Voice-coded finder and radiotag tracker

Abstract

A finder device typically attachable to a personal object, the device having utility in finding the object when lost or missing. The beacon recognizes a structured verbal code from a speaker and actuates a signal response effective in locating the object, even when out of sight. The response can take the form of a sound or other display to draw the user's attention to its location and may optionally be supplemented by a radio emission. A simple 'finder' typically recognizes only one inquiry, such as 'find keys', or at most two inquiries, such as “find keys” and “find me” (where “find me” is directed at an object selected by a user”) and responds by actuating an audio, visual or tactile display. By providing a kit having multiple finders that each have one purpose selected from “find keys”, “find wallet”, “find phone”, and so forth, a user can attach each finder to the corresponding object and quickly find the object when needed by speaking the code phrase. Advanced wireless radiotag finder-trackers may also be used for finding and tracking objects in a local environment or in any wider area. A radiotag finder-tracker can allow the user to program a signature phrase to be spoken or a radio signal that will actuate the beacon to make an audio, visual or tactile display as an aid in locating the object. In a basic mode, the notification function is simplified, requiring only a simple verbal command; and in more advanced modes, either verbal or radio commands may be given and advantageously supplement each other. In yet another embodiment, a “Help Me” command can be sent via the devices to an internet administrative site where the help request is processed and help is dispatched.