Abstract: A system and associated tag for detecting and tracking people makes use of a low radio frequency detection tag. Each tag comprises an antenna operate at a at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1 megahertz, a transceiver connected to the tag's antenna operable to transmit and receive data signals at low radio frequency, a data storage for storing the tag identification data, a data processor operable to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and causes the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the stored identification data, and an energy source to supply power for the operation of the tag's transceiver and data processor. The tag also includes a display operable to display data relating to the tag and to a person carrying said tag. A field antenna is used with a reader, a transmitter and a central data processor to provide communication between the tags and the central data processor.

Abstract: A lifecycle management system for detection and tracking of drillpipes which carry low radio frequency tags that comprise an inductive antenna and transceiver operable at a first radio frequency below 1 megahertz, a transceiver operatively connected to that antenna, an ID data storage device, a microprocessor for handling data from the transceiver and data store, and a tag energization inductive antenna which can receive radio frequency energy from an ambient radio frequency field of a second low radio frequency. The system includes a field communication inductive antenna disposed, preferably at a distance of several feet from each object, that permits effective communication therewith at the aforesaid first radio frequency, a data receiver, transmitter and reader data processor in operative communication with the field communication inductive antenna, and a field energization inductive antenna which can produce the ambient radio frequency field at the tag energization inductive antenna.

Abstract: A system for detection and tracking of objects which carry low radio frequency tags that comprise an inductive antenna and transceiver operable at a radio frequency below 1 megahertz, a transceiver operatively connected to that antenna, an ID data storage device, a microprocessor for handling data from the transceiver and data store, and an energy harvesting device to capture energy from an energy condition at said object. The system includes a field communication inductive antenna disposed, preferably at a distance of several feet from each object, and at an orientation that permits effective communication with the tag antennas at the aforesaid radio frequency, a data receiver, transmitter and reader data processor in operative communication with the field communication inductive antenna. The aforesaid tag communication inductive antenna may have a ferrite core to enhance data reception.

Abstract: A system for detection and tracking of objects which carry low radio frequency tags that comprise an inductive antenna and transceiver operable at a first radio frequency below 1 megahertz, a transceiver operatively connected to that antenna, an ID data storage device, a microprocessor for handling data from the transceiver and data store, and a tag energization inductive antenna which can receive radio frequency energy from an ambient radio frequency field of a second low radio frequency. The system includes a field communication inductive antenna disposed, preferably at a distance of several feet from each object, that permits effective communication therewith at the aforesaid first radio frequency, a data receiver, transmitter and reader data processor in operative communication with the field communication inductive antenna, and a field energization inductive antenna which can produce the ambient radio frequency field at the tag energization inductive antenna.

Abstract: A system uses a large loop antenna, connected with a transceiver operating below 1 MHz. The loop antenna is deployed from a spool to surround a crime scene, and may carry indicia communicating that it is a crime scene boundary. The system interrogates devices, including evidence bags and badged personnel, as they enter and leave the scene. The system can optionally log the time of salient events. A second loop antenna can log evidence bags as they enter a vehicle. The devices can be silenced by the transceiver and thus collisions can be reduced and avoided among responses from devices. The system performs “area reads” that would not be possible if higher RF frequencies were employed.

Abstract: A warehousing system includes a container for storing at least one item, a first electronic (e.g,. radio frequency identification (RFID)) module associated with the first container, and a controller which wirelessly communicates with first electronic module, for directing a transfer of said at least one item to and/or from said first container. The inventive system may include, for example, a hybrid retail/warehouse system which includes a facility having a shelving area, and a picking area adjacent to the shelving area, and a layout so as to minimize a picking area and a walking distance between a picking area and a shelving area.

Abstract: A portable access point device is formed from a handheld computing device; an environmentally hardened case disposed around the computing device, and an access point module for reading and writing data to low frequency active radiating transceiver tags, such as RuBee® tags. The access point module is connected to the handheld computing device and the environmentally hardened case to provide a unitary handheld device, and the access point module transfers data between the handheld computing device and tags within communication range of the device.

Abstract: A method for identifying, tracking, and monitoring a firearm includes steps of: attaching a low frequency radio tag to the firearm; storing, in the data storage device of the radio tag, identification data relating to the firearm; and reading the identification data from the transceiver by interrogating the radio tag. The radio tag includes a shot sensor, a shot count register for tracking the number of shots fired and cadence registers for tracking the intervals between shots.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time visibility on a construction project includes steps of: attaching a low-frequency, ultra low-power, two-way transceiver radio tag to each construction material to be used in the construction project; storing data relating to the construction material in the tag; and reading the data from the transceiver of the tag by interrogating the radio tag with radio frequency interrogation signals.

Abstract: A cart has at least three wheels. It has one or more loop antennas, and a radio transceiver connected with the antennas. The antennas and transceiver operate at a frequency lower than 1 megahertz. The loop antennas are each at least 0.2 square meters in area. The cart is moved to an area such as a room, and the transceiver communicates with various RF tags in the room. Because of the antenna configuration, the portion of spectrum employed, and the power levels used, the cart is able to communicate with most if not all of the RF tags in the room. The cart can then be moved to another area such as another room, and the process repeated. In this way an inventory of tags can be made without expensive permanently installed infrastructure. The system is robust against interferers such as large metal objects and intervening objects.

Abstract: An alternative for smart card financial transactions is provided in which the smart card functionality is provided as part of a watch containing a RuBee antenna and transceiver for transmitting the authorization information to a receiver separate from the watch. This form factor allows the user to maintain the card in a readily usable and convenient location. In addition, the watch can be used to allow the user to specifically authorize or override a financial transaction, and to view and/or store information about the financial transaction, as well as conventional functionality such as alarms, and calendars. The watch of the invention can also provide access control or identification in corporate environments if desired.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time visibility on a construction project includes steps of: attaching a low-frequency, ultra low-power, two-way transceiver radio tag to each construction material to be used in the construction project; storing data relating to the construction material in the tag; and reading the data from the transceiver of the tag by interrogating the radio tag with radio frequency interrogation signals.

Abstract: A pedigree tag for tracking and validating authenticity of contents in a container includes: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency, not exceeding one megahertz, and including a full duplex transmitter and receiver; an antenna operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a programmable microprocessor operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a memory operatively coupled with the programmable microprocessor; a clock; and a connector for connecting a power source for providing power to the microprocessor; wherein the pedigree tag is in a form factor conformable to the container to which it is affixed.

Abstract: The system employs full transceivers, each having peer-to-peer, client/server, and IP networking capabilities, and covering open-area ranges of up to 100 feet. The system uses Low Frequency for data communications so it can achieve both low cost (less costly than many RF-ID tags) and long battery life (10-15 years). Additionally, since these tags have batteries, static RAM maybe be added at very low cost, as well as sensors, LED's displays etc. The system also employs a sidewinder that communicates to said tag regularly, said sidewinder keeps the IP address of said tag. The system also employs an embedded VPN. The VPN includes a suite of diagnostic tools that run on a laptop. The diagnostic tools talk direct to the sidewinder, the tools read and program said tag providing the tools have correct IP address of the tag. The system also includes a visibility data server that communicates to the sidewinder by the VPN.

Abstract: Passive tags use two antennas with only limited mutual coupling, one of which receives a power/clock field and the other of which receives a data signal. An area-reading antenna, or two or more antennas, are deployed to generate the power/clock field, from a base station. The base station, or active tags, or both, generate the data signals from time to time. This topology together with the use of low frequencies permits area reads, and permits small and economical passive tags, and further permits localization of a particular passive tag as being nearby to a particular active tag.

Abstract: A warehousing system includes a container for storing at least one item, a first electronic (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID)) module associated with the first container, and a controller which wirelessly communicates with first electronic module, for directing a transfer of said at least one item to and/or from said first container. The inventive system may include, for example, a hybrid retail/warehouse system which includes a facility having a shelving area, and a picking area adjacent to the shelving area, and a layout so as to minimize a picking area and a walking distance between a picking area and a shelving area.

Abstract: A tool sensor detects the presence of a tool and optionally identifies that tool as the correct tool for placement in the sensor. The tool sensor may be in the form of a pad, with openings sized to fit the tool, and may have designated locations for a plurality of tools, in which each tool is identified as being the correct tool for its location on or in the sensor.

Abstract: A system for identifying, monitoring, and tracking a firearm includes: a low frequency radio tag affixed to the firearm, the radio tag configured to receive and send data signals, the radio tag including: a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 450 kilohertz, a transceiver operatively connected to the tag antenna, the transceiver configured to transmit and receive data signals at the low radio frequency; a data storage device configured to store data including identification data for identifying the firearm, and a data processor configured to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and to transmit data to cause the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the identification data stored in the data storage device.

Abstract: A low frequency inductive two-way radio transceiver tag is provided that has separate antennas for transmitting and receiving signals within a reading volume. Thus, the tag of the invention includes both a transmit antenna and a receiving antenna, either separately or as a single antenna tuneable between two functional states with different impedances. The impedance of the receiving antenna is greater than the impedance of the transmitting antenna. For example, the impedance of the receiving antenna may be greater than the impedance of the transmitting antenna by a factor of 103.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects.