The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection
and tracking of inanimate and animate objects. The novel method broadly comprises
the steps of: a) attaching a low radio frequency detection tag to each of the objects,
each tag comprising a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding
1 megahertz (preferably not exceeding 300 kilohertz), a transceiver operatively
connected to the tag's antenna, the transceiver being operable to transmit and
receive data signals at the low radio frequency, a data storage device operable
to store data comprising identification data for identifying said detection tag,
a programmed data processor operable to process data received from the transceiver
and the data storage device and to send data to cause the transceiver to emit an
identification signal based upon the identification data stored in said data storage
device, and an energy source for activating the tag's transceiver and data processor;
b) storing, in the data storage device of each tag, shipping data selected from
object description data, address-of-origin data, destination address data, object
vulnerability data, and object status data; c) commingling the objects in a repository
selected from a warehouse and a truck, the repository being provided with at least
one large loop field antenna operable at said low radio frequency; the field antenna
being disposed at a distance from each object that permits effective communication
therewith at the low radio frequency, d) reading the identification data and shipping
data from the transceiver of each tag by interrogating all tags commingled in said
repository with data signals, such as specific IP addresses or other identification
codes, via said field antenna; and e) transmitting the identification data and
shipping data from each tag to a central data processor to provide a tally of the
objects in said repository.