Loc8tor Homes In on RFID App for Consumers

When the handheld is set to the alert mode, it constantly interrogates whatever tag the user wants to monitor. The user selects a near (approximately 20 to 100 feet), medium (100 to 300 feet) or far (300 feet or more) safety zone for each tag. Once the interrogator determines, based on the tag's signal strength, that it has moved beyond its safety zone, it alerts the user through an audible alarm and by vibrating. The user can then set the handheld to the locate mode and track the tag's location.

There are two types of Loc8tor tags: the homing tag and the panic tag. Both can be used in either application described above, though the panic tag is made for people—especially children or the elderly—who can press an integrated panic button if they find themselves in an unsafe situation and need assistance. After pressing the panic button, the person holding the reader sees the name of the person assigned to the tag. The reader then guides the user to that person. Both homing and panic tags are the same size: 30.5mm x 19.5mm x 8.5mm.

Loc8tor is sold in two packages. The basic Loc8tor package sells for $99.99 and comes with an interrogator that functions only in the locate mode (it does not support alert mode) and comes with two homing tags. The Loc8tor Plus package sells for $170, supports the alert mode and comes with three homing tags and one panic tag. Either tag type can be purchased separately, selling for $45 apiece. Lewko says the company is currently seeking U.S. distributors, and that the products are available in select stores in the United Kingdom. Currently, most the readers and tags are sold through the Loc8tor site.

The concept behind the Loc8tor system is not a new one. Remote Play sells a portable RFID interrogator that sounds an alarm if the user strays too far from tagged personal affects (see RFID Keeps Objects, Kids From Going Astray), and a number of other firms are selling similar systems aimed at helping parents track the whereabouts of small children through the use of tags worn by the children. Unlike Remote Play, however, which operates at 900 MHz, the Loc8tor interrogator enables users to home in on the location of a tagged item, person or pet through audio and visual indicators.

RF Technologies, a provider of asset- and patient-tracking systems for health-care applications, sells a system similar to Loc8tor. Dubbed the Seeker, this system operates in the 433 MHz band rather than 2.45 GHz.. RF Technologies markets the Seeker for asset-tracking applications in the commercial sector, mainly health care (see RFID Platform Plays Marco Polo to Find Assets).