Jun 10, 2025

US12326308 - Detection of articles in a security zone using radio frequency identification tag embedded within the article

A system and method for detecting the presence of firearms and metal articles adapted with embedded RFID tags is disclosed. A plurality of RFID interrogators sequentially and intermittently transmit short burst interrogating signals thereby causing RFID tags within range to transmit a responsive signal which may be used to activate alarms and other security measures. RFID tags are configured using an ASIC chip enabled for 10 Ghz wireless communication. The ASIC chip is embedded within a bolt carrier that includes a slotted antenna aperture resulting in extended range wireless communication. A plurality of RFID interrogators are installed in an detection area and transmit a radio frequency signals which excite any RFID enabled devices within range causing the devices to generate and transmit a response signal which may be used to trigger a variety of security measures such as sounding an alarm, locking doors, contacting law enforcement, etc.

Inventors: Donald L. Weeks, Randy Karr
Filing date: 2023-10-03

The patent describes a system for detecting firearms and metal articles using RFID tags embedded within the articles, which communicate with RFID interrogators to trigger security measures. The system features a slotted antenna and an ASIC chip for efficient wireless communication at approximately 10 GHz, allowing for the activation of alarms and other security responses upon detection.

Claim 1

A system for detecting an article in proximity to a security zone, said system comprising: an article having an external surface; a slotted aperture formed on said external surface; an RFID tag embedded within said article below said external surface, wherein said slotted aperture is disposed in overlaying relation with said RFID tag; an antenna assembly in electric communication with said RFID tag, said antenna assembly formed of a curved sheet of nickel-plated copper disposed in alignment with said slotted aperture; a plurality of RFID interrogators disposed in proximity to the security zone; said RFID tag enabled for wireless communication using said antenna assembly with said plurality of RFID interrogators at a frequency of approximately 10 Ghz; said RFID interrogators configured to intermittently emit interrogation signals in sequential order, thereby minimizing concentration of electromagnetic radiation associated with said interrogation signals; said antenna assembly receiving said interrogation signals and electrically communicating said interrogation signals to said RFID tag; said RFID tag harvesting electrical energy from at least one of said interrogation signals when disposed wireless communication range and generating a wireless response transmission to at least one of said plurality of RFID interrogators in response thereto; and said wireless response transmission to said at least one of said RFID interrogators triggering at least one security measure of said system in response to detection of said article. an article having an external surface; a slotted aperture formed on said external surface; an RFID tag embedded within said article below said external surface, wherein said slotted aperture is disposed in overlaying relation with said RFID tag; an antenna assembly in electric communication with said RFID tag, said antenna assembly formed of a curved sheet of nickel-plated copper disposed in alignment with said slotted aperture; a plurality of RFID interrogators disposed in proximity to the security zone; said RFID tag enabled for wireless communication using said antenna assembly with said plurality of RFID interrogators at a frequency of approximately 10 Ghz; said RFID interrogators configured to intermittently emit interrogation signals in sequential order, thereby minimizing concentration of electromagnetic radiation associated with said interrogation signals; said antenna assembly receiving said interrogation signals and electrically communicating said interrogation signals to said RFID tag; said RFID tag harvesting electrical energy from at least one of said interrogation signals when disposed wireless communication range and generating a wireless response transmission to at least one of said plurality of RFID interrogators in response thereto; and said wireless response transmission to said at least one of said RFID interrogators triggering at least one security measure of said system in response to detection of said article.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12326308

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12326308