Platform for Wireless Identity Transmitter and System Using Short Range Wireless Broadcasts

• Main Authors: Altman Steven R, Johnson Peggy, Menendez Jose, Woodahl Leif, Sprigg Stephen A, Gasser Liz, Hunter Kevin, Linsky Joel, Wurster Charles S, Meijers Neville, Wise Dave, Jacobs Paul, Kenagy Jason
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 09.03.2017
• Subjects: ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHICCOMMUNICATION; WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

Methods, systems and devices for locating a wireless identity transmitter with a central server connected with one or more proximity broadcast receivers, such as stationary receivers or mobile devices operating as wireless receivers. The wireless identity transmitter may be a compact device configured to broadcast messages, such as through Bluetooth® advertisements, including an identification code. When within proximity, a proximity broadcast receiver may receive broadcast messages from the wireless identity transmitter and relay location information along with the wireless identity transmitter's identification code to a central server as sighting messages. The proximity broadcast receiver's own location may provide an approximate location for the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may process sighting messages, which may include signal strength information, to accurately locate the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may transmit data to third-party devices and/or mobile devices of users in response to receiving sightings messages.