U.S. patent application number 10/545859 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for tracking and monitoring apparatus and system.
Invention is credited to Raymond Douglas.
Application Number | 20060176149 10/545859 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32870959 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060176149 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Douglas; Raymond |
August 10, 2006 |
Tracking and monitoring apparatus and system
Abstract
A programmable mobile unit for a portable host, such as a
person, comprising a microcontroller in communication with each of
a detachable freespace communication module for communication with
a control centre, a GPS unit for communication with at least a GPS
satellite system and a biometric sensor for monitoring and
identifying the host.
Inventors: |
Douglas; Raymond;
(Newcastle, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Family ID: |
32870959 |
Appl. No.: |
10/545859 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 17, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB04/00640 |
371 Date: |
August 17, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/5.74 ;
422/82.01; 713/182 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 21/0269 20130101;
A61B 5/02055 20130101; G08B 21/0261 20130101; A61B 5/0816 20130101;
G08B 21/0211 20130101; G08B 21/18 20130101; G01S 5/00 20130101;
A61B 5/0006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/005.74 ;
713/182; 422/082.01 |
International
Class: |
H04L 9/32 20060101
H04L009/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 17, 2003 |
GB |
0303586.2 |
Jan 9, 2004 |
GB |
0400428.9 |
Claims
1. A programmable mobile unit for a portable host, such as a
person, comprising a microcontroller in communication with each of
a detachable freespace communication module for communication with
a control centre, a GPS unit for communication with at least a GPS
satellite system, and a biometric sensor for monitoring and
identifying the host 3.
2. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
detachable freespace communication module is selectable from a set
of communication modules and each module is configured to interface
with different freespace communication protocols.
3. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
microcontroller has a database of acceptable behaviour parameters
for the host stored in a memory of the unit.
4. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
database defines the boundaries of acceptable geographical
locations and acceptable biological values as a function of time
for the host.
5. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
database is remotely programmable to take new activities and
routines of the host into account.
6. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
biometric sensor and microcontroller are configured to identify the
host from biological data specific to the host.
7. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
original identification takes place when the biometric sensor is
first attached to the host and the mobile unit is initially powered
up.
8. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
identification provides a reproducible, identifiable biometric
signature for the host.
9. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
biometric sensor comprises a power source and a flexible
multi-sensor patch which continuously monitors the host's ECG, body
temperature and respiration rate.
10. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
biometric sensor is provided with flexible circuitry allowing the
sensor to adapt to the shape of the host's body.
11. A programmable mobile unit as claimed claim 1, wherein the
biometric sensor and the microcontroller communicate using
bluetooth technology.
12. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
microcontroller is pre-programmed to periodically monitor and
download up-to-date information from the GPS unit and the biometric
sensor.
13. A system for monitoring and tracking a host, such as a person,
comprising a control centre in freespace communication with a
mobile unit and a GPS satellite system, the mobile unit comprising
a microcontroller in communication with each of a detachable
freespace communication module for communication with the control
centre, a GPS unit for communication with at least a GPS satellite
system and a biometric sensor for monitoring and identifying the
host.
14. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mobile unit and
the control centre periodically communicate with each other using
freespace communication protocols.
15. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein an acceptable
behaviour database is stored at the control centre and on the
mobile unit.
16. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the system includes a
web-based interface to a database driven secure environment for
dynamic creation and modification of the acceptable behaviour
database stored in the control centre and the mobile unit.
17. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the control centre of
the system and third parties are in communication using
predetermined communication protocols.
18. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the control centre
includes means for alerting custodians and third parties of
exception values via predetermined communication protocols.
19. A system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the third parties and
the control centre have means for contacting the mobile unit via
predetermined communication protocols.
20. A control program for controlling the operation of the
monitoring and tracking system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
control program has means for generating and transmitting signals,
interrogation means for receiving signals from a plurality of input
means, interpretation means for analysing signals received from the
interrogation means and alarm generating means operable in response
to identification of exception values by the interpretation
means.
21. A control program as claimed in claim 20, wherein the signals
received from the input means include GPS input data and biometric
input data.
22. A control program as claimed in claim 21, wherein the
interpretation means comprises a database of acceptable biological
and geographical data for a specific host as a function of time and
a set of encoded instructions specifically scripted for processing
information captured from the GPS input signals and biometric input
signals against the database to check for biological and
geographical exception values falling outside acceptable tolerances
defined by the database.
23.-25. (canceled)
26. A programmable mobile unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
biometric sensor comprises a power source and a flexible
multi-sensor patch which continuously monitors the host's ECG, body
temperature and respiration rate.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a tracking and monitoring
apparatus and system and in particular to an apparatus and system
for tracking and monitoring people who operate in a plurality of
different environments.
[0002] The price of GPS units has dropped dramatically over the
last number of years to such an extent that modern automobiles and
watercraft have GPS units installed to assist the operator with
navigation. Due to the increase in reported cases of child
abduction in recent years as a result of the globalisation of large
media companies in addition to the increase in popularity of
so-called dangerous sports, such as mountain-climbing or off-piste
skiing, which generally require remote locations, it has also
become desirable to provide people with GPS tracking units. These
units are particularly useful if the person wearing the unit is in
distress and is able to generate a distress signal by activating an
alarm on the unit.
[0003] The distress signal can be transmitted from the unit and a
search and rescue team are able to accurately identify the
whereabouts of the person in distress before attempting a
rescue.
[0004] One disadvantage associated with tracking devices of the
prior art is that they are dependent upon the host to transmit
distress signals. The GPS tracking units of the prior art are
passive devices which interact with satellites only. In addition to
this, there is a significant risk that if the tracking unit falls
off a host and generates a distress signal as it hits the ground or
is later interfered with by someone else or a wild animal, for
example, the distress signal does not provide an accurate
indication of the current location of the host but instead gives
the location of the unit itself.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or
mitigate the problems of prior art tracking units outlined
above.
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a programmable
mobile unit for a portable host, such as a person, comprising a
microcontroller in communication with each of [0007] a detachable
free space communication module for communication with a control
centre, [0008] a GPS unit for communication with at least a GPS
satellite system, and [0009] a biometric sensor for monitoring and
identifying the host.
[0010] Preferably, a set of communication modules are provided for
use with the mobile unit and each module is configured to interface
with different wireless protocols.
[0011] Ideally, the protocols include GPS, GSM, GPRS, Mode, 3G-UMTS
and IEEE 802.11 WLAN. Advantageously, this allows various different
types of mobile unit to be deployed in different situations such as
enclosed theme parks, chemical plants or outdoor pursuits.
[0012] Preferably, the microcontroller has a control program stored
thereon for receiving information from the GPS unit and the
biometric sensor and storing the information in a local memory.
[0013] Ideally, the microcontroller has a database of acceptable
behaviour parameters for the host stored in the memory of the unit.
This database defines the boundaries of acceptable behaviour for
the host including acceptable geographical locations for the host
in addition to acceptable biological values such as body
temperature and/or heart rate and/or bioelectrical impedance at any
given point in time.
[0014] Preferably, the microcontroller has a control program stored
thereon for comparing information received from the GPS unit and
the biometric sensor against the behaviour parameters database
stored in on-board memory for a given host at any given time.
[0015] Ideally, the microcontroller is pre-programmed to
periodically monitor and download up-to-date information from the
GPS unit and the biometric sensor.
[0016] Preferably, the control program loaded in the memory of the
microcontroller runs the information received from the GPS unit and
the biometric sensor against the behaviour parameters database
every time new location and biometric information is captured and
downloaded from both the biometric sensor and the GPS unit.
[0017] Ideally, exception values falling outside allowable
tolerances defined in the database are detected by an
interpretation program also stored in the memory of the
microcontroller.
[0018] Preferably, the interpretation program has means for
prioritising these exception values and has means for selecting
values which indicates that the host is encountering significant
difficulties.
[0019] Ideally, the microcontroller transmits these selected values
via the communications module to a control centre.
[0020] Alternatively, the microcontroller transmits these selected
values via the GPS unit.
[0021] Ideally, the behaviour parameters database is remotely
programmable to take new activities and routines of the host into
account.
[0022] Preferably, the biometric sensor comprises a power source
and a plurality of body contacting elements.
[0023] Ideally, the body contacting elements provide information
indicative of activity of the host such as, body temperature, heart
rate and respiration.
[0024] Preferably, the biometric sensor and the microcontroller
communicate using bluetooth technology.
[0025] Ideally, the biometric sensor and microcontroller are
configured to uniquely identify the host from biological data
specific to the host during a learning phase when the sensor is
first placed on the host and the unit is initially powered up.
[0026] Preferably, this unique identification is a biometric
signature for the host and is used to benchmark subsequent data
feeds from the biometric sensor.
[0027] Ideally, the biometric sensor is provided by a flexible
multi-sensor patch which monitors ECG, temperature and respiration
rate continuously. The sensor-based patch is disposable, low cost
and user friendly, similar to current disposable ECG electrodes.
The sensor patch is small and low profile, capable of being worn in
a completely non-invasive manner.
[0028] Preferably, the device integrates patented screen printable
ECG electrode technology with new micro-thermistors and
piezo-electric based respiration sensors.
[0029] The patch is easily applied and remotely monitorable
utilising freespace based communications such as Bluetooth. It is
capable of connectivity with the microcontroller either directly
via a serial interface as part of an integrated solution, or using
Bluetooth as part of an optional upgrade solution.
[0030] Preferably, the biometric sensor is provided with flexible
circuitry to allow the sensor to adapt to the shape of the host's
body.
[0031] In another embodiment of biometric sensor, the
microcontroller has means for generating and transmitting signals
into the body of the host and means for receiving and analysing the
signals from the host's body via the biometric sensor, the signals
being attenuated by bioelectrical impedance of the host's body
whereby in use the analysis of the attenuated signals by the
controller provides a bioelectrical impedance signature capable of
uniquely identifying the host.
[0032] Bioelectrical impedance is measurable with simple technical
instruments which facilitates the ability to miniaturise the
biometric sensing technology to a degree suitable for
implementation.
[0033] Ideally, the biometric sensor comprises two or more
electrodes disposed on the host's skin.
[0034] Preferably, the means for generating and analysing signals
comprises a software control module stored on the memory of the
microcontroller, being executable on the processor.
[0035] Live biometric data describes information obtained from the
person the sensor is currently mounted on as opposed to information
from the person whose biometric data was originally recorded during
a learning phase when the mobile unit is first put on.
[0036] Preferably, a host's bioelectrical impedance signature is
stored on the memory of the mobile unit, this signature being
recorded during initial enrolment and primary data calibration in a
secure environment or during the learning phase as for the other
biometric signatures.
[0037] Ideally, the software control module is capable of comparing
the live bioelectrical impedance signature recorded with the
bioelectrical impedance signature recorded during enrolment or
learning phase.
[0038] Ideally, the software control module has error identifying
means comprising robustly designed algorithms taking into account
skin resistivity, sweat, geographical regionality, weight, age,
gender, current, voltage measurement and frequency range.
[0039] Preferably, the biometric sensor has circuitry capable of
generating a range of analogue signals of varying currents and
frequency.
[0040] Essentially, the currents are of a magnitude to ensure safe
passage through a hosts body.
[0041] Ideally, the currents are in the range of 100 .mu.A to 900
.mu.A.
[0042] Preferably, the frequency of the signals is in the range of
1 to 1350 KHZ.
[0043] Ideally, the software control module has means for
identifying bioelectrical impedance characteristics representative
of fat mass, body cell mass, extracellular water and skeletal
mass.
[0044] Preferably, the software control module is capable of
generating, transmitting, receiving and analysing signals in a time
interval in the range of a few seconds to provide a host identified
or host not identified output.
[0045] Ideally, the time interval is approximately one second.
[0046] Ideally, the biometric sensor circuitry has means for
reading attenuated signals from one or more electrodes.
[0047] Preferably, the sensor circuitry has means for filtering the
signal, converting the analogue signal to a digital signal and
passing the signal to the processor for analysis.
[0048] Preferably, the algorithms have means of generating a unique
bioelectrical impedance signature for a specific host from a full
set of data including skin resistivity, sweat, geographical
regionality, weight, age, gender, current, voltage measurement and
frequency range. The algorithms may combine the impedance with
other biometric data as may be required.
[0049] Ideally, the algorithms are capable of reducing the time
required to identify a live host by utilising a subset of data
selected from any combination of the above variables.
[0050] The present invention also provides a method of uniquely
identifying a host comprising the steps of a controller generating
and transmitting signals into the body of a host, the controller
receiving signals from the host's body after they have been
attenuated by the bioelectrical impedance of the host's body, the
controller analysing the attenuated signals to produce a
bioelectrical impedance signature capable of uniquely identifying
the host.
[0051] Ideally, the method also comprises the step of the
controller comparing a bioelectrical impedance signature of a host
recorded during secure enrolment or the learning phase with a live
bioelectrical impedance signature recorded from the current host's
body for identification purposes.
[0052] Preferably, the method comprises generating and transmitting
an electrical current over a range of frequencies into the host's
body via at least one electrode and receiving the attenuated signal
via the or each electrode, the sensor circuitry reading the
resulting voltage drop for each frequency of the signal, filtering
the attenuated signal, converting the signal from analogue to
digital and passing the digital signal to the processor.
[0053] Preferably, the host wears the programmable mobile unit as
jewellery or clothing with the electronic components incorporated
therein. This type of equipment is commonly referred to as smart
clothing.
[0054] Preferably, the mobile unit includes a Wide Area
Augmentation System (WAAS). WAAS is a twelve channel receiver for
improving the accuracy and integrity of GPS signals.
[0055] Ideally, the mobile unit has means for shielding itself from
electromagnetic interference and other environmental signal
interference sources.
[0056] Ideally, the mobile unit supports an Application Programmers
Interface (API) scripting language and graphical user interface
(GUI). Advantageously, these features allow the definition of the
acceptable behaviour rules regarding geographical location of the
host relative to time and the upper and lower tolerances of the
biometric data.
[0057] The present invention also provides a system for monitoring
and tracking a host, such as a person, comprising a control centre
in freespace communication with a mobile unit and a GPS satellite
system, the mobile unit comprising a microcontroller in
communication with each of [0058] a detachable freespace
communication module for communication with the control centre,
[0059] a GPS unit for communication with at least a GPS satellite
system, and [0060] a biometric sensor for monitoring and
identifying the host.
[0061] Preferably, the control centre of the system and interested
third parties are in communication via fixed/freespace
communication protocols.
[0062] Ideally, the protocols include GPS, IEEE 802.11, GSM, iMode,
ISDN, Internet, PSTN and Bluetooth.
[0063] Ideally, the mobile unit communicates with the control
centre using freespace communication protocols.
[0064] Preferably, the protocols include GPS, IEEE 802.11, GSM,
iMode and Bluetooth.
[0065] Ideally, an earth transceiver station is provided for
communicating signals between the satellite system and the control
centre.
[0066] Preferably, the acceptable behaviour database is also stored
at the control centre for further analysis of exception values
reported from the mobile unit.
[0067] Ideally, the system includes a web-based interface to a
database driven secure environment for dynamic creation and
modification of the acceptable behaviour database stored in the
control centre and the mobile unit.
[0068] Preferably, the control centre includes means for alerting
custodians and interested third parties of exception values via
chosen fixed/freespace communication protocols.
[0069] Ideally, the behaviour rules are defined in software agents
via a web-based GUI and downloaded to the mobile unit.
[0070] Preferably, the system has means for identifying that the
mobile unit is no longer functioning or the mobile unit has lost
contact with the host. Separation is recognised as the biometric
sensor takes readings every 30 seconds and if no biosignals are
received for an extended period of time then either the biosensor
is no longer attached to the host or there is a malfunction with
the mobile unit's communication system.
[0071] The present invention also provides a second programmable
mobile unit for tracking and monitoring a portable host comprising
a microcontroller, a database stored in a memory of the
microcontroller containing acceptable behaviour data for the host,
a GPS location unit in communication with the microcontroller, a
control program loaded in the memory of the microcontroller for
detecting when signals from the GPS unit contain exception values
which fall outside the parameters defined in the acceptable
behaviour database.
[0072] Preferably, the database contains acceptable geographical
location data and acceptable biological data as a function of time
for a specific host.
[0073] Ideally, the second mobile unit also has a biometric sensor
in communication with the microcontroller.
[0074] Preferably, the control program detects when signals from
the biometric sensor contain exception values which fall outside
the acceptable biological parameters defined in the acceptable
behaviour database.
[0075] Ideally, the second programmable mobile unit is suitable for
use with the system described above.
[0076] Preferably, both mobile units have means for supporting
European Geostationery Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS).
[0077] The present invention further provides a control program for
controlling the operation of the monitoring and tracking system
having means for generating and transmitting signals, interrogation
means for receiving signals from a plurality of input means,
interpretation means for analysing signals received from the
interrogation means and alarm generating means operable in response
to identification of exception values by the interpretation
means.
[0078] Ideally, the signals received from input means include GPS
input data and biometric input data.
[0079] Preferably, the interpretation means comprises a database of
acceptable biological and geographical data for a host as a
function of time and a set of encoded instructions for processing
information captured from the GPS input data and biometric input
data against the database to check for biological and geographical
exception values falling outside acceptable tolerances defined by
the database.
[0080] Ideally, the means for generating, transmitting and
receiving signals includes encoded instructions for controlling the
GPS transceiver and the communications module via a
microprocessor.
[0081] Preferably, the set of encoded instructions of the
interpretation means are terminate and stay resident software
agents communicable between the mobile unit and the control
centre.
[0082] The invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, which show by way of example only one
embodiment of a programmable mobile unit and one embodiment of a
system for monitoring and tracking a host wearing the mobile unit.
In the drawings:
[0083] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the architecture of a
programmable mobile unit;
[0084] FIG. 2 is a pictorial drawing of a system for monitoring and
tracking a host wearing the mobile unit; and
[0085] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the process of
scripting the behaviour rules.
[0086] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1 there is
shown a programmable mobile unit indicated generally by the
reference numeral 4. The unit 4 has a central microprocessor 10
(ARM) processing signals received by the unit 4. The processor 10
has a clock 21 and a power source 19 which also provides power for
the GPS transmitter/receiver pair 28. The level of the power source
19 is constantly monitored by a power level sensor 18. A solar cell
20 is connected to the power source 19 providing an effective
back-up storage supply in the event that the power source 19, such
as a battery, runs flat. The processor 10 is able to sense the
power level of the power source 19 and initiate a reduced power
mode when appropriate.
[0087] A local memory 14 is provided for storing data obtained from
a biometric sensor 23 and information received from the GPS
receiver 28. The biometric sensor 23 has a power source 22 and
includes a number of detectors 24, 25, 26 and 27 for receiving
various information representing physical attributes of the hosts
body such as skin type 24, body temperature 25, ECG 26 and
respiration 27.
[0088] A logic and control unit 15 is in communication with the
local memory 14 and the processor 10 and the logic and control unit
15 is also in communication with software 16 (terminate and stay
resident agents TSR's). A database 17 is also stored in the memory
14 of the unit 4 containing a predetermined set of acceptable
behaviour parameters which are used to benchmark the dynamic
information received from the biometric sensor 23 and the GPS
receiver 28.
[0089] Microprocessor 10 is also in communication with and controls
the operation of a communications module 9 and a GPS
transmitter/receiver pair 28. A manually actuatable alarm 12 is
located on the unit 4 allowing a host to transmit a distress signal
via either the GPS transmitter 28 or the communication module 9. If
the alarm 12 is activated by accident or the event causing the
distress has passed, the host can de-activate the alarm by pressing
the alarm disarm button 11. The mobile unit 4 also includes a radio
frequency pulse generator 13 connected to the processor 10. This
generator 13 facilitates close quarter detection.
[0090] In use, prior to normal operation of the mobile unit 4 the
biometric sensor 23 is calibrated against the physical attributes
of the specific host. At initiation, the biometric sensor 23
detects a number of key parameters including skin type 24, ECG 26,
body temperature 25 and body respiration 27. After an initial
learning period the biometric sensor 23 enters normal operation
mode. During the learning period, the biometric sensor 23 issues
signals to the processor 10 of the mobile unit 4 using bluetooth
technology. Within processor 10 there is logic and control to
process the biometric data during these 30-60 seconds of the
learning period. After this period has elapsed, the processor 10
creates a packet data unit (PDU) and transmits the combined
biometric signals as a biometric signature 29 of the host to a
control centre (see FIG. 2). Thereafter, the biometric signature 29
is used to monitor subsequent data feeds from the host and
identifies potential/real exception conditions as a function of
mapping the current biometric data feeds against the original
biometric signature 29.
[0091] In normal operation, there is a high degree of mapping and
adherence of current biometric data to that of the original
biometric signature 29 derived during calibration. Any significant
deviation from any/all parameters is identified as a potential
exception value. The cause of this could vary from a change in
activity application (from rest to exertion) or a change in
environment (temperature, respiration). A real exception value is a
result of a change in host (skin definition 24, ECG 26) or an
unscheduled missing signal.
[0092] Such deviations in biometric signature 29 form part of the
acceptable behaviour parameters which are constructed and profiled
for any host.
[0093] The mobile unit 4 follows the following top-level sequence
of operations during active mode:--
[0094] While power is available [0095] take local biometric
readings every 30 seconds [0096] verify local storage 14 is
available--delete data over 5 minutes old [0097] store biometric
data as current signature 29 [0098] verify signature data 29
against original calibrated signature 29 [0099] compute GPS
co-ordinates every 5 minutes [0100] verify GPS data in accordance
with behaviour rules TSR Agent 16 [0101] If any exception
conditions exist then [0102] Create PDU with biometric, operational
and GPS data [0103] Send PDU to a control centre 33 (see FIG. 2)
via relevant communications module 9
[0104] The mobile unit 4 follows the following sequence of
operation during passive mode:--
[0105] While power is available [0106] If a request for a PDU from
a control centre is received or a Local Alarm signal activated then
[0107] take local biometric readings [0108] verify local storage 14
is available [0109] store biometric data as current signature 29
[0110] compute GPS co-ordinates [0111] Create PDU with biometric,
operational and GPS data [0112] Send PDU to the control centre 33
via a relevant communications module 9
[0113] On receipt of the relevant PDU from the unit 4 the control
centre 33 determines if any attribute of the PDU represents an
exception condition based on: [0114] host alarm signal activated
manually [0115] host alarm signal activated automatically (tamper)
[0116] host raised exception condition (spatial rule violation)
[0117] host raised exception condition (biometric calibration
violation)
[0118] The unit 4 either discovers that the exception condition has
occurred on GPS or biometric attributes and informs the control
centre 33, or the passive mode will return a PDU and the control
centre 33 processes the data against its behaviour rule database
for this host. If the data passes the TSR agent 16 then the
operational mode is maintained as normal.
[0119] The host has the ability to switch off the unit 4 and remove
the biosensor 23 at pre-determined locations and events (including
when at home, sleeping, travelling by train/aeroplane, swimming).
In all these situations, the transition to either power-off or the
switching off of key components of the device in order to reduce
power consumption is pre-programmed into the behaviour rules TSR
agent 16.
[0120] The power consumption level is monitored and reported under
operational data as part of the PDU which is sent back to the
control centre 33. The unit 4 raises an exception condition on the
level of battery life available if the status become critical (i.e.
less than 25% power level is reached). In such an event, the
control centre 33 processes the PDU and forwards the status to the
relevant contact point for this host. In order to conserve power
under normal operational conditions, the unit 4 will use trickle
power mode of operation when applicable.
[0121] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a pictorial
representation of a system of the invention indicated generally by
the reference numeral 31. The system 31 has a mobile unit 4 secured
on the wrist of a child 32. The mobile unit 4 is in freespace
communication with a control centre 33 and a GPS satellite 34. The
control centre 33 and a parent/guardian or interested third party
35 are in communication via the internet through an ISP 37. Other
apparatus and modes of communication between the control centre 33
and a third party 3S include interactive TV 38 via ADSL, mobile
phones 39 via GSM and PDA's 36 via GPRS. An earth transceiver
station 41 is shown in freespace communication with both the GPS
satellite 34 and the control centre 33.
[0122] In the normal mode of operation, a GPS unit 28 (see FIG. 1)
in the mobile unit 4 is turned off and the system for communication
with the control centre 33 is placed in listening mode similar to a
GPRS-enabled mobile device.
[0123] When the control centre 33 communicates with the mobile unit
4, either as a systems check or because the parent/guardian 35
wishes to determine the state of the child 32, the control centre
33 initiates a communications channel with the unit 4 using a
wireless circuit via GSMI/GPRS/802.11, cellular, MIP, which relays
the signal to the mobile unit 4. In receipt of such a signal from
the control centre 33, the mobile unit 4 executes a TSR 16 which
allows it to return a signal indicating the unit 4 is active
containing:-- [0124] spatial location data [0125] operational
status/battery power level [0126] biometric signature data The GPS
transceiver 28 on the mobile unit 4 can calculate its spatial
co-ordinates via a GPS satellite 34 as a function of time and space
and pass this back as spatial location data.
[0127] Should the child 32 be out of range of normal wireless
protocols, the system 31 can use GPS to provide the
transmit/receive flow from/to the control centre 33 from the mobile
unit 4. In situations where the host 32 is at sea, in mountainous
terrain, in desert surroundings, it is necessary to provide
satellite communications only so that the mobile unit 4 can be
uniquely identified, addressed and accessed. The same TSR 16 is
executed by the mobile unit 4 on receipt of the request from the
control centre 33. Without such intervention the mobile unit 4 is
out of range. The mobile unit 4 sends periodic data feeds in
accordance with the attributes of the unit 4 itself.
[0128] Depending on the activity and the physical location of the
host 32, the control centre 33 communicates with the host 32 via
GPS modules 28 or other communications interfaces 9 using IEEE
802.11, 3G, GPRS, GSM, Bluetooth. The mobile unit 4 responds to the
control centre 33 accordingly under the control of the processor 10
of the microcontroller.
[0129] In general, when the unit 4 detects an exception condition
locally it uses mobile communications to initiate a communications
session with the control centre 33. The GPS unit 28 performs the
location function utilising signals from the GPS satellite 34
nearby. Under normal operations, the GPS module 28 is powered off
unless either the unit 4 has detected a biometric exception
condition, the host has issued an alarm 12 or the control centre 33
requests a status update. In such events, the GPS modules 28 are
turned on and the location process is executed under the control of
the processor 10. The GPS components 34, 28 may combine other data
from the control centre 33 to verify and refine the results. Such
aiding data may include approximate location data, an almanac
ephemeris, a frequency offset, doppler, previous spatial reference,
time, etc. The GPS components 34, 28 provide the spatial location
data computed using the GPS satellite 34 in connection with the GPS
unit 28 and the processor 10. This data is then combined with the
biometric signature 29 and sent as a structured PDU to the control
centre 33 via appropriate communications protocols. Operational
data concerning power source levels of the power sources 19, 22
(see FIG. 1) is also included. Upon receipt of the PDU the control
centre 33 verifies the values of the PDU attributes in accordance
with the behaviour rules database 17 for that target host at that
specific point in time and space.
[0130] If the PDU came from the unit 4 as a result of a
user-initiated Alarm 12, then the control centre 33 expedites the
alarm condition to the named contact person/organisation on the
database who is to be contacted in an emergency. IC however, the
PDU came from the mobile unit 4 in either a response to an earlier
request from a control centre 33, or as a potential exception
condition detected by the unit 4 itself, the control centre 33
verifies the PDU attributes in accordance with the behaviour rules
database 17 for that target host 1 at that specific point in time
and space and responds accordingly.
[0131] Referring now to FIG. 3, the behaviour rules are defined via
a scripting language and programmed via a web-based graphical upper
interface (GUI) by the control centre 33 or the parent/guardian 35
of the host 32. The spatial and biometric rules that define the
acceptable movement and status of the host 32 as a function of
time, space and activity are programmed as follows. The method by
which the behavioural rules are structured, defined and expressed
is by means of a script 52 which is written in either C or Java and
verified through a script compiler 53. Essentially, the script 52
is a means by which the assumed location and activity of the host
are defined as a function of time of day and activity. The script
52 is combined with the status of the host 32 in terms of their key
biometric readings. Such biometric parameters will relate to body
temperature, dermis, ECG attributes. Each script 52 will also
contain the parameter values for:-- [0132] Date (date) [0133] time
(24 hour clock) (numeric) [0134] x, y co-ordinates from the
national grid (numeric) [0135] location descriptor (text) [0136] i.
home [0137] ii. School [0138] iii. Holiday [0139] iv. Shopping
[0140] v. Work [0141] vi. etc. [0142] activity descriptor (text)
[0143] i. field sport [0144] ii. Swimming [0145] iii. Climbing
[0146] iv. Skiing [0147] v. indoor sport [0148] vi. leisure [0149]
vii. school [0150] viii. work [0151] ix. etc. [0152] appointed
trustee (if any) [0153] mode of transport [0154] i. (on foot, car,
bicycle, surface train plane, ship, underground, etc.) [0155]
biometric attributes [0156] i. body temperature [0157] ii. ECG
parameters [0158] iii. Skin type [0159] iv. Perspiration level
[0160] v. Tec.
[0161] For each physical communication protocol which is emulated
within the host 32, there will be associated with it a range of
scripts 52 which will be sent to the unit 4 via a script dispatcher
51 and executed by the unit 4 and subsequently used to enter into a
dialogue with the control centre 33.
[0162] These are then assembled into executable mobile agent code
for transmission to the unit 4 as a TSR 16. Mobile client-server
protocols are enabled to provide for the call-set-up, agent
communications and TSR 16 verification between the control centre
33 and the unit processor 10. The behavioral rules database 17 is
then populated with these values. Subsequent local datafeeds from
GPS 28 and Biometric sensor 23 are compared against the behavioural
database 17 and the rules that were defined in the TSR 16. A Data
warehouse will be maintained at the control centre 33 to keep a
profile of the host behaviour for future reference and
prediction.
[0163] Variations and modifications can be made without departing
from the scope of the 10 invention described above and as
hereinafter defined in the appended claims.
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