Patent ID: 6720888
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a tag having circuitry which includes a receiver section and a transmitter section, said receiver section being operable to receive wireless signpost signals that each include a signpost code, and said transmitter section being operable to transmit wireless beacon signals which each include a beacon code associated with said tag, said transmitter section being responsive to receipt by said receiver section of a respective said signpost signal for including in at least one said beacon signal the signpost code from the received signpost signal; a signpost which is physically separate from said tag and which transmits said signpost signals to said tag; a reader which is physically separate from said signpost and said tag, and which receives said beacon signals; a mobile device; an item removably supported on said mobile device, said item having said tag disposed thereon, and said signpost being stationarily supported near a path of travel of said mobile device so that said tag passes through a transmission range of said signpost signals from said signpost as said mobile device travels past said signpost with said item thereon; and a sensor supported near said path of travel of said mobile device for detecting proximity to said sensor of one of said item and said mobile device, said signpost being operatively coupled to said sensor and being responsive to detection by said sensor of the proximity of said one of said item and mobile device for effecting a change in said signpost code of said signpost.