Abstract: A system and method for determining the orientation of a linear array of radio receivers in space is provided. The system includes a primary radio receiver and a plurality of secondary radio receivers arranged in a collinear configuration and irregularly spaced apart from one another. The primary radio receiver and plurality of auxiliary radio receivers capable of receiving radio signals from a plurality of transmitters located in known, surveyed locations in a coordinate system. With the location of the primary receiver determined, the direction in which the aligned radio devices is pointed relative to the transmitters is then determined by using the phase angle of arrival (AoA) data from each transmitter.

Abstract: A system for scoring darts that includes multiple cameras placed substantially parallel to the surface of a dartboard. With a field of view extending across the board, the cameras can be configured to capture images of darts projecting outwardly from the board as they are thrown, and the system can use this image data to calculate the location of each dart, and the corresponding score. Various algorithms may be used to orient the system and calibrate the system to account for irregularities in the images captured by the cameras to accurately determine the location. Proper scoring may be achieved for a variety of dartboards with different patterns of scoring regions based on game rules and corresponding board configurations maintained by the system.

Abstract: A system for scoring darts that includes multiple cameras placed substantially parallel to the surface of a dartboard. With a field of view extending across the board, the cameras can be configured to capture images of darts projecting outwardly from the board as they are thrown, and the system can use this image data to calculate the location of each dart, and the corresponding score. Various algorithms may be used to orient the system and calibrate the system to account for irregularities in the images captured by the cameras to accurately determine the location. Proper scoring may be achieved for a variety of dartboards with different patterns of scoring regions based on game rules and corresponding board configurations maintained by the system.

Abstract: A system for scoring darts that includes multiple cameras placed substantially parallel to the surface of a dartboard. With a field of view extending across the board, the cameras can be configured to capture images of darts projecting outwardly from the board as they are thrown, and the system can use this image data to calculate the location of each dart, and the corresponding score. Various algorithms may be used to orient the system and calibrate the system to account for irregularities in the images captured by the cameras to accurately determine the location. Proper scoring may be achieved for a variety of dartboards with different patterns of scoring regions based on game rules and corresponding board configurations maintained by the system.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the range, angle, and elevation of a target object having a radio transceiver relative to a known location is provided. The system includes a primary radio transceiver located an initially unknown distance from the target object, and at least one auxiliary radio receiver located a known distance and angle relative to a reference bearing from the primary radio transceiver. The system further includes a processing unit in communication with the primary radio transceiver and at least one auxiliary receiver. The processing unit is capable of calculating the range between the primary and the target object and the angle to the target object relative to the reference bearing.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the range, angle, and elevation of a target object having a radio transceiver relative to a known location is provided. The system includes a primary radio transceiver located an initially unknown distance from the target object, and at least one auxiliary radio receiver located a known distance and angle relative to a reference bearing from the primary radio transceiver. The system further includes a processing unit in communication with the primary radio transceiver and at least one auxiliary receiver. The processing unit is capable of calculating the range between the primary and the target object and the angle to the target object relative to the reference bearing.

Abstract: A system and method whereby a group of synchronized anchor nodes transmit the identical radio signal packet at a specified time or specified times, which multiple signal packets are received at one or more tag/receiving nodes located within the area of use is provided. First, the time of each of the plurality of anchor nodes is synchronized relative to the other anchor nodes. A transmit time is then specified for each of the anchor nodes to transmit the identical data packet of information from each individual anchor node. The identical data packet of information and specified transmit time are then provided to each of the anchor nodes. The identical data packet of information is then transmitted from each anchor node into the area of use, wherein each of the identical data packets are transmitted from each respective one of the plurality of anchor nodes at the transmit time specified for that anchor node.

Abstract: System and method for scheduling and coordinating transmission signals in a wireless data communications network, comprising a master node and at least one tag node. In some embodiments, the network may also include a slave node. The master node divides time into repeating time division blocks comprising a configuration window and at least one transaction window. During the configuration window, the master node provides operating parameters to the tag or slave nodes, including a time slot within the transaction window that is reserved for the tag or slave nodes to broadcast data to the master node. The transaction window is subdivided into multiple reserved time slots, and each slot is assigned to a specific tag or slave node. When a reserved time slot arrives, the tag or slave node will broadcast data signals to the master node.

Abstract: System and method for scheduling and coordinating transmission signals in a wireless data communications network, comprising a master node and at least one tag node. In some embodiments, the network may also include a slave node. The master node divides time into repeating time division blocks comprising a configuration window and at least one transaction window. During the configuration window, the master node provides operating parameters to the tag or slave nodes, including a time slot within the transaction window that is reserved for the tag or slave nodes to broadcast data to the master node. The transaction window is subdivided into multiple reserved time slots, and each slot is assigned to a specific tag or slave node. When a reserved time slot arrives, the tag or slave node will broadcast data signals to the master node.

Abstract: System and method for scheduling and coordinating transmission signals in a wireless data communications network, comprising a master node and at least one tag node. In some embodiments, the network may also include a slave node. The master node divides time into repeating time division blocks comprising a configuration window and at least one transaction window. During the configuration window, the master node provides operating parameters to the tag or slave nodes, including a time slot within the transaction window that is reserved for the tag or slave nodes to broadcast data to the master node. The transaction window is subdivided into multiple reserved time slots, and each slot is assigned to a specific tag or slave node. When a reserved time slot arrives, the tag or slave node will broadcast data signals to the master node.

Abstract: A system for scoring darts that includes multiple cameras placed substantially parallel to the surface of a dartboard. With a field of view extending across the board, the cameras can be configured to capture images of darts projecting outwardly from the board as they are thrown, and the system can use this image data to calculate the location of each dart, and the corresponding score. Various algorithms may be used to orient the system and calibrate the system to account for irregularities in the images captured by the cameras to accurately determine the location. Proper scoring may be achieved for a variety of dartboards with different patterns of scoring regions based on game rules and corresponding board configurations maintained by the system.

Abstract: A system and method for location of objects in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional space using a minimum number of timed RF transmissions. System consists of a mobile device and a plurality of surveyed anchors. Two-Way Ranging (TWR) is done between the tag and any single anchor and the distance between the tag and remaining anchors is determined through listening to, or snooping, the TWR packet transmissions.

Abstract: System and method for scheduling and coordinating transmission signals in a wireless data communications network, comprising a master node and at least one tag node. In some embodiments, the network may also include a slave node. The master node divides time into repeating time division blocks comprising a configuration window and at least one transaction window. During the configuration window, the master node provides operating parameters to the tag or slave nodes, including a time slot within the transaction window that is reserved for the tag or slave nodes to broadcast data to the master node. The transaction window is subdivided into multiple reserved time slots, and each slot is assigned to a specific tag or slave node. When a reserved time slot arrives, the tag or slave node will broadcast data signals to the master node.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a position of a person or second machine relative to a machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine, a locator for being carried by the person, means for determining the position of said locator relative to the transmitter system, means for defining one or more safety zones around the machine; and warning means for generating a signal when said locator enters into any of said one or more safety zones. The transmitter system includes a controller for generating a uniquely encoded magnetic signal and a plurality of drivers in communication with the controller for transmitting the uniquely encoded magnetic signal. According to the method a uniquely encoded magnetic signal is generated and transmitted around the machine from a transmitter system located on the machine. The magnetic signal is received and processed at a locator carried by the person.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a position of a person or second machine relative to a machine is provided. The system includes a transmitter system located on the machine, a locator for being carried by the person, means for determining the position of said locator relative to the transmitter system, means for defining one or more safety zones around the machine; and warning means for generating a signal when said locator enters into any of said one or more safety zones. The transmitter system includes a controller for generating a uniquely encoded magnetic signal and a plurality of drivers in communication with the controller for transmitting the uniquely encoded magnetic signal. According to the method a uniquely encoded magnetic signal is generated and transmitted around the machine from a transmitter system located on the machine. The magnetic signal is received and processed at a locator carried by the person.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a proximity of a person to a machine includes a first transmitter unit carried by the person, a plurality of receiver units located on the machine at know locations, and a processing unit including data defining a first boundary around the machine. The first transmitter unit transmits a magnetic proximity signal having a predetermined signal strength and a predetermined signal frequency. Each of the plurality of receiver units is for determining a received signal strength of the received magnetic proximity signal. The processing unit: determines a location of the first transmitter unit relative to the machine based on the received signal strength of the magnetic proximity signal and the known location of the plurality of receiver units; and outputs a proximity warning signal if the location of the transmitter relative to the machine is within the first boundary around the machine.

Abstract: A system for tracking personnel and equipment in hazardous environments in pre or post-accident situations includes an intrinsically safe tracking tag and an intrinsically safe reader system. The intrinsically safe tracking tag transmits identification and status information to the intrinsically safe reader system, which includes a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas and a hub cable driver. In one embodiment, antennas are located at known positions in the hazardous environment and connected via a redundant, wired-mesh topology. The wired-mesh topology also allows more flexible antenna placement than line-of-sight wireless-mesh systems. The hub cable driver provides intrinsically safe power to and communication with the antennas using communication cables, receives data signals from the antennas, and transmits the data signals to a server. The server stores the data signals in a storage device and is connected to a workstation. The workstation retrieves the stored data to track persons or equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a proximity of a person to a machine includes a first transmitter unit carried by the person, a plurality of receiver units located on the machine at know locations, and a processing unit including data defining a first boundary around the machine. The first transmitter unit transmits a magnetic proximity signal having a predetermined signal strength and a predetermined signal frequency. Each of the plurality of receiver units is for determining a received signal strength of the received magnetic proximity signal. The processing unit: determines a location of the first transmitter unit relative to the machine based on the received signal strength of the magnetic proximity signal and the known location of the plurality of receiver units; and outputs a proximity warning signal if the location of the transmitter relative to the machine is within the first boundary around the machine.

Abstract: A system for tracking personnel and equipment in hazardous environments in pre or post-accident situations includes an intrinsically safe tracking tag and an intrinsically safe reader system. The intrinsically safe tracking tag transmits identification and status information to the intrinsically safe reader system, which includes a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas and a hub cable driver. In one embodiment, antennas are located at known positions in the hazardous environment and connected via a redundant, wired-mesh topology. The wired-mesh topology also allows more flexible antenna placement than line-of-sight wireless-mesh systems. The hub cable driver provides intrinsically safe power to and communication with the antennas using communication cables, receives data signals from the antennas, and transmits the data signals to a server. The server stores the data signals in a storage device and is connected to a workstation. The workstation retrieves the stored data to track persons or equipment.