Detection-resistant transponder with “stealth packaging” for high-risk surveillance applications

• US 7,339,464 B2
• Filed: 04/12/2005
• Issued: 03/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/12/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David Russell
• Original Assignee: David Russell
• Inventors: Russell, David
• Primary Examiner(s): TWEEL JR, JOHN ALEXANDER
• Application Number:
  US11/103,946
• Publication Number:
  US 20080018478A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,057 Days
• Field of Search: 340/505, 340/572.1, 340/572.4, 340/572.8, 340/539.1, 340/539.13
• US Class Current: 340/505
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1427 with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 15/001 Concealed systems, e.g. disguised alarm systems to make covert systems
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/028 Communication between parent and child units via remote transmission means, e.g. satellite network
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0291 Housing and user interface of child unit

Abstract

An easily deployed, extremely detection-resistant surveillance method, apparatus, and system are disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus are adapted for generating and broadcasting pulsed transmissions optimized for electronic tagging, tracking, and “homing” applications. This makes the invention excellent for radio-locating “terrorists”, criminal suspects, vehicles, and etc., under surveillance. The apparatus is well adapted for “high-risk surveillance targets”, where avoiding sophisticated surveillance detection is paramount. The invention uses nondescript “stealth packaging” in various preferred form-factors, that can appear, e.g., to be either a protruding bolt-head, a gas-cap, a wheel-balancing lug, or other nondescript automotive or truck part (depending on embodiment). The preferred signal transmission method uses ultra-low power, pulsed transmissions which are generated and encrypted prior to transmission, using (either proprietary or non-proprietary) spread spectrum signal algorithm-based transmission schemes, or other transmission schemes. Very-low-noise signal detection circuits in a base station receive and decrypt signals, to complete the system.

Claims

1. An electronic tracking and surveillance apparatus, comprising:

an extremely reduced-sized form-factor electronics package externally disguised as, but not limited to, one of a protruding bolt head, a gas tank cap, and a wheel balancing lug; and

transceiver electronics for transmitting pulsed ultra-wideband transmissions, including at least one circuit having at least one microprocessor, an antenna, and a power source,

wherein said apparatus is not enabled, operable, and transmitting unless it has been first enabled and actuated by means of an externally transmitted enabling and actuating signal, wherein said external enabling and actuating signal represents and further comprises an initiation of a challenge/response dialogue adapted to enable and actuate operation of said tracking and surveillance apparatus.

2. A method for transmitting surveillance tracking signals, comprising the steps of:

implementing an electronic tracking and surveillance apparatus with a disguised, small form factor electronics package including transceiver electronics for transmitting pulsed ultra wideband transmissions;

programming at least one spread spectrum signal transmission algorithm into memory of at least one microprocessor disposed within said electronic tracking and surveillance apparatus;

placing said electronic tracking and surveillance apparatus into a target object to be tracked;

generating in an external signal source at least one external enabling signal for enabling and actuating transmissions by said electronic tracking and surveillance apparatus;

verifying in said electronic tracking and surveillance apparatus with a challenge/response dialogue the source of said at least one external enabling signal;

transmitting said pulsed ultra wideband transmissions after confirming the validity and identity of the source of said at least one external enabling signal; and

receiving in a base station at least one signal from said electronic tracking and surveillance apparatus.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the periodicity of said step of generating and transmitting at least one external enabling signal is effectuated only during at least one predetermined time period.