Three dimensional (3-D) object locator system for items or sites using an intuitive sound beacon: system and method of operation

摘要

An object locator system generates an audio signal as if emanating from the object as a user varies angular orientation and distance from an object or site to be located within an area. A computer linked to an access transceiver receives transmissions from a user wearing a headset including a transceiver and electronic compass. The compass provides a signal indicative of the user orientation. An access transceiver receives the signal and calculates the location of the user based on the time difference of arrival of the RF signal and triangulation of the user movement. An accelerometer in the headset continuously tracks user movement. The location of the object in a vertical direction is provided by a directory or other reference source stored in the computer. Based on the angular orientation, horizontal and vertical distance of the object or site relative to the user, the computer maps the location information into sounds in the form of pulse amplitude or frequency modulated sound. The audio signal is perceived by the user as emanating from the object or site.