Patents by Inventor Michael Melville
Michael Melville has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11836569Abstract: A system combining readers for RFID transponders and Bluetooth® devices for for automated roadway tolling and monitoring is described. Because of the ubiquity of Bluetooth® devices, filtering methods are described to narrow received Bluetooth® signals to a particular monitored traffic lane and to further associate the Bluetooth® signal with a registered RFID toll tag in a vehicle. Signal strength of the Bluetooth® signal at each of a plurality of receiver antennas may be used to identify the location of the Bluetooth® device that emitted the signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2020Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
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Publication number: 20220415165Abstract: A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is described. An exemplary system has a first RFID interrogator and first and second antennas. The first and second antennas direct signals to and receive signals from respective first and second interrogation zones. A first interrogation signal is transmitted to the first antenna. A first acquire window for receiving a signal from a first RFID transponder is opened after the first interrogation signal. A second interrogation signal is transmitted to the second antenna after the first interrogation signal, and a second acquire window for receiving a signal from a second RFID transponder is opened after the second interrogation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Patent number: 11450203Abstract: A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is described. An exemplary system has a first RFID interrogator and first and second antennas. The first and second antennas direct signals to and receive signals from respective first and second interrogation zones. A first interrogation signal is transmitted to the first antenna. A first acquire window for receiving a signal from a first RFID transponder is opened after the first interrogation signal. A second interrogation signal is transmitted to the second antenna after the first interrogation signal, and a second acquire window for receiving a signal from a second RFID transponder is opened after the second interrogation signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Publication number: 20220256323Abstract: A system is described for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone or similar device as an active transponder that communicates with roadside equipment. The system may uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth® LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further aspect, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and responds with identification information. Transaction processing may be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or back office equipment. The system may be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring and also for access control. A coded card may be scanned by the smart card to enter identification for access control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
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Publication number: 20220188893Abstract: A first network signal is received indicating a device identifier in response to a transaction involving an electronic device uniquely associated with the device identifier. An entity identifier specific to an entity associated with the transaction is determined. In response to an initialization event of the electronic device, a second network signal from the electronic device is received that identifies the electronic device. In response to the second network signal, a configuration is communicated to the electronic device that is specific to the entity associated with the transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2022Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Kurt Roman Thielen, Robert Edward Taylor, Patrick James Sansonetti, Ryan Michael Melville, James Joseph Alviani
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Patent number: 11323865Abstract: A system is described for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone or similar device as an active transponder that communicates with roadside equipment. The system may uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth® LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further aspect, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and responds with identification information. Transaction processing may be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or back office equipment. The system may be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring and also for access control. A coded card may be scanned by the smart card to enter identification for access control.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
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Patent number: 11321754Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for detection of a network signal identifying an electronic device in response to a transaction initiated by an entity. For example, the network signal can be transmitted by the electronic device in response to an initial network connection. An entity identifier identifies the entity associated with initiating a transaction based on matching identifying information contained in the network signal with transaction information from a supply chain. A configurator to configure the electronic device specific to the identified entity can be based on a feature set determined by channels through which the electronic device came to an end user. The feature set programs the electronic device to interoperate with a network device in response to the initial network connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kurt Roman Thielen, Robert Edward Taylor, Patrick James Sansonetti, Ryan Michael Melville, James Joseph Alviani
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Patent number: 11288464Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGOTM RFID backscatter transponders, SEGOTM RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20210306825Abstract: A system for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone in the vehicle as an active transponder, which is detected by roadside equipment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further embodiment, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and only then responds with its identification information. Processing can be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or central office equipment as is the case in prior art active or passive transponder-based tolling systems. Vehicle location detection can be enhanced through the use of directional antenna matrices such as a Butler matrix. The system can be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
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Patent number: 11039284Abstract: A system for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone in the vehicle as an active transponder, which is detected by roadside equipment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further embodiment, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and only then responds with its identification information. Processing can be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or central office equipment as is the case in prior art active or passive transponder-based tolling systems. Vehicle location detection can be enhanced through the use of directional antenna matrices such as a Butler matrix. The system can be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
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Publication number: 20200364418Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGOTM RFID backscatter transponders, SEGOTM RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20200336879Abstract: A system is described for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone or similar device as an active transponder that communicates with roadside equipment. The system may uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth® LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further aspect, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and responds with identification information. Transaction processing may be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or back office equipment. The system may be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring and also for access control. A coded card may be scanned by the smart card to enter identification for access control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
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Patent number: 10733393Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 10708745Abstract: A system is described for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone or similar device as an active transponder that communicates with roadside equipment. The system may uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth® LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further aspect, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and responds with identification information. Transaction processing may be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or back office equipment. The system may be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring and also for access control. A coded card may be scanned by the smart card to enter identification for access control.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
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Publication number: 20200050804Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 10467440Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGOTM RFID backscatter transponders, SEGOTM RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20190213656Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for configuring an electronic device based on a transaction are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a device identifier to detect a network signal identifying an electronic device in response to a transaction initiated by an entity, the network signal transmitted by the electronic device in response to upon an initial network connection, an entity identifier to identify the entity associated with initiating a transaction based on matching identifying information contained in the network signal with transaction information from a supply chain, and a configurator to configure the electronic device specific to the identified entity based on a feature set determined by channels through which the electronic device came to an end user, the feature set to program the electronic device to interoperate with a network device in response to the initial network connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Kurt Roman Thielen, Robert Edward Taylor, Patrick James Sansonetti, Ryan Michael Melville, James Joseph Alviani
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Publication number: 20190180611Abstract: A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is described. An exemplary system has a first RFID interrogator and first and second antennas. The first and second antennas direct signals to and receive signals from respective first and second interrogation zones. A first interrogation signal is transmitted to the first antenna. A first acquire window for receiving a signal from a first RFID transponder is opened after the first interrogation signal. A second interrogation signal is transmitted to the second antenna after the first interrogation signal, and a second acquire window for receiving a signal from a second RFID transponder is opened after the second interrogation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Patent number: 10229444Abstract: A first network signal is received indicating a device identifier in response to a transaction involving an electronic device uniquely associated with the device identifier. An entity identifier specific to an entity associated with the transaction is determined. In response to an initialization event of the electronic device, a second network signal from the electronic device is received that identifies the electronic device. In response to the second network signal, a configuration is communicated to the electronic device that is specific to the entity associated with the transaction.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLCInventors: Kurt Roman Thielen, Robert Edward Taylor, Patrick James Sansonetti, Ryan Michael Melville, James Joseph Alviani
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Patent number: 10210752Abstract: A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is disclosed. An example is shown for an eight antenna system. A first four antennas arranged side-by-side are sequentially energized to interrogate RFID transponders. A second set of four antennas arranged side-by-side, the first of which is adjacent to the last of the first set of antennas. A four-antenna sequence is performed for the first four antennas and a second four antenna sequence is performed for the second set of antennas. The first and second four antenna sequences are offset by only a marginal amount, sufficient to ensure that a transponder signal received four antennas away from an active antenna is not acknowledged because the receive window for the non-active antenna is delayed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey