Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090005063 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED LOCATIONING IN A WIRELESS NETWORK - Methods and systems are provided for determining the location of a first wireless device (e.g., a mobile unit) within a wireless network comprising a second wireless device (e.g., an access point). The method includes determining a signal strength contour associated with RF communication between the access point and the mobile unit, and adding a correction factor to the signal strength contour to produce a corrected signal strength contour, wherein the correction factor includes the sums of the differences between the transmit power and the antenna gain associated with the mobile unit and the access point. In an alternate scheme involving stored fingerprint data, a correction factor is introduced based on the differences between antenna gains and transmit power associated with the mobile unit under consideration and the mobile unit used for generating the fingerprint data. The systems and methods disclosed herein are applicable, for example, to networks operating in accordance with 802.11, RFID, WiMax, WAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB, and the like. | 01-01-2009 |
20090005064 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATIONING IN A WIRELESS NETWORK USING STATISTICAL WEIGHTING - Methods and systems are provided for determining the location of a first wireless device (e.g., a mobile unit) within a wireless network comprising a plurality of second wireless devices (e.g., access points). The method includes identifying an overlap area corresponding to the intersection of RF ranges for the one or more second wireless devices then computing a set of signal strength values, each associated with a measure of RF signal strength (e.g., RSSI) received by the plurality of second wireless devices from the first wireless device. A decision metric is evaluated for a plurality of locations within the overlap area based on the set of signal strength values. The location of the first wireless device is determined by selecting, from the plurality of locations, a location having the optimum value of the decision metric within the overlap area. The decision metric may utilize a minimum mean square error (MMSE) calculation. A weighting function may be used to remove redundant or weak signal strength values. The systems and methods are applicable, for example, to networks operating in accordance with 802.11, RFID, WiMax, WAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB, and the like. | 01-01-2009 |
20090033494 | VEHICULAR MOBILE RF TAGS - A mobile radio frequency (RF) tag for a motor vehicle includes an antenna. A RF transceiver is coupled to the antenna. A processor compatible with a mobile phone protocol is coupled to the RF transceiver. The processor is configured to receive an activation signal and transmit a tracking signal over a control communications channel of the mobile phone protocol. A power lead is coupled to the processor. The power lead is configured to couple to a voltage supply of the motor vehicle. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033499 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATIONING EMERGENCY PERSONNEL - Systems and methods are provided for determining the location of an individual (e.g., emergency personnel) within an environment. A system includes a wearable RFID tag removably attached to the individual (e.g., on his/her wrist, or uniform), wherein the wearable RFID tag is configured to send data to one or more access ports positioned external to the environment (e.g., on a fire truck or other such vehicle). A locationing module is communicatively coupled to the access port and is configured to determine the location of the individual within the site based on the data acquired from the wearable RFID tag. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033500 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATIONING EMERGENCY PERSONNEL USING RFID TAGS DEPLOYED AT A SITE - Systems and methods are provided for determining the location of an individual (e.g., emergency personnel) within an environment having a plurality of RFID tags located therein. A system includes a wearable RFID reader removeably attached to the individual (e.g., on his/her wrist, or uniform), wherein the wearable RFID reader is configured to activate and receive data from a plurality of RFID tags located (e.g., previously deployed) therein. An access port is positioned external to the environment and is configured to receive the data from the wearable RFID reader. A locationing module is communicatively coupled to the access port and is configured to determine the location of the individual within the site based on the data acquired from the at least one RFID tags. | 02-05-2009 |
20090034493 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATIONING BASED NAT ACCESS IN WIRELESS NETWORKS - Methods and systems are provided for location-based network address translation (NAT). The system allows an administrator to logically partition an environment into a plurality of spatial regions. The method then includes specifying, for each of the spatial regions, whether network address translation (NAT) is allowed or not allowed for that spatial region, then performing a locationing procedure to determine in which spatial region the mobile unit is located. NAT is allowed for wireless data communication from the mobile unit if the mobile unit is within one of the spatial regions for which NAT is allowed, and is not allowed for wireless data communication from the mobile unit if the mobile unit is within one of the spatial regions for which NAT is not allowed. The systems and methods are applicable, for example, to networks operating in accordance with 802.11, RFID, WiMax, WAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB, and the like. | 02-05-2009 |
20090036104 | MOBILE RF TAGS LOCATABLE USING CELL PHONE - A mobile radio frequency (RF) tag includes an antenna. A RF transceiver is coupled to the antenna. A processor compatible with a mobile phone protocol is coupled to the RF transceiver. The processor is configured to receive an activation signal and transmit a tracking signal over a control communications channel of the mobile phone protocol. | 02-05-2009 |
20090043666 | GENERATION OF WIRELESS NETWORK PLANNING REPORTS WITH SKU AND PRICING DATA - A wireless network architecture planning system and related operating methods are disclosed herein. The planning system generates a report for a recommended wireless network architecture for a proposed floor plan, where the report contains product identifier codes (e.g., SKUs) for wireless infrastructure components and related accessories. An embodiment of the planning system executes a computer-implemented method that receives floor plan data corresponding to the site, produces a proposed wireless network architecture for the site, obtains product identifier codes corresponding to wireless infrastructure components needed to deploy the recommended wireless network architecture, and generates a report that lists the product identifier codes. | 02-12-2009 |
20090059813 | INTEGRATION OF EXTERNAL LOCATION ENGINE USING SWITCH - An RF switch is provided. The RF switch includes a processor adapted for communication with an external location engine. The processor is configured to receive notification regarding a status of a wireless asset, receive a plurality of input variables associated with the wireless asset, determine whether the wireless asset is associated with the external location engine, and if the wireless asset is associated with the external location engine, query the external location engine for location data associated with the wireless asset. | 03-05-2009 |
20090059872 | WIRELESS DYNAMIC RATE ADAPTATION ALGORITHM - A wireless switch is provided. A processor is adapted to set a radio frequency (RF) transmission speed for a wireless client based on a location of the wireless client and a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of a radio frequency signal received by the wireless client. | 03-05-2009 |
20090060080 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATION-BASED RATE LIMITING IN WIRELESS NETWORKS - Methods and systems are provided for location-based network rate limiting The system allows an administrator to logically partition an environment into a plurality of spatial regions. The method then includes specifying, for each of the spatial regions, a rate limit for that spatial region, then performing a locationing procedure to determine in which spatial region the mobile unit is located. Rate limiting is applied based on the location of the mobile unit. The systems and methods are applicable, for example, to networks operating in accordance with 802.11, RFID, WiMax, WAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB, and the like. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061834 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATION-BASED SERVICES IN WIRELESS NETWORKS - Methods and systems are provided for the display of location-based of information in the form of a website including custom content based on the location of the mobile unit. The system allows an administrator to logically partition an environment into a plurality of spatial regions. The method then includes specifying, for each of the spatial regions, custom content, then performing a locationing procedure to determine in which spatial region the mobile unit is located. Custom content is supplied based on the location of the mobile unit. The systems and methods are applicable, for example, to networks operating in accordance with 802.11, RFID, WiMax, WAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB, and the like. | 03-05-2009 |
20090061906 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATION-BASED SERVICES IN WIRELESS NETWORKS - Methods and systems are provided for location-based services in a wireless environment. The location-based service is provided on a mobile unit operating within an environment. A position of the mobile unit is determined within the wireless network environment using RFID or other wireless information received at a wireless switch. An available location-based service is identified in response to the position of the mobile unit, and subsequently provided using the mobile unit. | 03-05-2009 |
20090063525 | OPTIMIZED RF COVERAGE USING AJAX AND SVG - A method for displaying RF coverage information includes providing formatting data for displaying the radio frequency coverage information on a client. The formatting data is executed on the client. First radio frequency coverage raw data is provided to the client. The first radio frequency coverage raw data is utilized by the formatting data to construct an overall radio frequency coverage representation of a site. Subject to a subsequent request from the client, second radio frequency coverage raw data representative of radio frequency coverage is provided for a portion of the site. The second radio frequency coverage raw data is utilized by the formatting data on a supplemental basis. | 03-05-2009 |
20090082015 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING MOBILE UNIT ACCESS TO NETWORK SERVICES BASED ON ITS LOCATION - Methods and systems for controlling mobile unit access to network services based on the location of the mobile unit are disclosed. One system includes determining if the mobile unit is located within an area and enabling access to the network services, by the mobile unit, in response to determining that the mobile unit is located within the area. A system includes a reader configured to determine if a mobile unit is located within the area and a switch coupled to the reader. The switch is configured to provide access to the network services, to the mobile unit, in response to the reader determining that the mobile unit is located within the area. An apparatus includes means for determining if a mobile unit is located within the area and means for enabling the mobile unit to access the network services in response thereto. | 03-26-2009 |
20090085741 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING AN RFID READER USING RFID TAGS - Methods and systems are provided for determining the location of an RFID reader within an environment having a plurality of RFID tags located therein. One method includes activating a tag via an RFID reader and receiving data from an RFID tag. The method also includes transmitting the data from the reader to an access port and determining the location of the reader based on the data. A system includes an RFID tag configured to transmit data when activated by an RFID reader. Furthermore, the system includes an access port configured to receive the data from the reader and a module configured to receive the data and determine the location of the reader based on the data. One RFID reader includes means for activating an RFID tag including data identifying a location of the tag, means for receiving the data, and means for transmitting the data to an access port. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085743 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATIONS OF A MOBILE RADIO FREQUENCY READER BASED ON ITS LOCATION - Methods and systems are provided for controlling RF reader operations based the location of the RF reader. One method includes determining that the RF reader is located within a zone associated with an access level and enabling or disabling the RF reader based on the access level. A system includes multiple access ports (APs) defining multiple zones including an access level for the RF reader. The system also includes a switch configured to determine a present zone of the mobile RF reader and enabling the RF reader based on the access level of the present zone. Another system includes means for receiving a signal from an access port and means for determining a location of the RF reader based on the signal, the location associated with an access level. The system also includes means for enabling or disabling the RF reader based on the access level. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085744 | RFID BASED NETWORK ADMISSION CONTROL - A system for controlling access to a network includes a wireless switch configured for radio frequency communication with a mobile unit associated with a radio frequency identification tag. The wireless switch is adapted for determining if a radio frequency identification tag is located within a first area, and enabling the mobile unit to access the network according to a first scheme if the mobile unit is located within the first area. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088166 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING AN INTERFERENCE QUOTIENT TO IMPROVE PREEMPTIVE ROAMING - Methods and systems are provided for improved preemptive roaming. A network switching device includes an on-board locationing engine configured to determine the location of a mobile unit in an environment then compute a first interference quotient for the mobile unit and a first access port and a second interference quotient for the mobile unit and a second access port. The first and second interference quotients are based at least in part on the location of the mobile unit. The network switch communicates the first interference quotient and the second interference quotient to the mobile unit, which then associates with the AP having the most desirable interference quotient. The systems and methods are applicable, for example, to networks operating in accordance with 802.11, RFID, WiMax, WAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB, and the like. | 04-02-2009 |
20090147697 | ASSOCIATING A WIRELESS COMPUTING DEVICE WITH A DIFFERENT ACCESS POINT - In a network comprising a wireless computing device and a wireless switch coupled to a plurality of access points, techniques are provided for determining a particular one of access points that the wireless computing device is to be associated with and associating the wireless computing device therewith. According to one implementation, the wireless switch monitors one or more wireless communication performance metrics, and determines based on the wireless communication performance metrics, whether the wireless computing device is currently associated with the one of the access points that wireless computing device is to be associated with. If not, then the wireless switch transmits an instruction to the wireless computing device to associate with a particular access point that wireless computing device is to be associated with. | 06-11-2009 |
20090279789 | System and Method to Recognize Images - A system to recognize images comprises a mobile device and a server. The mobile device is configured to capture an image. The mobile device is further configured to transmit the image to a network. The server of the network receives the image. The server executes a recognition application to determine at least one match by identifying at least one content of the image by comparing the at least one content with recognition application data. | 11-12-2009 |
20090280801 | Cell Sensor for Access Ports - A system may include (a) a mobile device configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode, the first mode operating with a first protocol of a first network, the second mode operating with a second protocol of a second network; and (b) an access port of the first network configured to receive signals transmitted from the mobile device while the mobile device is operating in the first mode. The access port is equipped with a sensor that receives the signals transmitted from the mobile device while the mobile device is operating in the second mode. | 11-12-2009 |
20090280825 | Device and Method for Sensing and Locating Cellular Phones - Described are device and method for sensing and locating cellular phones. The device may include (a) a sensor receiving broadcasts from activated cellular phones disposed in a predetermined area, the cellular phones being unassociated with the device; and (b) a processor coupled to the sensor to receive the broadcasts. The processor processes the broadcasts to determine a presence of each of the cellular phones. | 11-12-2009 |
20090280826 | Integrated Active Tags in Mobile Devices - Described are integrated active tags in a mobile device. The mobile device may include (a) a transceiver broadcasting a first location beacon when a capacity of a battery of the mobile device is above a predetermined threshold; and (b) a tag broadcasting a second location beacon when the capacity of the battery of the mobile device is below the predetermined threshold. | 11-12-2009 |
20090280838 | Device and Method for Adding Location Data to Images - Described are a device and a method for adding location data to images. The method may include the following steps: capturing image data with a mobile device; creating an image file based on the image data; determining location data of the mobile device based on a location of the mobile device; and adding the location data to the image file. | 11-12-2009 |
20090322488 | WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM HAVING RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES, AND RELATED OPERATING METHODS FOR DISABLING A TRANSMIT MODE - A wireless system suitable for use as a radio frequency (RF) locationing or presence detection system includes at least one wireless access device and at least wireless device, such as an active RF tag, corresponding to an item or asset of interest. A method of managing RF transmissions by the wireless devices is provided. The method involves the wireless device receiving keep-alive beacons during a first period of time. During this first period of time, the wireless device is operated in a transmit mode. During a second period of time that follows the first period of time, the wireless device receives no keep-alive beacons. During this second period of time, the wireless device is operated in a standby mode such that RF transmissions are disabled. | 12-31-2009 |
20090322532 | System for Locating and Describing - A system includes a tag associated with an item wirelessly transmitting data; a network device receiving the data and determining a location of the item; and a mobile unit receiving the location of the item from the network device. The mobile unit further receives the data from the tag and outputs a description of the item based on the data. | 12-31-2009 |
20090322536 | INTEGRATED SWITCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATING IDENTIFICATION TAGS - Integrated switch systems and methods for locating ID tags are disclosed. One system includes an application, a plurality of different tag readers in communication with the ID tags, and an integrated switch configured to enable the application to receive tag information from the different tag readers. An integrated switch includes multiple reader adapters, an application adapter, and a virtualization core. The virtualization core is configured to provide a common interface between each tag reader and the application. One method includes receiving a first signal from a first tag reader and receiving a second signal from a second tag reader, the first and second signals having information related to first and second ID tags, respectively. The method also includes normalizing the first and second signals such that the signals are compatible with the application and transmitting an ID tag report based on the normalized first and/or second signal to the application. | 12-31-2009 |
20090322551 | GEOGRAPHICALLY AGNOSTIC WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM HAVING WIRELESS DEVICES - A wireless data communication system suitable for use as a radio frequency (RF) locationing or presence detection system includes at least one wireless access device and at least one active RF tag corresponding to an item or asset of interest. The wireless access device is configured to transmit a locale message that conveys location-specific data corresponding to a geographic operating region of the wireless access device. The active RF tag receives the locale message, processes the location-specific data conveyed in the locale message, and configures itself in accordance with the location-specific data to support operation using a selected wireless data communication scheme. The selected scheme is compliant with the operating requirements of the geographic operating region in which the active RF tag resides. | 12-31-2009 |
20090325539 | Cell Phone Sensor Applications - A system includes a sensor receiving unique identity data from a cell phone; and a network component receiving the unique identity data and processing a transaction based on the unique identity data. If the transaction is successfully completed, the network component sends a signal indicating an action to be performed. | 12-31-2009 |
20100001844 | System and Method for Receiving Wireless Data - A device for receiving data comprises a communications arrangement, a memory, and a processor. The communications arrangement receives user-programmable subscription data. The memory stores the subscription data and configuration data. The processor receives activity data corresponding to a movement of an object and generates a report from the activity data as a function of the configuration data. The report includes information indicative of the movement of the object from a first location to a second location and is transmitted from the device to a client device in accordance with the subscription data. | 01-07-2010 |
20100003918 | WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHODS USING ACTIVE RADIO FREQUENCY TAGS AND WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES - A wireless data communication system and related operating methods are provided. The system uses active radio frequency (RF) tags to communicate content data to consumer-grade wireless telecommunication devices, in accordance with a wireless local area network (WLAN) protocol. A method of wirelessly providing information to a consumer-grade wireless telephone begins by providing data content to an active RF tag. The active RF tag creates a content message that conveys the data content, and wirelessly transmits the content message in accordance with a designated WLAN data communication protocol. The wireless telephone wirelessly receives the content message in accordance with the WLAN data communication protocol, and then displays indicia of the data content. | 01-07-2010 |