Anti-theft; Abduction (ipc) Patents (Class 342/357.54)
  • Patent number: 11047986
    Abstract: An LED taillight with an integrated GPS tracking system is disclosed therein. The GPS tracking system is hidden behind the LED portion of the LED taillight so that the GPS tracking system is not noticeable by someone inspecting a trailer on which the LED taillight is installed. Additionally, power sent to the LED taillight to power the LEDs also recharge a battery associated with the GPS tracking system and power the GPS tracking system during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: ANYTREK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Haijian Zeng
  • Patent number: 10643441
    Abstract: A device that is configured to track an asset is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes a radio module that generates proximity data that indicates a distance between the computing device and the device. The device includes a processor that compares the distance between the computing device and the device to a distance threshold. The processor determines that the distance between the computing device and the device satisfies the distance threshold. The processor arms the device. The device includes a motion sensor that generates motion data. The processor compares the motion data to a motion threshold. The processor determines that the motion data satisfies the motion threshold. The processor activates an alarm state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventor: Juan Abellanas Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9485745
    Abstract: Location of one or more devices in a monitored environment based at least in part on data communications between a device and a communication array disposed relative to the monitored environment. The communication array may include a plurality of nodes, at least two of which may be in operative communication with a mobile device. The plurality of nodes may be synchronized to a common time base with communications over a packet-switched communication network (e.g., employing IP communications or the like). In turn, communications between nodes of known location and a device may be used to determine ranging values at least in part based on characteristics (e.g., time of flight) of the communication. As such, a location may be determined by, for example, multilateration of a plurality of ranging values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: iPosi, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Kurby, Richard M. Lee
  • Patent number: 9385930
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a method to detect suboptimal boundary clocks is described for a node in a communications network. The method can include determining a benchmark value for a clock in a node; generating a plurality of time correction parameters associated with a plurality of time corrections for the clock; determining whether the plurality of time correction parameters meets a predetermined criteria based on the benchmark value; and generating an alert if the plurality of time correction parameters meets the predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Shashank Gudipati, Sathis Kumar Murugesan, Mahendran Sithanantham
  • Patent number: 9092963
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a tracking device to inconspicuously track a person to be monitored (such as a child or at-risk adult) are presented. Some embodiments of the present invention combine a positioning receiver (e.g., a GPS receiver) and a locking mechanism to act as a tracking device, which attaches to an article of clothing or fabric wearable by the person to be monitored. Some embodiments of the present invention keep a positioning receiver and a radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag) or other RF tag, which are physically separate but in RF proximity of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Dudley K. Fetzer, Thomas F. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20150022396
    Abstract: A locatable object includes a microprocessor for operating the object, and a memory for storing at least a first position and a second position. The locatable object also includes an instrument recovery system integrated into the object. The instrument recovery system further includes a receiver for determining the location of an object, and a communications device for communicating at least the second position to another system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Walter FIELDS, Donald Michael SHIELDS
  • Patent number: 8902059
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for tracking an item transported with the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a global positioning system (GPS) module for determining a location of the item based on GPS signals received from one or more GPS satellites. The apparatus further comprises a mobile communications controller for generating a message including the determined location of the item, wherein the mobile communications controller sends the generated message to at least one mobile device. The mobile communications controller may also send the generated message to a remote server maintaining location tracking information for one or more items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Umm Al-Qura University
    Inventor: Mohamed F. Mahmoud
  • Patent number: 8884821
    Abstract: Communications are established and conducted between a communication and jamming detection at a vehicle and a base station. At the communication and jamming detection device, a determination is made as to when jamming of the communications between the communication and jamming detection device and the base station is occurring. When jamming is determined to be occurring, at least one location determination signal is transmitted from the communication and jamming detection device to at least one external tracking device. At the at least one external location determination device, the at least one location determination signal is received from the communication and jamming detection device. The location of the communication and jamming detection device at the vehicle is determined from the at least one location determination signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve DeCabooter, James Snider, Robert F. D'Avello
  • Patent number: 8862378
    Abstract: A security and tracking apparatus includes at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transmitting the location of each signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance. A method to locate a person, animal, or object, includes providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal, or the object, at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein each respective signaling unit is adapted for identifying the location of the signaling units and for transmitting the location of the signaling units when the first and second signaling units are separated more than a preselected distance; and activating the signaling units to transmit the location of the signaling units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: C2 Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benedict S. Curatolo, Thomas E. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 8838334
    Abstract: A device for detecting and tracking vehicles includes a position-determining device for determining a current vehicle position, a transmitting device for transmitting the current vehicle position to a receiver via a communication channel, and a device for detecting an activated interfering transmitter and for triggering an action depending on the detection of an activated interfering transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Astrium GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Wendel
  • Patent number: 8797210
    Abstract: A remote tracking system is described including one or more remote tracking devices and a monitoring center. The remote tracking device includes a tamper-resistant housing intended to be held securely to a wearer by a strap, a positioning system receiver in the housing and operable to receive signals indicative of the location of the remote tracking device, a cellular transceiver in the housing and operable to communicate with the monitoring center, and a processor in the housing and in electrical communication with the positioning system receiver and the cellular transceiver, the processor operable to monitor a status for the remote tracking device. The remote tracking system is able to compare the location of the remote tracking device with a set of pre-programmed rules and establish a two-way voice communication between the wearer and the monitoring center upon the occurrence of certain programmable conditions in the remote tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: SecureAlert, Inc.
    Inventors: David Derrick, Bruce Derrick
  • Patent number: 8736454
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled security tag and accompanying security system is described. The tag generally includes a housing having external contacts to interface with elongated contacts on a connecting band. The band forms a complex impedance circuit with a patient's limb that allows detection features such as removal and band compromise. A microprocessor and related circuitry as well as a transmitter and receivers are enclosed in the housing. The tag is adapted to communicate inductively with an activator/deactivator unit as well as a tag programmer that updates and changes tag features in the tag firmware. The overall system further includes a hub to receive the data from a plurality of tags in the system. The tag can also communicate with a phased multiple antenna that sends signals to the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Innovative Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Kron, Richard E. Halbach, James Stoffer, Mark J. Kieckhefer
  • Publication number: 20130342394
    Abstract: A combined GPS and GSM cellular tracking solution for tracking small, high-value assets, including: a packaging component; induction charging; transmission of information (preferably through a local cellular network); and an internet-based database and website with which users can remotely track goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Michael James Leslie, Jerome Allan Reilander
  • Patent number: 8416081
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled security tag and accompanying security system is described. The tag generally includes a housing having external contacts to interface with elongated contacts on a connecting band. The band forms a complex impedance circuit with a patient's limb that allows detection features such as removal and band compromise. A microprocessor and related circuitry as well as a transmitter and receivers are enclosed in the housing. The tag is adapted to communicate inductively with an activator/deactivator unit as well as a tag programmer that updates and changes tag features in the tag firmware. The overall system further includes a hub to receive the data from a plurality of tags in the system. The tag can also communicate with a phased multiple antenna that sends signals to the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Kron, Richard E Halbach, James Stoffer, Mark J Kieckhefer
  • Publication number: 20130050019
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for tracking an item transported with the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a global positioning system (GPS) module for determining a location of the item based on GPS signals received from one or more GPS satellites. The apparatus further comprises a mobile communications controller for generating a message including the determined location of the item, wherein the mobile communications controller sends the generated message to at least one mobile device. The mobile communications controller may also send the generated message to a remote server maintaining location tracking information for one or more items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Mohamed F. Mahmoud
  • Publication number: 20130016009
    Abstract: An electronic tracking device includes a processor in communication with a global positioning system (GPS) device, a motion tracking unit, a data storage unit, and one or more communication devices. The GPS device receives GPS signals, if available, and generates GPS data corresponding to a location of the electronic device. The motion tracking unit generates motion data based on movement of the electronic device. The data storage device stores the GPS data and the motion data at a plurality of different times. The processor generates a data packet including the GPS data and the motion data stored in the data storage device at the plurality of different times. The one or more communication devices transmit the data packet to a remote server for monitoring the location of the electronic device based on at least one of the GPS data and the motion data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew R. Godfrey, Timothy A. Tabor
  • Publication number: 20130002481
    Abstract: An autonomous tracking device (1) for a vehicle, comprising: a support member (10) having a front face (11), a GPS module (2) having a GPS antenna (20), a transceiver (3) adapted to wirelessly send tracking data (30) with vehicle locations data to a remote unit, a rechargeable battery (8), a solar photocell array (4) placed on the front face or on the back face of the device, and adapted to supply the rechargeable battery, sticking means (5) extending on a portion of the front face (11) of the support member, adapted to be fixed to a surface of the dashboard or to an inner surface (26) of a windshield (25) of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: MOBILE DEVICES INGENIERIE
    Inventor: Aaron Solomon
  • Publication number: 20120319897
    Abstract: Method and system for determining, via sensor network, position of GNSS receiver arranged in a motor vehicle intentionally is impaired in a targeted manner by interference source. Sensor network includes traffic route points having at least one sensor to detect a presence of interference source. Method includes detecting, as motor vehicle passes one of traffic route points, an interference signal emitted by interference source and/or a received signal of GNSS receiver impaired by interference source by the at least one sensor of the one traffic route point; processing the detected signals to establish whether interference source is present in passing motor vehicle; and when the presence of interference source established, generating information that signals at least a location of the one traffic route point and the interference source in the motor vehicle. A position of the motor vehicle is determined from the location of the traffic route point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ASTRIUM GMBH
    Inventors: Jan WENDEL, Wolfgang KOGLER
  • Publication number: 20120323438
    Abstract: A device for detecting and tracking vehicles includes a position-determining device for determining a current vehicle position, a transmitting device for transmitting the current vehicle position to a receiver via a communication channel, and a device for detecting an activated interfering transmitter and for triggering an action depending on the detection of an activated interfering transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Astrium GmbH
    Inventor: Jan WENDEL
  • Patent number: 8321124
    Abstract: A security and tracking apparatus includes at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transmitting the location of each signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance. A method to locate a person, animal, or object, includes providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal, or the object, at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein each respective signaling unit is adapted for identifying the location of the signaling units and for transmitting the location of the signaling units when the first and second signaling units are separated more than a preselected distance; and activating the signaling units to transmit the location of the signaling units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: C2 Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benedict S. Curatolo, Thomas E. Cornelius
  • Publication number: 20120235860
    Abstract: An automatic GPS tracking system consists of a GPS tracking unit secured to a person or an asset that includes a GPS receiver and a first battery powering a processor and first RF transceiver. A home base station receives the RF signal within a pre-selected proximity. A monitoring station which is in communication with the GPS tracking unit such that, if a person or asset having the tracking system secured thereon moves beyond the pre-selected proximity from a home base unit, the first transceiver RF communication signals is lost, and the processor activates an alerting device to indicate the GPS tracking unit is beyond the limited range of the home base station unit. When a second confirmation signal is not received from the home base station unit, a second battery is activated to power GPS receiver and the cellular modem to track the person or asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Ohanes D. Ghazarian
  • Publication number: 20120218144
    Abstract: A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit includes a rigid exo-skeletal frame and a flexible storage bag that couples to the rigid exo-skeletal frame while within an open storage region framed by the exo-skeletal frame. The mobile storage unit also includes a top seat portion and stabilizing features that extend and retract from the rigid exo-skeletal frame to support the mobile storage unit in the upright position. The mobile storage unit can also include a monitoring device for transmitting signals that are used to determine the location of the mobile storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: ZUCA, INC.
    Inventors: Laura Elizabeth Udall, Nicholas V. Udall
  • Patent number: 8253556
    Abstract: This invention aims to provide a Mobile Communications Terminal (MCT) equipped with a GPS function that automatically transmits the information on the current position of the MCT after the power of the MCT is turned off. The MCT comprises a GPS Receiver Unit 105 for receiving signal data from a GPS satellite, a Position Determining Unit 107 for determining a current position of the MCT based on the aforesaid signal data, a Positional Information Transmitter Unit 108 for automatically transmitting information on the position obtained by the Position Determining Unit 107 and other information, a Controller Unit 104 for sending a request command to the Positional Information Transmitter Unit 108, and a Timer Circuit Unit 102 for turning on the MCT at a predetermined time interval, after power of the MCT is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Toshihiko Mizukami
  • Publication number: 20120200455
    Abstract: A system mounted to an object for detecting repetitive motion of the object. The system includes a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals while being maneuvered in a repetitive motion by the object, and a processor for detecting repetitive phase shifts in the received GPS signals. In general, the system computes the repetitive motion of the GPS receiver based on the repetitive phase shifts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Cambridge Silicon Radio Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Papagerogiou
  • Publication number: 20120154211
    Abstract: An electronic device having a system for tracking and monitoring to recover and/or service topography equipment. The electronic device is hidden within the topography equipment by a certified technician and is registered in an operating center. When desired by the operating center, a SIM card connects through a cell phone carrier to enable monitoring and geographic localization of the topography equipment by the operating center, whereby a GPS antenna receives the signal from a satellite via a modem. Therefore, the owner, authorized personnel and/or police officer(s) can then track the signal and locate the topography equipment for recovery and/or service maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Saturnino BERAJAS ENDEZ
  • Patent number: 8159342
    Abstract: A system for object tracking may comprise at least one subsystem that couples an electronic signal emitting and receiving device to an object to be tracked, at least one subsystem that assigns an identifier to the object, at least one subsystem that registers the identifier of the object with a second object, and at least one subsystem that establishes electronic communication between the object to be tracked and the second object via the electronic signal emitting and receiving device. Also a system for object tracking may comprise at least one subsystem that detects at a first object an electronic signal from a second object, and at least one subsystem that emits an electronic alert beacon from the first object when said first object is determined to be out of range of the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Reynaldo Medina, III, Charles Lee Oakes, III
  • Patent number: 8149142
    Abstract: An adaptive range vehicle recovery system including an adaptive range vehicle locating unit including a narrowband baseband generator for generating a narrowband signal, a wideband baseband generator for generating a wideband signal, a timing control circuit responsive to an activation signal to transmit, alternately, said narrowband signal at a first rate, and said wideband signal at a second rate and responsive to a track signal to transmit one of said wideband and narrowband signals at a third, different, rate; and also to an adaptive range vehicle recovery system including an adaptive range vehicle track unit including a data decoder including, a wideband decoder for detecting data from a wideband baseband signal, a narrowband decoder for detecting data from a narrowband baseband signal, a bandwidth detector responsive to a received signal to distinguish narrowband and wideband signals and an input switching circuit responsive to said bandwidth detector for directing the wideband signal to the wideband de
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: LoJack Operating Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sampath Krishna, Jesse Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20110254731
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tracking system configured to track a product and/or an activity. The tracking system comprises a tracing device and a verification server. The tracing device is coupled with the verification server by means of communication means configured to allow exchange of data between the tracing device and the verification server. The tracing device is coupled with a first satellite localization receiver which is configured to receive signals from a satellite localization system, process the received signals to obtain satellite localization observables, and compute locations based on the satellite localization observables. The tracing device is configured to acquire from the first satellite localization receiver positioning data. The positioning data comprise a location computed by the first satellite localization receiver, and a location time which represents time and data at which the location is computed by the first satellite localization receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: TELESPAZIO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Mario Musmeci
  • Publication number: 20110199256
    Abstract: A GPS tracking system for handcuffs and feetcuffs, which includes a sensor, fitted with a GPS tracker, disposed within a mobile restraining device (such as: handcuffs, feetcuffs, police device, and the like). The GPS tracker is provided with a GPS receiving circuit, a microprocessor and a signal transmission circuit, and the sensor detects circumstances regarding the mobile restraining device being illegally opened, which are transmitted to the microprocessor. The GPS receiving circuit is able to receive geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals, after which the geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals are matched with an internal prestored geographic data base to obtain the position of the mobile restraining device, whereupon the position is transmitted to the microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Chu
  • Publication number: 20110031294
    Abstract: An anti-theft bag with locator has a bag portion with a flap portion that can be closed to secure the contents of the bag. A lock-locator is provided to secure the flap to prevent casual opening of the bag. The lock-locator also contains a GPS component that allows a user to track the bag if stolen or lost. In one embodiment a remote control turns the GOS functionality on and off. The position of the bag is displayed in real-time on a network enabled appliance such as a cell phone, netbook or computer. The lock-locator is a combination lock with rotating disks disposed within the circular perimeter therein. In one embodiment, the power source is located within the lock-locator. In another embodiment, a power source is disposed within the bag and is not visible. The front of the lock-locator may be esthetically enhanced by having initials, logos or other graphic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Cassius Q. Booth
  • Publication number: 20100265131
    Abstract: A device tracking system for tracking location coordinates of a portable device in real time is provided. The system includes a microprocessor chip in which a GPS transceiver is embedded. The microprocessor chip is installed in the portable device. The system also includes at least one GPS satellite capable of communicating with the GPS transceiver for obtaining location coordinates of the portable device, at least a second GPS transceiver coupled with the GPS satellite via a satellite antenna for receiving the obtained location coordinates; and a computer server coupled with the second GPS transceiver for communicating the obtained location coordinates to an authorized user via a web-enabled program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: CHARLES FABIUS
  • Patent number: 7800534
    Abstract: A method and system for determining whether to allow a base station to carry out at least one particular base station function and for configuring the system, based on the determination, to allow the base station to carry out the at least one particular base station function or to prevent the base station from carrying out the at least one particular base station function. The determination may be carried out at the base station or at a base station controller (BSC). The determination may be based, at least in part, on whether data provided to the BSC from the base station comprises spoofed GPS data. Configuring the system may include setting at the base station or at the BSC at least one parameter to either allow the base station to carry out the base station function(s) or to prevent the base station from carrying out the base station function(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher Yenney, Ryan S. Talley, Timothy W. Sill, Bryan T. Barbee