U.S. patent number RE42,671 [Application Number 11/806,841] was granted by the patent office on 2011-09-06 for tracking system for locational tracking of monitored persons.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Michelle Enterprises, LLC. Invention is credited to John E. Taylor, Jr..
United States Patent |
RE42,671 |
Taylor, Jr. |
September 6, 2011 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Tracking system for locational tracking of monitored persons
Abstract
A monitoring system provides for monitoring of a person and
taking an action to dissuade the person from a course of action.
The system has a device attached to the person which includes
mechanisms to provide for an intervention to dissuade the person
from the course of action. The intervention may be in the form of
delivery of either a medication or an electrical shock to the
person. The system may further include monitoring of a bodily
function of the person or positional tracking of the person.
Various scenarios are described to provide for activation of the
intervention. The system may include a second device in possession
of a restrictor person with positional tracking of this person and
comparison relative to the positional location of a restrictee
person.
Inventors: |
Taylor, Jr.; John E.
(Dunnellon, FL) |
Assignee: |
Michelle Enterprises, LLC
(Dunnellon, FL)
|
Family
ID: |
26922874 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/806,841 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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10899425 |
Jul 27, 2004 |
Re. 39909 |
|
|
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10317080 |
Dec 12, 2002 |
Re. 38838 |
|
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08926746 |
Sep 10, 1997 |
5867103 |
|
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Reissue of: |
09229023 |
Jan 12, 1999 |
6160481 |
Dec 12, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/573.4;
340/539.31; 340/539.1; 340/539.11; 340/539.13; 379/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
5/1112 (20130101); G08B 21/22 (20130101); A61B
5/7465 (20130101); A61B 5/0022 (20130101); G16H
40/67 (20180101); A61B 5/0816 (20130101); A61B
5/6829 (20130101); G08B 21/0286 (20130101); A61B
5/6822 (20130101); A61B 5/02055 (20130101); A61B
2503/08 (20130101); A61B 5/024 (20130101); A61B
5/14546 (20130101); A61B 5/14551 (20130101); A61B
5/681 (20130101); A61B 2560/045 (20130101); G08B
21/0288 (20130101); G08B 21/0211 (20130101); G08B
21/0227 (20130101); A61B 5/01 (20130101); A61B
5/6826 (20130101); A61B 5/021 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G08B
21/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/573.1,573.4,539.1,539.11,539.12,539.13,539.31 ;379/38 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
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|
Primary Examiner: Mullen; Thomas J
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE
.[.This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.:
08/926,746 filed Sep. 10, 1997, entitled "Monitored Person Tracking
System", now U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,103. The original application is
incorporated herein by this reference..].
.Iadd.This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
10/899,425, filed Jul. 27, 2004, now Reissue Pat. No. 39,909, which
was a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/317,080, filed Dec.
12, 2002, now Reissue Pat. No. 38,838, which application is a
reissue of application Ser. No. 09/229,023, filed on Jan. 12, 1999,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,481, which is a continuation-in-part of
application Ser. No. 08/926,746, filed on Sep. 10, 1997, now U.S.
Pat. No. 5,867,103..Iaddend.
.Iadd.Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for
the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,481. The reissue application
numbers are Ser. No. 10/317,080 (which is a reissue of the '481
patent), Ser. No. 10/899,425 (which is a continuation reissue of
the '080 application), and Ser. No. 11/806,841 (the present
application, which is a continuation reissue of the '425
application)..Iaddend.
Claims
I claim:
.[.1. A monitoring system to provide for monitoring a plurality of
monitored persons, the monitoring system comprising: a) a portable
monitoring device for each of the monitored persons, each portable
monitoring device comprising: 1) securing means to provide for
secure attachment of the portable monitoring device to a respective
monitored person; 2) monitoring means to provide for detecting a
bodily signal produced by the monitored person; 3) transmitting
means to provide for transmission of a signal; 4) tamper detection
means to provide for detecting tampering with the portable
monitoring device attached to the respective monitored person; 5)
receiving means to provide for receiving a distinct signal
generated by a detached sending unit; 6) intervention means to
provide for a mechanical intervention to physically dissuade the
respective monitored person from a specific course of action; b)
transmission acquisition means to provide for receiving the signals
sent out by each of the portable monitoring devices; c) bodily
signal reference creation means to provide for creation of a bodily
signal reference as detected by the monitoring means; and d)
storage means to provide for an archival retention within a
database of at least a series of bodily signal references of each
of the portable monitoring devices of the monitoring system..].
.[.2. The monitoring system defined in claim 1 wherein the bodily
signal detected by the monitoring means comprises a blood pressure
determination..].
.[.3. The monitoring system defined in claim 1 wherein the bodily
signal detected by the monitoring means comprises a heart beat
rate..].
.[.4. The monitoring system defined in claim 1 wherein the bodily
signal detected by the monitoring means comprises a respiration
rate..].
.[.5. The monitoring system defined in claim 1 wherein the bodily
signal detected by the monitoring means comprises a bodily
temperature measurement..].
.[.6. The monitoring system defined in claim 1 wherein the bodily
signal detected by the monitoring means comprises a blood oxygen
level..].
.[.7. The monitoring system defined in claim 1 wherein the bodily
signal detected by the monitoring means comprises a blood alcohol
level..].
.[.8. The monitoring system defined in claim 1 wherein each
portable monitoring device further comprises receiving means to
provide for receiving a distinct signal generated by a detached
sending unit; and wherein the monitoring system further comprises
positional determining means to provide for generating a position
reference indicative of a positional location of each of the
portable monitoring devices based upon the distinct signal received
by the respective receiving means; and wherein the storage means
further provides for an archival retention within the database of
at least a series of the position references of each of the
portable monitoring devices of the monitoring system..].
.[.9. The monitoring system defined in claim 8 wherein the
monitoring system further comprises temporal marking means to
provide for indicating, within at least a range of temporal
references, an associated occurrence reference indicative of when
the position reference to the positional location of each of the
portable monitoring device occurred, and wherein the storage means
further provides for an archival retention within the database of
at least a series of the associated occurrence references of each
of the portable monitoring devices of the monitoring system..].
.[.10. A tracking system to provide for tracking of a plurality of
monitored persons, the tracking system comprising: a) a portable
monitoring device for each of the monitored persons, each portable
monitoring device comprising: 1) securing means to provide for
secure attachment of the portable monitoring device to a respective
monitored person; 2) tamper detection means to provide for
detecting tampering with the portable monitoring device attached to
the respective monitored person; 3) receiving means to provide for
receiving a distinct signal generated by a detached sending unit;
4) transmitting means to provide for transmission of a signal; 5)
intervention means to provide for a mechanical intervention to
physically dissuade the respective monitored person from a specific
course of action; b) transmission acquisition means to provide for
receiving the signals sent out by each of the portable monitoring
devices; c) positional determining means to provide for generating
a position reference indicative of a positional location of each of
the portable monitoring devices based upon the distinct signal
received by the respective receiving means; d) a conditional
database having an entry for each portable monitoring device
defining rules of conduct for each respective monitored person; e)
violation comparison means to provide for a comparison of a status
of each portable monitoring device indicative of the specific
course of action of the respective monitored person against a
respective entry within the conditional database to determine if a
violation condition exists; and f) intervention activation means to
provide for broadcasting a signal for reception by a respective
portable monitoring device in response to an indication from the
violation comparison means where the respective portable monitoring
device activates the intervention means to dissuade the respective
monitored person from the specific course of action which was
detected by the violation comparison means..].
.[.11. The tracking system defined in claim 10 wherein the
intervention means further comprises a delivery of a
medication..].
.[.12. The tracking system defined in claim 10 wherein the
intervention means further comprises a delivery of an electrical
shock..].
.[.13. The tracking system defined in claim 10 further comprising
storage means to provide for an archival retention within a
database of at least a series of the position references of each of
the portable monitoring devices of the tracking system..].
.[.14. The tracking system defined in claim 13 wherein the tracking
system further comprises temporal marking means to provide for
indicating, within at least a range of temporal references, an
associated occurrence reference indicative of when the position
reference to the positional location of each of the portable
monitoring device occurred, and wherein the storage means further
provides for an archival retention within the database of at least
a series of the associated occurrence references of each of the
portable monitoring devices of the tracking system..].
.[.15. A dual tracking system to provide for locational tracking of
at least one pair of monitored persons, the pair of monitored
persons having a restrictee person and a restrictor person, the
dual tracking system comprising: a) a restrictee portable
monitoring device for the restrictee person of the pair of
monitored persons, the restrictee portable monitoring device
comprising: 1) securing means to provide for secure attachment of
the restrictee portable monitoring device to the restrictee person;
2) tamper detection means to provide for detection of tampering
with the restrictee portable monitoring device attached to the
restrictee person; 3) restrictee receiving means to provide for
receiving a distinct signal generated by a detached sending unit;
4) restrictee transmitting means to provide for restrictee
transmission of a restrictee signal; 5) intervention means to
provide for a mechanical intervention to physically dissuade the
respective restrictee person from a specific course of action; b) a
restrictor portable monitoring device for the restrictor person of
the pair of monitored persons, the restrictor portable monitoring
device comprising: 1) transport means to provide for the restrictor
person to transport the restrictor portable monitoring device
therewith; 2) restrictor receiving means to provide for receiving a
distinct signal generated by the detached sending unit; 3)
restrictor transmitting means to provide for restrictor
transmission of a restrictor signal; c) transmission acquisition
means to provide for receiving the restrictee signal and the
restrictor signal; d) restrictee positional determining means to
provide for generating a restrictee position reference indicative
of a restrictee positional location of the restrictee portable
monitoring device; e) restrictor positional determining means to
provide for generating a restrictor position reference indicative
of a restrictor positional location of the restrictor portable
monitoring device; f) comparison means to provide for comparing the
restrictee position reference and the restrictor position reference
subsequent to the transmission acquisition means receiving the
restrictee signal and the restrictor signal; g) notification means
to provide for generating a notification in the event that the
restrictee position reference and the restrictor position reference
are within a predetermined distance measurement range; and h)
intervention activation means to provide for broadcasting a signal
for reception by a respective restrictee portable monitoring device
in response to an indication from the comparison means where the
respective restrictee portable monitoring device activates the
intervention means to dissuade the respective restrictee person
from the specific course of action which was detected by the
comparison means..].
.[.16. The dual tracking system defined in claim 15 further
comprising storage means to provide for an archival retention
within a database of at least a series of the restrictee position
references..].
.[.17. The dual tracking system defined in claim 16 further
comprising temporal marking means to provide for indicating within
at least a range of temporal references an associative restrictee
occurrence reference indicative of when the restrictee receiving
means received the distinct signal; and wherein the storage means
further provides for an archival retention within the database of
at least a series of the associative restrictee occurrence
references..].
.[.18. The dual tracking system defined in claim 15 wherein the
intervention means further comprises a delivery of a
medication..].
.[.19. The dual tracking system defined in claim 15 wherein the
intervention means further comprises a delivery of an electrical
shock..].
.Iadd.20. A tracking system to provide for locational tracking of a
plurality of monitored persons, the tracking system comprising: a)
a portable monitoring device for each of the monitored persons, the
device being configured as a one-piece unit that is supported
entirely about a single limb of that monitored person, the device
further comprising: 1) a cuff configured to provide for secure
attachment of the portable monitoring device to a respective
monitored person; 2) a tamper detection circuit configured to
detect tampering with the portable monitoring device; 3) a receiver
configured to receive at least one distinct signal generated by at
least one detached sending unit; 4) temporal location circuitry
configured to generate data representing the approximate position
of the portable monitoring device at different times based upon the
at least one distinct signal received by said receiver; 5) a memory
configured to store and accumulate the data from the temporal
location circuitry; and 6) a wireless transmitter circuit
configured to provide for transmission of at least the data stored
in said memory from the temporal location circuitry; 7) wherein the
portable monitoring device stores in the memory multiple instances
of the generated data from the temporal location circuitry
representing the approximate position of the portable monitoring
device at different times, and batch transmits on a schedule
through the wireless transmitter circuit the multiple instances of
the generated data representing the approximate position of the
portable monitoring device at different times as accumulated in the
memory from the temporal location circuitry; b) a central location
configured to receive the data sent out by each of the portable
monitoring devices; and c) bulk storage configured to retain within
a locational tracking database at least a portion of the data sent
out by each of the portable monitoring devices of the tracking
system; wherein the tracking system locationally tracks each of the
portable monitoring devices and stores within the locational
tracking database information regarding the approximate position of
each of the monitored persons over time to thereby provide a
movement history of each of the monitored persons..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The tracking system of claim 20, wherein said transmitter
circuit is configured to intermittently batch transmit the data
from said memory..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The tracking system of claim 20, wherein the single limb
is an ankle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The tracking system of claim 20, wherein the single limb
is a wrist..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The tracking system of claim 20, wherein the plurality of
monitored persons are individuals subject to a government ordered
monitoring..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The tracking system of claim 20, wherein: said receiver
comprises first and second receivers; said first receiver being
configured to receive GPS signals; said second receiver being
configured to receive non-GPS signals; and said temporal location
circuitry being configured to generate data representing the
approximate position of the portable monitoring device based upon
the non-GPS signals when said first receiver provides insufficient
information to determine the approximate position of the portable
monitoring device from the GPS signals..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The tracking system of claim 20, further comprising a
comparator configured to compare the approximate position of the
portable monitoring device with a boundary, and to issue an alert
signal if the portable monitoring device crosses the
boundary..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The tracking system of claim 20, wherein each said
portable monitoring device includes a power source..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The tracking system of claim 20, wherein: each said
portable monitoring device includes a casing configured to be
secured to the monitored person with said cuff, said casing
enclosing at least said receiver, said temporal location circuitry,
said memory, and said transmitter circuit; and said casing being
configured such that an authorized person can open it, the
authorized person not being any monitored person..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The tracking system of claim 20 wherein said receiver
receives more than one distinct signal from more than one detached
sending unit, each received distinct signal being generated by a
different detached sending unit and being different from any other
received distinct signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The tracking system of claim 29 wherein said receiver
receives three distinct signals each from a different one of three
detached sending units..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The tracking system of claim 29 wherein the distinct
signals are received at a plurality of times and the temporal
location circuitry generates data representing the approximate
position of the portable monitoring device at each of these
plurality of times..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The tracking system of claim 31 wherein the transmitter
circuit transmits at certain times and at each such time the data
transmitted represents the approximate position of the portable
monitoring device at more than one of the plurality of
times..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The tracking system of claim 20, further comprising
intermediate equipment configured to transfer to the central
location the data sent out by each of the portable monitoring
devices..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. A tracking system to provide for locational tracking of a
plurality of monitored persons, the tracking system comprising: a)
a portable monitoring device for each of the monitored persons, the
device being configured as a one-piece unit that is supported
entirely about a single limb of that monitored person, the device
further comprising: 1) a cuff configured to provide for secure
attachment of the portable monitoring device to a respective
monitored person; 2) a tamper detection circuit configured to
detect tampering with the portable monitoring device; 3) a receiver
configured to receive at least one distinct signal generated by at
least one detached sending unit; 4) temporal location circuitry
configured to generate data representing the approximate position
of the portable monitoring device at different times based upon the
at least one distinct signal received by said receiver; 5) a memory
configured to store the data from the temporal location circuitry;
and 6) a wireless transmitter circuit configured to provide for
transmission of at least the data stored in said memory from the
temporal location circuitry; 7) wherein the portable monitoring
device storing in the memory multiple instances of the generated
data from the temporal location circuitry representing the
approximate position of the portable monitoring device at different
times, and batch transmitting on a schedule through the wireless
transmitter circuit the multiple instances of the generated data
representing the approximate position of the portable monitoring
device at different times as accumulated in the memory from the
temporal location circuitry; b) a central location configured to
receive the data sent out by each of the portable monitoring
devices; c) bulk storage configured to retain within a locational
tracking database at least a portion of the data sent out by each
of the portable monitoring devices of the tracking system; d) an
interface configured to enter a comparative location reference and
a comparative temporal reference, the comparative location
reference comprising at least one location reference, the
comparative temporal reference having at least a specific temporal
reference; and e) a comparator configured to compare the
comparative location reference and the comparative temporal
reference with information from the locational tracking database to
determine if any of the monitored persons were proximate to the
comparative location reference during the comparative temporal
reference; wherein the tracking system locationally tracks each of
the portable monitoring devices and stores within the locational
tracking database information regarding the approximate position of
each of the monitored persons over time to thereby provide a
movement history of each of the monitored persons, and the
comparative location reference and the comparative temporal
reference may be entered for comparison with the information from
the locational tracking database to determine if any of the
monitored persons were proximate to the comparative location
reference during the comparative temporal reference..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The tracking system of claim 34, wherein said transmitter
circuit is configured to intermittently batch transmit the data
from said memory..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The tracking system of claim 34, wherein the single limb
is an ankle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The tracking system of claim 34, wherein the single limb
is a wrist..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The tracking system of claim 34, wherein the plurality of
monitored persons are individuals subject to a government ordered
monitoring..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The tracking system of claim 34, wherein: said receiver
comprises first and second receivers; said first receiver being
configured to receive GPS signals; said second receiver being
configured to receive non-GPS signals; and said temporal location
circuitry being configured to generate data representing the
approximate position of the portable monitoring device based upon
the non-GPS signals when said first receiver provides insufficient
information to determine the approximate position of the portable
monitoring device from the GPS signals..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The tracking system of claim 34, further comprising a
comparator configured to compare the approximate position of the
portable monitoring device with a boundary, and to issue an alert
signal if the portable monitoring device crosses the
boundary..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The tracking system of claim 34, wherein each said
portable monitoring device includes a power source..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The tracking system of claim 34, wherein: each said
portable monitoring device includes a casing configured to be
secured to the monitored person with said cuff, said casing
enclosing at least said receiver, said temporal location circuitry,
said memory, and said transmitter circuit; and said casing being
configured such that an authorized person can open it, the
authorized person not being any monitored person..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The tracking system of claim 34, wherein said receiver
receives more than one distinct signal from more than one detached
sending unit, each received distinct signal being generated by a
different detached sending unit and being different from any other
received distinct signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. The tracking system of claim 43, wherein said receiver
receives three distinct signals each from a different one of three
detached sending units..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The tracking system of claim 43, wherein the distinct
signals are received at a plurality of times and the temporal
location circuitry generates data representing the approximate
position of the portable monitoring device at each of these
plurality of times..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The tracking system of claim 45 wherein the transmitter
circuit transmits at certain times and at each such time the data
transmitted represents the approximate position of the portable
monitoring device at more than one of the plurality of
times..Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. The tracking system of claim 34, further comprising
intermediate equipment configured to transfer to the central
location the data sent out by each of the portable monitoring
devices..Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. A tracking system to provide for locational tracking of a
plurality of monitored persons, the tracking system comprising: a)
a portable monitoring device for each of the monitored persons, the
device being configured as a one-piece unit that is supported
entirely about a single limb of that monitored person, the device
further comprising: 1) a cuff configured to provide for secure
attachment of the portable monitoring device to a respective
monitored person; 2) a tamper detection circuit configured to
detect tampering with the portable monitoring device; 3) first and
second receivers, said first receiver being configured to receive
at least one GPS satellite signal, and said second receiver being
configured to receive at least one non-GPS ground signal; 4)
temporal location circuitry being configured to generate data
representing the approximate position of the portable monitoring
device based upon output from at least one of the first and second
receivers; 5) a memory configured to store the data from the
temporal location circuitry; and 6) a wireless transmitter circuit
configured to provide for transmission of at least the data stored
in said memory from the temporal location circuitry; 7) wherein the
portable monitoring device stores in the memory multiple instances
of the generated data from the temporal location circuitry
representing the approximate position of the portable monitoring
device at different times, and batch transmits on a schedule
through the wireless transmitter circuit the multiple instances of
the generated data representing the approximate position of the
portable monitoring device at different times as accumulated in the
memory from the temporal location circuitry; b) a central location
configured to receive the data sent out by each of the portable
monitoring devices; and c) bulk storage configured to retain within
a locational tracking database at least a portion of the data sent
out by each of the portable monitoring devices of the tracking
system; wherein the tracking system locationally tracks each of the
portable monitoring devices and stores within the locational
tracking database information regarding the approximate position of
each of the monitored persons over time to thereby provide a
movement history of each of the monitored persons..Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The tracking system of claim 48, wherein said transmitter
circuit is configured to intermittently batch transmit the data
from said memory..Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. The tracking system of claim 48, wherein the single limb
is an ankle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The tracking system of claim 48, wherein the single limb
is a wrist..Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. The tracking system of claim 48, wherein the plurality of
monitored persons are individuals subject to a government ordered
monitoring..Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. The tracking system of claim 48, wherein: said temporal
location circuitry being configured to generate data representing
the approximate position of the portable monitoring device based
upon the non-GPS signals when said temporal location circuitry in
unable to accurately determine the approximate position of the
portable monitoring device from the GPS signals..Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The tracking system of claim 48, further comprising a
comparator configured to compare the approximate position of the
portable monitoring device with a boundary, and to issue an alert
signal if the portable monitoring device crosses the
boundary..Iaddend.
.Iadd.55. The tracking system of claim 48, wherein each said
portable monitoring device includes a power source..Iaddend.
.Iadd.56. The tracking system of claim 48, wherein: each said
portable monitoring device includes a casing configured to be
secured to the monitored person with said cuff, said casing
enclosing at least said first and second receivers, said temporal
location circuitry, said memory, and said transmitter circuit; and
said casing being configured such that an authorized person can
open it, the authorized person not being any monitored
person..Iaddend.
.Iadd.57. The tracking system of claim 48, further comprising
intermediate equipment configured to transfer to the central
location the data sent out by each of the portable monitoring
devices..Iaddend.
.Iadd.58. A tracking system to provide for locational tracking of a
plurality of monitored persons, the tracking system comprising: a)
a portable monitoring device for each of the monitored persons, the
device being configured as a one-piece unit that is supported
entirely about a single limb of that monitored person, the device
further comprising: 1) a cuff configured to provide for secure
attachment of the portable monitoring device to a respective
monitored person; 2) a tamper detection circuit configured to
detect tampering with the portable monitoring device; 3) first and
second receivers, said first receiver being configured to receive
at least one GPS signal, and said second receiver being configured
to receive at least one non-GPS signal; 4) temporal location
circuitry being configured to generate data representing the
approximate position of the portable monitoring device based upon
output from at least one of the first and second receivers; 5) a
memory configured to store the data from the temporal location
circuitry; and 6) a wireless transmitter circuit configured to
provide for transmission of at least the data stored in said memory
from the temporal location circuitry; 7) wherein the portable
monitoring device stores in the memory multiple instances of the
generated data from the temporal location circuitry representing
the approximate position of the portable monitoring device at
different times, and batch transmits on a schedule through the
wireless transmitter circuit the multiple instances of the
generated data representing the approximate position of the
portable monitoring device at different times as accumulated in the
memory from the temporal location circuitry; b) a central location
configured to receive the data sent out by each of the portable
monitoring devices; c) bulk storage configured to retain within a
locational tracking database at least a portion of the data sent
out by each of the portable monitoring devices of the tracking
system; d) an interface configured to enter a comparative location
reference and a comparative temporal reference, the comparative
location reference comprising at least one location reference, the
comparative temporal reference having at least a specific temporal
reference; and e) a comparator configured to compare the
comparative location reference and the comparative temporal
reference with information from the locational tracking database to
determine if any of the monitored persons were proximate to the
comparative location reference during the comparative temporal
reference; wherein the tracking system locationally tracks each of
the portable monitoring devices and stores within the locational
tracking database information regarding the approximate position of
each of the monitored persons over time to thereby provide a
movement history of each of the monitored persons, and the
comparative location reference and the comparative temporal
reference may be entered for comparison with the information from
the locational tracking database to determine if any of the
monitored persons were proximate to the comparative location
reference during the comparative temporal reference..Iaddend.
.Iadd.59. The tracking system of claim 58, wherein said transmitter
circuit is configured to intermittently batch transmit the data
from said memory..Iaddend.
.Iadd.60. The tracking system of claim 58, wherein the single limb
is an ankle..Iaddend.
.Iadd.61. The tracking system of claim 58, wherein the single limb
is a wrist..Iaddend.
.Iadd.62. The tracking system of claim 58, wherein the plurality of
monitored persons are individuals subject to a government ordered
monitoring..Iaddend.
.Iadd.63. The tracking system of claim 58, wherein: said temporal
location circuitry being configured to generate data representing
the approximate position of the portable monitoring device based
upon the non-GPS signals when said temporal location circuitry in
unable to accurately determine the approximate position of the
portable monitoring device from the GPS signals..Iaddend.
.Iadd.64. The tracking system of claim 58, further comprising a
comparator configured to compare the approximate position of the
portable monitoring device with a boundary, and to issue an alert
signal if the portable monitoring device crosses the
boundary..Iaddend.
.Iadd.65. The tracking system of claim 58, wherein each said
portable monitoring device includes a power source..Iaddend.
.Iadd.66. The tracking system of claim 58, wherein: each said
portable monitoring device includes a casing configured to be
secured to the monitored person with said cuff, said casing
enclosing at least said first and second receivers, said temporal
location circuitry, said memory, and said transmitter circuit; and
said casing being configured such that an authorized person can
open it, the authorized person not being any monitored
person..Iaddend.
.Iadd.67. The tracking system of claim 58, further comprising
intermediate equipment configured to transfer to the central
location the data sent out by each of the portable monitoring
devices..Iaddend.
.Iadd.68. A tracking system to provide for locational tracking of a
plurality of monitored persons, the tracking system comprising: a)
a portable monitoring device for each of the monitored persons, the
device being configured as a one-piece unit that is supported
entirely about a single limb of that monitored person, the portable
monitoring device further comprising: 1) a band providing for
secure attachment of the portable monitoring device to the single
limb of the respective monitored person; and 2) onboard data
storage; 3) wherein the portable monitoring device: i) determines a
series of approximate locations of the portable monitoring device;
ii) stores in the onboard storage a plurality of data points
including the series of approximate locations of the portable
monitoring device and the respective time at which each of the
approximate locations of the portable monitoring device within the
series was determined; and iii) wirelessly batch transfers the
plurality of the data points; b) a central location having a memory
and which: 1) receives the plurality of data points as batch
transferred from each portable monitoring device; and 2) retains
within a database the plurality of data points sent out by each
portable monitoring devices; wherein the retained plurality of data
points within the database provides a collection of individual
movement histories of each monitored person among the plurality of
monitored persons..Iaddend.
.Iadd.69. The tracking system of claim 68, further comprising
intermediate equipment configured to transfer to the central
location the plurality of data points sent out by each of the
portable monitoring devices..Iaddend.
.Iadd.70. The tracking system of claim 68, further comprising the
central location being configured to: receive crime scene
information defining a location area and time frame of a crime; and
compare the movement histories with the crime scene information to
determine whether any of the monitored persons were proximate to
the crime..Iaddend.
.Iadd.71. A method for tracking a plurality of monitored persons,
comprising: (a) providing a plurality of one-piece units, each of
the one-piece units including a cuff, location circuitry, tamper
detection circuitry, memory and a wireless transmitter; (b)
securely attaching, via the cuff, each of the one-piece units to
each of the monitored persons, respectively; (c) each of the
one-piece units as secured to a respective monitored person
monitoring the location of the monitored person, comprising: (1)
monitoring the one-piece unit for tampering; (2) determining
through the location circuitry the approximate location of the
one-piece unit and a respective time at which the approximate
location was determined, wherein by virtue of the cuff being
securely attached the approximate location of the one-piece unit is
the approximate location of the respective monitored person; (3)
storing in the memory the approximate location of the one-piece
unit and the corresponding time as provided by the location
circuitry; (4) repeating said determining and said storing, such
that the memory over time contains a series of approximate
locations of the one-piece unit at corresponding times; and (5)
batch transmitting, on a schedule, from the memory using the
wireless transmitter, the series of approximate locations at
corresponding times stored in the memory; (e) receiving, at a
central location, the batch transmission of the one-piece units;
and (f) storing in a central database the series of approximate
locations at corresponding times sent out by each of the one-piece
units, such that the central database represents a movement history
of each of the monitored persons..Iaddend.
.Iadd.72. The tracking system of claim 71, further comprising:
comparing crime scene data, defined by an area of a crime and a
time frame of a crime, with the central database to identify any of
the plurality of monitored persons who were within the area of the
crime during the time frame of the crime..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
Generally, the invention relates to monitoring of persons. More
specifically, the invention relates to such monitoring wherein at
least one monitored person has a portable monitoring device
attached thereto.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Our society has been compelled to confine individuals as a result
of their behavior which has been deemed unacceptable to the best
interest of society. Historically, such confinement has occurred at
centralized locations where numerous confinements occur
simultaneously. It is expensive for society to maintain such
centralized locations due primarily to construction cost, upkeep
cost, supervisory personnel expense and medical care for the
persons being confined. These persons being confined represent both
those convicted of committing a crime as well as those accused of
committing a crime, but awaiting trial.
Our society has begun to seek alternative means of confining those
individuals convicted of committing a crime or accused of
committing a crime while awaiting trial where those individuals are
deemed to be non-violent. Parole, probation and house arrest
programs have existed for some time and are being extensively
utilized by the justice system for certain type of crimes.
Additionally, our society has recently made progress toward
restricting the activities of certain habitual offenders of certain
type of crimes even following completion of court appointed
sentences. These restrictions are coming in the form of civil
actions as compared to criminal actions. Some circumstances require
continued conventional confinement while others require site
confinement or other monitoring of activities. Examples of such
crimes include child molestation and other sex crimes.
People produce certain bodily signals which may be detected and
measured by equipment. Examples of these bodily signals include
blood pressure, heart beat rate, respiration rate, body
temperature, blood oxygen level and blood alcohol level. Such
bodily signals may be measured to determine a specific base line
measurement for a respective person. Such base line measurements
may then be redefined, if desired, on a periodic basis. Certain
bodily functions, and therefore measurements taken thereof, vary
depending upon the activity engaged in at the time of measurement.
Therefore, such measurements will involuntarily change when the
individual is engaging in activities which are generally prohibited
to the population or specifically prohibited to the individual. The
mere fact that a specific individual is aware that monitoring is
occurring will tend to dissuade the individual from engaging in
prohibited behavior.
Referring now specifically to site confinement, a common type of
monitoring system, it is conventionally known to provide for such
site confinement of individuals wherein means are provided within
the respective system to indicate that a respective individual has
violated boundaries of their respective site. Several of these
systems include means to detect tampering with various elements of
the system.
The most common type of such a site confinement system comprises
three devices being a central processing unit, at least one
transportable device and at least one base unit. The transportable
device, which securely attaches to the individual being confined,
comprises communication means to communicate with the base unit.
The base unit, which is positioned within the boundaries of the
confinement site, comprises two types of communication means. The
first of the communication means allows the base unit to
communicate with the transportable device. The second of the
communication means allows the base unit to communicate with the
central processing unit. Generally, this communication is over a
ground based telephone system. When communication is not present
between the transportable device and the base unit, the base unit,
utilizing the second communication means, communicates with the
central processing unit to notify an oversight authority of a
possible violation of the confinement by the individual. As can
readily be seen such systems have a general deficiency in that they
are bound to a single designated site location. Several systems
have been proposed which allow for a wider tracking of
individuals.
As can be seen various attempts have been made to provide for a
method of restricting the activities of certain individuals. These
attempts have been less efficient than desired. As such, it may be
appreciated that there continues to be a need for a system which
may monitor at least one individual without relying upon
limitations associated with site boundaries. The present invention
substantially fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types
of monitoring systems, your applicant has devised a system which
provides for monitoring of a plurality of monitored persons. A
first embodiment of a system has a portable monitoring device for
each of the monitored persons, means to acquire a transmission,
means to create a bodily signal reference indicative of a
physiological sign of the monitored person and means to store
within a database a series of the bodily signal references. Each of
the portable monitoring devices further has means to provide for
attachment to the respective monitored person, means for detecting
a bodily signal produced by the monitored person and means for
transmitting a signal. A second embodiment of a system has a
portable monitoring device for each of the monitored persons, means
to acquire a transmission, means to determine a status of a
respective portable monitoring device, a conditional database,
means to compare a status of the respective portable monitoring
device and means to activate an intervention. Each of the portable
monitoring devices further has means to provide for secure
attachment to the respective monitored person, means to detect
tampering with the portable monitoring device, means to receive a
distinct signal, means for transmitting a signal and means to
intervene mechanically.
My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but
rather in the particular combinations of them herein disclosed and
it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular
combinations of these structures for the functions specified.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that
the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is
based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of
other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several
purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that
the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to
provide for a portable monitoring of individuals.
Other objects include; a) to provide for a portable monitoring
device which may be secured to a monitored person. b) to provide
for detecting tampering with the portable monitoring device. c) to
provide for a transfer of a signal from the portable monitoring
device. d) to provide for a receipt of the signal transferred by
the portable monitoring device. e) to provide for determining a
position reference of a positional location of the portable
monitoring device based upon at least one signal received by the
portable monitoring device wherein the signal is generated by at
least one detached sending unit. f) to provide for monitoring of a
bodily signal produced by the monitored person. g) to provide for a
notification to a central location, such as nursing station or
other health monitoring agency, of any indication of a possible
medical emergency of the monitored person when physiological
readings are outside of range from a baseline reading for the
respective monitored person. h) to provide for a medical monitoring
of individuals who may require the need of emergency personnel
which may be done on an automatic basis once the physiological
monitored signs of the monitored person indicates levels outside of
a desired range for the individual where the notification may take
place automatically by notifying the proper emergency personnel of
the individuals condition and location. i) to provide for
notification of on site supervisory personnel when a monitored
person is a resident of a facility such as a retirement home,
hospital, nursing home, prison amongst others, when physiological
readings for the monitored person are outside of an acceptable
range for the monitored person where the notification include the
physiological readings and/or a physical location of the monitored
person. j) to provide for medical monitoring of Alzheimers,
mentally ill, elderly individuals on a round the clock basis. k) to
provide for an active response through a digital readout directly
to the monitored person to provide instructions or commands to the
monitored person in response to a variation in a bodily signal
measurement beyond a predetermined range. l) to provide for a
mechanical intervention to physically dissuade the monitored person
from a specific course of action. m) to provide for generating an
associated occurrence reference indicative of a time span related
to a position reference and/or a bodily signal reference. n) to
provide for a storage of at least a series of position references
and/or bodily signal references along with associated occurrence
references within a database. o) to provide for deterring crime by
providing the monitored person with a knowledge of the monitoring
of the bodily signal. p) to provide for deterring crime by
providing the monitored person with a knowledge of the possibility
of activation of the mechanical intervention in response to an
unacceptable specific course of action. q) to provide for at least
a pair of portable monitoring devices which each transfer position
references for comparison to determine if any select pair of the
portable monitoring devices are within a predetermined distance
measurement of each other. r) to provide for a notification if any
select pair of portable monitoring devices are within the
predetermined distance measurement of each other. s) to provide for
a secondary transportable device capable of communicating with a
respective portable monitoring device, where the portable
monitoring device is secured to a respective monitored person,
wherein at least some function is performed by the secondary
transportable device to reduce an overall weight of the portable
monitoring device secured to the monitored person.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the
various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are
pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming
a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the
invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects
attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated the
preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than
those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is
given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein;
FIG. 1 is a an illustration of an embodiment of a monitoring
system.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable monitoring device
attached to a monitored person.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of another embodiment of the monitoring
system.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of the monitoring
system.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a block with various position references
and associated occurrence references distributed therein.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
monitoring system.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a block with various bodily signal
references and associated occurrence references therein.
FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are perspective views of a portion of an
embodiment of a portable monitoring device in alternative
operational positions.
FIG. 9a through FIG. 9f are plan views of various data blocks.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a database.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable
monitoring device.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable
monitoring device.
FIG. 13a through FIG. 13c are plan views of a block in various
alternative orientations.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of a bodily signal conditional database and
a comparative bodily signal reference.
FIG. 15 is a plan view of a bodily signal conditional database and
a comparative bodily signal reference.
FIG. 16 is a plan view of a bodily signal conditional database.
FIG. 17 is a plan view of a positional conditional database.
FIG. 18 is a plan view of a positional conditional database.
FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b are plan views of a block in various
alternative orientations.
FIG. 20 is a plan view of an intersection of two streets and a
comparative location reference.
DESCRIPTION
Many different systems having features of the present invention are
possible. The following description describes the preferred
embodiment of select features of those systems and various
combinations thereof. These features may be deployed in various
combinations to arrive at various desired working configurations of
systems.
Referring is hereafter made to the drawings where like reference
numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views.
FIG. 1 depicts a portable monitoring device 30, a central location
32, a transmission tower 34 and a receiving tower 36 forming a
monitoring system 38.
Central Location
It is a requirement of the present invention that a central
location, or locations, be provided which will receive
communication from and/or send communication to at least select
deployed components of any specific deployed system. This
communication will be specific to the overall configuration of the
specific deployed system. Generally, the central location will;
receive communication from deployed components and/or send
communication to deployed components and/or store information
and/or perform computational calculations on information and/or
allow access to information by supervisory personnel. While the
central location may be dedicated to a monitoring of a system of
the present invention it is possible that the central location may
be non-dedicated, or have a primary purpose other than monitoring
the system of the present invention. Examples of such non-dedicated
central locations include public and private institutions such as
police stations, fire department stations, existing burglar alarm
monitoring locations, hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes or
schools.
FIG. 1 depicts central location 32 housing various equipment, more
fully described elsewhere herein, of monitoring system 38 having
features of the present invention. Supervisory personnel, not
shown, would have access to exert control over, or otherwise
interface with, monitoring system 38 at central location 32.
Detached Sending Units
In certain deployments it is a requirement that a method exist to
provide for making a determination of a location of at least select
members of the portable monitoring devices attached to respective
monitored persons. To this end, a signal, or signals, must be
produced by at least one detached sending unit. This signal, or
signals, is subsequently received by at least one other component
of the system wherein an eventuation is made to provide for a
determination of the location of a respective portable monitoring
device attached to a respective monitored person. The detached
sending units may be fixed ground based, moveable ground based,
orbital or a combination thereof.
FIG. 1 depicts transmission tower 34, being an example of a
detached sending unit, and capable of broadcasting a signal 40 for
subsequent reception by a reception antenna 42 of portable
monitoring device 30. Transmission tower 34 may receive a signal
from central location 32 through a coupling 44 which is broadcast
by transmission tower 34 as signal 40.
FIG. 4 depicts central location 32, transmission tower 34, a
portable monitoring device 46, a secondary transportable device 48
and receiving tower 36 forming a monitoring system 50. In this
embodiment, both secondary transportable device 48 and transmission
tower 34 are considered to be detached sending units.
Relay Equipment
It is a requirement that the central location(s) be capable of
communicating with respective portable monitoring devices. This
communication may be either from the central location to respective
portable monitoring devices, from respective portable monitoring
devices to the central location or both. Preferably, such
communication involves wireless communication utilizing either a
ground based system or an orbital system or both. Many such systems
are conventionally known in the art and many of these systems may
be utilized for the present invention. Additionally, for the sake
of economics, it is desirable to have such communication transfers
utilize, at least partially, existing ground based communication
systems as exampled by phone lines.
FIG. 1 depicts coupling 44 transferring a signal from central
location 32 to transmission tower 34. FIG. 1 also depicts a
coupling 52 transferring a signal from receiving tower 36 to
central location 32. Couplings 44 and 52 represent conventional
ground based communication systems, conventional wireless
communication systems or a combination of both.
Portable Monitoring Device
It is a requirement of the present invention that a portable
monitoring device be provided for each monitored person. It is a
strong desire that the portable monitoring device comprise; means
to attach the portable monitoring device to the monitored person
and control means. In certain deployments the portable monitoring
device will further comprises additional features in various
combinations. Three of these features comprise; means to detect
tampering with the portable monitoring device, means to receive a
signal and means to send a signal.
Alternatively, it is possible to provide for a combination of a
portable monitoring device as defined above and a secondary
transportable device. In such a combination certain functions may
be performed by the secondary transportable device thus eliminating
the requirement of providing structures on or in the portable
monitoring device to perform those functions. This provides for a
reduction in the required weight of the portable monitoring device,
which must be attached to the monitored person, without loss of the
otherwise desired function. One example of such a combination
provides for structures to provide for short range communication
between the portable monitoring device and the secondary
transportable device while providing bulkier structures on the
secondary transportable device to provide for transmission of a
signal for eventual transfer to the central location.
The art is rich with similar devices, and combinations of devices,
for usage within various systems, as exampled by those systems
designed to provide for site confinement of individuals. Many of
these devices conventionally known in the art may be modified to be
employed for the present invention.
The means to secure may involve surrounding engagement of a portion
of the body of the monitored person or may involve implantation.
The preferred method of securement is the surrounding engagement
method. The most obvious attachment locations for such attachment
being around a wrist, around an arm, around an ankle, around a leg,
around the chest, around the waist or around the neck. Implantation
is possible, though less desirable due to power supply
requirements.
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depict portable monitoring device 30 which
comprises a housing 54 and a band 56. Band 56 surrounds a leg 58,
at an ankle 60, and locks to housing 54 to secure portable
monitoring device 30 to a monitored person 62, see FIG. 2. Band 56
is adjusted to be of a sufficient length that portable monitoring
device 30 will not move past a foot 64, see FIG. 2.
The means to detect tampering, where the securing means involve
surrounding engagement of a portion of the body of the monitored
person, will require that the surrounding band retain its prior
integrity. This will involve means to ensure that the surrounding
band is intact and, if connected to a housing, that such
connections are intact. Without regard for the specific securing
means employed, it is a strong desire that means be provided to
detect any tampering with the housing containing the equipment.
FIG. 2 depicts band 56 having a severing detection device 66
contained therein. Severing detection device 66, contained within
band 56, connects, at opposing end thereof, to housing 54. As
conventionally known in the art, equipment, not shown, contained in
portable monitoring device 30 is capable of determining and
reporting if any deviation in power through severing detection
device 66 is detected. This prevents bypassing power transfer along
severing detection device 66 while allowing for the severing of
severing detection device 66. Similar equipment, conventionally
known and not shown, allows for a detection of tampering with
housing 54 or any other component of portable monitoring device
30.
In certain deployments it is desirable to provide for a stationary
device which would cooperate with the portable monitoring device
attached to the monitored person. This is particularly desirable
where the monitored person is restricted to remain in a stationary
location during the period of time of monitoring. Alternatively, in
certain deployments it is desirable to provide for a secondary
transportable device which would cooperate with the portable
monitoring device attached to the monitored person. This is
particularly desirable where the monitored person will
predominately be in stationary locations for extended periods of
time.
Monitoring system 50 has many of the required features as well as
many optional features. FIG. 4 depicts monitoring system 50
comprising secondary transportable device 48 and portable
monitoring device 46. Portable monitoring device 46 is securable to
a monitored person, not shown in this view, and therefore is free
moving with the monitored person. Secondary transportable device 48
is shown as being moveable by the monitored person using a handle
68. In this embodiment, or variations thereof, the monitored person
would be required to remain within a predetermined communication
range from secondary transportable device 48 wherein portable
monitoring device 46, attached to the monitored person, and
secondary transportable device 48 could communicate. This would
allow the monitored person to have a free range zone about
secondary transportable device 48 within which the monitored person
could move. When the monitored person desires to moves beyond that
range the monitored person would be required to move secondary
transportable device 48. This arrangement affords the monitored
person complete mobility while requiring that a minimum amount of
equipment be secured to the monitored person.
Secondary transportable device 48 has a long range reception
antenna 70, a long range transmission antenna 72, a short range
transmission antenna 74 and a short range reception antenna 76.
Portable monitoring device 46 has the previously disclosed securing
means and tamper detection means. Additionally, portable monitoring
device 46 further comprises a short range reception antenna 78 and
a short range transmission antenna 80. Short range transmision
antenna 74 of secondary transportable device 48 is capable of
broadcasting a signal 82 which is received by short range reception
antenna 78 of portable monitoring device 46. Short range
transmission antenna 80 of portable monitoring device 46 is capable
of broadcasting a signal 84 which is received by short range
reception antenna 76 of secondary transportable device 48. This
provides for communication between secondary transportable device
48 and portable monitoring device 46 while within the free range
zone. Movement beyond this range would result in a lack of
communication and result in an indication that the monitored person
was in violation of monitoring rules. A warning buzzer 86 would
warn the monitored person that this range was being approached when
communication still existed, but was determined to be weak. As more
fully disclosed below, means may be provided to determine a
distance and an orientation of portable monitoring device 46
relative to secondary transportable device 48.
FIG. 6 depicts a stationary device 88 and portable monitoring
device 46, (as depicted in FIG. 4). Stationary device 88 would have
a permanent power supply as exampled by connection of a power plug
90 to a standard wall outlet, not shown. Stationary device 88
further comprises a ground based connection to a communication
system as exampled by connection of a phone line 92 to a wall jack,
not shown. This arrangement provides for ready communication with
central location, not shown in this view, while eliminating the
requirement of providing a transportable power supply to that
equipment contained within and about stationary device 88.
Stationary device 88 further comprises a short range transmission
antenna 94 and a short range reception antenna 96 to provide for
communication with portable monitoring device 46. This arrangement
is ideal where the other features of the present invention are
desired and where the monitored person is otherwise limited in
their mobility.
Transmission Acquisition Means
In certain deployments it is a strong desire that the portable
monitoring device further comprise transmission acquisition means
to provide for receiving a signal sent by other components of the
system. The signal received may be data containing instructions
transferred from the central location, or data as exampled by
information necessary to permit subsequent calculations to provide
for a making of a positional determination.
Numerous methods are conventionally known in the art to acquire
signals transmitted by other electronic equipment via ground based
communication, via wireless communication or via a combination of
ground based and wireless communications. Many of these methods may
be employed with the present invention. The signal transmitted by
the portable monitoring device may be sent via direct contact with
a base unit, indirect contact with a base unit or general wireless
broadcast, as more fully described elsewhere herein. Following
transmission of the signal by the portable monitoring device it is
a desire to acquire that signal at a central location. This
acquisition may be directly by the central location or, more
likely, will involve intermediate reception by other equipment
which then transfers the signal on to the central location. (The
term central location is not intended to be limited to one physical
location for the tracking system, but rather a location, or
locations, where data is gathered from distinct portable monitoring
devices.) The means to receive a signal may be performed by various
types of equipment conventionally known in the art depending upon
the type of signal being received. Many of these methods may be
employed with the present invention.
FIG. 1 depicts reception antenna 42 contained within housing 54 of
portable monitoring device 30. Reception antenna 42 is capable of
receiving signal 40, or signals, as sent by transmission antenna
34, in this example a ground based unit. FIG. 3 depicts a reception
antenna 98 capable of receiving signals 100, 102 and 104 from
satellites 106, 108 and 110 respectively. Satellites 106, 108 and
110 are further exampled of detached sending units. FIG. 4 depicts
long range reception antenna 70 of secondary transportable device
48 capable of receiving signal 40 from transmission tower 34. FIG.
4 also depicts short range reception antenna 78 of portable
monitoring device 46 capable of receiving signal 82 from short
range transmission antenna 74 of secondary transportable device 48.
FIG. 6 depicts phone line 92 of stationary device 88 capable of
receiving a signal from other components of the system, not shown
in this view. FIG. 6 also depicts short range reception antenna 78
of portable monitoring device 46 capable of receiving a signal 112
from short range transmission antenna 94 of stationary device
88.
FIG. 3 also depicts a transmission tower 113 linked to computer 168
by a coupling 114. Ground based transmission tower 113 is capable
of producing a signal 115 for subsequent reception by reception
antenna 98 of portable monitoring device 176. When ground produced
signal 115 is utilized in conjunction with at least select signals
100, 102 or 104, position reference 244 may be a more precise
reference than the precision of the reference obtainable only with
space generated signals 100, 102 or 104.
Transmitting Means
In certain deployments it is a strong desire that the portable
monitoring device further comprise transmitting means to provide
for sending a signal to other components of the system. The signal
sent may be data containing information about the monitored person
or may be data seeking further instruction from other components of
the system.
The means to transmit a signal may involve sending the signal
following a direct contact with a base unit, utilizing an indirect
wireless contact with a base unit or may utilize a wireless
broadcast. The direct contact with a base unit is exampled by
having a lead from the base unit which periodically is plugged into
the portable monitoring device or having the portable monitoring
device periodically placed in physical contact with the base unit
wherein matching contacts make contact. The indirect wireless
contact with a base unit is exampled by an infrared link as
conventionally known for communication between detached electronic
equipment, as exampled by such communication between a desktop
computer and a laptop computer. The wireless broadcast is exampled
by cellular or radio broadcast.
The portable monitoring device may immediately transfer a signal
containing data following receipt of the data or immediately
following creation of the data. Alternatively, the portable
monitoring device may have means to allow for onboard storage of
data for batch transfer at a later time. When batch transfer is
employed, such transfer may be on a routine schedule via wireless
transmission, or may be established on a less rigid schedule over
ground based system, as exampled by phone lines.
The means to send a signal may be performed by various types of
equipment conventionally known in the art depending upon the type
of signal being sent. Many of these methods may be employed with
the present invention.
FIG. 1 depicts a transmit antenna 116 contained within portable
monitoring device 30. Transmit antenna 116 is capable of
broadcasting a signal 117 which is received by receiving tower 36
which, in turn, transfers such signal to central location 32.
FIG. 4 depicts short range transmission antenna 80 contained within
portable monitoring device 46. Short range transmission antenna 80
is capable of broadcasting signal 84 which is received by short
range reception antenna 76 of secondary transportable device 48.
FIG. 4 also depicts long range transmission antenna 72 contained
within secondary transportable device 48. Long range transmission
antenna 72 is capable of broadcasting a signal 118 which is
received by receiving tower 36 which, in turn, transfers such
signal to central location 32.
FIG. 6 depicts a short range transmission antenna 80 contained
within portable monitoring device 46. Short range transmission
antenna 80 is capable of broadcasting a signal 122 which is
received by short range reception antenna 96 of stationary device
88. FIG. 6 also depicts phone line 92 of stationary device 88 which
is capable of transmitting a signal, not shown, which is received
by the central location, not shown in this view.
Temporal Marking Means
In certain situations it is desired to provide for an indication of
when certain select references, more fully described below, were
generated. This desire is a requirement when the reference is going
to be stored for historic reference, also more fully described
below. The term temporal, as used herein, carries the common or
conventional definition meaning `of or pertaining to time`.
Therefore, the term temporal marking refers to marking, or
providing a distinct reference, of when in time an event occurred,
within at least a range of time references. It is possible to
provide for a temporal marking, or time measurement marking, of
each reference utilizing equipment on the portable monitoring
device contemporaneously with receipt of the signal(s) upon which
the reference is based. Alternatively, it is possible to provide
for creation of the temporal marking at the time of receipt at the
central location. Generally, it is preferred to have such temporal
marking contemporaneously created with each reference. It is
possible, and in certain situations preferred, to assign a range to
each reference. This method is particularly expedient when
performing batch transfers from the portable monitoring device. In
certain uses a single time range will have several references
associated therewith. The term occurrence reference as used herein
refers to the end result data created indicative, within at least a
range, of when an event occurred.
FIG. 7 depicts, within a block 124, a series of five bodily signal
references 126, 128, 130, 132 and 134, more fully disclosed
elsewhere herein, each having an associated occurrence reference
136, 138, 140, 142 and 144 respectively. Each bodily signal
reference 126, 128, 130, 132 and 134 would have a data string
containing information about a respective bodily function,
associated therewith. Each associated occurrence reference 136,
138, 140, 142 and 144 would have a set of identifying information
which are, or may be converted to, date and time references. In
this example each adjacent sequential associated occurrence
reference 136, 138, 140, 142 and 144 are a uniform measurement of
time apart. Alternatively, each string of bodily function
references may have a beginning occurrence reference and an ending
occurrence reference. From these occurrence references and the
number of uniformly spaced bodily function references it is
possible to determine a occurrence reference for each respective
bodily function reference.
FIG. 5 depicts, within a block 146, a series of five position
references 148, 150, 152, 154 and 156 each having an associated
occurrence reference 158, 160, 162, 164 and 166 respectively. Each
position reference 148, 150, 152, 154 and 156 would have a set of
coordinates, or other acceptable identifying reference, associated
therewith. Each associated occurrence reference 158, 160, 162, 164
and 166 would have a set of identifying information which are, or
may be converted to, date and time references. In this example each
adjacent sequential associated occurrence reference 158, 160, 162,
164 and 166 are a uniform measurement of time apart.
Reference Storage Means
It is often a requirement that bodily signal references be stored
along with associated occurrence references indicative of what time
span the respective references were associated with in a bodily
signal database. It is often a requirement that position references
be stored along with associated occurrence references indicative of
what time span the respective references were associated with in a
locational tracking database. This provides for historic use of the
data stored for various useful purposes. These references may be
stored in separate databases or they may be stored in a common
database, if both types of references are being created within the
deployed system.
Numerous methods are known in the art for electronic storage of
data which permit subsequent retrieval based upon select models.
Many of these methods may be employed with the present invention.
It being understood that such storage of bodily signal references,
position references and associated occurrence references are not
required for all embodiments of the invention.
When required, each reference will be stored along with the
associated occurrence reference. As mentioned, it is possible to
assign a single range to a series of associated occurrence
references. Alternatively, it is possible to provide for storage of
select references taken from the totality of references available.
One example uses a computer program which examines the series of
references and identifies sequential strings of references within
the series which do not vary beyond a predetermined tolerance range
from all other references within the string. The computer program
would then purge from the system all data between the first
reference and the last reference within the string. This is
particularly expedient where the monitored person is stationary for
a long period of time, as example by sleeping for a number of hours
in a generally stationary location.
FIG. 3 depicts a computer 168 having a storage device 170. Computer
168 is linked via coupling 52 to receiving tower 36 which receives
a signal 172 which contains data transmitted by a transmit antenna
174 of a portable monitoring device 176. The information contained
in signal 172, following any conversion, if required, is stored
within storage device 170 as a database 178. Database 178 may
contain a sequence of data references 180. Data references 180 may
be either position references and/or bodily signal references.
Database 178 may also contain a sequence of associated occurrence
references 182 containing information about the time, or period of
time, associated with each respective data reference 180.
Monitoring Means
A monitoring of a person under the present invention may include a
determination of measurements of select bodily functions of the
person. Examples of such bodily functions include blood pressure,
(systolic and diastolic), heart beat rate, respiration rate, bodily
temperature, blood oxygen level and blood alcohol level, amongst
others. Devices are conventionally known in the art which may
measure such functions in a non invasive manner (without requiring
mechanical penetration of the body of the monitored person). These
devices are exampled by passive contact of a portion of the device
with the skin of the person or by manipulation of a portion of the
device by the person, as exampled by a tubular member into which
the person breathes. When passive contact is utilized the contact
may be with a sensor positioned on the portable monitoring device
or may be with a patch attached to the skin of the monitored
person. Such patches are known in the art capable of monitoring
bodily functions or which measure for the presence of select drugs
in the system of the monitored person. When bodily functions are
being monitored, it is possible to provide for an elimination of
the normal strong desire that the portable monitoring device
comprise tamper detection means. Many different medical test
equipment exists in the art to perform various test to determine a
respective specific status of a patient. Numerous of these medical
test equipment may be utilized within a system under the present
invention. These include select members of those medical test
equipment which rely upon manipulation of a composition (such as a
chemical or a drug) during the test process.
Measurements of bodily functions of a person may be evaluated to
determine what type of activity the person is likely to be engaged
in, or recently engaged in, at the time the measurements were
taken. Most persons are unable to consciously regulate such bodily
functions to a sufficient extent to allow for the measurements to
indicate a general type of activity radically different from the
actual general type of activity being performed.
While it is preferred to utilize sensors which may make their
readings based on no more than passive contact with the monitored
person, it is possible to provide for implantation of a sensor
under the skin of the monitored person. Such an implanted sensor
would transfer, preferably by wireless transfer, a signal to a
receiving unit in possession of the monitored person and preferably
contained within a portable monitoring device attached to the
monitored person.
FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b depict a portable monitoring device 184 having
a skin contact surface 186 which would be held in contact with the
skin of the monitored person, not shown, during deployment. This
deployment may be on any portion of the body of the monitored
person required to provide for adequate testing of the bodily
function(s) being monitored. Skin contact surface 186 has a series
of contacts 188 which, when held in contact with human skin, may
provide input to provide for a measurement of various body
functions of the person. These contacts 188 may read, and/or
produce various signals including electrical impulses and/or
pressure changes and/or light reflective properties. This provides
for other connected equipment within portable monitoring device 184
to make determinations, based on input from contacts 188, of select
bodily functions including blood pressure, heart beat rate,
respiration rate, bodily temperature and blood oxygen level. A
breath tube 190 is depicted in a stored position 192, see FIG. 8a,
and in a deployed position 194, see FIG. 8b. Breath tube 190 may be
deployed when required and the monitored person may be required to
blow therein to allow for measurement of blood alcohol level.
Bodily Signal Reference Creation Means
It is conventionally known in the art to convert measurements of
each applicable bodily function to a data reference. These data
references, or bodily signals, generally match conventional
measurement methods or at least allow ready conversion to
conventional measurement methods. One example of such a
conventional measurement method is conversion of the respective
bodily function cycle to a number of repetitions in a defined
period of time such as one (1) minute. Other examples include
measurement of a pressure or a lower and upper pressure range. Any
conventional method may be utilized to reduce the measurement taken
to a data reference.
FIG. 9a depicts a data block 196 comprised of a series of three (3)
bodily signal references 198, 200 and 202 containing data
indicative of blood pressure readings for a monitored person, not
shown.
FIG. 9b depicts a data block 204 comprised of a series of three (3)
bodily signal references 206, 208 and 210 containing data
indicative of heart beat rate readings for a monitored person, not
shown.
FIG. 9c depicts a data block 212 comprised of a series of three (3)
bodily signal references 214, 216 and 218 containing data
indicative of respiration rate readings for a monitored person, not
shown.
FIG. 9d depicts a data block 220 comprised of a series of three (3)
bodily signal references 222, 224 and 226 containing data
indicative of bodily temperature readings for a monitored person,
not shown.
FIG. 9e depicts a data block 228 comprised of a series of three (3)
bodily signal references 230, 232 and 234 containing data
indicative of blood oxygen readings for a monitored person, not
shown.
FIG. 9f depicts a data block 236 comprised of a series of three (3)
bodily signal references 238, 240 and 242 containing data
indicative of blood alcohol readings for a monitored person, not
shown.
Any of the conversion methods conventionally known in the art may
be utilized to convert applicable sensor data into respective data
block 196, 204, 212, 220, 228 or 236.
Positional Determining Means
Various systems, and devices based upon those systems, exist to
provide for a determination of a positional location. Several of
these system are capable of making such a determination within a
fairly narrow range of measurement. One group of such systems rely
upon transmissions from satellites in orbit around our planet.
Another group relies upon transmissions from ground based
transmitters. Another group relies upon transmissions from a
combination of satellites and ground based transmitters. Several of
these systems, as exampled by differential global positioning
systems, include the ability to identify an elevational height, or
altitude, as well as a locational position. Such determination may
be extremely desirable where the positional location is within a
building having multiple floors such as skyscrapers.
Without regard for the transmission system employed to generate a
signal, or signals, each portable monitoring device may routinely
receive at least one signal. This signal, or signals, is then
capable of, through a mathematical computation, being reduced to a
position reference indicative of a specific location, within a
predetermined range of measurement. It is possible that the
mathematical computation will be performed by a device located
within the portable monitoring device with the actual position
reference being sent within the signal of the transmitting means of
the portable monitoring device. Alternatively, raw data may be sent
within the signal of the transmitting means of the portable
monitoring device with the mathematical computation occurring
subsequent to receipt of the signal by the transmission acquisition
means, as exampled by at the central location.
It is possible, and preferred in certain deployments, to have a
reliance upon a primary transmission system and at least one backup
transmission system. The signal(s) from the primary transmission
system may be indefinite or totally absent, in which case the
mathematical computation based on the signal(s) received by the
portable monitoring device from the primary transmission system
would be incapable of determining a position reference. In that
case the portable monitoring device would switch through any backup
transmission systems until the received signal(s) was present and
of a quality from which a position reference might be
computated.
The example which follows makes use of Global Positioning
Satellites (G.P.S.), as conventionally known in the art, for
determining a locational position of the respective portable
monitoring device. Selection of this method of determining
locational position is due to the wide coverage area and the
accuracy afford by such usage. Numerous other methods, all
conventionally known in the art, are adaptable for usage with the
present invention.
FIG. 3 depicts satellite 106, satellite 108 and satellite 110 which
each routinely generate signals 100, 102 and 104 respectively.
Reception antenna 98 of portable monitoring device 176 receives
such signals 100, 102 and 104. Portable monitoring device 176 may
then transfer such signals, using transmit antenna 174, within
signal 172, along with any distinct signal(s) created within
portable monitoring device 176 which may be required to computate a
position reference 244, to receiving tower 36. Alternatively,
portable monitoring device 176 may perform the required
mathematical computations and transfer signal 172 containing
position reference 244.
FIG. 4 depicts secondary transportable device 48 and portable
monitoring device 46. Secondary transportable device 48 contains
structures, as disclosed above, which enable a determination of a
position reference 246 indicative of its positional location.
Secondary transportable device 48 further contains a first
locational device 248 while portable monitoring device 46 contains
a second locational device 250. First locational device 248 and
second locational device 250 provide for a determination of a
general directional indication and a general spacing indication
wherein a positional location 252 of portable monitoring device 46
may be made relative to position reference 246 of secondary
transportable device 48. In such a manner it is possible to make a
determination, utilizing methods conventionally known in the art,
of a position reference 254 (within a reasonable variation) of
portable monitoring device 46 without requiring more complicated
equipment located on portable monitoring device 46.
Position Reference Creation Means
Numerous reference methods, as conventionally known in the art, may
be employed to define each position reference, as exampled by a set
of coordinates. One example of these coordinate references is those
based upon a set of latitude, in degrees to a desired degree of
precision, and longitude, in degrees to a desired degree of
precision, references. Another example of these coordinate
references include those based upon a set of distance, in any
conventional measurement distance, and angular orientation, as
exampled by degrees, references from a fixed position
reference.
FIG. 10 depicts a database 256 having a series of coordinates 258,
260, 262 and 264. Coordinate 258 comprises a longitudinal reference
266 and a latitude reference 268 which identifies a unique
locational position. Coordinate 260 comprises a longitudinal
reference 270 and a latitude reference 272 which identifies a
unique locational position. Coordinate 262 comprises a longitudinal
reference 274 and a latitude reference 276 which identifies a
unique locational position. Coordinate 264 comprises a longitudinal
reference 278 and a latitude reference 280 which identifies a
unique locational position. Various methods may be utilized to
create the various coordinates 258, 260, 262 and 264.
Intervention Means
It is possible to provide for a mechanical intervention to dissuade
a monitored person from a definable course of action. Many such
mechanical interventions are conventionally known in the art and
many of these may be adapted for use within the present invention.
Such applicable mechanical interventions may involve administration
of a medicine or introduction of a physical action which act as a
deterrent to discourage continuation of the definable course of
action. Examples of such medications include those which act to
partially sedate or to completely incapacitate the monitored
person. One example of such physical action involves introduction
of an electrical shock to the monitored person.
When intervention means are provided it is a requirement that
structures be positioned upon the monitored person. This will
involve placement upon the portable monitoring device or upon a
secondary device similarly attached to the monitored person.
Typically this will require surrounding engagement of the monitored
person. This may involve placement at a wrist, arm, leg, ankle,
neck, chest, waist or other suitable portion of the body.
Alternatively, implantation may be employed for at least a portion
of the device under the skin of the person. When intervention means
are included it is a requirement that structures be present to
provide for activation of the intervention means. This activation
may be provided without additional communication beyond that within
the device attached to the monitored person. Alternatively, this
activation may be provided based upon reception of a signal by the
device attached to the monitored person from an outside location
such as from the central location.
FIG. 11 depicts a portable monitoring device 282 having a
medication container 284 having a medication, not shown, contained
therein. The medication may have a composition which provides for
entry into the monitored person by absorption through the skin or
which requires injection through the skin. A control device 286
provides for activation of a delivery system 288 when it is
required that the medication be introduced into the monitored
person. Delivery system 288 provides for micro needles 290, as
conventionally known in the art, to be deployed for injection of
the medication into the monitored person. Alternatively, a
conventional injection needle may be so deployed to provide for
entry of the medication. Alternatively, delivery system 288 may
release, as exampled by spraying, the medication of a absorbent
type onto the skin of the monitored person where the medication may
be absorbed for entry into the monitored person.
FIG. 12 depicts a portable monitoring device 292 having a control
device 294 and a delivery system 296. Control device 294 may cause
activation of delivery system 296 wherein a high voltage electrical
shock, as conventionally known in the art, from a power supply 298
may be delivered to the monitored person via a first electrode 300
and a second electrode 302.
Various specific tamper detection methods may be employed to
prevent tampering with applicable portable monitoring devices where
such tampering is intended to prevent introduction of the
medication or the electrical shock to the monitored person.
While applicable to several embodiments of the present invention,
an active intervention by a device located on the restrictee
portable monitoring device is particularly applicable to the dual
tracking system. One example involves when the restrictee person
enters a predefined perimeter around the restrictor person, and
when there is a prior conclusion reached by proper authorities that
the restrictee person poses a physical threat to the restrictor
person, the portable monitoring device may be activated to disable
the restrictee person using any of the method conventionally known
in the art. One example of a method of disabling the restrictee
person would be through injection of a tranquilizer. Another
example would be to stun the restrictee person with a high voltage
charge.
FIG. 13a through FIG. 13c depict a restrictee person 304 and a
restrictor person 306 within a block 308. Restrictee person 304 has
attached thereon a restrictee portable monitoring device 310.
Restrictor person 306 carries with them a restrictor portable
monitoring device 312. A first perimeter 314 radially surrounds
restrictor portable monitoring device 312. A second perimeter 316,
being smaller than first perimeter 314, radially surrounds
restrictor portable monitoring device 312. Perimeters 314 and 316
are variable and move with restrictor portable monitoring device
312 as restrictor person 306 carries it about block 308.
In FIG. 13a restrictee person 304 and restrictee portable
monitoring device 310 are outside of both first perimeter 314 and
second perimeter 316. In this instance no activation of the
intervention means is performed. In FIG. 13b restrictee person 304
and restrictee portable monitoring device 310 are inside of the
first perimeter 314 while outside of second perimeter 316. In FIG.
13c restrictee person 304 and restrictee portable monitoring device
310 are inside of both first perimeter 314 and second perimeter 316
and an intervention is activated to disable restrictee person
304.
Bodily Signal Conditional Database
It is a desire to store various bodily signal conditional
references created for each applicable respective monitored person
being monitored. These conditional references would include a set
of references, either inclusive or exclusive, which would provide
for a comparison to determine if the respective monitored person
was outside of an acceptable range for the particular bodily
signal, or signals, being monitored. Such a database could be used
to identify unacceptable conduct or to identify potentially
dangerous medical conditions.
FIG. 14 depicts a bodily signal conditional database 318 having a
baseline measurement 320 for a specific bodily function. A
comparative bodily signal reference 322, disclosed elsewhere
herein, may be compared to baseline measurement 320 utilizing a
mathematical computation which would establish an acceptable range
to determine if the comparative bodily signal reference 322s within
the range, or acceptable, or outside of the range, or
unacceptable.
Alternatively, as exampled by a bodily signal conditional database
324 as depicted in FIG. 15 may have multiple comparative references
specific to the bodily function being monitored. In this example, a
dangerous lower range 326, a warning lower range 328, a warning
upper range 330 and a dangerous upper range 332 may be defined
within bodily signal conditional database 324. If comparative
bodily signal reference 322 reaches, or passes, either warning
lower range 328 or warning upper range 330 a first signal would be
produced for subsequent action by the overall system. If
comparative bodily signal reference 322 subsequently reaches, or
passes, either dangerous lower range 326 or dangerous upper range
332 a second signal would be produced for subsequent action by the
overall system.
The bodily signal conditional database could be identical for all
monitored persons, could be specific to the monitored person or
could be based on specific characteristics of the monitored person
as exampled by age, weight, sex, other factors or any desired
combination thereof.
Positional Conditional Database
It is a desire to store various positional conditional references
created for each applicable respective monitored person being
monitored. These conditional references would include a set of
references, either inclusive or exclusive, which would provide for
a comparison to determine if the respective monitored person was
either inside of an allowable roaming area or outside of an
excluded roaming area, or areas, for the respective monitored
person.
FIG. 17 depicts a positional conditional database 334 having a
reference 336. A specific position reference, disclosed elsewhere
herein, may be compared to reference 336 utilizing a mathematical
computation which would establish if the comparative position
reference was acceptable or unacceptable in comparison to reference
336. The mathematical computation may define complex perimeters
relative to reference 336 or may define a radial perimeter
thereabout.
FIG. 18 depicts a positional conditional database 338 having a
first series of references 340 and a second series of references
342. Each series of references 340 or 342 define included locations
where presence is allowed, excluded locations where presence is not
allowed or a combination thereof. Positional conditional database
338 may have any desired number of such series as required to
adequately define included locations, excluded locations or a
combination thereof. A specific position reference, disclosed
elsewhere herein, may be compared to series of references 340 or
342 utilizing a mathematical computation which would establish if
the comparative position reference was acceptable or unacceptable
in comparison to the series of references.
FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b depict a position reference 344 and a
position reference 346 respectively. Position reference 344 is
received by central location 32 subsequent to transmission by
portable monitoring device 30, more fully described elsewhere
herein. (Position reference 344, a numeric value defines a location
reference 348 is substantially identical to placement of portable
monitoring device 30.) An excluded site 350 is defined by four (4)
references 352, 354, 356 and 358 of first series of references 340,
sec FIG. 18, which are positioned at each comer thereof. It being
understood that a computer program, as programmable using methods
conventionally known in the art, may be created which is capable of
defining a boundary 360 based on references 352, 354, 356 and 358.
Similarly, such a program could define any conceivable outline of a
specific boundary. Boundary 360 extends around excluded site 350.
The program could also be programed to determine if any specific
position reference is inside of boundary 360. FIG. 19a depicts
position reference 344 outside of excluded site 350. In this
instance the program would not indicate, or otherwise report, a
violation of excluded site 350. FIG. 19b depicts position reference
346 positioned within excluded site 350. In this instance the
program would indicate, and report, a violation of excluded site
350 by portable monitoring device 30.
Comparison Means
There exist two modes of operation for comparison of references,
either bodily signal and positional, of each monitored person. The
first mode is real time comparison and the second is historic
comparison. The real time comparison involves comparison of the
reference to the applicable bodily signal conditional database or
positional conditional database or, in the case of positional
determination, proximity to other variable position references.
(The term real time comparison is not meant to convey simultaneous
comparison, but rather may have the actual comparison occurring at
a slightly later time.) The historic comparison involves comparison
of the applicable reference, either bodily function or positional,
to a later defined set of comparative data. It is possible to
provide for such comparison of data to the respective references to
be employed as evidence during a legal proceeding, either a
criminal proceeding or a civil proceeding. The comparison may be
made directly within the portable monitoring device by having the
respective conditional database contained therein. Alternatively,
the comparison may be made at the central location by having the
respective conditional database stored thereat.
a. Immediate Comparison
Comparison of the bodily signal references against the bodily
signal conditional database for a respective portable monitoring
device may occur immediately subsequent to creation thereof, either
within the portable monitoring device or when received by the
central location. Comparison of the position references against the
positional conditional database for a respective portable
monitoring device may occur immediately subsequent to creation
thereof, either within the portable monitoring device or when
received by the central location. (In certain situations it is not
a requirement that all deployed portable monitoring device have
securing means or tamper detection means, as more fully described
herein.)
FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b depict position reference 344 and position
reference 346 respectively. Position reference 344 is received by
central location 32 subsequent to transmission by portable
monitoring device 30, more fully described elsewhere herein.
(Position reference 344 a numeric value defines location reference
348 is substantially identical to placement of portable monitoring
device 30.) Excluded site 350 is defined by four (4) references
352, 354, 356 and 358 which are positioned at each corner thereof.
It being understood that a computer program, as programable using
methods conventionally known in the art, may be created which is
capable of defining boundary 360 based on references 352, 354, 356
and 358. Similarly, such a program could define any conceivable
outline of a specific boundary. Boundary 360 extends around
excluded site 350. The program could also be programed to determine
if any specific position reference is inside of boundary 360. FIG.
19a depicts position reference 344 outside of excluded site 350. In
this instance the program would not indicate, or otherwise report,
a violation of excluded site 350. FIG. 19b depicts position
reference 346 positioned within excluded site 350. In this instance
the program would indicate, and report, a violation of excluded
site 350 by portable monitoring device 30.
FIG. 14 depicts comparative bodily signal reference 322 which is
compared to baseline measurement 320 of bodily signal conditional
database 318 in real time. Variation of comparative bodily signal
reference 322 beyond a predetermined range from baseline
measurement 320 results in a predetermined activation of a response
by the system.
b. Historic Comparison
It is possible to historically utilize recorded bodily signal
references to determine what type of activity a specific monitored
person was engaging in at a specific time. This type of comparison
may be used for several reasons, including as a tool for law
enforcement agencies.
When position references are stored they may be utilized to
determine if any of the monitored persons were within a defined
area, as exampled by within the boundaries of a crime scene, during
a defined period of time, as example by a window of opportunity in
which time span the crime could have been committed. Such
comparison may be useful to eliminate a suspect for a given
crime.
FIG. 20 depicts a street 362 and a street 364 intersecting one
another. A vacant lot 366 is situated on one corner of street 362
and street 364. A comparative location reference 368 has been
identified and is surrounded by a boundary 370. A comparative
temporal reference, not shown, which has a range of temporal
references, has been entered. In this example boundary 370 falls
completely within vacant lot 366.
A computer program, not shown, has examined all records within
database 256, see FIG. 10, and has identified coordinate 258,
coordinate 260, coordinate 262 and coordinate 264 which have
associated occurrence references, not shown, which fall within the
comparative temporal reference. Each coordinate 258, 260, 262 and
264 were created as a result of a single portable monitoring
device, not shown. Therefore, it is possible to determine which
monitored person, if any, were within the later created comparative
location reference 368 during a period of time represented by the
comparative temporal reference.
FIG. 16 depicts a bodily signal reference database 372 having
stored therein a series of bodily signal references 374, 376, 378
and 380. These references may be historically examined to determine
the status of the monitored person.
Dual Tracking System
It is possible to provide for monitoring of a pair of persons to
monitor the behavior of a first person, a restrictee person,
relative to a second person, a restrictor person. There exist
several possible combinations within the general concept of dual
tracking. It is possible to have a clear pairing where there exists
one restrictee person and one restrictor person. It is possible to
have a single restrictee person monitored relative to a plurality
of restrictor persons. It is possible to have multiple restrictee
persons monitored relative to a single restrictor person.
The dual tracking system is applicable to several situations, but
is particularly expedient in the enforcement of court issued
restraining orders. The immediate comparison, the historic
comparison or a combination of both types of comparison may be
used. The historic comparison may be useful as evidence during a
subsequent legal proceeding, as example as proof of violation of
the court issued restraining order.
A computer program may be designed which defines a perimeter around
the restrictor person of the pair of monitored persons which is
updated depending upon the movement of the restrictor person. When
the restrictee person enters within the perimeter a notification is
given of such violation. This notification can be to an oversight
authority, to the applicable restrictor person, or to both. When
notification is given to the restrictor person communication
therewith may be by any of the methods conventionally known in the
art. Preferably, such notification would be received by the
restrictor portable monitoring device which would then inform the
restrictor person. It is also possible that human personnel at the
central location would establish cellular communication with the
restrictor person and advise the restrictor person of the position
of the restrictee person relative to the restrictor person.
It is possible to provide for several unique perimeters around the
restrictor person. Each unique perimeter would have a predefined
distance measurement from the restrictor person. It is also
possible to define various distinct notifications of violation of
the different unique perimeters.
The computer program could be designed such that the position
references of the restrictor person are not stored. This protects
the privacy of the restrictor person which has not surrendered any
of their rights. Alternatively, it is possible to store the
applicable position references of the restrictor person only when
the restrictee person is with a predetermined distance measurement
of the restrictee person, as exampled by the perimeter previously
described. This allows for the retention of such records for use
during a subsequent legal proceeding. Such a program could be
designed which retains the position references for a specific
period of time, adding new position references and purging the
oldest position references. Then, when a violation occurs all
existing location references within the system could be stored.
Storage would continue until a predetermined time following
cessation of the violation. This arrangement allows for the
preservation of the restrictor person's position references for a
predetermined period of time prior to the violation, the entire
period of time during the violation and for a predetermined period
of time following the violation. The restrictee person's position
references can similarly be stored, or all such data may be stored
within the locational tracking database.
FIG. 13a through FIG. 13c depict restrictee person 304 and
restrictor person 306 within block 308. Restrictee person 304 has
attached thereon restrictee portable monitoring device 310.
Restrictor person 306 carries with them restrictor portable
monitoring device 312. First perimeter 314 radially surrounds
restrictor portable monitoring device 312. Second perimeter 316,
being smaller than first perimeter 314, radially surrounds
restrictor portable monitoring device 312. Perimeters 314 and 316
are variable and move with restrictor portable monitoring device
312 as restrictor person 306 carries it about block 308. In FIG.
13a restrictee person 304 and restrictee portable monitoring device
310 are outside of both first perimeter 314 and second perimeter
316. In this instance no notification is given. In FIG. 13b
restrictee person 304 and restrictee portable monitoring device 310
are inside of first perimeter 314, yet outside of second perimeter
316, and a first notification 382 is given. First notification 382
is exampled by a first beeping sound coming from restrictor
portable monitoring device 312. In FIG. 13c restrictee person 304
and restrictee portable monitoring device 310 are inside of both
first perimeter 314 and second perimeter 316 and a second
notification 384 is given. Second notification 384 is exampled by a
second beeping sound coming from restrictor portable monitoring
device 312. The second beeping sound would be distinct from the
first beeping sound.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized
that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, material, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *
References