VISIBLE ASSETS, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150075047 | Tracking Weapon Health and Maintenance - A system for tracking weapon health includes a low frequency networked radio tag coupled with a firearm, said radio tag configured to receive and send data signals; a reader configured to be in operative communication with the tag antenna; and a display configured to display data relating to weapon health. The radio tag includes a shot sensor, a shot count register for tracking the number of shots fired and cadence registers for tracking the intervals between shots. | 03-19-2015 |
20120131828 | Tracking Weapon Health and Maintenance - A system for tracking weapon health includes a low frequency networked radio tag coupled with a firearm, said radio tag configured to receive and send data signals; a reader configured to be in operative communication with the tag antenna; and a display configured to display data relating to weapon health. The radio tag includes a shot sensor, a shot count register for tracking the number of shots fired and cadence registers for tracking the intervals between shots. | 05-31-2012 |
20110298582 | Visibility Radio Cap and Network - A pedigree tag for tracking and validating authenticity of contents in a container includes: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency, not exceeding one megahertz, and including a full duplex transmitter and receiver; an antenna operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a programmable microprocessor operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a memory operatively coupled with the programmable microprocessor; a clock; and a connector for connecting a power source for providing power to the microprocessor; wherein the pedigree tag is in a form factor conformable to the container to which it is affixed. | 12-08-2011 |
20110169657 | Low Frequency Inductive Tagging for Lifecycle Managment - A lifecycle management system for detection and tracking of drillpipes which carry low radio frequency tags that comprise an inductive antenna and transceiver operable at a first radio frequency below 1 megahertz, a transceiver operatively connected to that antenna, an ID data storage device, a microprocessor for handling data from the transceiver and data store, and a tag energization inductive antenna which can receive radio frequency energy from an ambient radio frequency field of a second low radio frequency. The system includes a field communication inductive antenna disposed, preferably at a distance of several feet from each object, that permits effective communication therewith at the aforesaid first radio frequency, a data receiver, transmitter and reader data processor in operative communication with the field communication inductive antenna, and a field energization inductive antenna which can produce the ambient radio frequency field at the tag energization inductive antenna. | 07-14-2011 |
20110163882 | Passive Low Frequency Inductive Tagging - A system for detection and tracking of objects which carry low radio frequency tags that comprise an inductive antenna and transceiver operable at a first radio frequency below 1 megahertz, a transceiver operatively connected to that antenna, an ID data storage device, a microprocessor for handling data from the transceiver and data store, and a tag energization inductive antenna which can receive radio frequency energy from an ambient radio frequency field of a second low radio frequency. The system includes a field communication inductive antenna disposed, preferably at a distance of several feet from each object, that permits effective communication therewith at the aforesaid first radio frequency, a data receiver, transmitter and reader data processor in operative communication with the field communication inductive antenna, and a field energization inductive antenna which can produce the ambient radio frequency field at the tag energization inductive antenna. | 07-07-2011 |
20110163857 | Energy Harvesting for Low Frequency Inductive Tagging - A system for detection and tracking of objects which carry low radio frequency tags that comprise an inductive antenna and transceiver operable at a radio frequency below 1 megahertz, a transceiver operatively connected to that antenna, an ID data storage device, a microprocessor for handling data from the transceiver and data store, and an energy harvesting device to capture energy from an energy condition at said object. The system includes a field communication inductive antenna disposed, preferably at a distance of several feet from each object, and at an orientation that permits effective communication with the tag antennas at the aforesaid radio frequency, a data receiver, transmitter and reader data processor in operative communication with the field communication inductive antenna. The aforesaid tag communication inductive antenna may have a ferrite core to enhance data reception. | 07-07-2011 |
20110108321 | Evidence Tracking - A system uses a large loop antenna, connected with a transceiver operating below 1 MHz. The loop antenna is deployed from a spool to surround a crime scene, and may carry indicia communicating that it is a crime scene boundary. The system interrogates devices, including evidence bags and badged personnel, as they enter and leave the scene. The system can optionally log the time of salient events. A second loop antenna can log evidence bags as they enter a vehicle. The devices can be silenced by the transceiver and thus collisions can be reduced and avoided among responses from devices. The system performs “area reads” that would not be possible if higher RF frequencies were employed. | 05-12-2011 |
20110106296 | Tote-Based Warehousing System and Method - A warehousing system includes a container for storing at least one item, a first electronic (e.g,. radio frequency identification (RFID)) module associated with the first container, and a controller which wirelessly communicates with first electronic module, for directing a transfer of said at least one item to and/or from said first container. The inventive system may include, for example, a hybrid retail/warehouse system which includes a facility having a shelving area, and a picking area adjacent to the shelving area, and a layout so as to minimize a picking area and a walking distance between a picking area and a shelving area. | 05-05-2011 |
20110090846 | Portable Access Point - A portable access point device is formed from a handheld computing device; an environmentally hardened case disposed around the computing device, and an access point module for reading and writing data to low frequency active radiating transceiver tags, such as RuBee® tags. The access point module is connected to the handheld computing device and the environmentally hardened case to provide a unitary handheld device, and the access point module transfers data between the handheld computing device and tags within communication range of the device. | 04-21-2011 |
20110067282 | FIREARM MAINTENANCE - A method for identifying, tracking, and monitoring a firearm includes steps of: attaching a low frequency radio tag to the firearm; storing, in the data storage device of the radio tag, identification data relating to the firearm; and reading the identification data from the transceiver by interrogating the radio tag. The radio tag includes a shot sensor, a shot count register for tracking the number of shots fired and cadence registers for tracking the intervals between shots. | 03-24-2011 |
20110018690 | Smartbeam Visibility Network - A method for providing real-time visibility on a construction project includes steps of: attaching a low-frequency, ultra low-power, two-way transceiver radio tag to each construction material to be used in the construction project; storing data relating to the construction material in the tag; and reading the data from the transceiver of the tag by interrogating the radio tag with radio frequency interrogation signals. | 01-27-2011 |
20100322168 | Dot-Tag Visibility Network Architecture - The system employs full transceivers, each having peer-to-peer, client/server, and IP networking capabilities, and covering open-area ranges of up to 100 feet. The system uses Low Frequency for data communications so it can achieve both low cost (less costly than many RF-ID tags) and long battery life (10-15 years). Additionally, since these tags have batteries, static RAM maybe be added at very low cost, as well as sensors, LED's displays etc. The system also employs a sidewinder that communicates to said tag regularly, said sidewinder keeps the IP address of said tag. The system also employs an embedded VPN. The VPN includes a suite of diagnostic tools that run on a laptop. The diagnostic tools talk direct to the sidewinder, the tools read and program said tag providing the tools have correct IP address of the tag. The system also includes a visibility data server that communicates to the sidewinder by the VPN. The data server includes a virtual tag data base, said virtual tag data base updated by the sidewinder. The web enabled reports and control are managed by two “plugs”. The SQL plug supports data requests, and the Air Traffic Control (ATC) plug provides control (LED's, read rates). The system also employs a user web based ERP to create a real-time visibility reports and a user event export tools to create reports that fit a specific event. | 12-23-2010 |
20100295682 | Radio tag and system - Passive tags use two antennas with only limited mutual coupling, one of which receives a power/clock field and the other of which receives a data signal. An area-reading antenna, or two or more antennas, are deployed to generate the power/clock field, from a base station. The base station, or active tags, or both, generate the data signals from time to time. This topology together with the use of low frequencies permits area reads, and permits small and economical passive tags, and further permits localization of a particular passive tag as being nearby to a particular active tag. | 11-25-2010 |
20100271010 | Tool Sensor, System and Method - A tool sensor detects the presence of a tool and optionally identifies that tool as the correct tool for placement in the sensor. The tool sensor may be in the form of a pad, with openings sized to fit the tool, and may have designated locations for a plurality of tools, in which each tool is identified as being the correct tool for its location on or in the sensor. | 10-28-2010 |
20100265071 | Firearm Visibility Network - A system for identifying, monitoring, and tracking a firearm includes: a low frequency radio tag affixed to the firearm, the radio tag configured to receive and send data signals, the radio tag including: a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 450 kilohertz, a transceiver operatively connected to the tag antenna, the transceiver configured to transmit and receive data signals at the low radio frequency; a data storage device configured to store data including identification data for identifying the firearm, and a data processor configured to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and to transmit data to cause the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the identification data stored in the data storage device. | 10-21-2010 |
20100259459 | Low-Frequency Tag with Separate Transmit and Receive Antennas - A low frequency inductive two-way radio transceiver tag is provided that has separate antennas for transmitting and receiving signals within a reading volume. Thus, the tag of the invention includes both a transmit antenna and a receiving antenna, either separately or as a single antenna tuneable between two functional states with different impedances. The impedance of the receiving antenna is greater than the impedance of the transmitting antenna. For example, the impedance of the receiving antenna may be greater than the impedance of the transmitting antenna by a factor of 10 | 10-14-2010 |
20100253510 | 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) comingling 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 comingled 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. | 10-07-2010 |
20100245075 | Tracking of Oil Drilling Pipes and Other Objects - Identification and tracking of hollow pipes at a site where the hollow pipes are to be stored or interconnected, such as an oil drilling site where the aforesaid hollow pipes are to be connected and the drillstring of pipes is to be inserted into a drilled hole on solid ground or under a deepsea drilling platform is achieved. Each hollow pipe is provided with a low frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to the pipe's outer surface. The RFID tag is operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1.0 megahertz and may be disposed within a recess in the pipe's outer surface. A tracking system provides communication be the tags and a reader. | 09-30-2010 |
20100245046 | Cart-Based Visibility System - A cart has at least three wheels. It has one or more loop antennas, and a radio transceiver connected with the antennas. The antennas and transceiver operate at a frequency lower than 1 megahertz. The loop antennas are each at least 0.2 square meters in area. The cart is moved to an area such as a room, and the transceiver communicates with various RF tags in the room. Because of the antenna configuration, the portion of spectrum employed, and the power levels used, the cart is able to communicate with most if not all of the RF tags in the room. The cart can then be moved to another area such as another room, and the process repeated. In this way an inventory of tags can be made without expensive permanently installed infrastructure. The system is robust against interferers such as large metal objects and intervening objects. | 09-30-2010 |
20100033330 | Auditable security for cargo containers and other repositories - This invention relates to a method and system for authenticating and for preventing alteration of histories of events occurring within at least one repository (e.g. a cargo container, fixed warehouse or a movable vehicle) for objects (e.g. autoparts, pharmaceutical materials, computer parts, laptops, etc.) held for a period of time, where the repository is exposed to an unauthorized intrusion therewithin (and potential theft of said objects therefrom and potential insertion of dangerous items therewithin). The events include changes in environmental conditions (e.g. light levels, infrared levels, temperature, air pressure, etc) which indicate an unauthorized intrusion. | 02-11-2010 |
20090267769 | Wireless Visibility Network - A system for identifying, monitoring, and tracking a plurality of tools includes: a pad for placing the tools, wherein the pad includes a plurality of appropriately-sized cutouts for nesting each of the tools; a sensor in each cutout that detects placement and removal of the tool in the cutout; and a low frequency radio tag placed in the pad and operatively coupled with each sensor for reading each sensor. The low frequency radio tag operates at a low clock frequency and is configured to receive and transmit data signals within a peer-to-peer network with any low frequency radiating transceiver. The low frequency radio tag includes: a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 450 kilohertz, a transceiver, a data storage device for storing data for identifying the tools, a processor for processing the data; and a connector for a power source. | 10-29-2009 |
20090219156 | Cell Phone Detection and Identification - A security tag affixed to a mobile phone for monitoring, tracking, and securing the mobile phone within a protected region. The security tag includes: a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding one megahertz; a tag transceiver operatively connected to the device antenna, the transceiver operable to receive radio signals at the low radio frequency and generate data signals at the said low radio frequency, in response thereto; and a microcontroller operatively coupled with the transceiver, the microcontroller being configured to cause the transceiver to emit a signal when the mobile phone is exiting the protected region. | 09-03-2009 |
20090212117 | Networked Loyalty Cards - A networked card for identifying and tracking animate and inanimate objects and personnel, the card including: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding one megahertz, the modem including a full duplex transmitter and receiver; a loop antenna operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem, the antenna operable within a range of hundreds of feet; a programmable microprocessor operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem and fully programmable within a network; a memory operatively coupled with the programmable microprocessor, the memory holding identification data; and a battery for providing power to the microprocessor. | 08-27-2009 |
20090195389 | Networked Tags for Tracking Files and Documents - A system for tracking files and documents includes: a plurality of programmable networked tags operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding one megahertz; a plurality of files with the programmable networked tag affixed to each file; a container for the plurality of files; a base station configured for transmission of signals to and from the plurality of programmable networked tags; and a computer in communication with the base station. The computer includes software for enabling real-time transmissions and a graphical user interface for enabling a user to read and write data to be transmitted to and from the plurality of programmable networked tags. | 08-06-2009 |
20090160620 | Smartbeam Visibility Network - A method for providing real-time visibility on a construction project includes steps of: attaching a low-frequency, ultra low-power, two-way transceiver radio tag to each construction material to be used in the construction project; storing data relating to the construction material in the tag; and reading the data from the transceiver of the tag by interrogating the radio tag with radio frequency interrogation signals. | 06-25-2009 |
20090146804 | Two-Tiered Networked Identification Cards - A two-tiered networked card for identifying and tracking animate and inanimate objects and personnel includes: some components housed in a thick tier of the card and other components housed in the thin tier of the card. The components are: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency, a loop antenna, a programmable microprocessor, a memory, and a connector for a battery. | 06-11-2009 |
20090058646 | Networked RF tag for tracking baggage - 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) comingling 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 comingled 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. | 03-05-2009 |
20090045965 | Networked RF tag for tracking baggage - 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. | 02-19-2009 |
20090027166 | Radio Tag and System - Passive tags use two antennas with only limited mutual coupling one of which receives a power/clock field and the other of which receives a data signal. An area-reading antenna, or two or more antennas, are deployed to generate the power/clock field, from a base station. The base station, or active tags, or both, generate the data signals from time to time. This topology together with the use of low frequencies permits area reads, and permits small and economical passive tags, and further permits localization of a particular passive tag as being nearby to a particular active tag. | 01-29-2009 |
20090025807 | RUBEE ENABLED OUTDOOR FAUCET AND WATERING CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for an outdoor faucet includes a control unit encased in a waterproof housing. Inside the waterproof housing can be found an omni-directional antenna; a transceiver operatively coupled with the antenna and operating at a low radio frequency below 300 kHz; an onboard memory for storing data; a motor valve for controlling liquid flow; a micro controller unit operatively coupled with the onboard memory and configured for controlling operation of the control unit and for actuating the motor valve; and a connector for coupling with an energy source for powering the control unit. | 01-29-2009 |
20090022138 | MULTIPLEXING PROTOCOL FOR LARGE, HIGH SECURITY AREAS WITH 3D LOCALIZATION - A method for providing unlimited multiplexing of network nodes includes steps of: placing a plurality of tags within a network node, wherein the tags comprise the RuBee long wavelength network protocol; clipping the plurality of tags into separate areas for transmitting and receiving, by placing a plurality of base stations within the network node such that at least one base station overlaps with an adjacent network node; and synchronizing transmit packets from two adjacent base stations transmitting at a same time, such that the tags detect and respond to the packets from a nearby base station and perceive the packets from the distant base station as noise. | 01-22-2009 |
20080319280 | Implantable Biotelemetry Device - An implantable device for in vivo monitoring of biotelemetry data includes: a waterproof housing completely encasing the implantable device, the waterproof housing constructed from a material with chemical and fatigue resistance plus thermal stability for placement in a living being; a radio frequency modem located inside the housing and operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding one megahertz; an antenna located within the housing and operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a fully programmable microprocessor located within the housing and operatively coupled with the modem; at least one sensor located within the housing for detecting the biotelemetric data; a memory; and a connector for connecting to a power source to power the programmable microprocessor. | 12-25-2008 |
20080275530 | Specialty Surgical Instrument - A metal surgical implant has a first antenna wrapped around an elongated portion, the first antenna electrically coupled with circuitry, all tuned to a frequency below 450 kilohertz. The assembly is substantially sterile. A second antenna may also be wrapped around the elongated portion, also electrically coupled with the circuitry. The implant may be a hip implant. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275287 | RF-ENABLEMENT OF AUDITABLE STORAGE FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - A cementitious container that has a low-frequency radio tag containing the container's pedigree and history. The container is used for storage of hazardous waste are disclosed having an inner layer of substantially unhydrated cement in contact with the hazardous waste and an outer layer of hydrated cement. Cementitious hazardous waste containers may be prepared by compressing powdered hydraulic cement around solid hazardous waste materials as well as the encapsulated radio tag that uses low frequency communication. This makes it possible to read and write information though the wall of the container as during transportation to a storage site. Once placed at the storage site, the pedigree, (history contents, Chain of Possession, Proof of delivery, weight), may be checked and verified by reading the tag on a regular basis, (once an hour), to confirm the vessel is intact and has not been moved. Sensors may also be placed on the radio tag to monitor critical parameters like temperature, light levels, movement detectors, and radioactive levels. These may be reported back via the data-link on a regular basis and may also be used as alarms if one moves outside of a specified range. | 11-06-2008 |
20080246610 | RF Enabled Surgical Cart and Use of Same in Operating Room Environment - Activities of individuals and the movements/usage of products are monitored in an operating room during a surgical procedure by disposing in the operating room a first transceiver operating in a long wavelength mode in which 99.99% or more of radiated energy is in the form of a magnetic field, for example 131 KHz. A distinguishable radio frequency-enabled identification tag is associated with each of a plurality of persons assigned to the surgical procedure, including for example, doctors, nurses, and/or the patient, and optionally with products to be monitored. A signal is transmitted from the first transceiver and responses from the identification tags are monitored. A log is created from the monitored responses indicative activities of each of the persons in the operating room or of movements of tagged products. | 10-09-2008 |
20080238672 | EVIDENCE TRACKING - A system uses a large loop antenna, connected with a transceiver operating below 1 MHz. The loop antenna is deployed from a spool to surround a crime scene, and may carry indicia communicating that it is a crime scene boundary. The system interrogates devices, including evidence bags and badged personnel, as they enter and leave the scene. The system can optionally log the time of salient events. A second loop antenna can log evidence bags as they enter a vehicle. The devices can be silenced by the transceiver and thus collisions can be reduced and avoided among responses from devices. The system performs “area reads” that would not be possible if higher RF frequencies were employed. | 10-02-2008 |
20080228316 | Tote-Based Warehousing System and Method - A warehousing system includes a container for storing at least one item, a first electronic (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID)) module associated with the first container, and a controller which wirelessly communicates with first electronic module, for directing a transfer of said at least one item to and/or from said first container. The inventive system may include, for example, a hybrid retail/warehouse system which includes a facility having a shelving area, and a picking area adjacent to the shelving area, and a layout so as to minimize a picking area and a walking distance between a picking area and a shelving area. | 09-18-2008 |
20080218348 | Visibility radio cap and network - A pedigree tag for tracking and validating authenticity of contents in a container includes: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency, not exceeding one megahertz, and including a full duplex transmitter and receiver; an antenna operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a programmable microprocessor operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a memory operatively coupled with the programmable microprocessor; a clock; and a connector for connecting a power source for providing power to the microprocessor; wherein the pedigree tag is in a form factor conformable to the container to which it is affixed. | 09-11-2008 |