Method and apparatus for detection and tracking of objects within a defined area
First Claim
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1. A method of locating an object within a defined area, comprising:
- interrogating the defined area with a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location to determine the presence of an object within the defined area, the narrow, directed beam providing power to at least one passive information device associated with the object to enable transmission of a responsive signal, wherein multiple interrogation devices simultaneously provide the phased signals, are within communication range of at least one master controller unit, transmit the narrow, directed beam within the defined area, and receive the signal from the at least one passive information device if the object is within the defined area, the responsive signal including data indicative of the presence of the object within the defined area;
transmitting the data from the multiple interrogation devices to the at least one master controller unit and storing the data received in a memory therein;
compiling the data received from the multiple interrogation devices at the at least one master controller unit; and
interpreting the data compiled by at the least one master controller unit to determine characteristic information of the object within the defined area.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting and tracking an object with a defined area, and determining its position, status movement and identity therein, includes interrogating the defined area to communicate with an information device on object and transmit received to a master controller unit, which determines the object'"'"'s presence, position, movement and identity with the defined area.
54 Citations
150 Claims
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1. A method of locating an object within a defined area, comprising:
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interrogating the defined area with a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location to determine the presence of an object within the defined area, the narrow, directed beam providing power to at least one passive information device associated with the object to enable transmission of a responsive signal, wherein multiple interrogation devices simultaneously provide the phased signals, are within communication range of at least one master controller unit, transmit the narrow, directed beam within the defined area, and receive the signal from the at least one passive information device if the object is within the defined area, the responsive signal including data indicative of the presence of the object within the defined area; transmitting the data from the multiple interrogation devices to the at least one master controller unit and storing the data received in a memory therein; compiling the data received from the multiple interrogation devices at the at least one master controller unit; and interpreting the data compiled by at the least one master controller unit to determine characteristic information of the object within the defined area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of controlling authorization level of an object within a defined area, the object having at least one passive information device positioned thereon, the at least one passive information device capable of communicating with multiple interrogation devices within a communication range of at least one master controller unit, the method comprising
interrogating the defined area with a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location to determine the presence of the object within the defined area, the narrow, directed beam providing power to the at least one passive information device associated with the object to enable transmission of a responsive signal that includes data characteristic of the object, wherein the multiple interrogation devices simultaneously provide the phased signals, transmits the narrow, directed beam within the defined area, and receives the data characteristic of the object if the object is within the defined area; -
transmitting the data from the multiple interrogation devices to the at least one master controller unit and storing the data received in a memory therein; comparing approved authorization levels for the object within the defined area with the data characteristic of the object within the defined area, wherein the object has multiple levels of access permission to enter, reside and move within the defined area; and assigning the authorization level dynamically based on the data characteristic of the object. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A method of confirming identity information of an object within a defined area, the object having at least one passive information device positioned thereon and capable of entering, exiting or residing in the defined area, the method comprising:
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interrogating the at least one passive information device within the defined area with multiple interrogation devices within a transmission and detection range of the at least one passive information device, the multiple interrogation devices having a transmitter capable of transmitting a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of phased signals into the defined area, and a detector for detecting a responsive signal reflected back into at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices from the object within the defined area, the narrow directed beam providing the at least one passive information device with power to enable transmission of the responsive signal; scanning the object within the defined area to obtain characteristic information relating to the identity of the object; transmitting the responsive signal received from interrogating the at least one passive information device, and the characteristic information scanned from the object, to at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of at least one interrogation device; and comparing characteristic information scanned from the object with identity information retrieved from the responsive signal from the at least one passive information device, wherein the at least one master controller unit determines whether the characteristic information corresponds to the identity information from the at least one passive information device. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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50. A method of confirming identity information on a person within a defined area, the person having a passive information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:
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receiving a first password entered on a password input means on the passive information device, wherein the person enters a first password on the passive information device as the source of identity information; scanning the passive information device by simultaneously transmitting phased signals from multiple interrogation devices and obtaining a second password stored in the passive information device, wherein a master controller unit compares the first password entered by the person wearing the passive information device with the second password stored on the passive information device; and creating an alarm state if the first password does not match the second password. - View Dependent Claims (51, 52, 53, 54)
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55. A method of detecting and alerting unauthorized removal of a passive information device positioned on an object capable of entering, exiting or residing within a defined area, the method comprising:
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obtaining real time identity information for the object in the defined area by scanning the object within the defined area with multiple interrogation devices in a plurality of interrogation devices, the multiple interrogation devices being within a transmission and detection range of the passive information device; interrogating the passive information device to obtain identity information stored on the passive information device, the multiple interrogation devices generating a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of phased signals simultaneously transmitted from the multiple interrogation devices to the defined area that provides power to the passive information device to enable transmission of a signal responsive to the narrow, directed beam and having data associated with the identity information; transmitting the stored identity information and scanned real-time identity information from one or more interrogation devices in the plurality of interrogation devices to a master controller unit within the transmission and detection range of the one or more interrogation devices in the plurality of interrogation devices; comparing the real time identity information with the identity information stored on the passive information device; and creating an alarm if the scanned real time identity information does not agree with the stored identity information, the alarm indicating unauthorized possession of the passive information device. - View Dependent Claims (56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62)
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63. A method of detecting and alerting unauthorized removal or utilization of a passive information device on an object capable of entering, exiting, or residing within a defined area, the method comprising:
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interrogating a first passive information device in a defined area to receive real time identity information associated with an object on which the first passive information device is placed, and interrogating a second passive information device on the object to receive stored identity information stored thereon, the first and second passive information devices powered by a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location and generated by multiple interrogation devices for interrogating the first and second passive information devices, wherein at least one of the first and second passive information devices is hidden from discovery by unauthorized persons; transmitting the real time identity information and the stored identity information from at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices to at least one master controller unit, wherein the at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices is within a transmission and detection range of the defined area and within a transmission and detection range of the at least one master controller unit; comparing the real time identity information associated with the object with the stored identity information; and creating an alarm if the stored identity information does not match the real time identity information, the alarm indicating that the first and second passive information devices associated with the object have been separated without authorization. - View Dependent Claims (64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71)
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72. A method of dynamically assigning authorization levels to an object within a defined area and having a passive information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:
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interrogating the defined area, wherein multiple interrogation devices provide phased signals that transmit a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of the phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location within the defined area and receive data associated with an object if the object is within the defined area, the narrow, directed beam providing power to the passive information device to generate a responsive signal that includes the data associated in the object; transmitting the data from at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices to at least one master controller unit and storing the data received in a memory therein, the at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices within a communication range of the at least one master controller unit; determining identity characteristics of the object by comparing the data received from the at least one interrogation device at the at least one master controller unit with reference data stored in the at least one master controller unit; interpreting the identity characteristics to determine an authorization level of the object, wherein the authorization level determines whether the object is authorized to enter, exit, reside, or move within the defined area; and transmitting the authorization level to the passive information device and storing the authorization level on the passive information device. - View Dependent Claims (73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86)
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87. A method of automatic real-time surveillance of an object within a defined area and having at least one passive information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:
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sensing environmental conditions associated with the object within the defined area, the at least one passive information device coupled to at least one sensor on the object; storing data comprising the sensed environmental conditions on a memory of the at least one passive information device; interrogating the at least one passive information device when the object is within the defined area with multiple interrogation devices within a transmission and detection range of the at least one passive information device, wherein the multiple interrogation devices simultaneously transmit phased signals with a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of the phased signals to the defined area and which, when received, provide power to the at least one passive information device and receives the data comprising the sensed environmental conditions and reference data transmitted from the at least one passive information device if successfully interrogated; transmitting the data comprising the sensed environmental conditions and the reference data from at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices to at least one master controller unit, the at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices; and comparing the data comprising the sensed environmental conditions with the reference data to determine characteristic information about the object. - View Dependent Claims (88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97)
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98. A method of controlling environmental conditions in a defined area based on information associated with an object having at least one passive information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:
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determining environmental preferences stored within the at least one passive information device and associated with the object, wherein the determining includes interrogating the defined area with multiple interrogation devices within a transmission and detection range of the at least one passive information device, the multiple interrogation devices transmitting a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location to provide power to the at least one passive information device, and the receiving data relating to the environmental preferences transmitted from the at least one passive information device if successfully interrogated by the narrow, directed beam providing power to enable transmission from the at least one passive information device; determining an environmental status of the defined area, the multiple interrogating devices simultaneously interrogating at least one environmental sensor within the defined area and receiving environmental status data associated with the defined area from the at least one sensor; transmitting data received from the at least one passive information device and the at least one environmental sensor to at least one master controller unit, the at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device; comparing the environmental preferences of the object with the environmental status of the defined area; and adjusting the environmental status of the defined area until the environmental status is within limits specified in the environmental preferences associated with the object. - View Dependent Claims (99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107)
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108. A method of controlling and confirming evacuation of a person from a defined area, the person having at least one passive information device positioned thereon, the method comprising:
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transmitting an evacuation alarm to evacuate to the at least one passive information device; interrogating the at least one passive information device with multiple interrogation devices to determine an identity of the person and a location of the person as the person moves out of the defined area, the multiple interrogation devices being within a transmission and detection range of the at least one passive information device and providing phased signals for generating a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of the phased signals, the phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location to the defined area, the narrow, directed beam providing power to the at least one passive information device to transmit a responsive signal that includes identity and location information of the person; receiving the identity and location information at an at least one master controller unit, the at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices; compiling the identity and location information to determine that the person requiring evacuation is outside or inside of the defined area; and transmitting the identity and location information, the identity and location information specifying the person as within or outside of the defined area to be evacuated, and enabling a rescue alarm if the person remains within the defined area. - View Dependent Claims (109, 110, 111, 112)
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113. A method of package identification and tracking within a defined area, the defined area having multiple interrogation device capable of transmitting and receiving signals therein, the method comprising:
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interrogating the defined area to determine the presence and identity of a package that is capable of entering, exiting or residing in the defined area, wherein multiple interrogation devices transmits a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location to the defined area and receives data sent from at least one passive information device powered by the narrow, directed beam, the data indicating a presence and an identity of the package if the package is within the defined area; transmitting the data from at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices to at least one master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device, and storing the data received in a memory therein; comparing the data received from the at least one interrogation device at the at least one master controller unit with reference data stored in the at least one master controller unit; and interpreting the comparison between the received data and the reference data at the least one master controller unit to determine whether the package is authorized to enter, exit, or reside within the defined area. - View Dependent Claims (114, 115, 116, 117, 118)
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119. An object tracking apparatus comprising:
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a passive information device positioned on an object capable of entering, residing within, or leaving a defined area; multiple interrogation devices capable of phased signal transmission and reception within a defined area, wherein the multiple interrogation devices provides phased signals and interrogate the passive information device by transmitting a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of the phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location to the defined area, the narrow, directed beam providing power to the passive information device to enable data to be sent from the passive information device; and a master controller unit capable of communication with the multiple interrogation devices, the multiple interrogation devices transmitting the data received from the passive information device relating to the position and presence of the object within the defined area, the master controller unit comparing the received data with reference data stored in the master controller unit and interpreting the comparison between the received data and the reference data determine characteristic information associated with the object. - View Dependent Claims (120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127)
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128. An object detection apparatus comprising:
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a low frequency passive information device positioned on an object within a defined area; multiple high frequency interrogation devices, the multiple interrogation devices within a transmission and detection range of the defined area; a passive repeater powered by the multiple interrogation devices, the passive repeater receiving a high frequency signal simultaneously transmitted by the multiple interrogation devices and converting to a low frequency signal for communication with the passive information device to determine the presence of an object, and receiving a low frequency signal from the passive information device and converting to a high frequency signal for transmission to the multiple interrogation devices, the low frequency signal received by the passive information device providing power to enable transmission of the low frequency signal transmitted by the passive information device; a master controller unit within a transmission and detection range of the at least one interrogation device and capable of receiving information transmitted from the multiple interrogation devices, and wherein the passive repeater provides an interface to communicate information over a distance. - View Dependent Claims (129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138)
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139. A method of detecting an object having a passive an information device, the method comprising:
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transmitting a first high frequency signal simultaneously from multiple interrogation devices to a defined area; converting the first high frequency signal to a first low frequency signal for transmission to the defined area; interrogating the passive information device with the first low frequency signal, the passive information device configured for low frequency, short distance transmission and reception, wherein the first low frequency signal provides the passive information device with power to enable transmission of a second low frequency signal following interrogation; converting the second low frequency signal to a second high frequency signal for transmission to the at least one interrogation device; transmitting the second high frequency signal to a master controller unit; and processing information in the second high frequency signal to determine characteristics of the object. - View Dependent Claims (140, 141)
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142. A method of information transfer from a passive information device positioned on an object within a defined area, the method comprising:
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transmitting data from the passive information device to multiple interrogation devices, the passive information device being powered by a narrow, directed beam emanating from a combined action of phased signals simultaneously transmitted from more than one location generated by the multiple interrogation devices to interrogate the defined area; transmitting the data from at least one interrogation device in the multiple interrogation devices to a master controller unit; and compiling the data at the master controller unit to determine characteristic information associated with the object. - View Dependent Claims (143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150)
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Specification