CHIRPING TAG AND SEAL

Many new security or safeguards devices (and those being contemplated) make use of radio frequency (rf) signals for wireless communications. This, however, is problematic for nuclear applications. Typical problems include inter alia: cost; complexity; concerns (real or perceived) about safety, transparency, and espionage; interference and reliability issues; poor performance around corners and near liquids and metals; battery lifetime limitations; spoofing or hacking from a distance; and disparate international rf regulations. We have developed a new kind of security device called (somewhat misleadingly) the “Chirping Tag and Seal”. This device can report if an asset has been removed or tampered with. It uses sound (or ultrasound) for particularly simple and low-cost wireless communication. This avoids many of the problems associated with rf communication. Another advantage of this device is that it uses the “Town Crier” (anti-evidence) method of real-time monitoring which also allows for simplicity, low-cost, and high security.