U.S. patent application number 14/922490 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for personal monitoring apparatus and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is RAYMOND ANTHONY JOAO, MARY ANTONETTE SPANO. Invention is credited to RAYMOND ANTHONY JOAO, MARY ANTONETTE SPANO.
Application Number | 20160157074 14/922490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56079508 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160157074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JOAO; RAYMOND ANTHONY ; et
al. |
June 2, 2016 |
PERSONAL MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
An apparatus, including a housing; a pulse rate monitor,
thermometer, or blood pressure monitor, which is separate and apart
from the housing, which monitors and detects a physiological state
of an individual; a Bluetooth device which transmits or enters
information obtained by the pulse rate monitor, thermometer, or
blood pressure monitor, to or into the apparatus; a global
positioning device which determines a position or location of the
housing; a camera or video recorder attached to, or located on, the
housing; and a beacon attached to or located within the housing.
The apparatus detects a physiological state indicating a healthcare
need or a position or location of the housing outside of a safe
zone of travel, establishes a communication link or a telephone
call with a computer or a telephone, activates the camera or video
recorder, and activates the beacon to facilitate locating the
housing.
Inventors: |
JOAO; RAYMOND ANTHONY;
(YONKERS, NY) ; SPANO; MARY ANTONETTE; (YONKERS,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JOAO; RAYMOND ANTHONY
SPANO; MARY ANTONETTE |
YONKERS
YONKERS |
NY
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56079508 |
Appl. No.: |
14/922490 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62085587 |
Nov 30, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/404.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 10/60 20180101;
G06F 16/29 20190101; G16H 40/63 20180101; G08B 25/014 20130101;
G01S 19/13 20130101; H04M 11/04 20130101; G08B 25/08 20130101; G06F
19/00 20130101; G16Z 99/00 20190201; G08B 21/0269 20130101; H04W
4/027 20130101; G08B 21/0291 20130101; H04W 4/021 20130101; G08B
21/0277 20130101; H04W 4/90 20180201; G01C 21/34 20130101; G08B
21/0208 20130101; G01C 21/00 20130101; G08B 21/0202 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/22 20060101
H04W004/22; G01S 19/13 20060101 G01S019/13; G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30; G01C 21/34 20060101 G01C021/34; H04W 4/02 20060101
H04W004/02; G06F 19/00 20060101 G06F019/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An apparatus, comprising: a housing; an input device, wherein
the input device is a pulse rate monitor, a thermometer, or a blood
pressure monitor, wherein the pulse rate monitor, the thermometer,
of the blood pressure monitor, is separate and apart from the
housing, wherein the input device monitors and detects a
physiological state of an individual; a Bluetooth device, wherein
the Bluetooth device transmits or enters information obtained by
the pulse rate monitor, the thermometer, or the blood pressure
monitor, to or into the apparatus; a global positioning device,
wherein the global positioning device determines a position or
location of the housing; a camera or a video recorder, wherein the
camera or the video recorder is attached to, or located on, the
housing; and a beacon, wherein the beacon is attached to or located
within the housing, wherein the apparatus detects an event, wherein
the event is either a detection of a physiological state of the
individual indicating a healthcare need or a detection of a
position or a location of the housing outside of a safe zone of
travel, and further wherein, upon detecting a physiological state
of the individual indicating a healthcare need or detecting a
position or a location of the housing outside of a safe zone of
travel, the apparatus initiates and establishes a communication
link or a telephone call with a computer or a telephone located
separate and apart from the housing, activates the camera or the
video recorder to record a photograph, a picture, or a video
recording, and activates the beacon to facilitate an tracking of,
or a locating of, the housing.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a touch screen
keyboard, wherein the touch screen keyboard is viewable or
accessible via the display.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a scanner for
scanning information into the apparatus.
24. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a blood alcohol
monitor.
25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing is wearable.
26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing is attachable to
clothing.
27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing is implantable
within the human body.
28. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a pacemaker or a
defibrillator.
29. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: communication
equipment located within the housing for enabling the apparatus to
function as a cellular telephone.
30. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: navigation
equipment located within the housing for enabling the apparatus to
function as a navigation system.
31. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus detects a
dropped communication link or a dropped telephone call and
automatically reestablishes the a new communication link or a new
telephone call with the computer or the telephone.
32. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus further
comprises: an on/off switch to disable an operation of the
apparatus.
33. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a transmitter,
wherein the transmitter transmits a message to the computer or to
the telephone containing the position or the location of the
housing.
34. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a transmitter,
wherein the transmitter transmits a message to the computer or to
the telephone containing information regarding the physiological
state of the individual.
35. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing is a housing
associated with a cellular telephone or a smart phone.
36. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing is a housing
associated with a watch.
37. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing is an article
associated with a bracelet or a necklace.
38. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing is an article
associated with an article of jewelry.
39. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a speaker,
wherein the speaker is located on the housing; and a microphone,
wherein the microphone is located on the housing, wherein the
speaker and the microphone facilitate a hands-free telephone call
mode of operation.
40. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus detects a
deviation of the position or the location of the housing from an
expected position or location of the housing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/085,587, filed Nov. 30,
2014, and entitled "PERSONAL MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD", the
subject matter and teachings of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains to a personal monitoring
apparatus and method and, in particular, to a personal monitoring
apparatus and method which can be utilized to monitor infants,
children, the elderly, or individuals of any and/or all ages and/or
to monitor their position or location, their whereabouts, their
surroundings, their vital signs, their physiological measurements,
states, or condition, and/or any individual and/or individuals with
whom they may come into contact.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] All to often we hear horror stories about children being
lost, abducted, left in vehicles, left on school buses, or falling
ill, or are found in, or placed in, any type or kind of dangerous
or precarious predicament. We also hear of individuals and, in
particular, elderly individuals, becoming lost, disoriented,
falling ill, or otherwise being in other precarious predicaments.
Lastly, we also hear of individuals of any and/or all ages suddenly
falling ill or being in need of emergency medical attention or in
need of other assistance.
[0004] While so-called "amber alerts" provide a public notification
system or method which alerts or notifies the public regarding a
missing child, and while so-called "silver alerts" are a public
notification system or method which alerts or notifies the public
regarding a missing person, a missing adult, or a missing elderly
person afflicted with a condition such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, or
other condition, these public notification systems are flawed in
that they rely on members of the public to actually find, look out
for, and/or find and/or report, the missing child or missing
person. If the missing child or missing person becomes disoriented,
falls ill, gets lost in an isolated area, becomes fearful and/or
tries to hide from others, the above-described public notification
systems can be futile in finding the missing child or missing
person.
[0005] Providing children and adults of all ages with personal
communication devices such as cellular telephones, personal digital
assistants, or like communication devices, can also prove useless
when the child or adult falls ill, panics, is unable to speak,
becomes unconscious, or is otherwise unable to utilize such a
personal communication device.
[0006] In this regard, it is submitted that the prior art systems
which seek to find, locate, and provide assistance to, missing
children and adults have many shortcomings and do not provide an
effective means by which to find, locate, and assist, these missing
children and adults.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention pertains to a personal monitoring
apparatus and method and, in particular, to a personal monitoring
apparatus and method which can be utilized to monitor infants,
children, the elderly, or individuals of any and/or all ages,
and/or to monitor their position or location, their whereabouts,
their surroundings, their vital signs, their physiological
measurements, states, or condition, and/or any individual and/or
individuals with whom they may come into contact, which overcomes
the shortfalls of the prior art.
[0008] The present invention can provide an apparatus and method
which can be utilized to monitor and/or to track the whereabouts
and/or travels of an individual at any time, to compare an
individual's current whereabouts to their current location or a
location where they should be, ought to be, or are expected to be,
and/or to provide an alert, or to provide a notification, to the
individual, a parent of the individual, a child of the individual,
a relative of the individual, a caregiver of the individual, an
employer of the individual, a law enforcement agency or law
enforcement personnel, emergency services personnel, a third party,
or any other person or entity, when the individual is located at a
location where they should not be, wherein they ought not be, where
they are not expected to be, or when they have deviated from, or
are deviating from, a planned, an expected, or a desired, travel
route, or a planned, expected, or desired, schedule when they
itinerary.
[0009] The present invention can be used to monitor the
whereabouts, the location, or the travel, of a child of any age, a
child having special needs, a child who has become injured or ill,
or a child who has become lost, mission, or who has become a victim
of foul play. The present invention can be used to monitor the
whereabouts, the location, or the travel, of an adult or an elderly
individual of any age, an adult or an elderly individual having
special needs, an adult or an elderly individual who has become ill
or injured, or an adult or an elderly individual who has become
lost, mission, or who has become a victim of foul play.
[0010] The present invention can also be utilized to provide
information or an indication, to the individual or to any persons
with whom the individual may come into contact, which can provide
information indicative of the individual being where he or she
should not be, indicative that the individual is lost, indicative
that the individual is or might be injured or ill, or indicative
that the individual is in need of help or assistance.
[0011] The present invention can also be utilized to provide
information or an indication, to a parent of the individual, to a
child of the individual, to a relative of the individual, to a
caregiver of the individual, to an employer of the individual, to a
law enforcement agency or law enforcement personnel, to an
emergency services personnel, to any third party, or to any other
person or entity, when the individual has been determined to be
lost, injured, ill, or otherwise in need of help or assistance.
[0012] The present invention can also be utilized to obtain,
record, store, and/or provide, healthcare information or
physiological data and/or information, or any other information
regarding the state or status of an individual, including, but not
limited to, the individual's heart rate, blood pressure, body
temperature, blood sugar level, or any other physical condition,
physiological condition, or healthcare condition, which can be
measured or measurable by any wearable device or by any implanted
device or implantable device.
[0013] The present invention can also be utilized to initiate,
establish, and/or maintain, a communication link, or a telephone
call, with and between any of the herein-described personal
monitoring devices with and any of the herein-described user
communication devices, central processing computers, and/or law
enforcement communication devices and/or emergency services
communication devices. In this regard, for example, a line
communication can be established with and/or between the personal
monitoring device of a lost, mission, or ill, child's and a user
communication device of, associated with, or used by, the child's
parent, relative, caregiver, or other authorized person. The
present invention can also be utilized to provide an open, and
speakerphone-operated, line of communication with the personal
monitoring device so that a respective parent, relative, caregiver,
or other authorized person can, using a user communication device,
speak to, or engage in conversation with, the child or with any
individual with whom the child comes into contact so as to
facilitate finding the child, helping the child find help of his or
her way back to a safe location, and/or making sure that the child
is brought to a place of safety and/or is safely returned home or
to another safe location, and/or to make sure that the child's
needs are provided for until being reunited with his or her
parent(s), a caregiver, or law enforcement. The present invention
can also be utilized in a same, a similar, or an analogous, manner
in providing personal monitoring for adults and elderly individuals
of any age.
[0014] The present invention can also be utilized in order to
establish, and to provide services for, personal monitoring
accounts for individuals. In a preferred embodiment, a personal
monitoring account can be assigned to an individual in order to
provide any number or monitoring services for that individual. For
example, a personal monitoring account can be utilized to allow any
other authorized individual, person, or entity, to monitor, and/or
to track location, position, or movement of, an individual, to
communicate with the individual at any time, to communicate with
people in the vicinity of the individual, to obtain information
regarding the position, location, or whereabouts of the individual,
persons with whom the individual may be in contact with, or may
have come into contact with, the individual's itinerary, travels,
to obtain video and/or audio information regarding the individual,
his or her travels, locations, and/or any other information
regarding the individual. In a preferred embodiment, one or more
personal monitoring accounts can be set up by or for an individual.
In this regard, an individual can have one personal monitoring
account ("PMA") or a plurality of personal monitoring accounts.
[0015] The present invention can be utilized to provide a number of
various features and functionality which can be useful in providing
personal monitoring services and operations for infants, children,
and adults, of any ages. The apparatus and method of the present
invention can also be utilized to provide personal monitoring
services and operations for and regarding pets and animals of any
type or kind.
[0016] The apparatus of the present invention includes a personal
monitoring device. The personal monitoring device can be any
suitable communication device and can be, a cellular telephone, a
mobile telephone or wireless telephone, a Smartphone, a personal
digital assistant, or any other suitable device. The personal
monitoring device can be equipped with the communication equipment
typically found in cellular telephones, mobile telephones or
wireless telephones, Smartphones, personal digital assistants, or
any other suitable devices, for facilitating a two-way
communication with other individuals or entities and/or with
communications devices, computers, equipment, or any other
communication equipment used by any individuals or entities. The
personal monitoring device can also be equipped with global
positioning system (GPS) device or equipment. The personal
monitoring device can also be equipped with navigation equipment
such as are typically found in commercially available GPS
navigation devices and equipment which are used to assist motorists
and individuals traveling in motor vehicles in navigating from a
location to a destination.
[0017] The personal monitoring device can also be equipped with
global positioning system (GPS) equipment and navigation equipment
which can allow the personal monitoring device to act in a
stand-alone manner, without having to obtain any navigation
information from any external device or computer. The personal
monitoring device can be equipped to receive, and provide to a
user, navigation data and/or information, including, but not
limited to, navigation instructions, which is obtained from an
external computer or communication device or a service provider
computer or communication device.
[0018] The personal monitoring device can be any communication
device, computer, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook
computer, Smartphone or smartphone, smart telephone, cellular
telephone, personal digital assistant, tablet, tablet computer,
watch, smart watch, or wearable device or computer, an implantable
device or computer, an item of jewelry, eyeglasses, or any
accessory, or any combination of same, or any equivalent of same,
which can be utilized by any person, individual, or entity, who or
which utilizes the present invention. The personal monitoring
device can also be a server computer, a mainframe computer, a
mini-computer, a microcomputer, or any other computer or device for
suiting the needs of the particular user.
[0019] Any number of personal monitoring devices can be utilized by
or in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention. The
personal monitoring device can communicate, in a bi-directional
manner and/or otherwise, with and/or can operate in conjunction
with any the herein-described computers, communication devices,
and/or computer systems described herein as being utilized in
connection with the apparatus and method of the present
invention.
[0020] The apparatus of the present invention also includes a
central processing computer or central processing computer system,
which can be any computer or computer system or can be a any
computer utilized in a network with other computers or a server
computer. The central processing computer can provide control over
the apparatus of the present invention and can perform any of the
various processing services and/or functions described herein as
being performed by same. The central processing computer can be a
single computer or a system of computers and/or may include a
plurality of computers or computer systems which are utilized in
conjunction with one another. The central processing computer can
also provide personal monitoring services for or regarding any
number of individuals and/or entities and/or can provide personal
monitoring services for or regarding any number of individuals
and/or entities who or which need, want, or desire, to monitor, to
monitor the whereabouts of, and/or who or which desire to be
notified regarding the whereabouts, location, healthcare status, or
any occurrence of or regarding any event which may give rise to a
need to find, locate, and/or monitor a location of, any child,
adult, elderly person, or any individual of any age.
[0021] Any number of central processing computers can be utilized
by or in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention.
The central processing computer(s) can communicate, in a
bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in
conjunction with, the personal monitoring device and/or any of the
other communication devices, computers, and/or computer systems,
associated with or used by any of the individuals and/or entities
who or which utilize the apparatus and method of the present
invention.
[0022] The apparatus of the present invention also includes a user
communication device or computer which is associated with, or which
can be used by, any one or more of any of the herein-described
users, individuals, or entities, who or which utilize the apparatus
and method of the present invention. Any number of user
communication devices can be utilized by or in conjunction with any
user or any individual or entity who or which utilizes the
apparatus and method of the present invention, and any number of
user communication devices can be utilized in conjunction with the
apparatus and method of the present invention.
[0023] The user communication device(s) can communicate, in a
bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in
conjunction with the personal monitoring device and/or the central
processing computer and/or any of the other herein-described
communication devices, computers, and/or computer systems,
associated with or used by any of the individuals and/or entities
who or which utilize the apparatus and method of the present
invention.
[0024] The apparatus can also include a law enforcement
communication device or computer which is associated with, or which
can be used by, any law enforcement agency or department which
utilize the apparatus and method of the present invention. Any
number of law enforcement communication devices can be utilized by
or in conjunction with any law enforcement agency or department
which utilizes the apparatus and method of the present invention,
and any number of law enforcement communication devices can be
utilized in conjunction with the apparatus and method of the
present invention.
[0025] The law enforcement communication device(s) can communicate,
in a bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can
operate in conjunction with the personal monitoring device, the
central processing computer, the user communication device, and/or
any of the other herein-described communication devices, computers,
and/or computer systems, associated with or used by any of the
individuals and/or entities who or which utilize the apparatus and
method of the present invention.
[0026] The apparatus can also include an emergency services
provider communication device or computer which is associated with,
or which can be used by, any emergency services provider, agency,
or department, which utilizes the apparatus and method of the
present invention. Any number of emergency services provider
communication devices can be utilized by or in conjunction with any
emergency services provider, agency, or department, which utilizes
the apparatus and method of the present invention, and any number
of emergency services provider communication devices can be
utilized in conjunction with the apparatus and method of the
present invention.
[0027] The emergency services provider communication device(s) can
communicate, in a bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with,
and/or can operate in conjunction with the personal monitoring
device, the central processing computer, the user communication
device, the law enforcement communication device, and/or any of the
other herein-described communication devices, computers, and/or
computer systems, associated with or used by any of the individuals
and/or entities who or which utilize the apparatus and method of
the present invention.
[0028] The apparatus can also include a healthcare records computer
or communication device which can store an electronic healthcare
record or electronic healthcare records for any of the
herein-described individuals who or which can be monitored using
the apparatus and method of the present invention. The healthcare
records computer can also store healthcare records of any
individual, children, adults, elderly persons, or any individual of
any age, who is to be monitored by and using the apparatus and
method of the present invention as well as any healthcare records
of, for, or regarding, any relatives of any of these
individuals.
[0029] The healthcare records computer or computers can serve to
store and house an electronic healthcare record or any number of
electronic healthcare records. The healthcare records computer can
also be utilized to facilitate cloud storage of any electronic
healthcare record(s).
[0030] The healthcare records computer(s) can communicate, in a
bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in
conjunction with, the personal monitoring device, the central
processing computer, the user communication device, the law
enforcement communication device, the emergency services provider
communication device, and/or any of the other communication
devices, computers, and/or computer systems, associated with or
used by any of the individuals and/or entities who or which utilize
and/or operate in conjunction with the apparatus of the present
invention.
[0031] Any of the personal monitoring device(s), the central
processing computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law
enforcement communication device (s), the emergency services
provider communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records
computer(s), can be any computer or communication device,
including, but not limited to, a personal computer, a home
computer, a server computer, or any computer capable of being
utilized in a network or capable of being utilized with other
computers in a network, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a
laptop computer, a personal communication device, a cellular
telephone, a wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a digital
television, an interactive television, a digital television, a
personal digital assistant, a telephone, a digital telephone, a
television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a
watch or a Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or
communication device.
[0032] Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central
processing computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law
enforcement communication device (s), the emergency services
provider communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records
computer(s), can transmit information to, as well as receive
information from, any of the computers or communication devices
described herein. In this regard, each of the computers or
communication devices described herein can communicate with,
process information from, and/or share data and/or information
with, each other and/or any other computer(s) or communication
device(s) described herein and/or utilized in conjunction with the
apparatus of the present invention. In this manner, any of the
respective computer(s) or communication device(s) described herein
can communicate with any other computer(s) or communication
device(s) in a bi-directional manner.
[0033] The present invention can be utilized on, over, and/or via,
the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and/or on any wireless
communication network and/or any cellular communication network.
The present invention, in the preferred embodiment, can also
utilize wireless Internet and/or World Wide Web services, equipment
and/or devices. The central processing computer(s) can have a web
site or web sites associated therewith. Each of the other computers
or communication devices described herein can also have a web site
or web sites associated with same.
[0034] Although the Internet and/or the World Wide Web is a
preferred communication system and/or medium utilized, the present
invention, in any and/or all of the embodiments described herein,
can also be utilized with any appropriate communication network or
system including, but not limited to, a telecommunication network
or system, a telephone communication network or system, a cellular
communication network or system, a wireless communication network
or system, a line or wired communication network or system, a
wireless Internet network or system, a wireless World Wide Web
network or system, a digital communication network or system, a
personal communication network or system, a personal communication
services (PCS) network or system, a satellite communication network
or system, a broad band communication network or system, a low
earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network or system, a public switched
telephone network or system, a telephone communication network or
system, a radio communication network or system, a cable television
network or system, and/or any other communication network or
system, and/or any combination of the above communication networks
or systems.
[0035] Any of the personal monitoring device(s), the central
processing computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law
enforcement communication device (s), the emergency services
provider communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records
computer(s), can communicate with one another, and/or be linked to
one another, over or via any communication network,
telecommunication network, telephone network, a line-connected
network, and/or a wireless communication network, and/or the
Internet and/or the World Wide Web. Each of the computers or
communication devices can be linked with any other computer or
computers directly or indirectly with one another so as to
facilitate a direct or indirect bi-directional communication
between said respective computers or communication devices.
Communications between each of the computers or communication
devices can also involve an e-mail server or e-mail servers in
those instances when e-mails are described as being used to
transmit or to send any of the information, signals, messages,
reports, notification messages, or any other communications,
described herein, by or between any of the computers or
communication devices or when any of the information, signals,
messages, reports, notification messages, or any other computers or
communications, described herein, are transmitted by and/or between
any of the parties described herein and/or by or between any of the
computers or communication devices or any other computers or
communication devices, computer systems, communication network
equipment, server computers, etc., or any other devices used or
needed, in order to facilitate communications or the transmission
of any of the herein-described information, signals, messages,
reports, notification messages, or any other communications.
[0036] Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central
processing computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law
enforcement communication device (s), the emergency services
provider communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records
computer(s), can communicate in a bi-directional manner with,
and/or can send and/or receive signals, data, information,
messages, reports, notification messages, alerts, or any other
communications or electronic communication transmissions, to, from
and/or between, any other, or any number of, other personal
monitoring device(s), the central processing computer(s), the user
communication device(s), the law enforcement communication device
(s), the emergency services provider communication device(s),
and/or the healthcare records computer(s).
[0037] Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central
processing computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law
enforcement communication device(s), the emergency services
provider communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records
computer(s), can be linked to or with any other personal monitoring
device(s), the central processing computer(s), the user
communication device(s), the law enforcement communication device
(s), the emergency services provider communication device(s),
and/or the healthcare records computer(s), via a wired link or line
or a wireless link. Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the
user communication device(s), the law enforcement communication
device(s), the emergency services provider communication device(s),
and/or the healthcare records computer(s), can be connected with,
or linked to or with, the central processing computer(s).
[0038] Any and/or all of the signals, data, information, messages,
reports, notification messages, or any other communications,
described herein as being transmitted from one device, computer, or
communication device, to another device, computer, or communication
device, can be, or can be included in, or can be attached to, an
e-mail message, an instant messaging message, an electronic
transmission, or an electronic data transmission or electronic data
interchange, or can be transmitted via any other data or
information transmission, and/or can be transmitted via or using
any appropriate or necessary computer(s) or device(s).
[0039] Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central
processing computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law
enforcement communication device (s), the emergency services
provider communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records
computer(s), can transmit data and/or information using TCP/IP, as
well as any other Internet and/or World Wide Web, and/or
communication, protocols.
[0040] The present invention can utilize electronic commerce
technologies and security methods, techniques and technologies,
including any encryption or security technologies and/or
techniques, in any and/or all of the instances of data and/or
information processing, and/or data and/or information transmission
described herein.
[0041] Any and/or all of the signals, data, information, messages,
reports, notification messages, or any other communications,
described herein as being transmitted from one device, computer, or
communication device, to another device, computer, or communication
device, can be, or can be included in, or can be attached to, an
e-mail message, an instant messaging message, an electronic
transmission, or an electronic data transmission or electronic data
interchange, or can be transmitted via any other data or
information transmission, and/or can be transmitted via or using
any appropriate or necessary computer(s) or device(s).
[0042] Each of the personal monitoring device(s), the central
processing computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law
enforcement communication device (s), the emergency services
provider communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records
computer(s), can transmit data and/or information using TCP/IP, as
well as any other Internet and/or World Wide Web, and/or
communication, protocols.
[0043] The present invention can utilize electronic commerce
technologies and security methods, techniques and technologies,
including any encryption or security technologies and/or
techniques, in any and/or all of the instances of data and/or
information processing, and/or data and/or information transmission
described herein.
[0044] The personal monitoring device can be a cellular telephone,
a wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a
smartphone, or a personal digital assistant, or the personal
monitoring device can be or can be a component of a personal
computer, a home computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer,
a tablet computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop
computer, a personal communication device, a cellular telephone, a
wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone,
a personal digital assistant, a digital television, an interactive
television, a digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone,
a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or
a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or
communication device. The personal monitoring device can also be a
server computer, or any computer capable of being utilized in a
network or capable of being utilized with other computers in a
network
[0045] The personal monitoring device can also be any communication
device, computer, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook
computer, Smartphone or smartphone, smart telephone, cellular
telephone, personal digital assistant, tablet, tablet computer,
watch, smart watch, or wearable device or computer, an implantable
device or computer, an item of jewelry, eyeglasses, or any
accessory, or any combination of same, or any equivalent of
same.
[0046] The personal monitoring device includes a central processing
unit or CPU which can be a microprocessor. The CPU can also be a
microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe
computer, depending upon the application.
[0047] The personal monitoring device also includes a random access
memory device(s) (RAM), a read only memory device(s) (ROM), each of
which is connected to, or linked with, the CPU, and a user input
device for inputting and/or entering data and/or information and/or
instructions and/or commands into the personal monitoring device.
The input device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the
CPU.
[0048] The personal monitoring device can also include a display
device for displaying data and/or information to a user or
operator. The display device can also be connected to, or linked
with, the CPU. The personal monitoring device can also include a
transmitter(s) for transmitting signals and/or data and/or
information to any one or more of the central processing
computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcement
communication device (s), the emergency services provider
communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s),
and/or any other personal monitoring device(s) which may be
utilized in conjunction with the present invention. The
transmitter(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
The personal monitoring device also includes a receiver(s) for
receiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one or
more of the central processing computer(s), the user communication
device(s), the law enforcement communication device (s), the
emergency services provider communication device(s), and/or the
healthcare records computer(s), and/or any other personal
monitoring device(s) which may be utilized in conjunction with the
present invention. The receiver(s) can also be connected to, or
linked with, the CPU.
[0049] The personal monitoring device also includes a database(s)
which can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The
personal monitoring device can also include an output device(s) for
outputting any of the data, information, and/or reports, described
herein as being generated by or via the personal monitoring device.
The output device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the
CPU.
[0050] The personal monitoring device can also include a video
and/or audio recording device(s) which can include a camera and/or
a video recording device for recording pictures or video and/or
video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device for
recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or
transmitted live, by or from the personal monitoring device, or
which can be recorded by, and stored at or in, the personal
monitoring device for transmission by or from the personal
monitoring device at a later time. The video and/or audio recording
device(s) 10J can also be connected to, or linked with, the
CPU.
[0051] The personal monitoring device can also include a global
positioning system (GPS) device which can be utilized to determine
or ascertain the location or position of the personal monitoring
device at any time and/or to track movement of the personal
monitoring device. The global positioning system (GPS) device can
also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
[0052] The personal monitoring device can also include device
functional equipment systems or devices which can include any
necessary communications systems or devices which are typically
found in cellular telephones or wireless telephones and/or which
can allow the personal monitoring device to function as a cellular
telephone or a wireless telephone. The functional equipment systems
or devices can also include a global positioning system (GPS)
device which can be utilized to determine or ascertain the location
or position of the personal monitoring device at any time and which
can be also be used to track movement of the personal monitoring
device.
[0053] The functional equipment systems or devices can also include
navigation equipment or devices which are typically found in
navigation devices or equipment and which an be utilized to allow
the personal monitoring device to function and/or to operate as a
GPS equipped navigation device. The personal monitoring device can
function as a stand alone navigation device, meaning that it can
perform any and/or all needed and desired navigation tasks and
functions without any interaction with an external computer or
device, and/or without having to access a computer over any
communication network in order to obtain navigation data,
information, and/or instructions, for providing navigation data,
information, and/or instructions, to a user of the personal
monitoring device.
[0054] The functional equipment systems or devices can also include
a "kill" switch or associated hardware and/or software for
disabling and/or deactivating the personal monitoring device in
instances when same might be lost or stolen, so as to prevent its
use by another person and/or to prevent any access to any data
and/or information stored therein, thereby rendering the personal
monitoring device useless to another person after being reported,
or discovered as being, lost or stolen.
[0055] The personal monitoring device can also operate in
conjunction with an external computer or device in order to obtain
navigation data, information, and/or instructions, so as to provide
same to a user of the personal monitoring device. The personal
monitoring device can also process navigation data, information,
and/or instructions, on its own as well as receive at least some
navigation data, information, and/or instructions, from an external
computer or device, in order to provide navigation data,
information, and/or instructions, to a user of the personal
monitoring device. The functional equipment systems or devices can
also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
[0056] The functional equipment systems or devices can also include
any combination of hardware and/or software for disabling the
on/off switch of the personal monitoring device, so that the
personal monitoring device cannot be shut-off, or so that no
operation or function of the personal monitoring device can be
terminated, and/or so that a telephone call, a telephone
communication link, or a communication line or link, cannot be
turned off or terminated, by or at the personal communication
device. In this regard, in the case of an emergency, no telephone
call and/or communication line or link between the personal
monitoring device and any user communication device(s), the or any
central processing computer(s), the or any law enforcement
communication device (s), the or any emergency services provider
communication device(s), and/or the or any healthcare records
computer(s), can be terminated at or by the personal monitoring
device, so that a communication line, link, or channel can always
be maintained with the personal monitoring device.
[0057] The functional equipment systems or devices can also include
any combination of hardware and/or software for allowing the
personal monitoring device and any components or devices therein or
associated therewith to be remotely accessed, controlled, and/or
monitored, by or using any authorized user communication device
used by an authorized user or individual, the or any central
processing computer(s), the or any law enforcement communication
device (s), the or any emergency services provider communication
device(s), and/or the or any healthcare records computer(s).
[0058] The personal monitoring device can be, or can be implemented
in or with, a cellular telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, or a
personal digital assistant, which can be equipped with all of the
necessary hardware and software needed to perform all of the
functions and functionality described herein as being performed by
the personal monitoring device of the present invention. The
personal monitoring device can also be designed to be of any size
or shape, and/or the personal monitoring device can be implemented
using a watch, a wristwatch, an necklace, a bracelet, a ring, or
any other article of jewelry, of the personal monitoring device can
be secured to a belt, a necklace, a bracelet, eyeglasses, a watch,
a wristwatch, and/or can be attached to, secured to, or placed
inside or within, any article of clothing, a jacket, a coat, a
shirt, a blouse, a dress, a skirt, a pair of pants, shoes,
sneakers, boots, a hat, gloves, socks, stockings, a tie, a scarf,
or any other wearable item or accessory. In this regard, and
depending of the use, application, or deployment, of the personal
monitoring device in any given setting or situation, the personal
monitoring device can be designed and/or configures to be of any
size, shape, type, or kind, of device.
[0059] The personal monitoring device can include a housing, a
display screen which can be any type or display screen and/or a
touch screen and/or can be utilized to view and to input data,
information, messages, or instructions. The display screen can also
include a display section and a keyboard section. The keyboard
section can be called upon when needed and can also be dispensed
with when not being used so as to facilitate the use of the
entirety of the display screen when desired.
[0060] The personal monitoring device can also be equipped with a
flashlight, a flashlight bulb, or with any suitable software
application which can turn the display screen, or any portion of
the display screen, into a flashlight. In this regard, the personal
monitoring device can be equipped with a flashlight or a flashlight
functionality.
[0061] The personal monitoring device can also be equipped with a
strobe light or with any suitable software application which can
turn the display screen, or any portion of the display screen, into
a strobe light. In this regard, the personal monitoring device can
be equipped with a strobe light or a strobe light
functionality.
[0062] The personal monitoring device can also include one or more
microphones which can be located on one or more, or on any or all
surfaces of the personal monitoring device in order to allow for
any user or other individual to utilize the personal monitoring
device to communicate with others, to allow others to monitor audio
and/or sounds at or in the vicinity of the personal monitoring
device, and/or to allow one to use, control an operation of, to
enter voice commands into, and/or to record audio information or an
audio clip with and/or using, the personal monitoring device,
and/or to allow one to simply utilize the personal monitoring
device to communicate with another individual or entity in a
hand-free mode of operation. Any number of microphones can be
utilized in connection with the personal monitoring device.
[0063] The personal monitoring device can also include one or more
speakers which can be located on one or more, or on any or all,
surfaces of the personal monitoring device in order to provide
audible data, information, instructions, or communications, to any
user, or individual who may be using, or who may be in the vicinity
of, the personal monitoring device.
[0064] The personal monitoring device can also include one or more
cameras which can be located on one or more, or on any or all,
surfaces of the personal monitoring device in order to take or
record a picture, a photograph, or an image, and/or to record video
information or a video clip, with the personal monitoring device,
to record a picture, a photograph, or an image, and/or to record
video information or a video clip, of a user of the personal
monitoring device or any individual using the personal monitoring
device or in the vicinity of the personal monitoring device, to
record a picture, a photograph, or an image, and/or to record video
information or a video clip, of a vicinity in which the personal
monitoring device is located or of a surrounding of same, and/or to
allow a user or any individual to engage in a video conference or
video chat with another individual or other individuals using the
personal monitoring device.
[0065] Any one or more cameras can be a wide angle lens camera or a
camera having a wide angle lens for obtaining maximum viewing area.
Any one or more cameras can also be a night vision camera, an
infrared camera, or a camera equipped with, or utilized in
connection with, night vision capability.
[0066] The personal monitoring device can include a plurality of
indicator lights, one of which can be used to provide an indication
that the user of the personal monitoring device is located with a
"safe" zone of travel and the other which can be used to provide an
indication that the user of the personal monitoring device is
located outside of a "safe" zone of travel, is lost, is ill, is
possibly the victim of foul play, or is otherwise in need of help
or assistance. An indicator light which is used to indicate the
that user in within his or her "safe" zone can be an green light
when illuminated, and an indicator light which is used to indicate
the that the user outside his or her "safe" zone of travel, is
lost, is ill, is possibly the victim of foul play, or is otherwise
in need of help or assistance, can be a red light when illuminated.
Indicator lights can also be provided via the display screen or in
or via a portion or section of the display screen.
[0067] The personal monitoring device can include any suitable
attachment device or element (not shown) which is attached or
connected to, or linked with, the housing and/or the personal
monitoring device and which can be used to secure, to mount, or to
otherwise attach, the personal monitoring device to, on, or in, a
belt, an article of clothing, a watch, a wristwatch, a necklace, a
bracelet, eyeglasses, an accessory of any type or kind, a jacket, a
coat, a shirt, a blouse, a dress, a skirt, a pair of pants, shoes,
sneakers, boots, a hat, gloves, socks, stockings, a tie, a scarf,
or any other wearable item or accessory.
[0068] The personal monitoring device, its housing, and its various
component parts described herein, can be constructed or rugged
materials in order to protect the personal monitoring device
against impacts. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device, its housing, and its various component parts described
herein, can also be sealed, in any appropriate manner, so as to
provide for a personal monitoring device which can be waterproof.
The personal monitoring device can also be designed and
manufactured to as to include any suitable or buoyant material(s)
which can allow the personal monitoring device to float on water.
The housing, or any portion or component of same, can also include
made with or from, or can contain a phosphorescent material so that
the housing, or any portion of the housing, of the personal
monitoring device can glow-in-the dark or otherwise exhibit
glow-in-the-dark or luminescent properties.
[0069] The central processing computer can be any computer capable
of performing the functionality of the central processing computer
as described herein, a server computer, a computer system, a group
of computers, a computer which can function in a network of and
with other computers, or any other computer or communication device
which can provide the functionality of, and which can be utilized
as, a central processing computer. The central processing computer
can also be any suitable server computer or server computer system,
a cloud computer or cloud computer system, or a computer or
computer system which can operate in a network of and with other
computers or computer systems. The central processing computer can
also be an Internet server computer and/or a web site server
computer.
[0070] The central processing computer includes a central
processing unit or CPU which can be a microprocessor. The CPU can
also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a
mainframe computer, depending upon the application.
[0071] The central processing computer also includes a random
access memory device(s) RAM), a read only memory device(s) (ROM),
each of which is connected to, or linked with, the CPU, and a user
input device for inputting and/or entering data and/or information
and/or instructions and/or commands into the central processing
computer. The input device(s) can also be connected to, or linked
with, the CPU. The central processing computer can also include a
display device for displaying data and/or information to a user or
operator. The display device can also be connected to, or linked
with, the CPU.
[0072] The central processing computer can also include a
transmitter(s) for transmitting signals and/or data and/or
information to any one or more of the personal monitoring
device(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcement
communication device(s), the emergency services provider
communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s),
and/or any other central processing computer(s), which may be
utilized in conjunction with the present invention. The
transmitter(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
The central processing computer can also include a receiver(s) for
receiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one or
more of the personal monitoring device(s), the user communication
device(s), the law enforcement communication device(s), the
emergency services provider communication device(s), and/or the
healthcare records computer(s), and/or any other central processing
computer(s), which may be utilized in conjunction with the present
invention. The receiver(s) can also be connected to, or linked
with, the CPU.
[0073] The central processing computer also includes a database(s)
which can contain and/or include any and/or all of the data and/or
information needed or desired for or by the central processing
computer to perform all of the operations, actions, functions,
and/or functionality, described herein as being provided by, and/or
as being performed by, the central processing computer and/or the
apparatus of the present invention. The database(s) can also be
connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
[0074] The central processing computer can also include an output
device(s) for outputting any of the data, information, messages
and/or reports, described herein as being generated by or via the
central processing computer. The output device(s) can also be
connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
[0075] The central processing computer can also include a video
and/or audio recording device(s) which can include a camera and/or
a video recording device for recording pictures or video and/or
video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device for
recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or
transmitted live, by or from the central processing computer, or
which can be recorded by, and stored at or in, the central
processing computer for transmission by or from the central
processing computer at a later time. The video and/or audio
recording device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the
CPU.
[0076] The user communication device can be a personal computer, a
home computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet
computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a
personal communication device, a cellular telephone, a wireless
telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a
personal digital assistant, a digital television, an interactive
television, a digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone,
a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or
a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or
communication device. The user communication device 30 can also be
a server computer, or any computer capable of being utilized in a
network or capable of being utilized with other computers in a
network.
[0077] The user communication device includes a central processing
unit or CPU which can be a microprocessor. The CPU can also be a
microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe
computer, depending upon the application. The user communication
device also includes a random access memory device(s) (RAM), a read
only memory device(s) (ROM), each of which can be connected to, or
linked with, the CPU, and a user input device for inputting and/or
entering data and/or information and/or instructions and/or
commands into the user communication device. The input device(s)
can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
[0078] The user communication device can also include a display
device for displaying data and/or information to a user or
operator. The display device can be connected to, or linked with,
the CPU. The user communication device can also include a
transmitter(s) for transmitting signals and/or data and/or
information to any one or more of the personal monitoring
device(s), the central processing computer(s), the law enforcement
communication device (s), the emergency services provider
communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s),
and/or any other user communication device(s), which may be
utilized in conjunction with the present invention. The
transmitter(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the
CPU.
[0079] The user communication device can also include a receiver(s)
for receiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one
or more of the personal monitoring device(s), the central
processing computer(s), the law enforcement communication device
(s), the emergency services provider communication device(s),
and/or the healthcare records computer(s), and/or any other user
communication device(s), which may be utilized in conjunction with
the present invention. The receiver(s) can also be connected to, or
linked with, the CPU.
[0080] The user communication device can also include a database(s)
which can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The user
communication device can also include an output device(s) for
outputting any of the data, information, and/or reports, described
herein as being generated by or via the user communication device.
The output device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the
CPU.
[0081] The user communication device can also includes a video
and/or audio recording device(s) which can include a camera and/or
a video recording device for recording pictures or video and/or
video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device for
recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or
transmitted live, by or from the user communication device, or
which can be recorded by, and stored at or in, the user
communication device for transmission by or from the user
communication device at a later time. The video and/or audio
recording device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the
CPU.
[0082] The user communication device can also include a "kill"
switch or associated hardware and/or software for disabling and/or
deactivating the user communication device in instances when same
might be lost or stolen, so as to prevent its use by another person
and/or to prevent any access to any data and/or information stored
therein, thereby rendering the user communication device 30 useless
to another person after being reported, or being discovered, as
being lost or stolen.
[0083] The law enforcement communication device can be a personal
computer, a home computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer,
a tablet computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop
computer, a personal communication device, a cellular telephone, a
wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone,
a personal digital assistant, a digital television, an interactive
television, a digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone,
a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or
a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or
communication device. The law enforcement communication device 40
can also be a server computer, or any computer capable of being
utilized in a network or capable of being utilized with other
computers in a network.
[0084] The law enforcement communication device includes a central
processing unit or CPU which can be a microprocessor. The CPU can
also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a
mainframe computer, depending upon the application.
[0085] The law enforcement communication device also includes a
random access memory device(s) (RAM), a read only memory device(s)
(ROM), each of which is also connected to, or linked with, the CPU,
and a user input device for inputting and/or entering data and/or
information and/or instructions and/or commands into the law
enforcement communication device. The input device(s) can also be
connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
[0086] The law enforcement communication device can also include a
display device for displaying data and/or information to a user or
operator and which can also be connected to, or linked with, CPU.
The law enforcement communication device can also include a
transmitter(s) for transmitting signals and/or data and/or
information to any one or more of the personal monitoring
device(s), the central processing computer(s), the user
communication device(s), the emergency services provider
communication device(s), and/or the healthcare records computer(s),
and/or any other the law enforcement communication device (s) which
may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. The
transmitter(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
The law enforcement communication device can also include a
receiver(s) for receiving signals and/or data and/or information
from any one or more of the personal monitoring device(s), the
central processing computer(s), the user communication device(s),
the emergency services provider communication device(s), and/or the
healthcare records computer(s), and/or any other law enforcement
communication device (s) which may be utilized in conjunction with
the present invention. The receiver(s) can also be connected to, or
linked with, the CPU 40A.
[0087] The law enforcement communication device can also include a
database(s) which also can be connected to, or linked with, the
CPU. The law enforcement communication device can also include an
output device(s) for outputting any of the data, information,
and/or reports, described herein as being generated by or via the
law enforcement communication device(s).
[0088] The law enforcement communication device can also includes a
video and/or audio recording device(s) which can include a camera
and/or a video recording device for recording pictures or video
and/or video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device
for recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or
transmitted live, by or from the law enforcement communication
device, or which can be recorded by, and stored at or in, the law
enforcement communication device for transmission by or from the
law enforcement communication device at a later time.
[0089] The emergency services provider communication device can be
a personal computer, a home computer, a laptop computer, a notebook
computer, a tablet computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a
palmtop computer, a personal communication device, a cellular
telephone, a wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone,
a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a digital television,
an interactive television, a digital television, a telephone, a
digital telephone, a television, an interactive television, a
beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any
wearable device, computer or communication device. The emergency
services provider communication device can also be a server
computer or any other computer capable of being utilized in a
network.
[0090] The emergency services provider communication device
includes a central processing unit or CPU which can be a
microprocessor. The CPU can also be a microcomputer, a
minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer,
depending upon the application. The emergency services provider
communication device also includes a random access memory device(s)
(RAM), a read only memory device(s) (ROM), each of can be connected
to, or linked with, the CPU, and a user input device for inputting
and/or entering data and/or information and/or instructions and/or
commands into the emergency services provider communication
device.
[0091] The emergency services provider communication device can
also include a display device for displaying data and/or
information to a user or operator. The display device can also be
connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The emergency services
provider communication device can also include a transmitter(s) for
transmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one or
more of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processing
computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcement
communication device (s), and/or the healthcare records
computer(s), and/or any other emergency services provider
communication device(s), which may be utilized in conjunction with
the present invention. The transmitter(s) can also be connected to,
or linked with, the CPU. The emergency services provider
communication device(s) can also include a receiver(s), for
receiving signals and/or data and/or information from any one or
more of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processing
computer(s), the user communication device(s), law enforcement
communication device (s), and/or the healthcare records
computer(s), and/or any other the emergency services provider
communication device(s), which may be utilized in conjunction with
the present invention. The receiver(s) can also be connected to, or
linked with, the CPU.
[0092] The emergency services provider communication device can
also include a database(s) which can also be connected to, or
linked with, the CPU. The emergency services provider communication
device can also include an output device(s) for outputting any of
the data, information, and/or reports, described herein as being
generated by or via the emergency services provider communication
device. The output device(s) can also be connected to, or linked
with, the CPU.
[0093] The emergency services provider communication device 50 can
also include a video and/or audio recording device(s) which can
include a camera and/or a video recording device for recording
pictures or video and/or video clips and/or a microphone or an
audio recording device for recording audio or audio clips which can
be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by or from the emergency
services provider communication device, or which can be recorded
by, and stored at or in, the emergency services provider
communication device for transmission by or from the emergency
services provider communication device at a later time. The video
and/or audio recording device(s) can also be connected to, or
linked with, the CPU.
[0094] The healthcare records computer can also be any computer or
computer system, or any group of computers. The healthcare records
computer can also be a personal computer, a home computer, a laptop
computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a tablet, a
hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a personal communication
device, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a mobile
telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a personal digital
assistant, a digital television, an interactive television, a
digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone, a television,
an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a
Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communication
device. The healthcare records computer can also be server computer
or any computer capable of being utilized in a network.
[0095] The healthcare records computer includes a central
processing unit or CPU which can be a microprocessor. The CPU can
also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a
mainframe computer, depending upon the application.
[0096] The healthcare records computer can also include a random
access memory device(s) (RAM), a read only memory device(s) (ROM),
each of which can be connected to, or linked with, the CPU, and a
user input device for inputting and/or entering data and/or
information and/or instructions and/or commands into the healthcare
records computer and which can also be connected to, or linked
with, the CPU.
[0097] The healthcare records computer can also include a display
device for displaying data and/or information to a user or operator
and which an also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The
healthcare records computer can also include a transmitter(s) for
transmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one or
more of the personal monitoring device(s), the central processing
computer(s), the user communication device(s), the law enforcement
communication device (s), the emergency services provider
communication device(s), and/or any other healthcare records
computer(s), which may be utilized in conjunction with the present
invention. In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter(s) can also
be connected to, or linked with, the CPU. The healthcare records
computer can also include a receiver(s) for receiving signals
and/or data and/or information from any one or more of the personal
monitoring device(s), the central processing computer(s), the user
communication device(s), the law enforcement communication device
(s), the emergency services provider communication device(s),
and/or any other healthcare records computer(s), which may be
utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In the
preferred embodiment, the receiver(s) can also be connected to, or
linked with, the CPU. The healthcare records computer can also
include a database(s) which can also be CPU.
[0098] The healthcare records computer can also include an output
device(s) for outputting any of the data, information, and/or
reports, described herein as being generated by or via the
healthcare records computer which can also be connected to, or
linked with, the CPU.
[0099] The healthcare records computer can also include a video
and/or audio recording device(s) which can include a camera and/or
a video recording device for recording pictures or video and/or
video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device for
recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or
transmitted live, by or from the healthcare records computer, or
which can be recorded by, and stored at or in, the healthcare
records computer for transmission by or from the healthcare records
computer at a later time. The video and/or audio recording
device(s) can also be connected to, or linked with, the CPU.
[0100] The apparatus and method of the present invention can be
utilized to monitor an individual or individuals of any age and,
therefore, can be utilized to monitor any child, infant, teenager
or young adult, adult of any age, and/or elderly individual. The
apparatus and method of the present invention can also be utilized
to monitor any child, infant, teenager or young adult, adult of any
age, and/or elderly individual, who may or may not be inflicted
with a condition, illness, or disease, or who may or may not be
inflicted with autism, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, or be ill
with any temporary or permanent illness, sickness, disease, or
condition. The apparatus and method of the present invention can
also be utilized to monitor any child, infant, teenager or young
adult, adult of any age, and/or elderly individual, as a safety
precaution.
[0101] Any user or individual who utilizes a personal monitoring
device, or who has a personal monitoring device assigned to him or
her, or who has a personal monitoring device associated with him or
her, can be referred to herein, or can be defined herein as being,
a "monitored individual". Any user or individual who utilizes a
user communication device to monitor a monitored individual can be
referred to herein, or can be defined herein as being, a
"monitoring individual".
[0102] It is envisioned that any personal monitoring device can be
programmed with, or can have stored therein or therewith,
information regarding the monitored individual's home address,
residence address, school residence address or place, workplace
address, or other address, place, or location, which is considered
to be that monitored individual's place of safety or "home base" or
"safe location". It is also envisioned that any personal monitoring
device can be programmed with, or have stored therein or therewith,
information regarding any address(es), place(s), or location(s), to
which the monitored individual typically travels on a daily basis.
For example, the personal monitoring device 10 can be programmed
with, or have stored therein or therewith, information regarding
the monitored individual's school address, place, or location,
workplace address, place, or location, employment address, place,
or location, activity or event address, place, or location, or any
other address, place, or location, to which the monitored
individual is known to travel on a weekday basis, on a weekend
daily basis, or on any daily basis.
[0103] The personal monitoring device can also be programmed with
the monitored individual's travel itineraries and/or travel
schedules for traveling to and between one address, place, or
location to another address, place, or location. The personal
monitoring device can also be programmed with travel routes or
directions for traveling to and between one address, place, or
location to another address, place, or location. The personal
monitoring device can also be programmed with software programs,
navigation programs, or any algorithms or software applications,
for identifying, determining, ascertaining, or calculating, any
travel routes or directions for traveling to and between one
address, place, or location to another address, place, or
location.
[0104] The personal monitoring device an be utilized in connection
with, or in conjunction with, the apparatus, the central processing
computer, a user communication device associated with, or used by,
any user or individual authorized to, or assigned to, monitor the
monitored individual, any law enforcement communication device,
and/or any emergency services provider communication device. The
personal monitoring device can also be utilized as a stand-alone
device by the monitored individual to allow the monitored
individual to monitor his or her travels, whereabouts, or
environment.
[0105] The personal monitoring device can be activated to operate
so as to determine, ascertain, and/or monitor, a monitored
individual's location or whereabouts. Depending upon the time of
the particular day and the schedule of the monitored individual,
the personal monitoring device can determine the monitored
individual's position or location and can determine such to be at
an address, place, or location, where the monitored individual
should be at that particular time.
[0106] The personal monitoring device can also detect the movements
of a monitored individual and can identify a travel route for the
monitored individual. The personal monitoring device can also
detect when a monitored individual has deviated from a travel
route, or has gone off course from a travel route. Upon detecting
that the monitored individual has deviated from the travel route,
or has gone off course from the travel route, the personal
monitoring device can perform any one or more of a number of
functions in response to the detection of the monitored individual
deviating from the travel route.
[0107] The personal monitoring device can generate a travel route
deviation message which can contain and/or include the time and/or
place, position, or location, when and/or where the monitored
individual deviated from or left the travel route and the monitored
individual's current place, position, or location. The travel route
deviation message can also include information regarding the
portion of the monitored individual's itinerary associated with the
travel route from which the monitored individual has deviated
[0108] The personal monitoring device can also obtain, determine,
read, or record, any physiological or healthcare information
regarding the monitored individual such as, for example, but not
limited to, the monitored individual's heart rate, pulse rate,
blood pressure, body temperature, blood sugar level, or any other
healthcare information or healthcare-related data and/or
information, or any other physical condition, physiological
condition, or healthcare condition, which can be measured or
measurable by any wearable device or by any implanted device or
implantable device which can be obtained by or using any of the
respective and herein-described devices, equipment, monitors, or
measurement devices, which can be wearable or non-wearable and/or
which can be connected to or with, or wirelessly linked to or with
the personal monitoring device. Any data and/or information
obtained regarding any of the herein-described data and/or
information can also be included in the travel route deviation
message.
[0109] The travel route deviation message can also contain and/or
include the temperature of the environment in which the monitored
individual is located, which can be exterior temperature if the
monitored individual and the personal monitoring device is located
outdoors, or an interior temperature if the monitored individual
and the personal monitoring device are located indoors.
[0110] The personal monitoring device can also automatically
transmit the travel route deviation message to the user
communication device which is used by, associated with, or assigned
to, the monitoring individual for the monitored individual. The
personal monitoring device can also generate and transmit updated
travel route deviation messages at any pre-determined or
pre-selected time intervals.
[0111] Travel route deviation messages can also be transmitted from
the personal monitoring device to the central processing computer,
so as to report the monitored individual's travel route deviation
to the central processing computer and to any company or entity
which operates same. The personal monitoring device can also
automatically transmit the travel route deviation message to the
law enforcement communication devices of or associated with each
law enforcement agency or department associated with the city,
town, municipality, or political subdivision, in which the
monitored individual was detected as having deviated from the
travel route, as well as to each law enforcement communication
device(s) of or associated with any neighboring cities, towns,
municipalities, or political subdivisions. The personal monitoring
device can also automatically transmit the travel route deviation
message to the emergency services provider communication device of
or associated with the emergency services provider agency or
department of or for the city, town, municipality, or political
subdivision, in which the monitored individual was detected as
having deviated from the travel route, as well as to each emergency
services provider communication device of or associated with any
neighboring cities, towns, municipalities, or political
subdivisions.
[0112] The personal monitoring device can also initiate a cellular
or wireless telephone call to the user communication of the
monitoring individual. If more than one monitoring individuals are
associated with the monitored individual, then the personal
monitoring device can initiate a cellular or wireless telephone
call, and/or a telephone conference call, to and/or so as to
include the monitored individual and all monitoring individuals for
the monitored individual. The personal monitoring device can also
initiate a cellular or wireless telephone call, and/or a telephone
conference call, to and/or so as to include at least one monitoring
individual and a law enforcement officer or individual, via and/or
by including a respective law enforcement communication device,
and/or an emergency services provider individual or person via
and/or by including an emergency services provider communication
device.
[0113] The cellular or wireless telephone call can be made so as to
put the monitored individual into live contact with, and/or into
live communication with, the monitoring individual or monitoring
individuals, and/or so as to put the monitored individual and the
monitoring individual or monitoring individuals into live contact
with, and/or into live communication with, law enforcement
personnel and/or emergency services personnel.
[0114] Once the cellular or wireless telephone call and/or any
conference line involving the monitoring individual or monitoring
individuals, and/or any law enforcement law enforcement personnel
and/or emergency services personnel, has been made and, with the
call line and/or conference line being live and/or on-going, the
personal monitoring device can de-activate the personal monitoring
device's telephone call on/off switch, or on/off switch
functionality, on or in the personal monitoring device so that the
personal monitoring device cannot be disconnected from the
telephone call and/or the conference line. Any herein-described
de-activation of the telephone call on/off switch, or on/off switch
functionality, of the personal monitoring device can be effectuated
by using, and/or by programming the personal monitoring device,
with or using any appropriate and/or suitable software program,
algorithm, or software application. The personal monitoring device
can also be programmed and/or equipped so as to detect being
disconnected from, or dropped from, the telephone call and/or
conference call, and can automatically re-connect to the telephone
call and/or to the conference call. Any of the herein-described
personal monitoring device(s), user communication device(s), law
enforcement communication device(s), and/or an emergency services
provider communication device(s), can be equipped with long lasting
batteries or power sources, external batteries or power sources,
and/or any other supplemental batteries or power sources, so as to
ensure that sufficient electrical power is available and can be
supplied to any of the herein-described personal monitoring
device(s), user communication device(s), law enforcement
communication device(s), and/or an emergency services provider
communication device(s).
[0115] The herein-described functionality of establishing a
cellular or wireless telephone call, and/or conference call, can
allow the monitored individual to be brought into, and to be
maintained in, live contact with and/or live communication with,
his or her monitoring individual or one or more monitoring
individuals, and/or with any number of law enforcement personal
and/or emergency services personnel. In this manner, the monitoring
individual or monitoring individuals, and/or any law enforcement
personnel and/or emergency services personnel, can speak with the
monitored individual, can comfort or reassure the monitored
individual that all will be okay, and/or can ascertain the
monitored individual's whereabouts, while the monitored individual
my be lost or off track. The personal monitoring device can also
activate a speakerphone, and/or any speakers and/or microphone, of
same for and/or during the cellular or wireless telephone call
and/or conference call.
[0116] The personal monitoring device can also activate any camera,
any video recording device or equipment, any microphone, or any
audio recording device, of same, and/or any device or equipment of
the video and/or audio recording device(s) of same, for and/or
during the cellular or wireless telephone call and/or conference
call.
[0117] The personal monitoring device can activate one or more
indicator lights on the personal monitoring device which can be
used to indicate that the monitored individual is outside of his or
her "safe" zone of travel as well as indicate when the monitored
individual is inside or within his or her "safe" zone.
[0118] The personal monitoring device can also activate any camera,
any video recording device or equipment, any microphone, or any
audio recording device, of same, and/or any device or equipment of
the video and/or audio recording device(s) of same, for obtaining
pictures, video information, video clips, audio information, or
audio clips, of the monitored individual, or any individual's or
person who or may come into contact with the monitored individual,
and/or of any of the monitored individual's surroundings,
environment, or location. Any pictures, video information, video
clips, audio information, or audio clips, recorded by and at the
personal monitoring device can be transmitted to, and stored by or
in, each of the user communication device of the monitoring
individual, each user communication device of each monitoring
individual, the central processing computer, or any law enforcement
communication device(s), and/or an emergency services provider
communication device(s).
[0119] The personal monitoring device can also track the monitored
individual's movements and can generate tracking update messages at
any pre-selected time interval(s), containing information regarding
the monitored individual's location(s), movement(s), and speed of
travel or movement. The personal monitoring device, as well as the
central processing computer(s), the user communication(s), the law
enforcement communication device(s), and/or the emergency services
provider communication device(s), can be equipped with software to
calculate or otherwise determine the monitored individual's speed
of movement. In this manner, depending on the speed of movement of
the monitored individual, it can be determined if the monitored
individual is traveling in or on a vehicle or is traveling on foot.
The tracking update messages can be automatically transmitted, at
periodic time intervals, from the personal monitoring device to the
user communication(s) of the monitoring individual(s), and/or, or
as well as, to the central processing computer(s), the user
communication(s), the law enforcement communication device(s),
and/or the emergency services provider communication device(s).
[0120] Information regarding the monitored individual's movement
can be displayed and/or tracked on or via a digital or satellite
map which can be displayed on the display device of the respective
user communication(s), the central processing computer(s), the law
enforcement communication device(s), and/or the emergency services
provider communication device(s). Information regarding the
monitored individual's movement can also be displayed and/or
tracked on or via a digital or satellite map which can be displayed
on the display screen of the personal monitoring device.
[0121] The personal monitoring device can also activate a homing
beacon or beacon of the personal monitoring device. The homing
beacon or beacon of the personal monitoring device can transmit or
provide a signal, a distress signal, or any other indication, which
can be utilized in connection with a corresponding receiver to
track and/or to "home" in on or locate the monitored
individual.
[0122] The personal monitoring device can also play any
pre-recorded messages or video clips or audio clips, which
messages, video clips, or audio clips, to the monitored individual
via the display screen and speakers. The personal monitoring device
can also provide information, and/or a link to information,
regarding or contained in the healthcare records of the monitored
individual. The personal monitoring device can also provide
information regarding any instructions or directions for guiding
the monitored individual back onto his or her travel route.
[0123] At any time, the user communication device, or any user or
operator of any other computer or communication device described
herein, can generate and/or can transmit a control signal to the
personal monitoring device in order to enable, disable, activate,
de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operation of,
the personal monitoring device and/or any component, system,
device, or equipment, of same.
[0124] A personal monitoring account can be created or established
for any monitored individual with whom the apparatus and method of
the present invention can be utilized.
[0125] The operation of the apparatus of the present invention
and/or the personal monitoring device can also be triggered by, or
can be activated by or in response to the actions of, a monitoring
individual. A monitoring individual can utilize a software
application or a software "app" in order to determine the position
or location of the monitored individual. The software application
or software "app" can be capable of determining the position or
location of the monitored individual at any time and/or on demand
by the monitoring individual. The monitoring individual can also
perform a "pinging" operation in order to utilize a communications
services provider or any other suitably equipped entity in order to
"ping" or determine the position or location of the monitored
individual. If the monitored individual is determined to be at an
unexpected or unapproved place or location, or has deviated from an
appropriate travel route at that point or instant in time, the
monitoring individual can activate the apparatus and can utilize
same to find or locate, or otherwise provide assistance to, the
monitored individual.
[0126] The apparatus of the present invention and/or the personal
monitoring device can also be utilized to record information
regarding any incidents of bullying, harassment, criminal acts, or
any other activities or events, perpetrated on, inflicted upon, or
occurring involving the monitored individual and/or occurring in
the vicinity of the monitored individual. The personal monitoring
device can be activated to record audio information and/or video
information regarding the event or the occurrence, the position or
location of same, date and time of same, and/or any other pertinent
information regarding same which can be obtained by, with, or
using, the personal monitoring device. A monitored individual can
manually activate the personal monitoring device and/or the
personal monitoring device can be equipped with voice activation
equipment and/or hardware and/or software and can be activated to
record any information regarding an event or occurrence by, or in
response to, a voice activation command. Any data and/or
information recorded can be stored in the database of the personal
monitoring device and/or can be transmitted to the user
communication device(s) of or associated with the monitoring
individual, the central processing computer, and/or to any one of
more law enforcement communication devices and/or emergency
services provider communication devices, for reporting and for
storing as evidence.
[0127] The apparatus and method of the present invention can be
utilized in order to provide and support comprehensive personal
monitoring services of a global nature for individuals of any age.
The apparatus and method of the present invention can also be
utilized in order to provide and support comprehensive personal
monitoring services of a global nature for individuals of any age
and regardless of whether or not they have any conditions,
illnesses, sicknesses, disabilities, or health conditions. The
present invention can also be utilized to provide and service
personal monitoring accounts for any number of individuals, with
such personal monitoring accounts facilitating the providing of
personal monitoring services by and/or involving any number of
various monitoring services providers, security services provider,
healthcare providers, healthcare insurers, healthcare records
service providers, and/or healthcare payers, and/or law enforcement
agencies and/or departments, and/or emergency services providers
agencies and/or departments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0128] In the Drawings:
[0129] FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention,
in block diagram form;
[0130] FIG. 2 illustrates the personal monitoring device of FIG. 1,
in block diagram form;
[0131] FIG. 3 illustrates the personal monitoring device of FIG. 1
in a three-dimensional perspective view;
[0132] FIG. 4 illustrates the central processing computer of FIG.
1, in block diagram form;
[0133] FIG. 5 illustrates the user communication device of FIG. 1,
in block diagram form;
[0134] FIG. 6 illustrates the law enforcement communication device
of FIG. 1, in block diagram form;
[0135] FIG. 7 illustrates the emergency services provider
communication device of FIG. 1, in block diagram form;
[0136] FIG. 8 illustrates the healthcare records computer of FIG.
1, in block diagram form;
[0137] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus of the present invention, in flow diagram
form; and
[0138] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another preferred embodiment
method for utilizing the apparatus of the present invention, in
flow diagram form.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0139] The present invention pertains to a personal monitoring
apparatus and method and, in particular, to a personal monitoring
apparatus and method which can be utilized to monitor infants,
children, the elderly, or individuals of any and/or all ages,
and/or to monitor their position or location, their whereabouts,
their surroundings, their vital signs, their physiological
measurements, states, or condition, and/or any individual and/or
individuals with whom they may come into contact.
[0140] The present invention can provide an apparatus and method
which can be utilized to monitor and/or to track the whereabouts
and/or travels of an individual at any time, to compare an
individual's current whereabouts to their current location or a
location where they should be, ought to be, or are expected to be,
and/or to provide an alert, or to provide a notification, to the
individual, a parent of the individual, a child of the individual,
a relative of the individual, a caregiver of the individual, an
employer of the individual, a law enforcement agency or law
enforcement personnel, emergency services personnel, a third party,
or any other person or entity, when the individual is located at a
location where they should not be, wherein they ought not be, where
they are not expected to be, or when they have deviated from, or
are deviating from, a planned, an expected, or a desired, travel
route, or a planned, expected, or desired, schedule when they
itinerary.
[0141] For example, the apparatus and method or the present
invention can be used to monitor the whereabouts, the location, or
the travel, of a child of any age, a child having special needs, a
child who has become injured or ill, or a child who has become
lost, mission, or who has become a victim of foul play. As and for
another example, the apparatus and method or the present invention
can be used to monitor the whereabouts, the location, or the
travel, of an adult or an elderly individual of any age, an adult
or an elderly individual having special needs, an adult or an
elderly individual who has become ill or injured, or an adult or an
elderly individual who has become lost, mission, or who has become
a victim of foul play.
[0142] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized to provide information or an indication, to the
individual or to any persons with whom the individual may come into
contact, which can provide information indicative of the individual
being where he or she should not be, indicative that the individual
is lost, indicative that the individual is or might be injured or
ill, or indicative that the individual is in need of help or
assistance.
[0143] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized to provide information or an indication, to a parent of
the individual, to a child of the individual, to a relative of the
individual, to a caregiver of the individual, to an employer of the
individual, to a law enforcement agency or law enforcement
personnel, to an emergency services personnel, to any third party,
or to any other person or entity, when the individual has been
determined to be lost, injured, ill, or otherwise in need of help
or assistance.
[0144] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized to obtain, record, store, and/or provide, healthcare
information or physiological data and/or information, or any other
information regarding the state or status of an individual,
including, but not limited to, the individual's heart rate, blood
pressure, body temperature, blood sugar level, or any other
physical condition, physiological condition, or healthcare
condition, which can be measured or measurable by any wearable
device or by any implanted device or implantable device.
[0145] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized to initiate, establish, and/or maintain, a
communication link, or a telephone call, with and between any of
the herein-described personal monitoring devices with and any of
the herein-described user communication devices, central processing
computers, and/or law enforcement communication devices and/or
emergency services communication devices. In this regard, for
example, a line communication can be established with and/or
between the personal monitoring device of a lost, mission, or ill,
child's and a user communication device of, associated with, or
used by, the child's parent, relative, caregiver, or other
authorized person. The apparatus and method of the present
invention can also be utilized to provide an open, and
speakerphone-operated, line of communication with the personal
monitoring device so that a respective parent, relative, caregiver,
or other authorized person can, using a user communication device,
speak to, or engage in conversation with, the child or with any
individual with whom the child comes into contact so as to
facilitate finding the child, helping he child find help of his or
her way back to a safe location, and/or making sure that the child
is brought to a place of safety and/or is safely returned home or
to another safe location, and/or to make sure that the child's
needs are provided for until being reunited with his or her
parent(s), a caregiver, or law enforcement. The apparatus and
method of the present invention can also be utilized in a same, a
similar, or an analogous, manner in providing personal monitoring
for adults and elderly individuals of any age.
[0146] The apparatus and method of the present invention can also
be utilized in order to establish, and to provide services for,
personal monitoring accounts for individuals. In a preferred
embodiment, a personal monitoring account can be assigned to an
individual in order to provide any number or monitoring services
for that individual. For example, a personal monitoring account can
be utilized to allow any other authorized individual, person, or
entity, to monitor, and/or to track location, position, or movement
of, an individual, to communicate with the individual at any time,
to communicate with people in the vicinity of the individual, to
obtain information regarding the position, location, or whereabouts
of the individual, persons with whom the individual may be in
contact with, or may have come into contact with, the individual's
itinerary, travels, to obtain video and/or audio information
regarding the individual, his or her travels, locations, and/or any
other information regarding the individual. In a preferred
embodiment, one or more personal monitoring accounts can be set up
by or for an individual. In this regard, an individual can have one
personal monitoring account ("PMA") or a plurality of personal
monitoring accounts.
[0147] As will be described herein, the apparatus and method of the
present invention can be utilized to provide a number of various
features and functionality which can be useful in providing
personal monitoring services and operations for infants, children,
and adults, of any ages. The apparatus and method of the present
invention can also be utilized to provide personal monitoring
services and operations for and regarding pets and animals of any
type or kind.
[0148] Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the
subject matter and teachings of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/085,587, filed Nov. 30, 2014, and entitled "PERSONAL
MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD", the subject matter and teachings
of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
[0149] FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention,
in block diagram form. The apparatus of the present invention is
denoted generally by the reference numeral 100. In the preferred
embodiment, the apparatus 100 of the present invention includes a
personal monitoring device 10. In the preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device is, or can be, a cellular telephone, a
mobile telephone or wireless telephone, a Smartphone, a personal
digital assistant, or any other suitable device.
[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can be equipped with the communication equipment typically found in
cellular telephones, mobile telephones or wireless telephones,
Smartphones, personal digital assistants, or any other suitable
devices, for facilitating a two-way communication with other
individuals or entities and/or with communications devices,
computers, equipment, or any other communication equipment used by
any individuals or entities. In a preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10 can also be equipped with global
positioning system (GPS) device or equipment. In another preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also be equipped
with navigation equipment such as are typically found in
commercially available GPS navigation devices and equipment which
are used to assist motorists and individuals traveling in motor
vehicles in navigating from a location to a destination.
[0151] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also be equipped with global positioning system (GPS) equipment
and navigation equipment which can allow the personal monitoring
device 10 to act in a stand-alone manner, without having to obtain
any navigation information from any external device or computer. In
another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can
be equipped to receive, and provide to a user, navigation data
and/or information, including, but not limited to, navigation
instructions, which is obtained from an external computer or
communication device or a service provider computer or
communication device.
[0152] The personal monitoring device 10 can also be any
communication device, computer, personal computer, laptop computer,
notebook computer, Smartphone or smartphone, smart telephone,
cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, tablet, tablet
computer, watch, smart watch, or wearable device or computer, an
implantable device or computer, an item of jewelry, eyeglasses, or
any accessory, or any combination of same, or any equivalent of
same, which can be utilized by any person, individual, or entity,
who or which utilizes the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention. The personal monitoring device 10 can also be a server
computer, a mainframe computer, a mini-computer, a microcomputer,
or any other computer or device for suiting the needs of the
particular user.
[0153] Any number of personal monitoring devices 10 can be utilized
by or in conjunction with the apparatus 100 of the present
invention. The personal monitoring device 10 can communicate, in a
bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with and/or can operate in
conjunction with any the herein-described computers, communication
devices, and/or computer systems described herein as being utilized
in connection with the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention.
[0154] In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 of the
present invention includes a central processing computer or central
processing computer system 20 (hereinafter referred to as the
"central processing computer 20"). In the preferred embodiment the
central processing computer 20 can be any computer or computer
system or can be a computer with operated in a network with other
computers or a server computer.
[0155] In the preferred embodiment, the central processing computer
20 can provide control over the apparatus 100 and can perform any
of the various processing services and/or functions described
herein as being performed by same. The central processing computer
20 can be a single computer or a system of computers and/or can
include a plurality of computers or computer systems which are
utilized in conjunction with one another. The central processing
computer 20, in the preferred embodiment, can provide personal
monitoring services for or regarding any number of individuals
and/or entities and/or can provide personal monitoring services for
or regarding any number of individuals and/or entities who or which
need, want, or desire, to monitor, to monitor the whereabouts of,
and/or who or which desire to be notified regarding the
whereabouts, location, healthcare status, or any occurrence of or
regarding any event which may give rise to a need to find, locate,
and/or monitor a location of, any child, adult, elderly person, or
any individual of any age.
[0156] Any number of central processing computers 20 can be
utilized by or in conjunction with the apparatus 100 of the present
invention. The central processing computer(s) 20 can communicate,
in a bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can
operate in conjunction with, the personal monitoring device 10
and/or any of the other communication devices, computers, and/or
computer systems, associated with or used by any of the individuals
and/or entities who or which utilize the apparatus 100 and method
of the present invention.
[0157] The apparatus 100 also includes a user communication device
or computer 30 (hereinafter referred to as "user communication
device 30" or "user computer 30") which is associated with, or
which can be used by, any one or more of any of the
herein-described users, individuals, or entities, who or which
utilize the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention.
[0158] Any number of user communication devices 30 can be utilized
by or in conjunction with any user or any individual or entity who
or which utilizes the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention, and any number of user communication devices 30 can be
utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 100 and method of the
present invention.
[0159] The user communication device(s) 30 can communicate, in a
bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in
conjunction with the personal monitoring device 10 and/or the
central processing computer 20 and/or any of the other
herein-described communication devices, computers, and/or computer
systems, associated with or used by any of the individuals and/or
entities who or which utilize the apparatus 100 and method of the
present invention.
[0160] The apparatus 100 also includes a law enforcement
communication device or computer 40 (hereinafter referred to as
"law enforcement communication device 40" or "law enforcement
computer 40") which is associated with, or which can be used by,
any law enforcement agency or department which utilize the
apparatus 100 and method of the present invention.
[0161] Any number of law enforcement communication devices 40 can
be utilized by or in conjunction with any law enforcement agency or
department which utilizes the apparatus 100 and method of the
present invention, and any number of law enforcement communication
devices 40 can be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 100
and method of the present invention.
[0162] The law enforcement communication device(s) 40 can
communicate, in a bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with,
and/or can operate in conjunction with the personal monitoring
device 10, the central processing computer 20, the user
communication device 30, and/or any of the other herein-described
communication devices, computers, and/or computer systems,
associated with or used by any of the individuals and/or entities
who or which utilize the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention.
[0163] The apparatus 100 also includes an emergency services
provider communication device or computer 50 (hereinafter referred
to as an "emergency services provider communication device 50" or
"emergency services provider computer 50") which is associated
with, or which can be used by, any emergency services provider,
agency, or department, which utilizes the apparatus 100 and method
of the present invention.
[0164] Any number of emergency services provider communication
devices 50 can be utilized by or in conjunction with any emergency
services provider, agency, or department, which utilizes the
apparatus 100 and method of the present invention, and any number
of emergency services provider communication devices 50 can be
utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 100 and method of the
present invention.
[0165] The emergency services provider communication device(s) 50
can communicate, in a bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with,
and/or can operate in conjunction with the personal monitoring
device 10, the central processing computer 20, the user
communication device 30, the law enforcement communication device
40, and/or any of the other herein-described communication devices,
computers, and/or computer systems, associated with or used by any
of the individuals and/or entities who or which utilize the
apparatus 100 and method of the present invention.
[0166] The apparatus 100 can also include a healthcare records
computer or communication device 60 (hereinafter referred to as
"healthcare records computer 60") which, in a preferred embodiment,
stores an electronic healthcare record or electronic healthcare
records for any of the herein-described individuals who or which
can be monitored using the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention. In a preferred embodiment, the healthcare records
computer 60 can also store healthcare records of any individual,
children, adults, elderly persons, or any individual of any age,
who is to be monitored by and using the apparatus 100 and method of
the present invention as well as any healthcare records of, for, or
regarding, any relatives of any of these individuals.
[0167] In a preferred embodiment, the healthcare records computer
60 or computers can serve to store and house an electronic
healthcare record or any number of electronic healthcare records.
The healthcare records computer 60 can also be utilized to
facilitate cloud storage of any electronic healthcare
record(s).
[0168] The healthcare records computer(s) 60 can communicate, in a
bi-directional manner and/or otherwise, with, and/or can operate in
conjunction with, the personal monitoring device 10, the central
processing computer 20, the user communication device 30, the law
enforcement communication device 40, the emergency services
provider communication device 50, and/or any of the other
communication devices, computers, and/or computer systems,
associated with or used by any of the individuals and/or entities
who or which utilize and/or operate in conjunction with the
apparatus 100 of the present invention.
[0169] In the preferred embodiment, any of the personal monitoring
device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the user
communication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication
device (s) 40, the emergency services provider communication
device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, can be
any computer or communication device, including, but not limited
to, a personal computer, a home computer, a server computer, or any
computer capable of being utilized in a network or capable of being
utilized with other computers in a network, or a hand-held
computer, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a personal
communication device, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a
mobile telephone, a digital television, an interactive television,
a digital television, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a
digital telephone, a television, an interactive television, a
beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any
wearable device, computer or communication device.
[0170] Each of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central
processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the
law enforcement communication device (s) 40, the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60, can transmit information to, as well as receive
information from, any of the computers or communication devices 10,
20, 30, 40, 50, and/or 60 described herein. In this regard, each of
the computers or communication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and/or
60, can communicate with, process information from, and/or share
data and/or information with, each other and/or any other
computer(s) or communication device(s) 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and/or
60, described herein and/or utilized in conjunction with the
apparatus 100 of the present invention. In this manner, any of the
respective computer(s) or communication device(s) 10, 20, 30, 40,
50, and/or 60, can communicate with any other computer(s) or
communication device(s) 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and/or 60, in a
bi-directional manner.
[0171] In the preferred embodiment, the present invention is
utilized on, over, and/or via, the Internet and/or the World Wide
Web and/or on any wireless communication network and/or any
cellular communication network. The present invention, in the
preferred embodiment, can also utilize wireless Internet and/or
World Wide Web services, equipment and/or devices. The central
processing computer(s) 20, in the preferred embodiment, has a web
site or web sites associated therewith. Each of the other computers
or communication devices described herein can also have a web site
or web sites associated with same.
[0172] Although the Internet and/or the World Wide Web is a
preferred communication system and/or medium utilized, the present
invention, in any and/or all of the embodiments described herein,
can also be utilized with any appropriate communication network or
system including, but not limited to, a telecommunication network
or system, a telephone communication network or system, a cellular
communication network or system, a wireless communication network
or system, a line or wired communication network or system, a
wireless Internet network or system, a wireless World Wide Web
network or system, a digital communication network or system, a
personal communication network or system, a personal communication
services (PCS) network or system, a satellite communication network
or system, a broad band communication network or system, a low
earth orbiting (LEO) satellite network or system, a public switched
telephone network or system, a telephone communication network or
system, a radio communication network or system, a cable television
network or system, and/or any other communication network or
system, and/or any combination of the above communication networks
or systems.
[0173] Any of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central
processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the
law enforcement communication device (s) 40, the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60, can communicate with one another, and/or be linked
to one another, over or via any communication network,
telecommunication network, telephone network, a line-connected
network, and/or a wireless communication network, and/or the
Internet and/or the World Wide Web. Each of the computers or
communication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60, can be linked
with any other computer or computers directly or indirectly with
one another so as to facilitate a direct or indirect bi-directional
communication between said respective computers or communication
devices. Communications between each of the computers or
communication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60, can also involve
an e-mail server or e-mail servers in those instances when e-mails
are described as being used to transmit or to send any of the
information, signals, messages, reports, notification messages, or
any other communications, described herein, by or between any of
the computers or communication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60,
or when any of the information, signals, messages, reports,
notification messages, or any other computers or communications,
described herein, are transmitted by and/or between any of the
parties described herein and/or by or between any of the computers
or communication devices 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60, or any other
computers or communication devices, computer systems, communication
network equipment, server computers, etc., or any other devices
used or needed, in order to facilitate communications or the
transmission of any of the herein-described information, signals,
messages, reports, notification messages, or any other
communications.
[0174] In a preferred embodiment, each of the personal monitoring
device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the user
communication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication
device (s) 40, the emergency services provider communication
device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, can
communicate in a bi-directional manner with, and/or can send and/or
receive signals, data, information, messages, reports, notification
messages, alerts, or any other communications or electronic
communication transmissions, to, from and/or between, any other, or
any number of, other personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central
processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the
law enforcement communication device (s) 40, the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60.
[0175] In a preferred embodiment, each of the personal monitoring
device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the user
communication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication
device (s) 40, the emergency services provider communication
device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, can be
linked to or with any other personal monitoring device(s) 10, the
central processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s)
30, the law enforcement communication device (s) 40, the emergency
services provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare
records computer(s) 60, via a wired link or line or a wireless
link.
[0176] In a preferred embodiment, each of the personal monitoring
device(s) 10, the user communication device(s) 30, the law
enforcement communication device (s) 40, the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60, can be connected with, or linked to or with, the
central processing computer(s) 10 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0177] In a preferred embodiment, any and/or all of the signals,
data, information, messages, reports, notification messages, or any
other communications, described herein as being transmitted from
one device, computer, or communication device, to another device,
computer, or communication device, can be, or can be included in,
or can be attached to, an e-mail message, an instant messaging
message, an electronic transmission, or an electronic data
transmission or electronic data interchange, or can be transmitted
via any other data or information transmission, and/or can be
transmitted via or using any appropriate or necessary computer(s)
or device(s).
[0178] In the preferred embodiment, each of the personal monitoring
device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the user
communication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication
device (s) 40, the emergency services provider communication
device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, can
transmit data and/or information using TCP/IP, as well as any other
Internet and/or World Wide Web, and/or communication,
protocols.
[0179] The apparatus 100 of the present invention can utilize
electronic commerce technologies and security methods, techniques
and technologies, including any encryption or security technologies
and/or techniques, in any and/or all of the instances of data
and/or information processing, and/or data and/or information
transmission described herein.
[0180] FIG. 2 illustrates the personal monitoring device 10 of FIG.
1, in block diagram form. In a preferred embodiment, the personal
monitoring device 10 can be a cellular telephone, a wireless
telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, or a
personal digital assistant, or the personal monitoring device 10
can be or can be a component of a personal computer, a home
computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet
computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a
personal communication device, a cellular telephone, a wireless
telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a
personal digital assistant, a digital television, an interactive
television, a digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone,
a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or
a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or
communication device. The personal monitoring device 10 can also be
a server computer, or any computer capable of being utilized in a
network or capable of being utilized with other computers in a
network.
[0181] The personal monitoring device 10 can also be any
communication device, computer, personal computer, laptop computer,
notebook computer, Smartphone or smartphone, smart telephone,
cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, tablet, tablet
computer, watch, smart watch, or wearable device or computer, an
implantable device or computer, an item of jewelry, eyeglasses, or
any accessory, or any combination of same, or any equivalent of
same.
[0182] With reference to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10 includes a central processing unit or
CPU 10A, which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor.
The CPU 10A can also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a
macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, depending upon the
application.
[0183] The personal monitoring device 10 also includes a random
access memory device(s) 10B (RAM), a read only memory device(s) 10C
(ROM), each of which is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 10A,
and a user input device 10D, for inputting and/or entering data
and/or information and/or instructions and/or commands into the
personal monitoring device 10, which can include any one or more of
a keyboard, a scanner, a user pointing device, such as, for
example, a mouse, a stylus, a touch pad, and/or an audio input
device, a microphone, an audio recording device, and/or a video
input device, a camera or any number of cameras, a video recording
device, and/or any device, electronic and/or otherwise, which can
be utilized for inputting and/or entering data and/or information
and/or instructions and/or commands into the personal monitoring
device 10.
[0184] The input device(s) 10D is/are also connected to, or linked
with, the CPU 10A. In a preferred embodiment, the input device(s)
10D can also be or can include a pulse rate monitor or measurement
device or equipment, a heart rate monitor of measurement device or
equipment, a blood sugar monitor or measurement device or
equipment, a blood pressure monitor or measurement device or
equipment, a blood alcohol monitor or measurement device or
equipment, a pacemaker, a defibrillator, a thermometer measuring an
individual's body temperature, or any other device, monitor, or
measurement, device or equipment, and/or any electrical or
bio-medical device or equipment, which can measure an individual's
physical condition, health condition, health status, healthcare
condition, or physiological condition or status, or any other
biological or biometric data and/or information. In a preferred
embodiment, any of the herein-described pulse rate monitors or
measurement devices or equipment, heart rate monitors of
measurement devices or equipment, blood sugar monitors or
measurement devices or equipment, blood pressure monitors or
measurement devices or equipment, blood alcohol monitors or
measurement devices or equipment, pacemakers, defibrillators,
thermometers, or any other devices, monitors, or measurement
devices or equipment, and/or any electrical or bio-medical devices
or equipment, can be wirelessly linked with and/or to the CPU 10A
and/or to the personal monitoring device 10 and can be wearable,
attachable to clothing, or implantable. In a preferred embodiment,
the input device(s) 10D can also include a thermometer for
measuring the temperature on the exterior of the personal
monitoring device 10.
[0185] In preferred embodiment, any of the input device(s)
described or identified herein can be either connected to, or
linked with, or with the CPU 10A directly or indirectly, and/or or
can be wirelessly linked to or with the personal monitoring device
10, the CPU 10A, or any other component of the personal monitoring
device 10 with or using a Bluetooth device or system and/or any
suitable wireless device or wireless linking device or wireless
linking system.
[0186] The personal monitoring device 10 also includes a display
device 10E for displaying data and/or information to a user or
operator. In the preferred embodiment, the display device 10E is
also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 10A. The personal
monitoring device 10 also includes a transmitter(s) 10F, for
transmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one or
more of the central processing computer(s) 20, the user
communication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication
device (s) 40, the emergency services provider communication
device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, and/or
any other personal monitoring device(s) 10, which can be utilized
in conjunction with the present invention. In the preferred
embodiment, the transmitter(s) 10F is/are also connected to, or
linked with, the CPU 10A. The personal monitoring device 10 also
includes a receiver(s) 10G, for receiving signals and/or data
and/or information from any one or more of the central processing
computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the law
enforcement communication device (s) 40, the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60, and/or any other personal monitoring device(s) 10,
which can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In
the preferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 10G is/are also connected
to, or linked with, the CPU 10A.
[0187] The personal monitoring device 10 also includes a
database(s) 10H. In the preferred embodiment, the database(s) 10H
is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 10A. The
database(s) 10H can contain and/or be linked to any of the data
and/or information described herein as being stored in the
database(s) 20H described herein.
[0188] In a preferred embodiment, the database 10H can contain
and/or can include any data and/or information, and/or any link or
links to any data and/or information, needed or desired for
enabling and/or for allowing the personal monitoring device 10
and/or the apparatus 100 and/or any of the computers or
communication devices described herein as being utilized in
conjunction with the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention to perform any and/or all of the functionality described
herein which is capable of being performed by the personal
monitoring device 10 and/or the apparatus 100 of the present
invention.
[0189] In a preferred embodiment, the database 10H can contain
and/or can include any software, software programs, algorithms, or
software applications ("apps") needed or desired for enabling
and/or for allowing the personal monitoring device 10 and/or the
apparatus 100 and/or any of the computers or communication devices
described herein as being utilized in conjunction with the
apparatus 100 and method of the present invention to perform any
and/or all of the functionality described herein which is capable
of being performed by the personal monitoring device 10 and/or the
apparatus 100 of the present invention.
[0190] In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 10H can contain
and/or can include any data and/or information regarding the user
or the individual, or any users or individuals, who or which
utilize the personal monitoring device 10. Any data and/or
information regarding the user or individual who is using the
personal monitoring device 10 to be monitored, can include, but is
not limited to, the user's or the individual's name, address, home
telephone number, e-mail address, IP address, test messaging
number, text messaging address, cellular telephone number, the
telephone number assigned to the personal monitoring device 10,
date or birth, gender, height, weight, identification photograph,
social security number or any other suitable identification
information, and/or any other data and/or information regarding the
user of the individual.
[0191] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding the user's or the individual's
personal monitoring device 10 which can include, but which is not
limited to, the type of device, such as for example, a cellular
telephone, Smartphone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, or
any other device described herein which can be utilized as a
personal monitoring device 10, the manufacturing and model number
of personal communication device 10, a serial number of the
personal monitoring device 10, any other identifying data and/or
information assigned to, associated with, or relating to, the
personal monitoring device 10, the telephone number associated
with, or assigned to, the personal communication device 10, the
cellular telephone number associated with, or assigned to, the
personal communication device 10, the wireless or mobile telephone
number associated with, or assigned to, the personal communication
device 10, an IP address associated with, or assigned to, the
personal monitoring device 10, an email address associated with, or
assigned to the personal monitoring device 10, a text messaging
number associated with, or assigned to, the personal monitoring
device 10, and/or any other data and/or information associated with
the personal monitoring device 10. The database 10H can also
contain and/or can include any of the above-described information
for any other personal monitoring device 10 or any number of
personal monitoring devices 10 which is/are used by the user or
individual.
[0192] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding a person who is monitoring the
user or the individual. In a preferred embodiment, the a person who
is monitoring the user or the individual can be, but is not limited
to, the user's or individual's parent or parents, spouse, sibling,
relative, friend, nanny, au pair, caregiver, teacher, employer, or
any other person or entity, who or which is monitoring the user or
individual (hereafter also referred to as "monitoring person"). For
each monitoring person and, therefore, for each respective parent,
spouse, sibling, relative, friend, nanny, au pair, caregiver,
teacher, employer, or any other person or entity, who monitors the
user of the individual or of or for the user or individual, the
database 10H can contain and/or can include any data and/or
information regarding the name, address, telephone number, cellular
telephone number, user communication device telephone number or
cellular telephone number, e-mail address, text messaging number,
and/or any other data and/or information, and/or contact
information, of, for, or regarding, the monitoring person. The
database 10H can also contain and/or can include any other data
and/or information, described herein as being stored for or
regarding the user or individual, for or regarding the monitoring
person.
[0193] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding places, locations, or venues, to
which the user or individual travels. The database 10H can also
contain and/or can include any data and/or information regarding
the daily schedule or daily schedules of or for the user or the
individual, and/or any data and/or information regarding the daily
routine or daily routines of or for the user or individual, any
places where the user or individual is or has to be at a given
time, and/or any other data and/or information regarding the user's
or the individual's daily routines, weekly routines, travel
routines, travel routes used, alternate travel routes used, travel
times and/or time of travel regarding any travel by the user or
individual, and/or any other data and/or information regarding the
user's or the individual's routines that can be utilized in
performing a personal monitoring service for or regarding the user
or the individual.
[0194] For example, in the case of a child being monitored, the
database 10H can contain and/or can include any data and/or
information regarding the daily weekday schedule for the child such
as, for example, the child's home address, the time or approximate
time when the child leaves home for school, a preferred travel
route the child takes to go to school, any alternate travel routes
to the school, the time or the approximate time the child arrives
at school or the time school starts for the child, the time or the
approximate time the child leaves school or the time school ends
for the day, a travel route to an after school activity, if
applicable, a travel route to the after school activity, an
alternate travel route to the after school activity, a time or an
approximate time of a travel to an after school activity, a time or
an approximate time when the child leaves the venue of the after
school activity, a travel route from the venue of the after school
activity to the child's home, a travel route to the child's home,
an alternate travel route to the child's home, and/or a time or an
approximate time when the child is expected to arrive at home.
[0195] As and for another example, in the case of an adult of any
age being monitored, the database 10H can contain and/or can
include any data and/or information regarding the daily weekday
schedule for the adult such as, for example, the adult's home
address, the time or approximate time when the adult leaves home
for work or some other activity or venue, a preferred travel route
the adult takes to go to work or some other activity or venue, any
alternate travel routes to the work, activity, or venue, the time
or the approximate time the adult arrives at work, the activity, or
the venue, the time or the approximate time the adult leaves work,
the activity, or the venue, a travel route to another activity or
venue, if applicable, a travel route to the other activity or
venue, an alternate travel route to the other or venue, a time or
an approximate time of a travel to the other activity or venue, a
time or an approximate time when the adult leaves the other
activity or venue, a travel route from the other activity or venue
back to the adult's home, a travel route to the adult's home, an
alternate travel route to the adult's home, and/or a time or an
approximate time when the adult is expected to arrive at home.
[0196] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding any school(s), workplace(s),
club(s), activity venue(s), recreational venue(s), entertainment
venue(s), or any other place(s), location(s), and/or other
venue(s), of the user or individual and/or to which the user or
individual travels and/or at which the user or individual is known
to spend time. The database 10H can also contain and/or can include
any data and/or information regarding the location(s) of any
school(s), workplace(s), club(s), activity venue(s), recreational
venue(s), entertainment venue(s), or any other place(s),
location(s), and/or other venue(s), of the user or individual,
which data and/or information can include the name, the address,
the telephone number, the website address, the IP address, a
description of same, schedule information of or for same, and/or
any other information regarding same.
[0197] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding any weekday or weekend day
schedules or itineraries of the user or individual. The database
10H can also contain and/or can include any data and/or information
regarding emergency contacts for the user or the individual,
including, for each emergency contact individual, his or her name,
telephone number, cellular telephone number, text messaging number,
e-mail address, or IP address, or any other information.
[0198] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding any personal monitoring accounts
the user or individual has or is associated with. The database 10H
can also contain and/or can include any data and/or information
regarding any persons responsible for monitoring the user or the
individual including for each person, his or her name, telephone
number, cellular telephone number, text messaging number, e-mail
address, or IP address, or any other information. The database 10H
can also contain and/or can include any data and/or information
regarding any and/or all personal monitoring devices 10 assigned to
or associated with the user or individual and/or can contain and/or
can include data and/or information regarding with any the user's
or individual's personal monitoring accounts.
[0199] The database 10H can also contains and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding any of the central processing
computer(s) 20, any pertinent user communication device(s) 30, any
law enforcement communication device (s) 40, any emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60, described herein, and/or can contain and/or can
include any link(s) or hyperlink(s) to same.
[0200] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include an
electronic healthcare record of the user or the individual and/or
any data and/or information regarding same or contained in same,
any data and/or information which may be contained in the
electronic healthcare record of the user or the individual, any
personal healthcare record of the user or individual, any data
and/or information which may be contained in the personal
healthcare record of the user or the individual, any healthcare
information regarding the user or the individual, any information
regarding any healthcare condition or special needs of the user or
the individual, any information regarding any medicines, prescribed
medications, drugs, or prescribed drugs, which are needed by the
user or the individual, any information regarding any allergies of
the user or the individual, or any other information regarding any
healthcare conditions, needs, or treatments, of, for, or regarding,
the user or the individual. The database 10H can also contain
and/or can include a link or hyperlink to the healthcare records
computer 60 and/or to the user's or the individual's electronic
healthcare record stored therein.
[0201] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding the daily schedule for each
weekday or each weekend day for the user or the individual, travel
routes traveled for each day and trip, and/or time(s) associated
with each trip or travel segment of each trip.
[0202] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding the name, address, telephone
number(s), cellular telephone number(s), mobile or wireless
telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), text messaging
address(es), IP address(es), or any other contact information for
or regarding any herein-described monitoring person of or for the
user or the individual or for each or any parent, sibling, family
member, relative, caregiver, nanny. au pair, healthcare
provider(s), healthcare insurer(s) or healthcare payer(s), or any
other person or entity of or for the user or the individual.
[0203] It is important to note, as used throughout the application,
the term or phrase "text messaging number" includes any and all
kinds of messaging numbers, including, but not limited to, a text
messaging number, an SMS messaging number, and MMS messaging
number, or any other number, address, or identifier, used or needed
in order to send a text message or any other message to any user,
individual, person, or entity who or which uses the apparatus 100
of the present invention.
[0204] The database 10H can also contain and/or include any
software, software program(s), algorithm(s), or software
applications ("apps"), such as those known by those skilled in the
art at the time of the filing of this application, which can allow
the personal monitoring device 10 to ascertain, determine, locate,
and/or display, a location or position of any user communication
device 30 associated with any user or individual, including, but
not limited to, any user or individual who is to be monitoring the
user or individual who is using or who is associated with the
personal monitoring device 10, or any other authorized or
designated user or individual who might be able to provide
assistance to the user or individual who is using or who is
associated with the personal monitoring device 10.
[0205] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include
navigation software for allowing the personal monitoring device 10
to calculate travel routes from one place or point to another, to
detect departures from a travel route and to re-calculate another
travel route, and/or for allowing the personal monitoring device 10
to calculate and/or to store travel routes and/or any data and/or
information regarding same which are used by the user or individual
as well as alternate travel routes for same. The database 10H can
also contain and/or can include any data and/or information
regarding any allowed travel routes for the user or individual as
well as disallowed travel routes for the user of individual. The
database 10H can also contain and/or include map data and/or map
information including, but not limited to, digitized map data
and/or information and/or data and/or information for updating any
map data and/or information.
[0206] The database 10H can also contain and/or include data and/or
information regarding travel records for the user or individual
which can contain and/or include data and/or information regarding
a date and time of travel and/or travel routes taken or travelled
by, and/or any other data and/or information regarding, the user or
individual for or during any period of time or during and/or for or
relating to any schedule or routine.
[0207] The database 10H can also contain and/or include a
pre-recorded audio message(s) and/or a pre-recorded audio and video
message(s), which can be recorded by any person authorized to
monitor the user or individual and which can provided via the
personal monitoring device 10 at any time and/or for any reason.
For example, an audio and/or an audio and video recording can be
played via the personal monitoring device 10 in order to assist,
calm, or comfort, a lost child, to help re-orient a child, to give
or provide the child or any one with whom the child comes into
contact with, instructions, contact information, emergency contact
information, directions, or any other information, and/or can be
played to clam, comfort, or assist, a lost, disoriented, or ill,
adult or child of any age, or to give or provide the child or any
one with whom the child comes into contact with, instructions,
contact information, emergency contact information, directions, or
any other information.
[0208] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data, information, software, software programs, algorithms, and/or
software applications (or "apps") which are needed or desired for
allowing the personal monitoring device 10 to perform any and/or
all of the functions and/or functionality described herein as being
capable of being performed by same and/or by the apparatus 100 and
method of the present invention.
[0209] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any of
the data and/or information described herein as being stored in any
of other databases 20H, 30H, 40H, 50H, and/or 60H, described
herein.
[0210] The personal monitoring device 10 also includes an output
device(s) 10I for outputting any of the data, information, and/or
reports, described herein as being generated by or via the personal
monitoring device 10. In the preferred embodiment, the output
device(s) 10I can be a display screen, a speaker, a printer, a
display of any type or kind, an indicator light, a transmitter, a
modem, and/or any other device which can be used to output data or
information of any kind or type. In the preferred embodiment, the
output device(s) 10I can also include a beacon or a homing beacon
which can transmit or provide a signal, a distress signal, or any
other indication, from the personal monitoring device 10 which can
be utilized determine the position, location, and/or movement, of
the personal monitoring device 10. In the preferred embodiment, the
output device(s) 10I is/are also connected to, or linked with, the
CPU 10A.
[0211] The personal monitoring device 10 also includes a video
and/or audio recording device(s) 10J which can include a camera
and/or a video recording device for recording pictures or video
and/or video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device
for recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or
transmitted live, by or from the personal monitoring device 10, or
which can be recorded by, and stored at or in, the personal
monitoring device 10 for transmission by or from the personal
monitoring device 10 at a later time. The video and/or audio
recording device(s) 10J can be utilized to facilitate video
conferencing, video chatting, and/or audio conferencing, and/or
video and audio conferencing, between users of the personal
monitoring device 10 and any user of any other computer or
communication device 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60, described herein.
In the preferred embodiment, the video and/or audio recording
device(s) 10J is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU
10A.
[0212] With reference to FIG. 2, the personal monitoring device 10
can also include a global positioning system (GPS) device 10K which
can be utilized to determine or ascertain the location or position
of the personal monitoring device 10 at any time and/or to track
movement of the personal monitoring device 10. In a preferred
embodiment, the global positioning system (GPS) device 10K can be
connected to, or linked with, the CPU 10A.
[0213] The personal monitoring device 10 also includes device
functional equipment systems or devices 10L, which can include any
the necessary communications systems or devices which are typically
found in cellular telephones or wireless telephones and/or which
can allow the personal monitoring device 10 to function as a
cellular telephone or a wireless telephone. In a preferred
embodiment, the functional equipment systems or devices 10L can
also include a global positioning system (GPS) device which can be
utilized to determine or ascertain the location or position of the
personal monitoring device 10 at any time and which can be also be
used to track movement of the personal monitoring device 10.
[0214] In a preferred embodiment, the functional equipment systems
or devices 10L can also include navigation equipment or devices
which are typically found in navigation devices or equipment and
which an be utilized to allow the personal monitoring device 10 to
function and/or to operate as a GPS equipped navigation device. In
a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can
function as a stand alone navigation device, meaning that it can
perform any and/or all needed and desired navigation tasks and
functions without any interaction with an external computer or
device, and/or without having to access a computer over any
communication network in order to obtain navigation data,
information, and/or instructions, for providing navigation data,
information, and/or instructions, to a user of the personal
monitoring device 10.
[0215] In another preferred embodiment, the functional equipment
systems or devices 10L can also include a "kill" switch or
associated hardware and/or software for disabling and/or
deactivating the personal monitoring device 10 in instances when
same might be lost or stolen, so as to prevent its use by another
person and/or to prevent any access to any data and/or information
stored therein, thereby rendering the personal monitoring device 10
useless to another person after being reported, or discovered as
being, lost or stolen.
[0216] In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 can also operate in conjunction with an external computer
or device in order to obtain navigation data, information, and/or
instructions, so as to provide same to a user of the personal
monitoring device 10. In another preferred embodiment, the personal
monitoring device 10 can process navigation data, information,
and/or instructions, on its own as well as receive at least some
navigation data, information, and/or instructions, from an external
computer or device, in order to provide navigation data,
information, and/or instructions, to a user of the personal
monitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the functional
equipment systems or devices 10L are also connected to, or linked
with, the CPU 10A.
[0217] In a preferred embodiment, the functional equipment systems
or devices 10L can also include any combination of hardware and/or
software for disabling the on/off switch of the personal monitoring
device 10, so that the personal monitoring device 10 cannot be
shut-off, or so that no operation or function of the personal
monitoring device 10 can be terminated, and/or so that a telephone
call, a telephone communication link, or a communication line or
link, cannot be turned off or terminated, by or at the personal
communication device 10. In this regard, in the case of an
emergency, no telephone call and/or communication line or link
between the personal monitoring device 10 and any user
communication device(s) 30, the or any central processing
computer(s) 20, the or any law enforcement communication device (s)
40, the or any emergency services provider communication device(s)
50, and/or the or any healthcare records computer(s) 60, can be
terminated at or by the personal monitoring device 10, so that a
communication line, link, or channel can always be maintained with
the personal monitoring device 10.
[0218] In this regard, for example, if a child is lost, a telephone
call and/or communication line, link, or channel, with and between
the child and his or her parent can be maintained without the risk
of the call being terminated at or by the personal monitoring
device 10. In this regard, the parent can continue to speak with
and communication with the child, can obtain position or location
information from or via the personal monitoring device 10, can
track the personal monitoring device 10, and/or can obtain any
other information from and/or via the personal monitoring device
10, without losing contact with the child and/or his or her
personal monitoring device 10.
[0219] In a preferred embodiment, the functional equipment systems
or devices 10L can also include any combination of hardware and/or
software for allowing the personal monitoring device 10 and any
components or devices therein or associated therewith to be
remotely accessed, controlled, and/or monitored, by or using any
authorized user communication device 30 used by an authorized user
or individual, the or any central processing computer(s) 20, the or
any law enforcement communication device (s) 40, the or any
emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the
or any healthcare records computer(s) 60.
[0220] FIG. 3 illustrates the personal monitoring device 10 of FIG.
1 in a three-dimensional perspective view. In a preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can be, or can be
implemented in or with, a cellular telephone, a Smartphone, a
smartphone, or a personal digital assistant, which can be equipped
with all of the necessary hardware and software needed to perform
all of the functions and functionality described herein as being
performed by the personal monitoring device 10 of the present
invention. In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 can be designed to be of any size or shape, and/or the
personal monitoring device 10 can be implemented using a watch, a
wristwatch, an necklace, a bracelet, a ring, or any other article
of jewelry, of the personal monitoring device 10 can be secured to
a belt, a necklace, a bracelet, eyeglasses, a watch, a wristwatch,
and/or can be attached to, secured to, or placed inside or within,
any article of clothing, a jacket, a coat, a shirt, a blouse, a
dress, a skirt, a pair of pants, shoes, sneakers, boots, a hat,
gloves, socks, stockings, a tie, a scarf, or any other wearable
item or accessory. In this regard, and depending of the use,
application, or deployment, of the personal monitoring device 10 in
any given setting or situation, the personal monitoring device 10
can be designed and/or configures to be of any size, shape, type,
or kind, of device.
[0221] With reference to FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10 can include a housing 11, a display
screen 12 which can be a component of the display device 10E. In
the preferred embodiment, the display screen 12 can of the touch
screen type or kind and can be utilized to view and to input data,
information, messages, or instructions. In a preferred embodiment,
the display screen 12 can include a display section 13 and a
keyboard section 14. In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard
section 14 can be called upon when needed and can also be dispensed
with when not being used so as to facilitate the use of the
entirety of the display screen 12 when desired.
[0222] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also be equipped with a flashlight, a flashlight bulb, or with
any suitable software application which can turn the display screen
12, or any portion of the display screen 12, into a flashlight. In
this regard, the personal monitoring device 10 can be equipped with
a flashlight or a flashlight functionality.
[0223] With reference once again to FIG. 3, the personal monitoring
device 10 can also include one or more microphones 15, which can be
a component of the video and/or audio recording device(s) 10J
and/or the input device 10D and, which can be located on one or
more, or on any or all surfaces of the personal monitoring device
10 in order to allow for any user or other individual to utilize
the personal monitoring device 10 to communicate with others, to
allow others to monitor audio and/or sounds at or in the vicinity
of the personal monitoring device 10, and/or to allow one to use,
control an operation of, to enter voice commands into, and/or to
record audio information or an audio clip with and/or using, the
personal monitoring device 10, and/or to allow one to simply
utilize the personal monitoring device 10 to communicate with
another individual or entity in a hand-free mode of operation. Any
number of microphones 15 can be utilized in connection with the
personal monitoring device 10.
[0224] With reference once again to FIG. 3, the personal monitoring
device 10 can also include one or more speakers 16, which can be a
component of the output device 10I and, which can be located on one
or more, or on any or all, surfaces of the personal monitoring
device 10 in order to provide audible data, information,
instructions, or communications, to any user, or individual who may
be using, or who may be in the vicinity of, the personal monitoring
device 10.
[0225] With reference once again to FIG. 3, the personal monitoring
device 10 can also include one or more cameras 17, which can be a
component of the video and/or audio recording device(s) 10J and/or
the input device 10I and, which can be located on one or more, or
on any or all, surfaces of the personal monitoring device 10 in
order to take or record a picture, a photograph, or an image,
and/or to record video information or a video clip, with the
personal monitoring device 10, to record a picture, a photograph,
or an image, and/or to record video information or a video clip, of
a user of the personal monitoring device 10 or any individual using
the personal monitoring device 10 or in the vicinity of the
personal monitoring device 10, to record a picture, a photograph,
or an image, and/or to record video information or a video clip, of
a vicinity in which the personal monitoring device 10 is located or
of a surrounding of same, and/or to allow a user or any individual
to engage in a video conference or video chat with another
individual or other individuals using the personal monitoring
device 10.
[0226] In a preferred embodiment, any one or more cameras 17 can be
a wide angle lens camera or a camera having a wide angle lens for
obtaining maximum viewing area. In a preferred embodiment, any one
or more cameras 17 can also be a night vision camera, an infrared
camera, or a camera equipped with, or utilized in connection with,
night vision capability.
[0227] With reference once again to FIG. 3, the personal monitoring
device 10 can include a plurality of indicator lights 18, one of
which can be used to provide an indication that the user of the
personal monitoring device 10 is located with a "safe" zone of
travel and the other which can be used to provide an indication
that the user of the personal monitoring device 10 is located
outside of a "safe" zone of travel, is lost, is ill, is possibly
the victim of foul play, or is otherwise in need of help or
assistance. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator light which is
used to indicate the that user in within his or her "safe" zone can
be an green light when illuminated, and the indicator light which
is used to indicate the that the user outside his or her "safe"
zone of travel, is lost, is ill, is possibly the victim of foul
play, or is otherwise in need of help or assistance, can be a red
light when illuminated. In another preferred embodiment, the
indicator lights 19 can be provided via the display screen or in or
via a portion or section of the display screen 12.
[0228] In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 can include any suitable attachment device or element
(not shown) which is attached or connected to, or linked with, the
housing 11 and/or the personal monitoring device 10 and which can
be used to secure, to mount, or to otherwise attach, the personal
monitoring device 10 to, on, or in, a belt, an article of clothing,
a watch, a wristwatch, a necklace, a bracelet, eyeglasses, an
accessory of any type or kind, a jacket, a coat, a shirt, a blouse,
a dress, a skirt, a pair of pants, shoes, sneakers, boots, a hat,
gloves, socks, stockings, a tie, a scarf, or any other wearable
item or accessory.
[0229] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device
10, its housing 11, and its various component parts described
herein, can be constructed or rugged materials in order to protect
the personal monitoring device 10 against impacts. In a preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10, its housing 11, and
its various component parts described herein, can also be sealed,
in any appropriate manner, so as to provide for a personal
monitoring device 10 which can be waterproof. In a preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also be designed
and manufactured to as to include any suitable or buoyant
material(s) which can allow the personal monitoring device 10 to
float on water. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 11, or any
portion or component of same, can also include made with or from,
or can contain a phosphorescent material so that the housing 11, or
any portion of the housing 11, of the personal monitoring device 10
can glow-in-the dark or otherwise exhibit glow-in-the-dark or
luminescent properties.
[0230] FIG. 4 illustrates the central processing computer 20 of
FIG. 1, in block diagram form. In the preferred embodiment, the
central processing computer 20 can be any computer capable of
performing the functionality of the central processing computer 20
as described herein, a server computer, a computer system, a group
of computers, or any computer capable of being utilized in a
network or capable of being utilized with other computers in a
network, which can provide the functionality of, and which can be
utilized as, a central processing computer 20. The central
processing computer 20 can also be any suitable server computer or
server computer system, a cloud computer or cloud computer system,
or any computer or computer system capable of being utilized in a
network or capable of being utilized with other computers or
computer systems in a network. The central processing computer 20
can also be an Internet server computer and/or a web site server
computer. In the preferred embodiment, the central processing
computer 20 includes a central processing unit or CPU 20A, which in
the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor. The CPU 20A can also
be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a
mainframe computer, depending upon the application.
[0231] The central processing computer 20 also includes a random
access memory device(s) 20B (RAM), a read only memory device(s) 20C
(ROM), each of which is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 20A,
and a user input device 20D, for inputting and/or entering data
and/or information and/or instructions and/or commands into the
central processing computer 20, which can include any one or more
of a keyboard, a scanner, a user pointing device, such as, for
example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or an audio input device and/or
a video input device, a microphone or audio recording device, a
camera or a video recording device, and/or any device, electronic
and/or otherwise which can be utilized for inputting and/or
entering data and/or information, as well as instructions and/or
commands, into the central processing computer 20. The central
processing computer 20 also includes a display device 20E for
displaying data and/or information to a user or operator. In the
preferred embodiment, the display device 20E is also connected to,
or linked with, the CPU 20A.
[0232] The central processing computer 20 also includes a
transmitter(s) 20F, for transmitting signals and/or data and/or
information to any one or more of the personal monitoring device(s)
10, the user communication device(s) 30, the law enforcement
communication device(s) 40, the emergency services provider
communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60, and/or any other central processing computer(s) 20,
which can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In
the preferred embodiment, the transmitter(s) 20F is/are also
connected to, or linked with, the CPU 20A. The central processing
computer 20 also includes a receiver(s) 20G, for receiving signals
and/or data and/or information from any one or more of the personal
monitoring device(s) 10, the user communication device(s) 30, the
law enforcement communication device(s) 40, the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60, and/or any other central processing computer(s) 20,
which may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In
the preferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 20G is/are also connected
to, or linked with, the CPU 20A.
[0233] The central processing computer 20 also includes a
database(s) 20H which, in the preferred embodiment, contains and/or
includes any and/or all of the data and/or information needed or
desired for or by the central processing computer 20 to perform all
of the operations, actions, functions, and/or functionality,
described herein as being provided by, and/or as being performed
by, the central processing computer 20 and/or the apparatus 100 of
the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the database(s)
20H is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 20A.
[0234] In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 20H can contain
and/or include any and/or all of any needed or desired data and
information regarding each of the users or individuals being
monitored, or are to be monitored, by, with, or using, the
apparatus 100, including, but not limited to, any of the data
and/or information described herein as being stored in the database
10H of any personal monitoring device 10 associated with or used by
the respective user or individual.
[0235] In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 20H can also
contain and/or include any and/or all of any needed or desired data
and information regarding each of the users or individuals who
utilize the apparatus 100 of he present invention to monitor any
other user or individual, including, but not limited to, any of the
data and/or information described herein as being stored in the
database 30H of any user communication device 30 associated with or
used by the respective user or individual desiring to monitor any
other user or individual.
[0236] In a preferred embodiment, for each user or individual who
or which uses the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention
to monitor another user or individual, the database 20H can contain
and/or include, but not be limited to, any data and/or information
regarding the user's or the individual's name, address, telephone
number (s), cellular telephone number(s), mobile or wireless
telephone number(s), e-mail address or e-mail addresses, and/or
text message, instant message, SMS message, or MMS message, IP
address(es), or any other messaging, telephone number, or other,
address or identifier, as well as any data and/or information
regarding the user's or the individual's user communication device
30, including, but not limited to, the manufacturer, model number,
and/or serial number of same, as well as any telephone number,
e-mail address, instant message number or address, SMS message
number or address, MMS message number or address, IP address, or
any other contact information of, for, or associated with the user
communication device 30, for each user communication device 30 used
by or associated with the user or individual. The database 20H can
also contain and/or include any data and/or information regarding
any other user(s) or individual(s) being monitored, or to be
monitored, by the user or individual.
[0237] In a preferred embodiment, for each user or individual who
or which is being monitored, or is to be monitored, by, with, or
using, the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention, the
database 20H can contain and/or include, but not be limited to, any
data and/or information regarding the user's or the individual's
name, address, telephone number (s), cellular telephone number(s),
mobile or wireless telephone number(s), e-mail address or e-mail
addresses, and/or text message, instant message, SMS message, or
MMS message, IP address(es), or any other messaging, telephone
number, or other, address or identifier, as well as any data and/or
information regarding the user's or the individual's personal
monitoring device 10, including, but not limited to, the
manufacturer, model number, and/or serial number of same, as well
as any telephone number, e-mail address, instant message number or
address, SMS message number or address, MMS message number or
address, IP address, or any other contact information of, for, or
associated with the personal monitoring device 10, for each
personal monitoring device 10 used by or associated with the user
or individual.
[0238] For each user or individual who or which utilizes the
apparatus 100 and method of the present invention to monitor
another user or individual, the database 20H, in a preferred
embodiment, can contain and/or include any data and/or information
regarding the user(s) or individual(s) being monitored or to be
monitored.
[0239] For each user or individual being monitored by, or to be
monitored by, another user or individual, the database 20H, in a
preferred embodiment, can contain and/or include any data and/or
information regarding the user(s) or individual(s) who is to
monitor that user or individual.
[0240] In a preferred embodiment, the database 20H can contain
and/or include any data and/or information regarding any personal
monitoring account(s) associated with any user(s) or individual(s)
who are being monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using,
the apparatus 100 of the present invention including, but not
limited to any number or identifier for the respective personal
monitoring account, account number, any user(s) or individual(s)
being monitored, or to be monitored, under the personal monitoring
account, and/or any user(s) or individual(s) authorized to use the
personal monitoring account to monitor another user(s) or
individual.
[0241] In a preferred embodiment, the database 20H can contain
and/or include, for each user or individual being monitored, or to
be monitored, by, with, or using, the apparatus 100 and method of
the present invention, data and/or information regarding places,
locations, or venues, to which the user or individual travels,
along with any data and/or information regarding the daily schedule
or daily schedules of or for the user or the individual, and/or any
data and/or information regarding the daily routine or daily
routines of or for the user or individual, any places where the
user or individual is or has to be at a given time, and/or any
other data and/or information regarding the user's or the
individual's daily routines, weekly routines, travel routines,
travel routes used, alternate travel routes used, travel times
and/or time of travel regarding any travel by the user or
individual, and/or any other data and/or information regarding the
user's or the individual's routines that can be utilized in
performing a personal monitoring service for or regarding the user
or the individual.
[0242] For example, in the case of a child being monitored, the
database 20H can contain and/or can include any data and/or
information regarding the daily weekday schedule for the child such
as, for example, the child's home address, the time or approximate
time when the child leaves home for school, a preferred travel
route the child takes to go to school, any alternate travel routes
to the school, the time or the approximate time the child arrives
at school or the time school starts for the child, the time or the
approximate time the child leaves school or the time school ends
for the day, a travel route to an after school activity, if
applicable, a travel route to the after school activity, an
alternate travel route to the after school activity, a time or an
approximate time of a travel to an after school activity, a time or
an approximate time when the child leaves the venue of the after
school activity, a travel route from the venue of the after school
activity to the child's home, a travel route to the child's home,
an alternate travel route to the child's home, and/or a time or an
approximate time when the child is expected to arrive at home.
[0243] As and for another example, in the case of an adult of any
age being monitored, the database 20H can contain and/or can
include any data and/or information regarding the daily weekday
schedule for the adult such as, for example, the adult's home
address, the time or approximate time when the adult leaves home
for work or some other activity or venue, a preferred travel route
the adult takes to go to work or some other activity or venue, any
alternate travel routes to the work, activity, or venue, the time
or the approximate time the adult arrives at work, the activity, or
the venue, the time or the approximate time the adult leaves work,
the activity, or the venue, a travel route to another activity or
venue, if applicable, a travel route to the other activity or
venue, an alternate travel route to the other or venue, a time or
an approximate time of a travel to the other activity or venue, a
time or an approximate time when the adult leaves the other
activity or venue, a travel route from the other activity or venue
back to the adult's home, a travel route to the adult's home, an
alternate travel route to the adult's home, and/or a time or an
approximate time when the adult is expected to arrive at home.
[0244] For each user or individual being monitored, or to be
monitored, by, with, or using, the apparatus 100 of the present
invention, the database 20H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding any school(s), workplace(s),
club(s), activity venue(s), recreational venue(s), entertainment
venue(s), or any other place(s), location(s), and/or other
venue(s), of the user or individual and/or to which the user or
individual travels and/or at which the user or individual is known
to spend time. The database 20H can also contain and/or can include
any data and/or information regarding the location(s) of any
school(s), workplace(s), club(s), activity venue(s), recreational
venue(s), entertainment venue(s), or any other place(s),
location(s), and/or other venue(s), of the user or individual,
which data and/or information can include the name, the address,
the telephone number, the website address, the IP address, a
description of same, schedule information of or for same, and/or
any other information regarding same.
[0245] The database 20H can also contain and/or can include, for
each user or individual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or
using, the apparatus 100 of the present invention, any data and/or
information regarding any weekday or weekend day schedules or
itineraries of the user or individual. The database 20H can also
contain and/or can include any data and/or information regarding
emergency contacts for the user or the individual, including, for
each emergency contact individual, his or her name, telephone
number, cellular telephone number, text messaging number, e-mail
address, or IP address, or any other information.
[0246] The database 20H can also contain and/or include any data
and/or information regarding schedules, travel schedules, allowed
travel routes, disallowed travel route, allowed places, locations,
or venues, disallowed places, locations, or venues, and/or
limitations or restrictions regarding any of same, for each user or
individual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using, the
apparatus 100 of the present invention.
The database 20H can also contain and/or include, for each user or
individual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using, the
apparatus 100 of the present invention, data and/or information
regarding past travels, movements, or activities, including, but
not limited to, travel routes and dates and/or times of same, as
well as future travel plans, movements, or activities, for each
such user or individual.
[0247] The database 20H can also contain and/or include, for each
user or individual who is being monitored, or who is to b monitored
by, with, or using, the apparatus 100 of the present invention, a
pre-recorded a audio message(s) and/or a pre-recorded audio and
video message(s), which can be recorded by any person authorized to
monitor the user or individual and which can downloaded to the
personal monitoring device 10 at any time and/or for any reason.
For example, an audio and/or an audio and video recording can be
played at the personal monitoring device 10 in order to assist,
calm, or comfort, a lost child, to help re-orient a child, to give
or provide the child or any one with whom the child comes into
contact with, instructions, contact information, emergency contact
information, directions, or any other information, and/or can be
played at or via the personal monitoring device 10 in order to
clam, comfort, or assist, a lost, disoriented, or ill, adult or
child of any age, or to give or provide the child or any one with
whom the child comes into contact with, instructions, contact
information, emergency contact information, directions, or any
other information.
[0248] The database 20H can also contain and/or include any data
and/or information for calculating, tracking, and/or monitoring,
travel routes and travel activities for monitored, or to be
monitored, by, with, or using, the apparatus 100 of the present
invention. The database 20H can also contain and/or include any
stored video and/or audio which is recorded by any personal
monitoring device 10, as well as any tracking information regarding
the personal monitoring device 10 for any personal monitoring
device 10 utilized in connection with the apparatus 100 and method
of the present invention.
[0249] The database 20H can also contain and/or include any data
and/or information, as well as any software, software programs,
algorithms, and/or software application, for enabling the central
processing computer 20, any user communication device 30 associated
with an authorized user or individual, any authorized law
enforcement personnel, or any authorized emergency services
personnel, to access, to monitor or to monitor an operation of, or
to control or to control an operation of, a personal monitoring
device 10 user by or associated with a user or individual
monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using, the apparatus
100 of the present invention. In this regard, an authorized user,
individual, or personnel can access, monitor, or control, a
respective personal monitoring device 10 via the central processing
computer 20.
[0250] The database 20H can also contain and/or include, for each
user or individual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or
using, the apparatus 100 of the present invention, and for each
user or individual who is monitoring, or who is to be monitoring,
any other user or individual, an electronic healthcare record, an
electronic medical record, an electronic dental record, a
healthcare record, and/or a personal healthcare record, for the
respective user or individual, which can include any data and/or
information typically found in any electronic healthcare records,
electronic medical records, electronic dental records, healthcare
records, and/or personal healthcare records. The database 20H can
also include for each user or individual, information regarding any
healthcare conditions of the user or individual, any medicines,
medications, or drugs, the user or individual is taking or required
to take, any allergies the user or individual may have, and/or any
other information which may be needed or useful for the user's or
the individual's well being.
[0251] The database 20H can also contain and/or include any and/or
all data and/or information regarding any and/or all personal
monitoring devices 10, any other central processing computer(s) 20,
any and/or all user communication devices 30, any and/or all law
enforcement communication device (s) 40, any and/or emergency
services provider communication device(s) 50, and/or any and/or all
healthcare records computer(s) 60, utilized in connection with the
apparatus 100 of the present invention, as well any data and/or
information stored therein, and/or any link(s) or hyperlink(s) to
same or to any data and/or information stored in same.
[0252] The database 20H can also contain and/or include any and/or
data and/or information described herein as being stored in any of
the herein-described databases 10H, 30H, 40H, 50H, and/or 60H.
[0253] It is to also be understood that the database 20H, in a
preferred embodiment, can also contain and/or include any data
and/or information, and/or any software, software programs,
algorithms, and/or soft applications, needed or desired, whether
described herein or not, for allowing the central processing
computer 10, the apparatus 100, and/or any of the herein-described
personal monitoring devices 10, user communication devices 30, law
enforcement communication device (s) 40, emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or any and/or all
healthcare records computer(s) 60, to perform the functions
described herein as being performed and/or provided by the
apparatus 100 and method of the present invention and/or by the
central processing computer 20, any personal monitoring device 10,
any user communication device 30, any law enforcement communication
device 40, any emergency services provider communication device 50,
and/or any healthcare records computer 60.
[0254] The database 20H can also contain and/or include any
software, software program(s), algorithm(s), or software
applications ("apps"), such as those known by those skilled in the
art at the time of the filing of this application, which can be
downloaded at any time to any personal monitoring device 10, and
which can allow the personal monitoring device 10 to ascertain,
determine, locate, and/or display, a location or position of any
user communication device 30 associated with any user or
individual, including, but not limited to, any user or individual
who is to be monitoring the user or individual who is using or who
is associated with the personal monitoring device 10, or any other
authorized or designated user or individual who might be able to
provide assistance to the user or individual who is using or who is
associated with the personal monitoring device 10.
[0255] The database 20H can also contain and/or include any
software, software program(s), algorithm(s), or software
applications ("apps"), such as those known by those skilled in the
art at the time of the filing of this application, which can be
downloaded at any time to any user communication device 30, and
which can allow the user communication device 30 to ascertain,
determine, locate, and/or display, a location or position of any
personal monitoring device 10 used by or associated with any user
or individual who is being monitoring by the user or individual who
is using or who is associated with the user communication device
30.
[0256] In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 20H can also
contain and/or include any software programs, software algorithms,
and/or software applications ("apps") deemed to be necessary,
desirable, and/or useful, in utilizing the apparatus 100 and method
of the present invention in the various embodiments described
herein. In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 20H can also
contain and/or include any other data and/or information deemed to
be necessary, desirable, and/or useful, in utilizing the apparatus
100 and method of the present invention in the various embodiments
described herein. The database(s) 20H can also contain and/or
include any other data and/or information which is or may be needed
and/or desired in performing any and/or all of the features and/or
functionality described herein as being provided by the apparatus
100 of the present invention and/or the central processing computer
20.
[0257] The database(s) 20H can also contain and/or include any
other data and/or information which is or may be needed and/or
desired in performing any and/or all of the features and/or
functionality described herein as being generated by, and/or
provided by, the apparatus 100 of the present invention and/or
described herein as being generated by, and/or provided by, the
central processing computer 10 and/or any of the communication
devices or computers 10, 30, 40, 50, and/or 60.
[0258] The central processing computer 10 also includes an output
device(s) 201 for outputting any of the data, information, messages
and/or reports, described herein as being generated by or via the
central processing computer 20. In the preferred embodiment, the
output device(s) 201 can be a printer, a display, a transmitter, a
modem, and/or any other device which can be used to output data or
information of any kind or type. In the preferred embodiment, the
output device(s) 201 is/are also connected to, or linked with, the
CPU 20A.
[0259] The central processing computer 20 also includes a video
and/or audio recording device(s) 20J which can include a camera
and/or a video recording device for recording pictures or video
and/or video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device
for recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or
transmitted live, by or from the central processing computer 20, or
which can be recorded by, and stored at or in, the central
processing computer 20 for transmission by or from the central
processing computer 20 at a later time. The video and/or audio
recording device(s) 20J can also be utilized to facilitate one-way
broadcasts from the central processing computer 20, and/or can be
utilized to facilitate video conferencing, video chatting, and/or
audio conferencing, and/or video and audio conferencing, between
users of the central processing computer 20 and any of the
herein-described users, individuals, providers, or entities, who or
which utilize the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention. In the preferred embodiment, the video and/or audio
recording device(s) 20J is/are also connected to, or linked with,
the CPU 20A.
[0260] FIG. 5 illustrates the user communication device 30 of FIG.
1, in block diagram form. The user communication device 30, in the
preferred embodiment, can be a personal computer, a home computer,
a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a
tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a personal
communication device, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a
mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a personal digital
assistant, a digital television, an interactive television, a
digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone, a television,
an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a
Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communication
device. The user communication device 30 can also be a server
computer, or any computer capable of being utilized in a network or
capable of being utilized with other computers in a network.
[0261] With reference to FIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment, the
user communication device 30 includes a central processing unit or
CPU 30A, which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor.
The CPU 30A can also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a
macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, depending upon the
application.
[0262] The user communication device 30 also includes a random
access memory device(s) 30B (RAM), a read only memory device(s) 30C
(ROM), each of which is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 30A,
and a user input device 30D, for inputting and/or entering data
and/or information and/or instructions and/or commands into the
user communication device 30, which can include any one or more of
a keyboard, a scanner, a user pointing device, such as, for
example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or an audio input device and/or
a video input device, and/or any device, electronic and/or
otherwise which can be utilized for inputting and/or entering data
and/or information and/or instructions and/or commands into the
user communication device 30. The input device(s) 30D is/are also
connected to, or linked with, the CPU 30A.
[0263] The user communication device 30 also includes a display
device 30E for displaying data and/or information to a user or
operator. In the preferred embodiment, the display device 30E is
also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 30A. The user
communication device 30 also includes a transmitter(s) 30F, for
transmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one or
more of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central
processing computer(s) 20, the law enforcement communication device
(s) 40, the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50,
and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, and/or any other user
communication device(s) 30, which can be utilized in conjunction
with the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the
transmitter(s) 30F is/are also connected to, or linked with, the
CPU 30A. The user communication device 30 also includes a
receiver(s) 30G, for receiving signals and/or data and/or
information from any one or more of the personal monitoring
device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the law
enforcement communication device (s) 40, the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60, and/or any other user communication device(s) 30,
which can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In
the preferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 30G is/are also connected
to, or linked with, the CPU 30A.
[0264] The user communication device 30 also includes a database(s)
30H. In the preferred embodiment, the database(s) 30H is/are also
connected to, or linked with, the CPU 30A. The database(s) 30H can
contain and/or be linked to any of the data and/or information
described herein as being stored in the database(s) 20H as well as
any data and/or information described herein as being stored in the
database 10H of each user or individual monitored by the user or
individual who is associated with, or who uses the user
communication device.
[0265] The database(s) 30H can contain and/or include data and/or
information regarding the user or the individual, or any users or
individuals, who or which utilize the user communication device 30,
which can include, but which is not limited to, the user's or the
individual's, or each user's or each individual's, name, address,
telephone number (s), cellular telephone number(s), mobile or
wireless telephone number(s), e-mail address or e-mail addresses,
and/or text message, instant message, SMS message, or MMS message,
IP address(es), or any other messaging, telephone number, or other,
address or identifier.
[0266] In a preferred embodiment, the database 30H can contain
and/or can include any data and/or information, and/or any link or
links to any data and/or information, needed or desired for
enabling and/or for allowing the user communication device 30H
and/or the apparatus 100 and/or any of the computers or
communication devices described herein as being utilized in
conjunction with the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention to perform any and/or all of the functionality described
herein which is capable of being performed by the user
communication device 30 and/or the apparatus 100 of the present
invention.
[0267] In a preferred embodiment, the database 30H can contain
and/or can include any software, software programs, algorithms, or
software applications ("apps") needed or desired for enabling
and/or for allowing the user communication device 30 and/or the
apparatus 100 and/or any of the computers or communication devices
described herein as being utilized in conjunction with the
apparatus 100 and method of the present invention to perform any
and/or all of the functionality described herein which is capable
of being performed by the user communication device 30 and/or the
apparatus 100 of the present invention.
[0268] In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 30H can contain
and/or can include any data and/or information regarding the user
communication device 30, the name of the user or the individual, or
any users or individuals, including, but is not limited to, who
utilize the user communication device 30, including, but not
limited to, the user's or the individual's name, address, home
telephone number, e-mail address, IP address, test messaging
number, text messaging address, cellular telephone number, and the
telephone number assigned to the user communication device 30, as
well as the date of birth, gender, height, weight, identification
photograph, social security number or any other suitable
identification information, and/or any other data and/or
information regarding the user of the user communication device
30.
[0269] In a preferred embodiment, the database(s) 30H can contain
and/or can include, for each user or individual who is to be
monitored or who is being monitored by, with, or using, the user
communication device 30, any data and/or information regarding the
user or the individual, or any users or individuals, including, but
is not limited to, the user's or the individual's name, address,
home telephone number, e-mail address, IP address, test messaging
number, text messaging address, cellular telephone number, the
telephone number assigned to the personal monitoring device 10,
date or birth, gender, height, weight, identification photograph,
social security number or any other suitable identification
information, and/or any other data and/or information regarding the
user of the individual being to be monitored or is to be
monitored.
[0270] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include for
each user, individual, or person, who is to be monitored or who is
being monitored by, with, or using, the user communication device
30, any data and/or information regarding the user's. the
individual's, or the person's, personal monitoring device 10 which
can include, but which is not limited to, the type of device, such
as for example, a cellular telephone, Smartphone, smartphone,
personal digital assistant, or any other device described herein
which can be utilized as a personal monitoring device 10, the
manufacturing and model number of personal communication device 10,
a serial number of the personal monitoring device 10, any other
identifying data and/or information assigned to, associated with,
or relating to, the personal monitoring device 10, the telephone
number associated with, or assigned to, the personal communication
device 10, the cellular telephone number associated with, or
assigned to, the personal communication device 10, the wireless or
mobile telephone number associated with, or assigned to, the
personal communication device 10, an IP address associated with, or
assigned to, the personal monitoring device 10, an email address
associated with, or assigned to the personal monitoring device 10,
a text messaging number associated with, or assigned to, the
personal monitoring device 10, and/or any other data and/or
information associated with the personal monitoring device 10. The
database 30H can also contain and/or can include any of the
above-described information for any other personal monitoring
device(s) 10 or any number of personal monitoring devices 10 which
is/are used by the user or individual being monitored or to be
monitored.
[0271] The database 10H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding the user or individual who uses
the user communication device 30. In a preferred embodiment, the
user or individual who is using the user communication device 30
can be, but is not limited to, a parent or parents, spouse,
sibling, relative, friend, nanny, au pair, caregiver, teacher,
employer, or any other person or entity, of the user or individual
being monitored or to be monitored. In a preferred embodiment, the
database 30H can contain and/or can include the name, address,
telephone number, cellular telephone number, user communication
device telephone number or cellular telephone number, e-mail
address, IP address, text messaging number, and/or any other data
and/or information, and/or contact information, of, for, or
regarding, the user or individual who is using the user
communication device 30. The database 30H can also contain and/or
can include any other data and/or information, described herein as
being stored for or regarding the user or individual who uses the
user communication device 30.
[0272] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include, for
each user or individual being monitored by or to be monitored by,
with, or using, the user communication device 30, any data and/or
information regarding places, locations, or venues, to which each
user or individual being monitored by or to be monitored by the
user communication device 30, travels. The database 30H can also
contain and/or can include data and/or information regarding the
daily schedule or daily schedules of or for the each user or
individual being monitored by or to be monitored by, with, or
using, the user communication device 30, and/or any data and/or
information regarding the daily routine or daily routines of or for
the each user or individual being monitored by or to be monitored
by, with, or using, the user communication device 30, any places
where the user or individual being monitored or to be monitored, is
or has to be at a given time, and/or any other data and/or
information regarding the daily routines, weekly routines, travel
routines, travel routes used, alternate travel routes used, travel
times and/or time of travel regarding any travel by, the user or
individual being monitored or to be monitored, and/or any other
data and/or information regarding the routines that can be utilized
in performing a personal monitoring service for or regarding each
user, individual, or person, being monitored or to be monitored by,
with, or using, the user communication device 30.
[0273] For example, in the case of a child being monitored by,
with, or using, the user communication device 30, the database 30H
can contain and/or can include, for that child, any data and/or
information regarding the daily weekday schedule for the child such
as, for example, the child's home address, the time or approximate
time when the child leaves home for school, a preferred travel
route the child takes to go to school, any alternate travel routes
to the school, the time or the approximate time the child arrives
at school or the time school starts for the child, the time or the
approximate time the child leaves school or the time school ends
for the day, a travel route to an after school activity, if
applicable, a travel route to the after school activity, an
alternate travel route to the after school activity, a time or an
approximate time of a travel to an after school activity, a time or
an approximate time when the child leaves the venue of the after
school activity, a travel route from the venue of the after school
activity to the child's home, a travel route to the child's home,
an alternate travel route to the child's home, and/or a time or an
approximate time when the child is expected to arrive at home.
[0274] As and for another example, in the case of an adult of any
age being monitored by, with, or using, the user communication
device 30, the database 30H can contain and/or can include, for
that adult, any data and/or information regarding the daily weekday
schedule for the adult such as, for example, the adult's home
address, the time or approximate time when the adult leaves home
for work or some other activity or venue, a preferred travel route
the adult takes to go to work or some other activity or venue, any
alternate travel routes to the work, activity, or venue, the time
or the approximate time the adult arrives at work, the activity, or
the venue, the time or the approximate time the adult leaves work,
the activity, or the venue, a travel route to another activity or
venue, if applicable, a travel route to the other activity or
venue, an alternate travel route to the other or venue, a time or
an approximate time of a travel to the other activity or venue, a
time or an approximate time when the adult leaves the other
activity or venue, a travel route from the other activity or venue
back to the adult's home, a travel route to the adult's home, an
alternate travel route to the adult's home, and/or a time or an
approximate time when the adult is expected to arrive at home.
[0275] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include, for
each user, individual, or person, being monitored by, with, or
using, the user communication device 30, any data and/or
information regarding any school(s), workplace(s), club(s),
activity venue(s), recreational venue(s), entertainment venue(s),
or any other place(s), location(s), and/or other venue(s), of the
respective user, individual, or person, and/or to which the user,
individual, or person, travels and/or at which the user,
individual, or person, is known to spend time. The database 30H can
also contain and/or can include for each user, individual, or
person, being monitored by, with, or using, the user communication
device 30, any data and/or information regarding the location(s) of
any school(s), workplace(s), club(s), activity venue(s),
recreational venue(s), entertainment venue(s), or any other
place(s), location(s), and/or other venue(s), of the respective
user, individual, or person, which data and/or information can
include the name, the address, the telephone number, the website
address, the IP address, a description of same, schedule
information of or for same, and/or any other information regarding
same.
[0276] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding any weekday or weekend day
schedules or itineraries of any user, individual, or person, who is
monitored by or is being monitored by, with, or using, the user
communication device 30. The database 30H can also contain and/or
can include any data and/or information regarding emergency
contacts for the user of, or the individual who uses, the user
communication device 30, as well as any information regarding any
emergency contact for each user, individual, or person, monitored
or being monitored by, with, or using, the user communication
device 30, including, including, for the user or and/or each user
or individual monitored or being monitored by, with, or using, the
user communication device 30, any data and/or information regarding
each respective emergency contact individual, his or her name,
telephone number, cellular telephone number, text messaging number,
e-mail address, or IP address, or any other information.
[0277] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding any personal monitoring accounts
associated with the user communication device 30. The database 30H
can also contain and/or can include any data and/or information
regarding any persons responsible for monitoring the user or the
individual who uses the user communication device 30 as well as any
data and/or information regarding the each user, individual, or
person, who is to be monitored by, with, or using, the user
communication device 30, including, but not limited to, for each
user, individual, or person, his or her name, telephone number,
cellular telephone number, text messaging number, e-mail address,
or IP address, or any other information. The database 30H can also
contain and/or can include any data and/or information regarding
any and/or all personal monitoring devices 10 assigned to or
associated with the user communication device 30 and/or can contain
and/or can include any data and/or information regarding with any
personal monitoring accounts which are associated with, or which
can be monitored or serviced by, the user communication device
30.
[0278] The database 30H can also contains and/or can include any
data and/or information regarding any of the personal monitoring
devices 10, any central processing computer(s) 20, any other user
communication device(s) 30, any law enforcement communication
device (s) 40, any emergency services provider communication
device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60,
described herein, and/or can contain and/or can include any link(s)
or hyperlink(s) to same.
[0279] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include an
electronic healthcare record of the user or the individual who is
using the user communication device 30, as well an electronic
healthcare record of each user, individual, or person, monitored
by, with, or using, the user communication device 30, as well as
any data and/or information which may be contained in the
electronic healthcare record of each respective user or individual,
any personal healthcare record of each respective user or
individual, any data and/or information which may be contained in
the personal healthcare record of each respective user or
individual, any healthcare information regarding each respective
user or individual, any information regarding any healthcare
condition or special needs of each respective user or individual,
any information regarding any medicines, prescribed medications,
drugs, or prescribed drugs, which are needed by each respective
user or individual, any information regarding any allergies of each
respective user or individual, or any other information regarding
any healthcare conditions, needs, or treatments, of, for, or
regarding, each respective user or individual. The database 30H can
also contain and/or can include a link or hyperlink to the
healthcare records computer 60 and/or to any pertinent records,
data, and/or information, stored therein.
[0280] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include data
and/or information regarding the daily schedule for each weekday or
each weekend day for the each user, individual, or person,
monitored by, with, or using, the user communication device 30,
travel routes traveled for each day and trip, and/or time(s)
associated with each trip or travel segment of each trip.
[0281] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include, for
any user, individual, or person, monitored by, with, or using, the
user communication device 30, any data and/or information regarding
the name, address, telephone number(s), cellular telephone
number(s), mobile or wireless telephone number(s), e-mail
address(es), text messaging address(es), IP address(es), or any
other contact information for or regarding the user, individual, or
person, or any users or individuals authorized to monitor that
user, individual, or person.
[0282] It is important to note, as used throughout the application,
the term or phrase "text messaging number" includes any and all
kinds of messaging numbers, including, but not limited to, a text
messaging number, an SMS messaging number, and MMS messaging
number, or any other number, address, or identifier, used or needed
in order to send a text message or any other message to any user,
individual, person, or entity who or which uses the apparatus 100
of the present invention.
[0283] The database 30H can also contain and/or include any
software, software program(s), algorithm(s), or software
applications ("apps"), such as those known by those skilled in the
art at the time of the filing of this application, which can be
downloaded at any time to the user communication device 30, and
which can allow the user communication device 30 to ascertain,
determine, locate, and/or display, a location or position of any
personal monitoring device 10 used by or associated with any user
or individual who is being monitoring by the user or individual who
is using or who is associated with the user communication device
30.
[0284] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include
navigation software for allowing the user communication device 30
to calculate travel routes, for the user or individual using the
user communication device 30, as well as for each and/or any user,
individual, or person, or their personal monitoring device 10,
which is monitored or being monitored, by, with, or using, the user
communication device 30, for travel from one place or point to
another, to detect departures from a travel route and to
re-calculate another travel route, and/or for allowing the user
communication device 30 to calculate and/or store travel routes
and/or any data and/or information regarding same as well as
alternate travel routes for same. The database 30H can also contain
and/or can include any data and/or information regarding allowed
travel routes for any user, individual, or person, monitored or
being monitored, by, with, or using, the user communication device
30, as well as any disallowed travel routes for the user,
individual, or person, monitored or being monitored, by, with, or
using, the user communication device 30. The database 30H can also
contain and/or can include map data and/or map information
including, but not limited to, digitized map data and/or
information and/or data and/or information for updating any map
data and/or information.
[0285] The database 30H can also contain and/or include, for any
user, individual, or person, monitored or being monitored, by,
with, or using, the user communication device 30, any data and/or
information regarding travel records for each respective user,
individual, or person, which can contain and/or include data and/or
information regarding a date and time of travel and/or travel
routes taken or traveled by, and/or any other data and/or
information regarding, the respective user, individual, or person,
for or during any period of time or during and/or for or relating
to any schedule or routine.
[0286] The database 30H can also contain and/or include a
pre-recorded audio message(s) and/or a pre-recorded audio and video
message(s), which can be recorded by any person authorized to
monitor the user or individual and which can be uploaded to the
central processing computer 20, and/or which can be transmitted to
the personal monitoring device 10, at any time, and which can be
provided at and/or via the personal monitoring device 10 at any
time and/or for any reason. For example, an audio and/or an audio
and video recording can be played via the personal monitoring
device 10 in order to assist, calm, or comfort, a lost child, to
help re-orient a child, to give or provide the child or any one
with whom the child comes into contact with, instructions, contact
information, emergency contact information, directions, or any
other information, and/or can be played to clam, comfort, or
assist, a lost, disoriented, or ill, adult or child of any age, or
to give or provide the child or any one with whom the child comes
into contact with, instructions, contact information, emergency
contact information, directions, or any other information.
[0287] The database 30H can also contain and/or include any data
and/or information, and/or any software, software programs,
algorithms, or software applications for controlling and/or
monitoring any operation or function of any personal monitoring
device 10 associated with any user of individual who is monitored
or being monitored by, with, or using, the user communication
device 30. The database 30H can also contain and/or include any
data and/or information, and/or any software, software programs,
algorithms, or software applications for tracking the position,
location, or whereabouts, of any personal monitoring device 10
associated with any user of individual who is monitored or to be
monitored by, with, or using, the user communication device 30.
[0288] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any
data, information, software, software programs, algorithms, and/or
software applications (or "apps") which are needed or desired for
allowing the user communication device 30 to perform any and/or all
of the functions and/or functionality described herein as being
capable of being performed by same and/or by the apparatus 100 and
method of the present invention.
[0289] The database 30H can also contain and/or can include any of
the data and/or information described herein as being stored in any
of the other databases 10H, 20H, 30H, 40H, 50H, and/or 60H,
described herein.
[0290] The user communication device 30 also includes an output
device(s) 30I for outputting any of the data, information, and/or
reports, described herein as being generated by or via the user
communication device 30. In the preferred embodiment, the output
device(s) 30I can be a display screen, a speaker, a printer, a
display of any type or kind, an indicator light, a transmitter, a
modem, and/or any other device which can be used to output data or
information of any kind or type. In the preferred embodiment, the
output device(s) 30I is/are also connected to, or linked with, the
CPU 30A.
[0291] The user communication device 30 also includes a video
and/or audio recording device(s) 30J which can include a camera
and/or a video recording device for recording pictures or video
and/or video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device
for recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or
transmitted live, by or from the user communication device 30, or
which can be recorded by, and stored at or in, the user
communication device 30 for transmission by or from the user
communication device 30 at a later time. The video and/or audio
recording device(s) 30J can be utilized to facilitate video
conferencing, video chatting, and/or audio conferencing, and/or
video and audio conferencing, between users of the user
communication device 30 and any user of any other computer or
communication device 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60, described herein.
In the preferred embodiment, the video and/or audio recording
device(s) 30J is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU
30A.
[0292] In another preferred embodiment, the user communication
device 30 can also include a "kill" switch or associated hardware
and/or software (not shown) for disabling and/or deactivating the
user communication device 30 in instances when same might be lost
or stolen, so as to prevent its use by another person and/or to
prevent any access to any data and/or information stored therein,
thereby rendering the user communication device 30 useless to
another person after being reported, or being discovered, as being
lost or stolen.
[0293] FIG. 6 illustrates the law enforcement communication device
40 of FIG. 1, in block diagram form. The law enforcement
communication device 40, in the preferred embodiment, can be a
personal computer, a home computer, a laptop computer, a notebook
computer, a tablet computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a
palmtop computer, a personal communication device, a cellular
telephone, a wireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone,
a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a digital television,
an interactive television, a digital television, a telephone, a
digital telephone, a television, an interactive television, a
beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any
wearable device, computer or communication device. The law
enforcement communication device 40 can also be a server computer,
or any computer capable of being utilized in a network or capable
of being utilized with other computers in a network.
[0294] With reference to FIG. 6, in the preferred embodiment, the
law enforcement communication device 40 includes a central
processing unit or CPU 40A, which in the preferred embodiment, is a
microprocessor. The CPU 40A can also be a microcomputer, a
minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer,
depending upon the application.
[0295] The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes a
random access memory device(s) 40B (RAM), a read only memory
device(s) 40C (ROM), each of which is connected to, or linked with,
the CPU 40A, and a user input device 40D, for inputting and/or
entering data and/or information and/or instructions and/or
commands into the law enforcement communication device 40, which
can include any one or more of a keyboard, a scanner, a user
pointing device, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or
an audio input device and/or a video input device, and/or any
device, electronic and/or otherwise which can be utilized for
inputting and/or entering data and/or information and/or
instructions and/or commands into the law enforcement communication
device 40. The input device(s) 40D is/are also connected to, or
linked with, the CPU 40A.
[0296] The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes a
display device 40E for displaying data and/or information to a user
or operator. In the preferred embodiment, the display device 40E is
also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 40A. The law enforcement
communication device 40 also includes a transmitter(s) 40F, for
transmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one or
more of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central
processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the
emergency services provider communication device(s) 50, and/or the
healthcare records computer(s) 60, and/or any other the law
enforcement communication device (s) 40, which can be utilized in
conjunction with the present invention. In the preferred
embodiment, the transmitter(s) 40F is/are also connected to, or
linked with, the CPU 40A. The law enforcement communication device
40 also includes a receiver(s) 40G, for receiving signals and/or
data and/or information from any one or more of the personal
monitoring device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the
user communication device(s) 30, the emergency services provider
communication device(s) 50, and/or the healthcare records
computer(s) 60, and/or any other law enforcement communication
device (s) 40, which can be utilized in conjunction with the
present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 40G
is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 40A.
[0297] The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes a
database(s) 40H. In the preferred embodiment, the database(s) 40H
is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 40A. The
database(s) 40H can contain and/or include, and/or can contain
and/or include a link(s) or hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked
to or with, any of the data and/or information described herein as
being stored in the database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for any user
or individual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using,
the apparatus 100 of the present invention and/or for any personal
monitoring account being serviced by the apparatus 100 of the
present invention. The database(s) 40H can also contain and/or
include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s) or
hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the data
and/or information described herein as being stored in the
database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for or regarding any user or
individual who or which uses a user communication device 30 to
monitor another user or individual. The database(s) 40H can also
contain and/or include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s)
or hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the
data and/or information described herein as being stored in the
database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for or regarding any user or
individual who or which uses a personal monitoring device 10 to
allow himself or herself to be monitored by another user or
individual via the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention.
[0298] The database(s) 40H can also contain and/or include any data
and/or information regarding the user or the individual, or any
users or individuals, who or which utilize any user communication
device 30 or any user or individual who utilizes a personal
monitoring device 10, which can include, but which is not limited
to, the user's or the individual's, or each user's or each
individual's, name, address, telephone number(s), cellular
telephone number(s), mobile or wireless telephone number(s), e-mail
address or e-mail addresses, and/or text message, instant message,
SMS message, or MMS message, or any other messaging, telephone
number or other address or identifier.
[0299] The database 40H can also contain and/or include any other
data and/or information, and/or any software. software programs,
algorithms, and/or software applications, described herein or
otherwise, which are needed or desired for enabling the law
enforcement communication device 40 to perform any and/or all of
the functions and/or functionality described herein as being
performed by same.
[0300] The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes an
output device(s) 401 for outputting any of the data, information,
and/or reports, described herein as being generated by or via the
law enforcement communication device(s) 40. In the preferred
embodiment, the output device 401 can be a display screen, a
speaker, a printer, a display of any type or kind, an indicator
light, a transmitter, a modem, and/or any other device which can be
used to output data or information of any kind or type. In the
preferred embodiment, the output device(s) 401 is/are also
connected to, or linked with, the CPU 40A.
[0301] The law enforcement communication device 40 also includes a
video and/or audio recording device(s) 40J which can include a
camera and/or a video recording device for recording pictures or
video and/or video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording
device for recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by,
and/or transmitted live, by or from the law enforcement
communication device 40, or which can be recorded by, and stored at
or in, the law enforcement communication device 40 for transmission
by or from the law enforcement communication device 40 at a later
time. The video and/or audio recording device(s) 40J can be
utilized to facilitate video conferencing, video chatting, and/or
audio conferencing, and/or video and audio conferencing, between
users of the law enforcement communication device 40 and any user
of any other computer or communication device 10, 20, 30, 40, 50,
or 60, described herein. The video and/or audio recording device(s)
40J can also be utilized to facilitate one-way broadcasts from the
law enforcement communication device 40. In the preferred
embodiment, the video and/or audio recording device(s) 40J is/are
also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 40A.
[0302] FIG. 7 illustrates the emergency services provider
communication device 50 of FIG. 1, in block diagram form. The
emergency services provider communication device 50, in the
preferred embodiment, can be a personal computer, a home computer,
a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a
tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a personal
communication device, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a
mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a personal digital
assistant, a digital television, an interactive television, a
digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone, a television,
an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or a watch or a
Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or communication
device. The emergency services provider communication device 50 can
also be a server computer, or any computer capable of being
utilized in a network or capable of being utilized with other
computers in a network.
[0303] With reference to FIG. 7, in the preferred embodiment, the
emergency services provider communication device 50 includes a
central processing unit or CPU 50A, which in the preferred
embodiment, is a microprocessor. The CPU 50A can also be a
microcomputer, a minicomputer, a macro-computer, and/or a mainframe
computer, depending upon the application.
[0304] The emergency services provider communication device 50 also
includes a random access memory device(s) 50B (RAM), a read only
memory device(s) 50C (ROM), each of which is connected to, or
linked with, the CPU 50A, and a user input device 50D, inputting
and/or entering data and/or information and/or instructions and/or
commands into the emergency services provider communication device
50, which can include any one or more of a keyboard, a scanner, a
user pointing device, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch pad,
and/or an audio input device and/or a video input device, and/or
any device, electronic and/or otherwise which can be utilized for
inputting and/or entering data and/or information and/or
instructions and/or commands into the emergency services provider
communication device 50. The input device(s) 50D is/are also
connected to, or linked with, the CPU 50A.
[0305] The emergency services provider communication device 50 also
includes a display device 50E for displaying data and/or
information to a user or operator. In the preferred embodiment, the
display device 50E is also connected to, or linked with, the CPU
50A. The emergency services provider communication device 50 also
includes a transmitter(s) 50F, for transmitting signals and/or data
and/or information to any one or more of the personal monitoring
device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the user
communication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication
device (s) 40, and/or the healthcare records computer(s) 60, and/or
any other emergency services provider communication device(s) 50,
which can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In
the preferred embodiment, the transmitter(s) 50F is/are also
connected to, or linked with, the CPU 50A. The emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50 also includes a receiver(s)
50G, for receiving signals and/or data and/or information from any
one or more of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central
processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, law
enforcement communication device (s) 40, and/or the healthcare
records computer(s) 60, and/or any other the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, which can be utilized in
conjunction with the present invention. In the preferred
embodiment, the receiver(s) 50G is/are also connected to, or linked
with, the CPU 50A.
[0306] The emergency services provider communication device 50 also
includes a database(s) 50H. In the preferred embodiment, the
database(s) 50H is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU
50A. The database(s) 50H can contain and/or include, and/or can
contain and/or include a link(s) or hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be
linked to or with, any of the data and/or information described
herein as being stored in the database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for
any user or individual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or
using, the apparatus 100 of the present invention and/or for any
personal monitoring account being serviced by the apparatus 100 of
the present invention. The database(s) 50H can also contain and/or
include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s) or
hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the data
and/or information described herein as being stored in the
database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for or regarding any user or
individual who or which uses a user communication device 30 to
monitor another user or individual. The database(s) 50H can also
contain and/or include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s)
or hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the
data and/or information described herein as being stored in the
database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for or regarding any user or
individual who or which uses a personal monitoring device 10 to
allow himself or herself to be monitored by another user or
individual via the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention.
[0307] The database(s) 50H can also contain and/or include any data
and/or information regarding the user or the individual, or any
users or individuals, who or which utilize any user communication
device 30 or any user or individual who utilizes a personal
monitoring device 10, which can include, but which is not limited
to, the user's or the individual's, or each user's or each
individual's, name, address, telephone number(s), cellular
telephone number(s), mobile or wireless telephone number(s), e-mail
address or e-mail addresses, and/or text message, instant message,
SMS message, or MMS message, or any other messaging, telephone
number or other address or identifier.
[0308] The database 50H can also contain and/or include any other
data and/or information, and/or any software. software programs,
algorithms, and/or software applications, described herein or
otherwise, which are needed or desired for enabling the emergency
services provider communication device 50 to perform any and/or all
of the functions and/or functionality described herein as being
performed by same.
[0309] The emergency services provider communication device 50 also
includes an output device(s) 501 for outputting any of the data,
information, and/or reports, described herein as being generated by
or via the emergency services provider communication device 50. In
the preferred embodiment, the output device(s) 501 can be a display
screen, a speaker, a printer, a display of any type or kind, an
indicator light, a transmitter, a modem, and/or any other device
which can be used to output data or information of any kind or
type. In the preferred embodiment, the output device(s) 501 is/are
also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 50A.
[0310] The emergency services provider communication device 50 also
includes a video and/or audio recording device(s) 50J which can
include a camera and/or a video recording device for recording
pictures or video and/or video clips and/or a microphone or an
audio recording device for recording audio or audio clips which can
be recorded by, and/or transmitted live, by or from the emergency
services provider communication device 50, or which can be recorded
by, and stored at or in, the emergency services provider
communication device 50 for transmission by or from the emergency
services provider communication device 50 at a later time. The
video and/or audio recording device(s) 50J can be utilized to
facilitate video conferencing, video chatting, and/or audio
conferencing, and/or video and audio conferencing, between users of
the emergency services provider communication device 50 and any
user of any other computer or communication device 10, 20, 30, 40,
50, or 60, described herein. The video and/or audio recording
device(s) 50J can also be utilized to facilitate one-way broadcasts
from the emergency services provider communication device 50. In
the preferred embodiment, the video and/or audio recording
device(s) 50J is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU
50A.
[0311] FIG. 8 illustrates the healthcare records computer 60 of
FIG. 1, in block diagram form. The healthcare records computer 60,
in a preferred embodiment, can also be any computer or computer
system, or any group of computers. The healthcare records computer
60, in the preferred embodiment, can also be a personal computer, a
home computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet
computer, a tablet, a hand-held computer, a palmtop computer, a
personal communication device, a cellular telephone, a wireless
telephone, a mobile telephone, a Smartphone, a smartphone, a
personal digital assistant, a digital television, an interactive
television, a digital television, a telephone, a digital telephone,
a television, an interactive television, a beeper, a pager, and/or
a watch or a Smart watch, and/or any wearable device, computer or
communication device. The healthcare records computer 60 can also
be server computer, or any computer capable of being utilized in a
network or capable of being utilized with other computers in a
network.
[0312] With reference to FIG. 8, in the preferred embodiment, the
healthcare records computer 60 includes a central processing unit
or CPU 60A, which in the preferred embodiment, is a microprocessor.
The CPU 60A can also be a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a
macro-computer, and/or a mainframe computer, depending upon the
application.
[0313] The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a random
access memory device(s) 60B (RAM), a read only memory device(s) 60C
(ROM), each of which is connected to, or linked with, the CPU 60A,
and a user input device 60D, for inputting and/or entering data
and/or information and/or instructions and/or commands into the
healthcare records computer 60, which can include any one or more
of a keyboard, a scanner, a user pointing device, such as, for
example, a mouse, a touch pad, and/or an audio input device and/or
a video input device, and/or any device, electronic and/or
otherwise which can be utilized for inputting and/or entering data
and/or information and/or instructions and/or commands into the
healthcare records computer 60. The input device(s) 60D is/are also
connected to, or linked with, the CPU 60A.
[0314] The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a display
device 60E for displaying data and/or information to a user or
operator. In the preferred embodiment, the display device 60E is
also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 60A. The healthcare
records computer 60 also includes a transmitter(s) 60F, for
transmitting signals and/or data and/or information to any one or
more of the personal monitoring device(s) 10, the central
processing computer(s) 20, the user communication device(s) 30, the
law enforcement communication device (s) 40, the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50, and/or any other healthcare
records computer(s) 60, which can be utilized in conjunction with
the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the
transmitter(s) 60F is/are also connected to, or linked with, the
CPU 60A. The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a
receiver(s) 60G, for receiving signals and/or data and/or
information from any one or more of the personal monitoring
device(s) 10, the central processing computer(s) 20, the user
communication device(s) 30, the law enforcement communication
device (s) 40, the emergency services provider communication
device(s) 50, and/or any other healthcare records computer(s) 60,
which can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. In
the preferred embodiment, the receiver(s) 60G is/are also connected
to, or linked with, the CPU 60A.
[0315] The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a
database(s) 60H. In the preferred embodiment, the database(s) 60H
is/are also connected to, or linked with, the CPU 60A. The
database(s) 60H can contain and/or include, and/or can contain
and/or include a link(s) or hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked
to or with, any of the data and/or information described herein as
being stored in the database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for any user
or individual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or using,
the apparatus 100 of the present invention and/or for any personal
monitoring account being serviced by the apparatus 100 of the
present invention. The database(s) 60H can also contain and/or
include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s) or
hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the data
and/or information described herein as being stored in the
database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for or regarding any user or
individual who or which uses a user communication device 30 to
monitor another user or individual. The database(s) 60H can also
contain and/or include, and/or can contain and/or include a link(s)
or hyperlink(s) to, and/or can be linked to or with, any of the
data and/or information described herein as being stored in the
database(s) 10H, 20H, and/or 30H, for or regarding any user or
individual who or which uses a personal monitoring device 10 to
allow himself or herself to be monitored by another user or
individual via the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention.
[0316] The database 60H can also contain and/or include, for each
user or individual monitored, or to be monitored, by, with, or
using, the apparatus 100 of the present invention, and for each
user or individual who is monitoring, or who is to be monitoring,
any other user or individual, an electronic healthcare record, an
electronic medical record, an electronic dental record, a
healthcare record, and/or a personal healthcare record, for the
respective user or individual, which can include any data and/or
information typically found in any electronic healthcare records,
electronic medical records, electronic dental records, healthcare
records, and/or personal healthcare records. The database 60H can
also include for each user or individual, information regarding any
healthcare conditions of the user or individual, any medicines,
medications, or drugs, the user or individual is taking or required
to take, any allergies the user or individual may have, and/or any
other information which may be needed or useful for the user's or
the individual's well being.
[0317] The database(s) 60H can also contain and/or include any data
and/or information regarding the user or the individual, or any
users or individuals, who or which utilize any user communication
device 30 or any user or individual who utilizes a personal
monitoring device 10, which can include, but which is not limited
to, the user's or the individual's, or each user's or each
individual's, name, address, telephone number(s), cellular
telephone number(s), mobile or wireless telephone number(s), e-mail
address or e-mail addresses, and/or text message, instant message,
SMS message, or MMS message, or any other messaging, telephone
number or other address or identifier.
[0318] The database 60H can also contain and/or include any other
data and/or information, and/or any software. software programs,
algorithms, and/or software applications, described herein or
otherwise, which are needed or desired for enabling the healthcare
records computer 60 to perform any and/or all of the functions
and/or functionality described herein as being performed by
same.
[0319] The healthcare records computer 60 also includes an output
device(s) 601 for outputting any of the data, information, and/or
reports, described herein as being generated by or via the
healthcare records computer 60. In the preferred embodiment, the
output device(s) 601 can be a display screen, a speaker, a printer,
a display of any type or kind, an indicator light, a transmitter, a
modem, and/or any other device which can be used to output data or
information of any kind or type. In the preferred embodiment, the
output device(s) 601 is/are also connected to, or linked with, the
CPU 60A.
[0320] The healthcare records computer 60 also includes a video
and/or audio recording device(s) 60J which can include a camera
and/or a video recording device for recording pictures or video
and/or video clips and/or a microphone or an audio recording device
for recording audio or audio clips which can be recorded by, and/or
transmitted live, by or from the healthcare records computer 60, or
which can be recorded by, and stored at or in, the healthcare
records computer 60 for transmission by or from the healthcare
records computer 60 at a later time. The video and/or audio
recording device(s) 60J can be utilized to facilitate video
conferencing, video chatting, and/or audio conferencing, and/or
video and audio conferencing, between users of the healthcare
records computer 60 and any user of any other computer or
communication device 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60, described herein.
The video and/or audio recording device(s) 60J can also be utilized
to facilitate one-way broadcasts from the healthcare records
computer 60. In the preferred embodiment, the video and/or audio
recording device(s) 60J is/are also connected to, or linked with,
the CPU 60A.
[0321] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 and method of
the present invention can be utilized to monitor an individual or
individuals of any age. In this regard, the apparatus 100 and/or
the personal monitoring device 10 can be utilized to monitor any
child, infant, teenager or young adult, adult of any age, and/or
elderly individual. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100
apparatus 100 and/or the personal monitoring device 10 can also be
utilized to monitor any child, infant, teenager or young adult,
adult of any age, and/or elderly individual, who may or may not be
inflicted with a condition, illness, or disease, or who may or may
not be inflicted with autism, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, or
be ill with any temporary or permanent illness, sickness, disease,
or condition. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100
apparatus 100 and/or the personal monitoring device 10 can also be
utilized to monitor any child, infant, teenager or young adult,
adult of any age, and/or elderly individual, as a safety
precaution.
[0322] In a preferred embodiment, any user or individual who
utilizes a personal monitoring device 10, or who has a personal
monitoring device 10 assigned to him or her, or who has a personal
monitoring device 10 associated with him or her, can be referred to
herein, or can be defined herein as being, a "monitored
individual". In a preferred embodiment, any user or individual who
utilizes a user communication device 30 to monitor a monitored
individual can be referred to herein, or can be defined herein as
being, a "monitoring individual".
[0323] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisioned that a personal
monitoring device 10 can be programmed with, or can have stored
therein or therewith, information regarding the monitored
individual's home address, residence address, school residence
address or place, workplace address, or other address, place, or
location, which is considered to be that monitored individual's
place of safety or "home base" or "safe location". In a preferred
embodiment, it is envisioned that the personal monitoring device 10
can be programmed with, or can have stored therein or therewith,
information regarding any address(es), place(s), or location(s), to
which the monitored individual typically travels on a daily basis.
For example, the personal monitoring device 10 can be programmed
with, or have stored therein or therewith, information regarding
the monitored individual's school address, place, or location,
workplace address, place, or location, employment address, place,
or location, activity or event address, place, or location, or any
other address, place, or location, to which the monitored
individual is known to travel on a weekday basis, on a weekend
daily basis, or on any daily basis.
[0324] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also be programmed with the monitored individual's travel
itineraries and/or travel schedules for traveling to and between
one address, place, or location to another address, place, or
location. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device
10 can also be programmed with travel routes or directions for
traveling to and between one address, place, or location to another
address, place, or location. In a preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10 can also be programmed with software
programs, navigation programs, or any algorithms or software
applications, for identifying, determining, ascertaining, or
calculating, any travel routes or directions for traveling to and
between one address, place, or location to another address, place,
or location.
[0325] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can be utilized in connection with, or in conjunction with, the
apparatus 100, the central processing computer 20, a user
communication device 30 associated with, or used by, any user or
individual authorized to, or assigned to, monitor the monitored
individual, any law enforcement communication device 40, and/or any
emergency services provider communication device 50. In another
preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also be
utilized as a stand-alone device by the monitored individual to
allow the monitored individual to monitor his or her travels,
whereabouts, or environment.
[0326] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a preferred embodiment method for
utilizing the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention to
monitor a monitored individual, in flow diagram form. While the
preferred embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B is described and
illustrated as being used to monitor a child, it is important to
note that the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B can be
utilized in a same, a similar, and/or an analogous, manner in order
to monitor any person or individual of any age and/or any person
and/or individual in any kind of physical, mental, or emotional,
condition. While the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B is
described and illustrated as being used to monitor a child in or
during his or her whereabouts and/or travels one place to another,
it is also important to note the present invention can also be
utilized in a same, a similar, and/or an analogous, manner in order
to monitor the child in or during his or her whereabouts and/or
travels one place to another, during any given period of time
and/or during the course of a day, and/or to monitor any person or
individual, of any age, in or during his or her whereabouts and/or
travels one place to another, during any given period of time
and/or during the course of a day.
[0327] With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the operation of the
apparatus 100 commences at step 900. At step 901, the personal
monitoring device 10 can be activated to operate so as to
determine, ascertain, and/or monitor, the child's location or
whereabouts. Depending upon the time of the particular day and the
schedule of the child, the personal monitoring device 10 can
determine the child's position or location and can determine such
to be at an address, place, or location, where the child should be
at that particular time. For example, at 9:30 AM on a Monday
morning during a school year, it is expected that the child can be
at his or her school. In a preferred embodiment, the child's travel
itinerary or information regarding same can be stored in the
database 10H of the personal monitoring device 10 and can include
information indicating that the child should leave school at
approximately 3:00 PM and travel back to his or her home, either by
be driven in a vehicle or a school bus, or by riding a bicycle, or
by walking, or by travel by any other mode of travel.
[0328] At step 902, the personal monitoring device 10 can detect
the child's movement from his or her school, such as by monitoring
and/or comparing a change in the child's position or location as
determined by utilizing the GPS system of the personal monitoring
device 10. At step 902, upon detecting the child's movement and the
time of same, the personal monitoring device 10, if determining the
time to be approximately 3:00 PM, can identify the child's
preferred travel route back home. In a preferred embodiment, the
child's preferred travel route from his or her school back to his
or her home can be pre-selected and can be pre-programmed by his or
her parent, or guardian, or any other caregiver, or other
authorized person (a herein-defined "monitoring individual") and
can be stored in the personal monitoring device 10.
At step 902, the personal monitoring device 10 will determine or
ascertain the preferred travel route the child should be taking
back home and will monitor the child's travel along that preferred
travel route. From this point on, the preferred travel route can
simply be referred to as the "travel route".
[0329] At step 903, the personal monitoring device 10 can await a
detection that the child has deviated from the travel route, or has
gone off course from the travel route. Upon detecting that the
child has deviated from the travel route, or has gone off course
from the travel route, the operation of the personal monitoring
device 10 will proceed to step 904. At step 904, the personal
monitoring device 10, in a preferred embodiment, can perform any
one or more of a number of functions or operations in response to
the detection of the child deviating from the travel route.
[0330] In a preferred embodiment, at step 904, the personal
monitoring device 10, and in particular, the CPU 10A can generate a
travel route deviation message. The travel route deviation message
can contain and/or include the time and/or place, position, or
location, when and/or where the child deviated from or left the
travel route and the child's current place, position, or location.
The travel route deviation message can also include information
regarding the portion of the child's itinerary associated with the
travel route from which the child has deviated. For example, as in
the example of the preferred embodiment when the child has deviated
from his or her travel back home from school, the travel route
deviation message can also contain information indicating that the
child has deviated from the travel route he or she was taking to go
home from school.
[0331] At step 905, the personal monitoring device 10 can
automatically transmit the travel route deviation message to the
user communication device 30 which is used by, associated with, or
assigned to, the monitoring individual for the child. In a
preferred embodiment, for example, the monitoring individual can be
a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, a relative, a friend, a
guardian, or any other authorized person. In a situation where the
child may be monitored by more than one monitoring individual, then
the personal monitoring device 10, at step 905, can transmit the
travel route deviation message to the user communication device 30
which is used by, associated with, or assigned to, each and every
monitoring individual for the child. In a preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10 can generate and transmit updated
travel route deviation messages at any pre-determined or
pre-selected time intervals.
[0332] At step 905, the personal monitoring device 10 can also
automatically transmit the travel route deviation message to the
central processing computer 20 so as to report the child's travel
route deviation to the central processing computer 20 and to any
company or entity which operates same. At step 905, the personal
monitoring device 10 can also automatically transmit the travel
route deviation message to the law enforcement communication
devices 40 of or associated with each law enforcement agency or
department associated with the city, town, municipality, or
political subdivision, in which the child was detected as having
deviated from the travel route, as well as to each law enforcement
communication device(s) 40 of or associated with any neighboring
cities, towns, municipalities, or political subdivisions. At step
905, the personal monitoring device 10 can also automatically
transmit the travel route deviation message to the emergency
services provider communication device 50 of or associated with the
emergency services provider agency or department of or for the
city, town, municipality, or political subdivision, in which the
child was detected as having deviated from the travel route, as
well as to each emergency services provider communication device 50
of or associated with any neighboring cities, towns,
municipalities, or political subdivisions. At step 905, the travel
route deviation message can be received by the user communication
device 30, and by each central processing computer 20 and/or law
enforcement communication device 40 and/or emergency services
provider communication device 50 to which it was sent.
[0333] At step 905, the personal monitoring device 10 can also
obtain, determine, read, or record, any physiological or healthcare
information regarding the child such as, for example, but not
limited to, the child's heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure,
body temperature, blood sugar level, or any other healthcare
information or healthcare-related data and/or information, or any
other physical condition, physiological condition, or healthcare
condition, which can be measured or measurable by any wearable
device or by any implanted device or implantable device which can
be obtained by or using any of the respective and herein-described
devices, equipment, monitors, or measurement devices, which can be
wearable or non-wearable and/or which can be connected to or with,
or wirelessly linked to or with the personal monitoring device 10
and/or the CPU 10A of same. Any data and/or information obtained
regarding any of the herein-described data and/or information can
also be included in the travel route deviation message and/or in
any subsequently generated and transmitted travel route deviation
messages or updated travel route deviation messages. For example,
in addition to the child's current position or location,
information regarding the child's heart rate, body temperature, or
any other healthcare information can be provided in the travel
route deviation message.
[0334] In another preferred embodiment, the travel route deviation
message can also contain and/or include the temperature of the
environment in which the child is located, which can be exterior
temperature if the child and the personal monitoring device 10 is
located outdoors, or an interior temperature if the child and the
personal monitoring device 10 are located indoors.
[0335] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device
10, at step 905, can also initiate a cellular or wireless telephone
call to the user communication 30 of the monitoring individual. In
another preferred embodiment, if more than one monitoring
individuals are associated with the child, then the personal
monitoring device 10 can initiate a cellular or wireless telephone
call, and/or a telephone conference call, to and/or so as to
include the child and all monitoring individuals for the child. In
another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can
initiate a cellular or wireless telephone call, and/or a telephone
conference call, to and/or so as to include at least one monitoring
individual and a law enforcement officer or individual, via and/or
by including a respective law enforcement communication device 40,
and/or an emergency services provider individual or person via
and/or by including an emergency services provider communication
device 50.
[0336] In a preferred embodiment, the cellular or wireless
telephone call can be made so as to put the child into live contact
with, and/or into live communication with, the monitoring
individual or monitoring individuals, and/or so as to put the child
and the monitoring individual or monitoring individuals into live
contact with, and/or into live communication with, law enforcement
personnel and/or emergency services personnel.
[0337] In a preferred embodiment, at step 905, once the cellular or
wireless telephone call and/or any conference line involving the
monitoring individual or monitoring individuals, and/or any law
enforcement law enforcement personnel and/or emergency services
personnel, has been made and, with the call line and/or conference
line being live and/or on-going, the personal monitoring device 10
can de-activate the personal monitoring device's 10 telephone call
on/off switch, or on/off switch functionality, on or in the
personal monitoring device 10 so that the personal monitoring
device 10 cannot be disconnected from the telephone call and/or the
conference line. In a preferred embodiment, the herein-described
de-activation of the telephone call on/off switch, or on/off switch
functionality, of the personal monitoring device 10 can be
effectuated by using, and/or by programming the personal monitoring
device 10, with or using any appropriate and/or suitable software
program, algorithm, or software application. In a preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also be
programmed and/or equipped so as to detect being disconnected from,
or dropped from, the telephone call and/or conference call, and can
automatically re-connect to the telephone call and/or to the
conference call. It is to be understood, that any of the
herein-described personal monitoring device(s) 10, user
communication device(s) 30, law enforcement communication device(s)
40, and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s)
50, can be equipped with long lasting batteries or power sources,
external batteries or power sources, and/or any other supplemental
batteries or power sources so as to ensure that sufficient
electrical power is available and can be supplied to any of the
herein-described personal monitoring device(s) 10, user
communication device(s) 30, law enforcement communication device(s)
40, and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s)
50.
[0338] In a preferred embodiment, the herein-described
functionality of establishing a cellular or wireless telephone
call, and/or conference call, can allow the child to be brought
into, and to be maintained in, live contact with and/or live
communication with, his or her monitoring individual or one or more
monitoring individuals, and/or with any number of law enforcement
personal and/or emergency services personnel. In this manner, the
monitoring individual or monitoring individuals, and/or any law
enforcement personnel and/or emergency services personnel, can
speak with the child, can comfort or reassure the child that all
will be okay, and/or can ascertain the child's whereabouts, while
the child my be lost or off track. In a preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10 can activate the speakerphone, and/or
any speakers and/or microphone, of same for and/or during the
cellular or wireless telephone call and/or conference call.
[0339] In a preferred embodiment, any activation or use of a
speakerphone functionality of the personal monitoring device 10 can
also be utilized in order to establish or facilitate an intercom,
or an intercommunication or intercom-like, communication platform
or system which can provide for open communication involving or
between the child, any individual or person coming into contact
with the child, and the monitoring individual, and/or any law
enforcement personnel, emergency services personnel, or any
operator of the central processing computer 20.
[0340] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 905, activate any camera, any video recording
device or equipment, any microphone, or any audio recording device,
of same, and/or any device or equipment of the video and/or audio
recording device(s) 10J of same, for and/or during the cellular or
wireless telephone call and/or conference call.
[0341] In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 can, at step 905, activate one or more indicator lights
18 or 19 on the personal monitoring device 10 which can be used to
indicate that the child is currently outside of his or her "safe"
zone of travel. As noted herein, the personal monitoring device 10
can be provided with one or more indicator lights 18 or 19 which
can be used to indicate when the child is inside or within his or
her "safe" zone of travel and one or more indicator lights 18 or 19
which can be used to indicate when the child is not in, or outside,
of his or her "safe" zone of travel. In a preferred embodiment,
when the child is inside or within his or her "safe" zone of
travel, one or more of these indicator lights 18 or 19 can be lit
or illuminated with a green light. In a preferred embodiment, when
the child is outside of his or her "safe" zone of travel, one or
more of these indicator lights 18 or 19 can be lit or illuminated
with a red light. In a preferred embodiment, the personal
monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU 10A can, at step 905, activate
or cause one or more of the indicator lights 18 or 19 to be lit or
illuminated in red. In this regard, any individual or person who
may see, or come into contact with the child can be notified, by
seeing the red lights on the personal monitoring device 10, that
the child may be lost or otherwise in need of assistance. In a
preferred embodiment, any indicator lights can also be provided via
the display screen or in or via a portion or section of the display
screen.
[0342] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 905, activate any camera, any video recording
device or equipment, any microphone, or any audio recording device,
of same, and/or any device or equipment of the video and/or audio
recording device(s) 10J of same, for obtaining pictures, video
information, video clips, audio information, or audio clips, of the
child, or any individual's or person who or may come into contact
with the child, and/or of any of the child's surroundings,
environment, or location. In a preferred embodiment, any pictures,
video information, video clips, audio information, or audio clips,
recorded by and at the personal monitoring device 10 can be
transmitted to, and stored by or in, each of the user communication
device 30 of the monitoring individual, each user communication
device 30 of each monitoring individual, the central processing
computer 20, or any law enforcement communication device(s) 40,
and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s) 50.
In this regard, any audio or video which can be used to ascertain
the child's location or which can be used to ascertain any
individuals or persons with the child or who the child may have
come into contact with, can be recorded by the personal monitoring
device 10 and transmitted to, and/or viewed and/or listened to,
and/or stored, via or at each of the user communication device 30
of the monitoring individual, each user communication device 30 of
each monitoring individual, the central processing computer 20, or
any law enforcement communication device(s) 40, and/or an emergency
services provider communication device(s) 50.
[0343] In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 can also, at step 905, begin to, or can continue to,
track the child's movements and can generate tracking update
messages at any pre-selected time interval(s), containing
information regarding the child's location(s), movement(s), and
speed of travel or movement. In a preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10, as well as the central processing
computer(s) 20, the user communication(s) 30, the law enforcement
communication device(s) 40, and/or the emergency services provider
communication device(s) 50, can be equipped with software to
calculate or otherwise determine the child's speed of movement. In
this manner, depending on the speed of movement of the child, it
can be determined if the child is traveling in or on a vehicle or
is traveling on foot. In a preferred embodiment, the tracking
update messages can be automatically transmitted, at periodic time
intervals, from the personal monitoring device 10 to the user
communication(s) 30 of the monitoring individual(s), and/or, or as
well as, to the central processing computer(s) 20, the user
communication(s) 30, the law enforcement communication device(s)
40, and/or the emergency services provider communication device(s)
50.
[0344] In a preferred embodiment, information regarding the child's
movement can be displayed and/or tracked on or via a digital or
satellite map which can be displayed on the display device of the
respective user communication(s) 30, the central processing
computer(s) 20, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40,
and/or the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50.
In a preferred embodiment, the information regarding the child's
movement can also be displayed and/or tracked on or via a digital
or satellite map which can be displayed on the display screen 12 of
the personal monitoring device 10.
[0345] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 905, activate a homing beacon or beacon of the
personal monitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the
homing beacon or beacon of the personal monitoring device 10 can
transmit or provide a signal, a distress signal, or any other
indication, which can be utilized in connection with a
corresponding receiver, which can be provided in or with each of
the user communication device(s) 30, the central processing
computer(s) 20, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40,
and/or the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50,
and which can allow for any user or operator of such device(s) or
computers 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, to track and/or to "home" in on or
locate the child. In a preferred embodiment, the equipment and
technology which can be used to implement the beacon or homing
beacon and any associated receivers can be the same as, similar to,
or analogous to, the technology which was used in vehicle tracking
devices such as Lo-Jack.RTM. systems and/or any other vehicle
recovery systems or any other suitable vehicle tracking and
locating systems which are known by those skilled in the art of
vehicle recovery systems. Any of the herein-described users or
operators of any of the herein-described device(s) or computers 30,
20, 40, and/or 50, can thereafter use his/her/its respective
device(s) or computer 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, in order to "home" in
on the signals transmitted from or emitted from the beacon or
homing beacon.
[0346] In a preferred embodiment, at step 905, the personal
monitoring device 10 can also play any pre-recorded messages or
video clips or audio clips, which messages, video clips, or audio
clips, to the child via the display screen 12 and speakers 16. In a
preferred embodiment, the pre-recorded messages or video clips or
audio clips can be pre-recorded by the monitoring individual or by
any number of monitoring individuals, and can be stored in the
personal monitoring device 10. The pre-recorded messages or video
clips or audio clips can be used in order to comfort the child or
calm the child down, if needed, by providing him or her with the
voice and/or image of the monitoring individual or monitoring
individuals. The pre-recorded messages or video clips or audio
clips can also contain or include contact information for the child
or his or her monitoring individual, name and address of the child,
contact telephone numbers, contact e-mail addresses, contact text
message, MMS message, or SMS message, numbers, IP addresses, ad/or
any other information, and/or can contain any instructions and/or
information needed for caring for the child, including any
medications or drugs which the child requires and/or any other
healthcare needs or any special needs of the child. In this regard,
the pre-recorded messages or video clips or audio clips can also
contain or include any information which any individual or person
may need or find helpful in assisting the child until the child is
found or recovered.
[0347] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 905, provide information, and/or a link to
information, regarding or contained in the healthcare records of
the child. In a preferred embodiment, any information contained in
the child's healthcare records can be stored in the personal
monitoring device 10. In another preferred embodiment, a link or a
hyperlink to the child's healthcare records can be provided via the
personal monitoring device 10 so as to allow any individual or
person to gain access to the child's healthcare records, which
healthcare records can be stored in or at the central processing
computer 20, the user communication device 30 of a monitoring
individual, or the healthcare records computer 60. In a preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can provide
information, and/or a link to information, regarding any healthcare
needs of the child or any special needs of the child.
[0348] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 905, provide information regarding any
instructions or directions for guiding the child back onto his or
her travel route. In another preferred embodiment, the personal
monitoring device 10 can, at step 905, activate or turn on a
flashlight or a flashlight functionality, and/or a strobe light or
a strobe light functionality.
[0349] In a preferred embodiment, at any time during step 905
and/or at any other time, the user communication device 30 can
generate and/or can transmit a control signal to the personal
monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable, activate,
de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operation of,
the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,
device, or equipment, of same. In this regard, the user
communication device 30 can generate and/or can transmit a control
signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable,
disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor
an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any
component, system, device, or equipment, of same, including, but
not limited to, the CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display
device(s) 10E, the transmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the
output device(s) 10I, the video and/or audio recording device(s)
10J, the GPS device 10K, any of the device functional systems 10L,
the display screen 12, the display section 13, the keyboard section
14, the microphone(s) 15, the speaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or
the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.
[0350] In a preferred embodiment, the user communication device 30
can also, at step 905 and/or at any other time, transmit the
control signal over any appropriate communication network(s) to the
personal monitoring device 10. In another preferred embodiment, the
user communication device 30 can transmit the control signal over
the appropriate communication network(s) to the personal monitoring
device 10 via the central processing computer 20.
[0351] In another preferred embodiment, the central processing
computer 20 can also, at step 905 and/or at any other time, can
generate and/or can transmit a control signal to the personal
monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable, activate,
de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operation of,
the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,
device, or equipment, of same. In this regard, the user
communication device 30 can generate and/or can transmit a control
signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable,
disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor
an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any
component, system, device, or equipment, of same, including, but
not limited to, the CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display
device(s) 10E, the transmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the
output device(s) 10I, the video and/or audio recording device(s)
10J, the GPS device 10K, any of the device functional systems 10L,
the display screen 12, the display section 13, the keyboard section
14, the microphone(s) 15, the speaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or
the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.
[0352] In another preferred embodiment, any authorized law
enforcement communication device 40 and/or any authorized emergency
services provider communication device 50 can also, at step 905
and/or at any other time, can generate and/or can transmit a
control signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to
enable, disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or
monitor an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or
any component, system, device, or equipment, of same. In this
regard, any authorized law enforcement communication device 40
and/or any authorized emergency services provider communication
device 50 can generate and/or can transmit a control signal to the
personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable,
activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an
operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any
component, system, device, or equipment, of same, including, but
not limited to, the CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display
device(s) 10E, the transmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the
output device(s) 10I, the video and/or audio recording device(s)
10J, the GPS device 10K, any of the device functional systems 10L,
the display screen 12, the display section 13, the keyboard section
14, the microphone(s) 15, the speaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or
the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.
[0353] In a preferred embodiment, the law enforcement communication
device 40 and/or the emergency services provider communication
device 50 can also, at step 905 and/or at any other time, transmit
the control signal over any appropriate communication network(s) to
the personal monitoring device 10. In another preferred embodiment,
the law enforcement communication device 40 and/or the emergency
services provider communication device 50 can transmit the control
signal over the appropriate communication network(s) to the
personal monitoring device 10 via the central processing computer
20.
[0354] In a preferred embodiment, at step 905, the personal
monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU 10A can continue determining
and tracking the child's position or location by using the GPS
device 10K. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 and/or the CPU 10A, at any pre-defined or pre-selected
time interval, which in a preferred embodiment can be one (1)
minute or any other suitable time interval, and while any and/or
all functionality described herein as being performed at step 905,
can determine if the child made it back onto his or her travel
route and/or can determine if the child has been found. In this
regard, the operation of the personal monitoring device 10 can
proceed to step 906 and the personal monitoring device 10 and/or
the CPU 10A can determine if the child is back on his or her travel
route or can determine if the child has been found and that an
instruction to reset the personal monitoring device 10 has been
received by the personal monitoring device 10 or has been input
into the personal monitoring device 10.
[0355] If, at step 906, it is determined that the child is back on
his or her travel route, or that the child has been found, or that
an instruction to reset the personal monitoring device 10 has been
received by the personal monitoring device 10 or has been input
into the personal monitoring device 10, then the operation of the
apparatus 100 will cease at step 907. Thereafter, the personal
monitoring device 10 can be reset for future use. If at step 906,
it is determined that the child has still not made it back to his
or her travel route, or that the child has still not been found, or
that no instruction to reset the personal monitoring device 10 has
been received by the personal monitoring device 10 or has been
input into the personal monitoring device 10, then the operation of
the apparatus 100 will return to, or continue on as described
during, step 905 as described herein. The apparatus 100 will
thereafter continue to function and/or operate at steps 905 and 906
until it is determined by the personal monitoring device 10 and/or
the CPU 10A that the child is found to be back on his or her travel
route, or the child has been found, or until an instruction to
reset the personal monitoring device 10 has been received by the
personal monitoring device 10 or has been input into the personal
monitoring device 10.
[0356] Although described herein as being utilized to monitor a
child, it is important to note that the apparatus 100 and the
personal monitoring device 10 of FIGS. 9A and 9B can be utilized in
a same, a similar, and/or an analogous, manner to monitor
individuals of any age, including but not limited to infants,
children, adolescents, teenagers, adults of any age, elderly
individuals, individuals having no healthcare issues, conditions,
problems, or challenges, and/or individuals having healthcare
issues, conditions, problems, or challenges. The apparatus 100 and
method of the present invention as well as the apparatus of FIGS.
9A and 9B can be used to monitor children who may be afflicted with
autism, or any disabilities, or who may lack communications skills,
and/or who may have other conditions, as well as individuals of any
age who are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or Dementia, o any
other healthcare conditions. The apparatus 100 and method of the
present invention as well as the apparatus of FIGS. 9A and 9B can
be used to monitor individuals of any age who may have no
healthcare conditions or problems, but who might want to simply
utilize the apparatus 100 and method of the present inventions for
the numerous benefits it can provide.
[0357] In a preferred embodiment, any of the functions and/or
functionality described herein as being performed by the personal
monitoring device 10 at or during step 905 can be pre-programmed
into the personal monitoring device 10 beforehand by any authorized
individual and/or by a monitoring individual. In a preferred
embodiment, any of the functions and/or functionality described
herein as being performed by the personal monitoring device 10 at
or during step 905 can be changed or can be re-programmed at any
time. In another preferred embodiment, any functions and/or
functionality described herein as being performed by the personal
monitoring device 10 at or during step 905 can also be enabled,
disabled, activated, deactivated, or controlled, or monitored, by
or via the user communication device 30, the central processing
computer 20, the law enforcement communication device 40, or the
emergency services provider communication device 50.
[0358] In a preferred embodiment, as well as in any and/or all of
the embodiments described herein, a personal monitoring account can
be created or established for any monitored individual with whom
the apparatus 100 and method of the present invention can be
utilized. In this regard, a personal monitoring account can be
established for a monitored individual and can be registered with
the central processing computer 20, and/or with any law enforcement
departments and/or agencies and/or with an emergency services
providers departments and/or agencies so that the central
processing computer 20 and the respective law enforcement
communication devices 40 and/or emergency services providers
communication devices 50 can has records and information for or
regarding any monitored individuals and the respective individual
who are to be monitoring them (the so-call "monitoring
individuals"). Any of the data and/or information described herein
as being stored in any of the databases 10H, 20H, 30H, 40H, 50H,
and/or 60H, of any of the herein-described personal monitoring
devices 10, central processing computers 20, user communication
devices 30, law enforcement communication devices 40, emergency
services providers communication devices 50, and/or healthcare
records computers 60, can be stored in a respective monitored
individuals personal monitoring account.
[0359] In another preferred embodiment, the operation of the
apparatus 100 and/or the personal monitoring device 10 can be
triggered by, or can be activated by or in response to the actions
of, a monitoring individual. In a preferred embodiment, a
monitoring individual can utilize a software application or a
software "app" in order to determine the position or location of
the monitored individual. The software application or software
"app", in a preferred embodiment, should be capable of determining
the position or location of the monitored individual at any time
and/or on demand by the monitoring individual. In another preferred
embodiment, the monitoring individual can also perform a "pinging"
operation in order to utilize a communications services provider or
any other suitably equipped entity in order to "ping" or determine
the position or location of the monitored individual.
[0360] In a preferred embodiment, at any time, a monitoring
individual can either utilize a software application or a software
"app" on his or her user communication device 30, or can "ping" the
personal monitoring device 10 of or associated by the monitored
individual, in order to determine the position or location of the
monitored individual and/or to determine if the monitored
individual is at an expected place or location, is traveling on an
appropriate travel route at that point or instant in time, or is at
an unexpected or unapproved place or location, or has deviated from
an appropriate travel route at that point or instant in time. If
the monitored individual is determined to be at an unexpected or
unapproved place or location, or has deviated from an appropriate
travel route at that point or instant in time, the monitoring
individual can activate the apparatus 100 and utilize same to find
or locate, or otherwise provide assistance to, the monitored
individual.
[0361] As described herein, any user or individual who utilizes a
personal monitoring device 10, or who has a personal monitoring
device 10 assigned to him or her, or who has a personal monitoring
device 10 associated with him or her, can again be referred to
herein, or can be defined herein as being, a "monitored
individual". As also described herein, any user or individual who
utilizes a user communication device 10 to monitor a monitored
individual can be referred to herein, or can be defined herein as
being, a "monitoring individual".
[0362] As described herein, it is envisioned that a personal
monitoring device 10 can be programmed with, or have stored therein
or therewith, information regarding the monitored individual's home
address, residence address, school residence address or place,
workplace address, or other address, place, or location, which is
considered to be that monitored individual's place of safety or
"home base" or "safe location". In a preferred embodiment, it is
envisioned that the personal monitoring device 10 can be programmed
with, or have stored therein or therewith, information regarding
any address(es), place(s), or location(s), to which the monitored
individual typically travels on a daily basis. For example, the
personal monitoring device 10 can be programmed with, or have
stored therein or therewith, information regarding the monitored
individual's school address, place, or location, workplace address,
place, or location, employment address, place, or location,
activity or event address, place, or location, or any other
address, place, or location, to which the monitored individual is
known to travel on a weekday basis, on a weekend daily basis, or on
any daily basis.
[0363] As also described herein, the personal monitoring device 10
can also be programmed with the monitored individual's travel
itineraries and/or travel schedules for traveling to and between
one address, place, or location to another address, place, or
location. In this regard, the personal monitoring device 10 can
also be programmed with travel routes or directions for traveling
to and between one address, place, or location to another address,
place, or location. As also noted herein, in a preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also be
programmed with software programs, navigation programs, or any
algorithms or software applications, for identifying, determining,
ascertaining, or calculating, any travel routes or directions for
traveling to and between one address, place, or location to another
address, place, or location.
[0364] In any and/or all of the embodiments described herein, the
personal monitoring device 10 can be utilized in connection with,
or in conjunction with, the apparatus 100, the central processing
computer 20, a user communication device 30 associated with, or
used by, any user or individual authorized to, or assigned to,
monitor the monitored individual, any law enforcement communication
device 40, and/or any emergency services provider communication
device 50. As also described herein, the personal monitoring device
10 can also be utilized as a stand-alone device by the monitored
individual to allow the monitored individual to monitor his or her
travels, whereabouts, or environment.
[0365] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another preferred embodiment
method for utilizing the apparatus 100 and method of the present
invention to monitor a monitored individual, in flow diagram form.
While the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B is described
and illustrated as being used to monitor a child, it is important
to note that the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B can also
be utilized in a same, a similar, and/or an analogous, manner in
order to monitor any person or individual of any age and/or any
person and/or individual in any kind of physical, mental, or
emotional, condition. While the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 10A
and 10B is described and illustrated as being used to monitor a
child in or during his or her whereabouts and/or travels one place
to another, it is also important to note the present invention can
also be utilized in a same, a similar, and/or an analogous, manner
in order to monitor the child in or during his or her whereabouts
and/or travels one place to another, during any given period of
time and/or during the course of a day, and/or to monitor any
person or individual, of any age, in or during his or her
whereabouts and/or travels one place to another, during any given
period of time and/or during the course of a day.
[0366] With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the operation of the
apparatus 100 commences at step 1000. At step 1001, the personal
monitoring device 10 can be activated to operate so as to
determine, ascertain, and/or monitor, the child's location or
whereabouts. Depending upon the time of the particular day and the
schedule of the child, the personal monitoring device 10 can
determine the child's position or location and can determine such
to be at an address, place, or location, where the child should be
at that particular time. For example, and as described herein, at
9:30 AM on a Monday morning during a school year, it is expected
that the child can be at his or her school. In a preferred
embodiment, the child's travel itinerary or information regarding
same can be stored in the database 10H of the personal monitoring
device 10 and can include information indicating that the child
should leave school at approximately 3:00 PM and travel back to his
or her home, either by be driven in a vehicle or a school bus, or
by riding a bicycle, or by walking, or by travel by any other mode
of travel.
[0367] At any time of day, the monitoring individual can utilize
his or her user communication device 30 in order to determine the
child's position or location so as to verify that the child is
where he or she should be or that the child, if traveling from one
place to another, is on the travel route to his or her destination.
At step 1002, the monitoring individual can perform a locating
operation using his or her user communication device 30 in order to
determine or ascertain the position or the location of the child.
In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring individual can utilize
any suitable software program or software application which can be
loaded onto or stored on or in, his or her user communication
device 30 in order to determine the child's position or location.
In a preferred embodiment, any suitable software program or
software application, which is available in the marketplace, or
which is available commercially, as of the time of the filing of
this application, and which can be utilized in order to allow any
individual or person, to determine, or locate, a position or
location of another individual or person can be utilized in and by
the user communication device 30 and the monitoring individual in
order to allow the monitoring individual to determine the position
or location of the child.
[0368] In another preferred embodiment, instead of using a software
program of a software application to determine the position or
location of the child, the monitoring individual can also request
that the central processing computer or the cellular or wireless
communication service provider which services the apparatus 100,
the user communication device 30, or the personal monitoring device
10, perform a "pinging" operation for the personal monitoring
device 10 in order to determine its position r location.
[0369] In another preferred embodiment, the monitoring individual
can access utilize his or her user communication device 30 in order
to access the personal monitoring device 10, either via any
communication network(s) and/or via the central processing computer
20 and/or any communication network(s) and request the position or
location of the child as determined by the GPS device 10K of the
personal monitoring device 10. In this regard, the monitoring
individual can utilize his or her user communication device 30 in
order to perform a control and/or monitoring operation on the
personal monitoring device 10 in order to determine or ascertain
the position or location of same as, therefore, the position or
location of the child.
[0370] At step 1002, the information regarding the position or
location of the child can be determined and provided to the user
communication 30. The monitoring individual can then be provided
with the information regarding the position or location of the
child on or via his or her user communication device 30. In a
preferred embodiment, the child's position or location can be
provided on a display screen or a display device 30E of the user
communication device 30 and can be shown on, or can be pin-pointed
on, a map. In a preferred embodiment, the map can be a digitized
map, a satellite map, or any other appropriate map display can
contain an indication of the child's position or location
thereon.
[0371] At step 1003, the monitoring individual can determine
whether or not the child is located at a place or location where he
or she should be at that particular time, or the monitoring
individual can determine whether or not the child is on a travel
route that he or she should be on at that particular time. In
another preferred embodiment, the user communication device 30 can,
by using the information regarding the position or location of the
child, automatically determine whether or not the child is located
at a place or location where he or she should be at that particular
time, or the user communication device 30 can automatically
determine whether or not the child is on a travel route that he or
she should be on at that particular time.
[0372] If, at step 1003, it is determined that the child is at a
place or location where he or she should be at that particular
time, or that the child is on a travel route that he or she should
be on at that particular time, then the operation of the apparatus
100 will cease at step 1007. If, however, at step 1003, it is
determined that the child is not at a place or location where he or
she should be at that particular time, or that the child is not on
a travel route that he or she should be on at that particular time,
then the operation of the apparatus 100 will proceed to step
1004.
[0373] At step 1004, the monitoring individual can utilize the user
communication device 30 in order generate a location/travel route
deviation message regarding the child. The location/travel route
deviation message can contain the determined position or location
of the child and the time of such determination, and/or the
location/travel route deviation message, in the case of the child's
deviation from a travel route, can contain the time and/or place,
and the position or location, when and/or where the child deviated
from or left the travel route and the child's current place,
position, or location. The location/travel route deviation message
can also include information regarding the portion of the child's
itinerary associated with place or location of the child or
associated with the travel route from which the child has
deviated.
[0374] In another preferred embodiment, the user communication
device 30 can automatically generate a location/travel route
deviation message regarding the child which location/travel route
deviation message can contain the determined position or location
of the child and the time of such determination, and/or the
location/travel route deviation message, in the case of the child's
deviation from a travel route, can contain the time and/or place,
and the position or location, when and/or where the child deviated
from or left the travel route and the child's current place,
position, or location. The location/travel route deviation message
automatically generated by the user communication device 30 can
also include information regarding the portion of the child's
itinerary associated with place or location of the child or
associated with the travel route from which the child has
deviated.
[0375] In a preferred embodiment, the location/travel route
deviation message can also contain data and/or information for
programming, and/or for activating, deactivating, enabling,
disabling, controlling an operation of or any number of operations
of, or monitoring an operation of or any number of operations of,
the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,
device, or equipment, of same, including, but not limited to, the
CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display device(s) 10E, the
transmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the output device(s) 10I,
the video and/or audio recording device(s) 10J, the GPS device 10K,
any of the device functional systems 10L, the display screen 12,
the display section 13, the keyboard section 14, the microphone(s)
15, the speaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or the indicator light(s)
18 or 19.
[0376] At step 1004, the user communication device 30 can transmit
the location/travel route deviation message to the personal
monitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, at step 1004, the
user communication device 30 can also transmit the location/travel
route deviation message to the personal monitoring device 10 via
the central processing computer 20. In a preferred embodiment, the
user communication device 10 can also, at step 1004, transmit the
location/travel route deviation message to the central processing
computer 20. In a preferred embodiment, the user communication
device 10 can also, at step 1004, transmit the location/travel
route deviation message to the law enforcement communication
device(s) 30 of or associated with the city, town, municipality, or
political subdivision, in which the child has been determined to be
positioned or located, as well to the law enforcement communication
device(s) 30 of or associated with the any neighboring cities,
towns, municipalities, or political subdivisions. In a preferred
embodiment, the user communication device 10 can also, at step
1004, transmit the location/travel route deviation message to the
emergency services provider communication device 50 of or
associated with the city, town, municipality, or political
subdivision, in which the child has been determined to be
positioned or located, as well to the emergency services provider
communication device(s) 50 of or associated with any neighboring
cities, towns, municipalities, or political subdivisions.
[0377] At step 1004, the personal monitoring device 10, and/or, if
applicable, the central processing computer 20, the law enforcement
communication device(s) 40, and/or the emergency services provider
communication device(s) 50, can receive, process, and/or store, any
data and/or information in, the location/travel route deviation
message. Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 100 will
proceed to step 1005.
[0378] At step 1005, the personal monitoring device 10 can
automatically perform any one or more of any of the functions or
functionalities described herein as being performed by the personal
monitoring device 10 at or during step 905 of the embodiment of
FIGS. 9A and 9B.
[0379] In a preferred embodiment, at step 1005, the personal
monitoring device 10 can generate a personal monitoring message,
which can contain the time, date, and the current position or
location of the child, and the personal monitoring device 10 can
transmit the personal monitoring message to the user communication
device 30. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 can also transmit the personal monitoring message to the
central processing computer 20. In a preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10 can also transmit the personal
monitoring message to the law enforcement communication device(s)
30 of or associated with the city, town, municipality, or political
subdivision, in which the child is determined to be positioned or
located, as well message to the law enforcement communication
device(s) 30 of or associated with any neighboring cities, towns,
municipalities, or political subdivisions. In a preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also transmit the
personal monitoring message to the emergency services provider
communication device(s) 50 of or associated with the city, town,
municipality, or political subdivision, in which the child is
determined to be positioned or located, as well to the emergency
services provider communication device(s) 50 of or associated with
any neighboring cities, towns, municipalities, or political
subdivisions.
[0380] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can obtain, determine, read, or record, any physiological or
healthcare information regarding the child such as, for example,
but not limited to, the child's heart rate, pulse rate, blood
pressure, body temperature, blood sugar level, or any other
healthcare information or healthcare-related data and/or
information, or any other physical condition, physiological
condition, or healthcare condition, which can be measured or
measurable by any wearable device or by any implanted device or
implantable device which can be obtained by or using any of the
respective and herein-described devices, equipment, monitors, or
measurement devices, which can be wearable or non-wearable and/or
which can be connected to or with, or wirelessly linked to or with
the personal monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU 10A of same. Any
data and/or information obtained regarding any of the
herein-described data and/or information can also be included in
the personal monitoring message which can be generated by and
transmitted from the personal monitoring device 10 as described
herein at periodic time intervals. For example, in addition to the
child's current position or location, information regarding the
child's heart rate, body temperature, or any other healthcare
information can be provided in the personal monitoring message.
[0381] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can generate and transmit updated personal monitoring messages at
any pre-determined or pre-selected time intervals.
[0382] In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
message can also contain and/or include the temperature of the
environment in which the child is located, which can be exterior
temperature if the child and the personal monitoring device 10 is
located outdoors, or an interior temperature if the child and the
personal monitoring device 10 are located indoors.
[0383] At step 1005, the personal monitoring device 10 can
automatically transmit the personal monitoring message, and any
updated personal monitoring messages, to the user communication
device 30 which is used by, associated with, or assigned to, the
monitoring individual for the child. In a preferred embodiment, for
example, the monitoring individual can be a parent, a grandparent,
a sibling, a relative, a friend, a guardian, or any other
authorized person. In a situation where the child may be monitored
by more than one monitoring individual, then the personal
monitoring device 10, at step 1005, can transmit the personal
monitoring message, as well as any updated personal monitoring
messages, to the user communication device 30 which is used by,
associated with, or assigned to, each and every monitoring
individual for the child.
[0384] At step 1005, the personal monitoring device 10 can also
automatically transmit any updated personal monitoring message(s)
to the central processing computer 20 so as to report the child's
portion or location to the central processing computer 20 and to
any company or entity which operates same. At step 1005, the
personal monitoring device 10 can also automatically transmit any
updated personal monitoring message(s) to the law enforcement
communication device(s) 40 of or associated with each law
enforcement agency or department associated with the city, town,
municipality, or political subdivision, in which the child is
determined to be positioned or located, as well as to each law
enforcement communication device(s) of or associated with each
neighboring law enforcement agency or department. At step 1005, the
personal monitoring device 10 can also automatically transmit any
updated personal monitoring message(s) to the emergency services
provider communication device(s) 50 of or associated with each
emergency services provider agency or department associated with
the city, town, municipality, or political subdivision, in which
the child is determined to be positioned or located, as well as to
each emergency services provider communication device(s) 50 of or
associated with each neighboring emergency services provider agency
or department.
[0385] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device
10, at step 1005, can also initiate a cellular or wireless
telephone call to the user communication 30 of the monitoring
individual. In another preferred embodiment, if more than one
monitoring individuals are associated with the child, then the
personal monitoring device 10 can initiate cellular or wireless
telephone call, and/or a telephone conference call, to and/or so as
to include the child and all monitoring individuals for the child.
In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also initiate a cellular or wireless telephone call, and/or a
telephone conference call, to and/or so as to include at least one
monitoring individual and a law enforcement officer or individual,
via and/or by including a respective law enforcement communication
device 40, and/or an emergency services provider individual or
person via and/or by including an emergency services provider
communication device 50.
[0386] In a preferred embodiment, the cellular or wireless
telephone call can be made so as to put the child into live contact
with, and/or into live communication with, the monitoring
individual or monitoring individuals, and/or so as to put the child
and the monitoring individual or monitoring individuals into live
contact with, and/or into live communication with, law enforcement
personnel and/or emergency services personnel.
[0387] In a preferred embodiment, at step 1005, once the cellular
or wireless telephone call and/or any conference line involving the
monitoring individual or monitoring individuals, and/or any law
enforcement law enforcement personnel and/or emergency services
personnel, has been made and, with the call line and/or conference
line being live and/or on-going, the personal monitoring device 10
can de-activate the personal monitoring device's 10 telephone call
on/off switch, or on/off switch functionality, on or in the
personal monitoring device 10 so that the personal monitoring
device 10 cannot be disconnected from the telephone call and/or the
conference line. In a preferred embodiment, the herein-described
de-activation of the telephone call on/off switch, or on/off switch
functionality, of the personal monitoring device 10 can be
effectuated by using, and/or by programming the personal monitoring
device 10, with or using any appropriate and/or suitable software
program, algorithm, or software application. In a preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can also be
programmed and/or equipped so as to detect being disconnected from,
or dropped from, the telephone call and/or conference call, and can
automatically re-connect to the telephone call and/or to the
conference call. It is to be understood, that any of the
herein-described personal monitoring device(s) 10, user
communication device(s) 30, law enforcement communication device(s)
40, and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s)
50, can be equipped with long lasting batteries or power sources,
external batteries or power sources, and/or any other supplemental
batteries or power sources so as to ensure that sufficient
electrical power is available and can be supplied to any of the
herein-described personal monitoring device(s) 10, user
communication device(s) 30, law enforcement communication device(s)
40, and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s)
50.
[0388] In a preferred embodiment, the herein-described
functionality of establishing a cellular or wireless telephone
call, and/or conference call, can allow the child to be brought
into, and to be maintained in, live contact with and/or live
communication with, his or her monitoring individual or one or more
monitoring individuals, and/or with any number of law enforcement
personal and/or emergency services personnel. In this manner, the
monitoring individual or monitoring individuals, and/or any law
enforcement personnel and/or emergency services personnel, can
speak with the child, can comfort or reassure the child that all
will be okay, and/or can ascertain the child's whereabouts, while
the child my be lost or off track. In a preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10 can activate the speakerphone, and/or
any speakers and/or microphone, of same for and/or during the
cellular or wireless telephone call and/or conference call.
[0389] In a preferred embodiment, any activation or use of a
speakerphone functionality of the personal monitoring device 10 can
also be utilized in order to establish or facilitate an intercom,
or an intercommunication or intercom-like, communication platform
or system which can provide for open communication involving or
between the child, any individual or person coming into contact
with the child, and the monitoring individual, and/or any law
enforcement personnel, emergency services personnel, or any
operator of the central processing computer 20.
[0390] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 1005, activate any camera, any video recording
device or equipment, any microphone, or any audio recording device,
of same, and/or any device or equipment of the video and/or audio
recording device(s) 10J of same, for and/or during the cellular or
wireless telephone call and/or conference call.
[0391] In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 can also, at step 1005 activate one or more indicator
lights 18 or 19 on the personal monitoring device 10 which can be
used to indicate that the child is currently outside of his or her
"safe" zone of travel. As noted herein, the personal monitoring
device 10 can be provided with one or more indicator lights 18 or
19 which can be used to indicate when the child is inside or within
his or her "safe" zone of travel and one or more indicator lights
18 or 19 which can be used to indicate when the child is not in, or
outside, of his or her "safe" zone of travel. In a preferred
embodiment, when the child is inside or within his or her "safe"
zone of travel, one or more of these indicator lights 18 or 19 can
be lit or illuminated with a green light. In a preferred
embodiment, when the child is outside of his or her "safe" zone of
travel, one or more of these indicator lights 18 or 19 can be lit
or illuminated with a red light. In a preferred embodiment, the
personal monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU 10A can, at step 1005,
activate or cause one or more of the indicator lights 18 or 19 to
be lit or illuminated in red. In this regard, any individual or
person who may see, or come into contact with the child can be
notified, by seeing the red lights on the personal monitoring
device 10, that the child may be lost or otherwise in need of
assistance. In a preferred embodiment, any indicator lights can
also be provided via the display screen or in or via a portion or
section of the display screen.
[0392] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 1005, activate any camera, any video recording
device or equipment, any microphone, or any audio recording device,
of same, and/or any device or equipment of the video and/or audio
recording device(s) 10J of same, for obtaining pictures, video
information, video clips, audio information, or audio clips, of the
child, or any individual's or person who or may come into contact
with the child, and/or of any of the child's surroundings,
environment, or location. In a preferred embodiment, any pictures,
video information, video clips, audio information, or audio clips,
recorded by and at the personal monitoring device 10 can be
transmitted to, and stored by or in, each of the user communication
device 30 of the monitoring individual, each user communication
device 30 of each monitoring individual, the central processing
computer 20, or any law enforcement communication device(s) 40,
and/or an emergency services provider communication device(s) 50.
In this regard, any audio or video which can be used to ascertain
the child's location or which can be used to ascertain any
individuals or persons with the child or who the child may have
come into contact with, can be recorded by the personal monitoring
device 10 and transmitted to, and/or viewed and/or listened to,
and/or stored, via or at each of the user communication device 30
of the monitoring individual, each user communication device 30 of
each monitoring individual, the central processing computer 20, or
any law enforcement communication device(s) 40, and/or an emergency
services provider communication device(s) 50.
[0393] In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 can also, at step 1005, begin to, or can continue to,
track the child's movements and can generate tracking update
messages or updated personal monitoring messages at any
pre-selected time interval(s), containing information regarding the
child's location(s), movement(s), and speed of travel or movement.
In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10, as
well as the central processing computer(s) 20, the user
communication(s) 30, the law enforcement communication device(s)
40, and/or the emergency services provider communication device(s)
50, can be equipped with software to calculate or otherwise
determine the child's speed of movement. In this manner, depending
on the speed of movement of the child, it can be determined if the
child is traveling in or on a vehicle or is traveling on foot. In a
preferred embodiment, the tracking update messages or updated
personal monitoring messages can be automatically transmitted, at
periodic time intervals, from the personal monitoring device 10 to
the user communication(s) 30 of the monitoring individual(s),
and/or, or as well as, to the central processing computer(s) 20,
the user communication(s) 30, the law enforcement communication
device(s) 40, and/or the emergency services provider communication
device(s) 50.
[0394] In a preferred embodiment, information regarding the child's
movement can be displayed and/or tracked on or via a digital or
satellite map which can be displayed on the display device of the
respective user communication(s) 30, the central processing
computer(s) 20, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40,
and/or the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50.
In a preferred embodiment, the information regarding the child's
movement can also be displayed and/or tracked on or via a digital
or satellite map which can be displayed on the display screen 12 of
the personal monitoring device 10.
[0395] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 1005, activate a homing beacon or beacon of the
personal monitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, the
homing beacon or beacon of the personal monitoring device 10 can
transmit or provide a signal, a distress signal, or any other
indication, which can be utilized in connection with a
corresponding receiver, which can be provided in or with each of
the user communication device(s) 30, the central processing
computer(s) 20, the law enforcement communication device(s) 40,
and/or the emergency services provider communication device(s) 50,
and which can allow for any user or operator of such device(s) or
computers 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, to track and/or to "home" in on or
locate the child. As noted herein, in a preferred embodiment, the
equipment and technology which can be used to implement the beacon
or homing beacon and any associated receivers can be the same as,
similar to, or analogous to, the technology which was used in
vehicle tracking devices such as Lo-Jack.RTM. systems and/or any
other vehicle recovery systems or any other suitable vehicle
tracking and locating systems which are known by those skilled in
the art of vehicle recovery systems. Any of the herein-described
users or operators of any of the herein-described device(s) or
computers 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, can thereafter use his/her/its
respective device(s) or computer 30, 20, 40, and/or 50, in order to
"home" in on the signals transmitted from or emitted from the
beacon or homing beacon.
[0396] In a preferred embodiment, at step 1005, the personal
monitoring device 10 can also play any pre-recorded messages or
video clips or audio clips, which messages, video clips, or audio
clips, to the child via the display screen 12 and speakers 16. In a
preferred embodiment, the pre-recorded messages or video clips or
audio clips can be pre-recorded by the monitoring individual or by
any number of monitoring individuals, and can be stored in the
personal monitoring device 10. The pre-recorded messages or video
clips or audio clips can be used in order to comfort the child or
calm the child down, if needed, by providing him or her with the
voice and/or image of the monitoring individual or monitoring
individuals. The pre-recorded messages or video clips or audio
clips can also contain or include contact information for the child
or his or her monitoring individual, name and address of the child,
contact telephone numbers, contact e-mail addresses, contact text
message, MMS message, or SMS message, numbers, IP addresses, ad/or
any other information, and/or can contain any instructions and/or
information needed for caring for the child, including any
medications or drugs which the child requires and/or any other
healthcare needs or any special needs of the child. In this regard,
the pre-recorded messages or video clips or audio clips can also
contain or include any information which any individual or person
may need or find helpful in assisting the child until the child is
found or recovered.
[0397] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 1005, provide information, and/or a link to
information, regarding or contained in the healthcare records of
the child. In a preferred embodiment, any information contained in
the child's healthcare records can be stored in the personal
monitoring device 10. In another preferred embodiment, a link or a
hyperlink to the child's healthcare records can be provided via the
personal monitoring device 10 so as to allow any individual or
person to gain access to the child's healthcare records, which
healthcare records can be stored in or at the central processing
computer 20, the user communication device 30 of a monitoring
individual, or the healthcare records computer 60. In a preferred
embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can provide
information, and/or a link to information, regarding any healthcare
needs of the child or any special needs of the child.
[0398] In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
can also, at step 1005, provide information regarding any
instructions or directions for guiding the child back onto his or
her travel route. In another preferred embodiment, the personal
monitoring device 10 can, at step 1005, activate or turn on a
flashlight or a flashlight functionality, and/or a strobe light or
a strobe light functionality.
[0399] In a preferred embodiment, at any time during step 1005
and/or at any other time, the user communication device 30 can
generate and/or can transmit a control signal to the personal
monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable, activate,
de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operation of,
the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,
device, or equipment, of same. In this regard, the user
communication device 30 can generate and/or can transmit a control
signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable,
disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor
an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any
component, system, device, or equipment, of same, including, but
not limited to, the CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display
device(s) 10E, the transmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the
output device(s) 10I, the video and/or audio recording device(s)
10J, the GPS device 10K, any of the device functional systems 10L,
the display screen 12, the display section 13, the keyboard section
14, the microphone(s) 15, the speaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or
the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.
[0400] In a preferred embodiment, the user communication device 30
can also, at step 1005 and/or at any other time, transmit the
control signal over any appropriate communication network(s) to the
personal monitoring device 10. In another preferred embodiment, the
user communication device 30 can transmit the control signal over
the appropriate communication network(s) to the personal monitoring
device 10 via the central processing computer 20.
[0401] In another preferred embodiment, the central processing
computer 20 can also, at step 1005 and/or at any other time, can
generate and/or can transmit a control signal to the personal
monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable, activate,
de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operation of,
the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,
device, or equipment, of same. In this regard, the user
communication device 30 can generate and/or can transmit a control
signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable,
disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor
an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any
component, system, device, or equipment, of same, including, but
not limited to, the CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display
device(s) 10E, the transmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the
output device(s) 10I, the video and/or audio recording device(s)
10J, the GPS device 10K, any of the device functional systems 10L,
the display screen 12, the display section 13, the keyboard section
14, the microphone(s) 15, the speaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or
the indicator light(s) 18 or 19.
[0402] In another preferred embodiment, any authorized law
enforcement communication device 40 and/or any authorized emergency
services provider communication device 50 can also, at step 1005
and/or at any other time, generate and/or can transmit a control
signal to the personal monitoring device 10 in order to enable,
disable, activate, de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor
an operation of, the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any
component, system, device, or equipment, of same. In this regard,
any authorized law enforcement communication device 40 and/or any
authorized emergency services provider communication device 50 can
generate and/or can transmit a control signal to the personal
monitoring device 10 in order to enable, disable, activate,
de-activate, control an operation of, or monitor an operation of,
the personal monitoring device 10 and/or any component, system,
device, or equipment, of same, including, but not limited to, the
CPU 10A, the input device(s) 10D, the display device(s) 10E, the
transmitter(s) 10F, the receiver(s) 10G, the output device(s) 10I,
the video and/or audio recording device(s) 10J, the GPS device 10K,
any of the device functional systems 10L, the display screen 12,
the display section 13, the keyboard section 14, the microphone(s)
15, the speaker(s) 16, the camera(s) 17, or the indicator light(s)
18 or 19.
[0403] In a preferred embodiment, the law enforcement communication
device 40 and/or the emergency services provider communication
device 50 can also, at step 1005 and/or at any other time, transmit
the control signal over any appropriate communication network(s) to
the personal monitoring device 10. In another preferred embodiment,
the law enforcement communication device 40 and/or the emergency
services provider communication device 50 can transmit the control
signal over the appropriate communication network(s) to the
personal monitoring device 10 via the central processing computer
20.
[0404] In a preferred embodiment, at step 1005, the personal
monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU 10A, and/or the user
communication device 30, and/or the central processing computer 20,
and/or any authorized law enforcement communication device(s) 40 or
any authorized emergency services provider communication device(s)
50, can continue tracking the child's position or location by using
the position or location data and/or information obtained by the
GPS device 10K and transmitted from the personal monitoring device
10. In a preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10
and/or the CPU 10A, and/or the user communication device 30, and/or
the central processing computer 20, and/or any authorized law
enforcement communication device(s) 40 or any authorized emergency
services provider communication device(s) 50, at any pre-defined or
pre-selected time interval, which in a preferred embodiment can be
one (1) minute or any other suitable time interval, and while any
and/or all functionality described herein as being performed at
step 1005, can determine if the child has made it back to the
place, position, or location where he or she is supposed to be at
that time, and/or can determine if the child has made his or her
way back to the travel route, and/or can determine if the child has
been found. In this regard, the operation of the apparatus 100 can
proceed to step 1006 and the personal monitoring device 10 and/or
the CPU 10A, and/or the user communication device 30, and/or the
central processing computer 20, and/or any authorized law
enforcement communication device(s) 40 or any authorized emergency
services provider communication device(s) 50, can determine if the
child is back at the place, position, or location where he or she
is supposed to be at that time, can determine if the child has made
it back to the travel route, and/or can determine if the child has
been found and that an instruction to reset the personal monitoring
device 10 has been received by the personal monitoring device 10 or
has been input into the personal monitoring device 10.
[0405] If, at step 1006, it is determined that the child is back at
the place, position, or location where he or she is supposed to be
at that time, is back on the travel route, and/or that the child
has been found and that an instruction to reset the personal
monitoring device 10 has been received by the personal monitoring
device 10 or has been input into the personal monitoring device 10,
then the operation of the apparatus 100 will cease at step 1007.
Thereafter, the personal monitoring device 10 can be reset for
future use. If at step 1006, it is determined that the child has
still not made it back to the place, position, or location where he
or she is supposed to be at that time, has not made it back to the
travel route, and/or that the child has not been found, and that an
instruction to reset the personal monitoring device 10 has been
received by the personal monitoring device 10 or has been input
into the personal monitoring device 10, then the operation of the
apparatus 100 will return to, or continue on as described during,
step 1005 as described herein. The apparatus 100 will thereafter
continue to function and/or operate at steps 1005 and 1006 until it
is determined by the personal monitoring device 10 and/or the CPU
10A that the child is back at the place, position, or location,
where he or she is supposed to be, or is back on his or her travel
route, or that the child has been found, or until an instruction to
reset the personal monitoring device 10 has been received by the
personal monitoring device 10 or has been input into the personal
monitoring device 10.
[0406] Although described herein as being utilized to monitor a
child, it is important to note that the apparatus 100 and the
personal monitoring device 10 of FIGS. 10A and 10B can be utilized
in a same, a similar, and/or an analogous, manner to monitor
individuals of any age, including but not limited to infants,
children, adolescents, teenagers, adults of any age, elderly
individuals, individuals having no healthcare issues, conditions,
problems, or challenges, and/or individuals having healthcare
issues, conditions, problems, or challenges. The apparatus 100 and
method of the present invention as well as the apparatus of FIGS.
10A and 10B can be used to monitor children who may be afflicted
with autism, or any disabilities, or who may lack communications
skills, and/or who may have other conditions, as well as
individuals of any age who are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease
or Dementia, o any other healthcare conditions. The apparatus 100
and method of the present invention as well as the apparatus of
FIGS. 10A and 10B can also be used to monitor individuals of any
age who may have no healthcare conditions or problems, but who
might want to simply utilize the apparatus 100 and method of the
present inventions for the numerous benefits it can provide.
[0407] In a preferred embodiment, any of the functions and/or
functionality described herein as being performed by the personal
monitoring device 10 at or during step 1005 can be pre-programmed
into the personal monitoring device 10 beforehand by any authorized
individual and/or by a monitoring individual. In a preferred
embodiment, any of the functions and/or functionality described
herein as being performed by the personal monitoring device 10 at
or during step 1005 can be changed or can be re-programmed at any
time. In another preferred embodiment, any functions and/or
functionality described herein as being performed by the personal
monitoring device 10 at or during step 1005 can also be enabled,
disabled, activated, deactivated, or controlled, or monitored, by
or via the user communication device 30, the central processing
computer 20, the law enforcement communication device 40, or the
emergency services provider communication device 50.
[0408] In another preferred embodiment, as well as in any and/or
all of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus 100 and/or
the personal monitoring device 10 can also be utilized to record
information regarding any incidents of bullying, harassment,
criminal acts, or any other activities or events, perpetrated on,
inflicted upon, or occurring involving the monitored individual
and/or occurring in the vicinity of the monitored individual. In
such an embodiment, the personal monitoring device 10 can be
activated to record audio information and/or video information
regarding the event or the occurrence, the position or location of
same, date and time of same, and/or any other pertinent information
regarding same which can be obtained by, with, or using, the
personal monitoring device 10. In a preferred embodiment, a
monitored individual can manually activate the personal monitoring
device 10. In another preferred embodiment, the personal monitoring
device 10 can be equipped with voice activation equipment and/or
hardware and/or software and can be activated to record any
information regarding an event or occurrence by, or in response to,
a voice activation command. In a preferred embodiment, any data
and/or information recorded can be stored in the database 10H of
the personal monitoring device 10 and/or can be transmitted to the
user communication device(s) 30 of or associated with the
monitoring individual, the central processing computer 20, and/or
to any one of more law enforcement communication devices 40 and/or
emergency services provider communication devices 50, for reporting
and for storing as evidence.
[0409] The apparatus 100 and method of the present invention can be
utilized in order to provide and support comprehensive personal
monitoring services of a global nature for individuals of any age.
The apparatus 100 and method of the present invention can also be
utilized in order to provide and support comprehensive personal
monitoring services of a global nature for individuals of any age
and regardless of whether or not they have any conditions,
illnesses, sicknesses, disabilities, or health conditions. The
apparatus 100 and method of the present invention can also be
utilized to provide and service personal monitoring accounts for
any number of individuals, with such personal monitoring accounts
facilitating the providing of personal monitoring services by
and/or involving any number of various monitoring services
providers, security services provider, healthcare providers,
healthcare insurers, healthcare records service providers, and/or
healthcare payers, and/or law enforcement agencies and/or
departments, and/or emergency services providers agencies and/or
departments.
[0410] In another preferred embodiment, as well as any and/or all
of the embodiments described herein, any of the herein-described
personal monitoring device(s) 10, user communication devices 30,
law enforcement communication devices 40, and/or emergency services
provider communications devices 50, can be configured and/or
adapted to work in an entirely hands-free mode of operation. In
this regard, any of the herein-described personal monitoring
device(s) 10, user communication devices 30, law enforcement
communication devices 40, and/or emergency services provider
communications devices 50, can be configured and/or adapted so that
they, as well as any operation or functionality of same, can be
activated, deactivated, enabled, disabled, controlled, or
monitored, by voice-activation, so that any data, information,
commands, directions, or instructions, can be input be entered by
voice command, and/or so that or so that any data, information,
commands, directions, or instructions, can be provided by or from
the respective device 10, 30, 40, and/or 50, in the form of audio
or audio information.
[0411] In another preferred embodiment, any of the herein-described
personal monitoring devices 10, user communication devices 30, law
enforcement communication devices 40, and/or emergency services
provider communications devices 50, can each be equipped with any
needed or desired hardware, circuitry, software, software programs,
algorithms, and/or software applications ("apps") for performing
any and/or all of their respective functions and operations
described herein. In another preferred embodiment, any of the
herein-described personal monitoring devices 10, user communication
devices 30, law enforcement communication devices 40, and/or
emergency services provider communications devices 50, can each be
equipped with a "kill" switch functionality so that, if lost or
stolen, the respective device(s) 10, 30, 40, and/or 50, cannot be
utilized by and/or cannot be misappropriated by another individual
or person and any data and/or information stored therein can be
erased and destroyed completely.
[0412] While the present invention has been described and
illustrated in various preferred and alternate embodiments, such
descriptions are merely illustrative of the present invention and
are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. In this regard,
the present invention encompasses all modifications, variations,
and/or alternate embodiments, with the scope of the present
invention being limited only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *