Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-15
2001-07-31
Hofsass, Jeffery (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S870030, C340S870030, C340S870030, C340S870030, C340S870030
Reexamination Certificate
active
06268797
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to personnel and asset tracking systems as well as access authorization, and more particularly relates to an integrated system providing a portable RF tracking transmitter and access authorization signal generator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A number of personal security systems include portable radio frequency (RF) transmitters carried by a system subscriber for actuation in an emergency or threatening situation. Typically, fixed receivers monitor an area where the system is installed and initiate a planned sequence of events when the emergency transmission is detected. Sirens and/or strobes may be energized to ward off attackers while a call is made to appropriate security personnel for assistance. The system usually is monitored from a control station including software or a program for identifying the approximate location of the threatened subscribers.
Theses systems typically employ a portable or hand-held transmitter which is carried by a subscriber. For individuals to take advantage of this technology, the individual must carry the security (tracking) transmitters. Carrying the transmitter itself is not a significant burden. However, when combined with various keys, cards and other similar devices people carry, the collection of the elements becomes quite cumbersome. This burden is an incentive for an individual to avoid carrying some items. If the individual fails to carry the transmitters the benefits of the system are lost.
Therefore, there is a need for integrating otherwise disparate technologies while maintaining the accessibility and hence viability of each technology. The further need exists for a system which can perform a desired tracking or security functions as well as incorporate alternate technologies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an integrated personnel or asset tracking system for industrial, commercial or institutional applications with access authorization capabilities in a single portable unit.
The present tracking transmitter may be employed in either a security system or an asset tracking system, and the access authorization may be applied to physical areas (restricted areas) as well as controls including control systems and financial applications such as debit cards and associated databases.
The present portable unit is hand held in that it is readily carried on a person. In a first configuration, the hand held unit includes a tracking radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF access signal generator selected to obtain access with respect to a predetermined receiver.
In a second configuration, the hand held unit incorporates a tracking RF transmitter and a proximity sensor for generating lower frequency signal in response to a movement of the hand held unit through a magnetic field, so as to generate a unique access authorization signal. In a further configuration, the proximity device does not require movement relative the magnetic field, but rather is presented to an electromagnetic field, such is a 125 KHz field.
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Berube James E.
Robinson Michael D.
Detection Systems Inc.
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Hofsass Jeffery
Previl Daniel
Salai Esq. Stephen B.
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