Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-13
2001-05-08
Lee, Benjamin C. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
24, 24, C235S384000, C235S385000, C235S375000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06229445
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to the a process and apparatus for tracking objects. In particular, the present invention is directed to a system for tracking people for security purposes, and for monitoring the movement of a person's belongings or other objects for security reasons.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of situations in which surveillance of a person or group of persons is necessary. An obvious example is use in law enforcement applications where the movements of an undercover agent must be monitored, or when low-risk criminals are sentenced to periods of home detention. There are also many applications for the monitoring of objects. For example, illicit drugs used by law enforcement officials in sting operations must be tracked to provide a chain of possession.
Another example is the tracking of baggage and passengers within the zone of responsibility of a given airport. More specifically, a system is needed for identifying a passenger early in the airport check in procedure, processing that passenger and his or her baggage, including carry-on items, and reconciling the person and items (baggage/packages) as they move through the airport up to the point of departure, and then again as they arrive at the destination. This system could be applied to any means of public transportation, including in train stations and bus stations. In the context of airport security, such a system could accomplish the total accountability desired by the airport, the airlines, and the federal entities that regulate both. The example of airport security will be used herein to facilitate disclosure of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to this specific application, however, and is contemplated for use with any application in which persons or objects are tracked for any purpose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention, an RF identification system includes an identification tag having a unique RF signature, a source for generating RF energy, and a detector for reading the signature when the identification tag is illuminated by the RF energy generated by the source. The identification tag may include a base formed from an electrically non-conductive material. The identification tag may include metal particles distributed in the base. The metal particles may be metal-coated glass rods. The metal particles are distributed randomly in the base. The source for generating RF energy preferably generates energy at a frequency of at least about 25 gigahertz. The source for generating RF energy preferably generates energy in a field. The RF identification system may include storage means coupled to the detector for storing the signature read by the detector. The RF identification system may also include comparing means, coupled to the storage means, for comparing a signature read by the detector with a signature stored in the storage means. The RF identification system may also include a biometric reader for reading biometric data, preferably for storage in the storage means, which may also include means for associating the biometric data with the signature.
According to another aspect of the invention, a process for providing identification includes generating RF energy, placing an identification tag within a region illuminated by the RF energy, and reading the signature. The identification tag provides a unique signature when illuminated by RF energy. Generating RF energy may include generating a field of RF energy, and placing an identification tag within a region illuminated by the RF energy includes placing the identification tag within the field, storing the signature, and comparing a read signature with a stored signature. The process may also include reading biometric data, storing the read biometric data, and associating the stored signature with the stored biometric data. The identification tag preferably includes a base formed from an electrically non-conductive material. The identification tag preferably includes metal particles distributed in the base. Preferably, the metal particles are metal-coated glass rods that are distributed randomly in the base.
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Lee Benjamin C.
Rabin & Champagne, P.C.
TECSEC Incorporated
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