MX2008001932A - Remote tracking and communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

A remote tracking and communication device is described and includes a housing which encloses a processor, a memory, a position locator, a first transmitter, and a second transmitter. Each of the latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. Both the first and second transmitters are adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixed to the housing and electronically coupled to each component within the housing, a speaker and a microphone electronically coupled to the first transmitter, and a button electronically coupled to the processor. When pressed, the button is adapted to activate voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.

Description

REMOTE TRACKING AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD The field of the present invention is remote tracking and communication devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many different devices are known for remote tracking of individuals, automobiles or the like and / or for remotely communicating with individuals. For example, standard cell phones allow bidirectional voice communication, but are commonly unable, or at least inefficient, to track the movement of the operating user. On the other hand, remote tracking devices are described in the U.S.A. Nos. 5,652,570, 5,73 1, 757, 5,867, 103, 6,072,396 and 6, 100,806. Each of these mobile tracking devices enables remote tracking of the unit (and the user that operates or carries the device), but does not have bi-directional voice communication capabilities or has implementations of bidirectional voice communication capabilities that in the better cases are delicate and require additional devices for the implementation of full voice communication.

In addition, the database systems that support these mobile tracking devices generally pass all the location data obtained from the tracking devices directly through the administrative user who requires data analysis. This imposes the task of searching through the mountain of location data directly to the administrative user. Imposing a heavy burden on the administrative user, however, is generally undesirable and a waste of resources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a remote tracking and communication device and to a method for processing data generated by this device. In a first separate aspect of the present invention, the remote tracking device comprises a housing that encloses a processor, a memory, a location locator and first and second transmitters. Each of these latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. The first transmitter is adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The second transmitter is also adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is fixed removably to the housing, a loudspeaker, a microphone and a button for activating voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.

The remote tracking device may include a secondary battery, this one being enclosed within the housing, which is provided as a backup for the first battery. The charge in the second battery is maintained by the first battery. The remote tracking device may also include an optical transmitter and an optical receiver disposed within the housing. A strap, which includes an optical fiber and a conductor, can then have both ends fixed to the housing such that one end of the optical fiber is in alignment with the optical transmitter and the other end of the optical fiber is in alignment with the optical fiber. the optical receiver. With this configuration, the processor can monitor the optical continuity through the fiber using the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, and can also monitor the electrical continuity through the conductor.

In a second separate aspect of the invention, the method for processing data generated by a remote tracking device includes processing the data in the remote tracking device; initiate an alert notification on the remote tracking device when the data includes first predetermined characteristics; transmitting the data of the remote tracking device to a call center when the data includes second predetermined characteristics; directly providing notification to an administrator of the remote tracking device when the data includes predetermined third characteristics and providing a report to the administrator that includes data generated during a predetermined period of time having first or second predetermined characteristics. The third characteristics can be, and preferably are, defined by the administrator.

In a third separate aspect of the present invention, any of the above aspects may be employed in combination.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved remote communication and tracking device and an improved method for processing data generated by a remote tracking and communication device. Other objectives and advantages will appear later in this. The foregoing has delineated very broadly the characteristics and technical advantages of the present invention in such a way that the following detailed description of the invention can be better understood. Further features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the specific conception and embodiment described may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures to accomplish the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that these equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as shown in the appended claims. The new characteristics that are believed to be the feature of the invention, both in terms of its organization and the method of operation, together with additional objectives and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in relation to the accompanying figures. . However, it should be expressly understood that each of the figures is provided for illustration and description purposes only and is not designed as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a remote tracking and communication device.

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a remote tracking and communication device.

Figure 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of a remote tracking and communication device.

Figure 4A is a perspective view of an extension cover portion of a remote tracking and communication device.

Figure 4B is a partial sectional view of an extension cover portion of a remote tracking and communication device.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the violation detection system for the belt of a remote tracking and communication device.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the electrical components in a remote tracking and communication device.

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a battery charger associated with a remote tracking and communication device.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of the electrical components in a battery charger associated with a remote tracking and communication device.

Figures 9A-9C are top and side elevation views, respectively, of a peripheral associated with a remote tracking and communication device and Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts that illustrate how data from a remote tracking and communication device is processed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Turning in detail to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a remote tracking and communication device 10. The device 10 includes a housing 12 with a battery 14 removably attached thereto. The individual housing is configured to contain all electrical components necessary for tracking and communication with the individual carrying the device 10. The battery 14 provides power to the electrical circuits within the housing 12, as described below, and is preferably rechargeable . The upper side 16 of the housing 12 includes a first set of through ports 18. Another side 20 of the housing 12 includes a second set of through ports 22. The first set of through ports 1 8 are configured to allow sound to pass through through a microphone (not shown) disposed within the housing 12, while the second set of passage ports 22 are configured to allow the sound to pass out from a speaker (not shown) which is also disposed within the housing 12. The upper side 16 of the housing 12 also includes two panels 24, 26, at least one of which is configured with an oscillating button to activate one or more of the electronic components described below.

The rear side 28 of the device 10 is shown in perspective in Figure 2. The rear side 28 includes a suitable curvature in such a way that the device 10 can be fixed to the body of a person, preferably to an ankle. The battery 14, which forms the lower side of the device 10, includes a lever 30 movable to release the battery 14 from the housing 12. Each side 32, 34 of the housing includes a wing extension 36, 38, respectively. Each end of a strap 40 (shown partially) is secured within one of the wing extensions 38, 38.

Figure 3 illustrates how to secure one end of the belt 40 to the wing extension 36. The belt 40 includes an optical fiber 42 and a conductive material 44 embedded along its length, each of which is exposed to Each end of the belt 40. Each end of the belt 40 is inserted into a belt seal 46. The belt seal 46 seals the wing extension 36 against water and other external undesirable contaminants when the device 10 is completely assembled and the The belt seal is compressed by the pressure block 50. The belt seal 46, with the end of the belt 40 inserted therein, is seated in the open wing extension 36 as shown. When seated in this manner, each end is aligned with one of a light emitter / receiver (see Figure 5), and the conductive material 44 is seated in a contact fork 48. The pressure block 50 is placed on the seal of seated strap 46 and held in place by tamper resistant screws 52. Depending on the application for which the device 10 is used, screws 52 may be replaced by other suitable fasteners. The pressure block 50 pushes a fork 54 within the optical fiber 42 to hold the optical fiber 42 in place against the light emitter / receiver. Finally, a cover 56 is placed over the assembled wing extension 36.

The cover 56 includes designed imperfections and is configured to provide visual evidence of tampering, through rupture, visible deformity or discoloration, and helps maintain a general appearance uniformity for the device 10. Figure 4A illustrates the cover 56, which includes securing tabs 58 to prevent removal of cover 56 once installed in place. Referring to Figure 4B, each tab 58 includes an undercut portion 60 near the end flange 62. Once the cover 56 is initially fixed to the housing 12 of the device 10, removal of the cover 56 will generally cause the end of the covers tabs 58 are broken at the undercut portion 60. The cover 56 also includes slots 64 on the inner portion thereof as structural weak spots. These slots 64 are designed to visibly break or deform after any force to remove the cover 56 once it is installed in place. Both of these characteristics provide visible evidence of efforts attempted to alter cover 56 once it is securely attached to an individual.

Figure 5 illustrates the connection between the belt and the internal elecic components of the remote tracking and communication device. Inside the device is a main PCB 70, to which the light emitter 72, the light receiver 74, an electrical signal emitter 76 and an electrical signal receiver 78 are fixed. Other electrical components within the housing are also fixed to the main PCB 70 or, alternatively, may be attached to one or more secondary PCBs that are electrically connected to the main PCB 70. As shown, the optical fiber 42 includes the strap (not shown) running from the light emitter 72 to the receiver of light 74 when the strap is secured to the device. With this configuration, a "light circuit" is created between the PCB 70 and the belt 40, and this "light circuit" can be monitored for optical continuity to make sure that the belt remains in place and has not been altered by the user. Also, the conductive material on the strap runs from the electrical signal emitter 76 to the electrical signal receiver 78. This configuration creates a more common electrical circuit that can be monitored by electrical continuity to detect tampering.

Additional alteration detection can be achieved through the monitoring of all externally accessible fasteners, for example, the screws that fix the pressure block to the housing, the external battery and the like, for electrical continuity using each fastener to complete, or as part of , an electrical circuit.

Turning to Figure 6, the electronic components of the remote tracking and communication device are communicable and electronic connected as illustrated. The type of connection between the different components is an aspect of design choice, and may vary depending on the specific component selected to perform a particular function. In addition, when a specific component is indicated, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the indicated component can be substituted with other functionally equivalent components that are readily available in the market.

The microprocessor 90 controls the total operation of the device according to programming stored in the SRAM memory 92. One or more switches (or buttons) 94 are included for the activation of predesigned functionality of the microprocessor 90 and other electronic components. Preferably, no more than two switches are included, with one of the two switches being dedicated for the activation of voice communications with a call center. The LEDs 96 are also included as function indicators. The programming stored in the SRAM memory can be put there at the time of manufacture, or it can be uploaded to the device using a wired connection through the included diagnostic interface 98 or the user interface 100, or wirelessly via the cellular transceiver 102 and the associated antenna 104. As shown, the cellular transceiver 102 is of the GSM / GPRS variety, and thus includes a SIM card 106. The cellular transceiver 102 makes possible bidirectional voice and data communications between the remote device and a call center. The voice communications are further made possible by a direct connection between the cellular transceiver 102 and the audio codee 108, which encodes and decodes the digital audio signal portion of the wireless transmission, and the loudspeaker 1 10 and microphone 1 12 associates Data communications are preferably made possible using the cellular data channel and / or the cellular control channel, by means of short message service (SMS). This provides redundancy for cellular systems in which the service is supported for both types of data communication. Also, for those cellular systems in which the voice channel can not be used simultaneously with the data channel, or in which the data channel is simply not available, the control channel provides a data link between the data center and the data channel. calls and the device.

A short-range wireless transceiver 1 14 and associated antenna 1 16 are included for short-range wireless voice and data communications with peripheral devices. Preferably, this second wireless transceiver 1 14 uses the wireless communication standard published by the ZigBee Alliance, information about which can be found at www.zigbee.org. The second wireless transceiver 1 14, however, can be designed and implemented using alternative wireless communication standards. The microprocessor 90 is programmed to pass voice communications received by the cellular transceiver 102 to a voice capable peripheral when this peripheral is used in conjunction with the remote tracking and communication device and is activated. Also, the voice communications received from the peripheral are passed through the cellular transceiver 102 for retransmission. The data received from this peripheral, if any, may be stored by the microprocessor 90 in the serial flash memory 18 until further processing by the microprocessor 90 is required or until a retransmission occurs.

A GPS receiver 120 and associated GPS antenna 122 are included to establish the geographic location of the remote tracking and communication device (and its bearer / user). The data from the GPS receiver 120 is received and passed through to the microprocessor 90, which in turn processes the data as required by the programming (described in more detail below) and stores them in the pending transmission of the flash memory in series 1 1 8 by means of cellular transceiver 102. Cellular transceiver 102 can also be used to geographically locate the device through well-known triangulation methods by cell towers. The geographic location using the cellular transceiver 102 can be carried out in addition to or as a substitute for the GPS 120 receiver.

Other known ground-based methods can also be employed to geographically locate the device.

Energy to the processor and other electronic components is provided through an energy controller 124 by an external battery 126, and if necessary, an internal battery 128. The external battery 126 is external to the housing (see Figure 1) in which the other electronic components are enclosed. The battery can be removed and is preferably rechargeable by a separate refill unit. The internal battery 128 is internal to the housing. The energy levels in the internal battery 128 are maintained and recharged using energy from the external battery 126 and the battery recharger 120, which is also internal to the device. In this configuration, the internal battery 128 provides power backup during times when the external battery 126 is disconnected or depleted. Preferably, each remote tracking and communication device is associated with one or more spare external batteries in such a way that the internal battery only has to energize the device during short times, for example, no more than one or two hours, in those that the external batteries are changed. This eliminates the need to have an internal battery with a large capacity of energy storage.

The external battery recharging unit 140 is illustrated in FIG. 7. This battery recharging unit 140 is configured in such a way that two external batteries can be charged simultaneously. As shown, an external battery 142 is coupled to one side of the refill unit 140. Coupling lugs 1 14 are included on the sides of the refill unit 140 in such a way that the batteries can be fixed and recharged.

The circuits inside the external battery recharging unit are illustrated in Figure 8. The power regulator 150 energizes each of two battery recharging terminals 152, 1 54. LEDs 156 are provided to indicate the state of charge of the batteries. batteries A microprocessor 156 is also energized by the power regulator 150. A short-range wireless transceiver 1 58 and associated antenna 160 communicate with the microprocessor 156. The short-range wireless transceiver is configured to use the same wireless communication standard as the remote tracking and communication device to enable wireless voice and data communications between the device and the battery recharging unit. The voice and / or data communications received by the short-range wireless transceiver 158 are passed through to the modem 162 for retransmission on an incoming POTS line terminal 164. For reasons of convenience, the modem passes through the POTS line input to an output POTS line terminal 166 so that a telephone can remain connected to the POTS line. When the associated battery recharging unit and remote tracking and communication device are used in a location where there is no cellular service, the device can be programmed to use its own internal short-range wireless transceiver to establish voice communications and / or data with the call center through the POTS line connected to the battery recharging unit.

Figure 9 illustrates a peripheral 170 that can be used in conjunction with the remote tracking and communication device. This peripheral 1 70 has the form factor of a clock and includes an internal loudspeaker, an internal microphone and an internal short-range wireless transceiver, each component in electronic communication with the other components. The microphone and loudspeaker are positioned opposite through the ports 1 72, 174, respectively, in the peripheral housing to enable better voice communications using the peripheral 170. The short-range wireless transceiver is configured to use the same standard Wireless communications make the remote tracking and communication device to enable wireless voice and data communications between the device and the peripheral. A button 176 is included which, when depressed, causes a command signal to be sent to the remote tracking and communication device. This command signal instructs the remote tracking and communication device to initiate bidirectional voice communications with the call center. When the peripheral 170 is used for these voice communications, the peripheral 170 communicates wirelessly with the device using the respective short-range wireless transceiver of each respective unit, and the device uses the included cellular transceiver to connect the voice communications with the call center.

Using the electronic circuit configuration described above, the remote tracking and communication device can be programmed with a variety of useful features. One of these characteristics is the ability to track the geographical location of the individual carrying the device. More often, the GPS receiver is used to determine the location of the device (and thus the user) at the indicated time in the GPS signals received from the satellites of the GPS network. When the GPS is unable to determine the location, the cellular transceiver can be used to determine the location of the device using well-known cell tower triangulation techniques. Once identified, the location of the device is passed to the microprocessor, which processes the data according to its programming and stores the data in the flash memory. The stored data is periodically transmitted to a central server.

When the device is used to track the location and movement of an individual, the microprocessor is programmed to compare the location data against rules that establish curfews, inclusion zones, exclusion zones. A curfew is defined by a geographical area within which the device (and in this way the user) has to be physically located during specified times. Examples of curfew rules include asking the user to be in a home area during the afternoon and evening hours or in a work area during work hours. An inclusion zone is a geographical area within which the user is asked to stay at all times. An exclusion zone is a geographical area outside of which the user is required at all times. The rules are generally set for any particular device at the time of initialization, however, the rules may be changed, or even temporarily suspended, at any time through revisions to the programming stored within the device. These revisions can be implemented through direct connections to the diagnostic or user interface components of the device, or through the wireless data connection provided by the cellular transceiver.

In another feature of these, SRAM memory is used to store pre-recorded voice messages or other audio that provides feedback during the operation of the device. However, pre-recorded voice messages are preferred since they do not require a reference manual or other record sheet for their interpretation. Voice message feedback can be used properly during the initial installation of the device as it provides step-by-step instructions for the installation routine, including directing the administrative user to enter information about the device and user in the database through the network application described below. Voice message feedback can be used similarly during the uninstall process to ensure that the device is removed by an updated individual. During the removal process, if the audible instructions are not followed, that is, entering information requested in the database, then the device is preferably programmed to generate an alarm, which is processed as described below. Following the initial startup sequence, the device can be programmed to establish a data connection with a central server to which the device provides device-specific identification data. This eliminates any need for the administrative user to connect the device to a local computer or terminal for the initialization process. The central server is programmed to maintain a database of the data sent by tracking and communication devices. After the initial contact, the central server creates a database entry using the device-specific identification data.

The administrative user is provided access to data on the second server through a terminal computer. In cases where the device is used as a tracking device for criminals, the administrative user may be the supervising officer or other authority figure. For other service applications, the administrative user and the user can be the same individual. Access to the database can be properly implemented as a network application, or can be implemented as an individual application. The administrative user has access to the database entry for the specific device by entering an identification code for that device. The administrative user is then presented with the opportunity to create an association in the database between the administrative user's account and the specific device. Therefore, when accessing the database, the administrative user is preferably presented with a list of associated devices and no longer has to enter device identification data to retrieve device-specific data. Once the administrative user has established the association with the device, the pre-recorded voice messages provide instructions for additional data to be entered into the database. This additional data may include detailed personal and medical information about the individual carrying the device and, in case the carrier is a criminal, detailed information that relates to the rules for curfews, inclusion zones, exclusion zones or Any other information that is related to time and / or location and that can be used to control the activities of the criminal. The rules established for a particular device are stored in the database and are downloaded to the device in such a way that the device can actively monitor violations of the rules. Methods for designing rules for tracking purposes are well known, see, for example, US Patents. Nos. 5,652,570, 5,73 1, 757,5,867, 103, 6,072,396 and 6, 100,806, and thus are not described in detail herein.

In addition, pre-recorded voice messages can also route the administrative user through securing the device to the wearer using the tamper resistant strap. When the belt is fixed, the device audibly confirms a successful service operation, for example, that optical continuity is established through the optical fiber in the belt and that electrical continuity is established through the conductive material in the belt.

Once the initialization process is complete, the GPS receiver begins to identify the geographic location of the device, and the microprocessor processes and stores location data according to its programming. The device can be programmed in such a way that the geographical location is continuously monitored or monitored at specified intervals. With a suitable peripheral, the device can also be programmed to monitor physiological conditions of the user. In addition, the microprocessor actively monitors other components of the device for indications of tampering, battery changes / replacements and equipment failure. Figure 10 illustrates the process by which the microprocessor processes monitored conditions. The microprocessor is programmed to collect and store location data and data related to other conditions monitored in the flash memory 190. The microprocessor is further programmed to perform additional functions based on the application of rules to the data collected; after the occurrence of a particular condition (such as, for example, when alteration is detected or when the bearer's heartbeat is irregular or no longer detectable, the latter requiring a separate peripheral), or at predetermined intervals 192. When an alarm condition originates or an action 194 is otherwise required, either because the action is preprogrammed or the action is the result of a command received from the central server, the center of calls or the administrative user, the microprocessor proceeds through a series of steps to determine the reaction. It should be noted that the reaction of the microprocessor is preferably completely programmable by the administrative user through the network application or through a direct interface connection to the device. Options for the reaction include immediately initiating a data connection with the central server to transmit data related to an alarm or data that is stored in the memory 196, producing an audible alert using the pre-recorded audio stored in the memory 198, reproducing one of pre-recorded messages 200, initiating voice communications with call center 202 or taking some other action 204. Other actions may include, among other things, storing data related to an in-memory alarm for transmission at a later time, storing data from rules updated in memory or suspend notification of rule violations for a period of time.

In cases where the location data indicate that the device is located outside of a geographic location allowed by the rules, the microprocessor preferably provides audio feedback, in the form of a siren or a pre-recorded message, to the carrier of the violation of rule and immediately send a notification of rule violation to the central server for further processing. This notification preferably includes the geographical location of the device, the time of location and an indicator of the rule violated.

Figure 11 illustrates a method for processing data from the device when they are received at the central server. Initially, the central server will determine whether the data includes information that was expressly requested by an operator in the call center or by the administrative user 210, and if so, the data is relieved to the operator or administrative user for visual presentation in a terminal computer 212. Next, the central server determines whether the data includes a standard tracking register 214, which may include self-identification of the device, self-diagnostic reports, graduate audit logs, component version identification, confirmation of changes of parameters such as volume control, suspend audible alarms on the device, activate or deactivate the loudspeaker and the like. The standard track registers are processed as necessary and logged into the database 216. If the data does not include a track log, the central server determines whether the data is an indicator of an alarm condition 218. If the data are indicators of an alarm condition, the central server determines whether the alarm is a repetition of an alarm that was previously received and reported 220. For alarms that were not previously received, the central server takes the appropriate notification action programmed by the administrative user 222 If the data are not indicators of an alarm condition, the central server determines whether the individual carrying the device is subject to geographic location rules 224. In such cases, the central server determines whether a rule has been, in fact, violated 266 and determines if there is an alarm condition 228. When an alarm condition is created, the central server first checks if the alarm condition larma is a repetition of a previous alarm 230, and if it is, it takes the appropriate notification action programmed by the administrative user 232. When an immediate administrative user notification is not required, or an alarm condition does not originate, the data they are sent in database 234 and reported to the administrative user in periodic reports that at least list alarm conditions received since the provision of the last report. All recorded data can optionally be included in the report.

The notification actions are completely configurable by the administrative user through the network application. The administrative user can designate specific types of alarms for immediate notification, and the notification can be arranged through one or more methods including fax, email, text messages to a pager, text messages to a cell phone, or through a direct call from the call center, or similar. In addition, the administrative user may also designate that certain types of specific alarms result in direct notification to local authorities for immediate action.

The network application also provides the administrative user with the ability to temporarily suspend reactions to specific types of alarms. During the suspension, the device will suspend localized reactions only (ie pre-recorded voice messages, siren, voice communications at the beginning with the center caU). The device will still transmit all the alarms identified during the suspension to the central server, which in turn will include all the alarms identified from the periodic reports (for example, weekly) to the administrative user.

The network application also provides the administrative user and call center operators with the ability to enter and store notes. The notes can be in the form of logarithms of daily personal monitoring, appointments or scheduled action items, case management directives or contextual annotations related to particular alarms stored in the database.

Another feature of the central server is to make it possible for the call center or the administrative user, through the network application, to send commands or other data to the device. These commands may include playing a pre-recorded message to the bearer, instructing the microprocessor to transmit data to provide a current status of the location and state of the device, and the like. The administrative user can also use the network application to instruct the call center to initiate voice communications with the bearer. The call center then makes contact with the carrier when making a cellular call to the cellular transceiver. Once the carrier is contacted, the call center then initiates a call to the administrative user and places the two calls in conference.

Preferably, all voice communications within the device are made through the call center so all calls can be recorded and saved in the database. This makes it possible for the call center and the administrative user to have access to the recorded calls at a later time as required. To ensure that all calls are recorded, the cellular transceiver blocks all incoming calls that do not originate from the call center. As an alternative, the cellular transceiver can selectively block incoming calls by using the area code and telephone prefix to identify the origin of the call, allowing calls only of area codes and selected prefixes. Alternatively, the cellular transceiver can selectively block all calls except those from the list of telephone numbers that is stored in the memory. The bearer can also initiate voice communications with the call center. At least one of the buttons on the outside of the device housing is configured to activate voice communications using the cellular transceiver. When pressed, the device is programmed in such a way that the cellular transceiver only makes contact with the call center. The device preferably has a primary number stored in the memory for the call center and a secondary number in case a connection to the primary number can not be achieved. In addition, the device is programmed to try to make a predetermined number of attempts to make contact with the call center, first in the primary number, and then in the secondary number. If all attempts fail, the device is preferably programmed to sound a bearer alert condition as an indication that the device is outside a cellular service area or requires service for an internal fault.

Thus, an improved remote communication and tracking device and an improved method for processing data generated by a remote tracking and communication device are described. While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, should not be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it will be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present invention is not designed to be limited to the particular modes of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the description. As one of skill in the art will readily appreciate from the description of the present invention, the processes, machines, fabrication, compositions of matter, means, methods or steps, currently existing or to be developed later and which substantially carry out the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein, may be used in accordance with the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope these processes, machines, fabrication, compositions of matter, means, methods or steps.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS 1 . A remote tracking and communication device characterized in that it comprises: a housing that encloses: a processor; a memory electronically coupled to the processor; a position locator electronically coupled to the processor; a first transmitter electronically coupled to the processor, the first transmitter being adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format and a second transmitter electronically coupled to the processor, the second transmitter is adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format; a first battery removably attached to the housing and electronically coupled to the processor, position locator, first transmitter and second transmitter; a loudspeaker electronically coupled to the first transmitter; a microphone electronically coupled to the first transmitter; a button electronically coupled to the processor, wherein the button is adapted to activate voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.
2. 2. The device according to claim 1. characterized in that the housing also encloses: an optical transmitter electronically coupled to the processor; an optical receiver electronically coupled to the processor.
3. 3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a belt, the belt includes an optical fiber and a conductor extending from one end of the belt to the other end, wherein the housing is adapted to receive both ends of the belt. the strap in such a way that one end of the optical fiber is in alignment with the optical transmitter and the other end of the optical fiber is in alignment with the optical receiver.
4. 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that when both ends of the belt are fixed to the housing, the processor is adapted to monitor the optical continuity through the fiber using the optical transmitter and the optical receiver.
5. 5. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that when both ends of the belt are fixed to the housing, the processor is adapted to monitor electrical continuity through the conductor.
6. 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing also encloses a second battery electronically coupled to the processor, the position locator, the first transmitter, the second transmitter and the first battery.
7. 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first battery is adapted to maintain the charge in the second battery when the first battery is fixed to the housing.
8. 8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that pre-recorded audio files are stored in the memory, each pre-recorded audio file being associated with a predefined warning condition and designed for its reproduction after the occurrence of the associated alert condition.
9. 9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one of the pre-recorded audio files is a pre-recorded voice message.
10. 10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second transmitter is adapted to communicate with a localized peripheral device. eleven .
11. A method for processing data generated by a remote tracking device, characterized in that it comprises: process data generated by the remote tracking device in the remote tracking device; initiate an alert notification on the remote tracking device when the data includes first predetermined characteristics; transmitting the data of the remote tracking device to a call center when the data includes second predetermined characteristics; directly providing notification to an administrator of the remote tracking device when the data includes predetermined third characteristics and providing a report to the administrator that includes data generated during a predetermined period of time having first or second predetermined characteristics.
12. 12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the third predetermined characteristics are defined by the administrator.
13. 13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that initiating the alert notification in the remote tracking device includes activating a siren.
14. 14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that initiating the alert notification in the remote tracking device includes playing a pre-recorded audio file.
15. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the pre-recorded audio file comprises a pre-recorded voice message.
16. 16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that initiating the alert notification in the remote tracking device includes that the remote tracking device automatically initiates voice communications with the call center.
17. 17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that directly providing notification to an administrator of the remote tracking device includes that the call center initiates voice communications with the administrator. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that directly providing notification to an administrator of the remote tracking device includes that the call center sends an electronic message to the administrator.