however also enables a more intuitive indication means towards the Target object 210 by having sequentially each object in the path controlling or activating its indicator(s) for a short period, compare e.g. to a "traveling light array".

The latter solution can be accomplished by Device 100, transmitting a Request indicating the path comprising only one of the identifiers of the intermediate objects 220, 230 between the Device 100 and the Target object 210, based on the previous received Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, the Request indicating the path comprises one identifier only out of the list below, and in that specific order:

- an identifier identifying the object 230,

- an identifier identifying the object 220, or

- an identifier identifying the Target object 210.

The Search request is to be regarded a message comprising a request to search or find a specific object, wherein the message comprises an identifier designated as Target object identifier, equal to the identifier indentifying or corresponding to the object. The request is put to the Target object to reply, and to any object receiving this message to attempt to forward the message.

The Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, is to be regarded a message comprising a reply, initialized by the searched specific object as a response on a received Search request having the specific object's identifier as Target object identifier. The existence of the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found illustrates the presence and the being reachable of the object identified as Target object. The reply is meant to be forwarded by any object receiving this message.

The Request indicating the path, is to be regarded a message requesting the objects listed by their corresponding identifiers in the Request indicating the path message, to activate the indicators, according to a given schedule in the Request indicating the path or pre-programmed in the object. This request is put to the specific objects listed by their identifiers to activate the indicators, and meant to be forwarded by any object receiving this message.

Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an object. Figure 3 shows a top view of an object. Preferably all objects 210, 220, 230 should have the elements comprised by figure 3, for cooperating in the method shown in figure 2.

For the explanation of figure 3, the Object" is an entity that is stored or parked and is to be found according to the invention described.

The Object" discussed here, is to be understood as a template having capabilities applicable to all objects 210, 220, 230 and other objects listed in the remainder of this application. The Device 100 is not regarded to be an Object". The Object has a processor 310, communicatively connected to a memory 320 for storage purposes. Memory 320 is applied among others for storing the identifier of the Object.

The processor is additionally communicatively connected via a bus 31 1 , 312 to Receiver(s) 330, 331 , 332, 333, Transmitter(s) 340, 341 , 342, 343, and indicator(s) 350, 351 , 352, 353.

The objects have receivers 330-333 and transmitters 340-343 deployed for the steps of receiving and transmitting requests and replies.

The receivers and transmitters are preferably wireless, although a wired transmitters and transceivers can be applicable as well to the invention, in particular for a semi-static situation, using connectors.

Combinations of wireless and wired transmitters and receivers per object or Device can suitable, depending on application, see below an example with a parking garage.

The one or more indicator(s) (350-353) can be mounted anywhere on the object but a location where they can be conveniently detected by a person or system, like on the edges or top of the Object is preferred.

The minimum requirements for qualifying as an Object is to have a processor 310, memory 320 and at least one Receiver 330, 331 , 332, 333, one Transmitter 340, 341 , 342, 343. An Object with these minimum requirements is enabled to support the signalling flow.

Additionally to these minimum requirements, at least one indicator 350, 361 , 352, 353 is preferred as to support the process for showing the guiding path.

Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a detail of the object shown in figure 3.

Receiver 330, 331 , 332, 333 when implemented as wireless, has the capabilities required for receiving the short range radio signals, explained in figure 1 in relation to Device 100. Transmitter 340, 341 , 342, 343 when wireless has the capabilities required transmitting the short range radio signals, explained in figure 1 in relation to Device 100. Device 100, Receiver 330, 331 , 332, 333, and Transmitter 340, 341 , 342, 342 have at least one radio standard, protocol and channel in common.

Device 100 is to be understood as having an omni-direction antenna pattern for transmitting and receiving, such that its location and actual antenna direction is independent to the radio signal propagation quality. The one or more wireless Receivers 330, 331 , 332, 333 and one or more wireless Transmitters 340, 341 , 342, 342 being part of the Object are, when being present as more than one per object, preferably directional sensitive and radiating respectively, depending on the number of Receivers and Transmitters and the shape of the Object.

If as in figures 3 & 4 the Object has 4 sides the Antenna pattern/lobes of both receive- and transmit-characteristics should be wide but no more than 180 degrees, as to support an efficient propagation of messages through the collection of Objects as shown in the remainder of the application. Although only the 3db beam width characteristics 360, 363 of respective receivers 330, 333 are shown in figure 4, each receiver 330, 331 , 332, 333 and transmitter 340, 341 , 342, 342 should preferably comply with the same characteristics.

Although objects having directional sensitive antennas for receivers and transmitters are regarded efficient for the invention, objects having omnidirectional antennas for transmitting and receiving will also be applicable to the invention. The directional characteristics of antennas enable sending messages generally into a specific direction and receiving messages from specific directions, thereby supporting a specific directional flow of messages. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a Device. Device 100 has a processor 1 10 communicatively connected to a memory 120 for storing a.o. an identifier identifying the Device 100, as well as storing an identifier corresponding to the Target object 210.

Via a bus link 1 1 1 a radio interface 130, a Display 140, a manual Input unit 150 and an Input/Output (I/O) interface 160 are connected to the processor 1 10.

An antenna 130A capable for receiving and transmitting radio signals as defined in figure 1 is mounted to Device 100 and connected to radio interface 130.

I/O interface 160 comprises a.o. a camera and optionally a physical link to an external electronic logistical system (not shown) for exchanging identifiers identifying objects. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an initial process in the Device. As shown in figure

2 at step 41 OA, the identifier corresponding to a Target object 210, that is to be found at a later stage, must be stored.

Storage might take place internal to the memory 120, or externally in an electronic logistical system (not shown), for later use when the path to the Target object 210 has to be indicated.

Communication with the object is preferably performed via the antenna 130A with radio signals as defined in figure 1 , via radio interface 130. In case the Device 100 has to be active in gaining the identifier corresponding to the Object, the person or system controlling Device 100, initializes 460 a process in Device 100, resulting in transmitting 461 a Request towards the Object. A timer A is started 462 and a waiting loop 463, 466, is entered, for a reply of the Object

All timers mentioned in the explanation here and below are set with a particular value in milliseconds (ms) and count down until zero.

As an example, the waiting loop of timer A, could acceptable be defined as 500 ms.

If within the waiting loop period of timer A, a suitable reply is received, the identifier of the Object is stored 464 in memory 120 or provided to an electronic logistical system (not shown), and an indication 465 is provided of the action performed on the display 140 of Device 100, or provided to the system that initialized the command 460, via interface/link 160, 160 A.

If there is no suitable reply received in time, the waiting loop ends and an indication of the failed action is indicated 467 on the display 140 of Device 100, or provided to the system that initialized the command 460, via interface/link 160,160A.

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a search process executed in the Device 100;

As shown in figure 2 at step 410B, the Search request comprising the Target object 210 is prepared by the Device 100 and transmitted 41 1 , where after the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found 425 is expected.

A person or system requiring retrieving the Target object 210, provides a command 470 to the Device 100 along with the identifier identifying the Target object 210. The Search request is composed 471 , comprising a Search request Header type, and identifiers corresponding to the Target object 210 and Device 100. Subsequently a decrementing Timer B is set 472 to a value as to watch for a properly timed request-reply procedure regarding the Search request - Reply indicating that the Target object has been found.

In case the Reply message 425, originated by the Target object 210, is received in good time 473, the processor of 1 10 of Device 100 starts composing 430 a Request indicating the path, as explained with figure 2 and transmits this composed Request message by means of radio interface/antenna 130, 130A.

Additionally, although regarded as optional, the action performed is indicated 475 on the display 140 of Device 100, or provided to the system that initialized the command 470, via interface/link 160.160A.

In case no Reply message is received, although still in Timer B window 473, 476 a waiting loop is executed. The value of Timer B is case dependent, on radio propagation quality, number of objects, size of the parking or storing facility 200A. If there is no suitable reply received in time, the waiting loop ends and an indication of the failed action is indicated 478 on the display 140 of Device 100, or provided to the system that initialized the command 460, via interface/link 160.160A.

When Timer B times out without having received a proper reply, either the Target object 210 is not present there are not sufficient intermediate objects 220, 230 in reach of Device 100 or in reach of each other, or there is a malfunction of one or more objects.

In case the cause would be the lack of objects in reach, it is a preference to have the power of the radio signals increased. Such that when Timer B times out, the transmission power of Device 100 is increased 477B and a new Search request is composed 471 , having an indication that the power level is to be increased a step, for all objects, including the Target object 210. When a subsequent timeout 476 of Timer B occurs, the power level of the radio signal could be increased again 477B, or in case a predetermined maximum level has been reached 477A, no further attempts are made and although regarded as optionally, an indication of the failed action is indicated 478 on the display 140 of Device 100, or provided to the system that initialized the command 470, via interface/link 160,160A.

In case the applied radio system/protocol does not support power control or incrementing, steps 477A and 477B should be omitted and a direct flow (not shown) from decision 476 to end action 478 should occur if timer B times out.

The power level applied, if not default, is listed as a parameter in the messages (Search request, Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, and Request indicating the path) applied, and will be applied by all objects during the messaging procedure, as it is not known which link causes a problem.

Figure 8A is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an object.

Preferably all objects, 210, 220, 230 cooperating in the method proposed by the invention, execute the process described in figure 8A. The processes 212, 214 and 420, depicted in figure 2, are elucidated in figure 8A, regarding a process for handling the Search request.

When the Search request is received at an object 210, 220, 230, it is checked 481 whether the received Request message comprises the Target object identifier being equal to the identifier of this object. In case it is, it is subsequently checked 482, whether this Request message is the first Request message, originated by a specific Device 100, named X here, arrived for this Target object. In case it is, a decrementing Timer Cx is set 482A as to start a time window to collect additional Search requests, originated by the same Device X, being received via different routes by means of the intermediate objects. Additionally the Search request is stored 482B in memory 320, organized such that for later processing, all Request messages originated to the same originating Device X 100 are grouped.

When the received Request message is another Request message from the same originating Device X 100, but having reached the object in a different way 483, the already running Timer Cx is respected (not re-set) and the received Request message is stored 482B.

Search requests for the Target object that are received having an already stored contents and received within the Timer Cx window are thrown away 484. The latter should normally not occur, as if exactly the same Request message is received within a predetermined small time-window it will be ignored.

Each process originated by a Device X has an own timer Cx, as to enable cases with simultaneous Search requests from different sources.

In case the object's identifier is not 481 the target object identifier, the object 220, 230, adds 485A its identifier to the Search request, as described at figure 2, and re-transmits 485B the adapted Search request. Based on the Transmitter 340, 341 , 342, 343 and Receiver 330, 331 , 332, 333 configurations, as described with figure 3, the re-transmitting is preferably performed by the one or more transmitters mounted opposite to the receiver or receivers having received the Search request. Processor 310, controlling the receiver(s) and transmitter(s), supported by memory 320, is arranged to support this directional receiving and transmitting schedule.

Figure 8B is a flowchart illustrating a process 420 executed by a Target object. The process depicted by figure 8b is executed continuously when timer Cx is activated (set - until - zero).

When a timeout of Timer Cx occurs 486, all received and stored Search requests for the same originating Device X 100 are compared 486A by processor 310, and according to a set of rules, the Request message that complies completely or best to the rules is selected 486B.

As a set of rules, as an example one may select the Request message having the least number of objects identifiers, having a least number of a specific type of objects identifiers, or having the largest number of pre-defined object identifiers.

Additional to having a timed loop, a counter (not shown) can be applied counting the number of received different Search requests. Whenever comes first, the time-out of Timer Cx 486 or the predetermined number of counted Request messages for Target object X reached, defines moment of continuing the flow to the next step 486A. The selecting step 486B from the stored search requests can be the selection of the Search request comprising the lowest number of identifiers, or

The selecting step 486B from the stored search requests can be the selection of the the search request comprising the lowest number of a predetermined type of identifiers.

From the selected Request message a "Reply indicating that the Target object has been found" is composed 486C, as elucidated in figure 2, with another header and a copy of the remaining identifiers and possible options (power level).

Subsequently the composed Reply message is transmitted 486D via preferably the transmitters mounted on the same plane on the object as where the receivers had received the selected Search request. Processor 310, controlling the receiver(s) and transmitter(s), supported by memory 320, is arranged to support this directional receiving and transmitting schedule.

Figure 9A is a flowchart illustrating a process 490 regarding the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, executed by an object.

When an object 210, 220, 230 receives 490 the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found it is checked 491 whether this object is the Target object by comparing the object's identifier with the Target object comprised by the Reply message.

If this is not the case, the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found is transmitted 491 A, preferably via the transmitter mounted opposite to the receiver having received the Reply message. There is made no change to the Reply message, such that the Reply message is forwarded. In case it is the Target object 210 that has received the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found with its identifier as the Target object's identifier, this Reply message has previously been sent by this Target object and apparently arrived by a loop and can be ignored 492.

Figure 9B is a flowchart illustrating a Request indicating the path process 493 executed by an object.

When an object 210, 220, 230 receives 493 a Request indicating the path it is checked 493A whether this object's identifier is present in the Request indicating the path.

In case it is not, the Request message is forwarded by transmitting the (unamended) Request message 493C, preferably via the transmitter 340-343 mounted opposite to the receiver 330-334 having received the Request message.

In case the Request message comprises the object's identifier it is subsequently checked 493B whether the object's identifier equals the Target object identifier. If this is not the case, the processor 310 controls or activates 494A the indicator(s) 350, 351 , 352, 353 for a period of x seconds and the Request indicating the path is transmitted 493C, preferably via the transmitter mounted opposite to the receiver having received the Request message. There is made no change to the Request message, such that the Request message is forwarded. In case the object is the Target object 210 that has received the Request indicating the path with its identifier as the Target object's identifier, the processor 310 controls or activates 494B the indicator(s) 350, 351 , 352, 353 for a period of y seconds. In the latter case there is no further forwarding. The processor 310 of the object is arranged to activate 494A, 494B one or more indicators on determining of the presence of the object's identifier in the received Request indicating the path, such that the path towards the Target object is indicated.

The object's processor is further arranged to:

- instruct 493 the receiver 340-343 to supply the received Request indicating the path to the Processor, and

determine 493A whether the object's identifier is comprised by the received Request indicating the path, and if it is,

activate 494B the one or more indicators 350-353 such that the object indicates a path towards the Target object.

Periods x and y can be adapted to the situation where the invention is applied. The x and y values can be different such to identify the Target object from the intermediate objects.

It is an option to have the value of x and y in an option field of the Request indicating the path, thereby enabling dynamically the character in which the indicator(s) are controlled or activated.

Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating a message flow in a facility for parked or stored objects.

Figure 10 depicts a facility 200B comprising a more complex situation with objects, compared to facility 200A, and is presented to show the existence of multiple message flows and indicated paths. Figure 10 comprises seven objects 201 , 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, where object 207 is designated as a Target object. The objects are equipped with one or more receiver(s), transmitter(s) and indicator(s), under control of each object's the processor 310 according to the description of figures 3 and 4. As an example the message propagation towards the Target object 207 is presented, based on the short range- and directional-capabilities of the radio propagation as discussed above. When Device 100 transmits 100A a message, e.g. the Search request, this message is received by object 201 , which subsequently transmits the (adapted) message in three directions 501 A, 501 B, 501 C. Messages 501 B and 501 C are not received by any other object. However message 501A is received by Object 202, which repeats m.m. the steps performed by object 201 .

It is depicted that a number of transmitted Messages 502C, 503C, 504A, 505A,

505B, 505C, 506A are not received by any object.

Messages 502B, 503B are received almost simultaneously by the same receiver (of object 206), which is possible when radio signals do not interfere with each other, supported by a non-contentious radio protocol such as Bluetooth.

The same message 503A.1 , 503A2 originated by one object 203 can be received by two receivers of another object 204, due to the relative position or bouncing of radio signals.

Based on the layout of figure 10, an exemplary flow of messages might follow message 501A, object 202, message 502B, object 206, message 506C, object 207, being the Target object.

Another exemplary flow of messages might follow message 501 A, object 202, message 502A, object 203, message 503B, object 206, message 506C, object 207, being the Target object.

Still another exemplary flow of messages might follow message 501A, object 202, message 502A, object 203, message 503A.2, object 204, message 504B, object 207, being the Target object.

Still another exemplary flow of messages might follow message 501A, object 202, message 502B, object 206, message 506B, object 205, which transmits messages 505A, 505B, 505C that are not received by other objects, and thereby representing a dead end. Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating the message flow in the facility of figure 10 for parked or stored objects.

Figure 1 1 shows the routes 440A, 440B, 440C of messages that represent a successful flow in that a message from the Device 100 towards the Target object 207 had been accomplished.

As show before, the Target object 207 receiving the three alternative message flows, as comprised by the received Search requests, a single route should be selected from the alternatives according to a set of rules. In this exemplary embodiment the least number of objects would be preferred, which is represented by route 440C, having three intermediate objects, against four intermediate objects for the other alternatives 440A, 440B.

Subsequently the Target object 207 composes and transmits the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found and into the direction where the Search request was received.

Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating the indicated path to a Target object in the facility of figure 10.

When the Device 100 has responded to the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found of figure 1 1 , with a Request indicating the path, objects 201 , 202, 206 and 207 will indicate the route a person or system has to follow to reach Target object 207.

The activated indicator(s) is/are schematically represented by means of stars on the objects. Following the activated indicator a system or person, starting at the position of Device 100, will arrive at the Target object 207. The physical path used might, depending on the situation depicted in figure 12, allow some degree of deviation, depicted as an example by two routes 620A, 620B.

Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating objects in the facility of figure 10.

In figure 13, facility 200B, comprises next to objects 201 , 202, 203, 204, 205, 206

207 of figure 10, additional objects 250, 251 , 252, 253, 254, 255.

Objects 201 , 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 are regarded as objects with a mobile character, i.e. they may arrive, disappear, be moved, etc..

Objects 250, 251 , 252, 253, 254, 255 are regarded as fixed although they can be mobile, but with a fixed character to accomplished a certain task, such as enabling security.

The fixed objects 250, 251 , 252, 253, 254, 255 are e.g. aligned with a predetermined area for safe transportation or path strategically positioned with respect to the stored or parked objects and the position of e.g. an exit or entrance of facility 200B. The fixed objects 250, 251 , 252, 253, 254, 255 are partly arranged as the object in figure 3 but depending on the application with an adapted number of receiver(s), transmitter(s) and indicator(s).

As shown in figure 13, the receiver-transmitter pair at both long ends, can also be omitted by connecting the fixed objects to each other by means of a wired connection (receiver to transmitter interfaces), carrying the same protocol as the at least one remaining receiver and transmitter per fixed module. Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating message flows in the facility of figure 10 with the fixed Devices.

As explained in the message flow of figure 10, a part of the message flow is depicted where the additional fixed objects 250, 251 , 252, 253, 254, 255 are also incorporated in transferring the messages transmitted.

Device 100 transmits 100A.1 , 100A.2, a message (e.g. the Find-Object Request Message, which is received by both object 201 and fixed object 250. A part of the message flow due to the reception of the message 100A.2 at fixed object 250 is represented in figure 14 according to the method explained in figure 10.

Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating message flows in the facility of figure 10 with the fixed Devices.

The Target object 207 might receive multiple Search request, representing different message routes from the Device 100 towards the Target object 207.

Two of these routes 450A, 450B are exemplary depicted in figure 15. Route 450A comprises object 201 , being a mobile object, while route 450B only includes fixed objects 250, 251 , 252, 253, 254, 255.

The set of rules deployed by Target object 207 in deciding which route to select is in this exemplary embodiment giving precedence to a route with preferably only fixed objects 250-255, or the least number of mobile elements 201 -207, hence route 450B is selected.

Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating a path in the facility of figure 10 with the fixed Devices.

Using the selected route 450B of the messages of figure 15, and the method as explained with figures 10, 1 1 , 12, a path 630 is indicated by means of fixed objects 250-255, thereby preventing indicating a path located between the mobile objects 201 -207.

Figure 17 is a block diagram illustrating a cross-section of a facility with vertical and horizontal spaces.

The method elucidated is applicable in a three-dimensional premises 200C depicted in figure 17, where fixed Devices 561 , 562, 563, comparable to fixed objects 250-255, are positioned such that the radio propagation is supported in a vertical direction, thereby connecting the message flows between the floors of the premises 200C. The vertically arranged fixed objects 560-662 are preferably arranged along a staircase or an elevator column 200C1 . Figure 18A is a block diagram illustrating a message frame.

From left to right the exemplary message frame 710 applicable for all messages, apart from the message applied in figures 2 and 6, step 41 OA, and comprises the fields:

- A protocol header

- A message type Header

o Search request

o Reply indicating that the Target object has been found

o Request indicating the path

- The identifier identifying the Target object 207, 210

- The identifier identifying the Device 100

- Option Fields such as;

o Power level (default, level+1 , level+2, etc.),

o Type of Indication used (light, radio, etc.),

o Time and/or pattern the Object Indicator(s) should be activated, o Time and/or pattern the Target object indicator(s) should be activated, o Etc.

- Object Identifier i

o Object type (Mobile, Fixed, etc.)

- Object Identifier i+1

o Object type (Mobile, Fixed, etc.)

- Etc. for additional Object identifiers i + n

- Protocol Trailer

Figure 18B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an object.

Figure 18B illustrates a car 810 being an embodiment of the object 210-230, 201 -

207, described above.

If the invention explained is applied in a parking lot, parking garage, or parking facility, it would an preferred option to have a car with its Electronic Central Unit (ECU) performing the tasks of the object's processor 310 and memory 320, controlling on-board receiver(s) 330-333 and transmitter(s) 340-343, as well the indicator flasher(s) or car flasher(s) representing the indicator(s) 350-353.

The car 810 can have the ECU executing a previously stored program performing or cooperating in steps 410A, 412, 414, 420. In case the car does not have the program available, it would be an option to download the program for steps 41 OA, 412, 414, 420 via the Internet as an app.

Alternatively a separate unit 81 1 can be applied, temporary placed on the car, the unit 81 1 having the minimum required capabilities for being regarded as an object cooperating within the invention as defined above and preferably an indication light on top. Finding a user's parked car in a parking facility would be enabled by having the Device 100, being a smart-phone of a user or User-Equipment (UE), executing an app performing the steps 410A. 410B, 430 of figure 2, detailed in figures 6 and 7. The app could be downloaded/retrieved from an application provider or from the parking facility 200A, 200B, 200C when entering.

When a parking facility or area is almost empty, such that only a limited number of cars are present, either the presence of fixed Devices 350-353 already provides a proper message signalling route or the suggested optional power level raising suffices.

Figure 18C is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an object.

Figure 18B illustrates a pallet 820 being an embodiment of the object 210-230, 201 - 207, described above, and applied in a warehouse. Pallets are regarded as objects to place goods on top on for storing these goods in a warehouse.

The pallet 820 carries goods 821 , 822, 823, which should be observed as a single unit.

The pallet is equipped with the minimum required capabilities for being regarded as an object cooperating within the invention as defined above and preferably an indicator.

Another embodiment for a warehouse application is to apply the separate unit 81 1 , sticked or mounted to stored goods.

Another embodiment in line with the pallet embodiment would be a container (not shown), containing goods.

The invention described, provides the advantage of an efficient method for retrieving a stored or parked object.

At the actual moment of retrieval, a path towards the stored or parked specific object is indicated by way of a path guiding a person or system, searching for the specific object.

At the actual moment of storing or parking it is not required to retrieve and remember or store the exact location where the object is stored or parked. Only an identifier of the object to be found, the Target object, and the address of the storage or parking facility needs to be remembered or stored.

In case the location data of the prior art storage or parking is lost, the object is still to be found as only at retrieval time a process for obtaining path data is initialized. A user having stored his car in a parking garage does not have to search for his/her car, but just apply the UE to initialize the process for indicating the path to the car, and follow the guided path.

For complex parking facilities numerous movements of cars getting in and out of the facility may represent a danger for the pedestrian searching his/her car. By guiding the pedestrian along a safe path by means of the fixed objects, an efficient and safe route is provided to the user.

It is further an advantage that the use of long range radio propagation such as the use of GPS or a cellular radio network for triangulation, as to define the location of a parked car, is not required as the applied short-range radio system is typically suitable for in-house application, such as a parking garage.

For a warehouse the method presented provides an advantage in that the storage control is simplified it that location information of goods does not have to be maintained.

Any replacement of stored goods, which would introduce a discrepancy between stored location information and the actual location information in the electronic logistical systems (not shown) of the warehouse may occur as only at retrieval time the location of the goods becomes relevant.

Said replacement of goods may occur either intended or un-intended.

Not all stored or parked objects need to cooperate in the process for finding an object. As long as there is a path created that is generally recognizable for the system or person operating the Device 100, it will be sufficient.

The Device 100 can also be characterized as:

Device (100) for initializing an indication of a path (610, 620A, 620B, 630) towards a Target object (207, 210), the Target object comprised by a plurality of objects (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators (350-353) for indicating the path, the Device (100) comprising

a composing and transmitting module (471 ) for a Search request;

a timer module for setting and timing a waiting loop (472, 473) for receiving a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, and

a composing and transmitting module (430) for a Request indicating the path, such that the objects are enabled to indicate a path towards the Target object.

The Object 201 -207, 210, 220, 230 can also be characterized as: Object (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), for an indication of a path (610, 620A, 620B, 630) towards a Target object (207, 210), the Target object comprised by a plurality of objects (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators (350-353) for indicating the path, the object 100 comprising:

- an identifier maintain module comprising the object's identifier;

a determination module (481 ) for determining whether the received Search request comprises the object's identifier;

a determination module (482) for determining whether the received Search request has already been received;

- a timer module (482A, 486) for setting and timing a waiting loop to collect Search requests;

a comparation and selection module (486A, 486B) for selecting the received Search requests complying with a set of rules;

a composition and transmit module (486C, 486D) for composing and transmitting the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, and

a message adaptation and transmit module (485A, 485B) for adapting and transmitting the adapted Search request;

H II II

Claims

1 ) A method for indicating a path (610, 620A, 620B, 630) between a Device (100) and a Target object (207, 210) of a plurality of objects (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), each object of the plurality having an identifier, at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators (350-353) for indicating the path, the method comprising the steps of:

the Device (100) transmitting (41 1 ) a Search request comprising an identifier identifying the Target object;

one object of the plurality (201 -206, 220, 230) not being the Target object (207, 210), in response to receiving (412, 414) the Search request, adapting the Search request by adding its identifier and transmitting (413, 415) the adapted Search request;

the Target object in response to receiving (420) the adapted Search request, transmitting (421 ) a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, the Reply comprising the added identifier;

the Device (100) in response to receiving (425) the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, transmitting (431 ) a request indicating the path, comprising the added identifier, and

- any object of the plurality of objects receiving (432, 434, 436) the request indicating the path, on determining whether its identifier is present in the received request indicating the path, activating its one or more indicators (350-353) such that the path is indicated. 2) The method of claim 1 comprising the further step of:

one object of the plurality, not being the Target object, in response to receiving (422,

424) the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, transmitting (423,

425) the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found. 3) The method of claim 1 wherein the objects of the plurality (201 -207, 210, 220, 230) have receivers (330-333) and transmitters (340-343) deployed for the steps of receiving and transmitting requests and replies.

A method in a Device (100) having an identifier, for initializing an indication of a path

(610, 620A, 620B, 630) between the Device (100) and a Target object (207, 210) of a plurality of objects (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators (350-353) for indicating the path, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting (41 1 ) a Search request comprising an identifier identifying the Target object;

receiving (425) a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, the Reply comprising an identifier of an object, not being the target object;

determining whether the identifiers identifying the Device (100) and the Target object (207, 210) are present in the received Reply, and

transmitting (431 ) a request indicating the path, comprising an identifier of at least one of the objects of the plurality, such that any of the objects of the plurality is enabled to indicate the path by means of its indicators.

The method of claim 4, comprising the further step of:

receiving (41 OA) the identifier identifying the Target object, for comprising in the Search request.

The method of claim 4, comprising the further step of:

composing (430) the request indicating the path with at least the identifier of the object not being the target object, comprised by the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found.

A method in an object (201 -206, 220, 230) having an identifier, for indicating a path (610, 620A, 620B, 630) between a Device (100) and a Target object (207, 210) of a plurality of objects (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators (350-353) for indicating the path and wherein the method comprises the step of:

in response to receiving (432, 434, 436) a Request indicating the path, on determining (493A) whether the target object identifier in the Request is not equal to the object's identifier, transmitting (493C) the Request indicating the path as to enable the objects to indicate the path.

The method according to claim 7 wherein the method comprises the further steps of:

in response to receiving (412, 414) a Search request, adapting the Search request by adding the object's identifier and transmitting (413, 415) the adapted Search request, and in response to receiving (422, 424) a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, transmitting (423, 425) the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found.

The method of claim 8 wherein the method comprises the further step of:

receiving (420) a Search request, and determining the presence of a target object identifier in the received Search request, the target object identifier being equal to the object's identifier;

transmitting (421 ) a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, composed from the one or more identifiers comprised by the received Search request, and

activating (494) its one or more indicators on determining whether the its identifier is present in the received Request indicating the path, such that the path is indicated.

The method of claim 10 wherein the method comprises the further steps of:

on determining (481 ) the presence of a target object identifier in the received Search request being equal to the object's identifier, storing (482B) the received Search request and starting (482A) a timer for a predetermined period;

storing (482B) an additional received Search request having the Target object identifier being equal to the object's identifier, during the predetermined period;

selecting (486B) from the stored Search requests the Search request complying with a predetermined set of rules, and

composing (486C) the Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, comprising the identifiers from the selected Search request.

The method of claim 1 1 wherein the method comprises the further step of:

selecting (486B) from the stored Search requests the Search request comprising the lowest number of identifiers.

The method of claim 1 1 wherein the method comprises the further step of:

selecting (486B) from stored Search requests the Search request comprising the lowest number of a predetermined type of identifiers. 14) Device (100) arranged to initialize a path (610, 620A, 620B, 630) between the Device (100) and a Target object (207, 210) of a plurality of the objects (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators (350-353) for indicating the path and wherein the Device comprises:

- a Processor (1 10) arranged to process program instructions;

a Memory (120) arranged to store the program instructions;

a Radio (130) arranged to transmit and receive requests and replies, and

wherein the Processor, Memory and Radio are communicatively connected via a link 1 1 1 and where the Processor is arranged to:

- instruct (471 ) the Radio (130) to transmit a Search request comprising an identifier identifying the Target object;

instruct (473) the Radio (130) to supply a received Reply indicating that the Target object has been found to the Processor;

determine (473) the presence of identifiers identifying the Device and the Target object in the received Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, and instruct (430) the radio (130) to transmit a Request indicating the path, composed from the received Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, such that the objects are enabled to indicate the path by means of their indicators. 15) Object (201 -207, 210, 220, 230) for indicating a path (610, 620A, 620B, 630) between a Device (100) and a Target object (207, 210) of a plurality of the objects (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators (350-353) for indicating the path and wherein the object comprises:

a processor (310) arranged to process program instructions;

- a memory (320) arranged to store the program instructions;

at least one wireless receiver (330, 331 , 332, 333)

at least one wireless transmitter (340, 341 , 342, 343), and

wherein the Processor (310), Memory (320), Receiver (330-333) and Transmitter (340-343) are communicatively connected via links (31 1 , 312) and where the Processor (310) is arranged to:

instruct (493) the receiver (330-333) to supply a received Request indicating the path to the Processor;

determine (493A) whether the target object identifier in the Request indicating the path is equal to the object's identifier, and when not equal,

- instruct (493C) the transmitter (340-343) to transmit the Request indicating the path, as to enable the objects to indicate the path.

16) The object of claim 15 wherein the object's processor is further arranged to: adapt a received Search request by adding the object's identifier;

instruct the transmitter (340-343) to transmit (413, 415) the Search request with the added identifier;

instruct the transmitter (340-343) to transmit (423, 425) a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found;

The object of claims 15 or 16 wherein the object's processor is further arranged to: instruct the receiver (340-343) to supply the received Request indicating the path to the Processor;

determine (493A) whether the object's identifier is comprised by the received Request indicating the path, and if it is,

activate (494A) the one or more indicators (350-353) such that the object indicates the path. 18) The object of claim 15 wherein the object's processor is further arranged to:

determine (481 ) whether the object's identifier is comprised by a received Search request as a target object identifier, and if it is,

instructing (486D) the transmitter (340-341 ) to transmit a Reply indicating that the Target object has been found, composed from the one or more identifiers comprised by the received Search request.

The object of claims 15 or 18 wherein the object's processor is further arranged to: instruct (493) the receiver (340-343) to supply the received Request indicating the path to the Processor;

activate (494B) the one or more indicators (350-353) such that the object indicates the path. 20) A computer program, which, when being executed by at least one processor (1 10), is adapted to carry out or control a method for

indicating a path (610, 620A, 620B, 630) between a Device (100) and a Target object (207, 210) of a plurality of the objects (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators (350-353) for indicating the path according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

21 ) A computer program, which, when being executed by at least one processor (310), is adapted to carry out or control a method for indicating a path (610, 620A, 620B, 630) between a Device (100) and a Target object (207, 210), the Target object of a plurality of objects (201 -207, 210, 220, 230), at least a part of the plurality of objects having one or more indicators (350-353) for indicating the path according to any one of claims 7 to 13.