Patent ID: 7002451
Filing Date: 2006-02-21
Classification: G06K,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of identifying a location of at least one particular item among a plurality of items disposed within a first predetermined area, comprising the steps of: programming at least one first reusable receiver device to receive signals representative of a respective first unique address code, the first receiver device being associated with at least one first particular item whose location within the first predetermined area is to be identified, the first receiver device being programmed by a shipper of the items, wherein the first receiver device provides a signal that can be directly sensed by a human in response to receiving the first address code; providing one or more unique address codes including the first address code to an intended recipient of the items; programming a first transmitter device to transmit wireless signals representative of the one or more unique address codes, the first transmitter device being programmed by the intended recipient of the items; receiving the plurality of items including the first particular item and the first receiver device associated therewith; interrogating the at least one first receiver device with the coded wireless signals using the first transmitter device; and in response to the human sensible signal provided by the first receiver device receiving the first address code, identifying the location of the first particular item within the first predetermined area, the first particular item being associated with the responsive receiver device, wherein the first receiver device is operative to execute a power management routine, the power management routine including the steps of: automatically activating the first receiver device for a first predetermined time period, wherein the first predetermined time period is of sufficient duration to allow the first receiver device to receive an amount of bit level data; in the event the first receiver device receives any bit level data within the first predetermined time period, extending the activation time of the first receiver device beyond the first predetermined time period to a second predetermined time period, wherein the second predetermined time period is of sufficient duration to allow the first receiver device to receive all of the first address code; and in the event the first receiver device fails to receive bit level data within the first predetermined time period, at least partially de-activating the first receiver device.