Nicholas Anderson

US Patent:

6778902, Aug 17, 2004

Filed:

Aug 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/644152

Inventors:

Daraius Hathiram - Austin TX
Bruce Cummings - Austin TX
Nicholas Anderson - Austin TX
Ronald E. Ham - Austin TX
James Chaput - Austin TX

Assignee:

Bluespan, L.L.C. - Pflugerville TX

International Classification:

G01C 2100

US Classification:

701207

Abstract:

A method, computer program product and system for monitoring and locating an object using secure communications without relying on GPS. A monitoring device may activate a monitored unit (unit monitored by monitoring device) by transmitting a seed of an algorithm and a time synchronization to the monitored unit. The seed and time synchronization may be used in conjunction with an algorithm, e. g. , frequency hopping table, stored in both the monitoring device and the monitored unit, to allow both the monitoring device and the monitored unit to communicate with one another at a uniquely synchronized time and frequency thereby making it more difficult for a third party to locate the monitored unit. An alert may be generated when the monitored unit is located beyond a predetermined zone. The monitored unit may be located by activating a directional antenna in conjunction with a digital compass on the monitoring device.

US Patent:

7050906, May 23, 2006

Filed:

Jun 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/865528

Inventors:

Daraius Hathiram - Austin TX, US
Bruce Cummings - Austin TX, US
Nicholas Anderson - Austin TX, US
Ronald E. Ham - Austin TX, US
James Chaput - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

Bluespan Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

G01C 21/00

US Classification:

701207, 340500

Abstract:

A method, computer program product and system for monitoring and locating an object using secure communications without relying on GPS. A monitoring device may activate a monitored unit (unit monitored by monitoring device) by transmitting a seed of an algorithm and a time synchronization to the monitored unit. The seed and time synchronization may be used in conjunction with an algorithm, e. g. , frequency hopping table, stored in both the monitoring device and the monitored unit, to allow both the monitoring device and the monitored unit to communicate with one another at a uniquely synchronized time and frequency thereby making it more difficult for a third party to locate the monitored unit. An alert may be generated when the monitored unit is located beyond a predetermined zone. The monitored unit may be located by activating a directional antenna in conjunction with a digital compass on the monitoring device.