摘要 |
A proximity detector includes a low frequency magnetic field generator, located with an individual being monitored, the generator sequentially generating a plurality of encoded, time varying magnetic fields having mutually orthogonal polarizations. A magnetic field sensor unit is provided within a second device, carried by another individual. The magnetic field sensor unit is operative to detect encoded magnetic field energy associated with one or more of the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generator. Preferably, the magnetic field sensor unit includes a plurality of magnetic field sensors having respective magnetic field polarization sensitivities that are oriented mutually orthogonal with respect to one another. Each of the magnetic field sensors produces a respective first output signal in response to detecting encoded magnetic field energy generated by the magnetic field generator of at least a predefined level and containing an code pattern corresponding to that stored by the magnetic field sensor unit. A time-out circuit is coupled to each of the magnetic field sensors, and generates an alarm signal in response to a prescribed failure to receive a first output signal from any of the magnetic field sensors within periodic time intervals, thereby indicating that the monitored individual is beyond a prescribed range or distance from the monitoring individual.
|