U.S. patent application number 10/613247 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-22 for tracking system using miniaturized concealable communications module.
Invention is credited to Mohan, Paul.
Application Number | 20040012518 10/613247 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23252722 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040012518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mohan, Paul |
January 22, 2004 |
Tracking system using miniaturized concealable communications
module
Abstract
A tracking system uses a miniaturized geographic position
determination and communications module, preferably in the form of
a thin capsule, enabling the enclosure to be hidden in very small
spaces, including personal concealment. Electronic circuitry and a
thin, rechargeable battery are contained within the enclosure, the
circuitry including a global positioning satellite receiver, a
communications transceiver, and a controller. The controller causes
the global positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a
signal relating to the geographic position of the module; cause the
communications transmitter to communicate the geographic position
information to a remote location; and disable the global
positioning satellite receiver and communications transceiver when
not in use so as to conserve power. The geographic position
information may be communicated to a remote location either in
response to a carrier activating a panic function or after
receiving a request from a remote location which commences the
transmission in response to the request. In a system-level
configuration, the miniaturized module is used in conjunction with
a portable locating unit operative to receive the geographic
position information at the remote location and inform a user as to
the location of the miniaturized module. Preferably the portable
locating unit further includes a positioning satellite receiver of
its own and a display, enabling the locating unit to visually
indicate the location of the miniaturized module relative to that
of the locating unit.
Inventors: |
Mohan, Paul; (Novi,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John G. Posa
Gifford, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle,
Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Suite 400, 280 N. Old Woodward Ave.
Birmingham
MI
48009-5394
US
|
Family ID: |
23252722 |
Appl. No.: |
10/613247 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10613247 |
Jul 3, 2003 |
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09571899 |
May 16, 2000 |
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6657587 |
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09571899 |
May 16, 2000 |
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08321941 |
Oct 12, 1994 |
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6121922 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
342/357.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 5/0226 20130101;
G01S 19/35 20130101; G01S 5/0036 20130101; G01S 19/16 20130101;
G01S 1/68 20130101; G01S 1/024 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
342/357.1 ;
342/357.07 |
International
Class: |
G01S 005/14 |
Claims
Having thus described my invention, I claim:
1. A portable miniaturized geographic position determination and
communications module adapted for use with a global positioning
satellite system, the module comprising: an enclosure in the form
of a bracelet or wristband; electronic circuitry disposed within
the enclosure, the circuitry including: a global positioning
satellite receiver, a communications transmitter, and a controller
operative to perform the following functions: cause the global
positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a signal from
one or more global positioning satellites containing information
relating to the geographic position of the module, and cause the
communications transmitter to communicate the position information
to a remote location upon removal or disturbance of the bracelet or
wristband.
2. The module of claim 1, further including a communications
receiver, and wherein the controller is further operative to
receive a request from a remote location and cause the
communications transmitter to communicate the information in
response to the request.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/571,899, filed May 16, 2000, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/321,941, filed
Oct. 12, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,922, the entire content of
both applications and patent being incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to electronic
tracking systems and, more particularly, to a tracking system
utilizing a highly miniaturized position determination and
communications module which may be readily concealed, including on
the person of an individual to be located.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Wireless geographic position determination systems have
evolved to the point where they are commercially affordable and are
now important in many applications, including terrain mapping,
vehicle tracking, and so forth. Although early ground-based systems
such as Loran-C were lacking in accuracy and reliability, with the
advent of GPS or global positioning satellite systems, very
accurate and reliable geographic fixes may be obtained. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,225,842 "Vehicle Tracking System Employing Global Positioning
System (GPS) Satellites" provides a useful background, including
technical descriptions of previous and existing geographic
positioning systems, including the GPS infrastructure.
[0004] Along with the evolution of satellite-based positioning
systems, telecommunications networks have also evolved to allow
mobile communications using very small transceivers, for example,
with the hand-held telephones now commonly employed for cellular
communications. The advantage of a cellular network, of course,
includes the ability to send and receive calls despite changing
position within a particular service area.
[0005] In some situations, it makes sense to integrate the
capabilities of wireless geographical positioning with mobile
telecommunications. For this reason, various vehicle tracking
systems have evolved which combine certain aspects of
satellite-based and mobile communications, including cellular
telephony. Once such application is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,223,844 "Vehicle Tracking and Security System," wherein mobile
units include vehicle theft and intrusion protection facilities
along with a receiver of signals from a global positioning
satellite system. In the event of a security breach, the remote
unit automatically communicates position information to a fixed
control center over a mobile phone network, enabling the center to
monitor the vehicle to solve a problem or apprehend an
offender.
[0006] It is clear from the above and other references which
combine positioning and communications capabilities, however, that
miniaturization to an extent which affords concealment within very
small remote units to be tracked or on an individual have not been
considered. Existing systems, while making an effort in certain
cases to hide some or all of their associated components, have not
been further required to substantially miniaturize such components,
since, particularly in vehicular applications, sufficient volume
and operating power are available to operate off-the-shelf
constituents without dramatic reductions in physical size. However,
if an electronic tracking system is to be concealed within smaller
objects or worn on the person, dramatic changes must be made not
only to the enclosure and the structure of the components contained
therein, but steps must also be taken to manage power control to
ensure that power is not drained before such a system becomes
critically necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One aspect of the invention provides a miniaturized
geographic position determination and communications module in a
small, concealable enclosure. In the preferred embodiment the
enclosure is in the form of a thin capsule, enabling the enclosure
to be hidden in very small spaces, including concealment on the
person. Electronic circuitry and a source of power are contained
within the enclosure, with the circuitry including a global
positioning satellite receiver, a communications transceiver, and a
controller. The controller is at least able to cause the global
positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a signal
relating to the geographic position of the module; cause the
communications transceiver to communicate the geographic position
information to a remote location; and disable the global
positioning satellite receiver and communications transceiver when
not in use so as to conserve power from the source. The geographic
position information may be communicated to a remote location
either in response to the activation of a panic function, or after
receiving a request from a remote location, which then commences
the transmission in response to the request. The controller is
preferably further operative to perform a functional self-test of
the global positioning satellite receiver and communications
transceiver to ensure they are in proper working order.
[0008] In terms of physical construction, electronic circuitry of
the module is preferably mounted on at least one thin substrate,
and in the case of two or more, they are disposed parallel to one
another and electrically interconnected within the enclosure. A
thin battery is preferably used the power source, and a thin
antenna associated with the global positioning satellite receiver
is supported on the enclosure. The substrate(s), battery and
antenna may thus be supported parallel and in close proximity to
one another, enabling all components to be contained on or within a
small, capsule-like enclosure.
[0009] In a system-level configuration, the miniaturized, readily
concealable module is used in conjunction with a portable locating
unit operative to receive the geographic position information at
the remote location and inform a user as to the location of the
miniaturized module. Preferably the portable locating unit further
includes a positioning satellite receiver of its own and a display,
enabling the locating unit to visually indicate the location of the
miniaturized module relative to that of the locating unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a miniaturized geographic
position determination and communications module;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an oblique, exploded-view drawing of the
miniaturized geographic position determination and communications
module;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a state diagram indicating operational modes of
the module;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a portable locating unit which
may be used in conjunction with the module to enable a mobile
monitoring facility to track an object or individual carrying the
module; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a simplified terrain map used to show how the
present invention makes advantageous use of existing satellite
positioning and mobile telecommunications infrastructures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The present invention is directed toward electronic
tracking, and includes a module which is miniaturized to the extent
that it may be readily concealed in very small spaces or even
hidden on an individual's person. FIG. 1 illustrates generally at
500 in block diagram form such a miniaturized geographic position
determination and communications module. Included is an enclosure
510 having a system controller 515 controlling the transfer of
information between various elements of the system 500, including a
GPS receiver 520 which is in communication with a GPS satellite
network. Geographic position data such as latitude, longitude and
altitude, is transmitted to a data modem 530 which cooperates with
a communications transmitter/receiver 540 to open a communications
link. Position data is thus transmitted to a remote locating unit
such as the one depicted in FIG. 4 over a terrestrial or
satellite-based communications network.
[0016] The system of FIG. 1 is powered by a rechargeable battery
550 and further includes a power management subsystem 560 connected
to the rechargeable battery 550 to ensure that the battery 550 is
not drained while or before positioning data is being updated
and/or transmitted. In the event that battery capacity is low, the
power management system 560 transmits a signal to a low power alarm
570. Available battery capacity may be indicated on a battery
status LCD 580, also connected to the power management subsystem
560.
[0017] The system of FIG. 1 further includes a self-test controller
590, discussed above with reference to FIG. 3, to ensure that all
aspects of the system are functioning properly. In the event of a
malfunction, the self-test controller transmits a signal to a
diagnostic fail alarm 595 which sounds off and alerts the user. The
user may be further alerted when a distress signal is received by
the system controller 515.
[0018] The preferred construction of the module is depicted
generally at 100 in FIG. 2. Broadly, a number of thin, planar
components are assembled into a multi-layer sandwich-like structure
which is physically small and thin, even in its final assembled
form. Depending upon electrical and physical requirements and
demands, such a completed module may be on the order of two inches
square, more or less, with a thickness of one-half inch, more or
less.
[0019] A plurality of substrates containing electronic circuitry
are shown, including substrates 110, 112 and 114. Although three
such substrates are shown, more or fewer may be used depending upon
the available level of electronic integration. In the embodiment
depicted, multi-chip module (MCM) technology is preferably
utilized, resulting in a first MCM 110 completely integrating
geographic positioning receiver electronics, a second MCM 112
completely integrating a mobile communications transceiver, the
third MCM 114 integrating all necessary remaining electronics,
including overall control functions and power management features
which will subsequently be described in detail. A flexible cable
116 is preferably used to provide interconnections among the
multi-chip modules. Use of multi-chip modules greatly improves the
long term reliability and ruggedness of the unit-critical to
extended lifetime and low duty cycle operation for which the device
is intended.
[0020] In addition to the electronic subsystems, the module
includes a rechargeable battery 120 to power all components and an
antenna 130 for use with the global positioning satellite receiver.
Although the telecommunications electronics additionally require an
antenna, due to the frequency and transmission characteristics
involved, such an antenna will be typically very small and is
therefore not shown in the figure. In addition to the flexible
cable 116 providing interconnections among the electrical
subsystems, electrically conductive pads 138 and notches 140 may
further be used, for higher-power interconnections, in particular.
Various covers 110', 112' and 114' are shown to provide physical
separation between the various layers, though, depending upon the
number of substrates used and the exact packaging techniques
employed, more or fewer of such covers and lids may be required in
the final assembled module. In alternate configurations, the layers
within the module may be spaced apart with a potting compound being
used for final assembly. Regardless of the assembly technique used,
the small size permits the unit to be integrated into articles of
clothing (jacket, shoe) or to be disguised in some other benign
form (i.e., in a wrist watch, pendant, etc.) so as not to attract
attention while worn. The small size and autonomous operation
further permits implantation and covert operation in articles that
are to be tracked (e.g., drugs, currency, artworks, etc.).
[0021] In terms of multi-chip module fabrication, the assignee of
the present application has direct access to MCM fabrication
technology and facilities, and these would preferably be used for
the integration of the electronic subsystems. Such technology is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,297 "Universal Interconnection
Substrate". Other electronic miniaturization approaches may be
used, however, including full-scale integration of entire
subsystems, for example, in the form of very large-scale integrated
(VLSI) circuits. Suitably miniature rechargeable batteries are
manufactured by Ultralife Batteries Inc. of Newark, N.J. The
Ultralife Thin Cell models U3VF-D and U3VF-F models in particular
are in the size range of roughly three inches square and
approximately 0.07 thick, yet provide capacities in the range of
several hundred to several thousand milliamp hours at a voltage of
three volts using lithium/manganese dioxide (LiMNO.sub.2)
technology. Such Ultralife cells weigh only up to 20 grams, or
thereabouts. As for the GPS satellite receiver antenna, Matsushita
Electric Works offers a suitably compact antenna through its U.S.
distributor Spectra Systems of Plantation, Florida. For example,
the `EL` models range in size from 0.56 to 3.2 square inches, with
peak gains from four to six dBic. Other batteries and antennas may
alternatively be used so long as they are suitably compact and meet
the performance requirements of the present application.
[0022] Now turning to FIG. 3, there is shown a control sequence
state diagram associated with the module of FIG. 1. It should first
be noted that the shaded nodes STANDBY, IDLE-F1 and IDLE-F2
represent quiescent or non-active states, and the lighting-bolt
symbols represent the introduction of an RF signal, whether from a
satellite or through a telecommunications network. The system
remains in the STANDBY state until a remotely-generated
locate-request signal is received, as shown by symbol 201, or if a
distress signal is initiated, as indicated by path 201'.
[0023] Local activation of this distress signal may occur in a
number of ways, for example, through tampering with the module or
by an intentional action of the one carrying the module. In terms
of tampering, a "breaking" of the circuit associated with the
module might be used to initiate activation, for example, by the
removal or disturbance of a wristband or bracelet, or the
involvement of a skin-contact type of sensor. With regard to an
intentional activation, one or more "panic" buttons might be
provided, for example on opposite sides of the unit which must be
pressed simultaneously, or, alternatively, an optional voice
training/recognition circuit may be included in the module to bring
about activation through the enunciation of a code word or phrase.
Both speaker-independent and -dependent voice recognition systems
are now commercially available, and since, in this particular
application, only one or a few words need be recognized,
integration to a level in keeping with the small size of the
invention should be readily achievable. Additionally,
speaker-dependent activation, which requires training but is
typically less technically sophisticated than speaker-independent
algorithms, may in fact be more desirable in this application,
since it provides further assurance that the module will not
accidentally be activated by the wrong person saying the correct
word(s).
[0024] Upon activation, the system enters a full power mode state
as shown at node 206, then enters an "acquire GPS position" state
as shown at node 202. When a positioning signal is received, as
indicated by symbol 203, the system remains in this state, as
indicated by loop line 205, until a geographic fix has been
determined. At this point, the system enters a ready state and a
communications link is opened, as shown at node 208. The system
remains in this state until a link has been established, at which
point a ready condition is entered, and identification and position
information are transmitted according to node 210, as shown by
symbol 211.
[0025] The reduced size and weight of the module enhances mobility
and orientation-range, thereby improving the likelihood that
prolonged loss of signal will not occur due to structural or
natural interference (i.e., buildings, vehicles, foliage, terrain).
However, additional sensing logic may also be added (within loop
205) to interrogate the GPS signal strength and, if the signal
level is determined to be insufficient to permit a position fix,
cause the unit to enter a mode whereby the GPS signal will be
periodically polled until such time that it is of sufficient levels
to acquire position. At this point, the unit will proceed with
normal operation and open the communications link to transmit the
position data (node 211).
[0026] Having reported position, the system immediately enters a
delayed timeout state as indicated by node 214, and waits for a
predetermined period of time, before automatically sending a
subsequent report of the same or a different position. As indicated
at node 216, in the preferred embodiment, up to N reports will be
attempted to ensure that the monitoring facility obtains an
accurate position, with the delayed timeout mode being entered at
all possible points to conserve power. If N reports have not been
transmitted, the position data is again updated, and a report is
transmitted. As shown at node 216, once N reports have been
transmitted, the report counter is reset at node 220 and the
cellular link is closed at node 222. After the communication link
is closed, the system enters a low-power mode, as indicated at node
212.
[0027] A secondary loop provides a self-test mode for diagnostic
purposes, which is entered along path 230 to node 232. In the event
that the self-test of 232 succeeds, an elapsed time register will
be reset according to node 234, indicating to a watchdog monitor,
240, that a successful self-test has occurred within a prescribed
time interval. In the event that a self-test cannot be performed,
the elapsed time value of 234 will exceed a preset threshold and
the watchdog monitor 240 will force transition to the IDLE-F1 mode
which preferably signals some form of alarm to show that the system
is non-operational.
[0028] As part of the self-test loop, the system will achieve full
power at node 242, open a communication link at node 244, report
the results of the test at node 246, close the communication link
at node 248, and once again enter a lower power mode, as indicated
at node 250, from which the system will preferably again enter the
STANDBY state. Various functions may be performed as part of this
self-test loop. For example, as part of a more rigorous self-test
mode, the GPS receiver may be activated as well as the telecom link
and used to gather information relating to geographical
positioning, which may then be stored and transmitted over the
telecom link to and then back from the monitoring facility, and
subsequently compared to the originally stored value. In the event
of an exact match, this should prove that all aspects of the system
are functioning properly, including the satellite receiving
capabilities, mobile telecommunications facilities in both
directions, and power management functions. The small loop in FIG.
3 involving the IDLE-F2 loop forms part of a low-power alarm which
monitors battery capacity and causes the system to remain in a
low-power alarm mode in the event that insufficient power is
available for normal functioning.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates generally at 300 in block diagram form a
portable locating unit which may be used as a companion to the
module described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, this portable
locating unit forming part of a mobile monitoring facility.
Overall, the system includes an enclosure 310 having a cellular
transceiver 320 in communication with the module 100 (directly or
via a monitoring facility 404) and controller subsystem 330
receiving status, position updates, and diagnostic data through a
datalink and modem forming part of the cellular transceiver 320.
The controller subsystem 330 formats positional and other data
using driver 332 for its display, preferably on a low-power
flat-panel liquid crystal display 334. A keypad 340 enables the
user to enter operational commands.
[0030] Preferably, the display format, shown at 350, provides
geographical coordinates associated with the position of the remote
module 100, as depicted by symbol 352. With the addition of an
optional GPS receiver 360, the display 350 may be used to show the
position of both the module carried by the item or individual to be
located and the position of the portable locating unit 300 in
physical relationship with respect to one another. As such, then,
the portable unit 300 includes certain of the features present in
the module 100, but further includes a user input and output
display device, and, since, the unit 300 need not necessarily be
concealed, it does not have to be miniaturized to the extent of the
module 100.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows a simplified overview of a geographic area, in
this case, North America, used to illustrate how the invention
interacts with various information and communications network
infrastructures. Assuming that the miniaturized module is affixed
to an individual 400 being abducted, geographic positioning
information is downloaded and received from one or more GPS
satellites 402. Although individual 400 may be constantly on the
move, new geographic fixes are downloaded and maintained, with this
information being preferably relayed to a monitor/control facility
404 through a telecommunications network which might include a
mobile satellite 410, satellite downlink 412 and terrestrial node
414, the latter being in final communication with monitor/control
facility 404. Although the miniaturized module being carried by
individual 400 is shown to be in communication with a mobile
communication satellite 410, it is understood that, depending upon
the telecommunications network in use and other such circumstances,
geographical updates may be relayed directly to a terrestrial node,
for example, as an alternative.
[0032] Also shown in FIG. 5 is a mobile locating unit 420 which is
also in communication with the telecommunications network and
optionally in communication with a geographic positioning system,
including the same satellite network providing positioning
information to the tracking unit on the individual 400 being
tracked. Presumably the mobile locating unit 420 will make use of a
system similar or identical to the portable unit described with
reference to FIG. 4, and, in the event that this portable unit also
includes a geographic positioning subsystem and suitable display,
the position of both the individual 400 and the mobile locating
unit 420 may be simultaneously displayed with their positions
relative to one another so as to indicate the progress made in
closing the gap between the individual 400 being tracked and the
mobile locating unit 420. The relative position (versus absolute
position) accuracy of two GPS units is extremely high so
differential GPS techniques will not be required to bring the
mobile locating unit 420 into co-location with the individual 400.
Although a helicopter is depicted as the mobile locating unit 420
in FIG. 5, obviously any mobile locating unit may be utilized
including a vehicle, ship, plane, as well as an individual
utilizing a hand-held locating unit.
* * * * *