Wearable, non-visible identification device for friendly force identification and intruder detection

• US 9,519,853 B2
• Filed: 11/01/2013
• Issued: 12/13/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James P. Tolle
• Original Assignee: James P. Tolle
• Inventors: Tolle, James P
• Primary Examiner(s): WONG, ALBERT KANG
• Application Number:
  US14/069,586
• Publication Number:
  US 20150123767A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,138 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.12, 340/5.81, 340/321
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/74 Systems using reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. IFF, i.e. identification of friend or foe
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/86 Secure or tamper-resistant housings
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07758 arrangements for adhering the record carrier to further objects or living beings, functioning as an identification tag
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/00 Administration; Management
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0853 using an additional device, e.g. smartcard, SIM or a different communication terminal cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving additional secure or trusted devices H04L9/3234
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/108 when the policy decisions are valid for a limited amount of time
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/33 using wearable devices, e.g. using a smartwatch or smart-glasses
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/47 using near field communication [NFC] or radio frequency identification [RFID] modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/61 Time-dependent
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/65 Environment-dependent, e.g. using captured environmental data
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A wearable, non-visible identification device that provides reliable, tamper proof, friendly-force identification and intruder detection. The device is integrated as a part of the wearer'"'"'s uniform and includes a user input surface for periodic entry of a unit- or user-defined pass code. A timeout capability prevents the device and its identification signal from being used if the pass code is not entered within the specified time period. The preferred embodiment uses non-visible optical identification signals for 1-way identification using standard tactical equipment, making the device useful in the field during operations or at temporary security control points away from established bases. Alternative embodiments use radio-frequency, visible and reflective identification signals. All embodiments use identification signaling methods which are effective at safe stand-off distances to minimize the threat to security personnel. The device also supports identification at tactical distances to support identification in the field. Very low cost and low power embodiments for use by security forces in developing nations are described. This invention provides a novel and improved means for defeat of the threat of adversaries or insurgents exploiting stolen or fake uniforms to attack friendly forces.

Claims

1. A tamperproof identification device comprising:

an article of clothing;

a user interface mounted on a substrate for entering a passcode and generating an input signal;

a processor mounted on the substrate for receiving the input signal from the user interface and verifying the passcode, and for providing an identification signal to verify the validity of a user of the article of clothing;

a power source coupled to the processor;

a timer coupled to the processor and substrate to determine an elapsed time from the confirmation of the passcode; and

an electrically-sensitive thread for securing the substrate and its coupled components to the article of clothing and coupled to the processor wherein the identification signal is only generated when the processor verifies that the entered passcode is valid and the elapsed time determined by the timer has not exceeded a predetermined time, and the electrically-sensitive thread has not detected tampering.

2. The tamperproof identification device in claim 1 further comprising a sensor attached to the article of clothing to sense an emission of an interrogation signal and generating the identification signal in response to sensing the interrogation signal wherein the processor disables the return signal if the processor determines that the interrogation signal is not valid or not received.

3. The tamperproof identification device in claim 1 further comprising a visual indicator coupled to the processor to provide an alert that the processor is not providing the identification signal.

4. The tamperproof identification device in claim 1 wherein the user interface is a keyboard.

5. The tamperproof identification device in claim 1 wherein the article of clothing is part of a uniform.

6. The tamperproof identification device in claim 5 wherein the identification signal is infrared light.

7. The tamperproof identification device in claim 5 wherein the identification signal is ultraviolet light.

8. The tamperproof identification device in claim 5 wherein the identification signal is visible light.

9. The tamperproof identification device in claim 5 wherein the identification signal is a change in the reflectivity of a portion of the uniform.

10. The tamperproof identification device in claim 1 wherein the user interface is a fingerprint reader and the passcode is a fingerprint of the user.

11. The tamperproof identification device in claim 1 wherein the electrically-sensitive thread traverses an arc surrounding the substrate and the coupled components so that tampering is detected when the thread is broken.

12. A method of identifying friendly forces comprising:

attaching the tamperproof identification device in claim 1 to a person;

entering by the person the passcode and verifying the passcode;

determining if the elapsed time after confirmation of the passcode has not exceeded the predetermined time;

transmitting the identification signal at the article of clothing if the entered passcode is verified by the processor and determined to be valid and the elapsed time determined by the timer has not exceeded a predetermined time, and the electrically-sensitive thread has not detected tampering; and

receiving the transmitted signal from the article of clothing and identifying the person as friendly forces if the received signal is verified to be valid.

13. The method of identifying friendly forces in claim 12 further comprising detecting an interrogation signal at the article of clothing and enabling the transmission of the identification signal only if the interrogation signal is valid.

14. The method of identifying friendly forces in claim 12 wherein the received signal is verified by a sentry to determine if access to a location should be granted.