U.S. patent application number 09/803799 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-04 for personal location detection system.
Invention is credited to Neher, Timothy J..
Application Number | 20010026240 09/803799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24136726 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010026240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neher, Timothy J. |
October 4, 2001 |
Personal location detection system
Abstract
A personal locator system for determining the location of a
locator unit. The system includes a locator device in communication
with both a central station and a GPS satellite. The locator unit
includes a portable housing able to be worn about the wrist of a
user. A communication system is positioned within the housing for
contacting the central station and includes a transmitter and
receiver. A GPS unit is also positioned within the housing for
contacting the GPS system for determining a location of said
locator device. Upon receipt of a location request signal by the
receiver from the central station, the locator unit activates the
GPS unit to contact the GPS system and receive location data
therefrom. Upon receipt of the location data, the transmitter
transmits the location data to the central station for analysis. A
panic button is provided for transmitting an emergency signal to
the central station and initiating detecting the location of the
locator unit. A non-emergency call button is provided for
transmitting a location request signal to the central station and
in response thereto, informing a person on the contact list as to
the location of the locator device. The communication system
utilizes one of a POTS, cellular, PCS or internet communications
network. A tamper detection sensor detects when said device is
tampered with. A beacon generator generates an ultrasonic or radio
frequency beacon signal for aiding a person in pinpointing a
location of the device.
Inventors: |
Neher, Timothy J.;
(Honolulu, HI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael I. Kroll
171 Stillwell Lane
Syosset
NY
11791
US
|
Family ID: |
24136726 |
Appl. No.: |
09/803799 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09803799 |
Mar 9, 2001 |
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09536009 |
Mar 26, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
342/357.75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 19/34 20130101;
G01S 19/235 20130101; G08B 25/016 20130101; G01S 2205/006 20130101;
G01S 2205/008 20130101; G01S 5/0018 20130101; G08B 25/006 20130101;
G01S 19/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
342/357.07 |
International
Class: |
G01S 005/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
1. A personal locator device comprising: a) a portable housing able
to be worn about the wrist of a user; b) means for establishing a
wireless communication with a central station, said establishing
means including a wireless transmitter and wireless receiver; c)
means for contacting a Global Positioning Satellite system for
determining a location of said locator device, wherein upon receipt
of a location request signal by said wireless receiver from the
central station, said locator unit activates said contacting means
to contact the GPS system and calculate location data therefrom,
and upon completion of the location data calculation, said wireless
transmitter transmitting said location data to the central station
for analysis; and d) means for power control of GPS unit and
communication transmitter to maximize battery life.
2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said device further
includes a panic button for transmitting an emergency signal to the
central station upon detection of an emergency situation by the
user, the central station transmitting a location response signal
back to said device in response to receipt of the emergency
signal.
3. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein said device further
includes a non-emergency call button for transmitting a location
request signal to the central station upon activation by the user,
the central station transmitting a location response signal back to
said device in response to receipt of the non-emergency signal.
4. The device as recited in claim 3, wherein the central station
stores a contact list for each location device, the central station
informing a person on the contact list as to the location of the
locator device upon receipt of the location data in response to
activation of the non-emergency call button by the user.
5. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said establishing
means utilizes one of a POTS, cellular, PCS or internet
communications network.
6. The device as recited in claim 5, further comprising a tamper
detection sensor for detecting when said device is tampered with
and activating said transmitter to transmit an emergency signal to
the central station.
7. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a beacon
generator for generating an ultrasonic beacon signal for aiding a
person in pinpointing a location of the device.
8. The device as recited in claim 7, wherein said beacon generator
generates a RF beacon signal.
9. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising an
electrical or mechanical key for latching the device about a wrist
of the user.
10. The device as recited in claim 9, further comprising a latching
mechanism activated by a latching command received from the central
station for latching said device about the wrist of the user.
11. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a clock
phase locked to a PCS tower, and a voltage controlled oscillator
that utilizes voltage information from said clock phase lock loop
tracking said PCS tower.
12. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
microphone for receiving audio signals from the user for
transmission to another party via the central station and a speaker
for reproduction of audio signals received by said receiver from
the other party via the central station.
13. A method for locating a person or object, said method
comprising the steps of: a) attaching a locator unit to the object
or person to be tracked; b) upon receipt of a location request from
a subscriber, transmitting a signal from a control station to the
locator unit requesting a location of the locator unit; c)
activating a GPS unit connected to the locator unit for receiving
GPS satellite signals; d) aiding GPS signal acquisition to reduce
time to first fix by use of voltage information from clock phase
lock loop tracking PCS tower clock; e) calculating location data
from the GPS signals; f) transmitting the location data to the
central unit for analysis to determine the location of the locator
unit; and g) informing the subscriber of the location of the
locator unit.
14. The method as recited in claim 13, further comprising the step
of generating a beacon by said locator unit for aiding the
subscriber in locating the locator unit when at close range.
15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein said step of
attaching includes one of using an electronic key, using a
mechanical key or receiving a remote signal from the control
station to latch a latching mechanism.
16. The method as recited in claim 13, further comprising the step
of activating the locator unit to contact the central station and
initiate generation of a location request signal upon activation of
a non-emergency call button on the locator unit.
17. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising the step
of contacting a person identified on a contact list stored by the
central station upon receipt of location data from the locator
unit.
18. The method as recited in claim 13, further comprising the step
of activating the locator unit to contact the central station and
initiate generation of a location request signal upon activation of
a button on the locator unit.
19. The method as recited in claim 13, further comprising the step
of suspending operation of the locator unit upon activation of an
air mode button.
20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein operation of the
locator unit is suspended for a predetermined settable time period
upon activation of the air mode button.
21. The method as recited in claim 13, further comprising the step
of monitoring the power level of the locator unit by the central
station.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/536,009 having a filing date of
Mar. 26, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to location systems
and, more specifically, to a system able to locate and track a user
retaining a portable locator unit using numerous location
technologies including the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)
System and the generation of a beacon for use in pinpointing the
location of the locator unit and thus the user.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Numerous types of location systems have been provided in the
prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,043,736; 5,485,163;
6,014,080; 5,014,040; 5,841,396; 6,064,336; 4,275,398; 4,673,936;
5,731,757; 6,014,080; 6,076,099; 6,100,806; 6,104,931; 6111,538;
6,111,539; 6,140,956; 6,169,497; 6,172,640 and 5,874,914 all are
illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable
for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be
as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore
described.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,736
Inventor: Ralph D. Darnell, et al.
Issued: Aug. 27, 1991
[0006] The invention comprises a portable locator unit useful both
as a cellular telephone and portable global positioning system that
provides latitude and longitude information remotely to a base unit
display. The system includes a small hand held receiver that
receives signals from a satellite global positioning system and
timing and computing circuits to provide location information
signals. The hand held unit also includes a modem and transmitter
to a cellular telephone network which is connected to the base unit
computational system and display. The location of an individual or
object can thus be determined at the remote station through the use
of the cellular telephone network.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,163
Inventor: Martin H. Singer et al.
Issued: Jan. 16, 1996
[0007] A system and method for locating a portable locator device
in a communications network. The portable locator unit (PLU) (4) is
activated either by an external signal (62) generated in response
to remote activation source, such as a subscriber (6, 8) or PLU
detector (106, 108), or by an internal activation signal triggered
e.g. by the wearer. Once activated, the PLU (4) transmits a locator
signal (66). This location signal (66) is received by one or more
network service nodes (20, 22, 24) which forward the information
along with identifying service node information to a network
location processor (26, 28). After having determined the location
of the PLU (4) from the received information, the network location
processor (26, 28) forwards this information to a designated
source, such as the requesting subscriber or other authorized user
(6, 8).
U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,080
Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson, Jr.
Issued: Jan. 11, 2000
[0008] Tamper resistant body-worn tracking device to be worn by
offenders or potential victims for use in a wireless communication
system receiving signals from a global positioning system (GPS).
The tracking device directly communicates spacial coordinates to
multiple remote sites. The tracking device is an enclosed case worn
on a limb of a person. The case contains a battery, a signaling
device, and a circuit board containing a field programmable gate
array, a wireless data modem, a conventional GPS receiver, and a
matched filtering GPS receiver.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,040
Inventor: Philip W. Weaver et al.
Issued: May 7, 1991
[0009] A personal locator transmitter adapted to be worn on the
wrist and having the size and appearance of a conventional
wrist-watch. This transmitter is provided with a programmable
memory, a transmitter controlled by the memory, an antenna for
reliably radiating signals from the transmitter regardless of
orientation of the wrist of a user and including both a manually
operable alarm activated by pressing a button, and an automatic
alarm actuated by an attempt to remove the unit from the wrist of
the wearer. The unit is controlled by a control memory comprises of
an EEPROM encoded with unique identification codes and other
information as required in the specific application.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,396
Inventor: Norman F. Krasner
Issued: Nov. 24, 1998
[0010] A precision carrier frequency signal for calibrating a local
oscillator of a GPS receiver which is used to acquire GPS signals.
The precision carrier frequency signal is used to calibrate the
local oscillator such that the output of the local oscillator,
which is used to acquire GPS signals, is modified by a reference
signal generated from the precision carrier frequency signal. The
GPS receiver locks to this precision carrier frequency signal and
generates the reference signal. In another aspect of the invention,
satellite almanac data is transmitted to a remote GPS receiver unit
from a basestation via a communication link. The remote GPS
receiver unit uses this satellite almanac data to determine
approximate Doppler data for satellites in view of the remote GPS
receiver unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,336
Inventor: Norman F. Krasner
Issued: May 16, 2000
[0011] A precision carrier frequency signal for calibrating a local
oscillator of a GPS receiver which is used to acquire GPS signals.
The precision carrier frequency signal is used to calibrate the
local oscillator such that the output of the local oscillator,
which is used to acquire GPS signals, is modified by a reference
signal generated from the precision carrier frequency signal. The
GPS receiver locks to this precision carrier frequency signal and
generates the reference signal. In another aspect of the invention,
satellite almanac data is transmitted to a remote GPS receiver unit
from a basestation via a communication link. The remote GPS
receiver unit uses this satellite almanac data to determine
approximate Doppler data for satellites in view of the remote GPS
receiver unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,398
Inventor: William H. Parker, et al.
Issued: Jun. 23, 1981
[0012] A radio locator system uses transceivers located in a mobile
and at least two stationary stations. Each stationary station
serves as one end of a surveyor's baseline. Therefore, since the
transceivers are located at opposite ends of a line having a known
length, their broadcast signals provide direct distance
measurements of two other lines extending between the individual
stationary stations and the mobile unit, thereby cooperating with
the known line to complete a trilateralization. Each station in the
system is identified by a uniquely encoded stream of pulse bursts,
each burst encompassing a wide, preprogrammed change of frequency
for eliminating interference between the signals used in the
locator system and the signals of other users of the same frequency
band. An inversion of the preprogrammed frequency change is used
for the return of the ranging system signal in order to
substantially eliminate or suppress echo returns to the mobile or
interrogator station. The sound of the preprogrammed station
identifying frequency changes is sometimes called "chirping".
U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,936
Inventor: Keigo Kotoh
Issued: Jun. 16, 1987
[0013] A small-size transmitting apparatus for search and rescue
operation (SARTR) adapted to be worn by a user for emitting a
microwave rescue signal upon a marine accident involving the user.
The SARTR includes a power supply, a transmitter unit energizable
by the power supply and having a microwave oscillator, a
transmitting antenna receiving of a microwave output from the
transmitter unit for emitting the microwave rescue signal, a case
accommodating the power supply, the transmitter unit, and the
transmitting antenna and attachable directly to the user's body, or
mountable on clothing or the like worn by the user for being
carried thereby, and a switch unit mounted in the case for
controlling the emission of the microwave rescue signal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,757
Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson, Jr.
Issued: Mar. 24, 1998
[0014] A portable locator or tracking apparatus is provided for
continuous location determination of subjects which communicates
with a body-worn, non-removable, tamper resistant transceiver and a
central data-base system. The portable tracking apparatus has a
Global Position System (GPS) receiver and inertial sensors for
determining location, microprocessors for logic and mathematical
algorithm processing, memory for programs and data, a wireless
transceiver for communications with the body-worn device, a
wireless transceiver for communicating with the central data-base
system, an alpha-numeric display for displaying text messages sent
to the subject acoustic speaker and microphone for voice and tone
messages with subjects, electronic tamper sensors, motion sensors,
attitude position sensor, batteries and external connectors for
power, recharge, communications and auxiliary antennas.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,080
Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson, Jr.
Issued: Jan. 11, 2000
[0015] Tamper resistant body-worn tracking device to be worn by
offenders or potential victims for use in a wireless communication
system receiving signals from a global positioning system (GPS).
The tracking device directly communicates spacial coordinates to
multiple remote sites. The tracking device is an enclosed case worn
on a limb of a person. The case contains a battery, a signaling
device, and a circuit board containing a field programmable gate
array, a wireless data modem, a conventional GPS receiver, and a
matched filtering GPS receiver.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,099
Inventor: Thomas C. H. Chen et al.
Issued: Jun. 13, 2000
[0016] A method for a configurable intelligent-agent-based wireless
communication system that can be used for conducting acquisition,
processing, monitoring, tracking and reporting of data at remote
mobile units over a wireless communication network. The system is
comprised of an intelligent-agent-based wireless communication
controller (110), a wireless data transmitter/receiver (120), a
global positioning system data receiver (130), a plurality of data
storage devices (140), a plurality of serial ports (150), a display
device (160), and a battery with power charging circuitry
(170).
U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,806
Inventor: John J. Gaukel
Issued: Aug. 8, 2000
[0017] An apparatus and method of monitoring mobile objects or
persons utilizes the Global Positioning System satellites and
cellular telephone communications. The apparatus may include first
and second remote units adapted to be worn on the monitored person
or object. These remote units would comprise the position and data
sensors as well as the transmitter device to transmit the
information back to a central tracking station. The remote units
may be operative to monitor many data items such as system
integrity, motion, temperature, audio, and the like in addition to
position. This data would then be transmitted back to a central
monitoring station operative to process and display the
information. The system is also adapted to monitor persons in
hazardous environments such as radioactivity or poisonous gases or
even to monitor inanimate objects such as automobiles.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,931
Inventor: Theodore Havinis et al.
Issued: Aug. 15, 2000
[0018] A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for
defining location services in a simplified manner based upon
whether the positioning request is an interactive request or a
batch mode request. In order to initiate a positioning request, a
Location Application (LA) must first register with at least one
Mobile Location Center (MLC), define the service parameters
specific for that LA and receive a Location Application Identifier
Number (LAIN). Thereafter, the LA can send either an interactive or
batch mode positioning request along with the LAIN. An interactive
positioning request is a request to position a specific subscriber
or group of subscribers immediately, while a batch mode positioning
request is a request to position a subscriber or group of
subscribers when a particular event defined by the LA occurs.
Advantageously, the definition of location services is decoupled
from issues, such as the point of origin of the request, the
identity of the subscriber to be positioned and authorization
options.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,538
Inventor: Leonard Schuchman et al.
Issued: Aug. 29, 2000
[0019] Positioning system for locating a mobile body comprising a
plurality of earth based spread spectrum (SS) broadcasting stations
arranged geographically in a cellular pattern. Each SS broadcasting
station include a modulator providing a channel signal structure
which is substantially orthogonal with respect to adjacent stations
in the cellular pattern, each channel signal including navigation
beacon data including a unique beacon identification, station
latitude and longitude, time slot and phase characterizations and
selected parameters of adjacent stations. In one embodiment, each
modulator provides a chirped SS signal in which the navigation
beacon is a frequency tone that is repeatedly swept over a selected
frequency band for each station. In a further embodiment, each
modulator provides a GPS like direct sequence SS signal in which
the navigation beacon is a PN coded broadcast. A receiver on the
mobile body receives the SS signals from at least three of the SS
broadcasting stations and determines the location thereof. A fourth
SS broadcasting station provides altitude. CPS satellite signals
can be used for timing control.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,539
Inventor: Robin Thomas Mannings et al.
Issued: Aug. 29, 2000
[0020] A navigation information system includes a communications
system having a fixed part and at least one mobile part, the fixed
part including data storage and processing for identifying the
location of a mobile unit, generating guidance information
appropriate to that location and transmitting it to the mobile
unit. By locating most of the complexity with the service provider,
in particular the navigation computer and geographical database,
the system can be readily updated and the capital cost of the
in-vehicle system, which in its simplest form may be standard
cellular telephone, can be minimized. The user makes a request for
guidance information, and the system, having determined the user's
present location, then transmits instructions to the user. The
user's present location can be determined by a Satellite
Positioning System.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,956
Inventor: Robert L. Hillman et al.
Issued: Oct. 31, 2000
[0021] A system which tracks and monitors a vehicle by utilizing
cellular communication componentry and global positioning system
componentry is disclosed. The system provides for simultaneous and
continuous transmission of a voice signal and location data to a
monitoring center. The monitoring center comprises componentry to
communicate with the vehicle and determine the vehicle's location
on a digitized map using a computer.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,497
Inventor: Bruno Robert
Issued: Jan. 2, 2001
[0022] A mobile tracking and positioning system includes a
plurality of mobile transmit and receive stations that track a
mobile target which emits a radio signal in response to the
occurrence of a tracking effort initiation event. The tracking
stations have a GPS receiver or like means for determining their
position, a radio direction finder responsive to the radio signal
that determines the vector to the mobile target, a two-way
communications system and a computer. The mobile transmit and
receive stations exchange their position and direction to target
information via the two-way communications systems, enabling the
stations to triangulate the location of the target with their
computers.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,640
Inventor: Jennifer Durst et al.
Issued: Jan. 9, 2001
[0023] There is disclosed an object locator system (10) for
requesting and obtaining information about the location of an
individual animal or moveable object, having a lightweight,
attached object locator (42), that is present in a region served by
a two-way paging system (12) and a global positioning satellite
system (50). The object locator (42) may be selectively activated
to conserve power or enabled to respond only when beyond or within
a boundary. Further, the object locator system (10) may provide the
location information in several forms including rectangular or
polar coordinates referred to a base station (18) or origin,
position on a map display, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,914
Inventor: Norman F. Krasner
Issued: Feb. 23, 1999
[0024] A GPS receiver in one embodiment includes an antenna which
receives GPS signals at an RF frequency from in view satellites; a
downconverter coupled to the antenna for reducing the RF frequency
of the received GPS signals to an intermediate frequency (IF); a
digitizer coupled to the downconverter and sampling the IF GPS
signals at a predetermined rate to produce sampled IF GPS signals;
a memory coupled to the digitizer storing the sampled IF GPS
signals (a snapshot of GPS signals); and a digital signal processor
(DSP) coupled to the memory and operating under stored instructions
thereby performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations on the
sampled IF GPS signals to provide pseudorange information. These
operations typically also include preprocessing and post processing
of the GPS signals. After a snapshot of data is taken, the receiver
front end is powered down. The GPS receiver in one embodiment also
includes other power management features and includes, in another
embodiment the capability to correct for errors in its local
oscillator which is used to sample the GPS signals. The calculation
speed of pseudoranges, and sensitivity of operation, is enhanced by
the transmission of the Doppler frequency shifts of in view
satellites to the receiver from an external source, such as a
basestation in one embodiment of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0025] The present invention relates generally to location systems
and, more specifically, to a system able to locate and track a user
retaining a portable locator unit using numerous location
technologies including the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)
System and the generation of a beacon for use in pinpointing the
location of the locator unit and thus the user.
[0026] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
personal location detection system that will overcome the
shortcomings of prior art devices.
[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
personal location detection system which is able to track a missing
person in both hostile and non-hostile situations.
[0028] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
personal location detection system which is able to use the Global
Positioning Satellite (GPS) system to determine the location of a
user in a secure power efficient manner.
[0029] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide
a personal location detection system wherein the user retains a
portable locator device which includes means for wirelessly
connecting to both a communications network and the GPS and
relaying the location determined by the GPS to a central station
via the communications network.
[0030] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a personal location detection system wherein the portable
locator unit is able to generate a sonic or radio frequency beacon
for aiding emergency personnel in pin pointing the location of the
user.
[0031] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a personal location detection system wherein the user is
able to initiate an emergency call to the central station using the
personal locator unit, whereby, in response to the call, the
central station will contact a designated person as to the location
and situation regarding the user.
[0032] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide
a personal location detection system wherein the user is also able
to initiate a non-emergency call to the central station, causing
the central station to contact a designated person.
[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
personal location detection system wherein the user is able to
initiate a voice call to another party via the central station
using the locator unit without dialing phone numbers.
[0034] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a personal location detection system that is simple and
easy to use.
[0035] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a personal location detection system that is economical in
cost to manufacture.
[0036] Additional objects of the present invention will appear as
the description proceeds.
[0037] A personal locator system for determining the location of a
locator unit is disclosed by the present invention. The system
includes a locator device in communication with both a central
station and a GPS satellite. The locator unit includes a portable
housing able to be worn about the wrist of a user. A communication
system is positioned within the housing for contacting the central
station and includes a transmitter and receiver. A GPS unit is also
positioned within the housing for contacting the GPS system for
determining a location of said locator device. Upon receipt of a
location request signal by the receiver from the central station,
the locator unit activates the GPS unit to contact the GPS system
and computes location data therefrom. Upon completing calculation
of the location data, the locator transmits the location data to
the central station for analysis. A panic button is provided for
transmitting an emergency signal to the central station and
initiating detecting the location of the locator unit. A
non-emergency call button is provided for transmitting a location
request signal to the central station and in response thereto,
informing a person on the contact list as to the location of the
locator device. The communication system utilizes one of a POTS,
cellular, PCS or internet communications network. A tamper
detection sensor detects when said device is tampered with. A
beacon generator generates an ultrasonic or radio frequency beacon
signal for aiding a person in pinpointing a location of the
device.
[0038] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0039] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the
same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate the same or similar part throughout the several
views.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the personal location
detection system of the present invention being used to monitor the
location of a child;
[0041] FIG. 2 is s front perspective view of the portable locator
unit of the personal location detection system of the present
invention being worn on the wrist of a user;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the portable locator
unit of the personal location detection system of the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal components of
the portable locator unit of the personal location detection system
of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the flow between different
operating modes of the personal location detection system of the
present invention; and
[0045] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the personal location
detection system of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS
[0046] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the Figures illustrate the personal location detection
system of the present invention. With regard to the reference
numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the
various drawing figures.
[0047] 10 global positioning and tracking system of the present
invention
[0048] 12 central monitoring station
[0049] 14 tracking satellite
[0050] 16 local transmitter/receiver station
[0051] 18 portable locator unit
[0052] 20 child wearing tracking device
[0053] 22 guardian of child
[0054] 24 line indicating transmission between central station and
relay station
[0055] 25 reference GPS receiver station
[0056] 26 line indicating transmission between relay station and
locator unit
[0057] 30 line indicating transmission of location signal from
satellite to locator unit
[0058] 32 wrist of user wearing portable locator unit
[0059] 34 smooth outer surface of portable locator unit
[0060] 36 display
[0061] 38 face side of portable locator unit
[0062] 40 clock
[0063] 42 emergency panic button
[0064] 44 non-emergency location button
[0065] 46 air mode button
[0066] 48 latching mechanism
[0067] 50 lock/unlock button
[0068] 51 Key Fob port
[0069] 52 headphone port
[0070] 54 processor
[0071] 56 power source
[0072] 58 power sensor
[0073] 60 memory
[0074] 62 receiver
[0075] 64 transmitter
[0076] 66 microphone
[0077] 68 speaker
[0078] 70 GPS transmitter/receiver
[0079] 72 beacon
[0080] 74 key fob
[0081] 76 tamper sensor
[0082] 78 subscriber
[0083] 80 PSTN/Cellular communications link
[0084] 82 Internet connection
[0085] 84 public service telephone network
[0086] 86 PCS tower
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0087] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate the global positioning and
tracking system of the present invention indicated generally by the
numeral 10.
[0088] The global positioning and tracking system 10 is illustrated
in FIG. 1 and includes a central monitoring station 12, a tracking
satellite 14, a local relay station 16 and a portable locator unit
18. The central monitoring station 12 is able to monitor movements
of an activated portable locator unit 18 upon either contacting the
portable locator unit 18 or upon receipt of a signal generated by
the portable locator unit 18.
[0089] The portable locator unit 18 is a tamper resistant and
detectable portable unit which is releasably attached to an item of
personal property or to an individual such as a child 20 as
illustrated in FIG. 1. The child 20 in the figure is being watched
by a guardian 22. The central monitoring station 12 communicates
with the portable locator unit 18 via a public communications
network such as POTS, cellular, PCS or the internet. The main
purpose of the system 10 is to locate the wearer using
progressively more accurate technology methods for locating a
person 20 carrying the portable locator unit 18. These technologies
range from wireless Base Station ID location technology which can
locate the locator unit 18 to a position within an area of between
1-10 square miles to the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system
using wireless Internet as the communications medium which can
locate wearers of the portable locator unit 18 to within
approximately 5 meters. A sonic or radio frequency beacon generated
by the portable locator unit 18 facilitates a final approach to a
desired person or object.
[0090] The system 10 of the present invention includes a
client-server protocol such as SMS/QNC sessions in order to provide
efficient location services including a paging function. An
emergency call can be placed to the central station 12 by a person
wearing the portable locator unit 18 by pressing a panic button 42
as seen in FIG. 2. A tamper detection sensor can automatically
initiate an emergency call as well upon detection of tampering with
the portable locator unit 18 as will be discussed hereinafter. A
nonemergency call can also be initiated by the wearer upon
activation of the non-emergency call button 44 as seen in FIG. 2.
In this instant, the central station 12 informs a designated
guardian on contact list as to the whereabouts of the user. A bread
crumbing mode of operation allows for efficient and flexible
tracking of the locator unit 18 given a limited battery power. The
locking and unlocking mechanism and suspending of the locator unit
operation (for example, for airplane traveling) is controlled by an
authorized Key fob or by the central station 12 via a wireless
network providing maximum security and usability. The operation of
the system to perform these tasks will be described
hereinafter.
[0091] In the normal mode of operation, a GPS unit of the portable
locator unit 18 for communicating with the GPS satellite 14 is
normally turned off and the system for communicating with the
central station 12 is placed in a listening mode similar to that of
cellular/PCS phone systems. When the central station 12 receives a
call from a client requesting a location on a particular portable
locator unit 18, the central station 12 initiates a communication
with the portable locator unit 18. The central station 12 contacts
the portable locator unit 18 using a wireless communication channel
via local transmission/receiving stations 16 which relay the signal
to the portable locator unit 18. The signal transmitted by the
central station 12 to the local transmission/receiving stations 16
is indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral 24. The signal
transmitted by the local transmission/receiving stations 16 to the
portable locator unit 18 is indicated by the numeral 26. Through
this communications channel, the central station 12 provides
instructions on how to report the location information back to the
central station 12. The instructions received from the central
station 12 could include aiding information for use by the GPS unit
to obtain location information more quickly. Upon receipt of the
instructions from the central station 12, the tracking device 18
ends the communication with the central station 12 and turns on the
GPS unit therein. The GPS unit computes location data with or
without aiding information (such as time, frequency and ephemeris)
from the central station 12. At this time the portable locator unit
18 establishes a wireless communications link with the central
station 12 and provides the location information thereto as is
indicated by the arrows labeled with the numerals 26 and 24. The
portable locator unit 18 also generates a beacon indicated by the
arced lines labeled with the numeral 31. The beacon is a sonic or
radio frequency signal which aids in locating the user when at
close range.
[0092] An exemplary embodiment of a portable locator unit 18 is
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The portable locator unit 18 is
typically worn by the user around the wrist 32 similarly to a
bracelet or watch. The portable locator unit 18 is preferably made
of an uncuttable material so that it is difficult or even
impossible to remove without the proper unlocking mechanism. Thus,
the portable locator unit 18 can be used without worry for tracking
the location of a child, a prisoner or inmate out on a work release
program or furlough, senior citizens in need of medical care,
personal property or even athletes such as hikers or mountain
climbers moving through dangerous areas. The portable locator unit
18 includes an outer surface 34 having a smooth texture and a
display 36 on a face side 38 thereof. The display 36 includes a
clock 40 thereon for indicating the time of day. The locator unit
18 has an internal clock that is displayed. This time is set when
the PCS unit in the locator unit 18 registers with the PCS tower.
The unit automatically displays the correct time in the area worn
correcting for daylight savings time when required. The time is
very accurate, possibly to within a second of world time, but not
accurate enough for the GPS portion of the unit. Also positioned on
the display 36 is indicia 41 indicating whether or not the portable
locator unit 18 is in a locked state about the wrist 32 of the
user. Additional indicia may be displayed for indicating the mode
of operation of the locator unit 18, such as when the locator unit
18 is in air mode as will be discussed hereinafter. An emergency
button 42 is provided on the portable locator unit 18. Activation
of the emergency button 42 initiates a communication with the
central station 12 whereby a signal indicating an emergency
situation exists is transmitted by the portable locator unit 18. In
response to the receipt of the emergency signal, the central
station 12 initiates the process of locating the portable locator
unit 18 and upon determining the location alerts the proper
emergency personnel. A non-emergency location button 44 is also
located on the face side 40 of the portable locator unit 18.
Activation of the non-emergency location button 44 contacts the
central station 12 for locating the portable locator unit 18. Upon
locating the portable locator unit 18, the central station 12
contacts a predetermined party to inform them of the location of
the portable locator unit 18. An air mode button 46 is also
provided on the portable locator unit 18. The air mode button 46
turns off the tracking device 18 for a predetermined period of
time. This mode is useful when entering areas where the use of
cellular technology is prohibited, such as on an airplane.
[0093] A side view of the portable locator unit 18 is shown in FIG.
3. From this figure, the latching mechanism 48 is shown along with
a lock button 50, a port 51 for Key Fob and a port 52 for receiving
a headphone. The portable locator unit 18 is secured (locked) to
the wearer by latching the latching mechanism 48 and connecting a
Key Fob to lock the portable locator unit 18 by pressing the lock
button 50 on the Key Fob. The portable locator unit 18 could also
be locked by a command from the central station 12. The lock/unlock
button on a Key Fob activates an electromechanical device by
uploading one of 1E22 different key codes to the portable locator
unit 18, instructing it to latch a dead bolt, which prevents the
portable locator unit 18 from being unlatched and removed. Upon
activating the lock through button 50 or the Key Fob, the lock icon
41 appears on the display 36. The data indicating the lock/unlock
status is contained within a data package when the portable locator
unit 18 is communicating with the central station 12. The portable
locator unit 18 can also be attached (not locked) to the user by
simply latching the latching mechanism 48 and omitting the locking
procedure. Once the latch is locked, it can be unlocked only by an
authorized Key Fob. When the portable locator unit 18 is unlocked,
the lock icon disappears from the display 36 and the portable
locator unit 18 is able to be unlatched and removed. In order to
minimize battery consumption at the portable locator unit 18, the
preferred embodiment utilizes an IS95B PCS for communications
between the portable locator unit 18 and central station 12. An
exemplary locking mechanism 48 is illustrated in FIG. 3. However,
the locking mechanism 38 may be provided with a variety of possible
locking mechanisms such as keys, combination locks, electronic
locks, etc. as long as the locking mechanism 48 prevents the
portable locator unit 18 from being detached from the item or
person once attached.
[0094] A block diagram illustrating the internal components of the
locator unit 18 is shown in FIG. 4. Positioned within the locator
unit 18 and controlling operation thereof is a processor 54.
Connected to the processor 54 and providing power to the locator
unit 18 is an internal power source 56. A battery sensor 58 is
connected between the processor 54 and power source 56. The battery
sensor 58 senses the power of the power source and provides a
battery power signal to the processor 54. The processor 54 is thus
able to determine when the power level is low and operate
accordingly. A memory 60 is provided for storing data processed by
the processor 54 and programs used by the processor 54 for
operation of the locator unit 18. A receiver 62 is provided for
receiving wirelessly transmitted signals from the central station
12 and a transmitter 64 transmits signals to the central station
12. Both the receiver 62 and transmitter 64 are connected to and
controlled by the processor 54. A microphone 66 and speaker 68 are
also provided for establishing a voice communication with another
party through the central station 12. Alternatively, the microphone
and speaker may be contained within a headset connected to the
locator unit 18 through the headphone port 52. The microphone 66 is
able to receive voice communication from the user and transmit an
audio signal to the other party via the central station 12 using
the transmitter. The receiver 62 is able to receive audio signals
from the central station 12 for reproduction through the speaker
68.
[0095] A GPS receiver 70 is provided for contacting the GPS
satellite 14 in order to determine a location of the locator unit
18. The location information is provided to the processor 54 and
eventually to the central station 12. A beacon generating device 72
generates a sonic or radio frequency beacon for aiding in locating
the user when at close range. The beacon generator 72 can be
enabled for final approach to the wearer if a situation requires
physical contact for rescue or any other reasons. In general, the
GPS system does not have enough resolution to pinpoint a wearer
within a building or visually obstructed area. The beacon 72
provides a means to achieve the final approach using a sonic or
radio frequency device. A key fob 74 provides an additional means
for securing the locator unit 18 about the wrist of the user. The
Key Fob also provides a mechanism for charging a battery inside the
locator unit 18. A tamper sensor 76 detects when the locator unit
18 has been tampered with or cut and signals the processor 54 of
such. The processor 54 then generates an emergency signal which is
transmitted to the central station 12. The central station 12
initiates a communication with the locator unit 18 for locating the
locator unit 18. The panic button 42 and non-emergency call button
44 are connected to the processor 54 for initiating communication
with the central station upon activation. The display 36 is also
connected to the processor 54. The processor 54 controls the icons
and the clock viewable on the display 36.
[0096] The operation of the personal location detection system 10
will now be described with reference to the figures and
specifically FIGS. 5 and 6. In operation, the personal location
detection system 10 is used to locate a person or object to which
the locator unit 18 is secured. Shown in FIG. 6 is an example of
PCS network based locator system 10. The locator unit 18 includes a
GPS unit 70, a PCS communication system 62, 64, and a processor 54.
The communication system 86 includes a processor therein for
analyzing signals received by the receiver of the communication
system 62, 64. A subscriber 78, typically a guardian in a missing
child case, normally initiates a locate process through a regular
phone (PSTN), a wireless telephone 80 or an internet connection 82.
An operator in the central station 12 receives the request and
initiates a call set up with the locator unit 18. The user 20 can
also initiate a call set up by pressing either the panic button 42
or the non-emergency call button 44. In this instance, the locator
unit 18 contacts the central station 12 and the system operates
similarly to when a subscriber 78 contacts the central station
12.
[0097] The communication system 62, 64 constantly monitors the
integrity of the system including but not limited to battery and
tamper detector status. The communication system 62, 64 acts as a
server to the control station 12 and sets up a communication link
upon receipt of a request from the control station 12. The request
from the control station 12 passes through the public service
telephone network (PSTN) or cellular 80 and is received by the
receiver of communications system 62, 64 of the locator unit 18 for
analysis by the communications system 86. The locator unit 18 then
responds to the request and transmits a response signal via the
transmitter of the communication system 62, 64. In a preferred
embodiment, a SMS Internet (TCP/IP) session is used for maximum
interoperability. The communication system 62, 64 also acts as a
client to the control station 12 when an event counter triggers the
communication system 62, 64 and sets up a full duplex communication
link. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a TCP/IP based
QNC session is employed for duplex communications between central
station 12 and the locator unit 18. The communication system 62, 64
interfaces with the external device Key Fob 74 for secure
lock/unlock and battery charging operations.
[0098] The GPS unit 70 performs the locating operation utilizing
signals from the GPS satellites 14 in a view. Normally, the GPS
unit 70 is in powered off mode, in response to a command from the
central station 12 or upon activation of either the panic button 42
or non-emergency call button 44, the GPS unit 70 is turned on and
starts the locating process upon activation by the processor 54.
The GPS unit 70 can utilize aiding information from the central
station 12 for improved performance. Such aiding information
includes but is not limited to the approximate location of the
locator unit 18, an almanac, ephemeris, a frequency offset,
doppler, reference time, etc. The GPS unit 70 provides the location
data computed using the GPS satellite 14 to the processor 54. The
processor 54 initiates a call to the central station 12 and
provides the location data to the central station 12 for analysis.
The central station 12 is thus able to determine the location of
the locator unit 18 to within a reasonable area. The processor 54
then activates the beacon generator 72, if necessary, to generate a
sonic or radio frequency signal which a allows final approach to a
desired object even within the area where the GPS or wireless
communication link can not be established due to obtruded
environment.
[0099] FIG. 5 illustrates a state diagrams showing different
operating modes of the system for obtaining the location of the
locator unit 18. Initially, the locator unit 18 is in a watch mode.
During the watch mode, the locator unit 18 monitors for incoming
signals from the central station 12. Upon receipt of a signal from
a subscriber or from the locator unit 18 in response to activation
of the panic button 42 or non-emergency call button 44, the central
station 12 sends an SMS (Short Message Service) Message to the
locator unit 18 which requests that the locator unit 18 contact the
central station 12. The locator unit 18 then initiates a QNC (Quick
Net Connect) Internet session connecting it to the central station
12. At this time the locator unit 18 enters the Air Time mode. In
air time mode, the central station 12 requests that the locator
unit 18 identify its position. While the locator unit 18 is
connected to the central station 12, the required information to
assist the GPS device 70 in locating the satellites 14 is uploaded
to the locator unit 18. The location device 18 also has the
capability of obtaining the required information directly from the
GPS satellites 14, but this is used only as a last alternative
measure. The locator unit 18 disconnects itself from the central
station 12 and starts the process of obtaining its location. The
GPS 70 which is always off, is turned on and a precision time is
transferred to the locator unit 18 from the PCS tower 86 along with
phase-locking the GPS 70 to the PCS towers 86. The voltage
information of the VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) in phase
locking loop (PLL) is used as an aiding information for GPS, even
when the PLL is not in locking state with the PCS tower. All the
aiding information available is then delivered from the
communication system to the GPS unit 70 so the locator unit 18 can
use it to locate its position. After the GPS unit 70 identifies the
location of the locator unit 18, the location information is
transferred to the processor 54 and the GPS unit 70 is shut down.
The PCS Processor initiates another QNC Internet session. During
this communication the central station 12 downloads all location
information from within the locator unit 18 and closes the session.
The central station 12 now knows the location of the locator unit
18 and is capable of converting this data to coordinate information
through the internet or regular communication schemes which average
customers can comprehend. The locator unit 18 then returns to the
watch mode awaiting a next signal from the control station 12. The
central station 12 uses the location data received from the locator
unit 18 and converts it to geographic data including landmarks,
which can be delivered to the subscriber on the phone or displayed
on a map for Internet users.
[0100] The locator unit 18 can be programmed to allow the wearer to
initiate an emergency locate session. When the user activates the
panic button 42, the locator unit 18 contacts the central station
12 indicating emergency action is required. The panic (Alert)
button 42 makes the state transition from Watch Mode to Air Time
Mode and an internet session is established. The central station 12
notes this emergency contact and starts the locating process as
described above. The initial message from the central station 12
includes the base station identification information which is used
to indicate which of the appropriate PSATs (Public Service
Answering Point) to tie into the emergency session when final
location information is received. If the locator unit 18 does not
reply in a reasonable period of time, the PSAP is notified of the
emergency request with no response. The air time mode then proceeds
as discussed above.
[0101] A non-emergency situation call may also be initiated by the
user upon activating the non-emergency call button 44. The process
followed is similar to that when the panic button 42 is activated.
When the non-emergency call button 44 is activated, the central
station 12 forwards this non-emergency situation information to a
contact person in a prioritized contact list. This list is
preferably provided to the central station 12 during service
registration and allows contacting a guardian without a PSAT 911
emergency call center involved.
[0102] The pager mode is also illustrated in FIG. 5. The locator
unit 18 has the optional ability to display SMS messages on the
display 36 as a pager if a subscriber elects. In such a case, the
Watch mode switches to the Pager mode upon receipt of an
appropriate SMS message from the central station 12. The unit has a
visual note such as a musical note as well as a sonic alert to
notify the wearer that a page has been received. The locator unit
18 then displays the received pager message on the display 36.
[0103] Optionally, the locator unit 18 is able to receive wired or
short range wireless communications to and from a
headset/microphone which is received by the headphone port 52 to
facilitate cellular communications as PCS phone. Since there is no
keypad, the wearer would initiate an internet session, which
connects the locator unit 18 to the central station 12 computer.
The central station 12 computers have voice recognition software
which, when prompted, initiate a call forward to wherever the user
requests. The locator unit 18 should be in the Air Time Mode during
phone communication.
[0104] In order to comply with the FCC's requirement to have a cell
phones turned off during air travel, the locator unit 18 is capable
of being temporarily shut off by using an authorized Key Fob 46 to
shut down the cellular phone circuitry for a specified period of
time (from 1 to 24 hours) as set by the user. After this time
expires, the locator unit 18 automatically turns on and waits to be
called in low power mode. An icon indicating the locator unit 18 is
in airplane mode as well as the remaining time until reactivation
will be displayed. Additional time can be incremented (or set to
zero) if desired through reconnecting the Key Fob.
[0105] Key Fobs 74 are used for unlocking and locking the locator
unit 18 about the wrist of the user. The Key Fob also contains the
battery charging circuitry which, when connected to a wall voltage
through the supplied transformer, (to the same port that is used to
unlock the locator unit 18), will charge the locator unit 18. Any
Key Fob can charge the locator unit 18 but only an authorized Key
Fob can unlock or activate the Airplane Mode. Other Key Fobs can be
added to be used as authorized or unauthorized charging fobs only
for use of the wearer if they are to be away for extended periods.
A car battery adapter can also be used with the Key Fob to charge
while traveling. Each locator unit 18 can also be programmed to
allow up to a predetermined number of key fobs. A single Key Fob
can open as many locator units 18 as it has been programmed with no
limit. The Key Fob and transformer (battery charger) can be used as
a backup method to unlock the locator unit 18 if the battery is
depleted to a value too low to open the lock. Additional key fobs
can be authorized to the unit via the central station 12 in an
over-the-air activation process.
[0106] The display has the ability to display time, date, page
number, or page data. Furthermore, various icons display status of
the locator unit 18 or current mode of operations such as antenna
signal strength, lock indicator, Audio mode for page alert,
Airplane mode, battery charge level indicator, etc.
[0107] The locator unit 18 has tamper and cut detection circuitry
76 which activates a self initiated emergency session which
detected that will indicate tampering. If the locator unit 18 is
tampered with while not being worn, an alarm signal is generated as
soon as it is locked on the wearer.
[0108] Ephemeris data is downloaded from the satellites 14
nationwide by the central station 12 as indicated by numeral 25 in
FIG. 6 for delivery to the locator unit 18 as required. These
ephemeredes are time sensitive and do change continuously.
Therefore, this data needs to be constantly refreshes at the
central station 12 so it is available at all times.
[0109] The locator unit's 18 CDMA processor 54 acts as a thin
server to the locator unit's GPS. Due to the limited power
available with the power source 56, the GPS receiver is turned off
when it is not finding satellites. The GPS when turned on goes
through a power up routine, and, since the crystal on the GPS is
not adequately warmed up, the drift makes it unsuitable to be used
to find the satellites. The system of the present invention
synchronizes the frequency of the GPS with the PCS tower frequency.
Even though they are different frequencies it is consistent and the
phase lock frequency error can be programmed into the GPS software
to achieve an accelerated frequency search algorithm. The time
accuracy also requires a higher accuracy than what can be supplied
in the mobile unit. The required GPS time accuracy is transferred
from the PCS tower 22. This could have an error of up to 100
.mu.sec due to the variability of distance from the PCS tower 22
and locator unit 18. The 3-sigma point is then calculated and the
time error and this accuracy are used as the seed time for starting
the search of the variability from the tower. Since time to first
fix is of utmost importance we do not use the GPS as the primary
means (backup only when not available from PCS tower) to download
the ephermeris from the satellites 14. The PCS phone communications
to the central station 12 includes the base station identification
number (ID) associated with the location of the tower 22, allowing
the central station 12 to select only those satellites 14 visible
to the locator unit 18 for the next ephemeris period. The GPS also
knows when an ephemeris for a particular satellite 14 is invalid
and will eliminate it from its search string.
[0110] From the above description it can be seen that the personal
location detection system of the present invention is able to
overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by providing a
personal location detection system which is able to track a missing
person in both hostile and non-hostile situations, using the Global
Positioning Satellite system (GPS) to determine the location of the
user with limited battery power resources. The personal location
detection system includes a portable locator device including a
communication device for wirelessly connecting to both a
communications network and the GPS system and relaying the location
determined by the GPS system to a central station via the
communications network. The portable locator unit is able to
generate a sonic or radio frequency beacon for aiding emergency
personnel in pin pointing the location of the user, initiate an
emergency call to the central station, whereby, in response to the
call, the central station will contact a designated person as to
the location and situation regarding the user. The portable locator
unit is also able to initiate a non-emergency call to the central
station, causing the central station to contact a designated person
and initiate a voice call to another party via the central station
using the locator unit. Furthermore, the personal location
detection system of the present invention is simple and easy to use
and economical in cost to manufacture.
[0111] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together may also find a useful application
in other types of methods differing from the type described
above.
[0112] While certain novel features of this invention have been
shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it
is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will
be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions
and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and
in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
[0113] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications
without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art,
fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of this invention.
* * * * *