U.S. patent application number 10/371911 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-26 for personal surveillance system with locating capabilities.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lockheed Martin Corporation. Invention is credited to Evans, James P..
Application Number | 20040164896 10/371911 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32868438 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040164896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evans, James P. |
August 26, 2004 |
PERSONAL SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM WITH LOCATING CAPABILITIES
Abstract
A personal surveillance system configured to be worn by an
individual includes a communication system configured to record
communication files, a locating system configured to determine a
location of the personal surveillance system, and a transmitter
configured to send the communication files and the location of the
personal surveillance system to a remote monitoring station. The
locating system includes a satellite system interface configured to
determine the location of the personal surveillance system and an
alternate positioning system configured to determine the location
of the personal surveillance system in at least one situation where
the satellite system interface cannot determine the location of the
personal surveillance system.
Inventors: |
Evans, James P.; (Manassas,
VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patrick G. Billig
Dicke, Billig & Czaja, P.A.
701 Building, Suite 1250
701 Fourth Avenue South
Minneapolis
MN
55415
US
|
Assignee: |
Lockheed Martin Corporation
|
Family ID: |
32868438 |
Appl. No.: |
10/371911 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
342/357.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 5/0027 20130101;
G08B 13/19673 20130101; G01S 19/48 20130101; G08B 13/19656
20130101; G08B 13/19621 20130101; G01S 19/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
342/357.07 ;
342/357.1; 342/357.14 |
International
Class: |
G01S 005/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A personal surveillance system comprising: a communication
system configured to record communication files; a locating system
configured to determine a location of the personal surveillance
system, the locating system including: a satellite system interface
configured to determine the location of the personal surveillance
system, and an alternate positioning system configured to determine
the location of the personal surveillance system in at least one
situation where the satellite system interface cannot determine the
location of the personal surveillance system; a transmitter
configured to send the communication files and the location of the
personal surveillance system to a remote monitoring station; and
wherein the personal surveillance system is configured to be worn
by an individual.
2. The personal surveillance system of claim 1, wherein the
communication system includes an audio system configured to record
audio files.
3. The personal surveillance system of claim 2, wherein the audio
system includes a receiver configured to facilitate communication
from the remote monitoring station to the individual.
4. The personal surveillance system of claim 1, wherein the
communication system includes a video system configured to record
video files.
5. The personal surveillance system of claim 4, wherein the video
system includes a flash.
6. The personal surveillance system of claim 4, wherein the
communication system further includes an audio system configured to
record audio files.
7. The personal surveillance system of claim 1, wherein the
satellite system interface interacts with a global positioning
system (GP S).
8. The personal surveillance system of claim 1, further comprising
a storage device configured to store at least one of the
communication files and the location of the personal surveillance
system.
9. The personal surveillance system of claim 8, wherein the storage
device includes at least one of a hard drive and other type of
electronic storage device.
10. The personal surveillance system of claim 1, wherein the
alternate positioning system includes an inertial navigational
unit.
11. The personal surveillance system of claim 1, wherein the
alternate positioning system includes e-GPS.
12. The personal surveillance system of claim 1, further comprising
a panic button.
13. A surveillance and monitoring system comprising: a personal
surveillance system configured to be worn by an individual, the
personal surveillance system including: a communication system
configured to record communication files; a locating system
configured to determine a location of the personal surveillance
system, the locating system including: a satellite system interface
configured to determine the location of the personal surveillance
system, an alternate positioning system configured to determine the
location of the personal surveillance system in at least one
situation where the satellite system interface cannot determine the
location of the personal surveillance system, and a transmitter
configured to send the communication files and the location of the
personal surveillance system; and a remote monitoring station
configured to receive and review the communication files and the
location transmitted from the personal surveillance system.
14. The surveillance and monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the
personal surveillance system further comprises a storage device
configured to store at least one of the communication files and the
location of the personal surveillance system.
15. The surveillance and monitoring system of claim 14, wherein the
storage device includes at least one of a hard drive and other type
of electronic storage device.
16. The surveillance and monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the
alternate positioning system includes an inertial navigational
unit.
17. The surveillance and monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the
alternate positioning system includes e-GPS.
18. The surveillance and monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the
personal surveillance system further comprises a panic button.
19. The surveillance and monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the
communication system includes a receiver configured to facilitate
communication from the remote monitoring station to the
individual.
20. A method of surveillance comprising: collecting communication
files with a personal surveillance system; determining a location
of the personal surveillance system including: determining the
location of the personal surveillance system with a satellite
system interface if the satellite system interface can determine
the location of the personal surveillance system, and determining
the location of the personal surveillance system with an alternate
positioning system if the satellite system interface cannot
determine the location of the personal surveillance system; and
sending the communication files and the determined location from
the personal surveillance system to a remote monitoring
station.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising storing at least one
of the communication files and the location of the personal
surveillance system in a storage device of the personal
surveillance system.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein collecting communication files
includes at least one of collecting audio files and collecting
video files.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein determining the location of the
personal surveillance system with a satellite system interface
includes the satellite system interface interacting with a global
positioning system.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein the alternate positioning
system includes an inertial navigational unit.
25. The method of claim 20, wherein the alternate positioning
system includes e-GPS.
Description
THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a surveillance
system, and more particularly to a personal surveillance system
with audio, video, and locating capabilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Military, paramilitary, and even civilian individuals often
enter hazardous environments. Whether the dangers of the
environment are caused by battle, emergency, fire, unpredictable
and/or dangerous people, etc., it is advantageous to allow a remote
third party to monitor the environment and people encountered by an
individual. In particular, it may be helpful to have a remote third
party witness a traffic stop, an arrest, a military encounter, an
assault, or other encounter to ensure safety and/or to verify an
individual's account of the encounter.
[0003] As such, conventional surveillance systems have developed to
perceive and capture audio and video files of the encountered
circumstances and environment. Such systems may record the audio
and video files collected to a storage device for later viewing and
listening. Other systems additionally or alternatively transmit the
collected files to a relatively remote monitor. The monitor may
simply view and listen to the information to ascertain the true
danger of the environment. The monitor may additionally be equipped
to communicate information back to the individual, particularly
when the surveillance system is configured to be worn on the
individual's person.
[0004] Typically, the monitor is equipped to provide or send
additional aid to an individual if it is ascertained that the
environment or circumstances surrounding the individual so require.
However, in order to send aid to an individual, the location of
that individual must first be ascertained. In some instances, such
as in a planned cooperative sting or mission, the location of the
individual is known by the monitor prior to introduction of the
individual to the hazardous environment. In other cases, the
individual's location may be determined by the audio and video
files recorded and/or transmitted. However, oftentimes audio and
video files are insufficient to allow the monitor to determine the
precise or even the approximate location of the individual,
thereby, leaving the monitor without the means to send aid to the
individual in an increasingly hazardous or even perilous
environment or situation. Therefore, there is need for an improved
surveillance system which can be employed by a monitor and/or third
party to more easily ascertain the location of an individual in a
hazardous environment in a wide variety of situations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a personal
surveillance system configured to be worn by an individual. The
personal surveillance system includes a communication system
configured to record communication files, a locating system
configured to determine a location of the personal surveillance
system, and a transmitter configured to send the communication
files and the location of the personal surveillance system to a
remote monitoring station. The locating system includes a satellite
system interface configured to determine the location of the
personal surveillance system and an alternate positioning system
configured to determine the location of the personal surveillance
system in at least one situation where the satellite system
interface cannot determine the location of the personal
surveillance system.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a
surveillance and monitoring system including a personal
surveillance system and a remote monitoring system. The personal
surveillance system includes a communication system configured to
record communication files, a locating system configured to
determine the location of the personal surveillance system, and a
transmitter configured to send the communication files and the
location of the personal surveillance system. The locating system
includes a satellite system interface and an alternate positioning
system. The satellite system interface is configured to determine
the location of the personal surveillance system. The alternate
positioning system is configured to determine the location of the
personal surveillance system in at least one situation where the
satellite system interface cannot determine the location of the
personal surveillance system. The remote monitoring station is
configured to receive and review the communication files and the
location transmitted from the personal surveillance system.
[0007] Yet, another aspect of the present invention provides a
method of surveillance including collecting communication files
with a personal surveillance system, determining a location of the
personal surveillance system, and sending the communication files
and the determined location from the personal surveillance system
to a remote monitoring station. Determining the location of the
personal surveillance system includes determining the location of
the personal surveillance system with a satellite system interface
if the satellite system interface can determine the location of the
persona surveillance system and determining the location of the
personal surveillance system with an alternate positioning system
if the satellite system interface cannot determine the location of
the personal surveillance system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a
surveillance and monitoring system according to the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a
personal surveillance system according to the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the
personal surveillance system illustrated in FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which
form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration
specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is
to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and
structural or logical changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention. The following detailed
description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and
the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended
claims.
[0012] One embodiment of a surveillance and monitoring system
according to the present invention is generally illustrated at 10
in FIG. 1. Surveillance and monitoring system 10 includes a
personal surveillance system 12 and a monitoring station 12.
Personal surveillance system 12 is worn or carried by an individual
and collects information regarding the location and the environment
of the individual wearing personal surveillance system 10.
Monitoring station 14 is remotely located relative to personal
surveillance system 10. Personal surveillance system 12 transmits
the information regarding the location and the environment of the
individual to monitoring station 14 via a wireless communication
path 16. In one embodiment, the information is in video, audio,
and/or script format. Monitoring station 14 monitors, reviews, and
interprets the incoming information to determine, among other
things, whether the individual wearing the personal surveillance
system 12 is in need of assistance. In one embodiment, monitoring
station 14 is further able to send a response to personal
surveillance system 12 via wireless communication path 16. In one
embodiment, the response is sent in audio format.
[0013] In one embodiment, monitoring station 14 includes hardware
and software to receive and monitor the information from personal
surveillance system 12 via wireless communication path 16. In one
embodiment, monitoring station is operated by a security company
such as Brinks, ADT, etc. Wireless communication path 16 between
personal surveillance system 12 and monitoring station 14 includes
one or more known communication protocols such as Wireless
Application Protocol (WAP), Bluetooth, Infrared (IrDA), and/or
other communication and application protocols known to those
skilled in the art. Personal surveillance system 12 and monitoring
station 14 each include communication hardware and software known
in the art for implementing these protocols. In another embodiment,
wireless communication path 16 includes communication means such as
a cellular network or a wireless link to a network (e.g., an
intranet or internet network, such as the Internet).
[0014] In one embodiment, surveillance and monitoring system 10
further includes a third party 18 remotely located with respect to
personal surveillance system 12 and monitoring station 14.
Monitoring station 14 communicates with third party 18 via
communication link 20. More particularly, monitoring station 14
communicates with third party 18 to request that assistance be sent
to personal surveillance system 12. Accordingly, monitoring station
14 communicates some or all of the information received from
personal surveillance system 12 supplemented by the interpretation
of the monitoring station 14 to third party 18. In turn, third
party 18 provides assistance at the location of personal
surveillance system 12 as indicated in the information indirectly
received from personal surveillance system 12. In one embodiment,
communication link 20 is similar to wireless communication path 16.
In another embodiment, communication link 20 is a telephone line or
a cable connection making use of a network, such as an intranet or
an internet network.
[0015] In one embodiment, third party 18 is a 911 emergency center,
a police dispatch station, a fireman dispatch station, a hospital,
an ambulance dispatch station, a military dispatch station, or
other station or center capable of sending assistance. In another
embodiment, third party 18 is a family member or acquaintance of
the individual wearing the personal surveillance system 12. In one
embodiment, monitoring station 14 is connected to a plurality of
third parties (not shown). As such, third party 18 provides
assistance including one or more of physical protection, crime
prevention, crime intervention, rescue, medical aid, personnel
back-up, moral support, etc.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of personal surveillance
system 12 according to the present invention. Personal surveillance
system 12 includes a communication system 30, a locating system 34,
a storage device 36, a transmitter 38, a battery 40 and an on/off
button 42. The storage device may be a hard drive, another type of
electronic storage device, or any other suitable storage device.
Communication system 30 and locating system 34 each collect
information regarding the environment and the location of personal
surveillance system 12 and, consequently, of an individual 44
(illustrated in FIG. 3) wearing the personal surveillance system 12
in at least one of video, audio, and script formats. In one
embodiment, the system within body pack 90 is embedded into a
bulletproof vest or garment.
[0017] In particular, in one embodiment communication system 30
includes a video system 31 and an audio system 32. Video system 31
collects video files of the environment of individual 44, and audio
system 32 collects audio files from the environment of individual
44. In one embodiment, locating system 34 includes a satellite
system interface 46 and an alternate positioning system 48 to
determine the location of individual 44. Video system 31, audio
system 32, satellite system interface 46, and alternate positioning
system 48 are connected to storage device 36 via communication
links 50, 52, 54, and 56, respectively. As such, video system 31,
audio system 32, satellite system interface 46, and alternate
positioning system 48 can relay collected information to storage
device 36 for storage. Similarly, video system 31, audio system 32,
satellite system interface 46, and alternate positioning system 48
are connected to transmitter 38 via communication links 60, 62, 64,
and 66, respectively. Transmitter 38 is adapted to forward audio,
video, and script files received via links 60, 62, 64, and 66 to
monitoring station 14 and, in one embodiment, to receive files from
monitoring station 14, via wireless communication path 16.
[0018] In addition, storage device 36 and transmitter 38 are
coupled via communication device 68, such that transmitter 38 can
request stored files directly from storage device 36 and/or storage
device 36 can send stored files directly to transmitter 38. On/Off
button 42 is coupled to transmitter 38 via communication link 70.
On/Off button 42 is accessible by the individual 44, who can
activate or deactivate communication between transmitter 38 and
monitoring station 14 by interacting with button 42. Although
described here as a button, in other embodiments, on/off button 42
is a switch, lever, or any other type of indicator known in the
art.
[0019] Battery 40 provides power to the entire personal
surveillance system 12. Although not shown for clarity, battery 40
is directly or indirectly electronically connected and provides
power to video system 31, audio system 32, satellite system
interface 46, alternate positioning system 48, storage device 36,
and transmitter 38. In one embodiment, battery 40 is an integrated
battery package including either a seal lead-acid battery, a
nickel-cadmium battery, or any other battery known in the art and
capable of supplying sufficient voltage to personal surveillance
system 12.
[0020] In one embodiment, personal surveillance system 12 further
includes a panic button 72 coupled to transmitter 38 via
communication link 74. Panic button 72 is also accessible by the
individual 44 and can be activated by individual 44 to place
monitoring station 14 on heightened alert regarding review of the
environment and location of individual 44. As such, panic button 72
is a button, a switch, or a lever, or other indicating device that
can be activated or deactivated by the individual 44 at will. For
example, when individual 44 becomes increasingly wary of the
hazardous environment in which he/she is surrounded, he/she can
activate panic button 72 placing monitoring station 14 on
heightened alert. Once on heightened alert, monitoring station 14
can review the audio, video, and/or script files incoming from the
individual's personal surveillance system 12 with extra care and
caution to determine whether or not individual 44 is in need of
assistance. In one embodiment, upon activation of panic button 72,
monitoring station 14 immediately sends assistance or contacts
third party 18 to send assistance. In one embodiment, communication
link 74 is an electrical connection, a wireless connection, or
other connection as is known in the art to be capable of
communication activation of panic button 72 to transmitter 38.
[0021] Video system 31 includes a video recorder or camera unit
capable of recording digital video files of the environment and of
being worn or carried by individual 44. In one embodiments, video
recorder is worn on a lapel pin, on a headset, a pair of glasses, a
body strap, on a collar, a pendant, or any other object
facilitating attachment to the body of individual 44. In one
embodiment, video system 31 includes any digital camera
commercially available and capable of being worn or carried by
individual 44. In one embodiment, the camera is capable of being
worn or carried by individual 44 in a substantially concealed
manner. In one embodiment, there are both forward-facing and
rear-facing cameras. In one embodiment, there are four or more
cameras integrated to achieve 360-degree coverage, such as by
mounting four or more cameras on a collar of individual 44.
[0022] In one embodiment, video recorder is a video interest
recorder or a micro-video camera. An example micro-video camera
utilizes a digital signal processing (DSP) technology and a
charge-coupled devices (CCD) format. In one embodiment, video
system 31 is capable of recording both high-quality and low-quality
images or recording high-quality images which can be compressed
into low-quality images. In such a case, the high-quality images
are sent via communication link 50 to be stored by storage device
36, and low-quality streaming images are sent via communication
link 60 to transmitter 38 for forwarding to monitoring station 14.
In one embodiment, low-quality images have approximately a
100.times.100 resolution, and high-quality images have
approximately a 400.times.400 resolution. In one embodiment, low
quality images have approximately a 200.times.200 resolution, and
high quality images have approximately a 2048.times.2048
resolution. In one embodiment, the video camera includes infrared
imaging for optimum nighttime operation. In one embodiment, video
files are sent to storage device 36 and transmitter 38 at a
two-second frame rate.
[0023] Video system 31 optionally includes a flash 76. Flash 76 can
facilitate recording video files in dark areas and can be
continuously on while personal surveillance system 12 is in use or,
alternatively, can be used on an case by case basis. Flash 76 can
also be used on an instant by instant basis to distract an intruder
or perpetrator.
[0024] One embodiment of audio system includes a recorder 80 and an
optional receiver 82. Recorder 80 is adapted to capture or record
the audio aspects of the environment surrounding personal
surveillance system 12 and, thereby, individual 44. In one
embodiment, recorder 80 includes a microphone 82 (one embodiment of
which is illustrated in FIG. 3) worn or carried by individual 44 to
facilitate detection and recording of audio files. In one
embodiment, the microphone is worn on a lapel pin, a headset, a
pair of glasses, a body strap, or any other object facilitating
attachment to the body of individual 44. In one embodiment,
recorder 80 includes any digital audio recorder commercially
available and capable of being worn or carried by individual 44. In
one embodiment, the recorder 80 is capable of being worn or carried
by individual 44 in a substantially concealed manner. Audio files
captured by recorder 82 are sent to storage device 36 and
transmitter 38 for storage and forward to monitoring station 14,
respectively.
[0025] Optional receiver 84 is capable of receiving audio
transmissions from monitoring station 14 via wireless communication
link 16, transmitter 38, and communication link 62 and synthesizing
the audio transmission for play to individual 44. As such, receiver
82 includes a speaker 86 (one embodiment of which is illustrated in
FIG. 3) to facilitate playing the audio transmission for
individual. In one embodiment, the speaker is worn on an ear piece,
a lapel pin, a headset, a pair of glasses, a body strap, or any
other object facilitating attachment to the body of individual 44.
In one embodiment, audio system 32 includes any receiver 82 with
speaker commercially available and capable of being worn or carried
by individual 44. In one embodiment, the receiver 82 and speaker 86
are capable of being worn or carried by individual 44 in a
substantially concealed manner.
[0026] Although video system 31 and audio system 32 can be formed
in a independent manner, as described above, video system 31 and
audio system 32 can be partially or fully integrated. In one
embodiment, recorder 32 is formed as part of video system 31. In
particular, in one embodiment, the camera of video system 31
includes a microphone, and the camera is capable of recording both
video and audio files or audio/video files and forwarding both
video and audio files or the audio/video files to storage device 36
and transmitter 38.
[0027] In one embodiment, satellite system interface 46 interacts
with a global positioning system (GPS). GPS is a satellite-based
navigational and location system which aids in determining the
location of individuals, objects, or landmarks nearly anywhere on
Earth. GPS was developed by the United States Defense Department as
part of a satellite navigation system and includes up to
twenty-four satellites. Four satellites are spaced around each of
six circular orbits, which are inclined at an angle of fifty-five
degrees relative to the Earth's equator and are spaced around the
Earth at approximately sixty degree intervals. The satellites move
relative to time on Earth below them. As such, four or more
satellites will theoretically have line of sight access to most
points on the Earth's surface. If an object has line of sight
access with at least three satellites at one time, GPS can be used
to ascertain the position of the object anywhere on Earth.
[0028] Accordingly, satellite system interface 46 interacts with
the GPS satellites to determine the location of personal
surveillance system 12, and thereby individual 44. As such,
satellite system interface 46 includes hardware and/or software
capable of converting signals from the GPS satellites into location
information. Satellite system interface 46 further sends the
location information to storage device 36 via communication link 5,
transmitter 38, and communication link 64. In one embodiment,
satellite system interface 46 includes a small LCD screen which
displays the location information to individual 44.
[0029] In an alternative embodiment, satellite system interface 46
interacts with a global navigation satellite system (GLONASS)
instead of GPS. GLONASS, developed by the Soviet Union and
maintained by the Russian Republic, is a satellite system
consisting of twenty-four satellites spaced around three orbits
positioned at approximately 120 degree intervals around the Earth.
GLONASS is also capable of locating nearly any object on Earth in
which at least three satellites are able to establish a line of
sight relationship. In this embodiment, satellite system interface
46 accordingly interacts with GLONASS satellites rather than GPS
satellites to determine location information.
[0030] Although GPS or GLONASS systems are generally reliable
locating systems, both GPS and GLONASS often cannot provide a
location of an object or individual within buildings, natural
canyons, or urban canyons. Therefore, as described above, personal
surveillance system 12 also includes an alternate positioning
system 48 to facilitate determination of the location of personal
surveillance system 12 when it is located in a building, natural
canyon, urban canyon, or other area where satellite system
interface 46 is unable to effectively communicate with the GPS or
GLONASS satellites. In one embodiment, alternate positioning system
48 includes an inertial navigational unit (INU), an eGPS unit, or
other suitable locating system.
[0031] The INU utilizes an initial location input, which is
received from satellite system interface 46, to determine
subsequent locations of the INU without the use of external
information. Typically, the INU includes gyroscopes,
accelerometers, a navigational computer, and a clock. In one
embodiment, the INU includes three mutually orthogonal gyroscopes
and three mutually orthogonal accelerometers. Each of the three
accelerometers measures an acceleration component along its
respective axis. The three acceleration components are vectorily
summed to arrive at one acceleration vector. The gyroscopes collect
orientation information that is combined with the summed
acceleration vector to provide the total acceleration of the INU in
3-D format. At the end of a predetermined time interval of the
clock, the total acceleration is integrated once to get the
velocity vector of the INU. A second integration provides the
position vector and, thereby, the position or location of the INU
with respect to the initial input location. In one embodiment, the
INU provides position information accurate to within approximately
3 feet after utilizing the initial location input to INU for over
approximately one mile.
[0032] One embodiment of an e-GPS unit utilizes location-enabling
chips, which wirelessly interact with multiple cellular towers to
ascertain the location of the chips by triangulation and the length
of time required to receive a signal from each of the multiple
cellular towers. In one embodiment, the e-GPS unit provides
position information accurate to within approximately 15 feet
outdoors and to within approximately 80 to 165 feet in dense urban
environments. In one embodiment, alternate positioning system 48 is
an e-GPS interface provided by Cell-Guide of Revovot, Israel.
[0033] In one embodiment, alternate positioning system 48 is any
other commercially available system known to those of skill in the
art and adapted to determine the location of personal surveillance
system 12 without utilizing GPS or GLONASS satellites. In one
embodiment, alternate positioning system 48 functions to determine
the position of personal surveillance system 12 when satellite
system interface 46 is unable to ascertain the location of personal
surveillance system, i.e. when satellite system interface 46 cannot
establish contact with at least three GPS satellites. In another
embodiment, alternate positioning system 48 continuously functions
to determine the position of personal surveillance system 12 while
the system 12 is activated.
[0034] As described above, storage device 36 receives information
from video system 31, audio system 32, and locating system 34.
Storage device 36 stores the information received for later
retrieval or viewing. In one embodiment, storage device 36 stores
information received with a time stamp indicating the time at which
the information was recorded. The time stamp aids subsequent
reconstruction of the environment and/or situation for which
information was collected.
[0035] In one embodiment, transmitter 38 is coupled to storage
device 36 via communication link 68, and transmitter 38 is adapted
to send responses from monitoring station 14 to storage device 36
for storage and time stamping. In one embodiment (not shown),
on/off button 42 and/or panic button 72 are directly or indirectly
coupled with storage device 36, which records the time at which the
on/off button 42 or the panic button 72 was activated and/or
deactivated. As such, storage device 36 contains a record of
substantially all information collected during a recorded time
interval.
[0036] In one embodiment, storage device 36 is any commercially
available storage device capable of storing audio, video, and
location information and sized to fit on the person of individual
44. In one embodiment, storage device 36 fits on the person of
individual 44 in a substantially concealed manner. In one
embodiment, storage device 36 is a hard drive or other memory
device with removable memory units, such as floppy disks, compact
discs, MP3s, etc. In one embodiment, storage device 36 is adapted
to store 20-80 GB of information.
[0037] Transmitter 38 is adapted to collect information, to modify
the information to synthesize a transferable signal, and to
transmit the signal to monitoring station 14 via wireless
communication path 16. In one embodiment, transmitter 38 is adapted
to synthesize a signal for and transfer a signal using one or more
of the following communication protocols: WAP, Bluetooth, IRDA, or
other communication protocol known to those of ordinary skill in
the art. In one embodiment, transmitter 38 synthesizes a signal for
transfer over a more conventional means such as a wireless link to
a network (e.g., an intranet or internet network, such as the
Internet).
[0038] In one embodiment, personal surveillance system 12 includes
one or more additional components such as a processor, a video
screen, a keyboard, a stylus, and/or a blinking light (none of
which are illustrated in the attached figures). In one embodiment,
this video screen is on a wristwatch-like device .The processor
facilitates control of and coordinates the transfer of information
between the components of personal surveillance system 12. The
video screen facilitates review of the collected information by
individual 44. The keyboard or stylus are of a type commercially
available and provide an additional interface between personal
surveillance system 12 and individual 44. The blinking light, or
similar equivalent, signals to individual 44 and to others that
personal surveillance system 12 is capturing data regarding the
surrounding environment and the location of personal surveillance
system 12. In time, after regular use in civilian society, the
blinking light may become a warning or deterrent system to prevent
predators from committing crimes or wrongful acts to or around
individual 44 wearing personal surveillance system 12 due to fear
of the consequences of identification in connection with such acts.
As such, the blinking light would function in much the same way as
a similar blinking light functions in a car to deter thieves from
stealing that particular car for fear of activating an alarm
system.
[0039] FIG. 3 generally illustrates one embodiment of how personal
surveillance system 12 is worn on individual 44. Individual 44
supports some or all of the personal surveillance system via a body
pack 90, a lapel pin 92 and an ear piece 94. Body pack 90 supports
one or more of locating system 34, storage device 36, transmitter
38, battery 40, and on/off button 42. In one embodiment, body pack
90 includes one or more compartments 96 for receiving the
components of personal surveillance system 12 and attached to a
belt 98, which is removably secured to individual 44.
[0040] In one embodiment, lapel pin 92 includes at least one of a
camera 100 of video system 31 and a microphone 102 of audio system
32. The components on lapel pin 92 are connected to the components
housed in or on body pack 90 via a wire 104. In one alternative
embodiment, the components on lapel pin 92 are wirelessly connected
to the components on or in body pack 90. Notably, in one
embodiment, a portion of video system 31 and a portion of audio
system 32 are supported by body pack 90.
[0041] In one embodiment, ear piece 94 facilitates attachment of
speaker 86 to individual 44. Speaker 86 is connected to the
remaining components of audio system 32 on or in body pack 90 via
wire 106. In an alternative embodiment, speaker 86 is wirelessly
connected to the remaining components of audio system 32. In one
embodiment, panic button 72 is contained on a hand-held control 106
for easy and immediate access by individual 44. Panic button is
connected to the components supported by body pack 90 via wire 110.
In one alternative embodiment, panic button is wirelessly connected
to the components supported by body pack 90. Notably, the
configuration of the components of personal surveillance system 12
can be attached to individual 44 in a myriad of ways in order to
achieve the desired concealment, access, and cost of the particular
application.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, individual 44 interacts with
on/off button 42 to activate the personal surveillance system 12.
Upon activation, transmitter 38 receives information collected by
video system 31, audio system 32, and locating system 34.
Transmitter 38 synthesizes the information received into the proper
format and per the proper protocol to send the information to
monitoring station 14 via wireless communication path 16. Upon
receipt of information, monitoring station 14 reviews and
interprets the information received to determine if individual 44
is in an environment or a situation that requires assistance to be
sent to individual 44. If monitoring station 14 determines that
individual 44 is in need of assistance, monitoring station 14 sends
assistance to the location of individual 44 as ascertained by the
information received from locating system 34 via transmitter 38. In
one embodiment, if monitoring station 14 determines that individual
44 is in need of assistance, monitoring station 14 contacts third
party 18, and third party 18 sends or provides assistance to
individual 44 at the ascertained location.
[0043] Following activation, information collected by video system
31, audio system 32, and locating system 34 is substantially
simultaneously sent to storage device 36. Storage device 36 stores
the information for future access and review. In one embodiment,
monitoring station 14 can access storage device 36 via transmitter
38 to extract and review previously stored information files. In
one embodiment, video system 31 sends low-quality video files to
monitoring station 14 via transmitter 38 and sends high-quality
video files to storage device 36. As such, monitoring station 14
can accesses the high-quality video files by extracting the files
from storage device 36 via transmitter 38. In one embodiment,
monitoring station 14 can send audio responses to individual 44 via
transmitter 38 and receiver 80. As such, monitoring station 14 can
interact with individual 44 by exchange of audio transmissions.
[0044] Throughout activation, interaction between panic button 72
and individual 44 places monitoring station 14 on a heightened
alert, which necessitates closer review of the information incoming
from personal surveillance system 12 worn by individual 44. In one
embodiment, interaction between panic button 72 and individual 44
prompts monitoring station 14 to send immediate assistance to
individual 44 or to contact third party 18 to send immediate
assistance to individual 44.
[0045] Subsequent interaction between on/off button 42 and
individual 44 causes personal surveillance system to stop
collecting, sending, or storing information. In one embodiment,
subsequent interaction between on/off button and individual 44
causes battery 40 to stop providing power to the components or
personal surveillance system 12. In one embodiment, information
previously stored in storage device 36 can subsequently be accessed
via temporary connection to a commercial computer processing unit
(not shown).
[0046] Having capabilities to collect, store, and transmit video,
audio, and location script files concerning the environment and/or
situation of an individual, the personal surveillance system is
useful in providing assistance to any such individual located in a
hazardous environment or situation. Similar capabilities permit
files recreating the individual's experience to be stored for
subsequent access. Such access will allow the environment and
situation witnessed by the individual to be verified and will allow
the environment and situation to be revisited by other individuals
for additional details should it be deemed necessary. In short, the
personal surveillance system increases the safety and the
accountability of the individual wearing or carrying the system as
well as the safety and the accountability of those around him or
her.
[0047] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein for purposes of description of the preferred
embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent
implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be
substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described
without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those
with skill in the chemical, mechanical, electro-mechanical,
electrical, and computer arts will readily appreciate that the
present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of
embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations
or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein.
Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited
only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
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