Object locator system and method

Abstract

A locating system and method for locating objects, such as keys, is disclosed. The locating system may include a transmitter for transmitting an encrypted code in the 900 MHz band. The transmitter may be powered by a battery. By transmitting in the 900 MHz band, the battery power consumed by the transmission may be relatively low and the encrypted code may travel a relatively long distance, such as 100 feet or more. The locating system may include a battery-powered locator device that is configured to detect, receive, and/or decode the encrypted code and determine whether the encrypted code is associated with the locator device or an attached object. After which, the locator device may provide an indication of its position. For instance, an audible sound of 85 dB or greater may be generated. The transmitter may be a self-contained device, or affixed onto or incorporated into a communications device.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method of finding an object via a locator device comprising:
 affixing the locator device to the object;   transmitting an encrypted code to the locator device via a transmitter on a mobile communication device;   receiving the encrypted code via a receiver embedded within the locator device;   pairing the encrypted code to the locator device on the mobile communication device;   pinging the receiver of the locator device from the mobile communication device via a transmission;   the locator device emitting a tone via an audible tone generator, announcing the location of the object.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the audible tone generator of the locator device is a speaker. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile communication device is one of the following: a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, internet-connected device, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), smartwatch. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , 
     
     
         5 . A method for locating an inanimate object wirelessly comprising:
 equipping the inanimate object with a locator device;   wherein the locator device is equipped with a GPS module in communication with at least one satellite relaying location data;   wherein the locator device is equipped with a GSM module in communication with at least one cellular service tower;   interfacing a mobile device with the locator device via a cellular communication;   transmitting a unique code to the locator device from the mobile device via a wireless signal;   pairing the mobile device to the locator device with the unique code;   the locator device receiving the unique code; and   the locator device emitting a signal, making known the location of the inanimate object.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the location device is equipped with a WiFi radio. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the location device is equipped with a dedicated power source. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein triangulation via cellular service tower is employed to locate the inanimate object from the mobile device. 
     
     
         9 . A method of using a locating system to locate an inanimate object, the method comprising:
 transmitting an encrypted code from a communication device via a first dedicated transmitter;   receiving an encrypted code via a receiver located on a locator device, the locator device being attached to the inanimate object;   determining whether the encrypted code corresponds to a code identifying the locator device via a processor located on the locator device; and   providing an indication of a location of the inanimate object via the locator device when the encrypted code band corresponds to the encrypted code identifying the location of the inanimate object.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the encrypted code is transmitted within the 900 mhz band. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the encrypted code can be detected over 100 feet from the communication device.