Visible Assets, Inc.

Christopher W Verge

John Stevens

Kenneth Truong

Paul Waterhouse

Michael Vandenberg

Jason August

M Jason August

Paul Watehouse

A system and associated tag for detecting and tracking people makes use of a low radio frequency detection tag. Each tag comprises an antenna operate at a at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1 megahertz, a transceiver connected to the tag's antenna operable to transmit and receive data signals at low radio frequency, a data storage for storing the tag identification data, a data processor operable to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and causes the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the stored identification data, and an energy source to supply power for the operation of the tag's transceiver and data processor. The tag also includes a display operable to display data relating to the tag and to a person carrying said tag. A field antenna is used with a reader, a transmitter and a central data processor to provide communication between the tags and the central data processor.

Networked RF tag for tracking people by means of loyalty cards

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.

Networked RF Tag for tracking people by means of loyalty cards

The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and tag for detection and tracking of objects. The method includes the steps of: a) attaching to each of the objects a low radio frequency detection tag having an antenna, a transceiver, a data storage device operable to store data including identification data, a programmed data processor, and an energy source; b) storing, in the data storage device of each tag, shipping data; c) commingling the objects in a repository provided with a large loop field antenna; 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 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.

The invention provides a method for controlling the operating state of a lock characterized by a locked state and an unlocked state. The method comprises: entering secret information on an electronic input device (e.g. keypad) located on a radio frequency identity card, then electronically comparing the secret information against an authorized code to determine whether the secret information is authorized, then transmitting by radio frequency an unlocking signal to a radio frequency reader located at the lock for opening the lock in the event that the secret information is authorized. In a related use of such RF identity cards, the invention also provides a system and method of tracking movements of individuals within a secure area. The method comprises the steps of: using a loop antenna operable to transmit and receive RF signals from at least one radio frequency (RF) identity card carried by an individual; transmitting RF signals at a frequency not exceeding 1 megahertz from a reader through the loop antenna to the aforesaid RF card to request a secret code; entering this secret code on an electronic input device (e.g. keypad) device located on the RF card, transmitting this secret code to the reader through a transceiver disposed on the RF card; and using a data processor/CPU located at the reader to determine whether the secret code corresponds to the aforesaid authorization.

Growing community of inventors

Hamilton, Canada

Christopher W Verge