초록 ▼

The present invention is a system and method for identifying and returning an object includes affixing to the object a passive two-way communication circuit such as a frangible radio security tag or smart label. The tag or label, when operational, is arranged to receive a remotely generated request

The present invention is a system and method for identifying and returning an object includes affixing to the object a passive two-way communication circuit such as a frangible radio security tag or smart label. The tag or label, when operational, is arranged to receive a remotely generated request for status information and, responsive to the request, to transmit status information to a remote device. If desired, the radio tag can be incorporated into a printed label, each label having an adhesive side and a printable side with information to notify the `finder` of a tagged item to coordinate return to its registered owner by contacting a courier, postal or other delivery service network. In the event that a tagged item should become misplaced, the carrier and the supplier can cooperate to locate it and inform the owner of its whereabouts by using the information provided upon enrollment to an electronic `lost and found` network service. In a preferred embodiment, a Web browser program is launched in response to e-mail, and return tracking at the URL of the vendor's Web site is accessed through the Internet.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for returning lost objects to their owners comprising providing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to the owner for application to the owner's object or supplying the object with the tag preaffixed, the tag having a unique identification code number el

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for returning lost objects to their owners comprising providing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to the owner for application to the owner's object or supplying the object with the tag preaffixed, the tag having a unique identification code number electronically recorded within the tag and a visible printed request to any finder to contact a package delivery service;storing the unique identification code number and corresponding owner information, including owner address information and owner billing account information, in a computer system which is accessible over the Internet by the package delivery service;providing RFID tag readers at the package delivery services;upon return of any lost object to a package delivery service, reading the RFID tag identification code number, accessing the corresponding owner information over the Internet from the computer system, returning the object to the owner, and using the owner's billing account information to charge the owner for the return of the object to the owner.