Inaudible Tones Used for Security and Safety

• US 20180144567A1
• Filed: 11/21/2017
• Published: 05/24/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ADIO, LLC
• Original Assignee: Web Access, LLC
• Inventors: Bradley, Nathaniel T., Talmage, William, Paugh, Joshua S., Dromerhauser, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 10,242,518 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/30 not involving the use of a pass
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/38 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 11/00 Transmission systems employing sonic, ultrasonic or infrasonic waves

Abstract

A security system and method including a transmitter broadcasting an inaudible signal. The security system further includes one or more sensors configured to detect the inaudible signal. The security system further includes a processing system in communication with the one or more sensors. The processing system tracks the inaudible signal of the transmitter throughout a location in response to detecting the inaudible signal.

Claims

1. A security system, comprising:

a transmitter broadcasting an inaudible signal;

one or more sensors configured to detect the inaudible signal;

a processing system in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the processing system tracks the transmitter throughout a location in response to detecting the inaudible signal.

2. The security system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is integrated in a chip.

3. The security system of claim 2, wherein the chip broadcasts the inaudible signal in response to determining the chip is being moved or used.

4. The security system of claim 1, wherein the inaudible signal identifies one or more of a user or an item associated with the transmitter.

5. The security system of claim 1, wherein the inaudible signal is utilized to determine a location and orientation of a user associated with the transmitter.

6. The security system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are associated with entry points and exit points of the location.

7. The security system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are mobile for enhancing detection of the inaudible signal.

8. The security system of claim 1, further comprising:

associating the inaudible signal with the transmitter.

9. The security system of claim 1, further comprising:

associating data with the transmitter for communication as part of the inaudible signal.

10. The security system of claim 1, wherein the transmitters include one or more sensors for determining environmental or user conditions.

11. The security system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is integrated in a piece of jewelry, electronics, or clothing.

12. A method for utilizing inaudible signals, comprising:

receiving an inaudible signal broadcast from a transmitter;

determining information associated with the inaudible signal;

associating the transmitter with a location where the inaudible signal was received; and

saving the information for subsequent access.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the transmitter is a microchip integrated with or attached to an item.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the inaudible signal identifies an item associated with the transmitter, and a user associated with the transmitter.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the transmitter broadcasts the inaudible signals in response to one or more settings or user preferences.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the inaudible signal is received at an entry or an exit, wherein the location specifies the entry or the exit.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

performing an action in response to detecting the inaudible signal.

18. A system for processing inaudible signals, comprising:

a processor for executing a set of instructions; and

a memory for executing the set of instructions, wherein the set of instructions are executed to;

receive an inaudible signal broadcast from a transmitter, determine information associated with the inaudible signal, associate the transmitter with a location where the inaudible signal was received, and save the information for subsequent access.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising:

receiving a plurality of inaudible signals from a plurality of transmitters simultaneously or concurrently.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the set of instructions are further executed to:

save the location associate with the transmitter for reference.