Patent ID: 7126470
Filing Date: 2006-10-24
Classification: G06K,G07C

Abstract:
1. A method of tracking an entity comprising: operating a plurality of tracking stations in a wireless ad-hoc network; assigning to the entity a unique identifier; determining the presence of the entity within a predetermined area at a first of the plurality of tracking stations responsive to detection of the unique identifier; comparing at the tracking station the unique identifier that has been detected with a database of unique identifiers stored at the tracking station; wirelessly transmitting the unique identifier that has been assigned to the entity to at least a second of the plurality of tracking stations; and dynamically varying the number of the tracking stations on an ad-hoc basis responsive to variations in a tracking environment; and wherein the step of wirelessly transmitting the unique identifier comprises selectively communicating the unique identifier to at least the second tracking station based on a predicted transit scenario of the entity.