초록 ▼

A lost item finding system including at least two nearly identical locators. Either one can be used to find the other and whatever items are attached to it. In the preferred embodiment, acoustic signals near 6500 Hz are used to broadcast a search signal from an available locator to a lost one. Prefe

A lost item finding system including at least two nearly identical locators. Either one can be used to find the other and whatever items are attached to it. In the preferred embodiment, acoustic signals near 6500 Hz are used to broadcast a search signal from an available locator to a lost one. Preferably, the search signal includes a sequences of tones having predetermined frequency differences between them. The lost locator is usually in a sleep mode, in which it nonetheless is capable of recognizing the beginning of the search signal. The locator turns on to an active mode in which it consumes more power. It determines the baseline frequency and then identifies whether the signal it is receiving conforms to the predetermined frequency differences between the sequence of tones. If it does, the lost locator transmits a beacon signal that can be perceived by the user as he searches for the lost item. The beacon signal may include both an audible signal and a flashing light emitting diode. Another feature allows the number of false alarms to be reduced, particularly in a noisy environment, but also allows the locators to be operable in a noisy environment. Yet further capabilities include the selection of baseline frequencies or the temporary deactivation of additionally available locators. Advantageously, both the transmission and reception of the audio signal is accomplished with one piezoelectric transducer, and the efficiency of the transducer is increased by forming a resonant cavity having a cap both protecting the piezoelectric transducer and forming a side emitting annular port.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A paired finding system comprising at least two locators, any of said locators being usable to find any other of said locators, each locator comprising:signal receiving means for receiving and identifying a search signal emitted from another of said locators; beacon signaling means for emitting a

1. A paired finding system comprising at least two locators, any of said locators being usable to find any other of said locators, each locator comprising:signal receiving means for receiving and identifying a search signal emitted from another of said locators; beacon signaling means for emitting at least one beacon signal to which a human user is sensitive in response to said receiving means identifying said search signal; search signaling means for emitting said search signal upon activation by said user; a case accommodating said beacon and search signaling means, said signal receiving means and an activatable button accessible by said user from an exterior of said case; and a processor accommodated in said case, monitoring said signal receiving means and an activation of said button while in a first mode in which said processor consumes a first amount of current, and controlling said signal receiving means, said beacon signal means, and said search signal means while in a second mode in which said processor consumes a second amount of current substantially larger than said first amount.