Patent ID: 8451092
Filing Date: 2013-05-28
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus to be identified over a communication medium via an interrogation system, the apparatus to be identified along with other objects having a counter, the apparatus comprising: a transmitter; a receiver; a counter; wherein the apparatus provides predetermined responses via the transmitter indicative of identification numbers; wherein the apparatus receives interrogation signals via the receiver from the interrogation system and transmits responses via the transmitter to the interrogation system, wherein the interrogation signals operate to interrogate a single digit of the apparatus and the other objects to be identified; wherein the apparatus is adapted to operate responsive to the interrogation system recording incomplete identification numbers whenever two or more predetermined responses are received from the apparatus and the other objects; wherein the apparatus is adapted to operate responsive to the interrogation system retrieving incomplete identification numbers whenever two or more predetermined responses are received from the apparatus and the other objects; wherein the apparatus is adapted to operate responsive to the interrogation system sending a signal to the apparatus and the other objects to cause the apparatus and the other objects to selectively add a number to their respective counter, wherein the number is determined by the apparatus and each other object and is dependent upon one or more previous responses of the apparatus and each other object to interrogation signals; wherein the apparatus is adapted to operate responsive to the interrogation system sending a signal to the apparatus and the other objects to cause the apparatus and the other objects to selectively subtract a number from their respective counter, wherein the number is determined by apparatus and each other object and is dependent upon one or more previous responses of the apparatus and each other object to the interrogation signals; and wherein the apparatus is adapted to operate responsive to the interrogation system recording complete identification numbers as they are determined.