Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SECURITY AND TRACKING SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
There is a recognized need for improved personal security and emergency
response
capability. In situations where an individual is injured, lost, or abducted,
immediate
notification of an emergency situation to a local law enforcement or emergency
response
organization is required to maintain the safety of the individual and to avoid
tragic
circumstances.
Today's technology provides automatic identification of caller locations in
emergency
situations via wire line telephone companies. With this technology, a caller
dials a 911
telephone number, and a computer accesses the caller's number in a street
directory. This
technology currently falls short in the case of wireless communications and in
situations
where there is no phone available. The importance of emergency response is
demonstrated by
the FCC mandate, in two phases, of Wireless 911 for the identification of a
relevant public
safety answering point. This mandate still falls short of necessary safety
requirements in
situations of abduction or kidnapping, physical or mental incapacitation, and
other emergency
situations remote from available wireless communications. These situations
require a security
and tracking apparatus that is not limited in range and is able to
automatically identify the
location of an individual in an emergency situation.
The prior art describes a variety of alarms and tracking systems, all of which
suffer
from at least two fundamental deficiencies. These systems are exemplified by
U.S. Patent
No. 5,731,785, which describes a single signaling unit carried by an
individual, object, or
vehicle. If the signaling unit is separated from the individual, object, or
vehicle, tracking is no
longer possible and the system fails. Moreover, these systems fail to address
the
circumstances of individuals who are helpless in an emergency situation such
as abduction or
lcidnapping, or physical or mental incapacitation.
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SUMMARY
There is provided, without geographic constraints, a security and traclcing
apparatus
with overt and covert signaling units in communicating proximity on a person,
an animal, or a
material asset, with a fully automated system to rapidly and reliably indicate
location on
demand and in certain embodiments, automatically upon removal of one signaling
unit.
A security and tracking apparatus is provided, comprising a first signaling
unit having
means for identifying the location of said signaling unit, and a second
signaling unit in
communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, the second signaling
unit having means
for identifying the location of said second signaling unit.
In one embodiment, a security and tracking system is provided comprising a
first
signaling unit having means for identifying the location of said signaling
unit, a second
signaling unit in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, the
second signaling
unit having means for identifying the location of said second signaling unit,
and a monitoring
station capable of receiving information identifying the location of the
signaling units.
In another embodiment, a method is provided to locate a person, animal, or
object,
comprising providing in contact with the person, animal, or object, at least
two signaling units
in communicating proximity, each said signaling unit having means for
identifying the
location of said signaling unit, and activating said means to identify the
location.
In certain embodiments a security and tracking apparatus is provided
comprising at
least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit in communicating
proximity with the
first signaling unit, each said signaling unit having a receiver for
identifying the location of
said signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting the location of said
signaling unit when
the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected
distance.
In certain embodiments, a security and tracking system is provided comprising
at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit in communicating
proximity
with the first signaling unit, each said signaling unit having a receiver for
identifying the
location of said signaling unit; and, a transmitter for transmitting the
location of said signaling
unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a
preselected
distance; and
a monitoring station capable of receiving information identifying the location
of said
signaling units.
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In certain embodiments, a method to locate a person, an animal, or an object,
is
provided comprising:
(a) providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the person,
the
animal, or the object, at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling
unit, said second
signaling unit in communicating proximity with said first signaling unit, each
said signaling
unit having a receiver fox identifying the location of said signaling unit and
a transmitter for
transmitting the location of said signaling, unit when the first and second
signaling units are
separated more than a preselected distance; and
(b) activating the signaling units to transmit the location of the signaling
units.
In certain embodiments, a method of locating a person, an animal or an object
is
provided comprising:
a) providing an apparatus adapted to be in contact or at least in close
proximity to the
person, the animal or the object, the apparatus comprising at least a first
signaling unit and a
second signaling unit in communicating proximity with the first signaling
unit, each said
signaling unit having a receiver for identifying the location of said
signaling unit; and, a
transmitter for transmitting the location of said signaling unit when the
first and second
signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance;
b) communicating between each signaling unit to determine whether said
signaling
units are separated by more than the preselected distance; and
c) upon determining that said signaling units are separated by more than the
preselected distance, transmitting the location of the signaling units to a
monitoring station,
optionally activating said signaling unit that may be in a passive mode to
transmit its location
to the monitoring station.
In certain embodiments, a method of locating a person, an animal or an object
is
provided comprising:
a) providing an apparatus adapted to be in contact or at least in close
proximity to the
person, the animal or the object, the apparatus comprising at least a first
signaling unit and a
second signaling unit in proximity with the first signaling unit, each said
signaling unit having
a receiver for identifying the location of said signaling unit; and, a
transmitter for transmitting
the location of said signaling unit;
b) transmitting the location of each of the signaling units to a monitoring
station;
c) calculating whether said signaling units are separated by more than a
preselected
distance; and
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d) upon calculating that said signaling units are separated by more than the
preselected distance, initiating at least frequent or continuous transmission
of location from
each signaling unit, optionally activating said signaling unit that may be in
a passive mode to
transmit its location to the monitoring station.
In certain embodiments, a security and tracking apparatus for a person, an
animal or
an object is provided comprising at least a first signaling unit and a second
signaling unit
adapted to be hidden in contact or in contacting proximity to the person, the
animal or the
object, the second signaling unit in communicating proximity with the first
signaling unit,
each said signaling unit having a GPS receiver for identifying the location of
said signaling
unit; and, a cellular transceiver for transmitting the location of said
signaling unit when the
first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected
distance.
In various embodiments, each said signaling unit is adapted to activate its
cellular
transceiver to transmit the location of said signaling unit to a monitoring
station under at least
one of the following conditions:
a) automatically when the first and second. signaling units are separated by
more than
a preselected distance,
b) upon demand from the monitoring station,
c) upon demand from the person,
d) upon loss or absence of communication from the other signaling unit, or
e) upon preselected intervals;
whexein the monitoring station optionally comprises a cellular phone, a PDA ox
Pocket PCTM,
a computer, or a combination thereof.
In one embodiment, at least one signaling unit additionally comprises a
monitoring
station adapted to generate a signal to notify the person of the other
signaling unit being
separated by more than a preselected distance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic of a security and tracking system in accordance with
certain
embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a security and tracking system in
accordance
with certain embodiments.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
This invention is directed to a security and tracking system and apparatus,
and a
method used to identify the location of an individual such as in an emergency
situation, the
location of a missing animal, or the location of a missing material asset.
Referring to FIG. l, a security and tracking system is provided comprising a
first
signaling unit 10 having means for identifying the location of said signaling
unit; and a
second signaling unit 20 in corrnnunicating proximity with the first signaling
unit, said second
signaling unit having means for identifying the location of said second
signaling unit.
In one embodiment, the security and tracking system includes means for
transmitting
the location of each signaling unit automatically when the signaling units are
separated more
than a preselected distance. To provide the greatest possible degree of
security, it is desirable
for the system to signal immediately and automatically in the case of an
emergency situation.
Examples of such situations include the removal of one of the associated
signaling units from
an individual in a kidnapping or abduction situation, theft of a material
asset containing a
signaling unit, and the like.
Tn another embodiment, the security and tracking system includes means for
receiving
an initiating signal for activating the transmission of information
identifying the location of
the signaling units. This initiating signal may originate from a monitoring
station 30 or other
remote location. The security and tracking apparatus, therefore, allows a
parent or guardian to
determine the location of an individual in their care if they discover that
the individual is
missing or may be in an emergency situation. Likewise, the owner of a pet or
material asset
may determine the location of the animal or material asset in the case of
theft or loss. The
transmission of information identifying the location of the signaling units
may also be
initiated by one of the signaling units, which is vital in a medical emergency
or abduction
situation, or by an independent signaling unit.
The signaling units have numerous capabilities and options, including
capabilities for
analog or digital signal processing, transmitting, and receiving. Components
of the signaling
units may include, but are not limited to, a power source, an antenna, a
receiver, a transmitter,
a microprocessor, an electronic switch, a sensor, a signal generator, a timer
circuit, and an
optional microphone and video camera. The preferred power source is a battery,
but power
may also be supplied by other means, for example, by mechanical motion or a
battery charger.
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The signaling units may contain a global positioning satellite (GPS) system
antenna, and may
also contain additional types of antennas, for example, a cellular telephone
antenna, radio
antenna, etc., depending on how information and data is desired to be
exchanged with the
Global Positioning System, the monitoring station, etc.
The signaling units may receive information via a GPS receiver processor,
cellular
telephone receiver, radio receiver, and the like. A microprocessor may be used
to match and
verify a code that uniquely identifies each signaling unit. Electronic
switches, sensors, and
timing circuits may be used for manual signals or to determine emergency
situations for
signaling, such as the absence of a periodic signal from a first signaling
unit to a second
signaling unit. The periodic signal may utilize radio waves, infrared
technology, ultrasonic
technology, mobile document application language (Modal) technology, software
at the
monitoring station, or any other known means. A manual switch is preferably
configured to
prevent accidental activation, for example, an internal switch or button that
may be activated
after opening a signaling unit, but which cannot be activated by accidental
bumping. Signal
generators may be any type of transmitter that can send a periodic signal to
another signaling
unit or an emergency signal to a monitoring station. .
In one embodiment, the means for identifying the location of the signaling
units
utilizes at least one of the group consisting of the global positioning
satellite (GPS) system,
low earth orbit satellites, geostationary satellites, .other types of
satellites, and a cellular
networlc. Examples of low earth orbit satellites include, but are not limited
to, the type
specified for Motorola's Iridium system. Cellular networks continue to
proliferate and the
coverage of such networks also continues to increase, but some locations
remain out of range
of existing cellular networks. Complete coverage of all possible locations is
desired, with use
of more than one system preferred for purposes of redundancy and reliability.
It is preferred
for the means for identifying the geographical location of the signaling units
to utilize the
global positioning satellite (GPS) system.
The global positioning satellite (GPS) system is a space-based positioning,
velocity,
and time system that has three major segments: (1) space, (2) control, and (3)
user. The GPS
space segment is composed of 24 satellites in six orbital planes. The
satellites operate in
circular 20,200 lan orbits at an inclination angle of 55 degrees with a 12-
hour period. The
spacing of satellites in orbit is arranged so that a minimum of five
satellites are in view to
users worldwide. Each satellite transmits on two band frequencies, 1575.42 MHz
and 1227.6
MHz. The GPS control segment has eve monitor stations which use a GPS receiver
to
passively track all satellites in view and thus accumulate ranging data from
the satellite
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signals. The information from the monitor stations is processed at a master
control station to
determine satellite orbits and to update the navigation message of each
satellite. This updated
information is transmitted to the satellites via ground antennas, which are
also used for
transmitting and receiving satellite control information. The GPS user segment
consists of
antennas and receiver processors that provide positioning, velocity, and
precise timing to
users.
The GPS concept is predicated upon accurate and continuous knowledge of the
spatial position of each satellite in the system with respect to time and
distance from a
transmitting satellite to the user. Each satellite transmits unique data which
is periodically
updated by a master control station based upon information obtained from five
widely
dispersed monitor stations. Each satellite continuously transmits a composite
spread spectrum
signal at 1227.6 and 1575.42 MHz. The GPS receiver makes time-of arrival
measurements of
the satellite signals to obtain the distance between the user and the
satellites. These distance
calculations, together with range rate information, are combined to yield
system time and the
three dimensional position and velocity of the user with respect to the
satellite system. A time
coordination factor then relates the satellite system to Earth coordinates.
The GPS system,
therefore, is a space based positioning system that provides three dimensional
position,
velocity and time information to suitably equipped users anywhere on or near
the surface of
the Earth. The GPS system provides continuous worldwide three-dimensional
coverage, and
system capacity is unlimited.
The GPS system provides two services for position determination, standard
positioning service (SPS) and precise positioning service (PPS). Accuracy
varies with the
capability of the user's equipment. The standard positioning service (SPS) is
the standard
specified level of positioning and timing accuracy that is available without
qualification or
restrictions to any user on a continuous worldwide basis. The accuracy of this
service is
established by the U.S. Department of Defense based on U.S, security
interests, and provides
on a daily basis at any position worldwide, horizontal positioning accuracy
within 100 meters.
The precise positioning service (PPS) is the most accurate positioning,
velocity, and timing
information continuously available worldwide from the basic GPS system. This
service is
limited to authorized United States and allied federal governments, authorized
foreign and
military users, and eligible civil users, and provides a predictable
positioning accuracy of 22
meters horizontally and time interval accuracy within 90 nanoseconds. In
another
embodiment, differential methods may be used to provide increased positioning
accuracy.
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In certain embodiments, at least one signaling unit is adapted to be hidden. A
sophisticated security apparatus is thus provided, which may contain both a
covert component
and an overt component. An overt component in a security system may be easily
noticed and
either circumvented or copied, and the real security lies in a covert
component, which is not
easily seen, recognized, or circumvented. In one embodiment, at least one
signaling unit is
covert or hidden, and at least one signaling unit may be overt and not hidden.
An overt unit is
obvious and easily recognized, and a kidnapper or abductor would be expected
to remove the
unit and throw it away. In the case of prior art systems where the only
signaling unit was
overt, the unit itself could be tracked, but an individual separated from the
unit would be lost
once the unit was removed. According to the present invention, a signal may be
generated
immediately when the associated signaling units are separated more than a
preselected
distance, and all signaling units are able to be tracked. This feature is
extremely important,
since an individual could be taken miles away within minutes of being
abducted.
In an embodiment where at least one signaling unit is adapted to be hidden, it
is
desirable that the signaling unit be small. A small signaling unit allows it
to be hidden more
easily, and also allows the unit to be incorporated into a plurality of
articles. A signaling unit
may be incorporated into a molded article, an extruded article, a sewn
article, and the like.
The incorporation of a signaling unit into an article may be effected by any
known manual or
automated manufacturing method. The mode of attachment of a signaling unit may
also be an
adhesive, and may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.
The signaling units may be incorporated into a wearable article. Examples of a
wearable article include, but are not restricted to, at least one of an
article of clothing, a shoe,
a watch, a wristband, a bracelet, an identification card, an article of
jewelry, a hair accessory,
eyeglasses, and an animal collar.
In one embodiment, at least one signaling unit is securely attached to an
individual.
An important feature of the security and tracking apparatus is its utility for
personal security
for children, individuals with physical disabilities, individuals with mental
disabilities, for
example, Alzheimer patients, individuals in wilderness areas, and any other
individuals who
might encounter an emergency situation. The signaling units may be configured
for
secondary operations which may include, but are not limited to, receiving or
transmitting
video signals or audio signals, the monitoring of physiological functions in
order to determine
the presence of emergency situations, and the like. The security and tracking
apparatus can
also aid in the apprehension of individuals responsible for abduction and
kidnapping and,
therefore, contribute to overall public safety.
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In another embodiment, at least one signaling unit is securely attached to an
animal.
The present invention has utility for the security and tracking of pets and
may also be used
with any other animal for any other purpose such as scientific study, the
assurance of public
safety, etc.
In another embodiment, at least one signaling unit is securely attached to a
material
asset or personal accessory. A signal will be generated when a material asset
(that is, an
object) containing a signaling unit is separated more than a preselected
distance from an
associated signaling unit, which may be carried by the owner of the asset or
kept in the
desired location of the asset. Examples of material assets or personal
accessories include, but
are not limited to, a credit card, a wallet, a checkbook, a purse, a cellular
phone, a pager, a
motor vehicle, a boat, an aircraft, a television, a radio, a stereo, a tape
player, a compact disc
player, a DVD player, an MP3 player, a VCR, a camera, a movie camera, a
computer, a
printer, a laptop or notebook computer, a PDA or PocketPCTM, a briefcase, a
suitcase, a
baclcpaclc, a weapon, an article of clothing, an article of jewelry, and an
article of artwork.
Multiple signaling units may also be placed in various components of a
material asset, for
example in a cellular phone and stereo of a motor vehicle as well as in the
motor vehicle
itself, so that the individual components may be traced in the ease of their
separation, such as
the stripping of a motor vehicle after theft. The security and tracking
apparatus can also aid in
the apprehension of individuals responsible for the theft of the material
asset and, therefore,
contribute to overall public safety. The signaling units may be configured for
secondary
operations that may include, but are not limited to, receiving or transmitting
video signals or
audio signals, the disabling of firearms that have been separated from their
owners, and the
disabling of motor vehicles that nave been separated from their owners.
The signaling units may be in a passive mode when the signaling units are in
close or
communicating proximity. An active mode in the absence of an emergency
situation could
unnecessarily drain available power in signaling units containing batteries,
so a passive mode
may be used in non-emergency situations.
The information identifying the geographical location of the signaling units
may be
transmitted continuously. In an emergency situation, a continuous signal
transmitting
information identifying location is expected to be most accurate. The
availability of a
continuous signal may be limited by available power. The information
identifying the
location of the signaling units may also be transmitted intermittently. An
intermittent signal
at appropriately short intervals can be used to conserve power.
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In one embodiment, the information identifying the location of the signaling
units is
provided in an encrypted form. For the ultimate in security, it may be
important in certain
situations to send information in encrypted form to prevent the information
from being used
by individuals such as thieves, kidnappers, etc, to compromise the safety of
individuals,
animals, or material assets that the security system is designed to protect.
In certain embodiments, a security and tracking system is provided comprising
a first
signaling unit 10 having means for identifying the location of said signaling
unit, a second
signaling unit 20 in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit,
said second
signaling unit having means for identifying the location of said second
signaling unit, and a
monitoring station 30 capable of receiving information identifying the
location of said
signaling units. The location of the signaling units will be transmitted to
the monitoring
station automatically when the signaling units are separated more than a
preselected distance.
In an additional embodiment, the monitoring station includes a means for
transmitting
information identifying the location of the signaling units from the
monitoring station to a
remote receiver 40. The location of the remote receiver may be the home or
work address of
a parent or guardian of an individual, the home or worlc address of the owner
of a pet, the
home or worlc address of the owner of a material asset, a missing child
organization or other
service organization, a newspaper publisher, a radio station, a television
station, a law
enforcement agency facility, a law enforcement vehicle, an emergency response
vehicle, an
emergency care facility, etc. In certain embodiment, the location of the
remote receiver is one
of a service organization, a law enforcement agency facility, a law
enforcement vehicle, an
emergency response vehicle, and an emergency care facility.
The means for identifying the location of the signaling units may involve the
use of
satellite systems such as the GPS system or low earth orbit satellites,
radiolocation, cellular
networks, or any other method lmown to those skilled in the art. The method by
which the
monitoring station receives information identifying the geographic location of
the signaling
units may involve the use of satellite systems, radio signals, television
signals, telephone
communications, cellular communications, Internet communications, or any other
communication means lrnown to those skilled in the art. It is preferred to
have systems in
place to transmit information by more than one method to provide speed,
accuracy, baclc-up,
and reliability for the security system.
The means for transmitting information identifying the location of the
signaling units
from the monitoring station to a remote receiver may involve the use of
satellite systems,
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radio signals, television signals, telephone communications, cellular
communications, Internet
communications, or any other communication means lrnown to those skilled in
the art. It is
preferred to have systems in place to transmit information by more than one
method to
provide speed, accuracy, back-up, and reliability for the security system.
In another embodiment, a method is provided to locate a person, animal, or
object,
comprising providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the
person, animal, or
object, at least two signaling units in communicating proximity, each said
signaling unit
having means for identifying the location of said signaling unit, and
activating said means to
identify the location. By "close proximity" is meant that the units may be
attached,
incorporated, worn or carried. .
In one embodiment, the method includes automatically activating the
transmission of
the location of the signaling units when the signaling units are separated
more than a
preselected distance. To provide the greatest possible degree of security, it
is desirable for the
location of the signaling units to be transmitted immediately and
automatically in the case of
an emergency situation. Examples of such situations include the removal of one
of the
associated signaling units from an individual in a kidnapping or abduction
situation, theft of a
material asset containing a signaling unit, and the lilee.
In another embodiment, the method includes initiating the transmission of
information identifying the location of the signaling units upon receiving
instructions from a
remote source. The transmission of information identifying the location of the
signaling units
may be activated by one of the signaling units or by a signal from a
monitoring station. In an
additional embodiment, at least one signaling unit is small and is hidden in a
wearable article.
One method for obtaining the location of the signaling units utilizes the
global positioning
satellite (GPS) system.
In certain embodiments, the signaling units are operated in a passive mode
when they
are in close or communicating proximity. An active mode in the absence of an
emergency
situation could unnecessarily drain available power in signaling units
containing batteries, so
a passive mode may be used in non-emergency situations. The information
identifying the
location of the signaling units may be transmitted continuously. In an
emergency situation, a
continuous signal transmitting information identifying location is expected to
be most
accurate. The availability of a continuous signal may be limited by available
power. The
information identifying the location of the signaling units may also be
transmitted
intermittently. An intermittent signal at appropriately short intervals can be
used to conserve
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power. The information identifying the location of the signaling units may
also be provided
in an encrypted form. For the ultimate in security, it may be important in
certain situations to
send information in encrypted form to prevent the information from being used
by individuals
such as thieves, kidnappers, etc. to compromise the safety of individuals,
animals, or material
assets that the security system is designed to protect.
In another embodiment, a method is provided to locate a person, animal, or
object,
comprising providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the
person, animal, or
object, at least two signaling units in communicating proximity, each said
signaling unit
having means for identifying the location of said signaling unit, and
activating said means to
identify the location of the signaling units to a monitoring station. The
location of the
signaling units may be provided within an unlimited range.
In certain embodiments, a method is provided for the transmission of the
location of
the signaling units from a monitoring station to a remote receiver. The
location of the remote
receiver may be the home or work address of a parent or guardian of an
individual, the home
or work address of the owner of a pet, the home or worlc address of the owner
of a material
asset, a missing child organization or other service organization, a newspaper
publisher, a
radio station, a television station, a law enforcement agency facility, a law
enforcement
vehicle, an emergency response vehicle, an emergency care facility, etc. In a
certain
embodiments, the location of the remote receiver is one of a service
organization, a law
enforcement agency facility, a law enforcement vehicle, an emergency response
vehicle, and
an emergency care facility.
Additional information may also be transmitted to the remote receiver. For a
security
and tracking system for an individual, the additional information transmitted
to the remote
receiver could include, but is not limited to, the physical description of the
individual, a
picture of the individual, fingerprints, etc. For a security and tracking
system for an animal,
the additional information transmitted to the remote receiver could include,
but is not limited
to, the physical description of the animal, a picture of the animal, etc. For
a security and
tracking system for a material asset, the additional information transmitted
to the remote
receiver could include, but is not limited to, the physical description of the
material asset, a
picture of the material asset, a registration number, a serial number, etc. In
the case of a
motor vehicle, the description may include a picture of the vehicle and the
make, model, year,
color, and license plate number of the vehicle, etc.
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The method for transmitting information identifying the geographical location
of the
signaling units from the monitoring station to a remote receiver may be
accomplished using
any known means of communication, which includes, but is not limited to, radio
waves, a
computer network such as the Internet, a telephone network, a cellular
network, television
transmissions, and the like. In one embodiment, the information identifying
the geographical
location of the signaling units is transmitted from the monitoring station to
a remote receiver
using low earth orbit satellites or the global positioning satellite (GPS)
system. In a preferred
embodiment, multiple forms of communication are used to provide redundancy and
back-up
in the case of failure of one or more communication systems.
The monitoring station may have a continuous ability to transmit information
to the
remote system at any time. The monitoring station may be computer controlled
with
recording capability and automatic and direct communication links to
identified remote
receiver devices which may be in the possession of individuals such as a
parent or guardian in
the case of a security system for an individual, an owner in the case of a
security system for
an animal or material asset, or at the location of a service organization, for
example, a missing
child organization, and emergency and law enforcement agencies in the
geographic vicinity of
the signaling units. The monitoring station may optionally employ human
operators, and
may, as described above, transmit additional information to the remote
receiver.
In one embodiment, the geographical location of the signaling units is
identified with
an accuracy of about 100 meters. In another embodiment, the geographical
location of the
signaling units is identified with an accuracy of about 22 meters, and in
certain embodiments,
such as using differential technologies, an accuracy of a few meters.
In certain embodiments, the signaling units are not limited in geographic
range from
the monitoring station. Any restriction in geographic range, as in prior art
security systems,
could limit the effectiveness of the security apparatus. Through the
utilization of the GPS
system and other systems, the security and tracleing apparatus is able to
perform in certain
embodiments without geographic range restrictions.
The following examples illustrate security and tracking systems and apparatus
in
accordance with the present invention.
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Example 1
A security and tracking apparatus is assembled with two small signaling units
incorporated into (1) a medical bracelet and (2) a wallet for an Alzheimer's
patient. The
signaling units each contain a battery power supply, a GPS antenna, a GPS
receiver processor,
a radio antenna, a radio receiver, and a radio transmitter. Upon a telephone
request from the
caregiver of the patient, a monitoring station sends a radio signal to the
signaling units
instructing the units to identify their geographical location. 'The signaling
units receive the
radio instructions from the monitoring station, send signals to the global
positioning satellite
(GPS) system, and receive return signals from the GPS identifying their
geographical
locations. Radio signals are then sent from the signaling units to the
monitoring station
identifying their geographic locations. The locations of the units are
transmitted from the
monitoring station to the caregiver via telephone communication.
Example 2
A security and tracking apparatus is assembled with two small signaling units
incorporated into (1) a medical bracelet and (2) a wallet for an Alzheimer's
patient. The
signaling units each contain a battery power supply, a GPS antenna, a GPS
receiver processor,
a radio antenna, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, a cellular telephone
antenna, a cellular
telephone receiver, and a cellular telephone transmitter. The first signaling
unit sends a
periodic radio signal to the second signaling unit. Upon loss of the wallet,
the two signaling
units are separated more than a predetermined distance, and the periodic radio
signal from the
first signaling unit is no longer received by the second signaling unit. The
loss of the periodic
signal causes each signaling unit to automatically send a signal to the global
positioning
satellite (GPS) system and receive a return signal from the GPS identifying
its geographical
location. A cellular telephone signal is automatically sent from each
signaling unit to the
monitoring station identifying its geographic location. The location of each
unit is
transmitted by telephone communication from the monitoring station to the
caregiver of the
patient and to a law enforcement agency in the geographic vicinity of the two
signaling units
(the lost wallet and the patient wearing the medical bracelet).
Example 3
A security and tracking system is assembled, comprising two small associated
signaling units incorporated into a visible wristwatch and a hidden ankle
bracelet on a child,
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and a monitoring station capable of sending transmissions to and receiving
transmissions
from the signaling units. The signaling units each contain a battery power
supply, a GPS
antenna, a GPS receiver processor, and an antenna, receiver, and transmitter
capable of
communication with low earth orbiting satellites. Upon a telephone request
from the parent
or guardian of the lost child, the monitoring station sends a signal to the
signaling units via
low earth orbiting satellites instructing the units to identify their
geographical location. The
signaling units receive the instructions from the monitoring station, send
signals to the global
positioning satellite (GPS) system and receive return signals from the GPS
identifying their
geographical locations, and transmit this information to the monitoring
station via low earth
orbiting satellites. The locations of the units are transmitted via cellular
communication from
the monitoring station to the parent or guardian and to a law enforcement
agency in the
geographic vicinity of the signaling units, and a video picture and
description of the child is
also transmitted to the law enforcement agency.
Example 4
A security and tracleing system is assembled, comprising. two small associated
signaling units incorporated into a visible wristwatch and a hidden ankle
bracelet on a child,
and a monitoring station capable of sending transmissions to and receiving
transmissions
from the signaling units. The signaling units each contain a battery power
supply, a GPS
antenna, a GPS receiver processor, a radio antenna, a radio receiver, a radio
transmitter, a
cellular telephone antenna, a cellular telephone receiver, and a cellular
telephone transmitter.
The first signaling unit sends a periodic radio signal to the second signaling
unit. Upon
abduction of the child, the abductor removes the wristwatch, the two signaling
units are
separated more than a predetermined distance, and the periodic radio signal
from the first
signaling unit is no longer received by the second signaling unit. The loss of
the periodic
signal causes each signaling unit to automatically send a signal to the global
positioning
satellite (GPS) system and receive a return signal from the GPS identifying
its geographical
location. A cellular telephone signal is automatically sent from each
signaling unit to the
monitoring station identifying its geographic location. The location of each
unit is
transmitted by telephone communication from the monitoring station to the
parent or guardian
of the child and to a law enforcement agency in the geographic vicinity of the
two signaling
units (the removed wristwatch and the child wearing the hidden anlde
bracelet), and a video
picture and description of the child is also transmitted to the law
enforcement agency.
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FURTHER EMBODIMENTS
The invention provides a system that provides location information for a
person, an
animal, or a material asset (that is, an object) when requested and/or upon
the occurrence of
an event or situation. The system may make use of a plurality of independent
and redundant
subsystems. Each subsystem signaling unit may have the ability to continue
transmission of
the location of the person, the animal or the object in the event of another
subsystem signaling
unit's malfunction or absence from the person, the animal or the object. In
certain
embodiments, one subsystem may be "active" at all times; "active" meaning only
that the
device is at that time responsible for the transmission of location data. The
currently "active"
subsystem may use GPS to determine its location, and cellular technology to
communicate its
location to a monitoring station. In one embodiment, the monitoring station
receives the
location of the person, the animal or the object, and communicates that
information to a
remote receiver, accessible to one such as a parent, guardian, animal or asset
owner, or
appropriate medical or safety authorities. These individuals may alternatively
be the
monitoring station user or operator.
W certain embodiments, the system includes a signaling unit containing a GPS
chip,
circuitry, and other hardware and/or software that, when requested by a
monitoring station
calculates and transmits its location via established protocols. The
monitoring station, which may
be a computer, can communicate the signaling unit's location to users of the
monitoring station, or
to a remote receiver such as another computer via the Internet, or to another
person or device
telephonically or wirelessly (including but not limited to via cellular, radio
frequency, television,
or satellite communication). The monitoring station and/or the remote receiver
computer may be
a desktop or tower unit, a laptop or noteboole unit, or a handheld device.
Handheld devices
include, but are not limited to personal data assistant (PDA) and PoclcetPCTM
devices.
In one embodiment, by way of example but not limitation, the system apparatus
comprises one signaling unit that is of a size similar to a wristwatch that
may make use of
cellular technology along with GPS. A watch, such as a wristwatch, for
example, may be the
main "active" subsystem 101. The signaling unit may contain a watch face with
a plurality of
buttons for controlling watch functions. The watch functions may include
keeping time,
setting time, and setting alarms. A GPS receiver 111 or integrated GPS
receiver micro-
controller may be embedded in the watch 101. The receiver may be packaged in a
ball grid array.
The receiver may update from a GPS signal 120, transmitted by a GPS satellite
102, periodically
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such as every second, and may have a position accuracy of about 100 meters, in
certain
embodiments about 22 meters on average, and in other embodiments, about a few
meters.
The subsystem signaling unit 101 may be capable of receiving a request for
location
on demand, such as a signal 121 communicated within the cellular band of
frequencies
using a cellular transceiver 112, as well as transmitting the signaling unit's
location in the
event of an emergency. The cellular transceiver 112 may use modulation
techniques such
as PCS, GSM, or others in the cellular band or other frequencies to transmit
the individual's
location data, via a cellular tower 103 and optionally the land based phone
line network
104, to the monitoring station 105 or monitoring stations. The active function
of the
subsystem signaling unit 101 can be replaced by another (back-up) subsystem
signaling unit
or device 106 in the event that it becomes "inactive", determined by a loss in
cellular
connection 121 or inter-device communication 122. Inter-device communication
may be
accomplished in certain embodiments between RF transceivers 118 in each
signaling unit.
The main subsystem signaling unit 101 may be powered by a rechargeable power
source 113 that may be recharged through a docking unit. The docking unit
optionally may
provide a diagnostic station for the device. Alternatively, a replaceable
power supply may
be used. The power source may provide at least one day's power requirements,
and in other
embodiments may provide at least one week's power requirements without
maintenance.
The power source may be at least one rechargeable or replaceable battery,
solar cell, kinetic
power device, or any combination thereof.
In certain embodiments, the passive subsystem signaling unit(s), or backup
signaling units) 106, may be powered up only periodically to verify that the
system is still
intact (that is, in close proximity) with at least one subsystem signaling
unit being "active".
The backup signaling unit 106 also may use a GPS receiver 111 to determine its
location.
A baclcup signaling unit 106 may have the appearance of a small pager, or
another
conventional personal accessory, as discussed above. The subsystem signaling
units may be
water-resistant and weather-resistant.
In one embodiment, the locus of control is the monitoring station. In this
case, the
subsystem signaling units may not initiate any communication with the
monitoring station
unless an emergency occurs, such as a loss of the signal from a companion
subsystem
signaling unit or determination of separation between the signaling units of
more than the
preselected distance. Each of the subsystem signaling units may have an
emergency contact
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ability; so in that event, the signaling units can communicate with the
monitoring station,
relaying information such as identity, time, location, and status.
The monitoring station 105 may have the ability to communicate with any
subsystem
signaling unit. The monitoring station may be able both to request and to
receive the
signaling unit's location on demand. The monitoring station 105 may comprise a
computer
115 in communication with a modem 114, and may be able to communicate and/or
display
incoming location data in a format proper for use by a remote receiver 107, a
monitoring
station user, an authorized user and/or proper authorities.
In certain embodiments, the monitoring station is able to log all
transactions, i.e.,
communications, with any subsystem signaling unit. The monitoring station may
have a
database, which stores all pertinent information. In one embodiment, the
database may be a
SQL server database. In certain embodiments, the monitoring station has a data
format for
emergency calls that includes pertinent information concerning the individual.
In certain
embodiments, the monitoring station has a means of communication with the
proper
authorities, directly or via a remote receiver. Such means of communication
may involve
wireless or cellular communication, land based phone lines, Internet, and any
combinations
thereof 123. In one embodiment, an authorized user, such as a parent, may
access a secure
Internet web site such as with an ID and password, and determine the location
of the
subsystem signaling unit-wearing child.
It can be appreciated that there may be more than one appropriate media and/or
protocol for each communications link in the system, (radio, cellular,
BluetoothTM, and the
like). In certain embodiments, communications between the subsystem signaling
units) and
the monitoring station, as well as between the subsystem signaling units, may
be encrypted,
such as "not plain text", according to techniques lrnown in the art.
It can be further appreciated that a single monitoring station can communicate
with
multiple sets of subsystem signaling units, that is, signaling units
associated with more than
one individual, animal, or asset.
According to an alternative embodiment, each associated subsystem signaling
unit
may periodically report to the monitoring station. When the monitoring station
calculates that
the associated signaling units are separated by a more than a preselected
distance, the
monitoring station may initiate more frequent (in one embodiment, continuous)
transmission
of location from the signaling units and/or may notify the proper person or
authorities.
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In certain embodiments, the locus of control is in the subsystem signaling
units. As
discussed above, two signaling units may be in continual or periodic
communication with
each other. When separated by more than a preselected distance, both signaling
units transmit
their locations to the monitoring station. Alternatively, one signaling unit
is active to receive
and transmit information both with the second signaling unit and with the
monitoring station.
The second signaling unit is passive and is powered only to verify it is
within a preselected
distance of the active signaling unit. When the active signaling unit
calculates or determines
that the passive signaling unit is no longer within the preselected distance,
a signal is
transmitted to activate the passive signaling unit, and both signaling units
transmit their
locations to the monitoring station. This allows the passive signaling unit to
operate with less
power and allows it to be smaller. In a further embodiment, a signaling unit
can transmit its
location and optionally a message on demand, for example, an emergency call
for help.
In another embodiment, a method of using the security and tracking system
comprises
monitoring of a physiological function and transmitting a signal due to an
emergency
condition such as a complete lack of movement, loss of blood pressure, loss of
pulse, a spike
in blood pressure, or other monitorable physical conditions associated with an
individual's
health condition (i.e., diabetes, epilepsy and the like). This option is
useful for high-risk
infants, high-risk individuals, and individuals in danger.
Example 5
An asset and personnel location tracking system utilizes GPS technology,
cellular
technology, and a low power RF transceiver. The asset or person wears multiple
redundant
signaling units that each transmits its location in the case of an emergency.
Each of the worn
signaling units supports inter-device communication, is able to use GPS to
find its location,
and is able to transmit its location via a cellular link. All signaling units
worn by an asset or
person communicate with each other using low power RF transceivers. This
detects the
removal of a signaling unit or device malfunction. A server records all the
information
transmitted by each signaling unit. Such information includes longitude,
latitude, date/time
stamp, and asset or personal identification (such as an id number). The server
uses the
asset/personal id number to match identity, historical and/or medical
information with each
asset or person. The server allows authorized access to a database fox
displaying the current
location, log of last known locations, and other information regarding the
asset or person. For
example, the database may be powered by a MySQL database. The server-side
scripting may
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be done by PHP. A web-based user interface may use valid Xhtml as defined by
the Internet
Standards (w3.org).
For purposes of illustration, but not limitation, the database may include two
tables,
one for client information, and one for updates from the signaling units. The
two tables are
linked through the client ID, a unique number assigned to each client.
Examples of the table
fields are listed below.
Client Information Table
Client ID.
Child's first name.
Child's last name.
First name of the child's guardian.
Last name of the child's guardian.
Home phone number of the guardian.
Child's Social Security Number.
Special medical considerations.
Phone Number to use in case of emergency.
Status of the client's account.
Location from the most recent update.
Number of minutes to wait between signaling unit updates.
Option to adjust the update interval of signaling unit device.
Any additional information that might be desired.
Update Table
Unique update ID given to every update.
Client ID signifies which client the update ID is for.
Percentage of power left in the signaling unit device.
Longitude of the device.
Latitude of the device.
Altitude of the device.
Status of the device.
Time the update occtu-red.
One personal signaling unit includes a micro-controller that will interface a
cellular
phone, a GPS receiver, and a low power RF transceiver. The micro-controller
may, for
example, be a PIC 18 series processor, supporting at least two DART devices
and having a
hardware timer to create a serial connection. Another microprocessor for the
GPS enabled
signaling unit is the Rajone Pty, Ltd. Genius IV chip. The cellular phone may
be interfaced to
the micro-controller through an RS-232 connection, and has an available SDI
and supports
two-way SMS. The GPS receiver may also be interfaced to the micro-controller
by an RS-
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232 connection. Current commercial cellular phones having built-in GPS
receivers, however,
do not have a fully functioning SDK, two-way SMS, or sufficiently accurate
GPS.
To perform the inter-device communication, a low power RF transceiver connects
to
the micro-controller via a serial connection, although options include
BluetoothTM and IEEE
personal area network technology. The low power RF solutions use less power
and are easy
to interface.
Alternatively, the personal signaling unit may utilize a cellular embedded
module.
This provides substantially the same functionality as a cell phone, but
includes the basic
hardware similar to a cellular chipset (without an LCD, keypad, speaker, or
microphone).
According to another embodiment, both cellular and GPS requirements are
integrated on a
single chip.
There are three main components that comprise a cellular device: a receiver, a
transmitter, and a modem. The receiver chipset is responsible for converting
the radio
frequency from the antenna to the frequency used by the modem. The transmitter
chipset
converts the frequency from the modem to a radio frequency that is to be sent
over the air by
the antenna. The modem (or mobile station modem) is used to initiate data
connections,
24 receive data connections, controls the receiver/transmitter chips, and
various other functions.
Examples of cellular chipsets include QualcommTM IFR3000 and IFT3000 receiver
transmitter chips that work in tandem with QualcommTM MSM chipsets for use in
the CDMA
cell network (PCS). The MotorolaTM i250 platform is used for GSM cell phone
communication.
Examples of GPS chips or modules include Valence Semiconductor's VS7001 chip,
SiRF Technology's SiRFstarIIe/LP low power GPS chipset, and NAVMAN NZ Ltd.'s
Jupiter
GPS module.
In another embodiment, an individual wearing a subsystem signaling unit is
notified
when an associated second subsystem signaling unit is separated by more than a
pre-selected
distance. For example, a signaling unit in a wristwatch can generate a signal
to the individual
wearing the signaling unit if an associated subsystem signaling unit, for
example in a cell
phone or a PDA, is left behind, to prevent the individual from losing it.
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While the present invention has been explained in relation to certain
embodiments, it
is to be understood that various modifications thereof will become apparent to
those skilled in
the art upon reading the specification. It should be understood that the
embodiments
described above may be practiced in the alternative, or in combination, as
appropriate.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to
the specific
embodiments described above, but includes variations, modifications defined by
the following
claims and equivalent embodiments. All such modifications and variations are
intended to be
included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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