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

• US 20150123767A1
• Filed: 11/01/2013
• Published: 05/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James P. Tolle
• Original Assignee: James P. Tolle
• Inventors: Tolle, James P.
• Granted Patent: US 9,519,853 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.85
• 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. An identification device which is wearable and integrated with a user'"'"'s clothing comprising:

An identification function made up of a signal based on emission of non-visible light;

An identification signal which supports effective, 1-way identification at safe distances;

A processor function which performs processing of user inputs;

A user interface for receiving user inputs;

A means of authenticating a user'"'"'s pass code by the processing function when entered through the user interface;

A timer function and a means for disabling the identification function when a timeout occurs following user authentication;

A power source and a means for disabling the identification function after a loss of power or loss of connection to the identification signal components;

2. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the identification function is made up of a signal based on emission of non-visible infrared light.

3. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the identification function is made up of a signal based on emission of non-visible ultraviolet light.

4. The identification device of claim 3 wherein the ultraviolet light signal is limited in power, frequency, modulation, duration, or by other means to minimize hazards to observers.

5. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the identification function is made up of a signal based on emission of radio-frequency identification signals operating in beacon or active mode.

6. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the identification function is made up of a signal based on emission of visible light.

7. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the identification function includes a 2-way identification method based on a reflective surface which reflects a non-visible light that is shined on it by an observer.

8. The identification device of claim 7 wherein the reflective surface is a retro-reflective surface which provides better directional 2-way identification.

9. The identification device of claim 7 wherein the reflective surface which reflects non-visible light for identification.

10. The identification device of claim 9 wherein the reflective surface which reflects infrared light for identification.

11. The identification device of claim 9 wherein the reflective surface which reflects ultraviolet light for identification.

12. The identification device of claim 7 wherein the reflective surface is covered by a material which includes electronically controlled transmission properties to support capabilities including:

The material can be changed from near-fully transparent to fully opaque;

The material can block the transmission of the identification signal when the processor disables the identification function;

The material can be changed from fully opaque to near-fully transparent after the processor authenticates the user'"'"'s pass code.

13. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the effective range of identification is at least a safe distance of 6 meters or more.

14. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the effective range of identification is less than 6 meters in order to provide closer range identification and intruder detection.

15. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the processor supports an alternative security input for authentication including:

password

personal identification number

thumbprint

fingerprint.

16. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the timeout causes a visible or non-visible alert using the identification signal which is noticeably different than the normal identification signal.

17. The identification device of claim 1 wherein a loss of connection or loss of power causes a visible or non-visible alert using the identification signal which is noticeably different than the normal identification signal when the connection or power is restored.

18. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the a visible or non-visible alert using the identification signal which is noticeably different than the normal identification signal is active the device'"'"'s first power-up and until the first user is authenticated by the processor.

19. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the identification signal uses any of a variety of intensities, durations, patterns, frequencies, modulations, and other characteristics for improved identification.

20. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the timeout causes a visible or non-visible alert using the identification signal which is noticeably different than the normal identification signal.

21. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the device includes various means of detecting tampering and disables the identification function if tampering is detected.

22. The identification device of claim 21 wherein the device is integrated with the user'"'"'s clothing and includes one or more means of tamper-proofing to prevent relocation, alteration or removal of the identification component, including:

Electrical connections using electrically-sensitive thread or similar means which traverses an arc surrounding the location of the identification component at least twice so that when the material along the arc is cut or torn, the electrical thread is broken and tampering is detected;

The processor detects the loss of connection the processor component and one or more of the identification components;

The processor detects the loss of power;

A number of authentication attempts fail when the processor is processing user input;

The processor self tests or checksums fail during start-up, re-start or user initiated diagnostics;

The processor detects unexpected changes in software, firmware or hardware or malicious software, data or files is detected or access by unauthorized users occurs;

Processor exceptions or errors occur;

The processor disables the identification function when tampering is detected;

The device displays a non-visible or visible alert signal after tampering is detected.

23. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the identification component or the device is removable, attachable, and re-attachable so that it can be used in different clothing to support placement on clothing, re-use of uniforms, different missions and different geographical locations.

24. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the identification function or signal characteristics are configurable by a user;

25. The identification device of claim 24 wherein different identification signals or methods can be selected and changed by the user;

26. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the processor and device settings or configuration can be changed by a user;

27. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the processor supports an interface to an external individual combat system or computer device, including the use of the interface to perform processor functions comprising:

User input

Power

Configuration and operational changes

Test and diagnostics

Software or firmware upgrade

Data transfer and download

28. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the identification device can be attached to and used with non-clothing items and equipment that is normally used by individual security personnel.

29. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the device is assembled with discrete components comprising:

The processor function which is performed by a microprocessor-based component;

One or more identification signals on separate identification signal components;

A separate battery for a power source;

A separate user input device based on a keypad, touchpad, keyboard or other input device.

30. The identification device of claim 1 wherein the processor function is performed by one of the following processor technologies which is integrated on the same structure or within the same package as the identification signal:

Programmable Logic Device;

Field Programmable Gated Array;

Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

31. The identification device of claim 30 wherein one of the following user input methods is used to create an extremely small device:

A user input method integrated on the same structure or within the same package as the processor and identification signal including the use of user input surfaces over the input elements which conform to the surface of the device package;

A digital interface to an external user input device or other system which provides user input.

32. The identification device of claim 1 wherein a Micro-Electromechanical System is used to combine the processor function with an extremely low power source based on thermoelectric or piezoelectric generators using body heat or body motion for power conversion.

33. An identification method for friendly-force identification and intruder detection comprising:

One or more identification signals which are integrated with the unidentified personnel'"'"'s uniform or other clothing;

An identification function which is pass code protected and only functions if the authorized user is wearing the uniform and has entered his pass code;

An identification function which is automatically disabled after a timeout expires which prevents an unauthorized personnel to pass through identification when wearing the uniform;

An identification function which is based on 1-way transmission of non-visible identification signals which are effective at ranges that allows intruder detection at safe or tactical distances;

34. The identification method of claim 33 wherein the identification function is disabled if tampering is detected which prevents an unauthorized personnel from passing identification procedures when wearing the uniform.

35. The identification method of claim 33 wherein an alert signal is displayed to security forces for intruder detection due to one of the following:

The identification function is automatically disabled due to expiration of a timeout following user pass code authentication;

Tampering is detected by the processor function;

Device errors, loss of power or loss of signal connection is detected by the processor;

After initial power-up of the device but prior to the first user authentication.

36. The identification method of claim 33 wherein a non-visible alert signal which is not obvious to unauthorized personnel who are wearing the uniform or clothing is displayed to security forces for intruder detection.

37. The identification method of claim 33 wherein a visible alert signal is displayed to security forces for intruder detection and device status.

38. The identification method of claim 33 wherein the identification function uses 1-way transmission of visible identification signals.

39. The identification method of claim 33 wherein the identification function uses reflective surfaces for 2-way identification based on security personnel shining a directed light on the identification device'"'"'s reflective surface worn by unidentified personnel and identification signals being reflected for friendly force identification.

40. The identification method of claim 39 wherein the identification function uses retro-reflective surfaces for lower probability of intercept, 2-way identification

41. The identification method of claim 39 wherein a reflective surface is made with material that has electronically controlled transmission characteristics which allows the disabling of the identification function when an unauthorized personnel is wearing the uniform after device timeout or after tampering has been detected.

42. An identification method for better friendly-force identification and intruder detection at safe and tactical distnaces based on a wearable, non-visible identification signal which is pass code protected, time-limited and includes tamper-proof protection to avoid exploitation.

43. The identification method of claim 42 wherein the identification signal which is effective at safe distances is used at access points or other similar security and screening locations to protect security personnel and others from the close approach of intruders or others intending to do harm.

44. The identification method of claim 42 wherein the method is used to detect intruders who are wearing stolen or fake uniforms.

45. The identification method of claim 42 wherein the method is used to detect intruders who are inside or mounted on a vehicle.

46. An identification method for better friendly-force identification and intruder detection at safe and tactical distances based on a wearable, non-visible identification signal which is pass code protected, time-limited and includes tamper-proof protection and can be used with existing tactical viewing equipment during operations in the field or at remote security checkpoints.

47. An identification system based on an identification device which is wearable and integrated as part of a security force uniform and includes features comprising the following to prevent the exploitation of uniforms by hostile forces when local industrial and government conditions do not support adequate control over uniform supply channels and uniforms are subject to loss and pilfering:

Pass code protection when donned by authorized personnel;

Automatic timeout which disables the identification function after a fixed time since the last user pass code authentication;

A non-visible or visible alert signal which is displayed when the uniform is first shipped and continues to alert security forces until the identification device authenticates the first authorized user;

Tamper-proof protections which disable the identification function when tampering is detected;

Display of a non-visible or visible alert signal when tampering or device failures are detected;

Display of a non-visible or visible alert signal when a timeout occurs after the last user pass code authentication.