Patent ID: 8352176
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
1. A method of finding a tracked resource closest to a user within a facility including a plurality of identifiable spaces each associated with one of a plurality of identifiable exits, the spaces and exits being linked by a network of pathways, the tracked resource being identified by the user as having a pre-defined attribute, and the facility having a database identifying within the facility each said identifiable space and spatial co-ordinates of at least one exit associated with each said space, the method comprising: determining spatial co-ordinates of a first space occupied by said user; determining spatial co-ordinates of a first exit associated with said first space; identifying a particular type of tracked resource by receiving a specification of a pre-defined attribute thereof; determining, within said facility, second through n spaces, where n is an integer, each of which is occupied by a tracked resource having said pre-defined attribute; determining the spatial co-ordinates of second through n exits, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of said second through n spaces; calculating, using a processor, multiple sets of paths respectively linking said first exit and each of said second through n exits using a shortest path algorithm; determining, using the processor, a shortest path in each said set of paths; and determining, using the processor, a shortest overall path among said shortest paths.